ASPLENTUM. 66 



joining over the whole pinnule. May. 

 Indeciduous. Common. Not very easy 

 of cultivation ; fails frequently from the 

 roots being injured in removal, and from 

 change of soil; and shrivels under heat 

 and sunshine. A pretty little thing, but 

 of no especial beauty. 



SEPTENTRIONALE. (Forked Spleen- 



wort.) Fig. 19. From 1 to 4 inches. 

 Growing in masses. A grass-like spike, 

 dull green, except at the base where pur- 

 plish, divided near the top into two or 

 three sharp -pointed, alternate, thicker, 

 toothed, forks ; or in the smaller fronds 

 merely toothed itself; containing on the 

 back two or more separate lines of sori, 

 which eventually, throwing off their indusia, 

 occupy the whole space. May. Indeci- 

 duous. Rare. Rocks in the North. Suc- 

 ceeds fairly. Safest under glass. Of little 

 comparative interest. 



TRICHOMANES. (Common Maiden- 

 hair.} Fig. 32. From 3 to 10 inches. 

 Growing in circular masses. A shining, 

 smooth, purplish, stem, bearing on each 

 side, almost from the bottom, little, round, 

 or oval, dark dull green, simple, usually 

 opposite, rather horizontally turned, pinnae, 

 slightly more or less uneven on their 

 edges. April. Indeciduous. Sori ulti- 



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