CHAPTER IX. 



THE WOODSIAS. 



PLATE 5. 



HE British Woodsias comprise a 

 small group of two Ferns only. 

 These are 1. The Oblong Woodsia 

 (Woodsia ilvensis) : and 2. The 

 Alpine Woodsia (Woodsia alpina). The common 

 name of these beautiful little Ferns has no espe- 

 cial significance, being only commemorative of 

 Joseph Woods, a well-known botanist. It has, 

 however, a sylvan ring about it, and is eupho- 

 nious ; and rare as beautiful, and beautiful as rare, 

 are the Woodsias. Tiny plants are they, seldom 

 reaching a greater length from crown of root to 

 tip of frond -than four or five inches. 



33i 



