PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES. 
153 
will, object. If the scientific world in general, or even the majority of them, choose 
to adopt others, I am content, provided that there be unanimity as to the names 
chosen, and to the definitions of these names thus chosen. Thus, gen¬ 
tlemen, I have ended the task proposed for myself of collecting and 
grouping these abnormal forms; how far I have succeeded it is not for me to 
judge. Doubtless, improvements and alterations can be suggested, but, I doubt, 
that many of importance, as regards these six groups, will be made. Forms may be 
removed from groups into which they are, at present, unwillingly placed (as Am. 
R. M., var. dissectum, which is fruitful, and evidently belongs to some form of 
Ramosum (Cristatum) ; the forms, with confused venation, at present included under 
Laciniatum, which, probably, belong to some form of Ramosum), into others to 
which they should belong, but, as I stated before, I believe the types will remain 
intact. On physiology I have scarcely touched, my sole object having been the 
collecting and grouping of those strange and varied forms whose study is of almost 
equal importance with that of the limitation and definition of species, since by it I 
am convinced much light can be thrown on the other. Any further information or 
explanation concerning this subject I have in my power, I will gladly impart to 
those desiring it, and thankfully receive additional information, either regarding 
the forms enumerated, or any others unknown to me at present. 
There is another large group of forms on which I have not touched—those 
to which I gave the name of subforms on a former occasion. These I have 
not studied sufficiently to say anything either new or practical about. Dr. 
Kinahan illustrated these remarks by numerous specimens of the forms men¬ 
tioned, and by plants of the following unrecorded forms :—Phyl. scolopendrium, 
var. Laciniatum , apex of frond normal, basal half of frond contracted and 
serrated unsymmetrically, fruitful, venation in apical portion of frond con¬ 
fused—neighbourhood of Drogheda, County Louth, March, 1854; Phyl. scolo¬ 
pendrium, var. Laciniatum (?), frond irregularly lobed, venation very much con¬ 
fused, barren—Donnybrook, County Dublin, December, 1853 ; Am. RutaMuraria, 
var. Laciniatum (?), fronds symmetrical, contracted, fruitful—King William’s Glen, 
County Louth, April, 1854 ; Am. Ruta Muraria, subvar. Truncatum , fronds irre¬ 
gularly contracted, leaflet reduced to a mere midrib—Marlay, County Dublin, 
1853. 
LIST OF SPECIES OF BRITISH FERNS. 
Varieties, Dissectum and Laeiniatum; and Subvarieties, Sinuatum and Truncatum. 
[Explanation of Marks.—Not recorded as Irish, thus [Woodsia]. “Marginate” 
the Epidermis on surface of frond raised in a hem and scalloped along edge.] 
Eupteris aquilina (Newm.); subvar. sinuatum (Mei). England, Epping Forest 
(Kin. 1854), in combination with multifidum (Mei). 
Var. laciniatum (Mei). 
England: G. B. Wollaston, Esq. 
Subvar. Truncatum (Mei). England, G. B. Wollaston. 
Syn. depauperata* (Wol.), often combined with multifidum. 
Lomaria spicant (Des.); var. dissectum (Mei). Barren. 
Ireland—Glenmacnass, Co. Wicklow (Phyt. 1853, pp. 892 and 1,037). 
England—Ambleside (Francis’ Synopsis); Tunbridge Wells, G. B. Wollaston,Esq. 
Syn. strictum (Francis) heterophyllum. 
Subvar. sinuatum (Mei). Ireland—Clare, Dublin (Phyt. ut supra). 
England : G. B. Wollaston, Esq.; often combined with multifidum. 
Var. [Laciniatum (Mei)]. England, G. B. Wollaston, Esq. 
Syn. lancifoliumf (Wol.), marginatumj (Wol.). 
Subvar. Truncatum (Mei). Ireland—Clare and Dublin. 
England: G. B. Wollaston, Esq. 
* Depauperata, pinnae reduced to contracted rounded segments. 
t Barren fronds contracted, often lanceolate simply serrate. Fertile fronds, sometimes reduced to 
linear spike. 
t Marginatum (Wol.), frond marginate and serrated. 
VOL. I. 
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