Med K5227 1 *1 THR ASJ» TIIEIE ALLIES THE CLUB-MOSSES, PEPPERWORTS, AxND HORSETAILS. BY ANNE PRAIT, author or “OUR NATIVS SOMOeTEBS," “wild EIAJWERS,” ETC. VUBUSnEO UXDER THE DtUECTIOX OE TRE COMMITTKK OF OKXKIUL UTEBATVRR AND EDVCATIOX. APPOINTF.D BT THE FOCIKTT FOR PKOMOTINCi CBKIDTIAK KROWLEIKIE. SKVOND r.DlTtOS. L (J N D O N : mUTTKl) rOR TSa SOCICTY FOR PROMOTING CHKISTIAN KNOWLEDGE ; •OLD AT THC DEPOaiTOAIE*, GREAT QUEEN STBEE1-, LINCOLN’S INN FIELDS; 4, hOTAL EXCHANGE ; 16, BANOVKU BTREirT, HANOVER SQUARE ; AND UT ALL BOUKSELLEItS. LONDON : PRINTED BY RICHARD CLAY, BREAD STREET HILL. WELLCOME INStnUTE LIBRARY Coll. welMOmec Call Ho. A LIST OF BRITISH FERxNS AND THEIR ALLIES. Piatt Ptf. Puff AdiantHmCapHlut-Veneri* True Maiden-lwur 804 104 A llvn>nu critftVL* .... Curiad Rook-brake 278 2 32 A apleniu m Ad ianttun - ni- grum .... Black Spleenwort 206 1 73 fanUanum .... Smooth Rock Spleenwort .... 206 2 75 tirVnnantcKfa . . . Altem*te-leavo tongue found on pasture-lands, are instances of this form of fructitication. The small patches on the backs of fern-leaves are the sori, or clusters of capsules. These capsules are sometimes termed »por e-cases, or sporangia , or theca, and they contain the spores, which are analogous in their uses to the seeds of flowering-plants, though diflering from them in their origin as well as struc- ture. They are a mass of cellular substance, without cotyledons ; and instead of sending a shoot up into the air and radical fibres downwards, as the seeds of flower- ing plants do, they germinate indifierently from an}^ part of the surface. The capsules, as seen under a micro- scope, are beautiful objects, resembling little hollow spheres of crystal, tinged with a delicate brown hue, and are discovered in most cases to consist of one cell, and to be surrounded by a jointed elastic ring, and to be sup- ported below on an exquisitely slender stalk. A\ hen the spores are fully matured, the elastic nature of this ring causes various quick movements, by which the spores or fern-seeds, which look like fine dust, are jerked from the capsule. In some jilants, as in the Flowering Fern, the Moonwort, and the Adder’s-tongue, the seed-cases are destitute of the elastic ring, and are two-valved. These clusters of spore-cases are sometimes formed outside the skin of the leaf, and are without covering ; but in most of our native ferns, especially during their early growth, they are covered by a thin membrane called the indusium. If we examine a young fern, we see first a number of little pale-coloured stripes appearing at equal distances upon some of the veins. In a short c 10 FERNS OF GREAT BRITAIN. time the outer thin skin or cuticle of the leaf above these stripes separates a little from the green part; then it becomes raised by their growth, the raised part assuming the form of the little heap of capsules beneath ; till finally these burst through the skin, and separate it into two ecpial parts, one edge of which remains adhering to the leaf. This thin skin is the indusium. This frecpiently disappears before the seeds are ripened. Though usually of the same form as the cluster, it is not always so, but in some few of our native species, as in the Filmy Ferns, it is cup-shaped, and it is then often called an involucre. The spores of ferns are very numerous, exceedingly minute, and of an oval form. The frond of the fern arises from the rhizoma or root- stock, which may be generally described as a creeping underground or horizontal stem, though in some exotic species it rises erect, and emerging from the earth, resembles the shaggy trunk of a palm. The rhizoma of our native ferns is usually covered with shaggy scales or hairs, which sometimes, as in the Common Brake, are so fine and numerous, that they form a surface of velvety down. Sometimes this rhizoma sends out so many shoots, that they form a firm net-work beneath the surface of the soil ; but more often this portion of the fern occupies little space in the ground. Some root- stocks of ferns are of a deep, rich, red-brown hue. A very common species in our conservatories, the Hare’s-foot Fern {Bavdllia Canariensis) — which, as its name implies, has been introduced from that region of beautiful plants, the Canary Islands — has dark shaggy masses of root- stock about the base of its frond, which terminate in a FERNS OF GREAT BRITAIN. 11 tliickened extremity, and, being densely clothed with brown hair, instantly remind ns of the leg and foot of the animal to which its name alludes. The true roots of ferns are the fibres which descend from the rootstock. Our native species of Fern are between forty and fifty in number ; the Horse-tails and Club-mosses being feni- like plants, and not true ferns, though they are com- monly called jointed or leafless ferns. None of our ferns in their ordinary state attain more than six feet in lieight, and we rarely find any, except the Common Brake or the Flowering Fern, nearly so high. When growing in large numbers, they are sometimes conspicuous on the landscape ; but nowhere in Britain do they give, as in tropical climates, its characteristic feature to the scenery, or assume the dimensions of trees. Herbaceous ferns belong chiefly to temperate and colder countries ; but in the warmer regions, shrubby fenis cover the ground, forming, like our Common Brake, an under-growth in woods ; while the herbaceous species are found chiefly growing upon trees, where, clinging sometimes to the topmost boughs, or investing the rugged trunks with their green sprays, they display a luxuriance and beauty unknown to the British fern. Tree ferns, too, of exqui- site grace and beauty, grow in the tropical forest. hether, however, of humble growth, or rising to the height of twenty or thirty feet ; whether herbaceous or arborescent in habit, they have all so much similarity of general appearance, that they are readily known to be ferns, even by those who have never studied the botanic description of plants. Colonel Mundy, when referring to sonu; of the tree-ferns of Australia, more than twenty 12 FERNS OP GREAT BRITAIN. feet high, remarks, “ One might almost fancy that the tall and dense forests around it had drawn up the well- known shrub, or rather weed, of our English deer-parks, into a higher order of the vegetable family. AVheu I left England some of my friends were fern-mad, and were nursing little microscopic varieties with vast anxiety and expense. Would that I could place them for a minute beneath the patulous umbrella of this magnificent species of Crytpogamia ! ” On the forks of some of the old timber trees in this region, grew also the Stag’s- horn Fern {Acrosticum alcicorne), as large as the largest cabbage, the frond exactly resembling the palmated antlers of the moose and reindeer. This luxurious growth extends to a variety of other herbaceous and shrubby species, which hang upon the stems and branches of trees, or rise as an undergrowth to the towering ferns from whose tops spring large fronds, often eight or ten feet long, thrice-pinnated, and so graceful and light that the smallest breeze sets them in tremulous motion. The works of Baron Humboldt abound in descriptions of the ferns in the forests of South America ; and every writer on New Zealand tells of the ferns of that island. Hum- boldt remarks that the arborescent ferns produce the densest of shade in the American forests, by reason of their number and luxuriant growth. He describes some of the old trunks of these ferns as having a metallic lustre, owing to a carbonaceous powder with which they are covered, and he adds that no other plant exhibits this phenomenon. This traveller brought away some of the powder from the old trunks of the Aspidium and Meniscium. In the time of Linnaeus four species only of FERNS OP GREAT BRITAIN. 13 troe-ferns were known, but a large number have been described by later botanists ; and more than three thou- sand species of ferns, comprising the arborescent and herbaceous forms, have been enumerated. The tree-ferns greatly resemble palm-trees in appearance, and the stems of both are so much alike, that fossil specimens have frequently been described as ferns, but which on further investigation have proved to belong to the Palm tribe. The conditions under which fenis flourish differ some- what in different genera ; but heat, moisture, and shade are necessary for the luxuriant development of the greater number. They are more numerous in islands than on continents, the arborescent species being almost confined to the torrid zone ; the shrubby species gene- rally also preferring a climate of intense heat, and the herbaceous species grow in temperate climes, and are found more rarely in the colder countries, while the northern part of the globe seems quite destitute of any species of this elegant family of plants. As regards the ferns of this kingdom, some grow in almost every county ; while some, peculiar to mountainous districts, delighting in limestone soils, or thriving only on the basaltic trap, are necessarily local or rare. Very few of our native species will bear the sea-air, yet this is needed for the luxuriance of that beautibd plant of the sea-caves and cliffs, the Sea Spleenwort ; while the Wall Rue and Black Spleenwort grace the ruined b\iilding or barren rock. The Northern Hard Fern is unhurt by its ex[)osure to the sun and wind of the heath ; and the J.astrca Thelt/pteris is a true Marsh Fern. Most of our ferns luxuriate in a shady spot, on a vegetable u FERNS OF GREAT BRITAIN. mould formed of the fallen leaves of many winters, or they wave unseen over the stones of quarries, or among rocks ; but their number has doubtless been greatly lessened by the increase of agricidture during past centuries. The terms employed in the description of Ferns arc few. A linear leaf, or leaflet, is one of which the two sides are parallel, like the leaf of the grass : the term decurrent signifies that the leafy portion runs down the side of the stalk, and gradually merges into it. The margin is sometimes serrated or notched like the edge of a saw ; a fertile frond is one bearing the fructifica- tion ; a barren frond, one from which that fructification is absent. In some ferns, as in the Northern Hard Fern, the barren and fertile fronds arc differently formed. TABLE OF THE ORDERS AND GENERA OF THE BRITISH FERNS, AND FERN-LIKE PLANTS. Order I. FILICES.— TRUE FERNS. This Order consists of flowerless leafy plants, their leaves or fronds, with some few exceptions, gradually unfolding in a scroll-like manner, and bearing their seeds or spores in capsules on the backs or margins of the fronds. These capsules are either one-cellcd and stalked, with an elastic ring ; or are without stalk or FERNS OF GREAT BRITAIN. 1.7 * Capsules loith a vertical elastic marginal ring, which bursts irregularly. SdB-OrDER I. P0LYP0DI.ACE.f:. 1. PoLYPouiUM (Polypody). — Capsules seated on the back of the frond in circular clusters, without an indu- sium ; veins in the British sj)ecies, simple or forked. Name, from the Greek polg, many ; and pous, a foot ; either from the shape of the frond, or from its numerous roots. 2. Gymnogramma. — Capsules seated on the back of the frond, in linear clusters, without an indusium ; veins in the British species, simple or forked. Name, from the Greek ggmnos, naked ; and gramma, a line or letter ; from the fancied resemblance of the forked veins to al|)habetical letters. 3. Allosorus (Rock-brake). — Capsules on the back of the frond, the edges of its lobes rolling under, an 1 forming an indusium. Fronds of two forms : tlie barren frond leaf-like ; the fertile contracted, and bearing the fruetificatio^n at its margin. Name, from the Greek alios, various, and soros, a mass. 4. WooDSiA. — Capsules at the back of the frond, covered by a roundish or kidney-shaped indusium, attached beneath the clusters, and cut at the edges into many thread-like segments. Name in memory of Joseph AVoods, Esq., Author of “ The Tourist’s Flora,” &c. 5. Lastrea. — Clusters at the back of the frond, nearly circular, covered by a kidney-shaped indusium, attached at the notched side ; veins distinct after leaving the 16 FERNS OF GREAT BRITAIN. mid-rib, not uniting with the adjoining lobe. Name from M. De Lastre, of Chatelleraut. 6. PoLYSTiCHUM. — Clusters seated at the back of the frond, covered by a circular indusium, attached at its centre. Name from the Greek, /jo/y, many; and stichos, a row ; from the regular lines formed by the clusters of fructification. 7. Cystopteris (Bladder Fern). — Clusters of fructifi- cation roundish ; indusium hooded, and attached by its broad base. Name from the Greek, Icystos, a bladder; and pteris, a fern ; in allusion to its hollow indusium. 8. Atiiyrium. — Clusters at the back of the frond, covered with a kidney-shaped or crescent-shaped indu- sium, attached along the upper side of the lateral veins, opening towards the mid-vein, its margin fringed with slender hair-like segments. Name from the Greek, athyros, open ; because the indusium stands out sepa- rated from the frond, and is at length turned back open from it. 9. Asplenium (Spleenwort). — Clusters at the back of the frond, oblong or linear, attached along the upper or inner side of the veins ; indusium opening J;oward the mid- vein, or inwardly. Name from the Greek aspletion^ given by the ancients to some fern which they believed to affect the spleen. 10. ScoLOPENDRiUM (llart’s-tongue). — Clusters on the back of the frond, long, narrow, straight, and in pairs ; indusium double ; the two portions opening towards each other. Name from Scolopendra, a cen- tipede, from a fancied similarity between the lines of fructification and the feet of that animal. FERNS OF GREAT BRITAIN. 17 n. C^:terach. — Cli/siers of capsules at the hack of the frond, placed on netted vein.s, and lying among thick masses of dark brown chaffy scales, which cover the whole hack of the frond ; imhmum obsolete. Name supposed to be the Chetherak of the Arabian [)hy- sicians. 12. Blechnum (Hard Fern). — FrucUfeation at the back of the frond, in two narrow lines, one on each side the mid-rib, and covered each by a continuous indusium. Name from the Greek, hlechnon, a name for a fern. 13. Pteris (Brake). — Fructification seated at the back of the frond, or rather in a line at its margin ; the induftium formed of the refle.xed edge of the frond, which dilates into a membrane. Name in Greek, pteris, u fern, from pteroii, a plume or feather. 14. Adiantum (Maiden Hair). — Fructification at the back of the frond, in roundish or oblong clusters, covered by distinct portions of the reflexed membrane- like margin of the frond, opening towards the mid-rib. Name in Greek denoting unwetted, from the peculiar tendency of the fronds to throw off water. * * Capsules ojjenin^ irregularly, having a horizontal or oblique ring, and enclosed in a '1-valoed, membrane- like involucre, terminating a vein at the margin of the frond. 15. Tricjiomanes (Bristle Fern). — Fructification on the margins of the frond, the clusters having a cup- shaped indusium or involucre of the same texture as the frond, and terminating a vein. Name from the Greek, sig- nifying hair and excess, from its bristle-like receptacles. n 18 FERNS OP GREAT BRITAIN. 1C. TTymenophyllum (Filmy Fern). — Fructification on the margin of the fern ; the clusters seated within a 2-valved involucre, which is an expansion of the frond. Name from the Greek, hymen, a membrane; phyllon, a leaf. Sub-Order II. — OsMUNDACEiE. Ferns having the young fronds rolled up in a scroll- like manner, the capsules clustered on the margin of a transformed frond, and forming a panicle, without an indusium ; destitute of a ring, and opening vertically by two valves. 17. OsMUNDA (Flowering Fern). — Capsules clustered into a branched panicle, terminating the frond. Name apparently given from the Saxon words os, house, and muncl, peace. Sub-Order III. — OpinoGLOssACEiE. Ferns having their unfolded fronds straight and not coiled, capsules arranged on a separate branch of the frond, without a ring or indusium, coriaceous, and opaque in texture. 18. Botrychium (Moonwort). — Capsules roundish, sessile, clustered at the margin, and on one side of a pinnated stalk. Name from the Greek, hotrys, a bunch of grapes, from the appearance of the clusters. 19. Ophioglossum (Adder’s-tongue). — Capsules 1 -celled, 2-valved, forming a compact two-ranked spike. Name from the Greek, opliis, a serpent ; and glossa, a tongue, from the resemblance of the fructification to the tongue of a serpent. FERNS OF GREAT BRITAIN. 19 Order II. LYCOPODIACE.^:.— CLUB-MOSSES. This Order consists of flowerless evergreen plants, with simple, veinless, usually taper-pointed leaves, with their seed-capsules seated in the angle formed by the leaf and the stem, or raised in spikes at the top of the stem. The capsules are destitute of a ring, and are 2 or 3-valved. 1. Lycopodium (Club-moss). — Capsules 1 -celled, 2- valvcd, containing a fine powdery substance ; or 3-valved, enclosing a few large grains or seeds ; stems rigid, clothed with short leaves. Name from Ipcos, a wolf, and pans, a foot, from a fancied resemblance of the branches to the paw of an animal. Order III. MARSILACEiE.— PEPPERWOllTS. These are flowerless plants, bearing capsules without a ring, either enclosed within the swollen base of the leaves, or rising from the root-stock of the plant, and containing seeds or sporules of hvo sorts, attached to thread-like receptacles. 1. IsoETES (Quill-wort). — Capsules surrounded by th(i biises of the hollow leaves, containing two sorts of spores, some larger than the pollen-like dust which accompanies them. Name from isos, equal or alike, and etos, the year, because evergreen. 20 FERNS OF GREAT BRITAIN. 2. PiLULAiUA (Pill-wort). — globular, 4-cellccl, eacli cell containing two different kinds of bodies. Name pUula, a little pill, which its fructification resembles. Order IV. EQUISETACEiE.