48 
There is evidently a description of the Prickly Fern 
(Polystichum) in Johnson’s edition of Gerarde’s work, page 
1130. It is described * as the not branched Male Fern 
with broad auricled spiny pinnules, each leaf, especially 
those next the stalk,” (rachis) “ having on that side farthest 
off the stalk a large ear or out-growing ending with a sharp ' 
prick, like a hair, as doth also the top of the leaf. Some 
of the sides of the leaf are also nicked, ending with the like 
prick or hair. Each leaf hath two rows of dusty seed-scales.” 
Eay also in his Synopsis speaks of this plant. 
With regard to its medical properties, the same writer 
describes it as “ hot, bitter, and dry and sometimes binding.” 
We know not whether this Fern has that peculiarity which 
Parkinson two hundred years ago ascribed to all. “The 
fume of Fern being burned driveth away serpents, gnats, 
and other noisome creatures, that in the fenny countries 
much molest both strangers and inhabitants that lie in bed 
in the night time with their faces uncovered.” Some con- 
sider that Fern placed on a horse’s head keeps off the flies 
that tease and sting the poor animal. 
Francis calls this species “Aspidium lobatum.” Hooker 
“Aspidium aculeatum var a lobatum and h intermedium.” 
The localities of this Fern are — 
Axminster ; Evil lane, Woodbury lane, and Wyke. 
Chard ; on the road to Axminster, and near Wadeford. 
Chardstock ; near Galloping Close. 
Dalwood ; between the village and Corry, and in Mill- 
water lane. 
Hawkchurch ; between the village and Broom. 
* Kilmington ; between the village and Beckford Bridge. 
Offwell ; lane skirting east and lower side of Colwell. 
Stockland ; near Cor Mill, and between Heathstock 
and the villages. 
Thorncombe ; 7 ^ 
not uncommon. 
vV insham ^ j 
EillLs mas non ramosa pinnulis latis auriculatis spinosis. 
