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Plate I.
A
POPULAU HISTOUY
OF THE
BRITISH FERNS
AND
THE ALLIED PLANTS,
COMPRISING THE
THOMAS MOORE, E.L.S. F.H.S. &c.
CCBATOB OP THE BOTAXIC GARDES' OP THE SOCIETY OP APOtHECAEIES, CHELSEA;
ATJTHOE OP "the HANDBOOK OF BniTlSH FEKIfS,"
'•THE FEBNS OF GREAT BRITAIK AXD IBELANB, NATUBE-PBINTED," ETC. EIC.
THIRD AND REVISED EDITION.
LONDON:
EOUTLEDGE, WARNE, & ROUTLEDGE,
FAKRINGDON STREET;
NEW YORK: 56, WALKER STREET.
1859.
\
4>'
i.ovrON â–
rui.vTEr. Bv cox ANr> wvmav, orkat qvees strke:
lixcoln's-ivx fields.
'X,_
/
fyflCROn!. MED BY
UNIVEESri •: ■:.-' TORONTO
LIBRARY
MAST'EK NECVIlVE NO.:
^Soo^t
(e
TO
N. B. WARD, ESQ. F.R.S. P.L.S.
WHOSE INVENTION OF
CLOSE GLAZED CASES
HAS EXTENDED THE CULTIVATION OF PLANTS,
AND OF FEUNS ESPECIALLY,
TO THE PAELOtJE, THE WINDOW-SILL, AND THE CITY COUETTAED,
BY EENDEEING POSSIBLE THEIK PEESERVATION
IN SMOKE-POLLUTED LOCALITIES ;
AS WELL AS ENEICHED OUR GAEDENS
WITH THE FLOWEES AND FEUITS OF OTHER LANDS,
mp f ittk mmm
IS, WITH MUCH "EESPECT AND ESTEEM, DEDICATED,
BY HIS OBLIGED FEIEND,
THE AUTHOE.
PREFACE.
The Series, of which this Volume forms part, has been
provided for the use of beginners in the study of natural
objects, and especially for the young. Hence, in treating
of the popular family of Ferns, it has been the Author's
aim to familiarize the subject without sacrificing that inte-
grity of detail which may render his pages acceptable even
to those who may have made some progress in the study.
With this intention all unnecessary technicalities have
been avoided, and their place occupied by plain, and, it
is hoped, easily-understood, descriptions of the plants.
Those dubious and debatable matters, which, perhaps,
have the most interest to the advanced student, have been
Vlll PREFACE.
for the most part avoided, as being calculated to perplex
rather than instruct those who are but acquiring the
rudiments of the subject. Abstruse questions of identity
or of specific distinctions have also been regarded as
foreign to the purposes of this " History."
The present Edition will be found to contain notices of
the more striking of the njimerous varieties which are now
known to occur among the British Ferns. The species
which have been added to our Flora since the earlier edi-
tion was prepared, are now described, and figures of them
have been added. The list of localities has moreover
received very numerous additions, for which the Author
has to thank many kind Correspondents, whose names will
be found therein recorded.
The Author has not, indeed, found space, neither did
the design of the Book seem to render it desirable, to
mention, much less describe, all the variations from the
normal forms of the species which have been observed, —
variations of which some of our Ferns have proved very
prolific. Those readers who are desirous of more extended
PREFACE. IX
information on this part of the subject, are referred to the
Author's 'â– ' Handbook of British Ferns," and to the text
and figures in the " Ferns of Great Britain and Ireland,
Nature-printed/' The search for varieties of the British
Ferns has become so unexpectedly successful, that the
modifications of form which it is found are assumed by
some of the species, furnish important evidence 'against
species-making — the bane of modern Botany. Those
readers who may be fortunate enough to find curious and
distinct varieties, would oblige the Author by communi-
cating specimens of them, in illustration of this branch
of the subject.
The Author may take this occasion to mention that he
will be glad to receive the continued assistance of his
readers in ascertaining the actual distribution, throughout
Great Britain and Ireland, of the various forms assumed
by certain of the disputed and difl&cult species, whose
range is not as yet well known, e. g. those of A thyrium
Filix-fmniina, Lastrea spinulosa and dilatata, and Poly-
stichum aculeatum and angulare, &c. He has only further
X PREFACE.
to state, that he will, as heretofore, be willing to aid those
inquirers who may find difficulty in recognizing the Ferns
they gather ; and that he will be glad to receive any addi-
tional information concerning the distribution or variation
of the species generally, accompanied, when practicable, by
illustrative specimens.
Botanic Gardens, Chelsea, London,
October, 1855.
PREFACE TO THE THIRD EDITION.
The Third Edition of this " Popular History/'
substantially the same as the second, consists of a revised
Text, with descriptions of some of the more prominent
new varieties added. The Plates have been redrawn,
but not otherwise changed.
T. M.
Augiist, 1859.
CONTENTS.
PAOB
INTEODUCTION 1
THE STRUCTURE OF FERNS 9
PROPAGATION, DEVELOPMENT, AND CULTURE . 23
DISTRIBUTION AND TOPOGRAPHICAL ASPECT . 32
THE USES OF FERNS 36
SELECTION AND PRESERVATION OF SPECIMENS
FOR THE HERBARIUM 41
THE CLASSIFICATION OF FERNS 46
TABLE OF THE GROUPS AND GENERA OF BRITISH
FERNS AND ALLIED PLANTS 48
TABLE OF THE SPECIES AND VARIETIES ... 65
jxiv CONTENTS.
PACK
THE BRITISH FERNS 69
THE BRITISH CLUB-MOSSES 212
THE BRITISH PEPPERWORTS 233
THE BRITISH HORSETAILS 243
LOCAL DISTRIBUTION OF THE SPECIES ... 285
LIST OF HABITATS 289
INDEX 389
LIST OF PLATES.
*^* The Binder is recommended to place Plate I. to face the Title,
and the rest at the end of the Volume.
Plate I.
1. Ceterach officinarum.
2. Polypodium vulgare.
Plate II.
1. Polypodium Dryopteris.
2. Phegopteris.
Plate III.
1. PolypodiumRobertianum.
2. Woodsia ilvensis.
Plate IV.
1. Woodsia alpina.
2. Polystichum Lonchitus.
Plate V.
1. Allosorus crispus.
2. Polystichum angulare.
Plate VI.
1. Lastrea Thelypteris.
2. cristata.
Plate VII.
1. Lastrea montana.
Plate VIII.
1. Lastrea Filix-mas, and
var, cristata.
Plate IX.
1. Lastrea rigida.
2. dilatata.
Plate X.
1. Cystopteris fragilis.
2. regia.
Plate XI.
1. Athyrium Filix-foemina,
and var. multifidum.
Plate XII.
1. Asplenium lanceolatum.
2. Adiantum-nigrura.
3. septentrionale.
ZVl
LIST OF PLATES.
Plate XIII.
1 . Asplenium Ruta-muraria,
var.
2. fontanum.
3. germanicum.
4. viride.
5. Tricliomanes.
Plate XIV.
1. Asplenium marinum.
2. Cystopteris montana.
Plate XV.
1. Scolopendrium vulgare.
2. Hymenophyllum tiin-
bridgense.
3. Hymenophyl. unilaterale.
Plate XVI.
1. Adiantum Capillus- Ve-
neris.
2. Blechnum Spicant.
Plate XVII.
1. Pteris aquilina, var, inte-
gei'i'ima.
2. Pilularia globulifera.
Plate XVIII.
1. Tricliomanes radicans.
2. Botrychium Lunaria.
3. Ophioglossum vulgatum.
Plate XIX.
1. Isoetes lacustris.
2. Osmunda regalis,
Plate XX.
1 . Equisetum hyemale
2. Telmateia.
3. sylvaticum.
4. Lycopodium inundatum.
5. Selago.
C>. clavatum.
Plate XXI.
1. Polypodium alpestre.
Plate XXII.
1. Gymnogramma lepto-
phylla.
2. Asplenium Adiantum-
nigrum, var. acutum.
3. Ophioglossum lusitani-
â– cum.
POPULAR
niSTOEY OF BEITISn FEENS.
INTRODUCTION.
There are several causes •whicli conduce to render the
native Ferns of Great Britain attractive objects of study.
Of these we will mention the following : —
1. They are for the most part objects of exquisite ele-
gance ; and this is apparent, whether they are superficially
examined as to their external appearance, or whether they
are investigated anatomically, with the view to discover
and analyze their minute structure.
2. They are not very numerous, nor very inaccessible,
and consequently their study opens a field which even those
who have not much leisure may hope to compass, and for
which the greater part, at least, of the materials may be
obtained without much difficulty.
B
Z HISTORY OP BRITISH TERNS.
o. They are plants for the most part very easily culti-
vated ; and they are, of all others, perhaps, the best
adapted to parlour or ^vindow culture. Hence, besides the
interest that may arise in the collection and preservation
of them in the herbarium, and in the study of them in
the dried state, there is to be added the pleasure to
be derived from their cultivation, and the opportunities
thereby afforded of studyini^ and admiring them in the
livinc; state.
Those Avho desire a thorough knowledge of the species
of Ferns, should certainly, if possible, adopt the method
of study just indicated, as it reveals many curious and
interesting features which are not to be learned from the
investigations — though patiently and assiduoiisly pro-
secuted — which are aided only by dried portions of the
plants.
All the essential points necessary for the recognition of
the species, may, nevertheless, be availably present in
"well-selected herbarium specimens ; so that those who have
not convenience for cultivating them, may yet store up in
their cabinets ample materials for their amusement and
instruction in detached and leisure hours.
There is something peculiarly fascinating in the graceful
INTKODUCTIODT. ' 3
outline and disposition of parts^ whicli is so common among
the Ferns as to have become associated in idea witli this
portion of the vegetable creation. Gay colours are for the
most part wanting, and they wear, while in life and health,
nothing beyond a livery of sober green, which can scarcely
be said to gain ornament from the brownish scales and
seed-patches with which, in some species, it is associated
on the living plant. In certain exotic forms, indeed, as
for example in some species of Gymnor/ramma and Chei-
lanthes, the lower surface is covered more or less with a
silvery or golden powder, which adds considerably to their
beauty ; and in the wide range of the Ferns of all nations
there is to be observed considerable variety, even of the
tints of green. The more sober-tinted natives cf our
northern latitude can, however, boast but of comparatively
little such variety of hue. It is not, therefore, in their
colouring that their attractions rest : nor is it in their
endurance ; for a large proportion of the native species lose
aU their beauty as soon as the frost reaches them, and for
nearly one half of the year they are dormant, unless arti-
ficially sheltered. "We therefore conclude, that it is the
elegant forms and graceful habits of the majority of the
Ferns, native and exotic, which render them so generally
L 2
4< HISTORY OF BRITISH TERNS.
pleasing, even to tliose ^vllo arc slow to perceive beauty
apart from rich and gaudy colouring.
The number of the native species of Ferns may be taken
at from forty to fifty, according as some of the more doubt-
ful forms are ranked as species or varieties. In a botanical
point of view, tlie lower estimate is probably the more
correct, as the experience we have of the variability of
some of the so-called species tends somewhat to the con-
clusion that they arc insensibly united by intermediate
forms. In so far, however, as their cultivation is concerned,
or when the Ferns are taken up as a "fancy," the higher
number is too low ; for in all such cases, whenever one
l^lant is palpably different from another, it forms a legiti-
mate subject for culture, or for study, as a distinct object,
thouj2;h the differences mav be of such a character as would
lead the rigid botanist to brand it as being one of tiiose
which he considers not '•' specifically distinct" from others
with which he would have it associated.
There is some acrimony, and a good deal of pedantry
abroad, on both sides of this question, of the limits of the
species of plants, with which, happily, in this brief descrip-
tive history of the British Ferns, we shall have no occasion
to intermeddle.
INTEODUCTION. O
The literature of the British Ferns is tolerably exten-
sive, viewed in connection with the comparative numerical
insignificance of the plants themselves, — a mere fraction
of the tliree thousand or more species of Ferns which are
known to botanists, and a mere fraction, also, of our
indi2;enous vcfretation.
Passing by the ancient writers, whose works are both,
for the most part, inaccessible, and not of much value to
the casual student, we shall enumerate the several English
publications of the present day which are exclusively
occupied in the description of the British Ferns and their
allies ; for we hope that some at least of our readers may
be so far led on by the sketch we shall endeavour to offer
in the following pages, as to seek the further assistance to
be derived from the more varied sources thus indicated. Wc
shall arrange them in the order of their original pubUcation,
and mention the most recent editions : —
1. An Annhish of the British Ferns and their allies. By
G. W. Francis, F.L.S. Fifth Edition, revised by Pro-
fessor Henfrey. 1855. 8vo, pp. 92, with 10 plates. —
Containing reduced figures of the species, which are
briefly described.
b HISTORY OF BRITISH FERXS.
2. A Histonj of British Ferns. By Edward Newman,
F.L.S., &:c. Third Edition, omitting the Fern allies.
1854. 8vo, pp. 34-3. — A handsomely-got-up book,
with beautiful woodcut illustrations ; but greatly
disfigured by its egotistical tone, and by numerous
unnecessary and inadmissible changes made in the
names of the genera and species.
3. Florigraphia Britannica, vol. iv. : The Ferns of Bri-
tain and their allies. By Pilchard Deakin, M.D.
184-8. 8vo, pp. 136, Avith 31 plates and numerous
woodcuts. — IMany of the figures are very accurate, and
the descriptions full and careful.
4. The Ilandbooh of British Ferns. By Thomas Moore,
F.L.S., &c. Third Edition. 1857. 16mo, pp. 294.—
A pocket volume, with full descriptions, accompanied
by plain woodcut illustrations of all the species and
of the principal varieties.
5. A Plain and Easy Account of the British Ferns. By
the Eev. E. Bosanquet. 1854. 16mo, pp. 64. — A
commendable attempt to simplify for beginners the
classification and description of the species, but
scarcely realizing these objects.
INTRODUCTION. 7
C. The Ferns of Great Britain. Illustrated by J. E.
Sowerby. The descriptions, synonyms, Sec, by C.
Jolmson, Esq. 1854. 8vo, pp. 87, with 49 plates,
iiniforin with those of "English Botany." — The figures
are coarse, and often not characteristic, especially in
the details ; while the text, which for the most part
omits all reference to varieties, is ample, philosophic,
and accurate.
7. The Ferns of Great Britain and Ireland ; Nature-
p'inted by H. Bradbury. By Thomas Moore, F.L.S.,
&c. Edited by Dr. Lindle}^ 1855. Imperial folio ;
51 Plates, with corresponding text. — This, which
is the most magnificent work on the subject that
has yet appeared, was the first practical illustration
in this country of the process of Nature-printing. The
figures are life-size, printed in colours, and they are
accompanied by full descriptions, in which the varieties
are copiously treated on.
8. The Ferns of Great Britain and their allies. By
Anne Pratt. Published by the Society for Promoting
Christian Knowledge. 8vo, pp. 1G4, with 40 plates-
— An indifferent compilation.
8 HISTORY OF niUTISII TERNS.
9. The British Ferns, pojnilarhj described. By G. W.
Johnson. 1857. IGaio, jip. 284 ; ^vooclcuts. — Another
compihxtion, .iffecting to be "as free as possible from
the jargon of botanical language."
The most important enumerations of the British Ferns
elsewhere to be met with, are those in the " British Flora''
of Sir "W. J, Hooker and Dr. Walker Arnott, and in the
" Manual of British Botany" of Mr. Babington. Ample
descriptions, accompanied by the synonyms of the older
writers, occur in Sir J. E. Smith's " English Flora."
THE STRUCTURE OF FERNS.
"What is a Fern ? This question, which many of our
young readers Avill be ready to ask, Ave will endeavour to
answer by means of a familiar comparison.
We must presume that every reader of this little book,
even the youngest or most inexperienced, would be able in
all ordinary cases to recognize a flower ; not indeed by the
aid of the technical intricacies to which the man of science
would resort, but by means of that intuitive perception,
which has grown up with the growing faculties, and ac-
quired strength from the little experiences of childhood
and youth.
We take for granted, then, that all our readers arc
familiar with the buttercup, the poppy, the brier-rose, the
daisy, the dandelion, and other common flowers, so pro-
fusely dispersed over the meadov.s and cornfields, and along
the hedgerows and by the waysides. The young ears of
corn, as well as the spikes of the meadow grasses, must be
well-remembered objects. These all afford examples of
flowers, or of masses of flowers. Now, the plants from
]0 iiiSTorvY OF BraTisii perns.
which the daisy-heads and the dandelions were plucked to
be made into floral chains, and those which yielded the
buttercups, the roses, and various other kinds for the rural
garland, produced, besides their flowers — those brilliantly-
coloured parts which the tiny fingers chiefly desired to
gather — other parts, mostly green, in which the same
intuitive perception already mentioned had learned to re-
cognize the leaves. These two kinds of "organs," as they
are called — the leaves and the flowers — are the parts of
the plant most apparent in the majority of cases.
Popularly speaking, then, a Fern may be said to be a
plant which bears leaves only, and no flowers ; and these
leaves are greatly varied, and very elegant in form. But
some will say, How can we tell a Fern, which never bears
flowers, from some other plant which does bear flowers, but
from which they are temporarily absent ? This seeming,
and to the beginner real, difficulty, is to be overcome by a
little patience and attentive study. Nothing worth acquir-
ing is to be gained without these. Search must be made
for what seems to be a full-grown plant ; the under surface
of its leaves must be examined, and brown, dust-like
patches, round or elongated, or in lines, will be found placed
here and there, and generally arranged with much regu-
THE STRUCTURE OJ? FERNS. 11
larity. These patclies are vast accumulations of the minute
seeds — so minute as to be fabulously invisible — from which
young fern- plants would be produced.
Now, as the leaves of those plants which do bear flowers
do not bear these dust-like patches, it is on their presence
that the no\ice must depend for the assurance that the
plant he has under examination is really a Fern. It must
be confessed, indeed, that this is a very imperfect definition,
and one which would fail to satisfy the more advanced
student ; but in truth, there is no other available guide-
mark at the starting-point, nor until the eye has become
familiarized with the peculiar appearances by aid of
which Ferns may be recognized at first sight. This first
step — the ready recognition of a Fern from other plants —
will be greatly assisted by the characteristic figures which
accompany and ornament these pages. More detailed par-
ticulars of the peculiarities of Ferns we must noAv proceed
to ofi"er.
Ferns, as we have already stated, are flowerless plants.
They arc furnished with roots, by which they obtain
nourishment from the soil ; with stems, by which their
conspicuous parts are borne up and supported ; and with
leaves, to which their elegance is due, these leaves bearing
12 HISTORY OF BRITISH FERNS.
on some part of their surface, but usually on the lower face,
the seeds by wliich the plants may be propagated. These
are their external parts, and are called organs.
The proper roots of Ferns are entirely fibrous, and they
proceed from the under-side of the stem, ^^•hen the latter
assumes the prostrate or creeping mode of groAvth ; but
when it grows erect, they are produced towards its lower
end on all sides indifferently, from among the bases of the
decayed leaves or fronds. Fibrous roots are so called from
their consisting of little thread-like parts ; these, as they
extend by growth at their points, insinuate themselves
between the particles of earth to whicli they have access,
and this in process of time becomes filled with their rami-
fications. They often form entangled masses, but are not
always sufficiently numerous for this. The fibres of Ferns
are mostly of a somewhat rigid or wiry texture ; and in tlie
younger portions are often more or less covered with fine
soft hairs, which become lost with age. It is by means of
these organs chiefly, that Ferns, and ail the more highly-
developed plants, are nourished.
The stem of a Fern is, according to its nature, called
sometimes a rhizome, sometimes a caudex, — which names
are given to particular modifications of the stems of plants.
THE STRUCTURE OF FERNS. 13
The caudcx forms an upright or decumbent stock, which
in our native species seldom elevates itself above the surface
of the e-round, but in certain exotic ferns reaches from
thirty to fifty feet or more in height, and gives a tree-like
character to the species. The rhizome extends horizontally
either on or beneath the surface of the soil, and forms what
is often called a creeping stem. These creeping stems,
wlicn not buried in the earth, are generally clothed with
hairs or scales, and sometimes to such an extent as to
become quite shaggy ; they vary greatly in size, some being-
as thick as one's finger, and others, as in our native
HymenopJiyllums, as fine as threads.
The common Polypody has the thickest stem of any of
the creeping British species : in this it is nearly as thick
as one's little finger ; but the underground stem of the
common Bracken, or Pteris, creeps the most extensively.
The Osmunda, or Flowering Fern, as it is called, is, of the
native upright-growing species, that which most readily
gains height, and very old plants of this may sometimes
be found with bare stems of a foot or more in length.
The common Male Fern, the Lastrea tnontana, and
the Pohjstickum annulare, have also a tendency, though
in a less degree, to this mode of growth ; but it never
14 HISTORY OF BRITISH FERNS.
becomes apparent except in the case of very ngod
plants.
The leaves of Ferns are generally called fronds, and as
this latter term is much tlie more appropriate, we shall
adopt it, with this general explanation, that it means the
leaf-like organs which are borne on the proper stem. The
leaf-like character they bear has led some botanists to reject
the term frond altogether, and to consider them as true
leaves ; but since they grow by development from their
apex, which botanists say leaves do not, and since they
produce, from some part of their surface, what in their
case stands in the place of flowers, there is no more reason
why they should be called leaves, than the leaf-like stems
of Cactuses, or those of the curious hot-house plants called
JCylophyUa — each of which afford examples of plants bear-
ing flowers on what appear to be leaves, but which are in
reality stems. The frond or leafy part of a Fern is, how-
ever, not to be classed among stems ; and hence, since it
is of intermediate character between a leaf and a stem, a
distinctive name seems to be properly applied to it, and
the name in common use among botanists is that which we
have here adopted.
There are no flowers produced by the Ferns (we use the
THE STKUCTURE OF FERKS. 15
term Jloicer in its popular sense, â– without entering into
points of speculative botany), so that it is in the fronds
that we must seek for that ornamental aspect â– which renders
them such general favourites. The fronds alone, however,
afford almost endless variety : — some are very large, others
very small ; some quite simple and not at all divided,
others divided beyond computation into little portions or
segments, and it is these much-divided fronds •which,
generally speaking, are the most elegant.
Even in the few species which are natives of Britain,
this variety of size and form is very obvious, some kinds
not being more than two or three inches, others five to six
feet or more in height, — some quite simple, and others cut
into innumerable small segments. There is much variety
of texture too ; some being thin and delicate, almost trans-
parent, others thick and leathery, and some perfectly rigid ;
while as to colour, some are pale green, some are deep
green, some are blue-green, some dark brownish, scarcely
green at all ; and as regards their surface, some are smooth
and shining, others opaque, and some few arc covered with
hair-like scales.
The duration of the fronds of many species is compara-
tively short : they come up in spring, and in some cases
16 lIISTORy OF BRITISH PERNS.
the earliest of them do not last till autumn ; in others they
continue until touched by frost, from -^vhich the more
robust of them shrink, even as the tender sorts do from
drouo-ht as ^-ell as frost. Others are much more durable,
and the plants, if in a moderately-sheltered situation, be-
come evero-reen. These latter should be most extensively
adopted for culture uhere ornamental effect is an object.
We shall point out these peculiarities as we describe the
different species.
The fronds of Ferns consist of two parts — the leafy
portion, and the stalk, which latter is often called the
sl/'pes. The continuation of the stalk, in the form of a
rib extending through the leafy portion, and becoming
branched when the frond is divided, is called the rachis.
If the frond is compound, that is, divided, so that there
is another set of ribs besides the principal one, the latter
is called the primary rachis, and the former the secondary
rachis. Few of our native species are so highly compound
as to possess more than a secondary rachis. In practice,
when the outHne or division of the frond is mentioned, it
is generally the leafy portion only that is referred to, ex-
clusive of the stipes.
The stipes is generally furnished more or less with mem-
THE STRUCTURE OF FERNS. 17
branous scales, wliicli are sometimes few and confined to
the base, and at other times continued alono; the racliis.
Sometimes these scales, wluch are generally brown, are
large and so numerous that the parts on which tliey are
situated acquire a shaggy appearance. The form of the
scales, as well as their number and position and even
colour, is found to ])e tolerably constant in the different
species or varieties, and hence they sometimes afford
marks of recognition. Whenever they are produced
along the rachis, as well as on the stipes, they are inva-
riably largest at the base, and become gradually smaller
upwards.
In some species the leafy portion of the frond is un-
divided, that is to say, the margins arc not scalloped or
cut away at all : an example of this occurs in the common
Hartstongue. Such fronds are called simple. The mar-
gin is, however, commonly more or less divided.
In the simplest mode of division which occurs among
the British species, the margin of the frond is deeply
divided or scalloped out at short intervals, the divisions
extending inwards nearly to the rachis, but not reaching
it : this slightly divided form is called pinnatifid.
The fronds are sometimes divided quite down to the
c
18 HISTORY OF BRITISH TELMS.
racliis, whicli is, as it were, quite bared of the contiguous
leafy expausion ; and when this occurs, tlie frond is said to
be pinnate ; in this case, each of the distinct leaf-like-
divisions is called a pinna. When these pinnn3 are
divided again upon precisely the same plan, the frond
becomes hipinnate, or tAvice pinnate ; but if the pinnae
are only deeply lobed, they are, like the frond Avhen simi-
larly divided, said to be pinnatifid.
When the fronds are thrice pinnate, they are called
tripinnate ; and in all other more intricate forms they are
called decompound ; but this seldom occurs in any of the
native kinds, the neiirest approach to it being in very
vigorous plants of the common Bracken, and in some of
the Lastreas, when very largely developed.
The young fronds of the ferns, before being developed,
are arranged in a very curious manner, the rachis being
rolled inwards volutely from the point to the base. In
the compound sorts, the divisions are each again rolled up
in a similar wav. This arran2;ement is what is called
circinate. All the British species, uith two exceptions,
are folded up in this way, so that their development
consists of an unrolling of the parts of the fronds. The
exceptions mentioned are the Moonwort and the Adders-
THE STRUCTURE OF FERNS. 19
tongue, in both of which the fronds in tlie undeveloped
state are folded straight.
The substance of the fronds is traversed by veins va-
riously arranged ; in some species forming straight, nearly
parallel lines, in others joined together like network. The
manner in which the veins are disposed is called the 'cena-
tlon, and the nature of this venation affords useful data in
the division of the ferns into family groups. It is from
some determinate part of these veins that the clusters of
fructification proceed, that part to which they are attached
being called the receptacle.
A correct appreciation of the condition and position of
the receptacle with reference to the veins, is of considerable
importance in the study of the genera and species — that is
to say, the family groups and the individual kinds. In
some, tliough few, of the native kinds, it is projected be-
yond the margin, and the little cases of seeds are collected
around its free extremity. More commonly, however, the
veins stop within the margins, and the seed-cases groAV in
round or elongated clusters, situate in some cases at their
ends, in others along their sides, and protruded through
the skin of the lower surface of the fronds.
No flowers are produced, but the plants bear, generally,
c 2
20 UISTOllY OP BRITISH PEIUv^S.
great abundance of seed-like bodies, wliich are technically
called spores, and are contained in little cases of very sin-
gular construction. Collectively, these cases and their
contents are called i)\e fructijication. The seed-cases, as
already remarked, are attached in the different species to
certain determinate thickened portions of the veins, which
points of attachment arc called the receptacles. Each
separate mass or cluster of the seed-cases is called a sorus,
but as they are generally spoken of collectively, the plural
term sort becomes much more frequently used. The sori
are maniinal when they grow out from the margin, and
dorsal when they occupy some part of the under surface of
the frond.
The seed-cases — called also spore-cases, or sporanci'ia, or
tJieccu — are mostly minute roundish-oval bodies, containing
one cavity, and nearly surrounded by a jointed vertical
band called a ring, which is continued from the base so as
to form a short stalk, by which they are attached. ^Vhen
they have reached maturity, the elasticity of the ring bursts
the case by an irregular transverse fissure, and the seeds
or spores, in the shape of fine dust, almost invisible, become
dispersed. This is Avhat occurs in the majority of the natiA^e
species. In 2'richomanes and Hiimenoph>jllum, however,
THE STRUCTURE OE PERNS. 21
the elastic band is horizontal or oblique, instead of verti-
cal ; and in Osmiinda, BotrycJiiuni, and Ophloglossum, the
spore-cases are tu"o-valved, and either destitute of the
elastic ring, or having it reduced to a very rudimentary
condition.
In a considerable proportion of the known species of
Ferns, and in the mojority of those which are natives of
Great Britain, the sori are covered in the earlier stages of
growth by what is commonly called the vidusinm. This
is mostly a thin transparent membranous scale of the same
general form as the sorus itself, at first completely covering
or enclosing the young seed-cases. Eventually, however,
by their growth, its margins are disrupted, and it is thrust
bach, or frequently even cast off before the maturity of the
seeds. Some species, hoM^ever, never bear any visible
indusiura, and its presence or absence is consequently one
of the technical points by which the large body of Ferns
are divided into groups of moderate extent.
In some Ferns the indusium, or cover, or at least what
is considered analogous to it, is cup-shaped, containing the
seed-cases ; but this form is of very rare occurrence among
the native species, and exists only in Trichomanes and the
Hym en ophyllums.
22 'history of BRITISH TERNS.
The Ferns belong to the lowest group of vegetation,
â– which is especially remarkable for its loose and often
succulent texture, owing to the absence, or nearly so, of
those tissues which give firmness and elasticity to the
higiier orders of plants. The Ferns, however, are the
highest members of this group, and hence we find them
possessing, to some extent, both woody and vascular tissue,
— matters which, together with cellular tissue, the soft
loose material above mentioned, may be found explained
in any elementary book on physiological botan}'.
Taking now a retrospective glance, we have seen that
the Ferns are, as regards external structure, flowerless
plants, having erect or creeping stems, which bear the leaf-
like fronds ; and on some part of the surface of the latter,
usually the lower side, but sometimes the margin, are borne
the clusters of seeds, which, in the majority of the native
species, are, when young, furnished with a membranous
scale-like cover.
23
PROPAGATION, DEVELOPMENT, AND CULTURE.
Naturally, Ferns are propagated by means of tlie
spores, of wliicli mention has been already made. These
spores, which are somewhat analogous to seeds, being,
like them, endowed with that mystery — the vital germ,
when placed under fitting conditions, become developed
into young plants ; but they diflFer from seeds in some
important particulars.
All true seeds have a determinate structure. They
have an embryo, provided with special organs, namely, the
plumule, or germ of the ascending axis, the origin of the
stem, and the radicle, or germ of the descending axis, the
origin of the root. When a seed is planted, in whatever
position it may chance to have been deposited in the soil,
the young root or radicle strikes downwards, and the young
stem or plumule grows upwards.
The Fern spores have none of these determinate parts,
but are, as it were, homogeneous atoms ; and when placed
under circumstances which induce germination, that part
2-i HISTORY OF BRITISH TERNS.
â– which lies downwards produces the root, and that part which
lies upwards produces the rudimentary stem. The spores
arc very minute cells of various shapes, mostly roundish,
and often heautifullv ornamented with markinirs on the
exterior. They consist merely of a small vesicle of cellular
tissue, and as they grow, this vesicle hecomes divided into
others, Avhich again multiply and enlarge, until they form
a minute green leaf-like patch, roundish, but irregular in
outline, and unilateral, forming a primordial scale, or
germ-frond, technically called the prothallus, on the under
side of which certain germ-cells are produced. One of these,
it appears, at length becomes the axis of development, and
produces a small leaf or frond, which is usually very differ-
ent in aspect as well as size from the mature fronds, and
is succeeded by others, which acquire by degrees the
characteristic features peculiar to their species.
In annual Ferns the mature character is soon attained,
but in those of perennial habit, two or more years of
growth is required before they reach maturity, and a much
longer period is of course necessary to those which acquire
tree-like stems. They, however, in most cases soon begin
to assume something of their peculiar appearance, so that
by the time three or four of these young fronds are pro-
PKOPAGATIOF, DEVELOPMENT, AND CULTURE. 25
duced, sometimes even earlier, a practised eye can in many
cases recognize the species.
It is from the under side of the prothallus, or germ-scale,
at the base of the axis of development, where it comes in
contact with the moistened soil, that the roots are protruded.
The stem, or caudex, whatever its character, originates in
this primary axis.
Thus we see, that in the first stages of development,
young seedling Ferns (that is, Ferns developing from the
spores) assume the appearance of a Liverwort, forming a
green, semi-transparent, crust-like patch, which is the
germ-frond, or prothallus, referred to above.
In these minute and almost invisible atoms, no less than
in the more ponderous materials which surround us, Ave
discover the impress of Almighty and Creative power.
They teem with life ! No commixture of elementary
matter, no electric shock guided by human agency, can
originate that. Truly the hand that made them is
Divine !
The requisite condition to induce the germination of
the spores of Ferns, in addition to the degree of heat
proper for each particular species, is simply contact with a
continually damp surface. Diffused light is favourable to
26 HISTORY OF BRITISH FERNS.
the young growth as soon as it begins to form, but is appa-
rently not necessary as a means of exciting it. It matters
little in what way the principal condition above mentioned
is supplied. In hot-houses and confined situations, con-
genial to ferns, the plants shed their spores freely ; and
the latter germinate on the undisturbed soil, or on any
damp surface with which they come in contact, sometimes
even on the upright sides of the pots in which the plants
are o-rowino-, if these are so circumstanced as to remain
continually damp. They grow very readily on the rough
surface of a piece of sandstone-rock, just kept moistened by
water constantly, but slowly and gently, dripping upon it.
The most convenient way, however, to raise Ferns from
the spores, where cultivation is the object, is to sow them
on the surface of moist, loamy soil, in pots of convenient
size, the surface of the soil being kept an inch or more
below the level of the pot rim, so that a piece of flat glass
may be laid over the top, to secure a close and constantly
moist atmosphere, and prevent rapid evaporation from the
soih
The pots should be nearly half-filled with small pieces
of broken potsherds or of broken bricks, and the soil itself
should be used rather coarse than fine, the surface being
PROPAGATION, DEVELOPMENT, AND CULTUPvE. 27
left rougbx — that is, not pressed down clo2e and even. The
pots should be set in pans or feeders, in which water should
be kept, so that the soil may be constantly damp. By this
means, the soil may be kept at the required degree of con-
tinual dampness ; but if, by any chance, sourness, arising
from constant saturation, seems to be taking place, the
supply should be withheld for a time. A shady situation,
under the influence of a temperature proper for the indi-
vidual kinds, should be selected for these nursery pots.
When all is in readiness, the spores should be thinly
scattered over the rough surface of the soil, and the glass
cover at once put on. It is necessary to be somewhat
careful in the act of sowing, as the spores, from their
lightness and minuteness, are liable to be dispersed in the
atmosphere, instead of being lodged on the seed-bed pre-
pared for them ; from the same cause, they are apt to cling
about the surface of the paper — even though it be glazed —
in which they may have been enclosed. A bell-glass may
be employed to cover the soil after sowing, but we have
been content to point out the simplest means and materials
by which the end in view may be attained.
A simple and convenient contrivance for sowing the
spores, by which the progress of germination might be
28 HISTORY OF BRITISH PERNS.
very readily watched, would consist in inverting a porous
flowerpot in a shallow dish or pan of water, lai'ge enough to
take also the rim of an enclosing bell-glass, which should
cover some surface of the water. A small cup or vase, set
on the top of the inverted pot, with two or three worsted
siphons, would keep its sides always damp ; the spores
scattered over the sides of this moistened porous earthen-
ware would find a proper nidus for their development,
which might thus be watched with great facility. It is to
be borne in mind, however, that the seedling plants arc
not so readily transplanted from an earthenware or stone
surface, as they are when growing on the soil.
The general features of cvilture — which it will be suffi-
cient here to notice — are shade, shelter, and abundance of
moisture. Neither of these arc, however, essential to all
the species, but when judiciously combined they produce
the conditions under which all the species admit of being
very successfully grown.
In the garden, Ferns seem only appropriately introduced
on what is called rockwork, which generally means a bank
of earth irregularly terraced with misshapen blocks of
stone, or by masses of some other hard porous material,
the vitrified condomcrations formed in the burning of
PROPAGATION, DEVELOPMENT, AXD CULTURE. 29
bricks being that most commonly substituted. With taste
in the distribution of these and suchlike materials, and in
the planting of the Ferns, a very pleasing effect may be
produced ; and on rockwork of this kind, if it be erected
in a shaded and sheltered situation, and liberally supplied
with percolating (not stagnant) Avater, and if the soil be
of a texture which will admit of being thus constantly
moist without becoming soddcned and soured, nearly all
the English Ferns may be grown successfully.
It will, as a matter of course, suggest itself to the
planter, that the most sunny, most exposed, and least
moistened positions on the rockwork should be appro-
priated to those species which grow naturally in situations
to which these conditions afford the nearest resemblance ;
while, on the other band, the kinds which naturally prefer
the deepest shade and the dampest soil, should be placed
in the positions where these conditions are most nearly
imitated.
Perhaps, however, the most interesting occupation for
the amateur Fern-grower consists in the cultivation of
them under glass, either in pots, or planted in a Wardian
case. All the species admit of being grown jn pots,
and when developed under the protection of a covering
so IIISTOKY OF BRITISH FERNS.
glass, acquire more than tlieir natural delicacy of appear-
ance.
For the hardy Ferns, the frame or case in which they
are grown should have a northern aspect ; the eastern and
western aspects are less favourable, though, with attention
to shading during sunny weather, they may be adopted,
and are at least much preferable to the southern, even with
the advantasi-e of shadino-. It is the heat, no less than the
brightness of such an aspect, which is to be avoided ; and
therefore, for all practical purposes, the nearer the situation
in Avhicli they are grown approaches the northern aspect,
the better. The plants must be kept cool in summer, by
shading, by sprinkling, by moderate and cautious ventila-
tion in the daytime, and by removing all impediments to a
free circulation of air at night, not quite closing the frame,
as just intimated, even by day.
Wardian cases for Ferns, in which they may be planted
out on rockwork, may be either of the size and nature of a
small detached greenhouse, or of those window or balcony
greenhouses made by enclosing within a projected sash a
greater or smaller area external to the window ; or they
may be of smaller size and more jEinished workmanshi]),
for the interior of dwelling-rooms, for staircase-landings,
PKOPAGATIO^^, DEVELOPMENT, AND CULTURE. SI
or any other situations witliin doors where they can be
moderately lighted.
As a general rule, Ferns under cultivation do not require
any manure. The most proper soil for Ferns grown in
pots or cases, consists of the native earths called peat or
bog earth, and sandy loam, mixed in about equal propor-
tions, with a further admixture equal to an eighth of the
whole mass for the coarser sorts, and of a fourth of the
whole mass for the more delicate sorts, of any pure granu-
lated silicious matter, whicli is used for the purpose of
preventing the too close adhesion and consolidation of the
particles ; the clean white sand called E.eigate sand is
that most generally employed. They are not benefited by
manure.
The supply of water to Ferns under artificial conditions
is a very essential matter ; they must never lack moisture,
or their frao-ile texture shrinks as before a burning blast ;
nor, with few exceptions, must the soil about them be kept
continually wet with stagnant water ; indeed, stagnant
water is in all cases much better avoided.
DISTRIBUTION AND TOPOGEArHICAL ASPECT.
The species of Ferns known to botanists, including the
lesser groups sometimes separated from what have been
called the "true" Ferns, amount, according to the pub-
lished estimates, to something more than three thousand.
Their head-quarters are the humid forests of tropical
islands, in some of ^yhich they acquire a giant size, and
in their tree-like habit become rivals to the noble Palms.
The tree Ferns are not, however, numerous, the number
of species having this habit bearing a small proportion to
those of shrubby or herbaceous growth.
From the statistics which have been collected in refer-
ence to this question, it appears that the Ferns bear a
higher proportion to the flowering plants both towards the
equator and towards the poles ; and that their proportional
number is least in the middle of the temperate zone. They
reach their absolute maximum in the torrid zone, amid the
heat, moisture, and shade of the tropical forests ; and their
absolute minimum on the inhospitable shores of the polar
regions.
DISTRIBUTION AND TOPOGIIAPHICAL ASPECT. S3
The proportion borne by the Ferns to the whole mass of
flowering plants in the torrid zone, is stated at one in
twenty ; in the temperate zone at one in seventy ; and in
the frigid zone at an average of one in eight. In the most
northern parts of the Arctic zone, none have yet been
discovered. In our own country, the proportion existing
between these two aireat divisions of vco;etation is reckoned
at one Fern to thirty-five flowering plants. In Scotland
they stand relatively as one in thirty-one.
The forms which exist among the Ferns are very diver-
sified, and this diversity, no less than their variations of size
and habit, renders them conspicuous objects in the scenery
where they abound. They may all be classed under three
divisions, so far as the leading feature of habit is con-
cerned, namely, arborescent, shrubby, and herbaceous.
It is the former class — the arborescent species — chiefly,
which exert a marked influence on the physiognomy of
nature, for, as Meyen well remarks, they unite in them-
selves the majestic growth of the Palms with the delicacy
of the lower Ferns, and thus attain a beauty to which
nature shows nothing similar. These truly arborescent
species arc principally confined to the torrid zone, their
slender waving trunks often beautifully pitted by the
D
S4 HISTORY OF BRITISH FERNS.
marks left on the falling away of the fronds ; they grow
to a height of from twenty to fifty feet or more, from their
tops sending out the feathery fronds, often many feet iu
length, and yet so delicate as to be put in motion by the
gentlest breeze. On some of the East-Indian Islands the
tree Ferns are said to occur as numerously as the crowded
Firs in our plantations ; but wherever they are found —
from the plains to an elevation of 3000 to 4000 feet —
the soil and atmosphere are full of moisture. Very noble
arborescent Ferns are also found in New Zealand and
Tasmania.
The shrubby Ferns, those with short stems, surmounted
by tufted fronds, prevail rather at the tropics tho.n at the
C(|uatorial zone, and are found less frequently at the foot
of tropical mountains than at an elevation of from 2000 to
SOOO feet. Ferns of this aspect abound in the South Sea
Islands. Mr. Colcnso describes one of the New Zealand
species as producing, from a main trunk twelve feet high,
fronds which form a droop often of eighteen feet ; such
plants, standing singly on the bank of a stream, being
objects of surpassing beauty.
Tlie dwarf herbaceous species arc rather characteristic
of the temperate and colder zones : not that their number
DISTRIBUTION AND TOPOGRAPHICAL ASPECT. 35
in warmer regions is less great, but their influence on the
aspect of vegetation there is of a different character. They
are frequently epiphytal in the tropics, and by their varied
forms and tints, and the way in which they fix themselves,
they give an air of peculiar luxuriance to the higher vege-
tation. Even in the temperate regions some of these
herbaceous Ferns attain considerable height, as is the case
with the common Bracken, which, in the hedgerows of
sheltered rural lanes in the south of England, reaches the
heio-ht of eight or ten feet, and assumes the most graceful
habit that can be conceived.
Wherever the Ferns occur, whether they be the herbaceous
species of temperate climates, or the arborescent species of
the equatorial regions, or the epiphytal species which clothe
the trunks and branches of the trees in tropical forests,
they add a marked and peculiar character of beauty and
luxuriance to the scenery, and that to an extent which is
net realized by any other race of plants.
D 2
£G
THE USES OF FEPxNS.
We cannot make out a Ion a; cataloo;ue of the uses of
Ferns. Indeed, compared i.vitli their numbers and size,
their usefuhiess to man is very limited ; and the frigid
utilitarian might be almost tempted to ask of Nature,
wherefore she gave them birth. Her reply would, however,
stay further interrogation : " They are given
'To minister deligbt to man,
To beautify the earth.' "
The Ferns are not, moreover, altogether without their
use ; for to the aborigines of various countries they furnish
a rude means of subsistence. The pith of the stem or
rhizome is the part usually employed for food, and this on
account of the starch deposited in its tissue. Among the
species which are thus employed as food — chiefly, however,
where civilization has not become the dispenser of better
fare — there is the CyatJiea medullaris, Marattiaalata and
elcgans, Angiopteris evecta ; Pteris escidenta, the Tasma-
nian Tara ; Ncphroh'pis tuherosa, Bipladum csculenticm,
THE USES OF FERNS. 87
and Gleichenia Hermanni ; and it is wortli remark that
these species represent almost all the principal groups in
uhich Ferns are classified.
The Hindoos, according to Dr. Hooker, boil the tops of
a kind of Polypod'mvi with their shrimp-curries. The
watery tubers of Nephrolepis tuherosa are eaten in Nepaul,
where also the Botrycliium vvrginicum is boiled and eaten.
The pith of the stem is the part used in the Cijathea
medullai'is, and other tree-ferns. This pith is a coarse
kind of sago. The rootstock, or rhizome, of the Pteris
csculenta, is the part used in Australia, New Zealand, and
the South Sea Islands. This consists principally of starch,
with some astringent matter.
While the child of nature turns to the Fern for food,
his more civilized brother seeks in it a medicine ; and he
finds it ! Two of our common native species, the Filix-
mas and the Bracken — especially the former — have the
reputation of being remedies against intestinal worms, in
consequence of their bitter and astringent qualities, which
properties are possessed by the stems of many other species.
Another native Fern, the Royal Fern, is mucli used as a
rustic vulnerary, and as an application to sprains or bruises.
From the astringent mucilage present in the green parts
.38 HISTORY OF BrilTISII TERNS.
of many Ferns, they arc reckoned pectoral and lenitive ;
and both the native Adiantum Cajnllus-Veneris, and the
American Adiantum pedatum, are thus employed in the
form of Ccqnllaire, which is prepared from them by pour-
ing boiling syrup over the fronds, and flavouring it vritli
orange flowers ; this preparation is considered undoubtedly
pectoral, though if too strong it is said to be emetic.
Other species of Adiantum, as well as some Polvpodiians,
Acrostichums, and NothocJilcvnas, are reported to possess
medicinal properties. Pohipodium Calaguala has an oily
disagreeable taste, but in South America is highly valued
for its alterative properties. The common Adders-tongue
is gathered by country-people for the preparation of ad-
ders-spear ointment, which is a popular remedy for recent
wounds.
Both the common Bracken and the jMale Fern abound
in alkali, and are applied to various economic uses, as the
manufacture of soap and glass, the dressing of leather, &c.
These species have also been used in the preparation of
beer ; and the Aspidium franrans has been employed as a
substitute for tea.
The bruised leaves of Anrjiopteris evecta and Pohjpo-
dium phjmatodes are said to yield an aromatic oil, em-
THE USES 01 FEKNS. 39
ployed in perfuming tlie cocoanut oil of the South Sea
Islands.
Deserving of especial mention in this place is the vegeta-
ble curiosity called the Barometz, or Tartarian or Scythian
Iamb, of which marvellous tales have been told. This
"lamb " consists merely of the decumbent shaggy rhizome
of a kind of Fern, which is no doubt the Cibotlum (/lau-
ccscens. The rhizome of this plant, when turned upside
down, the bases of four of its fronds being retained as legs,
may, by a little manipulation, be made to resemble not
inaptly some small animal, and may fairly rank as a
vegetable curiosity.
The "traveller's tale" on this subject is, that, on an
elevated, uncultivated salt plain, of vast extent, west of
the Volga, grows a wonderful plant, with the shape and
appearance of a lamb, having feet, head, and tail dis-
tinctly formed, and its skin covered with soft down. The
"lamb'' grows upon a stalk about three feet high, the
part by which it is sustained being a kind of navel ; it
turns about and bends to the herbage, which serves for its
food ; and when the grass fails, it dries up, and pines away.
The real facts are, that the rhizome of this plant, as al-
ready stated, docs present a rude appearance of an animal ^
40 HISTORY or BUITISII FERNS.
it is covered witli silky, hair-like scales, and, if cut into, is
found to have a soft inside, Avitli a reddish, flesh-coloured
appearance. And no doubt, â– when the herbage of its native
plains fails, its leaves, too, dry up, both perishing from
the same cause, but having no dependence the one on the
other. Thus it is that simple people have been persuaded
that in the deserts of Scythia there existed creatures which
were half animal, half plant.
41
SELECTION AND PRiESEEVATION FOR THE HEEBAPJUM.
Ferns are amongst the best of all plants for preserva-
tion in the form of an herbarium ; for, in addition to their
elegant appearance when nicely dried and arranged on
sheets of clean white paper, they are less liable than most
plants to the attacks of the destructive pests in the shape
of insects, which commit such havoc among dried plants
in general. Wc must give our inexperienced readers a few
hints on the selection of specimens for this purpose.
The process of drying need not be described in detail.
We shall merely remark, that the fronds should be dried
quickly, under moderately heavy pressure, among sheets
of absorbent paper, which are to be replaced daily, or every
second day, by dried sheets as long as the plants continue to
give out moisture. The thicker the bulk of paper placed
between the specimens whilst under pressure, the better.
Two or three changes will generally be sufficient, if the
paper substituted is in each case perfectly dry.
The smaller growing kinds should be gathered, if possi-
42 HISTORY OF BRITISH FERNS.
hie, in tlie tufts as tlicy gro-iv, preserving tlie whole mass
of fronds, with the stem and roots, the fronds being spread
out in an easy and graceful form, and as fur as possible
kept quite flat, but not formally " laid out" so as to destroy
any peculiarity of habit which the species may possess.
If entire tufts cannot be obtained, VAid single fronds
have to be substituted, thoy should be taken quite to the
base, and must be removed from the stem with care, so
that the scales, or hairs, or farinose powder, which may be
present on the stalk, may be preserved equally with the
frond itself.
Of larger-growing species, single fronds only are manage-
able, and these, when of larger size than the folios in Avhich
the specimens are to be kept, must be folded to somevrhat
less than the length of the papers, w/iilsi yet fresh.
Of the gigantic species, portions only of the fronds, cor-
responding in size with the paper to be used, can be pre-
served ; but all of our native species, except in cases of
extreme luxuriance, may, we believe, with a little judg-
ment in the selection of specimens, be folded so as to allow
of their being preserved in ordinary folios measuring
eighteen inches by tv,-elve inches, or thereabouts.
It is sometimes recommended to select specimens with
PRESERVATION FOR THE HERBARIUM. 43
the fructifications mature. V/e sliould rather, as a general
rule, advise their being gathered just as the masses of
spores reach their full gro^vth. If, however, more tlian a
single specimen of each kind is preserved, the perfectly
mature and the incipient states of fructification should
also be gathered ; but in the majority of cases the inter-
mediate state Avill afford the best materials for subsequent
examination and recognition. Certainly the fructification
is to be preferred in an early rather than a late stage of
development.
Of course, when the species produces two or more kinds
of fronds, examples of each must be preserved, as, for
instance, in the Allosonis crisptts, the fertile fronds of
^vhich alone would convey but a very indifferent notion
of the plant. The necessity of attending to this point is
even more strikingly apparent in such exotic genera as
the Strut/iiopteris, and almost all the species belonging to
the Acrostichum group.
After being thoroughly dried under pressure, the speci-
mens, according to their size, should be arranged, singly if
large, or in groups resembling the natural tufts if suffi-
ciently small, on one side only of a series of sheets
(technically half-sheets, i.e. single leaves) of stout white
44 HISTORY OF BRITISH FERXS.
paper, to uliich they slioulJ be fastened by a few thread
ties, or gummed straps ; or, if they have to be much
turned over, they may, for greater safety, be fastened
down -with glue. The specimens, no doubt, admit of a
much more convenient and searchiuci; examination when
kept loose in a folded sheet of paper ; but if there should
be frequent occasion to handle such loose specimens, they
will be found much more liable to become injured and
broken than such as are fastened to the paper ; and the
risk is lessened in proportion to the degree in which they
are made fast.
The specimens should be fully labelled, the labels giving
at least their names, the locality where gathered, and the
date. These labels should, as far as possible, be fixed
with some degree of uniformity as to the position, so as to
be readily referred to by turning up one of the corners of
the sheets of paper.
The papers to which the specimens are affixed should
be enclosed in paper covers, formed of whole sheets, i.e.
two leaves, each genus being put in a separate cover, with
the name written or printed on the lower left-hand outer
comer. The printed labels prepared for the herbarium
are very useful for this purpose. These covers should be
PRESERVATION TOR. THE HERBARIUM. 45
placed cither on the shelves of a cabinet, or in drawers, or
in any convenient place where they may be protected from
dust, and preserved against the attacks of insects, and
other casualties.
46
THE CLASSIFICATION OF FERNS.
The first notions of classifying the Ferns, if we may
judge from tlie Latin sentences which served as names
for them in former times, were derived chiefly from the
size, form, and general resemblance of the fronds, and the
situations in which they grew.
As, however, tlie knowledge of their structure and orga-
nization became extended, the insufficiency of such means
of distinction and arrangement became apparent ; and
when the great Swedish botanist, Linnaeus, set about the
task of distributing the plants known to him into family
groups, he selected the fructification as tlie leading charac-
ter of association, his groups of Ferns being formed from
the resemblances in the form and position of the clusters
of " seed-vessels," which we have already mentioned under
the names of sori and spore-cases.
Those who immediately succeeded him did but carry
out to greater perfection, in accordance with increasing
knowledge, the same general idea of family relationship,
THE CLASSIFICATION OF FEIINS. 47
the most important additional cliaracteristic called into
requisition being that derived from the presence or absence
of a general investing membrane or cover to the spore-cases,
and its form, origin, and mode of bursting when present.
Tliis, in fact, brings us to the basis of the classification
which has prevailed till witliin comparatively very few
years, and even, to some extent, up to the present time.
Another feature has, however, latterly been adopted by
many botanists skilled in the knowledge of Ferns, as form-
ing the leading characteristic of their family relationship,
the groups thus brought together representing the modern
classification of Ferns. The feature thus adopted, as
affording the marks of family recognition, is the veining
of the fronds. This character, as employed at the present
day, in conjunction with the characters derived from tho '
clusters of spore-cases and their covers, leaves but little
scope for further improvement. The tendency of the sys-
tem is, however, towards subdivision of the family groups,
and in this direction it is perhaps somewhat lirble to err.
48
A TABLE OF THE GROUPS AND GENERA OF THE
BRITISH FERNS AND ALLIED PLANTS.
I. VEB.^^ = FILICES.
Floicerless plants, hearing seed-vessels {spore-cases) on
their leaves {fronds), at the bach {dorsal) or margins
{marginal). The British Ferns belong to groups ichich
are called Polypodiacete, Osmundace[e,«?«f?Opliioglos-
saccffi.
POLYPODIACE/E = Ferns having tlie leaves rolled up
in a circinate or crosier-likc manner uhile young ; and
the spore-cases girt with an elastic ring, and bursting
by an irregular transverse cleft. It comprises several
lesser groups or sections, called Fohipodiccv, Gijmno-
grammecc, Aspidiew, Aspleniew, Blcchnecc, Pteridew,
Adiantew, Woodsicce, and Ilymenophyllew.
§ POLYPODIES = i'^<??';25 whose round clusters of
spore-cases have no special membranous cover {in-
dusium). It contains the genera Polypodium and
Allosorus.
GENERA OF BRITISH EERXS. 49
1. Polypodiuni= Dorsal -fruited Ferns, with the circular
sori exposed, i. e. -without covers.
2. AUosorus = Dorsal-fruited Ferns, ^Yith the roundish
sori becomino; laterally confluent beneath the re-
flexed, unaltered margins of the frond.
§ GYMNOG-RAMMEjE = Ferns icJiose linear clusters
of spore-cases have no special covers. It contains
the genus Gymnogramma.
S. Gymnogramma = Dorsal-fruited Ferns, having the sori
linear, forked, naked.
§ ASPIDIEJE = Ferns ti-hose sori hate sptecial indusia,
of a circular or roundish form, and springing here
and there, from the back of the veins. It contains
the genera Lastrea and Polystichum.
4. Polystichum = Dorsal-fruited Ferns, having circular
umbilicate indusia, attached by their centre.
5. Lastrea =^ Dorsal-fruited Ferns, having reniform indu-
sia, attached by their indented side.
§ ASPLENIEJE =i^fr;25 whose sori hate special in-
dusia, of an oblong or elongated form, and springing
from the sides of the veins. It contains the genera
Athyrium, Asplenium, Ceterach, and Scolopendrium.
E
50 HISTORY OF BRITISH TERNS.
6. Athyrium = Dorsal-fruited Ferns, having oblong reni-
forra indusia, attached by their concave side, the
detached side fringed with hair-like setrmcnts.
7. Aspleniiini = Dorsal-fruited Ferns, having the indusia
straight and elongate, and attached by the side to-
wards the margin of the pinnae or pinnules.
8. Scolopendrinm = Dorsal-fruited Ferns, having the sori
elongate, and proximate in parallel pairs, the indusia
opening along the centre of the twin sori.
9. Ceterach = Dorsal-fruited Ferns, having the indusia
obsolete, and the sori hidden among densely imbri-
cated, rust-coloured, chaffy scales.
§ LOMARIE-S] = Ferns whose sort have special in-
dusia , fornihuj longitudinal lines between the midrib
and margins of the leaflets or divisions of the frond.
It contains the genus Blechnum.
10. Blechnum = Dorsal-fruited Ferns, having the spore-
cases in a continuous line between the midrib and
margin of the divisions of the frond, covered by
linear indusia.
§ PTERIDE^ = Ferns the margin of tchose fronds is
soriferous, and continuously or interruptedly changed
GENERA OF BllITISII FERNS. 51
into a special indusium. It contains the gemis
Pteris.
11. Pteris = Dorsal-fruited Ferns, having the spore-cases
in a continuous line at the edge of the frond, beneath
indusia, formed of the altered margin.
§ ADIAHTE^ = Ferns the marffin of u'hose fronds
bears reflexcd lobes, which are changed to indusia,
and hear the spore-cases on their under surface. It
contains the genus Adiantum.
12. Adiantum = Dorsal-fruited Ferns, having the spore-
cases in patches, on the reflexcd, altered apices of
the lobes of the fronds, which form indusia.
§ CYSTOPTERIDEJE = i^t^r;^ A- ichose sori have spe-
cial ovate indusia affixed behind, and infected hood-
like over them. It contains the genus Cystopteris.
13. Cystopteris = Dorsal-fruited Ferns, having cucullatc
or hooded scmi-involucriform indusia, attached by
their broad base.
§ PERANEMEiE = Ferns ichose sori have special
involucriform or semi-involucriform indusia, round-
ish, and springing from the hack of the veins It
contains the genus Woodsia.
j: 2
5% HISTORY OF BRITISH TERNS.
14. Woodsia = Dorsal-fruited Ferns, having the indusia
involucriform, i.e. attached beneath the sori, and
divided at the margin into hair-like incurved seg-
ments.
§ HYMENOPHYLLEjE = Fenis whose sori arepi'O-
duced around the ends of teins projecting from the
margin, and surrounded by urn-shaped or tivo-vaked
membranes. It contains the genera Trichomanes and
Hymenophyllum.
15. Trichomanes = Marginal-fruited Ferns, having the
sori surrounded by urn-shaped expansions of the
frond.
16. Hymenophyllum = IMarginal-fruitcd Ferns, having
the sori surrounded by two-valved expansions of the
frond.
OSMUNDACE/E = Ferns having the young leaves cir-
cinate, the spore- cases destitute of an elastic ring, and
bursting vertically by two regular valves. It contains
the genus Osmunda.
17. Osmunda = Mardnal-fruited Ferns, having the regu-
lar-valved spore-cases in irregular, dense, branching
clusters, terminating the fronds.
GENERA OF BEITISH FERNS. 53
OPHIOGLOSSACE/E = Ferns ha^ang the young leaves
folded up straight, the spore-cases destitute of an elastic
ring, and two-valved. It contains the genera Botrychium
and Ophioglossum.
18. Botrycliium = Marginal-fruited Ferns, having the
spore-cases in irregularly branched clusters, on a
separate branch of the frond.
19. Ophioglossum = Marginal-fruited Ferns, having the
spore-cases sessile in two-ranked simple spikes ter-
minating a separate branch of the frond.
II. CLUB-MOSSES = XrC0P0i)/xl(7^''.Ii'.
Floicerless plants, hearing spore-cases, icithfrom one to
three cells in the axils of their leaves. They consist
of the f/enera Lycopodium and Selaginella.
20. Lycopodium = Moss-like plants, with leafy stems,
the fructifications consisting only of one-celled spore-
cases, containing pulverulous spores.
