SCHNEIDER, G. (1905) - Choice Ferns For Amateurs (1905)

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We also hold a
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of
GREENHOUSE FERNS,
STOVE FERNS,
AND
HARDY FERNS.
Intending purchasers are invited to pay us a visit, and
select plants themselves. If, however, this is impossible,
customers may, with confidence, leave the selection to us,
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LIMITED,
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“ BACKHOUSE, begin
YORK.”’ No. 67.
CHOICE FERNS FOR AMATEURS.
OK
SL
‘CHOICE FERNS
358 Lt!
FOR AMATEURS:
Their Culture and Management
in the Open and Under Glass.
fbridged from the
‘BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS,”’’

By GEORGE SCHNEIDER,
Membre Correspondant de la Société Nationale a’Horticulture
de France (Paris), Membre Correspondant de la
Société @ Horticulture de St. Germain-
en-Laye (France), &c.
kay
Illustrated with Numerous Wood Engravings

and Half=Tones.
LONDON:
L. UPCOTT GILL, Bazaar Buitpines, DRURY LANE, W.C.
NEW YORK:
CHARLES SCRIBNER’S SONS, 153-157, FIFTH AVENUE.
1905.
LONDON:
L. UPCOTT GILL, LONDON AND COUNTY PRINTING WORKS,
BAZAAR BUILDINGS, W.C.
CONTENTS.
I.—CHOICE FERNS IN GENERAL .. I

Classification I
Geographical Range 2
Giant Ferns 3
Pigmy Ferns 5
Tinted, Variegated, and Crested Femmes q
Gold and Silver Ferns a ie = i 12
Climbing and Trailing Ferns 14
Pendent=Fronded Ferns 17
Filmy Ferns 18
‘*‘Flowering Ferns’”’ .. 3 i e220
Viviparous and Proliferous . i a2 20
Life-History =f ae & .. ai ies 2.)
Propagation ae e 4: ie ‘is Sk eee
Spores .. a oe by ey ay 28
Division _ 2 230
Proliferous and vat ipators Species; Se -oe 130
Latent Buds and Underground Stems __.. Al
Other Methods of Increase .. » Le. Az
Cultural Conditions .. ie x a eas
Making the Hardy Pera eS 4 ees |.
Ferns Under Glass in Pots _ aay 2 50
Planted Out 2 - 22 8 6a
Popular Ways of Growing Ferns a 2215S
Fern Enemies .. 66
Il.—_A DICTIONARY OF CHOICE FERNS ionto 330
Being arranged alphabetically, a further Index ts
UNNECESSALY.
a
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PUBLISHER’S PREFACE
SINCE the publication of “The Book of Choice

Ferns” some years ago, quite a large number
of fern-lovers have expressed a wish for a smaller
volume on the same practical lines. The chief reason
urged was one of expense, as it was contended, and
with truth, that the large work was only open to the
well-to-do, whilst the ‘‘ million” interested had no
really comprehensive book on the same lines. In
deference, therefore, to the wishes so often expressed,
the abridgment from the large work has now been
undertaken. Necessarily, the enumeration of both
species and varieties, and more particularly the latter,
has had to be considerably restricted. Still, the
object kept in sight has been to include therein
all such as fairly merit being classed as ‘‘choice,”’
irrespective of novelty, and that at the same time
are in cultivation in this country.
All the valuable cultural notes that constituted
such a feature in the larger work have been retained
Preface.
in the smaller one, even if they have been slightly

abbreviated in order to bring them within the scope
of a cheap book. The nomenclature employed in the
larger work has been followed in the smaller one,
while the genera and species have for facility of
reference been given alphabetically. In the generic
cross-references only those have been kept up that
are usually met with in nurserymen’s catalogues and
trade lists generally. Similarly, with regard to the
synonyms. By that means it is hoped that the book
will be useful to that very large class, who, in making
a selection of plants, require to know both the
correct names and mere catalogue names that are
often the reverse of being correct.
gs?
CHOICE FERNS FOR
_ AMATEURS.
I—NOTES ON CHOICE FERNS.
CLASSIFICATION AND DISTRIBUTION.

FERNS, or, as they are botanically called, Filices,
are Flowerless plants forming the most important
division of Linnzus’s twenty-fourth Class, Crypto-
gamia—a name that has reference to the “con-
cealed’”’ mode of fructification, while in the second
class of Lindley’s “‘ Natural System ”’ they are called
Acrogens, the division being Filicales. The genera-
tion of vegetative life in the case of Ferns is essen-
tially different from that of Flowering plants, where
everything connected with the process of fertilisation
may be observed with the naked eye. With
plants that produce flowers, the ovaries, when they
are either naturally or artificially fertilised, swell,
and in the course of time yield seeds; these, when
placed under favourable conditions, possess the
property of giving birth to plants which, like
their parents, are capable of reproducing themselves
in a direct manner by means of their flowers.
Ferns are especially interesting to the botanist
inasmuch as with the lLycopods they were
undoubtedly amongst the first vegetation to
B
2 Choice Ferns for Amateurs.
clothe the earth: this is amply proved by

the fossil deposits that have been disclosed from
time to time. Then the Ferns were veritable plant
giants, as shown by the huge specimens found in the
coal-measures both in this country and on the Con-
tinent. Some idea of their size may be obtained
when it is stated that well-preserved specimens have
been unearthed that measured 95ft. in height and
3d0ft. in circumference. Such plant giants have long
since disappeared, and have been replaced by species
and varieties of much smaller dimensions.
Geographical Range.
Ferns have a very wide geographical range;
indeed, they may be said to exist all over the world;
while there is no other Order of plants whose re-
presentatives are found in such varied positions
and dissimilar aspects, or whose habit of growth 1s
so varied. Their range may be said to extend from
the Tropics (where they are most abundant) to the
Arctic regions, even as far north as Greenland.
Moreover, they are found from the sea-level to
12,000ft. or 16,000ft. above.
Worthy of remark, too, in connection with Ferns
in general is the singularly cosmopolitan character
that certain species and varieties possess. Most of
our native Spleenworts, for instance, are also found
throughout the Huropean Continent, Northern Asia,
North and South Africa, in North America, and in
various parts of India, &c. Another instance is
furnished by our common Maidenhair Fern (Adian-
tum Cajillus-Veneris), which is practically ubiqui-
tous. Other instances of the characteristic alluded
to are provided by our Royal Fern (Osmunda
regalis), that grows plentifully on the banks of
rivers and streams, on the Neilgherries and other
high mountains in India; the common Shield Ferns
Aspidium angulare and Nephrodium spinulosum,
also found in many parts of India and North America;
and by the violet-scented Nephrodium fragrans,
originally introduced here from North America, that
is now abundant on some of the Japanese mountains.
Giant Ferns. 3
Giant Ferns.
Like all other Orders of cultivated plants,
Ferns have their giants as well as their pigmies.
LOE Sirus,
2253
SHOWING
ONG ~S. /
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Fig. 1. A beautiful Tree Fern (Cyathea dealbata), growing to

a height of over 40ft. in its native habitat, New Zealand,
and even under cultivation attaining 15ft. and more high.
The former are represented by the huge Tree Ferns

so abundant in many parts of Australia and New
Boz
Zealand, and some of them tolerably familiar even

in this country, owing to the fact that they are -
readily amenable to culture under glass. South
America, China, India, and South Africa each con-
tributes its quota of Tree Ferns, but none of the
species from those countries is very popular here.
Strange as it may seem, the Tree Fern is absent from
Kurope. The Tree Ferns oftenest met with here are
natives of the mountainous regions of Australia and
New Zealand. In Victoria, on the one hand, and
Mount Wellington on the other, the gigantic
Dicksonia antarctica rears its lofty head to a height
of from d5O0ft. to 60ft. Unfortunately, it is not suf-
ficiently hardy to withstand our climatic changes,
though its capability of enduring an amount of cold
is well exemplified by the fact that it is not at all
uncommon to find specimens whose heads are heavily
laden with snow. Many attemnts to keep 1t outdoors
in this country have been tried, but without success
so far as can be ascertained. Though the dimen-.
sions attained by D. antarctica are great, yet it is
not the largest Tree Fern known to cultivation.
Cyathea medullaris, with its ebony-black stalks, is
entitled to this distinction: while C. dealbata
(Fig. 1) is an extremely popular representative ofa
fairly large and beautiful family.
In this country Tree Ferns are usually treated
as pot or tub specimens, and most effective they are
when properly grouped. Frequently, too. one sees
their dead stems very profitably utilised for the
cultivation of some of the living pigmies of the
family.
Giant Ferns there also are outside the Tree
Ferns proper. The best of these will be noticed
under their genera.. Suffice it to say that their
habits of growth are as diversified as are the colours
of their foliage. To realise this one has but to eall
to mind such species and varieties as Woodwardia
radicans, Asplenium caudatum, and Nephrolepis
davallioides furcans; Acrostichum scandens; Todea
barbara; the very familiar Bird’s-nest Fern (Fig. 2)
Asplenium Nidus and its variety australasicum;
Pigmy Ferns. 5
Davallia divaricata; Pteris laciniata; Polypodium

aureum (one of the Gold Ferns sold in such quan-
tities at Covent Garden and other markets), and
Didymochlena lunulata. In the above, but a very
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Fig. 2. Bird’s-nest Fern (Asplenium Nidus), a singular and

distinctive-habited species of ‘‘giant’’ Ferns bearing undi-
vided fronds as much as 4ft. in length and 8in. in breadth.
The fronds rise from a central crown, and form quite a
hollow in the centre—a characteristic responsible for the
popular name,
restricted selection, it is true, one finds sufficient

variation of foliage, habit, and colour to satisfy all
that the most exacting are likely to require for the
decoration of the larger conservatory or the more
ambitious winter garden.
Pigmy Ferns.
Turning to the pigmies for a moment, we have,
so far as the majority of cultivators are concerned, a
still more useful section; for the Ferns coming under

this designation that need protection, call for less
pretentious structures than those required for their
oiant relatives. Compactness and neatness of habit,
as well as small size, are found in many of the
genera that fall under this heading. Acrostichum,
Adiantum, Asplenium, Davallia (Fig. 3), Actinio-
pteris, Cheilanthes, Doodia, Nothochlana, Pellea,
Polypodium, and Woodsia, for instance. Nor are the
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Fig. 3. A pretty dwarf Fern (Davallia heterophylla), and one

of the most distinct of the large family, as except D. an=
gustata it is the only species with entire fronds.
representatives of such genera necessarily of exotic

origin: on the contrary, we find some of the best
of all small-growing Ferns amongst the natives of
Britain. Necessarily, therefore, such Ferns would
appeal to a wider section of the ‘public. Delightful
species and varieties for the hardy Fernery that
readily come to mind are Asplenium Ceterach
(Fig. 4), A. fontanum, A. germanicum, A. Ruta-
muraria, A. Trichomanes, Cystopteris alpina, C.
fragilis and its vars. Dickieana and SEMpPerVIrENs;
Tinted, Variegated, and Crested Ferns, f!
Lomaria Spicant and its many beautiful varieties;

Woodsia caucasica and W. hyperborea. For stove
or greenhouse culture an even more extended list is
available. So that the prospective cultivator with
only comparatively small structures, so long as the
heating capacity is sufficient, has plenty of choice.
| Tinted, Variegated, and Crested Ferns.
It is often stated by way of disparaging Terns,
that compared with Flowering plants they are far
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yy
f
Fig. 4. Scaly Spleenwort (Asplenium Ceterach), an interesting

British dwarf species found growing on walls and ruins
from sea-level to 600ft. above.
less attractive to the eye. Usually such statements

emanate from those whose knowledge of the subject
is confined to a few species of British, or it may be
of European origin. ‘lo those who have this some-
what warped view of a really marvellous family, the
best thing is to recommend a visit to any collection
eiving place to the Japanese, North American, and
Kast and West Indian species. There will be found
a wealth of colour which will favourably compare
with that found in the Flowering plants of even those
*.
countries. True it is that the brightest tints are on

the fronds of species and varieties requiring warm-
house treatment; but still there are some most ele-
gantly-tinted fronds. The genus Adiantum (Fig. 5)
furnishes by far the greatest number of species and
varieties yielding tinted foliage; but other genera
contributing are Blechnum, Brainea, Davallia,
Doodia, Lomaria, Nephrodium, Osmunda, Pellea,
Fig.5. Adiantum monochlamys, an exceedingly pretty Japanese

species, having tinted bluish-green foliage. One of the best
dwarf Ferns for the cool conservatory or the greenhouse.
Polypodium, Pteris, Woodsia, Woodwardia, and a

few others.
Attractiveness of foliage is also provided by
variegation and cristation, the former being almost
exclusively restricted to exotic species and varieties,
and the latter is oftenest found in European Ferns.
In fact, it has been very truthfully stated that there
is scarcely a British species that has not yielded a
crested form—the Common Bracken (Pteris aqwilina)
Tinted, Variegated, and Crested Ferns, 9
not excepted. Variegation is not always constant,

and so far as European representatives are con-
cerned, there is not a single species or variety that
with truth may be said permanently to maintain
its variegation. Exotic Ferns have often provided
instances of ecidental variegation, though directly
Fig. 6. One of the most popular of variegated Ferns—Pteris

cretica albo-lineata, and one, moreover, that has a repu-
tation for ‘‘coming true’’ from spores.
man has attempted to fix such variation from the

type he has signally failed.
To Pteris and Adiantum we are chiefly indebted
for our variegated Ferns, the former more particu-
larly, and it would be impossible to name a more dis-
tinctive or popular kind than P. cretica albo-lineata
(Fig. 6), a variety sold by the hundreds of thousands
in our plant-markets. VP. c. Mayii is another pretty
form; while P. biaurita nemoralis variegata and

P. quadriaurita tricolor are alike distinctive and
beautiful. Of variegated Maidenhairs we have
Adiantum formosum variegatum and A. macrophyl-
lum striatum; while distinctly lovely is the Japanese
Nephrodium Otaria variegatum, a very popular sub-
ject because of its robust constitution, a characteristic
NN SI | WY.
Y
Vg
Fig. 7. A noteworthy example of Crested Ferns originally

found growing at Tramore, Waterford—Asplenium Adian-
tum-nigrum grandiceps. The fronds are from §8in. to Ift.
long, and lin. to 14in. broad.
not often associated with variegated plants. ‘‘ Spot-

ting” rather than variegation, as ordinarily under-
stood, must be applied to the very distinctive Gymno-
gramme Muellert and the leathery foliaged Nephro-
dium albo-punctatum.
Crested Ferns (Fig. 7), by some regarded as mon-
strosities, are extremely numerous. ‘To the botanist
cristation is a most interesting variation from the
normal; while to the cultivator the variety it pro-
vides 1s infinite. Sometimes the whole extremity
of the frond may be so sub-divided as to form a tassel-
Tinted, Variegated, and Crested Ferns. li
like appendage; at others, the variation may be seen

in the tips of the fronds. Still, in whatever form
the character exists, it will be found that the pinne,
like the frond extremities (Fig. 8), are affected,
Ce lig’
4! ) Ze oh,
VigeEW
'
WW
Dee
E
SS LLL RPE“ é
. : SS SS St
“\S =, SS WSLS NSSS tSS
LZ WL: = LZ Loz
f2
a
' NWI
QQ Qyyy» se
i: SS WN i YY DA fh ,
SZ UY yy Yy Wy Wy Y YE:
2 Oe - | ———— <
gw >
uae Wf
Fig. 8. Portion of Frond of Nephrodium molle grandiceps. A

pretty garden variety whose fronds are crested at their
extremities.
mouch= not to the ‘same extent. Cristation,

too, in a simple form is seldom found on
the stems; but an abnormal fasciated or
flattened condition is not uncommon. Cris-
tation, when found in exotic Ferns, is practically
constant, but it is worthy of record that the many

crested forms of these are largely products of culti-
vation in thiscountry. In British species and varie-
ties there is a great tendency to revert to the type.
Very many experiments have been made with the
spores of crested forms of both exotic and British
Ferns with a view to obtaining trustworthy in-
formation upon the constancy or inconstancy of the
individual, and the results have been published in
the horticultural Press. Attention can only be
directed here to a few Crested Ferns, as illustrative
of the characteristic. When dealing with the different
genera seriatim, all the more important will be re-
corded. Nephrolegis davallioides furcans stands
very high upon the list of these Ferns, but it is not
as constant as some. Davallia hirta cristata 1s
especially worthy of mention, as it is one that the
amateur is almost sure to find upon the miscellaneous
market, being quite one of the most robust of the
eroup, as well as one of the most constant. Nor
must that truly beautiful form of the Royal Fern
Osmunda regalis japonica corymnbifera be omitted,
for, apart from its compact habit, it 1s one of the
forms that is most constant. Doodia aspera multi-
fida is one of the tasselled forms that may be relied
upon to reproduce itself from spores. Apart from
the interesting variation exhibited by Crested Ferns,
there is the additional fitness of the majority for
basket culture.
Gold and Silver Ferns.
When enumerating the many charms of the
huge Order Filices, it would be a distinct omission
to leave out of consideration those species and varie-
ties that are popularly grouped as Gold and Silver
Ferns. They undoubtedly constitute an important
section even when considered purely from a decora-
tive standpoint. There is no British representative
of the group, it 1s true, all being exotics; but we
find the silvery characteristic associated with huge
Tree Ferns like the New Zealand Cyathea dealbata
and the tropical Alsophila pruinata; and gold with
Gold and Silver Ferns. 13
midgets—Gymnogramme sulphurea, for example.

