one terminal, an d a m in u te lateral o n e ; wh ilst, a t / . 9 , an ovate le a f is tipped with a
single tooth. The texture o f th e leaves is somewhat rigid, and, like the stem, when d ry ,
o f a b rittle na ture . T h e cellules are o f a rounded figure, except a t the margin, where
the ir larger and more quadra te shape forms an evident border to th e leaf.
No fructification has hith e rto been discovered upon th e p re sen t species by th e indefatigable lady
to whom we are solely indebted for o u r knowledge o f i t : a circunistance th a t is th e less to be
regre tted, since the re are sufficient characters in th e foliage to distinguish it both from J . asplenioides.
and J . spinulosa, its nearest affinities. N o r tkies it, however m u tab le in th e shape o f its leaves,
ajipear to be subject to any variation o f a n a tu re to cause it to be confounded w ith o th e rs ; for
Miss Hutchins remarks, “ I have watched i t very attentively for three years piist, and could not
observe any alteration. 1 a t first th o u g h t it m ig h t be a variety o f J . spinulosa, b u t now I am p re tty
sure i t is distinct."
R E F E R E N C E S T O T H E P L A T E .
1. J . decipiens, natural size.
2. 2. The same, m a g n ifie d .......................................................................................................... 6
3. Portion o f the s tem .................................................................................................................... 4
4— 10. Various figures o f leaves from the same individual................................ 4 and 3