THE FEEN PARADISE. 



fronds are more like thick hairs than the stems of 

 a plant. The general outline of the frond is 

 triangular. Its length varies from six inches to a 

 foot; but sometimes, under conditions peculiarly 

 favourable to its growth, it reaches a length of 

 more than a foot. The stem is about the same 

 length as the leafy portion, but sometimes is much 

 longer. On each side of the rachis, in irregu- 

 lar alternation, are the branches if they may 

 be so called of the frond. These branches, 

 black and shining, are like lesser hairs ; and to 

 them are fastened on each side, in irregular order, 

 delicate fan-shaped leaflets of an exquisite shade 

 of green. The leaflets are fastened to the branches 

 of the frond by short, hair-like filaments, black 

 and shining, somewhat like the stem and branches, 

 but thinner and more delicate. The spores of the 

 True Maidenhair are borne on the edges of the 

 backs of its leaflets, the margins bearing them 

 being folded back, forming a cover and protection 

 to them. The margins thus turned back lose 

 their green colour and become blanched. 



It is the fortune of few Fern-lovers to see the 

 True Maidenhair growing in its wild habitats. 



260 



