BOSS FEENS. 



57 



the margins being curled inwards. The spore-cases are 

 in circular tufts, at first covered by a little thin men)- 

 branaceous cover, which speedily falls away. 



Acres of marsh land are often to be seen with the fronds 

 of this fern thickly scattered over them. It is undoubtedly 

 common enough in such localities in England, though 

 not so plentiful in Ireland. 



If the plants are taken up for transplanting with plenty 

 of the original peat about the roots, and when planted 

 the soil covered with pieces of stone to check evaporation, 

 there will be no difficulty in growing them without any 

 extra supply of moisture. 



MOUNTAIN BOSS EEEN.* 



The root-stock is thick, and bears at its summit the 

 erect tufts of feathery fronds, from 2 to 3 feet in height. 

 Draw one of the fronds through the hand, or tread it under 

 foot, and its fragrant odour will give evidence of its claim 

 to be regarded as the " Fragrant Mountain Fern." The 

 outline is spear-shaped, with a very short foot-stalk. The 

 branches or leaflets diminish upwards and downwards, so 

 that the lowest leaflets are reduced almost to a lobe. The 

 leaflets are arranged opposite to each other on the leaf- 

 stalk, and are long and narrow at the broad part of the 

 frond, each leaflet being cut nearly to the mid-rib into 

 numerous long, narrow, feathery lobes. The lower surface 

 of the fronds is covered with minute glands, which con- 

 tain the balsamic secretion to which their odour is due. 

 (Plate IV., fig. 1.) 



We have seen this plant growing commonly enough in 

 the wooded sides of the Welsh mountains, where its erect 

 " shuttlecock " habit is sufficient at once to recognize it. 

 It is far from uncommon in similar localities in England 

 and Scotland, though said to be somewhat rare in Ireland. 



This is regarded by some a difficult, or, at the least, 

 uncertain, plant to cultivate. A variety of soils have 

 been recommended, but this is not of so much importance 



*Lastrea ^*'eopteris, Peesl. 



