ee cnc AND

 

 
Bureau Nature Study, —

CORWETT UINTVERCTTY, Ithaca, N-¥.

 

Cornell University

Library

OF THE

Mew Work State College of Hgriculture
Binet K Fetioae eS

8806

 

 

 
DATE DUE
| WAY 15.1977

 

GAYLORD

Ornell University Library

New eee ferns and their common allie
NEW ENGLAND FERNS AND
THEIR COMMON ALLIES
 

N

BULBLET BLADDER FER
NEW ENGLAND FERNS

AND

THEIR COMMON ALLIES

AN EASY METHOD OF
DETERMINING THE SPECIES

«

BY

HELEN EASTMAN

ILLUSTRATED

 

BOSTON AND NEW YORK
HOUGHTON, MIFFLIN AND COMPANY
Che Hiterside Press, Cambridge
1904
TT

fe !
 

 

COPYRIGHT 1904 BY HELEN EASTMAN

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Published July 1904
PREFACE

Tue study of ferns has been considered very
difficult ; indeed, almost too puzzling for the
person of average ability to undertake. Hence
many lovers of nature remain unacquainted with
these beautiful plant forms, so far as knowing
their names, habits, and haunts is concerned. It
is surprising how the difficulties vanish when
one is thoroughly intent on overcoming them ;
and the task is a fascinating one.

In recent years there has been a manifest and
growing desire on the part of many to gain some
knowledge of the subject. With the increase of
interest, arises a demand for an illustrated field-
book that shall be concise, inexpensive, and
adapted to the needs of the beginner. It is with
a view to supplying this demand that the fol-
lowing pages have been prepared.

No minutely detailed description has been
given of any of the plants, but sufficient will
be found, with the aid of the illustrations, to
enable one easily to identify the different spe-
cies.

Whenever two species resemble each other,
vi PREFACE

the distinguishing points of difference have
been clearly noted, and if these are carefully
studied, any difficulty in determining them will
be obviated.

In the Fern Family much confusion is apt to
arise from laying too much stress on the indu-
sium as a means of identification, since it must
be found in a certain stage of development to
be of value in determining the species. Just
‘when it is properly mature, the beginner is not
likely to know, and not a few students have be-
come discouraged at the outset by this method
of identification which is made prominent in
nearly all botanical works.

Hence I have endeavored to set forth other
points of difference which are more stable, and
come more easily under the observation of the
amateur, while the indusium has been described
for those who depend upon it.

The Fern Family has been treated first, it
being considered the most important of the four
families represented. The remaining three fami-
lies follow in order, according to the beauty of
their forms.

Only a few of the more common species of the
Club-Moss and Horsetail Families have been
included. These are so often found during fern-
hunts that one naturally desires to know some-
thing about them.
PREFACE vii

The order of arrangement of the species has
been made to suit the plates, which in a work of
this kind must necessarily be limited in number.
Sometimes two species which do not come in
the usual botanical order have been grouped
on the same plate.

While the present work is limited in its treat-
ment, it is hoped that by its aid many who have
hitherto looked upon our ferns and evergreens
with simply an admiring eye, may be able to
recognize their different forms by name, learn
their favorite haunts and the manner and time
of fruiting, and thus become somewhat familiar
with these common and beautiful plant forms
which play such a conspicuous part in com-
pleting the attractions of natural scenery.

With the exception of a few of the illustra-
tions, the photographs for the plates have been
produced by an eztirely original process by
Wilbur Eastman and the author.

Gray’s nomenclature has been used as being
the one most popular, but Britton and Brown’s
has been included in parentheses when it
differs.

While the author has had access to modern
fern literature, the book is not a mere compila-
tion, but comprises the results of years of per-
sonal observation and study of the distinguish-
ing characteristics of the species.
viii PREFACE

The writer is indebted to Mr. G. E. Daven-
port for material furnished, and for a number
of timely suggestions.

HELEN EASTMAN.

WELLS RIVER, VT.
April, 1904.
CONTENTS

PAGE
TABLE OF FRUITING SEASONS : ; ‘ ‘ xiii
TABLE OF PREFERRED HABITATS ‘ z : se mel
HINtTs TO THE BEGINNER : é : * : «XXL
FERN FAMILy : z i * ; * ; ‘ I
ADDER’S-TONGUE FAMILY. ‘ j ‘ ‘ . 109
CiuB-Moss FaMILy . ; . . : : m BP
HORSETAIL FAMILY . . . : é f - 137
KEY TO THE GENERA OF FERNS c ‘ : ni. © aed
GLOSSARY ‘ : i : . . . ‘ - It

INDEX . ” ‘ 3 2 : a : ‘ o. WS?
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS

PLATE PAGE
I. BULBLET BLADDER FERN . Frontispiece

II. ComMMon PoLypopyY; WALKING FERN 2

Ill. Oak FERN; LonG BEECH FERN é ‘ 6

IV. Broap BEECH FERN. ‘i . 3 e =9)

V. MarsH FERN. . ‘ ' ‘ ‘ 13

VI, New York FERN . . bE

VII. DopcE’s FERN; SPINULOSE Woud Fre 17
VIII. AsepIDIUM SPINULOSUM var. INTERMEDIUM 18

IX. FERTILE PINN.£ OF ASPIDIUMS . . 2 25
X. Boort’s SHIELD FERN. 22

XI. MARGINAL SHIELD FERN; FORMA Daven:
PORTII . : ‘ : Ba 25
XII. CRESTED SHIELD Fern ; : : 2 26
XIII. CRESTED MARGINAL FERN . ; : + 330)
XIV. GoLpiz’s FERN . ‘ : : : . 34
XV. PITTSFORD SHIELD FERN. ; ; yi Bay
XVI. CHRIsTMAS FERN; Var. INCISUM . : 38
XVII. Braun’s HOLLY FERN . ‘ : ; sh
XVIII. VircGinta CHAIN FERN . ‘ : ‘ 2
XIX. NET-VEINED CHAIN FERN . . - 45
XX. NET-VEINED CHAIN FERN; ROYAL Pais 46
XXI. Roya FERN . : : . : : - 49
XXII. CINNAMON FERN : 7 5 : 50
XXIII. INTERRUPTED FERN . : ‘i . 53
XXIV. INTERRUPTED FERN . : : ‘ . 54
XXV. INTERRUPTED FERN ; : : . » 55
*XXVI. OsrricH FERN . : : : 56
XXVII. OstricH FERN; SENSITIVE FERN ‘ - 59

XXVIII. Harry DIcKsonta; SENSITIVE FERN. 65
xii LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS

XXIX. FRAGILE BLADDER FERN; BULBLET BLAD-

  

DER FERN 5 : ; : m9)
XXX. FRAGILE BLADDER Been : 70
> PURPLE CLIFF BRAKE; COMMON eRe 74
XXXII. SLENDER CLIFF BRAKE . . ‘ ‘ a7
XXXIII. CLIMBING FERN . é i . e 278)
XXXIV. MAIDENHAIR . , f : 3 : 81
XXXV. MAIDENHAIR 5 sInO2

XXXVI. NORTHERN WoODSIA; ieeonn AGDSTA
Rusty Woopsia. ; 85

XXXVII. BLUN?T-LOBED WoopsiA; moet Speane
wort; Var. HORVONH . . go

XXXVIII. GREEN SPLEENWORT; WALL RUE Spnrene

WORT; MAIDENHAIR SPLEENWORT ;

MouNTAIN SPLEENWORT; PINNATIFID
SPLEENWORT : : . 5 97
XXXIX. NARROW-LEAVED Stren 7 . 101
XL. SILVERY SPLEENWORT . : a) 2802
XLI. Lapy FERN - . 106

XLII ComMMon GRAPE Pear: Cieecnee Green
FERN s : ELS,

XLIII. BorrycH1uM TERNATUM ee INTER-
MEDIUM . : 5 : F : bid

XLIV. BotrRyCHIUM TERNATUM var. RUT/AFO-
LIUM; LITTLE GRAPE FERN; MATRICARY

GRAPE FERN : é E : - 118

XLV. RATTLESNAKE FERN; ADDER’S-TONGUE . 122
XLVI. FEesroon GROUND PINE. ; - 126
XLVIL. Tree CLus-Moss; STIFF CLUB- Moss . 129
XLVIII. Swamp EvEeRGREEN; Fir CLus-Moss . 130
XLIX. Common CLus- Moss : - 133
L. Woop HorsETAIL ; ScouRING-RUSH 4 9138

LI. Fir_p HorseErTalL; PIPES. 7 : . 141

LII. SEDGE-LIKE HORSETAIL . o : me eild2
FRUITING SEASONS OF THE
SEVERAL SPECIES.

Ir will be noticed that more species fruit in July
than in any other month. A few early fruiting
species mature very rapidly, hence great watchful-
ness is necessary if one wishes to find the fruit at

its best.
APRIL, MAY.

Field Horsetail.

Sedge-like Horsetail.
MAY.

Interrupted Fern.

Wood Horsetail.

MAY, JUNE.

Cinnamon Fern.

Little Grape Fern.
JUNE.

Rusty Woodsia.

JUNE, JULY.

Adder’s-Tongue.
Fragile Bladder Fern.
Lance-leaved Grape Fern.
xiv

FRUITING SEASONS

Matricary Grape Fern.
Moonwort.

Royal Fern.
Scouring-Rush.
Rattlesnake Fern.

JULY.

Blunt-lobed Woodsia.
Boott’s Shield Fern.
Broad Beech Fern.
Bulblet Bladder Fern.
Clinton’s Wood Fern.
Common Club-Moss.
Common Polypody.
Crested Marginal Fern.
Crested Shield Fern.
Ebony Spleenwort.
Festoon Ground Pine.
Fragrant Shield Fern.
Goldie’s Fern.

Hairy Dicksonia.
Long Beech Fern.
Maidenhair Spleenwort.
Mountain Spleenwort.
New York Fern.
Northern Woodsia.
Oak Fern.

Pinnatifid Spleenwort.
Pipes.

Smooth Woodsia.
Spinulose Wood Fern.
FRUITING SEASONS xv

Stiff Club-Moss.

Tree Club-Moss.
Walking Fern.

Wall Rue Spleenwort.

JULY, AUGUST.

Christmas Fern.
Green Spleenwort.
Lady Fern.
Maidenhair.

Purple Cliff Brake.
Sensitive Fern.
Slender Cliff Brake.
Virginia Chain Fern.

JULY TO SEPTEMBER.

Silvery Spleenwort.

AUGUST.

Braun’s Holly Fern.
Common Brake.

Fir Club-Moss.
Marginal Wood Fern.
Marsh Fern.

Ostrich Fern.

Scott’s Spleenwort.
Swamp Evergreen.

AUGUST, SEPTEMBER,

Dodge’s Fern.
Net-veined Chain Fern.
xvi PREFERRED HABITATS
SEPTEMBER.

Climbing Fern.
Narrow-leaved Spleenwort.

SEPTEMBER, OCTOBER.

Common Grape Fern.
Dissected Grape Fern.

PREFERRED HABITATS OF THE
SEVERAL SPECIES.

Dry rocks and cliffs, with more or less shade.

Common Polypody.

Fragrant Shield Fern. (High altitudes.)
Pinnatifid Spleenwort.

Rusty Woodsia.

Moist cliffs, with shade.

Fragile Bladder Fern.

Green Spleenwort. (High altitudes.)
Mountain Spleenwort.

Northern Woodsia. (High altitudes.)
Smooth Woodsia. (High altitudes.)

Dry calcareous rocks and cliffs, with more or less
shade.

Purple Cliff Brake.
Scott’s Spleenwort.
Walking Fern.

Wall Rue Spleenwort.
PREFERRED HABITATS xvii

Moist calcareous rocks and cliffs.

Bulblet Bladder Fern.
Maidenhair Spleenwort.
Slender Cliff Brake.

Moist thickets, marshes and swamps.

Boott’s Shield Fern.
Cinnamon Fern.
Climbing Fern.
Clinton’s Wood Fern.
Crested Marginal Fern.
Crested Shield Fern.
Dodge’s Fern.
Net-veined Chain Fern.
New York Fern.

Royal Fern.

Virginia Chain Fern.

Moist open situations.

Adder’s-Tongue.
Dissected Grape Fern.
Interrupted Fern.
Little Grape Fern.
Marsh Fern.

Ostrich Fern.

Moist low ground and along streams.

Scouring-Rush.
Sensitive Fern.
xviii

PREFERRED HABITATS

Moist gravelly or sandy soit.
Field Horsetail.

Lich woods, more or less moist.

Braun’s Holly Fern. (2000 feet altitude.)
Broad Beech Fern.
Christmas Fern.
Club-Mosses.

Common Grape Fern.
Goldie’s Fern.
Lance-leaved Grape Fern.
Long Beech Fern.
Maidenhair.

Matricary Grape Fern.
Narrow-leaved Spleenwort.
Rattlesnake Fern.
Sedge-like Horsetail.
Silvery Spleenwort.
Spinulose Wood Fern.
Wood Horsetail.

Stony soil, with more or less shade.
Hairy Dicksonia. (Light soil.)
Marginal Shield Fern. (Rich soil.)

Shaded, rocky banks.

Blunt-lobed Woodsia.
Ebony Spleenwort. (Prefers limestone soil.)
PREFERRED HABITATS xix

Shallow water.

Pipes.

Woods, pastures, and waste land,

Common Brake.
Lady Fern.
Moonwort.
HINTS TO THE BEGINNER

1. Remember that the plates are made ona
reduced scale and always consult the text with
reference to size of the species.

2. Consult the glossary when in doubt as to
the meaning of terms.

3. Be careful to note the distinguishing
points of difference, and remember that size and
position of fruit-dots frequently aid in the iden-
tification of the fern.

4. Note also that the vernzng, margin, and
form of the pinnae, the form of the entire frond
or of the 7zp only, and the color, length, and sur-
face of the ste and rachis, sometimes assist
in determining the species of ferns.

