252 CRYPTOGAMS 



at the tip of the frond. There is another species, Clayton's, 

 in which the fertile portion is near the middle of a huge 

 sterile frond. 



The ostrich fern, the walking leaf, the moonwort, are very 

 characteristic. The maidenhair, adiantum, conceals the spores 

 under the overlapping tips of the delicate leaves. 



Aspidium, the shield fern, is easily recognized by the curi- 

 ous shields called indusia which cover the sporangia. 



Gather as many different kinds of ferns as possible. Bring 

 them together and learn their names. Every one should 

 be able to recognize at least ten species of ferns. Reference 

 to almost any standard text will enable one to learn to iden- 

 tify them. 



213. A FERN 

 Object. To propagate ferns from spores. 



Prepare a large glass jar or Wardian case with about an 

 inch of ashes or gravel on the bottom. Above this put a 

 layer of rich wood soil and sprinkle it with water. Let it 

 stand for a day or so to allow the soil to settle and drain 

 off all superfluous water. 



Now crumble some fertile fern fronds fresh from the plant 

 over the jar so that there will be an abundant supply of 

 spores to fall upon the prepared soil. 



Cover the jar with a plate of glass and stand it in a shady 

 spot where the temperature is proper for germination. 



After from two to four weeks, small green bodies resem- 

 bling delicate leaves will be found here and there upon the 

 surface. These are the beginnings of ferns (prothallia). 



When the prothallia are about a quarter inch in diameter, 

 remove one, place it in a dish of water, and examine it. 



What is its shape? Examine both sides. Has it roots 



