THE BUCKLER FERNS 



3. 



THE HAY-SCENTED BUCKLER FERN. 



Lastrea recurva. 



PLATE 6, FIG. 3. 



JS its name indicates, the peculiar cha- 

 racteristic of this delicate and beautiful 

 Fern, is the exquisite scent which is 

 given forth from its fronds. Abundant in some 

 localities, especially in the west of England and 

 Ireland, it is rare in others. It is somewhat rare 

 in Scotland. In parts of Devonshire it is very 

 plentiful. Yet, sometimes a large district might 

 be searched for miles around without the search 

 resulting in the discovery of a single specimen. 

 It grows in damp woods and on shady hedge- 

 banks. We remember with pleasure an excursion 

 which we took from Totnes, in search of the 

 Hay-scented Fern, under the guidance of Charles 

 Hillman, of Torquay, a Fern Collector of rare 

 experience. The nearest habitat was five miles 

 distant from Totnes, and we wended our way up 



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