THE SHIELD FERNS. 211 



evergreen in character dark green in colour rigid, 

 and prickly looking. They withstand the frost, and 

 often remain until the new spring fronds are pro- 

 duced. It may be grown in the fern-garden, or 

 in the house ; and the soil it needs should be 

 composed of light loam, peat, and sand. It is 

 said to be difficult to cultivate, especially in the 

 west of England ; but we have seen it successfully 

 grown there, in the open garden. It is an exceed- 

 ingly handsome fern, and is well worthy of the 

 utmost care which can be bestowed upon it. 



