76 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 asa 
bedding for stock. 
Pteris aguilina 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 
