106 ABOUT A FERN. [CHAP. 
species possessing a vertical stem, as the Male-fern, 
we shall find the nodes to be pretty equally distanced, 
though thickly crowded together. 
The frond consists of a stzpes, a vachts, pinne, pin- 
nules, and lobes. The szpes and rachis constitute 
what, in popular language, would be called the stalk. 
The stipes is that part which extends from the base 
to the leafy portion, where the vachis commences and 
extends thence to the apex of the frond. The leafy 
portion in the different species exhibits the utmost 
variety, from a simple strap-shape as in the Hart’s- 
tongue, to the most delicate lace-like arrangement. 
In the Common Polypody the frond is simply divided 
into lateral lobes (gemu@), and a similar division is seen 
in the Hard-fern, Maidenhair Spleenwort (fig.98), and 
the Scaly Spleenwort (fig.99), though between each of 
these there is considerable variety. In the Male-fern a 
further division is seen, the pinnz being subdivided 
into pinnules; whilst in well-grown specimens of the 
Bracken the frond is still further subdivided, and 
termed “ decompound.” 
But the varieties of fronds are very numerous, even 
individuals of the same species often differing con- 
siderably among themselves. But all are beautiful, 
and the very types of gracefulness. Thoreau says: 
“ Nature made ferns for pure leaves, to show what 
she could do in that line.’ What can be found in 
Nature more delicate and fresh than the frond of a 
Lady-fern? Its delicate appearance does not belie 
its nature, for, excepting the Filmy-ferns, there is 
none so fragile. Its slender, almost transparent stalk 
is very succulent, and if the roots be not liberally 