— HORSETAILS. These arc leafless, flowerless, sometimes aquatic plants, with a hollow, subterranean, creeping stem, and hollow steins marked with lines, and sheathed at the bases of the joints. The fructification is produced in terminal spikes or catkins, either placed on the stem of the branched frond, or on a separate simple frond of earlier growth. I. Equisetum (Horse-tail). — Stems jointed and tubu- lar, fertile ones mostly unbranched and succulent ; barren stems with Avhorled branches j fructification in a catkin. Name from equus, a horse, and seta, a hair, because some of the barren fronds resemble the tail of a horse. I. Polypodium (Polypody). 1. P. vulgar e (Common Polypody). — Fronds deeply pinnatifid ; the segments oblong, and tapering or rounded at the end, the upper ones generally smaller. This is one of the commonest of our Perns, and one which is of easy recognition. It is abundant on all parts of our island, now hanging down from the gnarled branch or sturdy trunk of the old oak, now growing in large clumps on the hedgebank, and forming a good fore- ground for the artist’s sketch ; while sometimes it may be seen waving its bright green leaves above the cottage w ‘ FfiKF or GHBAT BRITAIN oiu’*" . ” ' >'»><'» vi^n* » • k»n‘l« ’rf iKKlicB, Na»H' ^ . 4, » ^^!*^^ p . < ■• '■ ' iV«if|i^«sii<:u>i) rc-icmbies. 'PW-s^ art’ It'afle^js, flowerless, sorru^time* i pl.iitts, wtih % iioliow, snhterriiucaD, crccj>ing stem, n'\A Ih'fl'tw »te«**s uiarkod with lines, and slieathed at tiie l>a*i» of the joints. The fructification i» iir't^luced in terraiiml *pikt« or catkins, either placed on the stem of the branched frond, or ou a iwp‘i4 >0' of ettfller growth, J, |Bi*tod *uid tubu- Ijff . f‘ mu-s rnostly unt/ranelaU acif ; l»,'rren g4( iff0 wiih wltorhid l)ranchcs ; ‘if rr> # iatlui.. Ntuac from ^fjuns, a hors#?, and a o*®***'*’^* some of the barren fronds n^mhk the tail <•[ « hiif#* 1. i^oLTPODicM v^PoIypody). 1. F. t*Ljii>9 ^ConmiOn ToKpody).— plnnatifid ; the sepmenk oblong, and tapering or rounded at the ciid, the upper ones generally ‘suialler. This is one of the commonest of our Ferns, and one which is of casT I'ccogTiition. It is abundaist on all parts of mi. island* now hanging down from the gnarled brandi sturdy tnmk of the old oak, now growing in clumps on the hedgebauk, a.ul forming a flro<4 f»rc* ground for the artist’s sketcli ; while someto . » may be seen waving its bright green leaves alH»ve tlx, cottage FERNS OF GREAT BRITAIN. 21 thatch, or on stone wall or rugged rock. The frond varies from a few inches to a foot and a half in length, and attains its full exj)ansion earlier than most of oiir native Ferns, being usually developed by the month of May. If in a sheltered spot, it retains its verdure till December, but on an exposed situation, it is easily destroyed by frosts. The leaves have a faint and rather disagreeable odour, and, if tasted, leave a rough and unpleasant feel- ing on the tongue. Several foreign species of Polypody arc, however, aromatic, and the fronds of some are used by the natives of the Sandwich Islands to give a per- fume to the cocoa-nut oil with which they anoint them- selves. The roots of our common species are very numerous, formiug entangled masses, and the horizontid underground stems are entirely covered, when young, with pale brown scales, which disap[>car as the plant becomes older. The slender stalk of the frond rises from this brown creeping stem, and is usually clothed rather more than half-way down with the leafy portion. This is lanceolate, and divided into lobes, jilmost to its mid-rib. The lobes are usually oblong, and rounded at the end, but in some specimens they taper to a j)oint. The margin is generally entire, but is sometimes slightly serrated. A mid-vein winds through each lobe, and lateral veins are produced alternately from it. The same alternate disposition is to be seen in the veins ai’ising from these, which arc generally four in number, and it is usually on the lowest of these branches that the large, round, bright orange-coloured clusters are seated ; the remaining veins, which are barren, have little club-shaped extremities. 'I'he fruetitieation is very 23 PERNS OP GREAT BRITAIN. conspicuous, and is usually placed at the upper part of the frond. This plant, like the Common Brake and several other of our native Ferns, contains a large proportion of car- bonate of potash, which in former days was used by glass-manufacturers. The fern was also formerly praised for its medicinal virtues, and the mucilaginous liquid obtained by boiling its fronds had much repute among herbalists as a remedy for pulmonaiy affections. When boiled with liquorice, it is a very good medicine for cold and cough ; but it requires boiling for a long time, till the decoction becomes shghtly bitter. Michael Drayton, who calls it the “jagged polypodium,” else- where describes it the “ rheum-purging polypody.” In Paris this and the mucilage obtained from the leaves of the Lime-tree are deemed, and not without reason, very useful in colds ; but, except in villages, the plant is scarcely used in this country. Mr. Newman remarks that he has seen women collecting it in Herefordshire, as a specific against hooping-cough. He says that it is gathered in October and November when full of seed, the barren fronds being rejected. It is hung up in the cottage to dry, and, when required for use, is slowly boiled with raw sugar. The people who were gathering it called it by its old names of Golden-locks and Maiden’s- hair. We have known it to be gathered for a similar purpose in Kent, where it was called Golden Polypody and Golden Maiden-hair, doubtless from its bright orange- coloured masses of fructification. In this case, however, it was deemed of great importance that the plant should be gathered from the oak, and not from the shady hedge- FERNS OF GREAT BRITAIN. 23 bank or other tree. Several species of Polypody are used for medicines in other countries, as the P. Calaguala, the root of which has an oily and disagreeable taste, but which in America is highly valued for its alterative pro- perties. The various sj>ccies, of which there are immense numbers, adorn the tropical lands of the Western He- misphere, where they attain great luxuriance; and our Common Polypody, which is found all over Europe, grows in many parts of Asia and America, either this or a very similar species being one of the commonest ferns in many of the woods and hedges of North Ame- rica. Dr. Joseph Hooker says that in Calcutta the Hindoos boil the young tops of a poh'podium with their shrimp-curries. In some countries the plants of this genus are much larger than the British species. Mr. Bennett, in his account of the South Sea Islands, mentions among other ferns, a sj)ccie8 of Polypody which he found at Mahiatea, growing in abundance on a high mound built of coral stones. He says that the natives call it Atua-huua, or Pig’s-god, and believed it to exercise a watchfid care over the well being of these animals. Several little variations occur in the form of our Common Polypody, the lobes being more or le.ss cleft, or acute, or serrated. One of the most important is that termed Cambricum, the Welsh Polypody, in which the lobes become broader, and are again irregularly lobed and toothed. This is always barren. The va- riety llibernicum, or Irish Polypody, has a broader twice or thrice-pinnate frond, and is fertile. It is an exceedingly handsome form of the fern. The French 24 FERNS OP GREAT BRITAIN. call this fern Le Poh/pode ; the Germans, J)cr Tipfd- farren. Tt is the Boomvaren of the Dutch, the Polepodio of the Spaniard and Italian, and is known in Russia by the name of Oaolcor. 2. P. PJiepdpieris (Beech Fern). — Fronds pinnate, the pinnae united at the base and pinnatifid, the loAvest ])air turned downwards, and all the rest upwards ; fructification marginal. This very beautiful plant is called, also, Sun Fern and Mountain Fern. It has a preference for mountainous localities, where it often occurs at a great elevation, and it grows also in shady rocky woods. Though a local plant, it is often abundant on particular spots. It is more frequent in Scotland than in England, and is rare in Ireland. It is found in the northern, western, and southern counties of England, but is unknown in the midland and some of the eastern counties. It flourishes particularly near waterfalls ; by the Falls of Lodorc, celebrated both for their pic- turesque beauty, and for the singular rhymes which Southey composed on their rushing waters, this fern is one of the most graceful and lovely objects, springing up from among the rich green mosses which surround it, and its pale green hairy fronds sometimes glistening with drops of the spray dashed from the hill. It is a common fern in Cumberland, growing on the very sum- mits of some of the mountains. It has no just claim to its common name of Beech Fern ; for, though found in moist, wooded places, it does not hang from the branches of that noble tree, but its brown root-stocks creep over the damp rock, or among the scattered leaves. The frond rises in May, and may be found in fructification 1^4 >r,U.N' GREAT BRITAIN. (“«li fi rn he P .»■ ?he (Icrnmns, Dvr Tipj-'i- j-.y.'€P. It ii» Iht /•’(, ■ flic Dittcli \\w Dolf^podio of thu Sj ftnf;. -1 .i \ r. <> f. kuowa .!\ Russia by th.; I * yv 2. P. .'im- f fu -~Fnm '- pinnate, th( Unilerl a* ‘V biS’>. . -i nUil, v • lowest |>;wr turiKil .’■a'v.u i,;, and all lii-' rost -'ds; frHCi-/ '< ' Tijs very -benutifui pi. b ‘ ■ iii i t ru and Mountjun Fern. It ha- \ p*.a. - }.,t aiountainous localities, wiiorL! often ■■ *r waterfalls; by the 1 • ! . ; , • V'li jr pic- turesqur bcniify, > * w*e<|» Southey composed on thek rujihiiig -o is one of the , 5 .gnising any further specimens which tliey may meet with. The lobes of the pinnae have each a slender vein run- ning up the middle, from which, lateral veins, chiefly unbranched, issue alternately, and extend to the margin, each bearing a cluster of capsules at its extremity, so that the fructification is nearly marginal. The •' O clusters are circular, and of a brownish hue. Tire young fronds unfold their coils very early, and these often droop backwards before fully expanding. It is a very delicate plant, perishing when placed in culture where it is not protected from the sun, and dying away with the earliest frosts. Many writers dispute its claim to be one of the Polypodies ; and its has been by various botanists united with the genus Polt/stichum, or that 26 FERNS OF GREAT BRITAIN. of Lastrea, or it is sometimes termed Gymnocdrpium Phegopteris. 3. P. Prgopteris (Oak Fern). — Fronds with three branches, the divisions pinnate, the pinnae cut into segments nearly to the midrib, blunt, the uppermost entire ; clusters of capsules nearly marginal. This very elegant species is sometimes called, also. Pale IMountain Polypody, or it is known by the very characteristic name of Tender Three-branched Polypody. The triple fronds are a marked character of the plant, and it is slender in form, thin, smooth, and fragile in texture. The height of the frond is from four to six inches, and its colour is of a brighter green than that of almost any other British fern, though it loses this brightness if placed in a spot exposed to the sun. Its mode of unfolding the young fronds is very remarkable. In March and April these emerge from the soil, exactly resembling, as Mr. Newman has said, three little balls on wires. These folded scrolls daily uncoil to the air and shaded light, till, by the end of June, not only are the three graceful branches de- veloped, but the dark-brown masses of seed-cases are crowding upon their under surfaces. Like many another plant, however, which rapidly attains perfection, it is somewhat short-lived, not surviving the earliest frosts. The stalk is very slender, about twice the length of the leafy part of the frond, of dark purplish colour, very brittle, with a few scales at its base. The three branches of the frond are triangular, each having a short stalk, and the three uniting in an angular manner with the common stalk of the frond. They spread loosely, and are moved by the slightest wind, the middle branch 26 i'.Br..’srR 01 (jh^at Britain. ot Lasirea, or it w termed G^mnoeJi plum Pheyopieru. 8. P . I ~ f:UPik with three branches, th* *>> . . ttjv '.iae cut into segment# riM; ; * -i t'JM uppennost cutii' ueinj^ uic,;^ This vexy clegai^t .luetiuios called, also, F«hr Mmuitaiu IViivj>.-;]\ or it IS known by tin; very olutractenirtic name of IVmter 'fhi<^‘«bj7»ii! htd Polypody, 'fbe fronds uw (I character of the plant, and it is >^gihjIvT in form, thill, smooth, and fragile in texturu. The nt^ht of the frond is from four to six inclies, and its colour is of a brighter green than th#i<»f almost any other British fern, though it loses thin bi ighttM'M* if placed in a spot exposed to the suu. »*« ' r .* -»!if«dding the young fronds is very rx'iRasitebft- >o»l April tlw.*se emerge from t'». ■whI - ‘ ^r X^wman lias said, thi'ce little b,iil> tin v i'ac/w- un * . ruU* daily unoail tK* ar iud 'i i,?k‘ yj. Uir ntd of iaA ofdy aiv- ihe IuOt. gim Al iMwimbt'S de- velo|>ed, but the dark-brown masses of »eed/mnocar- piuni Dryopteris. The dried specimen of the Herbarium, 28 FERNS OF GREAT BRITAIN. though preserving well the outline of this fern, gives no idea of its attitude while living. This is gently drooping, not only the whole leafy portion bending down, but the lobes curving down also. 4. P. calcdremn (Limestone Polypody). — Fronds tri- angular, somewhat three-branched, lower branches pin- nate, the pinnm piiinatifid, blunt, the uppermost nearly •entire ; fructification marginal. This plant is also known as Smith’s Polypody, or Rigid Three-branched Polypody. Notwithstanding, however, its latter name, it is far less distinctly three-branched than the last species, and is very different from it in its habit. The lower branches are much smaller in proportion to the middle one, and all are erect and rigid. It has not either, in any great degree, the angular bend in the stalk of the frond which so well characterises the Oak Pern, though it in some specimens slightly shares this peculiarity. It is also a more rigid firm plant, of a darker, duller green ; its stalk is more scaly at the lower part, and green instead of purple ; its clusters of fructification usually more densely crowded ; it has also a marked distinction in the mealy appearance presented by the surface, owing to numerous stalked glands which crowd over every part of it. The fronds are from six inches to a foot high, nearly tri- angular, the base shorter than the sides. The stalk is of about the same length as the leafy part ; but the side branches are not only shorter, but are more slender than the middle one. The lower branches are pinnate, and the pinnae are cut down nearly to the midrib ; the upper branch is pinnate, with its lower pinnae again pinnate, and the upper ones pinnatifid, as are also those of the 28 FKRNS OF GkKAT BRITAIN. though j-remving v 'i » ;+ outline of this fern, give« no idc mjIo living Tim i» gently drooping, o'llj i * -.:W W bending down, but ih ' hfi.Nirii ■,ia aIjo, . 4 J\ r&‘k-*»-ea ; m V\ '- 'p^y). Prondfitri- ajignliir, li fh ' i br#-HiLes pin- naW til# . . ; ’-Hd, blunt, the upj>? :"t;; r>»^r]y < •(*» i 4^tv; This plant » a: '*s i>nnrn > .» * xt*i pfXfv, Of Kigid Three-branched Polv p< «i ■-, .' . »<w»r iwnT^. cf purple ; its cituters of tructificaiam u *ie«atdy crowded ; it has ai*‘ a marked distinction lu G ’ wsMiy appeanmee presented by the surface, owing to nuiiierons stalked glands which crowd over every part of it. The fronds are from six inches to a foot high, nearly tri- angular, the base "shorter than the sides. The stalk is of about tlic same length as the leafy part ; but the skIc brunches are not only shijrter, but are more slender w vo the middle one. Tlie lower branche.s are pint.nf' >ntl tho ])innae are cut down nearly to the midrib branch Is pinnate, with it4? lower pinnae •*nate, ami the upper ones pinnsUiftd, as are » ' ’»♦ u the I 1 i FKKNS OP GREAT BRITAIN. sy braorH«'i>, ?.«d the upper part of th»' frond. A dijitsift wiodiRg mid-vein may be seen ia each pinnule or 1 -he, ^he»«3c iK’r. Inv'-. r*,v ]? was ♦ '' iieu this bfvi vum again saw < in F niarainre, that ft.s claim j i not, howr» thi.s ft-rn in « i FERNS OF GREAT BRITAIN. 29 lower branches, and the upper part of the frond. A distinct winding mid-vein may be seen in each pinnule or lobe, whence issue lateral veins either simple or slightly branched, near the termination of which, towards the margin, are placed the round clusters of fructifi- cation, which in the autumn run in a crowded mass, and form a marginal series. The underground stem of this fern is dark-browm and creeping, and its fibrous roots tough. IVeshly gathered specimens exhibit a degree of downiness on the frond. It is a rare fern, growing among the loose stones of the limestone regions. It does not thrive so well as several of the species in gardens near towns, but sometimes in country gardens it grows well, requiring lime to be ini.vcd Avith the soil. It seldom grows very abundantly, though it is very plen- tiful on the rocks of Buxton, about Matlock Baths, and the Cheddar cliffs, for it seems never to groAv wild except in limestone districts. Some authors term it Lasiria liohertidna, PoJypodium, Jlohertidnum, or Gymvocdrpium Itobertidnum. 5. P . alpestre (Alpine Polypody). — lanceolate, twice pinnate ; pinnules linear-lanceolate, pinnatifid, with blunt shaqily-serrated lobes. This fern has but recently been added to the list of our British species. It has long been known as a native of Switzerland, as well as of several countries at the north and in the middle of Europe. It was first discovered in Britain in 1841, by Mr. M atson, on the mountains near Dalwhinnie, and at Great Corrie of Ben Aulder, Inverness-shire. It was not, however, until 1844, when this botanist again saw this fern in Canlochen Glen in Forfarshire, that its claim I riNF. T.EAVKD OYMNOOJMMMA. Grrono^ammft 3 FAHSLKY FKRN Ailosorns crupns i H! JT-Ssife OK GB£\T B&II’AIS V Y M s oobA m m a { O3 1.0 nop^- iw i 3 ^ (Fiue-lt^i^ved 0>Taitf>4v«fi«is^ ^-4k*^i tWi.:;Y^-piuiv«t.i? ; ttwasid?*?' *s^,s: tiiiroi’ lolK'd, the cat 4ttwJ l. t!