CHAPTER I. 



THE POLYPODIES. 



I. THE COMMON POLYPODY. 



Polypodium vulgare. 



E of our most delightful ferns is the Common 

 Polypody. It is positively refreshing and 

 invigorating to look at it. We have good reason 

 to think so, for as we write we have a splendid 

 specimen standing beside us on our table, in a 

 shallow seed-pan ; and it does us good to pause 

 now and then, and look at its glorious wealth of 

 magnificent fronds. This same specimen was some 

 few weeks since growing on the moss-covered wall 

 which skirted a Devonshire brook. When we got 

 it, in its wild state, its fronds had attained what 

 is generally regarded as their maximum length, 

 namely, eighteen inches. And what exquisite 

 roots ! A perfect network of fibres, which, grow- 

 ing in the perpetual moisture engendered under 



