THE SPLEENWORTS. 271 



same description, with the exceptions which have 

 been pointed out, will apply in the case of both 

 ferns : black, tufted root-stocks; wiry, fibrous roots; 

 thin, narrow fronds ; brittle stems ; and two rows 

 of leaflets, now placed opposite in pairs, and now 

 ranged alternately egg-shaped and saw-edged. 

 Both grow from their crowns in dense clusters. 

 But, as we have already inferred, Trichomanes 

 is found growing in sunnier and more exposed 

 situations than Viridi. Trickomanes, neverthe- 

 less, though so hardy and bold, best loves deep 

 shade and moisture. It never, however, grows 

 on the ground, but must be elevated on wall, 

 rock, or hedge-bank. 



It is really difficult to imagine anything more 

 beautiful than a wall or rock clothed with dense 

 tufts of the fronds of Trickomanes, with their 

 shining, purplish-black stems and refreshingly 

 green leaflets. Peer over the arch of yonder 

 bridge, beneath which the stream is surging and 

 splashing ! Beyond you, dark woods tower up 

 against the horizon ; beneath, the shining river 

 reflects in its limpid surface the blue canopy 



