66 WAYSIDE AND WOODLAND FERNS. 



into sub-genera as we mentioned was the case with Aspidium, 

 and similarly because all the European species fall into the 

 sub-genus Lastrea they are referred to in some of the books 

 as Lastreas. The Male-fern (Nephrodium filix- mas) is the best 

 known of all our native species, and has stood for the typical 

 fern. The name of the genus is derived from the Greek word 

 nephros, the kidney, in allusion to the shape of the indusium. 



Male Fern (Nephrodium filix-mas). 



When all is said about the distinctive claims of this or that 

 species to be considered the most beautiful, the most graceful 

 or the most delicate, it will probably be admitted that the Male- 

 fern is the most popular of our native ferns. Its sturdy habit, its 

 robust growth and commanding appearance, as it towers over 

 the lesser plants of the hedgerow or copse, make it a very 

 noticeable plant, and leads to the desire to transfer a fine 

 specimen to the garden, to which change in its condition it 

 accommodates itself more readily than any other species. As 

 already indicated under the head of Bracken, that species is not 

 regarded when the non-botanical are discussing ferns, and so 

 the Male-fern has come to be regarded as the Fern, or the 

 Common Fern. Its ubiquitous character so far at least as 

 these islands are concerned has had much to do with this, for 

 wherever ferns will grow, there we may rely upon meeting with 

 the Male-fern. 



The Male-fern's rootstock becomes solid and bulky with age, 

 owing to the bases of the fronds remaining attached to it, 

 though the active portion the fleshy rhizome is of much more 

 slender proportions, and runs through the centre of the hard 

 mass. The unexpanded fronds form a broad tuft from which 

 they arise in shuttlecock fashion to a height of two or three 

 sometimes four or more feet. They are lance-shaped, with 

 a short stipes more or less densely clothed with pale brown 



