5 ^ 
BRITISH FERNS. 
as a foreign plant We have seen it growing luxu¬ 
riantly in a glass case, in the smoky atmosphere of 
London ; but it is seldom that it succeeds so well in 
artificial circumstances. In attempting its cultivation, 
however, care must be taken that moisture should not 
accumulate on the fronds, or stagnate about the roots; 
it must be kept as dry as possible without causing 
positive drought. 
LANCEOLATE SPLEEN WORT. 
ASPLENIUM LANCE OLA TUM, 
Smith, Moore, Babington, and Newman. 
(Plate VIII. Fig. i.) 
This is a low tufted fern, with twice-pinnate lanceo¬ 
late fronds, which are usually three to six inches 
high, the longest pinnae rather below the middle 
of the frond. They are ovate, deeply and sharply 
toothed or lobed. The sori are two to four on each 
segment, distinct and oblong when young, but when 
old united into an irregular mass, and covering the 
upper part of the segment. It is not in perfection 
until September or October, and remains green through 
the winter. 
This plant was well known to John Ray and the 
older botanists ; it is one of the few species that have 
escaped all confusion in nomenclature. 
It is a very local fern, and though not confined to 
