50 
THE SHIELD FERN. 
'which does not form a line with either margin. The 
pinnules have branched free veins ; and the sori are 
generally ranged in a row on each side of the midrib 
and covered by a peltate (fixed to the stalk by the 
centre) scale or indusinm. 
Not only one of the most beautiful, this is also one 
of the most remarkably varied of our Ferns. Ever- 
green, and able to readily accommodate itself to the 
changes of artificial culture, it is specially fitted for 
the out-door or in-door fernery ; growing readily in 
pots (with sufficient room) in the garden or shrubbery, - 
in free sandy loam, or on shady rockwork. It is 
easily increased by division whenever lateral crowns 
are produced. It is rare in the north of England, or j 
of Europe, though found in Sweden and Norway ; but 
is more plentiful in the south of England, and very 
abundant in central and southern Europe; in Asia 
also, from Georgia to India and Ceylon ; in Abyssinia 
and on the African coast of the Mediterranean ; and 
in North and South America, in New England and in 
Mexico and Chili. It is found not infrequently in the 
Lake District, generally in warm sheltered ghylls. 