The gold or silvery appearance responsible for
the popular names these Ferns bear, is produced
Fig. 9. An exquisite example of the very characteristic Silver

Ferns (Cheilanthes argentea). The upper surface is bright
green; the lower one is covered with a powder that is at
first yellowish, but afterwards pure white.
in various ways. Usually it is due to the secretion

of a powdery substance that evenly coats the under-
surface of the fronds. Sometimes, as in the Cheilan-
thes (Fig. 9), the silver character is imparted by
scales or hairs being superposed, evenly covering

the surface; while in the Silver Tree Ferns already
alluded to, it 1s due to a “ bloom ”-like coating that
is most evenly distributed, but readily removed. For
the golden appearance so much admired the effect is
oftenest due to a thick coating of spores of a very
brilliant colour—Onychiuwm auratum, for example. In
the Gymnogrammes both Gold and Silver varieties
are met with, due to the presence of a mealy powder.
There is yet another section in which the “ silver”
appearance imparted is of a more enduring character,
as when it is the result of a uniform “layer of a
olaucous hue as in Cyathea dealbata. Of the section
depending uvon the superposition of seales or of
short hairs for their character, the most noteworthy
genus 1s Nothochlena, the species N. ferruginea, N.
lanuginosa, N. Newberryit, N. sinuata, and N. sul-
phurea being excellent examples.
Climbing and Trailing Ferns.

Very few amateurs seem to be aware of the
existence of Climbing Ferns; yet the genus Lyqodiwm
undoubtedly furnishes a a species that are of either
climbing or partially climbing habit, and whose
fronds may be made to extend from 20ft. to 30ft.
by careful culture and training. The value of such
members in the decoration of a house devoted to
Ferns is so great that it is impossible to rate such
a characteristic too highlv. The larger and more
robust-growing species “and varieties are admirably
adapted for covering pillars. arches, or for training
along the roof- class: while the smaller-growing ones
may be effectively employed as window plants,
thriving, as they do, in a much lower temperature
than their larger relatives, whose native home is
tropical America, Australia, and the Polynesian
Islands. Of this highly-decorative section the most
popular of all is ZL. japonica, a rapid-growing
basket - plant of the greatest beauty; while
L. palmatum (Fig. 10) is an elegant species for the
greenhouse.
Climbing and Trailing Ferns. I5
Trailing Ferns are of almost infinite variety;

while the ways in which
they may be effectively
utilised in the decoration
of Ferneries are as numer-
ous as the species them-
selves. It is to this group
that we largely look for
material for clothing un-
sightly wood-work, the
trunks of Tree Ferns, and
for furnishing hanging-
baskets (Fig. 11). As there
are some species and
varieties that are at home
in the warm-house, and
others in the cool-house,
their utility in the general
scheme of decoration will
be at once apparent. Ferns
possessing the character-
istics chiefly belong to
Davallia, Gleichenia,
Nephrolepis, and Poly-
podium, though these by
no means exhaust the list
of genera that furnish
individuals falling under
the heading of “ trailers.”
Davallia canariensis
(Hare’s-Foot Fern), JD.
bullata (Squirrel’s-Foot
Fern), and D. Tyermanni
(Bear’s- Foot Fern) are
three species as popular as
they are decorative. Next
to Davallia in point of
utility comes the genus Fig. 10. Lygodium palma-
Nephrolepis, though in tum, a _ delicate-looKing,
but very robust climbing
point of number of species Fern for the greenhouse.
available it is weak in com-
parison therewith. Polypodium has already been
“a1 “[] YY AJOIA esurospuey
sa1seds
jo saAo0jG ussy pojdepe
J0oJ WNYGIHVsolsy—sjoys
“wNnUTAIaS
ey, uUstIeEq
pue a[IJIJOJ SpuOoA ZUIOq OS AJ3A ‘JLTIWISSIP
9} JULIA sey& ySour
JOUIISIP ‘asueIeOdde
Pendent-Fronded Ferns. 17
mentioned as a genus providing good material; while

other genera are Acrostichum, Adiantum, Blechnum,
Lindsaya, and Oleandra.
Fig. 12. A lovely drooping-fronded Maidenhair (Adiantum

concinnum), often used as a basKet-plant in a stove.
Pendent - Fronded Ferns.

Ferns with graceful hanging fronds constitute
another very decorative section for large hanging-
baskets, Tree Fern trunks, or for Fern-cases. Genera
hke Adiantum (Fig. 12), Asplenium, Davallia,
C
I8 Choice Ferns for Amateurs.
Gymnogramme, Nephrolepis, Polypodium, Pteris,

and Woodwardia are those to which the cultivator
must look for individuals suited to these special re-
quirements. The largest and handsomest of the
whole group 1s Polypodiwm subauriculatum.
Fig. 13. A British representative of the delicate-fronded Filmy

Ferns—Hymenophyllum tunbridgense.
Filmy Ferns.
Filmy Ferns constitute a most distinctive sec-
tion, the popular name here given being in allusion
to the transparent nature of the foliage—-so trans-
parent that it 1s possible to read the smallest type
through it. Such Ferns belong to Hymenophyl-
lum, Todea, and Trichomanes. They cannot, it 1s
true, be described as popular, though more’s
the pity. Their great decorative value may best be
gauged by referring to the fact that fronds of Filmy
Ferns have been known to keep in good =
Filmy Ferns. | 19
for from eight to ten years or more. In nearly

every part of the globe these T'ransparent Ferns are
found. Britain, it is true, contributes but a very
Fig. 14. One of the so-called Flowering Ferns—Anemia collina,

the “‘flower’’ spike appearance being merely due to a
contraction of the fertile segments.
insignificant proportion compared with New Zealand,

Tasmania, and Chili; still our native 7'richomanes
radicans, Hymenophyllum tunbridgense (Fig. 13),
and Hf. unilaterale are so beautiful that they should
not be overlooked. For years Filmies were . killed
CK
with kindness,” but now that their requirements are

better understood they should find a place wherever
extreme delicacy of texture combined with diversity
and beauty of form are appreciated.
‘‘ Flowering Ferns.’’
As stated elsewhere, Ferns are Flowerless plants;
but inasmuch as some of the species that will have
to be enumerated are popularly known as Flowering
Ferns, it will be necessary to offer some little ex-
planation of what, at first sight, may appear a con-
tradiction. | It is chagely well known that Ferns
ovenerally produce their spore-cases on the under-
surfaces of their fronds. There are, however,
exceptions to even this general rule; but the more
noteworthy are confined to those genera in which
the spore-cases are produced erect after the manner
of Osmunda regalis, Anemia collina (Fig. 14), and
the hike. To the casual observer such would have the
appearance of a flower, a deception that would be
heightened where such spore-cases stand well above
the foliage. The species quoted furnish some
of the most interesting examples of the so-called
Flowering Ferns, but other genera contribute—
Botrychium, Ophioglossum, Struthiopteris, and
several others.
Viviparous and Proliferous Ferns.

Another very remarkable group of Ferns that
may be briefly noted are those classed by botanists
as Viviparous and Proliferous, both words very ex-
pressive of the habit such individuals have of repro-
ducing themselves by means of bulbils or of young
plants disposed upon different organs. Such
characteristics belong to both giants and pigmies,
and are not restricted to any particular genera. In
some, even of the larger families, only one, or at
most, two species, reproduce their kind in the
manner giving rise to the names; while in
Viviparous and Proliferous Ferns. 21
others they are fairly numerous—in Asplenowm

(Mie. 15) and Woodwardia, for example. Nor
are the bulbils or young plants always found
on one portion of the parents. On this ac-
count it is usual to separate Ferns possessing
Fig. 15. A typical example of the Proliferous character of

certain Ferns—Asplenium attenuatum, a native of Queens-
land and New South Wales.
the characteristics into four fairly well defined

groups. First, there are Ferns in which the vivi-
parous character extends over the whole or the
greater part of the surface of the leafy portion of
the fronds. Secondly, we have those in which the
proliferous character is confined to the stalk, which
is covered with such (adventitious) accidental
erowths. Thirdly, there are Ferns whose fronds

bear a solitary bulbil on or in the near vicinity of
their extremity, or whose tailed appendage is formed
by the production of a young plant partaking of the
same character as its parent. Lastly, we have
individuals the base of whose stalks are provided
with either trailing stems (stolons), roots, or scales of
a proliferous nature, each of these bearing one or
more latent buds or bulbils that, given certain
favourable conditions, never fail to reproduce the
parent. Necessarily this is but an extremely brief
survey of a group of Ferns exhibiting some
singular characters, but it will probably suffice for
the beginner, and serve to put him on the right road
to success.
Life=History.
In order the better to understand the propaga-
tion of Ferns by the natural method of spores,
it will be well first, briefly, to discuss the somewhat
remarkable life-history of the plants. Already
we have stated that Ferns belong to the
class known as Cryptogams, in contradistinction to
the Phanerogams, or Flowering Plants. In a
Flowering Plant that produces seed the young plant
generally speaking already exists, and all that is
necessary to reproduce its kind is for the seed as it
separates from the mother-plant to fall on congenial
soll. With the Fern there is the same separation
from the parent in the case of the spore-producing
kinds, but the first growth is a very different one
from that of the type. The fact is, Ferns belong to
what are called prothallus-producing plants. In
common, therefore, with the Horsetails, the Club-
mosses, or Pillworts the first growth from the spore
is a body, the product not of sexual reproduction,
but of vegetative growth, and known as a prothal-
lum, or prothallus. In appearance this body
casually looked at, reminds one strongly of a common
Liverwort. A more careful examination reveals a
flattened, green, expanded body, like Fig. 16, show-
ing an affinity for damp places, especially where
Life-History. 23
bricks exist. Amidst such an environment it

rapidly makes headway, broadening until it even-
tually assumes a heart-shape (Fig. 17), but seldom
more than jin. At this stage its lower surface be-
comes partly covered with tiny root-hairs, each com-
posed of a row of cells; there also, and along the
edges are developed the sexual organs—antheridia
being the male, and the archegonia (situated in the
middle of the lower surface) the female organs. In
this respect Ferns differ from most of their allies,
Fig. 16. First growth of Fern Fig. 17. Lower surface of

from spore, showing: Pp, mature prothallus, show:
prothallus; rh, root-hairs; ing: a, female organs or
and s, spore (much magni=- archegonia; rh, root-hairs
fied). : (much magnified).
Fig. 18. Spirally coiled antherozoid (much magnified).
where prothalli bear only male or only female

organs.
The antheridia are small protuberances com-
pesed of three comparatively large cells, originating
as outgrowths of cells of the epidermis; each out-
erowth is cut off, as a new cell, by a cell-wall. In
some prothalli, the contents of the cell thus formed,
and containing a tissue of mucilaginous nature,
break up into a number of small, rounded “ parent
cells,’ in each of which is formed an “ antherozoid ”
24 Choice Ferns for Amateurs. |
(Fig. 18), slender, but coiled spirally in two or three

turns, and provided with a tuft of fine hairs, or
cilia, at one end. ‘These antherozoids somewhat
resemble microscepic tadpoles, and more actively in
the moisture surrounding them. ‘Their function is
to fecundate. This object is effected by means of a
more or less rapid motion, to which the body is
Fig. 19. Young antheridium Fig. 20. Ripe antheridium

showing: c, central cell, from which antherozoids
filled with parent cells have been shed by opening
of antherozoids ;_ e, e, at o.—c, empty cell; e, e,
epidermis of prothallus epidermis (much magni-
(much magnified). fied).
Fig. 21. Immature archegonium, showing c, canal, still closed

above, and filled by the canal-cell; e, e, epidermis; n,
neckK-cells ; 0, oosphere (much magnified).
subjected by the action of a number of delicate and

irritable hairs, situated at one of the extremities of
a flattened helicoid-like thread, that always accom-
panies this club-shaped vesicle. In most prothalli,
however, a process of cell-division goes on in the
young antheridium, whereby it is finally made up of
a layer of cells surrounding a central cell (Fig. 19),
and in this the parent cells are developed, and
produce antherozoids. The outer coat, formed by
Life-History | 7 25
the layer of cells, has to aid in expelling the anthero-

zoids when ripe, and the cells do this by absorbing
water rapidly, swelling, and compressing the con-
tents of the central cell till its apex, which is not
covered by the layer, is burst (Fig. 20), the “ parent
cells” are expelled, and, soon rupturing, set free the
antherozoids, which have the faculty of moving
rapidly in water or in a drop of dew or rain.
Archegonia (Fig. 21), as previously stated, are
the female organs, in each of which lies the
‘“oosphere”’; the latter, fertilised by the “ anthero-
ZOa,. becomes the “ oospore.”’ ‘This oospore de-
velops into the Fern-plant bearing the well-known ~
fronds, on the back of which are visible the groups
(sor1) of minute, brown spore-cases (sporangia), 1n
which le numerous spores, like the one with whic
the cycle began. Thus it will be seen that the
prothallus and the leafy Fern-plant are two gene-
rations in the course of a single cycle. The arche-
gonia, which are developed rather later than the
antheridia, are situated in the middle of the lower
surface of the prothallus, behind the notch seen in
Fig. 17, and in the vicinity of the antheridia. Each
of the archegonia—which are by no means _ so
plentiful as the male organs, generally speaking, not
more than two being produced on one prothallus,
and then only one of them appearing fertile—
originates, like the antheridia, from a cell of the
epidermis, from which it grows out in a hemi-
spherical form. ‘These female organs are larger and
more compact structures than the antheridia; their
constitution is also totally different, for they are
built with four tiers of cells and in a sort of columnal
form. Their development is effected in this wise:
A cell-wall forms, and cuts it off from the cell of the
epidermis. It increases in size, and becomes further
divided into three layers; and ‘these are again sub-
divided by cell-walls. The result is the formation
of a structure approximating to a flask with a long,
narrow neck. The cavity at the base is occupied
by a large cell, the oosphere, rich in _ proto-
plasm, terminating, when mature, in a kind of style
26 Choice Ferns for Amateurs...
open at the top, and communicating with the cavity

below by means of a central canal. The cavity or
sac at the base further contains a globose utricle; 1t
surrounds the oosphere, which 1s regarded as the
object to be fecundated, or as the germ that, after
impregnation, will set up a growth which ultimately
assumes the form of the parent plant.
Careful observations have shown that the fecun-
dation of the oosphere is eftected as follows: The
tube of the neck of the archegonium is at first filled
with a narrow cell (the canal-cell), the cell-wall of
i
Fig. 22. Longitudinal! section of mature archegonium of Fern,

showing c, opening of canal (down neck; e, e, epidermis of
prothallus; n, necK-cells ; 0, oosphere (much magnified).
which becomes mucilaginous, swells, and is ex-

pelled from the outer opening of the tube, leaving a
passage for the antherozoid down the tube, or
central canal, to the oosphere, when the latter is ripe
to be acted on by it (Fig. 22). The antherozoids
are caught in the mucilage while moving over the
prothallus; they wriggle down the tube, reach the
oosphere, and fertilise it. The oosphere very soon
begins to grow, and the final result is the develop-
ment of the oospore into the leafy plant or Fern.
It may be mentioned that the oospore, at a very
early period, divides into eight cells, in two layers.
Of these cells, four lie next the base, and four next
the front, of the prothallus. Of the latter, the two
Life-History. . 27
farthest from the neck of the archegonium give

origin to the first leaf or frond; one, near the neck,
to the growing point of the stem; and the fourth to
hairs. Of the other four cells, one, opposite to the
stem, develops into the root, one ultimately dis-
appears, and the other two form the “foot” of a
structure that remains sunk in the archegonium,
which has grown so as still to surround the foot
Fig. 23. Diagrammatic sKetch of connection of young Fern with

prothallus, showing f, foot of young Fern imbedded in hollow
of enlarged archegonium (a); fr, very young frond of Fern;
p, prothallus; r, root of Fern; rh, root-hairs of prothallus.
Fig. 24. Young Fern growing from prothallus, showing fr, young
frond of Fern; p, lower surface of prothallus; r, root of
Fern; rh, root-hairs of prothallus (slightly enlarged).
(Figs. 23 and 24). By means of this organ the

