1KKXS .VXD MOSSES. 13o 
tufted, and very large, and hence capable of annually pro- 
diieing such a weight of foliage ; young fronds, varying in 
number from six to twelve, appear in May, and attain ma- 
turity in August. Unlike the Hart's-tongue, they cannot 
bear the severity of winter, but shrink from the first frosts, 
and presently disappear. Xo sooner, however, do the 
suUen^clouds of an ungenial season pass away, and fierce 
winds cease to howl through forest walks, than they come 
forth from their hiding-places with a rapid and vigorous 
growth, and, until nearly brown, present a reddish hue. 
The fronds are fertile and barren. 
We owe to Dr. Withering the appropriate name of 
" flower-crowned prince of English ferns," by which he- 
designates the lordly brachen. He speaks of.it as affording 
a curious instance in its seeds of long- suspended vitality, 
as the plant, though previously unknown for many miles 
around Birmingham, suddenly appeared on an archery- 
butt at Moseley Common, artificially raised with mud from 
a deep pit, wherein the seeds had probably lain for a great 
length of time. Do not fail to procure this interesting- 
species ; it is very available for rock-work, especially if 
removed with a portion of bog-earth, and can scarcely fail 
to produce an ornamental effect wherever growing. Take 
care to avoid cutting with the spade its enormous rhizoma ; 
when this is done the plant becomes so much weakened 
as scarcely to recover its pristine vigour ; but, should the 
injury accidently occur, observe that the rhizoma has a 
whitish core or centre, termed by old Gerard, in his 
" Herbal," " the heart of Osmund the Waterman." 
Botanists trace in the Moonwort Botrychium lunaria of 
Smith and Hooker, the Osnutnda lunaria of Linnams, which 
often, from its diminutive size, escapes that notice which 
the stately Osmuncfa rcyalis cannot elude a fancied re- 
semblance to the moon, presented by its leaves, and which 
has caused it to be held in superstitious reverence. Many a 
youth and damsel have gone forth beneath the clear calm 
