THE FERN PAKAD1SE. 



tongue, and, dropping out of gnarled and moss- 

 covered tree trunks, the beautiful Common Poly- 

 pody ! 



Now, for a moment, as we pass onwards, the 

 arching bushes on each side close cover us, whilst 

 grand Ferns, of noble growth, spread their tops 

 across from each side, and touch us as we brush 

 between them. Passing with reluctance some 

 glorious specimens of the Male Fern, the Lady 

 Fern, and the Broad Buckler Fern, far grander 

 in size and aspect in this their native home than 

 they ever grew on artificial rock-work, we come 

 upon a ,spot on our right where a host of ex- 

 quisite fronds of the Soft Prickly Shield Fern 

 clothe the hedge-bank, and compel.; us to stop 

 and admire them. The colouring of this species 

 is extremely rich, when the plants are vigorous 

 and finely grown. From the base of the frond to 

 the apex along the principal midrib, and from the 

 bases to the apices of the pinnules, run rust- 

 coloured scales, which strikingly contrast with 

 the fine green of the whole frond. Then the 

 minute and regular subdivisions of the angular- 

 shaped pinnules render this Fern one of the most 



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