THE MAIDENHAIR. 
157 
fronds. The stems of the fronds are more like 
thick hairs than the stems of a plant. The general 
outline of the frond is lance-like. Its length varies 
from six inches to a foot ; but sometimes, under 
conditions peculiarly favourable to its growth, it 
reaches a length of more than a foot. The stem is 
about half the length of the entire frond. Then 
commences the rachis, on each side of which, in 
irregular alternation, are thrown out the branches 
— if they may be so called — of the frond. These 
branches, black and shining, are like lesser hairs ; 
and to them are fastened on each side, in irregular 
order, delicate fan-shaped leaflets of an exqui- 
site shade of green. The leaflets are fastened to 
the branches of the frond by short, hair-like 
filaments, black and shining, somewhat like the 
stem and branches, but thinner and more delicate. 
The spores of the Maidenhair are borne at the 
back and on the edge of the leaflets, the margin 
of which is folded back to cover them, thus losing 
its green colour and becoming blanched. 
It is the fortune of few fern-lovers to see the 
Maidenhair growing in its wild habitats. But as 