21. Selaginella = Moss-like plants, with leafy stems, the
fructifications consisting of one-celled spore-cases,
containing pulverous spores, and three or four-celled
j spore-cases, containing large granular spores.
54 HISTORY OF BRITISH FERNS.
III. PEPPERWORTS = MARSILEA CE^.
Flowerless plunts, hearinrf axillary or radical spore-
cases, having many cells. They comprise tJie genera
Isoetes and Pilularia.
22. Isoetes = Stemless, quill-leaved, water plants, â– witli
the fructifications enclosed witliin the swollen bases
of the leaves.
23. Pilularia = Creeping, slender-leaved, water plants,
with the fructifications in globular, sessile, four-
celled spore-cases.
IV. HORSETAILS = EQ UISETA CEJE.
Flowerless plants, with spore-cases attached beneath pel-
tate scales, iddch are arranged in terminal cones.
This group consists of the genus Equisetum.
24. Equisetum = Jointed, tubular-stemmed plants, with
terminal cones of fructification.
55
A TABLE OF THE
SPECIES AND VARIETIES OF BRITISH FEENS, &c.
I. FERNS, or FILICES.
POLYPODIACE.E § PoLYTODIE^E.
Genus 1. POLYPODIUM, Linnceus.
1. P. vulgare, Linnceus. — Fronds oblong, pinnatifid. Plato
I. fio-. 2.
mr. cristatum. — Fronds pinnatifid, segments and fronds
tasselled at the apices,
mr. semilacernm. — Fronds pinnatifid, lower segments
again pinnatifid, upper fertile.
vcw. cambricum. • — Fronds pinnatifid, segments again
pinnatifid, all barren.
2. P. Phegopteris, Linnceus. — Fronds pinnate below ; pin-
no3 pinnatifid. Plate II. fig. 2,
o. P. Bryopteris, Linnceus — Fronds ternate, deltoid, gla-
brous. Plate II. fig. 1.
4. P. Robertianum, Hoffmann. — Fronds subternate, elon-
gate-deltoid, glandular-mealy. Plate III. fig. 1.
56 HISTORY OF BRITISH FERNS.
5. P. alpestre, Sprengel. — Fronds bipinnate, lanceolate.
Plate XXL
tar. flexile. — Fronds narro-n', flaccid ; pinnre deflexcd.
Genus 2. ALLOSORUS, Bernhardi.
1. A. crispiis, Bernhardi. — The onl_y British species. Plate
V. % 1.
POLYPODIACEiE § GyMNOGRAMME.E,
Genus ^. GYM NOG RAM MA, Desmu.v.
1. G. leptophylla, -Z?^sf«?;A% — The only British species.
Plate XXII. fig. 1.
POLYPODIACEiE § ASPIDIE.E.
Genus ^. POLYSTICHUM, i?Oi;/^
1. P. Lonchitis, Both. — Fronds pinnate, spiny- serrate.
Plate IV. fig. 2.
2. P. aculeatum, Both. — Frond bipinnate, rigid, pinnules
ovate-STibfalcate, auricled, acute, acutely wedge-shaped
at the base, nearly all distinct.
tar. lobatum. — Fronds narrower, pinnules nearly all
decurrent. Plate IV. fig. S.
SPECIES AND VARIETIES OF BRITISH FERNS. 5i
0. P. annulare, Presl — Fronds bipinnate, lax, pinnules
oblong or ovate-subfalcate, auricled, bluntish or acute,
obtusely angled at the base, stalked. Plate V. fig. 2.
«ar. subtripinnatum. — Fronds ample; lower pinnules
large, and again pinnate, otherwise normal.
var. proliferum. — Fronds bearing bulbils ; pinnules
narrow, acute, deeply pinnatifid, with distant atte-
nuate lobes.
va7'. imbricatum. — Fronds very narrow ; pinnules ob-
long-obtuse, overlapping.
var. alatum. — Fronds normal in outline ; pinnules con-
nected by a broad wing of the rachis, which obliter-
ates the stalk.
var. cristatum. — Fronds and pinna; tassellcd at their
extremities.
Genm 5. LASTREA, Presl.
1. L. Thelypteris, Presl. — Fronds pinnate, not glandular ;
sori submarginal, on more or less contracted fronds ;
caudex creeping. Plate VI. fig. 1.
2. L. montana, Moore. — Fronds pinnate, covered with
sessile glands ; caudex tufted. Plate VII.
58 HISTORY OF BRITISH FERNS.
S. L. Filix-mas, Presl. — Fronds sub-bipinnate orbipiniiate,
broadly lanceolate ; indusium plain. Plate VIII.
vai'. incisa. — Larger, pinnules elongate, Avith deep ser-
rated incisions.
rc/r. paleacea. — Larger, pinnules truncately - obtuse ;
stipes very scaly.
tar. pnmila. — Smaller, pinnules contracted or obsolete.
var. cristata. — Pinnro and frond tasselled at their ex-
tremities. Plate VIII. upper figure.
4. L. rig"ida, Pred. — Fronds bipinnate, -n'itbout spinulose
scrraturcs, glandular ; indusium fringed Avitli glands.
Plate IX. fig. 1.
5. L. cristata, Prt'^/. — Fronds narrow linear, pinnate or
sub-bipinnate, pinnules oblong, with aristatc teeth,
the posterior and anterior ones nearly equal ; scales
ovate, pale ; caudex creeping. Plate VI. fig. 2.
tar. uliginosa. — Fronds (fertile) narrow linear-lanceo-
late, bipinnate at the base, pinnules oblong, acute,
with aristate teeth, the posterior and anterior ones
nearly equal ; sterile fronds as in 5 ; scales ovate,
pale ; caudex creeping.
var. spinulosa. — Fronds oblong-lanceolate, bipinnate.
SPECIES AND VARIETIES OF BRITISH FERNS. 59
with spinulose serratures ; posterior pinnules much
largest ; scales ovate, pale ; caudex creeping.
L. dilatata, Prcd. — Fronds oblong or ovate-lanceolate,
bi-tri-pinnate, with spinulose serratures ; scales lan-
ceolate ; caudex usually erect. Plate IX. fig. 2.
tar. collina. — Pinnules ovate, blunt, bluntly mucronate-
serrate ; scales dark-centred.
«^rt;-. glandulosa. — Fronds lanceolate-ovate, tall, very
glandular ; scales pale two-coloured, broader ; cau-
dex somewhat creeping.
tar. Chanterise. — Fronds lanceolate, narrowed below,
and caudate at the apex ; pinnic and pinnules (the
latter short oblong) distant.
'car. dmnetonim. — Fronds oblong-ovate or ovate-trian-
gular, dwarf, very glandular ; scales pale, two-
coloured, narrower.
L. semula, Brackcnridfie. — Fronds triangular, bipinnate,
pinnules concave above ; scales lanceolate, laciniated.
POLYPODIACE^ § ASPLENIE.E.
Genus 6. ATHYRIUM, Both.
A. Filix-fcsmina, Moth. — The only British species. Fronds
bipinnatc; pinnules flat, linear-oblong, lobed. PlateXI.
60 HISTORY OF BRITISH FERNS.
var. rhaeticum. — Pinnules narrow, distinct, linear, con-
vex, lobed.
var. latifolium. — Pinnules broad ovate, crowded, irre-
gularly lobed.
tar. molle. — Pinnules oblong, flat, lobed, connected by
"wing of racbis.
var. marinum. — Fronds narrowed to the base, decum-
bent, pinnules oblong, with simple marginal tcctli,
racbis winged.
Tar. nniltifidmn. — Pinnae and frond tasselled at the
extremities. Plate XI., upper figure.
var. crispum. — Dwarf, irregularly branched, with the
ends tasselled.
Genus 7. ASPLENIUM, Li /uncus.
1. A. septentrionale, IIitlL — Frond linear-lanceolate, two-
three-cleft. Plate XII. fig. 3.
2. A. germanicum, ^Feiss. — Fronds linear, alternately pin-
nate, pinna3 narrow wedge-shaped ; indusium entire.
Plate XIII. fig. S.
3. A Ruta-muraria, Lin7ic(;us. — Fronds bipinnate, pinnules
wedge-shaped at the base ; indusium jagged. Plate
XIII. fiiT. 1.
o
SPECIES AND YARIETIES OF BRITISH FERNS. 61
4. A. viride, Hudson. — Fronds linear, pinnate, rachis green
above. Plate XIII. fig. 4.
5. A. Trichomanes, Linnwus. — Fronds linear, pinnate, ra-
chis black throuo-hout. Plato XIII. fis". 5.
var. incisnm. — Pinnas deeply lobed.
var. cristatum. — Fronds tasselled at tlic end.
G. A. marinum, Linnwus. — Fronds pinnate, rachis winged.
Plate XIV. fig. 1.
7. A. fontanum, R. Brown. — Fronds bipinnate, narrow
lanceolate, rachis winged, smooth. Plate XIII.
fig. 2.
8. A. lanceolatum, Hudson. — Fronds bipinnate, broad
lanceolate, rachis wingless, scaly. Plate XII. fig. 1.
Tar. microdon. — Pinnte only lobed or subpinnate at the
base, wavy.
9. A. Adiantum-nigruin, Z//»2«?/^. — Frond bipinnate, tri-
angular ; segments wedfre-oblong. Plate XII. fif*;. 2.
Tar. acutum. — Fronds tripinnate, triangular, much
acuminate ; seo-rnents linear. Plate XXII. fig. 2.
Genus S. CETERACH, Willdenow.
1. C. officinamm, Willdenow. — The only British species.
Plate I. fig. 1.
62 IIISTOrvY OF BRITISH FERNS,
Genus d. SCOLOPENDRIUM, Smith.
1. B,\-a\^2ire, Symons. — The only British species. Fronds
strap-shaped, entire. Plate XV. %. 1.
var. polyschides. — Fronds long, narrow, irregularly
lobed, fertile.
tav. marginatum. — Fronds long, narrow, lobed, with a
double, i.e. split margin, fertile.
var. crispnm. — Fronds elongated, much undulated at
the margin, usually barren,
tr/r, multifidum. — Fronds usually shortened, multifid
and tasselled at the apex ; barren or fertile.
var. laceratum. — Fronds broad, short, with the margin
lobed, the lobes multifid-crispcd ; fertile.
POLYPODIACEiE § LOMARIEiE.
Genus 10. BLECHNUM, Linnwus.
L B. Spicant, Both. — The only British species. Plate
XVI. fig. 2.
var. ramosum. — Fronds branched, the extremities of
the branches tasselled.
SPECIES AXD VARIETIES OF BRITISH FERNS. GS
PoLYPODIACEiE § PtERIDE^.
Genus 11. PTERIS, Llnnanis.
1. P. aquilina, Linncciis. — The only Britisli species. Plate
XVII. fi- 1.
o
POLYPODIACE/E § AciANTEJi!.
Genus 12. ADiANTUM, Linnwus.
1. A. Capillus-Veneris, Z/?i?i<fC2/s. — The only British spe-
cies. Plate XVI. fig. 1. "
POLYPODIACE.E § CYSTOPTERIDEiE.
Genus 13. CYSTO PTERIS, Bernhardi.
1. C. fragilis, Bernhardi. — Fronds lanceolate, bipinnate,
pinnules ovate, acute, toothed or lobed ; sori central.
. Plate X. fig. 1.
xar. angustata. — Pinnules ovate, deeply pinnatifid, the
lobes with narrow acute teeth ; sori central.
'car. dentata. — Pinnules ovate, obtuse, bluntly-toothed,
distinct ; sori marginal.
var. Dickieana. — Pinnules broad, obtuse, slightly blunt-
toothed, overlapping ; sori marginal.
2. C. regia, Fred. — Fronds lanceolate, subtripinnate, seg-
ments linear. Plate X. fisi'. 2.
64 HISTORY OF BRITISH FERNS.
3. C. montana, Link. — Fronds triangular, tripinnate. Plate
XIV. ficr. 2.
POLYPODIACE.E § PeRAXEME.E,
Genus 14. WOODSIA, R. Broicn.
1. W. ilvensis, R. Broicn. — FronJs lanceolate, hairy-
squamous; pinnre oblong, lobed. Plate III. fig. 2.
2. W. alpina, Gnuj. — Fronds linear, almost smooth ; pin-
na^ bluntly triangular, lobcd. Plate IV. fig. 1.
PoLYPODIACEvE § HYMENOPIIYLLEiE.
Genus 15. TRICHOMANES, Linnccus.
1. T. radicans, Sicartz. — The only British species. Plate
XVIII. fig. 1.
Genus 16. HYMENOPHYLLUM, Smif/i.
1. H. tunbridgense, Smith. — Pinnse vertical, involucres
compressed, serrate. Plate XV. fig. 2,
2. H. Tinilaterale, Willdenow. — Pinna) dcflexed, involucres
inflated, entire. Plate XV. fig. 3.
OsJIUNDACEiE.
Genus 17. OSMUNDA, Linnccus.
1. 0. reg-alis, Linnaus. — The only British species. Plate
XIX. fig. 2.
SPECIES AND VAKIETIES OF BRITISH FERNS. 65
OPHIOGLOSSACEiE.
Genus 18. BOTRYCHWJM, Linnccus.
1. B. Lunaria, Linnceus. — The only British species. Plate
XVI 11. %. 2.
Genus 19. OPHIOGLOSSUM, Linnccus.
1. 0. vulgatum, ZwHa?W5. — Fronds ovate. Plate XVI i I.
fig. 3.
2. 0. lusitanicum, X»2;?(5PW5. — Fronds very small, linear-
lanceolate, obtuse, fleshy. Plate XXII, fig. 3.
II. CLUB-MOSSES, or LYCOPODIACE^.
Genus 20. LYCOPODIUM, Lmnceus.
1. L, Selago, Linnwus. — Leaves in eight rows, imbricated
on the usually erect stems ; fructifications in the axils
of leaves, not spiked. Plate XX. fig. 5.
2. L. annotinum, Linnwus. — Leaves indistinctly five-
rowed, linear-lanceolate, patent ; spikes solitary, ses-
sile.
3. L. elavatum, Linnccus. — Leaves scattered, incurved,
hair-pointed ; spikes two or more on a stalk. Plate
XX. fig. 6'.
3P
66 HISTORY OF BRITISH FERNS.
4, L. inundatum, Linnwus. — Leaves scattered, curved up-
wards, linear ; spikes solitary, sessile. Plate XX. fig. 4.
5. L. alpinum, Linnccus. — Leaves in four rows, of two
forms, imbricate ; spikes solitary, sessile.
Genus 2L SE LAG IN ELLA, Spring.
1. S. B^inosa,, Pal. de Beauvais. — Leaves scattered, half-
spreading, lanceolate ; spikes solitary, sessile.
IIL PEPPER-WORTS, or MARSILEACE^.
Genus 22. ISOET ES, Li7ina;us.
1. I. lacustris, Linnwus. — The only species. Plate XIX.
fig. L
Genus 23. PILULARIA, Linnwm.
L P. glohulifera, Linnwiis. — The only species. Plate
XVIL fig. 2.
IV. HORSETAILS, or EQUISETACE^.
Genus 24. EQUISETUM, Linnwus.
L E. Telinateia, jC/^r/^ar^. — Stems dissimilar, the sterile
branched, smooth, with about thirty ridges ; sheaths
SPECIES AND VARIETIES OF BRITISH FERNS. 67
of the branches with subulate two-ribbed teeth ; the
fertile stems simple, short, with large crowded sheaths.
Plate XX. %. 2.
2. E. pratense, Ehrhart. — Stems dissimilar, the sterile
branched, rough, with about twenty ridges, the sheaths
of the branches having subulate one-ribbed teeth ;
fertile simple, with approximate appressed sheaths.
3. E. arvense, Linnceus. — Stems dissimilar, the sterile
branched, slightly rough, with from ten to sixteen
ridges, the sheaths of the branches having long-pointed
one-ribbed teeth ; the fertile simple, with distant, loose
sheaths.
4. E. sjlvsiticTim, Li7ina;iis. — Stems similar, with about
twelve ridges, and having loose sheaths terminating
in three or four large blunt lobes ; branches deflexed.
Plate XX. fig. 3.
6. E. limosum, Linnccus. — Stems similar, smooth, with
numerous slight ridges, the sheaths green, close, with
from sixteen to twenty sharp-pointed, dark-coloured
teeth ; branches short, few, often wanting.
6. E. palustre, Ze?2wa?M5, — Stems similar, slightly rough,
with from six to eight broad prominent ridges, the
F 2
68 HISTORY OF BRITISH FERNS.
sheaths pale, loose, \vith acute wedge-shaped, brown-
tipped teeth ; branches erect.
7. E. ramosum, Schleicher. — Stems similar, very rough,
with from eight to twelve ridges, and having close
sheaths, which ultimately become wholly black, and
have narrow subulate teeth ; almost branchless.
8. E. liyemale, Linnccus. — Stems similar, very rough, with
from fourteen to twenty ridges, and having close
whitish sheaths, banded with black at the top and
bottom ; the teeth slender, deciduous ; almost branch-
less. Plate XX. fig. 1.
9. E. Moorii, Newman. — Stems similar, annual, rough,
tapering, with about twelve ridges, and having loose
striated sheaths, black at the base, white above, with
black tips to the blunt teeth, which are tipped by
flaccid membranous awns ; almost branchless.
10. E. variegatum, Weber et Mohr. — Stems similar, very
rough, with from four to ten ridges ; sheaths slightly
enlarged, green below, black above ; teeth obtuse,
tipped by deciduous awns ; almost branchless.
var. Wilsoni. — Stems less rough, taller.
69
THE BRITISH FERNS.
*' Sweet to muse upon His skill display'd
(Infinite skill) in all that He has made !
To trace in Nature's most minute design
The signature and stamp of power Divine ;
Contrivance intricate, express'd with ease,
Where uninstructed sight no beauty sees ! "'
Genus I. POLYPODIUM^ or POLYPODY.
The Polypodies, which bear the Latin name of Polypo-
dium, are known from all the other British Ferns, by their
having the spore-cases arranged in little round patches
placed here and there on the back of the frond, these
patches not being at any time, or at any stage of their
development, covered by the membranous film which, it
has already been explained, is called the indusium ; hence
they are said to be naked, or non-indusiate. This family
includes five distinct kinds, as well as many variations of
the common sort. In the common species the fronds con-
tinue green through the winter, so that it is an evergreen
70 HISTORY OF BRITISH FERNS.
fern ; while in others, they last but from spring to autumn
in each succeeding year.
The Polypodies derive their common name from Poly-
podium, which literally means, many-footed, and has been
explained to apply to the branching of their creeping
stems, the protuberances on which, in the earlier stages
of development, have some supposed resemblance to the
Polypes.
Polypodimn vulgare, Linncvus.
The Common Pohfpodij. (Plate I. fig. 2.)
This is an evergreen Fern, growing abundantly on pol-
lard trunks, mossy banks, moist rocks and walls, and old
thatched roofs ; and pretty generally distributed over the
United Kingdom. When sheltered the fronds are of a
cheerful but not bright green, and it may be then recog-
nized by the comparatively large circular patches of golden
orange or brown spore-cases ; indeed, it may generally be
known by this feature alone, no other native sort haviuo-
the fructification at all similar in appearance.
This species has a creeping stem or rhizome as thick as
one's finger, which is covered over with pale brown chaffy
taper-pointed scales. From its upper side spring the
POLYPODIUM. 71
fronds, and from its lower side chiefly the branching fibrous
roots by which it clings to its support. The fronds, if
exposed to frost, perish ; but if at all sheltered, they
remain green during winter, and until after young ones
have been produced, which happens generally towards the
end of May. The stipes, or stalk, of the full-grown
fronds is usually nearly equal in length to the leafy por-
tion ; the entire frond measuring from six to eighteen
inches in length. The leafy part of the frond is lance-
shaped in outline, but cut in from the margin along both
sides nearly as far as the midrib or rachis, and thus
becomes what is called pinnatifid. The portions into
which it is divided are called the lobes, or segments, or
divisions of the frond ; and, in this case they arc usually
oblong in form, generally rounded at the end, but some-
times tapering to a blunt point, and occasionally notched
along the margin. Each lobe has a slightly wavy midvein,
producing alternate lateral veins (venules), which generally
have about four veinlets or little veins disposed alter-
nately ; it is the lowest of these veinlets, on the side
towards the point of the frond, which produces the sorus
when it is present ; the rest, which are barren, terminate
in club-shaped apices, which are very readily seen when a
72 HISTORY OF BRITISH FERNS.
fresh frond is held between the eye and a strong light.
Most of the fronds of this kind of Fern produce fructifica-
tion, which, however, is usually confined to the upper half
of the fronds, and has generally become mature by the end
of September.
The most remarkable variety is cambricum, the Poly-
podium camhricum of Linneeus, commonly called the
Welsh Polypody. The lobes of the frond in this variety
are broader, and, instead of being simple, are deeply and
irregularly lobed a second time, the segments being rather
sharply toothed. This form, which is certainly only a
variety of the common Polypody, is always found without
fructification. Under slight shelter, where its fronds are
persistent, it is one of the most beautiful' of what are called
hardy Ferns. The Irish Polypody, an equally elegant
form, called semilacerum, is found in Ireland and else-
where ; the lower half of its fronds are a second time
lobed, and the upper half usually fertile, and not twice-
lobed. The variety omnilacerum is a fertile form re-
sembling camhricum, found in Herefordshire. These
three have a certain general resemblance.
There are many other varieties which have been pro-
posed ; of which we may mention — bifidum, in which the
POLYPODIUM. 73
lobes are more or less regularly two-cleft at the apex ;
serratum, in which they are deeply saw-edged; crenatum, in
which the margin has rounded notches, and is wavy ; and
acutum, in which they are drawn out to a long narrow
point. The varieties are fully enumerated in our " Hand-
book of British Ferns."
The species and its varieties grow readily under cultiva-
tion, either planted in pots, or on rock work in a shady
situation. They should have a light, open soil.
The name of Ctenopteris vulgaris has been proposed for
this plant ; but as it is the type of Pohipodimi, such a
change of name would be quite inadmissible.
Polypodium Phegopteris, Linnccus.
The Beech Fern, or Mountain Polypody. (Plate II. fig. 2.)
This is a somewhat fragile plant, enduring no longer
than till autumn, or the appearance of the first frosts. It
grows wild in moist mountainous situations and in damp
woods, often common enough where present, but rather
limited in its range ; occurring, however, in England to the
southward, westward, and northward ; pretty generally
distributed in Scotland ; but rarely met with in Ireland.
This species has a slender but extensively creeping and
74 HISTORY OF BRITISH FERNS.
slightly scaly stem, producing black fibrous roots. From
these stems spring up, about May, the delicate hairy pale
green fronds, which, when full grown, measure from six
inches to a foot in height. The stipes, which is fleshy
and very brittle, is generally twice as long as the leafy
part of the frond ; near its base are a few small almost
colourless scales. The fronds are triangular, extended
into a long narrow point. In the lower part they are
pinnate ; but this distinction of the parts is seldom carried
beyond the two lowest pairs of branches, those of the
upper portions of the frond being connected at the base,
in what is technically called a pinnatifid manner : hence
this Fern is said to be subpinnate, which, in this case,
means partially pinnate, or pinnate at the very base only.
The pinnae have a narrow and acutely lance-shaped out-
line, and are deeply pinnatifid ; they usually stand oppo-
site each other -in pairs, the lowest pair being directed
downwards, towards the root, and set on at a short distance
from the rest. The united bases of the pairs of the other
pinnae, when they happen to stand exactly opposite each
other, exhibit a cruciform figure more or less obvious ; and
by this mark, in conjunction with the triangular outline
and subpinnate mode of division, this species may be
POLYPODIUM. 75
known from the otlier British Polypodies. The veins in
the lobes of the pinnse are pinnate ; that is to say, there
is a slender midvein, from which alternate venules, mostly
unbranched, extend to the margin ; those near the base of
the lobes bearing each one small circular sorus near
their extremity — the fructification thus becoming almost
marginal.
It is a very delicate and graceful Fern for pot-culture or
for a Wardian case, and requires plenty of percolating
moisture. On the damp, shady sides of sheltered arti-
ficial rockwork, in the open air, it grows with tolerable
vigour.
PolysticJmm Phegopteris, Lastrea Pliegopteris, Gymno-
carpium Phegopteris, Phegopteris poly podioides, and Phe-
gopteris vulgaris, are names which have been proposed for
the Beech Fern.
Polypodium Dryopteris, Linnceus.
The Smooth Three-branched Polypody, or Oah Fern,.
(Plate II. fig. I.)
This is at once known among the Polypodies by having
its fronds smooth and divided into three branches ; when
the fronds are but partially developed, this latter charac-
76 HISTORY OF BRITISH PERNS.
teristic is very obvious, for the three branches appear
rolled up separately at the tips of three little wire-like
stalks, supported by one which is longer and stouter. It
is a slender and delicate plant, its height being commonly
not more than six inches, often less, though sometimes
more ; and its texture is fragile. Hence, it is at once
destroyed by frost, and soon becomes rusty and withered
by exposure to heat and drought. When growing in a
cool, shady situation, however, it continues fresh and
cheerful -looking from April, when it usually starts into
growth, onwards until it is affected by autumnal cold. In
pots, in Wardian cases, or on sheltered shady rockwork, it
is alike desirable for cultivation.
The fronds of this delicate little Fern grow from a
slender creeping stem, which often forms densely matted
tufts. They are quite smooth, and of a bright light green
colour, supported by stipes which are usually about twice
as long as the leafy part, and are slender, brittle, and dark-
coloured. The outline is almost pentagonal, the frond
beino; divided into three branches, each of which is of a
triangular form. One peculiarity about this species, which
is in a slight degree shared by its near ally P. Rohertia-
num, is the deflection of the rachis at the point where the
POLYPODICM, 77
lateral branches of the frond take their rise, but this
feature is much more obvious in P. Dryopteris. The
fronds are divided so that each branch is pinnate at the
base, and pinnatifid towards its point ; the pinnse are also
pinnate at their base, then pinnatifid, becoming acute and
nearly entire at the point ; the pinnules and ultimate
lobes are oblong and obtuse. The pair of pinnules at the
base of each pinna, close to the principal rachis, are placed
so that Avhcn the pinnas are exactly opposite they stand
in the form of a cross ; the two towards the apex of
the branch being smaller than the opposite pair, and
more nearly parallel with the rachis. The pinnules or
lobes have a rather wavy midvein, from which the venules
branch out alternately, being, in those of moderate size,
simple, with a sorus near their extremity, and in those
which are larger and more compound, branched, with a
sorus on the lower branch. The fructification is very un-
equally produced in different seasons and localities, being
sometimes crowded, and at other times very sparingly scat-
tered over the fronds.
P. Dryopteris is not an uncommon species, but it occurs
only in mountainous situations and the drier parts of
damp woods : in England it is found mostly in the north ;
78 HISTORY OF BRITISn FERNS.
in Scotland it is distributed pretty generally ; it is very
rare in Ireland.
This species has been called Polysticlium Dryopteris,
Lastrea Dryopteris, Phegopteris Dryopteris, and Gymno-
carpium Dryopteris.
Polypoditun Robertiamiin, Hoffman.
The Limestone Polypody. (Plate III. %. 1.)
This Fern is known from P. Dryopteris — to which it
is so nearly related that some botanists do not consider it
distinct — by having its fronds less decidedly, though some-
what three-branched, and by having its surface covered
with small stalked glands, which give a mealy appearance
to every part. In addition to these points of difference,
the fronds in this species are of a dull deep green, more
rigid, and without the marked deflection of the rachis so
obvious in P. Dryopteris. The young fronds, moreover,
instead of being rolled up in three little balls, have their
pinnffi all rolled up separately. The glandular surface of
the frond is very readily seen with a good pocket lens,
which is a very necessary aid to the study of Ferns.
The Limestone Polypody grows from six inches to a foot
in height. The fronds are nearly triangular, with the
POLYPODIUM. 79
base shorter than the sides, the stipes about equalling the
leafy portion in length. They are partially three-branched,
but the lateral branches are much smaller than the central
one, and attached to the stipes by a more slender rachis.
The lower branches are pinnate, with pinnatifid pinnae ;
the upper branch pinnate, with its lower pinnte again
pinnate, and the upper ones pinnatifid, as also is the apex
of the frond and of the lower branches. The pinnules or
lobes have a distinct midvein, with simple or slightly-
branched venules, near the termination of which, in a mar-
ginal series, the sori are produced.
This is one of the few Ferns which are found in calca-
reous or chalky soils. It is rare, and local in its distribu-
tion, being, we believe, almost confined to rocky limestone
districts, and occurring chiefly in the northern and western
parts of the island. In- cultivation this species does not
require so much moisture and shade as most other Ferns,
but a limestone soil is not at all essential to its well-beinjr.
The names of Polypodmm calcareiim, Phegopteris cal-
carea, Lastrea Bobertiana, and Gymnocarpium Bobertia-
num, have been given to this species.
so HISTORY OF BRITISH FERNS.
Polypodium alpestre, Sprengel.
The A Ipine Polypody. (Plate XXI.)
This Fern has so remarkably the aspect of the common
Lady Fern {Athyrium Filix-foemina), that although
common on the Scottish mountains, it has been till very
recently overlooked, the plants having been supposed to
belong to that species. It would appear to be plentiful on
the higher parts of the mountainous districts of the coun-
ties of Perth, Forfar, and Aberdeen, accompanying the
Lady Fern in its lo\yer range, but ascending to a consider-
ably higher elevation than that plant. The fronds appear
in May, and perish early in autumn.
The plants of this Fern have a short decumbent caudex,
producing fronds in tufts from the crown. They are from
six inches to three feet or more in height, broadly lance-
shaped, and attached by comparatively short stipes, clothed
with broadish-pointcd membranous scales. They are
bipinnate, or sometimes subtripinnate. Tlie lower pinnae
are gradually shorter, so that the outline is truly lanceo-
late. The pinnae are linear-lanceolate, taper-pointed,
spreading at an obtuse angle with the rachis. The pin-
nules have a slightly wavy midvcin, from which alter-
POLYPODIUM. 81
nately branch the veins which ramify in the lobes ; these
veins, in average specimens, are pinnately branched, with
a simple venule directed towards each marginal tooth.
The sori are sometimes produced only on the lowest
anterior venule of each lobe, and they then form a series
on each side the midvein ; but sometimes more of the
venules are fertile, and the sori then range in short lines
near the margin of the lobes.
The very distinct and constant variety called flexile, the
Pseudathyrium flexile of Newman, has so peculiar an
aspect, that it is scarcely to be wondered it was thought
a distinct species. It differs in -its lax spreading habit,
narrow gracely- curving fronds, and short deflexed pinnae,
with fewer and smaller pinnules. The cultivated plants,
which are very constant in character, generally produce
almost stalklcss fronds, and these often bear their sori
abundantly at the base, but scarcely, if at all, on the upper
parts. These latter marks — the almost sessile fronds, and
the usually basal sori — disappear in some instances, both
in the wild and cultivated specimens. An imperfect indu-
sium has been observed, on some of the sori, in the plant
under culture, but this occurs only on the least perfect
Bori, and appears to be rather an abnormal development of
G
82 HISTORY OF BRITISH FERNS.
the receptacle than a proper investing membrane. A similar
membrane has been observed in the species. The sori,
both in P. alpesti'e itself, and in the vsiviety fea:ile, are not
in all cases strictly punctiform, but occasionally, though
rarely, lateral but hardly elongated on the veins ; and this
is perhaps vihut induced Mr. Newman to propose the
genus Pseudathyrium. We, however, agree with those
who retain the plant in the Polypody family, and regard
flexile rather as a variety than as a species, though it is
certainly a remarkable one. This very interesting plant
was found in Glen Prosen, in 1852, by Mr. Backhouse
and Mr. Westcombe ; and the same botanists again found
it plentifully in the same district of the Clova Mountains,
in the summer of 1855.
Genus 11. ALLOSORUS, or BOCK BRAKES.
Of this family we have but one British species, the
Allosorus crispus. It is known from all its fellow-country
ferns by the coincidence of the following features. It bears
fronds of two kinds, one being leafy and barren, i. e. with-
out sori, the other contracted, and bearing sori ; and hence
ALLOSORUS. 83
called fertile. The edges of the lobes of the fertile fronds
are rolled under (which is what gives them the contracted
appearance), and cover the sori in the stead of a special
indusium ; the sori when young form distinct circular
clusters beneath this recurved margin ; but as they grow,
they join laterally (in technical language, they become
confluent), forming two lines of fructification lengthwise
the segments of the fronds.
The name Allosorus is compounded from the Greek,
and comes from alios, which means various, and sorus,
which means a heap : the intention probably being to
indicate the variation or change which occurs in the appa-
rent arrangement of the sori, from the distinct patches to
the continuous lines in which they are seen to be disposed,
if examined at different stages of development — the change,
after all, being only apparent, and not real. The name,
however, may have been intended to express the variation
in the character of the sorus in the different species origi-
nally assigned to this genus,
Allosorus crispus, Bernhardi.
The Rock Brakes, or Mountain Parsley. (Plate V. fig. 1.)
This elegant little plant, which has considerable first-
G 2
8-i HISrORY OF BRITISH TERNS.
sight resemblance to a tuft of parsley, and is hence some-
times called i\Iountain Parsley, grows in a dense tuft,
throwing up its fi'onds in May or June, and losing them
in the course of the autumn. The fronds average about
six inches in height, and are generally somewhat three-
cornered in outline, with a longish, slender, smooth stalk.
They are of two kinds ; both kinds being twice or thrice
pinnate, and of a pale green- colour. The segments into
which the sterile fronds are cut, are more or less wedge-
shaped, and notched or cleft at the end. The fertile fronds
have the segments of an oval or oblong, or linear form.
The divisions of the fertile frond have a slightly tortuous
midvein, producing simple or forked venules which extend
nearly to the margin, each, for the most part, bearing near
its extremity a circular sonis. There is no true indusium,
but the sori are covered by the reflexed and partially
bleached margins which sometimes almost meet behind,
so that the spore-cases are quite concealed. These patches
are at first distinct, but ultimately meet laterally, and
become more or less blended together.
The Rock Brakes is a mountain Fern, choosing to grow
in stony situations. It is comparatively rare and local ;
most abundant in the north of England and Wales, and
GYMNOGRAMMA. 85
less plentiful in Scotland and Ireland. This plant grows
readily in pots, and also in a Wardian case, if not too
much confined ; for either of these modes of cultivation
its small size and elegant aspect render it a very desirable
object. It is, however, very impatient of root-moisture.
This Fern has been called by several other names ; of
which the principal are — Cryptogramma crispa, Pteris
crispa, and Osmunda crispa. The two latter are now
quite obsolete.
Genus III. GYMNOGRAMMA, or GYMWOGRAM.
A small species of this tropical genus has been found
to inhabit Jersey, and is thus brought — politically, not
geographically — within the limits of the British Flora.
The characteristic feature in this family is to have the
spore-cases scattered in lines along the veins, extending in
many cases below the point where the latter separate into
branches ; so that the sori become what is technically
called, linear and forked. Tliey have also no cover.
The name is derived from the Greek words, gymnos,
86 HISTORY or BRITISH FERNS.
naked, and gramme, a line ; alluding to the lines of spore-
cases, without covering membranes.
Gymnogramma leptophylla, Desvaiix.
The Slender Gymnogram. (Plate XXII. fig. 1.)
This is a small Fern, of short duration, springing up
from the spores in the autumn of each year, attaining
maturity early in the following summer, and afterwards
quickly drying up and disappearing. Each plant consists
of a tuft of about half a dozen fronds, of which the earlier
are short and fan-shaped, divided only into two or three
lobes ; succeeding ones grow an inch or two in length, and
become pinnate, with obliquely fan- shaped three-lobed
pinnsB ; and finally others appear taller and more erect in
growth, and more abundantly fertile. These more perfect
fronds, the latest produced by the plant, are from three to
six inches high, ovate in outline, and two or three times
pinnate. The pinnae are alternate, ovate, with alternate
pinnules. The ultimate pinnules are roundish wedge-
shaped, three-lobed at the apex, the lobes rather distinct,
and usually notched at the end. The veins in each pin-
nule become branched, so that one of the small veins
proceeds towards each of the teeth into which the pinnule
POLYSTICHUM. 87
is divided ; and the spore-cases are borne along these
branches of the veins. The lines of sori on the pinnules
often become united into a mass, after they have been
some time developed, especially in parts where they are
rather crowded.
Though a minute species, this Fern is widely scattered
over the face of the globe ; it is plentiful in many parts
of the south of Europe, and extends as far northwards as
Jersey.
It grows readily, as an annual or biennial, sown on
sandy loam, and kept in a rather warm damp situation.
Genus IV. POLYSTICHUM, or SHIELD FERN.
- The group of Ferns formerly called Aspidium, or Shield
Fern, is now commonly divided into several lesser groups,
forming the modern genera. The English species of this
group are now classed under three genera, bearing the
names of Pohjstichum, Lastrea, and. Cystopteris.
The P olysliclmms form a small and very distinct group
of evergreen Ferns, some forms of which rank among the
most beautiful of our native species. They once, along
88 HISTORY OF BRITISH FERNS.
â– with Lastrea, formed part of the genus Aspidiiim, in
consequence of their having round seed-patches covered
by a scale. From Lastrea, however, the Polystichvms are
known by their having the scale-like cover of the sori
circular, without a lateral notch, its attachment being by
a little stalk in the centre of the under side ; which form
of attachment is called peltate. To a practised eye they
are also known by their more rigid texture, and by their
having altogether a more spiny appearance than even
the spinulose species of Lastrea. The P. LoncMtis, the
alpine form of the genus, is strictly evergreen ; and the
other species acquire this character when in a sheltered
situation ; but if they are much exposed, the fronds will be
killed by severe frosts. In general, they retain their fronds
without much disfigurement from frost quite through the
autumn, and often far into winter. The British species
of Pohjstichum are three in number, one of these being very
prolific of interesting varieties.
The name Pohjstichum is compounded of two Greek
words — poly, and stickos, signifying many, and order ; and
it is applied to these plants in allusion to the numerous
regular lines of sori, which are seen distributed over the
fronds.
POLYSTICIIUM. 89
Polystichum Lonchitis, Both.
The A Ipine Shield Fern, or Holly Fern.
(Plate IV. fig. 2.)
This Holly Fern is a rigid and prickly-looking species ;
whence comes one of its English names. It has a scaly
tufted stem, from the crown terminating which the young
fronds are produced early in each spring. The fronds
remain fresh and vigorous until after those of the suc-
ceeding year are developed ; so that the species is truly
evergreen in its habit of growth. The size of the fronds
is very variable ; sometimes they are not more than six
inches long, and cultivated plants do not often much
exceed this stature. In damp and hut slightly elevated
situations it becomes more luxuriant, the' fronds sometimes
attaining a foot and a half in length, and then having a
vigour and robustness of aspect never acquired, as far as
we know, in cultivation, at least in England. The climate
of Ireland seems more congenial to it. The fronds are
once pinnate, and narrow in outline, their figure being
linear-lanceolate. The pinnae are short, crowded, and
between sickle-shaped and crescent-shaped, the upper side
at the base having an ear-shaped projection, called an
90 HISTORY or BRITISH FERNS.
auricle, while the lower side of the base is, as it were, cut
away. The margin is set with spinous teeth. The veins
are twice branched, the branches extendino; to the marf>in
without joining with others. The clusters of spore-cases
form a line parallel with, and on each side of the midrib,
and are covered each by a membranous circular scale,
which is attached by a short central stalk.
This is a true Rock Fern, occurring on the bleak moun-
tains of Scotland and in the milder climate of Ireland, as
well as, rarely, in the north of England and Wales. It is
very distinct, and, when vigorous and healthy, not inele-
gant, but is exceedingly difficult of cultivation, and is
seldom seen thriving under artificial treatment.
The Holly Fern has been at different times called Aspi-
dium Lonchitis and Pohipodium LoncJdtis.
Polystichum acnleatum, Roth.
The Common Prickly Shield Fern.
This species is almost evergreen in a sheltered situation,
and is one of those which are well suited by boldness of
character for the decoration of rocky scenery. It is a stout
plant, having the fronds a couple of feet or more long, and
springing from a stout tufted stem or crown, whence they
POLYSTICHUM. 91
grow up in a circle, about the month of April, and take a
somewhat erect position. Their form is lanceolate, — in the
most perfect state of the species broadly lanceolate, but in a
variety presently to be referred to, very narrowly lanceolate.
The texture is harsh and rigid, the upper surface dark
green, and shining, and the short stipes densely enveloped
in rust-coloured membranous pointed scales. The fronds
are bipinnate, with alternate pinnse, these pinnge being
again more or less perfectly divided into a series of pin-
nules, which are either decurrent, — that is, insensibly
merging in the substance of the rachis which supports
them, â €” or else, are tapered to a wedge-shaped base, and
attached to the rachis by the point of the wedge. The
general form of these pinnules is somewhat elongately
crescent-shaped, the upper base being extended into a
Small auricle, or enlarged lobe, and the lower base, as it
were, sloped away ; while the apex is tapered oflf to an
acute point, and the margin is serrated with spiny teeth.
The veins are alternately branched, and do not join toge-
ther or anastomose, but extend free to the margin ; and
the fructification, which is generally abundant, and often
crowded, is ranged in a line on each side the midrib of the
pinnules, and also on the larger pinnules on each side
92 HISTORY OP BRITISH FERNS.
the midvein of the basal lobes or auricles. The indusium
is circular, and attached by a little depression or stalk in
its centre.
The variety lobatum, considered a distinct species by
some botanists, differs chiefly in the narrow outline of the
frond, and in the pinnules being much more decidedly
decurrcnt, that is, running together at the base. Every
possible variation in the consolidation of the pinnules is
to be met with, between the typical bipinnate form of
Pohjstichum aculeatum and a simply pinnate form of the
species, which, from its resemblance to P. Lonchifis, has
been called lonchitidioides. This latter form, owing its
origin to the peculiar circumstances of growth only, cannot
be considered as a permanent variety, but the intermediate
state, — that which bears the name lohatuni, which is the
most common of these abnormal forms, is at least suffi-
ciently different to be considered a variety.
This common and free-growing Fern is found in hedge-
banks, and similar situations ; and being abundant, easily
cultivated, nearly evergreen, and withal possessing consi-
derable elegance of growth, has much to recommend its
admission to a prominent position in the Fern-garden.
This plant is often even now referred to the genus
POLYSTICIIUM. 93
Aspidium, and was formerly included under that of
Pohipodlum.
Polysticliuin angulare, Presl.
The Angular lohed^ or Soft Fricldi) SJdeld Fern.
(Plate V. fig. 2.)
This is a strong-growing, tufted-stcmmcd species, some-
times forming large masses. The fronds are lanceolate,
from two to four or five feet high, persistent through
ordinary winters, and in sheltered situations retaining
their verdour unimpaired until the new fronds are pro-
duced.- It is one of the most graceful of all the native
species. The stipes, which varies from a third to a fourth
of the length of the entire frond, is very shaggy, with
reddish chafi'y scales, which scales, though of smaller size,
are continued throughout the upper parts of the frond.
The fronds are bipinnate, with numerous tapering, distinct
pinna), having their pinnules flat, somewhat crescent-
shaped, from the prominent auricle at the anterior base,
often bluntish at the apex, but sometimes acute, always
with spinulose marginal scrratures, and sometimes, in a
few of the lower pinnules, with deep lobes, so that the
pinnules become pinnatifid. The pinnules are tapered to
94 HISTORY OF BRITISH FERNS.
a broad-angled base, tbe lines of wliicb usually exceed
a right angle, and they are attached to the rachis of the
pinnae by a short, distinct, slender stalk, which does not
form a line with either margin. The pinnules have
branched free veins ; and the sori are generally ranged
in a row on each side the midrib, and are covered by a
peltate scale or indusium.
The highly-developed form of the species alluded to as
having its basal pinnules deeply lobed, is the variety
sub-tripinnatum. It is not uncommon, and does not
differ materially in any other particular but that of the
division of the pinnules ; being, however, rather more lax
than the usual forms, it is one of the most elegant of them
all. The variety decompositum is a form still more divided
in the same way.
The variety proliferum is another very elegant and
highly-developed form. This has the pinnules narrowed
and attenuated, more or less lobed ; and the stipes and
rachis bear freely little buds or bulbils, which become
young plants. It has been found in Devonshire.
The variety imbricatum is a very remarkable form,
differing from the type in the very narrow linear-lanceolate
outline of the frond, as well as in having the pinnules,
POLYSTICHUM. 95
â– which are roundish-oblong, so closely placed that they
overlap each other. It also bears young plants on the
stipes below the surface of the soil. It was found in
Somersetshire.
Another exceedingly curious form is that which we have
called alatum. In this the fronds are rather small ; and
the pinnules are connected by a very obvious leafy expan-
sion which margins the rachis, forming along the side of
the latter what is technically called a wing. This is also
a Somersetshire variety.
The variety cristatum is one of much beauty. The
extremity of the frond, and the extremities of all the
pinnae, are expanded into tassel-like tufts, as occurs in
the tasselled or crested varieties of the Male Fern and the
Lady Fern.
There are many other variations ; some with narrow
acute pinnules, some with blunt rounded pinnules, others
with the pinnules deeply serrated, and some very conspicu-
ously spinulose. In certain very elegant forms, the pinna3
and pinnules, and lobes and teeth, are exceedingly irre-
gular in size and form. The varieties, too numerous to
enumerate here, will be found in our " Handbook."
This is a not uncommon Fern, growing in hedge-banks
96 HISTORY OF BRITISH FERNS.
and in lowland woods, preferring, as do most if not all the
larger Ferns, the presence of plenty of free (not stagnant)
water. As a cultivated plant, either for pots or rockwork,
it is most desirable, and acquiring, as it does, considerable
size, it may be made to produce some striking effects in
ornamental scenery.
Like its congeners, this was formerly, and now is by
some, considered to be an Aspidium.
Genus V. LASTREA, or BUCKLER PERW.
The Lastreas are known from the other groups formerly
included with them in Aspidium, by having their indu-
sium, or seed-cover, roundish in outline, with a lateral
notch, so that it becomes kidney-shaped, and is attached
to the frond by the notched part. This group includes
some of the largest and most common of our native species,
and nearly all of them are remarkable for their elegance.
Several of them retain their fronds through the winter
in sheltered situations ; but, with one exception, they are
not strictly evergreen, and in exposed situations are bare
during winter.
LASTREA. 97
Of the Lastreas, seven or eiglit British species are
usually recognized, the number varying according to the
value put upon certain differences in the plants by different
authors.
The name Lastrea commemorates a zealous botanist
and microscopical observer, J\l. Delastre, of Chatelleraut.
It is often incorrectly written Lastrcva.
Lastrea Thelypteris, Presl.
The Marsh B udder Fern. (Plate VI. fig. 1.)
This is called the Marsh Fern from its growing in
marshes and boggy situations. It has a slender, exten-
sively creeping caudex or stem, which is usually smooth
and of a dark colour, producing matted fibrous roots. The
annual fronds, produced about May, and perishing in the
autumn, usually grow about a foot high, the fertile ones
taller ; but sometimes, when the plants are vigorous, they
reach the height of two or three feet. They are of a
delicate texture, pale green in colour, lanceolate, and
pinnate. The pinnae are mostly opposite, a short distance
ajmrt, and pinnatifidly divided into numerous crowded,
entire, rounded lobes. The lobes in the fertile fronds
appear narrower and more pointed than those of the
II
98 HISTOKY OF BUITISII FERNS.
barren, but this is on account of tlieir margin being revo-
lutely bent under. The venation of the lobes of this Fern
consists of a distinct, somewliat wavy midvein, from Avhich
alternate venules branch out, these being usually forked,
and both branches bearing a sorus half-way between the
margin and the midvein. The sori, which are numerous
and closely placed, often become confluent, and are par-
tially concealed by the bent-back margin. The indusium,
or cover of the spore-cases, is in this species small, thin,
and shapeless, and is soon thrown off and lost.
The Marsh Buckler Fern has a wide geographical range,
and in England and Wales occurs in numerous localities ;
in Scotland and Ireland it is rather uncommon.
It is not a very attractive species for cultivation, but
grows freely if planted in a moist peaty situation, where
its rambling stems have room to spread. It has been
severally referred, under the individual name of Thehjpteris,
to the families of Aspldium, Pohipodium, AcrostlcJium,
and PohisticJmm, by various botanical writers. The names
of T/ieh/pteris palustris {m^ Ilemesthemn 27ieh/pteris hsL\e
also been glA'en to it.
LASTKEA. 99
Lastrea montana, Moore.
The Mountain Buclder Fern, or Heath Fern.
(Plate VII.)
This is a very elegant species, the fronds growing shut-
tlecock fashion around the central cro^Yn which terminates
the stem, to the height of from two to three feet. The
plant is so -fragrant, that when drawn through the hand it
may be recognized from its kindred by this circumstance
alone. The fragrance is due to the presence of numerous
minute glandular bodies on the lower surface, which, being
bruised when the plant is handled, give out a strong
peculiar balsamic fragrance, by no means disagreeable, ac-
companied, if more roughly handled, by the peculiar starchy
odour which many Ferns possess.
The fronds are annual, springing up about May, and
enduring through the summer. They are erect, lance-
shaped in their outline, pinnately divided ; and there is
this about them remarkable, that the stipes is unusually
short, the leafy part being continued nearly down to the
ground, and the lower pinnje becoming so short that the
frond tapers downwards as much, or perhaps more, than it
does towards the point. The pinnte generally stand oppo-
n 2
100 IIISTOllY OF BRITISH FERNS.
site, and are narrow, tapering, and pinnatifidly divided,
bearinrf their fructifications almost close to the margins of
the segments, and in most cases very abundantly. In this
species the divisions of the fronds are flat, not rcvolute,
as in L. Thelifpteris, which most resembles it. Each
segment or lobe has a distinct and slightly sinuous mid-
vein, which is alternately branched, the branches simple
or divided, and bearing the spore-cases in clusters near
their extremity.
This plant is found most luxuriant in woods, but occurs
profusely on mountainous heaths. It may be considered
common in England, Wales, and Scotland — in the latter
country often very profuse on the mountain-sides ; but
in Ireland is much more rare. As a garden plant, it is
effective for shady rockwork, and when established, grows
freely if kept sufficiently moist.
Besides the name we have here adopted, this Fern has
borne the following titles : — Aspidium Oreopteris, Poly-
podlum Oreopteris., Lastrea Oreopteris, Plmopteris Oreo-
pteris, Pol If podium mGntanum, Polijstichum montamim,
and Ilemestheum monlanum
LASTllEA, 101
Lastrea Filix-mas, Pnsl.
The Male Fern, or Common Buckhr Fern.
(Plate VIII.)
The Male Fern is so culled from its robust appearance,
in contrast Avith the more delicate, though similar, Lady
Fern, or FUix-foemina. It is one of the species which
grow up annually, the fronds being destroyed by the frosts
of winter, unless the situation be very sheltered, when the
old fronds often remain green until the young ones are
produced in spring. The fronds are produced in a tuft
around a central crown, and when A'igorous and perfectly
developed, the whole mass forms a very striking object.
The ornamental qualities of this Fern are, however, often
unheeded, on account of its commonness ; but surely it is
not wise, that objects imbued with that mystery — vitality,
and possessing intrinsic grace and beauty in no ordinary
degree, should be despised because a beneficent Creator
has scattered them about our path with a lavish hand.
The Male Fern is a robust-growing species, having the
stipes of the fronds densely scaly. The fronds grow from
about a couple of feet to three or four feet in height, and
are of a broad lance-shaped figure. In division they arc
102 HISTORY or BRITISH FERNS.
â– R'liat is called bipinnate, though less decidedly so than
occurs in some other species, for here those pinnules only
which are nearest to the main rachis are quite separated
from each other. The pinnrc arc narrow and tapering",
with a few of the lowest pinnules distinct, the rest united
at the base. These pinnules are of an obtusely oblong
form, and sen'ated on the margin. The fructification
of this plant is generally A'ery copious, and is usually
confined to the lower half of the pinnules, where it is
crowded.
Tliis is one of the best of the British species to study
vrith the view of understanding the fructification of Ferns ;
for here the indusium, a very important organ, is seen to
be remarkably prominent in fronds which have about
reached their full development. In that state the indu-
sium is as yet closed over the clusters of spore-cases, and
will be seen to consist of a lead-coloured, tumid, kidney-
shaped, conspicuous scale, which, at the proper time,
becomes elevated on one side, to allow the dispersion of
the spores. This may readily be noticed by watching the
progress of the fronds just as they reach their full growth.
If they are gathered in that state for preservation in
the herbarium, they burst open more or less, in the pro-
LASTREA. 103
cess of drying-, before they yield up tlieir vitality. These
covers are at first little white scales.
The veins of this species are also readily seen, and each
pinnule uill be found to have a flexuous midvein, ^vith
alternate venules, which are simple or forked, or sometimes
three-branched in different parts of the pinnule, the three-
branched ones, if present, occurring at the base, and the
unbranched ones at the apex. The sori are borne on the
branch towards the apex of the pinnule, and form a line of
dots at a little distance on each side of the midvcin.
The variety of this Fern we have called incisa in our
'•' Handbook of British Ferns," has been named Lastrea
ercsa, and L. Filiv-mas erosa, by others, in the belief of
its being identical with a plant called Aspidiiim erosum
by Schkuhr, — a belief to which we do not conform. It has
also been called Lastrea affinis. It is a magnificent Fern,
much larger than the commoner form of the plant, growing
four or five feet or more in heioht, and havins; the same"
general features as those already described, only that it is
larger in every part, and its pinnules are more elongated
and tapering towards the point, more deeply cut along the
margin, the branches of the venules more numerous, and
the sori ])roduced over a larger proportion of the surface
104 HISTORY OF BRITISH FERNS.
of the pinnnule, so as, in fact, iisually almost to reach to
its apex.
The variety paleacea, the L. Borreri of Newman, is
chiefly remarkable for the abundant and usually golden-
tinted scales which clothe its stipes and rachis. It is
normal in form, variable in size, deep green above, and of
a pale glaucous green beneath ; the pinnules are remark-
ably blant at the apex, and the margin of the indusium
is strongly inflected, so that the sori are not liable to spread
out as they do in the other forms. It is a not uncommon
variety.
The variety pumila has the pinnules changed into small
rounded lobes, and the fructification reduced to a single
row of spore- cases on each side the rib of the pinna). This
has also been called Lastrea Filix-mas abbreviata, and is
very distinct and permanent.
One of tlie most remarkable variations occurs in the
variety ciistata, which is one of the most beautiful of
British Ferns. In this, the points of the frond and of the
pinntc are dilated into a fringe or tassel, a very curious
kind of transformation of the parts, and tjuite constant.
There are two or three modifications of this mode of varia-
tion. Several other varieties arc known.
LASTRIIA, 105
The Mule Fern is found abundantly all over the country
in shady situations ; the larger varieties are met Avith here
and there in similar places ; the other varieties are rare.
It is one of the most easy of all Ferns to cultivate, and is
very suitable for cool, shady rockwork, or for shady Avalks
in woody scenery.
Like its allies, this species has been at different times
called Pohjfodium, or Aspidlmn, or PohistlcJmm ; but
the specific name FiUx-mas seems to have been generally
preserved to it.
Lastrea rigida, Pvcsl.
The Bhild Buclder Fern. (Plate IX. iig. 1.)
This very elegant Fern is of moderate size, groAving
upright or spreading, and from one to two feet in height.
It is one of tlie most elegantly divided of the Lastrea?,
the pinnules being all doubly and very evenly toothed.
The fronds issue from the crown of a comparatively thick
stem, and are annual in their duration, greeting the
approach of summer with the fresh green of youtli, and
shrinking dead and shrivelled from the icy touch of winter.
The fronds are narrowly triangular, rarely somewhat lan-
ceolate ; and they are bipinnate, with narrow tapering
106 HISTORY OF BRITISH FERNS.
pinna) and oblong blunt pinnules, Avliicli arc cut into
broad rounded segments, again notched into a varying
number of pointed but not spinulose teeth. The stipes is
densely scaly. The veining is very similar to that of the
large variety of L. FlUx-mas ; the pinnules having a.
flexuous midvein, with alternate venules again pinnately
branched. The clusters of spore-cases are borne on the
lowest anterior branch of each venule, that is, on the
lowest veinlet on the side towards the apex of the pinnule,
and they are covered by a kidney-shaped indusium, which
does not fall away. Over the fronds are scattered nume-
rous small sessile glands, which, when slightly bruised, give
out a faint and not unpleasant odour.
This Fern seems confined to the limestone districts of
the north of England, growing at considerable elevations.
It was first found at Ingleborough, in Yorksliire, and has
been since met with on the limestone ranges of West-
moreland and Lancashire. In cultivation it is usually a
free-f^rowino- plant, more lax tlian in the wild state, and
one of the most elegant of the larger kinds.
The generic names of Polypodium, Aspidlum, and
PohjstlcJmm, have been applied to this plant ; and it has
been more recently separated, with others, by Mr. Newman,
LASTllEA. 107
under the name of LopJiodmm, a perfectly unnecessary
and characterless group.
Lastrea cristata, Prcsl.
Crested Pridijj-toothed Buckler Fern. (Plate VI. fig. 2.)
This is the simplest of the British forms of a group of
species intimately related to each other, and formerly
known as the Crested Shield Ferns. This group consists
of the plants to which the several names of L. cristata,
id'ujlnosa, splnidosa, dilatata, and wmida, have been
given ; and they form a series so closely connected, that
some very eminent botanists consider them as all belong-
ing to two species only, cristatct and dilatata, the other
forms being regarded as mere varieties. This view of the
subject is, we believe, almost exclusively confined to those
•whose lot it has been to study the Ferns in a general way,
and mainly from a large suite of herbarium specimens.
The magnitude of the subject, in such a form, necessarily
leads to generalizations, and the acknowledgment only of
the most obvious differences. Those, on the other hand,
who study a smaller series, confined to certain geographical
limits — our own country, for example — being unperplexed
by the magnitude of their subject, are content to admit
108 HISTORY OF BRITISH FERNS.
of differences of another kind, less obvious, perhaps, at
tlie first glance, but doubtless of sufficient importance for
the separation of species. This book being intended for
the use of those who are only likely — at least Avhilst they
require its aid — to study the smaller group, ue shall point
out the minuter differences ^vhich serve to separate the
series of Crested Ferns into several recognizable forms.
Lastrea crlstata grous ^ith very erect, narrow, oblong
fronds, whose deltoid pinnas are not quite divided down to
the central rib, and the lobes into which they are separated
are attached by the whole width of their base, and arc
oblong, with a rounded apex. The stipes is sparingly
furnished with broad, obtuse, membranous, whole-coloured
scales, and the caudex is creeping.
Lastrea uUginosa has two or three sorts of fronds ; one
set, the barren earlier ones, has much resemblance to those
of the preceding, the other sets producing fructification,
being bipinnate at the bases of the pinnjc, the fronds
narrow-oblong, the lobes tapering to a point ; the scales
of the stipes are broad, blunt, and whole-coloured ; and
the caudex is creeping. This connects cristata with
s2)inulosa.
Lastrea spimilosa grows erect ; has narrow, lance-shaped,
LASTREA. 109
bi pinnate fronds, rather more deeply divided than the fore-
going ; it has \Yhole-coloured blunt scales to the stipes,
and a creeping caudex.
Lastrea d'datata grows more spreading ; has still broader
or ovate lance-shaped fronds ; the stipes is clothed with
lance-shaped scales, which are darker-coloured in the
centre than at the margins ; and the caudex is erect. This
is a very variable plant.
Lastrea ccmula grows spreading, is evergreen, and has
fronds smaller than the last ; they are triangular, bipin-
nate, and the segments have their edges curved back, so
as to present a hollow upper surface ; the scales of the
stem are narrow, pointed, and jagged ; and the caudex is
erect.
