92 THE FERN PARADISE. 



fronds of the Polypody. Below, the side of the 

 cutting is densely clothed with ferns of glorious 

 growth. Splendid specimens of the Male Fern 

 which, from their erect and noble-looking, yet 

 withal graceful habit, fairly earn their designa- 

 tion. Growing to the left of the Male Ferns, 

 whose fronds are more than a yard long, are two 

 magnificent specimens of the Broad Buckler Fern ; 

 the curling pinnules of the fronds giving to them 

 a most lovely aspect. Beneath, revelling in the 

 cool shelter afforded by the ferns which have 

 been named, is a Lady Fern, throwing up its 

 tender fronds with the drooping habit which is 

 the charming characteristic of this plant. 



Still, for a long distance, the lane follows its 

 winding course between high moss, ivy and 

 fern-covered banks, with trees far above, arch- 

 ing over and excluding the sunlight. Your path 

 now becomes more like the rocky bed of some 

 river, which a long drought has temporarily dried 

 up. On your right you presently pass, in the 

 twilight created by the shrubs around and above 

 you, a hedge-bank which is clothed with the most 



