THE CHRISTMAS FERN 



covered with silky white scales. These soon turn 

 brown and, curled as they are, make the unfolding 

 leaves look like taw^ny caterpillars. When first un- 

 coiled the fronds are a delicate grayish green. They 

 have a queer backward bend that is not seen in other 

 ferns. 



The fronds that bear spores are not like the others. 

 See how much taller they are. The spore cases are 

 found only on the upper third or half of the frond. 

 At this point the leaf suddenly becomes smaller than 

 it is below. The spore cases begin to form before the 

 frond uncurls. They ripen early in July. Sometimes 

 a second growth of fronds comes up in August. These 

 shed their spores in September. 



There are several forms of the Christmas fern. They 

 generally grow in the same locality. The fern which 

 you see here was picked in the woods of northern 

 New York during the month of August. 



''When frost has clad the dripping cliffs 

 With fluted columns, crystal clear. 

 And million-flaked the feathery snow 

 Has shrouded close the d3dng year; 

 Beside the rock, where'er we turn. 

 Behold there waves the Christmas fern. 



No shivering frond that shuns the blast 

 Sways on its slender chaffy stem; 



49 