The true Crested Buckler Fern, L. crhtata, though not a
very elegant plant, is of considerable interest on account
of its rarity. It forms a thick creeping stem or root-
stock, from which a limited number of narrow, very upright
fronds arise early in May, and attain the average height of
a couple of feet. The fronds are destroyed in autumn by
the frosts. Their outhne is linear-oblong ; that is, from
a narrow width at the base of the leafy portion — say two
and a half or three inches in the case of fronds of the
HO HISTORY OF BRITISH PERILS.
average height — the margins run nearly parallel almost to
the apex, where they narrow to a blunt point ; the stipes
rather exceeds a third of the length of the entire frond,
and is proportionally stout, maintaining this proportion
upwards through the leafy portion of the frond ; on its
lower part it bears a few scales, which arc blunt ovate,
membranous, and of a uniform light brown colour. The
pinna3 are elongate-triangular in their outline, the broadest
occurring at the base of the frond, the upper ones becom-
ing gradually naiTOwer, but all of the same general form,
namely, widest at the base, gradually tapering to the apex.
They are not divided quite down to their midrib, so
as to become, in technical terms, pinnate, but each
segment is attached by the entire Avidth of its base, and
connected by a narrow extension of its base with the seg-
ment next behind it ; all the segments having their apices
inclined rather towards the apex of the pinna. These lobes
of the pinna? are themselves oblong, with a rounded apex,
and a crenately-toothed margin.
The midvein of the lobes talces a tortuous course, and
gives off lateral branches, which divide into several secon-
dary branches, one only of vrhich, that nearest the apex of
the lobe, bears a sorus. The fructification is confined to
LASTREA. Ill
the upper portion of tlie frond, and often remarkably so ;
less frequently it extends downwards to the pair of pinnge
next above the basal ones. The spots of spore-cases are
covered by a kidney-shaped scale or indusiura, having an
entire margiuj and become mature in August and Sep-
tember.
This species occurs only on boggy heaths, and that in
but few i^laces in Britain, confined, we believe, to the
following counties : — Nottinghamshire, Cheshire, Norfolk,
and Suffolk. It is easily cultivated, either in a pot, or
planted in a damp somewhat shady situation, and prefers
a peaty soil.
The variety uliginosa, the L. ul'ujlnosa of Newman, is
exactly intermediate in its general appearance and its
characters between cristata and spinulosa — these three
plants agreeing, in their erect habit, pallid blunt scales,
and creeping caudex. This Fern forms a stout creeping
crown or root-stock, having a tendency to multiply by
lateral offshoots. The stipes has ovate pallid scales. The
fronds grow nearly erect to the height of from two to three
feet ; and these erect fronds bear the fructification. Other
fronds, however, arc produced, which are barren, and do
not grow so erect, nor put on the same form as the fertile
112 HISTORY OF BRITISH FERNS.
ones, but closely resemble those of crisfata, the fertile ones
having much more the appearance of those of the ta}-.
spimdosa, only that they are narrower, and have narrow
pinnae. The outline of these fertile fronds is narrow
lance-shapcd, the pinna) having a narrow tapering form,
and the pinnules being oblong-pointed, with rather deep,
serrated, marginal notches, the serratures terminating in a
fine point. The midvein of the pinnules is tortuous,
giving off branched lateral veins, the anterior of which
bears a sorus, so that these latter are placed in two regular
lines lengthwise on each pinna ; the sori are produced from
the base to the apex of the frond, and are covered by even-
margined, kidney-shaped scales or indusia. The barren
fronds are broader, usually shorter, less erect, and their
pinnules are of a broader, blunter form, and more closely
placed, than those which are fertile. Sometimes after the
growth of the first set of fertile fronds others spring up
Avhicli are also fertile, but have the appearance described
above as peculiar to the barren ones ; these fronds being
undistinguishable from cultivated fronds of L. crlstata.
This plant is found on boggy heaths, generally in company
with cristata and sjnnulosa ; but it is comparatively rare.
The variety spiniilosa, known as the Narrow Prickly-
LASTREA. 113
toothed Buckler Fern, is a rather erect-growing kind, with
a stout creeping stem or root-stock, which becomes branclied,
so that several crowns are generally found forming one
mass, these crowns being readily separable ; and in this
way the species may be increased with much facility. The
stipes is rather sparingly furnished with semi-transparent
scales of a broad or bluntly ovate form, in which particular
it agrees with cristata and uUginosa, but diftcrs from
dilatata and wmula. The fronds grow from one to three
feet high, and are bipinnate, the pinnaj having an obliquely
tapering form, from the inferior pinnules being larger than
the superior ones ; this is most obvious at the base of the
fronds, where the pinna) are broader than they are towards
the apex. The lower pinnules on the basal pinnaa are of
an oblong form, somewhat narrowing upwards, the margins
deeply incised, the lobes being serrated, and the teeth
somewhat spinulose ; those towards the apex of each pinna,
as well as the basal ones of the pinnae nearer the apex of
the frond, become gradually less and less compound ; so
that, although the margins are still furnished with spinu-
lose teeth, they gradually lose the deep lobes which are
found on the lowest pinnro. In all the more compound
Ferns, there is a similar difference of form according to the
I
114 HISTORY OF BRITISH FERNS.
position of the pinnules, and in all sucli cases it is usual
to describe only those which are the most complete, namely,
such as are situated at the base of a few of the lowermost
pinna?. The venation in the less divided pinnules con-
sists of a midrib, less tortuous than in cristata, which
gives off branched veins ; the lower anterior venules
proceeding from these bear the sori, about midway between
the rib and the mai-gin ; the clusters of spore-cases thus
formino" an even double row on each pinnule. When the
pinnule is more divided, tlie same arrangement of the sori
occurs on the lobes, the branches of the lateral veins or
venules beinfr then more numerous. The sori are covered
by kidney-shaped indusia, having the margin entire.
This Fern is met with in marshy places and damp woods ;
and in such places it does not appear to be uncommon. It
is very easily cultivated on damp banks or rockwork, and,
Avhen grown in pots, requires to be plentifully supplied
with water.
Lastrea crlstata has received the additional names of
Pohipodium, Aspidium tm.d Pob/stichtim cristatiun, Dryo-
pteris cristata and Lophodium Callipteris. A similar series
of synonymcs belong to the variety spimdom.
LASTREA. llo
Lastrea dilatata, Presl.
Broad PricUiJ-toothed BucJder Fern. (Plate IX, fig. 2.)
This is one of tlie most comjyjund and handsome as well
as common of our native Ferns. It forms a large tufted stock
or stem, and has Inroad arclied fronds, â– which average about a
couple of feet in height, thoiigh it is sometimes met with
smaller, and often, when lu.xuriant, reaches a height of
five feet. They are almost always more or less drooping
or curved, and seldom grow erect, as those of cristata,
uluiinosa, and spimdosa do. The general outline is ovate-
lanceolate, thougli in this, one of the most variable of
Ferns, the form varies considerably, becoming sometimes
narrow elongate lanceolate on the one hand, and short
broad almost triano-ular on tlie other. The followino-
o o
description applies to the more usual, or what is considered
the typical form.
The fronds are ovate, lance-shaped in outline, on a
stipes of moderate length, which stipes is much thickened
at the base, and densely clothed with entire, lance-shaped,
pointed scales, of a very dark brown colour in the centre,
but nearly transparent at the margins. They are bi])in-
nate, Avitli elongate- triangular or tapering pinnoo, placed
I 2
116 HISTORY OF BlllTISII FERKS.
nearly opposite, and having more or less of obliquity, from
the larger development of the lower side. The pinnro are
pinnate, and the pinnules near their base often so deeply
divided as to be again almost pinnate ; the rest are pin-
natifid, or in the upper parts merely deeply-toothed, but
the margins, uhetlier deeply or shallowly-lobcd, are set
"vvith teeth which end in short spinous points. The vein-
ing is very similar to the more compound parts of the
allied species. Tlic fructification is produced in great
abundance, the sori beina; vanfred in two lines crosswise
the pinna? on the larger lobes, or lengthwise on the less
divided parts. The sori are covered by kidney-shaped
scales or indusia, which are fringed around the margin
with projecting glandular bodies.
There is met with a variety or form of this Fern, which
has the fronds shorter, almost triangular in outline, and
often remarkably convex ; it has, moreover, usually a
dark green colour, often with a broAniish tinge. It is
found in more exposed places than the normal form, and
. is not uncommon.
Another variety, sometimes called nana, seems chiefly
remarkable for its small size, seldom exceeding six or eight
inches in height, which peculiarity it maintains under cul-
LASTREA. 117
tivation. It is rather rare, or at least local in its occur-
rence.
The variety coUina, the Lastrea colllna of Newman, is
a distinct-lookins; plant. The form of its fronds is ovate,
drawn out to a long narrow point, or narrow oblong lan-
ceolate ; the pinnules, which are obtusely ovate, and have
a broad attachment at the base, have tlie serratures on
their margin broader and less spinulose than in the com-
mon form. It has narrow scales with a darker centre. It
was first noticed by the Ptev. G. Finder on the hills of
Westmoreland, and has been found elsewhere.
The variety glandulosa, another form of this plant, is
of larger growth, and its surface is covered with glands ;
the scales of its stipes are broader and paler, and it has a
somewhat creeping habit, so that it approaches near to the
spinulosa form of L. cristata. Tliis INIr. Newman pro-
poses to name Lastrea fflandulosa. It is intermediate
both in character and aspect, between spinulosa and
dilatata ; and was originally found in the Forest of
Dean.
The variety dunietoriim is of comparatively small size,
and has oblong-ovate or ovate-triangular fronds, covered
\Yith glands ; the stipes is covered with narrow, pointed;
118 HISTORY OF BRITISH FERNS.
pale-coloured scales. It occurs on the hills of "Westmore-
land and Wales, and wliat seems the same plant, from the
Scotch Isle of Arran, has been called L. maculata by
Dr. Deakin.
A more detailed account of the foregoing and of several
other variations of this species, ^ill be found in our Iland-
hool- of British Ferns, and in The Ferns of Great Britain,
Na tu re-p rin ted.
Lasti-ea dilatata was the Aspidiiim cristatum of some
of the older botanists ; and has since received numerous
names ; among which occur — Lastrea midtijlora, Pohj-
stichum imdtijforiim, Lophodium midtifiorum, and Aspi-
diiim dikitatum.
The common forms of this species, though found in
drier places than cristata and spinidosa, are nevertheless
partial to moisture, being found in damp, shady hedge-
banks and Avoodlands. It is hardy, and easily cultivated.
Lastrea semtila, Bracken ridae.
Hay-scented, or Triangular Prickly-toothed Buckler Fern.
This species is the Lastrea recurta of some writers,
and tlie Aspidiuni recurtum, Lophodium recurcum,
Nephrodium famisecii, and Lastrea famisecii of others.
LASTREA. 119
It proves, hoTrever, to ))e tlie old Poli/podium wmulum of
the la,st century, which name must be restored.
This Fern is a moderate-sized and very elegant plant,
of drooping- hahit, and possessing a crisped appearance,
from the recurving of the maro-ins of all the seo;ment3 of
the fronds. It grows from one to two feet high, and from
its tufted stem produces a spreading circle of triangular
arching fronds, the stipes of which, of about the same length
as the leafy part, is thickly clothed with small, narrow,
jagged, pale-coloured scales. The fronds are bipinnate,
the lowest pair of pinnae always longer and larger than the
rest, and the pinnules on the inferior side of the pinnaa
larger than those on the superior side. The pinnules are
of oblong-ovatc figure, and the lowest of them often divided
again into a series of oblong lobes, for the most part
decurrent, but sometimes slightly stalked ; the margin is
cut into short spinous-pointed teeth. The veins of the
pinnules are alternately branched from a sinuous midvein,
and these veins give off two or three alternate venules,
the lowest anterior one bearing the sorus- The exact
ramification of the veins depends upon the degree in which
the pinnules or lobes are divided. The fructification is
•distributed over the whole under-surface, the sori bein"*
120 HISTORY OF BRITISH FERXS.
pretty evenly distributed in two lines along each pinnule
or lobe ; they are covered by small reniform indusia, wLicli
Lave tlieir margin uneven, and fringed with small round
stalkless glands. The whole frond is covered with similar
glandidar bodies.
This Fern, which is most abundant in Ireland and the
western parts of England, occurs in damp sheltered woods,
and on shady banks and rocks. It is of an elegant droop-
ing aspect, and is cultivated without difficulty. It is the
more valuable as a pot plant, from its moderate size and
its evergreen character.
Genus VI. ATHYRIUM.
The genus Athf/rium, that to which the Lady Fern is
referred, is one of the most variable among our native
Ferns ; though the varieties it presents, and which have
been from time to time looked upon as so many distinct
kinds, are now almost universally considered as different
phases of one species. The species certainly puts on many
appearances, which fact seems inappropriate to its name ;
ATIIYRIUII. 121
but all the various forms are plants of great delicacy and
beauty. The fronds arc of annual duration, varying in
size from tufts of a few inclies high, to plumy masses of
the heio-ht of three or four feet : and the texture is thin,
and almost transparent ; on which account the nature of
the venation, and of the connection of the parts of fructi-
fication, may be here very well seen and studied. The
genus serves to connect the A spidi urn-like and the Asple-
nmm-]\ke groups of Ferns, being of intermediate character.
It differs from the former in having the sori elongate
instead of round. The sori, which form short lines, are
sometimes curved at the end, or even horseshoe-shaped,
and in age, being short, and often dilated, approaching the
rounded form, the Lady Fern has, by many writers of
discrimination, been placed in the old genns Aspidiimi ;
but if the fructification is examined while young, imme-
diately before or after the indusium has burst, its true
character will readily be seen. "We have here an illus-
tration of the inconvenience which arises from the
preservation as herbarium specimens, only of such as have
the fructification quite mature ; for this, without doubt,
was the cause of the Lady Fern having been referred to
the family of Aspldium, with which it has no real
122 HISTORY OP BRITISH per:ns.
affinity. The affinity of the Lady Fern is properly with
the Aspleniums, and there is less reason to dispute the
conclusions of those who actually place it as a species of
Asplenium ; although, as the hippocrcpiform sori indicate
a real difference between them, and the genus Asplenium
is rather a crowded one, it is a convenience to have them
separated. The mark by which the Aspleniums and their
allies are known, in addition to the elongated form of the
sorus, is its position on the side, not the back, of the
veins ; the receptacle being lateral, as it is said. The
Athyrimn group is known from Asplenium by having its
indusium fringed on the free margin by capillary segments,
and by the horseshoe- shaped basal sori ; while in the
Asplenium the margin of the indusium is without the
membranous fringe, and the sori are not turned back
along the reverse side of the vein. There is, as already
mentioned, only one indigenous species of Atliyvium. The
Asplenium fontcmum is sometimes admitted, but it does
not properly belong to this genus.
The name is derived from the Greek, and comes from
athyros, opened ; the allusion being to the position into
which the indusium is forced by the swelling spore-cases,
bursting out, as it were, like an opened door, after the
ATHYKIUM, 123
growth of tlie spore-cases has disrupted its anterior margin,
and eventually becoming quite turned back.
Athyrium Filix-fcemina, FbOtJi.
The Lady Fern. (Plate XL)
The Lady Fern claims precedence over every other
British species, on account of the exquisite grace of its
habit of growth, the elegance of its form, and the delicacy
of its hue. This is more or less true of every one of the
various conditions in which it occurs. The habit of the
plant is tufted, the caudex of the larger varieties often
with age acquiring some height, and elevating the circlet
of fronds on a low, rude pedestal ; this stem, however,
never acquires more than a few inches in length, hi
winter, the summit of this stem, whether a tuft seated
close to the ground, or a few inches elevated, is occupied
by a mass of incipient fronds, each rolled up separately,
and nestling in a bed of chaffy scales. In May or June,
these fronds become developed, a score or upwards being
usually produced, from large vigorous stems. They reach
maturity early in the summer, during which time a few
additional fronds are generally developed from the centre ;
and tlie whole of them are, under ordinary circumstances,
124 HISTORY OF BRITISH FERNS.
clestro3'ed by the autumn frosts. The form of the fronds
is lanceolate, more or less broad ; and they are supported
on stipites uliich are scaly at the base, and usually about
a third of the entire length of the fronds. The division
of the fronds is uhat is called bipinnate ; the pinnoe are
always lanceolate, more or less drawn out at the point, and
they are always again pinnate, though sometimes with the
bases of the pinnules connected by a narrow leafy wing,
but not so much so as to render them merely pinnatifid.
The pinnules, however, are more or less lobed or pinnatifid,
the lobes being sharply toothed in a varying manner. The
delicate herbaceous texture of the frond renders the vena-
tion very distinct ; it consists, in each pinnule, of a wavy
midvein, from which proceed alternate veins, which
again produce alternate venules, and on the anterior side
of this series of veins, at some distance from the margin,
is borne an oblong sorus.. In the larger and more divided
pinnules the veining is more compound, and more than
one sorus is produced from each primary vein, which
thus becomes a midvein, with branches on a smaller scale.
The sori are themselves oblong, a little curved, the basal
ones usually hippocrepiform, or horseshoe-shaped, and
they are covered by indusia of the same form as them-
ATIIYRIU.M. 125
selves. The liippocrepiform soms is formed by the lateral
line of spore-cases crossing the vein and returning on the
opposite side ; sometimes in the case of the curved, or
horseshoe-shaped sori, the indusium is apparently almost
circular, with a lateral notch, and in this state the
fructification somewhat resembles that of Lastrea. One
side of the indusium is fixed longitudinally to the side of
the vein which forms the receptacle ; its other margin, the
anterior one, or that towards the midvein of the pinnule,
becomes free, and is fringed, or split into a number of
hair-like segments. This description applies to the com-
moner forms of the Lady Fern ; but even these are very
variable in size, according to the situation and circum-
stances which influence their development, sometimes
scarcely exceeding a foot in height, and at other times
reaching the height of four or five feet, the latter being
the result of growth in a damp, shady situation, the former
the consequence of a more exposed and drier locality.
The variety rhseticum, sometimes called convexnm,
differs from the forms already described in its more lad}^-
like proportions, both its fronds, its pinnae, and its
pinnules being often smaller and usually more slender and
narrower, or narrower-looking, than in them. The fronds
126 HISTORY OF BRITISH FERXS,
seldom exceed two or three feet in height ; they are erect,
and their form is narrow-lanceolate ; the pinna? are taper-
pointed ; the pinnules set quite clear of each other, very
narrow, that is, linear, with sharp points, the margins
bluntly toothed, but rolled under so that very little of the
toothing is seen ; the sori are very often confluent. It
occurs in boggy places.
The variety latifolium, found a few years since in "West-
moreland, is another very distinct and a strono'-QTowing
form. It differs from the common sort, in the elongate
or oblong-lanceolate outline of its fronds, and in the broad,
leafy, crowded development of its ovate irregularly-lobed
pinnules, which are deeply toothed at the margin, with the
curved sori lying near the sinus of the lobes.
The form called molle, which is perhaps only one of the
smaller states of the common plant, has ovate-lanceolate
fronds growing nearly erect, the lower pair of pinnas being
short and dcflexed ; it has flat toothed pinnules, connected
at their base by a slender wing to the midrib, and produces
its sori distinct. This is a small form, often not more
than about a foot in height.
The variety marinnm, a very curious and distinct-look-
ing plant, found by Dr. Dickie in a sea-cave at Aberdeen,
ATHYKIUM. 127
has now for several years stood the test of cultivation, its
peculiarities being retained. It has rather small fronds,
usually about a foot, or a foot and a half long, lanceolate,
and remarkable for the manner in -nhich they taper from
their broad centre, equally towards the base and apex.
These fronds have a spreading or horizontal mode of
growth ; their pinnules are oblong and bluntly toothed,
the teeth being almost always quite simple, not two or
three-notched, as is usual in the other forms ; they are
attached closelv together, at right ano;los with the continu-
ously-winged rachis of the pinna?. The sori are very short,
often curved in a horse- shoe form, and crowded.
There are, besides, several curious monstrous varieties of
considerable horticultural interest. One called multifidum,
of which several variations have now been met with, has
the tips of all the pinna), as well as of the frond itself,
multifid or tasselled, which gives it a very elegant appear-
ance. Another, called depauperatum, or raiuosum, is
smaller, with the pinnne reduced and irregularly tasselled,
and the apex of the frond more deeply split into ragged-
looking tasselled lobes. Another, called crispum, is a
dwarf tufted plant, no larger than a bunch of curled pars-
ley, which it much resembles, its fronds being curiously
128 HISTORY or British ferxs.
branched, crisped, and tasselled. These, ^vhich are, strictly
speaking, monstrosities, have retained their characteristics
for many years in cultivation, and are very elegant plants,
and great favourites in the garden.
The common Lady Fern is abundant in warm moist
woods and hedgerows throughout Great Biitain, and espe-
cially so in Ireland ; it also occurs throughout Europe,
and in Asia, Africa, and North America. The monstrous
varieties were first found in Ireland ; though the parsley-
like one has also been found in Scotland, and in the Lake
district ; and some fine forms, in the way of multijidum,
have been gathered in Guernsey.
None of our native Ferns arc more easily cultivated
than this. A rather boggy soil suits it best, and it loves
shade and moisture ; indeed, tliese latter conditions being
fulfilled, soil becomes a secondary consideration. The
moisture, however, though abundant, should not be stag-
nant. Tlie Lady Fern is occasionally seen planted in the
mouth of a cave or recess, by water, among shady rockwork ;
nothing is so lovely as a finely-grown plant of it so situated.
As a pot plant it requires plenty of room, both for its roots
and fronds, and must be liberally watered.
By the older botanists this plant was called P ohjpodimn
ASPLENIUM. 129
Filix-foemina. It was then transferred, to Aspidium,
under the name of Aspidium Filix-foemina ; and subse-
quently by other botanists it has been called Asplenium
Filix-foemina, which latter name is still generally given
to it by those who do not adopt the genus Athyrium.
Genus VII. ASPLENIUM, or SPLEENWORT.
The British Aspleniums are small evergreen Ferns,
with long narrow single sori lying in the direction of the
veins which traverse the fronds ; and by these marks they
may be known from all other indigenous Ferns, excepting
the Ceterach, which latter is readily distinguished from
them by having the back of its fronds coated with brown
scales, among which the sori are hidden. The genus is
the type of the tribe Aspleiiieca, which consists of Ferns
havino; the elongate masses of fructification attached along
the side of the veins, and covered by an indusium of the
same elongated form as the sori themselves. The Asple-
niums are known from their nearest allies, the Athyriums,
by the latter having hippocrepiform sori, and the free
K
130 HISTORY OF BRITISH FERNS.
margin of the indusiura fringed with capillary or hair-like
segments, while the sorus in A splenium is not thns curved,
and the margin of the indusium is either quite entire or
very slightly jagged. The Spleen worts are also evergreen,
while Athyrimn is deciduous. There are nine species of
Asplenium indigenous to Britain, all of them small plants,
interesting to the cultivators of Ferns.
The word A splenium comes from the Greek asplenon ;
a name applied by old authors to some kind of Fern
possessed of supposed virtues in curing diseases of the
spleen.
Asplenium septentrionale, Hull.
The Forked SpleenworL (Plate XII. fig. 3.)
A rare and diminutive Fern. The habit is tufted, large
masses being sometimes formed ; the fronds themselves
are very small, from two to four or six inches long, seldom
longer, slender, dull green, with a longish stipes, which is
dark purple at the base. The leafy part — if, indeed, it
can here be called leafy — is of a narrow elongate lance-
shaped form, split near the end into two or sometimes
three alternate divisions, or in the smaller fronds into the
same number of teeth ; each of the divisions of the frond
ASPLENIUM. 131
has its margin cut into two or more sharp-pointed teeth,
the points of the larger teeth being very frequently bifid.
The veins are reduced to a minimum ; one vein enters
each lobe, or if the frond is not lobed the stipes is conti-
nued upwards in the form of a vein ; this becomes forked
so as to send up one vein to each of the teeth into which
the part is divided ; and three or four long linear sori are
produced in a very crowded manner within this small
space ; so that when, from age, the sori burst open the
indusium, the spore-cases form a confluent mass over the
whole under-surface.
The confluent mass of spore-cases arising from the
crowded position of the sori, has led some authors to con-
sider this plant an Acrostichum, the mark of which is to
have the whole under-surface thus covered. Some of the
sori being face to face, growing as they do from the inward
side of each vein, and almost in juxtaposition, other botan-
ists have been led to think it a Scolopendrium, the mark
of which is to have the sori confluent in pairs face to face.
If, however, the plant is examined while young, it will be
seen that these resemblances are unreal, and that it is
truly an Asplenium. It is thus that it has been called
by the names of Acrostichum septentrionale and Scolopcn-
K 2
1S2 HISTORY OF BRITISH FERNS.
drium septentrionale ; to wliicli Amesium septentrionale
has to be added as another synonym.
In cultivation it requires sandy peat-soil mixed with
rubbly porous matter ; and in uncongenial situations the
shelter of a close frame or bell-glass.
Asplenium germanicum, Weiss.
The Alternate Spleenwort. (Plate XIII. fig. 3.)
One of the rarest of our native Ferns, and perfectly
distinct from A. Ruta-muraria, of which some botanists
have thought it to be a variety.
The plant grows in little tufts, the fronds being from
three to six inches high, sub-evergreen, narrow-linear in
form, pinnate, divided into distant, alternate, wedge-
shaped pinnae, one or two of the lowest having generally a
pair of very deeply-divided lobes, the upper ones more and
more slightly lobed, all having their upper ends toothed or
notched. The whole frond is quite small, and the parts
narrow, which, added to their opacity, renders the vena-
tion indistinct ; there is no midvein, but each pinna or
lobe has a vein entering from the base, which becomes two
or three times branched as it reaches the broader parts
upwards, six or eight veins generally lying near together,
ASPLENIUM. 133
in a narrow fan-shaped manner, in eacli of the larger
pinnoe, the smaller ones having a proportionately less
number. Two or three linear sori are produced on a
pinna, and these are covered by membranous indusia, the
free margin of wliich is entire, or slightly sinuous, but not
jagged ; the sori at length become confluent.
It grows, but very rarely, in Scotland, and in the Lake
district ; and is found, but with a limited range, in other
parts of Europe.
This kind is not only rare, but one of those wliich does
not freely yield to artificial culture. It grows tolerably
freely if potted in sandy peat-soil well drained by an
admixture of rubbly matter, and kept under a bell-glass in
a shaded frame or greenhouse ; but the plants are very
liable to die in winter. The safeguard is, not to allow
any water to lodge about their crowns, nor to keep the
bell-glass too closely or too constantly over them, especially
in winter.
This species is often named A. aUernifolium by British
authors ; but the name we have adopted claims precedence.
It has also been called Asplenium Breynii, Amesium
germanicum, and Scolopenclriwn aUernifolium.
134 IIISTOIIY OF BRITISH FEENS.
Asplenium Enta-muraria, Linnwus.
The Rue-leaved Spleenwort, or Wall Rue.
(Plate XIII. fig. 1.)
A very diminutive, and not very attractive Fern, occur-
ring abundantly on old walls, often in such situations
little more than an inch high. It grows in tufts, insinu-
ating its wiry roots, as is the case with all the mural
species, into the crevices and joints of the masonry, and is
not easily removed from such places in a condition suitable
for planting.
The fronds are numerous, of a glaucous-green, varying
between one and six inches long, with a stipes about half
the entire length, the leafy part usually triangular in out-
line, and bipinnate. The pinnae are alternate, with rhom-
boidal, or roundish-ovate, or obovate pinnules, sometimes
wedge-shaped, with the apex abruptly cut off. The more
luxuriant fronds are once more divided, so as to become
almost tripinnate, the pinnules being deeply pinnatifid,
and the lobes formed like the ordinary pinnules. When
the plants are quite young, the fronds are simple and
roundish kidney-shaped. At a later sto.ge of development
they are occasionally only once pinnate, with pinnatifid
ASPLENIUM. 135
pinnae. The upper margins of the pinnules are irregularly
toothed. The veins are rather indistinct, and there is no
midvein ; hut a series of veins arise from the base, becoming
branched in their progress towards the apex, the number
of ultimate branches usually corresponding with that of
the marginal teeth. Several sori are produced near the
centre of the junna, covered by indusia which open inwardly
with a jagged or irregularly sinuated margin.
A common species, confined to rocks and walls, occurring
throughout Europe and in many parts «f North America.
It is not difficult of cultivation.
Other names for this plant are the following : — Amesium
Huta-muraria, Scolopendrium Ruta-muraria.
Asplenium viride, Hudson.
The Green Spleetiwort. (Plate XIII. fig. 4.)
This Fern has such a general resemblance to A. TricJio-
manes as to have been mistaken for it by casual ob-
servers. It is, however, quite distinct, and is most
readily known from A. Trichomanes by the colour of
its rachis, which is green in the upper part, while in the
latter it is black throughout. It is an evergreen tufted
species, producing narrow, linear, simply pinnate, bright
]36 HISTORY OF BRITISH FERNS.
pale-green fronds, ranging from two to eiglit or ten inches
in length, supported by a short stipes, which is dark-
coloured at the very base, but otherwise green, the rachis
being entirely green. The pinnse are small, generally
roundish-ovate, rather tapered towards the base, and
attached to the rachis by the narrowed stalk-like part,
the margin being deeply crenated.
The venation is distinct : the midvein sends oflf alter-
nately a series of lesser veins, which are either simple or
forked, bearing the sori on their anterior side. The sori
are oblong, covered at first by membraneous indusia, which
are soon pushed aside ; the free margin is jagged or
crenate.
A native of moist, rocky, mountainous districts in Eng-
land, Scotland, and Wales; occurring also, though less
frequently, in Ireland, and throughout Europe.
This neat-habited plant may be cultivated in pots in a
close, damp, cold frame ; or on moist, shady rockwork, if
covered over by a bell-glass. If exposed, it is apt to suffer
from occasional excessive wet, which often does not pro-
perly drain away ; and also from the dry hot air of our
summers. The object of covering it with a glass is to
avoid both these casualties, and provided it is not kept too
ASPLENIUM. 137
close, it will then thrive well. The proper bell-glasses for
these half-hardy Ferns are those with a small opening in
the crown, which may be closed or not at pleasure, but in
general is best left open. In pots it should have a gritty,
porous soil.
Asplenium Trichomanes, Linnwus.
The Common Maidenhair Spleemcort. (Plate XIII. fig. 5.)
This is rather a diminutive plant, but, when in a
vigorous state, has a very interesting appearance, from the
contrast between its black stipes and rachis, and the bright
green pinnre, and from the regularity with which the latter
are disposed. It grows in tufts, naturally introducing
itself into the joints of old masonry and among the crevices
of rocks, and producing numerous small slender fronds, of
a linear form, in its most vigorous state nearly a foot long,
but generally from three to six inches.
The fronds are evergreen, simply j)innate, on a rather
short stipes, which is of a purplish black, the rachis also
being of the same dark colour. The pinnae are deep green,
small and numerous, equal-sized, of a roundish-oblong
figure, attached to the rachis by a stalk-like projection of
their posterior base ; the margin is rather entire or crenated.
138 HISTORY OF BRITISH FERNS.
The pinnae are jointed to tlie racliis, and when old are
readily displaced, so that eventually the black rachis is
left denuded among the tuft of fronds. A distinct midvein
passes through each pinna, giving off on each side a series
of veins bearing venules, the anterior of these producing
the linear sorus just within the margin of the pinnce.
The sori, which in the young state are covered by thin
indusia having a somewhat crenulated free margin, very
frequently in a later stage become confluent, and cover the
whole of the under-surface.
A very rare and very curious variety of this species,
named incisum, has the pinna? deeply pinnatifid, with
linear notched segments. Another, equally rare and still
more beautiful, has the ends of the fronds tasselled ; this
is called cristatum. There are some forms with the fronds
two or three times forked, the pinnae depauperated, and in
one instance deeply lobed.
The species occurs rather plentifully, growing on rocks,
old walls, and ruins, and less frequently on hedgerow
banks. It is pretty generally distributed throughout the
United Kingdom and Ireland ; and also occurs through-
out Europe, and in each of the other divisions of the
globe.
ASPLENIUM. 139
This is one of the species of Ferns which has enjoyed a
medicinal reputation, a tea and a syrup prepared from it
being country remedies for coughs and colds.
When once established, this plant grows readily either
in pots or on rockwork : but its roots being wiry, and
generally inserted into the crevices of the walls or rocks on
which it grows, it is sometimes found to be difficult to
transplant. In general the smaller and younger plants
may be removed with greater success than the larger and
older ones. The newly-transplanted roots should be kept
rather close, if possible, for a short time ; but after they
are established, shade is not so essential to this species as
to most other Ferns, although it grows most vigorously
under the influence of shade and shelter. In a Wardian
case, for which its size is suitable, it should have the
upper and drier parts of the rockwork.
Asplenium melanocaulon is another name which has
been given to the common Maidenhair Spleenwort.
140 HISTORY OF BRITISH FERNS.
Asplenium marmum, Linnccus.
The Sea Spleemcort. (Plate XIV. fig. 1.)
This very handsome maritime evergreen Fern grows
profusely on our south-western rocky coasts and in the
Channel Isles, and extending to France and Spain, to
Madeira and the Canaries. In cultivation it thrives most
luxuriantly in the atmosphere of a damp hothouse, where
it forms, in a comparatively short time, a dense mass of
the deepest green, and often reaching a foot and a half in
length. In a cold frame, if kept closed, well-established
plants will continue in health, progressing slowly, and
never acquiring half the size of those grown in heat. In
the climate of London it does not prosper, nor, as far as
â– we know, survive, if planted on exposed rockw'ork.
It is a tufted-growing species, with linear or linear-
lanceolate fronds, usually six or eight inches long, of the
deepest glossy green, with a smooth, rather short, dark-
brown stipes. The fronds are simply pinnate, with stalked
pinnse, connected at their base by a narrow wing, wliich
extends along the rachis ; their form is either obtusely
ovate or oblong, unequal at the base, the anterior base
being much developed, while the posterior is, as it were,
ASPLENIUM. 141
cut away, the margin being either serrated or crenated.
They are of leathery texture, but the veins are neverthe-
less tolerably evident, each pinna having a midvein, from
which veins are given off alternately on either side, these
again producing a series of venules. The sori are pro-
duced on the anterior side of each venule, lying obliquely,
and forming two rows on each side the centre ; they are
oblong or linear, covered by a persistent indusium, which
opens along the anterior margin as the spore-cases grow
towards maturity.
The chief variation to which this Fern appears subject
is that of the elongation of its parts. Sometimes the
pinnae are much elongated, tapering to a narrow point ;
sometimes, besides being narrowed, they are auricled at the
base, and deeply lobed.
This species, with the Lanceolate Spleenwort and the
Maidenhair, are exceedingly well adapted for Wardian
cases in warm sitting-rooms. All of them enjoy the
warmth ; and being all evergreens of moderate size, and
very elegant in structure, they supply just what is wanted
in such situations. They should be planted on elevated
rockwork, in sandy peat-soil lying in the interstices be-
tween the fragments of stone ; and when once established
142 HISTORY OF BRITISH FERNS.
will grow freely, provided tliey are not mucli exposed ' to
the sun, which they do not like.
Asplenium fontanum, B. Brown.
The Smooth Bock Spleenwort. (Plate XII I. fig. 2.)
This is a small tufted-growing species, seldom seen
more than three or four inches high under ordinary cir-
cumstances ; in a hothouse, where its parts become more
lengthened, it sometimes reaches eight or ten inches high,
but this stature is but rarely attained. The small fronds
are evergreen, and mostly grow nearly upright ; they are
of a narrow, lanceolate form, rather rigid in texture, of a
deep green above, paler beneath, and supported on a very
short stipes, which has a few narrow pointed scales at the
base. They are bipinnate, the pinnae oblong-ovate, and
the pinnules obovate, tapering to the base, the superior
basal pinnule of each pinna having the margin divided by
four or five deep sharp teeth, the rest of the pinnules and
lobes having from one to three similar teeth. The main
rachis of the frond, as well as the partial rachis of each
pinna, has a narrow winged margin ; that is to say, a very
narrow leafy expansion along their sides, throughout their
length ; and this is, perhaps, the most obvious technical
ASPLENIUM. 143
point, except size, by which to distinguish the present
plant from A. lanceolatum. In structural details they
very much resemble each other ; so that, although quite
distinct, their descriptions appear very similar.
The fronds being rigid and opaque, the venation is often
less evident than is usual in Ferns. It consists, in each
pinnule, of a central vein, or midrib, which throws off a
vein towards each lobe or serrature, and in the laro^er
pinnules some of these veins become divided, so that a
venule is directed towards each of the serraturcs into
which the margin is divided. On two or more of these
veins a sorus is produced ; these in form are short compared
with those produced by most of the genus, being oblong,
rather flat on the side by which they are attached ; and
they are covered by an indusium of similar form* which is
waved and indented on the free margin. Sometimes the
sori keep quite distinct, but it is not uncommon for them
to become confluent, so as to cover nearly all the under-
surface of the whole of the little pinnules.
There are some who doubt this species being really a
native of Britain, on the ground that it is not now to be
found in the places where it is said to have been originally
met with. The most recently recorded stations are a very
144 HISTORY OF BRITISH FERNS.
old wall at Tooting, a wall near Petersfield, and rocks near
Stonehaven. Bearing in mind the circumstantial records
of its discovery by the older botanists, and considering that
it is a very small plant, and that the places where it would
be most likely to occur are generally the most inaccessible,
and, therefore, the least likely to be searched, — consider-
ing, moreover, the many probable localities which exist,
and have not been carefully explored by any keen botanical
eye, it is a fair presumption that the plant is really indi-
genous, though, from these causes, it has been overlooked.
While so many probabilities exist in favour of its being
native, we are not justified in rejecting the statements
which the older botanists have left us.
This species is too rare to be often trusted on rockwork,
unless w^ere every provision, such as shade, shelter, and
moisture, has been made for it ; but planted in a well-
drained pot, and kept in a close cold frame, or in a damp
hothouse, it grows freely, becoming much more vigorous
under the influence of heat.
The other names which have been given to this Fern
are these: — Aspidium fontanum, Athjrium fontaniim,
Polypodlum fontanum, and Aspidmm Halleri.
ASPLENIUM. â– 145
Asplenium lanceolatum, Hudson.
The Lanceolate Spleenwort. (Plate XII. fig. 1.)
We have here an evergreen Fern of variable size, seldom
in cultivation having the vigour which it exhibits near
the coast in our south-western counties, and especially in
the Channel Islands. As might be expected, it evidently
requires a mild and sheltered climate, so that in a hot-
house, where the temperature is not kept too high, it
grows freely, which cannot always be said of plants kept in
a cold frame in the climate of London, and never of plants
fully exposed.
Under the least favourable circumstances, the fronds of
this Fern are from four to six inches long; • but under the
most favourable conditions they reach the length of a foot,
or even a foot and a half. They are of a lanceolate form,
supported on a brownish-coloured stipes of about a third of
their entire length, the stipes as well as the rachis having,
scattered throughout their length, numerous small bristle-
like scales. In the more vigorous wild plants the habit
seems to be erect, but the cultivated plants mostly assume
a spreading or even decumbent mode of growth. Tiiis
species is very closely related to the common Asplenium
L
146 HISTORY OF BRITISH FERNS.
Adiantum-nigrum, which, in some of its states, very much
resembles it ; but the outline of the fronds will, we believe,
almost always separate them, those of lanceolatum being
lance-shaped, or tapering from near the middle towards the
base, while those of AcUantum-nigrum are triangular, or
broadest at the base. The pinnse spread at nearly right
angles with the rachis, often, but not always, opposite, and
have an ovate-lanceolate form ; they are again pinnate, so
that the frond is bipinnate. The pinnules are of irregular
form, often obovate, or nearly so, sometimes unequally
quadrate, but always indented on the margin with deep
sharp teeth, the larger pinnules being first lobed, and the
lobes toothed, the smaller ones simply toothed. The vena-
tion is tolerably distinct ; the pinnules each having a
tortuous midvein, which produces forked veins, and these
produce veules, one of which extends towards each serra-
ture. The sori have no very definite order ; they are at
first oblong, and covered by an indusium of the same form,
having a lacerated free margin ; but as they become old,
the sides become bulged out so as to give them a roundish
form, and the indusium becomes obliterated.
The variety microdon is a very rare plant, met with in
Guernsey, in Cornwall, and in Devon. It has pinnated
ASPLENIUM. 147
fronds, the pinnsB being merely undulated and lobed, not
again pinnate.
This is rather a local species, being found only in the
southern and western parts of England, and in Wales,
almost always near the coast. It is found very luxuriant
in the Channel Islands.
This species has been named TaracMa lanceolata.
Asplenium Adiantum-nigrum, Linnwus.
The Black Maidenhair ^pleenwort. (Plate XII. fiw. 2.)
This is a rather common evergreen Fern, and a very
conspicuous ornament of the situations where it occurs in
a vigorous state. The fronds grow in tufts, and vary
much in size, from a heiglit of three or four inches when
it occurs on walls, to a foot and a half, and even two feet,
including the stipes, when it occurs on shady hedge-banks
in congenial soil. They are triangular, more or less elon-
gated at the point, the shining dark purple stipes being
often as long as, or longer than, the leafy portion ; but in
stunted plants growing in sterile situations very much
shorter. They grow erect or drooping, according to the
situations in which they occur. They are bipinnate, or
sometimes tripinnate ; the pinnas pinnate, triangular-ovate
L 2
148 HISTORY OF BRITISH FERNS.
drawn out at the point, the lower pair always lonp;er than
the next above them. The pinnules, especially those on
the larger pinnae, are again pinnate ; the alternate pinnules
being deeply lobed, and the margins sharply serrate.
The fronds are of a thick leathery texture, with nume-
rous veins. To each pinnule there is a distinct midvein
midrib or costa, bearing simple or branched veins, on
which the sori are produced. All the ultimate divisions
of the fronds, as well as all the larger lobes, have midveins
producing these simple or branched veins, and these bear
the sori near their junction with the midvein, so that the
sori are placed near the centre of every pinnule or lobe.
At first the sori are distinct, and have the elono-ate narrow
form common to this genus ; but as they become older,
they often spread and become confl.uent, so that almost
the entire under-surface of the frond is covered with the
spore-cases. The indusium is narrow, with its free margin
entire : this soon becomes pushed away by the growing
sori, and is lost.
This species is very variable. In dry and exposed places
it is small, and obtuse in its parts, whilst in sheltered,
shady places it is much drawn out or elongated. Tlie
extreme states have been considered as varieties ; that in
ASPLENIUM. 149
which this bluntness of the parts seems characteristic
beino- named ohtusatum. This difference often becomes less
marked in the cultivated plants than in those which occur
in a wild state ; and there exist, even among the wild,
many gradations of form. The species has also been met
with having the fronds variegated with white.
The variety acutum, sometimes called the Acute Spleen-
wort (Plate XXII. fig. 2), differs principally in the more
decidedly three-cornered fronds, which, in consequence of
their shortness and breadth, and the high development
of their basal pinnules, form a nearly equilateral triangle ;
in the very much attenuated apices of the fronds and their
pinnae, which are, in fact, what is called caudate ; and in
the extreme narrowness of the ultimate segments into
which the very much divided frond is cut, these segments
being narrow, linear, and acute. The fronds grow a foot
or upwards in length, including a long brown stipes. In
large specimens the leafy portion is about six inches long,
and as much across the base, triangular, tripinnate. The
lower pinn89 are considerably larger than the next pair,
and elongately triangular. The primary pinnules are
ovate-acuminate ; the secondary pinnules lozenge-shaped,
these latter being cut down almost to the centre into linear
150 HISTOBY OF BRITISH FERNS.
sharply two- to five-toothed segments. The venation con-
sists of a midvein, which enters each lobe of the pinnule,
and branches alternately into as many nearly parallel veins
as there are marginal teeth, one venule being directed into
each tooth. The narrow linear elongate sori are borne,
rather close together, on these venules. This is a very
rare plant. It has been found in a few Irish counties,
and in Jersey ; and is also met with in the North of
Europe, and more plentifully in the Canaries, Azores,
and Madeira. It has usually been treated as a frame or
greenhouse plant. The other names belonging to it are,
Asplenium acutum, Asplenium Virgilii, and Asplenvum
productum.
The ordinary forms of the plant are very commonly met
with growing on rocks or old walls, and on hedge-banks in
a sandy soil. The latter situations, where they grow most
vigorously, are often beautifully adorned by their drooping
tufts. The extreme forms are more rare.
This is one of the more useful evergreen Ferns for shady
rockwork, as it will grow with freedom if planted in sandy
soil which is just kept moistened either by natural or
artificial means. As a pot plant it is easily manageable.
CETERACn. 151
Genus VIII. CETERACH, or SCALE FERN.
Of the genus Ceterach there is only one British species,
and this is so different from all others as to be distinctly
recognized at a glance. The mark by which it is known
is this : — the back of every frond is covered by densely-
packed, brown, pointed, chaffy scales. Among these
scales, and concealed by them, lie the elongate sori, which
are anomalous, in regard to their relationship, in having
no indusium. The affinity of Ceterach is without doubt
with i\iQ Asplenium-\\ke Ferns ; and this being the case,
they ought to have an indusium ; the Polypodium-\\VQ and
Acrostichum-Y\\iQ Ferns chiefly, among the dorsal groups,
wanting this cover to the sori. No indusium, however,
exists here, unless it be represented by a kind of mem-
branous ridge, which is to be found on the receptacles just
behind the sori, and is the part which has been sometimes
called an indusium. The probability is, that it does
represent that organ, which is not largely developed in
consequence of the presence of so dense a covering of scales,
these not only serving the purpose of a cover to the sori.
152 HISTORY OF BRITISH FERNS.
but perhaps, from their crowded position, preventing its
proper formation.
The name Ceterach is said to be an alteration of the
word Chetherak, which was applied to this plant by
Persian and Arabian medical writers.
Ceterach officinarum, Willdenow.
The Scaly Spleenwort, or Common Scale Fern.
(Plate I. fig. 1.)
A dwarf, evergreen, distinct-looking, and very pretty
Fern, growing in tufts. The fronds when fresh are thick
and fleshy, and from this cause they are perfectly opaque
when dry. Their size varies according to the circum-
stances of their growth, from two to six inches in length,
rarely exceeding the latter. They grow on a short scaly
stipes, and are either pinnatifid, as is commonly the case,
or more rarely pinnate, the difference being, that in the
latter the fronds are divided rather more deeply than in
the former. The upper surface is a deep opaque green ;
and the under surface is densely crowded with rust-
coloured brown closely-packed overlapping scales, which,
being just seen projecting from the margin, and still more
fully in the exposed under-surface of the young partially-
CETERACII. 153
developed fronds, prettily contrast with the deep green of
the upper surface. The pinnsB or lobes are of an ovate
form, and either entire or lobed on the margin.
The opacity of the fronds renders the venation indis-
tinct, and indeed it is only to be made out by examining
young fronds, removing the covering of scales, and the
outer skin of the frond itself. It is then seen, that from
the lower corner the principal vein enters, taking a sinuous
course towards the upper side of the apex ; it branches
alternately, the veins being again branched, and the
venules becoming joined more or less near the margin.
The sori are borne along the sides of the venules in a very
irregular manner, the majority of them being directed
towards the apex of the pinna. At first, the sori are
quite concealed by the scales, but the spore-cases ulti-
mately protrude between them, although, being very similar
in colour, the latter are never very obvious.
The Ceterach is a mural species, occurring on the walls
of old buildings and ruins, and in rocky places. It is
pretty generally distributed in the United Kingdom, but
is considered somewhat rare in Scotland. It occurs also
throughout central and southern Europe, and in the north
of Africa. In the Canaries, a closely-allied but much
154 HISTORY OF BRITISH FERNS.
larger plant is met with, which some botanists regard as a
mere form of the common species, but which is probably
distinct.
Like other wall Ferns, this is often difficult to establish
in cultivation when first transplanted ; but when once this
is overcome, its cultivation is not difficult. It is best grown
in a cold frame, potted rather high, among loam mixed
with a large proportion of brick rubbish, and not over-
watered. Though generally found in exposed and rather
sunny situations, the finest examples we have seen were
found in a shaded, moist situation, under trees, where
sunshine never visited them.
Among other names, this plant has borne those of
Asjylenium Ceterach, Scolopendrium Ceterach, Grammitis
Ceterach, Notolepeum Ceterach^ and Gymnogramma Cete-
rach.
Genus IX. SCOLOPENDIIIUM, or HARTS-
TONGUE FERN.
This genus is botanically very distinct from all our
other native Ferns ; and from other points of view is
SCOLOPENDRIUM. 155
exceedingly interesting. There is only one Brltisli species,
but of this there are numerous varieties, which have a
perfectly distinct aspect, owing to peculiarities in their
development. They are all evergreen, and on this account,
as well as by reason of their hardihood and bold striking
appearance, they are among the most ornamental of all
Ferns for out-door rockwork. The genus is known by
the peculiarities of its sori, which, though forming parallel
oblique lines at intervals on each side the midvein, and
having the appearance of being single if seen when mature,
are in reality composed of two sori, set face to face, and so
close together as to become confluent along their whole
length. This is best seen just at the stage when the
indusia are bursting ; indeed, at a later stage of develop-
ment an unpractised eye would probably fail to observe
any evidence that such was really the structure. The
fructification, technically speaking, consists of sori con-
fluent in pairs, the two sori forming each pair being placed
face to face.
Scolopendriuvi is merely an alteration of Scolopendra,
the scientific name of the insect better known as the
centipede ; and the name is applied from a fancied resem-
blance (in the position, we suppose) between the feet of
156 HISTORY OF BRITISH FERNS.
a centipede and the lines of fructification produced on the
fronds of the Fern.
Scolopendrium vulgare, Symons.
The Common Hartstongue. (Plate XV. fig. 1.)
This is a common plant ; nevertheless its shining bright
green, though simple fronds, contrasting so beautifully
with the feathery aspect much more common among the
Ferns, secures for it admirers, whether seen in a wild or
cultivated state. It grows in tufts.
The fronds, which are evergreen, vary in length from
six inches to a foot and a half, and even more, and arc
either stiff and erectish when growing under circumstances
which render them dwarf, or more or less spreading and
drooping when in situations which are favourable to
enlarged development : in the former case the fronds are
thicker and more leathery in texture ; in the latter, thinner
and less rigid, from being produced in very damp shady
situations. The usual form of the fronds is what is called
strap-shaped, that is, narrow oblong-lanceolate, much
elongated ; they taper towards, and are acute at, the apex,
narrowing a little downwards, and becoming cordate at
the base ; the margin is entire, or very slightly wavy, and
SCOLOPENDRIUM. 157
they are supported on shapjgy stipes averaging about a third
of their entire length.
The fronds have a strong midrib or costa, extending
throughout their whole length, from which are produced
forked veins, the branches of which (venules) lie parallel,
and proceed direct towards the margin, terminating just
within the edge in a club-shaped apex. The veins are usually
forked twice, but they are not constant to any exact num-
ber of divisions. The sori, which are oblong patches of
unequal length, lying in the direction of the veins at short
intervals along the upper two-thirds of the length of the
frond, are each composed of two proximate lines of fructi-
fication laterally united ; each of these lines, however, consists
of a complete sorus, so that the two united are properly
called a twin sorus. This is the mark of the genus Scolo-
pendrium. This twin sorus is always produced between two
fascicles of veins ; that is, the lowermost venule produced by
one vein, and the uppermost venule produced by the vein
next below — these two venules lying, of course, contiguous,
each become a receptacle upon which one of the two con-
tiguous lines of spore- cases is produced. The indusia which
cover these, have their attachment respectively on the upper
and lower sides of their venules, the other edges overlapping
158 HISTORY OF BRITISH FERNS.
one the other ; the free margin, therefore, is exterior with
reference to the fascicle of venules to which it belongs.
When very young there is no evident trace of separation at
the part where they overlap, but as they advance towards
maturity the separation becomes apparent, and they even-
tually open down the centre, one indusium turning upwards
and the other downwards, the two lines of spore-cases
they had covered becoming confluent and undistinguishable
without manipulation.
This is the ordinary form of Scolopendrium -; but there
are a great number of very curious and some very distinct
varieties, differing only, however, rather in the form of the
fronds than in the fructification. Of these varieties it is
deserving of especial mention that they are for the most
part perfectly constant under cultivation, although they
have, no doubt, originated in aberrations — that is to say,
accidental variations, from the original species, which have
been perpetuated naturally or by art. It is, moreover, a
curious fact, that most of them arc reproduced from spores.
One of the most beautiful of these varieties is that called
crispum, in which, the same outline of frond prevailing, the
leafy portion is so much more developed than the midrib,
that the margin becomes excessively undulated, giving the
SCOLOPENDRIUM. 159
fronds a very elegant curled or crisped appearance. This
sort is barren, though there is an allied form less curled
which produces the usual fructification.
A curious and distinct variety is called polyschides, or
angustifolium by some. The fronds of this are linear, and
blunt at the apex, much narrower than in the common
sort, and the margin is deeply and irregularly lobed and
crenated. This sort is fertile, and its sori are short, and,
instead of being ranged in a single series on each side the
midrib, as is usual in the common sort, they form two
irregular lines on each side.
Another curious and very beautiful variety, called
marginatum, is lobed in the same manner fis pohjscJddes,
but has the fronds broader ; it is remarkable in having,
behind, a longitudinal excurrent membrane on each side
between the midrib and margin, on which membrane, as
well as exterior to it, the short interrupted sori are pro-
duced. This was found in Somersetshire, by Sir W. C.
Trevclyan's gardener, Mr. Elworthy. Another beautiful
form — fissum — is lobed like polyschides, but broader, and
without the membrane present in marginatum.
Another striking variety is multifidum. This has the
fronds forked cither near the apex or sometimes near the
160 HISTORY OF BRITISH FERNS.
base ; each branch is again more or less repeatedly forked,
and the apices of all the forks are developed into irregular
fan-shaped leafy expansions, to which the term multifid is
applied. Sometimes the fronds are merely forked once or
twice, without being multifid, and this state has been called
lobatum ; in other cases the stipes itself becomes forked,
bearing multifid branches, and this has been called
ramosum. This multifid sort is fertile, and occurs in
many variations.
A dwarf and highly ornamental variety is that called
laceratum, or sometimes endiviwfoUum, which was found
by Mr. Young, near Taunton, in Somersetshire. In this the
fronds are often nearly as broad as long, with the margin
deeply gashed into irregular lobes, the lobes being numerous,
crowded, and much undulated, sometimes tapering, some-
times more or less dilated at the apex, the basal pair often
considerably enlarged, and so much developed as to produce
an approach to the palmate form.
The common Hartstongue is an inhabitant of hedge-
banks, of old walls, and sometimes of the interior of wells,
in which latter situation it acquires great luxuriance. It
is one of the more commonly distributed species in England
and in Ireland, less abundant in Scotland ; and also found
SCOLOPENDRIUM. 161
all over Europe. The varieties are rare in a wild state,
and are better known as cultivated plants ; they admit of
propagation, and are mostly permanent.
Being an evergreen, and a plant of free growth, the
Hartstongue is one of the most desirable hardy Ferns
we possess for open rockwork. Its simple fronds contrast
well with the more compound forms ; and its varieties all
have a different aspect, combined with the same good quali-
ties of hardiness and endurance. Shady and rather humid
places are those in which this plant most delights, although,
as is evident from its sometimes growing on walls, it will
live in more exposed and arid situations. The plants,
however, never acquire much vigour under such circum-
stances, and have mostly a starved and stunted aspect.
They are not particular as to soil, sandy loam, containing
fibrous or half-decayed vegetable matter, or the damp
surface of some porous stone, is much preferable to soil
which is much spent and comminuted ; as indeed is the
case with respect to all Ferns.
The Hartstongue is sometimes called Scolopendrium
officinarum, and has been named Scolopendrmm Phyl-
litidls, Asplenium Scolopendriwn, or Fhyllitis Scolo^
pendrium.
M
162 HISTORY OF BRITISH FERNS.
Genus X. BLECHNUM, or HAED FERN".
English botanists are not agreed "wliether this plant
should be considered to belong to the genus Blechmm or
Lomaria. We think it most nearly related to the former,
although in the contraction of its fertile fronds it approaches
very near to the latter. Among the British ferns, the one
species of this genus is known by having its fructification
extended longitudinally on the pinnte, so as to form a
linear or continuous sorus on each side the midvein, and
about midway between it and the margin. No other
British Fern has its fructification in extended lines lying
parallel with the midrib except the Pteris, or Bracken, in
which, however, the sorus is on the margin, and not within
the margin and near the midvein, as in Blechnum. The
Blechnum may, however, be at once known from the
Pteris, by the division of its fronds, which are merely
pinnate, while those of Pteris are decompound.
The name Blechnum is an adaptation of the Greek
hlechnon, which signifies a Fern. There is but one native
species, for which the specific name Spicant has un-
questionably the right of priority over boreale, which is
BLECHNUM. 163
often used in this country. The specific name Spicant
has, indeed, been used to distinguish this plant by nearly
all the older botanists, though they may have held con-
flicting views as to its genus, referring it, for example,
among others, to Osmimda, to Onoclea, to Acrostickum,
and to Asplenium.
Blechnum Spicant, Both.
The Common Hard Fern. (Plate XVI. fig. 2.)
The common name of this species is very appropriate,
from the rigid harshness of its texture. It is one of the few
native kinds which produce two distinct-looking kinds
of frond — fertile and barren. The fertile ones have their
pinnae much narrowed, or contracted, as it is called, while
the fronds themselves are considerably taller than the
barren ones. These fronds grow in large tufts, and being
very gracefully disposed, the plant becomes one of the most
ornamental of our wild species during the summer season,
when its fronds are in a fresh state. Both kinds of fronds
are of a narrow lanceolate form ; the barren ones being only
deeply pinnatifid, while the fertile ones are pinnate ; but the
segments in both are long and narrow, like the teeth of a
comb. The barren fronds, which are from one-half to two-
M 2
164 HISTORY OF BRITISH FERNS.
tliirds the height of the fertile ones, assume a spreading or
horizontal position, and are attached to the caudex by a
very short scaly stipes. The fertile ones, which are situated
in the centre of the tufts, are erect, from one to two feet
high, the stipes, which is sparingly furnished with long
pointed scales, being nearly half the length, and of a dark-
brown colour.
The veins are not very evident in the fertile fronds, on
account of the contraction of the parts, but they resemble
those of the barren ones, except in having a longitudinal
venule on each side the midvein, forming the receptacle
to which the spore-cases are attached. The midvein is
prominent, and produces a series of veins on each side,
these becoming forked, and extending almost to the margin,
terminating in a club-shaped head. In the fertile fronds
the veinlets are necessarily shorter, and connected, as
already mentioned, by the longitudinal venules which
bear the fructification. The spore-cases are thus arranged
in two linear sori, one on each side the midvein ;
these are distinct while young, but often become con-
fluent, covering the whole under-surface of the pinnse.
The indusia, by which they are first covered, when
mature, burst along that side towards the midrib, and
PTERIS. 165
eventually become split across here and there, at points
opposite some of the venules.
The Hard Fern is a rather common plant, occurring in
heathy and stony places, and preferring localities which
are rather damp than otherwise. It is found in various
parts of Europe. In cultivation, it is a very suitable plant
for damp shady rockwork, and in such situations, planted
in peaty soil, it grows freely, and without requiring any
special attention.
The principal of its synonyms are — Lomaria Spicant,
Blechnum horeale, Asplenium Spicant, Onoclea Spicant,
Acrostic/mm Spicant, Struthiopteris Spicant, Osmunda
Spicant, and Osmunda borealis.
Genus XI. PTERIS, or BRACKEW.
The Pteris, or Bracken, is the most common of all our
Ferns. It is that which occurs almost everywhere in
woods and in sandy wastes, often appropriating to itself the
whole surface of the ground, but seeming to possess the
peculiarity of avoiding chalky soil. It is very variable in
its appearance, owing to differences in its size and develop-
166 HISTORY OF BRITISH FERNS.
ment, dependent on the circumstances in Avhich it grows.
Its more usual size is from three to four feet in height.
Sometimes in dry, very sandy soil, the plant becomes a
pigmy, not reaching a foot in height, and being merely
bipinnate. The opposite extreme occurs when the plant
is growing on damp hedge-banks, in warm shady lanes,
where it attains eight or ten feet in height, and is
proportionately compound in its development. Under
circumstances which favour the most luxuriant deve-
lopment, this common and usually vulgar-looking plant
combines the most noble and graceful aspect, perhaps,
which is borne by any of our indigenous species, its
fronds scrambling up among the bushes, which sustain
them at the base, while their graceful feathery-looking tops
form, overhead, a living arch of the tenderest green.