5. Compare the specimen carefully with the
text and illustration. Note its manner of growth
and habitat.

6. It is well to bear in mind the fact that a
young fern is sometimes lighter in color, finer
in texture, and that the pinnz are often not so
fully developed as in mature fronds.

7. May we add the caution that if any species
is found not known to be common, care be taken
not to uproot any part of it?
FILICES

FERN FAMILY
 

COMMON POLYPODY. a. Fertile frond

WALKING FERN. 4. Fertile frond. c. Sterile frond. d. Sterile frond
showing young plant at the tip
FERN FAMILY :

POLYPODIUM. Polypody.

Tue name is from the Greek polus, many,
and pous, foot, referring to the branching root-
stock.

COMMON POLYPODY.

Polypodium vulgare.

Frond evergreen, somewhat leathery in tex-
ture, smooth, and deeply pinnatifid; the divi-
sions obtuse, alternate, obscurely toothed, ex-
tending nearly to the rachis and broadening to
meet each other there. The midveins make a
deep impression on the upper surface of the
lobes.

The ferns grow from four to ten inches
high, in tangled groups, springing from a creep-
ing, branched rootstock. They are found on
dry, shady rocks and cliffs, and sometimes in
woods.

The Polypody is one of our most common
species. Other names for it are Rock and
Snake Fern.

The fruit-dots are naked, round, and very
large, arranged in a row each side of the midvein,
4 FERNS AND THEIR ALLIES

midway between it and the margin. They are
found on the upper half or more of the frond,
and mature in July.

CAMPTOSORUS. Walking Leaf.

The name is from the Greek kamzptos, bent,
and sovos, a heap, for fruit-dot, referring to the
form of the fruit.

WALKING FERN.
Camptosorus rhizophyllus.

Frond from four to twelve inches long, ever-
green, heart-shaped or hastate at the base, en-
tire, tapering to a very long, slender point,
which, when coming in contact with the soil,
takes root and forms a new plant. Its manner
of growth suggests steps, whence its common
names of Walking Fern or Walking Leaf.

This fern was formerly given as an Aspleninum,
and Pinnatifid Spleenwort was considered a
variety.

It grows in tufts on dry, shaded rocks, pre-
ferably limestone. In texture it is somewhat
leathery. It is an odd and rare fern, although
it might be called locally common in a few sec-
tions, especially in southern and western New
England.

The fruit-dots are oblong, very large, and ir-
regularly scattered on the under surface of the
 

OAK FERN. a. Fertile frond
LONG BEECH FERN. 4. Fertile frond
FERN FAMILY 7

frond, more plentifully at the base. The outer
ones are often in pairs so that the indusia open
face to face, finally becoming confluent and
forming crooked lines. Time of maturity, July.

PHEGOPTERIS. Beech Fern.

The name is from the Greek p/egos, an oak
or beech tree, and fferzs, a fern.

The Beech ferns were formerly classed in
the genus Polypodium.

OAK FERN.
Phegopterts Dryopterts.

Frond ternate, broadly triangular, from three
to five inches wide, the three primary divisions
stalked, pinnate, also triangular. The segments
are oblong, obtuse, sometimes toothed, and on
the lower side of the lateral divisions they are
longer than on the upper side. The branches
are drooping. The stipe is very long and slen-
der, darker, and slightly chaffy at the base.

This is a very delicate fern, from afew inches
to one foot in height, erowing in moist, rocky
woods. It is quite common in northern New
England, but occurs less frequently in the
southern part.

The fruit-dots are naked, round, and small,
near the margin. They mature in July.
8 FERNS AND THEIR ALLIES

LONG BEECH FERN.
Phegopteris polypodioides (P. phegopteris).

Frond twice pinnatifid, triangular, but longer
than it is broad, pale green and downy-hairy,
especially beneath. The pinnz are divided into
obtuse, oblong, entire segments, the basal ones
united to the winged rachis, with the lowest
pair sometimes shorter and usually deflexed or
bending forward, giving the fern a peculiarly
graceful appearance.

The fronds grow from five to ten inches
high, on long stipes, from a creeping rootstock,
and are often found in beds.

We may look for this fern in moist, shady
places, frequently with the others of this genus,
of which it is the most common, especially in
the north.

The fruit-dots are naked, small and near the
margin; they mature in July.

BROAD BEECH FERN.
Phegopteris hexagonoptera.

Frond twice pinnatifid, triangular, usually
broader than it is long, and slightly downy-
hairy ; the pinnee are sessile, and form an angled
wing along the rachis. The upper pinnz are ob-
long, obtuse, entire or toothed, — the lowest
 

BROAD BEECH FERN
FERN FAMILY II

pair very large and long, broadest in the middle
and pinnately lobed, the segments serrate.
While similar in form to the Long Beech
Fern, there are points of difference which can-
not fail to distinguish it. It is more broadly
triangular, —often from five to ten inches
broad,
Beech Fern. It is also darker in color, thinner

 

and grows more erect than the Long

in texture, and the lowest pinnz are broader,
much elongated, and are not often deflerved.

It grows in similar situations with the others
of this group, viz., moist, shaded places, but
it prefers open woods. It is a common fern in
southern New Ingland, but is found only occa-
sionally in the north.

The fruit-dots are naked, round, small, and
not exclusively near the margin, although
mostly so. They mature in July.

ASPIDIUM. Shield Fern. Wood Fern.

The name is from the Greek aspzdion, a small
shield, referring to the form of the indusium.
This is kidney-shaped or circular, fixed either at
the sinus or centrally.

Another nomenclature which is rapidly gain-
ing in favor, includes under NEpHRopium all
species with idney-shaped indusia, and under
Potysticuum all species with free vezns and
circular industa fixed centrally.
12 FERNS AND THEIR ALLIES

The favorite habitat of several species of this
genus is woods. A number of the species are
evergreen and include some of our most beauti-

ful ferns.
MARSH FERN.

Aspidium Thelypteris (Dryopteris Thelypteris).

Frond pinnate, the pinnae horizontal or at
right angles to the rachis, and deeply cut into
segments which are oblong, obtuse, and entire,
or occasionally coarsely toothed, with the veins
mostly forked.

This is a fern of delicate texture, found abun-
dantly in moist, open places, often growing two
feet or more high. It is sometimes called the
Meadow Fern.

It bears some resemblance to both the
New York and Dodge’s Ferns, —see the de-
scription of these ferns for the distinguishing
points of difference. Two features we will
mention here which may aid in its identifica-
tion. The stipe is smooth and wuusually long,
and the pinne are broadest next to the rachis.

The young fronds are often sweet-scented,
—sometimes when fresh and under a hot
sun, but.more often while drying after being
picked.

The fertile fronds are sometimes paler when
young than the sterile, but grow darker with
age, and when fruited the pinne recurve or
 

 

  

MARSH FERN. a. Pinna from an occasional form
 

NEW YORK FERN
FERN FAMILY 15

twist out of a horizontal position, the tips often
bending downward.

The fruit-dots are small, and soon become
confluent near the margin, which is strongly re-
flexed. They mature in August. The indusium
is delicate, kidney-shaped, and fixed by its sinus.

NEW YORK FERN.
Aspidium Noveboracense (Dryopteris Noveboracensis).

Frond pinnate, the pinnze deeply cut into
narrow, oblong, obtuse, and entire segments, —
the lower pairs of pinnz gradually becoming
shorter, often reducing to mere lobes. It is
slightly hairy on the under surface following the
veining, which is simple.

It is very noticeable for its oval outline, the
frond tapering both ways from the middle.
This alone serves to distinguish it from the
Marsh and Dodge’s Ferns, to which in some
other points it is similar. It is also a paler shade
of green and more delicate than the former fern,
andits manner of growth is much more graceful.

It is said to prefer swamps and moist thickets,
although we have seen it, apparently at its best,
in somewhat dry, shady situations. It grows
from one to two feet high, and is quite common,
frequently being found in large beds.

The fruit-dots are distinct and near the mar-
gin, which is not revolute. They mature in
16 FERNS AND THEIR ALLIES

July. The indusium is minute, kidney-shaped,
with glandular margin, and is fixed by its sinus.

DODGE’S FERN (MASSACHUSETTS FERN).
Aspidium simulatum (Dryopteris simulata).

Frond pinnate, the pinnz deeply cut into ob-
long, obtuse, entire, or slightly toothed lobes.

The fern is delicate in texture and downy-
hairy in all its parts, especially along the mid-
veins. The margin of the lobes has a few coarser
hairs. The stipe is slightly chaffy at the base.

It bears some resemblance to the New York
Fern, but can be identified readily by its form,
which isa ¢r2fle narrower at the dase than in
the middle. In this and many other respects
it is very similar to the Marsh Fern. But two
points will aid in its determination. The pinne
are usually dvoadest in the mzddlc, and the veins
are s7mple.

The fronds grow singly or sometimes in
clusters, and are from one to nearly three feet
high.

This fern prefers cool, woodland swamps. It
is rare in northern New England, and not com-
mon in the southern part.

The sterile fronds appear first, much shorter,
but similar in form to the fertile ones which
come up late in the season.

The fruit-dots are distinct, larger than in the
 

‘
ey
VOCS 24 -
Bs » .
E * wil
eo i
rae
a
ye
a * b
Sige. fi
Seo :
<S cen

DODGE'S FERN. az. Tip of frond, showing a few fruit dots
SPINULOSE WOOD FERN. 4. Small frond
: tas y Ye

ASPIDIUM SPINULOSUM var. intermedium
FERN FAMILY 19

preceding two species, and near the margin,
which is sometimes reflexed when the fern grows
inthe sun. The fruit is brown when mature,
late in August or in September. The indusium
is kidney-shaped, finely glandular, withering,
and persistent.

SPINULOSE WOOD FERN.
Aspidium spinulosum (Dryopteris spinulosa).

Frond twice pinnate, the pinnze oblique to
the rachis, the lower pairs broadly triangular.
The pinnules are set obliquely to the midrib,
and connected by a very narrow wing. They
are oblong, acute, incised or deeply cut into
spiny-toothed lobes. The stipe is rather long
and somewhat chaffy.

This fern prefers moist, rich woods, and is
found only occasionally. It grows from one to
two and one half feet high. The fronds have a
somewhat stiff appearance, perhaps owing to
their erect manner of growth.

The fruit-dots are small and midway between
the midvein and margin. They mature in July.

The indusium is smooth, round-kidney-
shaped, and fixed by its sinus.

Var. intermedium (Var. intermedia).

Frond from two to three pinnate, the pin-
nz oblong-lanceolate, obtuse, spreading; pin-
20 FERNS AND THEIR ALLIES

nules crowded, pinnately parted, spiny-toothed
at the apex. The lowest pinnae are unequally
triangular-ovate in form, the pinnules being
considerably longer on the lower side than
those on the upper side. The stipe is slightly
chaffy.

The fronds are from one to two and one half
feet long, and are evergreen, lying flat during
the winter.

This is a beautiful, feathery fern, abounding
in woods throughout our range, being much
more common than the type form.

The fruit-dots are round and small; they
mature in July. The indusium is glandular.

Var. dilatatum (War. dilatata).

This is a form found principally in mountain
woods. The frond is tripinnate, the lowest pair
of pinnz triangular in form, the pinnules on
the lower side being conspicuously elongated. It
can be distinguished from var: zxtermedium by
its broadly ovate outline.

The indusium is smooth and naked.

PURDIE’S CONCORD NEPHRODIUM.

Aspidium spinulosum Concordianum (Dryopteris
spinulosa Concordiana).

This is a fern discovered in a rich woodland
swamp in Concord, Massachusetts, in 1902, by
 

FERTILE PINN OF ASPIDIUMS

a. Marsh Fern. 6. New York Fern. c. Goldie’s Fern. d@. Crested Shield
Fern
 

BOOTT’S SHIELD FERN, Tip of frond
FERN FAMILY 23

H. A. Purdie, and described by G. E. Daven-
port in “ Rhodora,” February, 1904.

It is much more finely divided than var. zzter-
medium, with the general outline of var. dz/a-
tatum. The fronds are tripinnate throughout,
the pinnz somewhat triangular, with long,
tapering tips.

The frond gradually narrows to a point from
below the middle. The pinnules on the lower
side of the basal pinnze are longer than those on
the upper, being sometimes two inches in length.

The ultimate segments are narrow, often
stalked, and deeply cut into oblique divisions.
The stipe is channeled in front and is very
scaly, especially at the base. The main rachis
and also the secondary rachides or midribs of
the pinne are chaffy and scaly throughout.

The fern grows to the height of nearly three
feet. The fruit-dots do not appear on the apex
of the frond.

The indusia are minutely glandular.

BOOTT’S SHIELD FERN.
Aspidium Boottii (Dryopteris Boottii).
Frond nearly twice pinnate, the lowest pin-
nz triangular-ovate, the upper, longer and nar-
rower; pinnules broadly-oblong, obtuse, the
lower pinnatifid, the upper spiny-toothed. The
stipe is chaffy, especially at the base.
24 FERNS AND THEIR ALLIES

This fern was formerly considered a variety
of the Spinulose Wood Fern, and somewhat re-
sembles var. zz¢termedium, but it can be deter-
mined by the form of the frond, which xarrows
somewhat at the dase, also by the pinnules,
which are less deeply cut.

It is noticeable for the erect growth of the
fronds, which are from one to two and one half
feet high.

It is found in wet thickets and about ponds
frequently.

The sterile fronds are usually smaller than
the fertile ones, and are evergreen.

The fruit-dots are large ; they mature in July.
The indusium is minutely glandular, round-
kidney-shaped, and fixed by its sinus.

MARGINAL SHIELD FERN.
Aspidium marginale (Dryopteris marginalis).

