26 THE OSMUND PEEKS. 



This mode of bud-folding* is termed circinate (Lat. circi- 

 nus 9 a compass). 



The Fruit is densely clustered on some of the middle 

 pinnae, which contract their leaf-portion to a mere green 

 edge. The sporangia or spore-cases open lengthwise into 

 two halves or valves, containing the dust-like spores. 



The Name of this noble genus of Ferns is Osmtinda, 

 from Osmunder, one of the titles of the Celtic Thor, god 

 of thunder, whence we also derive the word Thursday 

 (Thor's-day). The species just analyzed is 0. Claytoniana, 

 named in honor of John Clayton, one of our earliest 

 botanists. 



0. cinnamomea, the Cinnamon Fern, has some of the 

 central fronds of each clump wholly fertile and condensed 

 into fruit, tall cinnamon-colored clusters, looking like flames 

 whence they are often called the Flaming Fern. 



0. regdlis, Eoyal Osmund, our tallest Fern, with its 

 fronds separated into innumerable distinct leaflets, and its 

 fruit all terminal, is celebrated for its regal beauty, f 



The Order. Ferns constitute one of the tribes or 

 orders of the Cryptogams, named in science FILICES. They 

 grow in all countries, but are most abundant in New 

 Zealand and the tropical islands, where the climate is warm 

 and damp. Of the 2000 species known, not more than 200 

 are native outside the tropics, and not over half of these in 

 the United States. 



The Ferns are the largest of the Cryptogams. In the 

 Tropics they become trees, their pinnated plumes drooping 



* The terra vernation (vernus, the spring) was invented by Linnaeus to express 

 the general idea of bud-folding. 



t In Europe this Osmund grows to a height often of 11 feet, and its great masses 

 of green leaf-sprays form a marked feature in the landscape. Its tall stalk generally 

 stands erect, but sometimes it acquires a drooping habit, as at the Lakes of Killar- 

 ney. It there fringes the banks, especially of the river which connects the lakes, and 

 its long fronds arching gracefully over, dip into the crystal water, forming coverts 

 whence the birds gaze fearlessly out upon the passing traveler. 



