Chapter 20

FIG. 161. ASPARAGUSPLUMOSUSNANUS.

A. ramosissimus(very branching).fl.solitary, at the tips of the branchlets; pedicels hardly perpendicular, one and a-half to two lines long; cream coloured. June.l.obscurely spurred at the base; false leaves three to eight-nate, flattened; linear-falcate acute, ¼in. to ⅜in. long, spreading. South Africa, 1862. A wide climbing, copiously branched, slender greenhouse shrub, with very numerous spreading or ascending branches and branchlets.A. scandens(climbing).*fl.whitish, axillary on the ultimate branchlets, succeeded by round orange-coloured berries. The annual, much-branched, unarmed stems bear, usually in threes, numerous small linear-pointed leaves, which on the ultimate branches spread nearly in one plane. Cape of Good Hope, 1795. An elegant climbing greenhouse perennial.A. virgatus(twiggy).* A remarkably elegant feathery looking plant, of shrubby habit. The stems, which issue from the crown of the stout fleshy roots, are of a dark green colour, and bear at the upper end a corymbose head of erect branches, of which the lowest is the youngest or most recently developed. These branches are again twice branched, the ultimate branchlets being furnished with needle-shaped false leaves, ½in. long, which usually grow in threes. South Africa, 1862.

A. scandens(climbing).*fl.whitish, axillary on the ultimate branchlets, succeeded by round orange-coloured berries. The annual, much-branched, unarmed stems bear, usually in threes, numerous small linear-pointed leaves, which on the ultimate branches spread nearly in one plane. Cape of Good Hope, 1795. An elegant climbing greenhouse perennial.

A. virgatus(twiggy).* A remarkably elegant feathery looking plant, of shrubby habit. The stems, which issue from the crown of the stout fleshy roots, are of a dark green colour, and bear at the upper end a corymbose head of erect branches, of which the lowest is the youngest or most recently developed. These branches are again twice branched, the ultimate branchlets being furnished with needle-shaped false leaves, ½in. long, which usually grow in threes. South Africa, 1862.

ASPARAGUS BEETLE(Crioceris asparagi), or "Cross-bearer." This beautiful little insect is blue-black or greenish; the thorax is red with two black spots, and the wing-cases are yellow, with a black cross on them; the legs and antennæ are black. The short grey larva is flat underneath, arched on the back, and covered with hairs. The sides are of an olive hue, and the little legs and head are black. It ejects a drop of blackish fluid from the mouth when touched. When full grown, which takes about a fortnight, the larva measures about two lines in length; the average length of the perfect Beetle is about three lines. Although this insect does not actually destroy the plants, it inflicts much damage on the foliage, and checks the growth of the stems after they have attained some size, in consequence of which the foliage becomes much less in the next season. The eggs are fixed to the shoots, and are small, dark, pointed bodies. The larvæ do the harm, as they feed on the bark and tender portions of the plants. The mature Beetles should be picked off by hand, and, by commencing early enough in the season, their numbers will be greatly reduced. Syringing the plants with water, heated to a temperature that will not injure the plants, is found a useful method for removing the grubs.

White Hellebore.Freshly-ground White Hellebore, sprinkled over the foliage while it is damp, and repeating the operation at intervals of about eight days for a season, will generally effect a riddance; but the following will usually be found better in such cases. Neither must be applied until after cutting ceases, as they are very poisonous.

Paris Green.This, mixed and used as for Cherry Fly (seeBlack Fly), will generally got rid of the Beetle, if applied about thrice each season for two years. It should, however, only be used in severe cases.

Soot, applied in the same manner as White Hellebore, and in liberal quantities, will, in a season or two, clear the beds. If a bushel of salt be mixed with each twenty bushels of soot, it will enhance the effect.

ASPARAGUS KNIFE.The Asparagus Knife consists of a strong blade fixed in a handle. There are, or were, three kinds employed: In one form, the blade was blunt on both sides, straight, with a sharp tip, and not unlike a small chisel. Another had its blade slightly hooked, and serrated at one end. But the best is that now almost universally employed, and which is illustrated by Fig. 162.

FIG. 162. ASPARAGUSKNIFE.

ASPASIA(fromaspazomai, I embrace; the column embraced by the labellum). ORD.Orchidaceæ. A genus of elegant stove Epidendrum-like epiphytal orchids, with the lip united to the column, and broad, thin pseudo-bulbs. The name Aspasia is now and then met with attached to a totally different genus. Salisbury gave it to a liliaceous plant which is now referred toOrnithogalum. For culture and propagation,seeStanhopea.

A. epidendroides(Epidendrum-like).*fl.whitish yellow; sepals linear oblong, acute; petals obtuse, concave, lateral lobes of lip roundish, entire, middle lobe crenated emarginate. February. Pseudo-bulbs oblong, two-edged.h.1ft. Panama, 1833.A. lunata(crescent-marked).*fl.green, white, and brown, solitary; sepals and petals linear obtuse, spreading; lip three-lobed, lateral lobes short, middle one flat, nearly square, wavy. February. Pseudo-bulbs oblong, two-edged.h.1ft. Rio Janeiro, 1843.A. papilionacea(butterfly-like).*fl., sepals and petals yellowish, mottled with brown lines on their internal inferior halves; lip fiddle-shape, its back very great, elliptic, apiculate; an orange-coloured area stands at its base, a wide violet disc before and around it.h.9in. Costa Rica, 1876. Distinguished fromA. lunatain having thirteen keels at the base of the lip, which is higher inserted, and in the echinulate anther. It is a beautiful but rare novelty.A. psittacina(parrot-like).*fl., sepals and petals light green, with brown transverse bars, which sometimes consist of separate stripes, at other times of confluent ones; the fiddle-shaped lip shows two keels and a few purplish dots over its top; the column is brown at its top, then violet, and white at the base. Ecuador, 1878. It has a raceme of several flowers, usually one-sided, bent over.A. variegata(variegated).*fl.green, spotted with yellowish red; sepals linear oblong; petals somewhat rhomboid, acute; lateral lobes of lip recurved, middle one fleshy, serrated. February.h.9in. Panama, 1836. Deliciously sweet-scented in the morning.

A. lunata(crescent-marked).*fl.green, white, and brown, solitary; sepals and petals linear obtuse, spreading; lip three-lobed, lateral lobes short, middle one flat, nearly square, wavy. February. Pseudo-bulbs oblong, two-edged.h.1ft. Rio Janeiro, 1843.

A. papilionacea(butterfly-like).*fl., sepals and petals yellowish, mottled with brown lines on their internal inferior halves; lip fiddle-shape, its back very great, elliptic, apiculate; an orange-coloured area stands at its base, a wide violet disc before and around it.h.9in. Costa Rica, 1876. Distinguished fromA. lunatain having thirteen keels at the base of the lip, which is higher inserted, and in the echinulate anther. It is a beautiful but rare novelty.

A. psittacina(parrot-like).*fl., sepals and petals light green, with brown transverse bars, which sometimes consist of separate stripes, at other times of confluent ones; the fiddle-shaped lip shows two keels and a few purplish dots over its top; the column is brown at its top, then violet, and white at the base. Ecuador, 1878. It has a raceme of several flowers, usually one-sided, bent over.

A. variegata(variegated).*fl.green, spotted with yellowish red; sepals linear oblong; petals somewhat rhomboid, acute; lateral lobes of lip recurved, middle one fleshy, serrated. February.h.9in. Panama, 1836. Deliciously sweet-scented in the morning.

ASPEN.SeePopulus tremula.

ASPERA.Rough, with hairs or points.

ASPERULA(fromasper, rough; in allusion to the leaves). Woodruff. ORD.Rubiaceæ. Hardy herbs, rarely small shrubs. Flowers terminal and axillary, in fascicles. Leaves opposite, with one, two, or three stipulas on each side; they are therefore called four to eight in a whorl, but between the uppermost leaves there are no stipulas. Stems and branches usually tetragonal. Most of the species are very pretty when in flower, and are, therefore, well adapted for borders, rockwork, and shady places, in almost any garden soil. Propagated by divisions of the roots during spring and early summer. Herbaceous perennials, except where otherwise stated.

A. azurea-setosa(blue-bristly). A synonym ofA. orientalis.A. calabrica(Calabrian). A synonym ofPutoria calabrica.A. cynanchica(Cynanche-like).fl.on erect branches, forming a fastigiate corymb, white or bluish-coloured, elegantly marked with red lines, or sometimes pure white. Summer.l.four in a whorl; floral ones lanceolate-linear, acuminately awned; lower ones small, oblong, upper ones opposite. Plant glabrous, erectish.h.9in. to 12in. England.A. hirta(hairy).fl.white at first, changing to pink, with oblong divisions. July and August.l.usually six in a whorl, four towards the upper part, linear, hairy, deep green.h.3in. Pyrenees, 1817. A charming but rare little alpine, thriving best in a rather damp position on the rockery.A. longiflora(long-flowered).*fl.whitish, yellowish inside, and reddish outside; tube of corolla elongated; fascicles terminal, pedunculate; bracteas small, subulate. Summer.l.four in a whorl, linear; lower ones small, obovate; upper ones opposite. Stems weak, numerous, from the same neck, erectish, glabrous.h.6in. Hungary, 1821.A. montana(mountain).*fl., corollas pink, four-cleft, scabrous externally; in fascicles. June, July.l.linear; lower ones six in a whorl; middle ones four; upper ones opposite; floral leaves linear. Stem weak, glabrous.h.6in. to 8in. Hungary, 1801.A. odorata(sweet-scented).* Sweet Woodruff.fl.snowy white; corymbs terminal, pedunculate, usually trifid, each division bearing about four flowers. May, June.l.eight in a whorl, lanceolate, smooth, with serrulately scabrous edges. Stems tetragonal, simple, erect, or ascending.h.6in. to 12in. Britain. This very pretty little plant is scentless when fresh, but, when dried, it diffuses an odour like that of spring grass; and when kept among clothes, it not only imparts an agreeable perfume to them, but preserves them from insects.A. orientalis(Oriental).*fl.sky blue, in terminal heads; bracts of involucre shorter than the flowers. Summer.l.lanceolate, bristly, about eight in a whorl.h.1ft. Caucasus, 1867. A charming little, profuse blooming, hardy annual, bearing clusters of fragrant flowers, admirably adapted for bouquet making. SYN.A. azurea-setosa. See Fig. 163.

