THE COMMON BUCKLER FERN 
or Male Fern. 
Lastrea Filix-mas.* — Presl. 
The Male Fern is so called from its robust appear- 
ance in contrast with the more delicate though similar 
Lady Fern (Filix-fcemina). It is an annual except 
in sheltered spots, where the old fronds will continue 
green until the new come out. One of the commonest 
of our Ferns, it is yet one of the most beautiful, 
especially on account of its coronal growth, like a 
circle of erect but gracefully waving feathers springing 
from one stem, the fronds smooth, of a lively green, 
somewhat paler underneath, averaging a height of 
from two to three feet, but varying from twelve inches 
to even six feet, according to age, variety, or locality. 
The stipes is short, stout, and densely scaly. The 
fronds are broadly lance-shaped ; bipinnate, though 
less decidedly so than some other species, only those 
pinnules which are nearest the main rachis being 
* Polypodium Filix-mas ( Linnceus ), Aspidium Filix-mas, &c. 
