herbarium specimens in which the fructification is quite
mature; for this, without doubt, was the cause of the Lady
Fern having been referred to the family of Aspidium, with
which it has no real affinity. The affinity of the Lady Eern
is properly with the Aspleniums, and there is less reason to
dispute the conclusions of those who actually place it as a
species of Asplenium; although, as there is a difference between
them, and the genus Asplenium is rather a crowded
one, it is a convenience to have them separated. The mark
by Avhich the Aspleniums and their allies are known, in
addition to the elongated form of the sorus, is its position
on the side, not the back, of the veins; the receptacle being
lateral, as it is said. Erom Asplenium itself, the Athyrium
is known by having its indusium fringed on the free margin
with capillary segments, while in Asplenium proper the
margin of the indusium is without this membranous fringe.
There is, as already mentioned, only one indigenous species
of Athyrium. The Asplenium fontanum is sometimes admitted,
but we think it does not properly belong to this
genus.
The name is derived from the Greek, and comes from
athyros, opened; the allusion being to the position assumed
by the indusium, which stands out from the surface of the