THE FERN PARADISE. 
rachis being each divided almost down to its mid- 
vein. But the notches on those leaflets which are 
higher np on the frond are not so deeply cleft. 
The habitats of the Mountain Polypody are 
necessarily moist, the plant mostly delighting in 
an excess of moisture. Hence it will be found 
growing oftentimes immediately contiguous to 
waterfalls, because there the atmosphere is per- 
petually loaded with moist exhalations. It is not 
rare, except in Ireland, although in Great Britain 
it is found more abundantly in the northern than 
in the southern counties. It occurs in Ireland, 
but it is sparsely distributed throughout that 
country. In Scotland, and in both Xortli and 
South Wales, it is to be found. 
The Mountain Polypody is essentially a shady 
Fern ; for, less hardy than Polypodium mdgare , it 
will not bear so well the sunshine. It will grow 
readily, however, wherever you place it, if in a 
moist and shady nook, whether on the open 
rockery, indoors in pots, or under glass. It 
must have a soil very similar to that in which the 
Common Polypody delights. But with the leaf- 
mould some peat may be mixed with advantage, 
294 
