172 THE FERN PARADISE. 



is carried outwards and upwards, away from the 

 stem obliquely. It consists of a single branch, 

 of oblong shape but blunt pointed, on both sides 

 of which are a series of leaflets placed along at 

 regular intervals, supported by short stems on 

 their somewhat flat bases, and crescent or fan- 

 shaped, their rounded outside margins being some- 

 what cut or indented. Rising above this leafy or 

 barren frond is the fertile or seed-bearing frond. 

 This is branched after a similar arrangement to 

 that of the barren or leafy frond, each branch con- 

 taining a cluster of seeds enclosed in globular cases. 

 The Moonwort abounds in open heaths and 

 meadows, delighting to grow amongst the grass, 

 on which, as some persons have asserted, it be- 

 comes a parasite. Hence in transplanting it for 

 the home fernery, it is recommended that it should 

 be taken up from the ground with a good-sized 

 square of turf, so that the roots may not be dis- 

 turbed. Loamy or peaty soil is adapted for it ; 

 and you can grow it on rockery, or in pots. It 

 dies at the approach of winter ; appearing again 

 on the early approach of spring. 



