BRITTLE FERN. 
149 
BRITTLE FERN {natural size\^ 
Cystopteris fragilis, Bernhardi, Babington. 
Cystea fragilis, dentata^ angustata and regia^ Smith. 
Cistopteris dentata, fragilis and alpina^ Hooker. 
The beautiful little ferns comprehended under one or other 
of these names are very widely distributed throughout the United 
Kingdom, preferring moist and mountainous districts, and rooting 
* Although these fronds are drawn of exactly the natural size, they are very 
much below the average magnitude. I have frequently seen fronds a foot in 
length. 
