346 
THE FERN PARADISE. 
aspect about the Soft Prickly Shield Fern scarcely 
possessed in tke same degree by its more robust 
relative, Aculeatum. 
3 . 
THE HOLLY FERN. 
Polystichum lonchitis. 
Plate 3, Fig. 3. 
IFFEPING in many essential points from 
the other species of Polystichum , the 
Holly Fern has, nevertheless, a clearly 
defined relationship to Aculeatum and Angulare. 
It is, indeed, a singular-looking yet withal a beau¬ 
tiful Fern; and its leaflets possess a sufficiently 
near resemblance to the leaves of a holly-bush to 
warrant the name which it bears. Sometimes this 
Fern grows to a height of only six inches or 
so. At other times it may be found exceedingly 
vigorous, growing as long as eighteen inches, and 
under such circumstances very stiff and erect in 
