158 OUR FERNS. 
in its appearance, but not so much so as an absent allied species 
(P. Dryopteris) ; the fronds are of a delicate green colour, and 
the branches beautifully pinnate, or divided at the edge. 
Tue Surerp Ferns (Polystichum).—Of this genus we have but 
one species—the Common Prickly Shield Fern (P. aculeatum), an 
evergreen when growing in a sheltered situation, but otherwise 
the fronds die off. It is one of the most graceful of our ferns 
when viewed in masses, presenting, when looked at from above, 
a beautiful feathered appearance. Although very plentiful in 
most of the Gloucestershire lanes, it is not widely spread here ; 
there are a few roots in Water Lane, and it grows thickly on 
a bank in the wood, not far from Hazlemoor Church. The 
spores are covered with an indusium circular in shape, and the 
texture of the frond is more rigid than that of any other of our 
native ferns. When the spores have reached maturity, the skin 
bursts, and the fine dust becomes dispersed by the wind 
to other, and perhaps far distant, localities. There is a variety 
called Jobatum, much narrower in outline, and having the pinne 
stunted and lobed; it has been found here, but I do not know 
the spot. It is, however, merely a variety. [P. angulare ought 
to be found in the neighbourhood, though I have not been 
fortunate enough to see it. | 
Tue Buckiern Ferns (Lastrea).—These ferns are known by 
having the indusium indented on one side, making it horse-shoe- 
shaped. We have three species. We can go into no wood 
without seeing the Male Fern (Z. filiz-mas), growing occasionally 
to the height of three feet. I found a curious variety of it in the 
Roundabout, having the pinn divided into two and three 
branches. The Spiny Buckler Fern (Z. spinulosa), by some 
treated as a variety of the rare cristata, is plentiful in King’s 
Wood and Whittington Park, preferring moist situations. The 
Broad Buckler Fern (Z. dilatata) is not quite so common, but is 
to be found in both localities ; it is a very robust plant, yet the 
frond is beautifully curved or drooping, and is seldom seen erect 
like other Lastreas. [I believe Z. wliginosa was found in Whit- 
tington Park by Mr. T. P. Lucas, formerly resident at Wycombe. | 
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