A. azurea-setosa(blue-bristly). A synonym ofA. orientalis.

A. calabrica(Calabrian). A synonym ofPutoria calabrica.

A. cynanchica(Cynanche-like).fl.on erect branches, forming a fastigiate corymb, white or bluish-coloured, elegantly marked with red lines, or sometimes pure white. Summer.l.four in a whorl; floral ones lanceolate-linear, acuminately awned; lower ones small, oblong, upper ones opposite. Plant glabrous, erectish.h.9in. to 12in. England.

A. hirta(hairy).fl.white at first, changing to pink, with oblong divisions. July and August.l.usually six in a whorl, four towards the upper part, linear, hairy, deep green.h.3in. Pyrenees, 1817. A charming but rare little alpine, thriving best in a rather damp position on the rockery.

A. longiflora(long-flowered).*fl.whitish, yellowish inside, and reddish outside; tube of corolla elongated; fascicles terminal, pedunculate; bracteas small, subulate. Summer.l.four in a whorl, linear; lower ones small, obovate; upper ones opposite. Stems weak, numerous, from the same neck, erectish, glabrous.h.6in. Hungary, 1821.

A. montana(mountain).*fl., corollas pink, four-cleft, scabrous externally; in fascicles. June, July.l.linear; lower ones six in a whorl; middle ones four; upper ones opposite; floral leaves linear. Stem weak, glabrous.h.6in. to 8in. Hungary, 1801.

A. odorata(sweet-scented).* Sweet Woodruff.fl.snowy white; corymbs terminal, pedunculate, usually trifid, each division bearing about four flowers. May, June.l.eight in a whorl, lanceolate, smooth, with serrulately scabrous edges. Stems tetragonal, simple, erect, or ascending.h.6in. to 12in. Britain. This very pretty little plant is scentless when fresh, but, when dried, it diffuses an odour like that of spring grass; and when kept among clothes, it not only imparts an agreeable perfume to them, but preserves them from insects.

A. orientalis(Oriental).*fl.sky blue, in terminal heads; bracts of involucre shorter than the flowers. Summer.l.lanceolate, bristly, about eight in a whorl.h.1ft. Caucasus, 1867. A charming little, profuse blooming, hardy annual, bearing clusters of fragrant flowers, admirably adapted for bouquet making. SYN.A. azurea-setosa. See Fig. 163.

FIG. 163. ASPERULAORIENTALIS, showing Habit and Portion of Inflorescence.

A. taurina(bull).fl., corollas white, elongated; corymbs pedunculate, axillary, fasciculately umbellate, involucrated; bracteas ciliated. April to June.l.four in a whorl, ovate-lanceolate, three-nerved, with finely ciliated margins. Plant smoothish, erect.h.1ft. South Europe, 1739.A. tinctoria(Dyers').fl.white, reddish on the outside; usually trifid. June.l.linear; lower ones six in a whorl; middle ones four; and the uppermost ones opposite; floral leaves ovate. Plant procumbent, unless supported. Stem 1ft. to 2ft. long, purplish. Europe, 1764.

A. tinctoria(Dyers').fl.white, reddish on the outside; usually trifid. June.l.linear; lower ones six in a whorl; middle ones four; and the uppermost ones opposite; floral leaves ovate. Plant procumbent, unless supported. Stem 1ft. to 2ft. long, purplish. Europe, 1764.

ASPHALT.Artificial Asphalt is now generally used in England for footpaths, &c. The recipes are various, one of the best being the following: Lime rubbish two parts, coal ashes one part (both must be very dry), sifted very fine; mix them, and leave a hole in the middle of the heap, wherein pour boiling hot coal tar; mix well together. When as stiff as mortar, lay it down, 3in. thick, on a dry and previously well-levelled surface. A boy should follow with dry, finely-sifted sand, distributing just enough to prevent his boots sticking to the tar. Two men should be employed for the tarring, whilst another should attend to the boiling operation. Only just enough tar to last ten minutes must be taken from the furnace at one time, as, if it be not boiling, the walks will become soft under the action of very hot sun. This may be repeated every three years. It is imperative that the surface, lime, coal ashes and sand be perfectly dry, and that the days selected for the operation be very fine, the hotter the better. Another excellent plan is that of using gas lime and coal ashes. There must be a firm foundation and smooth surface. Spread the gas lime to about 1½in. deep, and level with the back of a spade. Over this place a thin layer of coal dust, and well roll. The work is then complete.

ASPHODEL.SeeAsphodelus.

ASPHODELINE.ORD.Liliaceæ. A genus of plants allied toAsphodelus, but distinguished from it by having erect leafy stems. They thrive in any ordinary garden soil. Propagated by division.

A. brevicaulis(short-stemmed).fl.in lax, often panicled racemes, yellow, veined with green.l.subulate, ascending, lower ones 4in. to 6in. long. Stem slender, often flexuose. Orient.A. damascena(Damascene).fl.white, in dense generally simple racemes, 6in. to 12in. long.l.in dense rosette, 6in. to 9in. long, subulate. Stem simple, erect.h.1½ft. to 2ft. Asia Minor.A. liburnica(Liburnian).fl.yellow, striped with green, in generally simple lax racemes, 6in. to 9in. long. Stem simple, erect, strict, 1ft. to 2ft. high, upper half naked. South Europe.A. lutea(yellow).fl.yellow, fragrant, in a dense, very long, straight, simple raceme, in the axils of buff-coloured bracts, which are nearly as long as the flowers. Summer.l.numerous, awl-shaped, triangular, furrowed, smooth, dark green, marked with lines of a paler tint; root leaves tufted. Stem 3ft. or 4ft. high. Sicily, 1596. The best known and handsomest species. SYN.Asphodelus luteus.A. l. fl.-pl.This resembles the species, but the flowers are double, and last much longer than those of the typical form; it is a very pretty plant.A. taurica(Taurian).fl.white, striped with green, in generally simple dense racemes, 6in. to 12in. long, 1in. to 2in. wide. Stem simple, erect, 1ft. to 2ft. high, densely leafy at base of raceme. Asia Minor, &c. SYN.Asphodelus tauricus.A. tenuior(slenderer).fl.yellow, in simple lax-flowered racemes, 3in. to 4in. long, 2in. wide. Stem simple lower half leaf, upper naked, 1ft. Orient. SYN.Asphodelus tenuior.

A. brevicaulis(short-stemmed).fl.in lax, often panicled racemes, yellow, veined with green.l.subulate, ascending, lower ones 4in. to 6in. long. Stem slender, often flexuose. Orient.

A. damascena(Damascene).fl.white, in dense generally simple racemes, 6in. to 12in. long.l.in dense rosette, 6in. to 9in. long, subulate. Stem simple, erect.h.1½ft. to 2ft. Asia Minor.

A. liburnica(Liburnian).fl.yellow, striped with green, in generally simple lax racemes, 6in. to 9in. long. Stem simple, erect, strict, 1ft. to 2ft. high, upper half naked. South Europe.

A. lutea(yellow).fl.yellow, fragrant, in a dense, very long, straight, simple raceme, in the axils of buff-coloured bracts, which are nearly as long as the flowers. Summer.l.numerous, awl-shaped, triangular, furrowed, smooth, dark green, marked with lines of a paler tint; root leaves tufted. Stem 3ft. or 4ft. high. Sicily, 1596. The best known and handsomest species. SYN.Asphodelus luteus.

A. l. fl.-pl.This resembles the species, but the flowers are double, and last much longer than those of the typical form; it is a very pretty plant.

A. taurica(Taurian).fl.white, striped with green, in generally simple dense racemes, 6in. to 12in. long, 1in. to 2in. wide. Stem simple, erect, 1ft. to 2ft. high, densely leafy at base of raceme. Asia Minor, &c. SYN.Asphodelus tauricus.

A. tenuior(slenderer).fl.yellow, in simple lax-flowered racemes, 3in. to 4in. long, 2in. wide. Stem simple lower half leaf, upper naked, 1ft. Orient. SYN.Asphodelus tenuior.

ASPHODELUS(froma, not, andsphallo, to supplant; in allusion to the beauty of the flowers). Asphodel. ORD.Liliaceæ. Very pretty hardy herbaceous perennials, with fleshy fasciculated roots. Perianth white or yellow, of six equal spreading segments; stamens six, hypogynous, alternately long and short. Leaves usually radical, tufted, narrow, or triquetrous. All the species enumerated thrive in good deep sandy loam, and are very suitable for borders and shrubberies. Propagated by division of the root, which is best done in early spring.

A. æstivus(summer).fl.white. Summer.h.2ft. Spain, 1820.A. albus(white).*fl.white; peduncles clustered the length of the bracts. May.l.linear, keeled, smooth. Stem naked, simple.h.2ft. South Europe, 1596.A. creticus(Cretan).*fl.yellow. July.l.filiform, striated, toothed, ciliated. Stem leafy, naked above, branched.h.2ft. Crete, 1821.A. fistulosus(pipe-stalked).fl.white. July, August.l.upright, striated, subulate, fistular. Stem naked.h.18in. South Europe, 1596.A. luteus(yellow). A synonym ofAsphodeline lutea.A. ramosus(branchy).fl.large, white, with a reddish-brown line in the middle of each segment, springing from the axils of ovate-lanceolate bracts, and in very long dense racemes. Summer.l.sword-shaped, stiff, sharply keeled below, channelled above. Stem much branched.h.4ft. to 5ft. South Europe, 1829.

