OSMUNDA. 199 



small brown flowers crowning the tall straight stem, whose 

 lower pinnae have much the appearance of broad green 

 leaves. There is but one native species. 



The name of the genus has given rise to some specula- 

 tion as to its derivation. The question involved we leave 

 antiquarians and philologists to settle. Some derive it 

 from the Saxon mund, which they say signifies strength. 

 Others consider the word expressive of domestic peace, and 

 derive it from the Saxon os, house, and mund, peace. 

 Others, again, have thought it commemorative, as the 

 following legendary passage bears evidence : — 



At Loch Tyne dwelt the waterman old Osmund. Fairest 

 among maidens was the daughter of Osmund the water- 

 man. Her light- brown hair and glowing cheek told of her 

 Saxon origin, and her light steps bounded over the green 

 turf like a young fawn in his native glades. Often, in 

 the stillness of a summer's even, did the mother and her 

 fair-haired child sit beside the lake, to watch the dripping 

 and the flashing of the father's oars, as he skimmed right 

 merrily towards them over the deep-blue waters. Sounds, 

 as of hasty steps, were heard one day, and presently a 

 company of fugitives told with breathless haste that the 

 cruel Danes were making way towards the ferry. Osmund 



