4 
320 THE BRITISH FERNS. 
in India : in the Concan, the Neilgherries (narrow pinnuled form), 
Kumaon, and in the Himalayas. In Africa, it occurs in the Azores, 
in Algeria, in South Africa and Natal (narrow pinnuled form), and 
in Madagascar. In North America, it is found in N ewfoundland, 
Canada (with narrow pinnules), in Saskatehawan, and in the United 
States. It is also met with in North-west Mexico ; and in the 
country of the Rio Grande in Brazil. Both North and South Ame- 
riea also yield other very similar plants, which are probably to be 
regarded as distinct varieties of this species. One of the most 
striking and elegant of these, is the O. spectabilis of North America, 
which may be known by its smaller size, and smoother sub-glaucous 
surface. Another, the O. palustris of Schrader, from Brazil, Mexico, 
and New Grenada, is a more rigid and larger plant, but with narrow 
and numerous pinnules. "The Indian O. speciosa, which appears to 
be the same as O. japonica, has the aspect of O. regalis in its barren 
fronds, but differs essentially in producing the fertile fronds distinct 
from the sterile ones. 
The Osmunda is a very handsome plant under all circumstances, 
but it is especially beautiful when, in very luxuriant growth, its 
fronds, loaded at their tips by the fertile panicles, are bent down 
gracefully until they almost reach the surface of the water by the 
side of which they are growing. Hence it should always find a 
place in cultivated collections. It is of easy culture, requiring much 
moisture, and preferring a peaty soil. By the margin of lakes or 
streams, or at the base of a rockery abutting on an artificial bog or 
pool, the Osmunda would find itself at home; and.no special culture 
would be necessary. Like most other Ferns it grows finest in 
sheltered places. It may be increased by dividing the tufts ; but it 
is by far the best plan, in planting such species as the present, to 
procure vigorous masses from the localities where they are spon- 
taneous, as an immediate effect is thus obtained which it would take 
years to produce by the ordinary rate of enlargement. 
The caudex of this Fern is said to possess tonic and styptie proper- 
ties, but it has fallen into disuse. According to Gerarde the “root? 
boiled or stamped and taken with some kind of liquor is “thought 
to be good for those that are wounded dry-beaten and bruised.” Mr. 