A. æstivus(summer).fl.white. Summer.h.2ft. Spain, 1820.

A. albus(white).*fl.white; peduncles clustered the length of the bracts. May.l.linear, keeled, smooth. Stem naked, simple.h.2ft. South Europe, 1596.

A. creticus(Cretan).*fl.yellow. July.l.filiform, striated, toothed, ciliated. Stem leafy, naked above, branched.h.2ft. Crete, 1821.

A. fistulosus(pipe-stalked).fl.white. July, August.l.upright, striated, subulate, fistular. Stem naked.h.18in. South Europe, 1596.

A. luteus(yellow). A synonym ofAsphodeline lutea.

A. ramosus(branchy).fl.large, white, with a reddish-brown line in the middle of each segment, springing from the axils of ovate-lanceolate bracts, and in very long dense racemes. Summer.l.sword-shaped, stiff, sharply keeled below, channelled above. Stem much branched.h.4ft. to 5ft. South Europe, 1829.

FIG. 164. ASPHODELUSVILLARSII, showing Habit and Flower.

A. Villarsii(Villars').fl.white; raceme dense, elongated; bracts dark brown. Stem simple or rarely branched.h.1ft. to 2ft. Eastern France. See Fig. 164.

ASPIDISTRA(fromaspidiseon, a little round shield; in reference to the form of the flower). SYN.Porpax(of Salisbury). IncludingPlectogyne. ORD.Liliaceæ. Hardy, or nearly hardy, evergreen, foliage plants. Flowers insignificant, produced close to the ground, remarkable for the curious mushroom-like stigma, by which this genus is characterised. They thrive in almost any ordinary garden soil, but are best grown in rich loam, leaf soil, and sand; plenty of moisture being allowed. Propagated by suckers.

A. elatior(taller).*l.oblong, large, on long petioles, leathery; plant stemless.h.1½ft. to 2ft. Japan, 1835. This very easily cultivated and quite hardy foliage plant is much grown for window gardening and other decorative purposes, for which it is well suited.A. e. variegata(variegated).* A fine variety with alternately-striped green and white leaves.

A. e. variegata(variegated).* A fine variety with alternately-striped green and white leaves.

FIG. 165. ASPIDISTRALURIDA.

A. lurida(lurid).fl.purple. July.l.oblong-lanceolate, on long petioles.h.1ft. to 1½ft. China, 1822. A very graceful species, with long evergreen leaves. It is an effective plant for the outdoor garden during summer, and is nearly, if not quite, hardy. See Fig. 165.A. punctata(dotted).l.lanceolate, on long stalks.h.1ft. China. This is very closely allied toA. elatior, but of inferior value.

A. punctata(dotted).l.lanceolate, on long stalks.h.1ft. China. This is very closely allied toA. elatior, but of inferior value.

ASPIDIUM(fromaspidion, a little buckler; in allusion to the form of the involucre). Shield Fern. ORD.Filices. IncludingCyclodium,Cyclopeltis,Cyrtomium,Phanerophlebia, andPolystichum. Stove, greenhouse, or hardy ferns. Sori sub-globose, dorsal or terminal on the veinlets; involucre orbicular, fixed by the centre. They thrive in a compost of sandy peat with a little loam. Several species are admirably adapted for the indoor fernery. The hardy species are best grown in the shade; a little sandstone should be incorporated with the soil. For general culture,seeFerns.

FIG. 166. ASPIDIUMACULEATUM.

A. acrostichoides(Acrostichum-like).*sti.6in. to 8in. long, densely scaly below.fronds1ft. to 2ft. long, 2in. to 6in. broad; pinnæ of the lower half barren, 2in. to 3in. long, ¼in. broad,spinoso-serrated throughout, auricled at the base above; the pinnæ of the upper half fertile, much smaller.sorioccupying the whole under side. North America. SYN.Polystichum acrostichoides. Hardy.A. a. grandiceps(large-crested).* A very handsome fern, having the apices of the fronds and pinnæ heavily crested; equally desirable for the hardy or temperate fernery. Of garden origin.A. a. incisum(incised).* A variety with the pinnules deeply cut and acutely pointed.A. aculeatum(sharp-pointed).* The Hard Shield Fern.sti.tufted, 6in. to 12in. long, more or less scaly.fronds1ft. to 3ft. long, 6in. to 12in. broad, ovate-lanceolate; lower pinnæ close, lanceolate, 4in. to 6in. long, ½in. to ¾in. broad; pinnules ovate-rhomboidal, unequal sided, auricled on the upper base; teeth aristate. sori nearer the midrib than the edge. A variable and hardy species, common throughout the world. SYN.Polystichum aculeatum.A. a. proliferumis a proliferous Australian form.A. a. vestitumhas the rachis densely clothed to the point, both with reddish-brown fibrillose and large lanceolate dark brown scales. See Fig. 166.A. amabile(lovely).sti.scattered, 6in. to 12in. long, slightly scaly below.fronds1ft. or more long, 6in. to 12in. broad, with a lanceolate terminal pinna, and three to six lateral ones on each side, which are 3in. to 6in. long, 1in. to 1½in. broad, the lowest sometimes divided at the base; segments sub-rhomboidal, with at least half the lower side cut away, the upper side and part of the lower lobed and sharply spinuloso-serrated. sori sub-marginal. Ceylon. Stove species. SYN.Polystichum amabile.A. angulare(angular). The Soft Shield Fern. Botanically this is only a variety ofA. aculeatum; but, to the cultivator, it is abundantly distinct. The fronds are not so tapered at the base, the pinnules are more equal in size, and the lower ones distinctly stalked, while the texture is much less rigid than inA. aculeatum, the caudex has a tendency to elongate. Almost cosmopolitan in its distribution. SYN.Polystichum angulare. There are an enormous number of varieties, many of which are not under cultivation. Amongst the best found in gardens arealatum,Bayliæ,concinnum,corymbiferum,cristatum,curtum,dissimile,grandiceps,imbricatum,Kitsoniæ,lineare,parvissimum,plumosum,polydactylon,proliferum,rotundatum,Wakeleyanum,Woollastoni.

A. a. grandiceps(large-crested).* A very handsome fern, having the apices of the fronds and pinnæ heavily crested; equally desirable for the hardy or temperate fernery. Of garden origin.

A. a. incisum(incised).* A variety with the pinnules deeply cut and acutely pointed.

A. aculeatum(sharp-pointed).* The Hard Shield Fern.sti.tufted, 6in. to 12in. long, more or less scaly.fronds1ft. to 3ft. long, 6in. to 12in. broad, ovate-lanceolate; lower pinnæ close, lanceolate, 4in. to 6in. long, ½in. to ¾in. broad; pinnules ovate-rhomboidal, unequal sided, auricled on the upper base; teeth aristate. sori nearer the midrib than the edge. A variable and hardy species, common throughout the world. SYN.Polystichum aculeatum.A. a. proliferumis a proliferous Australian form.A. a. vestitumhas the rachis densely clothed to the point, both with reddish-brown fibrillose and large lanceolate dark brown scales. See Fig. 166.

A. amabile(lovely).sti.scattered, 6in. to 12in. long, slightly scaly below.fronds1ft. or more long, 6in. to 12in. broad, with a lanceolate terminal pinna, and three to six lateral ones on each side, which are 3in. to 6in. long, 1in. to 1½in. broad, the lowest sometimes divided at the base; segments sub-rhomboidal, with at least half the lower side cut away, the upper side and part of the lower lobed and sharply spinuloso-serrated. sori sub-marginal. Ceylon. Stove species. SYN.Polystichum amabile.

A. angulare(angular). The Soft Shield Fern. Botanically this is only a variety ofA. aculeatum; but, to the cultivator, it is abundantly distinct. The fronds are not so tapered at the base, the pinnules are more equal in size, and the lower ones distinctly stalked, while the texture is much less rigid than inA. aculeatum, the caudex has a tendency to elongate. Almost cosmopolitan in its distribution. SYN.Polystichum angulare. There are an enormous number of varieties, many of which are not under cultivation. Amongst the best found in gardens arealatum,Bayliæ,concinnum,corymbiferum,cristatum,curtum,dissimile,grandiceps,imbricatum,Kitsoniæ,lineare,parvissimum,plumosum,polydactylon,proliferum,rotundatum,Wakeleyanum,Woollastoni.

FIG. 167. ASPIDIUMANGULAREGRANDICEPS.

