$6 Our Native Perm. 



also furnish interesting material for study. The sporangia are 

 small enough to be examined entire and can be viewed at differ- 

 ent stages of growth. The annulus or ring can be seen in all its 

 positions and the method of bursting determined. The spores 

 form an interesting su.bject for investigation, and require the 

 highest powers for successful observation. Practice only will 

 develop methods of observing that cannot be easily placed in the 

 form of suggestions. The interest will become deeper at every 

 step, a,ndthe subject of determination of species or study of the 

 more apparent characters, is incomparable with the subject of 

 microscopic investigation in inspiring wonder or stimulating the 

 mental powers. 



III. Germination. The germination of the fern spores can 

 be studied by sowing fresh spores on a glass slide and keeping 

 them moist and Warm ; they can be kept to advantage under a 

 glass dome and taken out at intervals and examined. The ex- 

 amination of the sexual organs will require skillful manipulation 

 and enduring patience, but the success attained by careful toil 

 will prove an abundant reward. 



