72 
BRITISH FERNS. 
also in the Isle of Wight. The curious crescent-shaped 
pinnae of this fern, from which it derives its name 
Moonwort, doubtless induced the older botanists and 
alchemists to believe in its wondrous potency. From 
what we can gather about these ancient superstitions, 
the plants were to be gathered by the light of the full 
moon, or all their powers were lost. It was supposed 
that this plant possessed the power of opening locks, 
loosening fetters, bars, and the shoes from off horses’ 
feet. Withers says, writing in 1622 : 
“There is an herb, some say, whose virtue’s such. 
It in the pasture, only with a touch, 
Unshoes the new-shod steeS.” 
There is a tale told, that the Earl of Essex and his 
followers being drawn up in a body upon White 
Down, in Devonshire, near Tiverton, the shoes of their 
horses fell off, and it was discovered that Moonwort 
was growing on the heath. To us this story seems 
very like that told of Tenter den Steeple and the 
Goodwin Sands. 
Our old friend Gerarde makes mention of the use 
of this fern by alchemists, and as a remedy for “ green 
and fresh wounds.” A large and succulent species of 
Moonwort is boiled and eaten in the southern states 
of America. 
Of all ferns this is one of the most easy to cultivate, 
never refusing to grow freely if properly treated. It 
requires a good depth of soil in the fernery, and must 
