
THE COMMON POLYPODY. 67 
it varies considerably, in some instances approaching serratum, in 
others having the lobes more or less deeply and unequally crenate 
or crenato-lobate, and occasionally having the sori oblong. The 
notches of the lobes are however rounded, not acute, as in serra- 
tum; and the lobes themselves are in the typical forms prettily 
waved or undulated. The finest undulated form is a garden plant of 
obscure history. It is not common, but specimens we are disposed 
to refer to this variety, have been found in—Kent: Saltwood Castle, 
S. F. Gray. Devonshire, Rev. J. M. Chanter. Conway, Dr. Alichin. 
Denbighshire: Ruthin, T. Pritchard. The Craigs, near Dumfries, 
W. G. Johnstone. Ireland : Mucruss, Dr. Allchin. It is possible 
some of these may really belong to the less developed states of 
semilacerum, since the less perfect fronds of the latter much resemble 
them. [Plate III E.— Folio ed. t. III B.] 
13. multiforme (Clowes). This is a most variable form, no two 
fronds being alike. In some cases the lobes are compound, approach- 
ing semilacerum, being deeply serrated or lobulate, with the lobules 
minutely serrated. In others the longitudinal development of the 
frond is so much arrested that it becomes truncate, or cut short, the 
leafy portion being sometimes partially wanting, so that the midvein, 
or other minor veins, form horn-like projecting points; the latter 
form, which has been called truncatum, was found in Ireland, by Dr. 
Allchin. The more general form it assumes is that of becoming 
irregularly branched, the branches proceeding indifferently from near 
the base or apex or centre of the frond, and the lobes being here 
‘perfect, there dwarfed or altogether wanting, or sometimes enlarged 
and deeply-lobed, or toothed, or having exaggerated auricles. The 
excurrent rib or vein is very frequently produced; and where the 
frond is branched, the lobes of the branches are equally affected. 
Sometimes a pinnatifid lobe right and left from the top of the stipes 
forms the entire frond. This has been sent to us from—Winder- 
mere, F. Clowes. Yorkshire: Coxwold, C. Monkman. Stirling, 
Mrs. Macleod. i 
14. semilacerum (Lk.). This, which is often known as the Irish 
Polypody, is the most compound of all the fertile forms of this 
species, and is permanent. under cultivation. The fronds are very 
beautifully and symmetrically divided, the primary lobes being 
r 2 

