102 VII. LASTREA. 
rarely slightly crenate towards the apex. The raider sur- 
face of the fronds is scattered over with numerous yel- 
lowish glands, which, when bruised, emit a strong and 
pleasant balsamic odour. The lobes have a distinct and 
slightly sinuous mid-vein with free alternate vennles, 
which are sometimes branched and sometimes simple, all 
extending nearly, but not quite, to the margin, and bearing 
the son near their extremity. The son form a crowded 
submarginal series, and at length become nearly confluent ; 
they are at first covered by a small thin jagged indu- 
sium which is soon obliterated. 
This species is an inhabitant of mountainous heaths and 
of moist woods. It is common in England and Wales, 
particularly abundant in Scotland, more local in Ireland, 
but nevertheless occurs in all the provinces of Great Bri- 
tain except the Channel Isles from whence it is not re- 
corded. It is, moreover, met with throughout Europe, 
but is said to be confined to this quarter of the globe. 
This fern is not much given to variation. A form, how- 
ever, in which the pinnules are much crisped or undulated, 
has been found in the Clova mountains by Dr. Balfour. 
The roots of this fern are rather difficult to get esta- 
blished under cultivation, much more so than its common- 
ness would seem to render probable. To obviate this, 
smaller plants should be selected rather than larger ones. 
If grown in pots it requires them to be well drained, and 
of considerable size. The plant is very elegant, and may 
be introduced with good effect in shady situations, among 
rockwork. It is also suitable for the decoration of " wilder- 
nes" walks, as it grows very luxuriantly in woods. When 
once it becomes established, it grows more freely, thriving, 
however, best in shady situations. It may be propagated, 
sparingly, by detaching any lateral crowns that may be 
formed around the old plants ; but grows very freely from 
the spores. 
