MAIDEN-HAIR FERN. 



ridges between these two surfaces, more marked 

 in dried or alcoholic than in fresh specimens. 

 The color of the anterior and posterior surfaces. 

 The branching. At the top the rhachis divides 

 into two equal (or almost equal) divergent 

 branches. Each of these again divides into two, 

 one of which forms the rhachis of a pinna (to be 

 described shortly), while the other again forks. 

 Note the number of times such forking occurs and 

 the relative length of the secondary rhachises thus 

 formed. Make a diagram showing the above 

 points. 



e. The structure. Cut transverse sections of the stalk 

 at various heights. Make out the same structure 

 as detailed for the rhizome. Notice 



i. That the brown tissue of the stem is largely 



replaced by a whitish one, parenchyma. 

 ii. The different shape of the sections of the 



fibro-vascular bundle at various heights 



along the stalk, 

 iii. Trace its course near the forking of the 



stalk until it divides, one-half entering each 



branch, 

 iv. Make diagrams showing these points. 



f. Compare the scales on the base of the leaf-stalk 

 with those studied from the rhizome. 



The pinna. Each pinna is composed of a slender pol- 

 ished rhachis bearing a number of leaflets, the pinnules. 

 Note the variation in the number of pinnules on a 

 rhachis and the general outline of a pinna. Make an 

 outline drawing of a pinna. 



Theflinnutes. Selecting a pinnule near the middle of 

 the rhachis, observe 



