52 



Here, then, we have a clear indication of the best way to 

 treat L. thelypteris. 



This fern, however, in its normal form hardly repays all 

 this trouble, nor in very damp situations does it need it. 

 Among British Ferns it is the only one which thrives 

 under absolutely bog conditions in mud. The Royal 

 Fern is a thirsty one, but not to the same degree. L. 

 thelypteris differs, as indicated above, from other native 

 Lastreas, by having a widely creeping rootstock instead 

 of a central crown. The fronds are long and slender, like 

 an attenuated L. montana, but commencing with a long 

 bare stalk, instead of being feathered all the way from 

 the bottom. It is quite deciduous, disappearing entirely in 

 the autumn. It is not a common fern by any means, fre- 

 quenting only quite boggy situations. We have found it 

 in great quantities in the Norfolk Broads, where it 

 monopolises considerable areas. So far no variety what- 

 ever of this species is recorded as found in the British 

 Isles, but a good many years ago a good polydactylous 

 form was discovered by a lady (Mrs. Puffer) in the United 

 States, and a division of this was very kindly sent to me 

 in a dormant state, and being treated well, flourished 

 accordingly. This had all terminals divided into some- 

 what irregular crests. For some years it bore nothing 

 but barren fronds, but at last a small stunted one rose 

 which was very fertile indeed. Seizing the opportunity I 

 sowed from this and raised a crop, mostly like the parent, 

 but, with my usual luck, one greatly improved one appeared, 

 in which the cresting was on much bolder lines. Thus I 

 named it L. t. gvandiceps. Of this our frontispiece gives a 

 good idea, and a well-grown plant is well worthy of a place in 

 a collection. No second fertile frond has appeared on the 

 parental form, nor one as yet on the improved offspring, 

 but as a start has been made we may well hope for further 

 developments. c. f. D. 