Frond twice pinnate, the pinnz lanceolate,
broadest a little above the base. The pinnules
are oblong-scythe-shaped, obtuse or pointed,
entire, crenately toothed, or occasionally deeply
cut, the upper ones becoming confluent at the
tip. The stipe and rachis are channeled, and,
in large fronds, the midribs of the pinne. The
stipe is very chaffy.

This is a well-preserved evergreen fern, and
is sometimes called the Evergreen Wood Fern.
 

a. MARGINAL SHIELD FERN
& FORMA DAVENPORTII. Tip of frond
   

by

  

CRESTED SHIELD FERN
FERN FAMILY 27)

The fronds lie on the ground during the winter.
It grows everywhere, especially in hilly and
rocky places, varying greatly in height from
a few inches to two feet, according to its loca-
tion.

There is a great contrast in the color of the
young and old fronds, the young ones being a
light, delicate green, the mature ones rather
dark blue-green, smooth, and somewhat leathery
in texture, with conspicuous veining.

The fruit-dots are large, round, and close to
the margin, whence the common name of the
fern. They mature in August. The indusium
is smooth, fixed by its sinus, and persistent.

We illustrate forma Davenportit which is
crested and variable.

CRESTED SHIELD FERN.
Aspidium cristatum (Dryopteris cristata).

Frond lance-shaped or linear-oblong in out-
line, narrowing slightly at the base. It is nearly
twice pinnate, the pinnz deeply cut into obtuse,
oblong, finely serrate, or toothed divisions. The
lower pairs of the pinnz are broadest at the
base and somewhat triangular in form.- Some-
times a few of the lowest lobes near the rachis
extend nearly to the secondary rachis or mid-
vein.

The veins make a deep impression on the
28 FERNS AND THEIR ALLIES

upper surfaces of the pinnze, which are quite
heavy in texture. The stipe is chaffy.

Its habitat is swamps, where it is found
rather common, growing from one to two feet
high.

The sterile fronds lie close to the ground and
are broader and shorter than the fertile ones.
They also have shorter stipes and are evergreen.

The fruit-dots are large, half-way between
the midrib and margin; they mature in July.
The thin indusia are smooth, naked, and round-
kidney-shaped, the sinus shallow.

CLINTON’S WOOD FERN.

Aspidium cristatum Clintonianum (Dryopleris cris-
tata Clintoniana).

This is a larger fern than the typical form,
being from two to three feet high. Frond nearly
twice pinnate; pinnz deeply pinnatifid, the
divisions linear-oblong, obtuse, obscurely ser-
rate, or the lowest ones sometimes pinnately
lobed. The stipe is chaffy, with bright brown
scales.

It is usually found with the type in swampy
woods, but is not termed common. It is a
showy fern, and is often mistaken for Goldie’s
Fern, but may be distinguished by the pinnae
being broadest at the base, also by the color,
which is fighter green.
 

CRESTED MARGINAL FERN. Tip of frond. a. Fertile pinna
FERN FAMILY 31

The fruit-dots are round, large, and near the
midrib; they mature in July. The indusium
is thin, smooth, and fixed by a shallow sinus.

CRESTED MARGINAL FERN.

Aspidium cristatum x marginale (Dryopteris cristata
x marginalts).

Frond pinnate, the pinnz variable ; the lower
one-third having the appearance of A. cristatum,
with stalked, triangular-ovate, od¢wse pinnee, cut
into a few very obtuse, serrate divisions, which
next to the rachis nearly reach the midrib, and
are pinnatifid with toothed lobes; the upper
two-thirds resembling A. marginale, with pin-
nz. short-stalked, long, pointed, cut into oblong,
obtuse, slightly curved, entire or finely serrate
divisions, those near the rachis cut almost to
the midrib and again pinnatifid with toothed
lobes. The veining is quite conspicuously de-
pressed. The stipe is long, channeled, and both
that and the rachis are usually scaly or chaffy.

The fronds are somewhat leathery in texture,
They are from one foot to two and one half feet
high, and from four to eight or nine inches
broad in the middle, tapering both ways, al-
though not narrowing fully down at the base.
The sterile fronds are smaller than the fertile.

This fern is found in the borders of swamps.
It seems to occur rarely in northern New Eng-
32 FERNS AND THEIR ALLIES

land, possibly because it is not recognized, and
it is not acommon species in the southern part,
being found only occasionally.

The Crested Marginal Fern is a hybrid be-
tween A. marginale and A. cristatum, bearing
strong resemblance to the latter. It can be
distinguished by its fronds growing zz crowns,
the very broad upper two-thirds of the fronds,
and by the fapering pinne.

From the Marginal Shield Fern it can read-
ily be determined by the short, obtuse, triangular
pinne of the lower one-third of the frond.

The fruit-dots are rather large, nearer the
margin than the midvein. The indusia are
smooth, and convex before mature, in August.

FRAGRANT SHIELD FERN.
Aspidium fragrans (Dryopteris fragrans).

Frond nearly twice pinnate, the pinnz deeply
parted into crowded, oblong, obtuse, toothed or
nearly entire lobes or segments. The stipe and
rachis are chaffy.

The fronds are lanceolate in form, slightly
narrowed at the base. They grow in a crown, and
are small, being from four to twelve inches
high. They are fragrant, whence the name.

This fern grows in the mountains of north-
ern New England, on dry rocks and cliffs near
falling water.
 

GOLDIE’S FERN. Tip of frond
FERN FAMILY 35

The fruit-dots are round and large, nearly
covering the under surfaces of the pinnz at
maturity in July. The thin indusia are imbri-
cated and persistent, with margin ragged and
slightly glandular, the sinus narrow.

GOLDIE’S FERN.
Aspidium Goldianum (Dryopteris Goldieana).

Frond broadly ovate, pinnate, the pinnz from
six to nine inches long, pinnately parted into
about twenty pairs of slightly scythe-shaped seg-
ments, which are serrate with appressed teeth.

The pinne are broadest in the middle, one
distinguishing difference between this and Clin-
ton’s Wood Fern. The fronds are also very
broad, and rather suddenly narrowed at the tip,
another distinction from Clinton’s Wood Fern.

They grow in a circle from the rootstock and
are dark blue-green in color. The stipe is long,
chaffy at the base.

This is the tallest of our wood ferns, -— from
two to four feet high, — and on account of the
demand by florists it is fast becoming rare here
in New England. It never has been common,
not having been found in many localities favor-
able to its growth.

Its preferred habitat is rich, moist woods.
Gray calls it a ‘‘stately fern,” and it certainly is
well termed. The fertile frond is narrower than
36 FERNS AND THEIR ALLIES

the sterile, with round fruit-dots near the midvein
which mature in July. The indusium is large,
smooth, and persistent, fixed by a narrow sinus,
the sides of which often overlap, thus causing
the indusium to appear round and entire.

PITTSFORD SHIELD FERN.
Aspidium Pittsfordense (Dryopteris Pittsfordensis).

This fern is a new species discovered by Mar-
garet Slosson in Pittsford, Vermont, in 1895, and
described by her in “ Rhodora” of April, 1904.

It was found growing by the. roadside near
Aspidium marginale and a form of Aspidium
spinulosum and is thought to be a hybrid be-
tween them.

The frond is bipinnate or sometimes tri-
pinnate below. Pinnz mostly ovate with long
tapering tips ; the lowest pair much the broadest
and triangular in form. The pinnules are set
obliquely to the midrib, connected by a narrow
wing, and on the lower side of the secondary
rachis or midrib are much longer than those on
the upper side. They are oblong, deeply cut
into lobes which are irregularly spiny-toothed.
The veins are forked.

The stipe is scaly, densely so at the base, be-
coming chaffy along the main rachis and some-
what so on the midribs of the pinnze. Both stipe
and rachis are grooved.
4 4K
ay BES Ké
Re

           
 
a

 

CHRISTMAS FERN

. Small frond. 4. Tip of fertile frond. c. Portion showing pinnz of var.
incisum
FERN FAMILY 39

The fern grows from one and one half to two
or more feet in height. It is somewhat leathery
in texture.

It resembles the Spinulose Wood Fern, but is
darker, or d/ue-green in color, and the outline of
both fronds and pinnz is more pointed.

The fruit-dots are near the margin, kidney-
shaped, and covered with leathery indusia.

CHRISTMAS FERN.
Aspidium acrostichoides (Polystichum acrostichoides).

Frond pinnate, the pinnae somewhat scythe-
shaped, half-halberd-shaped at the base, serru-
late with appressed teeth. It is from six inches
to two feet high, thick, evergreen, and shining.
The stipes are chaffy. The mature fronds are
rather dark green in color and somewhat leathery
in texture, with pinnz from one to two inches
long, short-stalked, and usually alternate.

This is a common fern, especially northward,
growing in woods, on hillsides, and in ravines.
It is much used for decorations at Christmas
time, whence its common name.

The fertile fronds are taller than the sterile,
the fruiting pinne, which are at the top and in-
clude about one third of the frond, being con-
tracted and smaller than the others.

The fruit-dots are round, generally in two
rows near the midrib, and become confluent.
4o FERNS AND THEIR ALLIES

They mature in July and August. The indusia
are circular and entire, fixed by the depressed
centre, and persistent.

Var. incisum (Schweinitziz).

This fern is so much like the typical form,
growing also in similar situations, that to the
untrained eye it would scarcely be distinguished
unless closely examined. It is found only occa-
sionally, and can always be readily determined
by the deeply incised pinne.

Its manner of fruiting is also somewhat dif-
ferent from the type. Instead of the fruit be-
ing wholly confined to the pinnz at the upper
portion of the frond, a few fruit-dots may be
found on the tips of the lower pinnz, becom-
ing less as the base is neared. They mature at
the same time as in the type, —in July and
August.

Another variety of the Christmas Fern, cvis-
pum, in which the pinnz are ruffled, is also
occasionally found.

BRAUN’S HOLLY FERN.

Aspidium aculeatum Braunii (Polystichum Braunit).

Frond twice pinnate, with many pairs of ob-
long-lanceolate pinnz ; pinnules oblong, obtuse,
short-stalked, sharply toothed, one-sided, and
nearly rectangular at the base. The pinnz are
 

BRAUN’S HOLLY FERN. Tip of frond
 

VIRGINIA CHAIN FERN. Tip of frond
FERN FAMILY 43

covered with long and soft hairs, and are chaffy
on the under side; the stipe and rachis also are
very chaffy.

The frond is oblong-lanceolate in form, taper-
ing both ways from the middle, the lower pinnze
being gradually reduced in size.

This fern was first discovered on Mt. Mans-
field, Vermont, by Pursh in 1807. It is consid-
ered by some to be a distinct species.

It may be termed rare, as it is seldom if ever
found below 2000 feet altitude, growing in
deep, moist woods in northern New England.
The fronds are from one to two and one half
feet long, and grow in crowns.

The fruit-dots are round and near the mid-
vein ; they mature in August. The indusium is
circular and entire, fixed by the depressed centre.

WOODWARDIA. Chain Fern.

This genus was named for Thomas J. Wood-
ward, an English botanist.

The chain-like rows of the fruit dots give rise
to the English title.

VIRGINIA CHAIN FERN.
Woodwardia Virginica.

Frond pinnate, the pinnze deeply cut into ob-
long, obscurely serrulate segments. The veins
44 FERNS AND THEIR ALLIES

form a row of meshes along the midribs both of
the pinnz and segments, the outer ones being
free.

This is a large, broad fern, from two to
three feet high, bearing some resemblance to
the Osmundas, especially to the Cinnamon
Fern. But in the Virginia Chain Fern the
fronds grow szzgly, — not in crowns, —from a
creeping root-stock six or eight feet in length.
The pinne are also farther apart than in the
Osmundas, and zarrowed a bit next to the
rachis.

It is sometimes called the Bog Fern. Its
habitat is low places and swamps, often in
water, usually near the coast, but occasion-
ally it is found along the border of inland
ponds.

The fertile and sterile fronds are very similar
in form and rather heavy in texture, pale green
and somewhat glossy, with smooth, long, dark
stipes.

The fruit-dots are oblong, arranged in a
chain-like row along the midribs both of
the pinnz and lobes. They become confluent
and very heavy when mature in July and Au-
gust.

The indusium is somewhat leathery, fixed by
its outer margin to a veinlet, and opening on
the side next to the midrib.
 

NET-VEINED CHAIN FERN
 

ertile tip of frond

VEINED CHAI
FERN FAMILY 47

NET-VEINED CHAIN FERN.

Woodwardia angustifolia (W. areolata).

The sterile fronds of this fern, which are the
first to appear, are pinnatifid, with lanceolate
divisions united by a broad wing, which becomes
narrower at the base of the frond. The veining
is a beautiful system of net-work.

It grows in tufts from a creeping rootstock,
and is found in swamps and wet woods usu-
ally near the coast. It is a rare fern north of
Massachusetts.

The sterile fronds are one foot or more high,
and at first glance resemble the sterile fronds
of the Sensitive Fern. While both alike are
pinnatifid, the divisions in this are mznztely
toothed, and it cannot be confused with the Sensi-
tive Fern if this difference is noted. Especially
will any doubt be dispelled when the fertile
fronds are seen. These appear in June, later
than the sterile fronds, and are quite unlike
them. They are several inches taller, with long,
heavy stipes, both the stipe and rachis black
and shining. The fronds are nearly pinnate,
with widely separate, narrowly linear divisions,
just wide enough to bear a single row of long,
chain-like fruit-dots each side of the secondary
midribs. These mature in August and Sep-
tember.
45 FERNS AND THEIR ALLIES

The indusia are the same as in the preceding
species.

OSMUNDA. Flowering Fern.

The name is from Osmunder, a Saxon name
for the divinity Thor.

The Osmundas are a group of ferns all of
which are of large proportions. They produce
but one crop of ferns each year unless dis-
turbed, fruit very early, and are all among our
most common species. They are frequently mis-
called “brakes.”

