THE POLYPODIES. 195 



miniature forest of beautiful green. The average 

 height to which the fronds grow is about six 

 inches. But luxuriant specimens growing under 

 favourable conditions attain several inches more 

 than that. Most delicate and fragile are the 

 frond-stems, which are generally as long again 

 as the leafy portion of the frond. 



The three-branched habit of this fern, which is 

 so distinctly characteristic of it, is indicated in the 

 incipient stage of the frond's growth ; for each 

 branch is then rolled up in a little ball. At this 

 stage, therefore, there is the curious appearance oi 

 the stipes with three wire-like branches at its top, 

 having three little green balls at their tips. When 

 the three little balls have become fully unfolded 

 the entire frond is broadly triangular in shape. 

 The branch in the centre of the three is in a line 

 with the continuation of the main stem ; and at 

 right angles with this, branch are the two lateral 

 ones : there being a clear space of stem between 

 the point, where, at the top of the stipes, the three 

 branches unite, and the commencement of the 

 leafy portion of each branch. The largest of the 



