MALE FERN. SPOROPHORE. 187 



c. Sori, which are roundish groups of small stalked 

 bodies (Sporangia), covered by a kidney-shaped 

 Indusium. 



ii. The bases of the leaves of previous years will be 

 seen, covering the lower part of the stock or stem ex- 

 ternally. Observe that lateral buds are frequently 

 to be found connected with these, being attached to 

 their posterior side, near to their point of junction with 

 the stem. 



iii. Nearer the apex of the stem than the expanded 

 leaves of the current year, and completely covering it, 

 are young leaves, densely covered with brown scales 

 (Ramenta) ; these, together with the axis, constitute 

 the Apical bud. Note that the apex of each such 

 leaf is rolled up like a crozier (circinate vernation). 



N.B. Here, as in most Ferns the development of the 

 leaves is very slow ; the young leaves seated round the 

 apex represent the foliage leaves of the two succeeding 

 years. 



C. The Roots are rather thin and brown, with 

 transparent apices : they are inserted on the bases of 

 the leaves, close to their junction with the stem : the 

 branching of the roots is monopodial, and the branches 

 appear in acropetal succession. 



The stem of Aspidium Filix-Mas does not branch at its apex : 

 the same is as a rule the case in the erect stems of Ferns (e.g., Tree 

 Ferns) where the leaves are closely crowded. In those Ferns in 

 which the axis is elongated, a terminal branching is more frequent : 

 thus in Pteris aquilina there is a dichotomous branching. In 

 other forms the new axes appear in connection with the leaves, 

 either at the base of the leaf (Aspidium Filix-Mas), or in 

 various positions on the flattened upper part of the leaf (many 

 species of Atpleniurri). 



