XVIII. BOTRYCHIUM- 217 
which are again more or less branched ; and on the secon- 
liary branches are produced, distinct but clustered, the 
brown globose stalkless spore-cases formed of two concave 
valves, which when mature open transversely. Occa- 
sionally it happens that two or more fertile branches are 
produced. The fronds are folded straight in vernation. 
The veins are free, proceeding from the base of the pin- 
nules, irregularly forked and radiating towards the mar- 
gin. The fructification is mature early in June. 
This is a local plant, though widely distributed in the 
United Kingdom, occurring in dry open heaths, and ele- 
vated pastures. It is also found throughout Europe, in 
Asia, and North America. 
This is a difiicult plant to get established under culti- 
vation, often refusing to vegetate. This probably arises 
from its being placed along with other ferns, and kept 
too damp, and for the most part too closely confined. It 
rather prefers to be kept moderately dry, cool at the root, 
and where there is a circulation of pure air. It prefers 
rich vegetable soil ; unctuous peat earth is very suitable 
for it, but it requires to be well drained. The roots 
should be transplanted in the spring when dormant. 