young plant absorbs nourishment from the pro-
thallus, which, for a time increases in size, but 1s
eradually exhausted and withers away, and after-
wards the young Fern is able to nourish itself by
its own roots and leaves.
PROPAGATION.
Ferns may be propagated in several ways——by
spores, which is the more usual and natural; by
division of the crowns; by the rooting of the proli-
ferous growths found upon the surface of the fronds
in certain species; and by the development of the
latent eyes or buds found at the base of some of the
others, &ce.
Spores.
To even the veriest novice, so soon as he be
conversant with the habit of the different species of
Ferns, it will be patent that for the majority, propa-
gation by means of spores is the most natural method,
while for others it is the only one—Tree
Ferns, for example. No one having seen a
Tree Fern (Fig. 25) could think that it could
be propagated by division. One often hears
complaints about “spores not germinating.”
Usually this is the fault of the cultivator in
not taking them at the proper time—.e., before
the contents of the cases have been shed. Ordinarily
one is told to wait until the sori have assumed a
mature appearance—brown, black, or greenish, ac-
cording to the species. This is sound enough
oenerally, but with genera like 7odea and Osmunda,
and a few others, it would not hold good. If the
capsules have burst, the cultivator may conclude
that he 1s too late. The spore-bearing fronds should
be cut, and be allowed to dry for two or three days in
white paper bags, after which time the spores should
be sown as soon as possible. Although Fern spores
may be sown at any time, March and April are the
most favourable months, as, if properly treated,
seedlings raised then have sufficient time to form
crowns strong enough to stand the following winter.
With those sown later there is the risk of the re-
sulting young plants being destroyed during winter,
especially if heavy fogs are prevalent. Even those
spores which naturally ripen during the autumn or
winter, if collected and kept in paper, in a dry but
Fig. 25. A handsome Peruvian of
species
Tree Fern—Alsophila pycnocarpa—having
a
stem.
thorny
very
not warm place, may safely be preserved until the

spring, when 1t will be found that their germinative
power has not been materially affected.
Many ways of sowing Fern spores have been
advocated; but the simpler the operation the better.
A piece of turfy loam, or in some cases a piece of
fibrous peat, or, again, a mixture of both is all that
is required. ‘To make sure that the material used is
perfectly free from all impurity and from living
organisms, it is well to sterilise it by baking or by
gently pouring the contents of a kettleful of boiling
water over it, and allowing it to cool and drain. When
the sowing takes place on turfs of either peat or loam,
these should be put in boiling water, and allowed to
remain in it long enough to become perfectly
saturated, after which they should be stood in an
upright position, to drain. A still day should be
chosen, and the spores should be scattered over them
and not covered with soil; they should be put under
a bell-glass, and remain there until the growth is
_ sufficiently developed for pricking off.
If fibry loam is not procurable, it is best to
sow in porous, shallow pans, or in pots partly filled
with crocks covered with a layer of either fibrous
peat or sphagnum, the rest of the pan or pot being
filled to within half an inch of the rim with a mix-
ture of peat, loam, silver sand, and soft brick broken
very small; the surface may be rendered even by
pressing it firmly with the bottom of another pot.
This compost possesses a great advantage over all
others, inasmuch as while spores of most species ger-
minate on any material of a naturally moist nature,
there are certain others that germinate only on
either peat, crocks, or loam. When, therefore, it is
not known positively which of these materials is the
most suitable, the mixture above recommended gives
the spores a fair chance of falling on the material
for which they have a predilection. The soil should
be treated with boiling water, and allowed to drain;
for watering after the sowing, even with cold water,
may result in the total destruction of the spores.
The spores should be simply dropped on the surface
Spores. ol
of the soil, and afterwards covered with a flat piece

of glass. It is also necessary, while sowing, to
hold the paper containing them very close to the
surface of the pots, as, being so exceedingly light,
they are liable to fly in all directions but the
right one.
The watering of the pots or pans in which Fern
spores are sown requires to be done with great care.
Until the seedlings have formed a little crown,
watering should always be done by allowing the
lower part of the pots to stand in water till sufh-
cient moisture has been absorbed—but the pots
should not in any case remain altogether in water.
To that effect, they should be stood in saucers, and -
disposed in places varying in temperature according
to the nature of the species sown.
Spores of British and other hardy _ kinds,
although germinating more rapidly, and taking less
time in producing young characterised plants, when
sown in heat, it is not at all necessary to have any
artificially-heated place in which to sow and grow
them. In their case, the pots or pans may be stood
on a piece of slate in some damp, shady, but not
dark corner, out of the way—under the stage of a
greenhouse is a good situation for them. There
they should remain, until the surface of the pots or
pans become covered with a Lichen or Liverwort-
like growth. From this they ultimately develop,
according to the species, in from three to six months
from the time of sowing. A certain state of ap-
parent dormancy, lasting sometimes several weeks,
may be observed between the production of the scaly
srowth, and the sudden appearance, here and there,
and eventually in a crowd, of the fronds proper.
It is principally during that time that, to encourage
fertilisation, a uniform rate of moisture is of the
sreatest importance.
When Fern spores germinate freely. forming a
dense mass of prothalli, it is indispensable that they
should be several times “ pricked off.” so that they
may have room to develop; for, if allowed to crowd
and overgrow each other in the seed-pan, they are
very liable to damp off. The operation consists in

taking small tufts of prothall, and putting them in
pots filled with a material similar to the one in
which the spores were sown; but great care must
be taken that no bruises result. On that account,
small patches should be taken on a stick having the
least notch cut in the end, and they should he
merely deposited, not pressed, into the new soil,
and about lin. apart in all directions. For a few
days after being pricked off the seedlings should
be treated verv much as they were previously;
they should still be watered by partial immersion,
and no water should be applied overhead until the
young plants have produced fronds. They should
be gradually inured to the air by tilting on one side
the glass cover, which may in a short time be re-
moved altogether. Until then, it is best to keep
the pots or pans at all times well shaded during
sunshine, but not during dull weather. This is
most effectually done by means of pieces of paper:
these may be laid on the outside of the frame, and
removed when not required. When fronds have
made their appearance, the seedlings will not re-
quire anv other shading than that usually provided
for the house. Having produced three or four
rudimentary fronds, they should be sufficiently
strong for being transferred, at first three in a pot,
then separately in small pots. On account of their
tenderness it-will be found necessary to place them
in a somewhat close atmosphere, well shaded and
carefully watered, where they should remain until
perfectlv established, and where the air must be
admitted gradually.
The foregoing details, though applying particu-
larly to British and other hardy Ferns, suggest a
mode of treatment that is equally suited to the
propagation of greenhouse and stove species and
varieties, exception being made simply as regards
the temperature to which they should be subjected,
as thev will fare all the better if sown in a close case |
in which a temperature of from 70deg. to T5dee.
can be evenly maintained. Fern spores vary greatly
Spores. | 30
as to the length of time they take to germinate—

from a few days to many months. Nothing, there- ©
fore, can be said in respect thereof, as even indi-
vidual spores from the same frond show considerable
variation. Similarly, although Fern seedlings,
when under suitable conditions, grow quickly during
the spring and summer, it 1s impossible to state how
long they will take to form little plants. Seedlings
of Adiantum, Pteris, Gymnogramme, Nephrodium,
&c., soon make little subjects requiring to be
potted singly; whereas those of others, especially
_ Gleichenia (Fig. 26) and Marattia, grow so slowly
that their first fronds are not formed until the third
year after the sowing.
There is another important reason why Ferns,
whenever practicable, should be propagated from
spores—the chance of obtaining some variation from
the type worthy of perpetuating. ‘To such we owe
the brilliantly-coloured Adiantum rhodophyllum
(which was produced from a batch of seedlings of
A. Victorie, itself a freak of nature or a natural
hybrid, found amongst a quantity of A. Ghiesbreghtii
(scutum) seedlings) and many another elegant
Maidenhair; Nephrolepis Bauset, a seedling from
N. pluwma, from which it differs considerably, and
on which it may be considered a very decided im-
provement, being, in fact, a delicately plumose
form; WDavalhia elegans wpolydactyla and OD.
Maries cristata; Gymnogramme — schizophylla
gloriosa; and endless varieties of Pteris, but none so
striking as P. tremula grandiceps.
Here it may be well to observe that on account of
the minute nature of the phenomena observable in
fertilisation ir. Ferns, systematic hybridisation
as practised with plants provided with flowers, and
consequently with visible organs, is impracticable.
Still the fact remains that by sowing the spores of
several varieties together offspring of mixed char-
acteristics are produced, thus proving that crossing
really takes place. In several of the cases of garden
hybrids, for instance, none of which are known for
certain to be the result of forethought, a connection
D
between the two parents is clearly shown. Among

the most striking instances illustrative of satisfactory
results in intentional crossing, that mentioned in
Mr. Druery’s book on “Choice British Ferns ~
cs
Ss
o
Antes
OX OH 6,
so
Ara
IKL
UK
fe .
R
UTA
Zs4btseggen
KTRSOOTY
CUT U
Qr77
AD
tite
S Asaishcs
SOS
AYO 6
RLV
STILULUALT
Ay
one
VABVVAUA’!
EU
Fig. 26. Portion of Frond of Gleichenia circinata semi-

vestita, a remarkably slow-growing variety.
(p. 44) as being Mr. Clapham’s greatest success, and

the result of a cross between a beautifully-crested
Polypody (Polypodium vulgare bifido-cristatum) an.
a very finely-divided one (P. elegantisstmum) 1s
particularly remarkable and conclusive. In this
Spores. 35
case, the result is the transference not only of the

characteristic cresting of the former to the latter,
but also of its peculiarities to the otherwise normal
fronds which the latter is in the habit of producing
occasionally—a feature which, of course, places the
cross beyond a doubt. It does not, however, follow
that operations of this kind are always successful,
and failure at a first experiment must not prevent
another attempt being made.
It is well nigh impossible to trace the parentage
of certain crested varieties. Indeed, they can only
be described as natural sports or accidental varia-
tions in seedlings, which may possibly later on |
produce numerous forms more or less crested, as is
now the case with Pteris serrulata. As a general.
rule 1t may be taken that when the original form has
once varied, 1t has a greater tendency to vary again.
Propagation by spores is not always the quickest
means employed for the reproduction of certain
species. Filmy Ferns, for instance, are exceedingly
slow in producing their first fronds, and Hymeno-
phyllum demissum nitens and H. pulcherrimum have
been known to remain five years in the prothallus
state. Hymenophyllums, therefore (and with them
Trichomanes), must not be included amongst Ferns
which are best propagated by spores: on the ‘contrary,
they increase more rapidly by means of division.
Todeas, however, which belong to the same section,
ean only be propagated by spores. For a long time
the stock of these lovely plants was only kept up by
frequent importations. Now seedlings are freely
raised, though they require several years of careful
and constant nursing.
| All growers for market raise their Ferns from
svores: but their mode of procedure differs materially
from the one recommended above. Their aim js not
_the formation of a collection, but simply the cultiva-
tion of showy species and varieties. Necessarily,
therefore, they restrict their attention to a few
gwenera, such as Adiantum, Pteris, Nephrodiwm,
Aspidium, and Polypodium, and even of these they
only grow the more vigorous, bringing them to
D2
perfection in an incredibly short time. They sow the

spores of the different species, when ripe, on the -
surface of pots containing plants of slower growth,
such as Palms, which, as they do not often require
fresh potting, give the spores a fair chance of
gverminating, and even of producing young plants.
The latter are “pricked off” either in boxes or in
pans; thence, when they have made five or six fronds,
they are taken and potted at once into 24in. pots. In
these pots, hundreds of thousands of Ferns are
disposed of annually for the ornamentation of the
dinner-table or of dwelling-rooms; for such purposes
more Ferns are grown in this country than any other ©
kind of plants, and all of them are raised from spores.
This mode of reproduction is also frequently resorted
to for covering naturally damp, bare stone or brick
walls, on which the spores of certain species
verminate promptly, and the plants grow apace for
a long time without any other nourishment than
moisture, and what little vegetable mould is naturally
produced by the decaying of their lower fronds.
Division.
All Fernsthat naturally form several crowns
(and under careful culture there are many, especi-
ally among the British representatives, possessing
that character) may be propagated by division of
these adventitious crowns, which are produced,
sometimes from buds situated at the base of the
stalks, and at other times by a process of fission
in the crowns themselves. This mode of propagation
is particularly applicable, amongst our native kinds,
to the numerous and beautiful deciduous forms of the
Lady Fern, Aspleniwm (Athyrium) Filia-femina,
and to those of the common Hartstongue, Scolopen-
drium vulgare (Fig. 27), in which the duplication of
the crowns takes place much more readily than in
other genera. It 1s undoubtedly the safest mode of in-
creasing most of the crested, tasselled, cruciated,
congested, or depauperated forms of these species,
the faithful reproduction from spores of the endless.
and in some cases confusing, varieties being, at
Division. o7
least, doubtful. When Ferns are to be propagated .

by the division of the crown, it is necessary to allow
sufficient time for its full development into two or
more distinct centres of growth, when it will be
found that each of these is provided with its own
set of roots, and is really a perfect plant. Though
some advocate dividing the crowns with a knife, yet
it will be far better for the plants if they are simply
pulled in pieces, first having washed away the soil
so that the roots may be readily seen. It is also
A sp Y SO oz Wa ~ Sy
x HLA ANC Mi ZS Gy y
2” q \ Y Sw c\\4
WH Wy i( } W-- . ie Mt =
Pare wes a" f ANY S\ MyiP
NSN aN vy ym ne , CE
5 bt th SA
\AZ ASA Ny
YR Re yy ‘ Bn MY '\) Azam Pa
\A\
VAAL A AH
Sky
SS \ \\\\
|
ny)
= i
Fig. 27. Scolopendrium vulgare Kelwayii, one of the prettiest

forms of the common Hartstongue Known to cultivation.
sometimes deemed advisable by a similar means to

regulate the growth of the plants which are of less
oeraceful appearance, when through the multiplicity
of crowns a perfect crowd, developing in all direc-
tions, is produced. Early spring (March), just before
the plants start into fresh growth, 1s the best time
to propagate Ferns by division; the young subjects
then have plenty of time thoroughly to establish
themselves during the ensuing season. — British
Ferns thus propagated should be kept in a cold frame
after the operation has been performed, as
artificial heat is not in any way beneficial to them,
and little or no water should be given until the

first fronds make their appearance, which they
generally do in from ten to fifteen days after
separation. In the case of exotic Kerns of an ever-
green nature, the divisions must, for a few weeks,
be put under glass in a frame, to which air and light
should be gradually admitted until the young plants
are strong enough to stand outside the case. It
will also be found advisable to subject to the same
treatment the crested and other abnormal forms of the
Male Fern, Nephrodium (Lastrea) Filia-mas, which
are apt to develop several crowns, not by the process
oi fission, like the species above-named, but through
the development of side buds. The removal of these
buds .3 undoubtedly beneficial tothe mother-plant,
which then produces a more vigorous and more sym-
metrical growth, all its energies being concentrated in
the development of its own growth. Like the divided
crowns, the little plants produced from these buds
are provided with a bunch of roots all ready to
support the new subject as soon as 1t 1s separated
from the parent. These young plants are then best
pricked out round the edges of pots or small pans
filled with a compost of an open and somewhat sandy
nature.
Ferns with creeping rhizomes may generally, be
propagated freely by cutting these up into pisces,
particularly while the plants are still at rest. It
is thus that the Oak Fern (Polypodium Dryopteris,
Fig. 28), the Beech Fern (P?. Phegopteris), the com-
mon Polypody (P?. vulgare), and our native Maiden-
hair (Adiantum Capillus-Veneris) are usually propa-
vated. Every piece of creeping rootstock bearing a
couple of fronds and a few roots, or even rudiments
of roots, usually produces a plant, when firmly
pegged to the ground, with the rootlets well covered.
Exotic Polypodiums, as also the majority of Daval-
lias, numerous Acrostichums, &c., are easily in-
creased by the layering of the points of their rhizomes;
or if these are cut into various lengths, they rapidly
produce lateral growths, which in a short time
form independent plants. Chopped sphagnum,
Proliferous and Viviparous Species, &c. _ 39
rough fibrous peat, and coarse silver sand, in equal

proportions, form a mixture that gives the most satis-
factory results. In this the cut-up rhizomes should
be laid with but a very superficial covering of the
same material, when the young growths will make
headway in a remarkably short time, especially if
the whole is subjected to the influence of a warm,
TREN
Sy i (Se we
Ne
WS SS
S
UY)
Zh
iy, yo
i} Ss
WKS nina
bsD
S
Fig. 28. Oak Fern (Polypodium Dryopteris), a familiar

example of a species having creeping rhizomes.
moist atmosphere, such as that of an ordinary pro-

pagating-case, or of a melon- or forcing-pit.
Proliferous and Viviparous Species, &c.

