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pearance. This sort is usually barren, though we have
seen it, when somewhat less curled, produce the usual fructification.
Another 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. A very curious form, lobed in the same
manner as this variety, but having more the outline of the
common sort, has been found by Sir W. C. Trevelyan, in
Somersetshire; it is remarkable in having a longitudinal
ridge on each side between the midrib and margin, on the
exterior of which ridge the short interrupted sori are produced.
A third variety is multifidum. This has the fronds forked
either near the apex or sometimes near the base; each
branch is again more or less repeatedly forked, and the
apices of all the forks are developed into irregular fanshaped
leafy expansions, to which the term multifid is applied.
Sometimes the fronds are merely forked once or
twice, without being mnltifid, and this state has been called
lohatum; in other cases the stipes itself becomes forked,
bearing mnltifid branches, and this has been called mmosum ;
but it may be doubted whether these are more than accidental
variations of the form called multifidum. This
mnltifid sort is fertile.
The common Hart’s-tongne 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 i n I r e l a n d , less abundant in Scotland; and also found
all over Europe. The varieties are rare in a wild state, and
are now better known as cultivated plants.
Being an evergreen, and a plant of free growth, the Hart s-
tongue is one of the most desirable hardy Eerns we possess
for open rock-work. Its broad simple fronds serve to contrast
with the more divided or compound forms; and its
varieties all have a different aspect, combined with the
same good qualities 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