FERNY COMBES. 
85 
are conspicuous during the winter months on the 
stone walls and hedgerows of Devon. 
There are several varieties: obtusum, which is 
usually only twice divided, has the whole frond 
blunter and broader than the common form; and 
attenuatum (as we have named one for distinction’s 
sake), in which every part is drawn out and elon¬ 
gated, are the most remarkable. The latter is a 
peculiarly elegant plant, of drooping habit and with 
very long stems. The contrast between it and the 
ordinary form, which is rigid, is very striking when 
you see them growing side by side. Mr. Moore 
has named this latter variety a var. intermedium .” 
Asplenium acutum is an Irish Tern, and has not 
hitherto been found in England. It is distinguished 
by its “ deltoid mode of growth, its thin and papery 
texture, and its acute and linear teeth.” Eorms 
of Adiantum-nigrum are to be found in Devonshire, 
approaching it in many respects. Thus, of one 
found by us at Manaton, and named by Mr. Moore 
decomjpositum , he writes, that it resembles acutum 
“ in the form of its fronds and pinnae, and even 
pinnules.” We have since found others still more 
nearly approaching acutum, which makes it likely 
that the Irish form will be some day found by some 
fortunate collector. 
