1G 
PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES. 
homologies and relations of the fruitful “branch,” as it is called, in this 
plant. Strikingly it differs from the linear outline of the ordinary form, with its 
simple pinnte and flabelliform venation, whilst this form has a deltoid outline, and 
the lower pinnae decompounded, with pinnatitied pinnules, and a distinct mid-rib, 
and secondary venation springing therefrom, being exactly the converse of the 
variety of Blechnum spicant, which 1 exhibited before you, under the name of dis- 
sectum (Kin.), and which Francis first described as strictum, in which we found the 
ordinary linear pinnules of that fern reduced to simple pinnate lobes, and the 
venation, instead of being made up of secondary veins, springing from a median 
axis, reduced to the flabelliform arrangement, which is the normal arrangement in 
Botrycliium. But it is in the second point I think its chief interest consists ; for 
taking this form in connection with two other abnormal forms—viz., that in which 
we find the pinnae deeply incised at their edges, and that in which we find 
many of the pinnae soriferous at their edges—we are led to believe that these two 
portions of the ordinary plant of Botrychium, generally called branches, really 
represent the two surfaces of an ordinary dorsiferous fern, only that in one the 
venations take on the flabelliform, and in the other the branched form ; for, examine 
those fronds whose pinnae are soriferous at their edges, and we see the nerves 
coalescing, and forming a sort of a mid-rib to the division of the pinnae, on whose 
termination the sorus is placed ; nearly the same arrangement as we find in the 
deltoid form just described, where we find the nerves uniting and forming a common 
mid-rib, on whose sides the secondary divisions of the pinnae are placed. Going a 
little farther—this may lead us to believe that the form of Ophioglossum vulgatum, 
where we find two leafy fronds developed instead of one leafy and one fertile frond, 
are really only plants whose fertile element, from some reason or another, is not 
fully developed, but remains as a barren frond. That this is the correct explanation 
of the change is shown in one specimen, in which one half of the frond is normal, 
the other of the deltoid type; and also in the Blechnum spicant, where, even in 
the same frond, we see parts in which the usual linear pinnae are preserved, and 
others in which this, if I may call it so, flabelliform type is well shown ; while by 
comparing the common form with this variety the interchange of the two types is 
well seen. In conclusion, I have the pleasure of recording a new Irish habitat for 
Withering’s fern (Lophodium spinosum, Newm.), which I met with, in some quan¬ 
tity, on the edges of the bog drains in Annagh Inch, parish of Dorrha, county Tip¬ 
perary. Its occurrence as Irish has been previously made known by Lovat Darby, 
Esq., in the county Monaghan. 
Mr. Wakeman begged to present to the Society two heads of cows, with the 
horns, which were obtained at Dunshaughlin, in digging turf. They were found in 
a bog, where a lake once existed, but is now dried up, and in the centre of which 
was traced a Crannog, or fortified island. There appeared to have existed there a 
fortified encampment, and where, among animal remains, the bones of horses, cows, 
and an extinct species of pig were discovered ; also other animals, besides weapons 
of war and ornaments. The heads of these animals before the meeting appeared 
of some antiquity, belonging to the tenth century, and illustrated the kind of 
animals in Ireland at that period. He thought that such a notice came within the 
province of inquiries of the Society, and he would be happy, on a future occasion, 
to give more full details of the subject. 
The thanks of the Society having been unanimously given to Mr. Wakeman, 
Mr. Andrews said, that in concluding the business of the evening, he would again 
allude to the intended departure, from this country, of his brother Secretary, Dr. 
Kinahan, but that h : s absence, however, would not be for more than a year. He 
was sure the members would respond to his sincere and best wishes that he would 
be successful in his enterprise, which was most cordially concurred in. 
The meeting then adjourned to the month of January. 