*e noautricb ut the a4 . urojK?, and 0 nativt i)t’ the Atlaatic Lslautk. m *ed m fji der«ier. lii the kthiS* i^jd it w not an aitcoiowm «• plant on gjassy ht dg> hanks, >0:4 by tba aide of nv©h;ti. For some years past lU grow th in Jersey has icd some botanists ts«.»r liiniky a specimen of thi« feni fi>und in Ihuaic, and, iis )u «J> servt's, entirely new to tins <;ouniry. The writer avi»^is«; giviiig the hjcalitf. ck«iUh^!v Cr.Ho I'crm-fv OP lierbanum. He* pp^Wfit# I examitied /n- my etlifcf «■« tlw hawk, «s4 I mui Krilh ' / V.;' ... ■ ;♦ in thAf j ■■.;■-■ ■■ 4i»!fe*tetr.a. turn j «Ss» t ■‘Yl* ' - > ‘ ■■ ' v’fSrV% tAi^^isr rf.tiH FERNS OF GREAT BRITAIN. 31 2. GymnogrAmma (Gyimiogramma). 1. G. leptophylla (Fine -leaved Gyinnogramma). — tronds egg-shaped, twice- pinnate ; pinna roundish, wedge-shaped, three-lobed, the lobes cut and toothed, blunt. This pretty fragde little fern is a biennial plant, very well known in the countries at the South of Europe, and a native of the Atlantic Islands, as well as of Jersey. In the latter island it is not an uncoiinnon plant on grassy hedgebanks, and by the side of rivulets. For some years past its growth in Jersey has led some botanists to enumerate it among British ferns, but it appears also to gi’ow in some sjx)ts of the United King- dom. A correspondent of the Gardener ts Chronicle for January, 1853, sent for inspection to Professor Lindley a specimen of this fern found in Britain, and, as he ob- serves, entiixdy new to this country. The writer avoided giving the locality, doubtless from the a|)])rehensioii that if he did so, some botanists might visit the spot, and entirely eradicate the fern, in order to increase the stores of their own Fernery or Herbarium, l ie remarks : “This morning I examined the place where it was gathered last year, and found that it is coming up plen- tifully again. It is gi-owing in a clay soil, on a bank at the foot of a hill, and is much overshadowed with ivy and larger ferns. Jsplenium lanceoldtum grows plentifully all round it, and the bank is in that [)art covered with a snuill round lichen. The situation is very damp and much sheltered, and the fern is scattered over a surface of two or three yards ; but I can find no tnice of it on any other part of the bank, and I have never met with 32 FERNS OF GREAT BRITAIN. it on any other pai’t of the island. The place where it grows is unfrequented, and I do not think it is possible it should be anything but wild.” This fern requires a sandy loam or other light soil when cultivated, and must be kept in shadow and in a moist atmosphere. At the latter end of summer its fronds arise from the seed sown in spring, and are very small and usually barren ; but, early in the following year, some taller fronds gradually develop themselves, and these are, when fully grown, about three or four inches high, and extremely delicate in texture. They are twice or thrice pinnate ; the pinnae and pinnules alternate or opposite ; the end pinnules bluntly wedge- shaped or rounded, about three-lobed, the lobes ter- minating with two blunt teeth. The pinnule has a mid-vein, from which issues a forked vein, on which the cluster of fructification is placed, a part of the cluster occupying each branch of the vein, so that the cluster itself is forked ; after a time, however, the fructification forms a mass over the whole under sm’face of the pinnules. 3. AllosOrds (Rock-brake). 1. A. crispus (Curled Rock-brake, Mountain Parsley, or Rock Parsley). — ^oxvew fronds, twice or thrice pinnate; segments wedge-shaped, linear, oblong ; segments of the fertile frond oblong. Many persons visiting the lakes at the north of England bring back with them a few fronds of this elegant little fern ; and it is so beau- tiful in outline, and often renders the rocks so richly FERNS OF GREAT BRITAIN. 33 tinted by its green fronds, that it tempts even those who are not botanists to gather it. Southey, who describes it as the Stone Fir, or ^Mountain Parsley, says it is the “ most beautiful of all our wild plants, resem- bling the richest point-lace in its fine filaments and exquisite indentations.” We have sometimes, while looking at it, recalled the words of Milton : " For not to use alone did Providence Abound, but large example gave to man Of grace, and ornament, and splendour rich. Suited abundantly to every taste, In bird, beast, fish, winged and creeping thing. In herb and flower.” Graceful it is, and delightful to the eye of the lover of nature ; though neither singing bird, nor brightly tinted insect, nor useful cattle, can find nourishment in its luxuriance. The favourite place of growth of the Rock Parsley is among the rugged masses of stones and broken rocks w’hich lie at the base or on the slopes of mountains, in the north of England. We look for it in vain in the southern counties; but it often occurs in Wales. At first sight its crisped sprays might be taken for a tuft of the leaves of Common Parsley, and it is as bright and green as that herb in early summer. Here and there some patches of the plant gather in abundance and beauty on the slate mountains of Cumberland, relieving their dark tint by the verdant fronds; and many an enthusiastic botanist who has visited the slate and trap rocks of Snowdon, has hailed this lovely fern wdth rapture, as he beheld it covering their rugged surfaces in wild profusion. r 34 FERNS OF GREAT BRITAIN. Both the barren and fertile fronds of the Rock Parsley are twice or thrice pinnate, but the nearly wedge-shaped segments of the barren frond are often cleft at the end. These fronds ai’e more numerous than the fertile ones, and generally of a much lower growth, and of a brighter, more yellowish green. The fertile frond is nearly tri- angular, from six to twelve inches high, and the seg- ments are oblong, oval, or linear in form. The divisions of this frond have a wdnding mid-vein, producing lateral ones cither forked or simple, which extend nearly to the margin, and bear at their extremities the round clusters of seed-cases. These are destitute of a true indusium, but are concealed by the margins of the leaflet, which are rolled under, and which become quite thin and white. In the early stage of their growth we may see the circular form of the clusters, as they are then distinct ; but they afterwards mingle into two continuous lines of bright-brown fructification. The stalk of the frond is smooth, pale green, slender, very brittle, and usually longer than the leafy part ; and the delicate green fronds rise in great number from the horizontal stem, forming a dense mass, and holding very fast to their rocky soils by their black, tough, numerous fibres. They rise in May and June ; but he who should visit their localities during winter, would see no remains of the verdant hue with which they clothed the rocks in spring. This Rock-brake is termed by some botanists Cryptogrdmma crispa, or Pteris crispa, and is the Osmunda crispa of Linnaeus. It grows freely in culti- vation, but requires shade, as too much sunshine renders its green hue less vivid. 5., u ’nf c ( i I 1 s' «• VVOOj)>J.\ . WiM)dsJ.'» ilvr7n,-i: m>uN i> I I- " 'V • W livpi rlmj o.4 OF OBEAT BRITAf^^ 4 WooDsu (Woodji!*}. 1, (Oblong W(K>dsia, or }lay'8 VVood«ia), «»m>tate or oblong, pinnate, hairy bejj^atJf. f t. mo species which we posseo}:* in this oouniry r hhi* g*riAUi> df Fenis, are both very rare j>iants. I hey * nietffcK' jKOulttMritie* which readily dkiingrikh them hms aay other spetyes. Their iodusia, instead of cover- ing the clustcw 4(f s»fifw«-cases, as in other genera, are attached bimcath them, enehmng them while yoimg, but tearing as iliej gr(>w okkr into numerous chafiy segmentR, whick look like tufts erf slender haiw placed around the cltsiters. This species grows on the most elevated and b!t;ak mountainous places, among the fissures of rocks. It baa been found on Ciogwjnn y Ciamedd, Snowdon, and Llynn-y-ewn, on Glydar Wales} on the Clova mountaiiui, Sc ^ »<• gathered twii? -• ^ “'i’. ■ . h ilva«a aM; -■ "J)i0 '=■ ■ if- nii»Vv'» , .> &a“; . • iV A , /‘ -i. - .’V- ■•.>•*;; <' ,hmu. \ iv-W chady aojeo jbtta a joint ft* a*hfwt Jy ... .^ v three KERNS OF GREAT BRITAIN. 35 4. WooDsiA (Woodsia). 1. IF. Ilvemis (Oblong Woodsia, or Ray's Woodsia). — Frond lanceolate or oblong, pinnate, hairy beneath. The only two species which we possess in this country of this genus of Ferns, are both very rare plants. They have some peculiarities which readily distinguish them from any other species. Their indiisia, instead of cover- ing the clusters of spore-cases, as in other genera, are attached beneath them, enclosing them while young, but tearing as they grow' older into numerous little chaffy segments, which look like tufts of slender hairs placed around the clusters. This species grow's on the most elevated and bleak mountainous places, among the fissures of rocks. It has been found on Clogwynn-y- Garnedd, Snowdon, and Llynn-y-ewn, on Glyder Vawr, Wales ; on the Clova mountains, Scotland, as w'ell as in Durham, where Mr. Backhouse found it growing at the base of some basaltic rocks on the Durham side of the river Tees, about 200 yards below Cauldron Snout. It is said also to have been found formerly in M estinoreland, where a single frond was gathered from the old walls of Crosby Ravensworth church ; but these walls have now been taken down. The fronds of this species arc about two or three inches high, and are covered on both sides with shining hairs, which are, liowever, on the upper surface invisible to the naked eye. The clusters of seed-cases lie among these, on the under-surface, and are almost hidden by them. A few chaffy scales are scattered on the stalk, and this has H joint at a short distance from its base, at about three- 36 FERNS OF GREAT BRITAIN. quarters of aii inch from the point at which it joins the rhizome— a character belonging to all the species of VVoodsia. The rhizome is tufted, and the roots black and wiry. This fern is of a dull green colour, and dies down to the ground at the approach of winter. The frond is lanceolate in form, and pinnate. The pinnae, which are usually in pairs, are oblong, with obtuse ends, and a deeply-lobed margin, sometimes cut down almost to the mid-vein. The mid-vein of the segments of the pinnae is not very distinct ; and the lateral veins, which are either simple or branched, issue from it towards the mai’gin, near to which the clusters of seed-cases are seated. This fern is often not more than an inch high, and very rarely more than three inches. It has been termed Achrdsti- cum ilvense, and is now by some writers called Folt/pd- diim ilvense, or Polyjjddium arvdnicum. 2. W. alpina (Round-leaved or Alpine Woodsia). — Fronds pinnate ; the pinna-, pinnatifid, hairy beneath ; clusters of spore-cases solitary at first, afterwards min- gling in one mass. This little fern grows in tufts ; its fronds never more than two or three inches in height, and more commonly about an inch high. It is a very rare species, found in fissures of Alpine rocks, mostly in places rarely visited. It has been seen on Snowdon and Ben Lawers, and also in the Glen of the Dole, Clova, and other places of the eastern Highlands. Its stalk is very slender, and smooth, only that a few small scattered hairs and scales may be seen upon it at an early period of its growth. The frond is long, narrow, almost linear, and pinnate. The piiinge are perfectly > it aBKAT BKITAIN fr&m i/acli O'? Wl*. Uwn4>i«t«;. ei<(i they !».r«‘ on ^,'i'ii} raciiis ; those t»i tlwt J*,.»|ii' yif* ^4 i-kr. giviierailr farther KTsuh-ir htttftx The ripper %^,uiUm k ' i ■ i i itw immite hairs are ta«t4er vi ’ ‘ mider-surface. The L» 4. ■-. ",, mmked h&i^ sni the specieB. thtm k hm wiins Irranch uHg in^v Bot, (jmte reachi&ij of tiie teftfiel. \r }-^ extremity of tlieer vmm the donfers tti suies, wluch soon form » co'wdeij mass. Tk imji4 m of a brownish green c^hair; the rfrou bl*ck, wm^ ao^ branched; and the underground stem very large m proportion to the frond, \fany bxjtaijjsts eonsitler tiwrt this species and the last siiouki be united, m the? dout^ if thorr; is any diSsteoce between tWm wh«b t cauaeci by variations of situatioii air.* • ? > n-rn h» mlkk mm I- . ..■.•j ,- ,,,„. • ■ »'■-, ^-1^-0- f'M'- ■ t'F>.:v fc iip 4 %im. % k'4 ,.v: ■ r; . isrstapiei'^v v- W- iffpidi&m, and n» cr-foujiL i04tc?w!#i«s;ra • •■»,;■«*»: «kaA««r FERNS OF GREAT BRITAIN. 37 distinct, and sometimes distant from each other, obtusely triangidar, and lobed, and they are usually alternate on each side of the rachis ; those at the lower part of the frond being generally farther from each other than the higher leaflets. The upper surface is nearly smooth, but a few minute hairs are scattered along the margin and under-surface. The veining is not a very marked feature of the species. There is no distinct mid-vein, but small veins branch into each lobe, not quite reaching the margin of the leaflet. At the e.xtreniity of these veins are placed the clusters of cap- sules, which soon form a crowded mass. The frond is of a brownish -green colour; the roots black, wiry, and branched ; and the underground stem very large in ])roportion to the frond. Many botanists consider that this s]X‘cies and the last should be united, as they doubt if there is any dift'erence between them which is not caused by variations of situation and circumstances of growth. This fern is called also by various botanists Acrmtichum alp'mum, Acrdslichum hyperboreum, Folypo- dium hyperhoreum, or Woodsia hyperbdrea. 5. Lastrea (Lastrea). 1. L. Thelypteris (Marsh Fern). — Fronds pinnate; pimuE pinnatifid; clusters marginal, near together, at length mingling into a mass. Several of the most con- spicuous of our native ferns belong to the genus Las- trea, some of them almost rivalling the Common Brake in size. It was formerly comprised in the genus Aspidium, and its chief distinction consists in the kidney-shaped 38 FERNS OP GREAT BRITAIN. indusium which is attached to the frond at its notched part. The Marsh Fern is not one of the largest of the Lastreas, for its barren frond rarely attains more than a foot in height ; and the fertile frond is but an inch or two higher, although under cultivation it is sometimes more than twice as high as when wild. This fern delights in moist boggy lands, occasionally growing in great abundance among the Heather and Sundews, and Asphodels, and other bog plants ; but, like some of its floral companions, it is somewhat local, and many a boggy heath of England is destitute of its fronds, while both in Scotland and Ireland it is a less common plant than in England. In Wales it occurs in numerous localities. It is a native of every country in Europe, and is believed to grow in Africa, and both in North and South America. It was at one time thought to be a frequent fern in Scotland, the Heath Lastrea having been mistaken for it. Dr. George Johnston, comment- ing, about twenty years since, on this species, says that it had only lately been discovered to be a Northumbrian plant ; and adds that it was not a little curious that this fern, which was thought to be so abundant in Scotland, should not be found at all in Berwickshii’e, and is so rare in the north of England, as to have escaped the notice of the many acute naturalists who have botanised there, until the late date of 1832-3, when Mr. Embleton drew it from its lurking-place in Learmouth bogs, on the very verge of the kingdom. It has since been found at several spots near the lakes of Cumberland, at Hamersham bog in AVestmoreland, at Potterie Carr, Askhara bog, Heslington fields, Buttercrambe near York, FERNS OF GREAT BRITAIN. 39 and in several other spots in Yorkshire. This fern was probably more general and abundant in our island at a period when lands were less drained and brought into culture. It is known to have disappeared from Allesley in AYarwickshire. The Rev. AV. T. Bree, in the true spirit of a botanist, regrets its absence from spots in which, in his earlier day, he had been accustomed to gather it. AVriting from Allesley he remarks : “ A pit in this parish formerly abounded with the Marsh Fern ; the entire surface was so completely scummed over (if I may use the expression), with a thick blanket of the matted roots of the fern, interspersed with Bog-moss, Marsh Cinquefoil, &c., that no water was visible ; and, more properly speaking the sjK)t should not be called a pit, but a shaking bog. Some years ago the field was brought to the liammer, and purchased by an industrious, hard-working man, who, at no small expense of labour, drained the bog and converted it into profit- able ground. Of course there was an end of the Marsh Fern in that situation ; nor do I know, at this moment, any other habitat where it is to be found.” This bota- nist also expresses his regret when, on revisiting a charming boggy meadow' on the skirts of Chemsley AA'ood, near Coleshill, abounding with the rare Butter- worts, Sundews, Grass of Parnassus, Cranberries, Cotton Grass, and the orchideous plant termed Helleborine — a spot which, as he says, was “ one of Nature’s own botanical gardens,” — he found it converted into a potato ground. This writer says that he had been delighted with the spot in his youth, and had spent many an hour in exploring its natural trea.sures. He adds, “ It is not 40 FERNS OF GREAT BRITAIN. only to the cultivation of waste lands, and to agricul- tural improvements, that the extermination of some of our rarer plants is owing ; it may be attributed, also, in some part at least, to the rapacity of botanists, who, in some cases, too greedily pluck up, root and branch, every specimen of a rare plant they can meet with.” It is owing to a rapacity of this kind that the lovely Flowering Fern, once attaining such luxuriance and beauty in the Isle of Madeira, has been entirely eradi- cated. Visitors to that island, if they make a prolonged stay, are almost sure to covet the possession of some of the beautiful ferns so abundant there ; and as ferns are preserved with little trouble, many collections from the island are brought into this country, till at length this fern has disappeared from the stations which it once ornamented. It has now been planted there again, and it is to be hoped will not be torn up so eagerly by future collectors. The Marsh Fem, though a pretty plant, is one of the least ornamental of a genus producing several ferns of peculiar grace. It has a slender stalk, arising from a black underground stem, which creeps to a great extent in the soft soil, and sends forth a large number of tough fibrous roots. The frond is lanceolate in form, and pinnate ; the pinnae are usually opposite, and cut into lobes nearly to the mid-rib ; the lobes are entire, numerous, and rounded at the end, those of the fertile frond having their margins curled backwards, so as to give them the appearance of being narrower and more pointed. The colour of this fern is a pale green, and its texture somewhat thin and delicate ; but the fertile UOtIN IAIN KKrX Kf»^ pkoed »t their extrrmii^ The suj 'yimmr%its nl tlie k>wcr |vart »>f the a* '■■ fe*»sf5d ^ Usift brown shaggy matn ch «n N»u«n«i, ttttd thj?y mm er less coiiunried to t$m ujvper part, llic stem is soely, ocid tiM roots munerous and tough. This fern grows thmughouf Europe, and i» cnih=d bv various writers .