52 
BRITISH FERNS. 
generally a triangular outline. They are not crisp, 
like the fronds of most of our ferns, but have a 
leathery sort of texture, and are much veined. It is 
found only very sparingly in Ireland. This fern does 
not thrive well in the closed case, but does best on 
rock-work in the open air, in a shady situation. 
When this fern assumes a much more blunt form, 
it constitutes the variety called by botanists Asplenium 
Adiantum nigrum obtusum; while sometimes it ac¬ 
quires a tapering slender shape, and is then called 
Asplenium Adiantum nigrum acutum; both these 
forms are rare in this country—on the Continent they 
are well known, and are considered so permanent as 
to be ranked as species. 
Obtusum is found in dry, exposed places— acutum 
in sheltered, shady spots. 
LADY FERN. 
ASPLENIUM FILIX FCEMINA, 
Bentham, Bernhardi, Hooker, and Arnott. 
(Plate VI. Fig. 2.) 
SYNONYMS. 
Atliyrium Filix Fcemina , Babing- Aspidium Filix Fcemina , Swartz, 
ton, Moore, Newman. Smith. 
Polypodnim Filix Fcemina , Linnaeus. 
This is the most lovely of our British ferns, and by its 
delicate cutting, its bright green colour, and exquisite 
grace of form, has gained special admiration from 
