THE SPLEENWORTS. 263 
branches follow, as already described, towards the 
point of the frond. The triangular-shaped leaflets 
at the base of the lower branches of the frond are, 
in luxuriant specimens of the Black Maidenhair 
Spleenwort, again divided into leaflets — at their 
lower extremity these ultimate divisions being 
beautifully notched or serrated. Depending on 
the situation in which it grows, the fronds of the 
Black Maidenhair Spleenwort are either very 
thick, rigid, and leathery in texture, or of a softer 
and more drooping habit. The plant is very 
decidedly evergreen, its fronds, springing up in 
May or June, continuing to grow until September 
or October, and from that time, when it has 
reached its maturity, lasting until the ensuing 
spring. When in its perfectly mature state, in 
the autumn, the spores, which have clustered at 
the back of its fronds, become confluent and 
densely cover the whole under surface of the 
leaflets. Being then of a rich dark brown colour, 
they finely contrast with the dark shining green 
of the plant, and strikingly add to its hand- 
some appearance. 