None of the species of this genus have any
indusia.

ROYAL FERN.
Osmunda regalis,

Frond twice pinnate ; pinnz distant, opposite,
each with several pairs of alternate pinnules,
with an odd one at the end. These pinnules are
an inch or more in length, entire, varying in
form from oblong-oval to lance-oblong, finely
toothed, and sessile or nearly so. The stipe
and rachis are smooth and shining.

The fronds grow in crowns, in swamps, wet
woods and fields, and sometimes form hedges
on the borders of ponds and lakes. They are
pale green, very smooth and delicate, and from
two to five feet high.
 

a. ROYAL FERN. 42, Portion showing pinne
 

CINNAMON FERN. a. Tip of sterile frond. 6. ‘Tip of fertile frond
FERN FAMILY 51

This species is scarcely fern-like in appear-
ance. The fresh fronds are especially beautiful
in the spring when they have a pinkish tint.

The fertile fronds grow in the middle of the
crown of sterile ones, and are similar in form
excepting at their summit, where the fruit
forms ina flower-like panicle. It is from this
resemblance to a flower that it sometimes re-
ceives the name of Flowering Fern. The fer-
tile portion is at first a yellowish green, becom-
ing a rich brown after maturity in June and
July. Unlike the other species of this genus,
the fertile portion persists many weeks.

This is the only fern of this genus that is
found in Europe.

CINNAMON FERN.
Osmunda cinnamomea.

Sterile fronds pinnate, the pinnz deeply cut
into broadly oblong, obtuse, entire lobes. A
bit of cinnamon-colored wool is often found
at the base of each pinna. This and the ab-
sence of the deeply channeled stipe of the
Ostrich Fern are sufficient to distinguish it,
when not in fruit, from the latter, which it re-
sembles.

A glance at the tips of all of the large ferns
which bear resemblance to each other is often
of service in determining the species, as the
52 FERNS AND THEIR ALLIES

difference in form is frequently more marked at
the tips than elsewhere. Compare the illustra-
tions.

The Cinnamon Fern grows in swamps or wet
places, in large bunches, and is very common.
The sterile fronds appear a trifle later than the
fertile ones, and grow taller, sometimes from
three to five feet high. They are clothed with
rusty wool when young. Occasional forms oc-
cur with the type.

The fertile fronds are few, from one to two
feet high, erect, and in the centre of the crown
at maturity. They are twice pinnate, contracted,
and covered with sporangia which are at first a
bright green, but later become cinnamon-colored
and soon wither, leaving the sterile fronds to
mature later. The fertile fronds usually mature
in May or early in June.

The pinnz of the sterile fronds of the Cin-
namon Fern wither with the early frosts and fall
from the rachides, leaving the crown of naked
stems to stand somewhat erect during the
winter, unless lodged by the weight of snow.

INTERRUPTED FERN.
Osmunda Claytoniana.

Sterile fronds pinnate ; pinnz deeply pinnati-
fid, with broad, oblong, obtuse, and entire lobes,
which are more blunt than those of the Cinna-
 

INTERRUPTED FERN. Portion of fertile frond
 

INTERRUPTED FERN. Tip of frond
 

INTERRUPTED FERN
 

OSTRICH FERN. Tip of frond
FERN FAMILY 57

mon Fern to which it bears some resemblance.
It is sometimes called Clayton’s Fern. When
young the fronds are covered with woolly hairs,
but they soon become smooth,

This is a common species, growing in crowns
in low ground, often by the roadside, and pre-
ferring stony soil.

It fruits as the fronds unfold. The fertile
fronds are the taller, — from two to four feet
high, appearing in the middle of the crown at
maturity, and surrounded by the shorter and
gracefully drooping sterile fronds.

The fertile fronds are similar in form to the
sterile ones above and below the centre, where
they are interrupted by from two to five pairs
of contracted fertile pinnz which are entirely
pinnate. These are at first greenish but soon
become dark brown, withering and falling off
by midsummer. The fruit matures rapidly in
May.

The pinnze of both sterile and fertile fronds
wither with the early frosts and fall from the
rachides as in the Cinnamon Fern.

ONOCLEA.

The name is from the Greek ovos, a vessel,
and £/ezo, to close, alluding to the berry-like
fertile frond.
58 FERNS AND THEIR ALLIES

OSTRICH FERN.
Onoclea Struthiopteris.

By some this fern is restored to its original
place under Struthiopteris Germanica. The
sterile fronds, which are the first to appear, are
pinnate, the pinnz linear-lanceolate, deeply cut
into narrow, acute, slightly scythe-shaped lobes,
with free veining. The middle pinnz are often
eight inches long, the lowest ones mere lobes.
The basal segments of the pinna — those next
to the rachis — are elongated and meet the ones
on the opposite side of the rachis, thus clasping
it ina peculiar manner. The stipe and rachis
are somewhat angular and very heavy. The
fronds grow in a crown, the rootstock being
raised several inches above the surface of the
ground.

This, and some of the Osmundas, are the
tallest of our New England ferns, sometimes
reaching the height of five feet or more, al-
though commonly not more than three feet
high.

The Ostrich Fern is found in low, moist
ground, frequently along streams. It is not a
common species anywhere in New England,
especially in the southern part.

Those who are puzzled by any resemblance
to the Cinnamon Fern can identify it easily, in
OSTRICH FERN. a. Tip of fertile frond
SENSITIVE FERN. 4. Fertile frond

 
FERN FAMILY 61

the absence of fertile fronds, by the form of its
sterile frond which ¢apers both ways from the
middle ; by the smooth, Aeavy stipe and rachis,
deeply channeled in front; the channeled mid-
veins of the pinnz; and by the suddenly con-
tracted tip of the frond. Its manner of growth
is also different from that of the Cinnamon
Fern. In the early season it is quite erect,
while the fronds of the Cinnamon Fern are
more spreading and gracefully drooping.

Underground stolons spread from the root-
stock, which in due time bear fronds. One root-
stock of the Ostrich Fern coming under the
author's observation, during twenty years, in-
creased in this manner to fifty plants.

The fertile fronds are few, erect, closely
grouped, very rigid and heavy, and appear in the
middle of the crown of sterile fronds in July.
They are from one foot to one and one half feet
high, light green at first, but become very dark
green or brownish in color. These fronds are
pinnate, the necklace-shaped, contracted pinnz
at first concealing the spore-cases. The fruit
matures in August, but the spores do not escape
until the following spring. The indusium is
very delicate and hood-like.

The fertile fronds remain erect during the
winter, in spite of any weight of snow, and often
may be found the second summer quite regular
62 FERNS AND THEIR ALLIES

in form. The sterile fronds wither with the
autumn frosts.

SENSITIVE FERN.
Onoclea sensibilis.

The sterile fronds are pinnatifid, often
broadly triangular, with few, oblong-lanceolate
divisions, — the lower ones nearly reaching the
midrib, the upper ones less deeply cut, and all
more or less wavy-toothed. The veins form a
series of meshes.

This is one of our most common species,
growing in moist places in fields, by the road-
side, and along streams, — in fact everywhere in
low, moist land. It is too coarse to be called
beautiful, and yet when found along streams by
our roadsides, it adds variety to the scene, and
has a charm all its own, with its peculiar form
and delicate color.

When found in exposed places it is usually
only a few inches high, but in somewhat shady
locations it often grows very rank, sometimes
nearly two feet in height. The stipe is long.

The fronds are scattering, pale green, smooth,
delicate in texture although somewhat thick,
and sensitive to early frosts. Possibly its com-
mon name originated from this latter charac-
teristic. It certainly is well named, for it is
FERN FAMILY 63

really sensz¢ive, withering very quickly when
picked.

In some sections of New England this fern is
wrongly called the ‘“Polypod,” or “Polypod
brake,” although it bears no resemblance to
that species. There is quite a similarity in form
to the Net-veined Chain Fern, but the divisions
in the sterile frond of the Sensitive Fern are
not minutely toothed as in the Net-veined Chain
Fern, hence can be identified readily before the
fertile fronds appear. These are usually few,
and do not appear until June.

They are twice pinnate and much contracted.
The pinnules are so rolled as to become berry-
shaped and inclose the fruit, which matures in
July and August. The indusium is hood-shaped
and very delicate.

The fertile fronds bear some resemblance to
the fruit of the Grape Ferns — Botrychinum —
but are heavier. They remain erect during the
winter and frequently persist a year or two.

Forma obtustlobata is an intermediate form
between the fertile and non-fertile fronds. It
is found occasionally with the type.

DICKSONIA.

This genus was named for James Dickson, an
English botanist, 1738-1822.
64 FERNS AND THEIR ALLIES

4

HAIRY DICKSONIA.
Dicksonia pilosiuscula (D. punctilobula).

Frond bipinnate ; pinnze lanceolate, tapering
to a fine point. The pinnules are cut into ob-
long and obtuse, cut-toothed lobes. The stipe
is channeled and of a chestnut color, and both
stipe and rachis are hairy.

This is one of our most beautiful species, and
because of its finely cut foliage it may be thought
by the novice to resemble the Spinulose Wood
Fern, var. zztermedium. It can be distinguished
by its long tapering form, — the pinnz, which
are from three to four or five inches long at the
base, gradually decreasing in length to the tip;
by its thin, delicate texture ; the pale yellowish-
green color of its fronds, and their dowzy-hatr
mess.

When found in its favorite haunt, — light,
stony soil on somewhat shaded hillsides, — its
fronds grow in graceful, slightly drooping curves,
and it would scarcely be recognized as the
same species when growing in less favored
situations, with fronds stiffer and more erect,
and bearing a sort of starved aspect in gen- °
eral.

It is a common fern, especially in southern
New England, growing from one to two and
one half feet high, often in large beds.
4 ¢

Q“

 

a. HAIRY DICKSONIA. 4@. Fertile pinna. c. SENSITIVE FERN
FERN FAMILY 67

The fronds are sweet-scented when crushed
or while drying, and often emit a delicious fra-
grance in the field. They are sensitive to early
frosts, and frequently bleach nearly white in
autumn.

Other names for it seem to abound. It is
known as the Boulder Fern, Fine-haired Moun-
tain Fern, Hay-scented Fern, and Sweet-grass
Fern.

The fertile and sterile fronds are similar in
form. The fruit-dots are small, each on a re-
curved toothlet, usually one at the upper mar-
gin of each lobe. They mature in July. The
indusium is cup-shaped and open at the top.

Var. cristata.

This is a local form discovered in Massa-
chusetts. It grows with the type, and is notice-
able for the forking of the apex of the frond
which is sometimes crested. The same pecu-
larity frequently occurs in the pinne.

CYSTOPTERIS. Bladder Fern.

The name is from the Greek £ustzs, a blad-
der, and féeris, a fern, alluding to the inflated
indusia. This group was formerly classed in
the genus ASPIDIUM.
68 FERNS AND THEIR ALLIES

BULBLET BLADDER FERN.
Cystopteris bulbifera.

Frond twice pinnate, the pinnz lanceolate-
oblong and at right angles to the rachis. The
pinnules are somewhat crowded, oblong, obtuse,
toothed or pinnatifid. Small bulblets are of-
ten borne underneath the pinnz and rachis,
which, when coming in contact with the soil,
produce new plants. It is from this charac-
teristic that the fern receives its common
name.

The frond is widest at the base, the basal or
lowest pinnae being from one to four or five
inches long, and gradually shortening to the tip
of the fern.

This is a very narrow, vine-like (though
not twining), graceful species, found in wet,
shaded ravines, but more commonly choosing
calcareous cliffs near falling water. While not
rare it may be so termed in some localities. It
grows from one to three feet long, the stipe
short and smooth.

The sterile fronds are shorter and broader
than the fertile ones, but otherwise similar.

The fruit-dots are round, and mature in July.
The indusium is hood-like, attached by a broad
base on the inner side, opening early at the
other side, and is somewhat ragged.
 

FRAGILE BLADDER FERN. a. Fertile frond
BULBLET BLADDER FERN. 2. Tip of fertile frond
 

FRAGILE BLADDER FERN. Rare forms
FERN FAMILY 71

FRAGILE BLADDER FERN.
Cystopteris fragilis.

Frond bi-tripinnate, the pinnz and pinnules
irregularly cut-toothed or pinnatifid and usually
decurrent along the winged rachis. The pinnz
are rather remote and the pinnules vary con-
siderably in their form and cutting.

This fern grows from six to twelve or fifteen
inches high, and is found on moist, shaded cliffs
and in rocky woods, common.

It strongly resembles Blunt-lobed Woodsia
but may be distinguished by the less triangular
form of its prune, by the long, bare stipes, and
a certain gracefulness of growth peculiar to it-
self. The stipes of young fronds are somewhat
hairy-chaffy.

Other names for it are the Brittle Bladder
Fern and Common Bladder Fern.

Its fronds are among the earliest to appear in
the spring. By the middle of summer they fre-
quently wither and disappear, and fresh fronds
often spring up in August.

Nearly all of the fronds are fertile. The fruit-
dots are numerous, round and large, near the
margin of the pinnules, and sometimes, becom-
ing quite heavy, give the fronds a somewhat
coarse appearance which is wholly lacking be-
fore the fruit matures.
72 FERNS AND THEIR ALLIES

It is when thus heavily weighted with fruit
that we find the most close resemblance to
Woodsia obtusa.

The indusia are pointed at the free end, and in
this as well as in the preceding species, wither
so early that the fruit-dots appear naked at
maturity in June and July.

PTERIS. Brake.

The name is from the Greek Pferzs, a fern,
from pteron, a wing, referring to the pinnate or
feather-like fronds.

COMMON BRAKE.
Preris aquilina.

Frond ternate, at the summit of an erect,
* brownish stipe from one to four or five feet
high. It is triangular in form, and from one to
three feet wide, consisting of three primary,
stalked divisions, which are also triangular and
twice pinnate. The upper pinnules are un-
divided ; the lower ones are variable, being more
or less cut into oblong, obtuse lobes.

