132 . . BRITISH FERNS, 
33. BLACK SPLEENWORT. ADIANTUM-NIGRUM. 
Asplenium Adiantum-nigrum, Linneus. B.F 225,227. 
_ The caudex of Adiantum-nigrum is tufted, black, 
and covered with narrow scales : the stalk is extremely 
smooth, shining and generally of a black or dark purple 
colour; at its base are a few scattered pointed scales. 
The fronds seldom appear before the end of May or 
the beginning of June; at first their position is nearly 
erect, but they soon begin to droop, and finally become 
quite pendulous; they arrive at maturity in October, 
and remain perfecily green and vigorous throughout the 
winter, and until the ensuing May or even June: they 
are nearly always fertile. The form of the frond is 
triangular, its tip being acute and attenuated: it is 
first covered by a white, linear, narrow scale-like 
lucre, also attached to the Sie De wits the 
