2l8 
THE FERN PARADISE. 
than in Fragilis : the frond-branches are also 
shorter, corresponding with the smaller size of 
the plant, and instead of being ordinarily lance- 
shaped, the general form of the branches may be 
called either bluntish lance-shaped, or egg-shaped. 
In the same way the leaflets on the branches are 
also somewhat egg-shaped ; but they are much 
more deeply cleft or serrated than is the case with 
the leaflets in Fragilis ; so deeply cleft, indeed, 
sometimes, that the leaflets are divided into lobes 
or divisions. 
The Alpine Bladder Fern is an exquisitely 
beautiful little plant. It will grow under culti- 
vation as readily as Cystopteris fragilis , and may 
be planted either in the open air, on the fern 
rockery in a cool shady spot, in pots in the house, 
or under the protection of a covering of glass. For 
soil the lightest composition must be made. Peat, 
silver-sand, light friable loam, and leaf-mould, 
in equal proportions. If planted in a pot there 
should be in the bottom of the pot a thick stratum 
of broken flower-pot or soft broken bricks, together 
with some pieces of charcoal, — the charcoal being 