The Common Brake being ternate and so
large cannot be confused with any other spe-
cies. It is very common in woods, pastures,
and waste ground.

The name “brake” is apt to be applied in
 

PURPLE CLIFF BRAKE. a. Fertile frond
COMMON BRAKE. 4. Fertile pinnule
FERN FAMILY 75

general to all of our larger species; hence this
fern being large receives its true name, while
the others suffer. It is also sometimes known
as the Eagle Fern.

The fronds grow singly from a creeping root-
stock which is often twenty feet or more in
length. They are leathery in texture, very dull
green and of coarse appearance when mature
and growing in exposed situations ; they would
scarcely be recognized as the same species, ex-
cepting by the form, when found in the shade,
where the color is fresh and the texture more
delicate. New fronds are produced all summer.

The fruit is borne in a continuous line along
the margins of the pinnules which are reflexed
to form an indusium. It matures in August.

PELLAA. Cliff Brake.

The name is from the Greek fel/os, dusky,
referring tothe stipe. This group was formerly
classed with the genus PTERIs.

PURPLE CLIFF BRAKE.
Lellea atropurpurea.

The fronds are quite irregular in form, some-
times simply pinnate, or twice pinnate below,
the upper pinnze long, narrow, and entire, the
lower often consisting of from one to three
76 FERNS AND THEIR ALLIES

pairs of pinnules with a large terminal one.
The pinnules are occasionally eared. There are
chaffy hairs on the midribs and on the wiry,
dark purple stipe and rachis.

The fronds are clustered, leathery in texture,
of a grayish or blue-green color, and they may
remain evergreen in southern New England.
They are from six inches to one and one half
feet long, growing preferably on limestone cliffs
and around inaccessible places in general.

This fern can be termed rare, at least in
northern New England. It is sometimes called
the Winter Brake.

The fertile fronds are narrower and _ taller
than the sterile ones, also fewer in number.
The fruit is borne in an apparently continuous
row near the margins of- the pinnules, which
are incurved or reflexed to form a general indu-
sium. The fruit is bright brown when mature
in July and August.

SLENDER CLIFF BRAKE.
Pellea gracilis (P. Stelleri).

Frond smooth and pinnate, but with few pin-
nz; the lower ones short-stalked and cut into
from three to five broad, blunt, crenate or incised
pinnules. The stipe is straw-colored or brown-
ish, polished, and slightly chaffy at the base.

This is a very delicate, slender, and rare little
 

SLENDER CLIFF BRAKE. a. Sterile frond. 4. Fertile fronds
 

CLIMBING FERN, showing fertile and sterile pinnules
FERN FAMILY 79

fern from three to six inches high, and is found
at its best on shaded, moist, calcareous rocks
and cliffs.

The fertile fronds are more plentiful than the
sterile ones, and much more slender. They are
twice pinnate, with narrow divisions. The fruit
is at first dot-like on the margin of the pinnules,
becoming confluent laterally, forming a margi-
nal line with the edge of the pinnules reflexed
to form an indusium. It matures in July and
August.

LYGODIUM. Climbing Fern.

The name is from the Greek /wgodcs, flexible,
referring to the climbing stems.

CLIMBING FERN.
Lygodium palmatum.

This species is well named as the fronds are
slender and twining, from one to three feet long,
bearing petioled and round-heart-shaped, pal-
mately lobed pinnules in alternate pairs. The
stipe and rachis are slender, smooth, and wiry.
The texture is thinly herbaceous, and the fern
with its curious leaflets and twining nature
bears little resemblance to the family. It is
the only fern with climbing stem found in the
United States.
80 FERNS AND THEIR ALLIES

Its habitat is low, moist thickets and open
woods, only in southern New England. The
Climbing Fern has been so much sought for
decorative purposes that the species has become
extinct or nearly so in many sections where it
was formerly found. We understand that a law
for its protection was passed years ago in Con-
necticut. It is sometimes known as the “ Hart-
ford” Fern.

The fertile pinnules form a terminal panicle,
suddenly contracted, and several times forked.
These pinnules have much the same form as
the larger, sterile ones. The fruit-dots are soli-
tary or in pairs, covered by large, imbricated,
scale-like indusia which are fixed by a broad
base to short oblique veinlets, and open verti-
cally. The fruit matures in September.

The sterile portion is evergreen.

ADIANTUM. Maidenhair.

The name is from the Greek a, without, and
diainein, to wet, referring to the smooth foliage
which sheds water so readily.

MAIDENHAIR.
Adiantum pedatum.

Frond forked at the summit of the slender,
upright, dark purplish, shining stipe, which is
 

MAIDENHAIR
 

Dat Ts %
Sad «din:

MAIDENHAIR
FERN FAMILY 83

from eight to fourteen inches in height. Each
recurved branch bears on the upper side at
regular intervals, from six to ten slender, pin-
nate, upright divisions, giving the frond a wide
crescent or somewhat circular form. The cen-
tral pinnz are from five to nine inches long,
the outer ones gradually decreasing in size.
The pinnules are short-stalked, alternate, and
one-sided ; that is, the veins all proceed from
the extreme lower edge of each pinnule, the
upper edge being slightly cleft. The stipes
when quite young are hairy, but soon become
smooth.

This is a species of peculiar form and beauty,
and one of the few ferns which is familiarly
recognized by its proper name. It is much used
for decorative purposes, and the time may not
be far distant when it will become rare in many
sections.

Maidenhair grows in rich, rocky woods, and
although somewhat retiring in habit, is found

_abundantly in not a few localities. It produces
fronds all summer, most of which are fertile.

The fruit-dots are oblong, and found on the
under side of the summit of the lobes; —the
margin of which is reflexed to form an indusium.
They mature in July and August.

This and the Bulblet Bladder Fern were the
first of our ferns to be taken to England.
84 FERNS AND THEIR ALLIES

WOODSIA.

This genus was named for Joseph Woods, an
English botanist.

RUSTY WOODSIA.

Woodsia Ilvensts.

Frond pinnate, the pinnz rather crowded,
and cut into oblong, obtuse, obscurely toothed
segments. It grows from three to six inches
high, with a jointed stipe at the base, an inch
or more from the root. It is at this joint that
the frond separates when it withers.

The fern is somewhat heavy in texture,
smoothish and green above, — woolly or chaffy
beneath, the hairs gray at first, but becoming
rusty brown in color, whence its common name.
Another name it bears is Hairy Woodsia.

The stipe and rachis are channeled. The
former is rich brown in color, often shading
into the rachis. Both are hairy-chaffy.

Rusty Woodsia is not considered by some a
common species, and our experience harmonizes
with this view. Perhaps it can be termed fre-
quent.

It grows in tufts, in exposed situations, on
rocks preferably, or in dry woods, in places too
dry for almost any other species to exist. When
found in moist places, as it occasionally may be,
 

NORTHERN WOODSIA. a. Small fronds
SMOOTH WOODSIA. 4. Small fronds
RUSTY WOODSIA. c. Fertile frond. d@. Sterile frond
FERN FAMILY 87

the fronds seem fresher and more delicate, and
the pinne are more fully developed, scarcely
appearing like the same species.

The fruit-dots are large, near the margin, and
mature in June, often becoming confluent. The
indusium is minute, and fastened underneath
the fruit-dot. Its margin is divided into hair-
like segments, which are inflexed over the fruit.
[t is inconspicuous and withers early.

SMOOTH WOODSIA.
Woodsia glabella.

Frond from two to five inches high, pinnate,
the pinnz roundish-ovate, with few, slightly
toothed lobes, — often not more than three.
The stipe is jointed near the base.

This is a very delicate, rare little fern grow-
ing in tufts on moist, mossy rocks in the moun-
tains of northern New England. It closely
resembles another one of the same genus, IV.
hyperborea. But in this, the stipe is dark only
at the ertreme base, where it also may be
slightly chaffy; the rachis is green, and the
frond is s#zooth and delicate in texture.

The fruit-dots are large and few, near the
margin of the lobes; they mature in July. The
indusium is minute and membranous, with seg-
ments inflexed over the fruit-dots.
88 FERNS AND THEIR ALLIES

NORTHERN WOODSIA.
Woodsia hyperborea (W. alpina).

Frond from two to six inches high, pinnate ;
pinne triangular-ovate, obtuse, the lower ones
deeply cut into few, broad, and nearly entire
lobes. In this, as in the preceding two species,
the stipe is jointed.

This is another small and rare species of this
genus, growing in tufts on moist cliffs and rocks
in the mountains of Vermont and Maine. Other
names for it are Alpine Woodsia and Flower-
cup Fern.

It bears such a striking resemblance to
Smooth Woodsia that it may be very diffi-
cult for the novice to distinguish between
them.

In Northern Woodsia, perhaps the most no-
ticeable point of difference is the color of the
stipe and rachis, which commences with a rich,
dark brown at the base of the stipe, gradually
shading toa light color at the upper end of the
rachis. Both the stipe and rachis are slightly
chaffy-hairy. The under surface of the frond is
also slightly hairy.

The fruit-dots are large and somewhat scat-
tered; they mature in July. The indusium is
the same as in W. /lvenszs.
 

a. BLUNT-LOBED WOODSIA. 4. Fertile pinna
c. EBONY SPLEENWORT. Tip of frond.
d. Var. Hortone
FERN FAMILY gI

BLUNT-LOBED WOODSIA.
Woodsta obtusa.

Frond nearly twice pinnate, the pinnee rather
remote when mature, and cut into oblong, ob-
tuse, crenately-toothed segments. The seg-
ments of the lower pinnz near the rachis are
pinnatifid with toothed lobes. The fronds are
broadly lanceolate in form, slightly narrowed at
the base, and minutely hairy, with stipe and
rachis slightly chaffy.

This is the largest fern of this genus, being
from six to twelve inches high. It grows on
shaded, rocky banks and cliffs, and while not
exactly rare here in New England, it is by no
means a common species. Another name for it
is Obtuse Woodsia. It is found at its best in
early summer. When growing in the sun the
fronds thicken and become yellow.

Blunt-lobed Woodsia is sometimes confused
with the Fragile Bladder Fern, but may be de-
termined by the sort stipe, the triangular form
of the pinne, and the d/uz/uess of the pinnz and
their divisions, — also by its minute azriness.

The fertile and sterile fronds are similar in
form, those fertile being in the middle of the
crown or tuft. The fruit-dots are round, large,
on or below the minutely toothed lobes, and
become confluent. They mature in July. The
92 FERNS AND THEIR ALLIES

indusium is conspicuous and at first incloses the
fruit, but finally splits into ragged lobes wider
than in the other species.

ASPLENIUM. Spleenwort.

The name is from the Greek a, without, and
Splen, spleen, referring to the supposed action
on the spleen.

A nomenclature differing from that given at
the head of the text, places the species filzx-
femina and thelypteroides under the genus
ATHYRIUM.

The indusia in this genus are fastened by
one edge to the inner side of the fertile vein
when in a single row, and on both sides when
in double rows.

Several species of this group are small, ever-
green, and choose rocky locations.

EBONY SPLEENWORT.
Asplenium ebeneum (A. platyneuron).

Frond pinnate, the pinnee sessile, finely ser-
rate, usually alternate, oblong, dilated at the
base, auricled on the upper side, and sometimes,
in the fertile frond, on the lower side also.

The pinne of the sterile fronds are crowded,
and often overlap each other, especially in the
middle of the fronds. The stipe and rachis are
a rich brown color, wiry and shining.
FERN FAMILY 93

This is an evergreen fern of narrow form,
being from one to two inches wide, and from
six to eighteen inches high. It grows in rocky,
open woods, and can scarcely be termed com-
mon throughout New England, although it is
abundant in some localities. It prefers lime-
stone soil.

The fertile fronds are much the taller, and
grow quite erect, while the sterile ones lie flat
on the ground.

The fruit-dots are in oblique lines each side
of the midvein, nearer the latter than the
margin, and often become confluent. They ma-
turein July, and remain on the frond during the
winter. The indusium is silvery until maturity,
opening towards the midrib.

Var. cncisum (serratum).

This is a form with deeply incised pinnae, and
is found occasionally growing with the type.

Var. Hortone.

This fern is another more distinct form dis-
covered by Mrs. Horton in Brattleboro, Ver-
mont, in 1900. The pinnz in this are deeply
cut into oblique lobes which are coarsely ser-
rate. The dark, glossy stipe and rachis of this
fern, and its mode of growth, are similar to
those of the type. The fronds are plume-like
94 FERNS AND THEIR ALLIES

in appearance and lighter green than in the
species.

This fern was again found at Pittsford, Ver-
mont, in 1903.

PINNATIFID SPLEENWORT.
Asplenium pinnatifidum.

Frond from two to six inches long, pinnatifid,
or sometimes pinnate below, tapering to a long,
slender point above, the few lobes at the base
roundish-ovate.

It was formerly thought to be a variety of the
Walking Fern, the latter then being given asan
Asplenium.

It grows in tufts on rocks and cliffs, and the
fronds are evergreen. The stipe is dark and
polished, the rachis green.

Pinnatifid Spleenwort has only recently been
accorded a place among New England ferns
through its discovery in Connecticut.

The fruit-dots are large, irregular, often
double, and sometimes curved ; they mature in
July. The indusium is straight or curved.

MAIDENHAIR SPLEENWORT.
Asplenium Trichomanes.

Frond pinnate, with from fifteen to thirty
pairs of unequal-sided, sometimes finely crenate
FERN FAMILY 95

pinnz, which are nearly opposite, and attached
to the rachis by a small point. The pinnz be-
come nearly equal-sided and roundish as the
base of the frond is reached.

