166 
BRITISH FERNS. 
gust, and last through the winter. The pinnae are from 
1 to 2 inches long, lanceolate ; 
the upper ones are close toge- 
ther, the lower ones distant. 
The leaflets are bright green 
on the upper surface, and pale 
beneath. It is evergreen. 
This fern grows in tufts, 
on rocks and in walls, wher- 
ever the climate is mild and 
imbued with salt from the 
ocean. It flourishes luxuri- 
antly about Penzance, and in 
similar situations in Devon- 
shire, Wales, Ireland, and 
Jersey. It flourishes most luxuriantly and abundantly 
in that “ splendid fern-garden,” Barmouth ; and it in- 
serts itself so inextricably in the stony fissures of the 
rocks and between the stones in the walls, that it is im- 
possible even for the greed of fern-collectors to extermi- 
nate it. It is easy to secure any number of fronds, but 
to obtain the roots is a very different matter, and one 
extremely hard of attainment. Here also you may find 
the Asplenium viride wherever water trickles from the 
high ground, while the Asplenium marinum adorns the 
shores of the estuary. 
It is seldom found far inland. 
The Lanceolate Spleenwort grows well in a greenhouse, 
it enjoys the warm atmosphere, and if provided with com- 
post prepared as for the last species, it will become healthy 
and luxuriant. It can seldom bear exposure in an open- 
air fernery, and cannot endure the close damp air of a 
Wardian case. 
