172 
THE FERN PARADISE. 
is carried outwards and upwards, away from the 
stem obliquely. It consists of a single branch, 
of oblong shape but blunt pointed, on both sides 
of which are a series of leaflets placed along at 
regular intervals, supported by short stems on 
their somewhat flat bases, and crescent or fan- 
shaped, their rounded outside margins being some- 
what cut or indented. Rising above this leafy or 
barren frond is the fertile or seed-bearing frond. 
This is branched after a similar arrangement to 
that of the barren or leafy frond, each branch con- 
taining a cluster of seeds enclosed in globular cases. 
The Moonwort abounds in open heaths and 
meadows, delighting to grow amongst the grass, 
on which, as some persons have asserted, it be- 
comes a parasite. Hence in transplanting it for 
the home fernery, it is recommended that it should 
be taken up from the ground with a good-sized 
square of turf, so that the roots may not be dis- 
turbed. Loamy or peaty soil is adapted for it ; 
and you can grow it on rockery, or in pots. It 
dies at the approach of winter ; appearing again 
on the early^ approach of spring. 
