THE ROYAL FERN. 149 



inches above the surface of the ground : but in 

 the case of the Royal Fern its root-stock, some- 

 what after the manner of the tree ferns of the 

 tropics, is in large specimens raised to a height of 

 one, or even two feet above the ground, thus form- 

 ing a kind of pedestal for its tufts of tall and 

 arching fronds. 



The general form of the fronds of this stately 

 and beautiful fern is lance-like, as, indeed more 

 or less broadly or narrowly are all our British 

 ferns. But there is a peculiar distinctiveness about 

 the grand Osmunda which renders it easily recog- 

 nisable amongst other species. The stem is of a 

 light yellowish green, and the rachis bears several 

 pairs of branches, placed on each side of it, and 

 opposite : each pair diminishing in length towards 

 the point of the frond. The branches are them- 

 selves broadly lance-shaped. Ranged in pairs on 

 each branch are a set of leaflets. These leaflets 

 are oblong in shape, with broad points and obtuse 

 bases. In the centre of the base of each leaflet 

 there is a slight hollow corresponding with the 

 line of its mid-vein, the continuation of which 



