FERN FAMILY 6i 



the absence of fertile fronds, by the form of its 

 sterile frond which tapers both ways from the 

 middle ; by the smooth, heavy stipe and rachis, 

 deeply channeled in front ; the channeled mid- 

 veins of the pinnae ; and by the suddenly con- 

 tracted tip of the frond. Its manner of growth 

 is also different from that of the Cinnamon 

 Fern. In the early season it is quite erect, 

 while the fronds of the Cinnamon Fern are 

 more spreading and gracefully drooping. 



Underground stolons spread from the root- 

 stock, which in due time bear fronds. One root- 

 stock of the Ostrich Fern coming under the 

 author's observation, during twenty years, in- 

 creased in this manner to fifty plants. 



The fertile fronds are few, erect, closely 

 grouped, very rigid and heavy, and appear in the 

 middle of the crown of sterile fronds in July. 

 They are from one foot to one and one half feet 

 high, light green at first, but become very dark 

 green or brownish in color. These fronds are 

 pinnate, the necklace-shaped, contracted pinnae 

 at first concealing the spore-cases. The fruit 

 m'atures in August, but the spores do not escape 

 until the following spring. The indusium is 

 very delicate and hood-like. 



The fertile fronds remain erect during the 

 winter, in spite of any weight of snow, and often 

 may be found the second summer quite regular 



