CHAPTER XVII. 
THE W00D8IAS 
(W. ilvensis and W. hyperborea). 
E bracket these two species together for several 
reasons. In the first place, though very pretty 
little Ferns, they are too rare to figure much 
in popular collections; and in the second, they 
have afforded no varieties. They resemble each 
other closely, W. hyperborea, the smaller of 
the two (see Fig. 31), 
bearing fronds about 
4in. high, provided 
with pinnsD of an oval outline, 
their edges cut into a few rounded 
lobes. They are covered with short 
hairs. The fructification is pecu- 
liar, the spore-cases, in roundish 
patches, being partially covered, or, 
rather, fenced in, with numerous 
long, narrow scales, curved inwards, 
and interlacing in the early stages. 
It is also peculiar in the fronds 
having a joint near the base, at 
which point they drop off when the 
autumn comes. The plants grow 
in pretty little tufts, and are only 
found in high mountain regions, in 
the clefts and crevices of damp 
rocks. Cultivation accordingly. 
Deciduous. 
Fig. si.— Woodsia hyperborea. 
