THE SHIELD FERNS. 21 1 
evergreen in character — dark green in colour — rigid, 
and prickly looking. They withstand the frost, and 
often remain until the new spring fronds are pro- 
duced. It may be grown in the fern-garden, or 
in the house ; and the soil it needs should be 
composed of light loam, peat, and sand. It is 
said to be difficult to cultivate, especially in the 
west of England ; but we have seen it successfully 
grown there, in the open garden. It is an exceed- 
ingly handsome fern, and is well worthy of the 
utmost care which can be bestowed upon it. 
