( m ) 
jointed fpring, which nearly furrounds the 
third part ; or cavity containing the feeds. 
The feeds being ripe, this cavity is forced 
open by the elafticity of the jointed fpring, 
and the feeds fcattered and thrown to a con- 
fiderable diftance, one half of the cavity re- 
maining connected to one end of the fpring, 
and the other half to the other end. Thefe 
capfules are an agreeable fubjecT: for the mi- 
crofcope ; but it is difficult to manage them 
fo as to gain a diliincT: idea of their progrefs* 
They are placed fo clofely together on the 
leaf, that it is neceffary to feparate them 
from it with a fine knife, before they can 
be diftinclly feen. The warmth of the 
breath alfo, by occafioning the capfules to 
open and difcharge their feeds, gives them 
the appearance of fomething alive. While 
we are intently looking at one, hoping to 
obferve the operation, the ftrength and elaf- 
ticity of the fpring, at the moment of dis- 
charging, will often carry it out of fight; fo 
that to fee the manner of opening requires 
fome dexterous management, and much pa- 
tience. 
The roots of fome fpecies of fern have the 
appearance of different kinds of animals; 
that 
