THE BLACK MAIDENHAIR SPLEENWORT. 81 
Azores, along with the variety acutum, and again in the Cape de 
Verd Islands. At Algiers there is found an intermediate form, and 
other forms of intermediate character occur in Abyssinia, and again 
at the Cape of Good Hope, along with the normal plant, the latter 
being also found in Natal. It has been observed at St. Helena, accord- 
ing to a specimen in the Hookerian Herbarium, and in the Mascaren 
Islands according to Bory. In Asia the species extends over a wide 
range, being found in Siberia, and Transcaucasian Russia; in Arabia, 
Armenia, and Syria; in Affghanistan, Kashmir, Mussoorie, and Simla, 
and in Java. Besides the Atlantic Isles already mentioned, including 
the Canaries, the variety acutum is found in Spain, Portugal, Italy, the 
southern parts of the Austrian empire, Corsica, Greece, and Cyprus; in 
Algiers, Natal, and South Africa; in the Sandwich Isles, Virginia, 
and Portorico. The North American plant referred to Asplenium 
Adiantum-nigrum by Michaux, the Asplenium montanum of Willde- 
now, is no doubt a distinct species. 
This species was formerly reputed to possess medicinal power, 
and was employed in the treatment of coughs, asthmas, and similar 
affections of the chest, but its reputation has not been maintained. 
Its supposed efficacy was most probably based on a slight tonie 
quality, which it possesses in common with other ferns; or the 
relief attributed to its use may after all be only owing to the mucilage 
contained in its juices. 
The present is a very ornamental species, and thrives moderately 
well under cultivation, if planted in sandy soil, well supplied with 
drainage material, so that water does not stagnate about the roots. 
Its shining evergreen appearance renders it exceedingly well adapted 
for the decoration of outdoor rockwork moderately shaded ; and if 
planted in porous soil among stones in a north aspect, it will gene- 
rally flourish, if the situation be one in which the atmosphere is 
tolerably pure. It does not like a smoky confined situation, and is 
therefore less frequently seen in a thriving state in town gardens. 
In the greenhouse or closed fernery, where the atmosphere is more 
completely under control, the plant assumes a very ornamental 
character, and both it and its varieties are to be recommended on 
VOL. II. G 

