THE FERN PARADISE. 



rachis being each divided almost down to its mid- 

 vein. But the notches on those leaflets which are 

 higher up on the frond are not so deeply cleft. 



The habitats of the Mountain Polypody are 

 necessarily moist, the plant mostly delighting in 

 an excess of moisture. Hence it will be found 

 growing oftentimes immediately contiguous to 

 waterfalls, because there the atmosphere is per- 

 petually loaded with moist exhalations. It is not 

 rare, except in Ireland, although in Great Britain 

 it is found more abundantly in the northern than 

 in the southern counties. It occurs in Ireland, 

 but it is sparsely distributed throughout that 

 country. In Scotland, and in both North and 

 South "Wales, it is to be found. 



The Mountain Polypody is essentially a shady 

 Fern ; for, less hardy than Polypodium vulgar e, it 

 will not bear so well the sunshine. It will grow 

 readily, however, wherever you place it, if in a 

 moist and shady nook, whether on the open 

 rockery, indoors in pots, or under glass. It 

 must have a soil very similar to that in which the 

 Common Polypody delights. But with the leaf- 

 mould some peat may be mixed with advantage, 



294 



