102 A FEBN BOOK TOR EYEBYBODT. 



And this species may be known from the Hairy Woodsia 

 not only by the narrower fronds, but also by the shorter 

 leaflets, and their smoother surface. Some persons regard 

 the one as a variety of the other ; but whilst it must be 

 confessed that ferns are exceedingly variable, there 

 appears to be no good reason for associating these two 

 together as forms of the same species. 



This rare species is only found in the clefts of rocks in 

 high and almost inaccessible mountain districts. 



HAIEY WOODSIA.* 



Whether we call this the Hairy Woodsia or the Oblong 

 "Woodsia is of very little consequence, since both these 

 names indicate a point of difference between the present 

 and its companion species. 



The little tufts of this fern seldom exceed 

 from 2 to 4 inches in height, dying down to 

 the ground in the autumn, and being re- 

 placed in the spring. The outline of the 

 fronds is spear-shaped. The leaf-stalk, 

 which is rather scaly, bears on opposite 

 sides, and in pairs, one opposite to the 

 other, the oblong leaflets. These leaflets 

 are about twice as long as broad, deeply 

 cut at the edges into five or six lobes. 

 Both surfaces of the fronds are sprinkled 

 with bristy hairs, which are often so 

 plentiful on the under surface as nearly 

 to conceal the spore-cases. The greater 

 breadth of the fronds, more elongated leaf- 

 lets, and hairy surface, are features whereby 

 to distinguish this from the Alpine Woodsia. 

 Like its companion species, this is only found in scarcely 

 accessible and elevated mountain stations. Many persons 

 suppose that both these ferns are difficult to cultivate. 



* Woodsia ilvensis, R. Bn. 



