2 
f 
[H] 
pjegopterk 
BEECH EEBH 
'^^gONTEvAHY to the species just described, this elegant fern seems to shun the haunts of men, 
lllllf and to seclude itself in the woods, or near the rills and waterfalls of our mountainous 
districts. 
The young fronds appear in May, and develop very rapidly, arriving at perfection in July; 
but are soon cut off by the early frosts on the approach of winter. 
The rhizome is tough, wiry, and creeping; and does not penetrate deep into the soil. 
The stem is green, very brittle, and much longer than the leafy part of the frond, and is slightly 
scaly. 
The fronds vary from four to twenty inches in length; they are pinnate, the pinnae being 
deeply pinnatifid. 
The seed is produced on the under surface of the frond, in circular clusters round the edges of 
the lobes, and is of a brown colour. 
Common in damp woods, and near streams, and even under the spray of waterfalls, in the 
mountainous districts. 
§mtitL 
This species is subject to very little variation. 
felto. 
It is easy to cultivate either in pots or on rock-work, requiring to be plentifully supplied 
with water, and carefully shaded from the rays of the sun, as too much light is prejudicial. 
If planted in pots, the rhizomes should be covered but lightly with soil: great care should be 
taken to effect a thorough drainage, and the pots should be placed in feeders filled with water. The 
soil should be light and strong. 
B 
