THE FERN PARADISE. 



in Fern lore. A tufted root-stock, its crown 

 elevated slightly above the ground level. Beneath, 

 long fibrous roots, finding their way into the 

 soil, or when growing in rocky places, or amidst 

 old ruins into the moist interstices between the 

 stones or masonry. Above, from the crown, tufts 

 of delightful, green, leathery-textured fronds, 

 erect and bold in habit when growing in exposed 

 situations ; gracefully drooping when in the dark, 

 damp recesses of a shady retreat. In length from 

 an inch to a yard, sometimes even more, according 

 to circumstances and surroundings. A stem 

 usually one-third the length of the entire frond 

 stem and leafy portion included. From the point 

 of the stem commences the leafy section of the 

 frond, which is hollowed at its lower part, heart- 

 fashion ; so that from the point where the stem 

 (stipes) ends and the midrib of the leafy portion 

 of the frond begins, the latter hangs down on 

 each side in the manner of two little ears. The 

 frond proper is tongue-shaped hence doubtless 

 its name and tapers in its upper portion to a 

 point ; and from this point, through the centre of 

 the frond, is carried a thick midrib, on each side 



240 



