146 
THE FERN PARADISE. 
formed by the latter. In these fertile fronds the 
leaflets are much narrower than those of the 
barren fronds, and unlike the latter they are quite 
distinct, being separated by a greater space from 
each other. There is,, too, a much longer stem 
in the fertile fronds of the Hard Fern than in the 
barren ones, the leaflets being at first the tiniest 
protuberances from the midrib, and gradually 
extending in length ; but again decreasing in 
length as they near the point of the frond. The 
backs of the fertile fronds in their upper parts are 
densely clothed with seeds. So soon as these 
have been scattered in the autumn the tall, thin 
fertile fronds wither and drop away to the ground ; 
but the barren fronds are evergreen, and preserve 
their delightful freshness until the re-appearance 
of spring calls up another cluster from the 
root-stock. 
The Hard Fern is widely distributed and 
abundant, delighting most to grow in damp 
and dripping situations. It should therefore be 
grown in the lowest tiers of your fern rockery, 
and have abundant moisture. In its wild state it 
