
















242 THE BRITISH FERNS. 
margin on the upper surface in a hair-like white line, which gives 
the plant a falsely strigose appearance. It has been sent to us from 
— Devonshire, Rev. J. M. Chanter. Somersetshire: Nettlecombe, 
C. Elworthy. Sussex: near Tunbridge Wells, W. W. Reeves. 
Guernsey, C. Jackson. 
Mr. Tait has sent us a somewhat similar form from Monkland 
Glen, near Airdrie, Lanarkshire. This form (erecta) has long stipites, 
and broad ovate almost triangular fronds, which grow very erect, 
in the way of spinulosa; the pinns are distinctly concave, while the 
pinnules are convex, producing a crispy appearance ; it grows two 
feet or more in height. 
16. tanacetifolia (M.). This is a common tripinnate state of the 
species, with broad ovate fronds, having a strong tendency towards a 
triangular outline, which is even sometimes acquired. The fronds are 
usually large, though plants of but moderate size occur, in which the - 
peculiarities of the variety are fully developed. The stipes has entire 
lanceolate dark-brown abundant scales, marked with a still darker 
bar down their centre, as in all the common forms. It is a variable 
form, merging insensibly into that which we have considered as the 
type of the species, but when large and lax is very handsome. We 
are indebted to Professor Fée of Strasburg for a specimen of the 
Polystichum tanacetifolium of De Candolle, which has enabled us to 
identify it with this form of Lastrea dilatata. It seems to be common. 
We have received specimens from—Devonshire: Hartland, Rev. J. 
M. Chanter. Kent: Tunbridge Wells, Miss Bower. Surrey: 
Chertsey. Middlesex: Hampstead. Hampshire: Breamore. Wor- 
cestershire: Daylesford. Yorkshire: Heckfell Woods. Argyleshire: 
Glen Gilp, Ardrishiag. Dumbartonshire: Tarbet. Aberdeenshire: 
Glen Callater, Braemar, A. Oroall. Mayo: Westport, R. Barrington. 
Sligo: Lough Gill, R. B. Down: Balliivy, R. B.; Mourne 
Mountains, Hb. Macreight. Wicklow: Glen of the Downs, R. 
Barrington. 
17. lepidota (M.). This is a most remarkable variety, so thoroughly 
distinct in character that we believe it is entitled to specific rank ; 
and we notice it in this subordinate position only because the exact 
evidence of its being a native plant is wanting. There is, however, 
little or no doubt of its British origin. Though a comparatively 

