28 FERNS OP THE LAKE COUKTET 



scaly tufted stem from the crown of which the young 

 fronds are produced in spring, to remain fresh and 

 vigourous until the spring following, arriving at matu- 

 rity in autumn and flourishing through the winter. It 

 is a true rock fern, growing to a height of from six to 

 nine inches, but higher and more luxuriantly in damp 

 and slightly elevated situations. The fronds are of a 

 deep green, pale beneath, of a rigid leathery texture, 

 erect or drooping according to the conditions of their 

 growth ; once pinnate, and in their general outline 

 narrowly lance-shaped, or lanceolate. The pinnae are 

 short, crowded, and shaped something between a sickle 

 and a crescent, the upper side of the base having an 

 ear-like projection, called an auricle, while the lower 

 side is as if cut away. The margin is set with spinous 

 teeth. The venation is very indistinct, the veins twice- 

 branched, the branches extending to the margins with- 

 out joining with others. The sori form a line on each 

 side the mid-rib, parallel with it and half way between 

 it and the margin, generally becoming confluent in age, 

 and covered by a circular membranous scale attached 

 by a short central stalk. Spore-cases deep brown. 

 The name Polystichum is from two Greek words signi- 

 fying many and order, given on account of the number 

 and regularity of the lines of sori. It is difficult of 

 cultivation, needing pure mountain air, and therefore 

 seldom thrives under artificial treatment. 



HABITATS. Helvellyn (Isaac Huddart and F. 

 Clowes), Fairfield (James Huddart), Deepdale (M. 

 Hanlcey), Ullswater (Rev. W, H. Hawker], Farleton 

 Knott (/". Jones). 



