Athyrium F. Fcemina. 
Var: Irriguum, Smith. Conyexum, Newman. 
BROOK SHIELD FERN. 
Hoot — Radicles strong and wiry. Caudex large and 
tufted. 
Fronds — Numerous, of a pale yellow green; smaller 
than the common form of A. F. Fcemina, linear-lanceolate, 
erect, rigid. Bipinnate. 
Stipes — Short, slightly clothed with acute membranous 
scales. 
Pinnje — Nearly opposite, mostly pinnate, linear. 
Pinnules — Narrow, linear, crenate-serrate, curved in¬ 
wards upon the fruit. 
Fructification — Similar to the normal form, abundant. 
Habitat — Boggy places, by springs. Near Ashborne, &c. 
The proliferous variety of Athyrium F. Fcemina, frequent 
in collections, belongs to this form of the plant. 