A. a. grandiceps(large-crested). This is a narrow fronded variety, having the apices of the fronds branched and crested, ultimately producing a broad tasselled head. A very handsome fern. See Fig. 167.A. anomalum(anomalous).sti.tufted, 1ft. to 2ft. long, densely scaly below.fronds2ft. to 3ft. long, 1ft. or more broad; lower pinnæ 6in. to 9in. long, 2in. to 3in. broad; pinnules lanceolate, cut down in the lower part into oblong segments; teeth blunt or slightly mucronate.soriplaced near the sinuses of the pinnules. Ceylon. Stove species. SYN.Polystichum anomalum.A. aristatum(awned).*rhiz.creeping.sti.scattered, 9in. to 18in. long, very scaly below.fronds1ft. to 2ft. long, 9in. to 12in. broad, ovate-deltoid, tri- or quadripinnatifid; lower pinnæ largest, 4in. to 6in. long, 2in. to 3in. broad; lowest pinnules much the largest, lanceolate-deltoid; teeth copious aristate.sorismall, principally in two rows near the midrib. Japan, Himalayas, New South Wales, &c. Greenhouse species. SYN.Polystichum aristatum.A. a. coniifolium(Conium-leaved).*frondsmore finely divided; segments copiously toothed, with lower lobes distinct.A. a. variegatum(variegated).* A handsome variety, with a broad band of green running through the bases of the pinnules along the course of the rachis.A. auriculatum(eared).*sti.tufted, 4in. to 6in. long, scaly below or throughout.fronds12in. to 18in. long, 2in. to 4in. broad; pinnæ numerous, sub-sessile, usually close, 1in. to 2in. long, about ½in. broad, ovate-rhomboidal, falcate, acute, spinoso-serrated, the upper base auricled, the lower one truncate.soriin two rows. India, widely distributed. Stove species. SYNS.A. ocellatum,Polystichum auriculatum.A. a. lentum(pliant). Pinnæ cut into oblong mucronate lobes about half-way down to the rachis, the auricle sometimes quite free.A. a. marginatum(margined).* A variety with more coriaceous texture; upper edge of the pinnæ slightly lobed.A. capense(Cape).*sti.scattered, 1ft. to 2ft. long, densely scaly below.fronds1ft. to 3ft. long, 12in. to 18in. broad, sub-deltoid; lowest pinnæ the largest, 6in. to 9in. long, 3in. to 4in. broad; pinnules and segments lanceolate, the latter bluntly lobed.sorivery large and copious. South America, New Zealand, Cape Colony, Natal, &c. Greenhouse species. SYNS.A. coriaceum,Polystichum capense.A. confertum(compressed). Synonymous withA. meniscioides.A. coriaceum(leathery). Synonymous withA. capense.A. falcatum(hooked).*sti.tufted, 6in. to 12in. long, densely scaly below.fronds1ft. to 2ft. long, 6in. to 9in. broad, simply pinnate; pinnæ numerous, the lower stalked, ovate-acuminate, falcate, 3in. to 5in. long, 1in. to 2in. broad; edge entire or slightly undulated, the upper side narrowed suddenly, sometimes auricled, the lower rounded or obliquely truncate at the base.sorismall, copious, scattered. Japan, China, Himalayas, &c. SYN.Cyrtomium falcatum.A. f. caryotideum(Caryota-like) has pinnæ sometimes larger, sharply toothed, slightly lobed, sometimes auricled on both sides. SYN.Cyrtomium caryotideum.A. f. Fortunei(Fortune's).* This differs from the type in having pinnæ narrower and more opaque. All are most useful house ferns, and quite hardy in many parts of the country. SYN.Cyrtomium Fortunei.A. falcinellum(finely-hooked).*sti.tufted, 4in. to 8in. long, densely scaly.fronds9in. to 18in. long, 3in. to 6in. broad; central pinnæ 2in. to 3in. long, ¼in. broad; point acute; edge finely serrated; the upper side bluntly auricled, the lower obliquely truncate at the base.soriin two long rows. Madeira. Greenhouse species. SYN.Polystichum falcinellum.A. flexum(bending).rhiz.stout, wide-creeping.sti.scattered, 1ft. long, scaly.fronds2ft. to 3ft. long, 9in. to 12in. broad; lower pinnæ lanceolate-deltoid, 4in. to 6in. long, 2in. to 4in. broad; pinnules lanceolate-deltoid, cut down to the rachis below into oblong bluntly-lobed segments.sorilarge, in two rows, copious. Juan Fernandez. Stove species. SYN.Polystichum flexum.A. fœniculaceum(Fennel-leaved).*rhiz.creeping.sti.scattered, 6in. to 12in. long, densely scaly below.fronds1ft. to 2ft. long, and 9in. to 12in. broad, lanceolate-deltoid, four to five pinnatifid; lower pinnæ 6in. to 8in. long, 3in. to 4in. broad; ultimate divisions linear, awned, with a firm texture.sorisolitary. Greenhouse species. Sikkim, 7,000ft. to 10,000ft. SYN.Polystichum fœniculaceum.A. frondosum(leafy).sti.scattered, 1ft. to 2ft. long, densely scaly below.fronds18in. to 24in. long, 1ft. or more broad, sub-deltoid; lower pinnæ much the largest, long stalked; pinnules lanceolate; segments very unequal sided, pinnatifid, with rounded mucronate lobes, obliquely truncate at the base below.sorilarge, copious. Madeira. Greenhouse species. SYN.Polystichum frondosum.A. Hookeri(Hooker's).sti.1ft. or more long, naked.fronds2ft. to 3ft. long; pinnæ 6in. to 8in. long, 1in. broad, cut down to a broadly-winged rachis into nearly close, spreading, entire, linear-oblong lobes ⅛in. broad.sorinearer the edge than the midrib. Malay Archipelago. Stove species. SYNS.A. nephrodioidesandCyclodium Hookeri.A. laserpitiifolium(Laserpitium-leaved).*sti.4in. to 6in. long, stramineous, scaly at base.fronds12in. to 18in. long, 6in. to 9in. broad, ovate-deltoid, tripinnate; lower pinnæ the largest, with pinnules on the lower side prolonged, lanceolate, imbricated with small, distinct, bluntly-lobed segments.soriin two rows, very copious. Japan. A very desirable greenhouse species. SYNS.Lastrea Standishii(of gardens) andPolystichum laserpitiifolium.A. lepidocaulon(scaly-stemmed).sti.tufted, 6in. to 9in. long, densely clothed with large cordate scales.fronds1ft. or more long, 4in. to 6in. broad, sometimes elongated and rooting at the point: pinnæ 2in. to 3in. long, ½in. to ¾in. broad, lanceolate-falcate, the two sides unequal, the upper one auricled at the base.soriprincipally in two rows, near the midrib. Japan. Greenhouse species. SYN.Polystichum lepidocaulon.A. Lonchitis(spar-like).* The Holly Fern.sti.densely tufted, 1in. to 4in. long, scaly at base.fronds1ft. to 2ft. long, 1in. to 3in. broad, pinnate throughout; pinnæ ½in. to 1½in. long, ¼in. to ½in. broad, ovate-rhomboidal, sub-falcate, the two sides unequal,point mucronate, edge spinuloso-serrated, the upper side sharply auricled at the base, the lower obliquely truncate. Britain, &c. A very widely-spread hardy species. SYN.Polystichum Lonchitis.A. meniscioides(Meniscium-like).sti.1ft. to 2ft. long, scaly below.fronds2ft. to 3ft. long, 1ft. or more broad, pinnate; barren pinnæ sessile, 6in. to 9in. long, 1½in. to 2in. broad, oblong-acuminate, nearly entire; fertile pinnæ much smaller.soriin two close rows between the primary veins. West Indies, &c. Stove species. SYNS.A. confertumandCyclodium meniscioides.A. mohrioides(Mohria-like).sti.tufted, 2in. to 6in. long, more or less densely scaly.fronds6in. to 12in. long, 2in. to 3in. broad, bipinnate; pinnæ numerous, frequently imbricated, lanceolate, cut down below into slightly toothed, oblong-rhomboidal pinnules.soricopious. Patagonia and the Cordilleras of Chili. Greenhouse species. SYN.Polystichum mohrioides.A. mucronatum(mucronated).*sti.tufted, 2in. to 4in. long, densely scaly.fronds12in. to 18in. long, 1½in. to 2in. broad, pinnate throughout; pinnæ very numerous, often imbricated, ¾in. to 1in. long, ¼in. to broad, sub-rhomboidal, unequal-sided, mucronate, sub-entire, distinctly auricled at the upper base.soriin a long row on each side the midrib. West Indies. Stove or greenhouse species. SYN.Polystichum mucronatum.A. munitum(armed).*sti.tufted, 4in. to 9in. long, densely scaly.fronds1ft. to 2ft. long, 4in. to 8in. broad; pinnæ close, 2in. to 4in. long, about ½in. broad, acuminate, finely spinulose and serrated throughout, the upper side auricled, and the lower obliquely truncate at the base.soriin two rows near the edge. California, &c. Hardy; very fine. SYN.Polystichum munitum.A. nephrodioides(Nephrodium-like). Synonymous withA. Hookeri.A. ocellatum(spotted). Synonymous withA. auriculatum.A. pungens(stinging).rhiz.stout.sti.scattered, 1ft. long, scaly below only.fronds2ft. to 3ft. long, 9in. to 12in. broad; lower pinnæ 4in. to 6in. long, 2in. to 3in. broad; pinnules ovate-rhomboidal, unequal-sided, often deeply pinnatifid.soriprincipally in two rows near the midrib. Cape Colony. Greenhouse species. SYN.Polystichum pungens.A. repandum(wavy-leaved).sti.1ft. to 2ft. long, naked.fronds2ft. or more long, 12in. to 18in. broad, apex deeply pinnatifid, with linear-oblong, slightly sinuated lobes; lower pinnæ four to eight on each side, 6in. to 8in. long, 1¼in. to 1½in. broad, acuminate; edge bluntly sinuated, the lowest stalked and forked.soriin two distinct rows near the main vein. Philippines. Stove species.A. rhizophyllum(frond-rooting).sti.tufted, 1in. to 2in. long, slender.fronds2in. to 6in. long, ¾in. broad, with the long, narrow upper half of the frond lengthened out and rooting, the lower half cut down to a flattened fibrillose rachis into oblong-rhomboidal sub-entire lobes about ½in. broad, ¼in. deep.soriscattered. Jamaica, 1820. Stove or cool house species. SYN.Polystichum rhizophyllum.A. semicordatum(half-cordate).sti.scattered, 6in. to 12in. long.fronds2ft. to 3ft. long, 8in. to 12in. broad, simply pinnate; pinnæ spreading, 4in. to 6in. long, ½in. to ¾in. broad, nearly entire, acuminate, cordate or truncate at the base.soriin one to three rows on each side, the inner one close to the midrib. Tropical America, &c. SYN.Polystichum semicordatum.A. trapezioides(Trapezium-like). Synonymous withA. viviparum.A. triangulum(triangular).*sti.tufted, 2in. to 6in. long, base scaly.fronds1ft. or more long, 1½in. to 2in. broad; pinnæ numerous, sessile, lower ones distant, central ones ¾in. to 1in. long, about ⅝in. broad, sub-deltoid, lower side obliquely truncate; apex mucronate, edge sub-entire or slightly lobed, with blunt or spinose teeth, one or both sides auricled at the base.soriprincipally in two rows near the edge. West Indies. Stove or greenhouse species. SYN.Polystichum triangulum.A. trifoliatum(three-leaved).sti.tufted, 1ft. or more long, base only scaly.fronds12in. to 18in. long, 6in. to 12in. broad, with a large ovate-acuminate terminal pinna, narrowed or forked at the base, and one or two lateral ones on each side, the lowest mostly forked.soriin rows near the main veins. Tropical America. Stove species.A. t. heracleifolium(Heracleum-leaved). A form with pinnæ pinnatifid on both sides at the base.A. tripteron(three-winged).sti.6in. to 9in. long, densely scaly at base.fronds12in. to 18in. long, with a large terminal and two small spreading lateral pinnæ at the base of it, the former 2½ in. to 3in. broad, with very numerous spreading pinnules on each side, 1½in. long, about ½in. broad, unequal sided, acute, deeply inciso-pinnatifid, the lower lobes again toothed; lateral pinnæ 3in. to 5in. long, 1½in. to 2in. broad.soriprincipally in two rows midway between midrib and edge. Japan. Greenhouse species. SYN.Polystichum tripteron.A. varium(variable).*rhiz.sub-creeping.sti.6in. to 12in. long, densely fibrillose below.fronds12in. to 18in. long, 9in. to 12in. broad, lanceolate-deltoid; lower pinnæ much the largest, sub-deltoid, unequal sided, 4in. to 6in. long, 3in. to 4in. broad; pinnules lanceolate, imbricated, with oblong, blunt, slightly toothed segments.soriprincipally in two rows near the midrib. Japan. Greenhouse species. SYNS.Lastrea variaandPolystichum varium. It is frequently met with in gardens under the former name.A. viviparum(bud-producing).sti.tufted, 4in. to 6in. long, scaly at the base.fronds12in. to 18in. long, 4in. to 6in. broad; pinnæ numerous, nearly lanceolate, the central ones 2in. to 3in. long, about ½in. broad, mucronate, sometimes bud-bearing, the edge more or less deeply lobed, in the lower part sometimes quite down to the rachis, the upper side auricled.soriin two or four rows. West Indies. Stove or greenhouse species. SYNS.A. trapezioidesandPolystichum viviparum.

