146 THE WOOD FERNS. 
tinct species, the indusium is described as glandular and 
that according to Eaton, specimens of true spznulosum 
with glandular indusia have been collected in America, 
The young fern student will encounter no more perplex- 
ing problems than the separation of these forms presents. 
When possible he should compare his specimens with 
others that are known to be authentic. All are ever- 
Aspidium spinulosum dilatatum, Lowest Pinna. 
green though the blades do not remain erect during the 
winter. 
This group is found from Canada to North Carolina 
and northwestward to Alaska. The type is rather rare 
with us, butismore common in Europeand Asia. Jnter- 
medium does not seem to be found abroad. Dzlatatum 
is the common form in Alaska. It is said that its root- 
stock is the first vegetable food the Alaska Indiansare able 
to obtain in spring. It is dug before the fronds develop 
and baked in pits lined with hot stones. It is reported 
to have a slightly sweetish taste but to be too smoky and 
tobacco-like in flavour for any but an Indian’s palate. 
