( 3 8 ) 
Growth. Stiff and rigid when mature ; slightly 
prickly to the touch. Fronds rising from a 
large crown, the head of those not unfolded 
hanging down like a shepherd's crook. 
Height. From two to three feet. 
Colour. Dark green. 
Habitats. Hedgerows and woods. A very common 
fern- 
(See also page 55.) 
POLYSTICHUM ACULEATUM , variety LOBATUM. 
(Lobed Shield Fern.) 
Plate XVII. 
Fronds. Smaller, and narrower in proportion than 
the preceding. Bi-pinnate as regards the 
first pinnules of the lower pinnae ; the rest 
of the frond usually pinnate, but varying 
much in this particular. Pinnules lobed, and 
distinctly auricled on the upper side. 
Height. From six to eighteen inches. 
A smaller variety, pinnate only, is called 
Lonchitidioides, from its having some re¬ 
semblance to Polystichum Lonchitis. 
(See also page 55.) 
