THE MOONWORT. 
299 
outwards and upwards, away from the stem 
obliquely.' It consists of a single branch, of 
oblong shape but blunt pointed, on both sides of 
which are a series of leaflets placed along at regular 
intervals, supported by short stems which are 
attached to their bases. The leaflets are crescent 
or fan-shaped, their rounded outside margins being 
somewhat cut or indented. Rising above this 
leafy or barren frond is the fertile or seed-bearing 
frond. This is branched after a similar arrange¬ 
ment to that of the barren or leafy frond, each 
branch containing a cluster of seeds enclosed in 
globular cases. 
The Moonwort abounds in open heaths and 
meadows, delighting to grow amongst the grass, 
on which, as some persons have asserted, it be¬ 
comes a parasite. Hence in transplanting it for 
the home fernery, it is recommended that it 
should be taken up from the ground with a good- 
sized square of turf, so that the roots may not be 
disturbed. Loamy or peaty soil is adapted for it; 
and you can grow it on rockery, or in pots. It 
dies at the approach of winter; appearing again 
on the early approach of spring. 
t 2 
