THE HARD PRICKLY SHIELD FERN 
2 75 
Pembroke. In Scotland through the counties of Aberdeen, 
Argyle, Berwick, Dumfries, Edinburgh, Elgin, Fife, Forfar, 
Kincardine, Kirkcudbright, Lanark, Nairn, Perth, Renfrew, 
Ross, and Sutherland, as well as through the Isles of Bute, 
Cantire, and Islay. In Ireland it is found in the counties 
of Antrim, Clare, Dublin, Galway, and Wicklow. 
Culture. — Owing to its evergreen character, and to its 
very hardy nature, this handsome Fern is admirably adapted 
for cultivation on the open rockery. It can withstand the 
influence even of smoke and dust, and if well watered and 
kept in a shady position, it will, in time, become a grand 
plant. The soil for it should consist of sandy loam, peat, and 
leaf-mould, mixed in equal proportions. The fronds out of 
doors can withstand the frosts of ordinary winters. In-doors, 
whether in pots, or in the Fern house, Polystichum aculea- 
tum will also thrive admirably. Indeed it is one of the 
most manageable and easily cultivated of our native Ferns. 