A. anomalum(anomalous).sti.tufted, 1ft. to 2ft. long, densely scaly below.fronds2ft. to 3ft. long, 1ft. or more broad; lower pinnæ 6in. to 9in. long, 2in. to 3in. broad; pinnules lanceolate, cut down in the lower part into oblong segments; teeth blunt or slightly mucronate.soriplaced near the sinuses of the pinnules. Ceylon. Stove species. SYN.Polystichum anomalum.

A. aristatum(awned).*rhiz.creeping.sti.scattered, 9in. to 18in. long, very scaly below.fronds1ft. to 2ft. long, 9in. to 12in. broad, ovate-deltoid, tri- or quadripinnatifid; lower pinnæ largest, 4in. to 6in. long, 2in. to 3in. broad; lowest pinnules much the largest, lanceolate-deltoid; teeth copious aristate.sorismall, principally in two rows near the midrib. Japan, Himalayas, New South Wales, &c. Greenhouse species. SYN.Polystichum aristatum.

A. a. coniifolium(Conium-leaved).*frondsmore finely divided; segments copiously toothed, with lower lobes distinct.

A. a. variegatum(variegated).* A handsome variety, with a broad band of green running through the bases of the pinnules along the course of the rachis.

A. auriculatum(eared).*sti.tufted, 4in. to 6in. long, scaly below or throughout.fronds12in. to 18in. long, 2in. to 4in. broad; pinnæ numerous, sub-sessile, usually close, 1in. to 2in. long, about ½in. broad, ovate-rhomboidal, falcate, acute, spinoso-serrated, the upper base auricled, the lower one truncate.soriin two rows. India, widely distributed. Stove species. SYNS.A. ocellatum,Polystichum auriculatum.

A. a. lentum(pliant). Pinnæ cut into oblong mucronate lobes about half-way down to the rachis, the auricle sometimes quite free.

A. a. marginatum(margined).* A variety with more coriaceous texture; upper edge of the pinnæ slightly lobed.

A. capense(Cape).*sti.scattered, 1ft. to 2ft. long, densely scaly below.fronds1ft. to 3ft. long, 12in. to 18in. broad, sub-deltoid; lowest pinnæ the largest, 6in. to 9in. long, 3in. to 4in. broad; pinnules and segments lanceolate, the latter bluntly lobed.sorivery large and copious. South America, New Zealand, Cape Colony, Natal, &c. Greenhouse species. SYNS.A. coriaceum,Polystichum capense.

A. confertum(compressed). Synonymous withA. meniscioides.

A. coriaceum(leathery). Synonymous withA. capense.

A. falcatum(hooked).*sti.tufted, 6in. to 12in. long, densely scaly below.fronds1ft. to 2ft. long, 6in. to 9in. broad, simply pinnate; pinnæ numerous, the lower stalked, ovate-acuminate, falcate, 3in. to 5in. long, 1in. to 2in. broad; edge entire or slightly undulated, the upper side narrowed suddenly, sometimes auricled, the lower rounded or obliquely truncate at the base.sorismall, copious, scattered. Japan, China, Himalayas, &c. SYN.Cyrtomium falcatum.

A. f. caryotideum(Caryota-like) has pinnæ sometimes larger, sharply toothed, slightly lobed, sometimes auricled on both sides. SYN.Cyrtomium caryotideum.

A. f. Fortunei(Fortune's).* This differs from the type in having pinnæ narrower and more opaque. All are most useful house ferns, and quite hardy in many parts of the country. SYN.Cyrtomium Fortunei.

A. falcinellum(finely-hooked).*sti.tufted, 4in. to 8in. long, densely scaly.fronds9in. to 18in. long, 3in. to 6in. broad; central pinnæ 2in. to 3in. long, ¼in. broad; point acute; edge finely serrated; the upper side bluntly auricled, the lower obliquely truncate at the base.soriin two long rows. Madeira. Greenhouse species. SYN.Polystichum falcinellum.

A. flexum(bending).rhiz.stout, wide-creeping.sti.scattered, 1ft. long, scaly.fronds2ft. to 3ft. long, 9in. to 12in. broad; lower pinnæ lanceolate-deltoid, 4in. to 6in. long, 2in. to 4in. broad; pinnules lanceolate-deltoid, cut down to the rachis below into oblong bluntly-lobed segments.sorilarge, in two rows, copious. Juan Fernandez. Stove species. SYN.Polystichum flexum.

A. fœniculaceum(Fennel-leaved).*rhiz.creeping.sti.scattered, 6in. to 12in. long, densely scaly below.fronds1ft. to 2ft. long, and 9in. to 12in. broad, lanceolate-deltoid, four to five pinnatifid; lower pinnæ 6in. to 8in. long, 3in. to 4in. broad; ultimate divisions linear, awned, with a firm texture.sorisolitary. Greenhouse species. Sikkim, 7,000ft. to 10,000ft. SYN.Polystichum fœniculaceum.

A. frondosum(leafy).sti.scattered, 1ft. to 2ft. long, densely scaly below.fronds18in. to 24in. long, 1ft. or more broad, sub-deltoid; lower pinnæ much the largest, long stalked; pinnules lanceolate; segments very unequal sided, pinnatifid, with rounded mucronate lobes, obliquely truncate at the base below.sorilarge, copious. Madeira. Greenhouse species. SYN.Polystichum frondosum.

A. Hookeri(Hooker's).sti.1ft. or more long, naked.fronds2ft. to 3ft. long; pinnæ 6in. to 8in. long, 1in. broad, cut down to a broadly-winged rachis into nearly close, spreading, entire, linear-oblong lobes ⅛in. broad.sorinearer the edge than the midrib. Malay Archipelago. Stove species. SYNS.A. nephrodioidesandCyclodium Hookeri.

A. laserpitiifolium(Laserpitium-leaved).*sti.4in. to 6in. long, stramineous, scaly at base.fronds12in. to 18in. long, 6in. to 9in. broad, ovate-deltoid, tripinnate; lower pinnæ the largest, with pinnules on the lower side prolonged, lanceolate, imbricated with small, distinct, bluntly-lobed segments.soriin two rows, very copious. Japan. A very desirable greenhouse species. SYNS.Lastrea Standishii(of gardens) andPolystichum laserpitiifolium.

A. lepidocaulon(scaly-stemmed).sti.tufted, 6in. to 9in. long, densely clothed with large cordate scales.fronds1ft. or more long, 4in. to 6in. broad, sometimes elongated and rooting at the point: pinnæ 2in. to 3in. long, ½in. to ¾in. broad, lanceolate-falcate, the two sides unequal, the upper one auricled at the base.soriprincipally in two rows, near the midrib. Japan. Greenhouse species. SYN.Polystichum lepidocaulon.

A. Lonchitis(spar-like).* The Holly Fern.sti.densely tufted, 1in. to 4in. long, scaly at base.fronds1ft. to 2ft. long, 1in. to 3in. broad, pinnate throughout; pinnæ ½in. to 1½in. long, ¼in. to ½in. broad, ovate-rhomboidal, sub-falcate, the two sides unequal,point mucronate, edge spinuloso-serrated, the upper side sharply auricled at the base, the lower obliquely truncate. Britain, &c. A very widely-spread hardy species. SYN.Polystichum Lonchitis.

A. meniscioides(Meniscium-like).sti.1ft. to 2ft. long, scaly below.fronds2ft. to 3ft. long, 1ft. or more broad, pinnate; barren pinnæ sessile, 6in. to 9in. long, 1½in. to 2in. broad, oblong-acuminate, nearly entire; fertile pinnæ much smaller.soriin two close rows between the primary veins. West Indies, &c. Stove species. SYNS.A. confertumandCyclodium meniscioides.

