72 
THE BOOK OF 
pinnae are composed of two rows, the frond being thus twice 
divided instead of only once, but in many of the varieties 
division is carried to the fourtli and even fifth degree, the 
ultimate division becoming smaller and smaller as division 
proceeds, but still maintaining the characteristic structural 
plan almost invariably. The Holly Fern (page 70) in this 
country is entirely a mountain species, usually frequenting 
hills at 2,000 feet to 3,000 feet elevation. We have, 
however, found it in Scotland at about 1,200 feet, a marked 
exception to the rule. 
The other two species are common in our western 
counties, from south to north of England, and in the 
south of Scotland. P. aculeatum extends further north 
than P. angulare, which in Scotland is rare, due 
doubtless to the fact that it has a greater predilection 
for warmth. In Ireland both species are plentiful, and many 
of our finest forms have been found there by Mr. W. H. Phillips 
and others. They thrive best in sheltered situations, and 
P. angulare especially frequents hedgerows, where it is usually 
associated with the Hart’s-tongue. A good loamy leafy 
compost suits both species well. Under glass plenty of air 
must be given, as if coddled the fronds of many of the finely- 
divided forms go wrong at the tips, a sort of fungus growth 
developing among the densely-crowded coils of the unrolling 
fronds. 
The sori or spore heaps are round, and covered by a 
a small circular mushroom-shaped scale attached by its centre, 
shield fashion, whence the name of the genus. It thus differs 
from the Lastreas, in which this scale is distinctly kidney- 
shaped, and attached at the point of the depression. Never- 
theless, botanically, both genera are lumped as Aspidium, 
forming one of those associations for which the practical 
cultivator finds little justification, so essentially different 
are the families as he knows them. As regards the Holly 
Fern, it is not so amenable to culture as the others, but 
we have found it to succeed if planted in peaty, rubbly, 
leaf-mould, under the lee of a large piece of rock or burr 
facing the north, in a position where it is secure from root 
drought. 
P. lonchitis (The Holly Fern). 
Where Found Finder cr Raiser and 
or haised. Date. 
Description. 
crisfratura . . Ben Qui . . Dr. Craig . . . . Finely crested frond tips, 
ini brie* turn .. Scotland and .. Boyd .. .. .. Pinnae densely overlapping. 
Ireland 
