Athyrium F. Fcemina. 
V ar : Irriguum, Smith. 
Convexum, Newman. 
BROOK SHIELD FERN. 
Root — Radicles strong and wiry. Caudex large and 
tufted. 
Fronds — Numerous, of a pale yellow green ; smaller than 
the common form of A. F. Fcemina, linear-lanceolate, erect, 
rigid. Bipinnate or sub-bipinnate. 
Stipes — Short, slightly clothed with acute membranous 
scales. 
Pinnae — Nearly opposite, mostly pinnate, linear. 
Pinnules — Narrow, linear, crenate, serrate, curved in- 
wards upon the fruit. 
Fructification — Similar to the normal form, abundant. 
Habitat — Boggy places, by springs. Near Ashbourne, &c. 