The Pteris is known among our native Ferns by having
the edses of all the little divisions of its fronds furnished
with a line of spore-cases. No other of our native species has
the fructification arranged in continiious lines except this
and the Blechnum ; and the Pteris may be readily known
from that by the lines being in it confined to the margin,
leaving the centre unoccupied, while in Blechnum the
extreme margin is unoccupied by the sori.
PTERIS. 167
Pteris is a Greek name for a Fern, and is derived from
the word pteron, which signifies a feather ; and, of course,
is here applied in reference to the graceful feather-like
aspect which the fronds of Ferns generally possess. When
the plant is very luxuriant, this name is quite as applicable
to the Bracken as to any other known Fern. This con-
sideration is perhaps enough to justify the application to
this species, by the older writers, of the name of Female
Fern, which scarcely seems appropriate to the commoner
uncouth-looking form which the plant more usually bears.
Pteris aquilina, Linnwus.
The Common Brakes, or Bracken.
(Plate XVII. fig. 1.)
This Fern has a creeping caudex, and one that creeps
very extensively too, just beneath the surface of the soil,
though in some cases descending to a great depth perpen-
dicularly ; it is recorded by Mr. Newman that he has
found the stems thus penetrating to a depth of fifteen feet.
This caudex is thickish, black-looking, and succulent,
containing a good deal of starch. From it are produced,
at intervals, the annual fronds, which generally make their
appearance about the latter end of May, when there is
1G8 HISTORY OF BRITISH FERNS.
little risk of frosts, for the least frost would destroy them,
and, indeed, it is not uncommon for the earlier growth to
be destroyed in exposed places by the very slight frosts
which occur at that season of the year.
The fronds themselves have been variously described,
and often erroneously, for they are not unfrequently said
to be three-branched, a form which really occurs in one of
the smaller Polypodies (P. Dryopteris). They are not
properly three-branched, and except when very much
starved and stunted, do not approach that form very nearly.
They are, in reality, bipinnate, or, when very luxuriant, tri-
pinnate, the pinnse standing opposite in pairs, each pair in
succession becoming fully developed, while the main rachis
is extending upwards, and the next pair is beginning to un-
fold. The mature fronds are thus truly bi- or tri-pinnate,
with the pairs of pinnse standing opposite. When the fronds
are much diminished in size by the sterility of the soil
which sustains them, they become almost triangular, and
then have somewhat the appearance of a three-branched
frond, the development of the lower pair of branches not
leaving the plant energy enough to carry up its rachis,
and produce the other pairs of pinnaB which it would
normally possess. That this is the true habit of the
PTERIS. 169
species is still more clearly exhibited when it attains its
greatest luxuriance, for the full-grown fronds then consist
merely of a series of pairs of branches from the bottom to
the top. The unrolled young fronds are very curious
objects, and the watching of their development will be
found full of interest.
The stipes is downy while young, and furnished with
sharp angles, which, when mature, will wound the hand
severely, if it be incautiously pulled. The part under-
ground is black, like the creeping stem itself, and is
spindle-shaped just at the base, where it permanently
retains the downy or velvety surface w"hich was present in
the upper portions while young. Average specimens of
the fronds are tripinnate, that is, they produce a certain
number of pairs of branch-like pinnoe, which branches are
bipinnate. We must confine our further description to
one of these branches, selected from the lower part of the
frond, where they are more perfectly developed than in the
upper parts, — such a branch, in fact, as is represented in
Plate XVII. The general form is ovate, a little elon-
gated ; that of its pinna) (the secondary pinnae) narrow
lanceolate. These latter are placed rather closely together,
and are again divided into a series of pinnules, which are
170 HISTORY or BRITISH FERNS.
either undivided, and attached to the rachis by their base
without the intervention of any stalk, bearing a line of
spore-cases along each margin ; or, are larger, more elon-
gated, and deeply pinnatifid or sinuate, the margins of
these lobes bearing the lines of spore-cases. The apices of
the primary and secondary pinnce, and of the pinnatifid
pinnules, become less and less divided, until at last the
extreme points form an entire lobe, more or less elongated.
In its venation there is some variety, dependent on the
differences of structure and development which we have
already pointed out. We shall be most intelligible by
explaining the form represented in Plate XVII. , which
shows the least divided form of the plant. Each pin-
nule, as is there shown, has a distinct midvein, producing
alternate lateral veins, which become twice forked, and
extend to the margin, where they meet a longitudinal
marginal vein which forms the receptacle. The indusium
consists of a bleached, membranous, fringed expansion of
the upper skin or epidermis of the fronds, which reflexes
so as to cover the spore-cases ; but there is here another
membrane which lies beneath the spore-cases, and is no
doubt a similar expansion of the skin of the under-surface.
The two very dissimilar forms of this plant we have pro-
ADIANTUM. 171
posed to distinguish as varieties, applying to the pinnatifid
form the name vera, and to the more entire form that of
integerrima.
This, which is the most abundant of our indigenous
species, is also widely distributed in other parts of the
world, and bears a variety of names, from having been
supposed to be distinct by those who have met with it from
such widely-separated localities.
Being so common, and in an ordinary state uncouth-
looking, it is not a plant for cultivation to any extent.
In warm, damp wilderness scenery, however, where it would
attain great luxuriance, and the situation is such as would
enable it to develop the arching character already men-
tioned, it might very properly be introduced.
Genus XII. ADIANTUM, or MAIDENHAIR FERN.
The Adiantum, or Maidenhair, may be known among
the British Ferns by its almost fan-shaped leaflets or
pinnules, which are attached by their narrow end to the
little black hair-like stalks. This, however, though suffi-
172 HISTORY OF BRITISH FERNS.
cient by wliicli to recognize it, among the refy limited
number of kinds which are found in a wild state in Britain,
is not its proper distinctive mark. The real characteristics
lie in the veins and in the sori. The former may be readily
seen by holding a pinnule between the eye and a strong
light, and the latter by lifting up the little reflexed lobes
which occur here and there at the margin on the under-
surface. The veins are dichotomously forked, that is,
separating into two equal branches, beginning from the
base upwards, the forking being several times repeated,
producing close parallel radiating venules which extend
to the margin. The sori are produced on the reflexed (or
bent-under) membranous expansions of the margin of the
fronds, which form the indusia, these indusia being tra-
versed by veins which bear the sori. There is only one
native species which possesses these characteristics, and
this is certainly one of the most beautiful, as it is also one
of the rarer of our indigenous Ferns ; and being of small
size and of evergreen habit, it is one of the most desirable
of all for culture in a "Wardian case.
The name of the genus comes from the Greek adiantos,
which signifies dry, or unmoistened ; and is applicable to
these plants, from their possessing in a remarkable degree
ABIANTUM. 173
tlie property of repelling water. It is, in fact, impossible
to wet the surface of their pinnules, when the fronds are
in a fresh state and in good health, the water being cast off
as though from a waxy surface.
Adiantum Capillus-Veneris, Linnaeus.
The Maidenhair Fern. (Plate XVI. fig. 1.)
A small evergreen species, furnished with a very short
creeping stem, which is clothed with small black scales,
and bears delicate, graceful, somewhat drooping fronds, of
six inches to a foot high. These fronds are usually of an.
irregularly ovate form, sometimes elongate, occasionally
approaching to linear. When highly developed, the fronds
are about thrice pinnate ; but the less vigorous fronds are
usually only twice pinnate, with alternate pinnaj and
pinnules ; and sometimes fronds are found which are only
once pinnate. The ultimate pinnules, or leaflets, are very
irregular in shape, but for the most part have a wedge-
shaped or tapering base, and a more or less rounded and
oblique apex, and they have generally some variation of a
fan-shaped or rhomboidal outline. The margin is more
or less deeply lobed, the apices of the lobes in the fertile
pinnules being reflexed and changed into membranous in-
174< HISTOKY OF BRITISH FERNS.
dusia, whilst the lobes of the barren fronds are serrated ; their
texture- is thin and membranaceous, their surface smooth,
their colour a cheerful green. The stipes, which is about
half as long as the frond, and furnished with a few small
scales at the base, is black and shining, as also are the
rachides, the ultimate ramifications of which are small and
hair-like.
The veins throughout the pinnules are forked on a di-
chotomous or two-branched plan, from the base upwards,
the venules lying nearly parallel and extending in straight
lines towards the margins, those of the barren fronds ter-
minating in the serratures of the margin, but those of the
fertile fronds extendins; into the indusium, there formino^
the receptacles to which the spore-cases are attached. The
sori are oblong, covered by indusia of the same form, each
consisting of the apex of one of the lobes of the frond,
changed to a membranous texture, and folded under. The
sori are, as already mentioned, seated on this membranous
reflexed lobe, and by this circumstance the genus may at
once be detected by those who are not conversant with its
easily recognized primd-facie appearances.
The Maidenhair is a local plant, though it has a wide
geographical range. It is found here and there in the
CYSTOPTERIS. 175
warmer parts of Great Britain and Ireland, evidently
preferring cavernous and rocky situations within the
influence of the sea. The same species is found in the
warmer parts of Europe, in Asia, in the north of Africa,
and in the Canaries and Cape de Verd Islands.
It is, moreover, a tender plant, and does not thrive
under cultivation in the climate even of the south of
England, unless sheltered in a frame or greenhouse, or
by being covered with a glass. In a Wardian case it
grows well ; and attains great luxuriance in a damp hot-
house. The proper soil for it is very light turfy peat,
mixed with a considerable proportion of silver sand, and it
is beneficial to plant it on or around a small lump of free
sandstone.
Genus XIII. CYSTOPTERIS, or BLADDER FERN".
The species of Cystopteris are all small fragile Ferns,
yet, notwithstanding, they are very beautiful and very in-
teresting, and furnish some remarkable differences of form.
They are much more delicate and herbaceous in their
texture than the majority of our native species, and hence
176 HISTORY OF BRITISH FERNS.
are well adapted for the purpose of minute investigation
into the nature of their venation and fructification. Their
texture alone almost suffices to tell a practised eye their
family position ; but the tyro needs a more precise charac-
teristic, and this is found in the structure of the scale or
indusium which covers the sori. The sori of these plants
are round, as in Lastrea and PoIysticJmm, all, equally
with Cy stopfer is, once included under the old family name
oi Aspidiiim ; but here, instead of being almost flat and
circular, the cover is inflated or bulged out like a hood,
or, while young, even flask-like or bladdery in appearance ;
hence these plants are called Bladder Ferns. This indu-
sium is attached at the back (towards the base of the
pinnule) of the sorus by its broad base, covering the spore-
cases while in a young state, but becoming ultimately
reflexed at the point, which is more or less jagged or
fringed. There are three native species, of one of which
numerous distinct forms or varieties occur.
The technical name comes from two Greek words, Jcystos
and pteris, which respectively mean bladder and fern ; so
that in this case the English appellation is a literal trans-
lation of the scientific name.
CYSTOPTEKIS. 177
Cystopteris fragilis, Bernhardi.
The Brittle Bladder Fern. (Plate X. fig. 1.)
This is a tufted-growing plant, spreading, if undis-
turbed, under congenial circumstances, into large patches
of numerous crowns, each of which throws up a tuft of
several fronds, growing from six inches to a foot, some-
times more, in height. The stipes, which is very brittle,
dark-coloured, and shining, with a few small scales at the
base, is usually rather more than a third of the lengtli of
the frond, and generally erect. The frond is lanceolate,
bipinnate ; the pinnce lanceolate, the pinnules ovate-acute,
cut more or less deeply on the margin, the lobes furnished
with a few pointed teeth. In some of the plants, and
usually owing to their vigour, the pinnules are so very
deeply cut as to become pinnatifid, almost pinnate, the
lobes themselves then resembling the smaller pinnules
nearer the apex of the pinnae and frond.
The venation is very readily seen, owing to the delicate
texture of the frond. In the ordinary-sized pinnules there
is a somewhat tortuous midvein, which gives off a lateral
branch or vein to each of the lobes into which the
margin is cut, these veins branching again into two,
178 HISTORY OF BRITISH FERNS.
three, four, or more venules, according to the size of the
lobes, and each branch generally bearing a sorus at about
midway its length. The sori are thus generally numerous,
and rather irregularly disposed ; and it often occurs that
they are so numerous as, when fully grown, to become
confluent into a mass of fructification covering the whole
under surface of the frond. The number of sori produced,
and consequently the sparse or crowded disposition of the
fructification, is a matter altogether dependent upon the
circumstances of growth, and hence exceedingly liable to
vary even in the same plant, and within the same year,
as heat or cold, drought or moisture, may preponderate.
The sori, which are nearly circular, are covered while
young as already explained, by a concave or hood -shaped
iudusium, which usually becomes torn or split at the point
into narrow segments, and the whole soon becomes pushed
back or cast off by the growing spore-cases.
There are many forms or varieties of this species. In
the form called angustata, the points of the pinnae and
the apex of the frond itself are often considerably narrowed
or elongated. One form, which is certainly the rhceticum
of Bolton, and nearly allied to angustata, is rather larger,
generally, than the typical form, and differs in having its
CYSTOPTERIS. 179
upper basal pinnules largest ; the stipes, too, is tough, not
brittle.
Another distinct variety, called dentata, is generally
smaller, and almost always blunter in the form of its
parts ; this grows from six to eight inches high, and has
ovate- lanceolate pinnso, with ovate, obtuse, pointless pin-
nules, which are again divided on the margin into a series
of short blunt notches or teeth ; the venation is more
simple, and the fructification is more marginal, than in
any of the preceding forms. It is reproduced from the
spores.
The most distinct of the varieties, however, is one
called Dickieana, after Dr. Dickie, who discovered it in
a sea-cave near Aberdeen. It is of a more compact habit
of growth than any of the preceding, and grows from four
to six inches in height ; the outline almost ovate, termi-
nating in a point ; the pinnae ovate-lanceolate, deflexed,
overlapping each other ; the pinnules decurrent, broad,
obtuse, with a few shallow, marginal notches ; the
texture very delicate and herbaceous ; and the fructi-
fication marginal. It is of a deep green. It is a
constant variety under cultivation, and is reproduced by
spores.
N 2
180 HISTORY OF BRITISH FERNS.
The usual forms of this species occur abundantly in
moist mountainous districts, and also on walls, but gener-
ally in moist rocky situations throughout the United
Kingdom, Ireland excepted, where it is comparatively
rare. The same species is very widely dispersed in various
parts of the world. The varieties are more rare. Cysto-
pteris fragilis may be said to have rather a preference to
limestone. Under cultivation it is one of the most
manageable of the smaller sorts, growing freely on rock-
work or in pots. Its fronds are produced very early in
spring, are often renewed during summer, and continue to
grow up in succession until the frosts cut them off. Being
so very delicate in texture, the first frosts which have
access to them do this.
The names of Cyathea fragilis, C. cynapifolia, C. an-
thriscifvlia, G. dentata ; Cystea fragilis, C. angustata,
C. dentata ; Polypodium fragile, P. cynapifoliam, P.
antkriscifolium, P. dentatum, P. rhwticum ; Aspidium
fragile, A. dentatum, and A. rhwticum, have been given
by various authors to the different forms of this variable
species.
GYSTOPTERIS. 181
Cystopteris regia, Presl.
The Alpine Bladder Fern. (Plate X. fig. 2.)
This diminutive but very elegant plant is quite a gem.
It has a close- tufted stem, producing from its crown
numerous bright green fronds, usually four to six, but
sometimes as much as ten inches high. These grow up
in May, and die away in autumn. Their form is lanceo-
late, the mode of division bipinnate, with the pinnules so
deeply pinnatifid as to render them almost tripinnate.
The stipes is short, smooth, and scaly at the base. The
pinnjB are nearly opposite, with a winged rachis, ovate,
divided into bluntly ovate pinnules, these latter being
deeply cleft, almost down to their midvein, into short,
blunt, linear lobes, which are either entire, or have two
or three blunt teeth. The midvein of the pinnules is
nearly straight, with a vein, simple or divided, branching
off to each lobe, one branch extending to the point of
each marginal tooth. The small roundish sori are rather
numerous, but not confluent, borne near the margin, and
covered by concave membranous indusia.
This species, which nfiay be cultivated without difficulty
in pots under shelter, provided they are guarded against
182 HISTORY OF BRITISH PERNS.
tlie eflfects of damp in winter, has been found on an old
wall at Leyton, in Essex. Its claim to aboriginality is
strongly suspected, a small, much-divided form of Cysto-
pteris fragilis being supposed to have been mistaken for
it. The Scotch and Welsh plants which have been called
Cystopteris alpina are probably open to this objection, but
the Essex plant is no doubt genuine ; and fronds of the
true plant have been communicated by Mr. Shepherd of
Liverpool, as having been gathered in Derbyshire and
Yorkshire ; and we have seen others from the Lake district.
It occurs in the alpine parts of southern Europe.
Cystopteris alpina is another name for this elegant plant,
which has also been called Cyathea rec/ia and Cyathea
incisa, Cystea regia, Polypodium reyinm, Polypodium
alpinum, Aspidium regium, and Polypodium trifidum.
Cystopteris montana, LiiiJc.
The 3Iountain Bladder-Fern. (Plate XIV. fig. 2.)
This is one of the rarest of our native Ferns, and hence
is a plant of great interest. It is a small species, growing
with a slender creeping stem, by the division of which it is
increased. The fronds, which grow up from this caudex,
are from four to six or eight inches high, triangular in
CYSTOPTERIS. 183
outline, from the great development of the lowest pair of
pinna3 ; and they are remarkable for the comparative length
of the slender stipes, which is about twice as long as the
leafy portion. The fronds are tripinnate in the lower part,
and bipinnate upwards, the pinnse spreading, and standing
opposite in pairs, the lowest pair considerably larger than
the next above, and unequally developed, the, inferior side
being very much larger than the superior ; this dispro-
portion is not maintained to the same extent in the upper
portions of the frond. The lower pinnae, on the inferior
side, are first divided into ovate or lanceolate pinnules, and
these are again cut into a second series of pinnules, of an
ovate or oblong form, these ultimate pinnules being coarsely
and irregularly notched or toothed ; on the upper side, the
pinnules correspond with the secondary pinnules of the
lower side. The inferior pinnules of the next pair of pinnse
also correspond in size, outline, and subdivision with the
scondary pinnules of the lower pinnae ; and above this the
parts become gradually smaller and less divided up to the
apex of the frond.
The whole texture of the fronds is delicate and herba-
ceous, as in the more common species, and hence the veins
show very distinctly. In the ultimate pinnules the central
184 HISTORY OF BRITISH FERNS.
vein is somewhat flexuous, and gives off alternate lateral
veins, one of which is directed towards the sinus or margi-
nal indentation between two serratures. The sori have the
roundish form common in this genus, and, being often
numerous, they then become very conspicuous when full-
grown ; but though crowded, they do not appear often to
become confluent. These sori are covered, in the young
state, by blunt, concave, jagged-edged indusia.
This rare species was supposed to occur wild in the
United Kingdom only, among the Breadalbane mountains
of Scotland, on one of which, Ben Lawers, it was originally
found in 1836 by Mr. Wilson, in company with Sir W. J.
Hooker and Professor Graham. It has subsequently been
found in other parts of the same region ; and more recently
by Mr. Backhouse in the Clova Mountains. It grows in
very wet shady places, on the ledges of the rocks. In the
European Alps this Fern is met with, most abundantly
northwards ; and it also occurs on the Eocky Mountains
of the New World.
The synonyms of this species are Pohipodium montanum,
Aspiditim montanum, Cifathea montana, Cystopteris Alli-
oni, and Cystopteris myrrhidifolia.
WOODSIA. 185
Genus XIV. WOODSIA.
The Woodsias form a family group consisting of two
diminutive kinds, which, however, possess much interest
among the British species on account of their extreme rarity.
These Ferns are furnished with indusia, and by the peculiar
construction and position of this organ, they may readily be
known. The peculiar nature of the indusia consists in
their being placed not as a cover to the sori, but attached
underneath them ; when very young they indeed enclose
them, but subsequently they split from above into narrow
scale-like segments not easily distinguished, without optical
assistance, from the hairs which occur alono; with them on
the fronds. In the full-grown state, the sori are conse-
quently seated in the centre of a spreading tuft of hair-like
scales, which are formed of the lacerated margins of the in-
dusium — the latter being attached to the frond at the point
beneath the capsules. No other native Ferns possess a
structure at all approaching to this.
These Ferns were formerly ranked with the Polypodies
and Acrostic/mm, but when the structure of this race of
186 HISTORY OF BRITISH FERNS.
plants became better understood, they were very properly
separated, and they now, in conjunction with some few
foreign kinds, form a distinct family circle. The name
JVoodsia was given in compliment to the clever veteran
English botanist, Joseph Woods, Esq., author of a very
useful ' Tourist's Flora.'
Woodsia ilvensis, B. Brown.
The Oblong Woodsia. (Plate III. fig. 2.)
A deciduous species, dying down to the ground annually
in winter, and reviving with the returning spring. Its very
short stems form tufts, which, if thriving and not disturbed,
and situated under favourable circumstances, grow into
masses, large comparatively with its diminutive stature.
The fronds average about four inches in height, and are less
frequently found larger than smaller than this. Their form
is lanceolate, more or less broad ; and they arc pinnate,
the pinnae usually set on nearly or quite opposite in pairs,
and having an obtusely oblong outline, with a deeply-lubed
or piunatifid margin. They are of a thick dull-looking
texture, and are more or less clothed on both surfaces, but
especially on the veins beneath, with minute bristle-like
scales, and shining jointed hairs, among which the sori
WOODSIA. 187
are almost concealed. The stipes is also scaly, and, as
occurs in a whole group of these Woodsias, has a joint or
articulation at a short distance from its base, at which
point separation takes place if the fronds are left to attain
a good old age, the lower part remaining attached to the
caudex, while the upper part falls away. The veining of
the segments of the pinnae consists of a rather indistinct
midvein, from which the veins, either simple or branched
proceed towards the margin, near to which the sori are
produced.
There seems no reasonable doubt that the Fern which
Linna3us called Acrostichum ilvense is that now under
notice. It has also been called Pohjpodium ilvense.
Woodsia alpina, Gray.
The Blimt-leaved, or A Ipine Woodsia.
(Plate IV. fig. 1.)
This is a diminutive species, never exceeding a few inches
in stature, and renewing its fronds annually in the spring,
the older ones being destroyed by the frosts and cold of
winter ; when this influence is felt by the plants, the fronds
quickly lose their vitality, and are cast off at the articulation
or joint near the base of the stipes, which occurs in this
188 HISTORY OF BRITISH FERNS.
family. The Alpine Woodsia, like its congener, grows in
a tufted manner, sending up several fronds from the crown,
from the base of which the dark-coloured wiry roots are
protruded. In form these fronds are longish and compara-
tively very narrow, almost linear, as it is termed ; and they
are pinnately divided into several roundish triangular pinnaa,
which are shallowly lobed on the margin, and are usually
set on alternately along the opposite sides of the stalk or
rachis ; those towards the lower part are usually placed at
a greater distance apart than those near the upper end.
They are nearly smooth on the surface, and, in tliis respect,
unlike those of the kindred species, which have a much
more hairy appearance ; small hair-like scales, in company
with hairs, are however present in this species. The mid-
vein of the pinnae is indistinct, and throws out veins
into each lobe, these veins being more or less branched
according to the size of the lobes. The sori are placed
near the extremity of the veins, and are often abundantly
produced, so as to become crowded on the pinnae.
The Alpine Woodsia is also named W. hyperborea, and
â– formerly Acrostichum alpinum, Acrostichum hyperboreum,
, Folypodium hyperboreum, and Polypodium arvonicum.
The two species of Woodsia are, in Great Britain, found
TRICHOMANES. 189
only in high mountain regions, where they grow from the
crevices of the moistened rocks. They are both rare, though,
from the inaccessible localities in which they only occur,
they may really be more abundant than is generally sup-
posed. Both also appear to be confined to the northern
parts of our hemisphere.
Their rarity rather than their beauty invests these plants
with interest for the cultivator. They re^iuire to be kept
in a cold shady frame, to be potted in porous soil amongst
lumps of stone, to be carefully guarded against drought or
stagnant moisture, and to be rarely disturbed at the root.
Genus XV. TRICHOMANES, or BRISTLE FERN.
The Trichomanes is the most tropical genus among our
native Ferns ; it is also one of the rarest ; the one indi-
genous species being among the few which are met with
very sparingly, and within a comparatively narrow range.
It is not, however, the rarest of our species, although very
unfrequent, and local. Unlike in texture all the other
native kinds excepting the Hymenophyllums, being quite
pellucid, and of the most delicately-crisped appearance
190 HISTORY OF BRITISH FERNS.
imaginable, it may be distinguished by this mark alone.
The fructification, too, is here totally nnlike that of all
others, except the Ilymenophyllums, from which, in the
native species, it is easily distinguishable, although in some
exotic kinds the differences almost vanish. The technical
mark by which to distinguish TricJiomanes and Hymeno-
phyllum among the British Ferns, lies in the fact of their
spore-cases being contained within deep urn-shaped pits or
recesses at the margin ; that is to say, in these two
families the fructification is at the margin instead of being
situated at the hack of the fronds. Trichomanes is known
from Ilymenophyllum by its urns, or involucres as they
are called, being entire, while those of Ilymenophyllum are
split lengthwise into two valves. In both, the spore-cases
are clustered around hair-like receptacles, which are, in
fact, the ends of the veins of the fronds projecting into the
urns. In Ilymenophyllum these hairs are always shorter
than the urn, but in Trichomanes it is usual for them to
project more or less, so that the fronds become somewhat
bristly when very full of fructification ; and hence has
arisen the common name of Bristle Fern, which is applied
to the group.
The name Trichoma?ies itself has the same signification :
TRICHOMANES. 191
it comes from two Greek words, meaning hair, and excess,
in reference to these projecting hair-like receptacles.
Trichomanes radicans, Swartz.
The Bristle Fern. (Plate XVI 1 1, fig. 1.)
This very beautiful plant exists only in the immediate
neio-hbourhood of waterfalls, and in situations where a
constant moisture is maintained. Such conditions are,
indeed, quite necessary to it, on account of its semi-mem-
branous texture, which shrinks before an arid atmosphere ;
and hence it can only be successfully cultivated when kept
quite close, and constantly wetted over head. This species
has a creeping, wiry, black-looking stem, clothed with
pointed scales. The fronds are three or four times pinna-
tifid, cut up into small linear segments, which are entire or
bifid at the apex, and have a stout nerve or vein running
up their centre, and rendered very conspicuous in conse-
quence of the thin pellucid texture of the leafy expansions
which surround it. Or the frond may be described as con-
sisting of a series of three or four times branched rigid
veins, margined throughout by a thin, pellucid, cellular
expansion, or wing, a greater or less number of the apices
of the veins becoming surrounded by the cellular membrane
11)2 HISTORY OF BRITISH FERNS.
in the form of an urn or vase, and within them bearing the
fructification.
The fronds are pendulous, and vary from an angular-
ovate to a lanceolate form, the divisions being considerably
undulated, so that they acquire a crisped appearance. The
first series of lobes are usually of an ovate-lanceolate form ;
the next series shorter, more ovate, and the third series of
divisions narrow, more or less linear. The ultimate
branches of the veins which extend into the divisions of
this third series, end just at or within the apex of the
lobes if they are barren ; but if they are fertile, they are
produced beyond the margin, and surrounded at the base
by the urn-shaped involucre, within which the spore-cases
are placed. Sometimes the involucre is so placed as to
appear immersed within the margin, but it more frequently
projects beyond the margin. There is also considerable
variation as to the length to which the bristle-like recep-
tacle is extended beyond the involucre ; sometimes scarcely
exceeding it in length, and sometimes being four or five
times as long.
The variety Andrewsii, is the lanceolate form of this
plant, in which the pinnae or first set of divisions are
narrow and distant ; it is tolerably distinct from the
TRICHOMANES. 193
broader form. The name Andrewsii is given to it in
compliment to W. Andrews, Esq., of Dublin, by whom it
was first brought into notice.
The Sister Isle now claims, so far as the British Isles
are concerned, sole parentage of this lovely, half-trans-
parent species ; there, amidst dripping rocks, it thrives
with a degree of luxuriance which charms every one who
has seen it creeping over their shelving ledges. It is said
to have been formerly found in Yorkshire. The same
species is widely distributed in the warmer parts of the
world.
The rarity and elegance of this plant make it a favourite
species for cultivation. The conditions of success are, a
close atmosphere, shade, moderate warmth, constant but
not stagnant moisture, and a porous surface to which the
roots may cling.
Among the many names which have been applied to this
plant, the following are the most likely to occur in English
books : — Trichomanes speciosum, Tricliomanes brevisetum^
Trichomanes alatum, and Hymenophyllum alatum.
194 HISTORY OF BRITISH FERNS.
Genus XVI. HYMENOPHYLLUM, or FILM FERN.
The British HymenophiUums, or Film Ferns, are small
moss-like plants, with pellucid fronds, distinguished, along
with Trichomanes, by having their fructification at the
edges of the fronds ; and known from that genus by
having the involucres, which surround the clusters of
spore-cases, two-valved instead of urn-shaped or entire.
So far as our native species go, these distinctions serve ;
but they become puzzling in some exotic forms. They are
the smallest of all our native Ferns, and, being somewhat
rare, or at least local in their distribution, they have
always been regarded with much interest. Two native
species are recognized, much like each other in general
aspect, and distinguished by one or two rather minute
technicalities, which, however, are sufficiently obvious to
those who have learned how to look for them.
The name Hymenophyllum is compounded from the
two Greek words hymen and phyllon, which mean a mem-
brane, and a leaf; and is applied to those plants with
HYMENOPHYLLTTM. 195
mucli propriety, from the membranous texture of their
leaves or fronds.
Hymenophyllum tunbridgense, Smith.
The Timhridge Film Fern. (Plate XV. fig. 2.)
This is so named in consequence of its having been
found in the neighbourhood of Tunbridge, though occur-
ring also in many other parts of the United Kingdom.
It grows in the form of matted tufts, on the surface of
damp rocks, in the sheltered, humid localities which are
congenial to it ; the black, wire-like, creeping stems being
entangled together, and interlaced with the mosses and
allied plants which are often found in its company. The
fronds are very short, from one to three or six inches
long, membranous and semitransparent, almost erect, and
of a dull brownish-green even when fresh, which gives
them in some measure the appearance of being dead.
These fronds are lanceolate, or somewhat ovate ; they are
pinnate, with the pinnge pinnatifid or bipinnatifid, and
having their branches mostly produced on the upper side,
though sometimes alternately on each side the pinna.
The fronds are virtually, as is the case with the Tricho-
manes, a branched series of rigid veins, winged throughout,
2
196 HISTORY OF BRITISH FERNS.
except on the lower part of the short stipes, by a narrow,
membranous, leafy margin. The clusters of spore-cases
are produced around the axis of a vein, which is continued
beyond the margin of the fronds, this vein or receptacle
being enclosed within an urn-shaped involucre, consisting
of two nearly orbicular compressed valves, which are
spinosely serrate on the upper margin.
This species is widely distributed throughout the United
Kingdom, and is found in many other parts of the world.
It requires the same conditions for its successful cultiva-
tion as does the Trichomanes, to which genus the reader
is referred.
It is the Trichomanes tunhridgensis of Linnasus.
Hymenophyllum unilaterale, Willdenow.
Wilsons Film Fern. (Plate XV. fig. 3.)
This plant is by English botanists most commonly
called Hymenoj)hi/llum Tnisoni, but it is identical with
H. unilaterale, a name published long antecedently by
Willdenow. The species is a small moss-like plant, with
numerous creeping filiform stems, generally growing in
dense tufts, and producing a crowded mass of semi-droop-
HYMENOPHYLLUM. 197
ing, brown-green, half-transparent fronds, averaging tliree
or four inches in height. The fronds are of a linear-
lanceolate form, and pinnate ; the rachis is usually some-
what curved, and the pinnje are convex above, all turned
one way, so that the fronds become more or less unilateral ;
the outline of the pinnge is wedge-shaped, cut in a digitate-
pinnatifid way, the lobes being linear-obtuse, with a spinu-
lose-serrate margin. The rigid veins, branching from the
principal rachis, which is very slightly winged in the
upper part, become themselves branched so as to produce
one venule to each segment ; or, in other words, the veins
are twice-branched, and throughout their entire length,
after they leave the central rib, they are furnished with a
narrow membranous leafy wing or border, this rib itself
being almost quite without any such border. The clusters
of spore-cases are collected around the free ends of veins,
which usually occupy the place of the lowest anterior
segment, and are included within an urceolate involucre,
which is divided into two oblong convex inflected valves,
which are quite entire at the flattened edges where they
meet.
This kind of Film Fern is equally diffused with the
allied species ; indeed, it seems to be the more common of
198 HISTORY OF BRITISH FERNS.
the two in some parts of Scotland and in Ireland. It is
widely distributed in other parts of the world.
Genus XVII. OSMU]S"DA, Linnwus.
The Osnmnda is called the Royal Fern, and well it
deserves the regal honours, for it is the most majestic of
our indigenous Ferns. It is known by its large size, by
having its fronds entirely leafy in the lower part, and
entirely fertile at the top, the pinnae or branches at the
apex of the fronds being changed from the ordinary leafy
form into dense masses of spore-cases, arranged in the
aggregate in the same way as the leafy pinnules would
have been. This mode of bearing the fructification renders
it so strikingly obvious at first sight, and gives the plant
an aspect so entirely different from that of those in which
the fructification is more or less concealed by its position
on the under-surface, that the Osmunda, though one of
what are classified as flowerless plants, is often anomalously
called the Flowering Fern. In truth, the contracted
chocolate-coloured apex looks not unlike a dense panicle of
OSMUNDA. 199
small brown flowers crowning the tall straight stem, whose
lower pinnae have much the appearance of broad green
leaves. There is but one native species.
The name of the genus has given rise to some specula-
tion as to its derivation. The question involved we leave
antiquarians and philologists to settle. Some derive it
from the Saxon mund, which they say signifies strength.
Others consider the word expressive of domestic peace, and
derive it from the Saxon os, house, and mund, peace.
Others, again, have thought it commemorative, as the
following legendary passage bears evidence : —
At Loch Tyne dwelt the waterman old Osmund. Fairest
among maidens was the daughter of Osmund the water-
man. Her light- brown hair and glowing cheek told of her
Saxon origin, and her light steps bounded over the green
turf like a young fawn in his native glades. Often, in
the stillness of a summer's even, did the mother and her
fair-haired child sit beside the lake, to watch the dripping
and the flashing of the father's oars, as he skimmed right
merrily towards them over the deep-blue waters. Sounds,
as of hasty steps, were heard one day, and presently a
company of fugitives told with breathless haste that the
cruel Danes were making way towards the ferry. Osmund
200 HISTORY OF BRITISH FERNS.
heard them with fear. Suddenly the shouts of furious
men came remotely on the ear. The fugitives rushed on.
Osmund stood for a moment ; then snatching up his oars
he rowed his trembling wife and fair child to a small
island covered with the great Osmund Royal, and helping
them to land, bade them to lie down beneath the tall
Ferns. Scarcely had the ferryman returned to his cottage,
when a company of Danes rushed in ; but they hurt him
not, for they knew he could do them service. During the
day and night did Osmund row backwards and forwards
across the river, ferrying troops of those fierce men. When
the last company was put on shore, Osmund, kneeling
beside the river's bank, returned heartfelt thanks to
Heaven for the preservation of his wife and child Often,
in after-years, did Osmund speak of that day's peril ; and
his fair child, grown up to womanhood, called the tall
Fern by her father's name.
Osmunda regalis, Linncciis.
The Osmund Royal, or Flowering Fern.
(Plate XIX. fig. 2.)
This plant has a very stately aspect, growing to the
average height of three or four feet, but sometimes found
OSMUNDA. 201
eight or ten feet high. The tufted stem by degrees
acquires height, so that in very old and luxuriant plants
there is a trunk formed from a foot to two feet in elevation.
From the crown of this trunk (whether that is seated close
to the ground, or elevated) grow the fronds, which are
seldom less than two feet high in weakly plants ; more
usually from three to four feet, and forming a mass of a
couple of yards across ; or sometimes, as upon the margins
of the Irish lakes, eight, ten, or tw^elve feet high, noble
and majestic almost beyond conception. In the lovely
lake scenery of Killarney this plant is very prominent ;
and we need not be surprised at the rapturous descriptions
which have been given of its arching fronds, dipping in
the crystal lakes, and sheltering, with its broad green
pinnae, the numerous aquatic birds which seek its canopy
from the prying eyes of pleasure-hunting tourists. When
young, the fronds have generally a reddish stipes, and a
glaucous surface, which at a later period becomes lost.
These fronds are annual, growing up in spring, and
perishing in the autumn. Their form when mature is
lanceolate ; they are bipinnate, the pinnte lanceolate or
ovate-lanceolate ; with pinnules of an oblong-ovate form,
somewhat auricled at the base, especially on the posterior
202 HISTORY OF BRITISH FERNS.
side, bluntish at the apex, and finely saw-edged along the
margin. Some fronds are entirely barren, and these differ
from the fertile ones only in having the leafy pinnules
continued all the way to the apex, instead of having the
apex contracted, and bearing the spore-cases. It is not
always, however, that the spore-cases when present are
produced at the apex of the frond ; abnormal developments
are not uncommon, and in these cases any portion of the
pinnules may be seen converted into spore-cases — some-
times a few pinnae at the middle of the frond, while the
apex is leafy ; sometimes the base of a pinna, while its
apex retains the leafy form ; sometimes the base of a
pinnule here and there, just its apex too, being broad and
leafy ; but the usual condition is to find a few of the
shortened pinnae, which form the apex of the frond, con-
tracted and soriferous throughout.
The venation, as seen in the barren fronds, consists of
a prominent midvein, bearing once- or twice-forked veins
proceeding to the margin in direct lines. In the fertile
parts of the frond, only the midrib of the pinnules is fully
developed, and the spore-cases are attached to a small
portion of the veins which becomes developed just to
serve as a receptacle. The spore-cases are subglobose,
OSMUNDA. 203
shortly stalked, reticulate, and two-valved, the valves
opening vertically.
The Osmund Royal is a widely-distributed plant, occur-
ring in favourable localities, that is, marshy and boggy
situations, throughout the United Kingdom, and, as
already mentioned, extremely abundant and luxuriant in
some parts of Ireland. It is common throughout Europe,
and a very similar plant occurs in the United States of
America.
This plant is especially suited, in cultivation, to occupy
the base of rockwork abutting upon a piece of water, where
its roots may be placed witliin the reach of the water.
For the margins of ponds or lakes, or for any other damp
localities, it is also well adapted ; and in such situations
only does it acquire anything like its natural vigour.
It should have peat earth for its roots. The best way to
establish it is, to procure strong vigorous patches from
localities where it abounds, and these, if removed carefully
any time before growth commences — or even after it is
considerably advanced — will succeed perfectly. This
course is far more satisfactory than to make use of weaker
plants in the hope of their eventually gaining vigour to
produce a bold and characteristic effect.
204 HISTORY OF BRITISH FERNS.
Genus XVIII. BOTRTCHIUM, or MOONWORT.
This small and very distinct plant is easily known by
two circumstances, — first, it has two fronds or rather two
branches of its frond, the one of which is leafy, the other
seed-bearing ; and secondly, the pinnae of the leafy branch
are crescent-shaped, with the outer margin jagged. There
is no other native plant which has these peculiar features,
and hence the Moonwort is a plant very easily recognized
when it is met with. It is rather local in its range, but
not scarce in the localities where it is found, which are
open heaths and pastures, rather dry than otherwise. The
spore-cases are collected into branched clusters at the end
of the fertile branch ; the little branches of the cluster
are all turned one way, and the spore-cases themselves
are numerous and globular, and somewhat resemble in the
aggregate a miniature erect bunch of grapes.
There is another peculiarity in this Fern which also
serves to distinguish it, and its near ally the Ophioglossum,
from all other native species — the venation is straight, not
circinate ; that is, the fronds, before they are developed,
BOTRYCHIUM. 205
are not rolled up spirally, unrolling as they expand, but in
the incipient state the parts are merely folded together
by a flat surface. Only one species of Botrychium is
indigenous.
The name is derived from the Greek hotrys, signifying
a cluster.
Botrychium Lunaria, Swartz.
The Common Moomcort. (Plate XVIII. fig. 2.)
This is a very peculiar plant, exceedingly interesting to
the student, from the differences of structure and develop-
ment it exhibits as compared with the majority of Ferns.
It is an almost stemless plant, furnished with a few coarse
brittle fibres, and a bud springing from the permanent point
which represents the stem. Within this bud, before the
season at which the fronds are developed, they may be
found in an embryo condition, perfectly formed, the two
branches of the frond placed face to face, the fertile being
clasped by the barren one. This new frond springs up
annually, and perishes before winter, and in the ma-
jority of cases is not very conspicuous. The size varies
from three to eight or ten inches in height, the lower half
consisting of a smooth, erect, cylindrical, hollow stipes, the
206 HISTORY OF BRITISH FERNS.
base of which is invested by a brown membranous sheath,
which had covered it while in the bud. Above, the frond
is separated into two branches, one of which is spreading,
pinnate, leafy, oblong ; the pinnas are crescent-shaped, or
somewhat fan-shaped approaching to lunate, filled with a
radiatins: series of two or three times forked veins, such as
occur in Adiantum, one vein extending into each of the
crenatures into which the margin is divided. The other
branch is erect, fertile, compoundly branched, that is, it is
first divided into branches corresponding with the pinnae,
and these again into another series of branches, on which,
distinct, but clustered, the globose stalkless spore-cases are
produced. The spore-cases are two-valved, and open trans-
versely when ripe ; the valves are concave.
Occasionally, though very rarely, two fertile branches
are produced, and there is a variety in which the pinnas
are pinnatifid.
This species is widely distributed, but local, occurring
in open heaths and pasture, where the soil is peaty or
sandy, and not wet. The same plant occurs in other parts
of Europe, and also in North America.
The IMoonwort is not very easily cultivated. It may,
however, be preserved in pots in a cold frame, if trans-
OPIIIOGLOSSUM. 207
planted while dormant, or when just starting, into peaty or
sandy loamy soil, and kept from either of the extremes of
drought or saturation. The roots should not often be dis-
turbed when once established.
The Moonwort is the Osmunda Lunaria of Linnaeus.
Genus XIX, OPHIOGLOSSUM, or ADDERS-
TONGUE.
This is very nearly related to the Moonwort, though at
first sight having a very different aspect. The points in
which it agrees are, that the parts are folded up straight in
the incipient state, and the fronds are two-branched, one
branch being leafy, the other fertile. Ophioglossum differs
from BotrycJdum, most obviously, in its parts being all
simple, while those of Botrychium are compound. Its
habit of growth is precisely the same, but the fructification
is very different, consisting of a distichous spike of imbedded
spore-cases. There are but two native species.
The name Ojjliioglossum^ literally means Adders-tongue,
which is the English name borne by this plant. It is
208 HISTORY OF BRITISH FERNS.
derived from the Greek opMs, ophios, a serpent, and glossa,
a tongue ; and is applied in consequence of the resemblance
of the fertile fronds to the tongue of a serpent.
Ophioglossum vnlgatum, Linnwus.
The Common Adders-tongue. (Plate XVIII. fig. 8.)
A small stemless plant, producing a few coarse brittle
roots from a central crown which represents the stem, and
which annually produces a bud from which the new frond
arises. The young fronds are produced about May, and
perish by the end of the summer. They grow from six
inches to ten or twelve inches in height, with a smooth,
round, hollow, succulent stipes of variable length. In the
upper part this becomes divided into two branches, the one
branch leafy, entire, smooth, ovate-obtuse, traversed by
irregularly anastomosing veins, forming elongated meshes
within which are free divaricating veinlets. The fertile
branch is erect, contracted about half its length, being
soriferous, forming a linear slightly tapering spike, which
consists of two lines of crowded spore-cases imbedded in
the substance of the spike, and occupying its two opposite
sides. The spore-cases arc, therefore, considered as being
produced on the margins of a contracted frond. When
OPHIOGLOSSUM. 209
mature, the margin splits across at intervals corresponding
with the centre of each spore-case, so that eventually the
spike resembles a double row of gaping spherical cavities.
The Adders-tongue is very abundant in the localities
where it is found, which are damp meadows and pastures,
on a loamy soil. It is generally distributed over England,
but is less abundant in the other parts of the United
Kingdom. The species is a common European plant, and
is found in North America as well as in Africa.
There is no difficulty in cultivating the Adders-tongue,
whether in pots, or among an out-door collection of Ferns ;
the essentials are a stiff loamy soil, and the constant
presence of water enough to prevent drought.
OpMoglossum lusitanicum, Linnams.
The Dwarf Adders-tongue. (Plate XXI. fig. 3.)
This species of Adders-tongue is technically distin-
guished by the small lanceolate and somewhat fleshy barren
branch of its fronds, and by its being altogether much
smaller than the common species. It may, indeed, be at
once known from that by this difference of size, as well as
by its difference of form. Tlie stem forms a short oblong
P
210 HISTORY OF BRITISH FERNS.
fleshy body, producing a few coarse spreading roots chiefly
from its upper extremity. At the top it tapers abruptly
into a short conical crown. From this crown rises the
frond, which attains from about one and a half to three
inches in height, and is divided above at about one-third
of its height, into a barren leafy branch, and a spicate
fertile branch. Occasionally a barren radical frond, of
lanceolate form, accompanies the two-branched frond. The
stipes is slender, smooth, round, sheathed at the base by
broad taper-pointed scales, which are dilated below, and
envelop the crown. The barren branch is spreading, lan-
ceolate, narrowing towards but bluntish at the apex, and
tapering at the base into a slender petiole ; it is from
three-fourths of an inch to an inch and a half long, some-
what hollow along the centre, from the elevation of its
margins, thick and fleshy in texture when fresh, so that
the very slender veins are not seen ; they are, however,
united in very much elongated meshes. The fertile branch
or spike is somewhat taller than the barren branch, and is
supported by a footstalk, which is thickened upwards,
becoming broad, fleshy, and flattened at the base of the
spike. The spike itself is about half an inch long, linear,
rather widened a little above the base, with a tapering
OPHIOGLOSSUM. 211
apex, fleshy, and bearing along each margin about six
imbedded spore-cases, which at length burst transversely.
The existence of this curious little plant in Guernsey
was first made known in 1854, by Mr. Gr. Wolsey, who
met with it above the rocks bordering on Petit Bot Bay,
in that island. One remarkable feature of the plant is the
very early period of the year at which its growth is made.
By the middle of January it is fully developed, and the
fronds no doubt perish early in the spring.
The range of this Ophioglossiun appears to be extensive;
for it is recorded to inhabit the sandy coasts both of Europe
and Africa, washed by the Mediterranean Sea ; and to
extend to the Canary Islands and Madeira. It is not
improbable that a diligent search might be rewarded by its
discovery in the western counties of England or in Ireland.
Its early development and speedy decay should, however,
be borne in mind by those who may undertake the search.
p 2
212
THE BRITISH CLUB-MOSSES.
Genus XX. LYCOPODIUM, or CLUB MOSS.
The Lycopodlums, commonly called Club-mosses, are
moss -like plants, mostly of creeping or decumbent habit ;
with slender fork-branched stems, consisting of spiral
vessels and tubular ducts running longitudinally among
the cellular tissue ; they are throughout their whole length
clothed with leaves, so placed as to overlie each other like
the tiling of a roof. The fructification is produced in the
axils of the leaves, and is in most of the species confined
to the apices of the branches, where it forms a cone-like
head.
The organs of reproduction at once distinguish the
Club- mosses from all other plants. They consist, in the
true Lycopodlums, of kidney-shaped spore-cases, contain-
ing minute powdery or granular spores, which, by reason
of lateral pressure, acquire the form of irregular polygons.
LYCOPODIUM. 213
These have beea called antheridia. In the Selaginellas,
another kind of spore-case is produced, which contains
three or four roundish fleshy spores, many times as large
as the granular spores, and marked at the apex by three
elevated radiating ridges. These larger bodies are called
oophoridia.
The true explanation of these parts is a matter of doubt.
All that seems certainly known is, that the larger spores,
or oophoridia, do germinate, or at least vegetate. Accord-
ing to Willdenow, however, the smaller ones germinate
also. Dr. Lindley formerly suggested that the powder-
like grains are true spores, while the larger ones are
buds or viviparous organs ; and this view was apparently
supported by the descriptions given of the supposed ger-
mination of these larger bodies, in which a process quite
analogous to the vegetation of a bud was clearly pointed
out. Recent observers, however, consider the larger bodies
rather as the true spores.
It has been usual to regard both sets of organs, when
present, as axillary to the leaves or bracts ; and so they
may be considered for all practical purposes. A different
theoretical explanation has, however, been given by Miiller,
who considers the oophoridium as the entire metamor-
214 HISTORY OF BRITISH FERNS.
phosed terminal bud of a main axis, and the smaller
granules, as lateral buds, or twig buds, only to be distin-
guished from the terminal bud which is developed into the
oophoridium, by the circumstance that the latter is a prin-
cipal branch, possibly capable of a more extensive develop-
ment into branch and foliaceous organs ; while the twig,
which is developed into an antheridium, is but a small
particle of such a main branch.
These plants, like the Ferns, are most abundant in hot,
humid, and especially insular situations in the tropics,
becoming scarcer northwards, but often, even in very
northerly regions, covering large tracts of land. Our native
species, with one exception, have a boreal and alpine ten-
dency ; being found most abundantly on the high lands of
the north, and decreasing in quantity as they advance
southwards. Many of the tropical Lycopod'mms are ex-
tremely beautiful : some are of scan dent habit, and many
of them attain considerable size.
Though of humble growth, and altogether unattractive
in appearance, the Club-mosses are not without their use.
More than one species is used in dyeing operations, and
several have a medicinal reputation. The powdery spores,
often called pollen, produced in considerable quantities by
LYCOPODIUM. 215
our common species, is highly inflammable, and is used in
pyrotechny under the name of vegetable brimstone. Being
of a drying and healing nature, it is also used to prevent
excoriation ; and in pharmacy is used sometimes for coat-
ing pills, as it is with difficulty wetted. The Common
Club-moss is emetic, and the Fir Club-moss is a cathartic
and a powerful irritant ; the former is used in the treat-
ment of cutaneous disorders, and is a reputed remedy for
the plica Polonica.
The tiny species of Lycopods now known to botanists
have been thought to be the direct representatives of the
vast tree-like Lepidodendra met with in a fossil state,
and which, in former ages, must have rivalled our coni-
ferous trees. The evidence in support of this view has
been questioned ; but there seems no good reason to doubt,
at least, that there is a very close affinity between the two
races ; and, indeed, some of the most skilful investigators
of this subject find an almost complete agreement between
them.
The British species of this order are, with one excep-
tion, included in the genus Z?/coj»oc?/i^??2, the name of which
comes from lycos, a wolf, and pous, podos, a foot, and is
given in allusion to the supposed resemblance of its forked
216 HISTORY OF BRITISH FERNS.
fertile stems to the claw of some animal, as of the wolf.
Hence one species, and that which probably suggested the
name, has been called Wolfs- claw.
lycopodium Selago, Linnwus.
Fir Club-moss. (Plate XX. fig. 5.)
The Fir Club-moss is one of our commoner and stouter
kinds. It is usually of upright growth, the others being
decumbent ; though of this there is a variety, or mountain
form, sometimes met with, in which the stems are con-
stantly prostrate. Indeed, in the commoner forms the
upright habit, which is evidently natural to it, often gives
way before the force of gravity, and in such cases the
lower part of the stems is found to be somewhat recum-
bent, while the upper parts retain their upright position.
The stems vary from three or four to six or eight inches
high, and are branched two or three times in a two-forked
manner ; they are stout, tough, rigid, nearly level-topped,
and thickly clothed with imbricated leaves arranged in
eight rows. These leaves are lance-shaped and acute, of a
shining green, rigid and leathery in texture, and smooth
on the margin ; in plants which have grown in exposed
places, they are shorter and more closely pressed to the
LYcoPomuM. 217
stem ; while in plants developed in more confined and
humid situations, they are longer, less rigid, and more
spreading.
The fructification is, in this species, not borne in ter-
minal spikes, as in the other kinds, but is produced in the
axils of the leaves along the upper branches of the stem.
The spore-cases are rather large, sessile, kidney-shaped,
two-valved, and filled with minute pale-yellow spores.
Besides the ordinary spores, the plant is furnished with
other means of propagation in the shape of deciduous buds,
produced for the most part in the axils of the leaves, about
the apices of the branches. These buds separate spon-
taneously, fall to the ground, and there vegetate, first pro-
ducing roots, and then elongating into a leafy stem. They
are formed by an altered leaf, which, becoming somewhat
swollen on the outside, protrudes from its inner margin
five small lanceolate leaves or teeth, the whole beinir
elevated on a short hardened footstalk. Mr. Newman
describes these changed leaves as becoming transformed
into irregular six-cleft calices or cups, the outermost lobe
of the six being longer and larger than the rest, and of the
pair on each side, one being generally incumbent on the
other, so as to nearly conceal it. Within this is a whorl of
218 HISTORY OF BRITISH FERNS.
five parts representing a gemma, or bud ; the three inner
lobes of this series are large and prominent, and of an
ovate oblong acute form ; the two outer lobes are very
small, scale-like, one closely appressed to the anterior, the
other to the posterior surface of the bud. In the centre of
the three inner lobes, in due time, appears a thickish
oblong body, which is in reality the undeveloped stem,
and eventually elongates, puts out small leaflets, and
becomes a plant.
These buds are capable of growth either while attached
to their parent stem, or when detached and in contact with
the soil ; and they appear to be the chief means of propa-
gation possessed by this species ; for the statements which
have been made respecting the germination of the spores
of the Fir Club-moss are open to much doubt. Probably
it was these buds which were caused to germinate.
There is no doubt this plant possesses some medicinal
properties, though it is not now used in regular practice.
It is powerfully irritant, and is used by country people, in
the form of an ointment, as a counter-irritant in parts near
the eye, for diseases of that organ ; it appears to be also
sometimes employed as an emetic and cathartic, but not
without danger. A decoction is, on the authority of
LYCOPODIUM. 219
LinnoBUS, used in Sweden to destroy vermin on cattle. It
is also employed for dyeing, and to fix the colour of woollen
cloths.
Lycopodium annotinum, Linnceus.
Interrupted Club-moss.
A very distinct plant, easily recognized by the inter-
rupted leafing of its stems, the leaves being at intervals
much diminished in size and less spreading in their direc-
tion, indicating at these points where the annual growths
have commenced and terminated. It is also known by its
narrow leaves spreading out from the stem on all sides,
and arranged in five indistinct rows. It is a large-growing
species, often a foot high, with irregularly-branched stems,
which, after they have produced fruit-spikes, or have
reached an equivalent age, become depressed, rooting at
intervals, and producing another series of upright branches.
The annual increase of the stems is well marked by the
closer-pressed and shorter leaves which occur at the upper
part of each growth, and this is what gives the interrupted
appearance to the stems. The leaves, which do not decay
for several years, are linear-lanceolate in form, and have
their margins minutely serrulate, and their apex drawn
220 HISTORY OF BRITISH FERNS.
out and terminating in a rigid point ; they are attached
directly to the stems without stalks, and are arranged in
an indistinctly spiral or somewhat five -ranked order. The
lower leaves, that is to say, those remaining on the older
portions of the stem, are more spreading than those on the
younger growth, and indeed on the oldest portions often
hecome somewhat deflexed : they have a yellowish-green
colour, and are of a hard, rigid texture ; they have, more-
over, a stout midrib, prominent at the back.
Tlie spike of fructification is in this species perfectly
stalklcss, being seated directly on the termination of the
leafy branch. It is about an inch long, of an oblong form,
and consists of closely-overlapping bracts, of a roundish-
ovate form, having a long narrow point and jagged mem-
branous margins. In the axil of the bracts is produced a
large reniform capsule, containing numerous minute pale-
yellowish spores. The bracts become reflexed when these
spores have escaped from the burst capsule.
This is a rare species, confined to wild mountainous
localities, occurring in the Scottish Highlands and the
Northern Isles, and in Carnarvonshire and the Lake district.
It is plentiful in the pine-forests of the North of Europe,
and in some parts of North America.
LYCOPODIUM. 221
Lycopodium clavatum, Li7mwu&
Common Club-moss. (Plate XX. fig. 6.)
This Club-moss is of procumbent habit, having vigorous
creeping stems often many feet in length, much branched,
and attached to the soil here and there by means of tough
pale-coloured wiry-looking roots. The young branches,
â– which are very thickly clothed with leaves, grow rather
upwards at first, but soon all become prostrate, and cross
and interlace, forming a close-matted tuft, whence comes,
in fact, the name it bears in Sweden — Matte-grass, or
mat-grass. The stems are densely clothed with small,
narrow, lanceolate, flattish leaves, which remain fresh
through the winter ; they are smooth on the margin, or
very slightly toothed, and terminate in a long white fila-
mentous point, which gives the branches a somewhat
hoary appearance. The upright stalks supporting the
spikes are bare of leaves, but have at intervals whorls of
smaller bodies closely pressed to the stalk, and tipped with
shorter but broader membranous chaffy processes ; they
are also of a pale yellowish-green colour.
The spikes of fructification are usually over ai} inch in
length, and are supported by a stalk of about twice their
222 HISTORY OF BRITISH FERNS
own length. They are commonly produced in pairs, though
sometimes singly, and occasionally three together on the
same stalk. These spikes are cylindrical, and supported
on a short pedicel at the top of the common stalk ; they
are erect, but afterwards become more or less curved ; and
consist of crowded triangular-ovate acuminate bracts, of a
pale-yellow colour, having membranous serrated margins.
In the axils of these bracts the spore- cases are produced,
and these are subreniform, two-valved, and filled with
innumerable sulphur-coloured powdery spores. The bracts
become reflexed after the spore-cases have shed their
contents.
This is a common species, growing in moors and heathy
places, in mountainous and hilly tracts of country through-
out England, Wales, and Scotland ; and frequent, though
less abundant, in Ireland.
The leafy stems of this species are used for dyeing pur-
poses, as well as to fix colours in the stead of alum. The
long slender stems, used under the name of Stags-horn
Moss, are formed into pretty ornaments for the houses of
rustics, and for decorating their fireplaces during summer.
Linnaeu^ relates that in Lapland the boys have their heads
decorated with chaplets formed of it, which — the twin
LYCOPODIUM. 223
spikes projecting on all sides — Lave the effect of calling
up the idea of groups of fauns and satyrs. Indeed, the
long flexible stems are not badly adapted for various de-
corative purposes.
Lycopodiiiin inundatum, Linncciis.
Marsh Club-moss. (Plate XX. fig. 4.)
This is a diminutive and common plant, very frequent
on moist heaths and commons in the southern parts of
England, less common northwards, comparatively rare
in Wales and Scotland, and not found in Ireland. It
prefers to grow on spots from which the turf has been
pared.
It is of prostrate habit, with simple stems, two or three
inches Ions:, growino; close to the surface of the ground, to
which they are firmly attached by a few short stout roots.
They are thickly clothed with narrow linear-lanceolate
leaves, which have an acute point, and are entire on the
margin ; those on the barren horizontal stems being curved
upwards. The plant extends itself at the point, throughout
the growing season, the other end meanwhile undergoing a
process of decay ; so that in winter, when the growth is
arrested, the decay still going on, the living stem is much
224 HISTORY OF BRITISH FERNS.
reduced, and a small portion only remains over to produce
new foliage the following season. The direction of the
older portions may often be traced by means of a black
line, caused by the decayed matter left on the surface of
the soil where the stem has perished.
The spike of fructification, which is produced towards
autumn, is seated at the top of an erect branch-like peduncle,
clothed throughout with leaves of the same shape as those
on the horizontal stems ; the peduncle and spike are nearly
of equal thickness throughout, the spike about an inch
long, the peduncle rather more. The spike is green, and
is formed of narrow linear-lanceolate bracts, rather dilated
at the base, and sometimes having one or two shallow teeth
on each side. The spore-cases are in the axils of these
bracts, and are nearly spherical, of a pale yellowish-green,
containing numerous minute pale-yellow spores.
lycopodium alpinum, Linnwus.
Satin-leaved Club-moss.
