116 
New Zealand Ferns 
This pretty little fern is no believer in self-advertise- 
ment, for one rarely sees its trim fronds in the open. It 
is only by searching among the manuka or light scrub 
that one realises how plentiful it is in many localities. 
Although growing in such poor soil, it is difficult to cul- 
tivate; Mr. Field had recourse to a Wardian case before 
he succeeded. I have been quite unsuccessful. It is also 
found in Australia, Tasmania, Norfolk Island, and New 
Caledonia. 
(44) L. trichomanoides (resembling Trichomanes). 
A little gem, perfect in all its aspects — outline, form, 
colour; usually growing on dry banks in thick scrub or 
bush. There is no mistaking the slender, polished, 
golden-brown stalks, the deep-green leaves, the narrow 
line of seeds round the margin. 
Description . — Root slender, creeping, covered with reddish- 
brown scales. Stalks 3 to 8 inches long, slender, polished, shining 
red-brown, rather rigid. Fronds 3 to 8 inches long by l\ to 4 
inches broad, texture firm, green to dark-green. Seeds forming 
a continuous line round the margins of the leaflets. 
Fairly abundant in the North Island ; local in the South Island. 
Sea-level to 2,500 feet. 
This lovely species varies greatly in appearance; the 
more northern specimens are not so much divided or so 
finely cut as those coming from further south. 
It seems to grow well in a thin layer of vegetable 
mould above poor, hungry clay soil, yet it is a difficult 
species to transplant. Though I have tried many times, 
the plants gradually faded and died. Found also in 
Australia, Tasmania, and Fiji. 
