108 A PEEK BOOK FOR EYERTEODT. 



bristly appearance to the fronds, and from this appearance 

 the name is derived. The generic name, TricJiomanes 

 (derived from the G-reek), has a similar meaning. One 

 other feature must be noticed in which the Bristle Eerns 

 differ from the Filmy Ferns, which is, that the receptacle 

 in the former is entire and undivided, whilst in the latter 

 it separates into two valves. 



There are also numerous species of Bristle Terns 

 growing in temperate and tropical regions, in similar 

 localities to the Filmy Perns. 



Only one species is recorded in the British Isles, and 

 this of rare occurrence. Indeed, it is one of the rarest 

 of British Ferns in an uncultivated state. 



KILLAENEY FEEN.* 



The black, wiry, creeping root-stock of this Fern is 

 scaly. The rather drooping fronds are about 6 to 9 inches 

 in length, proceeding at intervals from the root-stock. 

 The leaf- stalk has a kind of membranaceous keel or wing 

 on each side, and numerous branches ; these branches bear 

 the deeply cut aud narrowly lobed leaflets. The outline 

 of the fronds is rather variable, sometimes angular, 

 almost elongated, triangular, at other times nearly spear- 

 shaped, with somewhat of a crisped and " parsley "-like 

 appearance, except that the texture of the leafy portion 

 is thinner, more delicate, and of a much less vivid green. 

 The receptacles which contain the spore-cases are pro- 

 duced on the margins of the leaflets, and differ from those 

 of the Filmy Ferns in not splitting into two portions or 

 valves. The central column of the receptacles extends 

 beyond the outer edge like a bristle. The length varies 

 very much under different circumstances. (Plate XII., 

 fig. 2.) 



On dripping rocks, beneath the spray of waterfalls. 

 Confined to Ireland. "We have heard it affirmed to have 



* TricJiomanes radicans, Sw. 



