THE BUCKLER FERNS. 
105 
We will now describe tbe various species seriatim. The 
figures in parentheses refer to Plate IV. 
The Hay>scented Buckler Fern 
{Lastrea mmula. Syn. L. recurva). 
This Fern grows somewhat waywardly in many parts of the 
country, i.e., it may be vainly sought for in likely districts for 
miles, and suddenly be found in abundance. It grows in tufts, 
the fronds ranging from 1ft. to 2ft. in height, of a somewhat 
triangular form, the pinnules concave (hence its second name), 
which gives it a very peculiar and pretty character, while the 
fronds possess a strong hay-like perfume, quite powerful 
enough to settle any doubts as to the species. It likes an 
open soil, and is not difficult to cultivate. Though by no 
means rare, it has so far yielded only one fine variety, viz., 
L. ae. cristata (crested) (9). This was found some years ago 
in North Devon, and is a perfect example of symmetrical 
cresting, both fronds and pinnae tips being furnished with 
delicate-looking, flat tassels. It bears spores in profusion, and 
these we have found to yield remarkably constant offspring, 
all the plants, without exception, exactly resembling the 
parent. As it is an evergreen, it forms a most ornamental 
pot Fern. 
The Broad Buckler Fern 
{Lastrea dilatata). 
This Fern is a much robuster grower than the last, to which 
it is closely allied. It forms, under favourable conditions, 
huge, spreading plants, waist, and even shoulder, high. It is 
by no means difficult to cultivate, growing in almost any 
kind of soil, but in winter it disappears, being deciduous. 
Its fronds are very broadly triangular, whence the name ; 
they are thrice divided, and the stalks profusely covered with 
dark brown scales. Lastrea s'pinulosa and L. cristata are very 
closely allied to this species, with which we therefore class 
them, as to define precisely their characteristic differences 
would involve technicalities beyond our present scope. 
