THE AMERICAN BOTANIST 61 



render the stray spikes of pure white with which it is not 

 .infrequently accompanied as pleasing in contrast as are the 

 white stars on our flag. 



Each of these plants will thrive in cultivation if supplied 

 with plenty of moisture, and in these days when patriotism 

 runs high, they may well serve a purpose, rarely if ever ap- 

 proached by any other species, as standard bearers of our loved, 

 "red, white and blue". 



Fruiting of the Grape Fern. — The various species of 

 Ophioglossaceae (adder's tongues and grape ferns) have the 

 reputation of occasionally resting for a season. In some cases 

 they have been reported to pass an entire growing season with- 

 out appearing above the surface of the earth. In this connec- 

 tion, therefore, the behaviour of a specimen of the common 

 grape fern {Botrychium obliquum) observed through seven 

 summers by Mrs. A. E. Scoullar is of especial interest. In 

 1910 the plant was found in fruit and transplanted to its pre- 

 sent location. In 1911 it produced two fertile spikes; in 1912 

 two fertile spikes; in 1913 two fertile spikes; in 1914 a single 

 fertile spike; in 1915 a single fertile spike; in 1916 two sterile 

 fronds and no fruit. Of five other plants of this species under 

 observation for six seasons, three bore fruit annually and two 

 failed to do so for one season. 



