24 
when any attempt to touch it. When the frond begins a 
little to expand itself, then the stalk and greater part of the 
plant keeps itself perfectly upright, with 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 per- 
fect leaflets. The lobes or semi-leaflets are very slightly cut 
or nicked at the edges, sometimes, in shady places, more 
deeply, as in our figure (Plate I, fig. 7,) and then it is mr, 
incisa or affinis. The fructification is very abundant, but 
confined to the upper part of the frond. The upper and 
lower leaflets of each pinnae are nearly of the same size. 
The side-veins of each leaflet 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 
flavour which it imparts. In Norway, the curled leaves are 
boiled and eaten like asparagus, and the larger 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 
