  New spectra of 81 ultracool dwarfs (spectral types M7 and later) are
discussed. Spectral classifications of 49 objects are available in the
literature, while 32 objects are newly classified. The known spectral types
were used to test an automated classification scheme, which relies primarily on
template fitting, supplemented by matching of spectral indices calibrated
against the template spectra. An attempt was made to quantify the uncertainty
in the spectral types, which is generally better than two subclasses. Objects
for which spectral types differ by more than one subclass from the literature
classifications are discussed individually. Discrepancies between automated
classifications based on respectively template fitting and spectral index
matching, may be useful for flagging objects with unusual spectra. Aside from
the 32 first-time classifications, alternative classifications are presented
for 32 previously classified dwarfs. Very large (equivalent width greater than
130 \AA) H$\alpha$ flares are reported for the known ultracool dwarf binary
2MASS J15200224$-$4422419; curiously, the object does not appear to have
quiescent emission lines. Non-zero equivalent width measurements are listed for
a further 29 objects.
