170 BRITISH FERNS 



So far, absolutely no variety, constant or even inconstant, has 

 been noted in this beautiful little Fern, which Nature is apparently 

 quite content to regard as a masterpiece, and therefore declines to 

 meddle with in the way of " sports," which might mar, but could 

 hardly improve. 



Polypodium Phegopteris (The Beech Fern) 



(Plate XXIV) 



This very pretty Fern, whose popular name of the Beech Fern 

 is a translation of the botanical one, and equally difficult to explain, 

 since there is no connection between the tree and the Fern, is far 

 more restricted in its habitats than its robuster relative, the Common 

 Polypody, being a denizen of moist woods in the vicinity of water, 

 and also of loose stone dykes, or stone-faced earthen banks, where 



Fig. 192. P. phegopterus (pinna). 



humid conditions prevail. Its fronds (Fig. 192) of triangular out- 

 line, once divided, and with the two lowest pinnae turned down- 

 wards, a very distinctive character of this species, are of soft, 

 delicate make, supported on very slender, long stalks, their nature 

 thus precluding them from withstanding similar conditions of 

 exposure to wind and occasional spells of drought. When uncoiling 

 the tips of the fronds turn over backwards, as do most of the Shield 

 Ferns, an exception to the general rule. In sheltered woods we 

 find it sometimes in spreading colonies, yards across, its fronds 

 hanging pendulously from their stalks, and forming thus a sheet 

 of beautiful light green. Its rootstocks are very thin, black, and 

 string-like, creeping rapidly about in the loose, leafy debris in which 

 it is most at home, and throwing up the fronds singly, at intervals, 

 as they proceed. Its spore heaps also differ markedly from those 

 of P. vulgare, being dark, dot-like, and very small. Under culture, 

 especially under glass, it is easy to grow, all that is required being 

 shelter from strong sun and wind, and a shallow, well-drained pan, 

 filled with very leafy, loose, sandy compost, water not being spared. 

 It rapidly spreads and is perfectly hardy. It is quite deciduous, 

 the fronds dying down in the autumn and rising again about the 

 middle of April. It must not be allowed to dry out in the winter. 

 This species has been very chary of varieties. 



