THE BQCKLEE FERNS. 



elongation of the leaflets on the under part of the 

 mid-stem of the lower branches of the frond, are 

 characteristic of both Dilatata and Recurva. But 

 there is this marked distinction; that, whereas 

 the lobes of the leaflets in Dilatata are curled 

 or crisped backwards, as if more completely to 

 shelter or hide the spores, those of Recurva are on 

 the contrary bent somewhat in the opposite direc- 

 tion, or forward. The lobes in Recurva are, too, 

 of a more delicate texture than those of Dilatata, 

 and whilst the colour of the mature fronds of the 

 latter is dark green, those of the former are of a 

 lighter shade, with a kind of light-bluish tinge. 

 In Recurva, when the plant is mature in the 

 autumn, the whole under surface of the frond is 

 thickly studded with the seed-cases which con- 

 tain the spores. But the exquisite hay-scent of 

 Recurva at once decides the doubting Fern-hunter. 

 Take a mature or even a faded frond in the hand, 

 and crush it between the fingers, and the de- 

 lightful odour which will be instantly emitted will 

 quickly decide the species, if it is a frond of 

 Recurva that you hold ! 



The Hay-scented Buckler Fern attains an 



349 



