4 FERNS 



tinuation through the leafy portion of a 

 divided frond is the rachis or midrib if the 

 lamina (or leafy portion) is entire. This 

 part, of course, is not ready for inspection 

 until the segments (or pinnae) begin to unroll, 

 hence specific peculiarity of stipe is the 

 surest test in this early stage, although no 

 two species are coloured or "done up" just 

 alike. 



We have a group of cinnamon ferns (Os- 

 munda cinnamomea) before us, the wool of 

 which fairly drips from their uncanny heads 

 like water after a bath, looking very much as if 

 they "needed a maternal tongue to lick them 

 into shape." The sun and the winds kiss 

 them, the scales part, and a miracle is per- 

 formed! The stately Osmunda cinnamomea 

 is a regal exchange for the wooly head. 



The rapidity of development varies greatly 

 in different species. Ferns of fragile texture 

 quickly unfurl their sails, while those of 

 heavier build are comparatively slow in as- 

 suming shape. 



The spring colouring is particularly beau- 



