BEECH FERN. fl 



This fern delights in wild and mountainous dis- 

 tricts, wet woods, and the vicinity of waterfalls. In 

 the vicinity of the falls of Lodore, celebrated in song 

 by the poet Southey, this fern is to be seen glistening 

 with drops of spray from the water, which there 

 comes 



" Dashing and flashing, and splashing and clashing, 

 And so never ending, but always descending, 

 Sounds and motions for ever and ever are blending, 

 All at once and all o'er, with a mighty uproar, 

 And this way the water comes down at Lodore." 



It is rather limited in its range, occurring, however, 

 in England to the southward, westward, and north- 

 ward ; but appears to be entirely absent from the 

 large midland and eastern tract. In Scotland it is not 

 uncommon, but is rarely found in Ireland. There is 

 no authority for its specific name of Beech Fern, as it 

 is not found to grow especially around or near that 

 tree. 



This is an elegant little species of fern, and grows 

 freely, requiring but few conditions, excepting shade 

 and freely-percolating moisture. It is well adapted 

 for planting out on rock-work and old stumps of 

 trees. 