This Club-moss gets its trivial name from the resemblance
between its branches clothed with the closely-pressed leaves,
and those of the Savin, Juniperiis Sabi?ia. It is a pretty
little evergreen plant, forming thick wide-spreading patches
LYCOPODIUM. 225
of round, tough, creeping, sparingly leafy stems, bearing
numerous other erect stems, which are repeatedly branched
in a dichotomous manner, growing erect, from three to six
inches high. The colour of the plant is a bright pleasant
green. The smaller branches are set more or less closely
with the small smooth sessile leaves, whose form is lance-
shaped, ending in a point ; they are of a thickish texture,
and are rounded off at the back and hollowed out in front
where they fit against the stem. On the dichotomous
branches, just mentioned, the leaves are closely placed, the
lower ones lying over the bases of those next above them,
but they are arranged in four tolerably regular lines, so as
to give a squarish form to the branches. The little fascicles
of branches are for the most part level-topped, those which
bear spikes of fructification being longer than the barren
ones and twice dichotomous ; the fruit- spikes, which
exceed half an inch in length, are rather thicker than
the branch.
The fructification consists of the little spikes just men-
tioned, which terminate a portion of the branches, and are
erect, close, cylindrical, of a yellowish -green colour, and
sessile on the branches, that is, joined to the leafy
portion below, without any intermediate stalk-like con-
226 HISTORY OF BRITISH FERNS.
tracted part. The spike consists of a number of bracts
closely packed together, each having in its axil a capsule,
containing numerous minute pale-yellowish spores. The
bracts are ovate, dilated at the base, drawn out into a
longish point at the apex, and having the margins toothed.
The capsules themselves, seated quite at the base of the
bracts and close to the axis of the spike, are roundish
kidney-shaped, and of a yellow colour. The bracts be-
come refiexed after the spores have been dispersed. The
plants are firmly fixed to the soil, by means of tough,
strong, wiry-branched roots, produced at intervals along
the prostrate stems.
The head- quarters of this species is in elevated moun-
tainous tracts. It occurs very abundantly in Scotland and
Wales ; in the northern isles ; on the hills of the North,
and extending into the south-west of England. It is less
common in Ireland. It also occurs throughout the alpine
districts of Europe and Northern Asia.
The Savin-leaved Club-moss is a bitter plant, with a
somewhat aromatic flavour, and possesses emetic properties ;
it is, however, seldom applied to any use. According to
Sir W. J. Hooker, it is used in Iceland as a dye for woollen
cloths, to which it gives a pale and pleasant but not brilliant
SELAGINELLA. 227
yellow. The process is simply that of boiling the cloth in
water, along with a quantity of the Lycopodmm, and some
leaves of the Bog Whortleberry.
Genus XXI. SELAGINELLA.
The Selaginellas differ from the Lycopodiums in pro-
ducing two kinds of spores, which have been already
alluded to. The name is a diminutive of Selago, the
specific appellation of one of the commoner Lycopods.
Selaginella spinosa, Palisot de Beauvais.
Prickly Mountam Mess.
This plant is perhaps generally known by the name of
Lycopodium selaginoides, which it formerly bore. It has
a slender, procumbent, often branched stem, the barren
branches short and sinuous, the fertile ones ascending or
erect, and from two to three inches high. They are
clothed with lance-shaped leaves, of a delicate texture,
jagged along the margins with spiny teeth ; those on the
decumbent stems being shorter, as well as more distant and
spreading, than those of the fertile branches.
Q 2
228 HISTORY OF BRITISH PERNS.
The inflorescence, as in tlie other species, is a terminal
spike of about an inch in length, consisting of lance-shaped
jagged-edged bracts, larger and more closely pressed than
the leaves of the stem. These bracts produce from their
axils two kinds of fructification. The lower bracts bear in
their axils large three-celled spore-cases containing three
globular oophoridia, or four-celled cases containing four of
these bodies. The upper bracts bear subreniform spore-
cases, containing the minute pulverulent pollen-like spores.
This is the only native Lycopod which produces the two
separate kinds of spores.
Though hardly to be considered a rare species, this is one
of the less common ; it is found in the north of England,
Wales, and Scotland, in which latter country it is pretty
generally distributed. In Ireland it is rather common.
The localities Avhich it prefers are wet lx)ggy places by the
side of mountain rills.
The Lycopodiums are not frequently seen in cultivation,
but they nevertheless, equally with the Ferns, would be-
come a source of much interest if brought constantly under
the eye in a living state ; and in an equal degree the study
of them in this condition — the watching of their progress
SELAGINELLA. 229
and development day by day — would contribute to a
thorough knowledo;e of them and their differences. We
offer a few su2;o;estions and hints as to their cultivation.
A small Wardian case, a northern aspect, a few blocks
of sandstone, and some peat soil, are the materials that
would be required. The "Wardian case, while protecting
them in some degree from the changes of temperature
incidental to a lowland climate, would secure to them a
constantly moist atmosphere, which they all prefer. The
interior should be fitted up with an artificial mound of
"rockwork," made of lumps of soft sandstone, in tlie
disposal of which there will be an opportunity for the
display of much taste. At the base of the "rockwork"
there should be a little pond of water, in which Isoetes and
Pilularia might be cultivated. A portion of the peaty
soil should be introduced into the interstices of the rock-
work, and about its base on the margins of the water.
In the former situations the smaller and alpine species,
such as alpinum, annotinum, and selaginoides, should be
planted ; while on the lower and damper parts should be
placed such as inundatum and clavatum.
The soil employed should be peat earth intermediate in
texture between the spongy and the unctuous kinds ; that
230 HISTORY OF BRITISH FERNS.
used among the rockwork may have in addition a portion
of the sandstone pounded and intermixed with it. That
used for inundatum in the lower part of the case will not
require this intermixture, and, in fact, will be the better
as it approaches the unctuous texture just referred to,
which the presence of a good supply of water will soon give
to it.
All parts of the soil should be kept rather moist than
otherwise, by the application of fresh water occasionally ;
but as the confinement of the atmosphere in the damp state,
in a close case, might tend to produce decay in some parts
of the vegetable tissues, the little door or hinged sash may
from time to time be left open for a few hours, in order
that the stagnant moisture may be carried off, when a fresh
supply will be doubly grateful to the plants.
It must be recollected, that the soil will be exposed to
very slight drying influences, and can, therefore, never
require to be very copiously supplied at any one time ; the
proper course being, rather to ventilate frequently, say
once a week, in order to carry off the accumulated damp-
ness, and then by a moderate fresh supply to produce a
continued change of the watery element. For the same
reason, and to prevent the souring of the soil, which always
SELAQINELLA. 231
takes place more or less when it is in contact with stagnant
water, an outlet at the bottom of the case should be care-
fully provided, by which all the free water at least, which
drains through after the soil has been irrigated, may be
removed at it accumulates.
As to aspect, the northern is decidedly the best, princi-
pally for the reason that in such a situation the sun has
less influence on the temperature of the interior of the
case ; and an extreme degree of confined heat would be
anything but favourable to these plants.
The appearance of the case, would, no doubt, be improved
by covering the soil entirely with living Sphagnum moss,
which, if neatly packed on the surface, with the tops of its
stems uppermost, would continue to grow. Most of the
species of Club-moss would prefer to grow amongst the
Sphagnum, which, to prevent its being drawn up and
smothering the plants, should be neatly clipped down
occasionally with a pair of scissors.
The interest of such a collection, so far as their appear-
ance is concerned, would depend of course upon the taste
with which the rockwork was designed and executed, and
the plants distributed about it ; but whatever the result as
a matter of taste, the study of the living plant might be
232 HISTORY OF BRITISH FERNS.
prosecuted ^vithout inconvenience, and — which could never
happen in their wild localities — all the species might be
brought under the eye at one time, for the purpose of con-
trasting them, and studying their differences.
233
THE BRITISH PEPPERWOETS.
The group of plants to which the name of Pepperworts
has been given, is technically called Marsileacece, and
contains but a few genera, these being of very curious
structure. It has only two representatives in the British
flora. These two plants belong to different genera, and
are both submerged aquatic plants of small size, agreeing
in having grassy or quill-like foliage, but differing mate-
rially in habit, the one being of creeping habit and the
other tufted. The fructification also presents some mate-
rial differences, on which account Isoetes is sometimes
classed with the Club-mosses, instead of the Pepperworts.
Genus XXII. ISOETES, or QUILLWORT.
Isoetes, which takes its name from the Greek words isos,
equal, and etos, the year, on account of its retaining its
234 HISTORY OF BRITISH FERNS.
leaves throughout the year, is commonly called Quillwort.
The genus differs from Pilularia, its nearest ally, and
\vith â– which it is associated in the order of Pepperworts, in
having its spore-cases enveloped by the dilated bases of its
hollow leaves ; some of the spore-cases containing large,
and some much smaller pollen-like spores. It may also be
known by its hollow leaves being composed of four rows
of elongated cells, which give it a bluntly quadrangular
section ; but this peculiar construction of the stems is not
always to be observed, except in fresh specimens, the pres-
sure to which they are subjected in the process of drying
breaking up the partitions of the cells, so that the stem
appears to be composed of one series of large elongated
cells. There is but one species, the /. lacustris, a stem-
less quill-leaved submerged plant, which gives the appear-
ance of a green turf to the bottom of the water where it
occurs.
Isoe'tes lacustris, Lhinceus.
The European Quillwort , or Merlins Gi'ass.
(Plate XIX. fig. 1.)
This is a very curious plant, growing at the bottom of
our mountain lakes, and having so much the appearance of
ISOETES. 235
submerged grass, that the inexperienced eye would pro-
bably pass it by unnoticed. It has a fleshy tuber, of a
nearly globular form, white, and of compact texture in-
ternally, but spongy and of a dark-brown colour externally.
In the centre is a small nearly pellucid part, which
appears to be the growing-point, since it is from this
point that the leaves have their origin. From these
tubers are produced the long semipellucid tubular roots,
which strike downwards almost perpendicularly. The
leaves spring from the crown of the tuber, and grow erect
to the height of four or six inches, or more. They are
persistent, and of an olive-green colour, and their general
form is awl-shaped. The basal portion is dilated and
furnished with membranous margins ; above this dilated
base they are bluntly quadrangular, being formed of four
parallel hollow tubes, which tubes are subdivided at irre-
gular distances by transverse partitions, while towards the
apex they taper off and terminate in a sharp point. The
transverse partitions above mentioned, being visible through
the texture of the leaf, give it a jointed appearance.
Owing to their brittleness, they not unfrequently break off
at one of these joint-like points, their basal parts and the
decaying remains of the older leaves continuing to encircle
236 HISTORY OF BRITISH FERNS.
the base of the young vigorous leaves springing from the
centre.
The fructification is contained within a hollow at the
dilated base of the leaves, and varies with the position it
occupies. The spore-cases at the base of the outer leaves
contain roundish spores, marked on the top by three
elevated radiating ridges ; these, which are externally
opaque, whitish, and rough with minute prominent
points, separate at the ridges into three triangular valves,
exposing an interior subglobose semi-gelatinous substance.
The spore-cases found at the base of the inner leaves,
contain more numerous minute angular spores, of a pale-
yellow colour.
Two distinct-looking forms of the Quillwort have been
observed, the one having thicker, shorter, and more spread-
ing leaves than the other ; in the latter they are more
slender and erect. These have been thou<i;ht distinct
varieties, or even distinct species, by some botanists, but
are more probably mere changes of the plants brought
about by external circumstances, such as a sudden rising
of the water in which they grow, which may account for
the taller and more slender growth ; or the larger number
of the spores, not becoming libei'ated from their parent
ISOETES. 237
cell may be compelled to germinate in close contiguity,
and are thus made to produce dense tufts of slender leaves.
The latter explanation would be at once recognized by
horticulturists as quite sufficient to account for the observed
diiferences in habit among the plants.
It is said that fish feed on the Isoetes ; and that, when
brought within the reach of cattle, it is greedily eaten by
them, and proves fattening.
The cultivation of the Quillwort presents few difficul-
ties ; in fact, water and a little soil are the only requi-
sites. In such a miniature lake as has been recommended
to be introduced in a Wardian case fitted up for Club-
mosses, this plant and the Pilularia might be made to
thrive ; but the most interesting way in which it could be
grown would be in an aquatic-plant case, with transparent
sides, or in any substitute for such a structure, such as a
glass jar of sufficient depth. Planted in this way, its
growth could be watched, and many interesting points
of its economy could not fail to reward a careful
observer.
The aquatic-plant case admits of much variety of detail.
The most useful form is probably that of a rectangular
glass cistern of the requisite size, held together by a light
238 HISTORY OF BRITISH FERNS.
metal frame, and closed in by a glass lid or cover. Tliis
would require to be supported on a stand. On the bottom
of the interior, or projecting from the sides, proportionate-
sized masses of coral or other rocks should be introduced,
amono; which a little soil introduced would serve to fix
and nourish the plants. Thus the smaller aquatic plants
might, though in their proper element, be examined with-
out difficulty, and at all times.
The proper situation for such a case would be the inside
of any convenient window, provided it were not too much
exposed to the heat of the sun ; for if placed where the
sun would have much influence on the temperature of the
water, the plants would probably suffer. On this account,
we believe, the best aspect would be the north ; and in
such a situation, by carrying a ledge of rock just above the
water-surface, inside the case, a situation would be pro-
vided which would of all others best suit the beautiful and
delicate Bristle Fern and the Film Ferns. Some of the
very small kinds of fish and the small aquatic molluscs
might be introduced with advantage, and they would
impart something like animation to the water. A minia-
ture aquarium of this kind, planted with the Vallisneria
and other aquatics, and the Trichomanes and other Ferns,
PILULARIA. 239
and stocked with miniature fish, is an object of intense
interest.
Genus XXIII. PILULARIA, or PILLWOHT.
The Filula7'ia glohullfera, Pillwort, or Pepper-grass, is
a creeping-stemmed species, having filiform grass-like
leaves, which grow in clusters at intervals along the thread-
like stems, and bear the almost sessile fructification at
their base. The parts of fructification differ considerably
in position from those of Isoetes, in which the spore- cases
are within the thickened bases of the leaves, while those of
the Pilularia are quite free, and attached directly to the
stem, though seated at the base of a small tuft of leaves ;
they also differ in structure, that of Isoetes consisting of
granular and pulverulent spores, occupying separate spore-
cases, while in that of Pilularia the two kinds of sjiores
are produced within each spore-case, the larger bodies
occupying principally the lower, and the smaller ones the
upper parts.
The name comes from pilula^ a little ball or pill, the
spore-cases having a nearly globular form.
240 HISTORY OF BRITISH FERNS.
Pilularia globulifera, Linnccus.
The Pillwort or Pepper-grass. (Plate XVII. fig. 2.)
Pepper-grass is a small creeping plant with grassy leaves
growing usually in the shallow margins of lakes and pools,
where it is occasionally overflowed ; but sometimes occur-
ring entirely submerged. The stem, or rhizome, is thread-
like, composed of several longitudinal rows of hollow cells,
rough externally on the younger portions with hair-like
scales, but otherwise smooth, occasionally branched, and
producing on the lower side, at intervals, small tufts of
fibrous roots, which descend almost perpendicularly into
the muddy soil in which they become fixed. On the
upper part of the stem, at the same points, occur tufts of
erect leaves, which are curled up in the incipient state,
like those of a Fern, but on unrolling assume the erect
position. These leaves are bristle-shaped, from one to
four inches long, bright green, smooth externally, hollow
within, but, unlike those of Isoetes, which are composed of
four lines of cylindrical tubes, the leaves of the Pillwort
are divided longitudinally into various cells, separated by
partitions radiating from the centre ; they are from one to
four inches long.
PILULARIA. 241
The fructifications consist of small globular spore-cases,
attached by a very short stalk to the stem at the points
Avhence the leaves and roots proceed, being in fact seated
at the base, or in the axils of the leaves. They are densely
covered externally with pale-brown jointed hairs, and are
about the size of a small pea or pepper-corn. These spore-
cases are four-celled, and when mature, sjjlit into quarters,
the four parts remaining attached to the footstalk by their
base. The spores are attached to the interior of these
valves along their centre, forming four lines ; the lower
part of the spore-case being occupied by the large spores,
which are of a greyish colour, and have a roundish-oblong
form, with a contraction in the middle, and a terminal
nipple-like point, and the upper part being occupied by
the small spores, which are oblong pale-yellow bodies,
resembling pollen ; both are contained in transparent
membranous bags. The larger bodies are probably to be
considered as the perfect spores, while the smaller ones are
merely abortive spores ; at least this is the most reasonable
explanation which has been offered. There is, indeed, no
doubt of the larger bodies being spores, since they have
been caused to germinate by different persons.
The Pillwort is widely distributed throughout the United
R
242 HISTORY OF BRITISH FERNS.
Kingdom, but is apparently more abundant in England and
Wales than in Scotland and Ireland. It usually grows
on the margins of lakes or pools, where it is covered by
the water in winter, and more or less exposed during the
summer ; but it is also sometimes, though rarely, met with
entirely submerged.
243
THE BRITISH HORSETAILS.
This race of plants bears an aspect altogether different
from that of the groups in whose company they are placed
in books ; and indeed they have no very obvious affinity
to any existing order of plants. In their mode of growth
they have a certain resemblance to two small groups of
plants, the Ephedras and Camarinas, but this resem-
blance is confined to their general aspect, and is in great
measure owing to the peculiar jointing of the stems and
branches. With Ferns and Club-mosses they have little
in common, though so frequently associated with them in
books. Their most direct relationship is probably with a
small group called Liverworts {Marchantiacew), and the
aquatic group Characeca.
The Horsetails are distinguished from other plants by
the following characteristics. They are leafless, branching
plants, with fistular jointed stems, separable at the joints,
where they are solid, and at these points surrounded by
R 2 ^
244 HISTORY OF BRITISH FERNS.
membranous toothed sheaths : each joint, in fact, termi-
nates above in one of these sheaths, into which the base
of the next joint fits. The sheaths seem to represent
abortive leaves. The fructification consists of terminal
cone-like heads, made up of peltate, usually hexagonal
scales, to the lower face of which the spore-cases are
attached in a series around the marHn.
The stems consist chiefly of cellular matter, coated
externally by a layer of hard woody tubes, from which
plates of a similar nature project towards the central
cavity. Between the outer and inner cuticle of this hollow
cylinder-like stem, occur one or more circles of tubes, or
air-cavities, differing in size and position ; these afford, by
their comparative size, number, and arrangement, excellent
auxiliary marks for the recognition of the species. Nume-
rous stomates exist in the hollows of the fluted surface of
the stems, the depressed part of each channel having two
longitudinal series of these minute openings. The cuticle
abounds in siliceous particles secreted in the form of little
warts, which impart to the surface a greater or less degree
of roughness in proportion to their prominence. In some
species this deposit of siliceous matter is so great, that it is
said the whole of the vegetable substance may be destroyed
HORSETAILS. 245
by maceration, the form of the plant being preserved entire
in the flinty coating. It has been found that the ashes
contain half their weight of silica. We quote some very
interestino- observations of Dr. Brewster, on the micro-
scopic structure of this siliceous coating in E. hyemale,
first published by Dr. Greville —
" On subjecting a portion of the cuticle to the analysis
of polarized light under a high magnifying power, Dr.
Brewster detected a beautiful arrangement of the siliceous
particles, which are distributed in two lines parallel to the
axis of the stem, and extending over the whole surface.
The greater number of the particles form simple straight
lines, but the rest are grouped into oval forms, connected
together like the jewels of a necklace by a chain of parti-
cles forming a sort of curvilinear quadrangle ; these rows
of oval combinations being arranged in pairs. Many of
those particles which form the straight lines do not exceed
the five-hundredth part of an inch in diameter. Dr.
Brewster also observed the remarkable fact, that each
particle has a regular axis of double refraction. In the
Btraw and chaff of wheat, barley, oats, and rye, he noticed
analogous phenomena ; but the particles were arranged in
a different manner, and displayed figures of singular
246 HISTORY OF BRITISH FERNS.
beauty. From these data Dr. Brewster concludes that
the cr3^stalline portions of silex and other earths which
are found in veo;etable films are not foreio;n substances of
accidental occurrence, but are integral parts of the plant
itself, and probably perform some important function in
the processes of vegetable life."
Beyond their employment in the arts, the Equisetums
are of little importance in an economical point of view.
They are useless as fodder, and exploded as physic, though
they have had some reputed astringent virtues. The
under- ground stems, however, contain in winter, when the
plants are inactive, a considerable quantity of starch, and
they may be occasionally eaten by animals. In the cells
of these underground stems, during the month of October,
the particles of starch may be seen in active motion,
passing up one side and down the other, as is observed in
the stems of Chara. Dr. Lindley mentions having often
noticed this phenomenon in the stems of the great Water
Horsetail.
The Horsetails consist of the one genus Equisetiwi, of
which some nine or ten species are recognized as British.
EQUISETUM. 247
Genus XXIV. EQUISETUM, or HORSETAIL.
The jointed tubular siliceous stems, and the terminal
cones of fructification consisting of spore-cases attached
to peltate scales, are marks by which the Equisetums
may always be readily distinguished from other plants.
The species are, however, not so easily recognized among
themselves, owing to the great sameness which occurs
in certain groups of them. The chief features relied
on for their discrimination, are the similarity or otherwise
of the fertile and barren stems, the number of ridges or
striae which occur on the exterior surface of these stems,
and the structure of the sheaths which surround the joints.
By means of the peculiarities which these parts present,
the species may be certainly identified, and after a little
experience has been had, several of them may be at once
known by means of those primd-facie appearances, which
become associated with the plants in the mind of the
attentive student. One peculiarity of the Equisetums is,
that they have no leaves, these organs being represented
by the tubular sheaths which are produced at every joint.
248 HISTORY OF BRITISH FERNS.
The name Equisetum is compounded from equus, a
horse, and seta,, a hair or bristle ; whence comes the
English name of Horsettiil, — a not inapt comparison with
the barren stems of some of the species.
Equisettim Telmateia, Ehrhart.
The Great Horsetail ; or Great Water Horsetail.
(Plate XX. fig. 2.)
This is one of those species in which the ordinary fertile
and the barren stems are perfectly dissimilar, the former
being short and quite simple, the latter tall and compoundly
branched. Occasionally a third sort of stem a kind of
compromise between the two, is produced late in the season,
reaching maturity about August, and bearing a very small
proportion to tlie exclusively barren or fertile stems. They
are smaller, though with longer joints ; have shorter, less
spreading sheaths ; and bear catkins which are smaller than
usual. This state of the plant has been attributed to
drought ; and seems to be one of those occasional and in-
constant variations to which plants are liable, as they are
influenced by the external circumstances of soil or climate,
or the peculiarities of the seasons.
The barren stems of this species are very stately objects
EQUISETUM. 249
when in a Inxuariant condition of growth. They grow
erect, and are from six to seven feet or more in height,
clothed nearly to the bottom with spreading proximate
whorls, those on the stouter parts consisting of thirty to
forty branches, which are sometimes again branched. The
upper whorls have a less number of branches. The whorls are
most crowded towards the top of the stem, and there also
the branches are about the full length — six or eight inches ;
lower down the stem the branches become shorter, and
the whorls more distant. The stems measure about
an inch and a half in diameter at the stoutest part, and
from this point decrease upwards, becoming very slender at
the point. The surface is smooth, with mere indications
of about thirty faint lines extending into the sheaths, and
there becoming more apparent. The sheaths set close to
the stem, or nearly so, and are half an inch long, green
below, with a dark brown ring at top, and divided at the
margin into slender bristly teeth, about half an inch long,
dark brown, with paler membranous edges ; the teeth fre-
quently adhere together in twos and threes. The branches
have eight or ten ribs united in pairs, and their sheaths
terminate in four or five teeth, each extended into a slen-
der black bristle, and having two denticulated ribs. The
250 HISTORY OF BRITISH FERNS.
branches very frequently produce a series of two to five
secondary branches at their second joints. The colour of
the main stem is a very pale, that of the branches a de-
licate green. The sheaths of the branches, in this and
some other species, furnish excellent marks for discri-
mination.
The fertile stem is erect, simple, from nine inches to a
foot or more high, succulent, pale brown, and smooth.
From each of the numerous joints arises a large loose
funnel-shaped sheath, the upper ones being largest ; they
are distinctly striated, and terminate in thirty to forty long,
slender, and, according to Hooker, two-ribbed, teeth. The
sheaths are pale greenish brown below, darker brown above.
The catkins are large, between two and three inches long ;
the scales, often numbering four hundred, are arranged in
whorls, of which the lower ones are usually very distinct.
The scales and spore-cases resemble those of the allied
kinds,
A section of the barren stem of this species shows an
outer surface without ridges and furrows, and in the very
narrow cylinder of the stem occur two circles of cavities,
the outer one consisting of larger openings, while those of
the inner are more minute, and alternating with the larger.
EQUISETUM. 251
The central cavity is very large, the tissue of the stem being
reduced to a very narrow ring.
This is a widely-dispersed and rather common plant, oc-
curring on moist banks and in muddy places, by the sides
of streams and the margins of muddy pools. The nature
of the soil would seem to be of small importance provided
it has its necessary degree of moisture, for it is recorded as
occurring both in sandy and in clayey soils, as well as in
muddy pools. It is frequent in Ireland ; and is found
both in Scotland and Wales.
Equisetum pratense, Ehrhart.
The Shade Horsetail.
This species of Horsetail was formerly named E. Drum-
mondii, after Mr. Drummond, who first discovered it as a
native of Britain ; and has subsequently passed under the
name E. umbrosum. It is a very interesting and distinct
plant, intermediate in its general characteristics between
E. arvense and E. sylvaticum, but perfectly distinct from
both.
From its long, dark-coloured, creeping, underground stem
are produced, at the joints, whorls of slender fibrous roots,
and from buds organized at the same points arise the aerial
252 HISTORY OF BRITISH FERNS.
stems. These are quite dissimilar in their appearance,
some being short, quite simple, and terminating in a cone-
like head of spore-cases ; others being without fructification,
taller, and producing several whorls of long, crowded, slen-
der branches ; whilst a third kind, of 'common though not
constant occurrence,' produce whorls of branches and cones
also. In the production of these three kinds of stems it
serves to connect, through E. syhaticum, that group in
which the fertile and barren stems are successive and
altogether unlike, with that in which any of the stems
inJitTerently — at least as to external appearances — bear the
fructification, all being of similar habit.
The fertile stems grow about six inches high, and are
quite branchless ; they are of a pale yellowish-green, having
numerous joints, the large loose funnel-shaped sheaths
produced at these points almost covering the stem, as
usually described and figured ; but in our specimens they
are much less crowded, a space of from half an inch to an
inch occurring between the adjoining sheaths. These
sheaths are still paler-coloured than the stem, often almost
white, with a dark ring below the teeth, which are awl-
shaped, pale-brown, with pale-coloured membranous mar-
gins ; the teeth are about twenty — from twelve to twenty —
EQUISETUM. 253
in number, equalling the ribs on the sheath. These fertile
stems are very slightly striated.
The barren stems grow erect to the height of eighteen
inches or more, and have their surface disposed in about
twenty sharp ridges, with corresponding furrows, the ridges
being coated with prominent siliceous warty particles, so
that the stems become very rough. The few lower joints
are without branches, but in all the upper part of the stem
they produce whorls of from ten to sixteen branches, which
are simple, and at first drooping, but eventually take a
spreading or slightly ascending direction. The sheaths of
these barren stems are much smaller than those of the
fertile, less funnel-shaped, and more closely set to the stem,
and their teeth are also fewer, shorter and blunter ; but
in respect of colour they do not materially differ. The
branches, which are slender, and about four inches long, are
three or four-ribbed, and have loose sheaths, which termi-
nate in three or four short, acute, membranous-edged,
faintly brown-tipped teeth ; the ribs of the stem extend
upwards into the teeth, one entering each, but they do not
quite reach the apex.
The fructification forms a moderate-sized, terminal, oval,
cone- like head ; at first sessile in the uppermost sheath, but
254 HISTORY OF BRITISH TERNS.
becominor elevated on a short stalk. The scales are from
forty to fifty in number, and are of a pale-brown colour,
bearing numerous whitish spore-cases.
The branched fertile stems have their sheaths smaller
than the simple fertile ones, but larger than the barren
ones. Several of the uppermost joints produce whorls of
branches, and the stem is terminated by a cone of fructi-
fication. In these cases, however, the number of branches
is less than that produced by the ordinary barren stems,
and the cone is smaller than those produced by the ordinary
fertile stems.
The section of the stem of this species is very different
from that of any other, though having most resemblance to
those of E. arveiise and E. syhaticum. The exterior shows
a series of sharp ridges with angular furrows ; the central
cavity rather exceeds a third of the whole diameter ; the
cylinder of the stem is then pierced by three circles of
cavities — one of longish oblong openings opposite the
furrows, one of minute pores exterior to these and opposite
the ridges, and another of minute pores on their inner side
also opposite the ridges.
Probably this species is tolerably plentiful in moist shady
woods, which are the situations it affects ; but it has as yet
EQUISETUM. 255
been meet with only in a limited number of localities in
Ireland, Scotland, and the north of England.
Equisetum arvense, Linnwus.
The Corn-field Horsetail.
This is the most common of the species, and in many
places is an injurious weed, very difficult to eradicate. It
occurs here and there, almost everywhere, in fields and
waste places, especially where the soil is inclined to be
sandy, and more abundant in moist than in dry places. It
has long, creeping, underground stems, which are a good
deal branched, and are cylindrical and jointed in the same
way as the stems which rise above ground. At the joints
they throw out whorls of tough, branching, fibrous roots.
The aerial stems are of two kinds, the one. simple and
bearing the fructification only, the other branched and
perfectly barren.
The fertile stems are quite without branches, and grow
up early in spring, arriving at maturity and perishing
long before the barren ones have completed their growth.
They reach maturity in April and May. The stems vary
from three to eight or ten inches in height. They are
hollow, succulent when fresh, and of a light brown colour,
256 HISTORY OF BRITISH FERNS.
nearly smooth, and apparently without the siliceous coat-
ing common to the stems of this race of plants. They
are divided at intervals into joints of variable length, the
number of joints being also variable — from six, on stems of
about four inches in length, to eight, on those which
measure eight inches, though sometimes specimens of equal
length have but five or six joints. They are thus much
more distant in certain cases than in others, a space of
three-fourths of an inch being sometimes interposed be-
tween the top of one sheath and the base of the next,
while, on the other hand, they are sometimes so close as
nearly to touch. The base of a sheath is, however, not
covered by the sheath below it, except at the very lowest
part of the stem, where they become much reduced in size,
and are sometimes crowded. It is usual for each succeed-
ing joint upwards to be somewhat more distant than the
one beneath it. The sheaths are large and loose, widening
upwards ; they are pale-coloured, somewhat yellowish at
the base, and are divided above into about ten dark-brown
teeth, which often adhere together in twos and threes.
The teeth are very narrowly lance-shaped and sharp-pointed,
and are the terminations of the ribs, about ten in number,
by which the sheaths are marked These stems are ter-
EQUISETUM. 257
minatcJ fin inch or two above the upper sheath, by cone-
like heads, rather more than an inch long, tapering some-
what above and below, and terminating in a blunt point.
The peltate thecoe-bearing scales, which are very nume-
rous, often exceeding a couple of hundred, are arranged in
whorls around the axis of the cone, as is the case generally
in this family. At a right angle with their margin are
ranged the spore-cases, four to seven in number ; they are
oblong, membranous, parallel, white cells, bursting finally
into two longitudinal valves, and discharging an abund-
ance of very minute globular spores, of a beautiful blue-
green colour.
The barren stems are either erect or decumbent, and
from one to two feet or more in height ; they are often
branched from the bottom to the top, but sometimes only
the central and upper parts are branched. They spring
up after the fertile stems have withered, and are of a
pale-green colour ; at first crowded with short appressed
branches, which, by degrees, become elongated, and assume
a spreading or somewhat drooping position, sometimes
becoming again branched. The main stem has from ten
to sixteen distinct shallow furrows, with corresponding
ridges, and is, as well as the branches, studded over with
s
258 HISTOKY OF BRITISH FERNS.
minute siliceous warty particles. The sheaths, which fit
somewhat closely to the stem, are furrowed like it, and
terminate in an equal number of acute wedge-shaped
dark-coloured teeth, which are often margined by a narrow
brown membrane. Immediately below these sheaths spring
out, from other short sheaths with obtuse brown segments,
the whorls of branches, which are of variable number and
length ; they are four-ribbed, and their sheaths are four-
toothed, the teeth being long and acute, of one colour, with
a single rib extending to the extreme point of each tooth.
The branches are four-angled.
The section of the stem often affords a good mark of
recognition among the species of Eqinsetum. In that of
E. arxense it is seen that the interior cavity occupies only
about one-third of the diameter. The exterior surface is
varied by about a dozen blunt ridges, having corresponding
shallow depressions ; within this, occupying about the
centre of the ring, and alternating with the ridges, are a
series of large roundish-oblong or obovate . cavities, the
narrow end of which is turned inwards ; alternating again
with them, and consequently opposite to the external
ridges, occurs an annular series of small circular cavities,
which are placed near the inner surface of the tube.
EQUISLTUM. 259
Tliis plant is not, as far as we are aware, applied to any
use ; and tlie harshness of its stems renders it by no means
agreeable to cattle, although it often occurs abundantly
among their pasturage ; and in cultivated ground becomes
a troublesome weed.
Equisetum sylvaticum, Linnccus.
The Wood Horsetail. {Plate XX. fig. 3.)
Perhaps this may be called the most beautiful of the
Eqidsetums ; certainly it is extremely elegant in almost
all stages of its growth, and perhaps never more so than
shortly after the fertile stems, with their fructification still
perfect, have begun to develop their lateral branches.
Later in the season, these branches, which have from the
first a pendent tendency, droop around with exquisite
grace on all sides.
The creeping underground stem of the Wood Horsetail
is, like that of the others, dark-coloured and branched,
and produces from its joints the slender fibrous roots which
draw up nourishment to the plant. The aboveground
stems are erect, and, in a certain sense, those of them
which produce fructification, and those which are barren,
are similar, except as regards this one point. Their
s 2
260 HISTORY OF BRITISH PERNS.
resemblance consists in both growing up at the same time,
and both putting out whorls of deflexed branches, less
numerous certainly on the fertile stems ; but in other
respects they differ, as, for instance, in the growth of the
apices of the fronds. The fertile ones, terminating in a
catkin which soon perishes, become blunt-topped, while the
barren ones continue to elongate at the point, and so
become somewhat pyramidal. The barren stems are also
more slender than the fertile ones, and have less inflated
sheaths. It will thus appear, that this species, in its habit
of growth, holds a middle rank between that group in
which the fertile and barren stems are successive and quite
dissimilar, and that group in which they are simultaneous
and present no appreciable difference of structure. Some-
thing of the same kind occurs in E. umbrosum.
The fertile stems, when they first shoot up, are almost
quite simple, and a few of them remain so, perfecting their
cone-like head, and then perishing. More usually, by the
time the catkin has become fully grown, the whorls of
branches from the upper joints will be seen protruded to
the length of from half an inch to an inch or rather more.
Two, three, or four, rarely more, whorls of branches are
thus produced from the uppermost joints of the stem, and
EQUISETUM. 261
above these the oblong -ovate blunt cone is seated on a
bare stalk-like portion of the stem, one to two inches long.
The stems are round, succulent, pale-coloured, with about
twelve slender ridges and corresponding shallow furrows,
nearly smooth, the siliceous particles which coat the sur-
face being too minute to impart much roughness. The
sheaths are large and loose, and are divided at the margin
into three or four bluntish lobes ; their lower half or
tubular portion is pale-green, their upper half or lobes
bright-russet ; they have an equal number of ribs with the
stem. The slender branches, which are deflexed, grow to
about a couple of inches in length, and produce from their
joints a series of secondary branches, which grow from
about half an inch to an inch in length. The averao-e
height of the fertile stems is about one foot.
The barren stems are more slender and less succulent
than the others : they also produce more numerous whorls
of branches. These grow from fifteen to eighteen inches
high, and are ribbed like the others, only somewhat more
prominently. The sheaths fit closer than those of the
fertile stems, but in colour and in the division of their
margin they resemble them exactly. The whorls of
branches arc very dense, being compoundly branched.
262 HISTORY OF BRiriSII TERNS.
The side branches, which measure about four inches in
length, are constantly branched at every joint with a whorl
of branchlets averaging two inches in length, and some-
times these branchlets put out another series of short
branches. The outline would be nearly pyramidal, were it
not that the extreme point becomes so slender as to be unable
to retain itself erect ; the lateral branches are all drooping
or deflexed, and hence the elegant appearance of the full-
grown plants. The ultimate branches are three-ribbed,
which gives them a triangular form ; their joints termi-
nate in three long-pointed teeth, one of the ribs extending
undivided to the apex of each tooth. The teeth are of the
same colour as the branch.
The section of the stem shows a series of shallow ridges
and furrows ; opposite the latter a ring of largish cavities ;
and alternating with these on the inner side, another ring
of very minute cavities, these latter again alternating with
a circle of angular cavities close to the inner margin of
the tube. The central cavity measures about half the
diameter.
The fructification is an oblong-ovate cone-like head,
consisting of eighty or more pale brown peltate scales
ranged in whorls, and to which the white spore-cases
EQUISETUM. • 263
are attached. These, on bursting, disperse a great number
of greenish spores.
This species grows naturally in moist shady woods ; and
though local, owing apparently to the conditions necessary
to its growth, namely, shade and moisture combined in a
peculiar way, it is, nevertheless, a widely-distributed plant ;
and can hardly be considered as uncommon throughout
the United Kingdom. Its fertile stems are in perfection
about the middle of April, and its barren stems in June.
Equisetum limosum, L inn cuus.
The Water Horsetail, or Smooth NaJiecl Horsetail.
This is a common species and generally distributed,
occurring principally in pools, ditches, and marshy places,
though occasionally in running streams. It is rather a
tall-growing plant, the stems rising from two to three feet
or more in height, springing from the joints of the dark-
brown underground stems, which also produce whorls of
black fibrous roots. The stems are, though finely ribbed,
very smooth to the touch, the furrows being very shallow ;
their smoothness no doubt arising from the presence of a
very slight coating of the siliceous particles, which, when
more abundant, give their peculiar harshness to some of
264 HISTORY OF BRITISH FERNS.
the species ; probably, also, the particles themselves are in
this species much finer and less prominent. Sometimes
the stems are quite unbranched, sometimes furnished with
irregular whorls of branches along all their central portion ;
and between these two extremes there occurs also every
conceivable degree of branching, from the single shoot
produced here and there, through every gradation of
imperfect whorls up to whorls of short branches almost
complete. The branches, which are simple, nearly erect,
and never acquire much length, are smooth like the stem.
There is no material difference between the barren and
fertile stems, except the presence of the fructification in
the one case and not in the other ; they are therefore said
to be similar in structure.
The surface of the stem is marked with from sixteen to
twenty very slight ridges, and the sheaths, which are short,
rather closely fitted to the stem, and of the same colour in
the lower part, terniinate in an equal number of dark-
coloured awl-shaped teeth, which sometimes have a pale
membranous margin. The branches are four to eiirht-
angled.
Owing to the shallowness of the ridges and furrows, the
section of the stem shows a nearly smooth exterior outline,
EQUISETUM. 265
and the cylinder of the stem is furnished only ^vith a row
of minute cavities near the inner margin ; this cylinder is
very thin compared with the diameter of the stem, tlie
central cavity being unusually large. The present plant,
therefore, though it has been considered a variety of E.
palastre, is most strikingly distinct from that species in
the structure of its stem.
The fructification is produced only by a portion of the
branches. The cones are ovate, obtuse, and very fre-
quently sessile in the uppermost sheath. The scales are
black, exceeding a hundred in number ; the spore-cases
are pale-coloured. Usually only the termination of the
central stem bears fructification, but it sometimes happens,
though rarely, that some of the uppermost branches are
also fertile.
This plant is the most fodder-like of any of the Equi-
setums, owing to its less flinty cuticle, but in this point of
view it is, at least in this country, of very small import-
ance. It is, however, stated to be used in Sweden as food
for cattle^ " in order that the cows may give more milk ;"
and in Lapland, it is, even when dry, eaten with avidity
by the reindeer, though they will not touch common hay.
Linnasus censures the improvidence of the Laplanders in
266 HISTORY OF BFilTISII FERKS.
not providing during summer a supply of this plant and of
the Reindeer Moss, for winter use ; thus making some
provision for their herds at a time when the ground is
covered with frost-bound snow, so as not to risk the loss of
their most valuable or entire possessions. An instance is
related by Mr. Knapp, in which a colony of the short-tailed
water-rats made this plant their food, and in the evening
might be heard champing it at many yards' distance.
Equisetnm palustre, Linnwiis.
The Marsh Horsetail.
A common species in boggy places, and by the sides of
ditches and watercourses. It has a creeping underground
stem, which is black and shining, and from the joints of
this are produced whorls of slender roots. The part of the
stem which rises aboveground is erect, growing from a
foot to a foot and a half in height. The presence of fruc-
tification alone distinguishes the fertile slems from those
which are unfruitful ; both being erect, and bearing whorls
of numerous branches.
The stems are somewhat rough on the surface, but less
so than in many of the other kinds. They are marked on
the exterior by prominent ribs, with intervening broad
EQUISETUM. 2G7
deep furrows, tlie number being variable, from six to eight.
The joints are invested with nearly cylindrical sheaths,
which are quite loose, being almost twice the diameter of
the stem in the upper parts of the plant ; the lower sheaths
are smaller and rather more funnel-shaped. The sheaths
terminate in as many acute wedge-shaped teeth as there
are ridges on the stem ; they are pale-coloured, tipped with
black or dark brown, and have membranous edges.
The stems are usually, except at the base, furnished
with whorls of numerous simple branches, the number of
the branches generally corresponding with the furrows of
the stem. These are slender, four or five-ribbed, and
their sheaths set nearly close, and terminate in pale-brown
lance-shaped teeth, having a membranous border.
In this species, when a section of the stem is examined,
it shows a series of prominent ridges on the outer face ;
just within these, and over against the furrows, occurs a
circle of moderate-sized cavities ; and alternating with
these, and near the inner margin, is a series of much
smaller circular cavities. The central cavity of the stem
is comparatively very small, not very much larger than the
series of openings near the outer surface. The resemblance
is considerable between its section and that of E. arvenss.
268 HISTORY OF BRITISH FERNS.
The fructification is a blunt oblong cone, more than aii
inch long, terminating the main stem, and supported on a
stalk about equal to its own length above the uppermost
sheath. The whorls of scales in the mature cone are quite
separated, and expose the white spore-cases attached to
the margin. The scales in this species exceed a hundred
in number. The fructification is mature about June.
Besides the more usual form just described, there are
some curious variations to which this plant is liable.
One of the most remarkable has been called polystaohyon.
Its peculiarity consists in its having more or less of
the branches of the two upper whorls terminating in cones
of fructification ; the usual habit of the plant being to pro-
duce only one cone, and that on the central stem. The
cones produced by the branches are, we believe, always
much smaller than the ordinary cone of fructification pro-
duced by the main stem, and they are darker-coloured and
more compact. It has been suggested, that the produc-
tion of these lateral fructifications is accidental, owino- to
the destruction of the top of the main stem, but this
explanation is quite insufficient, since they are sometimes
produced along with the central head, which, moreover,
varies when accompanied by them, being sometimes of the
EQUISETUM. 269
usual size, and sometimes reduced ia size like the lateral
heads. The lateral heads are usually later in their appear-
ance than the central ones. Occasionally we have seen
some of the branches of the lowest whorl become elon-
gated, and terminate in one of these small cones.
Another form is called nudum, and a very similar variety
is sometimes called alpinuni. There appears to be no
advantage in attempting to distinguish these, both being
depauperated forms, depending no doubt on the circum-
stances of their growth. They differ from the ordinary
plant in being altogether smaller, the height ranging from
two to four or five inches, the lower part of the stems
being decumbent, and the whole stem almost devoid of
branches ; a few being developed only at their very base.
In some states, this form has much resemblance to the
prostrate E. tariegatum, but is distinguishable by means
of its sheaths and fructification.
Tlie variety, or form, called poli/stachyon, is probably
rather accidental than constant, and is to be regarded as
the result of peculiar and changeable circumstances wliich
may influence its growth. The variety nudum, or alpinum,
seems clearly a depauperization of the plant, either through
elevation or lack of food, both producing the result of a
270 HISTORY OF BRITISH FERNS.
dwarf stunted growth. We have had no opportunity of
testing their constancy in cultivation, neither are we aware
of any experiments having been made on this point, but
we should expect they would both revert to the common
form under the influences of domestication.
Ec[iiisetnni ramosnm, SchlekJicr.
Long Moiigh Horsetail.
This plant, on its discovery in the United Kingdom
being first made known, was named E. dongatum by Sir
W. J. Hooker, and it has since been called E. MacJcayi
by Mr. Newman, and identified as the E. trachyodon of
A. Braun by ]\fr. Babington. Mr. Bentham and others
refer it to E. ramosum.
It is one of those species in which the stems that pro-
duce the fructification, and those which are barren, do not
differ in any other respect, and are therefore said to be
similar ; and in which, also, the stems are almost branch-
less, the branching being mostly confined to the production
of one or two erect lateral stems from near the base, and
this lateral branching is by no means common. Some-
times, indeed, the upper part of the stem is also sparingly
branched, but the branches are produced singly from the
equisetum. 271
whorls ; in very luxuriant plants, the branches are now
and then themselves branched upon a similar plan.
Like the other species, this has a branching; under-
ground creeping stem, which is black, and produces whorls
of branched fibrous roots from its joints. The above-
ground stems are slender, and erect in their mode of
growth ; from two to three or four feet high ; deeply fur-
rowed, with a double row of elevated points along the
ridges, which are usually from eight to twelve, but some-
times fourteen in number. The sheaths are close, cylin-
drical, and striated like the stem, terminating:; in a number
of teeth equalling the stricc ; these teeth are long, slender,
awl-shaped, black with pale membranous margins, and
usually, but not always, persistent. The sheaths are, for
the most part, entirely black, but here and there they
occur with a narrow greyish ring, variable in position,
being sometimes central, and at other times near the base
or near the margin ; it is, however, we believe always, much
less decided and clearly defined than the pale-coloured
band on the sheaths of E. hjemale.
The section of the stem differs from that of E. hjemale,
to which it presents a general resemblance, in being
smaller, showing fewer ridges, and having the cavities
272 HISTORY OF BRITISH TERNS.
placed rather nearer the inner margin ; the central cavity
is also proportionally smaller. It has, consequently, on
the exterior, a series of ridges formed of twin projections
representing the double row of siliceous particles which
extends along each ridge ; and a series of cavities rather
nearer the inner than the exterior surface of the ring.
The fructification consists of small black cone-like
heads, of an oblong form, terminating in an apiculus. In
our specimens they appear sessile in the upper sheath, but
they are said to become elevated on a short pedicel. The
scales in one of these cones number about thirty.
Equisetum ramosum is found on the moist banks of the
mountain glens of Scotland and the north of Ireland. It
was first found in Ireland, and apparently by two botanists
in company, Dr. Mackay and Mr. Whitla ; this was in
1833. It has subsequently been met with in other parts
of Ireland, as well as in Scotland.
Equisetum hyemale, Linnceus.
The Great Bough Horsetail. (Plate XX. fig. 1.)
The underground stems of this plant are branched, and
creep to a considerable extent ; they are black, and fur-
nished with whorls of branched, black, fibrous roots. The
EQUISETUM. 273
aerial stems are of a deep glaucous green, and all alike in
structure^ those wliich bear fructification, differing in no
other particular from those ^vhich do not. They grow
upright, from two to three feet high, and are scarcely
ever branched : -n-hen this does occur, a solitary branch is
produced, and this protrudes from below the base of one
of the sheaths of the stem ; they are cylindrical, tapering
off at the apex, and marked on the thicker parts with
from fourteen to twenty ridges, formed of a double row of
elevated points, consisting of crystallized siliceous parti-
cles ; hence the stems are very rough. In this species the
sheaths fit closely around the stems, so that they are nearly
cylindrical ; they are marked by the same number of ridges
as the stem, but they are less prominent, and terminate in
a series of black, membranous, bristle-shaped teeth, which
soon fall off, and leave the margin crenated. The sheath
immediately below the cone of fructification has, however,
its teeth persistent, and it is somewhat funnel-shaped.
The sheaths are at first pale green, with a black margin ;
from this they change to be entirely black ; and finally
they become whitish in the middle, leaving a narrow ring
of black at the base and margin.
In this species a section of the stem shows on the
T
274 HISTORY OF BRITISH FERNS.
exterior a series of distinct ridges, formed of twin pro-
jections, and varying in number, as already explained ;
opposite to the farrows between these, and occupying
about the centre of the solid cylinder, is a ring of mode-
rate-sized cavities. The central cavity is comparatively
large.
The cones of the fructification are rather small, and
are seated on the apices of a number of the stems ; they
are at first ovate and apiculate, subsequently becoming
elliptical ; when young, sessile in the sheath, but after-
wards acquiring a short footstalk. They are dark-coloured,
consisting of about forty to fifty scales, and abounding in
light-coloured powdery spores. Each of the scales is im-
pressed with two or three vertical lines.
This plant grows naturally in boggy shady places, and
is much more abundant northwards than southwards, where
it is rarely met with. Though distributed sparingly over
the United Kingdom, its occurrence is strictly local.
The stems of this Equisetum are employed in the arts
as a material for polishing, and are imported under the
names of Dutch Rush and Shave-grass. They are obtained
from Holland, where this species is planted to support the
embankments, which it does by means of its branching
EQUISETUM. 275
underoTOund stems. It has Ijcen sn!?-2;csted that our own
sandy sea-coasts might be profitably planted with it.
The peculiarity which gives it its commercial value, is the
presence of a very hard coating of silex, which is deposited
in the form of little crystals, rendering the surface rough
like a rasp or file, and hence not only woods, but metals
and stones may be polished by it. This siliceous coating
is so entire, and of such density, that it is stated the whole
of the vegetable matter may be removed by maceration,
or, according to others, by burning, without destroying the
form of the plant. The minute crystals of silex, of which
the flinty coating consists, are arranged with a degree of
regularity which, under a microscope, has a very beautiful
appearance ; they form a series of longitudinal elevated
points, and in the furrows between them are cup-shaped
depressions, at the bottom of each of which is placed a
stomate or pore.
All the species of Equisetum have a flinty coating to
their stems, and may be, and are, more or less employed
in polishing ; but the stems of the E. hjemale are much
preferable to those of the other kinds, in consequence of
their rougher and more hardened surface.
T 2
276 UISTOEY OF LrJTISII TERNS.
Equisetiim Moorei, Newman.
Mr. Moore s Rough Horsetail.
This plant differs from the other native unbranched
Horsetails in the nature of its stems, which are not per-
sistent tlwough the winter, or evergreen as they are, but
die down in autumn, and are renewed in spring ; they are
therefore annual. They grow from a foot to two feet and a
half high, and are unbranched, except where the apex has
been destroyed, in which case branches are sparingly pro-
duced. They are rough, and are channelled with about
twelve deep well-marked furrows. The sheaths which are
loose, and have the same number of ridges as the stem,
are whitish, with a black ring at the base, and tipped by
about twelve blackish teeth, which are rigid, bluntish, and
terminated by elongated membranous paler awns. The
fructification consists of a cone, formed of about three
dozen black roundish scales, and terminated by a conical
acuminate apex.
This plant was found in the year 1851, by Mr. D.
Moore, the indefatigable Curator of the Eoyal Botanic
Gardens at Glasnevin, Dublin. It was growing on banks
facing the sea at Rockfield, in the county of Wicklow.
zqtjIsetum. 277
Eqnisetnm variegatiim, Weber and MoJir.
The Variegated Rough Horsetail.
This species is found on the banks of rivers and lakes,
and in sandy places near the sea. There is considerable
variation among the plants classed under this name, and
met Avith in these different localities, the differences ap-
pearing to be permanent under cultivation, but we have
not yet sufficient evidence to treat them as distinct species.
We therefore include as varieties or forms of variegatum,
the dwarf procumbent plant sometimes called E. arena-
rium, and the tall stout erect form which has been named
E. Wilsoni.
This is one of the species whose stems are all similar,
and almost quite unbranched. It extends by means of a
widely-creeping underground stem, rooting in whorls like
the other species, and producing numerous aboveground
stems, often springing from joints in such close proximity,
that they appear in dense tufts. Though so numerously
branched just beneath or at the surface of the soil, it is
not usual that any branches are produced on the exposed
part of the stems ; but this sometimes does occur, such
278 niSTOEY OF British ferns.
brandies not growing in whorls, but springing singly from
the joints, and having much similarity to the stem itself:
it is the erect form of the species, chieily, which thus
becomes branched. The stems grow about a foot high,
and, in what is taken as the typical plant, their surface
is very rough, and impressed with from four to ten furrows,
with alternating, rather prominent ridges, each ridge mar-
gined on both sides with a line of minute siliceous points,
which give it the appearance of being grooved, and impart
to it its peculiar roughness. The sheaths are slightly
enlarged towards their margin, ribbed like the stem, green
in the lower part, black above, and terminate in a fringe
of black teeth, equalling the ribs in number, with a broad
white membranous border, in form ovate, and tipped by a
deciduous bristle. Sometimes the contrast between the
black ring and teeth, and the white border to the latter, is
very conspicuous.
A certain number of the stems, usually the most vigorous,
terminate in a cone of fructification. This is small, elliptic,
crowned by a prominent point or apiculus. It is usually
black, and sessile in the uppermost sheath, but sometimes
elevated on a short stalk. All the stalked cones we have
seen have been much paler in colour than the sessile ones.
EQUISETUM. 279
The scales are about twenty in number, and the spore-cases
are ^Yhitish.
The section of the stem shows a small central cavity, an
exterior surface of rather prominent ridges, each channelled
so as to form two projecting angles, and a circle of moderate-
sized cavities occurring about the centre of the tissues.
Insensibly merging into the form just described appears
to be another, called arenarium, which in its extreme state
is smaller and more slender, its stems always procumbent,
and not having more than six furrows ; in this form the
teeth of the sheaths are said to be wedge-shaped, but we
do not detect any differences in respect to the teeth between
specimens having the erect and the prostrate habit of
growth.
The variety, Wilsoni, Equisetum Wilsoni of Newman,
which is allied to E. variegatum, is at least a permanent
variety, and may be still more distinct. It is a stouter and
taller plant, three feet high, and growing smoother than
the larger form of E. variec/atum. The section of its stem
also differs ; the central cavity and the ring of cavities
occurring in the cylinder of the stem being much larger,
and the latter differing in form from those in E. variegatum.
This plant grows in water at Mucruss, in the immediate
280 HISTORY OF nillTISn FERNS.
vicinity of the Lakes of Killarney. The stems are tufted,
generally simple, but sometimes sparingly branched ; they
have about ten furrows, with broad intermediate ridges,
on which the siliceous particles are less prominent, so that
the stems are not nearly so rough as in the allied E. varie-
gatum, ramosum, &c. The sheaths are scarcely larger
than the stem, and are entirely green, except a narrow,
black, sinuous ring at the margin ; the teeth are short,
generally blunt, and have obscure membranous margins,
and deciduous awns. The cone is small, black, terminal,
and apiculate, and, as occurs in the allied kinds, its sheath
is larger and looser than the rest, the teeth also longer, and
their membranous edges more dilated and conspicuous.
The present species is rather a local plant, but is widely
dispersed in the three kingdoms, the larger forms growing
on the margins of lakes, canals, rivers, ditches, &c., the
smaller prostrate examples occurring on the sandysea-coasts.
The Equisetums appear to submit readily to cultivation ;
at least we have found no difficulty in inducing those of
which we have from time to time procured the subterranean
stems, to grow with freedom. The plan we have adopted
has been to pot them in loamy soil, and simply to place
the pots in a cold frame, among a collection of hardy
EQUISETUM. 281
Ferns ; or, in the case of some of the aquatic species, to
sink the pots just beneath the surface of a tank of water.
There are, it should be remarked, two sets of Equise-
tiims, which may be called the evergreen and the deciduous
groups ; and this is a distinction of some importance in re-
ference to their cultivation. Under the head of evergreen
should be classed the "rough" group, consisting of E.
liyemale, Mackayi, and variegatum. All the remaining
species come under the head of deciduous, by which is
meant that the fronds die down annually in autumn, and
are renewed from the underground stems in spring.
The evergreen species are desirable plants for damp,
shady rockwork, requiring no peculiar care or culture ; and
though they cannot lay claim to any considerable elegance
of growth or habit, yet, from their peculiar form and
character, they must be looked upon as interesting plants,
no less for their own sakes, than for the mere pictorial
effect which their distinct appearance may help to bring
out in such situations.
Of the deciduous kinds most desirable for a similar
purpose, we should select E. sykaticum and E. wnbj-osum ;
these being among the most elegant of the race, and of
moderate size. Both of them would require shade, but
282 HISTORY OF BRITISH FERNS.
nothing else beyond ^vhat well constructed rockwork would
supply.
Perhaps the most interesting way of cultivating these
plants would be as a group on a shady border, or in a
separate bed. In damp cool soil they would be certain to
succeed. The smaller delicate sorts, such as the procum-
bent E. variegatum, should be rather elevated between
three or four rough stones, over which it would hang ; and
for the aquatic species, earthenware pans might be sunk,
and these, half-filled with mud, and the remainder with
water, would provide all that would be necessary for their
well-being. All the other species would grow in the or-
dinary soil, provided it were sufficiently moist and cool in
summer; but the rambling propensities of the underground
stems should be checked by planting them in pots sunk in
tlie ground.
The raising of the Equisetums from the spores, too,
would be very interesting employment, and withal very
instructive. The spores are very curious bodies, of roundish
or somewhat oval form, having four elastic filaments, thick-
ened at the ends, coiled around them. These, when the
spore has become ripe, unroll ; and their elasticity, no
doubt, contributes to burst the case in which the spores
EQUISETUM. 283
are contained, as well as to assist in tlie dispersion of these
minute reproductive bodies. They are, indeed, so irritable
that a change of temperature or moisture, such as that
produced by breathing on the spores, is sufficient to pro-
duce this forcible uncoiling. The spores themselves are
very interesting microscopic objects ; indeed, it is only
under a high magnifying power that their nature can be
examined.
The germination of the spores has been made the sub-
ject of experiment by several inquirers, whose observations
have been published. Agardh states, that from three to
fourteen days after the spores are sown, they send down a
thread-like transparent root somewhat thickened at the end,
and protrude a confervoid, cylindrical, obtuse, articulated,
torulosc thread, which is either two-lobed or simple at the
apex. Some days after this, several branches are produced,
and become agglutinated together, forming a body resem-
bling a bundle of confervoid threads, each of which pushes
out its own root. Bischoff finds these confervoid threads
go on growing and combining until a considerable cellular
mass is formed. Then this mode of development ceases,
and a young bud is formed, which produces the stem of an
Eqidsetum, at once completely organized, with its air-cells..
284 HISTORY OF BRITISH FERNS.
its central cavity, and its sheaths, the first of which are
formed before the elongation of the stem, out of the orio-lnal
cellular matter.
To watch the minute atoms thus springing into life, de-
veloping by degrees their tiny stems, and gaining strength
and bulk day by day until they reach maturity, could hardly
fail, one would think, to lead a sensitive mind to pure and
wholesome thought, — calling up, on the one hand, the
contemplation of the wise and beneficent plans and the
all-sufficient power of the Creator, by whose ordaining
providence life interminably renewable had thus been made
to spring from the dust-like spore ; and at the same time
producing, on the other, a just appreciation of the un-
certainty and insufficiency of human agency. For, though
man may plant and water, yet it is God alone that giveth
the increase.
285
DISTRIBUTION OF THE BEITISH FERNS, &c.
The limits of this volume neither allow of a very
complete nor very detailed record of the situations in which
the plants we have been describing have been found ; nor
is it necessary that their habitats should be fully and
minutely stated. The facts selected for record will, how-
ever, be so arranged as to afford some insight into the
geographical range of the species in the British Isles.
