100 



A rER]S" EOOK FOR EYERYBODT. 



again, bear smaller branchlets on either side, but consi- 

 derably the longest on the lower side, and on these are 

 arranged the coarsely-toothed leaflets. Towards the ape2^ 

 of the branchlets, the branches, and the frond itself, the 

 form becomes more and more simple. (Plate XI., fig. 1.) 



The texture of the frond is very delicate, resembling 

 more the leaves of some such plant as parsley, or chervil, 

 than ordinary fern-leaves. This feature is partaken by 

 all the Bladder Ferns, and were it not for the peculiar 

 veining of the leaves, and the rusty spore-cases on the 

 under surface, it is quite possible for them to be passed 

 by as doubtful by those not much accustomed to look 

 after ferns. 



The only localities which we have heard of for this fern 

 in Great Britain are the Clova and Breadalbane Moun- 

 tains, in Scotland. 



This plant may be grown out of doors in a sheltered 

 situation, and protected with a bell-glass till firmly esta- 

 blished, taking care that it does not become dry- We 

 have never had the opportunity of trying this plant in a 

 closed case, but should have some doubt of success, as 

 neither of the Bladder Eerns already described are recom- 

 mended for confinement. 



IRE WOODSIAS. 



Clusters of spore-cases sealed in a cup-shaped receptacle, with fringed 

 edges. 



The name of Woodsia was given to this group of ferns 

 in honour of an English Botanist, Mr. Joseph "Woods, 

 and being easier of remembrance and more popular in 

 its character than the majority of botanical names, gives 

 no excuse for applying or originating any other name. 



The Woodsias are pretty little ferns, with the tufts of 

 spiore-cases scattered over the backs of the fronds. At 

 first the clusters of spore-cases arc wholly enclosed in a 

 membrane, which constitutes the covering, or indusium. 

 Afterwards this membrane ruptures at the apex aiul ex- 

 poses the spore-cases. The tooth-like fragment.s of the 



