FERN FAMILY 83 



from eight to fourteen inches in height. Each 

 recurved branch bears on the upper side at 

 regular intervals, from six to ten slender, pin- 

 nate, upright divisions, giving the frond a wide 

 crescent or somewhat circular form. The cen- 

 tral pinnae are from five to nine inches long, 

 the outer ones gradually decreasing in size. 

 The pinnules are short-stalked, alternate, and 

 one-sided ; that is, the veins all proceed from 

 the extreme lower e'dge of each pinnule, the 

 upper edge being slightly cleft. The stipes 

 when quite young are hairy, but soon become 

 smooth. 



This is a species of peculiar form and beauty, 

 and one of the few ferns which is familiarly 

 recognized by its proper name. It is much used 

 for decorative purposes, and the time may not 

 be far distant when it will become rare in many 

 sections. 



Maidenhair grows in rich, rocky woods, and 

 although somewhat retiring in habit, is found 

 abundantly in not a few localities. It produces 

 fronds all summer, most of which are fertile. 



The fruit-dots are oblong, and found on the 

 under side, of the summit of the lobes, — the 

 margin of which is reflexed to form an indusium. 

 They mature in July and August. 



This and the Bulblet Bladder Fern were the 

 first of our ferns to be taken to England. 



