Classification and Desertption 
184 
On several fine trees of Laurus and Ixerba , it was noticed 
as having attained the height of 20—25 feet. Viewed 
through a microscope, the cellular tinue, pores, and branched 
hairs of the frond, present a most splendid appearance. It 
has been named by the discoverer, in order to commemorate 
the condescending and intrepid tour made by Lady Franklin 
in New Zealand, as well as the kind patronage ever afforded 
by her ladyship to the different departments of natural 
science. 
27. H. SPATHULATUM, n. sp. Plant , climbing, fronds 
numerous, pendulous, membranaceous, glabrous, epiphytical. 
Frond , ovate, acuminate, obtuse, tripinnate, margined, 
serrate, G—8 inches. Pinnules; primaries, ovate-lanceo¬ 
late, falcate, acuminate, obtuse, margined, petiolate, alternate, 
unequal: secondaries , rhombic-lanceolate, cuneate at base, 
obtuse or slightly truncate, margined, petiolate, alternate, and 
unequal: tertiarics , cuneate and linear, sessile, alternate, 
pinnatifid, 2—G lobed ; lobes , obtuse and slightly truncate, 
serrate, margined, decurrent. Involucre , obovate-spathulate, 
inflated, entire, pedicelled ; pedicel, winged ; supra-axillary 
in axillae of sub-divisions and sub-terminal, solitary, some¬ 
times in pairs, very numerous : Valves, large, open : Recep¬ 
tacle, short, included. Racids, slightly flexuose, margined : 
margin less serrated than lobes of frond. Stipe, filiform, 
cylindrical, brittle, 3—4i inches. Caudex, creeping. 
Ilab. On living trees, shores of Waikare Lake, (with pre¬ 
ceding); December, 1841. 
Obs. This handsome Fern is very subject to a peculiar 
disease, which appears in black botryoidal masses on the 
under part of the lower and terminal lobes of the frond, 
sometimes at the base of the involucre, giving the plant a 
curious appearance. These clusters are chiefly found on the 
barren fronds. At first glance, I supposed l bad gained, 
indeed, a prize, and that my discovery would prove the type 
of anew genus. But, after diligent examination with such 
