The Royal Fern 

 CHAPTER IV 



FERNS OF THE BOGS AND MARSHES 



ON our second visit to the ferns in their homes, we 

 must see that we are well shod with strong waterproof 

 boots, for on this occasion we shall call on those ferns 

 whose homes are bogs, marshes, and damp meadow 

 lands. 



In one of the marshes by the river's bank we expect 

 to make the acquaintance of the Royal Fern. A truly 

 appropriate name does this magnificent fern bear. 

 Luxuriant specimens have been measured and found to 

 reach a height of 12 feet, but we may consider our- 

 selves fortunate if we meet with one even a quarter of 

 this height. The yellowish-green fronds are twice 

 pinnate, the pinnules being oblong, blunt at the tip, 

 with an ear-shaped enlargement at the base on the side 

 nearest the rootstock. So completely do the sori cover 

 the upper pinnules of some of the fronds that no green 

 part can be seen. The lower pinnules of the same 

 fronds, on the other hand, are quite free of sori. Other 

 fronds are entirely barren that is, they bear no sori 

 whatever. This dense clustering of the sori on the 

 upper parts of some of the fronds gives the whole fern 

 a remarkable appearance, and is a sufficient mark by 

 which we may identify the Royal Fern at a glance. 

 We should also note that the sori are naked, possessing 



B.F. 33 5 



