296 
THE FEEX PARADISE. 
frond, are a series of alternately-placed branches 
bearing leaflets divided into lobes, which are 
deeply cleft, although not divided down to their 
midveins. The leafy expansion surrounding the 
veins of the leaflets is of a thin, pellucid, almost 
transparent texture. Indeed, were the plant 
held up to the light it would seem to consist 
of a series of branched, wire-like veins, and 
the leafy texture surrounding these veins would 
have the appearance of delicate, filmy, semi¬ 
transparent wings. The spores of the Bristle 
Fern are produced under a curious arrange¬ 
ment. A sort of bristle, which is in reality 
placed in continuation of the veins of the leaf¬ 
let, extends beyond the tip of the latter. At 
the point of the bristle, placed somewhat like a 
crown, is a little receptacle for seed; and in this 
receptacle, around the veinlet which runs through 
it, the spores are found. Just where the bristle 
passes beyond the tip of the leaflet, the substance 
of the latter is thickened, and the bristle has the 
appearance of being inserted in a sort of urn. 
The bristle-like arrangement has given rise to the 
name of this Fern. It will be easily understood, 
