146 THE FERN PARADISE. 



formed by the latter. In these fertile fronds the 

 leaflets are much narrower than those of the 

 barren fronds, and unlike the latter they are quite 

 distinct, being separated by a greater space from 

 each other. There is, too, a much longer stem in 

 the fertile fronds of the Hard Fern than in the 

 barren ones, the leaflets being at first the tiniest 

 protuberances from the midrib, and gradually 

 extending in length ; but again decreasing in 

 length as they near the point of the frond. The 

 backs of the fertile fronds in their upper parts are 

 densely clothed with seeds. So soon as these 

 have been scattered in the autumn the tall, thin 

 fertile fronds wither and drop away to the ground ; 

 but the barren fronds are evergreen, and preserve 

 their delightful freshness until the re-appearance 

 of spring calls up another cluster from the root- 

 stock. 



The Hard Fern is widely distributed and abun- 

 dant, delighting most to grow in damp and 

 dripping situations. It should therefore be grown 

 in the lowest tiers of your fern rockery, and 

 have abundant moisture. In its wild state it is 



