POLY PODIUM VULGARE. 
227 
looks like an abortive mass of fructification. Each 
mass is circular; depressed at first, but becoming pro¬ 
minent ; without any cover (indusium), and often run¬ 
ning together when ripe. They are then shining, orange- 
tawny coloured. The spores burst open when moistened. 
The upper part of each frond is usually fertile. 
There are three varieties of this Fern found in the 
British Islands. 
1. Polypodium vulgare Gambricum , or Common Welsh 
Polypody. It has a broad, somewhat egg-shaped frond, 
with the segments irregularly toothed, and always barren. 
Linnffius considered it a distinct species. This was first 
known as a British variety in 1680, being then men¬ 
tioned by Ray in his Ilistoria Plantarum. He says 
that ho received it from Sir Hans Sloane, and that it 
was first discovered near Dennis Powis Castle, three 
miles from Cardiff, in Glamorganshire. It has since 
been found at Chepstow, in Monmouthsliire, near Dun- 
dry Church, in the vicinity of Bristol, and at Braid 
Hall, near Edinburgh. P. vulgare sinuatum is a very 
slight variation of this. 
2. Polypodium vulgare serratum, or Common Toothed 
Polypody. The segments of this are very regularly 
and often doubly toothed. It is first mentioned as a 
British variety in 1724 by Dillenius, in his edition 
of Ray’s “ Synopsis of British Plants." He says it 
was found on the walls of Windsor Castle by the 
Rev. Mr. Manningham. It has been found, also, near 
Bristol, in the Ashton Manor and Leigh Woods. 
P. vulgare aeutum is a very slight variation of this, 
