170 
THE COMMON MO ON WORT, 
or fan-shaped pinnse filled with a radiating series of 
twice or thrice-forked veins, one vein extending into 
each of the rounded teeth or lobes into which the 
margin is divided, — the other branch erect, fertile, 
componndly branched, that is first divided into 
branches like the pinnae then again into further 
branches, on which, distinct, but clustered, the grape- 
like stalkless spore-cases, are produced. The spore- 
cases are two-valved, and open transversely when ripe. 
The valves are concave. Occasionally, but very rarely, 
there are two branches: and the variety has the pinnae 
pinnatifid. 
lb. The Moonwort is widely but sparsely scattered 
over the British Isles ; and is found also in all quarters 
of the globe, including Tasmania and the Australian 
Alps in Victoria. It ranges from the sea-line to 3,000 
feet above it. It has not generally been very success¬ 
fully cultivated; but it seems may be, if taken up 
with a sufficiently large sod, and carefully kept cool 
and equally moistened. Even in the natural state it 
is unable to bear much drought. 
HABITATS. 
Keswick, near Aspatria (Rev. J. Dodd), Bray- 
stones, Muncaster Fells, Furness Fells above Coniston 
Water. 
