CHAPTER IX. 
THE WOOD STAS. 
Plate 5. 
HE British Woodsias comprise a 
small group of two Ferns only. 
These are — 1. The Oblong Woodsia 
( Woodsia ilvensis) : and 2. The 
Alpine Woodsia ( Woodsia aljoina). The common 
name of these beautiful little Ferns has no espe- 
cial significance, being only commemorative of 
Joseph Woods, a well-known botanist. It has, 
however, a sylvan ring about it, and is eupho- 
nious ; and rare as beautiful, and beautiful as rare, 
are the Woodsias. Tiny plants are they, seldom 
reaching a greater length — from crown of root to 
tip of frond — than four or five inches. 
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