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growing on walls, and in exposed situations, are of a yellow- 
ish colour, much more stunted, stiff and leathery, while those 
in damp and shady situations are of a darker and more 
polished verdure, drooping and spreading most gracefully 
in lengthened and elegant tufts. This is a very handsome 
Fern. In the summer months, whether in a wild or culti- 
vated state, what a striking contrast is presented when the 
rich, glossy foliage of the Hartstongue is blended with the 
soft, lax, drooping Prickly Pern, or with the light, elegant, 
finely and neatly divided Lady Pern. It is, however, quite 
different from any other British species. It is universally 
distributed throughout the British Isles and is also found 
in every Country of Europe, but sparingly towards the 
IS'orth. In North America it is said to establish itself only 
in New York. No account has yet been given of its grow- 
ing in Africa, Asia, or South America. In its ordinary form 
it is strap-shaped, quite undivided at the edges, pointed at 
the tip, and heart-shaped at the base. The stalk averages 
about a third the length of the frond, is dark brown at the 
base, and has lance-shaped or hairy scales scattered over its 
surface. The fronds vary much in length. In favourable 
positions they are more than a foot long. With regard to 
the covers of this Pern, it cannot fail to strike a man of the 
dullest apprehension, with what consummate skill and ex- 
quisite proportion they are adjusted. In every instance the 
lowest branch of the upper side-vein, and the highest of the 
next lowest, are placed exactly at such a distance as to admit 
of the double line of fruit and the pair of covers. The parts 
are so nicely arranged, so well balanced, that they are not a 
hair-hreadth nearer or further apart than is requisite for the 
organs of fructification. There is no need of a glass to aid 
in making these observations. If we merely hold the leaf 
to the light, and direct our vision to the parts, we shall 
not fail to behold this beautiful organization. The covers 
are at first white, afterwards rusty brown. When the clus- 
ters become old and have thrown aside the veil, they form 
one long confused black mass. The fructification scarcely 
ever appears in the lowest part of the frond. The roots are 
black, stout, and very long. The root-stock is blackish, 
tufted, scaly, spherical, or sometimes like a carrot, spindle- 
