68 



A FERN BOOK FOR EVERYBODY. 



lets, each tuft having a circular covering attached by a 

 stalk from the centre. (Plate VII., fig. 1.) 



The usual home of this species is on hedge banks, where 

 some of the fronds may be found green all the year round. 



The only varieties of which we have any knowledge is 

 a crested form called cristatum, and the very distinct 

 variety lobatum. 



With plenty of room, either in pots or the open air, this 

 plant is easily cultivated. In any situation it forms a 

 pretty contrast to the Polypodies and Boss Perns, 



SOPT SHIELD PEEN.^ 



The large fronds of this fern are sometimes 3 or 4 feet in 

 length, though often less than 2 feet, and are produced in 

 a tuft from the crown of the thick root-stock. They are 

 of a much softer texture than in the Prickly Shield Pern, 

 though of a similar spear shape in outline. Some botanists 

 regard them as varieties of the same fern. Throughout its 

 whole length the mid-rib is clad vrith rusty scales, and about 

 three-quarters of the entire length is occupied by the leafy 

 portion. Branches arranged in a feathery manner on each 

 side of the leaf-stalk bear the leaflets. These are generally 

 most curved on the edge which is turned towards the foot- 

 stalk, the other edge having a prominent projection or 

 conical lobe near its base. The apex of the leaflets is usually 

 bluntly pointed, as is also the base, and each leaflet is at- 

 tached to the branch by a short stalk. As in the other 

 species, the tufts of spore- cases are arranged in a line on 

 each side of the mid-rib of the leaflets. Though closely 

 allied to the Prickly Shield Pern, the present species may 

 be distinguished by its softer texture and stalked leaflets, 

 as well as their blunter extremities. The Soft Shield P^ern 

 is also found on shady hedge banks and woods, and is very 

 generally distributed. It is not so hardy as the Prickly 

 Shield Pern, but may be cultivated readily with success. 

 Plate VIII., fig. 1.) 



Of this very " sportive " fern there are no fewer than 



Folystichum angulare. 



