PTERIS. 167 



Pteris is a Greek name for a Fern, and is derived from 

 the word pteron, which signifies a feather ; and, of course, 

 is here applied in reference to the graceful feather-like 

 aspect which the fronds of Ferns generally possess. When 

 the plant is very luxuriant, this name is quite as applicable 

 to the Bracken as to any other known Fern. This con- 

 sideration is perhaps enough to justify the application to 

 this species, by the older writers, of the name of Female 

 Fern, which scarcely seems appropriate to the commoner 

 uncouth-looking form which the plant more usually bears. 



Pteris aquilina, Linnwus. 



The Common Brakes, or Bracken. 

 (Plate XVII. fig. 1.) 



This Fern has a creeping caudex, and one that creeps 

 very extensively too, just beneath the surface of the soil, 

 though in some cases descending to a great depth perpen- 

 dicularly ; it is recorded by Mr. Newman that he has 

 found the stems thus penetrating to a depth of fifteen feet. 

 This caudex is thickish, black-looking, and succulent, 

 containing a good deal of starch. From it are produced, 

 at intervals, the annual fronds, which generally make their 

 appearance about the latter end of May, when there is 



