30 
deeply as in our figure (Plate I fig. 7) and then it is var, 
incisa or affinis. The fructification is very abundant but 
confined to the upper part of the frond. The upper and 
lower leafiets of each pinnae are nearly of the same size. 
The side-veins of each leafiet are branched, and the upper 
one only bears fruit which is quite contrary to what happens 
in the preceding species. The lower branches (pinnae) are 
considerably shorter than those of the middle of the frond, 
but never dwindle to the diminutive form of the Mountain 
Pern (Lastrea Montana). The root is strong, firmly fixed 
to the ground, and of a blackish colour. Sometimes the 
trunk or stock is several inches above ground, and thus 
resembles a Tree Pern. 
This is not confined to our own country, but is equally 
common in every part of Europe and Northern Asia. It 
was not unknown to the ancients. All writers give it the 
appellation of Male Pern (Pilix mas). Newman gives the 
name of its genus, Dryopteris ; Hooker, Nephrodium. 
The Siberians boil this Pern in ale and are fond of the 
fiavour which it imparts. In Norway the curled leaves in- 
fused in hot water afford an acceptable fodder and litter for 
cattle. The ashes of this and of Brake (Pteris Aquilina) 
are used by the manufacturers of soap and glass. It was 
also vended in olden times for charms against the dealers in 
the “ black art.” Divers vagabonds were in the habit of 
preparing from its root, and from its young unbent and yet 
unexpanded branches the ‘‘lucky hands” or “St. John’s 
hands,” which they sold to ignorant people both in town 
and country as preservatives against witchcraft and 
enchantment. “It is a pity,” says an old writer, “that 
such remedies will not also protect us against death.” 
Parkinson sagely remarks “ The seed which this and the 
Pemale Pern do bear, and to be gathered only on Midsum- 
mer eve at night, with I know not what conjuring words, 
is superstitiously held by divers, not only mountebanks and 
quacksalvers, but by other learned men, (yet it cannot be 
said but by those that are too superstitiously addicted) to be 
of some secret hidden virtue, but I cannot find it exprest 
what it should be.” Without dwelling on the imaginary 
virtues of this plant, which exist only in the minds of the 
