THE LIFE OF A FERN "] 



not serve all alike. The sturdy polypody 

 has no cover for its spores. 



A fern spore does not directly produce a 

 fern but a small flat and thin circular or 

 kidney-shaped body, green in colour, called 

 the prothallus, which is attached to the soil 

 by delicate rootlets. On this the separate 

 reproductive organs analogous to the stamens 

 and pistils of the ordinary flower are pro- 

 duced. 



The individual fern is not dependent on 

 spores alone for its perpetuation. Perennial 

 rootstocks are the rule, not the exception, 

 among ferns, and only hardy species make 

 open preparation and practical arrangement 

 for their own demise and renewal each year. 

 Plate 3 is a typical specimen of a species which 

 adds much lasting beauty to our highways 

 and byways, coming into greater prominence 

 when deciduous foliage has dropped away. 

 Look down into the heart of the plant and 

 you will see that the nine stipes are holding 

 the fronds for the coming year — all tightly 

 rolled and packed by unseen hands. The 



