THE MOUNTAIN POLYPODY 
26l 
towards their bases — the lowest pair of all, instead of stand- 
ing out horizontally from the rachis, being bent downwards 
at an obtuse angle as if drooping. Over the leafy surface 
of the fronds there are scattered numerous white hairs — - 
easily seen by the aid of a glass and even by the naked eye 
— giving a mealy or somewhat frosted appearance to this 
plant. 
Distribution. — Throughout Europe, in parts of Asia, 
and in North America the Mountain Polypody is found. 
In England its habitats are in the counties of Chester, 
Cornwall, Cumberland, Derby, Devon, Durham, Gloucester, 
Hereford, Lancaster, Northumberland, Salop, Stafford, 
Sussex, Westmoreland, and York. It is found also in 
the Isle of Man. In Wales it inhabits the counties of 
Brecknock, Carmarthen, Carnarvon, Cardigan, Denbigh, 
Glamorgan, Merioneth, Montgomery, and Radnor : in Scot- 
land, the counties of Aberdeen, Argyle, Berwick, Clack- 
mannan, Dumbarton, Dumfries, Edinburgh, Fife, Forfar, 
Inverness, Kincardine, Kirkcudbright, Lanark, Perth, Ren- 
frew, Roxburgh, Ross, Stirling, Sutherland, and the islands 
of Cantire, Islay, Mull, Orkney, and Shetland. In Ireland 
it is, generally speaking, an uncommon species, and is local 
in its distribution ; occurring in the following counties: — 
Antrim, Donegal, Down, Galway, Kerry, Londonderry, Louth, 
and Wicklow. 
Culture. — Above all things perfect shade and abundant 
moisture are needed by the Mountain Polypody under 
cultivation. From its predilection for moisture it makes a 
good Fern for the case or Fern house. When in a pot the 
latter should be kept in a saucer containing water, care 
being taken that the water is not allowed to become stag- 
nant. In the open rockery it must have a very shady and 
cool place, and if its rhizomas can have the advantage of a 
trickling stream of water, or can be placed under the spray 