To propagate the Proliferous and Viviparous
Ferns is a very simple matter. With those species
and varieties that produce solitary and terminal
bulbils, the ends of the fronds should be securely
pegged down to the soil, or else to the moss sur-
rounding the plants. Soon an independent existence
is set up. Similarly, when bulbils are produced on
the fronds, they may be allowed to drop on to the

soil, or be removed with a view to their rooting, and
ultimately becoming independent subjects. Asple-
num bulbiferum is a good example of such Ferns;
in fact, the genus is unusually prolific of such species
Fig. 29, The Ivy-leaved Fern, Hemicnitis palmata, a

dwarf-growing species for the stove.
and varieties. If such plantlets bearing no resem-

blance to the parent be picked off when three rudi-
mentary fronds are made, and lightly placed on
damp, sandy soil, they will emit roots, and may
afterwards be pricked off singly. There are, how-
ever, exceptions even to this rule, and with these the
bulbils must not be separated from the fronds, but
be pegged to the soil in order that the adventive
erowth may develop. Well-known instances are
Hemionitts cordata and H. palmata (Fig. 29), and
Ceratopters thalictroides. Again, in the Hartstongue,
Latent Buds and Underground Stems. 4!
some forms produce buds on their stalks, as also ~

on the surface and on the edges of their fronds;
in the latter case it is necessary to cut a small
portion of the frond to fix them in the soil, and to
hold them. until the roots have developed. Even in
the plumose sections of the Lady Fern a few forms
have been found occasionally producing on the back
of their fronds bulbils from which young plants
ean be produced by pegging down.
Latent Buds and Underground Stems.
A process of reproduction that is less generally
known consists in artificially stimulating the de-
velopment of buds which, if left to themselves, .
usually remain dormant at the base of the stalks of
the fronds of certain species. ‘This is particularly
applicable, among exotic kinds, to Angiopteris and _
Marattias, whose fronds are surrounded at their
base by fleshy appendages, each provided with two
buds, which seldom, if ever, develop when left on
the plant, but which, on being placed in a compost
of an open nature, and subjected to heat and moisture,
never fail to produce young plants. Among
British kinds, this peculiar method may be applied
with advantage in the reproduction of some varieties
of the Male Fern, of the Hartstongue, and even of
some forms of the Lady Fern; for it has been found
that the basal portions of the old, decayed fronds,
which for many years retain some vitality, contain
such latent buds, and these usually develop when de-
tached from the old fronds and treated in the same
way as the scales of Marattias. As regards Scolo-
pendriums, all may be readily increased by dividing
the stool, or underground stem, with which every
plant belonging to this genus, when sufficiently old,
is provided. Cut up that portion which is below
the ground into small fragments, lay these in a
shallow pan half filled with crocks, and cover them
with a thin layer of very sandy soil, which must be
kept moderately, and also constantly, moist. In
this way a crop of young plants, in all respects like
the one from which the divisions have been obtained,
will be secured. Although these will come up

under cold treatment, the influence of a little arti-
ficial heat greatly assists development.
Other Methods of Increase.
The tubercles produced at the roots of certain
Nephrolepis offer another means of reproduction,
and one that is most valuable in the propagation of
N. pluma, N. Bauset, &c., which, being of a de-
ciduous nature, would otherwise have to be increased
exclusively from spores. Their tubercles, which are
produced in abundance, remain 1n the ground at rest
fully three months after the foliage has died down—
in November or December—and if the soil in the
meantime is kept moderately moist, but not wet,
these tubercles retain their vitality until March,
when, by being potted off singly (an small pots at
first) they will, during the season, and with suc-
cessive pottings, make very pretty young plants,
similar to those produced from the stolons with
which all tuberless and evergreen Nephrolepis are
provided.
However great may be the advantages derived
from the propagation of Ferns from spores, there
are some instances in which that mode of imcrease
is practically impossible, as there are species and
varieties permanently barren, or at least so far as
plants subjected to cultivation are concerned.
Usually this character is most commonly exhibited in
plumose forms of different species, British and exotic.
“ Plumation ” may be considered the most beautiful
type of variation. It consists in either a much more
delicate division and growth of the ultimate sections
of the frond than that of the common species, or in
a greater leafy development. Ferns partaking of
the plumose character are usually either partially or
entirely barren, the reproductive vigour of the plant,
exactly as is the case with flowering plants bearing
double flowers, being apparently affected by such
development. It is beyond dispute that if spores
are not, or are only very sparingly, formed, the
reproductive powers of such plants are much more
Other Methods of Increase. | | 43
developed in the production of buds on various parts

of their fronds. Mxperiments have conclusively
proved that the barren Scolopendriwm crispum, for
instance, is much more readily propagated from sec-
tions of the underground stem than the fertile species
and varieties. “Among British Ferns naturally
barren, the most striking instance is that of the
Welsh Polypody (Polypodium vulgare cambricum),
which, although grown in great quantities, and con-
sequently under very diferent circumstances, and
subjected to various climatic conditions and in-
fluences, has never been seen bearing any fertile
fronds, either naturally or under _ cultivation.
Permanent barrenness is equally wel! illustrated im ~
the case of the lovely frilled or plumose form of the
common Hartstongue, Scolopendrium vulgare cris-
pum, which, although grown in enormous quantities
and under various conditions, has invariably re-
frained from producing spores.
Numerous other instances of barren or partially-
barren species and varieties might be adduced in
exemplification of the characteristic referred to.
Anyhow, it is only fair to assume that this absence
of spores accounts for the rarity of such Ferns in
collections, as well as the comparatively high figures
asked for them. ‘Their propagation is necessarily
a very slow process, particularly that of the plumose
form of Aspidium (Polystichwm) aculeatum; this
ean only be mereased by means of side orowths,
which are but sparingly produced at the base of the
protracted trunk, and only after the plant has
already attained a certain age. ‘The barren forms of
Polypodium and of Scolopendrium are more plenti-
ful in collections, for this reason—that while, in the
cases just described, one must patiently wait for the
production of the offsets or of side buds, these species
and their varieties may be—and, indeed, frequently
are—propagated either by the sectioning of the
underground stems, as previously explained, or by
the division of the crowns, which are produced in
greater abundance. In exotic Ferns, we find the
same barren character affecting to a similar degree
44 , Choice Ferns for Amateurs.
the plumose forms of different species. A popular

illustration of this character is undoubtedly the
beautiful Adiantum tenerum Farleyense, or, as it is’
commonly called, A. Farleyense (Fig. 30), which is
exclusively increased by division.
Two other modes of Fern propagation, each of
them very little known to the public in general, but
Fig. 30. Frond of the beautiful |Adiantum tenerum Farleyense,

a well-Known plumose barren form.
which may be classed among the most important dis-

coveries of recent years, must be briefly mentioned.
One has been called Apogamy, which was first ob-
served by Professor Farlow in connection with the
well-known Pteris cretica, but which is now known
to affect several other Ferns, notably Nephrodium
(Lastrea) Filix-mas cristata. With these the young
Fern is produced as a bud from certain parts of the
prothallus, without the formation of sexual organs.
The sexual process, as the name indicates, is in this
Cultural Conditions. 45
case completely abolished, the production of spores

being suppressed. The other departure 1s Apospory,
which was brought prominently before the public
by Mr. Charles IT’. Druery, who discovered that in
certain Ferns the prothalli were produced as out-
srowths from the pinnules of the Fern fronds, and
not from the spores. With this method the sexual
reproduction is not affected, and the leafy Ferns are
developed from the prothalli in the usual way. But
the prothallus, according to the variety in which
Apospory was observed, is either modified sporangia
or simply a structure of prothalloid nature, without
any connection with sori or sporangia. Interesting
to the scientist as these departures from the normal
may be, they are without the scope of this work,
which is intended purely as a guide to the amateur.
Those, however, who wish to learn more concerning
Apospory will find it fully described in “ The Book
of Choice Ferns.”
CULTURAL CONDITIONS.
In order successfully to cultivate Ferns, it 1s
necessary to remember the conditions under which,
as a rule, they grow in a state of nature. The
exact surroundings, of course, cannot more than be
approximated to in the majority of cases. There-
fore, whether dealing with the occupants of the
hardy Fernery or those of the glass-house, this fact
must not be lost sight of. Shade and moisture are
absolutely necessary to the well-being of the many;
while there are a few that thrive best in exposed
and airy situations. For the purpose here we may
broadly divide Ferns into those that are hardy and
those that require protection. Aspect in each case
must be studied. For instance, the hardy Fernery,
whether it be a modest rockery or a more pretentious
affair, should be constructed in a moist and cool
spot, where strong light does not penetrate.
Usually, therefore, one in the neighbourhood of tall
deciduous trees, and having a north aspect, should
be selected, as these would. protect the plants alike
from cold winds and scorching sun. ‘There are
many such sites in numbers of gardens, and though

for flowers generally they are for the most part quite
unsuitable, yet for Ferns they are ideal quarters,
and by careful selection of species they may be easily
converted into a most interesting section of the
garden beautiful.
Next to aspect comes drainage. Ferns are
moisture-loving subjects, and in the growing season
particularly require an abundance of water. It will,
therefore, be obvious that a water-logged soil would
soon sour, and prove disastrous to the occupants, no
matter how enduring as individuals they may be.
Making the Hardy Fernery.
The shape of the rockery matters but little:
it is the well-being of the plants that should be the
vuide, though the closer the general scheme is to
Nature the more effective. Inasmuch, however, as
she is never hard and fast, it would be inadvisable
to attempt to give plans. Above all things, endeavour
to avoid anything like a formal appearance, whether
the rockwork be on the level or in an excavated posi-
tion. First, roughly map out the paths or path and
then proceed to fill in the details. In selecting the
stone for the purpose the average amateur will have
to depend largely upon what he finds locally to hand.
Where. however, cost 1s not a consideration, then
either limestone or sandstone should be employed,
the latter preferably. Whether a large or a small
Fernery is under consideration, the cultivator’s aim
must be to break up the view as 1t were, and this is
best done by means of good-sized pieces of stone.
Where stone is not get-at-able on account of expense,
then the amateur must fall back upon brick-burrs
from the kiln-yard. These are always obtainable at
a cheap rate, and if not so natural in appearance as
stone the rockery may be so constructed that 1t will
give excellent results; and, after all, with the
majority, the aim would be rather to preserve in
vigorous health a certain number of species and
varieties than to provide a show-place. Without
doubt, the most natural way of growing Ferns is in
Making the Hardy Fernery. 47
a kind of artificially-made ravine with, if possible,

such paths thereto as one would find in nature.
True, this 1s more easily said than done, but that it
is possible we know from practical experience. If one
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Oot > Tat Ke
Ves
NS
x
ity NN
Pst ea
}
i el
eeXM,
By SA's \\ |
ahy te
Wits
ae
50 )he
Pan i lyHh
MIT EN ONE
nd AA NT RS
TN gM
Fig. 31. An underground Fernery so arranged that light is

readily accessible and that no pieces of rocK are overhanging.
wishes to take a lesson from Nature as to the way

Ferns grow, we would recommend a visit to the
Downland Landslip between Lyme Regis and Seaton.
There one finds the very hints that are required, but
which are so difficult to convey in .words.
Or the “ Nine Springs” at Yeovil may be cited
as a Fernery in a natural ravine with tortuous paths.

These, however, are too extensive to be thought of
except by the wealthy, still they are recorded as
object-lessons. Very important in the case of an
excavated hardy Fernery (Fig. 31), even on a small
scale, is the provision for getting rid of the surplus
moisture—it must be carried away by drains.
Even in making a Fernery on the level, the
idea must be to provide eood-sized pieces of rock,
between the chinks and pathways of which certain
sultable species may be introduced. No one would
think of plantinga Fernery on a dead-level for
giving the best effect. That many have to confine
their attention to a border or a bed is perfectly true;
but neither the one nor the other is an ideal
place for Ferns. ‘The reason of this is that the
ordinary occupants thereof require altogether
different conditions from those suited to Fern life.
Sometimes it is possible to utilise very effectively
old tree-stumps in combination with the stone; but
after all, 1t is doubtful whether decaying wood, with
its great liability to be attacked with many engl eae
fungoid diseases, offers even a good environment
for Ferns. Therefore, while on the one hand we
would scarcely advocate the removal of such stumps
did they exist on the other we would prefer relying,
had we to form an entirely fresh rock garden, upon
stone alone. Here it may be as well a state that it
is very necessary to make the pieces of rock used in
the construction of a Fernery firm in the soil, other-
wise a heavy storm might prove disastrous.
Our native Ferns alone provide sufficient variety
to satisfy the tastes of even the most exacting; but
if greater variety be required then some ot the ‘exotic
svecies from Japan and North America may be em-
ployed, as their hardiness is undoubted. A mistake
that is often made by amateurs 1s to plant without
any idea as to the future development of the occu-
pants. To take British Ferns as a guide. it is most
Cane desirable to allow sufficient space for them
at the outset. Another point is to plani the back-
eround in masses instead of singly. If, for instance,
Making the Hardy Fernery. 49
such strong-growing species as the Male Fern

(Nephrodium Filia-mas), the Prickly Shield Fern
(Aspidium aculeatum, Fig. 32), and the Ostrich-
Feather Fern (Onoclea germanica and O. g. pennsyl-
vanica) are thus disposed, they will shelter less robust
species. Important, too, is it to consider, when plant-
ing, the soil requirements of individuals, whether
Nt \
————
Fig. 32. Prickly Shield Fern—Aspidium aculeatum—a very

robust species, well suited to shelter more delicate Ferns.
singly or grouped; the character of such individuals

—whether deciduous or evergreen, for, unless this
be done a bare appearance would be presented at
the “‘ fall of the leaf” that would be undesirable.
As to the best time for making a hardy Fernery,
this will depend upon circumstances. Such a place
may safely be planted at any time from October to
| E
March; but if it is tolerably sheltered, it will be

found preferable to plant during the autumn, as
root action in most hardy Ferns commences long
before there are any visible outward signs of vege-
tation, and in that case the plants moved in the
autumn will, if kept sufficiently moist, have made a
quantity of fresh roots, upon which the new growth -
is mostly dependent. In an exposed situation it is
best to plant early in spring, and just before vege-
tation commences—that is, about the end of March
as the plants are then in most vigorous state.
Moreover, if any of the old fronds are injured
through the operation, there is but little harm done;
whereas if the planting takes place later, the injuries
done to the young growths may result in a permanent
disfigurement of the plants.
Once a hardy Fernery is established it requires
very little attention. The whole work in connection ©
with such a place is limited to occasional waterings
during the summer, while during the winter a slight
covering of old leaves or other light material placed
over the crowns of the plants will enable the tenderer
species to withstand our severest winters.. Such
protective material must be carefully removed as
soon as the hard frosts are over, or its presence will
prove detrimental to the plants, either by the break-
ing of the young fronds if the operation is performed
when these are partly developed, or by their sudden
exposure to drying winds and late frosts, if they
_ have been allowed to make their growth under arti-
ficial protection.
In Pots under Glass.

For all Ferns requiring glass protection the
houses should preferably be disposed from north to
south, so as to avoid the strong rays of midday sun
while at the same time retaining all the light
possible. Exception to the rule as regards heht
should be made in the case of houses intended for
Filmy Ferns, all of which thrive best when grown
in a house with a north aspect and subdued light.
Important, also, is the angle at which the roof is
In Pots under Glass. | 51
pitched: 50deg. is not too great a one as there must

not be the slightest chance of drip occurring. ‘This
is fatal to success. ‘The warm-house Fernery
should also be a little below the ground level, as this
will ensure uniformity of temperature and perma-
nency of moisture, both very difficult to obtain in
houses built above ‘ground, especially when they are
supplied with shelves and open stages. Where a
naturally shaded spot cannot conveniently be found
for the Fernery, shading at certain times of the day
from March to October will be necessary; but it.
should only be afforded with a view to preventing the
scorching of the fronds, by breaking the rays of the
sun, and not to keeping out all natural light. In
this case it is preferable to shade by means of
movable blinds. The texture of the material (scrim is
best) will vary with the amount of shading called
tov. -The blinds should be let down for a few hours
when the sun is strong, but should be drawn up
again as soon as there is no danger of burning.
Shading by means of blindsmay be successfully
obviated by using green- tinted glass, as at Kew
Gardens, where it gives perfect satisfaction. In the
neighbourhoud of large towns, more especially, it is
decidedly necessary, periodically, to wash the glass
both inside and outside during the dull seasons.
Houses in which Ferns are intended to be grown
in pots should be low structures, sunk at least 14ft.
or 2ft. below the surface of the ground, and area et
with solid beds bricked on their vertical outer sur-
face. The walks should be made either of coarse
eravel or of the natural earth, simplv covered with
a thickness of a couple of inches of coal cinders, these
being the most porous and vet the best moisture-
retaining materials that can ‘be used in a house in
which constant humidity is of the utmost impor-
tance. With Ferns grown in pots it 1s essential that
they should stand on a solid, cool, moist bottom, the
most suitable material consisting of a firm bed of
ashes, or one of sand covered le a layer of coal
cinders. A free and constant supply of fresh air,
without a draught, must be maintained. With a
E2
cool Fernery (devoted, say, to Japanese, New

