CLASSIFICATION OF FERNS. 
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characters of the fronds noted. Our Scolopendrium 
belongs to the division in which the “fruiting and 
barren fronds are similar, or nearly so,” and opposite 
this is the number 8. We now turn to paragraph 8, 
and here we have again three other forms of fructifica¬ 
tion ; and we find the fern in our hands belongs to 
the division in which the sori are linear, oblong, or 
circular on the under surface, without chaffy scales ; 
and against this character we have the number II. 
We now turn to paragraph II, and here the sori are 
again distinguished into two groups—those which are 
oblong or linear, and those which are circular. The 
Scolopendrium has oblong or linear sori, and against 
this is the number 12. Now paragraph 12 has two 
distinctions, one of which is “ fronds pinnate,” the 
other “ fronds entire ”; and opposite this is the name 
Scolopendrium. The plant, then, we have in our hand 
is the Common Hart’s-tongue. In the same way we 
may find out any other genus or species in the index. 
As the genus Asplenium contains so many species, 
Bentham gives a separate analysis of them, which we 
also subjoin here. 
Fronds twice or thrice pinnate , with numerous primary pinnas, the 
lowest or several lower pairs decreasing in size. 
Frond 2 or 3 feet high, the longer pinnas 3 to 6 inches or more. 
Asplenium Filix-f;emina. 
Frond not a foot high, the longer pinnas seldom i§ inches. 
Broadest part of the frond above the middle. Ultimate segments 
1 to 1 1 lines long .. ... .. .. Asplenium fontanum. 
Broadest part below the middle. Ultimate segments broad, 2 to 
3 lines long. Asplenium lanceolatum. 
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