.THE SPLEENWORTS. 263 



branches follow, as already described, towards the 

 point of the frond. The triangular-shaped leaflets 

 at the base of the lower branches of the frond are, 

 in luxuriant specimens of the Black Maidenhair 

 Spleenwort, again divided into leaflets at their 

 lower extremity these ultimate divisions being 

 beautifully notched or serrated. Depending on 

 the situation in which it grows, the fronds of the 

 Black Maidenhair Spleenwort are either very 

 thick, rigid, and leathery in texture, or of a softer 

 and more drooping habit The plant is very 

 decidedly evergreen, its fronds, springing up in 

 May or June, continuing to grow until September 

 or October, and from that time, when it has 

 reached its maturity, lasting until the ensuing 

 spring. When in its perfectly mature state, in 

 the autumn, the spores, which have clustered at 

 the back of its fronds, become confluent and 

 densely cover the whole under surface of the 

 leaflets. Being then of a rich dark brown colour, 

 they finely contrast with the dark shining green 

 of the plant, and strikingly add to its hand- 

 some appearance. 



