THE TRUE MAIDENHAIR. 



6. 



THE TRUE MAIDENHAIR. 



Adiantum eapillus- Veneris. 



PLATE 1, FIG. 6. 



I HIS beautiful Fern is one of the rarest of 

 our native species. It is found in 

 Devonshire and Cornwall, in some parts 

 of South Wales, and in Ireland ; in Ireland, in 

 fact, more abundantly than in any other part of 

 the United Kingdom. But it is more than possible 

 that the True Maidenhair abounds in some loca- 

 lities where it has never been yet discovered. It 

 often grows in inaccessible situations, and this 

 fact would give a reason for the supposition which 

 we have started. Rocks on or near the sea 

 coast, and dripping sea caves, are its favourite 

 habitats. 



The True Maidenhair has a black, hairy, creep- 

 ing rhizoma of slender shape, from which are 

 thrown up a little clustering mass of the most 

 beautiful and delicate fronds. The stems of the 



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