Ill] 



THE BRACKEN FERN 



39 



number of such subdivisions, and the tracts of 

 Bracken may cover acres of ground. Calculations 

 based upon such facts soon reach figures which it 

 is beyond the powers of the mind to grasp : it must 

 suffice to say that the spores are produced in myriads, 



B 



Fig. 7. Nephrodium fiHx-mas. .4 = prothallus seen from below. 

 ar = archegonia. an = antheridia. r/i = rhizoids. # = prothallus 

 with young Fern attached to it by its foot. & = the first leaf. 

 w = the primary root. ( x circa 8.) (After Strasburger.) 



while each spore though consisting only of a single 

 cell bears all the powers and possibilities of a 

 potential life. 



It is well to note that the spores are matured upon 

 leaves fully exposed to the air, and that dry circum- 