‘ispu/ivm Orei^tcris, (he- (^j/ens, Poli^podium moni^um, JPoI^Hkhum or Letstrea montdna. 3. L. rigida (Rigid Fern).— twicc pifutale ; %jpinnuhs tianw, shgi.tjy pinnatoid; lof>eti mnnud. p^XM to the teeth; pertna^ *-Hh Notwithstutedhig the rigid M, wiweb a? S ^;- -V 'hi.- fe V * ?fi ltOT*|*|4 >-*< ■iri'-n H* V.^r > ■ .. ^ v> M u it ^ ^ru^«^vh^^ ■ .5^ teiio^diaiir It IS mm mm» a-ffililiii pmnuk. whMl «!. «d FERNS OF GREAT BRITAIN. 43 this fragrance, believed this to be the species designated by Linnaeus Folypodium frdyrans. The mid -vein is very perceptible in the blunt lobes of the pinnae. It is slightly winding and alternately branched, some of the branches being simple, others forked, and the clusters of fructification are placed at their extremities. The scales are so numerous at the lower part of the stipes as to remind one of the pale brown shaggy mane of an animal, and they are more or less continued to the upper part. The underground stem is scaly, and the roots numerous and tough. This fern grows throughout Europe, and is called by various writers Aspidium Oredpteris, Polypodium Ore- dpteris, Polypddium montdnum, Polystichum montdnum or Lastrea montdna. 3. L. r'lyida (Rigid Fern). — Fronds twice-pinnate ; pinnules narrow, slightly piunatifid; lobes serrated, without spinous points to the teeth ; indusium perma- nent, fringed with glands. Notwithstanding the rigid nature of this species, which renders its green fronds less graceful in attitude than some which bow more readily to the winds, yet it is one of the most elegantly formed of the genus, and it is clearly marked by the beautilul divisions of its frond. It grows erect, rising from a thick underground stem ; the frond is annual, appeariug in May, and d}ing as soon as the early frosts commence. It is usually one or two feet high, and in various specimens assumes one of two forms. In the one it is almost triangular ; iii the other lanceolate. It is twice pinnate, with narrow crowded pinnae, and pinnules which are blunt and oblong, and cut again 44 FERNS OP GREAT BRITAIN. into broad rounded serrated lobes, without spinous tips. The stalk is short, very full of scales ; and, like the last species, this has a pleasant fragrance, arising from the ininute stalked glands which are scattered over it, though the odour is very different from that of the Mountain Fern. The mid-vein of the pinnules of the Rigid Fern is waved ; branched veins issuing alternately from it, each becoming forked almost immediately, on leaving the mid-vein. The lower branch divides again, each of the lesser branches running into a segment of the lobe. The upper branch — that is, the branch nearest the top of the frond — bears the circular clusters of fructification about half-way betw^een the mid-vein and the margin, thus forming in an early stage t\vo lines, one on each side of the mid-vein, and parallel with it. The clusters are crowded, and gradually mingle into one mass, each being covered by its lead-coloured kidney-shaped indu- sium, attached by a short stalk, and which is present at every stage of the plant. This fern grows at some elevation on the limestone mountains of the north of England, and seems almost entirely confined to their neighbourhood. At Ingleborough, in Yorkshire, it is frequent ; and on some of the Lancashire hills it grows in thick, compact masses in wonderful profusion. Mr. Finder, in writing to Mr. Newman, says — “ I met with Lastrea ngida in great j)rofusion along the whole of the great scar limestone district, at intervals between Arnside Knot, where it is comparatively scarce, and Ingleborough, being most abundant on Hutton Roof crags and Farlton Knot, where it grows in the deep fissures of the natural platform, and occasionally high in MAl.h KKUN l^siren Mix itifl* . FKRN8 OF OMAT I the cleft it ia generaily rsM:k Ky f; the wiisd# <>t c«4*p*id[ by shetjp, which o*l of it ' iif Ue!» fcnnd in abundance m < V «,■< itnfx. i v^K' umt Settle, in Yorkshire, a* m ‘ -.f » fctT'ii. 1 , r-, n'f> idmilar to the Male Fern, 1j41 d ja* Hot having the lower pimiffi gra- t* is soioetimes termed Aspidttm. ri^dum or I^kudiim m, 4 . L, FUiv-mk (Mair rV ea;. — Fronds tufted* twiee* pinnate \piutfm Rnear-lajioeoWte ; jdnntdes ohloVis Idunt, y and serrated ; dialer* 0/ fmei^^ution near the r> trM vein. This fern possesses the great charm of ootvt',* ness. We find it in green lane, on open IwoOi >«vd > licncath the shadowy Imighs of the woodlandv L '>» ^ daisy, it stands connected with the pleasing / .' • " of early days, when we gathervtl its plums? *4^ ^ ^ fl»m a stay to the more fragile nos^ ^iHy s-msw s' ’• , we l-MHVttd against its tlnv}.* ■' .. .. T *• '■ V K]‘4* , *• ': f-: .'!'='V: -■ ■ - ' .. i ‘ ■ bijfri-st !.'! *vx " '• • ■■ gs.^yslaaif ♦■•f-lv; an’ ay* m-.-.r ■,■ ' *#s«t Ord#' The Ul’ ' , 't^ Mate < < luxc feet in FERNS OF GREAT BRITAIN. 45 the cleft of the roeks, it is generally much shattered by the winds or cropped by sheep, which seem to be fond of it.” It has been found in abundance in the fissures of limestone rocks near Settle, in Yorkshire, at an eleva- tion of 1,550 feet. This fern is very similar to the Male Fern, but it ilifiers essentially in not having the lower pinnaj gra- dually diminished. It is sometimes termed Aspidium ngidim or Lophodium riyidim. 4. L. FUix-mds (Male-Fern). — Fronds tufted, twice- j)innate ; pinna linear-lanceolate ; pinnules oblong, blunt, and serrated ; clusters of fructification near the central vein. This feni possesses the great chann of common- ness. AVe find it in green lane, on open heath, and beneath the shadowy boughs of the woodland. Like the daisy, it stands connected with the pleasing reminiscences of early days, when w'e gathered its plume-like fronds to form a stay to the more fragile nosegay of wild flowers, which we bound against its firmer green leaf. We may see the handsome fronds of the Male Fern in almost all our country walks in summer, and often do they vary the more barren landscape of wdnter. It would be likely enough to be one of the ferns to which Robert Nicols alludes : — “ An ell-lang wee thing, there I ran Wi’ the ither neebor bairns, To pu’ the hazel’s shinin’ nuts AiT to wander ’mang the ferns ; An’ to feast on the bramble berries brown. An’ gather the glossy slaes By the burnie’s side ; an’ aye sinsyne I hac loved sweet Orde’ Braes.” The tall fronds of the Male Fern, two or three feet in 46 FEllNS OP GREAT BRITAIN. height, are of a delicate, somewhat pale green, and grow in circular clumps. In April the young leaves are very pretty, curled round into circles and protected from early rains and winds by the shaggy scales, which, in their more advanced stage, clothe the lower part of the stalk in abundance, gradually lessening in size and number towards the higher portion of the frond. Their green sprays are fully open by the time that the Haw- thorn tree is decked with its snowy wreaths of May flowers ; but if the spring has been cold, many a young shoot was nipped by the winds, though, as several survive, and many new ones make their appearance later, the midsummer sun shines on their luxuriance, while their masses of fructification of rich rust-brown colour lie on their under-surfaces. The fronds are generally about ten or twelve in a circle, and most are fertile ; though in some clumps of the plant all prove barren, and then they are of a fuller green tint, and often taller and broader than the fertile leaves : in no case, however, is the Male Fern of a deep dark-green hue. The frond is broadly lanceolate, but slightly narrowed downward, and may be described as twice-pinnate, though the upper portion of the frond is pinnatifid, and, in the pinnae, those pinnules only which are nearest the main stem are quite distinct from each other. All the pinnae are slender and tapering, the pinnules of a bluntly oblong form, and serrated at the edge j and all, except the lowest ones, united to each other at the base. The mid-vein of each pinnule is slightly winding, having alternate lateral veins, either simple or forked, or dividing into three branches at different parts of the FERNS OF GREAT BRITAIN. 47 pinnule. On the branch which is towards the topmost part of the pinnule the fructification is placed in circular clusters, and these form a line down each side of the mid-vein, even with it, but a little distant from it. The clusters long retain the indusium, which is distinctly visible. It is kidney-shaped, lead-coloured, and attached to the vein just at the point where the stalks of the capsules are situated. This species, like others of its kindred, has been included by various writers in the genus Polypodium, A»pidiuin or Poiydichum, but it has always retained its specific name of Filix-mds. It was very early called Male Fern in this and several of the continental coun- tries ; and Gerarde described it by that name, which was probably given because its habit is more robust than that of the graceful Lady Fern. The Italians call this plant Feli Maschia, and the Spaniards term it Polypodio Jlelec/io Masculino. In France it is called Fouyere. It grows throughout Europe, and is of old renown, not alone for some supposed medicinal virtues, but because connected with various superstitious practices. Gerarde, who praises the plant for its efficacy in several maladies, quoting also from Dioscorides, adds that the “root hereof is reported to be good for them that have ill spleenes ; and being stamped with swine’s grease, and applied, it is a remedy against the pricking of the reed.” An old notion prevailed that this fern had an antipathy to the Reed, just as Ivy was fancied to have an antipathy to the Vine. Tragus said that the Male Fern and the Reed would not grow together, and that where one grew the other was sure to be absent. Later herbalists tell also 48 FERNS OF GREAT BRITAIN. how the roots of this and tlic Lady Fern boiled in oil, made “ very profitable ointments to heal wounds.” The green leaves were recommended to be eaten as a cure for some disorders ; and an old writer says, referring to this plant : “ Fern being burned, the smoke thereof driveth away serpents, gnats, and other noisome crea- tures, which in fenny countries do, in the night time, trouble and molest people lying in their beds with their faces uncovered.” The use of this plant as a medicine, was at one time patronised by the French Government, and this fern is said to be still used in Switzerland as a remedy for disease. The astringent roots are employed in the preparation of leather. The young scroll-like fronds were formerly called Lucky Plands, or St. John’s Hands, and believed, in days of darkness, to protect the possessor from all the ills of magic, the evil eye, or witchcraft. The old German name of the fern, Johannis wurlzel, reminds us of the usages common not alone in continental countries, but also in our own land. Not only was the yellow St. John’s Wort dedicated to St. John the Baptist, and burnt on the Midsummer Eve, in the fires raised in honour of the saint, but the delicate fern was duly gathered then, and sold to the credulous, who wore it about their persons, and mingled it in the water drunk by their cows. In Norway this plant is used as fodder for horses and cattle, and, when dried, it makes a good litter for these animals. The plant grows in shady places throughout Em'ope, and seems to have been used medicinally by Theophrastus and Galen. The underground stem of this fern forms a turfy or tufted head about the thickness of the finger, black and iS I 'A I I rM’UlJ'r*'!! iUAMia'I.Ait v\ FJ.B|V,S i.'F (iUEAT ■i •* i» %mfy, ai:d th- ' fibroiu i>>,- afjil toujrli r^i ‘iti|}es auti racliis ai . . ami yt*U fru . n. the lateral bruncbi..- utofi' iiun)erou>, and *ht: ! extending over & i.' part ol ilu‘ pinnule. A variety, alxnd h high, in which the pnneitt-j btjoome rounded l» • the fructification is dumuiMhed •<» as to form a n t t,,v on each .side of the mid-wnn of the pinna*, f ulh'.; L, alf^reviafu. The former vsrii ty is not unfr^iuefit ; the latter is fomwl rarely, in woods and on banks in CuioIkt- land and Vorkshire. A very singular tonu of this ftrn is sometimes sam, in which tlm of the piimn -a'^ ad out into a kind of fringe, so that the top of the - A . ]iki‘ a tassel. A sinuiar change rieeu® **.W ■■ Ui K‘--- ,4 •S'- •> Uui . i- a g. < - ^ , * . > - •• •O.Ki’. j.'iti, ujr liv' -'’CMiaj, twic^ placate ; - -■ ftl ' « ' ‘ i-,-;. haviu^ t ; coudst*. sn j^y |Hio"'':fid , jagged bemiiiful and weU..icarkeii lern, - ;tdy divide!*. 1 • nduility UiiOgiiis of its 0. nts ail curled 1! FERNS OF GREAT BRITAIN. 4'J scaly, and the dark brown fibrous roots are very strong and tough. The stipes and rachis are sometimes smooth and yellow, or densely clothed with pale ])uri)le scales. A handsome variety, verv similar to the common form of the Male Fern, but larger, often attains the height of four, or even five feet. It is by some writers called Z. inc'isa. Its pinnules are longer and more pointed, and their edges more deeply cut, the lateral branches of veins more numerous, and the clusters extending over a larger part of the pinnule. A stunted variety, about a foot high, in which the })innulcs become rounded lobes, and the fructification is diminished so as to form a line onlv on each side of the mid-vein of the piunm, is called Z. abbrevidta. The former variety is not unfrecjuent ; the latter is found rarely, in woods and on banks in Cumber- land and Yorkshire. A very singular form of this fern is sometimes seen, in which the points of the pinnae spread out into a kind of fringe, so that the toj) of the frond looks like a tassel. A similar change occurs also in the Lady Fern, but is unknown to any other of our British species. A remarkable variety termed Borreri was discovered bv Mr. Borrer, in Devonshire, and seems not uncommon. It has a narrow lanceolate frond of a golden yellow colour, and bright yellow scales on the rachis. 5. Z. Faenisecii (Triangular Prickly -toothed, or Re- curved Fern). — Frond cnnxd, triangular, twice pinnate ; pinnules })innate, or deeply pinnatifid ; indusiuni jagged at the edge. This is a beautiful and well-marked fern, having its frond very minutely divided. Its peculiarity consists in having the margins of its segments all curled H 50 FERNS OF GREAT BRITAIN, upwards, rendering their upper surface concave, and not like those of several other ferns, rolled beneath. It rises in circular clumps, and its fronds droop most gracefully, lorming concave arches. They are about one or two feet in length. This fern grows in 'arm shady woods, sometimes close by the stream or v" .uall, at others, at a little distance from it. Oc lally we find it on exposed rocks, but it is not so luxuriant there as in the recesses of the greenwood. It has, when bruised, a very pleasant odour, and is sometimes called Hay-scented Fern. Its triangular frond, broadest at the base, is twice pinnate ; the lower pair of branches being not only longer, but broader than the rest, and very distinctly stalked. The pinnules on the lower side of the pinnae are longer than those of the upper. The pinnules are of oblong egg-shaped form, the lowest often much lobed, and the lobes mostly running close together, so as to form a wing, though they are sometimes shortly stalked. Their margins are serrated, and have spinous points. The stalk is about half the length of the frond, and thickly beset with small, torn, pale-brown scales. The pinnules have a winding mid-vein, from which issue two alternate branches, and these send off branches of lesser veins, the lowest of these on the side towards the point of the pinnules being the receptacle, or spot on which the clusters of fructification are placed. These extend almost all over the under surface of the frond, forming two lines along each pinnule or lobe. The clusters are circular, and partially covered by the indu- sium, which is kidney-shaped, often of a lead colour. % ’’ 'w* v. jt ' s ' • f -■- '• '•'■ ■ • ,'V ' ■ . ■ • " -. • v’- . '• ;; 1 \\ ..•■ 'r'- J lU.STKl' "KK-N i ^ ^1 t a 1 .< OF OSe.iT .■*1 fh«^ mtsf^i« uneven or jugged, »;au smnd eboyt «ith wi^Lout fitnlks. whi^k pUftI- m eoven^l mlniAt giaftduiur Ik.dkj'. givutg it h k.i 'fhe froad is of bs-uuiif.;j i K-h bfle. m Kp'xide *1 ./K if of dark purple U5 ,>i England, mid ft ^ more ftr less thrwighcmt the kirjg i ,u 6. L. criMukt .'Crest- -1 Ecru' — laiiceolalc* and pinnate; deeply pin nugiUd ; Atyinevti aeuteiv and doubly -serrate. This ftgn is found among liui ling and heaths of boggy kiulii, and is much aought for on account of its rarity, though it it !♦’.« aitra' tivi in appearance th.m many other sporicf. It oeem^ but ia four Ciuinties of Ijighaid, and is kuud at Jkivsev Ibi-arh - a*- L; no g I ritiutt, ind Dcrsuighaai. mid Kdix* ii. U . W joti^W Mufx, n*’ar U', r, ’V:y .>^ i,^ ‘fe ivm- r'-M.. ut?.; ignite, {%ther ame >;;««: a ihir-J ,-4 k.: •v- :^r:-. and it 'k-‘-s' , .yi0i egg-ahafie.d ai«ay* 'ti i. •>,«»; -:a bur. The pirn)« ^iit; lirs^d me ni'rivt^ e wi ififtnguiftr in their uitUm fh«#t at t li<' FERNS OF GREAT BRITALN. 