THE BUCKLER FERNS. 
acid to the strikingly ornamental appearance of 
the frond. 
The vigour and hardiness of the Male Fern are 
so great, that in sheltered situations the fronds 
will oftentimes withstand the winter, remaining 
fresh and green throughout, and retaining their 
verdancy until the fresher green of the new spring 
fronds diminishes their lustre by comparison. 
The root-stock of the Male Fern often becomes 
very much elongated, and resting horizontally on 
the hedge-bank or other sloping situation on 
which it may be placed, sends out its tuft of 
fronds from one end, whilst the other is plunged 
in the soil, from whence its matted, wiry, fibrous 
rootlets gather the essential moisture. 
No Fern can be more easily cultivated than 
Lastrea jilix-mas. Its hardy character renders it 
especially suited to be an inhabitant of the open- 
air rockery, wdiere it will brave the frosts and 
snows of w r inter. It can stand sunshine ; but, 
like the more delicate of its kind, it most loves 
the shade. Peat, rich loam, and sand, with leaf- 
mould, should compose the soil in which it is 
grown, whether in the garden or in the house. 
343 
