7 6 



THE BRACKEN. 



Europe, in times of scarcity, the roots have been ground 

 and mixed with flour in making bread, and also brewed 

 with the beer. The young crosiers may be cooked and 

 eaten like asparagus. It is said that these are often 

 offered for sale in the Japanese markets. The fresh 

 plants contain much tannic and other acids and have 

 been used in tanning light leathers. In Scotland they 

 were formerly burned while green and the ashes made 

 into balls and used instead of soap. The fronds make a 

 brisk fire, and according to Withering, have been used 

 for burning limestone. The ashes have also been used 

 in making glass. Houses have been thatched with the 

 fronds and in many parts of the world they are cut as a 

 bedding for stock. 



Pteris aquilina pseudocaudata. Lower Pinna. 



" In June and in August, as well doth appeare, 

 Is best to mowe brakes of all times of the yeere." 



The bracken is seldom found in the fern garden, per- 

 haps because it is so common in field and wood as to 