Mr. Watson, who is our best authority on the question
of the distribution of plants in the United Kingdom, has
well remarked that the county divisions are too numerous,
and the ancient political divisions too few, to express, with
both completeness and precision, the actual distribution of
species — the first, because our information is imperfect, the
second, because the areas arc too extensive. He has,
therefore, proposed another set of divisions, which he calls
provinces. These provinces are thus formed. From the south
coast of England to the Highlands of Scotland, a medial line
2S6 HISTORY OF BRITISH FERNS.
is traced, corresponding with the county boundaries, and
following that course which best divides the counties whoso
rivers flow to the east coast, from those whose waters flow
to the west. These two longitudinal divisions are subdi-
vided transversely into groups of counties, which together
constitute the basin of a principal river, or have some
other physical peculiarity in common. The medial line is
not continued northward of Inverness, where Scotland
becomes very narrow. A portion of Inverness, eastward
of Loch Erricht, is united with the contie-uous East Hio-h-
land province ; and the extreme north of Lancashire is
united with the Lake province. Ireland, which Mr.
Watson has omitted, is added to our list, and the Western
severed from the Northern Isles, to form a connecting link
with that country. This gives the following arrange-
ment : —
1. Peninsula. — Cornwall, Devon, Somerset.
2, Channel. — Hants, Sussex, Dorset, Wilts.
8. Thames. — Herts, Middlesex, Kent, Surrey, Berks,
Oxford, Bucks, Essex.
4. OusE. — Huntingdon, Bedford, Suflfolk, Norfolk, Cam-
bridge, Northampton.
PEOvixcES. 287
5. Severn. — Wanvick, Gloucester, Monmouth, Hereford,
Worcester, Stafford, Salop.
6. South "Wales. — Radnor, Brecon, Glamorgan, Car-
marthen, Pembroke, Cardigan.
7. North Wales. — Anglesea, Denbigh, Flint, Mont-
gomery, Merioneth, Carnarvon.
8. Trent. — Leicester, Rutland, Lincoln, Notts, Derby.
9. IMersey. — Cheshire, Lancashire (excluding the northern
portion, ^Yhich is included in 12).
10. Humber. — York.
11. Tyne. — Durham, Northumberland.
12. Lakes. — Westmoreland, Cumberland, and N. of Lan-
cashire. Isle of Man.
13. West Lowlands. — Dumfries, Kirkcudbright, Wigton,
Ayr, Renfrew, Lanark.
14. East Lowlands. — Peebles, Selkirk, Roxburgh, Ber-
wick, Haddington, Edinburgh, Linlithgow.
15. East Highlands. — Stirling, Clackmannan, Kinross,
Fife, Perth, Forfar, Kincardine, Aberdeen, Banff,
Nairn, Elgin or Moray including the N.E. of Inver-
ness, or that part E. of Loch Erricht.
16. West Highlands. — Inverness west of Loch Erricht,
288 HISTORY OF BRITISH FERNS.
Argyle, Dumbarton, and the Isles adjacent from
Bute and Arran to Skye.
17. North Highlands. — Ross, Cromarty, Sutherland,
Caithness.
18. North Isles. — Orkney, Shetland.
19. "West Isles. — The Outer Hebrides.
20. Ulster. (N.) — Antrim, Londonderry, Donegal, Ty-
rone, Down, Armagh, Monaghan, Fermanagh, Cavan.
21. Connaught. (W.) — Lcitrim, Sligo, Galway, Ros-
common, Mayo.
22. Leinster. (E.) — Longford, Westmeath, Meath,
Louth, Dublin, Kildare, King's, Queen's, Wicklo^v,
Wexford, Carlow, Kilkenny.
23. MuNSTER. (S.) — Waterford, Tipperary, Clare, Lime-
rick, Cork, Kerry.
24. Channel Isles. — Guernsey, Jersey, &c.
The records embodied in the following pages are derived
from the principal published lists of localities, and from
various notes, and other lists privately communicated.
The use of the signs [ ] implies some doubt as to the
correctness of the enclosed statements.
289
HABITATS OF BRITISH FERNS, &c.
Adiantuin Capillus-veneris, Linncmis.
Peninsula. — Carclew ; Penzance ; Carrick Gladden, and else-
where, between St. Ives and Hayle, in low dripi)ing sea-caves
and on coast rocks, Cornwall. Ilfraconibe ; Watermouth ;
Brixham ; IMewstone Bay, Devonshire. [Clevedon ;] stone
quarry at Combedown, E. J. Lowe; Cheddar Cliflfs, Rev.
TV. H. Hawker, Somersetshire.
Severn. — [Staffordshire.] [Shropshire.]
S. Wales. — Dunraven ; East Aberthaw, i^. Z>;r?;? ; [Swansea,
J. Riley, B.S.E.I Port Kirig ; Barry Island, Glamorgan-
shire.
Trent. — [Derbyshire.]
HuMBER. — [Yorkshire.]
Lakes. — Isle of Man.
E. Highlands. — [Banks of the Carron, Kincardineshire.]
W. Highlands. — [Argyleshire. Arran.]
CoNNAfGUT. — Lough Bulai'd, near Urrisbeg ; Roundstone, Con-
nemara, Galway ; Arran Isles.
McNSTEU. — Cahir Conreo, near Tralee, Kerry. Ballyvaughan,
Clare.
Channel Isles. — Jersey, rare. Rev. IV. GrcenwelL
U
290 HISTORY OF BRITISH FERNS.
Allosorus crispns, Bernhardi.
Peninsula. — Exmoor near ChallicomLe, Devonshire, N. Ward,
B.S.E. Simmonsbath, Somersetshire. (Terhaps these
descrijitions refer to one localitj\)
Severn.— Titterstone Clee Hill, Shropshire. Malvern Hills,
Worcestershire. [Stowe (? Staffordshire), B.S.E.]
S. Wales. — Glamorganshire. Cardiganshire.
N. Wales.— Cerig-y-Druidion ; Ruthin, T. Priicharcl, Denbigh-
shire. Dolgelly ; Cader Idris, Merionethshire. Breiddin
Hills, Montgomeryshire. Cwm-Idwal ; ClogAvyn-du-Yrarddu,
Snowdon ; Glyder Vawr ; Mynidd-Mawr ; Llanhaba, W.
Pamplin; Llanberis ; Aber ; and elsewhere in Carnarvon-
shire.
Trent.— Fairfield ; Chinley Hills, Derbyshire. [Rutland.]
Mersey. — Tag's Ness, near Macclesfield, Cheshire. Lancaster ;
Cliviger near Todmorden ; Fo-edge near Bxu-j, Lancashire.
HuMBER. — Settle ; Saddleworth ; Fountain's Fell ; Halifax ;
Wensley Dale ; Cronkley Scar ; Ingleborough, &c., York-
shire.
Tyne.— Falcon Clints, Teesdale, Durham. Cheviots above Lang-
ley Ford ; Crag Lake ; Haltwhistle, Northumberland.
Lakes. — Ambleside ; Casterton ; Morland ; and the hill-sides
of Westmoreland, very abundant. Borrowdale ; Winlatta
W. Christy, B.b.E. ; Keswick; Skiddaw; Helvellyn ;
ALLOSORUS caispus. 291
Grasmere ; Scawfell ; I\Iartindale, &c., Cumberland. Co-
nistone, Lancashire. Isle of Man, Dr. Allchin.
AV. LowLAXDS. — Dumfries ; Jardine Hall ; George Town ;
Q,ueensberry Hill ; Rae hill ; Hills above Loch Skew ; Mor-
ton HiUs ; Moffat- dale, P. G^r^y; Dumfries-shire. Sandy-
Hills and Douglass Hall, Colvend ; Carsethorne, P, Gray ;
Criffel, Kirkcudbrightshire. Cuff Hill and Beith, Ayrshire.
Neilston Pad, W. L. Lindsay, Renfrewshire.
E. Lowlands. — Eildon Hills ; Winchope, Walter Scott, B.S.E.,
Roxburghshire. South bank of the Whiteadder, Berwick-
shire. [Edinburghshire.]
E. Highlands. — West Lomond Hill ; Saline Hill, Fifesliire.
Ben Lawers; Killin ; Dunkeld, A.Tait ; Glen Tilt; Blair
Athol, &c., Perthshire. Sidlaw Hills, G. Lawson, B.S.E, ;
Glen Isla, W. Brand, B.S.E. ; Clova Mountains, Forfar-
shire. Glen CaUater, W. Christy, B.S.E. ; Castleton ;
Loch-na-gar ; //. M. Balfour, Aberdeenshire. Kingussie,
A. Rutherford, B.S.E, ; stone walls near Dalwhinnie, and
on the neighbouring mountains, Inverness-shire. Morayshire.
W. Highlands. — Ben Nevis ; Gnarrow ; Ben Aulder, Western
Inverness-shire. Argyleshire. Loch Lomond, Dumbarton-
shii-e. Goat Fell, Arran, J. R. Cohb, Ben-na-Caillich,
Skye. Isle of Mull.
N. Highlands. — Ross-shire. Sutherlandshire.
W. Isles. — Roddal, Harris.
u 2
292 HISTORY OF BRITISH FERNS.
Ulster. — Cavrickfergus, Antrim. Sleive Bignian ; Mourne
Mountains, Down.
Leinster. — Carlingford Mountain, Louth.
MuNSTER. — Black Head, Clare, E. T. Bennett*
Aspleniuin acutum, Bortf.
Ulster. — [Sherard's plant from Mourne Mountain, Down
Asplcnium Adiantum-nigmm j3 of Sir J. E. Smith, and
identified with A. acv.tum, by Mr. Newman, is not referrible
here, but to Atliyrmm Filix-foemina.']
Leinster. — Dublin mountains.
Munster. — Mucruss, Killarney, Kerry, Dr. Mackai/. Cahir
Conree, near Tralee, Cork.
Channel Isles. — [Jersey, J. Piquet.'}
Asplenium Acliantum-nigrum, Linnceiis.
Peninsula. — Cornwall. Devonshire. Somersetshire.
Channel. — Hampshire, and the Isle of Wight. Dorsetshire.
Wiltshire. Sussex.
Thames. — Hertfordshire. Middlesex. Kent. Guildford (with
an attenuated form), and elsewhere, Surrey. Berkshire.
Buckinghamshire. Oxfordshire. Essex.
Ouse. — Bedfordshire. Suffolk. Noifolk, Cambridgeshire.
Northamptonshire.
Severn. — Warwickshire. Gloucestershire. Monmouthshire, T.
ASPLENIUM ADIANTUM-NIGRUM. 293
H. Thomas. Herefordshire. Worcestershire. Staffordshire.
Haughmond Hill (with caudate pinnse), Ecv. W. A. Leigh-
ton ; and elsewhere, Shropshire.
S. Wales. — Glamorganshire. Carmarthenshire. Pemhrokeshire.
Cardiganshire.
N. Wales. — Anglesea. Denbighshire. Merionethshire. Flint-
shire. Carnarvonshire.
Trent. — Leicestershire. Rutland. Nottinghamshire. Derby-
shire.
Mersey. — Cheshire. Lancashire.
HuMBEE. — Yorkshire.
Tyne. — Durham. Northumberland.
Lakes. — Westmoreland. Cumberland. North Lancashire.
W. Lowlands. — Dumfries-shire. Kirkcudbrightshire. Ayrshire,
Lanarkshire. Renfrewshire.
E. Lowlands. — Roxburghshire. Berwickshire. Edinburgh-
shire. Linlithgowshire.
E. Highlands. — Clackmannanshire. Kinross-shire. Fifeshire.
Perthshire. Forfarshire. Kincardineshire. Aberdeenshire,
Banffshire. !Morayshire. Nairnshire.
W. Highlands. — Inverness- shire. Argyleshire. Dumbarton-
shire. Isles of Arran ; Bute, T. M. ; Islay ; Cantyre ; and
lona. Ailsa Craig.
N. Highlands. — Cromarty. Sutherlandshire. Caithness.
N. Isles. — Orkney,
W. Isles. — Tarbet, Harris,
294 nisTOEY OF British ferks.
Ulster. — Antrim (an attenuated form), D. Moore. Dovru,
(an attenuated form).
CoNNAUGUT. — Gort ; Counemara, Gahvay. Arran Isles.
Leinstek. — Meatli. Louth. Dublin. King's. Wicklow. Kil-
kenny.
MuNSTEE. — Kerrj'. Cork. Ardmore (dichotomous), J", i?. -ffV;?«-
han. Waterford. Tipperar}' (an attenuated form). Clare.
Limerick. Cork.
Channel Isles. — Jersey. Guernsey (with an attenuated
form) C. Jaclson.
Aspleniuin fontamim, E. Broum.
Channel. — Near Petersfield, Hants, Rev. JV. H. Hawlcr.
Swanage Cave, Isle of Purbeck, Dorsetshire, Dr. Power
{Phytol.)
Thames. — Recently on an old garden-wall at Tooting, Surrey,
D. Haigli. (The wall has been cleaned, and the plants
destroyed.)
N. Wales. — Between Tan-j'^-Bwlch and Tremadoc, Carnarvon-
shire, Dr. Power {Phytol,')
Trent. — Matlock, Derbyshire, H. Shepherd.
Humber. — York.
Lakes. — [Formerly at Wybourn, Westmoreland ; or Wiborn,
Cumberland.]
E. Highlands. — Shady rocks near Stonehaven, Kineardiue-
shire, D. Hutchcson.
ASPLENIUM LANCEOLATUM. 295
Asplenhim gernianiciim, Weiss.
Peninsula. — Near Culbone, Somersetsliire, £Iiss Payne.
N. Wales. — Rocks near Llain-wst (BwlcIi-y-Ehyn), Denbigh-
shire, H. Wilson. " Between Llanrwst and Capel Curig,''
Ci/b. Brit. Moel Lechog, Llanberis, Carnarvonshire.
Lakes. — Helvellyn, Rev. W. H. Hawker ; Borrowdale, //. E.
Smith, and Miss Wright, Cumberland.
Tyne. — Kyloe roclcs, Northumberland, G. R. Tate.
E. Lowlands. — Rocks near Kelso on the Tweed ; Miuto Crags
near Hassendean, W. Nichol, Roxburghshire.
E. Highlands. — Dunfermline, Fifeshire, Dr. Dewar. Stenton
rock near Dunkeld, Perthshire (nearly if not quite
exterminated).
Asplenhim lanceolatum, Hudson.
Peninsula. — St. IMichael's Mount, and other places about Pen-
zance, abundant ; Logan Rock ; rocks at Hot Point, and
other stations near the Land's End ; St. Ives, Cornwall.
Morwell rocks, on the Tamar ; banks of the Tavy, and of
the Plym near Cann Quarry; Shaugh, R.J. Gray; near
the Tors, Tynemouth, R.J. Gray ; Buckland Monachorum ;
Tavistock ; Salcombe ; Torquay ; Bickleigh Vale, W. S.
Horc, B. S. E.; Devonshire. Selworth}-, Mrs. A. Thompson,
and elsewhere, Somersetshire.
Channel. — High Rocks, Tunbridge Wells, Sussex.
296 nisTORY OF British ferxs.
Thames. — Tunbridge Wells, Kent. [Oxfordshire.]
Severn. — River Frome, near Frenchay, T.H. TJiomas; Beechly ;
Oldbury Court Woods, and Pennant Rocks, near Stapleton,.
Gloucestershire. [Shropshire.]
S. Wales. — Ramsay Island, Pembrokeshire. Glamorganshire.
N. Wales. — About Barmouth, Merionethshire. Tremadoc ;
Pwllheli ; Beddgelert ; about Aberglaslyn, Carnarvonshire.
Near Llanrwst, Denbighshire.
HuMBER. — [Yorkshire.]
MtrxsTER. — Kinsale, Cork, J. Woods.
Channel Isles. — Guernsey. Jersey. Sark, Mm C. E. Nixon.
Asplenium marinum, Linnccus.
Peninsula. — Cornish coast generally ; St. Ives ; Lamorran.
Plymouth Hoe (acute var.) J. Baiilcr : Dawlish ; Ilfracombe;
Salcombe ; Torquay ; Babbicombe ; Teignmouth ; Lynton,
N. B. Ward: Exmouth; Valley of Rocks, and Lee Abbey,
near Lynmouth, T. Clark ; and other parts of Devonshire.
Clevedon; Portishead. Sehvorthy, Mrs. A. Thompson;
Weston-super-Mare, Somersetshire.
Channel. — Isle of Portland ; Purbeck ; Lj-me Regis, Dorset-
shire. Isle of Wight, beyond Knowle, towards Blackgang.
Castle Rock at Hastings, Sussex.
Severn. — Gloucestershire, Ft. Brit.
S. Wales. — Rocks by the ^Mumbles Lighthouse, Swansea ;
ASPLENIU-M MARIN UM. 297
Dunvaven ; Neath ; Oystermouth ; Barry Island, &c.,
Glamorganshire. Cliffs between Tenby and Saundersfoot ;
Fishguard ; St. David's ; St. Catherine's Island, &c., Pem-
brokeshire. Aberystwith and elsewhere, Cardiganshii'e.
N. Wales. — Llanddwyn ; Traeth Loch, J. E. Bowman ; South
Stack Lighthouse, Holyhead, &c., Anglesea. Towyn, Me-
rionethshire. Carnarvon Castle ; Orme's Head ; Bangor,
Carnarvonshire.
Mersey. — Red Noses Rocks, New Brighton, at the mouth of the
Mersey ; Hilbre Island, mouth of the Dee, Cheshire. Win-
wick stone-quarry, near Warrington ; Hulme quarry,
T. G. Rylands ; Newton ; Black Rock, near Liverpool ;
rocks near Heysham, Lancashire.
HuMBER. — Cloughton Bay, ^. Clapham ; cliffs north of Scar-
borough, Yorkshire.
Tyne. — Marsden Rocks ; Black-hall Dean, west of Hartlepool;
Teesdale, Durham. Holy Island, B.S.E. N. Durham.
Howick, T. Wilcke. Rocks near Craster, Rev. R. Tai/lor.
Northumberland.
Lakes. — Sea- cave near Silverdale, Westmoreland. Whitehaven ;
St. Bee's Head, Cumberland. Head of Morecambe Bay.
North Lancashire. Isle of Man.
W. Lowlands. — Southwick Cliffs and Col vend Cliffs, by the
Solway, Kirkcudbrightshire, P. Gray. Port Patrick, Wig-
tonshire. Ayrshire.
E. Lowlands. — Near Eyemouth ; Rammel Cove ; rocks by the
298 UISTOllY OF BRITISH TEENS.
Tweed, below Lady-Kirk House ; and elsewhere, Berwick-
shire. Near Queensferr^', Edinburghshire.
E. HiGULAXDs. — Wemj'ss, and elsewhere on the coast of Fife-
shire. Red Head, A. Croall, B.IS.E.; east of Auchmithie,
G. Lawson ; Montrose ; Dysart, Forfarshire. Cove, Kin-
cardineshire ; or Aberdeenshire. Morayshire.
W. Highlands. — Oban, Argyleshire, E. Newman. Isles of
Bute, Arran, Islay, Mull, Can tyre. Jura, StafFa, lona, and
Skye ; Ailsa Craig.
N. Highlands. — Nigg, Ross-shire. Farr, Sutlierlandsliire,^.>S'.-£'.
Rocks near Wick ; near Thurso, Caithness, T. Anderson.
N. Isles. — Hoy and Mainland, Orkney, T. Anderson (who found
it growing on the inside of St. Magnus' Cathedral, from
whence it is now eradicated by repairs).
W. Isles. — Little Barve, Harris ; Shiant Isles.
Ulster. — Newcastle, Down. Isle of Rathlin. MuUaghmore,
Cavan.
CoNNAUGHT. — Abundant along the coast. Connemara, Galway.
Leinster. — Howth; Killiney Bay, G. Lloyd, B.S.L., Dublin co.
MuNSTER. — Killarney ; Derrynane, &c., Kerry. Rocks on south
coast, Clonmel, Cork, J. Sihhald. Abundant along the coast.
Channel Isles. — Petit Bot Bay ; Torteral ; and north and
east coast of Guernsey ; occurring also on an inland church
two miles from the sea ; also an acute var., 6'. Jaclson.
Jersey (with acute var.), J. Piquet.
ASPLENIUH EUTA-MURARIA. 299
Aspleniiim Eiita-miiraria, Liiinccus.
Peninsula.' — Cornwall. Devonshire. Somersetsjiire.
Channel. — Dorsetsliire. Wiltshire. Isle of Wight. Hamp-
shii-e. Sussex.
Thames. — Hertfordshire. Middlesex. Kent ; also var. with
wedge-shaped pinnules, Town Mailing, Dr. Allchin. Surrey.
Berkshire. Buckinghamshire. Oxfordshire. Essex.
OusE. — Suffolk. Norfolk. Cambridgeshire. Bedfordshire.
Northamptonshire.
Severn. — Warwickshire. Gloucestershire. Monmouthshire,
T. H. Thomas. Herefordshire. Shropshire. Worcester-
shire. Staffordshire.
S. Wales. — Glamorganshire. Talgarth, Breconshire, E. Wil'
Hams. Carmarthenshire. Pembrokeshire.
N. Wales. — Anglesea, and Priestholme Island, Rev. W. A. Leigh-
ton. Denbighshire. Merionethshire. Carnarvonshire.
Trent. — Leicestershire. Nottinghamshire. Derbyshire. Rut-
land.
Meesey. — Cheshire. Lancashire.
HuMBER. — Yorkshire.
T YN E. — Durham. Northumberland.
Lakes. — Cumberland ; various forms at Keswick, Miss Wright.
Westmoreland.
W. Lowlands, — Dumfries-shire. Kirkcudbrightshire. Renfrew-
shire. Lanarkshire.
300 HISTORY OF BRITIsn TERNS.
E. Lowlands. — Berwicksliire. Edinburghshire. Linlithgow-
shire.
E. Highland?. — Stirlingshire. Clackmannanshire. Flfeshirc.
Dunkeld (with var. having wedge-shaped pinnules, ap-
proaching A. gcrmanicum, and various other forms, A.
Tait) ; and elsewhere, Perthshire. Forfarshire. Kincardine-
shire. Aberdeenshire. Banffshire. Morayshire. Nairnshire.
W.Highlands. — Argyleshire. Dumbartonshire. Ailsa Craig*
Isles of lona, Islay, and Cantyre.
N. Highlands. — Cromarty. Sutherlandshire. Caithness.
N. Isles. — Orkney.
AV. Isles. — N. Uist. Harris. Lewis.
Ulster. — Rostrevor, Down, A. Crawford.
CoNNAUGHT. — Arrau Isles. Connemara, Galway.
Leinstee. — Louth, C. L. Darhy. Dublin. King's. Wicklow.
Kilkenny.
MuNSTER. — Cork. Waterford, Tipperary. Limerick. Mucruss,
Killarney, Kerry (furcate var.). Dr. AUcliin, Clare, on
limestone boulders ; also with narrow pinnules at Ennis,
Dr. AllcMn.
Channel Isles. — Jersey.
Asplenium septentrionale, Hull.
Peninsula. — Near Culbone, N. Ward; near Oare church,
Rev. W. S. Hore, Somersetshire. Wall on Exmoor, four
miles from Porlock, i?. J. Gray.
Thames.— [Bocton Hill, Kent.]
ASPLENIUM TRICIIOMANES. SOI
N. Wales. — Llan Detliyla, near Llanrwst, Denbighshire. - Craig
Dhu, pass of Llanheris ; Llyn-y-cwm ; Moel Lechog ;
Bettwys-y-Cocd ; Pont-y-Pair ; Capel Curig ; Carnedd
Llewellyn, &c., Carnarvonshire.
HcMBER. — Ingleborough, Yorkshire.
Ti'NE. — Kyloe Crags, Northumberland.
Lakes. — Houister Crags ; Scawfell ; Patterdale ; Keswick ;
ravine near Wastwater ; Borrowdale, Miss Wright ; Vale of
Newlands ; Ilelvellyn, Bev. W. H, Hawlcer, Cumberland.
Ambleside, Westmoreland.
E. Lowlands. — Minto Crags ; Jedburgh, Roxburghshire. Ar-
thur's Seat, Blackford Hill, and other places in the neigh-
bourhood of Edinburgh.
E. Highlands. — Stenton Rocks, near Dunkeld, Perthshire.
[Forfarshire.] Pass of Ballater, Aberdeenshire, A. Tait.
N. Isles. — [Orkney."]
Asplenium Trichoinanes, Linnccus.
Peninsula. — Cornwall ; very fine in Raven's Hugo, G. A. Johns.
Devonshire; Totnes (dichotomous form), C. Scott; the in-
cised form is also found. Somersetshire.
CnANNEL.— Isle of Wight. Hampshire. Wiltshire. Dorset-
shire. Sussex.
Thames. — Hertfordshire. Kent. Isle of Sheppey. Surrey.
Buckinghamshire. Oxfordshire. Essex.
OcsE. — Suffolk. Norfolk. Cambridgeshire. Bedfordshire.
o02 HISTORY OF BRITISH FERNS.
Severn. — Warwiclcshire. Gloucestershire. Monmouthsliire,
T. H. TJiomas. Herefordshire. Worcestershire. Stafford-
shire. Shropshire.
S. Wales.— Glamorganshire. Talgarth, Breconshire, E. Wil-
liams ; J. R. Cobb, Carmarthenshire. Pembroke.
N. Wales. — Anglesea. Denbighshire. Montgomeryshire. Me-
rionethshire. Carnarvonshire.
Trekt. — Leicestershire. Nottinghamshire. Derbyshire. Rut-
land.
Mersey. — Cheshire. Lancashire. The var. indsum is found at
Kant Clough, near Burnley.
Humber. — Yorkshire. The var. indsum is found at Smeerset,
near Settle, t7. Tatham; A. Clapham.
Ttne. — Durham. Northumberland.
Lakes. — Westmoreland. Cumberland; also Keswick (var.
ramosiim), 3Iiss Wright, and Borrowdale (var. indsum),
3Iiss Wright. Isle of Man.
W. Lowlands. — Dumfries-shire, P. Gray.' Kirkcudbrightshire,
P. Gray ; also var. multifidiun, at St. Mary's Isle, D. Dick.
Renfrewshire. Lanarkshire.
E.- Lowlands.— Roxburghshire. Berwickshire. Edinburgh-
sliire. Linlithgowshire.
E. Highlands.— Stirlingshire. Clackmannansliire. Fifeshire.
Perthshire. Forfarsliire. Kincardineshire. Aberdeenshir-e.
Morayshire. Nairnshire.
W. Highlands.-— Argyleshire. Dumbartonshire. Isles of
Arran, T.M. ; Bute, T.M. ; Islay ; and Cantyre.
r
ASPLE^^IUM VirvIDE. 303
N. I'lGHLAiXDS. — Ross-shire. Cromarty. Sutherlandsliire.
N. Isles. — Orkney, T. Anderson.
W. Isles. — Tarbet, Harris.
Ulster. — Antrim. Rostrevor, Down, A. Crawford.
CoNNAUGHT. — Arran Isles. Connemara, Gahvay.
Leinster. — Louth, C L. Do.rhy. Dublin. King's. Wicklow.
Kilkenny'.
MuNSTER. — Cork. Kerry. Waterford. Tij^perary. Limerick.
Clare (var. incisum), J. R. Kinahan ; Q,uin Abbey (diclio-
tomous form), J. R. Kinahan.
Chajjnel Isles. — Jersey.
Asplenium viride, Hudson.
Channel. — In the parapet wall of an old cellar window at
Danny, ten miles from Brighton, Sussex, Rev. T. Rooper.
Old wall at IMickleham, Surrey, W. Borrer.
Severn. — Ham Bridge, Worcestershire. Dovedale, StafFord-
sliire.
S. Wales. — Brecon Beacon and Trecastle Beacon, near Brecon ;
Chapel-y-Fin ; rocks near Capel Colbren, Brecknockshire.
Merthyr-Tydvil ; Cilhepste Waterfall, near Pont Nedd
Vechn ; Darran-yr-Ogof near Ystradgunlais, Glamorgan-
shire.
N. Wales. — Caderldris, Merionethshire. Cmn Idwl ; Twll-du ;
Llyn-y-cwm ; Glyder-Vawr ; Clogwyn-du-Yrarddu ; Clo-
gwyn-y-Garnedd, T. Butler ; Carnarvonshire.
oO-i HISTORY OF BniTISII FERXS.
Trent. — Buxton ; Cavedale, Castleton, Dovedale, Derbyshire.
Charley forest, Beacon Hill, Leicestershii'e.
LIersey. — Carr-edge, Cheshire. Dulesgate ; Staley, Lancashire.
HuMBER. — Settle (forked), T. WUcle; Craven (ramose form),
J. S, Hensloio ; lugleborough ; Gordale ; Widdal Fell,
Wensley Dale ; Ogden Clough, near Halifax ; Reeth Moor,
Swaledale ; and other parts of Yorkshire.
Tyne. — Falcon Glints, Teesdale ; Weardale, W. C. Trevelj/an,
Durham. Banks of the Irthing, Northumberland.
Lakes. — Rocks above Patterdale ; Kendal Fell, W. CJiristy,
B.S.E. ; Hutton Roof; Farlton ; Arnside ; Casterton Fell ;
Mazebeck Scar ; Ambleside, Westmoreland. Ashness Gill ;
Borrow Force ; Brandy Gill, Carrick Fell ; Borrowdale,
Miss Wright ; Gillsland, Cumberland.
W. Lowlands. — Bold Craig, near Moffat, Re)). W. A. Little ;
Grey Mare's Tail, W , Stevens, Dumfries-shire. Falls of the
Clyde, Lanarkshire.
E. Highlands, — Stirlingshire. Blair Athol ; Ben Lawers ;
Drummond hill, U. M'-IntosJi; Ben Chonzie, near CriefF;
Ben Voirlich, Perthshire. Canlochen, Clova, Forfarshire,
A. CroaU,B.S.E. Cawdor Woods, Nairnshire. Aberdeen-
shire.
W, Highlands. — Inverness- shire. Dunoon, and other parts of
Argyleshire. Ben More, Isle of Mull.
N. Highlands. — Assynt, Sutherlandshire. Ross-shire.
N. Isles,— Shetland, Herb. S. F. Gray.
ATIIYEIUM FILIX-F(EMINA. S05
Ulster. — Near Lough Eask, Donegal.
CoxNAUGUT. — Ben Bulbcn, Sligo.
Mi'NSTER.— Bandon, Cork. Turk Mountain, Killarney, Kerry.
Athjrriiim Filix-foemiaa, Jloth.
A common species, the distwbution of the many variations of
â– which is very imperfectly recorded.
Pexinsula. — Travenna (var. rhceticiim), &c., Cornwall. Devon-
shire (various forms, including vars. stenodon, and multifid
var. of the 7nolle type). Rev. J. 31. Chanter ; also Salterton
(a monstrous state, approaching latifolmm), H. B. M.
Harris, B.S.E. Somersetshire ; also Bristol (var. molle) ;
and Nettlecombe (vars. pol^dactj/lum and laciniatum), C.
Elworthy.
Channel. — Isle of Wight. Hampshire. Dorsetshire. Wilt-
shire. Tunhridge Wells (var. rhceticum), Miss Bower;
Tilgate Forest, and elsewhere, Sussex.
Thames. — Hertfordshire. Kent. Portnall Park, Virginia Wa-
ter, and Shirley (var. rhceticum) ; Mayford (vars. mollc and
trificlum') ; Gomshall (var. stenodon), E. Morse; Bag-
shot (var. molle) ; and other parts of Surrey. Windsor
(var. pruinosum). Dr. Allchin, Berkshire. Oxfordshire.
Essex.
Ouse. — Suffolk. Norfolk. Cambridgeshire. Bedfordshire.
Severn. — Arbury Park (with the vars. rhceticum and molle) and
other parts of Warwickshire. Gloucestershire. Penyard
X
306 HISTORY OF BRITISH PERNS.
Park Wood, near Ross, Herefordshire (var. rhceticum),
W. H. Purchas. Newport, Monmouthshire. Worcester-
shire ; also Malvern (var. tnfidum), E. Lees. Staffordshire ;
also var. multifidum, D. Doody, according to Plulcnet.
Shrewsbury, &c., Shropshire (var. rJiceticiim) ; also Bickley,
near Shrewsbury (deeply incised) ; Tittprstone Clee (incised
form).
S. Wales. — Brecknockshire. Glamorganshire. Carmarthen-
shire. Pembrokeshire.
N.Wales. — Angle sea ; also Cickle (var. trifidum), Rev. W. A.
Lcighton. Denbighshire ; also Ruthin (var. rhceticum), and
Voil Famma (dwarf form of moUe), T. Pritcliard. Flint-
shire. Craig Breiddcn, Montgomeryshire (var. molle), Rev.
W. A. Lcighton. Aber (var. rhceticum), &c., Carnarvon-
shire.
Teext. — Leicestershire. Nottinghamshire. Derbyshire ; also
near Chatsworth (var. midtijidum), J. Bain, according to
Prof. Kinahan. Rutland.
Mersey. — Cheshire. Lancashire ; also Boghart Hole Clough,
near Manchester (var. trifidum). Rev. W. A. Lcighton;
Chaigeley (dwarf form of molle), E.J. Lowe ; Todmorden
(var. crisputii), A. Huddart.
Humber. — Yorkshire ; also IMicklej^ Barrows (var. rhceticum) ;
Hebden Bridge, near Halifax (dwarf form ? molle), S. Gib'
son; Sheffield (var. tnfidum), Rev. IF. A. Lcighton,
Tyne. — Northumberland, Durham.
ATIIYRIUM riLIX-FCE.MINA. 307
Lakes. — Keswick, Cumljerland, with vars. trifidum and lati-
foliwn, which latter "only grew in one localit}-," Miss
IFnffht ; and various other forms, abundant. Westmoreland.
Conistone, N. Lancashire (various forms, 3fiss Bcever).
V/. Lowlands.— Dumfries-shire. Kirkcudbrightshire. Renfrew-
sliire. Lanarkshire.
E, Lowlands. — Edinburghshire. Jedburgh, Roxburghshire (var.
ritceticum). Berwickshire.
E. Highlands. — Clackmannanshire. Fifeshire. Ben Lomond,
Stirlingshire. Sidlaw hills, and other parts of Forfarshire.
Dunkeld, A, Tail (with vars. molle, rhceticum, and con-
fiuens) ; Callender (var. rhceticum), T.M.; near Dalnacar-
doch (var. rhceticum), Dr. Graham, B.S.E., &c., Perthshire.
Corymulzie Linn, Bracmar {ysLWcrispum), JV. C. Trcvelj/an ;
sea-cave near Aberdeen (var. marinnm), Dr. DicJcie ; and
elsewhere, Aberdeenshire. Banffshire. Morayshire.
W. Highlands. — Ben Nevis (var. rhceticum), Hb. S. F. Gray,
Inverness-shire. Hell's Glen, Lochgoilhead (var. rhce-
ticum), T.M., Argyleshire. Tarbet (var. ijruinosum) T.
M., Dumbai-tonshire. Isles of Islay, Cantyre ; Arran
(with var. rha;ticicm), and also at Brodick (vars. molle and
trifiilum).
N. Highlands. — Cromarty. Sutheilandshire. Caithness.
N. Isles. — Orkney, common, T. Anderson.
W. Isles. — N. Uist. Harris. Lewis.
Ulster. — The hill " Orah," Antrim (var. crispum), A. Smith.
X 2
808 HISTORY OF BRITISH FERNS.
Sheravd's plant, from the Mourne Mountains, is Athyrium
Filix-f(£mina blanched, not a variety of As2)lenium Adian-
tiim-wgriim, as supposed by some, or Asplcnium acutitm, as
stated by others.
CoNNAXJGiiT. — Connemara ; Gort (on limestone), Galway, J. R,
Kinahan.
Leinstee. — Wicklow (var. multifidum), D. Moore. Louth. Dub-
lin (on granite). King's. Kilkenny, J, R. Kinahan.
MuxsTER. — Cork. Kerry ; also Mucruss, KilJarney (vars. viul-
tifidum and rhoitkuni). Clare (var. multifidum), J. R. Kinahan.
Carthy's Cove, Waterford. Keeper Hill, Tipperary. Lime-
rick, J. R. Kinahan.
The species is very common in Ireland.
Channel Isles. — Jersey (var. midtifidum and others). Guern-
sey (var. rhcBticum and other forms), C. Jaclcson.
Eleclinum Spicant, Both.
Peninsula. — Cornwall. Devonshire. Somersetshire.
Channel. — Hampshire. Isle of Wight. Dorsetshire. Wilt-
shire. Sussex.
Thames. — Hertfordshire. Kent, Tunbridge (var. hetcroplit/llum,
and otlier forms), G. B. Wollaston. Surrej'. IMiddlesex.
Berkshire. Oxfordshire. Essex.
OusK. — Suffolk. Norfolk. Cambridgeshire. Bedfordshire.
Northamptonshire.
Severn. — Warwickshire. Gloucestershire ; Nailsworth (fronds
BLECHNUM SPICANT. 309
partially fertile), G. F. Flai/ne. Monmouthshire; also
Newhridge (stipes biflil), T. H, Thomas. Herefordshire.
Worcestershire. StafFordshix'e. Shroi>shire.
S. Wales. — Brecknockshire. Glamorganshire. Carmarthen-
shire. Pembrokeshire.
N. Wales. — Anglesea. Denbighshire. Flintshire. Merioneth-
shire. Carnarvonshire ; also Beddgelcrt (dwarf vav.), F. C.
IVilson.
Trent. — Leicestershire. Rutland. Lincolnshire. Nottingham-
shire. Derbyshire.
Mersey. — Cheshire. Lancashire.
Hu.MBER.— Yorkshire ; also segments bifid, A. Clapham.
Tyne. — Tanfield Dean (segments of barren frond cut), T. Wilckc.
Blaydon Burn (segments bifid), T. Wilde, Durham.
Northumberland .
Lakes. — Westmoreland. Cumberland. Conistone, Lancashire
(fronds partially fertile). Miss Bccver.
W. Lowlands. — Dumfries-shire. Kirkcudbrightshire. Renfrew-
shire. Lanarkshire.
E. Lowlands. — Roxburghshire. Berwickshire. Edinburgh-
shire.
E. Highlands. — Clackmannanshire. Fifeshire. Kinross-shire.
Perthshire. Forfarshire. Kincardineshire. Aberdeenshire.
Banffshire. Morayshire. Inverness-shire.
W. Highlands. — W. Inverness-shire. Argyleshire. Dumbar-
tonshire. Isles of Arran, Islay, and Cantyre.
310 mSTOFvY OF BRITISH FEnxs.
N. HiGULANDs. — Ross-shire. Cromarty. Sutlierlandsliire.
Caithness.
N. Isles. — Orkney. Shetland.
W. Isles. — N. Uist. Harris. Lewis.
Ulster. — Cloughmore Wood, Rostrevor, Down, A. Crawford.
Colin Glen, Belfast, Antrim, A. Craioford.
CoNNAUGHT. — Connemara, Galway. Arran Isles. Near Eriffe,
Mayo (fronds dichotomous multind and crisped — var. ramo-
sum), Ca2ytain Eden.
Leinster. — Dublin (fertile and barren fronds bifid), J. It.
Kinahan. King's. Wicklow (1. fronds bifid ; 2. fronds
crisped ; 3. fronds bifid and multifid- crisped at sumniit)^
J. R. Kinahan.
MuNSTER. — Waterford (fronds bifid), J. B. Kinahan. Tipperary.
Quin Abbey, Clare (fi-onds dichotomous) ; also (1. segments
cut, 2. segments bifid, 3. fronds bifid), J. R. Kinahan.
Limerick. Cork.
Channel Isles. — Jersey. Guernsey.
BctiTcMum Lunaria, LinnwuB.
Peninsula. — Cardynham, Cornwall. Near Barnstaple ; by the
Dart ; Haldon Hill, Devonshire. Bath ; King's Weston ;
Hampton Cliffs, &c., Somersetshire.
Channel, — Titchborne ; New Alresford ; Petersfield ; Som-
borne, near Winton ; Ilinton, &c., Hampshire. Luccomb,
Shanklin, &c., Isle of Wight. Patching ; Storrington ;
BOTRYCHirM LUNARIA. Sll
Croboro' Warren, &c., Sussex. Alderburj Common ^ near
Bath, \Yithin Wiltshire. Sturminster Newton, Dorsetshire.
Thames. — Dartford ; Chislehurst ; Foot's Cray, and the soutli
part of Kent. Reigate ; Shere ; Albury; Dorking ; Shirley;
IIighdo\Yn Heath near Godalming ; Farnham Park, Surrey.
Shotover Hill ; Winchwood Forest, Oxfordshire.
OusE. — Oakley Westfield, Bedfordshire. Bury, Suffolk. He-
veringham Heath ; Stratton Heath ; Seething, Norfolk.
Little Linton ; Balsham ; Chippenham, Cambridgeshire.
Halston Heath ; Wold Field, &c., Northamptonshire.
Severn. — Moxhall ; near Coleshill Pool, Warwickshire. Glou-
cestershire. Twyn-gwyn, Monmouthshire, rare, T.H. Thomas.
Duncumb and elsewhere, Herefordshire. Abberly Hill ;
Oversley Hill, near Ancester ; Stourbridge, Worcestershire.
Cheadle ; Farley, Staffordshire. StoUerton ; Titterstone
Clee Hill ; Ludlow ; Whitchurch, Shropshire.
S. Wales. — Glamorganshire.
N. Wales. — Anglesea. Wrexham ; Ruthin, T. Fritchard,
Denbighshire. Near Rodney's Pillar, Montgomeryshire,
Barmouth, Merionethshire. Penmaen Mawi*, Carnarvon-
shire.
TuEXT. — Rutland. Loughborough ; Market Harborough ; Ash-
by de la Zouch ; Twycross, &c., Leicestershire. Weelsby,
Lincolnshire. Sutton-on-Trent ; Newstead ; Clifton ; Paple-
wick ; Norton ; Sherwood Forest, Nottingham. Buxton ;
Masson, near Matlock, Derbyshire.
312 niSTOKY OF BKITISII FERNS.
Mersey. — Near Over ; between Egremont and New Brighton ;
Macclesfield, &c., Cheshire. Chilburn, near Todraorden ;
Manchester ; Newton ; Oldham ; Bootle, &c., Lancashire.
HuMBER. — Teesdale ; Cronckley Fell ; Hambleton Hills ; Hali-
fax ; Richmond ; Settle ; ShelSeld, and various other parts
of Yorkshire.
TY>rE. — Near Shewing Shields; Hexham; Horsley, J.Biggc;
Tynemouth ; Newcastle Town Moor, Northumberland.
Near Marsden Rocks ; Beamish, Durham.
Lakes. — Braystones; Muncaster Fell; Keswick; Castle Sow-
erby ; Daleton ; Flimby ; Aspatria, &c., Cumberland.
Rigmaden, and elsewhere, Westmoreland ; with var. " ruta-
ceum."
"W. Lowlands. — About Dumfries ; Drumlanrig ; Barhill, Tin-
wald, P. Gray, Dumfries-shire. Dalscarith ; Glen of Ter-
rcgles ; Douglas Hall, Colvend ; and elsewhere, Kirkcud-
brightshire, P. Gray. Portpatrick, Wigtonshire, Ayr-
shire. Cathkin Hills, Lanarkshire. Gourock, Renfrew-
shire.
E. Lowlands. — Bemerside Hill; Blackburnrigg Dean; Cold-
ingham Moor, Berwickshire. Pentland Hills and elsewhere,
Edinburghshire. Linlithgowshire.
E. Highlands. — Clackmannanshire. Kinross-shire. Fifeshire.
Fort at Taymouth Castle, C. M'-Intosh ; South side of Loch
Tay ; Craig Challiach ; Ben Lawers ; Blair Athol ; Roman
Camp at Ardoch, (J. 3PIntosh, Perthshire. Kingoldrunl,
CETERACII OFFICINARUM. 313
G. Lawson ; Clova Mountains ; Sands of Barry (var. " ruta-
ccian"); Montrose; Strickathrow, ^. CVoff^^/ Arbroath,
&c., Forfarshire. Kincardineshire. Belhelvie Links ;
Corsehill, &c., Aberdeenshire. Mortlock, Banffshire, B.S.E.
Morayshire. Auldean, Nairnshire.
W. Highlands. — Ardrishiag, W.Brown; Glen Croe, ^.aS'.Z. ;
Argyleshire. ]\Iugdock, Dumbartonshire. Rothesay, Eiiic.
Breeze Hill, Skye. Staffa, T. B. Bell.
N. Highlands.— Ross-shire. Wick, Caithness, rare, T. Anderson.
N. Isles. — Orkney. Shetland.
Ulster. — Roughfort ; Balfast ; Altmore Glen, near Cushendall ;
Knockagh, near Carrickfergus ; Black Mountain, Antrim.
Benyvena Mountains, near Magelligan, Londonderry.
Scrabo, Down.
Leinster. — Luggelaw, Wicklow.
MuNSTER. — Clonmel, Cork, J, Sibhald.
CoNNAUGHT. — Conuemara, near Galway, Ladif S. De la Poer
Trench.
Ceteracli officinarum, Willdencnu.
Peninsula.— Trevenna ; Truro ; Newlyn ; Calstock ; Pentillie
Castle, Cornwall. Topsham ; Totues, C. Scott ; Torquay ;
Babbicombe ; Plymouth ; Chudleigh, R. J. Gray, &c.,
Devonshire. Forscote, near Bath, abundant, as in the
county generally, Rev, E. Bosanquet ; Bristol ; Bream
314< HISTORY OF BRITISH FERXS.
do\^•n; Sel worthy; Cleveuon; Cheddar; Weston-super-
-Mare, &c., Somersetshire.
CuAXXEL. — Winchester Cathedral ; near Winchester, epiphytal,
21. JF. Smith ; Netley AbLey ; Selborne ; Titherly, E. T.
Bennett ; Botley, &:c., Hampshire. Brading ; Carishrooke
Castle, &c., Isle of Wight. Sherborne, Dorsetshire. Cor-
sham, B.S.E., and other parts of Wiltshire. Pulborough ;
Enfield ; Hurstpierpoint ; Danny, near Brighton, Rev. T,
Roopcr ; Stopham ; Harden ; Chailey, &c., Sussex.
Tha3ie3. — Hertfordshire. [Middlesex.] Riverhead ; Maidstone,
and various parts of Kent. Westbrook and Catteshall near
Godalming ; Haslemere ; Farnham, Surrey. [Berkshire.]
Cowley, Oxfordshire. Essex.
OusE. — Heveringham Church ; Heydon Church, Norfolk. North-
amptonshire.
Severn. — Tachebrook ; Coventry, Warwickshire. Stapleton ;
Chepstow ; Cheltenham ; Cirencester, <S:c., Gloucestershire.
Tintern Abbej' ; Pont-j'-pool, &c., Monmouthshire. Here-
ford ; about Ross ; Leominster, &c., Herefordshire. Mal-
vern ; Badsej', near Evesham ; Wychwood Forest, Worces-
tershire. Wetton ; Berresford ; Beeston Tor, &c., Stafford-
shire. Ludlow, Shropshire.
S. Wales. — Brecon ; Talgarth ; Crickhowel (crenated var.), J.
R. Cobb, Brecknockshire. Aberdare ; Cardiff, F. Brent ;
Swansea ; Gower ; Pennard Castle, &c., Glamorgansliii-e.
CETERACII OFFICINAllUM. SI 5
Carmarthenshire. Tenby ; Pembroke and ManorLcer
Castles ; Haverfordwest Priory, Pembrokeshire.
N. Wales. — Holyhead, Anglesea. Denbighshire. Barmouth,
Merionethshire. Trebroth ; Bangor ; near Carnarvon, Car-
narvonshire.
Trent.— Colwick Park ; Paplewick, Nottinghamshire. Dove-
dale ; Newton, near Melbourne ; Lath-kill Dale, Derbyshire.
Mersey. — Carr-edge, Cheshire. Lancaster ; Club-moor, near
Liverpool ; West Houghton ; Kellet, north of Manchester,
Lancashire.
HuMBER. — Rocks behind jMalham ; Kirklees Park near Halifax ;
about Settle, Yorkshire.
Tyne. — Northumberland.
Lakes. — Arnside Knot (crenated var.) ; Milnthorpe ; Kendal ;
Castleton ; Ambleside (crenated var.), 3Iiss S. Beever, &c.,
Westmoreland. Gosforth, J. Robson; Keswick (crenated
var.). Miss Wright; Sandwith ; St. Bees; Gowbarrow
Park, Ulswater, Cumberland. Silverdale, N. Lancashire,
T. Simpson, B.S.E.
W. Lowlands. — Drumlanrig, Dumfries-shire. Orchardton Buit,
Kirkcudbrightshire, J, Frascr. Paisley, Renfrewshire.
Glasgow, Lanarkshire.
E. Highlands. — Kinnoul Hill ; near Annat Cottage, G. Law-
son ; Dens of Balthayock and Pitroddie, Perthshire.
W. Highlands. — Kilfinnan, Argyleshire.
316 HISTORY OF BRITISH FERNS.
Ulster. — Galgorm ; Cave-hill, Antrim. Bryansford ; Rostre-
vor, A. Crawford; Down. Florence Court, Fermanagh.
CoNNAUGiiT. — Drumahore, Friarstown Abbey, near Sligo, J. T.
tSj/mc, B.S.E. Round Tower of Roscommon, between Gal-
way and Oughterard ; Oughterard ; near Mohir ; and many
other parts of Galway. Arran Isles.
Leinster. — Townley Ilall, Louth, C. L. Darhy. Marlay, co.
Dublin (on granite), S. Foot, B.S.E. Glendalough, Wick-
low. Marble quarries at Kilkenny.
MuNSTER. — Between Clonmel and Waterford, and many parts
of Waterford. Tipperary. Castle-Connel and elsewhere,
Clare ; also crenated var. {Dr. AUchiii). Cork ; Clonmel ;
Youghal (on clay slate), J. R. Kinahan, &c., Cork. Lime-
rick. About Killarney, Kerry,
Channel Isles. — Jersey.
Cystopteris rsgia, Presl.
Thames. — Wall at LowLayton, Essex.
Trent. — Derbyshire, H. Shepherd, | who has sent specimens
HuMBER. — Yorkshire, //. Shepherd, J thus located.
Lakes. — Saddleback, Cumberland, S. F. Gray, 1820.
Cystopteris fragilis, BernMrdi
Peninsula. — Exwick, near Exeter, Devonsliire. Cheddar Cliffs
CYSTOPTERIS FRAGILIS. 817
(with var. dcntata) ; Hampton Cliffs, Bath, B. Withers,
&c., Somersetshire.
CuAXXEL. — Dorsetshire Box, Wiltshire, Dr. Alexander, B.S.E.
(var. dcntata). Tunhridge Wells, Sussex, 3Iiss Bower (var.
dentata).
Thames. — Albury, Surre}-.
OcsE. — Yoxford; Bungay, Suffolk. Norfolk, Northampton-
shire.
Severn. — Near Arbury Hall (var. dentata) ; Compton Verney,
Warwickshire. Near Bristol, &c., Gloucestershire. Pen-y-
garn, near Pont-y-pool, T. II. Thomas ; Skirrid Vawr, near
Abergavenny (with var. dentata) ; Wyndcliff woods, IV. If.
Purchas, Monmouthshire. Downton (var. angustata) ; The
Dowards on the Wye (var. dentata), Herefordshire. Bree-
don hill ; Bromsgrove, Worcestershire. Ecton Tov,Rci\A.
Bloxham, Staffordshire (also var. dentata). Blodwell rocks ;
Whitclitf near Ludlow ; banks of the Teme, near Downton
Castle, E. Lees, Shropshire.
S. Wales. — Radnorshire. Brecknockshire. Pont-nedd-Vechn,
&c., Glamorganshire (with var. dentata). Cardiganshire.
N. Wales. — Anglesea (var. dentata). Llangollen (var. dentata) ;
near Wrexham (with var. dcntata), Ruthin (with var^
dcntata), T. Fritchard, Denbighshire. Castle Dinas, Flint-
shire (var. dentata). Craig Breiddin, JMontgomery shire (var.
dcntata), Rev. W. A. Lcighton, B.S.E. Barmouth, Merio-
nethshire. Llanberis (vars. dentata and angustata) ; Cwm-
318 IIISTOKY OF BiaTISH FERN'S.
Idwal, Clogwyn-y-GavnedJ, Penmaen Mawr (var. dcntata),
and elsewhere, iii the Snowdon district (form near alpina),
Carnarvonshire.
Trent. — Leicestershire. Oxton and Bulwell Cliurches ; Work-
sop, Nottinghamshire. Fairfield {wiWw&x.dentata') ; Dove-
dale (var. dentata) ; Matlock Baths (with vars. dcntata and
angiistata) ; Castleton ; Lover's Leap near Buxton, Derby-
shire.
Mersey. — Rostherne Church, Cheshire. Lancashire. (Var.
dcntata in both counties.)
HuMBER. — About Settle (with vars. dentata and angiistata') ; Rei-
vaulx Abbey ; Helmsley ; Egglestone bridge on the Greta ;
Dropping Well, Knaresborough ; Anston rocks near Shef-
field ; Castle Howard Park ; Halifax ; Ayrsgarth Bridge,
Wensley Dale (var. angiistata), and many other parts of
Yorkshire.
Ttxe. — Cauldron Snout (var. dentata), &c., Durham. Halt-
whistle ; Mitford Church near Morpeth (witli var. dentata),
B.S.E. ; Lintrope, Cheviots (with var. dcntata), Rev. R.
Taylor, Northumberland.
Lakes. — Lamplugh, J. Dickenson, B.S.E. ; Borrowdale (var.
dentata), Miss Wright ; Holm Rock ; Mickledore ; Braith-
waite Brow, Egremont (var. dentata), J. Rohson ; and else-
where, Cumberland. Kendal (with var. dentata) ; Winder-
mere (var. intcrrupta), F. Clowes, and other parts of West-
moreland, Silverdale, N. Lancashire (var. dcntata).
CYSTOPTERIS FEAGILIS. 319
W. Lowlands. — Near Ilobb's Linn, Moffat Dale, Dumfries-sliii-e
(var. dentatct), P. Gray. [Formerly on Cluden Hills, Kirk-
cudbrightsliire (var. dentata), P. Grat/,~\ Calderwood,
Lanarkshire, T. B. Bell, B.S.E.
E. LowLAXDS. — Coldstream ; near Mains, Berwickshire. Pent-
land Hills (var. angustata), and elsewhere, Edinburghshire.
Woodcock Dale Wood, Linlithgowshire (with var. dcntata).
Dr. Balfour.
E. Highlands. — Banks of Loch Lomond, Stirlingshire (var.
dentata). Castle Campbell, near Dollar, Clackmannan-
shire. Silver Cove, near Wemj-ss Castle, Fifeshire (var.
deciirrcns), A. Tait. Den of Balthayoch ; Glen Queich in
the Ochils ; Pass of Killiecrankie ; Killin ; Ben Lawers
(with var. dcntata), Perthshire. Glen Clova and Glen Isla,
Forfarshire. Kincardineshire coast. Sea-cave near Aber-
deen (var. Diclieana) ; Braeniar, and elsewhere, Aberdeen-
shire. Cawdor Castle, Nairnshire. Kingussie (var. dcntata),
Inverness-shire. Morayshire.
W. Highlands. — Ben Nevis, Inverness-shire (var. dentata).
Glen Croe, T.M, ; Oban and Dalmally, 3Iiss Brownlow ;
Dunoon, Argyleshire. Dumbartonshire.
N. Highlands. — Coul, Ross-shire, J. Frascr, B.S.E. Suther-
landshire. IMorven, Caithness (var. dentata), T. Anderson.
N. Isles. — Hoy, Orkney (with var. dentata), T. Anderson.
W. Isles. — Langa, Harris, Dr. Balfour.
820 HISTORY OF DRITISn FERXS.
Ulster. — Near Belfast ; ^yoodbu^l Glen ; Rocks at Carrick-
fergus (vai\ dcntata), Antrim. Black Mountain, Down.
CoNNAconT. — Leitrim. Connemara, Galway. Sligo, near the
town.
MuNSTER. — Brandon Hill ; clifFa aLove Mangerton, Kerry.
Cystopteris montana, Link.
N. Wales. — Reputed to have been found in this province on
Mount Glyder {Lloi/d: Bay : Plulenet).
E. Highlands. — Ben Lawers, ]V. JVilson, and subsequently
Dr. Balfour ; Corrach Dh' Oufillach, or Corrach Uachdar
in the Meal Oufillach iMountains, between Glen Dochart
and Glen Lochy, W. Gourlie, Perthshire. Clova, Forfar-
shire, 1055, J. Baclhousc.
Gymnogramma leptophylla, Desvaux.
E. IIiGnLAXDS. — [In a stone dyke b}- the road from Braeraar to
Ballater, nearly opposite Invercauld House, Aberdeenshire,
Miss Veitch. Probably an error, arising from the accidental
intermixture of Scottish and Maderia specimens.]
CiiAXXEL Isles. — Jersey, on moist banks, among 3Iarchantia ;
near St. Aubyn's ; St. Laurence and St. Haule.
Hymenophyllum tuubridgense, Smith.
Peninsula. — Rough Tor near Camelford ; near Penr^ii, Corn-
HYMENOPHYLLUM TUNBRIDGENSE. 321
wall. Bickleigh Vale ; Vixen Tor, Staple Tor, and Shaugli,
Dartmoor ; Becky Fall near Moreton, II. J, Gray, Devon-
shire. Shepton Mallet, Somersetshire.
Channel. — Tunbridge Wells, Kent, Cockbush near Chichester ;
West Hoathly ; Ardingly ; Handcross; Balcombe, J. Lloyd ;
Tilgate Forest, J. A. Brewer, Sussex.
Severn — [Staffordshire.]
S. Wales. — Melincourt and Cilhepste Waterfalls ; Pont-nedd-
Vechn, Glamorganshire. Brecknockshire.
N. Wales. — Crofnant near Harlech ; Dolgelly ; Cwm B^'chan,
near Barmouth, licv. T. Salway ; Vale of Festiniog ; Cader
Idris, J. E. Bowman ; Rhaiadr Du, near Maentwrog, E.
Newman, Merionethshire. [Anglesea."] [Carnarvonshire.]
Mersey. — Near Croydon brook ; hills from Macclesfield to
Buxton, Cheshire. Cliviger; Greenfield, near Saddlevvorth ;
Rake Hey Common, near Todmorden, Lancashire.
HuMBER. — Esk Dale, near Whitby ; near Halifax, &c., York-
shire.
Lakes. — Haw! Gill, Wastwater, t7. iJoJsow ; Ennerdale, Cum-
berland, J. Dickinson, B. S. E. Westmoreland. Conistone,
North Lancashire.
W. Lowlands. — Drumlanrig, Dumfries-shire. Banks of the
Clyde, Lanarkshire.
E. Lowlands. — Peebles-shire.
E, Highlands. — [Stirlingshire.] [Perthshire.]
W. Highlands. Bullwood ; Dunoon ; Glen Gilp, C. M'Intoshy
T
S22 HISTORY OF BRITISH FERNS.
Argyleshire. Banks of Loch Lomond, Dumbartonshire.
Isle of Mull, J. T. Syme. Isle of Bute, Dr. Balfour,
N. Highlands. — [Ross-shh-e.^
CoNNAUGnx. — Connemara, Dr. Graham; Ballynahinch, Dr,
BaJfour, Galway.
Leinster. — Dublin co., rare, B.S.E.; [Powerscourt ;] Glencree,
and elsewhere, Wicklow.
MuNSTER. — Feacle, J. R. Kinalian, Clare. Morgan's Glen, E.
H. Sargint ; Clonmel, J. Sihhald ; GlengarifF, Bantry, C. C.
Bahington, B.S.E.; Glenhower, Killeagh, Dr. Power;
DunbuUogue Glen ; Ballenhassig Waterfall, Cork. Glen
Carnn, W. Andrews, B.S.E. ; about Killarney, and else-
where in the co. of Kerry.
Ilymenophyllum unilaterale, Willdenow.
Peninsula. — Bodmin ; Carn Brea near Redruth ; Rough Tor
near Camelford ; Granite Tor, Cornwall. Moreton, B. J.
Gray; West Lynn, N. B. Ward; Westman's Wood,
Shaugh Bridge, Vixen Tor, Great Mist Tor, White Tor,
Longaford Tor, and Sheep's Tor, Dartmoor, B. J. Gray ;
Tynemouth ; Bickleigh Wood, Devonshire.