51 with the margin uneven or jagged, and set round about with small glands without stalks. The whole plant is covered with miuute glandular bodies, giving it a pecu- liar fragrance. The frond is of beautiful rich green hue, and its woody stalk is of dark purple colour. This fern is the Lastrea recurva, or the Nethrodium Foenisecii of botanists, and is also by some regarded as a variety of L. dilatdta or L. ffpinuloaa. It is abundant in Ireland and the western counties of England, and f( ond more or less throughout the kingdom. G. L. cristdta (Crested Fern). — lanceolate and pinnate ; pinna deeply pinuatifid ; segments acutely and doubly serrate. This fern is found among the ling and heaths of boggy lands, and is much sought for on account of its rarity, though it it less attractive in appearance than many other species. It occurs but in four counties of England, and is found at Bawsey Heath, near Lynn ] at Fritton, and Dersingham, and Edgefield, in Norfolk; on AVoolston Moss, near Warrington, Lancashire ; on 0.\ton Bogs, Nottinghamshire ; on ^Vybunbury Bog in Cheshire ; and a few other similar localities. It has a thick underground stem, branchi?ig in various directions, from which, in May, the narrow fronds rise, always in most remarkably erect form, narrowing towards the upper part, though being rounded and not pointed at the top. The frond is about two feet high, the stalk being rather more than a third of the length of the whole frond, and having towards its base a few chaffy bluntly egg-shaped scales, which are always of pale brown colour. The pinna; of the frond are narrow and triangular in their outline, those at the 52 FERNS OF GREAT BRITAIN. base being the broadest, the upper ones becoming gradually narrower, but all of the same general shape. They are deeply piimatifid, each segment attached by the whole of its base, and connected by a Avidening of its base to the segment behind it. When the frond attains a greater luxuriance, the pinnae become longer, and their pinnules more remote, and the margins of the lobes of the pinnae have rounded notches. The mid-vein of the lobes is winding, the lateral branches being again divided into several branches, that nearest the upper end of the lobe bearing the circular clusters of fructification, which are thus seated about half-way between the mid-vein and the margin, and generally found only on the upper part of the frond. A flat kidney-shaped indusium covers the clusters, and its margins, though uneven, arc not torn. The fructification is matured in August and September, soon after which the fronds perish by the frost. A fern which is so nearly allied in some points to this species, and in others to the characters of Lasirea spmu- loaa, that it might be regarded as a variety of either, is sometimes termed Lastrea uUginosa. It grows on the boggy heath, and is occasionally the companion of the two species Avhich it resembles, but it is a rare plant. It is similar to the Crested Fern Avhile young, in the form of its half-developed fronds, though when fully grown it looks more like L. sjnnulosa. It has two kinds of frond. The fertile fronds are nearly erect, and form somewhat circular clumps about two or three feet high. The barren fronds arc narrower, not so erect, and taper at the summit into a very long narrow form ; the pinnae, too. N.MfUOW j,,aCKI.V TOOTUKl. -trcB. ■ t ^ OF OltEAi B'ta't S' 4 iar<» narnw aiid t^*J>crlug, with oblong-p.i « 4 fatlur HoleW.d at tlieir margiiis, .-■«<. • - bcijjg tnnxii i»{4' a tiao hardeutMl # Thr- ;> .ni 1. V c( piimiiicH is -vliKt br^nchiog b-oiu it ; the iuirest htm^ i*kt 1 «{» iiK of tiie pinnule U ariag a ■ . I Prick! V ‘toothed or to?*y.r4 wet, iaoceolate, pinnate [/crM^u iit, i t i'vvn i« not ujd>-*juej)S in Well- wooded chstrv. ts, b>-nealh the groen almdow of the trijcs, or in ^ rtjulcred damp by the stivama which wander l,- ;> the wfwd. It i=s about three lect in height; in‘'w »* > aiid t;arrow. It is twice pmuak; Ihepimiwc* ihc stalk being larger than the upjxw mhI Uoi. ‘ giving a tapering form to t he p»mv. hit j.miiiilei aro ^ »oresewh»t i.»e.m>w jtjg upwiird*, their edges Afwl ihr- ♦ MW’S w ith spir^y points. It v: ,^.t, pinokslc^ the V: m'vhv».jM ri'U' 1 p««iuk-s, givmg ,^0 immeim - (}i »fhjrc-c»s^ 'are pi.ii ,.d »jmmi th^ smaSsv v-om fron; abmn half.v^a, mmrn^ i.. nh anH ^ rERNS OF GREAT BRITAIN. 53 are narrow and tapering, with oblong-pointed pinnules, father deeply notched at their margins, each serrature being tipped with a fine hardened point. The mid-vein of the pinnules is somewhat winding, with side-veins branching from it ; the lowest branch on the side towai’ds the apex of the pinnule bearing a cluster; the clusters forming two lines down each pinna. 7. L. sfiinulom (Narrow Prickly-toothed or Crested Fern). — Fronds linear, nearly erect, lanceolate, twice pinnate; /»/;?/<«/c«pinnatifid ; persistent. This fern is not unfrequent in well-wooded districts, growing beneath the green shadow of the trees, or in spots rendered damp by the streams which wander through the wood. It is about three feet in height, nearly erect, and narrow. It is twice pinnate ; the pinnules nearest the stalk being larger than the upper ones, and thus giving a taj)ering form to the pinna;. The pinnules are oblong, somewhat narrowing upwards, their edges deeply cut, and the lobes serrated with s])iny points. It is, however, only the lowest pinnules on the low’cst pinnne which are thus lobed, those towards the top of each pinna, as well as those nearest the base of the ])inme at the upper part of the frond, being scarcely lobed, or not lobed at all, though still serrated and spinous. A few broad, roundish, almost transparent scales clothe the stipes. The veining is very similar in all these allied ferns. A slightly Avinding mid-vein runs through the less divided pinnules, giving off branched veins. The clusters of spore-cases are placed upon the smaller veins, which issue from these branches about half-way between the rib and the margin, generally 54 FERNS OF GREAT BRITAIN. forming two lines on each pinnule. The same mode of veining is found in the more divided pinnules, the smaller veins being more numerous. Kidney-shaped indusia, with uncut margins, cover the clusters. This species is by many writers considered but a variety of the following. It is also the Aspidiim spinuldsum or Lophodium 8pindsu7ti of other 'writers. 8. L. dilatdta (Broad Prickly-toothed or Crested Fern). — Fronds arched, lanceolate or triangular, twice pinnate ; pinmdes or pinnatifidj indusium kidney- shaped. This pretty fern, which is one of the most compound of our native species, is usually about two or three feet in height. Its luxuriance, however, depends greatly on the spots on which it grows, and it sometimes attains the height of five feet, becoming under these circumstances more branched, and acquiring a deeper green hue. Several species of Lastrea grow upright, or nearly so, but the fronds of this fern fall into graceful arch-like forms. The outline of a well grown and luxu- riant plant is egg-shaped and lanceolate, varying to a narrow lanceolate figure, and in young or half-starved specimens becoming short and broadly triangular. The stalk, which is much thicker at the base than in the upper part, is clothed with long pointed scales, which are in the middle of dark brown colour, but are clear and paler at the margins. The twice pinnated frond has narrow pinnae ; the pinnules at their base being often so deeply divided as to be again pinnate ; while the others are pinnatifid, except at the upper parts, where they are merely toothed. The margins of all are serrated and spinous. ?*U?» KsA V. ^ ^ i<#J 5» ' ' i?BKNS OV tiUffAT Ultll'AIN. r>4 foTiniug two liiicfi on '.:ach piiinnie. fUe same mode of veining is fouTid in the vi'tided pinnules, the smaller veins being WMee Kidney -sha[>ed indusia, with uuewt rot^r the dusters. This species is by v wrio ^ r*MWidm'd but a variety of the lollowkg, U Atpldium ^pinviomn or I/yphotUum 8. L. d .«i Priekly-UKJthed or Crested FernV ' ‘-i, lanm>late or triangxdar, twice pinuwaa ; ■* pio'iato or piimatifid; indimum kidney- i f»t? pf^v fern, which is one of the most . J « k usually abont two or - w ^ however. dqx*nds p*M:- ^ ^ n* .A these 1 swef'' ' ’ ' a deeper ^ • P*'^ or „raHv ^ ‘ ^ " ^r^cful ftrrhiiw* h.no,. m mOlsm e< r4 wdl tiid luxu- riant plant is egg-shaped and lanceolate, varying to a narrow lancwlate figure, and in youug or hrdf-starved specimens becoming short and broadly triangular. The stalk, which is much thicker at the base than in the upper part, is clothed with long pointed scales, which are in the middle of dark brown colour, but are clear and paler at the margins. The twice pinnated frond has narrow pinnae ; the pinnules at their base being often so deeply divided as to be again pinnak> ; while the others ai4 pinnatifid, except at the upper parts, where, they are merely toothed. The margins of all are serrated and spinous. run Ki.y i(->nn;ii ri.UK 1 i FERNS OF GREAT BRITAIN. 55 The mode of veining is similar to that of L. spimdoxa, and the fronds produce a large number of clusters of fructification, which, at first sight, seem to be irregularly scattered. They do not lie in such precise rows as on some other sjjecies, but they form two lines crosswise the pinnae on the larger lobes, and lengthwise on the less divided portions. The indusia are more or less fringed at the edges with stalked glands. The short triangular form of this fern is not uncom- mon on exposed j)laces ; it is generally of a darker green, often tinged with brown, and the fronds are convex, or even drooping, A variety found on the hills of West- moreland, Yorkshire, and Lancashire, ditfers so much from the ordinary condition that some writers describe it as a distinct species, under the name of L. collina. The frond is egg-shaped, very long, and tapering ; the pinnules egg-shaped, blunt, and w ith a broad attachment at the base. They are serrated and spiny, though less so than in the ordinary condition of the plant. In another form, the surface of the frond is covered with glands, and the scales of the stipes are broader. This Broad Prickly -toothed Fern is a very common plant throughout the kingdom. Its rhizome is often conspicuous above the ground, as it docs not creep nor send out branches, but becomes a strong firm base, rising erect like a stem, sometimes half a foot or a foot above the surface of the ground. This fern is found mostly on w'ooded or bushy spots, where it is sheltered from the strong sunlight : — “The feathery Fern ! the feathery Fern ! It groweth wild, and it groweth free, 56 PERNS OP GREAT BRITAIN. By the rippling brook, and the wimpling burn. And the tall and stately forest tree ; When the merle and the mavis sweetly sing, And the blue jay makes the woods to ring, And the pheasant flies on whirring wing, Beneath a verdurous canopy. “ The feathery Pern 1 the feathery Pern ! An emerald sea it waveth wide. And seems to flash, and gleam, and burn, Like the gentle flow of a golden tide ; On bushy slope or in leafy glade, Amid the twilight depth of shade. By interlacing branches made. And trunks with lichens glorified.” This plant is the Lophodium muUiJldrum of some botanists. 6. PoLYSTicHUM (Polystichuiii). 1. P. Loncintis (Rough Alpine Fern, or Holly Fern). — Fro7uls rigid, simply pinnate, pinnae not lobed, serrated, spinous, eared at the base. The plants of this genus are nearly allied to those of Lastrea, yet they are truly distinct, a most marked feature of difference being in the form of the indusium which covers the seed-clusters. This is circular, and not kidney-shaped, and is attached by a small stalk at the centre. The Polystichums, too, are more rigid in texture than the Lastreas, and more spinous. We have not many ferns growng on high mountains exposed to the bleak winds ; yet the Holly Fern, like the plant from which it takes its name, thrives well on alpine heights, and, indeed, is found only in such situations. 4 \ 1 FKRNiJ OF UREAT liJilTAIN. B/ the rippling t»r>x»k, Mid the winipling burn. And the tail and atateiv I 'reit tree ; When the fuerle and th-: tweetly sing, And the blur at«|r• tioar of a golden tidf ; Oa bv-h . • ' (. r in leafy glade, Arttad Ut* '.a '.light depth of shade, h- .'viertacing Lranohoa made, And trunks with liehens glorified.” I'liis plant ia the Loph,6duf»i mvWjlorum of some VKitaniitte, h ». . '•« ►.‘♦k .,1 U»4^ r»irn). — ei «. <»,«.- ; - ncrrated, fTitna H iii« b«i»c. I'h. |>huiti i;i thia genus are uvarfy allied to those of ha»trea, yet they arc truly distinct, a most marked feature of difference being in the form of the induaium which covers the seed-clusters. This is circular, and not kidney-shaped, and is attached by a small stalk at the centre. The Pulystichums, t(X>, are more rigid in texture than the Lastrtas, aud more spinous. We have not many fenis growing on high mountains exposed to the bleiik winds ; yet the Holly Fern, like the plant from which it takes its najne, thrives well on alpine heights, and, indeed, is found only in such •ituations. FERNS OF GREAT BRITAIN. Oi Very beautiful specimens are gathered from the Clova Mountains, where this evergreen plant presents a beau- tiful appearance as it springs out from the rocky crevices ; and it is extensively distributed on the Scottish moun- tains, as well as in the north and west of Ireland. A few rocky hilly places at the north of England are named as its localities, as Falcon Clints, Teesdale ; Mazebeck Scar, Durham ; and Langcliffe, near Settle ; Giggleswick, and some other places in Yorkshire. It grows on Snowdon, on heights which the traveller hesitates to climb, thriv- ing even on the loftiest summits of the mountain. It is, however, among the shady clefts of the broken masses of rock, at a less elevation, that this fern attains its greatest luxuriance. In some damp and shady spots among these acclivities it is sometimes a foot and a half high, though in ordinary cases the j)lants are not more than half a foot in height. The stalk of the frond is very short, and the dark glossy green leafy part is mostly leathery, firm, rigid, and erect, and sufficiently jirickly to remind us of the Holly, but it is occasion- ally thinner and less upright in growth. The young fronds appear early in spring, among the yet verdant fronds of the former year. They rise in a tuft from the extremity of a scaly rhizome, and their outline is narrow', linear, and tapering at the upper part. They are pin- nate, with short crow'ded overlapping twisted pinnae, which are somewdiat crescent-shaped ; the upper side having at the base an ear-shaped projection, while the lower side has the appearance of having had a piece cut out. The veins are twice or thrice branched, reaching nearly to the margin, w'ithout uniting with others. The I 58 FERNS OF GREAT BRITAIN. indusium is a membrane-like scale, and the clusters of fructification form a continuous line on each side of the midrib, and even with it. They are often very nume- rous on the upper pinnae. The Holly Fern is very difficult of cultivation. It is called by some writers Aspidium Lonchitis, and by others. Polypodium Lonchitis. 2. P. acidedtum (Common Prickly Fern). — Fronds rigid, linear, or lanceolate, twice pinnate ; pinnules acute, running down the stem. This is quite a common fern, one which is found almost throughout the kingdom on hedgebanks and shady places, its dark green and hand- some fronds contrasting with the brighter tinted Hart’s- tongue Fern, or the feathery grasses beside it. It grows also in woods, but is seldom seen on the open heath, or alpine hill. It is a conspicuous plant, its fronds grow- ing in circular clumps, and often two feet long. They , are at first nearly upright, but when fully grown, they j spread out like a coronal from a thick tufted stem. | They are lanceolate in form, and when luxuriant are j broad, but their outline varies much in different situa- tions, and often even in plants of the same tuft. The texture is rigid, the stalk usually short, and thickly clothed with membranous scales of a rust colour. In April and May the fronds are some of the prettiest of the green things of the hedgerow, their pale green scrolls drooping downwards in most elegant forms. By midsummer these are fully developed, while, by the middle of August, the upper part of the fronds is usually profusely crowded with dark masses of fruc- tification, and neither summer’s sun nor winter’s frost FEEJfS OF iaiiMkr BBITAllf. iiidusiam is a menibniua-like scale, and the clusters of ^ fructification form & < ./ iioioiis line on each side of the midrib, and even wUb u. They are often very nume- / J rous on the uppe^ pinns- | 'Ihe Holly hem v«y odlicnlt ot cultivation. It is called by i.au« l*rK:kly Fem). — Fronds rigid, Hntiir, f v . twice pinnate ; acute, runnw| I 'v 4« This is quite a common fern, | unr t -si ♦. ;« i tth‘i throughout the kingdom on I ^ stlwwlv phnv v IS dark green and hand- | IMiAk *4-0. brighter tinted Hart’s- | U-R,T“' / l)cmde it. It grows i T ^ an the opt'n heath, or 4« fironds grow- ing ill ■ i U( 1,511 k«jf. They arc flrsrt t->c ,y ^ ^ »i ...they spr^ om. bkr « c..noruii ifi.!. a thick tufted stem. They are lanceolate in form, Jind when luxuriant are broad, but their outline varies much in different situa- tioiKs, and dften even in plants of the same tuil. The ; texture is rigid, the stalk usually short, and thickly clothed with incrabranous scales of a rust (X)Ioiur. In : April and May the fronds are some of the prettiest of the green things of the hedgerow, their pale green scrolls drooping downwards in most elegant forms. By midsummer these are fully developed, while, by j the middle of August, the upper jxirt of the fronds is usually profusely crowded with dark masses of fime- . tification, and neither summer’s sun nor winter’s frost | ruicKi-V i i:mn • I’iilvxJ uhtJiu i»ii »uI.«.ro l.KAVr.U $ PERNS OF GREAT BRITAIN. 59 seems to tinge their* full dark green hue with a tint of decay. They are twice pinnate, their pinnae alter- nate, and again divided into pinnules, which run down closely together, gradually merging into the rachis ; or they taper to a crescent-shaped base, and are attached to the rachis by the point of the crescent, the upper base being thus extended into an ear-shaped lobe, and the lower base shaped as if an arched pieco had been cut out of it. In young plants the pinnae are serrated or pinnatifid, or with one or more pinnules distinct. The pinnules have a long spine at their points, and smaller spines down the margin, and a few of the lowest are often slightly stalked. The veins arc branched alternately, not uniting, but free to the margin. The clusters of fructification form a line on each side of the midrib of the pinnules, and on the larger pinnules on each side of the mid-vein of the ear-shaped lobes. A variety of this fern, called F. lobatumt was, until recently, regarded as a distinct species. It is characterised by the more narrow outline of the frond, and by being simply })innate, its pinnae lobed or pinnatifid; it is also of more rigid texture. 