MALE BUCKLER EERY. 
37 
very broad at the base, the third pair longer and 
narrower, and so on with the rest until they reach the 
apex of the frond. According to Babington, this 
species is distinguished chiefly by having the stipes 
clothed with long, pointed scales, with a dark centre 
and diaphanous margin. It is a very variable fern, 
and can with difficulty be recognised as a species even 
by the experienced botanist. Mr. Johnson likens the 
clusters of this noble fern to Corinthian columns, 
the caudex and base of the fronds representing the 
column, and the feathery arching foliage the capital. 
Its colour is sunny green, often shading to a delicate 
tint at the points of the pinnae. It is a fern worthy of 
all admiration, and in its native position—bending over 
the waters of some gurgling stream, with its arched 
fronds sprinkled with dew, like diamonds—it is a beau¬ 
tiful object to behold. It flourishes best in a rich loam 
soil with abundant moisture. 
MALE BUCKLER FERN. 
NEPHRODIUM FILIX MAS, 
Hooker. 
(Plate IV. Fig. i.) 
SYNONYMS. 
Aspidium Filix Mas , Swartz, I Lastrea Filix Mas , Presl, Babing- 
Smith, Bentham. | ton. 
Dryopteris Filix Mas , Newman. 
This is a most abundant fern, deriving its name 
from its robust appearance in contrast with the more 
