THE SENSITIVE AND OSTRICH FERNS. 259 



most appropriate, but is seldom heard. A section of the 

 fertile frond is shown in the Key. 



The ostrich fern is a lover of the North. In America 

 its southern limit is the state of Virginia. From thence 

 it ranges to Alaska becoming common in most of the 

 northern states. In Europe it frequently grows within 

 the Arctic Circle. It may occasionally be found in 

 swamps, but is most likely to grow along the larger 

 streams or on the borders of lakes and ponds. It is highly 

 valued for decorative planting out of doors. In some of 

 the northern cities, venders go about the streets in spring 

 with wagon loads of it, which they are able to dispose of 

 at good prices. 



In the general mutation of fern names this species has 

 not escaped. If placed with Onoclea, as it frequently 

 has been, it would be 0. Struthiopteris. Recent 

 writers incline to place it in still another genus as Mat- 

 teuccia Struthiopteris. The American plant differs 

 slightly from that of Europe, having taller fronds and 

 longer stipes, and is frequently called the variety Penn- 

 sylvania, especially in the Old World. If the name 

 Matteuccia should ultimately prevail, it is not unlikely 

 that our plant may yet be known as Matteuccia Struthi- 

 opteris Pennsylvania. The genus has been known as 

 Struthiopteris for so long, however, that it will probably 

 remain unchanged. 



