THE NATURALIST 
VOL. IV., NO. XXX.—MARCH, 1839. 
ON THE VARIETIES OF BRITISH FERNS, AND THE DIAGNOSES 
OF ALLIED SPECIES. 
By T. G. R. Rylands, Esq., Coer. M.B.S., &c. 
Notwithstanding the almost universal attention which has been directed by 
botanists to this family, our knowledge of it is yet very imperfect, and much still 
remains to be done. The diversity of opinion is still considerable, and such as 
can only be dispelled by actual and attentive investigation. It hence appears 
incumbent on those who have studied them to publish their observations, and thus 
not only facilitate the path of the student, but procure for themselves decisive 
diagnoses, and a more perfect analysis of this most interesting tribe. It is hoped, 
therefore, that the following remarks, the result of several years’ observations, will 
not be deemed uninteresting or unimportant. 
Polypodium vulgare. 
P. vulgare , Brit. Flo. (Hook.), 3rd Ed., p. 447; 4th Ed., p. 382. 
“ “ Fil. Brit. (Bolt.), p. 32, tab. 18. 
“ “ Brit. Ferns and Allies (Francis), p. 16, pi. 1 , figs. 2, 3. 
“ “ With. Brit. Bot. (MacGillivray), p. 379. 
The common state of this species varies frequently in size and general figure, 
but such variations have little effect on its diagnoses. In one from Kenilworth 
Castle the frond is very narrow, measuring 8^ in. by 2, and the lobes are opposite : 
the common state averages, in proportion, about 7 in. by 3. The frond of one 
from N. Wales measures 6f by 4, is oblongo-ovate, and very bright yellow on 
the back, especially near the rachis. Its lobes are distinctly crenate, and covered 
with sori, as usual barren. 
B ( serratum ), lobes variously, often doubly serrated, the serratures always 
distinct; 
7 ( cambricum ), lobes large, ovate, deeply cleft, in some cases almost pinnatifid, 
Bolt., tab. 2, fig. 5 ; 
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