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more contracted in the effort all plants make to reduce 

 their radiating surface where there is the fear of too much 

 transpiration. In similar places to that in which the cin- 

 namon fern is found one comes upon the royal fern 

 (Osmunda regalis), and also the interrupted fern (Os- 

 munda Claytoniana) . The royal fern i c least of any like 

 a fern in appearance, but resembles some plant belonging 

 to the pulse family, an effect produced by the vivid green 

 of the fronds and their compound cutting. 



In the open, sunny places, where usually the ground is 

 low and has been in the spring partly a swamp, the sensi- 

 tive fern stretches its coarse luxuriance. The large trop- 

 ical looking fronds are rather handsome, especially late 

 in the fall when the veins have turned a rich red in color 

 as if they hoped to be warmer against the coming cold 

 weather. 



The common brake (Pteris aquilina), though pre- 

 ferring the dryer, open places, is found pretty much every- 

 where. Though coarse looking, it is, in its way, hand- 

 some, with its long stipes supporting the broadly trian- 

 gular fronds of dark green. Although such a hardy fern, 

 it has been most difficult to transplant, the pinnules with- 

 ering directly, regardless of the care taken to furnish the 

 plants with water immediately. It is true the rootstock 

 is deep and it is hard to procure specimens without break- 

 ing them, but other ferns, the Osmundas in particular, 

 make no complaint at this. Later on, in roaming the 

 woods, the blackened remains of Pteris is one of the most 

 frequent sights. 



In the damper portions of the woods the marsh fern 

 (Aspidium thely pteris) , grows abundantly, usually a 

 great deal of it being found in one place. Next usual in 

 this region is Asplenium fflix-fcemina, the lady fern. The 

 rootstock of this fern is not deep and it is easily and suc- 

 cessfully transplanted. The maidenhair (Adiantum 

 pedatum), is found in clumps in the damp, shady places. 



Aspidium spinulosum is not at all uncommon in these 

 woods. It loves the shade, and besides seeking a wooded 

 spot, it usually nestles at the base of an old stump or 



