_Polystichum (Aspidium) lonchitis._ Here the generic name is based on two Greek words, _polys_, “many,” _stichos_, “order”; the specific name is also derived from another Greek word—_lonche_, “a spear,” this referring to the narrow spear-like appearance of the fronds. The Holly Fern. This species, on account of its regular habit of growth and generally stiff appearance, is an easy one to identify. The fronds arise from a tufted root-stock, and in average specimens would be about nine inches in length. This might be greater or less, according to the conditions under which the particular plant was living. The shape of the fronds is narrowly lanceolate, and there is a very short stipes which is thickly covered with scales. The leaves of the Holly Fern are once pinnate, the pinnæ being ovate and having a curious ear-shaped enlargement at their bases on the upward side. The edges of the pinnæ are adorned with a number of sharp teeth, and this gives a singular spiny appearance to the whole plant. On this account the Fern has probably received its popular name of Holly Fern. The colour of the foliage is of a very pretty bright green tint. [Illustration: Polystichum lonchitis. The Holly Fern.] The Holly Fern, as indeed are all the species of _Polystichum_, is very distinct from a _Nephrodium_ in the matter of its indusium. This is quite circular, and has no notch; moreover, it is attached to the pinnules by a short stalk in the centre. Thus it is proper to describe the shape of the indusium as peltate. The sori are chiefly confined to the upper portion of the back of the frond, and are situated on either side of the midrib of the pinnæ. After the falling away of the indusia the sori tend to spread, so that they may finally cover almost the whole of the back of the fertile pinnæ. The Holly Fern is essentially a plant of the mountains, and it is often found growing in the most exposed situations. It is not common in England, though it has been found in a few localities in the north. The species has a much wider distribution in Scotland. The Holly Fern is evergreen in habit, and its stiff fronds seem to be able to withstand the severest frost. The plant is rather a difficult one to grow, though if it can be given a rock crevice it will sometimes settle down happily in the garden. The foliage of the Holly Fern lasts through the year. _Polystichum (Aspidium) aculeatum._ In this case the specific name is a Latin term simply meaning “provided with prickles”—an allusion to the fact that the fronds are adorned with spines. The Hard Prickly Shield Fern.