





72 THE BRITISH FERNS. 
The fronds in this species become lateral and distant on the under- 
ground caudex, in consequence of its rapid elongation ; and they are 
adherent, that is to say, their stipes is not furnished with any natural 
point of spontaneous separation. The character of an underground 
caudex seems principally relied on by Mr. Newman in establishing 
his genus Gymnocarpium, which consists of the present species, 
together with P. Dryopteris and P. Robertianum. Mere peculiarities 
of habit, however, are insufficient to mark out generic groups, and 
must not be permitted to override the characters afforded by the 
organs of fructification. In the case of the Phegopteris group 
to which our present species belongs, there is, in the characters of 
the fructification, so close a similarity, amounting almost to identity, 
with those of the typical group of Polypodium, that their separation 
is, we think, unnecessary and unwarranted. In fact, the only 
differential character of any importance, afforded by the fructifica- ' 
tion, is that of the medial, not terminal, position of the sori on the 
veins. M. Fée had already founded his genus Phegopteris, agreeing 
with Presl’s section of the same name, mainly on this character, 
but as this feature is not everywhere constant, the genus cannot be 
held to be sufficiently established. 
This species is rather widely dispersed, and not unfrequent 
throughout Great Britain, occurring most abundantly in the north 
and west of England and in Scotland; inhabiting shady humid 
places, and usually districts which are more or less hilly. In the 
south-eastern parts of England it appears to be wanting, but it is 
found rather plentifully both in Sussex and in the western counties. 
It occurs plentifully in Wales, and is also met with in the Hebrides, 
and Orkneys, in Shetland, and in the Isle of Man. In Ireland it is 
rare, occurring principally in the northern and eastern provinces. 
In elevation it extends from the coast level in the west of England, to 
upwards of 3000 feet in the western Highlands. The records of its 
distribution are as follows, the habitats being arranged in botanical 
districts or provinces, agreeing generally with those adopted in Mr. 
Watson’s Cybele Britannica. 
Peninsula.—Cornwall: near Tintagel. Devonshire : Exmoor, 
near Challacombe, R. J. Gray; Cock’s Tor, Rev. W. S. Hore 5 

