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CHAPTER V. 



THE ROYAL FERN. 

 Osmunda regalis. 



F royal and noble aspect, indeed, is the Royal 

 or Flowering Fern. It is the largest and 

 grandest of our native species, and approaches 

 more nearly than any other to the form of a 

 tree fern. Its favourite habitats are the banks 

 of moorland streams where it can secure abundant 

 moisture, and a soft, spongy, peaty soil. Often- 

 times it is found in damp woods, growing in such 

 situations to an average height of four, five, or six 

 feet. It is, however, found in greatest luxuriance 

 in parts of Ireland ; and on the banks of the 

 lakes of Killarney it sometimes attains a height 

 of twelve feet, and presents a singularly grand 

 and beautiful aspect. The root-stock in most of 

 our native ferns is seldom raised more than a few 