A. mohrioides(Mohria-like).sti.tufted, 2in. to 6in. long, more or less densely scaly.fronds6in. to 12in. long, 2in. to 3in. broad, bipinnate; pinnæ numerous, frequently imbricated, lanceolate, cut down below into slightly toothed, oblong-rhomboidal pinnules.soricopious. Patagonia and the Cordilleras of Chili. Greenhouse species. SYN.Polystichum mohrioides.

A. mucronatum(mucronated).*sti.tufted, 2in. to 4in. long, densely scaly.fronds12in. to 18in. long, 1½in. to 2in. broad, pinnate throughout; pinnæ very numerous, often imbricated, ¾in. to 1in. long, ¼in. to broad, sub-rhomboidal, unequal-sided, mucronate, sub-entire, distinctly auricled at the upper base.soriin a long row on each side the midrib. West Indies. Stove or greenhouse species. SYN.Polystichum mucronatum.

A. munitum(armed).*sti.tufted, 4in. to 9in. long, densely scaly.fronds1ft. to 2ft. long, 4in. to 8in. broad; pinnæ close, 2in. to 4in. long, about ½in. broad, acuminate, finely spinulose and serrated throughout, the upper side auricled, and the lower obliquely truncate at the base.soriin two rows near the edge. California, &c. Hardy; very fine. SYN.Polystichum munitum.

A. nephrodioides(Nephrodium-like). Synonymous withA. Hookeri.

A. ocellatum(spotted). Synonymous withA. auriculatum.

A. pungens(stinging).rhiz.stout.sti.scattered, 1ft. long, scaly below only.fronds2ft. to 3ft. long, 9in. to 12in. broad; lower pinnæ 4in. to 6in. long, 2in. to 3in. broad; pinnules ovate-rhomboidal, unequal-sided, often deeply pinnatifid.soriprincipally in two rows near the midrib. Cape Colony. Greenhouse species. SYN.Polystichum pungens.

A. repandum(wavy-leaved).sti.1ft. to 2ft. long, naked.fronds2ft. or more long, 12in. to 18in. broad, apex deeply pinnatifid, with linear-oblong, slightly sinuated lobes; lower pinnæ four to eight on each side, 6in. to 8in. long, 1¼in. to 1½in. broad, acuminate; edge bluntly sinuated, the lowest stalked and forked.soriin two distinct rows near the main vein. Philippines. Stove species.

A. rhizophyllum(frond-rooting).sti.tufted, 1in. to 2in. long, slender.fronds2in. to 6in. long, ¾in. broad, with the long, narrow upper half of the frond lengthened out and rooting, the lower half cut down to a flattened fibrillose rachis into oblong-rhomboidal sub-entire lobes about ½in. broad, ¼in. deep.soriscattered. Jamaica, 1820. Stove or cool house species. SYN.Polystichum rhizophyllum.

A. semicordatum(half-cordate).sti.scattered, 6in. to 12in. long.fronds2ft. to 3ft. long, 8in. to 12in. broad, simply pinnate; pinnæ spreading, 4in. to 6in. long, ½in. to ¾in. broad, nearly entire, acuminate, cordate or truncate at the base.soriin one to three rows on each side, the inner one close to the midrib. Tropical America, &c. SYN.Polystichum semicordatum.

A. trapezioides(Trapezium-like). Synonymous withA. viviparum.

A. triangulum(triangular).*sti.tufted, 2in. to 6in. long, base scaly.fronds1ft. or more long, 1½in. to 2in. broad; pinnæ numerous, sessile, lower ones distant, central ones ¾in. to 1in. long, about ⅝in. broad, sub-deltoid, lower side obliquely truncate; apex mucronate, edge sub-entire or slightly lobed, with blunt or spinose teeth, one or both sides auricled at the base.soriprincipally in two rows near the edge. West Indies. Stove or greenhouse species. SYN.Polystichum triangulum.

A. trifoliatum(three-leaved).sti.tufted, 1ft. or more long, base only scaly.fronds12in. to 18in. long, 6in. to 12in. broad, with a large ovate-acuminate terminal pinna, narrowed or forked at the base, and one or two lateral ones on each side, the lowest mostly forked.soriin rows near the main veins. Tropical America. Stove species.

A. t. heracleifolium(Heracleum-leaved). A form with pinnæ pinnatifid on both sides at the base.

A. tripteron(three-winged).sti.6in. to 9in. long, densely scaly at base.fronds12in. to 18in. long, with a large terminal and two small spreading lateral pinnæ at the base of it, the former 2½ in. to 3in. broad, with very numerous spreading pinnules on each side, 1½in. long, about ½in. broad, unequal sided, acute, deeply inciso-pinnatifid, the lower lobes again toothed; lateral pinnæ 3in. to 5in. long, 1½in. to 2in. broad.soriprincipally in two rows midway between midrib and edge. Japan. Greenhouse species. SYN.Polystichum tripteron.

A. varium(variable).*rhiz.sub-creeping.sti.6in. to 12in. long, densely fibrillose below.fronds12in. to 18in. long, 9in. to 12in. broad, lanceolate-deltoid; lower pinnæ much the largest, sub-deltoid, unequal sided, 4in. to 6in. long, 3in. to 4in. broad; pinnules lanceolate, imbricated, with oblong, blunt, slightly toothed segments.soriprincipally in two rows near the midrib. Japan. Greenhouse species. SYNS.Lastrea variaandPolystichum varium. It is frequently met with in gardens under the former name.

A. viviparum(bud-producing).sti.tufted, 4in. to 6in. long, scaly at the base.fronds12in. to 18in. long, 4in. to 6in. broad; pinnæ numerous, nearly lanceolate, the central ones 2in. to 3in. long, about ½in. broad, mucronate, sometimes bud-bearing, the edge more or less deeply lobed, in the lower part sometimes quite down to the rachis, the upper side auricled.soriin two or four rows. West Indies. Stove or greenhouse species. SYNS.A. trapezioidesandPolystichum viviparum.

ASPLENIUM(froma, not, andsplen, spleen; referring to the medicinal properties formerly attributed to the genus). Spleenwort. ORD.Filices. IncludingAnisogonium,Athyrium,Ceterach,Cænopteris,Darea,Diplazium,Hemidictyum,Neottopteris. A very large and widely-spread genus, including species suitable for the stove, temperate, and hardy ferneries. Sori dorsal or submarginal, linear or oblong. Involucre similar in shape, straight or occasionally curved, single or double, plane or tumid, bursting along the outer edge. The tropical species should be grown in a compost of peat, loam, and sand; the hardy sorts in a mixture of fibrous peat and sand. Good drainage is at all times required. For general culture,seeFerns.

FIG. 163. ASPLENIUMADIANTUM-NIGRUM, showing Rootstock and back of Fertile Fronds.

A. abscissum(clipped).sti.tufted, 4in. to 8in. long.fronds6in. to 12in. long, 3in. to 4in. broad, sometimes proliferous at the apex, with twelve to twenty horizontal pinnæ on each side, which are 1½in. to 2in. long, about ½in. broad, bluntish; edge inciso-crenate, the upper one narrowed suddenly at the base, the lower one obliquely truncate.sorishort, in two regular rows, falling short of both midrib and edge. Tropical America. Stove species. SYN.A. firmum.A. acuminatum(taper-pointed).*sti.6in. to 9in. long.fronds1ft. to 2ft. long, 9in. to 12in. broad, with very numerous close-placed lanceolate-oblong pinnæ on both sides, which are 4in. to 6in. long, 1½in. to 2in. broad; pinnules numerous, unequal-sided, lanceolate, acuminate; edges sharply toothed, the lower base obliquely truncate.soriin two rows in the upper part, of the pinnules, often diplazioid. Sandwich Islands. Greenhouse species. SYN.A. polyphyllum.A. Adiantum-nigrum(Black Spleenwort).sti.tufted, 6in. to 9in. long.fronds6in. to 12in. long, 4in. to 6in. broad sub-deltoid; lower pinnæ deltoid, 2in. to 3in. long, 1½in. to 2in. broad; all the pinnæ pinnate.soricopious, at last often occupying the whole under surface of the segments. Great Britain. World-wide in its distribution. Hardy.A. solidum, from Cape Colony, is supposed to be a mere form of this species. There are several varieties the best of which are described below. See Fig. 168.A. A.-n. acutum(acute).fronds9in. to 15in. long, deltoid, tripinnate; ultimate segments linear, and very acute. Ireland. A copiously divided and very elegant variety. Habit more graceful than the type.

A. acuminatum(taper-pointed).*sti.6in. to 9in. long.fronds1ft. to 2ft. long, 9in. to 12in. broad, with very numerous close-placed lanceolate-oblong pinnæ on both sides, which are 4in. to 6in. long, 1½in. to 2in. broad; pinnules numerous, unequal-sided, lanceolate, acuminate; edges sharply toothed, the lower base obliquely truncate.soriin two rows in the upper part, of the pinnules, often diplazioid. Sandwich Islands. Greenhouse species. SYN.A. polyphyllum.

A. Adiantum-nigrum(Black Spleenwort).sti.tufted, 6in. to 9in. long.fronds6in. to 12in. long, 4in. to 6in. broad sub-deltoid; lower pinnæ deltoid, 2in. to 3in. long, 1½in. to 2in. broad; all the pinnæ pinnate.soricopious, at last often occupying the whole under surface of the segments. Great Britain. World-wide in its distribution. Hardy.A. solidum, from Cape Colony, is supposed to be a mere form of this species. There are several varieties the best of which are described below. See Fig. 168.

A. A.-n. acutum(acute).fronds9in. to 15in. long, deltoid, tripinnate; ultimate segments linear, and very acute. Ireland. A copiously divided and very elegant variety. Habit more graceful than the type.

FIG. 169. ASPLENIUMADIANTUM-NIGRUMGRANDICEPS.

