THE CHAIN FERNS. 223 
but the fronds are among the last to yield to the frost. 
The fertile, although apparently dead, remain erect for 
a great part of the winter and it is probable that many 
of the spores are not released until spring. 
This species is found along the Atlantic seaboard 
from Maine to Florida. Inland it is reported from 
stations in Arkansas, Tennessee and Michigan, but if it 
occurs at points between, the fact has not been noted. 
Within the limits marked by these stations, it is not im- 
probable that more localities for it will be found. Ap- 
parently it does not grow in salt marshes although it 
loves their vicinity. It is most frequently found in 
springy places in the twilight of pine and cedar groves. 
I have found it neighbouring the little Schzz@a in New 
Jersey, and on Long Island its usual companion is 
Aspidium simulatum. It is frequently called Woodwardta 
areolata in the books, in reference to the interesting 
series of aureola: formed by the veins of the sterile pin- 
nules. 
The genus was named in honour of Thomas Woodward, 
an English botanist. There are about six species, 
mostly confined to the North Temperate zone. 
