252 THE MOUNTAIN. 



SPECIES. 



Woodwardia, (Woodwardia,) . . . . . .1 



Camptosorus, (Walking Leaf,) :,, . . . . . 1 



Aspleniura, (Spleenwort,) 4 



Bicksonia, (Dickson's Fern,) . "'f* .... 1 



Woodsia, (Woodsia,) . '; : "v'y"" "' 1*' * . . . .1 



Aspidium, (Shield Fern, Wood Fern,) .... 2 



Onoclea, (Sensitive Fern,) . . . . . . .1 



Osmunda, (Flowering Fern,) ...... 2 



Botrychium, (Moonwort,) . ^ :J . . . .1 



The ferns are the most showy, and generally attractive of 

 the cryptogams. Many of them are tall feather-shaped 

 plants, their broad spreading fronds, the ornamental and im- 

 perial plumage of the earth, producing the perpetual impres- 

 sion of beauty. Some of them are humble and lowly plants, 

 but possessed of exceeding delicacy and grace. The more 

 imposing species frequently occupy extensive spaces of the 

 mountain heath, forming brakes, or matted continuities, 

 which cover the surface sometimes to the entire exclusion 

 of other small plants. These fern forests have frequently a 

 striking and characteristic expression, from the large fronds 

 all assuming one position, by that instinct which turns the 

 leaves of plants to the sun. The tall plumes are marshaled 

 in order, and stand with a gentle northern inclination, their 

 spreading pinnae, or leaflets, looking to the south, or facing 

 the sun, and held in file by the strong attraction of his rays. 

 Some of the species are shy and retiring in their habits, and 

 are rarely seen ; others are found almost as common as grass, 

 occupying large spaces, growing in the woods and swamps, 

 while others invest the rocks and cliffs, festooning their edges 

 and surfaces with rare and picturesque fringes and wreaths. 

 In most of this family of delicate and comely plants, the light 

 and spiritual forms of the vegetable world, it would seem 

 that beauty, or the transcendent element of taste was alone 

 consulted ; while the " homely utilities" or economical rela- 

 tionships, with a few exceptions, had been ignored. 



The ferns seem to be attracted to mountains, and, from 



