THE POLYPODIES. 
195 
miniature forest of beautiful green. The average 
height to which the fronds grow is about six 
inches. But luxuriant specimens growing under 
favourable conditions attain several inches more 
than that. Most delicate and fragile are the 
frond-stems, which are generally as long again 
as the leafy portion of the frond. 
The three-branched habit of this fern, which is 
so distinctly characteristic of it, is indicated in the 
incipient stage of the frond’s growth ; for each 
branch is then rolled up in a little ball. At this 
stage, therefore, there is the curious appearance of 
the stipes with three wire-like branches at its top, 
having three little green balls at their tips. When 
the three little balls have become fully unfolded 
the entire frond is broadly triangular in shape. 
The branch in the centre of the three is in a line 
with the continuation of the main stem ; and at 
right angles with this branch are the two lateral 
ones : there being a clear space of stem between 
the point, where, at the top of the stipes, the three 
branches unite, and the commencement of the 
leafy portion of each branch. The largest of the 
