92 
THE FERN PARADISE. 
fronds of the Polypody. Below, the side of the 
cutting is densely clothed with ferns of glorious 
growth. Splendid specimens of the Male Fern 
which, from their erect and noble-looking, yet 
withal graceful habit, fairly earn their designa- 
tion. Growing to the left of the Male Ferns, 
whose fronds are more than a yard long, are two 
magnificent specimens of the Broad Buckler Fern ; 
the curling pinnules of the fronds giving to them 
a most lovely aspect. Beneath, revelling in the 
cool shelter afforded by the ferns which have 
been named, is a Lady Fern, throwing up its 
tender fronds with the drooping habit which is 
the charming characteristic of this plant. 
Still, for a long distance, the lane follows its 
winding course between high moss, ivy and 
fern-covered banks, with trees far above, arch- 
ing over and excluding the sunlight. Your path 
now becomes more like the rocky bed of some 
river, which a long drought has temporarily dried 
up. On your right you presently pass, in the 
twilight created by the shrubs around and above 
you, a hedge-bank which is clothed with the most 
