
          and I think the species is the scariosa of Presl. 
& Kaulf. as also [?] Acrostichum scariosum [now Cheilanthes scariosa] of 
Swartz. collate with your copy of that author.
No. 3 I do not see how this can be distinguished
as a species from the Platyloma andromedoefolia [Platyloma andromedifolium, now Pellaea andromedifolia],
J. Sm., the [Pleni?] Andromedoefolia, Kaulf. A native
of California, I have compared the specimen sent--
marked "Texas", with our own from "Hills, vicinity of San
Francisco", and find that the rhachis & stipe of the 
Texan plant is slightly grooved in front, with the points
of the pinnules slightly micronulate. But you know
my good Sir, that the effects of location & climate
would effect these slight distinctions; it is very
likely that you have specimens of the Fern referred to,
from California-- so please to collate. No. 4. is
only a form of No. 3. grown in the shade.
Some time ago I saw an article on Mexican 
Ferns by M. Spring. in the Mem. Acad. Scien.
Brux. [M�moires de l'Acad�mie royale des sciences et belles-lettres de Bruxelles] par. 15. Perhaps that might throw
some light on the Ferns now under consideration.

Prof. [Joseph] Henry appears to have got over his troubles
        