ADIANTUM. 
171 
posed to distinguish as varieties, applying to the pinnatifid 
form the name vera, and to the more entire form that of 
integerrima. 
This, which is the most abundant of our indigenous 
species, is also widely distributed in other parts of the 
world, and bears a variety of names, from having been 
supposed to be distinct by those who have met with it from 
such widely-separated localities. 
Being so common, and in an ordinary state uncouth- 
looking, it is not a plant for cultivation to any extent. 
In warm, damp wilderness scenery, however, where it would 
attain great luxuriance, and the situation is such as would 
enable it to develop the arching character already men- 
tioned, it might very properly be introduced. 
Genus XIL ADIAHTUM, or MAIDENHAIH FEEH. 
The Adiantum, or Maidenhair, may be known among 
the British Ferns by its almost fan-shaped leaflets or 
pinnules, which are attached by their narrow end to the 
little black hair-like stalks. This, however, though suffi- 
