120 HISTORY OF BRITISH FERXS. 



pretty evenly distributed in two lines along each pinnule 

 or lobe ; they are covered by small reniform indusia, wLicli 

 Lave tlieir margin uneven, and fringed with small round 

 stalkless glands. The whole frond is covered with similar 

 glandidar bodies. 



This Fern, which is most abundant in Ireland and the 

 western parts of England, occurs in damp sheltered woods, 

 and on shady banks and rocks. It is of an elegant droop- 

 ing aspect, and is cultivated without difficulty. It is the 

 more valuable as a pot plant, from its moderate size and 

 its evergreen character. 



Genus VI. ATHYRIUM. 



The genus Athf/rium, that to which the Lady Fern is 

 referred, is one of the most variable among our native 

 Ferns ; though the varieties it presents, and which have 

 been from time to time looked upon as so many distinct 

 kinds, are now almost universally considered as different 

 phases of one species. The species certainly puts on many 

 appearances, which fact seems inappropriate to its name ; 



