J. E. LITTLEBOY — OITR LOCAL FERNS. 85 



6. Lastrea Filix-mas. — The L. FiUx-mas is the commonest of all 

 our ferns; scarcely a hedgerow can be found where its strong 

 vigorous fronds are not discernible. It flourishes alike in shady- 

 woods or on open heaths. Its fronds often attain to the height 

 of three or even four feet. Its colour is of a darker green than 

 that of the species last described, and the lower portion of its 

 stipes or stalk is profusely clothed with dark shaggy scales. 



7. Lastrea Filix-mas, var. Borreri. — This variety is distinguished 

 by its yellow hue, and also by the fact that its rachis is more 

 or less scaly throughout its entire length. It is exceedingly 

 abundant in some parts of Scotland, where it imparts a rich 

 golden colour to many a mountain side, and is readily observ- 

 able by the passing tourist. I have gathered it near Wigginton 

 Common. 



8. Lastrea dilatata. — This is one of the largest of our British 

 species. On this side of Hertfordshire it is uncommon, but it 

 grows very luxuriantly in moist sheltered woods throughout 

 many of our English counties, and still more so in Wales. The 

 crown of the caudex, or root, is densely covered with large brown 

 scales. Its fronds are of a rich dark green, and under favoui'able 

 circumstances they will attain to a length of four or perhaps five 

 feet. Its growth is graceful in the extreme, and it constitutes one 

 of the most ornamental species for garden culture. I have ah-eady 

 mentioned one of its local habitats. 



9. Lastrea spinulosa. — I need say but very little of this species. 

 It is closely allied to L. dilatata, but is mu<5h smaller, and its 

 colour is a dull light green. It grows, I believe, almost ex- 

 clusively in moist woods, and often by the side of stagnant pools 

 when completely surrounded by trees. It succeeds well under 

 cultivation, and is by no means uncommon. 



10. Lastrea Oreopteris. — I have no reason to suppose that the 

 heath or mountain fern, as this is frequently styled, is particularly 

 scarce in Herts, but I have only been successful in finding it in 

 two localities. It will only fiourish on our higher table-lands, 

 and prefers a loamy soil. I have again and again transplanted it, 

 in its own soil, to my fernery at Hunton Bridge, but it will not 

 survive beyond one or two seasons. 



11. Polystichum angulare. — 12. PolystieJmm uculeatum. — I will 

 take these two species together. They are closely allied, and yet 

 readily distinguishable the one from the other. Both are ever- 

 green. The P. angulare is a large and peculiarly handsome fern. 

 It vies in graceful beauty with the lady-fern, and is most effective 

 in cultivation. Its fr-onds are soft and drooping, are generally 

 of a dull green, and vary from two to four feet in length. The 

 beauty of this fern in the early spring, when first unfolding its 

 young fronds, is very remarkable, and cannot fail to attract the 

 attention of those who watch its growth. All the fronds are 

 symmetrically arranged round the crown of the caudex, and are 

 literally covered with silvery brown scales. 



The P. aeuleatum may be distinguished by its thick leathery 



