THE SPLEEN WORTS. 



divided into lobes at their lower extremity 

 these ultimate divisions being beautifully notched 

 or serrated. Depending on the situation in which 

 it grows, the fronds of the Black Maidenhair 

 Spleenwort are either very thick, rigid, and 

 leathery in texture, or of a softer and more droop- 

 ing habit. The plant is very decidedly evergreen, 

 its fronds, springing up in May or June, con- 

 tinuing to grow until September or October, and 

 from that time, when it has reached its maturity, 

 lasting until the ensuing spring. When in its 

 perfectly mature state, in the autumn, the spores, 

 which have clustered at the back of its fronds, 

 become confluent and densely cover the whole 

 under surface of the leaflets. Being then of a 

 rich dark brown colour, they finely contrast with 

 the dark shining green of the plant, and strikingly 

 add to its handsome appearance. 



The Black Maidenhair Spleenwort is widely 

 distributed over the United Kingdom. It occurs 

 plentifully on walls, old ruins, and river bridges, 

 growing, like the Wall Rue, in the interstices 

 between the stones. It also grows on old stony 

 hedge-banks, and it is in such situations, when 



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