74 OUR NATIVE FERNS AND THEIR ALLIES. 



1 55. Histology. We have now gained a slight knowledge 

 of the more apparent characters of the fern as viewed from 

 without, and have been formally introduced to the species in 

 hand by name. With some the study might seem to be at an 

 end, but in fact it has only fairly begun. The minute structure, 

 the development and the life-history of our fern, is yet unknown, 

 leaving the most important features yet to be ascertained. 

 Classification as it now exists is only a temporary arrangement, 

 for the true relations of our species can never be fully deter- 

 mined until their minute anatomy and life-histories have been 

 thoroughly studied and compared. The minute anatomy has 

 been carefully studied in only a few of our native ferns, and fewer 

 still have been watched through the phases of their life-history. 

 Less still is known of the species of fern allies. There is no 

 fear of exhausting the subject, and even amateur botanists with 

 the most limited facilities can do something in original inves- 

 tigation. 



1 56. Guides to Study. It is impossible within the limits 

 of a manual of this character to do more than suggest guides 

 for study, yet no guide can be followed blindly to the exclusion 

 of native common-sense. For the study of anatomy the works 

 already mentioned under Chapter V. will serve for reference, 

 while the following laboratory guides, each containing an out- 

 line for the study of a single fern, will be found valuable: 



ARTHUR (J. C), BARNES (C. R.) and COULTER (J. M.). Hand- 

 book of Plant Dissection. New York (1886). (Henry Holt & 

 Co.). For Adtantum pedatum. 



BOWER (F. O.) and VINES (S. H.). A Course of Practical In- 

 struction in Botany, Part I. London (1885). (Macmillan & Co.) 

 For Aspidium filix-mas and fern allies. 



SEDGWICK (W. T.) and WILSON (E. B.). General Biology. 

 Part I. New York (1886). (Henry Holt & Co.). For Pteris 

 aquilina. 



\ 57. For the study of life-histories the recent paper by Dr. 

 Campbell on Onoclea struthiopteris can well serve as a model. 

 (Cf. Literature under Chapter VI.) The study of fern structure 

 and fern development will grow in interest at every step, and 

 will result in contributions of value to the knowledge of our 

 native ferns and their allies. 



