62 
Tills is the Female Fern (drjXvTrrepL^;) of Theophrastus 
and Dioscorides. It had this appellation because it was 
considered so injurious to the female sex, that, if they walked 
on it,* much less took it inwardly, it would be attended with 
very bad effects. Linnaeus first transferred the name to 
another species. Pteris aquilina is the designation now 
adopted by all modern writers except Newman, who calls it 
Eupteris aquilina. 
A description has now been given of. twenty species of 
Ferns, all Feens of the Axe. In the subsequent article an 
attempt will be made to point out some leading varieties 
of these interesting plants. An ancient Eoman poet has 
said, 
“Neglecfcis urenda filix innascitur agris. — Horace.” 
The fern grows to be burnt in neglected fields. 
Sorry should we be if such were to be the fate of all the 
Ferns of the Axe and its tributaries. We view them as 
one of our greatest ornaments. Our woods, our hedge- 
banks, and our shady lanes derive much of their beauty from 
these elegant plants. Not only in the spring, but through- 
out the greatest part of the year, they add a softness and 
grace to the scenery, and draw the contemplative mind to 
admire the works of our great Creator. Surely the man 
must be devoid of taste who has no eyes to admire not only 
the humbler of these plants, which grow among our walls, 
and bridges, and ruins, but also the Lady Ferns, and the 
Eoyal Flowering Ferns, which so abundantly adorn the 
neighbourhood of the Axe. Beautiful as the river and its 
branches are, which wind their course through our lovely 
vales ; magnificent as our views are, which exhibit Dartmoor 
on the one hand, and the Somersetshire hills on the other ; 
interesting, too, as this country is in an historical point of 
view, whether we turn to the Eoman or to the ancient Bri- 
tish remains, or to the troublous times of the Commonwealth ; 
we also beg to contend that the lover of nature may like- 
wise find a rich treat, if he pay attention to the fiowers, and 
shrubs, and ferns which grow in such profusion in this 
locality. In the metropolis we have artificial grottoes and 
arbours, and rockwort covered with various plants, on which 
Parkinson says tliis is a fable. 
