2l6 
THE FERN PARADISE. 
slightly to the base, as well as tapering gradually 
to a point at the top. The lowest pair of branches 
on the rachis is shorter than the pair immediately 
above it ; but from that pair to the point of the 
frond the successive pairs gradually diminish 
in length. The pairs of branches on each side 
of the frond are not placed exactly opposite 
one another, but according to a somewhat ir- 
regular arrangement. The branches themselves 
are distinctly lance-shaped ; and on each side, 
above and below them, is a row of leaflets, 
egg-shaped in general outline, and notched or 
saw-edged. On the back of the fronds the little 
bladder-like clusters of seeds are frequently so 
plentiful that they become confluent. Although 
somewhat rare in Ireland — except in two or three 
localities in that country — it is nevertheless widely 
distributed throughout the rest of the United 
Kingdom ; being, indeed, in some places very 
abundant. 
The delicate Brittle Bladder Fern is easily 
grown. Give it leaf-mould, peat and sand, shade, 
and an abundance of water, and whether — with 
