20 WINDOW AND PARLOR GARDENING 
essential part, to the production of which the life of the plant 
has been devoted from its germination. 
Ferns and clubmosses are flowerless plants, reproduced by 
spores which in the case of ferns are collected in fruit spots 
on the back of the leaves, or bordering the edge, or disposed 
in capsules at the termination of veins. ‘The spores retain 
their power of growth longer than any seeds. In growing, a 
small flat body is formed, on which the organs, corresponding 
to pistil and anther in flowering plants, develop. These are 
always disposed on the lower side of this flat body or pro- 
thallium and, fertilized in due course, give rise each to a small 
plant, which in its first stage is very delicate. 
The leaves of Ferns and Palms and Sagopalms are called 
fronds. They are mostly of a luxurious growth, of elegant 
habit, and very ornamental. 
A curious process of reproduction is noted in many ferns, 
by means of buds forming on the back of the frond, which 
develop into entire plants, and when planted carefully facili- 
tate the propagation of some of our most beautiful ferns. 
