LASTREA. 
101 
Lastrea Filix-mas, Prcsl. 
The Male Fern, or Common Buckler Fern. 
(Plate VIII.) 
The Male Fern is so called from its robust appearance, 
in contrast with the more delicate, though similar, Lady 
Fern, or Filix-foemina. It is one of the species which 
grow up annually, the fronds being destroyed by the frosts 
of winter, unless the situation be very sheltered, when the 
old fronds often remain green until the young ones are 
produced in spring. The fronds are produced in a tuft 
around a central crown, and when vigorous and perfectly 
developed, the whole mass forms a very striking object. 
The ornamental qualities of this Fern are, however, often 
unheeded, on account of its commonness ; but surely it is 
not wise, that objects imbued with that mystery—vitality, 
and possessing intrinsic grace and beauty in no ordinary 
degree, should be despised because a beneficent Creator 
has scattered them about our path with a lavish hand. 
The Male Fern is a robust-growing species, having the 
stipes of the fronds densely scaly. The fronds grow from 
about a couple of feet to three or four feet in height, and 
are of a broad lance-shaped figure. In division they are 
