148 
New Zealand Ferns 
me of any view the lofty peak promised of the surround- 
ing country — I only got glimpses of Port Underwood 
between the tree trunks. 
Upon the very apex, confined to a circuit of 150 yards, 
the ground was carpeted a soft green with the recum- 
bent fronds of this delicate fern. I searched all round, 
but could find no trace of it below that central patch. 
Though disappointed in my view, I was more than satis- 
fied by the addition of this beautiful fern to my collec- 
tion. The soft, tender fronds covered the ground with 
an exc|uisite green lace-work in marked contrast to the 
gnarled, hoarv-looking trees, bearded with moss, patri- 
archs of the forest. The return journey, thanks to my 
precaution with the Panax, was accomplished without 
mishap. 
According to Mr. Field, it is not easily cultivated in 
the North Island, though it was successfully acclimatised 
in the Christchurch Botanical Gardens. It is confined 
to New Zealand. 