Severn. — Gradbitch, near Flash, Staffordshire. Treflach Wood,
near Oswestry, Shropshire.
S. Wales. — Mountains of Brecknockshire. Below Melincourt
Waterfall ; rocks near Scud-einon Gam, E. Young, Glamor-
HYMENOPHYLLUM UIJILATERALE. 323
ganshire. Pont Bren ; Devil's Bridge ; Hafod, Cardigan-
shii*e. Carmarthenshire.
N. Wales. — Dolgelly ; Rhaiadr Da, near Maentwrog ; Rhaidr-
y-Mawddach, near Llanetyd ; Festiniog, Merionethshire.
Cwm Idwal, and throughout the Snowdon district : Rhaidr-
3'-WenoI, Falls of the Llugwy, Capel Curig ; Rhaiadr Slawr,
near Llanberis, &c., Carnarvonshire.
Mersey. — Near Bury ; near Lancaster ; Caves at Greenfield ;
Thevilly, near Burnley, Lancashire.
Hdmber. — Turner's Clough, Rishworth ; Hawl Gill, near
Mickleton ; Lower Harrowgate, Yorkshire.
TfNE. — Jurionside, Northumherland, B.S.E.
Lakes. — Patterdale; Stock Gill Force; Langdale Pikes, Amble-
side, &c., Westmoreland. Keswick ; Bow Fell ; Scaw Fell ;
Borrowdale j Ennerdale, J. Dickinson ; Scale Force, near
Butterniere ; Honister Crag ; Lodore Fall, 3Iiss Wright ;
High Still ; Gatesgarth Dale ; Dalegarth, J. Rohson, &c.,
Cumberland. Near Hawkeshead, Miss S. Cowhiirn ; near
Conistone, Miss Beever; Old Man Mountain, Silverdale, N.
Lancashire.
W. Lowlands. — Delvine Pass ; Nithside ; near Penpont ; Grey
Mare's Tail, MofFat Dale, P. Gray; Girpel Lane, Kirk-
l)atrick-juxta, Dumfriesshire. Kircudbrightshire. Glen
Ness, W. Dalmellington, Ayrshire, Dr. M'Nab, B.S,E.
Rocks above Gourock, Renfrewshire.
E. Lowlands. — Peebles-shire.
Y 2
S24 UISTOEY OF BRITISH FERNS.
E. Highlands. — By the Reeky Linn, on the Isla, Forfarshire.
Castle Campbell, Dollar, Clackmannanshire. Glen Queich
in the Ochils ; Ben Lawers ; Pass of Leny, B.S.E. ; Finlarig
Burn, near Killin ; rocks in the Trosachs ; shores of Loch
Katrine, Perthshire.
W, Highlands.— Crinnan ; Glen Moray ; Dunoon ; Glen Gilp,
C Mcintosh ; Glen Finnart, Argyleshire. Banks of Loch
Lomond ; Bowling Hills, Dumbartonshire. Ben More ;
Loch Spelire ; Tobermorey, Isle of Mull. Isles of Islay
and Arran.
N. Highlands. — Sutherlandshire.
N. IsLEs. — Hoy, Orkney, R. Heddell. Near Ska, Unst, Shetland.
W. IsLES. — Langa, Harris.
Ulster. — By the Glenarve River, near Cushendall ; Colin Glen,
Belfast, Antrim. Londonderry. Ennishowen Mountains.
Donegal. Tullaghmore Park ; Mourne Mountains, Down.
Florence Court, Fermanagh.
CoNNAUGUT. — Connemara, Oughterard, &c., Galway. Moun-
tains of Mayo, J. Ball, B.S.L.
Leinster. — Dublin. *S'. Foot, B.S.E. Glendalough ; Hermitage
Glen ; Powerscourt Waterfall, and other parts of Wicklow.
Munster. — Morgan's Glen, Clonmel, E, H. Sargint ; Glens
near Youghal, Cork. Great Blanket Island, Ivillarney, and
among the mountains of Kerry. Tipperary.
LASTREA DILATATA. 325
lastrea cristata, Presl.
Pexinscla. — [Devonshire.]
Thames. — [Epping, Essex (var. uliginosa), E. Newman: we
have only seen spimdosa from this station.] [Oxfordshire.]
OusE. — Westleton ; Bexley Decoy, near Ipswich, H. Bidwclly
Suffolk. Bawsey Heath, near Lynn (with var. idiginosa) ;
Dersinghara ; Edgefield, near Holt ; Fritton, near Yar-
mouth ; Surlingham Bi'oad, near Norwich (apparently with
var. idiginosa), IV. /S. Horc ; Wymondham (var. uUginosd),
Norfolk. [Huntingdonshire.] [Bedfordshire.]
Severn. — Near Madeley ; Bog near Newcastle-under-Lyne
(? with var. idiginosa'), J. Hardy, Hh, Leighton. Staffordshire.
[Worcestershire.]
Tkext. — Oxton Bogs (with var. idiginosa) ; Bullwell Marshes,
Nottinghamshire.
Mersey. — Wybunbury Bog, Cheshire (with uliginosa).
HuMBER, — Plunipton Rocks, near Knaresborough, Yorkshire,
Baines's Flora of Yorkshire.
E. Highlands. — [Aberdeenshire.]
MuNSTER. — [Mucruss, Killarney, Kerry (var. uliginosa). The
plant from Rathronan, near Clonmel, seems to be rather a
state of L. Filix-7nas.~\
Lastrea dilatata, Presl.
Peninsula. — Cornwall. Lynmouth; Torquay; Walkhampton ;
Hartland (with var. C/ianterice), Rev, J. M. and Mrs. ChaH'
326 HISTORY OF BRITISn PERNS.
ter ; Ilfracombe (various forms, including nana), Rev. J. M.
Chanter, &c., Devonshire. Inglishcomlie Wood ; Selworthy,
Somersetsliire.
Channel. — Hampshire. Niuhani, near Ryde, Isle of Wight.
Dorsetshire. Spye Park, Wiltshire. Tilgate Forest ; Hast-
ings; Tunhridge Wells (with a dwarf var.), Sussex.
Thames. — Hertford Heath ; Broxbourne ; Aldenham ; Hitchin,
&c., Hertfordshire. Eridge Rocks, Kent. Chertsey ; Bag-
shot ; Virginia Water, and other parts of Surre3^ Hamp-
stead (with a glandular, a dwarf, and an obtuse-pinnuled
var.), Middlesex. Epping (with var. gkaidulosa, H. Douhlc-
daj/), Essex. Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, H. BucHey.
OuSE. — Norwich, Norfolk. Cambridgeshire. Northamptonshire.
Severn. — Stoke Heath ; Stinchall ; Whitley, and other parts of
Warwickshire. Dean Forest (var. ffla7idulosa), Messrs. Ben-
nett and Purchas, Gloucestershire. Pen-y-garn and Trev-
ddun, Monmouthshire, T. II. Thomas. Howie Hill, Ross ;
Colwall, Herefordshire. Worcestershire. Staffordshire.
Titterstone Clee (with a glandular form) ; Sandford Heath;
Hawkestone ; Bomere ; Sutton Spa, and Shomere, near
Shrewbury ; Pimhill ; Shawbury Heath, Rev. TV. A. Leigh-
ton ; Whitchurch, R. W. Rawson, Shropshire.
S. Wales. — Brecknock Beacon ; Drygarn (dwarf form), J. R.
Cobb, Brecknockshire. Gamrhin, above Rhaj'ader (var. du-
metorum), J. R. Cobb, Radnorshire. Glamorgansliire. Car-
diganshire. Pembrokeshire.
LASTREA DILATATA. 327
N. Wales. — Cickle, Anglesea, Bcv. W. A. Leighton. Ruthin,
Denl)ighshii-e. Flintsliire. Festiuiog (var. dumetorum),
Merionethshire, Dr. AllcMn. Aber (with a dwarf var.).
Rev. W. A. Leighton', Tre'r Ceiri (supposed x&x. collina),
C. C Bahington, Carnarvonshire.
Trent. — Leicestershire, Black Rock, Cromford Moor, near
Matlock, Derbyshire (var. dumctonim), Sm. Eng. Fl. Liu-
coln shire. Nottinghamshire.
Mersey, — Lindon Moss, near Mobberley, Cheshire. Risley
Moss, near Warrington ; Clough, near Manchester ; and
elsewhere on the hills (vars. collina and dumetorum) of
Lancashire.
HuMBER. — Leckby Carr ; Heckfall Wood ; Sheffield Moor ;
Settle (with vax.nana), J. Tatham ; Halifax; Thirsk ;
Ingleborough (var. collina), and elsewhere, Yorkshire.
Tyne. — Morpeth, Northumberland. Sunderland, Durham.
Lakes. — Near Elter Water (var. collina), Rev G. Piiider ; Lang-
dale (var collina) ; Silverthwaito ; Old Man ; and the rocky
Fells, probably thi-oughout the district (var. dumetoinim),
3Iiss Beever, Westmoreland. Red House, Cumberland.
Torver, near Conistone (var. collina), Mr. T. Eccleston, N.
Lancashii-e. Isle of Man (var. dumetorum), Dr. AllcMn.
W. Lowlands. — Dumfries-shire. Maybole, Ayrshire, TV. Dick-
son. Lanarkshire.
E. Lowlands. — Roxburghshire. Berwickshire. Habbie's How,
E, Hall, Edinburghshire.
S28 HISTORY OF BEITISn FERNS.
E. Highlands. — Stirlingsliire. Clackmannanshire. Kinross-
shire. Fifeshire. Dunkeld ; Ben Lawers (var. alpina) ;
mountains near CriefF (as var. montana), Dr. Balfour, &c.,
Perthshire. Ingelmady ; Dundee, Forfarshire. Kingcausie,
Kncardineshire, J. T. Syme. Ben-na-Baird, Aberdeenshire.
Banffshire. Morayshire. E. Inverness-shire.
W. Highlands. — Appin, J. T. Syme; near Loch Ballenoch
(var. dumctorum), T. M. ; Ardrishiag, T. M., Argyleshire.
Tarbet, Dumbartonshire (with var. dumctorum), T. M. W.
Inverness-shire. Arran ; also on Goat-fell (var. collina and
dumctorum — macnlata, Dr. Dcakin), Isles of Islay and
Cantyre. Ailsa Craig.
N. Highlands. — Ross-shire. Sutherlandshire. Caithness, T.
Anderson.
N. Isles. — Hoy, and other islands of Orkney, T. Anderson.
W. Isles. — N. Uist. Harris. Lewis.
Ulster. — Newton Breda, Down, Dr. Matcer.
CoNNAUGHT. — Conuemara, Gal way.
Leinster. — Newtown, 3Iiss Tarbet: Powerscourt Waterfall,
Wicklow (gathered as dumctorum, perhaps collina), C. C. Ba-
hington. Dublin Mountains (1 var. collina), J. R. Kinahan.
Iiilkenn3\ King's.
Munster. — Waterford. Clare. Limerick. Tipperaiy. Clon-
mel. Cork, J. Silhald.
Channel Isles.— Jersey. Guernsey, C. Jaclson.
LASTREA riLIX-MAS. . 329
Lastrea Filix-mas, Presl.
One of our most common Ferns, dispersed over the whole
of England, AVales, Scotland, and Ireland, and found in the
Northern and Western Isles, and in Jersey and Guernsey.
The var. incisa, — Teignmouth, Miss A. Hoseason ; Combe
Martin, C. C. Babwgton, Devonshire. Bridgewater, Somerset.
Wiltshire. Bridport, Dorsetshire. Tunbridge, M. T. Masters ;
Sturry, Kent. Reigate ; Albury ; St. Martha's Hill, Guildford ;
Sutton Park ; Mayford ; Bagshot ; Virginia Water, Surrey.
Barnet, Hertfordshire. King's ClifFe, Northamptonshire. Ross,
Herefordsliire, Malvern, Worcestershire. Stapenhill, Derby-
shire. Wollaton, Nottinghamshire. Cockermouth, Cumberland.
Bedlington, Morpeth, Northumberland, Rev. B. Taylor. Cath-
cartll ills, near Glasgow, Lanarkshire. Dunkeld ; Ben Chonzie,
near CriefF, Perthshire. Kingcausie, Kincardineshire, J. T. St/me.
Guernsey, C. Jackson. Kingstown, Dublin, R. Barrington.
A fine modification of this form (var. elongata) was found in the
Isle of Wight, by 3Ir. A. G. More and the Rev. W. H. Hawker.
Another modification (var. 2^>'oducta) was found on the Wrekin,
in Shropshire, by the Rev. W. A. Leighton. A third (var.
deorso-lobata), at Sutton and Bomere, near Shrewsbury, Rev. W.
A. Leighton ; also found in Anglesea ; Bedale, Yorkshire ; Black
Park, Buckinghamshire; Maidstone and Cobham, Kent; Albury,
Surrey ; Epping, Essex ; Lynn, Norfolk ; Ambleside, Lakes ;
Callender, Scotland ; Bally vaughan, Ireland ; Jersey ; Guernsey.
SSO HISTOEY OF BEITISH TEENS.
The var. palcacea seems very common in Scotland. We have
observed it at Tarbet, Dumbartonshire, with a remarkable vari-
ation ; Polmont, Stuiingshire ; and in several parts of Argyle-
shire and Perthshire. Mr. Backhouse finds it in the Clova moun-
tains, Forfarshu-e, and also in the English counties of Durham
and York ; and Miss Beever at Ambleside, in "Westmoreland.
We have seen it from Torq^uay and elsewhere in Devonshire ;
Hastings and other parts of Sussex, Dr. AllcMn ; Tunbridge
Wells and other parts of Kent, G. B. IVollaston ; Chobham and
other parts of Surrey. Mr. Newman adds the counties of Wor-
cester, Hereford, and Salop. In Wales it seems also plentiful ;
Mr. HanTccy has sent it to us from Dolgelly, at the base of Cader
Idris, in ]\Ierionethshire ; Mr. T. Prichard, from Ruthin, in
Denbighshire ; 3Tr. Newman records it as occurring in profu-
sion at Hafod, Cardiganshire ; and it is, no doubt, widely dis-
persed both in North and South Wales. In Ireland Dr. AllcJiin
informs us that he found it very abundant ; and he has preserved
specimens from near Dingle and Caliir Conree. Mr. C. Jackson
sends it from Guernsey, as well as a multifid form of it ; and it
occurs in Jersey. A remarkable narrow elongate lanceolate form
of it (var. Pinderi) was found near Elter Water, by the Rev. G.
Finder.
The var. alhrcviata (including pumikC), — Teesdale, Durham,
3Ir. BackJiouse ; Ingleborough, Yorkshire, Rev. G. Pindcr ; Co-
nistone, Lancashire, Miss Beever ; Westmoreland, G. B. TFo^-
laston: Cumberland, Rev. G. Pinder; Wyck, Gloucestershire
LASTREA iEMULA. o31
Bah. Man. ; Snow Jon, W. Pamplin ; near Llyn Ogv>'3'n, Car-
narvonsliire, S. O. Gray ; Scottish liighlandsj 3Ir. Backhouse.
The var. cristata. — Charleston, near St. Austell, Cornwall ;
Devonshire, G.B. IVoUaston. Also reported from Ireland.
The var. polydactyla. — Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, B. Maund.
A " many-headed " variety, probably similar, is reported from
Brecon, J. R. Cobb ; another from Staffordshire, S. Jervis.
The var. siihi7itcgra, scarcely more than once pinnate, is re-
ported from Ennis, Clare, Ireland. At Rathronan, near Clonmel,
Cork, occurs a small variety, somewhat resembling L. cristata.
Lastrea smula, BracJcenridge.
Peninsula. — Penzance ; St. Michael's Mount ; Helston ; Lost-
withiel ; Truro, and throughout Cornwall. Chambercombe ;
Ilfracombe ; Linton ; Hartland, Rev. J. M. Chanter; Parra-
combe Hill, R.J. Gray; Barnstaple; Clovelly ; Helsworthy,
Rev. TV. S. Hore; Devil's Tor, Dartmouth; Bickleigh
Vale; Shaugh Vale, R. J. Gray, &c., Devonshire. Sel-
worthy, Somersetshire.
Channel. — Tunbridge V/ells ; Ardingly ; Balcombe ; West
Iloathly, Sussex.
Severn. — Herefordshire.
S. Wales. — Melincourt Waterfall, Glamorganshire, E, Young.
N. Wales. — Holyhead, Anglesea, G. Maw, Meriouethsliii'e.
Snowdon district, Dr. Allchin.
S32 HISTORY OF BRITISH FERNS.
HuMBER. — Settle, J. Tathain; Scarborough, F. Bean, York-
shire.
Tyne. — Embleton; Dirrington Law, Dr, Johnston, Northum-
berland.
Lakes. — St. Bee's Head, Cumberland. Conistone, North Lan-
cashire. Isle of Man, Dr. Allchin.
E. Highlands. — [Baldovan, Kinnordy, Forfarshire. W. Gar-
diner.']
W. Highlands. — Banks of Loch Lomond, Dumbartonshire.
Glen Gilp; Campbelton, A. Tail; Loch Swin, -west coast
of Argyleshire, Mrs. Shaw. Wooded rocks between Bro-
dick and Corrie, and between Lamlash and Whiting Bay,
Arran, Dr. Balfour. Tobermory, Isle of Mull, W. Tan-
ner.
N. Isles. — Hoy, Orkney, rather common, T. Anderson.
W. Isles. — N. Uist, Dr. Balfour.
Ulster. — Fairhead, Antrim. Near Coleraine ; Rushbrook ;
near Londonderry ; Garvagh, Londonderry. Banks of
Lough Swilly ; Milroy Bay ; Arrigal Hill near Donegal ;
about Lough Derg, Donegal.
CoNNAUGHT. — Between Sligo and Manorhamilton, E. Newman,
Sligo. Foot of Nephin ; Coraan, Achill ; Newport ; West-
port, &c., E. Newman, Mayo. About Clifden ; about
Roundstone and Ballynahinch ; near Oughterard ; Conne-
mara, Galway.
Leinstee. — Seven Churches, abundant, D. Moore, B.S.E, ;
LASTREA MONTANA. 333
Glendalough, abundant and luxuriant ; Powerscourt, J.
Ball ; Great Sugar-loaf, J. R. Kinahan, Wicklow.
MuxsTER. — Ballyquin, plentiful; Ardmore, on sea cliffs,
sparingly ; Foxe's Cove, &c., J. R. Kinahan, Waterford.
Lough Graney ; and near Feacle, J. R. Kinahan ; near
Loop-head, Clare. Near Cork ; woods about GlengarrifF;
Clonmel, J. Sibbald, Cork. Kenmare ; on the mountains
and in the woods of Kerry, especially about Killarney,
Dinis Island, Cromaglaun, and O'SuUivan's Cascade.
Channel Islands. — Guernsey, J, James.
Lastrea montana, Moore.
Peninsula. — Cornwall. Brendon Wood, and borders of VV.
Lyn, Lynmouth, T. Clark, Devonshire. Near Keynsham ;
Selworthy, Mrs. A. Thompson, Sac, Somersetshire.
Channel. — New Forest, near Lyndhurst ; near Southampton,
Hampshire. Apse Castle, Isle of Wight. Dorsetshire.
Wiltshire. Danny, near Brighton, Rev. 71 Hooper ; Tilgate
Forest; Waterdown Forest; Eridge Woods, Tuubridge
Wells, and elsewhere, Sussex,
Thames. — Bell Wood, Bayford ; Tring ; Broxbourne, &c.,
Hertfordshire. Hampstead, Middlesex. Bexley ; Black-
lieath ; Bailey's Hill between Brasted and Tunbridge, Kent.
Witley ; llindhead ; Cobham ; Wimbledon, &c., Surrey.
Shotover Hill, Oxfordshire. Hartwell, Buckinghamshire.
High Beech ; Little Baddow, A, JFallis, B.S.L.y Essex.
334 UISTORY OF BRITISH FERNS.
OusE. — Bradwell, Suffolk. Near Crome, Norfolk, B. Wigham,
B.S.L. Fulbourne, Teversham, &c., Cambridgeshire. Dal-
lington Heath, Northamptonshire.
Seveen. — Allesley ; about Arbury Hall ; Coleshill Heath ; Cor-
ley, Warwickshire. Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire, TF.
H. PiircJias. Glyn Ponds ; Nantygollen, near Pont-y-pool,
Monmouthshire, T. H. Thomas. Herefordshire. Malvern
Hills, Worcestershire, E. Lees, B.S.L. Ramshaw Rocks,
near Warslow, Staffordshire. Whitcliffe ; Ludlow ; Shaw-
bury Heath ; Wyre Forest, Shropshire.
S. Wales. — Radnorshire. Brecknockshire. Swansea, Glamor-
ganshire, T. B. Flower, B.S.E. Carmarthenshire. Cardi-
ganshire,
N. Wales. — Anglesea. Wrexham ; Llanymynecli, C C Bab-
ingtoiiy Denbighshire. Flintshire. Dolgelly, Merioneth-
shire, B.S.L. Near Llanberis; Aber, and other parts of
Carnarvonshire.
Trent. — Near Twycross, Leicestershire. Rutland. Lincoln-
shire. Oxton and Eddingley Bogs, Nottinghamshire. De-
thich Moor ; Riley, Derbyshire.
Mersey. — Birkenhead and Oxton, Cheshire. Near Warrington ;
Rochdale ; Rainhill ; Gateacre, Lancashire.
HuMBER. — Sheffield ; Valley of the Don, near Doncaster ; Mel-
ton Wood, near Adwick ; Escrick, near York ; Whitby ;
Richmond ; Halifax ; Everley, near Scarborough, York-
shire.
LASTREA MONTANA. 335
Tyne. — Chapel Weardale ; Cawsey Dean, near Newcastle ; by
the Tees, Durham. Embleton ; banks of the Irthing, Rev.
R. Taylor, Northumberland.
Lakes. — Keswick; near Lodore Waterfall; Patterdale ; Hawl
Gil], Wastwater, Cumberland. Rydal Water ; Langdale
and other parts of Westmoreland.
W. Lowlands.— Moffat Dale, Dumfries-shire, P. Gray. Lanark-
shire.
E. Lowlands.— Rubershaw, Roxburghshire. Pentland Hills,
Edinburgh. Dye at Longformacus ; Banks of Whiteadder,
Berwickshire,
E. HiGHLAXDS. — Ben Lomond, Stirlingshire. Clackmannan-
shire. Kinross-shire. Glen Isla; Clova Mountains; Sid-
law Hills, Forfarshire. Dunkeld ; Craig Chailliach ; Ben
Lawers, and elsewhere abundant, Perthshire. Aberdeen-
shire. Morayshire.
W. Highlands. — Argyleshire, common. Dumbartonshire, plen-
tiful. Isles of Arran, Islay, and Cantyre.
N. Highlands.— Sutherlandshire.
N. Isles.— Shetland, C)/b. Brit,
W. Isles.— N. Uist.
Ulster. — Milroy Bay, Donegal. Londonderry, D. Moore.
CoNNAUGHT. — Lough Corril ; Connemara ; between Dooghty
and Ma'am ; ascent of Ma'am Turc Pass ; Letterfrank,
'E. T. Bennett, Galway.
Leinsteb.— Glencree, S. Foot, B.S.E.; Seven Churches, D.
S36 HISTORY OF BRITISH FERNS.
MowCy B.S.E. ; Glendalough, and Powerscourt, Wick-
low.
MuNSTER. — Between Innistymon and Corrafin, E. T. Bennett;
Feacle, J. R. Kinahan, Clare. Near Clonmel, Waterford.
Mangerton, Killarney, S, P, IFoodward, B,S.L., Kerry,
Lastrea rigida, Presl.
Peninsula. — ' Cornwall,' lib. Hooker. Bath, Somersetsliire ;
probably planted.
Mersey. — [Woolston Moss, near Warrington, Lancashire.]
HuMLER. — Ingleborough ; Wharnside ; White Scars, above In-
gleton ; Attermine Rocks, near Settle, Yorkshire.
Lakes. — Arnside Knot ; Hutton Roof Crags ; Farlton Knot,
Westmoreland. Silv-erdale ; by the Lancaster and Kendal
Canal, N. Lancashire.
Leinster. — Clay-slate wall at Townley Hall, Louth, C. L.
Darby ; probably introduced.
Lastrea spinulosa, Presl.
The habitats of this species have not been noted sufficiently
distinct frona those of L. dilatata^ to render the record a perfect
one. We include the plant under L. cristata (see p. 112).
Peninsula.— About Penzance, Cornwall. Fingal Bridge ; Ex-
wick Wood, near Exeter, B. J. Grai/y Devonshire. Sel-
worthy and elsewhere, Somersetshire.
LASTREA SPINULOSA. o37
Channel. — Hampshire. Tinker's Hole, Apse Castle, and else-
Avhere in the Isle of Wight. Dorsetshire. Ardingly, F.
Emns ; Tilgate Forest, J. Llor/d ; Tunbridge Wells, Sussex.
Thames. — Ball's Wood, Hertford; N. Mimms ; Hatfield, &c.,
Herts. Chiselhurst ; Canterbury, &c., Kent. Middlesex.
Combe Wood ; Wimbledon ; Portnall Park, Virginia
Water; Gonishall,&c., Surrey. Fulmer, Buckinghamshire.
Epping ; Danbury ; Coggleshall ; Pod's Wood, Tiptree, E.
Hall ; Kavanagh Wood, Brentwood, ^S". F. Gray, Essex.
OcsE. — Suffolk. Surlingham Broad, near Norwich ; Scoulton
Mere, G. J. Chester ; Bawsey, near Lynn, Dr. AUchin, &c.,
Norfolk. Fulbourn, Cambridgeshire. Northamptonshire.
Sea'ern. — North Wood, Arbury Hall ; Binley ; Rugby ; Ches-
terton Wood ; Rounsel-lane, T. Kirl; Warwickshire.
Gloucestershire. The Horls, near Ross, Herefordshire.
Worcestershire. Needwood ; Wolverhampton, Stafford-
shire. Whitchurch, R. W. Jiawson ; Bomere Pool and
Shomere Moss, near Shrewsbury, Rev. W. A, Leighton ;
Shirlet, near Broseley, G, Maw, Shropshire.
S. Wales. — Brecknockshire. Glamorganshire. Carmarthen-
shire.
N. Wales.— Carnarvonshire.
Trext. — Paplewick ; Oxtou Bogs ; Wollaton, E, J, Lowey
Nottinghamshire. Netherscall, Leicestershire, A. Bloxaniy
B.S.L. Derbyshire.
Mersey.— Wybunbury Moss, near Nantwich, E. W. Eawson ;
Z
SoS HISTORY OF BRITISH FERNS.
Delamere Forest, Cheshire. Chat Moss ; Lowgill ; Woolston
Moss and Risley Moss, near Warrington ; Levenshulme,
S. F. Graj/, Lancashire.
HuMBEB. — Sheffield ; Richmond ; Ingleborongh ; Doncaster ;
Leckby Carr ; Terrington Carr ; York ; Thirsk, Yorkshire.
Tyne. — Chivington Wood, Nortliumberlaud, Rev. R. Taylor.
Lakes. — Red-house, Cumberland. Westmoreland. Isle of Man.
W. Lowlands. — [Dumfries-shire, P. Gray.'}
E. Lowlands. — [Edinburghshire.]
E. Highlands. — [Forfarshire.] Dunkeld, Perthshire, A. Tait.
W. Highlands. — [Argyleshire.] Tarbet, Dumbartonshire, T.M.
N. Highlands.— Dingwall, Ross-shire, W. C Trcvelt/an.
W. Isles. — North Uist. Harris. Lewis.
Ulster. — Dastrey, Monaghan, C L. Darby.
Conn AUGHT. — Connemara, Galwaj'.
Leinster. — Wicklow, D, Moore ; also (?) Newton, Mt. Ken-
nedy, R. Barrington.
MuNSTER. — Killarney, Kerry, E. J. Lowe.
Lastrea Thelypteris, Presl.
Peninsula. — Devonshire. Turf Moor, near Bridgewater, So-
mersetshire.
Channel, — Portsea ; Winchester, Hampshire. West Medina ;
Wilderness ; Freshwater Gate ; Cridmore, &c.. Isle of
Wight. Tunbridge Wells ; Albourne ; Amberley ; Water-
down Forest ; Ore, near Hastings, Sussex.
LASTREA TnELYPTERIS. 339
Thames. — North Cray ; Bexley ; Ham Ponds, near Sandwich,
Kent. Leith Hill ; Hurtmore, near Godalming ; Wimble-
don Common ; Pirbriyht Common, Surrey. Windsor Park
and Sunninghill Wells, Berkshire. Epping; Little Bad-
dow, Essex.
OusE. — Belton ; Bungay ; Hipton ; Bradwell Common, Sufifolk.
Horning; St. Faith's; Upton; Filby; Holt; Edgefield,
Felthorpe ; Wroxham ; Dereham ; Ormsby Broad ; Lound,
near Yarmouth ; about Norwich, Norfolk. Wicken and
Whittlesea Fens ; Teversham ]\Ioor ; Gamlingay ; Ful-
bourn, Cambridgeshire. Potten Marshes, Bedfordshire.
Huntingdonshire.
Severn.— Bog near Allesley, Warwickshire. Herefordshire.
Staffordshire. Whitchurch, R. W. Eawson ; Berriugton
Pool, T. Wcstcomhe, Shropshire.
S. Wales. — Sketty Bogs ; Cwmbola, Glamorganshire. Tenby,
Pembrokeshire, Rev. TV. A. Leighton.
N. Wales. — Llwydiard Lake, Pentraeth ; Beaumaris, Anglesea.
[Near Llanberis, Carnarvonshire.]
TuE:fT.— Oxton and Bulwell Bogs, Nottinghamshire. [Leices-
tershire.]
Mersey. — Newchurch Bog ; Knutsford Moor; Over; Rostherne
Moor ; Wybunbury Bog ; Harnicroft Wood, near Wernith,
Chesliire.
Hu3iBER. — Pottery Carr ; Doncaster ; Askham Bog ; Terrington
z 2
34:0 HISTORY OF BRITISH FERNS.
Carr ; Buttercrambe, near York ; Heslington ; Settle ;
Scarborough ; Askam Fens, Yorkshire.
Tyne. — Learmouth Bogs, Northumberland.
Lakes. — Keswick ; Ullesvvater ; Glencoin ; Irton Woods, J.
Rohson ; Blowike, Cumberland. Hammersham, West-
moreland.
E. Highlands. — Rescobie ; Restenet, Forfarshire.
N. Isles. — [Shetland.]
Ulster. — Portmore Park by Lough Neagh, Antrim ; Boggy
wood at Portumna, Gal way, D. Moore.
CoNNAUGUT. — Near Lough Carra, Mayo, J. Ball.
Leinster. — [Marshes at Glencree, Wicklow.]
MuNSTER. — Marsh near Mucruss, Killarney, Kerry, Z)r. Mackat/.
Ophioglossiim lusitanicnm, Linnwus.
Channel Isles. — Petit Bot Bay, Guernsey, Mr. G. Wolsei/.
Ophioglossum vnlgatum, Lhmwus.
Peninsula. — Cornwall. Slateford ; Barnstaple ; near Exeter,
R. J. Gray, Devonshire. Somersetshire.
Channel. — Strathfieldsaye ; Stoke ; Wanston, Hampshire.
Bembridge Down ; Blackgang Chine ; West Cowes, &c.,
Isle of Wight. Box, Dorsetshire. Longleat, Wiltshire,
Highlands, Framfield, &c., Sussex.
Thames. — Bury Woods, Hitchin ; Elstree ; Essenden, and
other parts of Hertfordshii'e. Hackney Marshes ; Siou-
OPHIOGLOSSUM VULGATUM. S-il
lane, Islewortli ; Osterley Park, Brentford ; Acton, Middle-
sex. West Farleigh ; Greenliithe ; near Canterbury, &c.,
Kent. Compton ; Beddington ; Cobham ; Reigate ; Dor-
king, &c., Surrey'. Banbury, Oxfordshire. Essex.
OusE. — Suffolk. Upton Broad ; Ellingham Fen, &c., Norfolk.
Wilburton ; Grantchester ; Whitwell ; Madingley, Rev. W,
A. Leight07i, Cambridgeshire. Bedfordshire. Hunting-
donshire.
Severn-. — Foleshill ; Wellesbourne, &c., Warwickshire. Glou-
cestershire. Howie Hill, Ross ; West Hope Hill (in a wood,
E. Newman), Upton Bishop ; Whitbourne ; Berrington Park,
&c., Herefordshire. Needwood, Staffordshire. West Fel-
ton ; Llandforda Park, near Oswestry, Rev. T. Saliocy ;
Bridgenorth, Rev. W. A. Leighton, Shropshire.
S. Wales. — Field near Roche Castle, Pembrokeshire, S. O
Gray,
N. Wales. — Anglesea. Wrexham, Denbighshire.
Trent. — Near Braunston ; Thringston ; Humberstone, Leices-
tershire. Paplewick ; Col wick, Nottinghamshire. Heanor ;
Breadsall, Derbyshire.
Mersey.— Alderley, Cheshire. Warrington ; Bidston Marsh ;
Todmorden ; Manchester, &c., Lancashire.
Humber.— Richmond ; Settle ; Whitby ; Sheffield ; Hudders-
tield, &c., Yorkshire.
Tyne. — Middleton, Durham. Hexham ; Hawthorn Dene ;
Haltwhistle, Northumberland,
342 niSTORY OF British ferns.
Lakes.— Westmoreland. St. Bee's Meadows, plentiful, J.
Rohson, Cumberland.
W. Lowlands. — Kirkcudbrightshire. Lanarkshire.
E. Lowlands. — Coldstream, Berwickshire. Dalmeny and Ar-
niston Woods, Edinburgh. Linlithgowshire.
E, Highlands. — Dunfermline, Fifeshire, G. APNab, B.S.E.
Dunsinnane, Perthshire. Forfarshire. Burghead, Moray-
shire, G. Wilson, B.S.E.
W. Highlands — Argyleshire.
N. Isles. — Orkney ; where, at Swanbister, Mr. Syme finds a
small variety fructifying in autumn. Shetland.
Ulster. — Knockagh, Carrickfergus ; Banks of the Logan, near
Belfast, Antrim. Armagh, J. R. Kinahan.
Connaught. — An-an Isles, J. Ball ; Ballinasloe, Countess of
Clancarti/, Galwa}'.
Lei NSTEK.— Holly Park, Dublin, S. Foot, B.S.E. ; Dunsinsk,
Dublin.
MtJNSTER. — Clonmel, Cork, "found several years since by iJfr.
R. Davis.'" Tipperary R, Kinahan,
Osmunda regalis, Linnccus.
Peninsula.— Common in the low boggy parts of Cornwall.
Dawlish ; between Budleigh and Exmouth ; Watermouth,
near Ilfracombe ; Holme Chase, near Ashburton, Devonshire.
Somersetshire.
Channel. — Frequent in the west of Hampshire. Isle of Wight.
OSMUNDA REGALIS. 843
Isle of Purbeck, Dorsetshire, T. B. Salter, B.3.E. Wilt-
shire. Tunbridge; Uckfieldj Buxton Park; West Hoathly,
Sussex.
Thames. — [Foiinerly on Hampstead Heath, Middlesex.]
Thursley ; Hiudhead ; Ilambledon Heath ; Caesar's Camp,
Farnham ; Chobham ; Bagshot ; Frimley ; Esher ; Wim-
bledon ; IMerivale Wood, Leith Hill, £". T. Bennett ; Dor-
king ; Reigate, H. M. Holmes, B.S.L., Surrey. Berkshire.
Buckinghamshire. Kavanagh Wood, near Brentwood ; Great
Warley and Little Warley ; Little Baddow ; Epping,
Essex.
OcsK. — Suffolk. Caistor, near Yarmouth, Z>. Stock, B.S.L.;
Horning Ferry, W. J. West, B.S.L. [Gamlingay, Cam-
bridgeshire.] Bedfordshire.
Severn. — Arbury ; Birmingham, and elsewhere, Warwickshire.
C^vm-bran, ^Monmouthsliire, T. H. Thomas. Herefordshire,
E. Williams. Kidderminster and elsewhere, Worcestershire.
Staffordshire. EUesmere Lakes ; Whitchurch, R. W. Raw-
son ; West Felton, Shropshire.
S. Wales. — Swansea, Glamorganshire, G. Laicson. Fishguard,
Pembrokesliire, E. Lees, B.S.L. Carmarthenshire.
N. Wales.— Anglesea. Denbighshire. Barmouth ; Falls of the
Cynvael, near Festiniog, Merionethshire. Loughton Bog,
Flintshire, Dr. Bidioell, B.S.E. Carnarvonshire.
Trent. — Leicestershire. Mansfield ; BullweU, Nottiiighamshire.
Mersey. — Lindon Moss; near Mobberly, Cheshire. Speke,
34)4! HISTORY OF BRITISH FERNS.
near Liverpool ; Chat Moss ; Woolston Moss, and else-
where, near Warrington ; Pouiton-le-Sand, Lancashire.
HcMBER. — Pottery Carr, near Doncaster ; Leeds ; Askham
Bog ; Whitby ; York, and other parts of Yorlcshire.
Ttne. — Durham. Chivington Woods, Rev. B. Taylor, Nor-
thumberland.
Lakes. — Windermere, T.Ri/Iands,B.S.L,; Colwith,^, FordJiam,
B.S.L., Westmoreland. Sea Scale, Gosforth, J. Robson,
Cumberland. Isle of ]\Ian.
W. Lowlands. — Lochar Moss, Dumfries-shire, W. G. Johnstone.
By the Manse, or White Loch, and below the Cliffs, Colvend,
Kirkcudbrightshire, P. Gray. By the Clyde, Lanarkshire.
E. Highlands. — Stirlingshire. Fifeshire. Kincardineshire.
Culross ; by Loch Tay, C. M'-Intosh, Perthshire. Arbroath,
G. Lawson ; Montrose ; Kinnaird, &c., Forfarshire. Mill
of Leys, G. Dickie, B.S.E., and elsewhere, Aberdeenshire.
W, Highlands. — Glen Finnart ; Dunoon ; Loch Fine, N.E. of
Inverary, Argyleshire. By Loch Lomond, Dumbartonshire.
Isles of Arran, Bute, Mull, and Islay.
N. Highlands. — InchnedamfF, Sutherlandshire. Ross-shire.
N. Isles. — Shetland.
W. Isles. — N. Uist. Harris. Lewis.
CoNNAUGiiT. — Abundant in Connemara ; Oughterard ; Bog
near Lough Coota, J. R. Kinalian, Galway. Achill Island.
Castlebar ; Mayo.
Leinster. — Kelly's Glen, co. Dublin,
POLYPODIUiM DRYOPTERIS. S4^0
MuNSTER. — Bandon ; Clonmel, frequent, J. Sibbald, Cork.
Letterfrack, near Ballinaskellig's Bay; Mucruss Abbey,
Killarney, Kerry. Glandine, and Carthy's Cove, near Ard-
more, Waterford, J. B. Kinahan. Tipperary. Near Wood-
ford, Clare, J. B. Kinahan.
Channel Isles. — Jersey.
Poljrpodimn alpestre, Sprengel.
E. Highlands. — Killin ; Ben Lawers, Perthshire. Glen Fiadh,
Glen Prosen, Glen Dole, Canlochen, and other glens of the
Clova Mountains, Forfarshire, abundant, J. Bacllioxisc, and
G. Laicson. Braemar ; by the streams on Benawn, Ben-na-
bourd, and Ben-macd'hui, and by the lake which forms the
source of the Dee, Aberdeenshire, A. Croall. Abundant in
the mountains of Aberdeen, Forfar, and Perth, at from 2,000
to 4,000 feet elevation, G. Laicson. Mountains near Dal-
whinnie, E. Inverness-shire, 1841, H. C. Watson.
W. Highlands. — Great Corrie of Ben Aulder, W. Inverness-
shire, 1841, //. C. Watso7i,
N. Highlands. — Ben Hope, Sutherlandshire.
Polypodium Dryopteris, Linnccus.
Peninsula. — Near Ilfracombe, Devon, Bev. J. M. Chanter,
Challacorabe, //. F.Dempster. Mendip Hills ; near Bristol;
near Bath, Somersetshire.
346 HISTORY OF BRITISH FERKS.
Channel. — [Petersfield, Hampsliire, Dr. Bromfield.'\ Tilgate
Forest, Sussex, Rav. T. Booper.
Thames. — Cornbury Quarry, Oxfordshire. [Chingford Church,
Essex.]
Severn. — Berkswell, Warwickshire. New Weir, Forest of Dean,
Frocester Hill ; Lea Bailey ; Atterbury Hill, above Lyd-
brook, E, T. Bennett, Gloucestershire. Tintern Abbey,
Monmouthshire. Penyard Park, near Ross ; near Downton
Castle, by the Teme ; Aymestrey Quarry ; Shobden-hill
Woods, Herefordshire. Malvern Hills ; Shrawley Wood,
Worcestershire. Trentham Park ; near Colton Hall and
Oakanioor ; Needwood, Staffordshire. Titterstone Clee
Hill ; WhitclifFe, near Ludlow ; Froddcsley Hill, Shrop-
shire.
S. Wales. — Craig-Pwll-du, Radnorshire. Brecon ; Trecastle ;
Pont Henryd, near Capel Colboen ; Ystrad Felltree, Breck-
nockshire. Pont-nedd-Vechn ; Scwd-y-Gladis ; Merthj'r-
Tydvil, Glamorganshire. Ponterwyd ; Devil's Bridge ;
Hafod, J. Milcj/, B.S.E., &c., Cardiganshire.
N. Wales — Anglesea. Llangollen ; Ruthin, Denbighshire.
Craig-Breidden ; Plinlymmon, Jlontgomeryshire. Dolgelly,
A. Irmie, Merionethshire. Near St. Asaph, Flintshire,
Cwm-Idwal ; Llanberis ; Bangor ; Rhaiadr-y-Wenol, TwU-
du, Carnarvonshire.
Trent. — Chinley Hill, near Chapel-le-Frith ; Pleasley Forges,
Derbyshire. Lincolnshire.
POLYPODIUM DRYOFTEmS. 347
Mersey. — Hill Cliff, Cheshire. Manchester; Warrington;
Broadbank, near Colne ; Dean-Church Clough; Mere
Clough; Cotteril Clongh; Chaigeley Manor, E. J. Lowe;
Lancaster ; Ashworth Wood, &c., Lancashire.
HuMBER. — Burley ; Brimham Rocks ; Thirsk ; Ingleborough ;
Reivaulx Wood ; Teesdale ; Halifax ; Whitby ; Richmond ;
Settle, J. Tatham, B.S.L. ; Brierley ; Castle Howard Park,
and many other parts of Yorkshire.
Tyne. — Walbottle Dene; foot of the Cheviots, near Langley
Ford, Durham. Morpeth ; Hexham ; Shewing Shields ;
Scotswood Dene ; banks of the Blythe, the Wansbeck, and
Irthing, Rev. R, Taylor, Northumberland.
Lakes. — Lodore, near Keswick ; Borrowdale ; Calder Bridge ;
Wasdale ; Scale Force ; Dalegarth ; Gillsland, Cumberland.
Stockgill Force, Ambleside ; Hutton Roof ; Casterton, &c.,
Westmoreland. Conistone, N. Lancashire.
W. Lowlands. — Drumlanrig; Rae Hills; Maiden Bower Craigs,
Dumfries-shire. Cluden Craigs ; Hills above Dalscairth,
Kirkcudbrightshire, P. Gray. Falls of the Clyde ; Calder-
wood, T. B. Bell, B.S.E., Lanarkshire. Gourock, Renfrew-
shire.
E. Lowlands. — Wanchope, Roxburghshire, W. Scott, B.S.E.
Banks of the Whiteadder ; Longformacus, Berwickshire.
Rosslyn and Auchindenny Woods, and elsewhere about
Edinburgh.
E. Higulands. — Clackmannanshire. liinross-shire. Garden
Si8 HISTOKY OF BRITISH FERNS.
Den, Fifesliire, R. Maughan, B.S,E. Culross ; Ben Lawers ;
Killin ; Dalnacardoch ; Killicrankie, H. B. M. Harris^
B.S.E.; Dunkeld, yl. Tait ; Pass of Trosachs, T.M. ; Ben
Voirlich, Perthshire. Sidlaw Hills ; Clova Mountains ;
Clack of the Ballock, L. Carnegie, B.S.E. Forfarshire.
Inglis Mai die, Kincardineshire, A. Croall, B.S.E. Castle-
ton, Braemar, Aberdeenshire. Cawdor Woods, Nairnshire,
J. 3PNab, B.S.E. Dahvhinnie, E. Inverness-shire.
W. Highlands. — French Corrie, Strath Affarie ; Glen Hoy ;
Ben Aulder, W. Inverness-shire. By Loch Lomond, Dum-
bartonshire. Glen Gilp, Ardrishiag ; between Lochs Awe
and Etive ; Dunoon, Afgyleshire. Brodick, Isle of Arran,
Tobermory, Isle of Mull, IV. ChrisPj, B.S.E.
N. Highlands. — Ross-shire. Ferry-house E. of Loch ErboU,
Sutherlandshire.
Ulster. — Knockleyd, Antrim, very rare. Mourne Mountains,
Down.
CoNNAUGHT. — Ma'am Turc, Galway.
MuNSTER. — Mucruss, Killarney, Kerry.
Polypodium Phegopteris, Linnwus.
Peninsula. — Near Tintagel, Cornwall. Exmoor, near Challa-
come, R. J. Gray ; Cock's Tor, Rev. W. S. Hore ; White
Tor, Great Mist Tor, and Sheep's Tor, R. J. Gray ; Dart-
moor, R. J. Gray ; [Ilfracombe ;] Becky Falls, &c., Devon-
shire.
POLYPODIUM PnEGOPTERIS. 349
Channel.— Kidbrood Park, Forest Row; Balcome, J". Z%^/
Tilfjate Forest, ^S'. O. Gray, Sussex.
Thames.— [Near Brentford, Middlesex.] [Norwood, Surrey.]
Severn. — Forest of Dean ; near Lydbrook, Gloucestershire.
Shobden Hill Woods ; Aymestrey Quarry, Herefordshire.
Ridge Hill ; Madeley, &c., Staffordshire. Titterstone Clee
Hill ; Craigforda, near Oswestry, Rev. T. Salwcj/ ; near
Ludlow, Shropshire.
S. Wales. — Craig-Pwll-du ; Rhayader, Radnorshire. Pont
Henryd near Capel Colboen ; Brecon Beacon, &c., Breck-
nockshire. Pont-nedd-Vechn ; Scwd-y-Gladis ; Cilhepste,
Glamorganshire. Glynhir, near Llandebie, Carmarthen-
shire. Hafod, &c., Cardiganshire.
N. Wales. — Garthbeibio; Plinlyminon, Montgomeryshire. Falls
of the Cynvael near Festiniog ; Barmouth, &c., Merioneth-
shire. Llanrwst; Ruthin, Denbighshire. Cwm-Idwal ;
Dolbadcrn ; Llanberis ; Aberglaslyn ; Bangor, &c., Car-
narvonshire.
Trent. — Buxton, Derbyshire.
Mersey. — Mow Cop ; Wood near Staleybridge ; Werneth, &c.,
Cheshire. Dean-Church Clough, near Bolton ; near Tod-
morden ; Philips Wood, near Prestwich ; Blackhay, Cli-
theroe ; Chaigeley Manor, E. J. Lowe; Longridge Fell;
Mere Clough ; Avoods near Manchester, &c., Lancashire.
HuMBER. — Halifax ; Beckdale Helrasley ; Buttercramhe Moor
350 HISTOKT OF BRITISH FERNS.
near York ; Settle ; Sheffield ; Ingleborough ; and many
other parts of Yorkshire.
TvNE. — By the Tees above Middleton ; Rocks above Langley
Ford ; Cawsey Dene, &c., Durham. Moors near AValluig-
ton; Shewing Shields ; Cheviot Hills ; Hexham; Banks of
the Irthing, Rev. R. Taylor^ Northumberland.
Lakes. — Wardale ; Borrowdale ; Ennerdale ; Sea w- Fell ; Kes-
wick ; Tindal Fell ; Laggat, on Cold Fell, J. Robson, &c.,
Cumberland. Stockgill Force ; Ambleside ; Grasmere ;
Casterton Fell ; Hutton Roof, &c., Westmoreland. Coni-
stone, N. Lancashire. Isle of Man.
W. Lowlands. — Drumlanrig ; Rae Hills ; Jardine Hall, Dum-
fries, Dumfries-shire. Dalscairth ; Mabie, Kirkcudbright-
shire, P. Gray. Gourock, Renfrewshire. Falls of the
Cl^'de, near Corra Linn ; Calderwood ; Crutherland ;
Campsie, near Glasgow, &c., Lanarkshire.
E. Lowlands. — Berwickshire. Jedburgh; Ruberslaw, Rox-
burghshire. Pentland Hills ; Arniston ; Rosslyn, and
Auchindenny Woods, near Edinburgh.
E. Highlands. — Ben Lomond, Stirlingshire, J. S. Hcnslow.
Castle Campbell, near Dollar, Clackmannanshire, J. T.
Si/me, B.S.E. Dunfermline ; Inverkeithing ; Carden Den,
Fifeshire. Kincardineshire. Glen Queich in the Ochils ;
Bridge of Bracklin, near Callender; Dunkeld, A. Tait ;
Ben Voirlich ; Ben Lawers ; Craig Chailliach ; Killin ;
Tyndnim ; Dalnacardoch, &c., Perthshire. Canlochen,
POLYPODIUM ROBERTIANUM. 351
Clova, Forfarshire. Castleton, Braemar, Aberdeenshire.
Dalwhinnie, E. Inverness-shire.
W. Highlands.— Aberarder ; Ben Nevis ; Red Caird Hill, &c.,
W, Inverness-shire. Glen Gilp, Ardrishiag ; Dunoon ;
Crinnan ; Inverary ; Pass of Glencroe, &c., Argyleshire.
Tarbet ; Ai-roquhar, &c., Dumbartonshire. Isles of Mull,
Islay, and Cantyre.
N. Highlands. — Kessock, Ross-shire, Ferry-house E. of Loch
Erboi, Sutherland. Morven, Caithness, rare, T. Anderson.
N. Isles.— Hoy, Orkney, T. Anderson. North Marm, Shetland.
Ulster. — By the Glenarve, near Cushendall, and other parts of
Antrim. "Waterfall above Lough Eske, Donegal. Slieve
Bignian ; near Slieve Croob ; Black Mountain, above Tolly-
more Park, Down. Glen Ness, Londonderry.
CoNNAUGHT. — Garoom Mountain, Letterfrach, Connemara, Gal-
way, E. T. Bennett.
Leinster. — Carlingford Mountain, Louth. Powerscourt Water-
fall, Wicklow.
MuNSTER.— Between Killarney and Kenmare ; Mucruss, Kerry.
Polypodium Robertianum, Hoffmann.
Peninsula. — Bath; Cheddar Cliffs; Mendip Hills; Friary
Wood ; Hinton Abbey, Somersetshire.
Channel.— Box Quarries ; Corsham, Dr, Alexander^ B.IS.E.,
Wiltshire.
Thames.— Oxfordshire.
S52 HISTORY OF BRITISn FERNS.
Severn. — Besborough Common, JV. H. PurcJias ; llocks by the
Wye, near Symond's Yat, and Colwall, near Whitchurch ;
Lj'dbrook in the Forest of Dean ; Cleeve Clouds ; Windlass
Hill, near Cheltenham ; Postlip Hill, on the Cotswolds ;
Cirencester, J. Buchnan ; English Bicknor, A. T. Wilhnot ;
Leigh Wood, near Bristol, Gloucestershire. Herefordsliire
(planted). Worcestershire. Staffordshire.
N. Wales. — Llanferris, Denbighshire. [Cwm-Idwal, Carnar-
vonshire.]
S. Wales. — Merth3T-Tydvil, Glamorganshire. Near Llanelly,
Brecknockshire, T. H. Thomas.
Trent. — Matlock ; Wirksworth ; Buxton; Bakewell, T. Butler;
Dovedale, Derbyshire.
Mersey. — Lancaster ; Sheddin Clough, near Burnley ; Broad-
bank, Lancashire.
Humber. — Ingleborough ; near Settle; Anster Rocks; Arnclifif;
Gordale ; Ravenscar, Waldenhead, J. Ward, B.S.E. ; near
Sheffield, Yorkshire.
Tyne. — Falcon Cliuts, Durham, T. Simpson.
Lakes.— Newbiggin Wood ; Gelt Quarries ; Baron Heath ;
Scale Force, J. Rohson, Cumberland. Arnside Knot ;
Hutton Roof ; Farlton Knot ; Caskill Kirk, Westmoreland.
Polypodium vulgare, Lmnwus.
This is one of our most common Ferns, dispersed throughout
the United Kingdom and Ireland, and found in Guernsey,
POLYPODIUM VULGARE. S53
Jersey, and in the Western Isles, N. Uist, Harris, and Lewis.
The varieties only — and of these only the most remarkable — are
enumerated below ; semilacerum is the Irish form, and omnila-
cerum the Goodrich Castle plant, both which appear distinct
from the true cambricum.
The var. cambricum. — Found in various parts of N. Wales.
Macclesfield, Cheshire, E. J. Lowe. Reported from Braid Hill,
near Edinburgh. The var. omnilacerum, closely allied to this, is
from Goodrich Castle, Ross, Herefordshire, E. T. Bennett.
The var. semilacerum. — Torquay, and Berry Pomeroy Castle,
Devonshire. Cheddar Cliffs, Somersetshire. Bonchurch, Isle of
Wight. Saltvvood Castle, Kent, S, F. Gray. Postwich, Nor-
folk, Hh. Hooker. Tintern Abbey, and Chepstow Castle,
Monmouthshire, B. Ileward. Aberglaslyn, Carnarvonshire,
Dr. AUchin. Arran Isles. Lough Coota, Galway, J. R. Kina-
han. Wood near the Dargle, Wicklow. Ballinaliinch, near
Feacle, Clare, J. R. Kinahan. Blackwater, Waterford, J. R.
Kinahan. Killarney, Kerry. ? Guernsey.
The var. serratum. — Cheddar, Somersetshire. Hastings, and
Balcombe, Sussex. Sidcup, Kent. Surrey. Warwickshire.
Gloucestershire. Chepstow, Monmouthshire. Whitchurch and
Mordiford, Herefordshire. Malvern, Worcestershire. S. Wales.
Ruthin, Denbighshire. Kirkcudbrightshire. Galway. Bally-
nahinch, Clare. Blackwater, Waterford. An allied form —
crenatum — is found at Conway, Dr. AUchin ; Saltwood Castle,
S. F. Gray.
2 A
854 HISTORY OF BRITISH FERNS.
Polysticliiiin aculeatum, Roth.
The records of the distribution of P. aculeatum and P. angu-
lare are incomplete.
Peninsula. — Cornwall. Lynmouth ; between Totness and
Ashburton, &c. (with lohattim), Devonshire. Portishead,
&c. (with lohatum) ; Dundry Hill, near Bristol, G. H. K.
Thwaites, Somersetshire.
Channel. — Selbourne, Miss Bower (with lobatutn, T. B. Salter) ;
Alresford, &c., Hampshire. Isle of Wight (with lobatum),
Dorsetshire. Box Quarries, Wiltshire (with lobatum, as lon-
chitidoides). Henfield ; Cuckfield (with lobatum), J, Lloyd ;
Groombridge {lobatum), Sussex.
THASfES. — St. Alban's ; Totteridge ; Hitchin ; Essendon ; Chesh-
unt, &c., Hertfordshire. Norwood (with lobatum), S. F.
Gray, Middlesex. Kent (witli lobatum). Mayford and
Dorking {lobatum), and elsewhere (with lobatum), Surrey.
Chalfont {lobatum) ; Fulmer, Buckinghamshire. Berkshire
(with lobatum). Oxfordshire (with lobatum). Near Ongar.
Brentwood ; Chingford, and Black Notley {lobatum), Essex.
OusE. — Wingfield {lobatum); Spexhall {lobatum); Sudbury (with
lobatum), &c., Suffolk. Yarmouth {lobatum) ; Edgefield,
near Holt, Norfolk. Gamlingay, Cambridgeshire. Bed-
fordshire. Northamptonshire {lobatum).
Severn. — Stoneleigh ; AUesley ; Rugby, Rev. A. Bloxam ;
HoUyberry End and Wyken-lane (all with lobatum) ; AI-
POLYSTICHUM ACULEATUM. 355
cester (with tasselled fronds), Hb. IIool.er ; and elsewhere,
Warwickshire. IMamhilad, Monmouthshire, T. i7. Thomas.
Herefordshire (Johatum as loncMtidoidcs). Near Bristol,
Gloucestershire (with lobatum). Knightwick, Worcester-
shire, E. Lees, B.S.L. Staffordshire {lobatum as loncMti-
doidcs). Bridgenorth (Jonchitidoides) ; Mannington, near
Cherbury {lobatum as lonchitidoides) ; Blodwell Rocks
{lonchitidoides). Rev. W.A. Leighton, Shropshire.
S. Wales.— Tenby, Pembrokeshire, E. Lees, B.S.L. Carmar-
thenshire. Glamorganshire {lobatum). Talgarth (with
lobatum), E. Williams; Llandrindod Wells (var. lonchi-
tidoides). Rev. T, Salwey ; common in Breconshire, J. R.
. Cobb.
N. Wales. — Anglesea (with lobatum). Wrexham ; Ruthin
{lobatum) ; Llanymyneck, Denbighshire {lobatum). Llyn-y-
cwm, Carnarvonshire.
Trent.— Leicestershire (with lobatum). Beeston ; Mansfield ;
Paplewick (with lobatum), Nottinghamshire. Matlock,
Derbyshire (with lobatum). Lincolnshire {lobatum).
Mersey. — Chaigeley, near Clitheroe (with lobatum), E. J. Lowe;
Walton {lobatum) ; Manchester {lobatum) ; Gateacre, near
Liverpool ; Hail Wood (with lobatum), Sic, Lancashire.
Preston, Cheshire (with lobatum).
HuMBER.— Halifax; Castle Howard Woods; Settle ; Richmond;
Studley; Roche Abbey, J. F. Young, B.S.L. ; Fountain's
Abbey {lobatum), Mrs. Rutter ; Ripon ; Doncaster; Shef-
2 A 2
356 HISTORY OF BRITISH FERNS.
field (Jobatum), J. Harcl^ ; York; Ingleboroiigli (inmost
instances with lohatum), Yorkshire.
Tyne. — Hexham and Scotswood Denes, Northumberland {lo-
hatum), Cawsey Dene, &c. (with luhatum), Durham, R.
Bowman, B.S.L.
Lakes. — Irton Wood, J. JRobson ; Airey Force, II. FordJiam,
B.S.L., Sec. (with lobatum), Cumberland. Ambleside,
Westmoreland.
W. Lowlands. — Drumlanrig ; Nithsdale, snd other parts of
Dumfries-shire (with lobatum), P. Gray. Kirkcudbrightshire
(with lobatum), P. Gray. Renfrewshire. Lanarkshire
(with lobatum).
E. Lowlands. — Edinburghshire (with lobatum). Pease Bridge,
&c., Berwickshire (with lobatum).
E. HiGHiiANDs. — Glen Fiadh, Clova Mountains, and other parts
of Forfarshire {lobatum). St. David's, Fife?hire. Dunkeld
{lobatum), A. Tait ; Glenfarg, near Perth, Perthshire. Kin-
cardineshire (lobatum). Aberdeenshire {lobattim). Cawdor
Woods {lobatum), Nairn. Morayshire {lobatum).
W. Highlands. — Glen Gilp (with lobatum), Ardrishiag, Ar-
gyleshire, T.M, Isles of Islay (with lobatum.), Cantyre
(with lobatum), and Bute.
N. HiGHLANBs, — Ross-shire {lobatum).
Ulster. -Colin Glen (with lobatum) ; INIalone (with lobatum as
lonrjiitidoides), Belfast, Antrim.
CoNNAUGHT. — Connemara ; Gort, Galway, J. R. Kinahan.
POLYSTlCnUM ANGULARE. So7
Leinster. — Newtown Mount Kennedy, Wicklow (lohatum),
R. Barrington. Bohernabreena, Dublin, J. R. Kinahan.
MuNSTER. — Foot of " Mononita," Clare (lonchitidoidcs).
