46 
BRITISH FERNS. 
RIGID BUCKLER FERN. 
NEPHRODIUM RIGIDUM, 
Swartz, Smith, Hooker. 
(Plate IV. Fig. 3 .) 
SYNONYMS. 
Lastrea rigid'a, Presl, Babington. | Lophodium rigidum , Newman. 
This species may be known from those to which it 
is allied by several characteristics. The fronds are 
comparatively small, generally broadest at the base, 
always covered with minute glands, bipinnate; the 
segments two to five-lobed, not spinulose ; the stem 
always covered with long pointed scales, and, like the 
Mountain Fern, it has a peculiar fragrance when 
bruised. The veining is similar to that of the large 
variety of Nephrodium Filix Adas. The fructification 
is borne on the lowest anterior branch of each venule. 
The indusium is conspicuous and persistent. 
This seems to be a very local species, being almost 
exclusively confined to the mountainous limestone 
districts of the north of England. It was first dis¬ 
covered as a British fern by the Rev. Mr. Bree, at 
Ingleborough, and has since been found abundantly 
in the limestone districts of Yorkshire and Lancashire. 
It grows with vigour in common garden soil, re¬ 
quiring no shade, but enjoying moisture. Its culture 
is similar to that of the other large-growing kinds, the 
only important points being to secure moisture and 
good drainage. The introduction of limestone in its 
