45 
We consider that they may sometimes approach each other, 
but a well practised eye will always discern a difference. 
The creeping root, roundish egg-shaped transparent scales, 
the glandless covers^ the upright position, and peculiarly light 
green appearance, all combine to point out the Spinous 
Fern (Lastrea spinulosa). When we speak of the covers, 
of course they must be seen through a lens or a microscope, 
and then it will be found that they differ from woodcut c 
page 15, in not having glands. This Fern is by no means to 
be despised, and in its general appearance has considerable 
grace and symmetry. Since however the upper part of the 
frond is of a frail and delicate texture, it is frequently shat- 
tered by the wind and other causes, and is therefore not so 
ornamental for cultivation. 
In closing our remarks on this species we may venture 
to remark in this utilitarian age, that the student of natural 
history is pursuing no useless occupation when he devotes 
himself to the contemplation of the beauteous works of Grod. 
The ear is disciplined by music, the hand by the nice touch 
as in the case of the blind ; so is the eye by scanning, even 
in little things the varying course of nature’s works. Surely 
it is most desirable that we should not be insensible to the 
regular order and nice distinctions which our great Creator 
has maintained in every portion of the vegetable creation 
from “ the cedar in Lebanon to the hyssop that groweth on 
the wall.” God has given us our sight to turn it to a useful 
account, and to discriminate all His works, and to find out 
“ how in wisdom He hath made them all.” 
The old books, for the same reasons as were mentioned 
in the preceding species, do not speak of this plant. With 
regard to its cultivation it requires a light sandy or peat 
soil. It needs even more water than the Hay-scented Fern 
(Lastrea fsBnisecii), and should never have a bright glaring 
sun. Nature speaks for herself, when we notice how it grows 
in wet shady woods in a loose crumbling soil. 
Newman gives it the name of Lophodium spinosum, and 
Francis designates it Aspidium spinulosum ; Moore calls it 
Lastrea cristata mr, spinulosa ; Hooker Nephrodium spinu- 
losum var. bipinnatum. 