3. P. anguldre (Willdenow’s Fern, Angular-lobed Prickly Feni, or Soft Prickly Shield Fern). — Fronds lax, drooping, lanceolate, twice pinnate; pinnules dis- tinctly stalked, bluutish. This beautiful plant, grace- fully waving to ever)' summer wind, is one of the most elegant of our ferns, and happily may be numbered among the coranion plants of our woods and hedges, though it is not so general as the last species. It has a very vigorous appearance, is of a deep green hue, and 60 FERNS OF GREAT BRITAIN. most of the fronds retain their greefiness even in winter. The stalk, which is about one-fourth of the length of the frond, is covered with a thick mass of scales of a rust- red colour. The young unfolded plants are, in spring, quite clothed with them, and in the older plants they extend more or less throughout the rachis. Large cir- cular clumps of this fern attract the eye by their beauty of form and attitude, as well as by their large size ; for they are occasionally four or five feet in height, though more frequently about two. They have not the rigid aspect of the last species, but are softer and bending. The form of the frond is lanceolate and twice pinnate, the pinnm being very numerous, long, and tapering in form, distinct, and often distant from each other. The pinnules are flat, somewhat crescent-shaped, some- times blunt and sometimes acutely pointed, some of the lower pinnules having deep lobes so as to be pinna- tifid. They are distinctly stalked, and serrated at the margins, a little spine surmounting each serrature. The under surface of the frond is of a delicate sea-green colour, with small, brown, chaffy scales about it. The upper surface is of a deeper hue, but not of a full green tint. The pinnules taper to a broad angled base, and are attached to the rachis of the pinnaj by a short and slender stalk. A very elegant variety, called P. subtri- pinndtum, has its pinnules at the base very deeply lobed ; and a form termed P. angustdtum has all its pinnules narrow and acute. 2 ,1. H1.AI>I>I-.U i r.iiN. < I'ij* n-nfiilis i\ . n . » • VAlt. C. of great britai»< 7 Cy 4*f<5riitRis (Bladder-fern V 1. C Bljidder-fcru . / / W late, lurke | pVnjwr laiiceoiate; pstlier ^ V >«‘. dwjjlypinnatifid; v/^ ^haqii) iiy>*K 4 ?i • = rtW« fem, like all tUc •*' ■: ‘jjccu'a oj r'; . V > • v:*. ^*xd delicate in tt vlnre, tbwr distiaguiahing Umj Biad- 4 ?:** trofft i v^:5 tat Ive plants. Tbc timwitiful ',i‘{ic specuk i lU.ii;,> IUadder«fern varies very inadi iu fonu ibr.fl i,; momtt <*( »i« distinctive f<«turcs, always, however, retaining it» fragile natiue. lu fronds, wliich are from five or six mchoa to a foot high, grow in tufts, I’lie stalk is erect, slender, glossy, a purplish black ctdour, with a fe« scal« at ito base. The variable fronds may be gi'ceraily dt-scnljed a-* I&nciHiiate and twice piunat'* having in most Kjx'cime o t!e'»f pu.ftule* Ovroig to Uwdr -> ;.«■ »»- --i ■ FftMt « ■■ ■■> ,4<' i —■. ■ . „■ , , --4, .**Of*/Uf#v SU» -1#^ o.-dv. IjtjacaCi. : « *.h ‘- ^ segments, turUrg - ntgt d, and fiuttlly diHapv«e?rs - ‘ vt foii.'i of tlie indosium in the g'’ *■ ■ ’ and thr Hi adder-ferns, led earlier »v r-ii -v- •. ; Uirfe tlicm ail in the Aqndhtm^ or Shicld-f«ri4 / ;n f Uow> ver, the indu- FERNS OF GREAT BRITAIN. 61 7. Cystopteris (Bladder-fern). 1. C. fragiUa (Brittle Bladder-fern). — Frond lanceo- late, twice pinnate ; pinna lanceolate ; pinnules oblong, rather narrowed belpw, deeply pinnatifid; segments sharply toothed or serrated. This fern, like all the other species of the genus, is fragile and delicate in texture, their membrane-like nature readily distinguishing the Blad- der-ferns from most of our native plants. The beautiful little species called Brittle Bladder-fern varies very much in form and in some of its distinctive features, always, however, retaining its fragile nature. Its fronds, which are from five or six inches to a foot high, grow in tufts. The stalk is erect, slender, glossy, of a purplish black colour, with a few scales at its base. The variable fronds may be generally described as lanceolate and twice pinnate, having in most specimens their pinnules pinnatifid. Owing to their thin texture the veining is very apparent. From a somewhat winding mid-vein a lateral branch runs into each of the lobes ; this again branches into smaller veins, almost every one of these bearing a cluster of capsules at about the middle of its length. The cluster, which is of roundish form, has a loose white membranaceous indusium, at- tached by its broad base at one side only, beneath the cluster. It soon tears into jagged segments, curling under at the part which is jagged, and finally disappears altogether. The roundish form of the indusium in the genera Lastrea, Pol^stichm, and the Bladder-ferns, led earlier botanists to include them all in the Aspidium, or Shield-fern genus. In Cystopteris, however, the indu- 62 PERNS OF GREAT BRITAIN. sium is hooded, and not round and flat, and it is also sufficiently like a bladder to have given this name to the plants. The clusters of capsules are at first distinct, but they increase very rapidly, in some cases finally crowd- ing into a mass. This fern is very widely distributed throughout the United Kingdom, preferring moist rocky places and walls in mountainous districts, and attaining the greatest luxuriance on limestone soils. It forms most beautiful patches of somewhat pale green verdure, springing from rocky crevices, its numerous fronds growing in tufts from its rhizome, and its black and wiry roots pene- trating into the clefts. This plant has received much attention from botanists, as it has several forms or varieties, which are however intimately connected. That termed C. angusidta, which is the most distinct, is, however, by some writers on ferns, considered as a variety of C. dentdta. The frond in this variety is oblong- lanceolate, twice pinnate ; the pinnules linear lanceolate, more or less forming a wing, acutely pinnatifid or toothed. It is rather longer than the ordinary form, and tapers more towards the point of the frond, and also towards the points of the pinnae. The Brittle Bladder-fern has been termed Cjfstea frdgilis, Cyathea frdgilis, or Polypddium frdgile. 2. C. dentdta (Toothed Bladder-fern). — Fronds ob- long-lanceolate, twice pinnate ; pinnules egg-shaped, ob- tuse, bluntly toothed. This plant is so similar to the Brittle Bladder-fern that some writers describe it merely as a variety of that plant, but Mr. Babington and several of our recent writers on Ferns consider it a distinct 63 FEKNS OP OKKAT BRITAIN. «ium is hoo(?o(i, iu»d not rv and flat, and it is also sufliciently like a Idatldvr to given tliis nnine to the plants. The eiusterv of i\tf> at first distinct, but they increase veckv places and walls in rr.'-- v “ • ♦ u, and attaining the greatest luiur w- V, jjoils. It forms most beautiful patch.-# r>f pale grtien verdure, springing from rocky cmices, its numerous fronds growing in tufts fnim its rhix-mie, aurl ili Idack and wiry roots pene- trating iuto the cV“- ’ V- p an has received much at' -fftu'i. ’T< ' i - »f- o Cfs .«» as s t -u’ . , of t . The irond in thm variety ui oblong- lanceolatc, twice pinnate ; the pinnules lineaj lanceolate, more or less forming a wing, acutely pmnatifid or toothed. It is rather longer than the ordinary form, and tapers morq tow ands the point of the frond, and also towards tlio points of the pinnae. The Brittle Bladdcr-ferr. has be<-u tenned C^rra C^athea frdffilis, or Polypddivm fragile. 2. C. dentdta (Toothed Bladder-fern). — Fronds ob- long-lanceolate, twice pinnate ; pinm/les egg-shaped, ob- tusCj bluntly toothed. This plant is so similar to the Brittle Bladder-fern that some wi-itcrs describe it merely as a variety of that plant, but Mr. Bubington and several of our recent writers on Ferns consider it a distinct TWJn'Kii III (JillKtl i t FERNS OF GREAT BRITAIN. 63 species. It is a smaller plant, its pinnae being more horizontal in form, and all its parts more blunt. Its veinins is similar, but the fructification is at the ter- niination and not near the middle of the secondary vein, and is thus more distinctly marginal. The clusters are at first separate, but as they ripen they run into a mass, and form a brown ridge on the under surface of the pinnules. This constitutes a very marked difference between this and the Brittle Bladder-fern. The smooth slender rachis is almost always of a brownish purple colour. This Toothed Bladder-fern is not uncommon in the North of England, as about Settle, in Yorkshire, at Cauldron Snout, Durham, and various other localities. It is found, too, near Matlock Baths, on the Cheddar Cliffs, at Tunbridge Wells, and numerous other spots throughout the kingdom where the soil is rocky, though it is probably often overlooked and mistaken for Cysto- pteris fragile. A most marked variety of this fern, termed Bickie- ana, has a very compact frond, and is a very beautiful plant, of a deep green colour, and almost transparent texture. The general outline is nearly egg-shaped, but terminating in a point, and the pinnae are egg-shaped and lanceolate, overlapping each other, the pinnules running closely together so as to form a wing. They are broad and blunt, wdth a few shallow marginal notches, and the fructification is also marginal. Dr. Dickie discovered this remarkable variety in 1846. He found it growing in a sea-cave near Aberdeen. No other native locality of this plant is recorded, but it is 64 FERNS OF GREAT BRITAIN. well known to the cultivator of Ferns, retaining its pecu- liarities in the greenhouse or closed case. Its height varies from about four to six inches. The Cystopteris dentdta, besides being often described as a variety of frdc/ilis, is also called by different botanists Cyathea dentdta, or Cystea dentdta. 3. Cystdpteris montdna (Mountain Bladder-fern, or Wilson’s Fern). — Fronds triangular, thrice pinnate; pin- nules of lower pinnse pinnate; lohes pinnatifid, with linear notched segments. This fern, which is of very elegant form, is the rarest of all our British species. It is very distinct from the preceding, and its small triangular very compound fronds are from four to six inches high. It has a slender creeping scaly under- ground stem, with dark wiry roots. The stalk is about twice as long as the leafy portion of the frond, the pinnae are opposite to each other, and the lower pair are much longer than the others ; these gradually diminish in size towards the upper part of the frond. This plant is exceedingly frail and delicate, almost transparent in tex- ture, and it is one of the most compound of our British Ferns. The lower part of the frond is thrice, and the upper part twice pinnate, and it has the peculiarity of having the lower side of the lower pinnae broader than the uppermost side, and some of the upper branches sometimes exhibit this inequality. The lower pinnae are divided on the lower side into pinnules, which are egg- shaped or lanceolate in form, and these are again divided into pinnules, which are egg-shaped or oblong and notched, the pinnules on the upper side being of the same form as the secondary pinnules of the lower side. 64 15BITA1N. I well known to the cultivator of Ferns, retaining its pecu- liarities in the greenhouMO iw closed case. Its height ■ varies from about four to i.x mehes. The Cystoptcru ,j dentdta, besides being often ilesoribed as a vaiiety of C. frdgilin, is also called by dihen nt botanists Cyathea dentdta, or ( y\tea dentdta. 3. Cyntdph'Tt* thonldna (Mountaiit Bladder-fern, or Wilson’s tern) triauguiar, thrice pinnate ; jOt«- ntdet of lower p i )u» juanate; loben pinnatifid, with Iine»r no'i bni ;A /t ^uU. This font, which is of very elegaisA ti* rarf/.«t of all our British species. It ’-ijv (Uh 'rom preceding, and its small v< • oj 1 fr.* .Vi ve from four to six ' '■ t'mvmg scaly under- f'" ■ 'H < ‘ fttalk is about 1 \ • • >•- . f:. It ho pinnae I an to tach Uhc’, and tbo ktwn pw’r are much j longer ii».tn the others thf ^’ gri^biairi dmmiish in size towards tlic iijtper p;irt of the kond. Tins plant is exceedingly frail and delicate, almost transparent in tex- ture, and it is one of the most compound of our British Ferns. The lower part of the frond is thrice, and the upper part tv^-ice pinnate, and it has the peculiarity of having the lower side of the lower pinnae broader than | the uppermost side, and some of the upper branches I sometimes exhibit this inequality. The lower pinnas are ■ divided on the lower side into pinnules, which are egg- j shaped or lanceolate in form, and these are again divided into pinnules, which are egg-shaped or oblong and ‘ notched, the pinnules on the u[>per side being of the \ same form as the secondary pinnules of the lower side, j FERNS OF GREAT BRITAIN. 65 In the next pair of branches the lower pinnules are similar to the secondary pinnules of the lower branches, and after that the parts gradually lessen towards the upper portion of the frond. The mid-vein of the pinnules is somewhat winding, giving out alteniately lateral veins, each of which ends in the part of the margin between two notches ; at the back of each side vein is jdaced the roundish capsule cluster, covered by the concave indusium with its jagged edge. Tlie clusters of fructification are very numerous and distinct. This llladder-fern is a common plant on many rougli and stony grounds of other countries, its geographical range being extensive. It was found on Ben Lawers, in ISdO, by Mr. Wilson, when with Sir W. J. Hooker and Professor Graham he visited that spot, and it has since been found in several ])laccs on the mountains of Perth- shire and Forfarshire, but nowhere in great abundance. It is by some writers termed Polypodiim inonidnum, A»pidium montdnum, or Cyaikm montdna. 4. C. alpina (Alpine Bladder-fern, or Laciniated Bladder-fern). — Fronds lanceolate, twice pinnate ; pin- nules deeply pinnatifid, partly cloven, and slightly toothed at the end. This plant, which is a doubtful native, is the loveliest of this exquisitely beautiful genus. It formerly grew in abundance on an old wall at I_yOW Layton, in Essex, whence however it is almost if not quite exterminated, as the wall was some years ago repaired, though a few specimens of the j)lant have since been found near the old spot. Sir M'm. Hooker and Dr. Arnott, who examined specimens of the Layton Fern, pronounce K 66 PERNS OF GREAT BRITAIN. it to be identical with the Continental species. Its fronds, w^hich are very numerous, grow^ in tufts. They are usually about four or five inches high, but are some- times twice that height, appearing in May, but, like their equally delicate congeners, dying away with the earliest frosts of autumn. The lanceolate frond is twice pinnate, and the pinnules are often so deeply pinnatifid as to be almost distinct. The branches, which are nearly opposite, with a winged rachis, are egg-shaped, and divided into bluntly egg-shaped pinnules, these pinnules being again cut down almost to the mid-vein into short blunt lobes, which are partly cloven, and slightly toothed at the end. The mid-vein of the pin- nules is distinct and nearly straight, with a side vein, either simple or divided, issuing into each lobe, one branch extending to the point of each marginal serra- ture. Numerous rounded clusters of capsules lie neai* the margin, covered with their hooded indusia. This fern has been called Cystopteris reyia, Cyathea regia, or Cyathea incisa, Cystea regia, Polypodiuvi alpi- num, P. trifidum, or Aspidiwm regium. 8. Athyrium. 1. Athyrium FUix feemina (the Lady Pern). — Frond lanceolate, twice pinnate ; pinnules deeply cut or pinna- tifid ; lobes sharply toothed. This fern, whose graceful attitude and elegant outline won for it its distinctive name, is indeed the loveliest of all our larger ferns. It grows abundantly in many sheltered and moist wmods, attaining there its greatest luxuriance, and its somewhat pale green fronds arising in such places to the height of 60 FEBNS 01“ great BRITAIN. it to be identical with tH*- (^uatinental species. Its fronds, which art* very nncwcroiis, grow in tufts. They arc usually nlxatt four rnr inches high, but arc aomo- tiines twice that hoigiii, in May, but, like their equaliy dcHoate tiers, dying away with the earliest trtwts of aotuum. ’Jhf lanceolate frond is twice [hnnaic, and the pianalcfc sire often so deeply pimiatitid as to be alnjK.^ di*tinct The bninebcs, wiiich are neariy opsewtr eitb a wbiged rachis, art' egg-sliaped, and d)v tf ur‘'» hhi jtlj t'gg<.shaped pinnules, these pinnn’t* - (t down almost to the mid-vein u»n.' *?lri =»? which ar»' jiartly cloven, and V , \ .f. j I’hc mid- vein of the pin- <- ■■ ■' -^v kUiw^ht, ith a side vein, -i>e ‘ i '?-> jiith lobe, one b*.«; p'iiu ut au.li iaarginal serra- turc. NtuurjyMis rmuvku f lie near the itmigtii. iv*vl ' •'! ii * 'r lliw frrn iias betu calleci rr^t CyeUhea Tcgia, or C^athm mcina, Olfdea re^a, JPol^odium edpU num, P.. trtfidum, or Aftpidiwm rkgium. 8. Atiiteium. 1. Athyrium Fillx f Amina (the Lady h"ern). — Frond lanceolate, twice pinnate ; pinnules deeply cut or pinua- tifid ; lobes sharply twtliod. This tern, who.se gnieeful attitude and elegant outline won for it its distinctive name, is indeed the loveliest of all our larger ferns. It grow^s abundantly in many shell ered mid moist woods,, attaining there its greatest luxuriance, and its somewdiat pale green fronds arising in sucli places to the height of 1 FERNS OF GREAT BRITAIN. 