FERXS 



Fiill-veincd and lusty green it stands, 



Of all the wintry woods the gem ; 

 Our spirits rise when we discern 

 The pennons of the Christmas fern. 



^Yith holly and the rimning pine 



Then let its fronds in wreaths appear, 



'Tis summer's fairest tribute given 

 To grace our merry Yuletide cheer; 



Ah, who can fear the winter stern 



While still there grows the Christmas fern." 



SPINULOSE WOOL) FERN 



As you may see from its name, this fern grows in 

 the woods. It likes the shelter of rocks and large 

 trees. There are several different forms. All of these 

 have stiff brown scales or ^'spines" along the stipes. 

 These give the fern its name of ^^spinulose." 



The fronds are a rich green. They spring up in 

 circles from fallen trees and decayed stumps, as well 

 as from the groimd. The leaves are so finely cut that 

 they give a delicate lacelike look to the plant. When 

 young they are often very sticky on the under side. 



The spore-bearing fronds are apt to be somewhat 

 taller than the others. You can see the fruit dots on 

 the back of the longer frond in the picture. If you 



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