

























172 THE BRITISH FERNS. 
other genuine species of the genus, L. noveboracensis for example, 
to permit of its separation on account of this peculiarity. 
We have already mentioned, that there is no good or sufficient 
reason to fix on this species, as the type of Bory’s genus Lastrea ; 
in fact he altogether ignores the presence of an indusium, which is 
at least sometimes found in this plant. Bory’s genus had lapsed, 
being an ill-assorted ill-defined group; and when the name in an 
altered form was revived by Presl, the common Male Fern became 
its typal representative. The present species is therefore rather 
an anomalous than a typical member of the group, though not 
sufficiently so to render its separation necessary. 
This species, called the Sweet Mountain Fern, sometimes grows 
in damp woody places, especially luxuriating by the side of a shady 
rill or stream; but it is much more profusely met with on the 
hill sides in heathy mountainous districts. In many parts of 
the Highlands of Scotland it is the common Fern of the hill sides 
and road sides. It extends in this direction to the North High- 
lands and the Western Isles; thence scattered southwards through 
the Lowlands, it abounds in the Lake districts of the North of 
England and in Wales, and occurs more or less plentifully in waste 
districts all over England. It is also found in all the provinces of 
Ireland; and is, according to Dr. Mackay, plentiful in that country. 
Mr. Watson gives its range of elevation as extending from the coast 
level to an altitude of about 2850 feet, which may probably be ex- 
tended to 3000 feet. The following habitats are recorded :一 
Peninsula.—Cornwall. Devonshire: Brendon Wood, and borders 
of W. Lyn, Lynmouth, 7. Clark; Barnstaple, H. F. Dempster ; 
Challacombe, Exmoor, H. F. Dempster. Somersetshire: near 
Keynsham ; Selworthy, Mrs. A. Thompson, ete. 
Channel.—Hampshire : New Forest near Lyndhurst ; near South- 
ampton. Isle of Wight: Apse Castle. Dorsetshire. Wiltshire. 
Sussex: Danny, near Brighton, Rev. T. Rooper; Tilgate Forest, 
J. A. Brewer; Waterdown Forest; Eridge Woods, near Tunbridge 
Wells, and elsewhere. 
Thames.—Hertfordshire: Bell Wood, Bayford; Tring; Brox- 


