704 



SYSTEMATIC BOTANY. 



1087. 



vernation, barren or fertile. Sporangia, 

 arranged in a spike-like form {fig. 1087), 

 on the margins of a contracted frond 

 (fig. 1087,6). distinct, 2-valved ifig. 1087, 

 b), exannulate. Examples: — Ophioglos- 

 sum, Botrychium. 



Distribution, 8fc. — The plants of this 

 order are more or less distributed over the 

 globe, but they are most abundant in 

 moist, mild regions. In the northern hemi- 

 sphere they are herbaceous plants, but in 

 the southern hemisphere and in the tropics 

 they are sometimes arborescent, having 

 stems occasionally fifty feet or more in 

 height, and with the general habit of 

 Palms. There are about 210 genera, and 

 upwards of 2000 species. The Polypo- 

 dies alone contains about 200 genera. 



Properties and Uses. — Several species 

 of ferns have farinaceous rhizomes or 

 stems, which, when roasted or boiled, form 

 Barren and articles of food in certain parts of the 

 world, but generally only in times of 

 scarcity. The rhizomes of Pteris esculenta, 

 d/porMon of the fertile Diplazium esculcntum, Nephrodium escu- 

 2-va?ved,'di8t?nTr,'bS lentum, and Marattia alata, are those which 

 sporangia. are thus principally used. The leaves of 



several species possess slightly bitter, as- 

 tringent, and aromatic properties, and those of others are muci- 

 laginous. The rhizomes of certain ferns are astringent and 

 tonic, and occasionally possess well-marked antlielmintic pro- 

 perties. The silky hairs found on the rhizomes and lower por- 

 tions of the stalks of some species have been used for stuffing 

 cushions, &c., and as mechanical styptics. 



Fiff. 1087, 

 fertile fronds of tlieCom- 

 mon Adder's - tongue 

 ( Oph iogJossum v u Iga tuin): 



Acrostichum Huacsaro. -~ The rliizome of this species constitutes the 

 middling Calaguala or Little Cord, which is used medicinally in Peru. (See 

 Poll/podium.) 



Polypodium. — The rhizomes of P. Calaguala, Genuine or Slender Cala- 

 puala ; of P. crassifolium. Thick Calaguala, or Deer's Tongue ; and those of 

 Acrostichum Huacsaro (see Acrostichum), are used medicinally in Peru, and 

 are said to possess sudorific, diuretic, febrifugal, and anti-venereal pro- 

 perties. 



Adiantum The fronds and rhizomes of A. capillus Veneris, True Maiden- 

 hair, and those of A. pedatutn, Canadian Maiden-hair, possess mucilaginous, 

 bitter, slifihtly astringent, and aromatic properties, and have been employed 

 as pectorals in catarrhs. The latter is most esteemed. Syrup of Capillaire 

 is properly prepared, by adding to an infusion of Maiden-hair some sugar and 

 oran^je- flower water. The fronds of A. melanocaulon are reputed to have 

 tonic properties. 



Pteris a'fiii/ina, the Common Br.ake. possesses anthelmintic properties. 



Lastrtca The rhizome and the thickened bases of the i)etioles of the fronds 



of Laslrepa{Nephrodium) Filix-mas constitute the fern root of the shops, which 



