31 
part of the stem is not, as in the case of the other two, 
thickly covered with scales, but sparingly, and these arc 
round, or broadly egg-shaped and transparent. 
The stem is stout, the root creeping, and the plant 
does not lie compactly together, but is of a strag- 
ling growth. The frond is long, narrow, and the 
six lowermost pinnae on each side are of the same 
length, and form therefore a parallelogram. After 
this the frond begins to taper to a point, and the 
pinnae, as they approach the summit, become shorter 
and shorter. The under pinnules of the first pair f 
of pinnae are generally twice as long as the upper 
ones. The clusters of seeds seem to be distinct and per- 
fectly separate, and generally form a regular double line. 
When the pinnule is deeply divided into leafiets or distinct 
lobes, then each branch of the side-vein has a cluster of 
seeds, as in the Sweet Mountain Fern. In this case the 
double line of clusters does not appear so regular to the eye. 
Each lobe of the leafiet has a little awn or spine, and hence 
it is denominated the Spinous Fern. The branches are 
nearly, but not quite opposite each other, and the naked 
part of the frond is as long as the leafy part. Some have 
considered the three Ferns last described to be identical. 
We consider that they may sometimes approach each other, 
but a well practised eye will always discern a difference. 
The creeping root, roundish egg-shaped transparent scales, 
the glandless covers^ the upright position, its peculiarly light 
green appearance, all combine to point out the Spinous 
Fern, (Lastrea spinulosa.) When we speak of the covers, 
of course they must be seen through a lens or a microscope, 
and then it will be found that they differ from woodcut c, 
page 9, in not having glands. This Fern is by no means to 
be despised, and in its general appearance has considerable 
grace and symmetry. Since, however, the upper part of the 
frond is of a frail and delicate texture, it is frequently shat- 
tered by the wind and other causes, and is therefore not so 
ornamental for cultivation. 
In closing our remarks on this species, we may venture 
to remark, in this utilitarian age, that the student of natural 
history is pursuing no useless occupation, when he devotes 
himself to the contemplation of the beauteous works of God. 
