76 THE NEW METHOD 



are very fine. The leaves turn in the autumn to a 

 yellowish-brown color, and they are very thin. 



" The seed resembles that of the black ash in many 

 respects, and also differs from it in many respects. 

 It is not so broad as that of the black ash, but is of 

 about the same color. It is of a light greenish-yel- 

 low, and is about two inches long, and one-third of 

 an inch broad. The seed-vessel is oval-shaped and 

 is very thick. The seed has one wing which is 

 parallel-veined and quite thick." 



The Adiantum Pedatum. 



" Our lesson to-day is upon a very graceful as well 

 as beautiful fern, and one of the most remarkable 

 growing in North America. It is called the Adian- 

 tum pedatum, but a more common name is maiden's 

 hair. It grows from eight to fifteen inches in height, 

 in rich soil, rather damp, and in shady places. It 

 often grows in the same places with the Aspidium 

 marginale. 



' ' The root of this fern resembles that of the Ono- 

 clea sensibilis, and is about twice as large as the 

 stipe. It grows horizontally on the top of the ground. 

 The stipe is about seven inches long, and quite thick. 

 There are several grooves on the upper side, some 

 being deeper than others. The upper side is nearly 

 black, but the under side is of a rich dark brown 



