5G 
the extremities. The fertile fronds are nearly twice as high 
as the barren ones, and vary from twelve to eighteen inches. 
The leaflets are a little wider towards the base, and the back 
part of those which are fertile is covered with fruit. These 
latter also become more and more remote from each other as 
they approach nearer the base, and in both cases the leaflets 
are alternate. The stalks, too, vary. In the one they are long, 
with a few rudimentary teeth interspersed, smooth, glossy, 
dark brown, having a few fine scales ; in the other they are 
short, greenish brown, and more densely covered with 
scales. A tuft of these fronds is spread in a circular form. 
The outer ring consists of the barren, and the inner of the 
fertile fronds. The latter die before winter sets in, while 
the former remain green and fresh until the early spring. 
It might almost be imagined that there are here two distinct 
Perns, as one kind appears so much taller, more graceful, 
and not ashamed to hold up its head ; while the other is 
nearly prostrate, not so finely divided, and though of a 
bright green colour, still seems to indicate its inferiority. 
At first the covers are white, in a long uninterrupted line, 
lying upon a longitudinal vein, which is situated about mid- 
way between the mid-vein and the margin. These after- 
wards bend back, open towards the mid-vein, and burst 
asunder in patches. This is much more clearly seen, if we 
select for inspection a plant sparingly fruited, and having 
the widest pinnules that we can find fruit-bearing. When 
the fructification is mature, as it is in August or September, 
the covers become light brown and ragged. The side-veins 
of the pinnules of the barren plants fork between the mid- 
vein and the edge, and never unite, but end in a knob. 
The mid-veins are generally transparent. The root is black 
and wiry : the root stock tufted and downy. Though the 
plant resembles a two-edged comb, it would not be a useful 
comb, as the leaflets are generally curved like a hook, 
especially in the fruit-bearing fronds. The Hard Pern 
makes its appearance in May, and sheds its seed (spores) 
in September, when the fertile fronds disappear, wPile the 
barren ones remain through the winter. 
This plant is scarcely ever met with in a chalk soil. It 
prefers gravel, or even stifi* clay, on which this is almost the 
only Pern that thrives. It is ornamental for rock work, and 
