To find the name of a fern. Observe if the stem divides into two branches or forks.

	(a)	Feather-like parted (pinnatifid), i. e., divisions not reaching to midrib or stem.
	(b)	Feather-like divided (pinnate), i. e., divisions reaching to midrib or stem.
	(c)	Once divided, and divisions parted.
	(d)	Twice divided (two pinnate).
	(e)	Twice divided, and divisions parted.
	(f)	Three times divided (three pinnate, or ternate).

Compare general shapes, stems, and points with drawings on the black-ground plates; also lower leaflets with detail drawings in regard to veins, sawteeth, points, and fruit dots.

The drawings are all about one-third natural size.