5 
The Frond. The leaves of ferns consist of 
two parts—(r1) the leafy portion which is termed 
the frond and (2) the stalk which is called the 
sitpe. [Plate I.-B. St.] When the stipe is want- 
ing the frond is said to be sesstle. The fronds of 
ferns are either barren or fertile. As arule the 
latter differ scarcely from the former. Sometimes 
they vary greatly, the barren ones presenting 
the ordinary leafy appearance, the fertile being 
contracted often to such an extent that the 
leafy part is entirely absent. 
The young fronds of ferns (except the Ophio- 
glossacez) present a very characteristic appear 
ance, the upper portion being coiled inwards 
like a watch spring, and as growth proceeds the 
coils unwind. Hence the fronds of ferns are 
said to be cirvcinate (Lat. Czircino, I turn round) 
in bud. 
Fronds vary much. in size, some kinds being 
less than one inch, whilst others fifteen to 
twenty feet long. 
Fronds are either simple or compound. The 
simple frond is one which consists of one 
piece even though it is cut into lobes or 
segments. 
The compound frond is one which consists 
of two or more pieces, each of which may be 
