Fern — Frond Study (Specimen No. 001)

Collected intact, frond fully extended. Structure follows a central stem with evenly spaced leaflets branching outward in a near-flat plane. Form appears ordered at first, each segment holding its place without overlap.

Drying alters this alignment. Leaflets begin to draw inward along their length, curling at different rates. The frond loses its flatness gradually, taking on a more gathered form. Central stem remains steady while the outer edges shift around it.

Copper adheres first along the stem, then moves outward into the smaller branches. Deposition reinforces the curled state, fixing the variation between leaflets rather than evening it out. Points of connection thicken slightly, while the tips remain fine.

Variation expected in degree of curl and spacing once set. Original structure remains readable beneath the change.

Margin note:
Fresh samples give no indication of the final form. The change only becomes apparent once the process has already begun, and continues until the plating is complete.