TEE FERN PARADISE. 
is, however, found in greatest luxuriance in parts 
of Ireland; and on the banks of the lakes of 
Killarney it sometimes attains a height of twelve 
feet, and presents a singularly grand and beautiful 
aspect. The root-stock in most of our native 
Ferns is seldom raised more than a few inches 
above the surface of the ground ; but in the case 
of the Royal Fern its root-stock, somewhat after 
the manner of the tree Ferns of the tropics, is, in 
large specimens, raised to a height of one, or even 
two feet above the ground, thus forming a kind 
of pedestal for its tufts of tall and arching fronds. 
The general form of the fronds of this stately 
and beautiful Fern is lance-like, as, indeed — more 
or less broadly or narrowly — are all our British 
Ferns. But there is a peculiar distinctiveness 
about the grand Osmunda which renders it easily 
recognizable amongst other species. The stem is 
of a light yellowish green, and the racliis bears 
several pairs of branches, placed on each side of 
it, and opposite ; each pair diminishing in length 
towards the apex of the frond. The branches are 
themselves broadly lance-shaped. Ranged alter- 
nately or in pairs on each branch are a set of 
252 