Zealand, Australian, and evergreen British kinds)
in which the temperature during winter is only kept
a little above freezing-point, ventilation from the
roof is quite sufficient. Where, however, South
American and East and West Indian species are
Fig. 33. A Northern Indian variety— Aspidium triangulum

ilicifolium—in which the leaflets have pointed extremities,
fiving them the appearance of Holly-foliage, hence the
specific name. A capital pot Fern.
erown, ventilators along the sides of the house should

also be provided. These should be disposed a little
below the level of the hot-water pipes, so that the
air which, before escaping through the top venti-
lators, passes over and amongst the plants, should
only do so after having been slightly warmed by its
temporary contact with the hot-water pipes.
Planted Out. 7 53
Ferns in pots (Fig. 33) require fresh potting

more or less frequently, according to their size and
also to their rate of growth, but over-potting 1s
injurious. ‘Such plants are most luxuriant when the
inside surface of their pots is already covered with
a network of their roots. Even a temporary absence
of moisture will cause shrivelling of the fronds in
Ferns, and once this has occurred it is seldom,
indeed, that the plants ever regain their freshness,
thus differing materially from flowering subjects.
Repotting may be safely performed at almost
any time of the year, providing the after-treatment
be correct; but it is best to commence in the warm-
house about the beginning of February, and in the-
cool-house about the beginning of March, but in no
case must it be undertaken before the plants have
started into growth. Old pots should be clean and
dry, otherwise the roots will adhere to their sides,
and when next repotting 1s necessary numbers will
be injured, to the great detriment of the plant.
New pots, too, should first be thoroughly soaked,
and then be well dried before using: if this be not
done the fresh water will be absorbed by the pots on
account of their porosity, and the roots of the plants
will suffer.
Drainage is of the utmost importance; while the
question of soil is almost as great a factor towards
success. By far the greater number of Ferns grow
naturally in partly-decayed vegetable matter, usually
of a soft nature: they should therefore be made firm,
but on no account potted hard. An excellent com-
post for most Ferns consists of two parts of sandy
loam, one part of leaf mould, one part of fibrous
peat, and one part of coarse sand.
Planted Out.
So far, our remarks have been confined to what
may be termed a more or less artificial way of grow-
ing Ferns. We will now consider the natural
Fernery, whether in a warm or in a cool structure
(or, for that matter, outside). Here specimens (large
or small growers), planted out without any regard to
regularity and symmetry, are allowed, so to speak,

to run wild, thus showing to a greater degree of
perfection their peculiar characters. Plants possess-
ing broad and bold foliage are found, besides others
of totally different characters, and a most pleasing and
desirable contrast is formed (Fig. 34). Such combina- —
tions may be variously effected—by species of either
totally different habits or those of distinct forms and
colours. The variety of tints found in many species
should be carefully studied in planting a natural
Fernery, just as anything approaching formality in
grouping or overcrowding should be strenuously
avoided. _ Ferns planted in rockwork require far less
attention than those grown in pots, and if provided
with suitable soil at the outset they will flourish for
years with the help of an occasional surfacing.
Moreover, the amount of “ material’ furnished by
an individual planted out as compared with one
erown in a pot is so great as to need no special re-
commendation.
In the building of a natural Fernery the
principal object is to secure, as far as practicable,
an equal amount of hght for all the occupants. The
erottoes, arches, and masses of overhanging rock,
that one often sees, are not to be recommended, as no
Ferns can flourish under such conditions. Tufa, be-
cause of its very porous nature, is well adapted for the
building of Ferneries. ‘The Ferns should be planted
on the sloping sides and on some little mounds made
of turfy peat securely held together by means of
wooden skewers, and covered with a layer of
common moss, which at first requires pegging down,
but which in such a position rapidly grows, and
firmly binds the whole mass together. This is far
preferable to, as well as more pleasing than
‘ nockets,”’ which, after all, are only substitutes for
pots. Planted in the way suggested, the advan-
tages over the pocket system are: a smaller quantity
of “material” is required, a greater amount of
natural humidity, and a total absence of sourness in
the soil through the air having free action all round
the surface of the earth. Mounds are particularly
Fig. 34. A view in the Fernery at Nash Court, Faversham.
recommended for all species provided with running

rhizomes, such as certain Adiantums and Acrosti-
chums, but principally for the majority of Davallias,
Nephrolepis, aud Polypodiums, whose rhizomes soon
take possession of the outer surface of the mound;
this then becomes rapidly covered with foliage, all
the more luxuriant in that the plants have more
room allowed for the extension of their rhizomes.
All the year round the warm Fernery should
be kept at a moderate and comfortable temperature;
more artificial heat than the plants really require is
highly injurious. It is of the utmost importance that
no Ferns should be placed in close proximity to the
hot-water pipes, which should be completely hidden
by the rockwork. <Air-shafts should be so managed
that the heat generated by the pipes is diffused in
the house by passing through and at the back of the
rockwork. ‘Tropical Ferns may be said to have a
period of active growth extending from March to
September. During that time all possible advantage
should be taken of natural heat, which, even when
somewhat strong, 1s not hurtful. The damage 1s
eenerally due to the use of artificial heat, which
should not be resorted to so long as the night tem-
perature of the house does not fall below 60deg.;
the solar heat may, without inconvenience to the
plants, raise 1t to 7odeg., or even 80deg., during the
day. From September to March, a minimum night
temperature of from 50deg. to 55deg. is all that is
required, and until growth commences 1t need not
be -much higher during the “day; atter aha
time it should be gradually raised to the minimum
point above-named.
Quite a large number of Ferns thrive as well in
the cool as in the warm Fernery: their growth, how-
ever, is not so rapid, although with time they make
quite as pretty specimens. The temperature of the
cool Fernery need not at any time exceed 55deg. to
60deg., and it will be found best to keep it at a
minimum of from 45deg. to 50deg. during the
winter months.
Many cultivators object to the employment of
Planted Out. | 57
deciduous species and varieties; but there is abso-

lutely no reason why the more ornamental deciduous
Ferns that succeed well in the cool Fernery should
not be planted among the evergreen ones, so that
when the former are deprived of their fronds their
places should not remain’ conspicuously bare.
Although, when planted out, Ferns require compara-
tively little attention, yet the operation of watering
requires to be performed with a good deal of dis-
crimination. ‘lhe use of a hose attached to a cold-
water pipe (as is frequently seen in private estab-
lishments) for the purpose, must be condemned.
Not only is such water generally far too cold, but
by being poured among the roots of the plants in ©
much greater volume than is needed, these get into
a bad state of health, from which they take a long
time to recover. A useful rule is not to use water
at a lower temperature than that of the house in
which it is to be employed. Moreover, frequently
fronds, as well as roots, are dripping, which is highly
injurious to the plants. Fern fronds taken gene-
rally are all the better for being kept dry. The
fronds of Filmy Ferns are, however, an exception to
this rule. The watering-can and the syringe alone
should be employed, as with them the individual
requirements of each plant may be studied, which is
impossible with the hose.
As far as possible, watering should be performed
on the morning of a bright day, so that the extra
quantity of moisture incidental thereto may rapidly
evaporate. Condensation on the foliage, if too
frequently taking place, will invariably discolour,
and eventually rot the fronds. To avoid frequent
waterings (which must necessarily impoverish the
soil), it is advisable, on bright mornings and all
through the summer, slightly to damp the surface of
the ground among the plants with the syringe. This
helps to maintain the surface of the soil, where the
majority of the young roots are found, in a uniform
state of moisture.
It should be scarcely necessary to state that at
no season of the year should Ferns be allowed to
become dry. The fact, however, remains that many

novices treat Ferns as if they were plants that
would be hkely prematurely to start into growth
were they kept moist. No greater mistake could be
made. Granted that during the resting period the
majority of Ferns require considerably less water
than in the active season, yet with a few exceptions
that will be noted as the families in which they occur
are enumerated, the majority must be kept moist the
year through. The aim of the Fern-grower, as stated
elsewhere, should be to approximate as closely as pos-
sible to the conditions found in Nature. He certainly
will not be doing so if he attempt to “ dry them off.”
Popular Ways of Growing Ferns.
Besides, the methods of cultivating Ferns
already dealt with, they may be grown on cork bark,
on hanging blocks, in suspended baskets, in window-
cases, and, above all, in glass cases in the dwelling-
room. Whether in window-cases, on a _ rustic
stand with a propagating-glass to cover the plants,
or in a Fern-case, they are always attractive
when well grown. Filmy Ferns are _ especially
amenable to such treatment, but other Ferns in
variety are equally adapted for the purpose. As
regards the latter, however, they require replanting
oftener, for, being of more vigorous, or rather of
quicker, growth, they more rapidly overgrow the
case. .In favour of Filmy Ferns, it may be said
that while their transparent fronds remain uninjured
through a prolonged contact with the glass, those of
nearly all, if not of all, other kinds soon deteriorate
when subjected for any length of time to the in-
fluences of the moisture more or less permanent in
a Fern-case. Under all circumstances, therefore, the
Filmies, though more expensive as regards first cost,
are the better.
Fern-cases vary alike as to form and size
(Figs. 385 and 36). At one time they were more
popularly known as Wardian cases, after their
inventor, Nathaniel B. Ward. The oblong-shaped
Victoria is the most ornamental of them all.
Popular Ways of Growing Ferns. 59
In this ventilation is provided by means of a

movable or sliding strip of glass at the upper part,
where the two bent pieces of glass meet, and also
through both the ends, which, being hung on hinges,
can be opened to admit the exact amount of air re-
quired. In this structure all possible heht is saved,
as there are neither cross-bars nor uprights in the
way, each side and each end, as well as each half of
the curved top, being individually of only one piece
of glass. The base part of the case is separated from
the soil by a false bottom made of perforated zinc,
the intervening space serving as a receptacle for the
i
’ py
ares
hi
Yuin
vil t
vee ait 4
| Bat
a
i
N
Hagi
t
e ra VY,
7 , ; \ ea
Fig. 35. A favourite shaped Fern-case for Ferns made by

Eade and Son.
water that is applied to the plants. At one end is

a small tap or hole, through which, by a slight tilt-
ing of the case from the opposite end, all superfluous
water is easily disposed of. On the perforated zine
bottom should be arranged a couple of inches of
crocks, and these covered with a layer of sphagnum,
or (better still) of very fibrous peat, to prevent the
drainage from becoming choked. ‘The bottom of
the case is then filled to a depth of about 61in., with a
mixture of soil suitable to the species and varieties
to be planted. For Filmy Ferns two parts peat, one
part silver sand, and one of partly-decomposed

sphagnum, will ‘satisfy all species having either
crowns or slender rhizomes which delight in
running into loose and decayed vegetable matter,
Et, however, Trichomanes radicans is alone to be
crown, then equal parts of peat and porous
sandstone roughly broken into pieces of various
sizes should be supplied. To the latter the hairy
rhizomes cling, while the fleshy roots run freely
amongst the pieces, from which they derive all the
nourishment they require. Where a commoner class
e
iaA
\,
Fig. 36. Semicircular-topped Fern-case made by

ade and Son.
of Ferns is to be grown, two parts peat or leaf-mould,

one part fibrous loam, and one part silver sand, will
be found the most satisfactory compost. In these,
as in Filmy Fern cases, a miniature rockery may be
prepared. The material for this, whether consisting
of tufa or natural stone, should be firmly embedded
in the soil; they need only be stood up, and their
base may with advantage be planted with small
pieces of Ficus repens minima, which in time covers
them, and may easily be kept within bounds by
occasional pruning. Some small-growing Selagi-
nellas may also be planted in close proximity
Popular Ways of Growing Ferns. 6I
to the stones, whence they will extend and

cover the surface of the ground. A _ less _pre-
tentious case is the octagonal structure; while
plain glass shades may be procured of various
heights and dimensions, so as to suit plants of
different sizes and habits.’ In all cases, the mode of
planting and after-treatment are the same. When-
ever possible, the Fern-case should be placed as
near the window as practicable, and should be shaded
from the sun when necessary. Filmy Ferns are all
the better 1f placed near a window with a north
aspect, where, although receiving a good deal of
light, which shows their transparency to great ad-
vantage, the sun never troubles them. When grown
in a room, they require but very little ventilation;
and, unless there happen to be an excess of con-
densed moisture, it is best to keep the case closed,
for, if exposed for any length of time to the influence
of the dry air of a dwelling-room, the delicate fronds
soon shrivel up, and are eventually destroyed.
Should there be, however, any accumulation of con-
densed moisture on the olass, it is well to give a
little air: but the case should be closed again as
soon as the glass is dry. When filled with other
Ferns of mixed characters, the case requires a greater
amount of ventilation; and, when thoroughly
established in it, the plants derive much benefit from
a change of air, which should be frequently given
with a view to preventing the glass from becoming
dim and slimy through the condensation of moisture
upon 1t. Watering requires a certain amount of
tact, and no hard-and-fast rule can possibly be laid
down; but a great deal of irreparable mischief
frequently results from a too liberal use of the
watering-pot. After being planted in the case, the
Ferns should be watered gently until the soil is
uniformly damp, and the case being then closed,
no more water will be required until ne surface a
the soil gets dry, when a gentle watering over the
round only, as before, should be given to ‘the extent
required. In any case, it 1s most advisable to keep
the foliage of the plants dry.
—_
One of the most popular ways of growing Ferns is

in suspended wire or other baskets (Fig. 37) lined with
Fig. 37. A favourite Polypody (Polypodium sub-auriculatum)

for growing as a basket subject.
fresh, living moss; this, being firmly pressed against

the sides, is sufficient to retain the soil, in which the
Popular Ways of Growing Ferns. 63
Ferns should be planted a little below the surface

of the wire, so as to allow sufficient room for the
water to permeate the whole ball. If baskets are
planted too high, the difficulties in keeping the
Ferns in good order are greatly increased, and
nothing short of frequently-repeated soakings will
answer; whereas, if filled only below the level of
the rim, ordinary waterings, with occasional dip-
pings, will be found quite sufficient to keep the
plants in good condition. Baskets manufactured of
cork bark may also be made very ornamental and
rustic, and should be treated in the way stated above,
with this difference—that they do not require any
lining. The effect of suspended baskets is greatly
enhanced by the introduction of a few foliage plants
of creeping habit, such as Ficus repens, Saxifraga
sarmentosa, green and variegated forms of T'rades-
cantia, &e. These, if planted near the edge, soon
take possession of the outer surface, covering 1t more
efficiently than the Ferns themselves could do, while
the same treatment is applicable to them.
Another very effective way of growing Ferns
is one adopted with marked success by Messrs.
W. and J. Birkenhead, Sale, near Manchester.
According to their “ Hints on the Cultivation of
Ferns,” it consists in fastening to a viece of cork
bark a laver of living moss larger than the cork
itself, and roots upwards; on this the Fern js
placed, and its own roots are surrounded with
suitable compost, in quantity according to size
ef plant and cork. Over’ this compost and
the roots of the Fern the edges of the moss
are drawn so as to cover up all the soil; then
the moss and Fern are fastened on to the cork
bv means of thin copver wire, worked across in
different directions, and twisted round copper tacks
at the edges of the cork. The whole is then sus-
pended by one hooked wire if to hang against a
wall, or by three or four wires and a hook if to hang
like a basket from the roof of a ereenhouse or of a
conservatory. The moss should be kept constantly
moist, and the body of moss and _ soil soaked
eccasionally in water, to ensure thorough saturation.

With this treatment the moss may be made to grow
as well as the Fern, forming altogether a most
charming object. Such Ferns as Davallias especially
|
iWiese
Msster
ip 22 o
Get Wee
Nee
Fig. 38. An effective method of utilising the stem of a dead

' Tree Fern for the accommodation of living plants.
delight in having their rhizomes among the damp

moss, their roots gcing through the moss into the
compost. Virgin cork may, indeed, be used in many
ways, and always with the greatest effect.
Stems of dead Tree Ferns may be utilised with
Fern Enemies. «665
advantage for Ferns. By scooping out the upper

part, and filling it with soil, a good-sized plant may
be inserted in the top, while the sides may be planted
with seedlings, which, as is shown in our illustra-
tion (Fig. 38), eventually take posession of the whole
surface. For this purpose the several species of
Davallia, the trailing Acrostichums, Nephrolepis,
and some of the Polypodiums are all suitable. Such
Tree-Fern stems require to be watered, like Tree
Ferns, from the top; and, to keep the artificial
orowth upon them in good order, the waterings must
be both copious and frequent during the growing
season, gradually lessening them as the winter
approaches.
Especially useful for Fern-growing are the
ornamental pans manufactured by Mr. Conway
G. Warne, Royal Potteries, Weston-super-Mare.
The Fern-leaf patterns in no less than a dozen sizes
are most effective; so also are the Italian Fern-
baskets. With these and a few bell-glasses, some
exceedingly pretty Ferns may be grown by those who
have not the space to indulge in the more pretentious
methods.
Ferns may also be grown on the porous bottles
sold for the purpose; while of late years the prac-
tice of twisting the rhizomes of certain species of
Dawallia, usually D. bullata and D. Mariesiz, has be- |
come very popular. Sometimes they take the form
of balls, and at others that of various animals—
monkeys, and the hike. The dried roots are readily
started in spring by immersing them in a vessel of
rain water for two or three hours, allowing them to
drain, and then hanging them up in a shady window.
They make capital subjects for porches, &c., and are
easily kept in good health by watering them once or
twice a week, and very occasionally substituting for
the plain rain water, some very weak manure water.
At the beginning of winter the Fern-balls should be
allowed to rest, by keeping them in a cool place until
spring, when they may be started as already advised.
The second season start them in weak cow-manure
water.
F
Then, too; many species of Ferns are sufficiently

accommodating to be grown as room plants. The
stout-fronded species and varieties are those best
adapted for such heroic treatment; their greatest
enemies are dust and draught, with overdoses of
water. Dust should be sponged off carefully, other-
wise no Fern can long remain healthy.
Rustic window-boxes may be usefully employed
for Fern: culture so long as ample means of drainage
have been provided, and that they do not rest with
their boxes upon the sills. An inch or two of space
should intervene between the sill and the bottom of
the window-box.
Fig. 39. The Black Vine Weevil (Otiorrhynchus sulcatus), a

very destructive Fern pest alike as a beetle and as a grub.
Fern Enemies.
Ferns in their native habitats are seldom
attacked by any animal pests; but under cultivation
they are liable to be injured by many insect and
other foes. Woodlice, Slugs, Snails, Cockroaches,
Crickets, and other pests are particularly fond of the
young growths, especially those of a succulent
nature; Black Vine Weevils (Otcorrhynchus sulcatus)
in both the grub and beetle states (Fig. 39); Surface
Fern Enemies. 67
Caterpillars (Agrotidw), Aphides (Greenfly and

