MALE FERN AND ITS RELATIVES 55 



a third of this in measurement. The fronds are 

 triangular in outline, and it is seen that the 

 pinnules nearest to the rachis are considerably 

 larger than the upper ones. This gives a very 

 tapering appearance to the pinnae. The borders 

 of the pinnules are deeply cut, and the lobes are 

 adorned with tiny points which give a somewhat 

 prickly appearance. The lobes are most pro- 

 minent on the lowest pinnules, and are also far 

 more pronounced on the lowest pinnae than they 

 are on the upper divisions of the frond. 



The son are placed on small veins which 

 grow outwards from the midrib of the pinnule. 

 These are covered with kidney-shaped indusia. 

 As has been indicated, the Prickly Buckler 

 Fern varies enormously, both in size and in 

 almost every other particular. 



The Prickly Buckler Fern is not uncommon in 

 parts of England, and is to be found in damp 

 woods, especially by the sides of streams. It 

 seems to be less abundant in other parts of the 

 kingdom. It is of easy culture in the garden. 

 The Prickly Buckler Fern retains its fronds 

 through the winter. 



Nephrodium amulum. Here the specific 

 name is taken from a Latin word meaning 

 " comparable with " ; the reference is to the 

 similarity of the species of N. spinulosum. 

 Some botanists have considered that N. cemulum 

 is merely a variety of N. spinulosum, though 

 the species seems to be quite distinct. The 

 species is also called Lastrea cemula ; L. 

 fceniscii and L. recurva. The Hay Scented 

 or Triangular Buckler Fern. 



A very characteristic feature of this species 

 are the upturned margins of the fronds. This 

 makes the leaf look as if it was curled, and at 

 the same time renders the upper surface of the 



