THE TERN FAMILY. 477 



other parts of the same clough. Bredbury Wood. Dell at Marple, 

 about a hundred yards from the bridge. (Mr. Isaac Williamson.) 



E. B. xxxi. 2224. 



The name "beech-fern " refers, not, as some suppose, to tbe fact of the plant 

 growing especially in beech-woods, of which there is no evidence, but rather the 

 reverse, — but to the form of the frond, after the principal portion of the stalk has 

 been broken oflf. It then closely resembles the profile of a beech-tree, the lower- 

 most branches elegantly drooping towards the ground. 



3. Oak-fern — [Polypbdium Dryopteris) 

 In damp woods and cloughs, rather rare. Very plentiful and luxu- 

 riant in Burley Hurst Wood, Mobberley. Abundant in woods at 

 Charlesworth Coombs. (Mr. Sidebotham.) Sparingly in Mere Clough. 

 In the clough near Marple Bridge, with the Phegopteris. (Mr. Isaac 



Williamson.) 



E. B. ix. 616. 



The oak-fern, like the beech-fern, is so named, not from its favourite habitation 

 being under or among oak-trees, but from the figure of the frond when laid flaL 

 It then gives a pretty miniature outline of the oak-tree, with its wide-spreading 

 branches, and comparatively low stature. This very charming fern is immediately 

 distinguishable from every other by the deflexion of the branches of the frond at 

 the point where they have their origin, forming an obtuse angle with the principal 

 stalk. 



4. Common Shield-fern — [Aspldium or Lastria Filix-mas.) 

 Everywhere in woods, and on hedge and ditch-banks. 



Curtis, iii. 554 ; E. B. xxi. 1458. 

 A most instructive species from which to learn the nature of the indusium. 



5. Sweet Mountain-fern — {Aspidium or Lastrea Oreopteris.) 



In woods and shady cloughs ; on steep brows, where somewhat 



shaded, and on ditch-banks, common. Plentiful in Mere Clough, and 



generally in the neighbourhood of Prestwich. The same at Droylsden, 



Ashley, and Rostherne. Boggart Hole Clough. Stalybridge Brushes. 



Very abundant about Strines, Werneth Lowe, and Apethorne. (Mr. 



Sidebotham.) 



E. B. XV. 1019 (as Polypodium Oreopteris). 



A very elegant fern, easily recognised by the beautiful border of beads along 

 the edges of the pinnules. (Fig. C.) Examined with the microscope, the under 

 side of the frond is found to be thickly sprinkled with yellow glands, secreting a 

 fragrant matter which, if the plant be drawn through the hand, is readily com- 

 municated to it. 



