CHAPTER IX. 
THE WOODSIAS. 
Plate 5. 
HE British Woodsias comprise a 
small group of two Ferns only. 
These are—1. The Oblong Woodsia 
(Woodsia ilvensis) : and 2. The 
Alpine Woodsia (Woodsia aljoinci). The common 
name of these beautiful little Ferns has no espe¬ 
cial significance, being only commemorative of 
Joseph Woods, a well-known botanist. It has, 
however, a sylvan ring about it, and is eupho¬ 
nious ; and rare as beautiful, and beautiful as rare, 
are the Woodsias. Tiny plants are they, seldom 
reaching a greater length—from crown of root to 
tip of frond;—than four or five inches. 