Black Fly), Snowy Fly, Thrips, Scale, Mealy Bug
are, however, other marauders that must be guarded
against. Thanks to the introduction of vaporising
insecticides, most of these pests may be summarily
dealt with. Still, care must be exercised, otherwise
the young fronds will be injured. At the same
time, these do not avail against Scale, Surface Cater-
pillars, Crickets, Cockroaches (Fig. 40), Beetles,
Woodlice, Slugs, and Snails. Cockroaches, Crickets,
Fig. 40. An American species of CocKroach (Periplaneta

americana) that is frequently found in our glass-houses,
and is greatly on the increase.
and Woodlice may be trapped or poisoned with phos-

phorus paste or Vall’s Beetlecute, Buirkenhead’s
Beetle Trap will catch hundreds of Cockroaches.
Surface Caterpillars must be searched for at night
by the aid of a light.
The very destructive Black Vine Weevil must
also be sought for at night. Being a wily insect,
the cultivator must proceed with care. Having noted
the Ferns on which the insects have bestowed their
attention, mark them off and surround them with
We
sheets of white paper smeared with some sticky sub-

stance. At night go into the house, and suddenly
turn on the light in the direction of the infested
plants, at the same time giving them a shake.
Immediately the Beetles will drop, and many of them
will be caught by the adhesive, when they may be
destroyed. For Slugs and Snails traps of bran and
brewer’s grains, laid in heaps, are best. They should
be frequently examined at night, and the creatures
picked off and destroyed. Then there is also Slugicide,
a very effectual preparation. Mealy Bug and Seale are
both difficult to deal with, as although there are
several excellent insecticides that may be effectively
employed in the case of hard-wooded plants, they
must not be used upon Ferns. Hand-rubbing and
sponging with warm water, in which just a little
soft-soap has been dissolved, must be largely relied
upon for ridding the plants of their enemies, but too
much sponging may be harmful. As a preventive
measure 1t will be found a good plan to remove any
of the fronds that are showing signs of maturity
and burning them. Ants are also undesirable, and
may be got rid of by means of Vall’s Beetlecute or
Cross’s ‘ Ballikinrain ” Ant Destroyer.
Fortunately for the Fern-cultivator his plants
are not liable to be attacked by many species of
fungi. Still, there are one or two that must be
noted, more especially as Fern Rust is a very
common disease. Cystopteris fragilis is the greatest
sufferer from Rust; and many species succumb
owing to the gardener not diagnosing the cause.
Ferns attacked have a very sickly look, and if the
under-surfaces of the fronds be examined there will
be found numerous vellow often rounded pustules.
Any plants that are diseased should be removed, and
a spraying with a claret-red solution of Condy’s
Fluid be given the remainder. All diseased fronds
should be burnt. Ferns in the prothallus stage often
“damp off” mysteriously, and by many this is
thought to be due to the fungus responsible for the
destruction of many flowering plants in the seedling
stage—Pythium de Baryanum, or a very near ally.
I.—A DICTIONARY OF CHOICE FERNS.
ACONIOPTERIS. See Acrostichum.
- ACROPHORUS.
Moore’s name for a genus at one time kept up,
but not now considered botanically distinct from
Davallia. In catalogues the name is usually found.
ACROSTICHUM.
As at present constituted, the genus Acrostichum
is a very extensive one, and as diversified as it 1s
extensive. The majority of the species are of tropical
origin, and they are markedly different in habit;
they comprise individuals that are of extremely
small size, and others that may be fairly classed as
eigantic; while the veining, and the way the fronds
are “cut” or divided, constitute a very interesting
feature. To the sori must be looked for the distin-
guishing characters of the genus: these are spread —
over the whole under-surface of the fertile fronds,
or of their upper leaflets, or occasionally over both
surfaces, and not confined to the veins only. The
ways in which Acrostichums may be employed
as decorative subjects are numerous. The strongest-
erowing species and varieties are useful for covering
the stems of Tree Ferns, as well as unsightly walls,
columns, &c.; those with long fronds are well adapted

for hanging-baskets; and those having entire or
simple fronds for culture in pots.
All the members of this family require plenty
of water at the roots, and therefore due regard must
be paid to this when providing a compost. It must |
be of a very porous nature. Two parts fibrous peat,
che part chopped sphagnum, and one part coarse
silver sand will be found the most suitable mixture.
Though these Ferns generally, as suggested at the
outset, require a stove temperature in which to grow,
there are one or two that are sufficiently accom-
modating to flourish in an intermediate tempera-
ture. For instance, A. scandens will succeed in a
house the winter temperature of which occasionally
does not reach 50deg. Fahr. This, too, is one of
the species that requires an even more than ordinary |
open compost, and therefore the cultivator will do
well to provide for it equal parts of fibrous loam,
fibrous peat, partially rotten leaf soil, and silver
sand. Throughout the year there must be plenty of
water at the roots.
As in all large families of Ferns, there are a
few individuals that may be classed as somewhat
fastidious, and these will have to be considered.
A. aureum, rightly regarded as the finest species,
is a semi-aquatic. Its potting mixture should con-
sist of equal parts fibrous peat and loam, it should
be allocated a position in the warm house, and the
lower part of the pot should be kept in water. The
Klephant’s Ear Fern (A. crinitum, Fig. 41) requires
to be treated carefully in the matter of water, other-
wise the fleshy fronds get disfigured with oily-looking
spots. For this Fern, two parts peat and one part
chopped and partly-decayed sphagnum is the best
compost that can be recommended. JDespite every
care, should the unsightly spots referred to appear,
the best way of dealing with the plants is to remove
the soil from the roots by washing them, and then
repotting in a smaller size should be undertaken.
Very little water should be given after this; indeed,
this species, even when healthy, unless growing
A Dictionary of Choice Ferns. val
in a very high temperature, should only be watered

when it shows signs of flagging. |
Another species that requires special treatment is
A. peltatum. This should be allocated a naturally
moist position, should be provided with plenty of
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Fig. 41. The Elephant Ear’s Fern, Acrostichum crinitum, is

one of the most curious species in the large family.
water the year through, and should have its roots

disturbed as little as possible. In a place where a
permanently moist atmosphere obtains it grows
freely enough in a mixture of about equal parts
fairly rotten leaf soil, fibrous peat, and silver sand.
Impatient of disturbance is the distinct A. scolopen-

drifolum: indeed, so long as watering is carefully
performed it succeeds best when pot-bound. It must
also be remembered that this family is one in which
certain species are met with having running
rhizomes. Such are best provided with mounds,
which the rhizomes soon cover. Generally speaking,
these prostrate stems require to be kept on the sur-
face. At first a few wooden pegs are necessary to
fasten them thereto; but the necessity for
this disappears directly the plants make headway.
Where fronds have been sparingly produced on the
rhizomes a system of “pinching” is frequently
adopted. This consists in nipping out the extremity
of the rhizome during active growth, but never while
the plants are at rest.
Propagation may be effected by spores; by division
of the crowns in the case of those species showing
such a characteristic; or by cutting up those species
having creeping rhizomes while the plants are at
rest, and pegging each piece bearing a couple of
fronds and a few roots upon a mixture made of
equal parts of chopped sphagnum, rough fibrous
peat, and coarse sand. In a genial warmth such
as that of an ordinary propagating-case the young
plants will soon develop. When propagating Ferns
by division, it 1s necessary first to wait untilat least
two centres of growth have been developed. All
that remains to be done is to pull the crowns apart
just before growth commences—middle of March to
the middle of April. By this means a long season
of growth is available for the young plants.
Botanists now include under this family the
following: Aconiopteris, Chrysodium, Egenolfa,
Elaphoglossum, Gymnopteris, Hymenolepis, Oljersia,
Photinopteris, Polybotrya, Rhipidopteris, Soromanes,
and Stenochlena.
A. acuminatum.
On account of the gracefully drooping character of its
light green, firm-textured fronds, produced from a thick,
climbing rhizome, this Brazilian stove species is considered
one of the most decorative in the genus. The barren fronds,
A Dictionary of Choice Ferns. 13
ACROSTICHUM —continucd.
borne on firm, erect stalks, 4in. to Gin. long, and scaly
throughout, are from lft. to 2ft. long and fully lft. broad,
deltoid in form, and simply pinnate, with their upper leaf-
lets shghtly lobed, truncate on the lower side at the base,
Gin. to 8in. long, and 4in. to 6in. broad, usually furnished
with small leafits on each side. The fertile fronds are Ift.
long, deltoid, and thrice pinnate. Fig. 42.
Fig. 42. Acrostichum acuminatum, one of the most graceful

and decorative species in the genus.
A. apiifolium.
A pretty, very dwarf, stove species, from the Philip-
pines, with an Anemia-like habit that renders it distinc-
tive. The barren fronds, 4in. to 6in. each way, are borne
on stems about 2in. long, erect, and densely clothed with
short, woolly hairs; they are tripinnate, with leaflets close,
the lowest pair only having leafits divided not quite to the
midrib, while the ultimate divisions are oblong-rhomboidal,
their outer edge being slightly toothed. The fertile fronds are
borne on a slender and entirely naked stem, 6in. to 8in.
long; they have distinct, branching peduncles, with a few
distant, slender, either simple or compound branches. Both
are produced on a stout, woody, upright stem. The specific
name is in reference to the Parsley-like fronds.
ACROSTICHUM— continued.
A.appendiculatum.
From a firm, woody, prostrate stem this highly
decorative stove species produces barren fronds, 13ft.
to 2ft. long and 6in. to 8in. broad, simply pinnate, with a
stalk having on each side membranous expansions, and
proliferous at their apex; they are borne on erect stems,
4in. to Gin. long, naked or slightly scaly. The leaflets, 3in.
to 4in. long and nearly lin. broad, are very variable, some
being nearly entire, while others are cut half-way down to
Fig. 43. Acrostichum Aubertii, a distinct and well

characterised species for the stove.
the midrib of the blunt lobes, the upper side being frequently
eared, the lower one terminating abruptly, and dark green.
The fertile fronds, besides being narrower, are on a longer
spike, with roundish or oblong, often distinctly-stalked
leaflets. A free-growing species, found in various parts of
India.
A. Aubertii.
This very distinct and well-marked stove species is a
native of Bourbon, Natal, Guatemala, Venezuela, &c. The
barren fronds, lft. or more in length, are borne on stems
4in. to Gin. long, clothed with rough, linear, brown scales.
The fertile ones, only 2in. to 3in. long, are suddenly
ACROSTICHUM — continued.
narrowed at the base, and borne on stems Gin. to Qin. long.
They are produced on a woody, short-creeping, prostrate
stem, densely covered with scales similar to those clothing
the stems. Fig. 43.
Fig. 44. Acrostichum aureum, an evergreen species that

needs to be treated as a semi-aquatic.
A. aureum.
A noble, strong-growing warm-house Fern, found
naturally in swampy places all over the tropics of both
hemispheres. The ample evergreen fronds are borne on
strong, erect stems, lft. to 2ft. high, and their leafy por-
tion frequently measures 4ft. to 5ft. in length; they are
of a leathery texture, and of a particularly brilliant and
pleasing green colour, pinnate, with barren and usually stalked
leaflets, 38in. to 9in. long, and sometimes 3in. broad. In
76 Choice Ferns for Amateurs
ACROSTICHUM —continued.
this species, considered the best of all those so far intro-
duced, the fructification is limited to the upper leaflets,
which are only a little smaller than the barren ones, and
bear their spore-cases on the under-sides. Fig. 44.
A. auritum.
One of the few Acrostichums producing young plants on
the upper surface of their fronds. These spring from an
upright, woody stem, are deltoid in shape, and papery as
to texture. The barren ones, borne on stems Gin. to Qin.
long, are from 8in. to 12in. each way; their central seg-
ment is deeply pinnatifid, with spear-shaped entire lobes,
the lateral ones of which are unequal-sided, with elongated-
lobed lower leafits, which do not reach quite down to the
stalk. The deltoid fertile fronds are borne on stems 1ft.
to 13ft. long, but their distant, linear leaflets are barely
2in. broad, the upper ones being simple, the lower ones
pinnatifid. The proliferous character of the plant is shown
by a pair of bulbils disposed at the base of the lower leaflets
of the barren fronds. The species requires stove treatment,
being a native of the Philippines, Malay, and Solomon
Islands.
A. Blumeanum.
Blume named this greenhouse species Leptochilus
lomarioides. It is a native of Assam, Java, Samoa, and
the Philippines, where it grows on trees, its thick, wide-
climbing, woody rhizomes readily taking possession. Its
barren fronds, which measure from 2ft. to 3ft. in length
and about Ift. in breadth, are borne on scaly stalks, not
more than 6in. long, and are furnished on each side with
numerous membranous or soft-textured leaflets; these are
stalkless, and from 4in. to 6in. long, with their extremity
tapering to a point; they have their edge slightly toothed,
and their base rounded. The fertile fronds are equally
pinnate; but the leaflets, 4in. to 8in. long, are less closely
set, and never more than tin. broad.
A. canaliculatum.
A gigantic Venezuelan species, that succeeds equally well
under either stove or greenhouse treatment. On account
of its climbing habit, it is well adapted for running up a
Tree Fern stem, or for covering the stump of a dead tree.
Its barren fronds, which are produced from a wide-climbing
woody rhizome, covered with spines or short scales, are of
a dark, glossy green, and a somewhat leathery texture;
they frequently attain from 3ft. to 4ft. in length, and 13ft.
in breadth, are tripinnate, and borne on stalks lft. or more
in length. The lower barren leaflets usually measure from
Gin. to 9in. in length and quite 4in. in breadth, and are
furnished with numerous spear-shaped leafits, borne on
short stalks, and whose segments are naked on both sur-
faces. The segments of the fertile leafits, barely tin.
long, spread at right angles, and bear three or four stalk-
less clusters of spore-cases.
A. cervinum.
In this truly handsome stove species, whose habitat
extends from Cuba and Mexico to South Brazil and Peru,
the barren and fertile fronds are entirely dissimilar. The
former, simply pinnate, proceed from a creeping, woody
rhizome, that is thickly covered with shining hght brown
scales. The fronds are borne on stalks lft. or more long, ©
densely clothed with scales similar to those covering the
rhizome; they are of a weeping habit, and measure from
aft. to 4ft. long, while their practically entire, leathery-
textured, pale shining green leaflets are from 6in. to Qin.
long and frequently 2in. broad, and unequal at the base.
The fertile fronds are bipinnate, with linear leaflets, dis-
tant, and furnished with short, spreading leafits, entirely
covered with spore-cases. Tig. 11, p. 16.
A. Coenopteris.
Although more luxuriant under stove treatment, this
strong-growing Mexican species may _ be successfully
cultivated in the greenhouse, but is better adapted for grow-
ing on partly-decayed branches of trees than for pots. Its
woody rhizomes, densely clothed with rusty-coloured scales,
soon take possession of either wood or Tree Fern stem with
which they are brought into contact. These trailing stems,
as thick as a finger, produce two distinct sorts of fronds,
barren and fertile, both of which are borne on _ straw-
coloured stalks, 6in. to 12in. long, scaly below. The barren
ones, 2ft. to 8ft. long and about lft. broad, are simply
pinnate; the leaflets are of an almost leathery texture,
shining green, and frequently measure from 4in. to 8in. long
and llin. broad; they are entire and toothed, especially
towards the point. The fertile fronds are smaller, nar-
rower, and bipinnate. This species, of easy cultivation, is
identical with Soromanes serratifolium. Fig. 40.
A. conforme.
A handsome, evergreen, stove species, of dwarf habit,
with very thick, shining fronds, produced from a creeping
and scaly rhizome. Contrary to the general rule, the barren
ACROSTICHUM
— continued.
ones are narrower than those bearing fructification; they
are erect, from 6in. to 9in. long, and borne on short, slightly
scaly stalks. ‘lo this species—found in Mexico and Brazil,
in the Sandwich and Fiji Islands, on the Himalayas and the
Neilgherries—many other species are closely related—A.
CUE A. marginatum, and A. obtusifolium being the
chief.
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Fig. 45. Acrostichum Coenopteris, a useful species for clothing

a dead Tree Fern stem, and one of the easiest of the genus
to cultivate.
A. crinitum.
Of all stove Ferns in cultivation, this West Indian
species is undoubtedly the most curious, as also, when well
grown, one of the handsomest of the genus to which it
ACROSTICHUM— continued. |
belongs. The name of Elephant’s Ear Fern, under which
it is commonly known, conveys an idea of the extraordinary
shape of its fronds. Fig. 41. The barren ones are of a
leathery, yet succulent, texture, and dull green; when fully
developed, they frequently measure from lift. to 1}ft.
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Fig. 46. Acrostichum drynarioides, a species remarkable for