A. A.-n. grandiceps(large-crested).fronds6in. to 12in. long; pinnæ comparatively short, and slightly crested; apex freely divided, and expanded into a broad crest, which gives the frond a very graceful contour. Frame or greenhouse variety. See Fig. 169.A. A-n. oxyphyllum(sharp-leaved).fronds4in. to 6in. long, ovate-lanceolate; ultimate segments narrow and very acute. A very pretty little variety.A. affine(related).sti.6in. to 12in. long.fronds12in to 18in. long, 6in. to 12in. broad, bipinnate, with numerous pinnæ on each side, the lower ones lanceolate-rhomboidal; pinnules rhomboidal, inciso-serrate.soricopious, linear. Mascaren Islands, &c. Stove or warm greenhouse species. SYN.A. spathulinum.A. alatum(winged).*sti.4in. to 6in, long, slender, the upper part and the rachis, winged.fronds1ft. to 1½ft. long, 3in. to 4in. broad, with twelve to twenty horizontal sessile pinnæ on each side, which are 1in. to 1½in. long, and about ½in. broad, bluntish; edge uniformly inciso-crenate, the base nearly equal on both sides.soridistant, not reaching either the midrib or edge. West Indies, &c. A very elegant stove species.A. alismæfolium(Alisma-leaved).sti.2in. to 6in. long.frondsvarying in shape, from simple oblong-lanceolate, 6in. to 9in. long, 2in. to 3in. broad; apex acuminate; edges entire, to ternate or pinnate, with a large terminal and three pairs of lateral pinnæ, each like the entire frond of the simple state; texture coriaceous. Isle of Luzon. Stove species. SYN.Anisogonium alismæfolium.A. alternans(alternated).sti.tufted, 1in. to 2in. long.fronds6in. to 8in. long, 1in. to 1½in. broad, lanceolate-oblong, cut down into numerous bluntly-rounded lobes on each side, which reach very nearly down to the rachis, the lower gradually reduced.soricopious. N. W. Himalayas. Greenhouse species. SYN.A. Dalhousiæ.A. alternifolium(alternate-leaved). Synonymous withA. germanicum.A. angustifolium(narrow-leaved).*sti.tufted, about 1ft. long.fronds18in. to 24in. long, 4in. to 6in. broad, simply pinnate, lanceolate-oblong, flaccid, with twenty to thirty sub-sessile pinnæ on each side, sterile ones largest, 2in. to 3in. long, ½in. broad, acuminate; edge obscurely-crenate, base rounded and equal on both sides; fertile pinnæ narrower and more distant.sorivery close and regular, extending from the midrib nearly to the edge. Canada, &c. Greenhouse species.A. anisophyllum(unequal-leaved).sti.tufted, 6in. to 12in. long.fronds1ft. to 2ft. long, 6in. to 9in. broad, oblong-lanceolate, simple pinnate, with ten to sixteen sub-sessile pinnæ on each side which are 3in. to 5in. long, about 1in. broad, acuminated, crenate, the two sides unequal, the upper one narrowed suddenly, the lower one obliquely truncate at the base.soridistant, elliptical, reaching half-way from the edge to the margin. Cape Colony, &c. Greenhouse species.A. apicidens(apex-toothed). A variety ofA. Vieillardii.A. arborescens(tree-like).cau.oblique.sti.1ft. to 2ft. long.fronds3ft. to 4ft. long, 2ft. to 3ft. broad, deltoid, tripinnatifid, with numerous pinnæ, the lower ones 12in. to 18in. long, 4in. to 6in. broad; pinnules 3in. long, about ½in. wide, acuminate, edge cut two-thirds of the way down to the rachis into nearly entire lobes, ¼in. deep, ⅛in. broad. Lowersori⅛in. long. Mauritius, &c., 1826. Stove species. SYN.Diplazium arborescens.A. Arnottii(Arnott's).sti.smooth, angular.frondsample, tripinnatifid; lower pinnæ 9in. to 12in. long, 4in. to 6in. broad; pinnules 3in. to 4in. long, 1in. or more broad, cut down below to a distinctly winged rachis into deeply crenate, blunt, oblong lobes, ½in. deep, ¼in. broad.soricopious, nearly all diplazioid, and filling up when mature nearly the whole surface of the lobes. Sandwich Islands, 1877. Greenhouse species. SYNS.A. diplazioidesandDiplazium Arnottii.A. aspidioides(Aspidium-like).sti.tufted, 6in. to 12in. long.fronds1ft. to 2ft. long, 8in. to 12in. broad, ovate-deltoid, tripinnatifid; lower pinnæ 6in. to 8in. long, lanceolate-deltoid; pinnules lanceolate, cut down below nearly to the rachis into inciso-pinnatifid ovate segments, two lines broad.soricopious, oblong, the lower ones curved. Tropical America, &c. Greenhouse species. SYN.A. multisectum.A. attenuatum(attenuated).sti.tufted, 3in. to 4in. long.frondssimple, linear-lanceolate, about 1ft. long, about ½in. broad, narrowed upwards very gradually, sometimes proliferous at the point, the margin toothed; the lower third also lobed; the lowest roundish, lobes reaching down nearly or quite to the rachis.sorireaching nearly to the edge. Queensland, &c. Greenhouse species.A. aureum(golden). A variety ofA. Ceterach.A. auriculatum(auriculated).*sti.tufted, 4in. to 8in. long.fronds12in. to 18in. long, 4in. to 6in. broad, simply pinnate, lanceolate-oblong, with ten to twenty-stalked horizontal pinnæ on each side, which are 2in. to 4in. long, ¾in. to 1in. broad, lanceolate, often sub-falcate; edge deeply crenate, the two sides unequal, the upper one with a cordate auricle, the lower one obliquely truncate.soridistant, not reaching either the midrib or edge. Tropical America, 1820. Stove species.A. auritum(eared).sti.tufted, 4in. to 8in. long.fronds6in. to 12in. long, 2in. to 4in. broad, simply pinnate, with ten to fifteen stalked horizontal pinnæ on each side, which are 2in. to 3in. long, and about ½in. broad, acute or bluntish; edge sharply toothed or often lobed, especially on the upper side towards the base.soriin two broad rather oblique rows. Tropical America. Stove species.A. australasicum(Australian). A variety ofA. Nidus.A. Baptistii(Baptist's).*sti.6in. to 8in. long.fronds1ft. long, bipinnate, broadly ovate; pinnæ stipitate, the lower about 5in. long, with four narrow stipitate linear-toothed pinnules, 2in. long, and a terminal lobe, 3½in. long, ¼in. broad, furnished with distinct linear marginal teeth, pointing forwards, and terminating in a long attenuated point, which is toothed nearly to the end.sorilinear-oblong, straight, parallel with, and close to, the midrib. South Sea Islands, 1879. A very handsome stove species.A. Belangeri(Belanger's).*sti.tufted, 4in. to 8in. long.fronds12in. to 18in. long, 2in. to 3in. broad, bipinnate; pinnæ numerous, 1in. to 1½in. long, ½in. broad, rounded at the point, truncate at the base on the lower side; pinnules linear, erecto-patent, half line broad; one vein and sorus to each segment, the latter marginal. Malayan Peninsula. Stove species. SYNS.A. Veitchianum,Darea,Belangeri, &c.A. bipartitum(twice-partite).sti.tufted, 3in. to 6in. long.fronds6in. to 8in. long, 2in. to 3in. broad, bipinnate, with about ten to fifteen stalked pinnæ on each side, which are 1in. to 1½in. long, ½in. to ¾in. broad, bluntish, cut down at the base on the upper side into one distinctly-stalked cuneate pinnule, sometimes into two or three, the outer edge inciso-crenate, the base on the lower side obliquely truncate.soriin two regular rows, reaching nearly to the edge. Mascaren Isles. Stove species.A. bisectum(bisected).*sti.tufted, 4in. to 6in. long.fronds12in. to 18in. long, 4in. to 6in. broad, bipinnatifid, with twenty to thirty horizontal pinnæ on each side, which are 2in. to 3in. long, ¼in. broad, with a very long, narrow, deeply inciso-pinnatifid upper portion, the base on the upper side narrowed suddenly, on the lower obliquely truncate.sorialmost all in two parallel rows close to the midrib. West Indies, &c. Stove species.A. brachypteron(broadly-winged).sti.tufted, 2in. to 4in. long.fronds4in. to 6in. long, 1in. to 1½in. broad, bipinnate, with twelve to twenty-four horizontal pinnæ on each side, of which from half to nearly the whole of the lower side is cut away, the largest ½in. to ⅝in. long, cut down to the rachis into simple or forked linear pinnules, 1in. to 1½in. long.sorisolitary, often quite marginal. Madagascar, &c. Stove species. SYN.Darea brachypteron.A. brevisorum(shortly-soriate).sti.12in. to 18in. long.fronds2ft. to 3ft. long, 9in. to 18in. broad, tripinnate; lower pinnæ 1ft.or more long; pinnules lanceolate, distant, 2in. to 3in. long, and 1½in. broad; segments lanceolate, ¾in. long, two lines broad, deeply and sharply toothed.sorismall, six to twelve to a segment, in two rows near the midrib, the lower ones curved, often double. Jamaica, &c. Stove species. SYN.Athyrium brevisorum.A. bulbiferum(bulb-bearing).sti.tufted, 6in. to 12in. long.fronds1ft. to 2ft. long, 8in. to 12in. broad, oblong-deltoid, with numerous horizontal pinnæ on each side, which are often proliferous from the upper surface, the largest 4in. to 8in. long, 1½in. to 2in. broad; pinnules lanceolate-deltoid, slightly toothed.sorioblong, when mature often filling the whole breadth of the segments. New Zealand, &c., very widely distributed. Greenhouse species.A. b. Fabianum(Fabia's). Lower segments deeply pinnatifid, with narrow divisions and sub-marginal sori. SYN.A. Fabianum.A. b. laxum(loose). Habit more slender; segments narrow, so that the sori are often as if marginal.A. caudatum(tailed). Probably a form ofA. falcatum, but having the sori more confined to the centre of the pinnæ, being often restricted to two parallel rows close to the rachis. Polynesia, &c. Greenhouse species.

