Ferns of the Woods 



refers to the pointed teeth of the ultimate divisions of 

 the fronds. 



Higher up on the bank of the stream, in a drier 

 situation, we are sure to encounter the Male Fern, 

 Nephrodium Filix-mas, one of the commonest ferns in 

 Britain. It is a very easy fern to identify. When once 

 we have recognized from the lead-coloured sori, which 

 are rather large and very numerous, that this fern is a 

 Nephrodium, we may easily identify it from the dense 

 brownish-yellow scales which clothe the rather short 

 leafstalks and sometimes the midribs of the fronds as 

 well. 



From the strong rootstock spring six or more tall, 

 almost erect, fronds, which frequently reach a height of 

 3 feet. The fronds are generally twice pinnate, with 

 the pinnules deeply and bluntly cut. These segments, 

 again, are either toothed or entire. 



Although this fern attains its greatest height and 

 luxuriance in woodlands, it is by no means restricted to 

 such situations. It is quite a common fern in the 

 hedgerows or on the open moor. The Male Fern is 

 now the only British fern utilised by the medical pro- 

 fession. From it is prepared a specific for the expulsion 

 of worms from the human body. Our ancestors, how- 

 ever, had greater faith in its wonderful healing powers, 

 as the list of ills it was believed to cure attests. 



Filix-mas is made up of two Latin words -filix, " a 

 fern," and mas, c a male." 



The name Male Fern was applied to this fern, 

 42 



