Photo W 



FIG. 100. THE LADY FERN (Athyrium filix-fcemina). 



I 

 [E. Step. 



One of the most delicately graceful of our ferns. Its soft-textured fronds transpire water readily, and therefore it 



grows where there is an abundance of free moisture in the soil. Here, by the wayside rill, shaded by overhanging 



trees, is an ideal spot for it, to which it has added a considerable element of beauty. Distribution, world-wide. 



71 