its lengthy fronds being quite stalKless.
long and from 8in. to 10in. broad. The fertile ones, of

similar shape and texture, are smaller and contracted, their
edges are turned inwards, and the whole of their under-
side, with the exception of a narrow margin, is densely
covered with brownish-black spore-cases, from which the
spores escape at an early date. The barren and fertile
fronds are both borne on firm, erect stalks, 6in. to 8in.
long, which are densely clothed with long and very narrow,
black silky scales. This interesting Fern is a general
favourite. The long black hairs which cover both surfaces
but more abundantly the margins of the barren fronds, are
the characteristic that is responsible for the specific name.
A. decoratum.
In this handsome stove species, native of the West
Indies, Guiana, and Peru, which is totally distinct from
all others in cultivation, the barren fronds, 1ft. or more
long by 3in. to 4in. broad, are of a leathery texture and of
a bright green colour; they are sharp-pointed at their
extremity, rounded at their base, and their edges are
densely-fringed with rough scales nearly lin. long and of a
bright brown colour. The fertile fronds are nearly as large
as the others; both are produced from a very stout stem,
furnished with scales of the same bright colour, but fully
3in. in length.
A. drynarioides.
This stove species, from Penang and the Solomon
Islands, is very peculiar on account of its fronds, several
feet long and lft. or more broad, being stalkless; it also
differs from most other known kinds in the upper part of
the fronds being furnished with Lomaria-like leaflets quite
lft. long; these, although attached throughout their
length to the stalk, break away from it readily. Fig. 46.
A. flagelliferum.
In this free-growing, East Indian stove species, the
barren fronds are of a somewhat succulent texture, and the
terminal leaflets, at least 1ft. long, become narrower towards
the extremity of the frond, where it becomes proliferous.
Such fronds average about 2ft. in length, and are borne on
stems 6in. to 12in. long, are usually furnished with three
pairs of leaflets, 3in. to Gin. long and lin. to 2in. broad,
borne on short wavy stalks, and of a dull green colour. The
fertile fronds are from lft. to 14ft. long, and their leaflets,
2in. to 3in. long, are seldom more than }in. in breadth.
Both are produced from a creeping, scaly, woody, prostrate
stem. The specific name, meaning rod-bearing, is in allusion
to the manner of growth of the barren fronds. Fig. 47,
A. Herminieri. }
This stove species, whose habitat extends from Cuba to
Brazil, is very handsome, and easily distinguished from all
others through the striking appearance resulting from its
ee
Pa,
extremities.
the at proliferous
fronds,
long having Fern, distinctive
a flagelliferum, Acrostichum
47. Fig.
barren
rod-shaped
ACROSTICHUM
— continued.
two very dissimilar kinds of fronds. Its barren ones are
sword-shaped, and measure from 2ft. to 3ft. in length and
about lin. in breadth, are of a leathery texture, and ter-
minate in a long, taper point, while their lower part is
very gradually narrowed; both their surfaces are naked, but
the upper one has quitea peculiar metallic gloss. The fertile
fronds are small, seldom measuring more than 4in. long,
and short-stalked. The rhizome on which the fronds are
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Fig. 48. Acrostichum muscosum, a tropical American

species with leathery-textured fronds. iNe
produced is stout, short-creeping, and of a woody nature,

densely covered with linear reddish-brown scales, and quite
lin. in length.
A. magnum.
This very handsome stove species, native of British
Guiana, is a very decorative Fern, although its fronds are
undivided. The barren ones, from 2ft. to 3ft. long and from
lin. to 2in. wide, are spear-shaped, being gradually nar-
rowed to both ends; they are of a leathery texture and
light as to colour, their upper surface being covered with
A Dictionary of Choice Ferns, 83
ACROSTICHUM —continued.
minute, whitish, chaffy scales, while on the under-surface
these are of a rusty colour, and very dense. These fronds
are borne on tufted stalks 8in. to 4in. long, which proceed
from a nearly upright stem; this is also densely clothed with
small, nearly black, chaffy scales.
A. muscosum.
In this very distinct, stove species, which is a native
of tropical America, from Mexico and the West Indies to
Peru and Brazil, the barren fronds, 8in. to 12in. long, and
about 1jin. broad, are narrowed at both ends; they are
leathery as to texture, and their upper surface is naked,
while their lower surface is quite hidden by imbricated or
overlapping scales, shortly fringed with hairs, of a rusty
colour, and frequently dark chestnut-brown in the middle;.
they are borne on firm stalks, 4in. to 6in. long, clothed with
large, egg-shaped, pale brown scales, and are produced
from a woody, short rhizome, equally covered with bright
chestnut-brown scales. The fertile fronds are much smaller
than the barren ones, but their stalks are longer. Fig. 48.
A. nicotianzfolium.
Cuba is the home of this stove species, which is of very
easy culture and highly decorative. Its barren fronds, which
are from lft. to 3ft. in length, frequently measure lft. in
breadth, and are usually composed of a large, terminal
leaflet and two or three pairs of lateral leaflets, 6in. to 12in.
long and sometimes 3in. broad, of a paper-like texture,
shining, and with both surfaces naked; these barren fronds
are borne on stalks 14ft. to 2ft. long, scaly below, and are
produced from a woody, wide-creeping or long-trailing,
scaly rhizome. The fertile leaflets are set far apart, 3in.
to 4in. long and about lin. broad, the lower ones being
borne on stalks, and the upper ones closely attached to the
stalk.
A. osmundaceum.
This evergreen, stove species, native of Ecuador and
South Brazil, may justly be considered as the handsomest
of all the Acrostichums of scandent habit, climbing as it
does, in St. Catharine Island, more than 20ft. up the
trunks of trees, of which it eventually takes entire posses-
sion. The barren ‘and the fertile fronds are markedly dif-
ferent, though both are produced in abundance from a dark,
scaly, stout, creeping, woody rhizome. The barren ones
are ample, tripinnate, and their lower leaflets, 1}ft. to 2ft.
long and Gin. to 8in. broad, are of a leathery texture, with
both sides naked. The barren leafits are stalked, spear-
G2
shaped, and cut down nearly or quite to the stalk below inte
close, nearly entire lobes; they are quite smooth, of a dark
green colour, and have much the appearance of Aspidiuwm
aculeatum. The fertile fronds, also tripinnate, are of
dimensions nearly equal to those of the barren ones,
and erect in habit; but the leaflets are contracted,
and their segments are linear, cylindrical, iin. to Jin.
long, with a.space between them, and wholly covered
with sori. Fig. 49.
Fig. 49. Acrostichum osmundaceum, an evergreen species,

considered the handsomest of all the scandent members
of the genus.
A. paleaceum.
This is identical with A. squwamosum.
A. peltatum.
This exceedingly pretty, dwarf-growing, stove species,
whose habitat extends from Mexico and the West Indies to
Peru and Brazil, where it is found growing luxuriantly in
decayed vegetable matter and on trunks of trees, is one of
the most distinct, as also one of the most attractive, of the
genus. As the specific name implies, its little barren
leathery fronds, from 14in. to 2in. each way, are attached
by their centre, or nearly so, to slender stalks 2in. to 4in.
long and scaly throughout. These barren fronds, which
are produced in great abundance, are essentially different
from those of any other member of the genus; not only is
each portion of them forked, but each forked part is sub-
divided into two branches, and each of these again into two
others, thus producing an agglomeration of divisions linear
in form, or of about equal width throughout their length,
and seldom more than half a line broad. The fertile fronds,
which are totally distinct, nearly circular, generally entire,
and barely lin. broad, though occasionally two-lobed, are
borne much more sparingly on the same slender rhizome
Ney
Fig. 50. Acrostichum peltatum, one of the smaller growing

species of the genus, but very attractive.
that produces the barren ones. Fig. 50. There is a variety

of this (gracillimum) that is larger and more finely divided,
as well as easier to grow.
A. scandens.
As a decorative fern, this stove species, from South
China, Ceylon, Fiji, and the Himalayas, is valuable. Its
elegant, drooping fronds are from 2ft. to 3ft. long, besides
the firm, naked stalks, 4in. to 6in. long, on which they are
borne; they are lft. or more broad, and simply pinnate.
The leaflets, which are of a very leathery texture, although
sometimes slightly stalked and articulated, are usually stalk-
less; they generally measure from 6in. to 8in. long and
from lin. to liin. broad, and have their edge thickened and
serrated. The fertile leaflets, which are very seldom seen
ACROSTICH
UM — continued.
on plants under artificial cultivation, though from 8in. to
12in. long, are so contracted that they are seldom more
than two lines broad. This is more generally known as
Stenochlaena scandens.
A. scolopendrifolium.
A stove, Brazilian species, and one of the most decora-
tive of all those having simple fronds, for its singular
barren fronds, often more than lft. in length and from Qin.
to 3im. in breadth, are produced in great abundance from
a very short-creeping or short-trailing rhizome, which is
densely covered with long and very narrow chestnut-brown
scales. These fronds, of a leathery texture, are pale green,
and their stalks, from 8in. to 12in. long, their midrib, and
their margin are densely covered with long, heart-shaped
brown scales. Unlike the barren fronds, which are pen-
dulous, the fertile ones, much smaller and more sparingly
produced, are erect and jointed near the base of the stalks.
The general aspect of the plant is that of a gigantic downy
Scolopendrium—hence the specific name.
A. squamosum.
Although not attaining very large dimensions, this
singular species, which thrives equally well under either
stove or greenhouse treatment, and which is also known
under the name of A. paleaceum, deserves a special notice.
It is a native of Sumatra, Ceylon, and the Sandwich Islands,
also of Madeira and the Azores; while, according to Bed-
dome, it is abundant on trees on the Neilgherries, about
Nediwattan, and on the Sisparah Ghat. The barren fronds,
of a thick but not leathery texture, are from 8in. to 12in.
long, and about lin. broad, undivided, gradually narrowed
at the base, and densely covered on both sides with red-
dish, velvety scales, extending to the edge, which appears
fringed with hairs all round. These curious fronds are
borne on dark, scaly stalks, proceeding from a prostrate, ©
woody, and equally scaly stem—a characteristic that gives
rise to the specific name.
A. virens.
A particularly robust and decorative stove species,
native of Fernando Po, Sierra Leone, and also found from
the Himalayas to Ceylon, Formosa, and Moulmein. Its
barren, leathery fronds, which have both surfaces naked,
are from 2ft. to 3ft. long, often lft. broad, and furnished
on each side with stalkless leaflets, 6in. to 8in. long and
about lin. broad, the edge of which is usually bluntly lobed,
though it sometimes has a tendency to become wavy;
the terminal leaflet, twice as long as the lateral ones and
frequently longer, is generally rooting at the point. These
large fronds are borne on firm, upright, scaleless stalks, and
proceed from a short-creeping, hard, woody rhizome. This
handsome species appears to be connected with several
equally decorative forms which are not possessed of charac-
ters sufficiently distinctive in themselves to be separated
from it—A. contaminans, A. costatum, and A. crispatulum,
Wallich; and A. proliferwm, Hooker.
A. viscosum.
This stove species, of easy cultivation and very distinct
and ornamental, has a particularly wide range of habitat,
for it is found from Cuba to Brazil and Peru, also on the
Himalayas. It is very variable in size, as also in nature, ~
according to the influence of the habitat in which it is found,
and also to the age of the fronds: these are often quite
naked, and then there is great difficulty in identifying the
plant, whose foliage is usually scaly, and often of a viscous
nature—whence the specific name. There are some very
large-growing forms, from which it is a matter of difficulty
clearly to distinguish the type—A. curvans, A. dissimile,
A. Karstenianum, and A. xanthoneuron of Kunze. In the
commonest form under cultivation, A. viscosum is of medium
size. Its barren fronds are entire and spear-shaped,
pointed at their summit, but gradually narrowed towards
their lower part, from 8in. to 12in. long only, and about
lin. broad in their widest portion: these are of a leathery
texture, and both their surfaces are more or less covered
with very small sticky scales. The stalks on which the
barren fronds are borne are from 3in. to 4in. long, firm,
upright, and equally scaly; while the rhizome, from which
they proceed, besides being densely covered with long and
very fine chestnut-brown scales, shows very little inclination
to creep as in most other species. The fertile fronds, though
smaller, are borne on longer stems than the barren ones.
ACTINIOPTERIS,
A small but select genus composed of one
beautiful and distinct species of Indian origin, and
an Australian variety of it. Both plants are recog-
nisable by their habit resembling that of a miniature
Fan Palm—hence the popular name of Fan Palm
Fern. These pretty little plants are erroneously
considered as very difficult to manage; consequently
they are not grown as extensively as they really
deserve. Failure in their culture must, in many
cases, be attributed to the excessive heat to which
they are subjected, which causes them to get
“thrippy”’ and lose their vitality; but when kept
in a temperature of 60deg. in the winter, raising to
7Odeg. in the summer, with constant moisture around
them, they remain perfectly clean and healthy;
they then seldom give any trouble to the cultivator.
They thrive best in fibrous peat, fibrous loam,
broken in small pieces, coarse silver sand, and small
Fig,51. Actiniopteris radiata australis, the Australian variety

of the very distinctive Fan Palm Fern.
crocks, in about equal proportions. It is also abso-

lutely necessary that the pots should be half-filled
with crocks, so as to insure perfect drainage, for they
require frequent and abundant waterings to_keep
their roots in a permanently moist state. Being
devoid of rhizomes or stems of any kind Actinio-
pteris are usually propagated from spores, which
germinate very freely when sown on a compost of
brickdust mixed with a little loam, and kept in a
warm, close case. They may also be increased by
the division of the crowns; but this operation, which
should be done not later than the beginning of
March, is somewhat risky. The variety australis
thrives in a lower temperature than that suggested

above for the type.
A. radiata.
This charming little Fern is found throughout India.
It is of tufted habit, producing from a close, compact
crown a quantity of fronds borne on slender and naked
stalks 2in. to 6in. long. The leafy portion of the frond
itself is fan-shaped, and seldom exceeds 1ldin. each way; it
consists of numerous sub-divisions of a rush-like texture.
They are divided about half the distance down, of a bright
green colour, and very glossy. The segments of the fertile
fronds are longer than those of the barren ones, and these
fronds are also borne on longer stalks.
A. r. australis.
In all respects this is a stronger and more vigorous’
srower than the type. The habit of the plant, though
quite as compact, is not so stiff, the fronds frequently
attaining a height of 8in. The segments are less numerous,
much more deeply divided, larger, and in the fertile fronds
are awl-shaped at the points; they are also of a darker
green colour and very glossy. Fig. 51.
ADIANTOPSIS. See Cheilanthes.
ADIANTUM.
Linneus himself stands sponsor for this genus,
which is said to have its headquarters in tropical
America, although a good many species are natives
of more temperate climates. ‘Most of the known
species are recognisable from all other Ferns but the
typical Lindsayas by the texture, as also by the one-
sidedness of their sub-divisions, ‘and by the absence
of an apparent and distinct midrib in the segments.
The stalks of most Adiantums are black, and have a
glossy appearance. The fronds vary from simple
to decompound; while the leaflets usually terminate
abruptly, or are dimidiate, and bear their sori on
the upper margin only; the veins generally are
simple, radiating, and forked, coalescing in_ only
four species (section Hewardia). As now made up
the genus numbers upwards of eighty species.
It is in this extensive and varied genus that
most of the Ferns best adapted for decoration are to
be found. Adiantums are popularly known as
Maidenhair Ferns, on account of the black, shining

stalks common to most of them. Apart, too, from
their utility in bouquet-making, &c., there are many
species grown for the varied tints that their fronds
assume; while as basket-plants there are few more
beautiful subjects than A. caudatum and A. lunu-
latuwm. There are dwarf forms of our native Maiden-
hair that maybe utilised as edgings in the Fernery,
as there are giant forms alluded to elsewhere, and
deservedly popular species like A. peruvianum and
A. trapeziforme. The latter and several other tall-
erowing species and varieties—A. concinnum latum,
Wilhamsu, &c.--are usually supported with
stakes disposed round the pot-rims, and ties.
With the exception of A. pedatuwm, none of the
Adiantums are truly hardy. They are, as a rule,
easy to manage. Plenty of light should be
allowed to all, but the full rays of the sun should be
carefully avoided. A mixture of fibrous peat, or of
partly-decayed leaf mould, loam, and silver sand
in about equal parts, will suit most of them. None
of them like to be potted very hard, and watering or
syringing overhead, unless it be in a very airy, light,
and warm house, is injurious to most of them.
All Adiantums having running rhizomes may,
with advantage, be divided from February to April.
Species with tufted crowns may also be increased by
division, but in their case, and especially when
quantities of plants are required, it is safer and more
advantageous to depend on spores, which germinate
freely, and which usually produce stronger and more
shapely plants than those resulting from divisions.
Spores may be sown at all times of the year, although
the most favourable season is from January to
April, as in that case the seedlings have ample time
to produce crowns sufficiently strong to withstand the
effects of the following winter.
Before proceeding to an enumeration of species
and varieties, we must refer to a few individuals that
stand out prominently for certain purposes, or that
require special treatment. For instance, it 1s gene-
rally acknowledged that the deciduous A. lucidum is
A Dictionary of Choice Ferns. 9I
one of the finest basket Ferns in cultivation. Owing,

