13 
[XIV] 
gilitatom. 
BROAD EERR. 
EXT to our common brake fern, this is tbe finest species we have. 
The fronds appear in May, and often survive the winter. 
The rhizome is tufted, and covered with lanceolate scales, the centre being of a dark brown 
colour, and the edges of a light brown. 
Most part of the stem is covered with similar scales; it is stout, and occupies about one-third of 
the whole length of the fronds, which often measure five feet. 
The fronds are bi-pinnate, the lower pinnules being again pinnate, the upper deeply serrated, 
the lobes terminating in spines. The pinnae are opposite the first one or two pairs, being conside¬ 
rably shorter than the others, the next very wide, the others gradually narrowing to the extremity. 
The seed is produced in circular clusters on the under surface of the pinnules. 
pbitet 
Common in woods, and on shady banks. 
Like the last species, this is subject to considerable variation. 
Culto, 
It may be readily cultivated in a light and porous soil. 
