FERN FAMILY 95 



pinnae, which are nearly opposite, and attached 

 to the rachis by a small point. The pinna: be- 

 come nearly equal-sided and roundish as the 

 base of the frond is reached. 



The fronds are often one half inch or more 

 wide and from three to eight inches long. They 

 grow in tufts on moist, shady rocks, preferring 

 limestone. But the fern may be found in dry 

 situations. It will establish itself in clefts and 

 niches of slate cliffs, where there is hardly an 

 apparent foothold for it to grow. The fronds 

 remain green through the winter, until the new 

 growth in the spring, when the pinnce fall from 

 the rachides. The stipe and rachis are thread- 

 like, dark purple-brown, and polished. 



Another name by which this fern is known 

 is Dwarf Spleenwort. We do not find it to be a 

 common species, although it cannot be termed 

 rare. 



The fruit-dots are large, linear-oblong at first, 

 but become nearly round, with from three to 

 si.Y on each side of the midrib. They mature in 

 July, and remain on the frond daring the winter. 

 The indusium is delicate. 



GREEN SPLEENWORT. 



Aspliiiiuiii 7'iri(le. 



Frond from two to ten inches long, pale 

 green, pinnate. The pinnae are roundish-ovate. 



