THE WOODSIAS. 



or less extent with, minute scales and shining 

 hairs or bristles. Amongst these hide the spores. 



In both of our species of Woodsia the stipes is 

 jointed at a distance of little more than half an 

 inch from the crown of the root-stock. When on 

 the approach of winter the fronds fall off and 

 decay, their separation from the plant takes place, 

 not close to the crown, but at the spot where the 

 joint already mentioned is placed ; and as the 

 stems below the joint stand firm, a cluster of little 

 frondless stems remains for some time attached 

 to the crown. 



The Oblong Woodsia is only to be found in one 

 or two localities in Scotland, and in the north of 

 England, and in one or two parts of North 

 Wales. No specimen has been seen growing wild 

 anywhere in Ireland. 



In pots, in cool nooks of the open-air rockery, 

 or under a covering of glass, this beautiful and 

 delicate little Fern may be grown. Complete 

 shade, moisture pure and percolating, must be 

 supplied. Light, sandy peat and loamy soil 

 must be used, and the Fern planted carefully 

 amongst little blocks of stone. 



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