48 HAJfDV BOOK OF 
part of the rhizoma, properly called creeping, because it ex- 
tends a long way beneath the soil : but when otherwise, is 
known as a tufted rhizoma ; the upright stems are fronds, 
by some botanists designated branches, by others leaves. 
This part comprises a main stem, which extends from the 
rhizoma to the extreme point, and is called the rachis: the 
branches on either side are called pinna 1 ; when not com- 
pletely divided from each other, as in the Hard-fern, pinna ti- 
fid ; if divided, pinnate. When the pinnte are divided 
into branches on both sides, the branches are called pinnulcc; 
of this the Brake presents a familiar example, as also of a 
further division into lobes. Theea>, when applied to ferns, 
signifies capsules, or small vessels for containing seeds; these 
are beautifully arranged, on the undcr-surface of the leaves, 
in dots or lines. In those pertaining to the Marsh-fern, a 
small v.'hite kidney-shaped spot is obvious, consisting of a 
m:-'ubranous substance, called the indiiKiuin. 
liut many an enthusiastic lover of ferns and flowers has 
not even a small court to call his own. He occupies, per- 
chance, a single room, and sighs in vain for the possession 
of those beauteous ferns which delighted him in youth. 
We *vdll cheerfully point out a simple method by which his 
wish may be fulfilled. Obtain from the glazier four pieces 
of glass, equal in size and thickness from the linen-draper 
a piece of scarlet galloon (for this colour suits well with 
green), and bind it tight round the edges ; fastening it at the 
ends firmly with a needle and thread of the same colour. 
This done, sew the edges together, and form a square glass 
frame, to which a cover must be fixed by the same means ; 
provide a thick square board, with a groove all round, the 
size of your glass-house, or, what would be preferable, a 
strong box, sufficiently deep to contain five or six inches of 
light sandy earth ; plant in this a few young ferns of diffe- 
rent kinds ; moisten the earth slightly, and cover them with 
your glass-house. You may thus have a continual object 
of interest to greet your first awaking : ferns, it may be, 
