TEE FEBN PAEAD1SE. 



is, however, found in greatest luxuriance in parts 

 of Ireland; and on the banks of the lakes of 

 Killarney it sometimes attains a height of twelve 

 feet, and presents a singularly grand and beautiful 

 aspect. The root-stock in most of our native 

 Ferns is seldom raised more than a few inches 

 above the surface of the ground ; but in the case 

 of the Eoyal Fern its root-stock, somewhat after 

 the manner of the tree Ferns of the tropics, is, in 

 large specimens, raised to a height of one, or even 

 two feet above the ground, thus forming a kind 

 of pedestal for its tufts of tall and arching fronds. 

 The general form of the fronds of this stately 

 and beautiful Fern is lance-like, as, indeed more 

 or less broadly or narrowly are all our British 

 Ferns. But there is a peculiar distinctiveness 

 about the grand Osmunda which renders it easily 

 recognizable amongst other species. The stem is 

 of a light yellowish green, and the rachis bears 

 several pairs of branches, placed on each side of 

 it, and opposite ; each pair diminishing in length 

 towards the apex of the frond. The branches are 

 themselves broadly lance-shaped. Ranged alter- 

 nately or in pairs on each branch are a set of 



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