OSMUNDA. 
199 
small brown flowers crowning the tall straight stem, whose 
lower pinnm have much the appearance of broad green 
leaves. There is but one native species. 
The name of the genus has given rise to some specula- 
tion as to its derivation. The question involved we leave 
antiquarians and philologists to settle. Some derive it 
from the Saxon mund, which they say signifies strength. 
Others consider the word expressive of domestic peace, and 
derive it from the Saxon os, house, and mund, peace. 
Others, again, have thought it commemorative, as the 
following legendary passage bears evidence : — 
At Loch Tyne dwelt the waterman old Osmund. Fairest 
among maidens was the daughter of Osmund the water- 
man. Her light- brown hair and glowing cheek told of her 
Saxon origin, and her light steps bounded over the green 
turf like a young fawn in his native glades. Often, in 
the stillness of a summer's even, did the mother and her 
fair-haired child sit beside the lake, to watch the dripping 
and the flashing of the father's oars, as he skimmed right 
merrily towards them over the deep-blue waters. Sounds, 
as of hasty steps, were heard one day, and presently a 
company of fugitives told with breathless haste that the 
cruel Danes were making way towards the ferry. Osmund 
