THE POLYPODIES 89 



amongst the branches of old oak trees, whilst 

 it seems to be equally happy on the wall or the 

 hedge-bank. It is of fairly easy culture in the 

 garden, though the plant likes a well-drained 

 situation. The Common Polypody is an ever- 

 green species. 



Polypodium phegopteris. Here the specific 

 name is formed of two Greek words phegos, 

 " a beech," and pteris, " a fern." This is, of 



Polypodium phegopteris. The Beech Fern. 



course, a rendering of the popular name, though 

 why the species has been called the Beech Fern 

 nobody seems to know. Certainly the species 

 is not like a Beech, neither can it be said to grow 

 in association with this tree. The Beech Fern 

 or Mountain Polypody. 



This species has a slender creeping rhizome 

 from which arise the dainty light green fronds. 

 The fronds vary from about six inches to a foot 

 in length ; the stipes is longer than the leafy 



