BOTRYCHIUM TERNATUM. TERNATE GRAPE-FERN. 35 



did not observe so closely as to see the essential difference be- 

 tween this genus and Osnmnda, which is now well understood. 

 One difference consists in the spore cases having- no jointed band 

 surrounding them, as in Osimtnda and other ferns, but are in 

 litde grape-like vesicles, which burst laterally and divide into 

 two equal halves when mature. (Fig. 4.) This peculiarity is so 

 marked, that some botanists, notably Dr. Lindley, proposed to 

 consider this and OpJiioglosswn as forming a distinct order as 

 OphioglossiacecE ; and the others, or what would then be called 

 the true ferns, PolypodiacccE. It is from the grape-like capsules 

 that the genus takes its name Botrychhim, botrys being Greek 

 for a bunch of dried grapes. 



In regard to the common name, it seems best to follow Eaton 

 in the use of "grape-fern " for the genus, though most American 

 botanists who preceded him call all the species moon-worts. 

 This last was the common name of a single species, known to the 

 botanists of several hundred years ago as the L^uiaria, and which 

 they so called from the pinnules resembling a half-moon. This is 

 what is now known as Botrychuwi Lunaria. There is no reason 

 why this name should follow to other species, especially as in 

 literature it is likely to be confused with another " Moon-wort," 

 which has become popular in English history as a plant used in 

 conjurations and other mysterious rites, and to which the well- 

 known English poet, Drayton, refers in the lines — 



"Then sprinkled she the juice of xwa 

 With nine drops of the midnight dew, 

 From Lunary distilling." 



This famous Moon-wort is a cruciferous plant, Lunaria biennis, 

 and is still grown in gardens for its singular moon-like seed- 

 vessels. 



Our Ternate Grape-fern has evergreen fronds, which in the 

 fall of the year turn from a rich green to a pretty bronzy purple, 

 and then add their portion to the numerous beautiful colored 

 tints which make American autumn scenery so famous all over 



