THE SENSITIVE AND OSTRICH FERNS. 249 
most appropriate, but isseldom heard. A section of the 
fertile frond is shown in the Key. 
The ostrich fern is a lover of the North. In America 
its southern limit is the state of Virginia. From thence 
it ranges to Alaska becoming common in most of the 
northern states. In Europe it frequently grows within 
the Arctic Circle. It may occasionally be found in 
swamps, but is most likely to grow along the larger 
streamsor on the borders of lakes and ponds. It is highly 
valued for decorative planting out of doors. In some of 
the northern cities, venders go about the streets in spring 
with wagon loads of it, which they are able to dispose of 
at good prices. 
In the general mutation of fern names this species has 
not escaped. If placed with Oxoclea, as it frequently 
has been, it would be O. Struthiopteris. Recent 
writers incline to place it in still another genus as Mat- 
teuccia Struthiopterts. The American plant differs 
slightly from that of Europe, having taller fronds and 
longer stipes, and is frequently called the variety Penn- 
sylvanica, especially in the Old World. If the name 
Matteuccia should ultimately prevail, it is not unlikely 
that our plant may yet be known as Matteuccia Strutht- 
opteris Pennsylvanica. The genus has been known as 
Struthiopteris for so long, however, that it will probably 
remain unchanged. 
