8 SOFT PRICKLY SHIELD FERN. 



The European range of this fern extends to every 

 country excepting Spain, where it has never yet been 

 found. It is very commonly distributed throughout 

 the United Kingdom, and is abundant on hedgerows, 

 and in shady places in England. It seems to delight 

 in cultivated districts, and is seldom found on open 

 heaths or downs. 



The young fronds make their appearance in April, 

 and attain their full expansion in July, while in August 

 they are loaded with dark masses of fructification. 

 They retain their green colour throughout the year, 

 and the old fronds of one year may be seen contrast- 

 ing with the delicate green of the young ones as they 

 develop. 







VARIETIES. 



ASPIDIUM ACULEATUM LOBATUM chiefly differs in the 

 narrow outline of the frond, which is simply pinnate. 

 The pinnules are more decidedly decurrent. It is 

 also of a more rigid texture ; the pinnae lobed or 

 pinnatifid. 



The variety ASPIDIUM ACULEATUM ANGULARE is 

 recognized by Moore and some other authors as a 

 distinct species. It is a rather larger, more luxuriant, 

 and less stiff variety; more divided than Aspidium 

 aculeatum. The fronds lax, drooping, and lanceolate, 

 with more distinct segments; the lower pinnae evi- 

 dently stalked. 



The whole plant has a very vigorous appearance, 

 and retains its green colour even in winter. The stalk 



