342 
THE FEEN PAEADISE. 
in the upper portion of the frond, are densely 
covered with rich-brown clusters of seed-cases. 
The Hare! Prickly Shield Fern is very widely 
and plentifully distributed throughout the United 
Kingdom, growing chiefly in shady hedge-banks 
and on tree-covered hilly slopes. Few of our 
Ferns are so robust as this species, and few can 
bear the sunlight better. But, although hardy in 
the extreme, it prefers—like all Ferns—shade and 
moisture, and grows more luxuriantly under con¬ 
ditions where these are secured than when exposed 
to the sunlight or subjected to the open force 
of the winds. We found a grand specimen of 
Polystichum aculeatum on a steep slope in the 
woods surrounding Berry Pomeroy Castle in 
South Devon. It was nearly four feet long; and 
its rigid, robust, pricklv-looking, dark shining- 
green fronds made it a striking object. 
In the garden, on the rockery, or in the house, 
this Fern will grow magnificently. It will thrive 
even in common garden soil; but it will succeed 
best in true Fern soil—a peaty, loamy, sandy 
mixture. 
