THE MOON WORT. 



outwards and upwards, away from the stem 

 obliquely. It consists of a single branch, of 

 oblong shape but blunt pointed, on both sides of 

 which are a series of leaflets placed along at regular 

 intervals, supported by short stems which are 

 attached to their bases. The leaflets are crescent 

 or fan-shaped, their rounded outside margins being 

 somewhat cut or indented. Rising above this 

 leafy or barren frond is the fertile or seed-bearing 

 frond. This is branched after a similar arrange- 

 ment to that of the barren or leafy frond, each 

 branch containing a cluster of seeds enclosed in 

 globular cases. 



The Moonwort abounds in open heaths and 

 meadows, delighting to grow amongst the grass, 

 on which, as some persons have asserted, it be- 

 comes a parasite. Hence in transplanting it for 

 the home fernery, it is recommended that it 

 should be taken up from the ground with a good- 

 sized square of turf, so that the roots may not be 

 disturbed. Loamy or peaty soil is adapted for it; 

 and you can grow it on rockery, or in pots. It 

 dies at the approach of winter ; appearing again 

 on the early approach of spring. 



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