67 three or four feet. It may often be seen, too, gracing spots of another character, for the slopes of grassy hills are not without its clumps, and sometimes it bows to the wind which bends also the blue-bells as it rushes over the heathland laden with the fragrance of the wild thyme. Walter Scott, alluding to this plant in Waverley, mentions its love for the moist shady woodlands : — “ Where the copsewood is the greenest, Where the fountain glistens sheenest, W'here the morning dew lies longest, There the Lady Fern grows strongest.” Calder Camj)bell, too, in some lines which he has written for thi.s volume, well describes such a spot as the Lady Fern delights to haunt — “If you would see the Lady Fern In all her graceful power. Go look for her where the woodlarks learn Love-songs in a summer bower ; Where not far off, nor yet close by, A merry stream trips on. Just near enow for an old man’s eye To watch the waters run, .\nd leap o’er many a cluster white Of Crowfoots o’er them spread ; While Hart's-tongucs glint with a green more bright Where the Brackens make their bed ; Ferns all — and lovely .all — yet each Yielding in charms to her ^\Tiose natural graces Art might teach High lessons to confer. “ Go look for the Pimpernel by day. For Silene’s dowers by night ;• * Silene nutans, the Nottingham Catchfly, and SUene noctijlora, the Night-flowering Catchfly, expand only at night-time. 68 FERNS OF GREAT BRITAIN. For the first loves to bask in the sunny ray, And the last woos the moon’s soft light ; But day or night, the Lady Fern May catch and charm your eyes, When the sun to gold her emeralds turn, Or the moon lends her silver dyes. But seek her not in early May, For a Sibyl then she looks, With wrinkled fronds that seem to say, ‘ Shut up are my wizard books !’ Then search for her in the Summer woods. Where rills keep moist the ground. Where Foxgloves from their spotted hoods Shake pilfering insects round ; Where up, and clambering all about. The Traveller’s Joy flings forth Its snowy awns, that in and out Like feathers strew the earth : Fair are the tufts of Meadow-sweet That haply blossom nigh ; Fair are the whorls of violet Prunella shows hard by ; But nor by burn, in wood, or vale. Grows anything so fair As the plumy crest of emerald pale. That waves in the wind and soughs in the gale. Of the Lady Fern, when the sunbeams turn To gold her delicate hair ! " The Lady Fern is very generally distributed through- out England, and is still more common in Ireland, Avhere it abounds on almost all the bogs. The light and arrowy fronds arise in circular tufts from the rhizome. This is very large, extending itself some inches above the surface of the earth, and forming a base to the slender fronds. During early spring, when we wander into the woods for violets and primrose FERNS OF GREAT BRITAIN. 69 buds, we sec numbers of little undeveloped fronds coiled up and thickly covered with their light brown scales, peeping from among the decayed leaves, which will soon be swept all away by the spring breezes. By the end of April, when the primrose needs no longer to be searched for, these little scrolls are unfoldFng too, and then they hang down, forming the figure of the shepherd’s crook, a dozen or more of the young fronds often in one clump. Tliey live throughout the summer, towering above the hedge or woodland flowers, but they cannot bear the frost. There are several varieties of the Ijady Fern. In the common fonn the lanceolate frond has a stalk usually about a third of Its whole length, and is scaly at the base. It is twice pinnate, the pinnm being lanceolate and generally taper- ing. These are always again pinnate, the bases of these pinnules being sometimes connected by a narrow wing. The pinnules are lolx'd, often so deeply cut as to be pinnatifid, and the lobes are sharply toothed. The vcining of this fern is very distinct. A mid-vein winds tlirough each jiinnule, alternate smaller veins arising from it, and these being again branched in an alternate direction. On the lowest branch, on the side nearest the top of the pinnule, about midway between the mid- vein and the margin, is the oblong slightly curvii,.. cluster of capsules, covered by the indusium of the same form. Both the cluster and its covering, on the maturity of the capsules, contract at the ends and swell in the middle, thus becoming more curved, and assum mg a more roundish form than in an earlier stage- the indusmin also i.s then kidney. shaped. On one side 70 FERNS OF GREAT BRITAIN. the indusium is attached to the side of the vein on whicli it is seated ; while on the other side, that which is towards the mid-vein, it becomes free, and is tom at tlie edge into thread-like segments. The fructification is so abundant, that Sir J. E. Smith has remarked of this fern, “ that if a single plant were uninterrupted in its possible increase for twenty years, it woidd cover an 1 extent equal to the surface of the whole globe.” In j Ireland, where it is common on all the bogs, this fern is i used for packing fruit, as we in England use the common Brake. It is sometimes used also by fishermen, for Mr. Newman ’remarks of the plant, “ On landing at Warren Point, near Newry, I was rather surprised to see what quantities of it were employed in packing the herrings there exhibited for sale.” This is a most variable fern, and some of its many varieties are regarded by botanists as permanent, and so distinct as to deserve to be classed as species. The variety A. latifolimi is one of these. It is a much less delicate plant than the ordinary form. Its frond is ' lanceolate, somewhat oblong ; its pinnules are broad, leafy, and set more closely together, lobed and deeply toothed at the edges, wdth the curved clusters of capsules lying near the hoUow between two lobes. It has been found near Keswick, in Cumberland. It is probable that it only acquires its peculiarities from the situation in which it grows. The variety termed A. convexuni is very distinct. It has more slender fronds than any other form of the Lady Fern, and its pinnae and pinnides arc smaller. The narrow lanceolate frond is erect, and rarely more than j LAN C K 0 l.ATK I . K K N WO H I' . Aspl»’iiium lajicoolflt iiin . OF OttEAT &E{f AJN. n two hur!) ' ,^ paisse are taper, |)oinu«d, ajid the veiy |f ’ «4id in a aiiai-p p *what hiuntly to<)tbt4, •«; niid ■.. . • iadb the serratiire*. Ik” a^M abort stalk, with brt'od a#;d jifeeH =v •rtd rswely caceeda a foot i« k iirut. wr:o: r . ^i»d ef a Wight green e iMin *m*bio ,bjr a imrrow wi 1'hc cluster* of fructiti«a*t^iii fur« 4i»tiuct. = Other form* are prod«t»d by cuJUire, <»oine of »bMi? iAre wry ttngular. Thua the variety hn^ tk tip* of the frond aud of tlje bmiehea cut mk> mraiefoitw seguieut* *o as to form a tassel. This, toov j* 'th« CBiJo with « dwiwrf varkty Uwid mtipum^ whiiih, with its r^'apflkid fronds, boks iu the closed ease like a duanp ft); ’fht* i>mi was first lound on Omh Hill, %S*» 4»tV g«th*'r<^ Ssw:,. calkd have fetmina. V A - - ■ . 1. J. ioM' v ??j[ifc=‘.' »4t4 ianc»X)late; ■- ^ .. ■ , :Jt .ynr. itearH . ^ - .*r m^xi fclegant of ww mw, 'm- %w wtedi FERNS OF GREAT BRITAIN. 71 two feet high ; the pinnae arc taper, pointed, and the very narrow pinnules end in a sharp point. Their edges, which are somewhat bluntly toothed, are rolled under so as almost to hide the serratures. The variety A. molle has a short stalk, with broad and short scales. The frond rarely exceeds a foot in height, and is usually erect, and of a bright green colour. Its outline is egg-shaped and lanceolate. It is pinnate, having its lower j)air of pinnae short and turning down- wards. The pinnules arc flat and toothed, and con- nected at their base to the midrib by a narrow wing. The clusters of fructification are distinct. Other forms are produced by culture, some of which arc very singular. Thus the variety muU'ijidum has the tips of the frond and of the branches cut into numerous segments so as to form a tassel. This, too, is the case Avith a dwarf variety termed crtsptm, which, with its tassclled fronds, looks in the clo.sed case like a clump of parsley. This form was first found on Orah Hill, Antrim, Ireland, and has since been gathered from Braernar, in Scotland. The Lady Fern was formerly called Poll/podium FUix-famma^ and later botanists have termed it either AKpldium, or AspUnium F'dix- feemina. 9. Asplenium (Spleenwort). 1. A. lanceolutum (Green Lanceolate Spleenwort). — Frondis lanceolate, twice jnnnate ; pinnee egg-shaj)ed and lanceolate ; pinnules toothed or lobed ; clusters of fruc- tification nearly marginal. This is one of the most elegant of our British ferns, and one of the few which 72 FERNS OF GREAT BRITAIN. tlirive best near the sea. Though not exclusively con- fined to the sea-coast, it is far more frequent there than on inland soils, and at Penzance, in Cornwall, is one of the most common plants, springing out of every wall, and being as general on the hedge-bank as the primrose. It is abundant at St. Michael’s Mount, but nowhere in England grows to so large a size as among the damp rocks of the Lizard Point. It is also luxuriant at Torquay, in Devonshire. Sometimes this fern, like other plants which frequent the sea-coast, flourishes on high moun- tains, and the botanist has welcomed its green fronds on the heights of Snowdon. Some summers since, it grew in profusion on the high rocks at a short distance from Tunbridge Wells ; but as that neighbourhood has, by its rare plants, attracted the attention of many botanists, and as fern lovers are sometimes not so con- siderate for others as they should be, it became less abundant, and perhaps may be by this time altogether eradicated by the heedless waste with which it was gathered. It is a plant of but local occurrence, even on the sea-coast, growing only on the southern and western coasts of England and AVales, but it is plen- tiful in the Channel Islands. Its long black wiry roots penetrate far into the fissures of rocks. The young fronds appear in May, are matured by August, and remain green through the winter. The underground stem is brown, tufted, and densely clothed with a mass of bristle-like scales. Similar scales are scattered here and there on the stalk of the frond, which is black at the base. In the most luxuriant specimens the frond attains the height of a foot and a half, but its average 1 1.1. ACK Sl l.lil-^NVCOUT , Asplcnium adi«nlutn ui^Vutn a . SMOOTH ROCK s A . I'ontmiuin . if § OF imSAT BkiTA:*?. is A-r I i oi^/ii J0(:ht‘3. i' h'.’ ;J‘ ;;iJn , ' . ^ {alt> ; >1 ^ \ ^ ‘s.jjt « tilird of its li v, ^^ !, :/sumhy ^).,^^ ^iieties yet i»c ;.!»■ h ii I?*! o«4line clj|fr;« i;. %leeiiwort is ><■>, V t that of the . . v i, i j ‘ , 1m>OM!hf^>ed. tajieriug ^ ■ ' -'^ H: ’stjstt. The frond is hat not always, opjxificiie, «!|^ md m iijrm The pimmk* nsualiy invorse^ l»ve the margm?. seir rated with d«e|> tuTth. idw piiinuks Ix^ing (n<» ?nv toothed lobes. ■ Ihc pitunihis of this fern have a winding imd-vctt,, latcra! vi'ina are hrmiched. one of the %d ih*^- branchoti veins oxtendiag 4o fwh sermuix* of the aitd ih, fntoti|ietilio>.- Ih/iug plain*«l uoar the « . mnaty. bu! not la a x- ry regular tnanocr. £aoh ^-r, i* ^ hen .n^l vww. w4 i ■*., - -V ... ttiftRgair. an ohi ■>»<; .;r|N8:.,, ■>-, «i-'my¥ 0^- iVmit cni-^ triaogutoi w a my -A r^&m b^ iitt^ FERNS OF GREAT BRITAIN. size is from six to eight inches. 'I'lie outline is lanceo- late ; the stalk about a third of its length. It is very similar to that of the species yet to be described, the Black Spleenwort, but its outline differs in this respect. The form of the Black Spleenwort is always triangular and broadest at the base ; but that of the Green Lanceo- late species is truly lance-shaped, tapering from near the middle towards the base. I’he frond is twice-pinnate ; the pinnse are generally, but not alw'ays, opposite, and egg-shaped and lanceolate in form, 'fhe pinnules are usually inversely egg-shaped, and have the margins ser- rated with deep teeth ; the larger pinnules being cut into toothed lobes. The pinnules of this fern have a winding mid-vein, the lateral veins lu-e branched, one of the smaller of the.se branched veins extending to each serrature of the margin, and the fructitication being placed near the extremity, but not in a very regular manner. Each cluster of capsules is at first long and narrow, and covered with a linear white indusium. This soon dis- appears, and the clusters crowd ultimately into roundish masses. 2. A. Adidnium- nigrum (Black Spleenwort). — Fronds triangular, twice or thrice pinnate, pimup and pinnules triangular, and sharply-toothed. This is a frequent and ornamental fern, gracing the time-stained walls of many an old church or ruin, or hanging down its graceful sprays over rocks, or on the hedgebank of the dry but shady lane. It varies .somewhat in form under dif- ferent circumstances ; it has generally a very elongated triangular outline, the lowest pair of pinnte being larger 76 FERNS OF GREAT BRITAIN. near Petersfleld, in Hampshire, It lias been regarded as a doubtful native, or as probably extinct, but is very likely to bo found in other places now that so much attention is given to ferns by our ablest botanists. It is not unfrequent in continental countries, in rocky places. This Spleenwort is a very distinct and handsome little fern, its thick rigid fronds growing in small tufts to the height of three or four inches. The upper surface of the frond is deep green, but the under part is of a pale whitish green, and it retains its colour throughout the winter. The outline of the frond is narrow lanceolate, the stalk very short and scaly at the base. It is twice pinnate, the pinnae being oblong egg-shaped, and the pinnules inversely egg-shaped, somewhat wedge-shaped, tapering towards the base, and toothed at the margin. Both the principal stalk of the frond, and the partial stalk of each branch, have a narrow leafy wing throughout their length. This forms a distinctive feature of the fern. The texture of the fern is too substantial to allow the veining to be very apparent. The chief vein of each pinnule sends out a vein tow^ards each lobe or serratiire, and in the larger pinnules some of these lateral veins j become forked, a vein running into each lobe or notch. An oblong cluster of capsules is seated on two or more of these veins, and covered with an indiisium of a similar form, waved and indented at the edge. The clusters | are rarely distinct, but generally form a brown mass on | the under-surface of the pinnules. This fern is described by various botanists as Asp'idium, Athyrium, or Polypodium ; retaining, however, in each ; case its s{)ocitic name of fonidmim. A ^riiiHUicuni 1 WAl.L UIM-. SI’l.I'.K.WVOU T. Asplotiuiin riiUi rmirwri^ lOltKF.T) S A . sojjUuiirinna^l'’ \ FERNS OF GREAT BRITAIN. 77 4. A. Ruta-murdria (Wall-ruc Spleeiiwortj or White- Maiden Hair). — Fronds twice pinnate; pmnides lobcd, or bluntly-toothed. This is a plant often seen and easily recognised. It is a common fern in Scotland, AVales, and Ireland, and is generally distributed through- out England, though less common in the eastern counties than elsewhere. Its native haunt seems to be the rocky hills, where its little fronds cluster above the fissures of the stone ; but the wind scatters its dust-like seeds, and they find a congenial soil on the stone jiinnacle or tower of the ancient church, or on broken archway or brick w^ll, where we may often find them with their companions the green I’ellitory, or the golden Wall- fiower. The plant seems to love the haunts of man, for it is far less frccpiently found on the wild rock than on the walls which his hands have reared. It grows, however, in luxuriance on the fissures of the rocks about the Peak in Derbyshire, and is abundant on the cmggy hills of Arthur’s Seat, in Edinburgh. Its fronds, which are thick and leathery, appear in May and .lune, and by September are thickened by the dark-brown mass of fructiheation beneath. The form of the plant would at r)ncc recal to memorv that of the Common Garden Rue. The frond is usually triangular, the stalk of a dark purj)lish brown colour, slender and glossy ; the leafy part occupying rather more than half its length. The fronds are most commonly three or four inches long, but, when most luxuriant, attain the length of half a foot. They are twice pinnate, the pinnules being alternate and pinnate, of a roundish egg-shaped form, bluntly wedge-shaped, and on short stalks, and the 78 FERNS OF GREAT BRITAIN. colour is either dark deep green, or sometimes of a sea- green tint. Wlien growing on exposed spots, they are covered with sea-green powder. Some of the larger fronds are again divided, and their pinnules eut down nearly to the mid-vein, the lobes having the usual form of the pinnules. Little tufts of this plant, however, may be found in which the fronds are pinnate only, with pinnatifid pinnae. The pinnules of this fern arc like little leaves, each on a stalk, and with the upper margin irregularly toothed. There is no mid-vein in the pinnules of this fern, but the veins radiate from the stalk towards the idargin in a fan-shaped direction, and on them arc borne the narrow lines of the clusters of fructification ; these are at first covered by a membranous indusium, the free margin of which is jagged and uneven. As the capsules increase in size, the indusium turns back and finally disappears. This fern is sometimes called Scolopendriim, or Ame- sium RiUa-murdria ; and one of its old English names. White Maiden Hair, was probably given because of the light-coloured powder sometimes seen on its fronds. It was of old renown among the herbalists as a cure for coughs, and affords a slight degree of mucilage. 5. A. Germdnicum (Alternate-leaved Spleenwort). — Fronds simply and alternately pinnate ; pinnules narrow, wedge-shaped. This is one of the rarest of British ferns, and is found on rocks in a few places in Scotland and the north of England. It was formerly consi- dered but a variety of the Wall-rue, but its characteristics seem quite distinct and permanent. The frond, which FERNS OF GREAT BRITAIN. 