io6 ABOUT A FERN. [CHAP. 



species possessing a vertical stem, as the Male-fern, 

 we shall find the nodes to be pretty equally distanced, 

 though thickly crowded together. 



The frond consists of a stipes, a rachis, pinncz, pin- 

 nules, and lobes. The stipes and rachis constitute 

 what, in popular language, would be called the stalk. 

 The stipes is that part which extends from the base 

 to the leafy portion, where the rachis commences and 

 extends thence to the apex of the frond. The leafy 

 portion in the different species exhibits the utmost 

 variety, from a simple strap-shape as in the Hart's- 

 tongue, to the most delicate lace-like arrangement. 

 In the Common Polypody the frond is simply divided 

 into lateral lobes (fiinn&), and a similar division is seen 

 in the Hard-fern, Maidenhair Spleenwort (fig. 98), and 

 the Scaly Spleenwort (fig. 99), though between each of 

 these there is considerable variety. In the Male-fern a 

 further division is seen, the pinnse being subdivided 

 into pinnules ; whilst in well-grown specimens of the 

 Bracken the frond is still further subdivided, and 

 termed " decompound." 



But the varieties of fronds are very numerous, even 

 individuals of the same species often differing con- 

 siderably among themselves. But all are beautiful, 

 and the very types of gracefulness. Thoreau says : 

 " Nature made ferns for pure leaves, to show what 

 she could do in that line." What can be found in 

 Nature more delicate and fresh than the frond of a 

 Lady-fern ? Its delicate appearance does not belie 

 its nature, for, excepting the Filmy-ferns, there is 

 none so fragile. Its slender, almost transparent stalk 

 is very succulent, and if the roots be not liberally 



