56 
New Zealand Ferns 
I have often seen this little fern covering the trunks 
of tree-ferns from top to bottom with a feathery green 
mat. There is surely something more than coincidence 
in the fact of this delicate, fragile little plant holding its 
own all over the world, just as a minute weak-flying but- 
terfly, a small species of “blue,” is found everywhere, 
even in the Arctic regions. 
( 18 ) Var. cupressiforme (cypress-like). Fronds 
taller and narrower, more erect, i to 4 inches high, 
more open in texture. 