The fronds are often one half inch or more
wide and from three to eight inches long. They
grow in tufts on moist, shady rocks, preferring
limestone. But the fern may be found in dry
situations. It will establish itself in clefts and
niches of slate cliffs, where there is hardly an
apparent foothold for it to grow. The fronds
remain green through the winter, until the new
growth in the spring, when the pinnz fall from
the rachides. The stipe and rachis are thread-
like, dark purple-brown, and polished.

Another name by which this fern is known
is Dwarf Spleenwort. We do not find it to bea
common species, although it cannot be termed
rare.

The fruit-dots are large, linear-oblong at first,
but become nearly round, with from three to
six on each side of the midrib. They mature in
July, and remain on the frond during the winter.
The indusium is delicate.

GREEN SPLEENWORT.
Asplenium viride.

Frond from two to ten inches long, pale
green, pinnate. The pinnz are roundish-ovate,
96 FERNS AND THEIR ALLIES

short-stalked and crenately toothed, from ten
to twenty each side of the rachis.

This fern was discovered by Pringle on Mt.
Mansfield, Vermont, and so far as we can learn,
it is still confined to the mountains of Ver-
mont.

Green Spleenwort usually is found in almost
inaccessible places on shaded cliffs. The fronds
grow in tufts and are evergreen.

It resembles Maidenhair Spleenwort, but
one point alone serves for identification. In
this the vachis is green, passing into a brown-
ish stipe at the base, while in Maidenhair
Spleenwort the stipe and rachis are dark and
glossy.

The fruit-dots are large and oblong; they
mature in July. The indusium is curved or
straight.

MOUNTAIN SPLEENW ORT.
Asplenium montanum.

Frond from two to five or six inches long,
broad at the base, pinnate. The lower pin-
nz are cleft into several cut-toothed lobes,
the upper gradually becoming simpler. The
stipe is brown at the base, flat and green
above.

The fronds are somewhat leathery in texture,
bluish-green in color, and evergreen.
 

a. GREEN SPLEENWORT. 6. WALL RUE SPLEENWORT
c. MAIDENHAIR SPLEENWORT
d. MOUNTAIN SPLEENWORT
e. PINNATIFID SPLEENWORT. Small fronds
FERN FAMILY 99

Mountain Spleenwort is a real cliff fern, pre-
ferring moist, shaded crevices and niches on
rocks in perilous situations. It is found only
rarely in southern New England.

Most of the fronds are fertile. The fruit-dots
are linear, short, and few, and at length become
confluent, concealing the thin and narrow in-
dusia at maturity in July.

WALL RUE SPLEENW ORT.
Asplenium Ruta-muraria.

Frond twice or thrice pinnate at the base,
simply pinnate above, the pinna long-stalked,
alternate; the divisions few, small, distant,
stalked, wedged-shaped at the base, obtuse and
sharply toothed at the apex.

The fronds are triangular-ovate in form, some-
what leathery in texture, and are evergreen.
The veins are forking.

This fern bears some resemblance to Moun-
tain Spleenwort, but may be distinguished by
its triangular form, and by the peculiar wedge-
shaped form of its stalked divisions.

Wall Rue Spleenwort is found in dry, rocky
situations, preferring limestone cliffs. It grows
in clusters, with long, flat, and smooth stipes, —
the entire length of the fern being from two to
six inches. It is not exactly rare, but occurs
only occasionally.
100 FERNS AND THEIR ALLIES

The fruit-dots are few, large, and soon be-
come confluent, nearly covering the entire pin-
nule when mature in July. The indusium is
membranous and delicate.

SCOTT'S SPLEENWORT.
Asplenium ebenoites.

Frond pinnatifid, or often pinnate below, the
divisions lanceolate from a broad base, very
irregular both in form and length, the lower
ones usually a trifle shorter.

The fronds are from four to nine inches long
and are broadly lanceolate in outline, tapering
to a long, slender point.

The stipes are dark and glossy, sometimes
slightly shading into the rachis, especially on
the under side.

Scott’s Spleenwort is now known to be a
hybrid between Ebony Spleenwort, A. ebeneum
and the Walking Fern, Camptosorus rhizophy!-
/us. It bears no marked resemblance to either
fern, so it is not difficult to determine.

It is usually found growing with these two
ferns, on cliffs, preferring limestone. It is ex-
ceedingly rare here in New England.

The fruit-dots are arranged in oblique lines,
slightly curved, several on each lobe. The
indusium is narrow, and reflexed when mature
in August.
 

 

NARROW-LEAVED SPLEENWORT

a. Portion showing pinne of sterile frond. 4. Tip of fertile frond

 
 

SILVERY SPLEENWORT. Fertile pinna
FERN FAMILY 103

NARROW-LEAVED SPLEENWORT.
Asplenium angustifolium.

Frond simply pinnate ; pinnee from three to
four inches long, stalked, alternate, entire or
minutely toothed, tapering to a point.

This fern is found in rich, moist woods only
occasionally. It is sometimes known as Swamp
Spleenwort. The fronds are unusually delicate,
pale green and smooth, growing from one to two
feet high, in tufts.

The fertile fronds are few, in the middle
of the cluster, taller and with longer stipes
than the sterile, and with narrower, shorter
pinnee.

The fruit-dots are linear, in rows of from
twenty to forty, diverging from the midvein,
and parallel with the veins. They at leneth be-
come confluent and conceal the slightly convex
indusia ; time of maturity, September.

SILVERY SPLEENWORT.
Asplenium thelupteroides (A. acrostichoides).

Frond pinnate; pinnz from three to five
inches long, deeply cut into blunt, obscurely
toothed segments. The stipe is slightly chaffy.
The fronds are grouped together, although not
growing exactly in crowns. They are very thin
and delicate in texture for such large ferns. We
104 FERNS AND THEIR ALLIES

discovered the surface to be velvety-hairy long
before finding an author who mentioned it as a
distinguishing characteristic.

The fronds taper both ways from the middle,
—the only fern of this group with such form,
although some varieties of the Lady Fern are a
little narrower at the base than in the middle of
the frond.

This fern grows from one and one half to
three feet high, and is found in rich, moist
woods, or along the shady banks of streams. It
is wanting in many localities, and yet, strictly
speaking, it is not rare.

Silvery Spleenwort might often be mistaken
for the New York Fern, so close is the resem-
blance in form. Usually it is larger than the
latter, and the segments or lobes are wider. If
examined closely for the fixe hairs and the mz-
nutely toothed lobes it can readily be identified.
Certainly no confusion can arise when it is
found in fruit. This is beautifully arranged in
long, opposite rows, from three to six in num-
ber, each side of the midvein, slightly curved
outward, and set obliquely to it.

The fern receives its common name from the
shining, silvery indusia which cover the fruit-
dots. These are sometimes double and persist
for along time. The fruit can be found in good
condition from July to September.
 

a. Fertile pinna

LADY FERN.
FERN FAMILY 107

LADY FERN.
Asplenium filix-famina,

Frond twice pinnate, broadly lanceolate ;
pinnz lanceolate, from two to six inches long ;
pinnules oblong, more or less incised or serrate,
and united to the secondary rachis by a narrow
wing.

It grows in moist woods or by the roadside,
—in fact it is found almost everywhere. Many
native varieties of this fern occur, and a large
number have been generated by sowing varie-
ties of spores together.

The fronds are from one to three feet long,
with brownish stipes. They are quite delicate
in the early part of the season, but when heavily
loaded with fruit become coarse in appearance.

The fertile and sterile fronds are similar in
outline. The fruit-dots are short and variously
curved, becoming at length confluent and giving
the frond a dark hue. They mature in July and
August. The indusium is delicate, straight, or
sometimes curved in horse-shoe form.
OPHIOGLOSSACE/

ADDER’S-TONGUE FAMILY
ADDER’S-TONGUE FAMILY

BOTRYCHIUM. Grape Fern. Moonwort.

Tue name is derived from the Greek, dotrus,
a bunch of grapes, alluding to the clustered
sporangia.

The Grape Ferns usually produce but ove
frond each season. They were formerly classed
in the Fern Family, but are now separated on
account of the different nature of the fruit.

MOONWORT.
Botrychium Lunaria.

The sterile portion is nearly sessile, borne
near the middle of the common stalk, which is
from two to twelve inches high. It is one or
two inches long, narrow in form, very fleshy,
and pinnately parted into from two to eight
pairs of fan-shaped, very obtuse, crenate, incised,
or sometimes nearly entire lobes. These are dis-
tant, or may overlap each other. The veins are
much forked.

Moonwort grows mostly in dry fields and
pastures and is very rare.

The fertile portion is from two to three pin-
nate, and is mature in June or July.
112 FERNS AND THEIR ALLIES

TERNATE GRAPE FERN.

Botrychium ternatum.

There is no species over which there has
arisen so much discussion as this. Whether it
shall be considered as including a large number
of varieties, or whether it has an unvarying stand-
ard, and some of the so-called varteties are dis-
tinct spectes, is an open question.

The plants are from four to fifteen inches
high and more or less fleshy.

The sterile portion is long-stalked from near
the base of the short common stem. It is broadly
triangular, ternate, and variously decompound,
with stalked divisions. The ultimate segments
vary much in form.

The fertile portion is long-stalked, and from
two to three pinnate, with double rows of naked
sporangia.

Adhering to Gray, we give the following
varieties, which frequently pass into each other.

COMMON GRAPE FERN.
Botrychium ternatum obliquum (B. obliguum).

Plant from four to twelve inches high but
more commonly small. The sterile portion is
long-stalked from near the base of the com-
mon stem, fleshy, slightly hairy, broadly trian-
gular in form, and ternate; the three primary
 

a. COMMON GRAPE FERN with fertile portion
6. DISSECTED GRAPE FERN with fertile portion
 

BOTRYCHIUM TERNATUM sub-var. intermedium with fertile

portion
ADDER’S-TONGUE FAMILY 115

divisions stalked and pinnately decompound, —
the ultimate segments obliquely lanceolate and
minutely toothed.

It grows in shady pastures and open woods,
and is rather common, although it and other
small forms of this genus have a way of eluding
one’s search for them.

The Common Grape Fern can be found read-
ily after a very light snow has fallen in the fall,
as the bronzed fronds, which remain evergreen,
stand erect against the light background. Our
first knowledge of its being evergreen was when
a frond was thus discovered at Christmas time.

The sterile portion does not usually appear
until July. When young this is folded in a pecu-
liar manner, but it spreads more with age, some-
times not until after fruiting.

The fertile portion is taller and still later than
the sterile, stands erect, and is often thrice pin-
nate, with double rows of distinct, naked spo-
rangia. We have seen plants bearing three
separate stalks, with compound fruit clusters
on each, but such form is not common. It
matures in September and October.

DISSECTED GRAPE FERN.
Botrychium ternatum dissectum (B. dissectum).

Plant somewhat fleshy and from three to six
inches high. The sterile portion is triangular
116 FERNS AND THEIR ALLIES

in form and ternate, the three primary divisions
stalked and pinnately decompound, being cut
into many narrow lobes.

It is frequently found growing with the
Common Grape Fern in shady places, al-
though preferring more open situations, and
it is more common near the coast. The sterile
frond appears in July and is said to be ever-
green.

Both sterile and fertile portions are long-
stalked, the fertile the longer. At the summit
of the taller stalk is a branching fruit-cluster
similar to that of the Common Grape Fern, but
less compound. It matures in September and
October.

Botrychium ternatum, sub-var. intermedium (Bo-
trychium obliquum intermedium).

The sterile portion is very broadly trian-
gular and similar to var. od/iguum, but often
larger and more fleshy. The ultimate seg-
ments are. divided somewhat more, are shorter
and less pointed, with minutely toothed mar-
gins,

It is found frequently, growing in old pastures
and thickets.

The fertile portion is also similar to that of
obliquum, being quite compound.
 

BOTRYCHIUM TERNATUM RUTAFOLIUM. a. Fertile portion.
6. Sterile portion
c. LITTLE GRAPE FERN with fertile portion
d. MATRICARY GRAPE FERN with fertile portion
ADDER’S-TONGUE FAMILY 119

Botrychium ternatum rutefolium (Botrychium matri-
cari@).

The sterilé portion is small, but bears much re-
semblance to var. ob/iqguum. The ultimate seg-
ments are few, ovate and somewhat heart-shaped.

This is rarely found ; it grows in old fields.

The fertile portion is similar to that of the
preceding varieties.

LITTLE GRAPE FERN.
Botrychium simplex.

Plant from two to five inches high, the ster-
ile portion short-stalked from near the middle
of the common stem. The sterile portion is
simple, or pinnately parted into three or more
roundish lobes. It is fleshy in texture, and rather
thick. This is a rare little fern, growing in
moist, hilly pastures and open woods.

The fertile portion is taller than the sterile,
and is once or twice pinnate, with double rows
of sessile, distinct, naked sporangia which ma-
ture in May or June.

MATRICARY GRAPE FERN.
Botrychium matricariefolium.

This fern is also termed B. neglectum.
The sterile portion is sessile or nearly so,
placed above the middle of the common stalk.
120 FERNS AND THEIR ALLIES

It is from one to two inches in length, usually
fleshy, ovate or somewhat triangular in form,
deeply cut into obtuse divisions which vary much
in form ; sometimes rounded and entire, incised,
or deeply cut into narrow, toothed segments.

The entire plant is from three to ten or
twelve inches high. It grows in rich, moist,
grassy woods, and swamps, and is found only
occasionally. It is sometimes known as Meriden
Moonwort.

The fertile portion is two or three pinnate,
often much branched, bearing rows of sessile,
distinct sporangia which mature in June and
July.

B. tenebrosum is a very small form which is
rather rare, or possibly overlooked, being only
from one to two inches high. It is found in
moist, mossy places.

The fertile portion is simpler than that of the

type.
LANCE-LEAVED GRAPE FERN.
Botrychium lanceolatum.

