242 



CHEILANTHES AND MAIDENHAIR. 



Cheilanthes Alabamensis. 



From all the species of Cheilanthes within our limits, 

 this species may be distinguished by its smooth blades, 

 The fronds grow to be a foot or more long and are borne 

 on slender, wiry, black stipes. They are lanceolate in 

 outline and about twice pinnate with numerous ovate- 

 lanceolate, short-stalked pinnae. The pinnules are oblong, 

 broadest at base, often with an ear- 

 like process on the outer edge, and 

 variously toothed. The indusium is 

 pale, membranous and more or less 

 interrupted by the toothing of the 

 fronds. The species grows on rocks 

 from Illinois and Virginia to Ala- 

 bama and Arizona. 



Cheilanthes is named from the Greek 

 and may be translated as lip-fern. Its 

 application is due to the lip-like indusia 

 of some species. There are fifty or more 

 members of the genus in the warmer parts 

 of the world. 



The Maidenhair Fern. 



The maidenhair fern (Adiantum peda- 

 tuiri) is one of the few species with which 

 those who make no pretense to botanical 

 eke antke* knowledge are usually acquainted. Be- 

 Aiobamensis. cau se of its delicate beauty it is much 

 sought by those who delight in woodland rambles, while 

 its peculiar shape and manner of growth, so unlike that of 



