8-i HISrORY OF BRITISH TERNS. 



sight resemblance to a tuft of parsley, and is hence some- 

 times called i\Iountain Parsley, grows in a dense tuft, 

 throwing up its fi'onds in May or June, and losing them 

 in the course of the autumn. The fronds average about 

 six inches in height, and are generally somewhat three- 

 cornered in outline, with a longish, slender, smooth stalk. 

 They are of two kinds ; both kinds being twice or thrice 

 pinnate, and of a pale green- colour. The segments into 

 which the sterile fronds are cut, are more or less wedge- 

 shaped, and notched or cleft at the end. The fertile fronds 

 have the segments of an oval or oblong, or linear form. 

 The divisions of the fertile frond have a slightly tortuous 

 midvein, producing simple or forked venules which extend 

 nearly to the margin, each, for the most part, bearing near 

 its extremity a circular sonis. There is no true indusium, 

 but the sori are covered by the reflexed and partially 

 bleached margins which sometimes almost meet behind, 

 so that the spore-cases are quite concealed. These patches 

 are at first distinct, but ultimately meet laterally, and 

 become more or less blended together. 



The Rock Brakes is a mountain Fern, choosing to grow 

 in stony situations. It is comparatively rare and local ; 

 most abundant in the north of England and Wales, and 



