
THE DWARF ADDER’S TONGUE. 343 
branch of the fertile fronds linear, or more frequently linear-lanceo- 
late, tapered below to its junction with the fertile branch, spreading, 
bluntish, from three-fourths of an inch to one and a half inch long, 
somewhat elevated at the margins. Fertile branch erect, taller than 
the barren, consisting of a spike, supported on a longish stalk which 
is thickened upwards and becomes broad fleshy and flattened at the 
base of the spike; spike linear-oblong, apiculate, about half an inch 
long, often rather widened a little above the base, fleshy, and bear- 
ing along each margin from three to six spore-cases. A barren 
radical frond frequently accompanies the fertile one. 
Venation of the barren branch, consisting of a series of uniform 
veins (no costa or midvein) furcately branching, so as to produce a 
series of parallel venules, anastomosing to form a few long narrow 
areoles, which are apparently without free included veinlets. 
Fructification occupying the margins of the spike.  Spore-cases 
smooth, spherical, without ring or reticulations, embedded in a single 
series of from three to six in each margin of the spike, bursting 
transversely. Spores smooth, roundish or angular, pale-coloured. 
Duration. The crown. and roots appear to be perennial, though it 
has been suggested that they are biennial. The perennial character 
of the plant may perhaps be maintained by the successive production 
of crowns. The habits of the whole group Ophioglossacee, are, how- 
ever, little known. The fronds grow up in autumn, and continue 
through the winter, perishing in spring. 
This curious little plant, one of the most recent additions to the 
list of British species, may be known from the Common Adder’s 
Tongue by its small size, its thick fleshy texture, and the narrow 
outline of the sterile branch of its frond. The plants average about 
a couple of inches in height, and rarely exceed three inches. It is 
an extremely interesting plant, and may fairly be allowed to remain 
separate from O. vulgatum. 
. This diminutive species was found in 1854 by Mr. G. Wolsey, in 
the neighbourhood of Petit Bot Bay, on the south coast of the Island 
of Guernsey, growing amidst short herbage on the summit of rocks, 
sloping towards the south. It has since been found abundantly 

