THE FERN PARADISE. 



aspect about the Soft Prickly Shield Fern scarcely 

 possessed in the same degree by its more robust 

 relative, Aculeatum. 



3. 



THE HOLLY FERN. 



Pnlystichuin lonchitis. 



PLATE 3, FIG. 3. 



jIFFERINGr in many essential points from 

 the other species of Polystichum, the 

 Holly Fern has, nevertheless, a clearly 

 defined relationship to Aculeatum and Ancjulare. 

 It is, indeed, a singular-looking yet withal a beau- 

 tiful Fern ; and its leaflets possess a sufficiently 

 near resemblance to the leaves of a holly-bush to 

 warrant the name which it bears. Sometimes this 

 Fern grows to a height of only six inches or 

 so. At other times it may be found exceedingly 

 vigorous, growing as long as eighteen inches, and 

 under such circumstances very stiff and erect in 