79 is about three or four inches high, and of a bright green colour, is long and narrow, and pinnated with distinct, alternate, wedge-shaped pinnae. The upper pinnae are slightly lobed, becoming more lobed towards the base ; their upper ends are in every case toothed or notched. The fronds grow in tufts, are thick and tough in texture, and have no distinct mid-vein ; but a vein from the base of each pinna, or lobe, branches off two or three times as it reaches the broader parts, the veins forming a fun-like figure, being in the larger pinnae seven or eight in number, and four in the smaller ones. Two or three lines of fructification are on each pinna, and are covered by an arched indusium, the margin free and slightly waved, but not torn ; the clusters finally run into one thick mass. This plant is, by some writers, called Asplenium aUernifolium, or Amcmm Ger- mdnicum. A. septentriondle (Forked Splecnwort). — Fronds 2 or 3-cleft; segments linear; margin sharply-toothed. This is a rare fern in this country, though occurring in a few localities in abundance, us among the fissures of the rocks of Arthur’s Scat, Edinburgh. It grows, too, on some mountains at the north of the kingdom, as at Ambleside, where it is found among the rocky clefts ; but Mr. Newman says, that he has seen it in greater luxuriance at Llanrwst, near the mouth of the Conway, than in any other place. This plant grows in tufts, jiund, notwithstanding the diminutive size of the indivi- tdual fronds, occasionally thus forms large masses. Mr. Newman says, “ At Lanrwst, the tufts of this feni were very large; one of them was so heavy, that after 80 FERNS OF GREAT BRITAIN. shaking out all the loose earth, I found it a very incon- venient load to carry, even the single mile wdiich I had to convey it. This tuft, consisting, I suppose, but of one rhizoma, had upwards of three hundred perfectly vigo- rous fronds, besides at least an equal number of decay- ing ones, the relics of the previous year.” The fronds are usually two, three or four inches in length, slender ■ and forked, so as to resemble the horns of a stag ; easily I distinguished by their shape from any other fern, re- minding one of the leaves of that common plant, the Euck’s-horn Plantain {Vlantdgo coronopui). The veins are few and little branched, one running into each lobe. The clusters of capsules lie in lines, in a very crowded manner, on each side of the vein. They are, at first, covered by a linear-shaped indusium, which bursts open as the capsules mature, and then gradually disappears. The whole under-surface of the frond is finally covered Avith the broAvn mass of fructification. This fern has by various writers been called Scolopen- ilrium septentriondle, Amesium septentriondle, or Aerdsti- ckum scpteniriondle. The beautiful Elk’s-horn Pern, of which we read so much in the works of travellers in Aus- tralia, is the Acrddichum alcicorne. This Stag’s-horn Fern grows on the timber-trees of the forest to a great size, resembling in its shape the palmated antlers of the moose and rein-deer. Mr. Backhouse describes it as sometimes growing on decomposing sandstone rocks, forming pro- tuberant girdles around trees, from which hang the most beautiful flowers of convolvuli. 7. A. marxnum (Sea Sjfieenwort). — Fronds pinnate; pinna oblong and blunt, stalked, unequal and wedge- fthaking out ail the Ivxwe etu’th, I found it a very incoRw venient load to carry, even the. single mile which I hud to convey it. Thij luft, cotiHisting, I suppirse, but of one- rhizoma, had vtpwards of three hundred perfectly vigo- rous fronds, V-side? at least au e(^aal number of decay- ing OUCH, the rcUcH of thi‘ previous year.” The fronds are usually two., tiuet or four inches in length, slender and forked o - to ivsemblo the horns of a stag ; easily disting mi.hI- by their shape from any other fern, re- ^ ^ leaves of that eoinmon plant, the ]b .-k horn riautaiu { 'liaHtdr/o cormopm). The veins a.e iVw and litth Irranched. one running into each lube. Tlu- .mo. r- '.t . oHules Vie m iincs. in u very crowded . „J. -dr id die v.ui. They are, at first, - 4 .'te .ndp .uiu. which bursts open a* r, oialrvH gr.uh»ally disappears. V ,* ' d ;• tinully covered m'h u.i IfoWH oi fructification. ^ , This km has by various writers been called Seolojien- ,lrium Heptentrionnk, Amhium Kpfmirionak, or Arrmh- chm aeplenlrionale. The beautiful Elk’s-hom berii. o which we read so much iu the works of trave lers lu Aus- traha islho AcrMicium aldcorue. This Stags-I.oru fern urowi on the tiiuber-ttecs of the forest to a groat size, LmbUug in its shape the palmated anUers ofthemoose mid rein-deer. Mr. Backhouse describes it as soniotini .rowing on decomposing sandstone rofcks forming pro- hberaid girdles around trees, from which hang the mos. beautiful flowers of convolvuli. 7 A. mnrinum (Sea Splcenwort)— Area* pum. tc pimm oblong and blunt, stalked, unequal and uedg. FERNS OF GREAT BRITAIN. 81 shajK'd at the base. This beautiful fern grows out from the sides, or hangs its numerous sprays dowm from the summits, of sea-caves, rocks, or cliffs. Its deep rich tufts of evergreen fronds attain, when most luxuriant, the length of a foot and a half, but it varies greatly in size. It is abundant on maritime rocks in the south-west of England, and is plentiful in the Chan- nel Islands, as well as on the coasts of France and Spain. The specimen from which our illustration wa.s made was gathered from the rocks, on the sea-shore under the Hoe at Plymouth. In Cornwall this fern is often a beautiful object. It grows, though very rarely, on inland situations, on w'alls and rocks. The frond unfolds in July, bearing its fnictification in Septem- ber and October. Its form is linear, simjily pinnate; its pinnae are stalked and serrated, and connected at the base by a narrow wing, extending along the ruchis. The pinnae arc not always alike in shape, some being oblong, others egg-shaped ; they are unequal at the liasc, the side nearest the ujiper part of the frond being much developed, while tlic lower portion If ' ;f^ rmist iw k>>, mto wk^ ■ It S<-' ■ V! jifv #>;».>^;. Its bli!' »« ■ « ;>.K ;.Avis C'fhcT British ■ •?' ?*r’- ' 'm: |«art of its staik ;■ ■’ •• , /• ' ^ in hne towHinJs U-- ^ V'- , - • ’.-If ripe of the wbi^- iw ' ii* Th*’ simply pinoeU’ , I«tr‘ pg |>P.iS|3i, livo •,•:.> • 4'Ab1«« to a hx?t hjng, 9S(^9f^ and the >tmaiJ r ^mdM6 pinna? nithef ttr ' ing tuwmds the and «ttJK?hrei' of ij. e ..i veins arise alternatrly from the niid-vem, am! r’\* •■ither ;«iunple or forketi. The capsule ohi*tng, «ml ' wvr;-4 at first by obloag mentbramnis ir.dusia, jf^ged >r a’birh h*. divitie into* hrr e-'i; 9 -4. /W.'d ■, ' ' ■ . .,-•• f ^rommor: . ■ ; .. ’Seoa'Mtg, ifts if ?■' ■- :,‘e ’f ■ >jji} *herj ?^'f' FERNS OF GREAT BRITAIN. S3 pinnules. This fern is veiy frequent in the Highlands of Scotland, growing on moist rocks, into whose crevices it sends its wiry fibres. Its hue is brighter and of a lighter green than the other British species of the genus. Though the upper part of its stalk is yellowish green, yet it gradually deepens in hue towards the lower j>arts, becoming at its base of a purplish-brown. The stij)cs is about a third of the length of the whole frond, and the plant grows in tufts. The simply pinnate leafy part is from two or three inches to a foot long, narrow', and the small roundish egg-shaped pinnsc rather taper- ing towards the base, and attached to the rachis by the narrow part, which becomes gradually narrower. The veining of the fern is distinct. A number of lateral veins arise alteniatcly from the mid-vein, and are either simple or forked. The capsule clusters lie on the side nearest the top of the pinna ; they are oblong, and covered at first by oblong membranous indusia, jagged or notched, w'hich soon fall. The fructification then forms a dark browm mass all over the middle of the under side of the fern, concealing the mid-vein. This fern, which is found on the mountainous districts of England, AVales, and Ireland, occurs in similar moist rocky places throughout Europe. Linnteus termed it the Branching Trichomanes, because its fronds have a tendency to divide into a branched form. 9. A. Trichomanes (Common "Wall Spleenwort). — Frond linear, pinnate ; pinnm roundish, egg-shaped, atulked, wedge-shaped below'. This is one of our most common ferns ; and it is a graceful plant when growing, as it often doc‘S, in large (juantity. Now and then wo 84 FERNS OF GREAT BRITAIN. find its deep green sprays making a light tracery over some sloping hedgebank, on which the sunshine is not interrupted by overshadowing boughs. More often, however, the old church tower or stone wall is enli- vened by its clumps of slender fronds, or they give to the ruin a touch of verdure ; and throughout the year we may gather it from some shady rock, its evergreen fronds, when in a thriving condition, becoming a foot in length. The stalk is throughout the frond of a purplish glossy black. The frond is dull green, its small pinnae are of equal size, very numerous, and in some cases quite dis- tinct, in others closely crowding on each other. They are of a roundish oblong shape, and are attached by a short stalk, wedge-shaped below, and formed as if a piece had been cut off. The pinnae are jointed at the main stalk of the frond, and when old, fall off and leave it naked, numbers of the black glossy hair-like stalks mingling with the green fronds. A mid-vein in the pinna gives rise on each side to forked veins ; and the linear cluster of capsules is placed just within the margin of the pinna, on that vein of the fork which is nearest its upper part. These clusters are, when young, covered by a thin indusium, with its margin free and notched; but as they ripen, they sometimes run into one mass, covering with their dai'k brown hue almost all the under surface of the pinna, though more frequently lying in two distinct portions, and leaving the midrib uncovered. This fern is not subject to many varieties, except that it differs greatly in the length of its fronds according to the place of its growth. A form, however, termed J HARTS TONGTJ1-: SrX-KKXWORT !\6'' Nat Size Scoliipeudriiun viil|uje i OF QREAT mfPAm $S ifmnmmt into iiwow -jy. h'ti. mwmu ; altiiosi - , f«r ui4rffe„ This fem is t mrf oiily ■ y^^_ but tliroujjli<,»4tt A :|e» iromls have Uin^ '• .■ ;.n a }■»'''■-•» tn:‘ ‘mu - ■ ii^OglCJl (Hart S-toi}gtli.:'( '■ ,• •' ’’ H.'irt ji>v ''F'*- ■ . ‘- . 'U^ hturt-shaiAAi. 'ii» H' . uAtoua^i iM V.. :,.uf kuet and Ho fom y^il] kag rt^iUs’ i - .iiniatt lic^riptioii tinu* ilatii Its iv;raJ features wt t*4.< -^vn ikh niono ta tin? liu< ti) every oiwun t o< pknia, and it varies luitirr a^-v t ircn rustanr^a, too little trom its urdiititry fosoj J<> iuakt it difFfcuit of reco^iUoij. Its duaip- o Int^, slender, bright grt-uii leave*, with a snrfa*^:' m gkssy that tiie ram- j n mm otl tlieiik, gather on emmy ':r iV'v* Wiry mt al dbtffe-t **M , o.'kv, 'Sra* :,:ve ;;;^; C* O'. -i v ■W %, ^:,^r ., .f- ‘ ■« 1 ^' . hJl i'®:,; a. W';... ' ., * . -V'UV tlie fe-ai|l t> : : ;: ^'*r,, ■ . - .a v. curving .tfe-*'.,-; »ro full of biue-k^^ the young fi :nd^ , <* • i,‘ audaJf, til; ;■ » feu , . ' , jliie >'H*% ■a,.t , / Ti Jr.ai luly tik *ivt ■ vt '.■Stf' r\‘-V' e .'■'U m-- “‘'■kteb.kf of vtKture. »*/y bnght FERNS OF GREAT BRITAIN. 85 vicisum, has its pinnae cut into narrow notclied segments almost to tlie midrib. This fern is common, not only throughout this kingdom, but throughout Europe. A tea and syrup made of its fronds have long been used as a remedy in pulmonary affections. It is by some writers called /f. melanocaulon. 10. ScoLOPENDRicM (Hart’s-tonguc). 1. S. vulgdre (Common Ilart’s-toiigue). — Trond ob- long, straj>shaped, simple ; bane heart-shaped. I’o those accustomed to wander about our green lanes and fields, no fern will less recpiire a minute description than this. Its general features are known not alone to the botanist, but to every observer of plants, and it varies under any circumstances, too little from its ordinary form to make it difficult of recognition. Its clumps of long, slender, bright green leaves, with a surface so glossy that the rain- drop runs off them, gather on sunny hedgebanks in almost every rural district of our land, and are still more often to be found on the moist and shady sides of woods, among the long grasses, or coarse herbage, or the tall steins of wild flowers. The clumps are circular, the fronds spreading out from the centre, and grace- fully curving dowmviurds. In May, when the hedges are full of blue-bells, and anemones, and rosy crancsbills, the young fronds may be seen daily uncoiling some- what further, till all traces of their scroll-like form are lost, save a little curl at the tip of the frond, which in a few' days is levelled too, and the pale green colour of the young frond gradually assumes its richer verdure. In June and July the Ilart’s-tongnc fern is very bright 8G FERNS OF GREAT BRITAIN. and beautiful, of a delicate and tender green, quivering before the rough winds, but of too firm a texture to be stirred by a light summer’s breeze. The frond is long and narrow, tapering and acute at its upper end, and again gradually lowering at the base, when it becomes veiy distinctly heart-shaped. Its margin is entire and waved, the leafy portion being placed on a short and shaggy stalk, which is of a puiqfiish brown colour at the base. While the frond is young, it has a downy or cot- tony substance on its under side, and often also on each side of the midrib on its upper surface. The length of a full-groum frond is from six inches to a foot and a half. It grows very luxuriantly on stone walls, at the borders of streams, or the sides of wells, and is sometimes found in mines or caverns. Sir J. E. Smith says of its fronds, “ In the now open vault by the great hall in Conway Castle, I have gathered them upwards of three feet long, and nearly five inches wide.” Sir W. J. Hooker found them in the moat at Kenilworth Castle more than two feet long. A very stout and strong midrib runs through the leafy part, from which forked veins arise, the smaller veins being parallel to each other, and run- ning towards the margin, but ending just within it. Oblong clusters of fructification, some long and some short, lie in the direction of the veins, at short intervals, on the upper part of the leaf, occupying about two- thirds of its length. They are placed in oblique parallel lines on each side of the raid- vein, and when seen in their ripened state seem to be single. If these are examined when young, they may however be seen to be composed of two distinct patches, facing each other, and divided FERNS OF GREAT BRITAIN. 87 by n sriiftll line, which is finally hidden by their uniting into one mass. Each of the lines consists of a complete cluster, and when joined together this is called a twin- sorus. This twin-sorus is always placed between two bundles of veins, and covered by the thin white membrane- like indusium of the same form as the clusters. In an early stage, the indusia, touching each other, seem like one only ; then they separate slightly, the distinction between them becoming daily more apparent till they finally become widely separated and fall off. 'rhis plant was considered of some medicinal use by our fore- fathers, and was included in what were termed the five “ capillary herbs.” The Golden or Common I’olypody the Common Maidenhair, the Common Spleenwort, the Wall-rue, and Hart’s- tongue, formed this group, which was in early days held in great esteem. The llart’s-tongue offei-s a great number of varieties, especially when cultivated, as it so often is, on rock- work. A \cry elegant and common variety, termed cn'ftpum, is so waved and curleil at the margin, that it becomes a leafy frill on each side of the midrib ; it is often of a much jialer green than the common form of the 1 1 art’s-tonguc. Another well-known variety is that termed polyschides, in which the frond is narrow, lineal*, deeply and irregularly cut at the margin into roundish lobes. A third variety, lobutum, has its fronds strap-shaped below, widening at the upper part, and there cut into two or more acute lobes ; and a very beautiful variety, mulHJidum, has its fronds strap-shaped below, spread out at the upper part, and cut into crowded, more or less blunt, and wavy lobes. A fourth 88 FERNS OP GREAT BRITAIN. variety is very remarkable, and has been found on a wall j near Taunton ; it is termed lacerdtuni, and has its \ broad fronds deeply lobed or pinnatifid. ; Some forms of this fern are found, when under culture, i to be viviparous ; that is, buds arise upon the stem, which ’ separate spontaneously from the plant itself, and become \ young ferns. A variety of Folpstic/ium anguldre has ] been for some time known as viviparous, but from ] recent observations it would seem that the sanie pccu- 1 liarity is observable in several of the Biitish ferns, | though it remains yet unproved whether this phenomenon will be found to be permanent. A writer in the “ Gar- dener’s Chronicle” ibr November, 1854, says, “ I possess two forms of Scolopendrium vulgare, Fol^stichum, loba- tum, Lastrea feenisdi, and Lastrea FUix-mas, all of which have either produced a viviparous plant, or are gradually developing bulbillae.” He adds, that he could name other persons who have observed similar instances of re])roduction in ferns. The Hart’s-tongue is called by various writers, Fhgl- lites Scolopendrium, Asplenium Scolopendrium, or Scolo- pendrium Fhgllitides. 11. Ceterach (Scaly Spleen wort). 1. C. qfficindrum (Common Ceterach, or Scaly Spleen- wort). — Fronds linear-lanceolate, pinnatifid, covered be- neath with chaffy scales ; segments blunt. This fern is readily distinguished from any other British plant. It varies very little in form, and the whole of its under ■ surface is thickly clothed with brown scales. The fronds are from two or three to six inches long, very 88 FERNS OF GREAT BRITAIN. variety is very rcniarknbk, and has been found on a wall near Taunton j it ai tertued lacerdtum, and has it* broad fronds deeply lobed or pinnatifid. Some forms of this fern are found, when under culture, to be viv iparous , that is, buds arise upon the stem, which separate sjumtaneous.y f^no the plant itself, and become younjif hrns. A v vkij of Polffstichum anyuldre 1ms lM!en loi sonn tie . known as viviparous, but from ref.*ent obst'rvat^' it would setmi that the same pecu- liarity is ..iMwarvaljiu in several of the British ferns, thougf’ o n nifiin* yet unproved wliether tliis phenomenon will I V lound to l>e jk-rmaiumt. A writer in the “Gar- dener’s Chronicle” Nov, inbor, 1S51, says, “ I possess two tonus of ■ ' o t; P