164 
BRITISH FERNS. 
far into the fissures of the rock ; the caudex is black, 
tufted, and scaly; the steins 
are dark brown at the base 
and green above, occupying 
from one-fourth to one-third 
the length of the frond ; it is 
winged in the leafy part. The 
leaflets are from 1 to 2 inches 
long, the upper part of the 
base being sometimes expand- 
ed into a lobe, they are stalked 
and serrated, leathery in tex- 
ture, and of a bright green 
colour. The veins are forked, 
and a bright rust-coloured 
sorus is placed on the anterior 
branch of the lateral vein; this is covered by a white 
involucre in youth. The fern is evergreen. 
The Sea Spleenwort is a welcome object in its especial 
habitat. Clefts and caves on or near the sea beach are 
its favourite haunts. It grows from the side or roof 
of the cave, its fronds affecting an erect, bending, or 
pendent growth, as suits its situation, and rendered 
beautiful by their varying habit and verdant colour. It 
roots itself deeply in its rocky home, and is very difficult 
to take up on this account. It is a grievous pity that 
any should attempt to transplant it, for it is scarcely 
probable that it will survive the change, so essential to 
its welfare is the mild climate and salt-laden atmosphere 
of its native haunt. 
The Sea Spleenwort is found on our southern and 
western shores from South Devonshire to the Orkneys; 
it is still more general on the west coast of Ireland, and 
