86 
THE FERN PARADISE . 
will find small specimens of the Male Fern, with 
their shuttlecock shapes ; the dark green fronds 
of the Hartstongue, and, dropping out of gnarled 
and moss-covered tree trunks the beautiful 
Polypody ! 
Now, for a moment, as you pass onwards, the 
arching bushes on each side close over you, whilst 
grand ferns, of noble growth, spread their tops 
across from each side, and touch you as you brush 
between them. Passing with reluctance some 
glorious specimens of the Male Fern, the Lady 
Fern, and the Broad Buckler Fern, far grander 
in size and aspect in this their native home than 
they ever grew on artificial rockwork, you come 
upon a spot on your right where a host of 
exquisite fronds of the Soft Prickly Shield Fern 
clothe the hedge-bank, and compel you to stop 
and admire them. The colouring of this species 
is extremely rich, when the plants are vigorous 
and finely grown. From the base of the frond to 
the apex along the central midrib, and from the 
base to the apex of the pinnules, run the rust- 
coloured scales, which strikingly contrast with 
