are numerous and circular, very conspicuous when fully grown, and, though crowded, do not run into

masses.

This rare species of fern occurs wild only in Great Britain, although it is found in rough and stony places in several parts of the continent of Europe, and in America.

It was first found by Mr. Wilson, on Ben Lawers, in Forfarshire, in 1836; and has since been established by other botanists as a truly British species, though rarely to be found.

Little can be said about the artificial treatment of this fern, as it does not appear to have thriven well where it has been tried. Its natural condition, however, would suggest, a very open medium for the roots, which thread their way through dripping rocks and constantly abundant though not stagnant moisture.*

* Mr. Newman suggests a small quantity of sphagnum and charcoal to be mixed with the soil in which it is planted.

FINE-LEAVED GYMNOGRAMMA.

GYMNOGRAMMA LEPTOPHYLLA.

[Desveux.]

THIS delicate little fern resembles at first sight very small specimens of the Curled Allosorus (Allosorus crispus). The fronds are in little tufts, ovate, twice pinnate, fragile; the pinnæ roundish, wedgeshaped, three-lobed; the lobes cut and toothed, obtuse. The whole plant is from two to six inches high, with slender black stalks. The sori are oblong, nearly covering the under surface of the segments on which they are borne.

From the recent discovery of this little fern in the island of Jersey, it is now included in the British Flora, although there are but few localities where it is found in Great Britain. It is a native of the South of Europe and of the Atlantic Islands. A correspondent of ours says that it has lately been seen in Devonshire. A diligent search for it in sheltered places in our southern counties would, doubtless, repay a collector by its discovery. It is found in a light loamy soil, among mosses and Marchantia, near springs, and on shady banks. In

warm

the island of Jersey it is widely distributed, the principal localities being near St. Haule, St. Albin's, and several places near St. Lawrence. In one spot, near the last-named place, it grows plentifully for a considerable distance along a hedge-bank, extending as far as the bank is exposed, but ceasing exactly where the lane is shaded with trees.

Mons. Piquet, of St. Hellier's, kindly forwarded to us a specimen of this fern taken from a bank with a south-western aspect near that place, not densely shaded by trees, but protected from the direct rays of the sun by dwarf vegetation.

The soil used for this fern should be a light sandy loam. It requires constant moisture, and does well in a closed case. Marchantia and mosses should be allowed to grow freely around it. It is strictly an annual fern, and springs up without further trouble after being once established.

TUNBRIDGE HYMENOPHYLE, OR FILMY FERN.

HYMENOPHYLLUM TUNBRIDGENSE. [Smith, Hooker and Arnott, Bentham, Babington, Moore, and Newman.]

(Fig. 38.)

SYNONYM.

TRICHOMANES TUNBRIDGENSE.-Linnæus.

THIS little fern has a creeping root with minute twisted fibres. The fronds are not above two or three inches long, pinnate, lanceolate in general outline, and of an olive-brown tint. The veins are so strongly marked that they may be said to form the fronds, the leafy part being a very delicate membranous kind of wing on each side. The clusters of capsules are formed round the axis of a vein which runs beyond the margin of the frond: it is inclosed in a kind of cup which forms the involucre.

The tufts of this fern grow so closely together, and are of such a brown tint of colour, that they may almost be taken for a kind of moss, or for a withered plant. The whole family are the smallest of our native ferns, and although so delicate in form and

texture, retain their appearance well, when dried, in the herbarium. Both species may be distinguished from other ferns by the matted growth of their thread-like roots, and their thin membranous appear

ance.

This fern is not confined to the neighbourhood of Tunbridge Wells, although, being first found there, it was named accordingly. It grows in many parts of the United Kingdom in mountainous and rocky districts; among moss on the trunks and roots of old trees near lakes or rivulets; and in many moist and shady places. It is found in many parts of the Continent; and is everywhere a pleasing variety amidst other ferns and wild plants.

This species, according to Mr. Newman, prefers shade, warmth, and shelter; whilst its ally, H. unilaterale, establishes itself on bleak exposed situations.

It can be grown successfully in the open air by imitating its natural condition; and under glass, if certain conditions be attended to; viz.- -a close atmosphere, shade, moderate warmth, constant but not stagnant moisture, and a porous surface.