THE FERN PARADISE. 



average height of from eighteen inches to two 

 feet. Like all the Buckler Ferns it grows readily 

 under cultivation. But it must have abundant 

 moisture and complete shade, and sandy peat, loam, 

 and leaf-mould for soil. Then it may be grown 

 successfully in the open rockery, in the Fern case, 

 or in open pots in the house. 



4. 



THE RIGID BUCKLER FERN. 

 Lastrea rigida. 



[HIS Fern is local in its distribution ; very 

 rare in Ireland, .and not found at all in 

 Scotland or Wales. But in some parts 

 of the north of England, especially in the moun- 

 tainous limestone districts, it is found in abun- 

 dance. It appears to prefer a limestone soil : and 

 in cultivation it is beneficial to water it with lime- 

 water. When growing wild it is usually found 

 from one to two feet high. Its fronds are some- 





350 



