THE POLYPODIES. 
together with sand. Indeed, all soil for Ferns 
needs an admixture of sand to keep the com- 
position sufficiently light and porous. Peat is 
never found in the situations chosen by the 
Common Polypody ; but the Beech Fern, growing 
at lower elevations, comes within the range of 
peat. Hence the desirability of an admixture of 
peat in the compost used to grow this Fern in 
cultivation. But leaf-mould is the chief vitalizing 
element in its growth. 
3 . 
THE THREE-BRANCHED POLYPODY. 
Po hyp o dium dry o p ter is . 
Plate 2. Pig. 3. 
HE charming colour of the Three- 
branched Polypody, or, as it is also 
called, the Oak Fern, is its most marked 
characteristic— a kind of light golden-green that 
is most refreshing to look upon, and is of a tint 
295 
