THE ASPLENIA 
Ramosum (Fig. 26).—Found 
by Ше Rev. С. Padley; is a 
well-crested form at the frond 
‘apex. 
ASPLENIUM CETERACH 
(CETERACH OFFICINARUM) 
THE ScALY SPLEENWORT 
(Plate V) 
This pretty and very distinct 
member of the Spleenwort 
family is found in many parts 
of the country, sometimes in 
great profusion on old walls in 
the company of other Spleenworts. It grows in little tufts, 
the thick, leathery fronds being usually four or five inches long, 
consisting of a short stalk and broad-based, blunt side-divisions, 
as shown in Fig. 27. The colour is of a peculiarly dark olive- 
green, and the frond-backs are densely clothed with brown 
scales, amid which the long, straight spore heaps of the Spleenwort 
type are quite hidden. Itisa remarkable Fern, since it prefers the 
sunny sides of the walls it frequents, and is gifted with an ex- 
traordinary power of resisting drought. We gathered a variety 
known as crenatum in a village wall, near Smyrna, 
in Asia Minor, put the plant into an envelope, 
pocketed it, and forgot all about it until some 
months later it was discovered, as shrivelled and 
hopeless-looking as may be imagined. After а 
night's immersion in water, however, it appeared 
as fresh as when gathered, and when potted up 
started growing as if nothing had happened. It 
is not easy to cultivate, but sometimes succeeds 
in well-drained small pans, in well-lighted posi- 
tions, if an open, porous, stony, limy compost 
"n be given, and well-rooted specimens be secured 
20 527), intact, not an easy task to start with. It has 
Part of frond. > afforded a few varieties. 
Fig. 26. Asp. ad. nig. ramosum. 



CRENATUM.—Found repeatedly with the lobes cut into blunt 
teeth. 
CRISTATUM, GRANDICEPS.—Both found in Ireland by Mr. O' Kelly, 
representing various grades of cresting. 





