THE CHAIN FERNS. 223 



but the fronds are among the last to yield to the frost. 

 The fertile, although apparently dead, remain erect for 

 a great part of the winter and it is probable that many 

 of the spores are not released until spring. 



This species is found along the Atlantic seaboard 

 from Maine to Florida. Inland it is reported from 

 stations in Arkansas, Tennessee and Michigan, but if it 

 occurs at points between, the fact has not been noted. 

 Within the limits marked by these stations, it is not im- 

 probable that more localities for it will be found. Ap- 

 parently it does not grow in salt marshes although it 

 loves their vicinity. It is most frequently found in 

 springy places in the twilight of pine and cedar groves. 

 I have found it neighbouring the little Schizcea in New 

 Jersey, and on Long Island its usual companion is 

 Aspidium simulatum. It is frequently called Woodwardia 

 areolata in the books, in reference to the interesting 

 series of aureolae formed by the veins of the sterile pin- 

 nules. 



The genus was named in honour of Thomas Woodward, 

 an English botanist. There are about six species, 

 mostly confined to the North Temperate zone. 



