RAMBLES IN SEARCH OF FERNS. 
23 
answered the description of the Spiny Shield fern ( Lastrsea spinulosci , 
Fig. 3). 
The other fern was of the gracefully sloping contour of the Common 
Polystichum, but its more upright form indicated a closer resemblance 
to the Male fern. The seed-covers were kidney-shaped, and the 
masses were arranged in a faultless line along the under margin of the 
leaflets. Unlike the Spreading and Spmy Shield ferns, it was 
bi-pinnate , and the leaflets were bluntly notched. A sweet odour 
hung about the plant, arising from the numerous glands which covered 
its under surface. All these particulars proved it to be the Heath 
Shield fern ( Lastrxa oreopteris , Fig. 4.) It formed the leading 
feature in a miniature landscape of exquisite beauty ; for, as I knelt 
to gather some of its fragrant fronds, I espied the coral lichen 
clustering beneath its shade, like a gay parterre shadowed by delicate 
lime trees. The white fronds of the lichen, with its coral tips, and 
beyond, the horn-like branches of the rein-deer moss, contrasted with 
a soft cushion of wild thyme. Surely some such spiot as this must 
have given rise to Mrs. Hemans’ description — 
“ Beneath these plumes 
Of waving fern, look where the cup-moss holds 
In its pure crimson goblet, fresh and bright, 
Tlie starry dews of morning.” 
It was a lovely picture, and I felt to grasp it more entirely, and to 
love it better, than the wide prospect of wood, and hill, and valley 
beyond. Truly it is a weakness of our mortal sense to imagine a thing 
trifling because it is small. The vast peat-mosses, which furnish fuel 
for thousands, are formed of an insignificant plant ; while mountain 
ranges are composed of skeletons of animals too small to be perceived 
by the naked eye. A tiny plirit or insect testifies to the wisdom of 
the Creator, and raises the heart of the earnest-minded observer in 
adoring gratitude to Him. 
I wrote an appeal to a friend in Cheshire for aid in my new-made 
collection. She responded most kindly, sending me a specimen of the 
Marsh Shield fern ( Lastrxa thelypteris, Fig. 5) from her own neigh- 