A. A-n. oxyphyllum(sharp-leaved).fronds4in. to 6in. long, ovate-lanceolate; ultimate segments narrow and very acute. A very pretty little variety.

A. affine(related).sti.6in. to 12in. long.fronds12in to 18in. long, 6in. to 12in. broad, bipinnate, with numerous pinnæ on each side, the lower ones lanceolate-rhomboidal; pinnules rhomboidal, inciso-serrate.soricopious, linear. Mascaren Islands, &c. Stove or warm greenhouse species. SYN.A. spathulinum.

A. alatum(winged).*sti.4in. to 6in, long, slender, the upper part and the rachis, winged.fronds1ft. to 1½ft. long, 3in. to 4in. broad, with twelve to twenty horizontal sessile pinnæ on each side, which are 1in. to 1½in. long, and about ½in. broad, bluntish; edge uniformly inciso-crenate, the base nearly equal on both sides.soridistant, not reaching either the midrib or edge. West Indies, &c. A very elegant stove species.

A. alismæfolium(Alisma-leaved).sti.2in. to 6in. long.frondsvarying in shape, from simple oblong-lanceolate, 6in. to 9in. long, 2in. to 3in. broad; apex acuminate; edges entire, to ternate or pinnate, with a large terminal and three pairs of lateral pinnæ, each like the entire frond of the simple state; texture coriaceous. Isle of Luzon. Stove species. SYN.Anisogonium alismæfolium.

A. alternans(alternated).sti.tufted, 1in. to 2in. long.fronds6in. to 8in. long, 1in. to 1½in. broad, lanceolate-oblong, cut down into numerous bluntly-rounded lobes on each side, which reach very nearly down to the rachis, the lower gradually reduced.soricopious. N. W. Himalayas. Greenhouse species. SYN.A. Dalhousiæ.

A. alternifolium(alternate-leaved). Synonymous withA. germanicum.

A. angustifolium(narrow-leaved).*sti.tufted, about 1ft. long.fronds18in. to 24in. long, 4in. to 6in. broad, simply pinnate, lanceolate-oblong, flaccid, with twenty to thirty sub-sessile pinnæ on each side, sterile ones largest, 2in. to 3in. long, ½in. broad, acuminate; edge obscurely-crenate, base rounded and equal on both sides; fertile pinnæ narrower and more distant.sorivery close and regular, extending from the midrib nearly to the edge. Canada, &c. Greenhouse species.

A. anisophyllum(unequal-leaved).sti.tufted, 6in. to 12in. long.fronds1ft. to 2ft. long, 6in. to 9in. broad, oblong-lanceolate, simple pinnate, with ten to sixteen sub-sessile pinnæ on each side which are 3in. to 5in. long, about 1in. broad, acuminated, crenate, the two sides unequal, the upper one narrowed suddenly, the lower one obliquely truncate at the base.soridistant, elliptical, reaching half-way from the edge to the margin. Cape Colony, &c. Greenhouse species.

A. apicidens(apex-toothed). A variety ofA. Vieillardii.

A. arborescens(tree-like).cau.oblique.sti.1ft. to 2ft. long.fronds3ft. to 4ft. long, 2ft. to 3ft. broad, deltoid, tripinnatifid, with numerous pinnæ, the lower ones 12in. to 18in. long, 4in. to 6in. broad; pinnules 3in. long, about ½in. wide, acuminate, edge cut two-thirds of the way down to the rachis into nearly entire lobes, ¼in. deep, ⅛in. broad. Lowersori⅛in. long. Mauritius, &c., 1826. Stove species. SYN.Diplazium arborescens.

A. Arnottii(Arnott's).sti.smooth, angular.frondsample, tripinnatifid; lower pinnæ 9in. to 12in. long, 4in. to 6in. broad; pinnules 3in. to 4in. long, 1in. or more broad, cut down below to a distinctly winged rachis into deeply crenate, blunt, oblong lobes, ½in. deep, ¼in. broad.soricopious, nearly all diplazioid, and filling up when mature nearly the whole surface of the lobes. Sandwich Islands, 1877. Greenhouse species. SYNS.A. diplazioidesandDiplazium Arnottii.

A. aspidioides(Aspidium-like).sti.tufted, 6in. to 12in. long.fronds1ft. to 2ft. long, 8in. to 12in. broad, ovate-deltoid, tripinnatifid; lower pinnæ 6in. to 8in. long, lanceolate-deltoid; pinnules lanceolate, cut down below nearly to the rachis into inciso-pinnatifid ovate segments, two lines broad.soricopious, oblong, the lower ones curved. Tropical America, &c. Greenhouse species. SYN.A. multisectum.

A. attenuatum(attenuated).sti.tufted, 3in. to 4in. long.frondssimple, linear-lanceolate, about 1ft. long, about ½in. broad, narrowed upwards very gradually, sometimes proliferous at the point, the margin toothed; the lower third also lobed; the lowest roundish, lobes reaching down nearly or quite to the rachis.sorireaching nearly to the edge. Queensland, &c. Greenhouse species.

A. aureum(golden). A variety ofA. Ceterach.

A. auriculatum(auriculated).*sti.tufted, 4in. to 8in. long.fronds12in. to 18in. long, 4in. to 6in. broad, simply pinnate, lanceolate-oblong, with ten to twenty-stalked horizontal pinnæ on each side, which are 2in. to 4in. long, ¾in. to 1in. broad, lanceolate, often sub-falcate; edge deeply crenate, the two sides unequal, the upper one with a cordate auricle, the lower one obliquely truncate.soridistant, not reaching either the midrib or edge. Tropical America, 1820. Stove species.

A. auritum(eared).sti.tufted, 4in. to 8in. long.fronds6in. to 12in. long, 2in. to 4in. broad, simply pinnate, with ten to fifteen stalked horizontal pinnæ on each side, which are 2in. to 3in. long, and about ½in. broad, acute or bluntish; edge sharply toothed or often lobed, especially on the upper side towards the base.soriin two broad rather oblique rows. Tropical America. Stove species.

A. australasicum(Australian). A variety ofA. Nidus.

A. Baptistii(Baptist's).*sti.6in. to 8in. long.fronds1ft. long, bipinnate, broadly ovate; pinnæ stipitate, the lower about 5in. long, with four narrow stipitate linear-toothed pinnules, 2in. long, and a terminal lobe, 3½in. long, ¼in. broad, furnished with distinct linear marginal teeth, pointing forwards, and terminating in a long attenuated point, which is toothed nearly to the end.sorilinear-oblong, straight, parallel with, and close to, the midrib. South Sea Islands, 1879. A very handsome stove species.

A. Belangeri(Belanger's).*sti.tufted, 4in. to 8in. long.fronds12in. to 18in. long, 2in. to 3in. broad, bipinnate; pinnæ numerous, 1in. to 1½in. long, ½in. broad, rounded at the point, truncate at the base on the lower side; pinnules linear, erecto-patent, half line broad; one vein and sorus to each segment, the latter marginal. Malayan Peninsula. Stove species. SYNS.A. Veitchianum,Darea,Belangeri, &c.

A. bipartitum(twice-partite).sti.tufted, 3in. to 6in. long.fronds6in. to 8in. long, 2in. to 3in. broad, bipinnate, with about ten to fifteen stalked pinnæ on each side, which are 1in. to 1½in. long, ½in. to ¾in. broad, bluntish, cut down at the base on the upper side into one distinctly-stalked cuneate pinnule, sometimes into two or three, the outer edge inciso-crenate, the base on the lower side obliquely truncate.soriin two regular rows, reaching nearly to the edge. Mascaren Isles. Stove species.

A. bisectum(bisected).*sti.tufted, 4in. to 6in. long.fronds12in. to 18in. long, 4in. to 6in. broad, bipinnatifid, with twenty to thirty horizontal pinnæ on each side, which are 2in. to 3in. long, ¼in. broad, with a very long, narrow, deeply inciso-pinnatifid upper portion, the base on the upper side narrowed suddenly, on the lower obliquely truncate.sorialmost all in two parallel rows close to the midrib. West Indies, &c. Stove species.

A. brachypteron(broadly-winged).sti.tufted, 2in. to 4in. long.fronds4in. to 6in. long, 1in. to 1½in. broad, bipinnate, with twelve to twenty-four horizontal pinnæ on each side, of which from half to nearly the whole of the lower side is cut away, the largest ½in. to ⅝in. long, cut down to the rachis into simple or forked linear pinnules, 1in. to 1½in. long.sorisolitary, often quite marginal. Madagascar, &c. Stove species. SYN.Darea brachypteron.

A. brevisorum(shortly-soriate).sti.12in. to 18in. long.fronds2ft. to 3ft. long, 9in. to 18in. broad, tripinnate; lower pinnæ 1ft.or more long; pinnules lanceolate, distant, 2in. to 3in. long, and 1½in. broad; segments lanceolate, ¾in. long, two lines broad, deeply and sharply toothed.sorismall, six to twelve to a segment, in two rows near the midrib, the lower ones curved, often double. Jamaica, &c. Stove species. SYN.Athyrium brevisorum.

A. bulbiferum(bulb-bearing).sti.tufted, 6in. to 12in. long.fronds1ft. to 2ft. long, 8in. to 12in. broad, oblong-deltoid, with numerous horizontal pinnæ on each side, which are often proliferous from the upper surface, the largest 4in. to 8in. long, 1½in. to 2in. broad; pinnules lanceolate-deltoid, slightly toothed.sorioblong, when mature often filling the whole breadth of the segments. New Zealand, &c., very widely distributed. Greenhouse species.

A. b. Fabianum(Fabia's). Lower segments deeply pinnatifid, with narrow divisions and sub-marginal sori. SYN.A. Fabianum.

A. b. laxum(loose). Habit more slender; segments narrow, so that the sori are often as if marginal.

A. caudatum(tailed). Probably a form ofA. falcatum, but having the sori more confined to the centre of the pinnæ, being often restricted to two parallel rows close to the rachis. Polynesia, &c. Greenhouse species.

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