58 
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 
North. 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 tWd 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 Eern, 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-breadth 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 up 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, 
tul'ted, scaly, spherical, or sometimes like a carrot, spindle- 
shaped. The leaves have a strong and thick mid -rib, it 
can hardly be called a rachis, much less a mid-vein, from 
which the side-veins start, and afterwards fork twice or 
thrice without reaching the extremity. Moore says, “ that 
they terminate just within the edge in a club-shaped apex.” 
In the month of April we may look out for the young frond, 
which appears perfectly upright, with its summit curiously 
rolled or coiled together, as is the case with most Ferns. 
As it grows older, it humbles itself and becomes horizontal. 
At last, as if the trials of the world were too much for it, it 
hangs down its head and is quite pendulous. It comes to 
