
















38 BRITISH БЕЛІМ 
Hence, зо far аз size 15 concerned, there 15 по bar, апа Ше smallest 
may Бе allied with the largest if specific ог generic differences 
be not too great. Consequently, though our British Spleenworts 
are all of comparatively small growth, their varietal forms may 
presumably be imparted to many of the grand large-growing 
exotics, and the task is the better worth attempting, as the 
genus is peculiarly exempt from the tendency to form tasselled or 
crested varieties, though examples of such occur among our native 
species, and thus afford fair starting-points for hybridizing pur- 
poses. Scolopendrium vulgare, curiously enough, though extremely 
closely allied to the Asplenia, and capable, as we have seen, of a 
definite alliance with them, is, on the other hand, one of the most 
variable Ferns in the world, and hence, taking the varieties of this 
species and the tasselled forms of Asplenium trichomanes and A. 
adiantum nigrum, we would suggest systematic admixtures of the 
spores of these with a number of the plain-fronded exotic Asplenia, 
and particularly with А. nidus avis. This last has recently given 
us one curious wild semi-cristate sport, A. m. a. multlobatum, 
indicating great capacity for variation ; and considering its ex- 
tremely close agreement in structure with Scol. vulgare and the 
alliance above cited of this latter with Asp. ceterach, we feel con- 
fident that with perseverance we might not only obtain handsomely 
tasselled Bird's-nest Ferns, but also, in conjunction with some of 
the fertile forms of S. v. crispum, frilled ones as well. That beautiful 
Hartstongue, for instance, S. v. laceratum, with broad sagittate, 
tasselled basal lobes, deeply cut pinnatifid fronds, tasselled heavily 
at their-terminals, would be a splendid mate, and the hybridist 
who mated the twain would certainly not repent the trouble taken. 
This field is а very wide one, but care would have to be taken to 
avoid all but thoroughbred symmetrical forms, since faults are 
almost certain to be transmitted and the progeny marred. 
Asplenium trichomanes has, so far as we know, never yet been 
crossed or hybridized. A. ¢. confluens, Stabler, an asserted hybrid 
with A. marinum, does not bear the test of investigation, as 4. 
marinum did not grow near the locality of origin ; and although its 
spores are always imperfect, this is not enough to establish hybridity 
by itself. А. trichomanes cristatum, however, would be well worth 
sowing with other Asplenia, many of which are obviously very 
closely allied indeed. Our Blechnum spicant has given us some 
charming forms, crested, dissected, and otherwise varied. B. s. 
cristatum, В. s. ramosum, Kinahan, В. s. trinerviocoronans, Barnes, 
B. s. concinnum, Druery (strings of emerald scallop shells), B. s. 
plumosum, Airey, and others, one and all might find fit mates 
among exotic Blechnums and Lomarias, to many of which new 
charms would certainly be imparted, the twofold character of the 
fertile and barren fronds emphasizing greatly the varietal features. 
Our Lastreas or Nephrodiums and the exotic ones afford another 

