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latent at first but subsequently developed near the frond 

 bases, and thus in time forms clumps of several crowns. 

 The fronds in the autumn develop a weak point near the 

 base and fall down, disappearing entirely during the winter 

 or only surviving as withered debris. In the spring the 

 new fronds rise and the species may then be distinguished 

 by the uncoiling fronds assuming the form of a shepherd's 

 crook or crozier, the top part hanging loosely forward, 

 while those of the Shield Ferns turn backwards, forming 

 a reversed hook. The ^Nlale Fern frond is of lance-like 

 outline, with a bare stalk for some inches when the side 

 divisions begin an inch or two long, and gradually widen 

 up to about two-thirds the length, and then taper off 

 gradually to the tip. The pinnae, or side divisions, are 

 again divided into pinnules which are bluntly saw-toothed 

 on minute lines at the edges. The round spore heaps lie in 

 parallel rows on each side the midribs of the pinnules. The 

 pinnae are flat and several inches long at the widest part of 

 the frond, and taper off gradually to the pinnae tip. These 

 indications should enable anyone to recognize the Fern in 

 its ordinary form. Mr. G. B. WoUaston has quite justifiably 

 separated this species into three sub-species, first the Fern 

 we have described L. filix mas, secondly, L. psendo mas, 

 which differs from it in being of lighter colour, tougher 

 texture, robuster growth and evergreen, while the third form, 

 L. propinqua, which occurs mainly in hilly districts has its 

 sub-divisions concave, is of a duller green and softer texture? 

 and is quite deciduous. L. filix mas is one of the commonest 

 Ferns we have, and is one of the few which appear in 

 thousands of gardens, suburban and other, all over the 

 country, L. p. mas is much less common, but ,is found 

 associated with it, while L. propinqua is only common in 

 hilly districts. 



L. MONTANA (OREOPTERIS), 



The Lemon-scented Fern, 

 We treat of next, as it is the most easily confounded 

 with the Male Fern, the general habit and make being very 



