23 
powers. Eay, however, appears to have been acquainted 
with it, and denominates it “ The Male Tern of the heathfield 
Dunsmore.”* With regard to its geographical position, it 
is distributed throughout England in elevated situations. 
It is not, however, confined to hills, for there are many 
instances where it is found on waste grounds, in more level 
countries, and, especially, on the borders of very damp 
woods by the side of a little stream. In Ireland it is scarce. 
It extends throughout the Continent of Europe as far north 
as Norway, and as far south as the Asturias in Spain. 
Hooker calls it NepTirodium Oreopteris'^ 
“ Though in Heaven the trees 
Of life ambrosial fruitage bear, and vines 
Yield nectar ; though from off the boughs each morn 
We brush melMuous dews, and find the ground 
Covered with pearly grain, yet Grod hath here 
Varied His bounty so with new delights 
As may compare with Heaven.” — Milton. 
Plate I, fig. 7. 
2. Male Tern. Lastrea Filix mas. In this, our family 
of plants, we have not only the Male, but the Lady Tern 
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 as high as four feet. It is 
sub-bipinnate or branched, and the branches nearly branched 
too. 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 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, 
* Filix mas ericeti Dunsmore Petiveri. 
