96 HISTORY OF BRITISH FERNS. 



two linear sori, one on each side the midvein ; these are dis- 

 tinct while young, but soon become confluent, covering the 

 whole under-surface of the pinnse. The indusia, by which 

 they are at first covered,, burst along that side towards the 

 midrib, and eventually become split across here and there, 

 at points opposite some of the venules. 



The Hard Fern is a rather common plant, occurring in 

 heathy and stony places, and preferring localities which are 

 rather damp than otherwise. It is found in various parts 

 of Europe. In cultivation, it is a very suitable plant for 

 damp shady rock-work, and in such situations, planted 

 in peaty soil, it grows freely, and without requiring any 

 special attention. 



The principal of its synonyms are Lomaria Spicant, 

 Blechnum boreale, Osmunda Spicani, Asplenium Spicant, 

 Onoclea Spicant, Acrostickum Spicant, Struthiopteris Spicant, 

 and Osmunda borealis. 



Genus XVIII. BOTEYCHIUM, Swartz. 



THIS is called Moonwort, and is a small and very distinct 

 plant, easily known by two circumstances, first, it has two 



