]36 HISTORY OF BRITISH FERNS. 



pale-green fronds, ranging from two to eiglit or ten inches 

 in length, supported by a short stipes, which is dark- 

 coloured at the very base, but otherwise green, the rachis 

 being entirely green. The pinnse are small, generally 

 roundish-ovate, rather tapered towards the base, and 

 attached to the rachis by the narrowed stalk-like part, 

 the margin being deeply crenated. 



The venation is distinct : the midvein sends oflf alter- 

 nately a series of lesser veins, which are either simple or 

 forked, bearing the sori on their anterior side. The sori 

 are oblong, covered at first by membraneous indusia, which 

 are soon pushed aside ; the free margin is jagged or 

 crenate. 



A native of moist, rocky, mountainous districts in Eng- 

 land, Scotland, and Wales; occurring also, though less 

 frequently, in Ireland, and throughout Europe. 



This neat-habited plant may be cultivated in pots in a 

 close, damp, cold frame ; or on moist, shady rockwork, if 

 covered over by a bell-glass. If exposed, it is apt to suffer 

 from occasional excessive wet, which often does not pro- 

 perly drain away ; and also from the dry hot air of our 

 summers. The object of covering it with a glass is to 

 avoid both these casualties, and provided it is not kept too 



