CHAPTER Y. 
THE CETERACH 
^ ^ {Ceterach officinarum. Stn. Asplenium Ceterach), 
LTHOUGH closely allied to the Spleenworts, the 
Ceterach differs from them materially in some 
respects. Our woodcut (Fig. 22) gives a very good 
idea of its appearance, and obviates the necessity 
for detailed description of form and habits. 
The colour of the fronds is a bluish-green ; they 
are quite evergreen, very leathery, 5in. to Gin. 
long, and are peculiarly characterised by the 
backs being densely covered by a mass of 
reddish-brown scales, which hide the spore-heaps almost en- 
tirely. Hence it is sometimes termed the Scaly Spleenwort. 
Fig. 22.— Ceterach officinarum. 
It is never found growing in the soil, but frequents the sunny 
sides of old walls (another peculiarity, which marks it off 
from most other Ferns), and in cultivation it will only thrive 
when treated accordingly — i.e., plenty of old mortar in soil, 
good drainage, and ample light. There are no very marked' 
varieties. i 
