SHIELD PERILS. 



69 



sixty varieties. That called decurrens has a good habit ; 

 the fronds are very tapering at the summit, the leaflets 

 narrow, pointed, and prominently lobed at the base. 



The crested form {cristatum) has the extremity of the 

 fronds and the tips of the branches subdivided in the 

 form of a tassel or crest. 



The variety laciniatmi has the leaflets deeply cut into 

 long bristly teeth 



The variety gracile has a very delicate and graceful 

 habit. The leaflets are small and at some distance apart ; 

 the leaf-stalk and branches are thin and delicate, and the 

 whole appearance attractive. 



One of the noblest forms is that named decompositum, 

 in which the leaflets are many of them cut quite down to 

 the mid-rib. The fronds attain from 2 to 3 feet in length. 

 An allied variety is called sultripinnatum, and has a 

 similar general character. 



The handsomest of all is undoubtedly plumosum, in 

 which the fronds will reach 9 inches in width and nearly 

 3 feet in length. It has a spreading, plume-like habit, but 

 is unfortunately a gem which is " rare " as well as "rich." 



The variety lineare is one of the starved-looking vari- 

 eties, with more uniformity and grace than in the majority 

 of such forms. 



The variety abruptum is curious from the abrupt manner 

 in which, the branches are shortened. 



The shortened leaflets in the variety dissimile impart 

 a pleasing character, and render it a desirable form for 

 cultivation. 



The variety liserratum is remarkable for its large broad 

 leaflets. 



Finally, there is a variety called proliferum, which bears 

 little plants at the angles, formed by the branches with 

 the mid-rib. 



THE LADY FEBNS. 



Clusters of spore-cases oblonp, with a kidney- shaped covering, fringed at 

 the outer edge. 



We employ the somewhat doubtful term Lady Terns 



