116 
POLYPODIACEJ?.. 
among the decaying leaves and twigs which form the covering 
of the ground in woods and forests. 
In England and Wales it occurs in the most northern, most 
western, and most southern counties, but appears entirely ab- 
sent from a large eastern and midland tract, of which Bedford- 
shire may be considered the centre. Its range of elevation is 
very considerable, occupying at least 2500 feet. I subjoin the 
more interesting or abundant localities. 
Brecknockshire. — Mr. Ralfs considers the Beech Fern as 
common in this county : Mr. Lees informs me he found it in the 
wood on the left bank of the stream near the waterfall at Pont 
Henry d, near Capel Colboen. Mr. Dillwyn observed it at 
Uscoed Hendry and LTscoed Eynon Gam, as recorded in the 
‘ Phytologist,’ p, 182, and Mr. Westcorabehas found it in many 
localities about the Black mountains, the Brecon beacon and 
Chapel-y-Fyn. 
Caermarthenshire. — Mr. Lees found it just below the water- 
fall at Glynhir near Llandebie. 
Caernarvonshire. — I have seen it at Aberglaslyn, Beddge- 
lert, Rhaidr-y-Wenol, Falls of Lugwy, Capel Curig, Llanberis, 
Twll du, Falls of Ogwen, Carnedd David, Bangor, and in many 
other localities : it is abundant and almost continuous upon a 
wall to the right of the road between Llyn Gwynant and the Pass 
of Llanberis : my correspondents have supplied me with a great 
number of stations in addition to these ; and it may be consi- 
dered a common fern throughout the county. 
Cheshire. — Mr. Pinder informs me he found it at Mow^-cop, 
in this county ; and Mr. Sidebotham at Werneth. Early-banks 
wood near Staley bridge, is recorded as a habitat in the ‘Bota- 
nist’s Guide,’ on the authority of Mr. Bradbury. 
Cardiganshire. — I found it abundantly in the Devil’s bridge 
district, and near Hafod. 
Cornwall. — Mr. Borrer informs me he found it not far from 
Tintagel, on the road towards Camelford. 
Cumberland.-— A common fern in this county. Mr. Pinder 
has found it abundantly in Wasdale, Borrowdale, Ennerdale, 
and on Honister Red pike, Scaw fell. Screes, &c., often at the 
very summits of the mountains : it has been observed by several 
