PTERIS. 
167 
Pteris is a Greek name for a Fern, and is derived from 
the word pteron , which signifies a feather ; and, of course, 
is here applied in reference to the graceful feather-like 
aspect which the fronds of Ferns generally possess. When 
the plant is very luxuriant, this name is quite as applicable 
to the Bracken as to any other known Fern. This con¬ 
sideration is perhaps enough to justify the application to 
this species, by the older writers, of the name of Female 
Fern, which scarcely seems appropriate to the commoner 
uncouth-looking form which the plant more usually bears. 
Pteris aquilina, Linnctms. 
‘The Common Brakes, or Bracken. 
(Plate XVII. fig. 1.) 
This Fern has a creeping caudex, and one that creeps 
very extensively too, just beneath the surface of the soil, 
though in some cases descending to a great depth perpen¬ 
dicularly ; it is recorded by Mr. Newman that he has 
found the stems thus penetrating to a depth of fifteen feet. 
This caudex is thickish, black-looking, and succulent, 
containing a good deal of starch. From it are produced, 
at intervals, the annual fronds, which generally make their 
appearance about the latter end of May, when there is 
