PTERIS. 
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eventually become split across here and there, at points 
opposite some of the venules. 
The Hard Fern is a rather common plant, occurring in 
heathy and stony places, and preferring localities which 
are rather damp than otherwise. It is found in various 
parts of Europe. In cultivation, it is a very suitable plant 
for damp shady rockwork, and in such situations, planted 
in peaty soil, it grows freely, and without requiring any 
special attention. 
The principal of its synonyms are— Lomaria Spicant, 
Blechnum boreale, Asplenium Spicant, Onoclea Spicant, 
Acrostichum Spicant, Struthiopteris Spicant, Osmunda 
Spicant , and Osmunda borealis. 
Genus XI. PTERIS, or BRACKETT. 
The Pteris , or Bracken, is the most common of all our 
Ferns. It is that which occurs almost everywhere in 
woods and in sandy wastes, often appropriating to itself the 
whole surface of the ground, but seeming to possess the 
peculiarity of avoiding chalky soil. It is very variable in 
its appearance, owing to differences in its size and develop- 
