been formerly found in Yorkshire. The same species is
widely distributed in the warmer parts of the world.
The variety and elegance of this plant make it a favourite
species for cultivation. The conditions of success are, a
close atmosphere, shade, moderate warmth, constant hut
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, Trichomanes irevisetnm, Tn-
chomanes alaium, and Hymenophyllum alatum. ■
Genus I I I . WOODSIA, R. Brown.
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 Eerns are furnished with indusia, and by their peculiar
construction and position they may readily be known. The
peculiarities consist in their being not placed as a cover to
the sori, but attached underneath them; when very young
they indeed enclose them, but subsequently in each case
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