THE SPLEEN WORTS. 
divided into lobes — at their lower extremity 
these ultimate divisions being beautifully notched 
or serrated. Depending on the situation in which 
it grows, the fronds of the Black Maidenhair 
Spleenwort are either very thick, rigid, and 
leathery in texture, or of a softer and more droop- 
ing habit. The plant is very decidedly evergreen, 
its fronds, springing up in May or June, con- 
tinuing to grow until September or October, and 
from that time, when it has reached its maturity, 
lasting until the ensuing spring. When in its 
perfectly mature state, in the autumn, the spores, 
which have clustered at the back of its fronds, 
become confluent and densely cover the whole 
under surface of the leaflets. Being then of a 
rich dark brown colour, they finely contrast with 
the dark shining green of the plant, and strikingly 
add to its handsome appearance. 
The Black Maidenhair Spleenwort is widely 
distributed over the United Kingdom. It occurs 
plentifully on walls, old ruins, and river bridges, 
growing, like the Wall Bue, in the interstices 
between the stones. It also grows on old stony 
hedge-banks, and it is in such situations, when 
375 
