THE BRACKEN. 71 
creeps for long distances. A good strong plant fre- 
quently has a rootstock measuring twenty feet or more 
in length. In endeavouring to avoid obstructions in the 
soil, it has been known to go to depths of fifteen feet. 
It branches freely and secondary rootstocks are frequently 
given off from the base of the stipes. 
Although very abundant in northern countries, this 
species is quite sensitive to cold. A late spring frost 
frequently cuts down the young crosiers and the mature 
Oars A TUN N 
A 
BRACKEN. Preris aguilina. Lower Pinna. 
fronds early turn brown under the frosts of autumn 
although they commonly remain erect for most of the 
winter. The crosiers are quite characteristic and easily 
distinguished from all others. They are covered with a 
fine silvery-gray pubescence and the three divisions un- 
rolling separately from the stiff stipes look not unlike 
the claws of some large bird. No doubt this accounts 
for the name of turkey foot fern, sometimes applied to it. 
