35 
Plate I, fig. 7. 
“ Though in Heaven the trees 
Of life ambrosial fruitage bear, and vines 
Yield nectar ; though from off the boughs each morn 
We brush mellifluous dews, and find the ground 
Covered with pearly grain, yet God hath here 
Varied His bounty so with new delights 
As may compare with Heaven.” — Milton. 
2. Male Pern. Lastrea Filicc mas. In this our family 
of plants we have not only the Male but the Lady Pern 
also. The one now before us is the Male, so called because 
it stands up firm, robust, and sturdy, not ashamed to lift up 
its head amidst the vegetation by which it is surrounded. 
May we not learn even from nature’s works to be stedfast 
in purpose and firm in conduct, not vacillating and giving 
way on every trifling occasion. This species is scattered 
over every part of the kingdom and is most abundant in 
rich soil in shady situations. A visitor would be richly 
delighted by beholding this plant in our district in the 
greatest perfection. Though sometimes only a foot and a 
half high it is not unfrequently ae high as four feet. It is 
sub-bipinnate. The leaflets are strap-shaped or oblong 
and the ends rounded. The clusters are from three to 
eight on each leaflet, placed in two rows near the base 
and distant from the edges. When it is about a foot high 
and the fronds are not in the least expanded, the stalks 
are richly covered with reddish yellow scales, and the 
summit is curled together like an ammonite, or a hairy 
caterpillar which folds itself up when any attempt is made 
to touch it. When the frond begins a little to expand 
itself, the stalk and greater part of the plant keeps itself 
perfectly upright, nearly two or three inches of the 
summit hanging forward and assuming the appearance 
of an elephant’s tusk. It is very stiff and erect, growing 
shuttlecock-fashion around its trunk. The covers of the 
fruit are remarkably permanent. The branches (pinnae) 
are numerous, narrow, and tapering, sometimes with a 
few of the lower segments or divisions forming perfect 
leaflets. The lobes or semi-leaflets are very slightly cut 
or nicked at the edges, sometimes in shady places more 
