IV 
in some species* yet becomes arborescent in others* and often 
attains a considerable height ( Cyathea * Alsophila ). This 
caudex* which is hollow within* and not possessed of a fibrous 
inner bark ( liber )* is generally hard from without* and of a 
glossy appearance. Both the root-stocks and the stems of 
some of these plants contain peculiar resinous substances 
which have anthelmintic properties, and serve as vermifuges, 
(Lastrea athamantica * etc.*) — a fact* already known to the 
ancients. — Theophr. Hist. Plantar* 18* 8. 
§ 5. In the formation of the leaves, nature has displayed 
her wondrous charms. These leaves are called fronds by 
botanists* and are either stalked* or more rarely sessile, or 
sometimes jointed to the caudex*or root-stock* by articulations. 
They are persistent and evergreen within the tropics and 
temperate zones* but deciduous in cold climates* in which 
case the frond is yearly renewed. Their texture is herba- 
ceous* membranaceous* or leathery ; their upper surface, 
generally dark* smooth* glazed or shining ; the under side* 
on the contrary, paler, very veiny, often clothed with short 
hair* and furnished with minute breathing pores {stomata). 
In a few genera* only* both surfaces are nearly alike ( Vit- 
taria * Hymenophyllece). The fronds are rarely simple and 
entire* much oftener lobed* digitate* or pinnatifid, but mostly 
pinnate or further divided. Their pinna and pinnules * again* 
are entire* notched, sawed* toothed* incised* or pinnatifid* and 
frequently unequally shaped at their bases. 
§ 6. The stipes , which in this family represents the leaf- 
stalks of phanerogamous plants* is connected with the stem 
or the rhizome by articulation. It is of different size : almost 
wanting in some species* or of considerable length in others ; 
mostly herbaceous* but sometimes woody, and covered by an 
epidermis* which in the course of growth becomes brittle, 
glossy, and of a dark-brown or blackish hue. The continu- 
ation of the stipes through simple fronds goes by the name of 
rib* or costa , while its further ramifications in pinnated 
fronds are called rachises. 
