56 



The Perns 



these localities every summer, and many of these show their 

 appreciation of their loveliness by tearing away fronds by the 

 handful, or plant after plant by the roots. Were it not for the 

 chance of recovery afforded by the winter season, their beauty 

 would soon be destroyed. 



The Hart's tongue by no means confines itself to damp 

 sheltered spots with deep soil.it is one of the commonest ferns 

 on walls, growing even on those fully exposed to the mid-day 

 sun. In such situations it hardly exceeds six inches in length, 

 though it exhibits some of the most marked varieties of form 

 which however are liable to disappear under cultivation. By 

 the sides of streams, I have measured fronds three feet in 

 height, they are frequently to be found with divided points 

 (multifid. I show some of my own collection, also one from 

 St. Andrew's the fronds of which have assumed a perfectly flat 

 circular shape. 



13. Blechnum Spicant, or B. Boreale, or Hard Fern is 

 common, and often very luxuriant by tl>e side of streams. Tt 

 is however harsh in texture, and not graceful in habit, except 

 where luxuriant. The two distinct forms of its fronds give 

 variety to the plant, and attract the attention of even a casual 

 observer. 



14. There is little need for me to speak of P teris Aqnilina 

 the Bracken, or Fish fern, La Foile of Guernsey. In places 

 where it has shade and moisture it attains large dimensions, 

 specimens sevtn feet high are mentioned. It is extensively 

 used as bedding for cattle. It is liable to few variations, 

 but small set dling plants aie often a source of doubt to young 

 collectors. 



15. Osmunda Begalis, the Royal or Floweiing fern well 

 deserves its name as the most magnificent of our native 

 species. It is reported to have been at one time very 

 abundant in Guernsey, but from some supposed medicinal 

 virtues in cases of sickness among cattle, it has been dug up 



