9 . 
THE BRISTLE FERN. 
Trichomanes radicans. 
Plate G, Fig 1 , Page 235 . 
If the sparkle of dripping water adds a charm to the wealth 
of greenery clothing the rocks in a mountain stream, there 
is not less of beauty when the same water, gently trickling 
along the stones, forming the sides of a mossy cell, tips 
with silver the dark green fronds of its ferny occupants as it 
falls upon them. Those who would see such beauty in its 
greatest perfection must seek an opportunity — rarely to be 
enjoyed, but the more enjoyable on account of its rarity — of 
seeing the Bristle Fern growing in its home in the land of 
waterfalls. This beautiful species is amongst those Ferns 
which require the deepest shade and the most abundant 
and unceasing moisture. Not merely must its rhizomas 
and fronds be kept soft with cool vapours ; they must 
be bathed in vapour until it shines upon them, and rolls 
off in silvery drops. It will follow that the habitats of 
this Fern are always close to water, — so close that the 
air around it becomes heavily charged with moisture. 
It grows upon the dripping rock, over the wet surface of 
which its rhizomas travel, whilst its rootlets form a 
spreading network of filmy threads, which cling to the stony 
pores. 
Description. — The Bristle Fern would be amongst the 
most beautiful of our native species, if only on account of 
