THE SHIELD FERNS. 209 



doubtless on account of the more evergreen, rigid, 

 and vigorous character of its fronds. Both ferns 

 are beautiful; but there is a soft beauty and 

 a gracefulness of aspect about the Soft Prickly 

 Shield Fern, scarcely possessed in the same 

 degree by its more robust relative, Aculeatum. 



3. THE HOLLY FERN. 

 Polystichum lonchitis. 



DIFFERING in many essential points from the 

 other species of Polystichum, the Holly Fern has, 

 nevertheless, a clearly defined relationship to 

 Aculeatum and Angulare. It is, indeed, a singular- 

 looking yet withal a beautiful fern ; and its 

 leaflets possess a sufficiently near resemblance 

 to the leaves of a holly-bush to warrant the 

 name which it bears. Sometimes this fern grows 

 to a height of only six inches or so. At other 

 times it may be found exceedingly vigorous, grow- 

 ing as long as eighteen inches, and under such cir- 

 cumstances very stiff and erect in habit. It is a 



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