Rhodora 
JOURNAL OF 
THE NEW ENGLAND BOTANICAL CLUB 
Vol. 3 September, Igo1 No. 33 
MISCELLANEOUS NOTES ON NEW ENGLAND FERNS 
AND ALLIES. 
GEORGE EDWARD DAVENPORT. 
DuRING the preparation of the series of Notes here proposed it is 
the author's intention to jot down from time to time such observa- 
tions on the character, habits, and habitats of our New England 
Pteridophytes as may appear to be worthy of special record, and 
incidentally to ascertain and establish the range of the different 
species throughout the New England States; also to secure speci- 
mens for verification from as many localities as possible to deposit 
in the Herbarium of the New England Botanical Club as a part of 
the work on its proposed revision of the New England Flora. 
To this end the co-operation of New England fern students is 
requested, and specimens — especially of unusual forms — with such 
data as may be necessary for accurate descriptions of plants, and 
habitats, solicited. 
Full credit will be given for all assistance rendered, and the author 
will gladly reciprocate in every way that he can. Special sendings 
for identification will be returned to sender on request provided 
stamps are furnished for return postage, and all specimens may be 
sent direct to author's address, 67 Fellsway West, Medford, Mass. 
1. DEVELOPMENT OF THE SPOROPHYLL IN OSMUNDA AND STRUTHI- 
OPTERIS.-— It is very commonly believed that the fertile fronds, the 
sporophylls, in Osmunda are developed from the centre of the crown, 
and are surrounded by a circle of sterile fronds, yet careful observation 
shows that this is an error due to a false appearance of the plant at 
maturity, and a superficial examination. 
Nearly all writers who have mentioned the matter at all have de- 
