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They are of leathery texture, but the veins are nevertheless
tolerably evident, each pinna having a midvein, from
wliich venules are given off alternately on either side, there
again producing a series of veinlets. The sori are produced
on the anterior side of each venule, lying obliquely, and
forming two rows on each side the centre ; they are oblong
or hnear, covered by a persistent indusium, wliich opens
along the anterior margin as the spore-cases grow towards
maturity.
The chief variation to which this Pern appears subject is
that of the elongation of its parts. Sometimes the pinnæ are
much elongated, tapering to a narrow point; sometimes,
besides being narrowed, they are auricled at the base, and
deeply lobed.
This species, with the Lanceolate Spleenwort and the
Maiden-hair, are exceedingly well adapted for Wardian cases
in warm sitting-rooms. All of them enjoy the warmth ; and
being all evergreens of moderate size, and very elegant in
structure, they supply just what is wanted in such situations.
They should be planted on elevated rock-work, in sandy
peat-soil, lying in the interstices between the fragments of
stone ; and when once established will grow freely, provided
they are not much exposed to the sun, which they do not
like.
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