Channel Isles. — Jersey.
Polysticliiim angulare, Presl.
Peninsula. — Penzance, Cornwall (var. tripinnatum), E. J.
Loice. Lynmouth ; Ilfraconibe, Rev. J. M. Chanter ; Ot-
tery St. Mary (var. proliferum), G. B. WoUaston ; between
Totness and Asbburton, Devonshire. Leigh Woods, near
Bristol ; near Bath ; Nettlecombe (vars. irregulare and im-
bricatum), (J. Elworthy ; Selworthy (with var. alatum), Mrs.
A. Thompson, Somersetshire.
Channel. — Stubbington ; Uplands; Cattisfield, and elsewhere,
Hampshire. Isle of Wight. Dorsetshire. Wiltshire.
Cuckfield ; Patching ; Findon, &c., Sussex.
Thames. — Panshanger ; Hatfield Woodside ; Colney ; Watford ;
Totteridge, Hertfordshire. Brentford (var. hiserratum), S.
F. Gray, Middlesex. Sturry ; St. Mary Cray (var. inter-
medium), G. B. WoUaston; and elsewhere (including var.
dissimile, Mrs. Delves), Kent. IMayford ; St. Martha's,
near Guildford, Surrey (with vars. suhtripinnatum and hastu-
latiirn). Epping, J. Ray, B.S.L.j Springfield, Essex.
Ol'se. — Norwich, Hb. Hooker, Norfolk. Huntingdonshire.
Severn. — Bristol ; Forest of Dean, E. Lees, B.S.L., Glouces-
tershire, G. H. K. Thwaites, B.S.L. Stoneleigh ; Berkeswell ;
358 HISTORY OF BRITISH FERNS.
Rng1\V ; Hearsall, Sec, Warwickshire. Ross, Hereford-
shire. Eartliam ; INIalvern ; Suckley, Worcestershire, B.
Lees, B.S.L. Staifordshire. Blodwell Rocks ; Weulock,
Shropshire.
S. Wales. — Tenby, Pembrokeshire, E. Lees, B.S.L. Gower,
Glamorganshire, C. Conway, B.S.L. Talgarth, Brecknock-
shire, E, Williams. Cardiganshire. Radnoi'shire, common,
J. R. Cohh.
N. Wales. — Beaumaris ; Cickle, Anglesea, Rev. TV. A. Lcighton.
Conway ; Bangor, Carnarvonshire. Ruthin, Denbighshire,
2. Prichard,
Trent. — Matlock, Derbj^shire. Leicestershire.
Mersey. — Clitheroe, E. J. Lowe; Manchester (var. suhtripin-
natitm, with very dark scales on stipes and lower part of
rachis), J. B. Wood; Prescott ; Hail Wood, Lancashii'e.
Cheshire.
Humber. — Ingleborough, W. J. Hooler ; Edlington Crags,
near Adwick ; Roche Abbey, J. F. Young, B.S.L. ; Hali-
fax, R. Leyland, B.S.L. ; Richmond ; Heckfell Woods ;
EUand, and other parts of Yorkshire.
Lakes. — Loughrigg Fell ; Ambleside, Westmoreland. Isle of
Man.
E. Lowlands. — Peasebridge, Berwickshire.
W. Highlands. — Ederline, Loch Gilphead, Argyleshire, Mrs.
A.Smith.
Ulster. — Blackstaff Lane ; Colin Glen, Belfast, Antrim,
POLYSTICHUM LONCHITIS. 359
CoxxAUGiiT. — Arran Isles. Conneniara ; Blackwater, near
Gort, J. R. Kinahan, Galway.
Leinster. — Tinnahinch, Wicklow, C. C. Babingtoji, B.S.E.
Ballinteer, Dublin, J. R. Kinahan. Kilkenny, J. R.Kina-
han.
MuNSTER. — Clonmel, Cork, J, Sibhald. Waterford. Tipperary.
Clare, J. R. Kinahan.
Channel Isles. — Jersey (with var. hiserratuni). Dr. Allcliin :
C.Jackson. Guernsey (several varieties), C. Jackson.
Polystidnim Lonchitis, Roth.
OusE. — [Cambridgeshire.^ [Northamptonshire.]
S. Wales. — Glamorganshire.
N. Wales. — Clog\vyn-y-Garnedd ; Cvvm-Idwal ; Twll-du ; Gly-
der-Vawr ; above Llanberis, Carnarvonshire.
HuMBER. — LangclifFe, near Settle; Attermine Scar; Giggles-
wick ; Ingleborough, Yorkshire.
Tyne. — Falcon Clints, Teesdale ; Mazeheck Scar, Durham.
Lakes. — Fairfield, Helvellyn, Cumberland, Rev. W. H. Hawker:
Miss Wright.
W. Lowlands. — [Lanarkshire.]
E. Highlands. — Ben Lomond, Stirlingshire, F. Bosse^, B.S.L.
Ben Lawers ; Craig Challiach ; Glen Lyon, G. Lawson ;
Ben Chonzie, near Crieff, iJr. Balfour, B.S.E. ; Ben Voir-
lich, Perthshire. Canlochen, Glen Isla, Glen Fiadh, Glen
360 HISTORY OF BRITISH FERNS.
Dole, &c., in the Clova Mountains, Forfarshire. Aberdeen-
shire. Morayshire.
W. Highlands. — Mountains near Loch Erricht, Inverness-
shire. Ben More, Isle of Mull.
N. Highlands. — Raven Rock, near Castle Leod, Ross-shire.
Ben Hope, B.S.E. ; Assynt, Sutherlandshire.
N. Isles.— Hoy-hill, Orkney (1,600 feet), very rare, T. An-
derson.
Ulster. — Glen E. of Lough Eske ; Rosses and Thanet Moun-
tain passes, Donegal.
CoNNAUGHT. — Glenade Mountains, Leitrim. Ben Bulben, Sligo.
Leinster, — Navan, Meath, R. Kyle.
MuNSTER. — Brandon Hill, Kerry.
Pteris aquilina, Linnanis.
The most common of our Ferns, disposed over the whole of
England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland ; ascending to an eleva-
tion of nearly 2,000 feet. It is also found in Shetland, in the
Orkneys, in the Hebridean Islands of N. Uist, Harris, and Lewis,
and in the Channel Isles.
A multifid variety is found near Chiselhurst, G. B. WoUaston ;
in Devonshire, Rev. J. M. Chanter ; and in Guernsey, C. Jackson.
Scolopendrium vulgare, Symons.
Peninsula. — Cornwall. Bideford (lobate form), Devonshire.
St. Decuman's {vslv. Jlssum), Sir W. C. Trevclyan ; Nettle-
SCOLOPENDRIUM VULGARE. 361
combe (vars. marginatum, multtftdiim, and crispum), C. El-
worthy. Selvvorthy (var. marginatum), Mrs. A. Thompson ;
Frencha}', near Bristol (with var. muUifidum), T. H.
Thomas, &c., Somersetshire.
Channel. — Fareham (vars. xmdulatum and poli/schides), Hamp-
shire. Isle of Wight. Littlehamptou (vars. variegatum,
truncatum, marginatum, &c.), G. B. Wollaston, Sussex.
Glanville's Wootton (vars. crenato-lolatum and crista-galh),
G. B. Wollaston, Dorsetshire. Wiltshire.
Thames. — Hertfordshire. Middlesex. Kent. Surrey. Berk-
shire. Buckinghamshire. Oxfordshire. Essex.
OusE. — Suffolk. Norfolk. Cambridgeshire. Bedfordshire.
Huntingdonshire. Northamptonshire.
Severn. — Warwickshire. Stroud (reported as var. marginatum),
W. M. Cooper, Gloucestershire. Trevddun (Avith lobattim) •
Twyn-gwyn (with lohatum), T. H. Thomas, Monmouthshire.
Herefordshire. Worcestershire. Staffordshire. Shrop-
shire.
S. Wales. — Brecon (var. bimarginatum'),J. R. Cobb. Brecknock-
shire. Pembrokeshire. Glamorganshire. Carmarthenshire.
N. Wales. — Carreg Onan, and Mill Dingle, Beaumaris (lobate
form), Anglesea, Ruthin (var. crispum), T. Prichard.
Denbigh {v&v.Jissum), J. IF. Griffith, Denbighshire. Car-
narvon Castle (lobate form), Carnarvonshire.
Trent. — Leicestershire. Nottinghamshire. Derbyshire.
Mersey. — Cheshire, Lancashire.
362 HISTORY OF BRITISH FERNS.
HusiBER. — Yorkshire (with var. tmduJatuin) ; also Edlington,
near Advvick {vav. polyschides), J, Hardy ; magnesian lime-
stone rocks, Doncaster (var. crispum), J. Hardy ; Conin-
brough Cliffs (fronds ramose and multifid), tT. Hardy ; near
Settle (many forms, including vars. a'ispum, supralineatum,
and ramosum majus), A. Clapham.
TvNE. — Northumberland. Durham; also Sunderland (var.
multifiduin), J. Fairbridge,
Lakes. — Cumberland ; also a forked var. at Whitehaven. West-
moreland. Isle of Man.
W. Lowlands. — Drumlanrig, G.P.London ; banks of the Glen
Water (with forked varieties), Dr. Lindsay, Dumfries-shire.
Kirkcudbrightshire. Wigtonshire. Ayrshire. Renfrew-
shire. Lanarkshire.
E. Lowlands. — Edinburghshire. Berwickshire.
E. Highlands. — Fifeshire. Forfarshire. Kincardineshire.
Aberdeenshire. Nairnshire. Morayshire.
W^. Highlands. — Poltalloch, G. P. London, Argyleshire. Isles
of Islay, Cantyre, and Skye.
N. Highlands. — Sutherlandshire.
N. Isles. — Isle of Ronsay, Orkney, rare, R. Heddell. Shet-
land.
Ulster. — Colin Glen, Belfast, Antrim (with vars. undulatum
and multifidum), A. Crawford.
Connaught. — Arran Isles. Conneraara ; Gort, Galway. Sligo.
Leinster. — Dublin. Townley Hall, Louth, C. L. Darhy.
WOODSIA ALPINA. 363
Wicklow. King's. Kilmoganny, Kilkenny (var. rmdtifi-
dum), J. R. Kinahan.
MuNSTER. — Cork. Mucruss, Killarney, Kerry. Waterford
(var. multifidum), J. R. Kinahan. Tipperary (var. imdtifi-
dum), J. R. Kinahan. Clare (var. midtifidum,), J. R.
Kinahan. Limerick.
Channel Isles. — Jersey. Guernsey (many varieties, C.Jac^ww).
Trichomanes radicans, Swartz.
HuMBER. — [Supposed to have been formerly found at Belbank,
near Bingley, Yorkshire.]
Leinster. — Hermitage Glen ; Powerscourt Waterfall, Wicklow.
MuNSTER. — Glendine Wood, and Glenbour, Killeagh, both near
Youghal ; Temple Michael Glen, and Ballinhasy Glen, near
Cork. Bandon ; Fall of the ClashgarifFe ; near Glandore ;
near Bantry ; Carrigeena, Kildorrery (elev. 1,000 — 1,200
feet), J. Carrol, Cork. Turk Waterfall, Killarney ; ravine of
Cromaglaun Mountain ; Mount Eagle, near Dingle ; Gorta-
garee ; Blackstones, Glouin Caragh ; Inveragh ; Curaan
Lake, Waterville, C. C. Babington, B.S.E., K^Yrj.
Woodsia alpina, Gray.
N. Wales. — Clogwyn-y-Garnedd, Snowdon ; Moel Sichog, Pass
of Llanberis, L. Clark, Carnarvonshire.
E. Highlands. — Ben Chonzie, near CriefF, Dr. Balfour ; Ben
364 HISTORY OF BRITISH FERNS.
Lawers ; Mael-dun-Crosk ; Catjaghiamman ; Craig Chal-
liach, Perthshire. Glen IsLa, Dr. Balfour ; Glen Fiadh, Clova
Mountains, Dr. Balfour^ Forfarshire.
Woodsia ilvensis, R. Brown.
N. Wales. — Clogwyn-y-Garnedd ; Llyn-y-cwm, on Glyder-
Vawr ; Pass of Llanberis, L. Clark, Carnarvonshire.
HuMBER. — [Yorkshire.]
Tyne. — Falcon Clints, and Cauldron Snout, Teesdale, Durham.
Lakes. — Westmoreland, " in three distant stations," F, Clowes.
Cumberland, F. Clowes.
W. Lowlands. — Ravine, near Loch Skene ; Devil's Beef-tub,
and hills north of Moffat, Dumfries-shire, P. Gray. Hills
dividing Dumfries and Peebles-shire, abundant, W. Stevens.
E. Highlands. — Ben Chonzie, near Crieff, Dr. Balfour ; Ben
Lawers, J. Backhouse, Perthshire. Glen Fiadh, Clova
Mountains, Forfarshire, J. Backhouse. Forres, Moraysliire,
Hh. S. F. Gray.
THE FERN ALLIES.
Equisetum arvense, Linnanis.
Peninsula. — Cornwall. Devonshire. Somersetshire.
Channel. — Hampshire. Isle of Wight. Dorsetshire. Wilt-
shire. Sussex.
EQUISETUM ARVENSE, S65
Thames. — Hertfordshire. Middlesex. Kent. Surrey. Ox-
fordshire. Berkshire. Essex.
OusE. — Suffolk. Norfolk. Cambridgeshire. Bedfordshire.
Huntingdonshire. Northamptonshire.
Severn. — Warwickshire. Gloucestershire. Herefordshire.
Worcestershire. Staffordshire. Shropshire.
S. Wales. — Glamorganshire. Pembrokeshire. Carmarthenshire.
N. AVales. — Anglesea. Denbighshire. Flintshire.
Trent. — Leicestershire. Rutland. Lincolnshire. Nottingham-
shire. Derbyshire.
Mersey. — Lancashire. Cheshire.
Humber. — Yorkshire.
Tyne. — Durham. Northumberland. Isle of Man.
Lakes. — Gosforth, Cumberland, J. Rohson.
W. Lowlands. — Dumfries-shire* Kirkcudbrightshire. Lanark-
shire.
E. Lowlands. — Berwickshire. Haddingtonshire. Edinburgh-
shire. Linlithgowshire.
E. HiGHLANDS.^ — Stirlingshire. Clackmannanshire. Kinross-
shire. Fifeshire. Perthshire. Forfarshire. Kincardine-
shire. Aberdeenshire. Morayshire.
W. Highlands, — Argyleshire. Dumbartonshire. Isles of Islay
and Cantyre.
N. Highlands. — Ross-shire. Sutherlandshire. Caithness.
"N. Isles. — Orkney, T. Anderson. Shetland.
W. Isles. — Roddal, Harris.
366 HISTORY OF BRITISH FERNS.
CoNNAUGHT. — Connemara, Galway, J. R. Kinahan.
Leinster. — Dublin, King's. Wicklow. Kilkenny.
MuNSTER, — Watei-ford. Tipperary. Clare. Limerick. Cork,
J. R. Kinahan.
Channel Isles. — Jersey.
Equisetmn hyemale, Llnnceus.
Peninsula. — [^Somersetshire.]
Channel. — [Near Broadstieh Abbey, Wiltshire.]
Thames. — [Middlesex.]] South Kent, Rev. G. E. Smith, Wan-
borough, near Guildford, Surrey, J. D. Salmon.
OirsE. — St. Faith's Newton ; Arminghall Wood, near Norwich,
Norfolk. Stretham Ferry, Gamlingay, Cambridgeshire.
Potton ]Marshes ; Ampthill J3ogs, Bedfordshire.
Severn. — Near Middleton, Warwickshire. Pencoyed, Here-
fordshire. Mosely Bog, Worcestershire. Staffordshire,
Dell at Bitterley, below the Clee Hills, Shropshire.
S. Wales. — Swansea, Glamorganshire, J. W. G. Gutch, B.S.L.
N. Wales. — Wrexham, Denbighshire. Flintshire.
Trent. — Grace-Dieu Wood, Charnwood Forest; Measham,
Leicestershire. Nettleworth Green, near Mansfield ; Kirk-
lington, Nottinghamshire.
Mersey. — Near Arden Hall ; Lally's Wood, near Over ; Thurstas-
ton, Cheshire. I\Iere Clough, near Manchester, Lancashire.
HiJMBER. — Halifax ; by the Derwent, near Castle Howard ;
EQUISETUM LIMOSUM. 867
Goadland Dale, near Whitby ; Hackness,'near Scarborough ;
by the Skell, near Ripon ; Conesthorpe ; Bolton Woods,
Wharfdale ; Rigby Wood, near Pontefract, and many other
parts of Yorkshire.
Tyne. — Hawthorn Dene ; Castle Eden Dene, Durham. Scots-
wood Dene ; Mill Green ; Heaton Wood ; Felton ; Wark-
worth, Northumberland.
Lakes. — Sowgelt Bridge, Cumberland. Westmoreland.
W. Lowlands. — Barnbarrock, Colvend, Kirkcudbrightshire.
Ayrshire. Corra Linn ; Calderwood, Lanarkshire.
E. Lowlands. — Rosslyn ; Lasswade ; Dalkeith, and elsewhere
about Edinburgh. Lamberton Moor, Berwickshire.
E. Highlands. — Kenmore, Perthshire. Den of Airlie, Forfar-
shire. Park ; banks of the Dee, Kincardineshire. Aber-
deenshire. Pittendriech ; Forres, Morayshire.
N. Highlands. — Ross-shire.
Ulster. — Antrim. Tyrone.
Leinster. — Powerscourt, &c., Wicklow. Wood at Leislip Castle,
and elsewhere about Dublin.
Equisetum limosum, Linnaius.
Peninsula. — Cornwall. Devonshire. Somersetshire.
Channel. — Hampshire. Isle of Wight. Dorsetshire. Wilt-
shire. Sussex.
868 HISTORY OF BRITISH FERNS.
Thames. — Middlesex. Kent. Surrey. Hertfordshire. Ox-
fordshire. Essex.
OusE. — Suffolk. Norfolk. Cambridgeshire. Bedfordshire,
Huntingdonshire. Northamptonshire.
Severn. — Warwickshire. Gloucestershire. Herefordshire.
Worcestershire. Staffordshire. Shropshire.
S. Wales. — Glamorganshire. Carmarthenshire.
N. Wales. — Anglesea. Denbighshire.
Trent.— Leicestershire. Rutland. Lincolnshire. Derbyshire.
Nottinghamshire.
Mersey. — Cheshire. Lancashire.
HuMBER. — Yorkshire.
Tyne. — Durham. Northumberland.
Lakes. — Cumberland. Westmoreland.
W. Lowlands. — Dumfries-shire. Kirkcudbrightshire. Renfrew-
shire. Lanarkshire.
E. Lowlands. — Roxburghshire. Berwickshire. Edinburgh-
shire.
E. Highlands. — Clackmannanshire. Kinross-shire. Fifeshire.
Perthshire. Forfarshire. Aberdeenshire. Morayshire.
W. Highlands. — Dumbartonshire. Loch Skyros, Islay (with
var. "simplex").
N. Highlands. — Ross-shire. Caithness-shire.
N. Isles. — Kirkwall, Orkney, J. T. Si/me. Shetland.
W. Isles. — N. Uist. Harris. Lewis.
EQUISETUM PALUSTRE. 369
Common in Ireland.
Ulster.
connaught.
Leinster.
MUNSTER.
Channel Isles. — Jersey.
Equisetnm Moorei, Newman.
Leinster. — Wicklow, Z>. Moore,
Equisetnm palustre, Linnwm.
Peninsula. — Cornwall. Braunton Burroughs, Devonshire (var.
nudum). Weston-super-Mare (var. folystachyon) ; sands at
Bream (var. nudum)^ Somersetshire.
Channel. — Hampshire, Shanklin Chine and Cockleton (witli
vax. polystachi/on) ; Moor To vrn, Brixton ; Freshwater Gate,
Isle of Wight. Dorsetshire. Spye Park (var. polystach^on ) ;
Purton, Wiltshire. Sussex.
Thames.— Hertford ; Stortford ; Hitchin ; St. Alban's, Hert-
fordshire. Middlesex. Kent. Stoke; Woodbridge, near
Guildford, and Richmond Park (var. poli/stachyon\ &c.,
Surrey. Stratford, Essex {ywc. polystachyoii). Oxfordshire.
Ouse. — Suffolk, Norfolk. Cambridgeshire. Bedfordshire.
Northamptonshire.
Severn. — Hart's-hill (var. polt/stachi/on), &c., Warwickshire.
2 B
870 HISTORY OF BRITISH FERNS.
Gloucestershire. Herefordshire. Staffordshire, Worces-
tershire. Shropshire.
S. Wales. — Glamorganshire. Carmarthenshire. Pembrokeshire.
N. Wales. — Anglesea, Denbighshire. Conway Sands, Car-
narvonshire (var. j9o{^y5?«c^j/on).
Trent. — Leicestershire. Rutland. Lincolnshire. Derbyshire.
Nottinghamshire.
Mersey. — Crosby (vars. polt/stacJiyon and niichini) ; Formby
(var. polystachyon) ; Broadbank (var. nudum), Lancashire.
Cheshire.
HuMBEE. — Aldingham (var. nudum'), and elsewhere, Yorkshire.
Tyne. — Durham. Northumberland.
Lakes. — Westmoreland. Cumberland.
W. Lowlands. — Dumfries-shire. Kirkcudbrightshire. Lanark-
shire.
E. Lowlands. — Berwickshire. Roxburghshire. Edinburgh-
shire.
E. Highlands. — Stirlingshire. Clackmannanshire. Kinross-
shire. Fifeshire. Kincardineshire. Morayshire. Brea-
dalbane Mountains, Perthshire (vars. polystachyon and nu-
dum). Sands of Barry, Forfarshire (var. nudum). Braemar
{\a,v. polj/staclwon), and elsewhere, Aberdeenshire.
W. Highlands. — W. Inverness-shire. Argyleshire. Isles of
Islay and Canty re.
N. Highlands. — Caithness. Ross-shire.
N. Isles. — Orkney, common, T. Anderson. Shetland.
EQUISETUM PRATENSE. 371
W. Isles. — Hoddal, Harris.
Ulster. — Logan Canal (var. poh/stacJii/on) ; near the Giant's
Causeway, Antrim. ->
CoNNAUGHT. 1 Abundant in Ireland, especially
Leinster, j in the north.
MUNSTER. J
Channel Isles. — Jersey.
Eqnisetumlpratense, Ehrhart.
Mersey. — [Cheshire.] Near Mere Clough, Manchester, Lan-
cashire.
HuMBER. — Yorkshire.
Tyne. — Wj'Uch Bridge, Teesdale, Durham. Near Felton ;
Warkworth, Northumberland.
Lakes. — Westmoreland.
W. Lowlands. — Bonnington Woods ; woods near Corra Linn ;
Finglen, near Glasgow, Lanarkshire.
E. Lowlands. — Woods on the banks of the Esk, below Auchin-
denny, Edinburghshire. Woodcock Dale ; Belleryde, W,
H. Campbell, B.S.E., Linlithgowshire.
E. Highlands. — Campsie Glen, Stirlingshire. Banks of the
Devon, near Cauldron Linn, Dr. Balfour ; Castle Camp-
bell Woods, near Dollar, Clackmannanshire, J. T, Symc.
Woods near Dunfermline, Fifeshire. Glen Tilt ; Ballater ;
Lethen's Dene, Ochils ; Glen Devon, Perthshire. Ravine
of the White-water, Glen Dole, Clova ; banks of the Isla,
2 B 2
372 HISTORY OF BRITISH FERNS.
Den of Airl}'', below Reeky Lyn, G. Lawson ; Canlochen,
Glen Isla ; by the Caledonian Canal, near Forfar, Forfar-
shire. Aberdeenshire. Banffshire. Morayshire.
Ulster. — Mountain glens of Antrim ; as at Wolf hill, and Glen-
doon, near Cushendall.
Equisetuin ramosum, ScJileiclier.
E. Highlands. — Den of Airly, Forfarshire. Banks of the Dee,
Aberdeen and Kincardineshire.
Ulster.— Colin Glen, Belfast; "The Glens;" Calton Glen,
Antrim. Ballyharrigan Glen, Londonderr3%
Equisetum sylvaticum, Linnccus.
Peninsula. — Devonshire. Somersetshire.
Channel. — Parsonage Lynch, Newchurch ; Apse Heath, Isle
of Wight. Dorsetshire. Wiltshire. Sussex.
Thames. — Bell Wood and Bayford Wood, Hertfordshire.
Highgate, Middlesex. Kent. Burgate, Godalniing, Surrey.
Bagley Wood, Berkshire. High Beech, Essex.
OusE. — Suffolk. Norfolk. Chesterton ; Madingley Wood, Cam-
bridgeshire. Bedfordshire. Northamptonshire.
Severn. — Ai'bury ; Mosely Bog, near Birmingham, Warwick-
shire. Gloucestershire. Herefordshire. Worcestershire.
Staffordshire. Benthal Edge, Shropshire.
S. Wales. -Hafod, and about the Devil's Bridge, Cardigan-
EQUISKTUM SYLVATICUM. 373
shire. Carmarthenshire. Neath, Glamorganshire. E, Lees,
B.S.L.
N. Wales. — Near Bala, Merionethshire. Denbighshire.
Trent. — Leicestershire. Rutland. Southwood, near Calke
Abbey ; Cromford Moor, Derbyshire. Aspley Wood ;
Southwell, Nottinghamshire.
Mersey. — Cheshire. Hurst Clough, Manchester ; Egerton,
near Bolton, and elsewhere, Lancashire.
HuMBER. — Huddersfield ; ArnclifFe Woods ; Castle Howard ;
Settle ; Richmond ; Leeds ; Whitby ; Forge Valley, near
Scarborough, &c., Yorkshire.
Tyne. — Morpeth ; Hexham, Northumberland. Durham.
Lakes. — Ennerdale, &c., Cumberland. Westmoreland.
W. Lowlands. — Dumfries-shire. Kirkcudbrightshire. Renfrew-
shire. Lanarkshire.
E. Lowlands. — Houudwood ; Langridge Dean, Berwickshire.
Rosslyn Wood, and elsewhere, Edinburgh. Roxburghshire.
E. Highlands. — Clackmannanshire. Kinross-shire. Banks of
Bruar, Blair Athol ; Vicar's Bridge ; Breadalbane Moun-
tains, Perthshire. Montrose ; Craig, &c., Forfarshire.
Fifeshire. Woodstone Hills, Kincardineshire. Aberdeen-
shire. Cawdor, Nairnshire. Morayshire.
W. Highlands. — W. Inverness-shire. By Loch Fine, Argyle-
shire.
N. Highlands. — Ross-shire. Sutherlandshire.
N. Isles. — Orkney. Shetland.
874 HISTORY OF BRITISH FERNS.
W. Isles.— Roddal, Harris.
Ulster. — Antrim. Londonderry, Donegal.
Conn AUGHT. — Oughterard ; Counemara, Gal way.
Leinsteb. — Stagstown, Dublin co. Wicklow.
Equisetum Telmateia, Ehrhart.
Peninsula. — Cornwall. Undercliflf, near Sidmouth, &c., Devon-
shire. Somersetshire.
Channel. — Hampshire. Luccomb Cliff, &c., Isle of Wight.
Doi'setshire. Wiltshire. Hastings, Sussex.
Thames. — Hertfordshire. Hampstead, Middlesex. West Far-
leigh, Kent. Reigate ; Norwood ; Godalming, Surrey.
Oxfordshire. Berkshire. Buckinghamshire. Coggeshall ;
Warley, Essex.
OusE. — Ipswich, Suffolk. Norfolk. Cambridgeshire. Bedford-
shire. Northamptonshire.
Severn. — Woods near Arbury Hall, Warwickshire. Glouces-
tershire. Worcebtershire. Staffordshire. Shropshire.
S. W^ales. — Glamorgan. Carmarthenshire. Pembrokeshire.
N. Wales. — Anglesea. Denbighshii'e, Bangor, Carnarvonshire.
Trent. — Leicestershire. Derbyshire. Nottinghamshire.
Mersey. — Poulton ; Arden Hall, Cheshire. Broadbank, near
Coin ; Todmorden ; Manchester, Lancashire,
Httmber. — Arncliffe Wood, and elsewhere, Yorkshire.
Tyne. — Hawthorn Dene, Durham. Morpeth, Northumberland.
EQCISETUM VARIEGATUM. 875
Lakes. — Cumberland. Westmoreland.
W. Lowlands. — Renfrewshire. Lanarkshire.
E. Lowlands. — Lamberton, between Berwick and Ayton, Ber-
wickshire. Rosslyn and various places about Edinburgh.
E. Highlands. — Montrose ; banks of S. Esk, Forfarshire.
Kincardineshire. Aberdeenshire.
W. Highlands. — Dunglass, Dumbartonshire, Dr. Balfour,
Carapbelton, Argyleshire. Islay. Arran.
N. Isles. — [Orkney.]
Ulster.
Connaught.
Leinster.
MUNSTER.
Channel Isles. — Jei'sey,
Frequent in Ireland.
Eqnisetum variegatnm, Weber and MoJir.
Peninsula. — Salcombe ClifF, Sidmouth, Devonshire. [So-
mersetshire.]
Mersey. — New Brighton, and near the Magazines, Cheshire.
Bootle Sands ; Soutliport ; Waterloo, near Liverpool (var.
arenarium), Lancashire.
Humber. — Aysgarth Force, Yorkshire, B.S.E.
Tyne. — Widdy Bank ; Wynch Bridge ; Middleton, Teesdale ;
and elsewhere near the Tees, Durham. Northumberland.
Lakes. — By the Irthing, at Gilsland, Cumberland.
W. Lowlands. — Lanarkshire.
376 nisTORY OF British ferns.
E. Lowlands. — Near N. Berwick, Haddingtonshire.
E. Highlands. — Sands of Barrj', Dundee, Forfarshire (var.
arenarium). Banks of the Dee, Kincardineshire (with var.
IVilsoiii).
N. Highlands. — Tain, Ross-shire, B.S.E.
Leinster. — Portmarnock Sands ; Royal Canal (var. Wilsoni),
, both near Dublin. MuUingar, Westmeath (var. Wilsoni),
R. W. Rawson.
MuNSTER. — Mucruss, Killaruey, Kerry (var Wilsoni).
Isoetes lacustris, Linnceus.
Severn. — [Shropshire.]
S. Wales. — Lake below Brecon Beacon, Brecknockshire. Gla-
morganshire.
N. Wales. — Lakes of Denbighshire. Merionethshire. Ogwen ;
Llyn-y-Cwm ; Lakes of Llanberis, &c., Carnarvonshire.
Humber. — Castle Howard Lake; Foss Reservoir near Cox-
wold, Yorkshire.
Tyne. — Prestwick Car, Northumberland.
Lakes. — Rydal, and other Lakes of Westmoreland. Ulleswater ;
Floutern Tarn, near Buttermere ; Crummock Water ; Der-
went Water ; Ennerdale ; Wastwater, &c., Cumberland.
Conistone, N. Lancashire.
E.Highlands. — Stirlingshire. Fifeshire. Loch Tay ; Loch
Lubnaig ; Ben Voirlich, Perthshire. Loch Brandy ; Loch
Whirral, near Kettin, Forfarshire. Loch Callader, Aber-
deenshire.
LYCOPODIUM ALPINUM. 377
W. Highlands. — Loch Sloy, Dumbartonshire. Lakes in the
Isles of Skye and Bute.
N. Highlands. — Sutherlandshire.
N. Isles.— Kirkwall (near the Sea), Orkney, 7. Anderson.
Ulster. — Lakes in the Rosses, Donegal. Castle Blaney Lake,
Monaghan.
CoNNAUGHT. — Lakes of Connemara.
Leinster.— Upper Lough Bray. Glendalough, Wicklow.
MuNSTER. — Lough Graney, Clare, J. R. Kinahan.
Lycopodium alpinum, Linnwus.
Peninsula.— Exmoor, Devonshire, jB. J. Gray. Somerset, -4.
Southhy.
Channel. — [Hampshire.]
Severn. — [Shropshire.]
S. Wales. — Brecon Beacon, Brecknockshire. Glamorganshire.
Plinlymmon, Cardiganshire.
N. Wales. — Flintshire. Denbighshire. Llanidloes, Mont-
gomeryshire. Cader Idris, Merionethshire. Cwm-Idwal ;
Glyder-Vawr ; Carnedd David, Carnarvonshire.
Trent. — Derbyshire.
Mersey. — Micklehurst, Cheshire. Todmorden ; Fo-edge ;
Mottram ; Ciiviger, Lancashire.
Humber. — Ingleborough ; Sowerby ; Cronckley Fell ; Scar-
borough, &c., Yorkshire.
S78 HISTORY or BRITISH FERNS.
Tyne. — Falcon Glints, and elsewhere in Teesdale, Durham.
S.E, of Crag Lake ; Cheviot, Northumberland.
Lakes. — Kirkston, and other parts of Westmoreland. Great
Gable ; Ennerdale ; Wastwatei-, and other parts of Cumber-
land. Conistone, N. Lancashire.
W. Lowlands. — Hills west of the Vale of Dumfries. Hills
above Dalscairth, Kirkcudbrightshire. Renfrewshire. La-
narkshire.
E. Lowlands. — Roxburghshire. Lammermuirs ; Lamberton
Moor, Berwickshire. Pentland Hills, Edinburgh.
E. Highlands. — Clackmannanshire. Kini-oss-shire. Fifeshire.
Ben Lawers ; Blair Athol ; Killin ; Ben Voirlich, &c.,
Perthshire. Sidlaw Hills ; Glen Dole and Glen Fiadh,
Clova, &c., Forfarshire. Bay of Nigg, Kincardineshire.
Invercauld, &c., Aberdeenshire (3,600 feet). Badenoch,
Moraj^shire, Banffshire. Nairnshire.
W. Highlands. — French Corrie, Strath Affiirie; Ben Nevis
(8,450 feet), &c., W. Inverness-shire. Ben More ; Tober-
mory, Isle of Mull ; and other islands of the Inner He-
brides.
N. Highlands. — Ross-shire. Ben Hope (3,000 feet), Sutherland.
Morven, Caithness, T. Anderson.
N. Isles. — Hoy, Orkney, common, T. Anderson. Unst, Shet-
land.
W. Isles. — Langa, Harris, Dr. Balfour.
LYCOPODIUM CLAVATUM. 879
Ulster. — Belfast Mountains, Antrim. Aghla ; Barnesmoor ;
Muckisli, Donegal. Mourne Mo\intains, Down.
MuNSTKE. — Mangerton ; Brandon, Kerry.
Lycopodium annotinum, Linnceus.
N. AVales. — Glyder-Vawr, above Llyn-y-Cwm, Carnarvonshire.
Trent, — Charnwood Forest, Leicestershire, A. Bloxam.
Mersey. — Rumworth Moss, Lancashire, R. Withers.
Tyne. — [Teesdale, Durham.]
Lakes. — Bowfell, Cumberland, H. E. Smith. Langdale, West-
moreland, R. Rolleston.
E. Highlands. — Mountains of Perthshire, Aberdeenshire,
Morayshire, and Banffshire ; as Loch-na-gar, Munth Keane,
Ben-na-Baird, and the Cairngorm Mountains (elev. 1,500 —
2,550 feet). Glen Dole ; Clova Mountains ; by Loch Esk,
Forfarshire.
W. Highlands. — French Corrie, Strath Affarie, West Inver-
ness-shire. Goat Fell, Isle of Arran. Isle of Mull.
N. Highlands. — Freevater, Ross-shire.
N. Isles, — Hoy Hill ; Rack wick, J. T. Syme, Orkney.
Lycopodium clavatum, Linnceus.
Peninsula. — Exmoor ; Brandon Common, R, J. Gray, Devon-
shire. Brendon Hill, and elsewhere, Somersetshire.
380 HISTORY OF BRITISH FERNS.
Channel. — Hampshire. Dorsetshire. Wiltshire. Tilgate
Forest, Sussex.
Thames. — Tring, Hertfordshire. Hampstead, Middlesex. High-
down Heath ; Caesar's Camp, Farnham ; Woking Common ;
between Dorking and Leith Hill ; Addington Hills, Croy-
don ; and other parts of Surrey. Oxfordshire. [High
Beech, Essex.]
OusE. — Norfolk. Gamlingay, Cambridgeshii'e. Bedfordshire.
Severn. — [Coleshill, Warwickshire.] Worcestershire. Staf-
fordshire, Stiperstone, Shropshire.
S. Wales. — Glamorganshire? Plinlymmon, Cardiganshire.
N. Wales. — Cader Idris, Merionethshire. Denbighshire. Snow-
don, Carnarvonshire.
Trent. — Charnwood Forest, Leicestershire. Nottinghamshire.
Denbighshire.
Mersey. — Todmorden ; Simmons-wood Moss, Lancashire.
Cheshire.
Humber. — Frequent in the N. and W. Ridings of Yorkshire.
Tyne. — Northumberland. Durham.
Lakes. — Mountains of Cumberland. Langdale, Westmoreland.
W. Lowlands. — Dumfries-shire. liircudbrightshire. Renfrew-
shire. Lanarkshire.
E. Lowlands. — Peebleshire, Roxburghshire. Pentland Hills,
Edinburghshire. Berwickshire.
E. Highlands. — Clackmannanshire. Kinross-shire. Fifeshire.
Clova Mountains, Forfarshire. Ben Lawers, Perthshire.
LYCOPODIUM INUNDATUM. 881
Aberdeenshire. Mortlach, Banffshire. Badenoch, Moray-
shire.
W. Highlands. — W. Inverness-shire. Argyleshire. Dumbar-
tonshire. Tobermory, Isle of Mull.
N. HiGHLANHs. — Ben Wyvis, Ross-shire. Sutherlandsliire,
Morven, Caithness, T. Anderson.
N. Isles. — Hoy and Ronsay, Orkney. ^Shetland.]]
Leinster. — Kelly's Glen ; Ballynascorney ; and Dublin Moun-
tains. Wicklow Mountains.
MuNSTER. — Feacle, Clare, J. R. Kinahan. Ardmore, Water-
ford, J. R. Kinahan.
Lycopodium innndatum, Linnwus.
Peninsula. — Cornwall. Bovey, Heathfield, Devonshire. Somer-
setshire.
Channel. — Titchfield ; Christchurch ; Selborne ; St. Jermyn's,
near Romsey, and other parts of Hampshii-e. Poole,
Dorsetshire. Wiltshire. Sussex.
Thames. — Keston Heath ; St. Paul's Cray ; Chiselhurst, &c.,
Kent. Godalming; Witley ; Bagshot ; Chobham ; Wimble-
don ; Esher, &c., Surrey. Hampstead, Middlesex. Berk-
shire. Essex.
OusE.— Belton, Suffolk. S. Wootton ; Norwich ; FiJby ; Holt
Heath ; Yarmouth, Norfolk. Gamlingay, Cambridgeshire.
Bedfordshire. Huntingdonshire.
382 HISTORY OF BRITISH FERNS.
Severr .— Coleshill, Warwickshire. Hartlebuiy, Worcestershire.
Staffordshire.
Trent,— Leicestershire, Bogs by the Rainworth, Nottingham-
shire. Derbyshire.
Mersey.— Delamere Forest ; Thurstaston ; Bagueley Moor ;
Bidston, Clieshire. Lancashire.
HuMBER.— Stockton Forest ; Sandpit, Malton Road, near York ;
Norland Moor, near Halifax, Yorkshire,
Lakes,— Wastwater, Cumberland. Westmoreland.
E. Highlands.— Tents Mairs, Fifeshire, C. Howie. Clunie
Loch ; Blair Athol, Perthshire. Ardorie Wood, Forfarshire.
Cawdor Castle, &c,, Nairnshire. Carse of Ardersier, near
Fort St, George, Morayshire.
W. Highlands. — Inverarnon ; between Luss and Inverglass,
Dumbartonshire.
N. Highlands. — Craig Darrock, Ross-shire. Morven, Caith-
ness, rare, T. Anderson.
CoNNAUGHT. — Conncmara, Galway.
Lycopodium Selago, Linnwus.
Peninsula. — Cornwall. Sidmouth ; Dartmoor, Devonshire.
Somers-etshire.
Channel, — Near Aldershot, Hampshire. Dorsetshire. Wiltshire.
Waldron Down ; Tilgate Forest, &c., Sussex.
Thames.— Highdown Heath ; near Caesar's Camp, Farnham,
Surrey. Shotover Hill, Oxfordshire.
LYCOPODIUM SELAGO. 383
OusE.— Felthorpe Heath ; Holt Heath, Norfolk.
Severn. — [Colesliill ; Birmingham, Warwickshire.] Worces-
tershire. Staffordshire. Titterstone Clee, Shropshire.
S. Wales. — Glamorganshire. Plinlymmon, Cardiganshire.
N. Wales.— Anglesea. Denbighshire. Cader-Idris ; between
Festiniog and Llyn Cromorddyn, Merionethshire. Llan-
beris ; Cwm-Idwal, &c., Snowdon, Carnarvonshire.
Trent. — Leicestershire. Rutland. Mansfield, Nottinghamshire.
Above Edale Chapel, Derbyshire.
Mersey. — Bidston, Cheshire. Woolston Moss, near Warring-
ton ; Todmorden, Lancashire,
HuMBER, — Settle; Halifax; Ingleborough ; Wensleydale, &c.,
Yorkshire.
Tyne. — Falcon Clints, Teesdale, Durham. Prestwick Car, near
Ponteland ; Haltwhistle ; Cheviot, Northumberland.
Lakes. — Skiddaw ; Ennerdale; Helvellyu, Cumberland. West-
moreland.
W. Lowlands. — Lochan Moss, Dumfries-shire, P. Gray. Hills
above Dalscairth, and Mabie ; Criffel, Kircudbrightshire,
P. Gray. Renfrewshire. Lanarkshire.
E. Lowlands. — Roxburghshire. Belford ; Lamberton Moor,
&c., Btrvvickshire. Pentland Hills, Edinburghshire.
E. Highlands. — Clackmannanshire. Kinross-shire. Fifeshire,
Ben Lawers, Perthshire. Glen Callater ; Stocket Moor;
Ben-na-muich-Dhu (4,320 feet) ; Loch-na-gar, Aberdeen-
384 HISTORY OF BRITISH FERNS.
eliire. Nigg, Kincardineshire. Banffshire, Badenoch ;
Kingussie, Morayshire.
W. Highlands. — Ben Nevis, W. Inverness-shire. Dunoon.
Argyleshire. Goat Fell, Isle of Arran. Ben More, Isle of
Mull. Ben Vigors, Islay. Cantyre. Skye.
N. Highlands. — Sutherlandshire. Ben Wyvis, Ross-shire.
Morven, Caithness, T. AnSerson,
N. Isles. — Kirkwall, Mainland, J. T. Sj/me ; Hoy, T. Anderso7i,
Orkney. Shetland.
W. Isles.— N. Uist. Harris. Lewis.
Ulster. — Devis Mountain, Antrim. Arrigal ; Muckish, &c.,
Donegal. Slieve Donard, Down.
Leinster. — Dublin Mountains. All Saints' Bogs, and Bogs
generally in King's co. Lough Breagh, and Mountains of
Wicklow, J. R. Kinahan.
MuNSTER. — Mangerton ; Brandon ; Carran-Tual ; Killarney,,
Kerry. Glentonniff Bog ; Feacle, Clare. Tipperary.
Pilularia globulifera, Linnccus.
Peninsula. — Roche; Marazion Marsh, near Penzance, Corn-
wall. Blackdown ; Polwhele, Devonshire. Maiden Down,
Somersetshire.
Channel. — Lymington ; Holt Forest ; Southampton ; Badder-
ley, Hampshire. Between Corfe Mullein and Poole ; Sand-
ford Bridge, near Wareham, Dorsetshire. Warminster,
PILTJLARIA QLOBULIFERA. S85
Wiltshire. Piltdown ; Charley North, common ; Quay-
brook, near Forest Row ; Chiltington, Sussex.
Thames. — Northaw, Hertfordshire. Iver Heath ; Hounslovv
Heath ; Hillingdon, Middlesex, Esher Common ; near
Reigate ; Walton-on-the-Hill ; Henley Park, Pirbright ;
Roehamptonj Surrey.
OusE.— Hopton, Suffolk. Filby ; St. Faith's Newton,*- Yar-
mouth, Norfolk. Hinton Bog, Cambridgeshire, J. W. G.
Gutch, B.S.L. Fen, near Peterborough, Northamptonshire.
Severn. — Coleshill Pool, Warwickshire. Staffordshire. Bo-
mere Pool, Shropshire.
S. Wales. — Rhos Goch, near Llandegly, Radnorshire. Moun-
tain Pool, near Pont-nedd-Vechn, Glamorganshire. St.
David's Head, Pembrokeshire.
N. Wales. — Near Llanfaelog, Anglesea. Llyn Idwal ; Llan-
beris Lake, Carnarvonshire.
Trent. — Leicestershire.
Mersey. — Bagueley Moor ; Beam Heath, near Nantwich ; Bar-
lington Heath ; Woove, Cheshire. Allerton, Lancashire.
HuMBER. — Near Richmond ; Stockton Forest ; Gormire Pool,
near Thirsk ; Terrington Car, &c., Yorkshire.
Tyne. — Near Wolsingham, Durham. Prestwick Car, Ponteland.
Northumberland.
Lakes. — Ennerdale Lake, J. Rohson.
2 c
386 HISTORY OF BRITISn FERNS.
W. Lowlands. — Dumfiies-shire. Kirkcudbrightshire. Rother-
glen, Lanarkshire.
E. Lowlands. — Pentland Hills ; Braid Hill Marshes, Edin-
bui'ghshire.
E. Highlands. — Perthshire. Slateford ; Monroman Moor ;
Alyth ; near Forfar, and other parts of Forfarshire. Loch
of Drum, Kincardineshire. Morayshire.
W. HiGHLANDS.^ — Loch Lomond, Dumbartonshire.
N. Highlands. — Sutherlandshire.
Ulster. — By the Blackwater, near Lough Neagh; by the Banu,
below Jackson's Hall, Coleraine, Antrim.
CoNNAUGHT. — Ballinaliinch ; Connemara, Galway.
Selaginella spinosa.
Peninsula. — [Devonshire.]
N. Wales. — Aberffraw, Anglesea. Denbighshire. Cwm-Idwal ;
Clogwyn-du-Yrarddu ; Glyder-Vawr ; Llanberis ; Capel
Curig, Carnarvonshire.
Trent. — Kinderscout, Derbyshire.
Mersey. — New Brighton, Clieshire. Near Southport ; Seaforth
Common, Bootle, Lancashire.
HuMBER. — Cronckley Fell ; Stockton Forest ; Settle ; Rich-
mond ; York ; Knaresborough ; WhitsunclifFe, near Thirsk,
&c., Yorkshire.
SELAGINELLA SPINOSA. 887
TrNE. — Middleton, Teesdale ; Gateshead Fell, Durham. Prest-
wick Car, near Ponteland, Northumberland.
Lakes. — Louglirigi? ; Fairfield ; Kirkstone, &c., Westmoreland.
Borrowdale ; Keswick ; Derwentwater ; Scaw Fell ; Enner-
dale, &c., Cumberland. Conistone, N. Lancashire.
W. Lowlands. — Grey Mare's Tail, and elsewhere, Dumfries-
shire, P. Gray. Hills above Dalscairth ; Port Ling, coast
of Colvend, Kirkcudbrightshire, P. Gray.
E. Lowlands. — Lammermuirs ; Lamberton Moor, Berwick-
shire. Roxburghshire. Haddingtonshire. Edinburgh-
shire.
E. Highlands. — Stirhngshire. Clackmannanshire. Kinross-
shire, Fifeshire. Craig Challiach ; Ben Lawers (3,000
feet), Perthshire. Canlochen ; Glen Dole, Clova ; Sidlaw
Hills ; Sands of Barry, Dundee, Forfarshire. Glen Callater ;
Deanston, &c., Aberdeenshire. Kingussie ; Dalwhynnie,
Morayshire.
W. Highlands. — Freuch Corrie, Strath Affarie, &c., W. Inver-
ness-shire. Dunoon ; Glencroe, Argyleshire. Dumbarton-
shire. Banks of Loch Sligachan, Isle of Skye. Isles of
Islay and Cantyre.
N. Highlands. — Ross-shire. Sutherlandshire. Caithness, com-
mon, T. Anderson
N. Isles. — Howton Head, and elsewhere, Orkney. Shetland.
2 C 2
388 HISTORY OF BRITISH FERNS.
W. Isles. — N. Uist. Harris. Lewis.
Ulster. — Belfast Mountains ; near Larne, Antrim. Arrigal ;
Muckish, and other hills of Donegal. Slieve Donard ;
Mourns Mountains, Down.
CoNNAUGHT. — Hills by the Killery ; Leenane ; Connemara,
Gahvay.
Leinster, — Carlingford Mountain, Louth. Dublin co.
INDEX.
ACROSTICHUM — •
alpinum ....... 188
hyperboreum 188
ilvense 187
septentrionale 131
Spicant 1C5
Thelypteris 98
ADIANTUM 51, 171
Capillus-Veneris . . . . 173
its distribution .... 289
its culture 175
ALLOSORUS 49, 82
crispus 83
its distribution .... 290
its culture 85
Amesium —
gcrmanicum 133
Ruta-muraria 134
septentrionale 132
Aquatic-plant Case .... 237
ASPIDIUM —
aculeatum 93
angulare 96
cristatura 114, 118
dcntatum 180
dilatatum 118
erosum 103
Filix-mas 105
Filix-foemiua 129
fontauum 144
fragile 180
Halleri 144
Lonchitis 90
montanum 184
Oreopteris 100
regium 182
recurvum 118
rhaeticum 180
rigidum 106
spinulosum 114
Thelypteris 98
ASPLEFIUTyl 50, 129
acutum 150
Adiantum-nigrum . . . 147
its varieties 148
its distribution .... 292
its culture 150
alternifolium ..... 133
Breynii 133
Ceterach 154
Filix-fcemina 129
fontanura 142
its distribution .... 294
its culture 144
germamcura ]32
its distribution .... 295
its culture 133
lanceolatum 145
its distribution .... 295
its culture 145
marinum 140
its distribution .... 296
its culture 141
melanocaulon 139
productum 150
Euta-muraria 134
its distribution ^ , . . . 299
Scolopendrium 161
septentrionale 130
590
INDEX.
its distribution .... 300
its cultui-e Iii2
Spicant 165
Trichomanes 137
its varieties 138
its distribution .... 301
its properties 139
its culture 139
Virgilii 150
viiide l35
its distribution .... 303
its culture 136
ATHYRIUM 50, 120
convexum 125
Filis-foemina . . . . . 123
its varieties 125
its distribution .... 305
its culture 128
fontanum 144
Barometz, or Scythian lamb — a
vegetable curiosity ... 39
BLECHNUM 50, 162
boreale 165
Spicant 163
its distribution .... 308
its culture 165
BOTEYCHIUM 53, 204
Lunaria . - 205
its distribution .... 310
its varieties 206
its culture 206
British Ferns, statistics of
literature of ... .
33
5
CETEEACH 50, 151
officinarum 152
its distribution .... 313
its cultm-e 154
ClBOTIDM —
glaucescens 39
Classification of Ferns ... 46
Club-Mosses 53
Cryptogramma —
crispa 85
Ctenopteris —
vulgaris 73
Culture of Ferns 28
in the open air 28
in Wardian cases .... 30
Cyathea — •
anthriscifolia" 180
cynapifolia 180
dcntata 180
fragilis 180
moutana 184
regia 182
incisa 182
Cystea —
angustata 180
dentata 180
fragilis 180
regia 182
CYSTOPTERIS 51, 175
Allioni 184
alpina 182
Dickieaua 179
fragilis 177
its vai-ieties 178
its distribution .... 316
its ciiltui'e 180
montana 182
its distribution .... 320
myrrhidifolia 184
regia 181
its distribution 316
Distribution of Ferns
statistics of
Dryopteris —
cristata . , .
. 32, 285
. . 33
114
Equisetums, defined .... 54
structure of 244
culture of 280
EQTIISETUM 54, 247
arenai'ium 277
INDEX.
891
arvense 255
its distribution .... 364
Drumruondii 251
elonj^atum . . . . 270
hyemale 272
its distribution .... 366
its uses 274
limosum 263
its distribution .... 367
its uses . 265
Mackavi 270
Moorei 269
its distribution .... 376
palustre 266
its distribution .... 369
its varieties 268
pratense 251
its distribution . . . .• 371
ramosum 270
its distribution .... 372
sylvalicum 259
its distribution .... 372
Telmateia 248
its distribution .... 374
trachyodon 270
umbrosum 251
variegatum 277
its varieties ..... 279
its distribution .... 375
Wilsoni 277, 279
EUPTERIS —
aquilina ....... 167
FiLiCES, defined 48
Fructification 20
Genera of British Ferns .
Germination of Ferns
conditions requisite for
their application
Gold Ferns
Grammitis —
Ceterach ....
Groups of British Ferns
48
25
25
26
3
154
48
Gyjinocarpium —
Drvopteris 78
Phegopteris 75
Robertianum 79
GYMNOGRAMMA ... 49, 85
Ceterach 144
leptophylla 86
its distribution . . , • 320
its culture 87
Hemestheum —
montanum 100
Thelypteris 98
Horsetails, defined .... 54
HYMENOPHYLLITM . . 52,194
alatum 193
tunbridgense 195
its distribution .... 320
its culture 196
unilaterale 196
its distribution .... 322
Wilsoni 19S
Indusium 21
ISOETES 54, 233
laeustris 234
its distribution .... 376
its culture 237
LASTESA 49,96
semula 109, 118
its distribution . . . . 331
its culture 120
affinis 103
Borreri 104
coUina 117
cristata 107, 109
its distribution .... 325
its culture Ill
its varieties Ill
dilatata 109, 115
its distribution .... 325
its culture 118
S92
INDEX.
its varieties ; . . . . 116
Dryoptcris 78
dumetorxim 117
erosa 103
Filix-mas 101
its varieties 103
its distribution .... 329
its culture 105
fcenisecii 118
glandulosa 117
maculata 118
montana 99
its distribution .... 333
its culture 100
multiflora 118
Oreopteris 100
Pliegopteris 75
recurva 118
rigida . 105
its distribution .... 336
its culture 106
Eobertiana 79
sjiinulo.sa 108, 111
Thelynteris 97
its distribution .... 338
its cultui-e 98
uliginosa 108, 111
Lepidodendrons 215
Literature of British Ferns . . 5
LOMARIA — â–
Spicant 165
LOPHODirM —
Callipteris 114
glandulosum 117
multiflorum 118
recurvum 118
rigidum 107
tiliginosum Ill
LrcopoDimis, defined ... 53
structure of 21 2
uses of 214
culture of 228
LYCOPODnJM
alpinum .
53, 212
â– . 224
its distribution .... 377
its \ises 226
annotinnm 219
its distribution .... 379
clavatum 221
its distribution .... 379
its uses 222
inundatum 223
its distribution .... 381
selaginoides 227
Selago 216
its distribution .... 382
its uses 218
Marsileacej:, defined
Nephrodii'm —
fcenisecii ....
NOTOLEPEUM —
Ceterach ....
54
113
144
Onoclea —
Spicant 165
OPHiOGLOSSACEJi;, defined . . 53
OPHIOGLOSSUM .... 53, 207
lusitanicum 209
its distribution .... 340
VTilgatum -208
its distribution .... 340
its culture 209
OSMUNDACE.E, defined ... 52
OSMITNDA . . . . . . 52, 198
borealis 165
crispa 85
Lunaria 207
regalis 200
its distribution .... 342
its culture 203
Spicant 165
Pepperworts, defined ... 54
Phegopteris —
calcarea 79
Dryoptcris 78
Oreopteris 100
polypodioides . .
vulgaris . . • •
PlTYLLITlS—
Scolopendvium . •
PILTTLARIA . • •
globulifera • • •
its distriliutiori
its culture . •
defined
INDEX.
75
75
, . 161
, 54, 239
. 240
. 384
. . 237
PoLTPODiACE^, dennea • ■• l\
Adiantese ^g
Aspidiece ^g
Aspleniese ^,
Cystopteridea; ^
GymnogrammosD . . • • *
Hymenophylletc »^
Lomaricic ^^
Peranemese • ^g
Polypodiese ^„
Pteridese '
POLYPODIUM *^' ^^
aculeatum
semuluin
93
119
80
345
81
182
180
188
79
72
114
cyaapifoliuni 1â„¢
dentatum ^'^^
alpestre ■• •
its distribution .
its varieties . .
alpinum . . . .
anthriscifolium .
ai'vonicum .
calcareura . . .
cambricum . . .
cristatum . .
. . 75
. . 345
... 76
. . 128
. 105
' . . 144
'. . . 180
hypcrboreum t.°°
ilvense ^^'
Dryoptens . . .
its distribution
its culture . .
Filix-fcemina . .
Filix-mas . . .
fontanum . • •
fragile . . • '
Lonchitis
90
montanum 100,184
Orooptoris -^"^
Pbegopteris . .
its disti-ibution
its culture . .
reguim . . • •
rliEeticum . . •
riiridum . . . â–
Robertianum . .
its distribution
its culture . •
393
73
348
75
, 182
, 180
, 106
. 78
. 351
. 79
98
Thelyptens ^g^
trifidum „Q
vulgare yo
its varieties '
its distribution • ' " 70
its culture '^
POLYSTICHUM .
aculeatum . ■•
its distribution
its culture . .
its varieties . .
angulare . • •
its varieties . .
its distribution
49,
87
90
354
92
92
93
94
357
96
its culture ^^^
cristatum
Dryopteris
Filix-mas
78
105
92
lonchitidoides ^^g
multiflorum
Lonchitis
89
359
its distribution ^^^
its culture ' ^qq
montanum
Phegopteris
rigidum . .
Thelypteris
75
106
98
Preservation of Ferns in her-
baria .^
selection of .„
arrangement of . • • •
Propagation of Ferns .... '^^
PSEUDATHYTIIUM —
80
alpestre «•,
flexilo ®*
S94
INDEX.
PTERIS 60, 105
aquilina 167
its varieties 170
its distribution 360
its culture 171
crispa 85
Receptacle 19
SCOLOPENDEITJM ... 50, 154
alternifolium 133
Ceterach 154
officinarum 161
Phyllitis 161
Ruta-muraria 134
septentrionale 131
vulgare 156
its varieties 158
its distribution .... 360
its culture ICl
a vegetable
. 39
53, 22''
Scythian lamb,
curiosity .
SELAGINELLA .... 0-3, -z-ii
spinosa 227
its distribution .... 3S6
Silver Ferns 3
Sorus 20
Spore-cases 20
Spores . .â– 20
compared v^ith seeds ... 23
their structure 23
their mode of growth ... 24
Structure 9
what a Fern is 10
root 11
stems 12
leaves, or fronds .... 14
great variety of ... . 15
duration of 15
parts of 16
mode of division .... 17
aestivation of . . • . . 18
venation of 19
stipes 16
fructification 20
receptacle 19
internal structure - . . . 22
Strdthiopteris —
Spicant 165
Study of Ferns, best method of 2
Table of groups and genera
Table of species . . . ,
Tarachia —
lanceolata ,
48
55
147
Theltpteris —
palustris 98
Topographical aspect of Ferns . 33
arborescent, or tree Ferns . 34
shrubby Ferns 34
herbaceous Ferns .... 34
epiphytal Ferns 35
TRICHOMANES .... 52, 189
alatum 193
brevisetum 193
radicans 189
its variety 190
its distribution .... 363
its culture 193
speciosum 193
tunbridgenso 196
Uses of Ferns .
food-yielding species
medicinal species
econcmical species .
36
37
37
38
Wardian cases 30, 229
WOODSIA 52, 184
alpina 187
its distribution .... 363
its culture 189
hyperborea 188
ilvensis ....... 186
its distribution .... 364
its culture 189
cox AND WYMAN, PEINIEES, GEEAI QUEEN STEEEI, LONBOlf.
l^lat
ato
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Plate IJI.
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Pliite IV.
Plate V.
IMate VI.
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Plate XI.
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Plate X\'
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Plate X\II.
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Plate XIX.
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Plate XXII.
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