180 
BRITISH FERNS. 
fronds are very numerous, their stems tough but lax, 
they assume an almost horizontal position round the 
tuft, lying over one another, 
and hiding their pale lining 
while the dark green surface 
is fully exposed to the light. 
The fertile fronds rise from 
the centre of the plant, their 
stems are stiff and brittle, 
they attain a greater length 
than the barren ones, and form 
a strong contrast to them in 
their perpendicular growth ; 
the seed is ripe in September, 
and after shedding it the erect 
fronds fade and die away. 
The Hard-fern is a frequent 
inhabitant of heathy and stony 
places, where the soil is poor 
and light. Wherever a ditch or brooklet wends its way 
among the brushwood or moorland, this fern clusters 
on its margin, often laving its barren fronds in the water. 
A fragrant woodland odour lingers about its stems and 
caudex ; it is easily cultivated in the fernery, only re- 
quiring shade and drainage. 
This fern is found throughout Europe and in many 
parts of Asia. 
ADIANTUM. 
41. Adiantnm Capillus- Veneris* L. Maiden-hair 
Fern. 
Caudex scaly, creeping. Steins slender, brownish-black, 
polished. Eronds ovate in form, branched. Leaflets thin, deli- 
