42 
THE HOLLY FERN. 
rity in autumn and flourishing through the winter. It 
is a true rock fern, growing to a height of from six to 
nine inches, but higher and more luxuriantly in damp 
and slightly elevated situations. The fronds are of a 
deep green, pale beneath, of a rigid leathery texture, 
erect or drooping according to the conditions of their 
growth ; once pinnate, and in their general outline 
narrowly lance-shaped, or lanceolate. The pinnas are 
short, crowded, and shaped something between a 
sickle and crescent, the upper side of the base having 
an ear-like projection, called an auricle, while the 
lower side is as if cut away. The margin is set with 
spinous teeth. The venation is very indistinct, the 
veins twice-branched, the branches extending to the 
margins without joining with others. The sori form 
a line on each side the mid-rib, parallel with it and 
half way between it and the margin, generally be¬ 
coming confluent in age, and covered by a circular 
membranous scale attached by a short central stalk. 
Spore-cases deep brown. The name Polystichum is 
from two Greek words signifying many and order , 
given on account of the number and regularity of the 
lines of sori. It is difficult of cultivation, needing 
pure mountain air, and therefore seldom thrives under 
artificial treatment. 
HABITATS. 
Helvellyn (Isaac Huddart and F. Clowes ), Fairfield 
{James Huddart ), Deepdale ( M . Hankey), Ullswater 
(Bev. W. H. Hawker ), Farleton Knott (/. Jones). 
