The sori are much more abundant on the upper portion of the frond; we shall find them on the back of the leaf along the margins of the lobes. They are covered by a very slight indusium, which soon falls off. In the Mountain Buckler Fern there are to be detected a number of tiny glands on the back of the frond; these are responsible for rather a pleasant odour when the foliage is passed through the hand. [Illustration: Back of frond of a typical Nephrodium. Enlarged.] The Mountain Buckler Fern grows on heaths, and it has been found in almost all parts of the United Kingdom. In certain parts of Scotland it is said to clothe the mountain sides with a wonderfully vigorous growth. It is not, however, as its name seems to imply, strictly a mountain species; for it often grows in lowland districts. In cultivation, the species should be given a moist situation. The Mountain Buckler Fern dies down in the winter and the new fronds appear in the spring. _Nephrodium cristatum._ The specific name of this Fern simply means “crested,” and has reference to the fringed border of the frond. It may be pointed out, however, that there are not a few Ferns on which the name _cristatum_ could with more reason have been bestowed. This species is also called _Lastrea cristatum_. There are a number of forms of this Fern. This is a very handsome Fern, and it is a pity that it is not more common. The fronds are somewhat oblong in outline and have a very narrow appearance. The root-stock has a creeping habit and sends up tufts of fronds at intervals. These are very erect, and usually measure between one and three feet. The stipes is shorter than the leafy portion, and it bears a few brown scales. The pinnæ are arranged alternately on the rachis and these are not again divided, although they are very deeply cut. The colour of the fronds is of a bright green. The sori are borne in lines on either side of the mid-vein of the lobe. These are covered at first by an indusium which is notched after the manner of that of the Buckler Ferns. The Crested Buckler Fern is very rare, though it is found in a few localities—chiefly in the North of England. As a rule it occurs on boggy heaths, and if these conditions can be imitated in the garden, the Fern grows freely. The fronds are soon cut down by the autumn frosts, and the new growth does not appear until May.