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scientific name of the insect better known as the centipede;
and the name is applied from a fancied resemblance (in the
position, we suppose) between the feet of a centipede and
the lines of fructification produced on the fronds of the Eern.
SC O L O P E N D E IUM V U L G A R E , Symofbs. — The Common
Hart’s-tongue. (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 Eerns,
procure 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 are 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 they
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