FERNS OF GREAT BRITAIN. 109 



of the upper segments. This is an exceedingly beautiful 

 fern, both in its form and in the delicate transparency 

 of its texture. It is unknown in any European countries 

 except Ireland, though it formerly grew at Belbank in 

 Yorkshire ; but in warmer climates, the species, or one 

 closely allied to it, is of frequent occurrence. Specimens 

 from Madeira are to be found in the herbariums of 

 most persons who have visited that island, more luxu- 

 riant perhaps but not more beautiful than those found 

 at KiUarney. Humboldt remarks, that every traveller 

 mentions the elegant Trichomanes which covers the 

 walls and roofs of the antique houses and chapels at 

 Teneriffe, which, he says, in their deserted condition 

 offer great treasures to the botanist. He adds, that 

 the ferns are nourished by the fogs which abound in 

 the neighbourhood. Mr. Backhouse saw a beautiful 

 Trichomanes covering the dark sides of rocks in Norfolk 

 Island. Our Bristle Fern delights in shade and mois- 

 ture. It is found in several stations in Ireland; the 

 Turk waterfall near KiUarney being one often visited by 

 botanists, who have recorded the enthusiastic delight 

 with which they have looked on the hundreds of delicate 

 fronds which form green masses there. It was formerly 

 seen by Mr. Newman very near the waterfall, but the 

 guide of the place has sold so many pieces of this rare 

 treasure to visitors, that the plant is almost extermi- 

 nated at that spot. It occurs, however, in several other 

 localities, forming by its masses a rich verdant drapery 

 to the wet rock, for it is only in places constantly moist 

 that it can be found, the slightest exposure to drought 

 Avithering its frail frond. It was in a mossy nook near 



