FERNS 



joijitod. When a frond dies it ])reaks off at this joint. 

 The bases of the old slipes, standing together, make 

 a trap to eateh all the particles of soil that are 

 brought along by the wind. These, together \\ith the 

 masses of rootstocks and rootlets, holtl the moisture 

 as long as they can. 



The leaves, also, are made to keep moist for some 

 time. They are smooth above, but on the under side 

 of the frond, \\'here the breathing pores are situated, 

 there is a scrdy covering. This prevents the moisture 

 from going off too rapidly. In IVIay, when the fronds 

 uncoil, the scales are almost white; but they soon 

 turn to the color that has given the fern its common 

 name. 



The fruit dots are round. Their covering consists 

 of a few slender hairs which curve over the spore 

 cases when they are young. On old fronds the imder 

 side is so woolly that the fruit dots are almost con- 

 cealed. 



This is a pretty little member of the rock-loving 

 famih' of ferns. Look for it on the rocks when you 

 visit the ^\'oods. It is well worth searching for as it 

 stands 



^'Content abov^e the world to brood 

 In silence and in solitude " 



56 



