THE BUCKLER FERNS. 
885 
3 . 
THE HAY-SCENTED BUCKLER FERN. 
Lastrea recurva. 
Plate 6, Fig-. 3. 
S its name indicates, the peculiar cha¬ 
racteristic of this delicate and beautiful 
Fern, is the exquisite scent which is 
given forth from its fronds. Abundant in some 
localities, especially in the west of England and 
Ireland, it is rare in others. It is somewhat rare 
in Scotland. In parts of Devonshire it is very 
plentiful. Yet, sometimes a large district might 
be searched for miles around without the search 
resulting in the discovery of a single specimen. 
It grows in damp woods and on shady hedge- 
banks. We remember with pleasure an excursion 
which we took from Totnes, in search of the 
Hay-scented Fern, under the guidance of Charles 
Hillman, of Torquay, a Fern Collector of rare 
experience. The nearest habitat was five miles 
distant from Totnes, and we wended our way up 
