THE WOODSIAS. 
or less extent with, minute scales and shining 
hairs or bristles. Amongst these hide the spores. 
In both of our species of Woodsia the stipes is 
jointed at a distance of little more than half an 
inch from the crown of the root-stock. When on 
the approach of winter the fronds fall oft and 
decay, their separation from the plant takes place, 
not close to the crown, but at the spot where the 
joint already mentioned is placed ; and as the 
stems below the joint stand firm, a cluster of little 
frondless stems remains for some time attached 
to the crown. 
The Oblong Woodsia is only to be found in one 
or two localities in Scotland, and in the north of 
England, and in one or two parts of North 
Wales. No specimen has been seen growing wild 
anywhere in Ireland. 
In pots, in cool nooks of the open-air rockery, 
or under a covering of glass, this beautiful and 
delicate little Fern may be grown. Complete 
shade, moisture pure and percolating, must be 
supplied. Light, sandy peat and loamy soil 
must be used, and the Fern planted carefully 
amongst little blocks of stone. 
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