MALE BUCKLER FERN. 
43 
as it is sometimes called), has lanceolate fronds of a 
yellowish kind, and bright golden scales on the rachis. 
It also differs from the other varieties in having purple 
ribs and veins, and in the sides of the indusium being 
inflated beneath the spore-cases. A very curious form 
of the Male Fern has the points of the fronds and of 
the pinnae divided into a fringe or tassel—a curious- 
transformation which occurs in British species only in 
this and the Lady Fern. 
Nephrodium Filix Mas Pumila is permanently 
smaller than the original plant, seldom reaching more 
than a foot in height. The pinnae are short, bluntish, 
and pinnatifid. The sori are borne only on the lowest 
anterior branch of each pinnule. It is of rare occur¬ 
rence, but seems to have been brought originally from 
Snowdon. When fresh, the young fronds have a sweet 
fragrant smell, something like mignionette. 
Nephrodium Filix Mas abbreviata is a per¬ 
manently small form of the Male Fern, about a foot 
in height, in which the pinnules become rounded lobes,, 
and the fructification forms a line on each side of the 
mid-vein of the pinnae. It is found in woods and banks 
in Cumberland and Yorkshire. 
When planted in the fernery, the common Male 
Fern, as well as all its varieties, grows well and lux¬ 
uriantly ; if only space enough be allowed for its roots. 
It does not require so much shade as many other ferns ? 
and will bear sunshine. 