The sterile portion is sessile near the sum-
mit of the common stalk, which is from three
to nine inches high. It is in three primary
divisions, or broadly triangular in form. The
divisions are deeply cut into acute, lanceolate,
oblique lobes, which are incised or toothed.
 

a. RATTLESNAKE FERN, with fertile portion
4. ADDER’S-TONGUE, with fertile portion
ADDER’S-TONGUE FAMILY 123

This fern grows in moist hollows in meadows
or woods, and sometimes in swamps.

It is rare in northern New England and oc-
curs only occasionally in the southern part.

The fertile portion is short-stalked, from two
to three pinnate, and matures in June or July.

RATTLESNAKE FERN.
Botrychium Virginianum.

This fern is the largest and most common one
of this genus. The-sterile portion is broadly
triangular and ternate, the three primary divi-
sions short-stalked, once or twice pinnate, then
pinnatifid ; the pinnules narrow, oblong and cut-
toothed toward the apex.

It is pale green and thinly herbaceous, wilting
very quickly when picked. Another name for
it is Virginia Grape Fern.

It grows in rich woods, preferring shade. The
stem or scape is from eight inches to one and
one half feet high, bearing the sessile, sterile
portion about half-way up, with the smaller com-
pound fruit-cluster at the summit. The fruit
matures rapidly, in June or July, more often in
June. It withers by midsummer.

Forma gracilis is a reduced form of the Rat-
tlesnake Fern, considered by some to be an
immature state of that fern.
124 FERNS AND THEIR ALLIES

OPHIOGLOSSUM. Adder’s-Tongue.

The name is from the Greek, op/zs, a serpent,
and glossa, tongue.

ADDER’'S-TONGUE.
Ophioglossum vulgatum.

This is the only fern of this genus found in
New England. It occasionally bears two fronds
the same season. The scape is from two to
twelve inches high. The sterile portion is entire,
rather fleshy, ovate in form, and from one to
three inches long, near the middle of the stem.
The veins form a fine net-work.

It grows in bogs and pastures and sometimes
in moist fields. There seems to be no favorite
haunt for the plant clearly settled in the minds
of our best botanists. One says dry places, an-
other wet. We incline to the latter view, or at
least think it prefers moist land. It is found
only occasionally.

The fertile portion, which is at the summit of
the scape, consists of two rows of straw-colored,
united sporangia on the edges of the simple
spike. This is from one half to one inch or more
in length; the fruit becomes mature in June
and July.
LYCOPODIACE

CLUB-MOSS FAMILY
 

FESTOON GROUND PINE with fertile portion
CLUB-MOSS FAMILY

LYCOPODIUM. Club-Moss.

THE name is from the Greek, /ucos, wolf, and
pous, foot.

All the plants of this genus are evergreen.
Several of the trailing species are extensively
used for holiday decorations. The yellow pow-
der — minute spores— from the fertile spikes
of some species is inflammable. It is sometimes
called vegetable brimstone, and is used in the
manufacture of fireworks. It is also valuable in
medicine.

STIFF CLUB-MOSS.
Lycopodium annotinum.

Stems prostrate and creeping, with many up-
right branches from five to eight inches high,
forked in pairs.

The leaves are equal, spreading, in five ranks,
minutely serrulate, pointed and rigid.

It grows in cold woods, and is common in
northern New England, but is found only oc-
casionally in the southern portion. It is some-
times known as Interrupted Club-Moss.

The fertile branches are terminated by a
128 FERNS AND THEIR ALLIES

single, sessile, scaly spike about an inch in
length, which matures in July.

FESTOON GROUND PINE.

Lycopodium complanatum.

Stem trailing, sometimes underground.
Branches erect and fan-like, being numerously
forked above. The branchlets are crowded and
flattened. The leaves are small, four-ranked,
imbricated-appressed, — the side rows with tips
somewhat spreading, the intermediate rows
wholly appressed and smaller.

It grows in woods and thickets and is found
common.

The fertile peduncle is slender, bearing from
two to four cylindrical, scaly spikes not more
than an inch in length. These mature in July.

TREE CLUB-MOSS.

Lycopodium obscurum dendroideum.

Stems erect, from six to nine inches high,
scattered, and from a rootstock creeping under-
ground. Branches many, spreading, and fan-
like. Leaves linear-lanceolate, from four to six
ranked, acute and entire.

This plant grows in moist woods and is com-
mon. It is distinguished by its tree-like form,
whence its name. Another title it sometimes
bears is Ground Pine.
 

a. TREE CLUB-MOSS with fertile portion
6. STIFF CLUB-MOSS
ene

            

<r

es

  

es
ae

    

; iH . i a RS te
Segiangear wit

       

\

a. SWAMP EVERGREEN

6. FIR CLUB-MOSS
CLUB-MOSS FAMILY 131

The fertile spikes are sessile, scaly, one inch
long, solitary, and several on each plant. They
mature in July.

SWAMP EVERGREEN.
Lycopodium lucidulum.

Stems ascending, from five to ten inches long,
and two or three times forked, usually below the
middle.

The leaves are minutely toothed, pointed,
spreading or often deflexed, and in eight rows.
They are arranged in alternate series of longer
and shorter lengths, and are somewhat larger
than is common to this genus.

It is sometimes called Shining Club-Moss, pre-
sumably because of its glossy, dark green leaves.
Swamp Evergreen grows in cold, damp woods,
and although it can be found usually in its favor-
ite haunt, it is not so common as some others
of this group.

The spore-cases are borne in the axils of the
leaves near the summit of the stem. They can
be found in good condition from August until
October, and frequently persist a year or two.

FIR CLUB-MOSS.
Lycopodium Selago.

Stems erect, forked by pairs, forming a level-
topped cluster from three to six inches high.
132 FERNS AND THEIR ALLIES

The leaves are about eight-ranked, rigid, dark
green, glossy, entire or sometimes slightly
toothed, ascending, pointed and somewhat
crowded.

Fir Club-Moss is usually found only in high
altitudes, and can be termed rare.

It somewhat resembles Swamp Evergreen ;
but in Fir Club-Moss, the forking of the stems
near the top, and the /evel-topped clusters, to-
gether with its smaller size, may aid in deter-
mining the species. Its leaves also are more
nearly uniform in size.

The leaves of this and ZL. luczdulum often
bear gemmz, or buds, by which the plants are
propagated.

The spore-cases are borne in the axils of the
ordinary leaves; they mature from August to
October.

COMMON CLUB-MOSS.

Lycopodium clavatum.

' Stems creeping on the surface of the ground ;
branches similar, ascending, short, and crowded
with linear-awl-shaped, incurved or spreading
light green leaves, which are tipped with a fine
bristle.

This species grows in dry, shaded pastures
and woods, and is very common. It is some-
times called Running Pine.
 

COMMON CLUB-MOSS with fertile portion
CLUB-MOSS FAMILY 135

The fertile branches are terminated by a
slender, minutely leafy peduncle from four to
six inches long, bearing two or three linear
parallel, erect, cylindrical, scaly spikes. These
mature in July.
EQUISETACEA#

HORSETAIL FAMILY
 

a. Sterile stem. & Fertile stem

WOOD HORSETAIL.

c. SCOURING-RUSH. Tip of fertile stem
HORSETAIL FAMILY

EQUISETUM. Horsetail.

THE name is from the Latin, egzzs, horse,
and sefa, bristle.

These are Rush-like plants with grooved
stems, usually hollow, jointed, and bearing, in-
stead of leaves at the joints, a sheath, which is
divided into teeth corresponding to the number
of ridges in the stem.

The spore-cases. adhere to the under side of
the shield-shaped scales of the spike.

WOOD HORSETAIL.
Lequisetum sylvaticum.

The sterile stems are usually twelve-furrowed,
with compound, rough, deflexed branches.

The fertile stems appear first, with four or
five whorls of short branches at the base of the
sheaths, which are loose, about one or two
inches apart and cleft into several reddish teeth.
The spike at the summit is oval-cylindric in
form and one inch long. It withers soon after
maturity in May, leaving the stems to produce
whorls of herbaceous branches similar to the
sterile. The sterile stems are taller and more
140 FERNS AND THEIR ALLIES

slender than the fertile stems, with the whorls
more numerous.

It grows in moist, shady places, and is com-
mon in northern New England.

SCOURING-RUSH.

Lequisetum hyemale.

Stems all simple, hollow, grooved, and from
one to three feet high. Sheaths short, the teeth
blackish and soon disappearing.

This species is common in northern New
England, growing in wet places and. along the
banks of streams. It was formerly used for
polishing wood and metal, its roughness being
due to the silex in its composition. The stems
are evergreen.

The fertile spike at the summit is ovoid and
matures in June and July.

FIELD HORSETAIL.

Lequisetum arvense.

The fertile stems appear first. They are from
four to ten inches high, a light, delicate brown
in color, soft, with large, distant, coarsely
toothed, inflated sheaths; they terminate in a
spike one inch long. These stems soon wither
and are followed by the taller, herbaceous, green,
sterile stems which produce whorls of upright
branches. These are sometimes simple, but
  
     

Hi

EE, - Dies, eT es
LER
/ ra

=

FIELD HORSETAIL. a. Sterile stem. 4. Fertile stem

c. Middle of stem. d. Tip of fertile stem

PIPES.
 
HORSETAIL FAMILY 143

often produce at each joint a whorl of ascend-
ing, four-angled branches, few in number.

Field Horsetail is found along railways, also
in moist, gravelly or sandy soil, and is fre-
quently a companion of the Sensitive Fern,
wrongly called the “Polypod.” Various other
names for it are in use, such as Meadow Pine,
Foxtail, Jointed Rush, and Colt’s Tail. It is
poisonous to horses, producing a fatal malady if
its use is long continued.

The fruit matures in April and May.

PIPES.
Lequisetum limosum (E. fluviatile).

The stems are all similar, slightly furrowed,
and usually produce after fruiting from two to
six whorls of slender, ascending branches near
the middle. These are very irregular in length.
The sheaths are close and finely toothed.

The plant grows from two to three feet high,
in shallow water, and is sometimes called Swamp
Horsetail.

The fertile spikes are small, oblong-ovoid ;
they mature in July.

SEDGE-LIKE HORSETAIL.
Lequisetum scirpoides.

The stems are numerous, all being simple,
slender, flexuous, thread-like and curving. They
144 FERNS AND THEIR ALLIES

have no central air-cavity, are mostly six-grooved,
and from three to six inches high, growing in
tufts.

This species does not fruit freely, but can be
identified readily by the sheaths, which are only
three in number, short, somewhat loose and
persistent.

It is not acommon plant, being found in rich,
moist woods only occasionally in northern New
England, and rarely in the southern part. The
stems are evergreen, dark blue-green in color.

The fertile spikes are small and ovoid in form;
they mature in April and May, earlier than is
commonly supposed.
KEY TO THE
GENERA OF FERNS
KEY TO THE GENERA OF FERNS

1. FERTILE AND STERILE FRONDS SIMILAR. SPORANGIA ON
THE UNDER SIDE OF THE FRONDS, VARIOUSLY CLUS-

TERED IN DOTS, LINES, OR ALONG THE MARGIN.

  

With indusium.

t Sporangia szarg7na/, or near the margin. Indusium
formed of the reflexed margin of the lobes or pinnules,
and opening inwardly.

Fruit-dots oblong, at the end of the veins, on the lobes
formed by the cleft wpfer margin of the pinnule. Fronds
wide crescent-shaped, delicate. Stipe and rachis dark, wiry
and shining. Adiantum, p. 80.

Sporangia in a continuous, slender line on the margin.
Fronds large, triangular in outline, ternate. Stipe brownish,
heavy. PUKE, Do $2.

Fruit-dots on the upper side of the veins, distinct at first,
but becoming confluent form an apparently continuous #a7-
ginal line. Fertile fronds with narrower divisions than the
sterile. Stipe and rachis in one species dark and glossy.
Fronds smooth, rock-loving. Pell@a, p. 75.

tt Fruit-dots od/ong or “ineav. Indusium attached by
one side, in single or double rows. When the rows are
double the indusia open face to face.

Fruit-dots on one side or rarely on both sides of od/igue
veinlets. Fronds variously divided. Several species are
small, evergreen, and rock-loving. Asplenium, p. 92.
1448 KEY TO THE GENERA OF FERNS

Fruit-dots irregularly scattered on the netted veins; those
nearest the midrib s7gZe, the outer ones often 77 patrs which
are sometimes jozzed at the exds, thus forming crooked lines.
Fronds entire, tapering to a long, slender point.

Camptosorus, p. 4.

ttt Fruit-dots vound or roundish, borne on the back
or rarely at the end of the veins. Indusium of various
forms.

Indusium c7rcular or round-kidney-shaped, and fixed either
centrally or by the sinus, opening all around the margin.
Fronds variously divided, and in several species evergreen.

Aspidium, p. 11.

Indusium inflated or hood-shaped, delicate, and attached
by a broad base partly under the fruit-dot on the inner side.
It is early reflexed and withered. Fronds in one species very
long and narrow, producing bulblets on the under side of
rachis. Cystopteris, p. 67.

Indusium star-shaped, fixed under the fruit-dots and either
open, or early cleft into ragged lobes or slender inflexed fila-
ments. It is inconspicuous in most species. Fronds small,
rock-loving. ‘ Woodsia, p. 84.

Indusium czp-shap~ed, membranous, open at the top, and
attached by its outer edge to a reflexed toothlet which forms
one side of it. Fronds large, delicate, tapering and finely
divided. Dicksonia, p. 63.

Without indusium.

¢ Fruit-dots round.

Fruit-dots /arge, in a row each side of the midvein, mid-
way between it and the margin. Fronds small, evergreen.
Polypodium, p. 3.
KEY TO THE GENERA OF FERNS 149

Fruit-dots smad/, near the margin. Fronds delicate, trian-
gular in outline; in one species, ternate.
LPhegopteris, p. 7.

2. FERTILE FRONDS DIFFERING IN FORM FROM THE STER-
ILE, OR SOMETIMES ONLY PARTLY FERTILE.

With indusium.

