METHODS OF STUDY. 69 



mined. Having provided ourselves with a strong lens, two or 

 more needles mounted in wooden handles for dissecting pur- 

 poses, and a few well-fruited ferns taken with the roots, we are 

 prepared to commence our study. In investigating any plant 

 we should be systematic and accurate in our observations, and 

 no subject will develop order and accuracy of description or 

 enlarge our powers of observation as will the subject of botany 

 rigidly pursued. In order to fix the characters of the fern in 

 question, it is well to note them down in some systematic order, 

 and the preparation of blanks like the following is suggested 

 for the purpose : 



The characters thus commence with the lowest parts and 

 continually advance upwards to completion. 



1 5O. Taking now a common fern, we will notice its charac- 

 teristics. Suppose it to be the one commonly called " Maiden- 

 hair" in the Northern States. We take the parts in order and 

 give them a searching examination : the character of the root; 

 the direction of growth, position and appearance of the root- 

 stock ; the appearance, color, and method of growth of the 



