170 BRITISH FERNS 
So far, absolutely no variety, constant or even inconstant, has 
been noted in this beautiful little Fern, which Nature is apparently 
quite content to regard as a masterpiece, and therefore declines to 
meddle with in the way of “ sports,” which might mar, but could 
hardly improve. 
Рогхроргум PHEGOPTERIS (THE BEECH FERN) 
(Plate XXIV) 
This very pretty Fern, whose popular name of the Beech Fern 
is a translation of the botanical one, and equally difficult to explain, 
since there is no connection between the tree and the Fern, is far 
more restricted in its habitats than its robuster relative, the Common 
Polypody, being a denizen of moist woods in the vicinity of water, 
and also of loose stone dykes, or stone-faced earthen banks, where 

Fig. 102. 2. phegopterus (pinna). 
humid conditions prevail. Its fronds (Fig. 192) of triangular out- 
line, once divided, and with the two lowest pinne turned down- 
wards, a very distinctive character of this species, are of soft, 
delicate make, supported on very slender, long stalks, their nature 
thus precluding them from withstanding similar conditions of 
exposure to wind and occasional spells of drought. When uncoiling 
the tips of the fronds turn over backwards, as do most of the Shield 
Ferns, an exception to the general rule. In sheltered woods we 
find it sometimes in spreading colonies, yards across, its fronds 
hanging pendulously from their stalks, and forming thus a sheet 
of beautiful light green. Its rootstocks are very thin, black, and 
string-like, creeping rapidly about in the loose, leafy debris in which 
it is most at home, and throwing up the fronds singly, at intervals, 
as they proceed. Its spore heaps also differ markedly from those 
of P. vulgare, being dark, dot-like, and very small. Under culture, 
especially under glass, it is easy to grow, all that is required being 
shelter from strong sun and wind, and a shallow, well-drained pan, 
filled with very leafy, loose, sandy compost, water not being spared. 
It rapidly spreads and is perfectly hardy. It is quite deciduous, 
the fronds dying down in the autumn and rising again about the 
middle of April. It must not be allowed to dry out in the winter. 
This species has been very chary of varieties. 