Fruit-dots oblong or linear, in chain-like double rows far-
allel with the midribs. Indusium fixed by its outer margin
and opening on the inner side. Vezzs more or less netted.
In ove species the fertile frond is unlike the sterile.

Woodwardia, p. 43.

Sporangia ovate, in double rows on panicled, contracted
pinnules at the samt of the frond. Indusia thin, imbri-
cated, scale-like, and fixed to short, oblique veinlets. Sterile
pinnules evergreen, palmate, in alternate pairs on a twining,
wire-like stem. Lygodium, p. 79.

Without indusium.

Sporangia panicled. The fertile fronds vary in the differ-
ent species. In one, the ex¢ire frond is fertile: in others, the
middle portion of the frond, or the ¢// is fertile. The fertile
pinne or fronds are very much contracted, bearing the green
sporangia on the margins of the minute divisions. Fronds
large and clustered. Osmunda, p. 48.

3: ENTIRE FRONDS FERTILE AND WHOLLY UNLIKE THE
STERILE ONES.

With indusium.

Sporangia inclosed in berry-like divisions of the fertile
fronds which are twice pinnate, much contracted, and very
different from the sterile ones. Indusium very delicate and
obscure. Sterile fronds sometimes very large.

Onoclea, p. 57.
150 KEY TO THE GENERA OF FERNS

Without indusium.

Sporangia dst/nct, borne in pinnate or compound spikes
or panicles. Sterile portion so/ztary, variously divided, often
ternate and fleshy. Veins free.

Botrychium, p. v1.

Sporangia leathery, z7fed in two rows on the edges of a
simple spike. Sterile portion so/ztary, entire ; veins netted.
Ophioglossum, Pp. 124.
GLOSSARY
GLOSSARY

Apex (Plural, Apices). The tip or pointed end of a leaf or
frond.

Appressed. Pressed flat or closely against.

Auricle. An ear-shaped lobe at the base.

Axil. The angle between a leaf or branch and the stem.

Bi-. A Latin prefix, two or twice. Thus a leaf is bipinnate
when the leaflets of a pinnate frond are again pinnate.

Bulblet. A small bulb borne on the stem and capable of
developing a new plant.

Compound. Composed of several similar parts united into
one whole.

Confluent. Running into one another.

Crenate. The margin notched with rounded teeth.

Decompound. More than once compound.

Decurrent. The basal lobe of a leaf growing to the stem
below the point of insertion.

Deflexed. Bent abruptly downward.

Halberd-shaped. The same as Hastate.

Hastate. Hollowed out at the base and sides like an arrow-
head, with lobes spreading.

Imbricate. Placed one over another; overlapping.

Incised. The margin cut sharply, irregularly, and more or
less deeply.

Indusium (Plural, Indusia). The covering of the fruit-dot in
ferns.

Lanceolate. Lance-shaped, broadest near the base and taper-
ing to a point.

Midrib. The main rib or vein of a segment, pinnule, pinna,
or frond.

Midvein. The same as Midrib.
154 GLOSSARY

Oblong. From two to four times as long as it is broad, and
with sides nearly parallel.

Obtuse. Blunt or rounded at the end.

Ovate. Egg-shaped.

Palmate. Having lobes radiating like the fingers of the hand.

Panicle. An irregularly branching cluster of stems bearing
fruit.

Peduncle. That part of the stem on which the fruit is sup-
ported.

Persistent. Remaining for a long time.

Petiole. The footstalk of a leaf.

Pinna (Plural, Pinnz). One of the divisions extending to the
midvein of a pinnate frond.

Pinnate. Having the frond cut into lobes extending fully to
the midvein or rachis.

Pinnatifid. Having the frond cut into lobes extending half-
way or more to the midvein.

Pinnule. A secondary pinna; in a bipinnate frond, the
smaller divisions extending to the secondary midvein.

Rachis (Plural, Rachides). The stem of a fern beginning with
the leafy portion.

Refiexed. Curved backward and downward.

Revolute. The margins rolled backward or outward.

Scape. A naked stem.

Segment. One of the divisions of a bipinnatifid frond.

Serrate. Having the margin sharply cut into teeth pointing
forward.

Serrulate. Similar to serrate, only with finer teeth.

Sessile. Connected to the stem without footstalk.

Sinus. A cleft or rounded curve between two lobes.

Spike. The tip of a peduncle bearing a close or sessile cluster
of fruit.

Sporangium (Plural, Sporangia). The case inclosing the
spores.

Spore. The fruit of cryptogams, corresponding to a seed.

Stipe. The stem of a fern from the ground up to the leafy
portion.
GLOSSARY 155

Stolon. A runner with a disposition to root.
Ternate, Consisting of three nearly equal divisions.
Tuft. A cluster closely grouped.

Whorl. A circle of leaves round the stem.
Winged. Margined or bordered.
INDEX
INDEX

Names marked with the asterisk (*) are not found at the head of the
descriptive text, but are given in the text itselt.

Adder’s-Tongue, tog ff., 124.
Adiantum pedatum, 8o.
*Alpine Woodsia, 88.

A spidinim acrostichoides, 39.

*var. crispum, 40.
var. 2ucisuit, 40.
aculeatum, var. Braunti, 40.
Boottit, 2
acristtum, 27.
var. Clintonianim, 28.
cristatum X marginale, 31.
SVAZrANS, 32.
Goldianum, ae
marginale, 2
*forima Deneiborts 27%

UCDOY ACENSC, 15.
Pittsfordense, 36.
simulatum, 16.
spinilosum, 19.

var. Concordianum, 20.

var. Alatatum, 20.

var. tutermedinum, 109.
Thelypteris, 12.

A splenium acrostichoides, 103.
angustifolium, 103.
ebeneunt, 92.

var. [ortone, 93.

var. iuCisil, 93.
ebenotdes, 100.
Silixfamina, 107.
montanum, QO.
pinnatifidum, 94.
platyneuron, 92.

¥*var. serratum, 93.
Ruta-muraria, 99-
thely plerotdes, 103.
Trichomanes, 94.
viride, 95-

 

Beech Fern, Broad, 8

Long, 8.

*Bladder Fern, Brittle, 71.
Bulblet, 6:
rommen 73.
Fragile,

Blunt- lobed Woodsia, gt.

 

*Bog Fern, 44.
Boott’s Shield Fern, 23. — -
Botrychinm dissectum, 115+
lanceolatum, 120.
Lunarta, v1.
matricari@, 119.
matricari@foliumt, 11g.
*neglectum, 119.
obliquum, 112.
var. ‘ntermediunt, 116.
simplex, 19.
*tenebyrosum, 120.
ternal, V12.
var. disse. cium, 115.
sub-var. ¢xfermediumy, 116,
var. obliguua, 112.
var. ruta@folium, 119.
Virginianum, 123
*forma gracilis, 123.
*Boulder Fern, 67.
Brake, Common, 72.
Braun’s Holly Fern, 4o.
*Brittle Bladder Fern, 71.
Broad Beech Fern, 8.
Bulblet Bladder Fern, 68.

Camptosorus rhizophyllus, 4.
Chain Fern, Net-veined, 47.
Virginia, 43-
Christmas Fern, 39.
Cinnamon Fern, 51.
*Clayton’s Fern, 57.
Cliff Brake, Purple, 75.
Slender, 76.
Climbing Fern, 79.
Clinton’s Wood Fern, 28.
Club-Moss, Common, 132.
Biron zits
*Interrupted, 127.
*Shining, 131.
Stiff, 127.
Tree, 128.
*Colt’s-Tail. 143.
*Common Bladder Fern, 71.
Common Brake, 72.
Common Club-Moss, 132.
160

Common Grape Fern, 112.

Common Polypody, 3

Crested Marginal Fern, 31.

Crested Shield Fern, 27.

Cystopteris bulbifera, 68.
Sragilis, 71.

Dicksonia, Hairy, 64.
Dicksonia pilosiuscula, 64.
var. cristata, 67.
punctilobula, 64.
Dissected Grape Fern, 115.
Dodge’s Ferm, 16.
Dryopteris Boottii, 23.
cristata, 27.
var. Clintoniana, 28.
cristata X marginalis, 31.
Sragrans, 32.
Goldieana, 35.
marginalts, 24.
Noveboracensts, 15.
Pittsfordensis, 36.
stmutlata, 16.
spinulosa, 19.
var. Concordiana, 20.
var. ailatata, 23.
var. intermedia, 23.
Thelypteris, 12.
*Dwarf Spleenwort, 95.

*Eagle Fern, 75.
Ebony Spleenwort, 92.
Lquisetum arvense, 140+
Stuviatile, 143.
hyemale, 140.
dimosum, 143.
scirpoides, 143.
sylvaticum, 139-
*Evergreen Wood Fern, 24.

Festoon Ground Pine, 128.
Field Horsetail, 140.

*Fine-haired Mountain Fern, 67.

Fir Club-Moss, 131.
*Flower-cup Fern, 88.
*Flowering Fern, 51.
*Foxtail, 143.

Fragile Bladder Fern, 71.
Fragrant Shield Fern, 32.

Goldie’s Fern, 35.

Grape Fern, Common, 112.

Dissected, 115.
Lance-leaved, 120.
Little, 119.
Matricary, 119.
Ternate, 112.
*Virginia, 123.

Green Spleenwort, 9s.

 

INDEX

*Ground Pine, 128.
Festoon, 128.

Hairy Dicksonia, 64.

*Hairy Woodsia, 84.

*Hartford Fern, 80.

*Hay-scented Fern, 67.

Holly Fern, Braun’s, 4o.

Horsetail, Field, 140.
Sedge- -like, 143.
*Swamp, 143.
Wood, 139.

Interrupted Fern, 52.
*Interrupted Club-Moss, 127.

*Jointed Rush, 143.

Lady Fern, 107.

Lance-leaved Grape Fern, 120.

Little Grape Fern, 119.

Long Beech Fern, 8.

Lycopodium annotinum, 127.
clavatum, 132.
complanatum, 128.
lucidulum, 131.
obscurum var. dendrotdeum, 128.
Selago, 131.

Lygodium palmatum, 79.

Maidenhair, 80.

Maidenhair Spleenwort, 94.
Marginal Shield Fern, 24.
Marsh Fern, 12.
Massachusetts Fern, 16.
Matricary Grape Fern, 119.
*Meadow Fern, 12.
*Meadow Pine, 143.
*Meriden Moonwort, 120.
Moonwort, 111.

*Mountain Fern, Fine-haired, 67.
Mountain Spleenwort, 96.

Narrow-leaved Spleenwort, 103.
Nephrodium, Purdie’s Concord, 20.
Net-veined Chain Fern, 47.

New York Fern, 15.

Northern Woodsia, 88.

Oak Fern, 7
*Obtuse Woodsia, 91.
Onoclea sensibilis, 62.
* forma obtusilobata, 63.
Struthiopleris, 58.
Ophioglossum vulgatum, 124.
Osmunda cinnamomea, 51.
Claytoniana, 52.
regalis, 48.
Ostrich Fern, 58.
INDEX

Pellea atropurpurea, 75.
gracilis, 76.

Stellert, 76.

Phegopteris Dryopteris, 7.
hexagonoptera, 8.
phegopteris, 8
dolypodiotdes, 8

*Pine, Ground, 128.
*Running, 132.

pe Spleenwort, 94.

Pipes, 14

Pittsford ‘Shield Fern, 36.

Polypodium vulgare, 3.

Polypody, Common, 3.

Polystichum acrostichoides, 39.
Braunit, 40.

Pteris aquilina, 72.

Purdie’s Concord Nephrodium,

20.
Purple Cliff Brake, 75.

Rattlesnake Fern, 123.
*Rock Fern, 3.

Royal Fern, 48.
*Running Pine, 132.
Rusty Woodsia, 84.

Scott’s Spleenwort, 100.
Scouring-Rush, 140.
Sedge-like Horsetail, 143.
Sensitive Fern, 62.
Shield Fern, Boott’s, 23.
Crested, 27.
Fragrant, 32.
Marginal, 24.
Pittsford, 36.
*Shining Club-Moss, 131.
Silvery Spleenwort, 103.
Slender Cliff Brake, 76.
Smooth Woodsia, 87.
*Snake Fern, 3.
Spinulose Wood Fern, 19.
Spleenwort, Ebony, 92.
*Dwarf, 95.

 

161

Spleenwort, Green, 95.
Maidenhair, 94.
Mountain, 96.
Narrow-leaved, 103.
Pinnatifid, 94.
Scott’s, 100.

Silvery, 103.
*Swamp, 103.
Wall Rue, gg.

Stiff Club-Moss, 127.

*Struthiopteris Germanica, 58.

Swamp Evergreen, 131.

*Swamp Horsetail, 143.

*Swamp Spleenwort, 103.

*Sweet-grass Fern, 67.

Ternate Grape Fern, 112.
Tree Club-Moss, 128.

Virginia Chain Fern, 43.
*Virginia Grape Fern, 123.

Walking Fern, 4.

Wall Rue Spleenwort, gg.

*Winter Brake, 76.

Wood Fern, Clinton’s, 28.
*Evergreen, 24.
Spinulose, 19.

Wood Horsetail, 139.

*Woodsia, Alpine, 88.
Blunt-lobed, 91.
*Hairy, 84.
Northern, 88.
*Obtuse, gt.

Rusty, 84.
Smooth, 87.

Woodsia alpina, 88.
glabella, 87.
hyperborea, 88.
Llvensis, 84.
obtusa, 91

Woodwardia angustifolia, 47.
areolata, 47.
Virginica, 43.
Che Riverside press
Electrotyped and printed by H.O. Houghton & Co.
Cambridge, Mass.,U S A.
 
Bureau Nature Study,

CARNELL UNIVERSITY, Ithaca, N. ¥.

—

FILMED: = *°