THE FERN PARADISE. 
in the upper portion of the frond, are densely 
covered with rich-brown clusters of seed-cases. 
The Hard Prickly Shield Fern is very widely 
and plentifully distributed throughout the United 
Kingdom, growing chiefly in shady hedge-banks 
and on tree- covered hilly slopes. Few of our 
Ferns are so robust as this species, and few can 
bear the sunlight better. But, although hardy in 
the extreme, it prefers — like all Ferns — shade and 
moisture, and grows more luxuriantly under con- 
ditions where these are secured than when exposed 
to the sunlight or subjected to the open force 
of the winds. We found a grand specimen of 
Polystichum aculeatum on a steep slope in the 
woods surrounding Berry Pomeroy Castle in 
South Devon. It was nearly four feet long ; and 
its rigid, robust, prickly-looking, dark shining- 
green fronds made it a striking object. 
In the garden, on the rockery, or in the house, 
this Fern will grow magnificently. It will thrive 
even in common garden soil ; but it will succeed 
best in true Fern soil — a peaty, loamy, sandy 
mixture. 
3 10 
