io WONDERS OF PLANT LIFE 



species of Hart's Tongue (Scolopendrium), and has 

 been called the "Jumping Fern," on account of its 

 strange habit. As a rule, the buds of this species 

 are produced at the tip of its lance-shaped fronds. 

 These fronds, being very long and slender, trail 

 over until their tips touch the ground, when, if 

 the soil be in a moist condition, roots quickly 

 form on the under surface at the point of 

 contact, and from the upper surface new fronds 

 arise. 



It is certain that plants do all in their power 

 to discourage their neighbours. The struggle for 

 a place is so severe that it is a case of everyone 

 looking out for himself. It is to be observed 

 that many species have a striking tendency to 

 cover in as much space as is possible with their 

 leaves. Perhaps one of the chief reasons for the 

 evolution of large foliage is that thereby the sub- 

 ject can more readily hold an unhampered position. 

 In some ways big leaves carry with them great 

 disadvantages ; they are readily damaged, whilst 

 a comparatively long while must elapse before 

 they can be replaced. Again, the big surfaces 

 they offer may at times bring about a more speedy 

 evaporation of moisture than is desirable. But 

 to balance all this, the large-leaved plants are 

 never likely to be in difficulties for want of room, 



