PHENOGAMS AND CRYPTOGAMS 



181 



(pJienogam signifying " showy flowers," and cryptogam 

 "hidden flowers"), but the terms represent distinct ideas 

 in classification. The cryptogams include three great 

 series of plants the Thallophytes or algae, lichens, and 

 fungi ; the Bryophytes or mosslike plants; the Pteridophytes 

 or fernlike plants. 



SUGGESTIONS. 186. The parts of a fern leaf. The primary 

 complete divisions of a frond are called pinnae, no matter whether 

 the frond is pinnate or not. In 

 ferns the word "pinna" is used in 

 essentially the same way that leaf- 

 let is in the once-compound leaves 

 of other plants. The secondary 

 leaflets are called pinnules, and in 

 thrice, or more, compound fronds, 

 the last complete parts or leaflets 

 are ultimate pinnules. The dia- 

 gram (Fig. 263) will aid in making 

 the subject clear. If the frond 

 were not divided to the midrib, it 

 would be simple, but this diagram 

 represents a compound frond. 

 The general outline of the frond, 

 as bounded by the dotted line, is 

 ovate. The stipe is very short. 

 The midrib of a compound frond 

 is known as the rachis. In a de- 

 compound frond, this main rachis 

 is called the primary rachis. Seg- 

 ments (not divided to the rachis) 

 are seen at the tip, and down to 

 h on one side and to m on the 

 other. Pinnae are shown at /, k, /, o, n. The pinna o is entire ; 

 n is crenate-dentate ; * is sinuate or wavy, with an auricle at the 

 base ; k and / are compound. The pinna k has twelve entire pin- 

 nules. (Is there ever an even number of pinnules on any pinna?) 

 Pinna / has nine compound pinnules, each bearing several entire 

 ultimate pinnules. The spores. 187. Lay a mature fruiting frond 

 of any fern on white paper, top side up, and allow it to remain in 

 a dry, warm place. The spores will discharge on the paper. 

 188. Lay the full-grown (but not dry) cap of a mushroom or 

 toadstool bottom down on a sheet of clean paper, under a venti- 

 lated box in a warm, dry place. A day later raise the cap. 



FIG. 263. DIAGRAM TO EXPLAIN 

 THE TERMINOLOGY OF THE 

 FROND. 



