THE RIGID BUCKLER FERN 
323 
stems of tlie pinnae. The pinnules are often almost pinnatifid, 
or deeply divided iuto lobes, which are not so much serrated 
as bluntly toothed. The system of veins is similar to that in 
most of the Lastreas, and consists of a sinuous mid-vein 
through the pinnules, with forked venules bearing the 
roundish sori, covered by their kidney-shaped indusia, and 
borne in short lines along on each side of the mid-veins of 
the pinnules. When bruised in the hand, the fronds of this 
Fern emit a slightly fragrant scent. There are no varieties 
which are permanent in their character. 
Distribution. — On the continent of Europe the Rigid 
Buckler Fern is found in Croatia, Dalmatia, France, (Germany, 
Hungary, the Morea and Switzerland ; also in the island of 
Sardinia. It is an inhabitant of Asia Minor and Siberia, and 
also of parts of the United States of America. In England 
its range is very limited and very local. It has been found 
in Cornwall ; in Lancashire, near Silverdale ; at Arnside 
Knot, Hutton Roof Crags, and Farlton Knot, in Westmore- 
land ; at Ingleborough, Wharnside, White Scars, above 
Ingleton, and on the Attermine Rocks, near Settle, in York- 
shire ; and also, it is stated, in Somersetshire. It has never 
been found in Scotland or Wales, and in Ireland only in one 
county — Louth. 
Culture. — Grown in sandy-loam and peat mixed in equal 
proportions, this Fern succeeds admirably either on the open 
rockery or in pots. But it must be kept very moist and 
cool ; and as in a state of nature it is fond of limestone, it is 
desirable to mix little pieces of limestone in the soil, and to 
water with lime-water. 
