S8 FERNS AND THEIR ALLIES 



OSTRICH FERN. 



Onoclea S/ruthiopkris. 



By some this fern is restored to its original 

 place under Striithioptcris Gerntanica. The 

 sterile fronds, which are the first to appear, are 

 pinnate, the pinnae linear-lanceolate, deeply cut 

 into narrow, acute, slightly scythe-shaped lobes, 

 with free veining. The middle pinnre are often 

 eight inches long, the lowest ones mere lobes. 

 The basal segments of the pinnae — those next 

 to the rachis — are elongated and meet the ones 

 on the opposite side of the rachis, thus clasping 

 it in a peculiar manner. The stijDe and rachis 

 are somewhat angular and very heavy. The 

 fronds grow in a crown, the rootstock being 

 raised several inches above the surface of the 

 ground. 



This, and some of the Osmundas, are the 

 tallest of our New England ferns, sometimes 

 reaching the height of five feet or more, al- 

 though commonly not more than three feet 

 high. 



The Ostrich Fern is found in low, moist 

 ground, frequently along streams. It is not a 

 common species anywhere in New England, 

 especially in the southern part. 



Those who are puzzled by any resemblance 

 to the Cinnamon Fern can identify it easily, in 



