CUYPTOGAMIA. 
965 
FILICES* 
(1) Capsules without an elastic ring ; ijn Spikes. 
OPHIOGLOS'SUM. Capsules united by an enveloping mem¬ 
brane, so as to form a two-rowed, jointed spike. 
OSMUN'DA. Capsules distinct, two-valved, forming a bunch¬ 
like spike. 
(2) Capsules roundish, on pedicles , encompassed by a jointed elastic 
ring ; and opening irregularly into two parts. 
AGROS'TICHUM. Capsules covering the whole under sur¬ 
face of the leaf. 
POLYPO'DIUM. Capsules forming distinct roundish spots on 
the under surface of the leaf. 
ASPLE'NIUM. Capsules forming straight scattered lines on 
the under surface of the leaf. 
* ( ££ The production of perfect germinating seeds, contained in capsules, and conse¬ 
quently produced by impregnated fertile flowers, is as clear in Ferns as in Mosses, though 
nothing is certainly known of their stigmas, any more than of their anthers. We are 
nevertheless content to plead ignorance on the subject, and to presume, by analogy, that 
such parts may exist, rather than to assume the idea of some other mode of impregnation 
hitherto unknown, which would be going contrary to the first principles of philosophy ; or, 
what is worse, returning to the old gratuitous fancies of spontaneous generation.” Sm. 
The opposite conclusions of other eminent phytologists have already been noticed passim. 
The seeds of these epiphyllospermous plants are so minute as to have been overlooked by 
the older Botanists ; and, according to vulgar notion, were only to be detected, if at all, 
at the precise hour of the night on which St. John the Baptist was born ; and whoever 
possessed them, had the power of becoming invisible. Hence in the play of Henry IV, 
££ We steal as in a castle, cock-sure; 
We have the receipt for Fern-seed ; 
We walk invisible.” 
And again, 
££ I’ll seek the shaggy Fera-clad hill, 
#*•*•■*■ 
And watch mid murmurs muttering stern 
The seed departing from the Fern, 
’Ere wakeful daemons can convey 
The wonder-working charm away.” Leyden. 
Vestiges of this strange superstition may still be traced in some parts of England* 
££ The village maids mysterious tales relate, 
Of bright midsummer’s sleepless nights; the Fern 
That time sheds secret seeds.” Bidlake. 
Such were the opinions of the darker ages, but that the real seeds of Ferns are produced 
by natural process, though in an impalpable powder, ought long since to have ceased to be 
problematical; and no difficulty will be found in effecting their germination, if sprinkled 
on a suitable soil, in a proper temperature. Vid. Lindsay in Linn. Tr. vol. ii, and Tr» 
Hort, Soc. vol. in, E.) 
