82 FERNS. 



species, the C. Dickieana, or Dickie's Bladder-Fern. Its 

 pinnules are broader, and the pinnae placed more closely 

 together. Its form is more compact than that of its 

 brethren, it is a pretty Fern, and flourishes well under 

 cultivation. 



The Alpine Bladder-Fern resembles the Brittle species, 

 but it is smaller and its pinnules more finely cut, and 

 the middle vein is straight. As its name signifies, its 

 habitat is alpine. 



The Mountain Bladder-Fern (C. montana), resembles 

 the Limestone Polypody in form, but is smaller and has 

 more numerous leaflets, each of which is toothed, and the 

 teeth fringed. It is a common Fern in high latitudes, 

 and is only found in Britain at very high elevations. 



After having passed the foot-bridge, and lost sight of 

 our usual path, we came to a very wet bank, where a 

 spring contributed its small amount of water to swell 

 the stream, but without providing it with a channel, so 

 that it diffused itself over the low ground by the brook- 

 side. I tried in vain to step only upon stones ; 1 was 

 obliged to trust to a cushion of moss, and my foot sank 

 ankle- deep in water. But I could give no attention to the 

 state of my boots, for immediately before me rose a tall 

 group of Ferns, light and feathery in form, and bending 

 most gracefully in every direction — their colour the most 

 delicate green. The lance shaped contour, resembling 

 that of the Male Fern, and the finely cut foliage, con- 

 vinced me that it must be the Lady Fern. Shining 

 drops of morning dew hung heavily on its tapering pinnae 

 and weighed them down. The plant was nearly two 

 feet high, and the grace of its appearance was exquisite. 



