THE PERN PARADISE. 
average height of from eighteen inches to two 
feet. Like all the Buckler Ferns it grows readily 
under cultivation. But it must have abundant 
moisture and complete shade, and sandy peat, loam, 
and leaf-mould for soil. Then it may be grown 
successfully in the open rockery, in the Fern case, 
or in open pots in the house. 
4 . 
THE RIGID BUCKLER FERN. 
Lastrea rigida. 
jFIIS Fern is local in its distribution ; very- 
rare in Ireland, and not found at all in 
Scotland or Wales. Butin some parts 
of the north of Ed gland, especially in the moun- 
tainous limestone districts, it is found in abun- 
dance. It appears to prefer a limestone soil : and 
in cultivation it is beneficial to water it with lime- 
water. When growing wild it is usually found 
from one to two feet high. Its fronds are some- 
350 