however, to the fact that it is deciduous, it is fre-
quently forgotten in winter by being allowed to get
dry, and eventually to die. As a matter of fact, it
needs to be kept fairly moist at the roots the year
through. Thus treated, it starts away much
stronger in spring than if it were regarded as a
deciduous subject. | Another extremely effective
basket species is A. Williamsiz; and the same may be
said of A. palmatum, also a deciduous species that
Fig. 52. Adiantum reniforme, a small=growing but very hand-

ae and distinct species having Hidney-shaped leathery
ronds.
must never be allowed to get dust-dry in winter,

after it has lost its fronds.
Of species requiring a little extra attention,
A. reniforme (Fig. 52) is one. Failures to grow it may
usually be attributed to one of two causes—too warm
a temperature or too loamy a soil. When it is
accorded greenhouse treatment, and is potted in a
compost of two parts peat, one part fibrous loam,
and one part coarse silver sand or old lime rubbish,
it flourishes. Another species having a partiality
for lime rubbish is A. cristatum; while, unlike the
family generally, it requires comparatively little
water, and to be allocated a dry position. One

often hears complaints about the dithculties in con-
nection with the culture of the lovely A. tenerwm
Farleyense. Heat and moisture are the essential
requirements, and where either is deficient this plant
will fail to flourish. For all that it may be safely
wintered in a temperature of 60deg., occasionally —
falling to 5ddeg. Fastidious it is also supposed to
be in regard to compost; but two parts fibry peat
and one part fibry loam and silver sand constitute an
ideal potting mixture.
Many unsuccessful attempts have been made to
erow the North American Maidenhair (A. pedatum)
outside in this country. They are due to the fact
that the rhizomes are kept too close to the surface,
and have no protective covering—snow, for instance
-——as in their native country. ‘To see it in its beauty
it must receive glass protection. Even our native
A. Capillus-Veneris will not withstand a very cold
temperature. Still 1t is one of the most accommo-
dating Ferns known, flourishing alike in a heated
frame, in a greenhouse, or in the moist shady part of
a stove. When growing it as a pot-plant, provide
ample drainage, and a compost of equal parts turfy
peat, leaf mould, and lime rubbish, keeping the
rhizomes on the surface of the soil.
Of species easy to manage A. cwneatum is very
high on the list. Almost any rich light compost
will suit it, and the temperature matters but little
so long as its roots are kept well supplied with
moisture. Properly treated, it will furnish an im-
mense quantity of fronds; while so readily does it
reproduce itself from spores that young plants may
always be found in the vicinity. When dividing
this species it is a good plan to discard the old
centres; water carefully the newly potted-up pieces
until growth is evident. | Worthy also of mention
on account of its ease of culture is A. Henslovianum :
its chief requirement is a period of rest from
November to February. A word of warning
here may be uttered against the pernicious practice
of weakening Maidenhairs by robbing them of prac-
A Dictionary of Choice Ferns. : 93
tically all their fronds. The fewer fronds removed

the better for the general health of the plants.
Probably no family suffers so much as Adiantum
from this evil wrought by want of thought.
Another point in connection with Maidenhairs
generally is their unsuitability to withstand the
heroic treatment meted out to them in gas-heated
rooms by people who have not the proper means to
recuperate them when they become exhausted.
There is, we know, a great temptation to include
some Adiantums in the list of room plants; and if it
cannot be resisted then the most enduring species
may be found in A. cuneatum, A. c. gracillimum, and
A. Wialhamsi. Still, we do not recommend any of the
family as particularly well adapted for keeping even in ~
rooms that are not gas-heated. Usually such places
are far too dusty and draughty, and the temperature is
too fluctuating to maintain the plants long 1n health.
A. zemulum.
In this species the fronds are very light and elegant in
structure, but very dark as to colour, and freely’ produced
from a close, tufted crown; they are borne on very slender
stalks 4in. to din. long, and the foliaged part at most does
not exceed 10in. in length and is triangular in form, as
are-also the distinct lateral leaflets. These latter are also
wedge-shaped. The sori, which number from two to four on
each segment, are nearly round. A _ Brazilian species,
suited for either stove or greenhouse, and one of the most
useful of small-foliaged Ferns.
A. ethiopicum.
A species that thrives equally well in either the inter-
mediate or the warm house. It has a very wide range,
being found on the Cameroons, at an elevation of 70O00ft.,
in Natal, Cape Colony, Bourbon, Madagascar; also on
the Neilgherries, in New Zealand, in tropical as in temperate
parts of Australia; in America, from Texas and California
southward to Valparaiso and Monte Video, &c. Its fronds,
lft. to 14ft. long and Gin. to Qin. broad, triangular in
shape, three or four times divided to the midrib, are of a
soft, herbaceous texture, and are borne on stalks 6in. to
Qin. long, produced from slender rhizomes. They are fur-
nished with numerous leaflets, the lower ones 3in. to 4in.
long and Qin. to 3in. broad; these are again divided into
nearly round transparent leafits, from iin. to in. across,
ADIANTUM — continued.
and the upper part of which is deeply lobed. The sori are
disposed in several roundish patches.
Several popular kinds, usually given as species, are here
regarded simply as forms. The most striking are:
A. &. assimile.
This beautiful Maidenhair thrives best under cool
treatment. It’ is a common Fern in Australia, and one
that appears to vary considerably in different situations.
The form generally met with in cultivation here is that
found growing in low, damp situations. Its delicate fronds,
which are slender, measure, with the stalks on which they
are borne, 10in. to 12in.in ‘length ; they are smooth, three
times divided to the rachis, and furnished with numerous
oblong leafits of a peculiarly Vivid green colour, wedge-shaped
at the base, and slightly toothed at the edge. These fronds
are produced from a thin, wiry rhizome. For that reason
the plant is well adapted for growing in suspended wire
baskets. The fronds generally disappear about November,
and the plant starts growing afresh about February. It is
almost, if not quite, hardy in sheltered situations.
A. z. chilense.
The fronds of this greenhouse, Chilian form are about
lft. long, including the stalks on which they are borne.
They are furnished with roundish, bluish-green, leathery
leafits, thus differing essentially fr om the type. The fronds,
too, are produced from a very short, woody rhizome.
A. x. emarginatum.
This very handsome, greenhouse Fern is known as the
Californian Maidenhair. It resembles A. Capillus-Veneris.
It differs from the species to which it is said to be related
through the shape of its leafits, which are sometimes
roundish, but more frequently broader than long, so as to
be semi-circular, or even San kidney-shaped.
A. #. scabrum.
Popularly known as the Silver Maidenhair, this wake little
greenhouse Fern, native of Chili, is of very compact. habit.
Its very interesting fronds, which are produced in great
quantities from a tufted crown, seldom attain more than
9in. in length, including the slender stalks on which they
are borne. They are tripinnate, triangular, and furnished
with kidney-shaped leafits, dusted on both sides with a
white meal-like substance. This little gem, which is now
seldom met with in cultivation, is generally considered to
be a difficult plant to grow; but it is only on account of
its being kept in too great heat and with too much moisture
around it. It may be grown on a dry shelf with Cacti, and
with a very little water during winter, in the cold house.
A. z. sulphureum.
To Chili, Concepcion, and Peru belongs this beautiful
dwarf, evergreen kind, popularly known as the Golden
Maidenhair. As is the case with the Silver Maidenhair,
the fronds of this golden one are produced in great abun-
dance from a tufted crown, and neither of the plants shows
any signs of the running rhizomes characteristic of the type.
The fronds seldom attain more than 8in. in length, includ-
ing their stalks, and are three times divided to the rachis;
they are furnished with leafits, roundish when barren, but
slightly notched on their edges when fertile, of a deep green
colour on their upper surface, and thickly covered on their
under surface with bright olden powder. It will succeed
under similar treatment to that suggested for the Silver
Maidenhair.
A. affine.
Very decorative greenhouse species, commonly known
as A. Cunninghami, and quite distinct from A. affine of
Hooker. It is a variable plant, both in the branching and
in the size of the segments, and is not likely to be mistaken
for any other, as it is known only in the Northern Island
of New Zealand, where it is found in damp woods at a
high elevation. Its bipinnate fronds measure from 10in.
to 12in. long, and are borne on stalks 6in. to Qin. long,
and furnished with long, red scales; they have one ter-
minal leaflet, 4in. to 6in. long and lin. to ldin. broad, and
several smaller lateral ones, the lowest of which are again
branched. The leafits, slightly leathery, of a dark, dull
green above, and bluish--oreen underneath, are $in. to 2in. long
and jin. deep. The fronds are pr oduced in abundance from
a creeping rhizome covered with rough dark brown scales.
The sori are numerous and nearly round.
A. amabile.
A garden name for A. Mooret.
A. aneitense.
From the Aneitum Island comes this decorative species,
that succeeds equally well under greenhouse or stove treat-
ment. Its fronds, 13ft. to 2ft. long, and three times
pinnate, are deltoid in shape, and are furnished with
numerous rhomboidal, nearly stalkless leafits, about Jin.
long, whose inner side is close to the midrib; the lower ones
ADIANTUM
— continued.
are shallowly lobed. The fronds are borne on particularly
rigid stalks, proceeding from a short-creeping scaly rhizome.
The sori, from four to six to a pinnule, are roundish or
kidney-shaped, and disposed in the centre of the lobes.
$5
Fig. 53. Adianium Birkenheadii, a fine Fern, of garden origin,

having a tufted habit.
A. Bausei.
Moore suggests that this beautiful Fern, of garden
origin, is a possible hybrid between A. trapeziforme and
A. Wagneri (A. decorum). It thrives equally well in either
the intermediate or the warm house. Although partaking
of some of the characters of both species above named, it
ADIANTUM—continued.
is quite distinct from either of them, as indeed from any
other Adiantum, through the contracted and deflexed
character of its foliage.
A. Birkenheadii.
Undoubtedly one of the handsomest of the numerous
Ferns of garden origin, and it thrives equally well in the in-
termediate or in the warm house. Its handsome fronds,
produced from a tufted crown, about 23ft. long, are borne on
slender rough-natured stalks, similar in that respect to those
of A. diaphanum (A. setulosum of commerce). Indeed, the
plant resembles a much-enlarged edition of that lovely
species, from which it is supposed to have originated, and
the peculiar way in which it reproduces itself from the bulbils
formed on its fibrous roots seems to point to its origin.
It has, until now, proved quite barren. Tig. 53.
A. Capillus=Veneris.
To this species the popular appellation of Maidenhair,
common to all Adiantums, owes its origin. The running
rhizomes of this species, and of its varieties, are easily dis-
tinguishable from all others, not only by the dark brown
scales, but by their habit of firmly attaching themselves
to any material with which they are brought into contact.
This peculiarity is, in the case of A. Capillus-Veneris and
varieties, developed to such an extent that it may be safely
stated that the presence of soil in their culture is only a
matter of secondary importance; for, if young seedlings
originate on a perfectly bare brick wall, or on rockwork,
there is not the slightest difficulty in establishing them in
such a situation, and, provided a constantly moist atmos-
phere and a temperature of 50deg. to 55deg. can be de-
pended upon, they soon form a complete mass of foliage,
springing from their matted rhizomes, which have no other
food than the moisture they derive from the walls.
This lovely species may be said to be world-wide in its
distribution, though, so far as this country is concerned,
tourists and Fern hawkers have greatly reduced the number
of places where the Maidenhair grew.
The fronds, 8in. to 18in. long, are generally of a lengthened
triangular or ovate form, occasionally spear-shaped or oblong ;
they are of a more or less transparent texture, sometimes
twice, but at other times thrice, divided to the midrib, and
furnished with numerous segments or pinnules of a bright
green colour, perfectly smooth, }in. to lin. broad, with the
base wedge-shaped, the outer edge rounded, deeply lobed
from the circumference in the direction of the centre, and
the lobes again bluntly toothed, and borne on very slender,
IT
ADIANTUM— continued.
thread-like, short stalks. The lower sides of the leaflets are
entire, and usually slightly concave; the upper, or outer,
margin is more or less incised or lobed; and the lobes
in the American form are usually toothed, and sometimes
very sharply so, especially in those from Utah and Cali-
fornia. In the fertile fronds, the teeth either disappear
or are seen only on the upper part of the sides of the lobes,
a PAu
Ny
MU,
DY
Fig. 54. Adiantum Capillus-Veneris daphnites, a distinct form

having a semi-crested appearance.
while the ends or summits of these lobes are occupied by

the crescent-shaped or oblong sori, which vary in length
according to the width of the lobe. The fronds are borne
on stalks of a rather slender nature, 4in. to Qin. long,
polished, of a purplish-black colour, and furnished with a
few scales near the base, whereas the rest of them is quite
naked and smooth. The kidney-shaped sori are placed in
the roundish depressions of the crenations. Whenever it
grows luxuriantly, this Fern is more or less pendent in
A Dictionary of Choice Ferns, : 99
habit; but plants of moderate size commonly have their
fronds erect, or but very slightly recurved. Certain forms,
which by some authors are considered as distinct species,
though varying only in their increased size, owe their more
robust character no doubt to the warmer atmosphere to
which they are naturally subjected, and it is very doubtful
whether they are really distinct.
This useful species has produced, either spontaneously
or under cultivation, many varieties, some of which are
remarkably handsome: all of them share the comparatively
hardy character of the species. Some of the most interest-
ing are :—
A. C.=V. cornubiense.
This is one of the prettiest of all forms in cultivation.
It is of dwarf and compact habit, and its fronds, seldom.
more than 8in. long, including the stalks, are produced in
abundance; they are more or less oblong in general outline,
and are furnished with leafits of a deep green colour, of
firm texture, though nearly transparent and prettily undu-
lated at the edges.
A. C.=V. daphnites.
This is a most distinct form, with fronds 8in. to 12in.
high, and of erect habit. The leaflets as well as the ex-
tremity of the fronds, which terminate in a flattened crest
some 2in. in breadth, are of a dull green colour, and
curiously crisped and dilated, giving the plant a singular,
semi-crested appearance. Fig. 54. 7
A. C.=V. fissum.
A very elegant form, of dwarf habit, having erect
fronds, furnished with leafits rather broader than those of
the type, but deeply cut into segments of various sizes and
forms, which give the plant an appearance distinct from all
other known varieties. It is a most pleasing Fern for the
conservatory, as not only is it neat in habit, but the pinnules
are of a bright green colour, and they last a very long time
on the plant.
A. C.=V. grande.
In this variety, which is much bushier than the type,
although the foliage is quite as long, the fronds have a
feathery appearance, produced by the much larger size of
their leafits, which are undulated and conspicuously ser-
rated at their edges; they are of a very light green colour,
and gracefully pendulous.
A. C.=V. imbricatum.
By far the handsomest of all varieties at present known.
The appearance of the plant, as far as size, colour, and
H 2
ADIANTUM —continued.
disposition of leafits are concerned, is exactly that of the
popular A. Farleyense; but it is essentially a cool-house
variety, and is of dwarfer habit. It is interesting to note
that this plumese form of the common Maidenhair Fern,
like most other plumose forms, is entirely barren.
A. C.=¥. magnificum.
In this fine form the fronds often attain 12ft. in length
and upwards of 4in. in breadth, while their arching charac-
ter gives the plant a most distinct appearance. They are
furnished with leafits much larger than those of the type,
and of a softer, rich green colour. Their edges are prettily
fringed, and overlap.
A. C.=V. Mairisii.
In order to develop its foliage perfectly, this variety
requires stove temperature. It has all the appearance of
a hybrid between A. Capillus-Veneris and A. cuneatum.
It is of particularly robust constitution and somewhat erect
habit, and possesses the property of reproducing itself true
from spores.
A. C.=V. Moritzianum.
By some authors this handsome variety is given as
native of South America, and by others as coming from
Madeira. It appears to be the most gigantic form known.
The fronds attain a length of 2ft. or even more, and are
twice or thrice divided to the midrib. They are furnished
with large leafits, rather distant, of a bright green colour,
fan-shaped at their summit, and wedge-shaped at the base,
and they are of an elegant and pendulous habit.
A. caudatum.
An evergreen, stove species, very different from the
majority of Maidenhairs, and one that is exceedingly useful
for growing in suspended baskets. It is found wild nearly
everywhere through the tropics. The usual length of the
fronds, which are simply pinnate, is from lft. to 12ft.,
when they generally root at the extremity. They are pro-
vided on each side of the midrib with leaflets about in.
long, dimidiate, nearly stalkless, with the lower line straight
and horizontal, while the upper, rounded, one is more or less
cut, the point generally blunt, the lower ones slightly
stalked and wedge-shaped at the base. The leaflets are
pale dull green or greyish, and, like the stalks, are covered
with short, pale brown hairs, more abundant as they ap-
proach the crown. The roundish or transversely oblong
sori are disposed on the edge of the lobes.
A Dictionary of Choice Ferns. IOI
ADIANTUM
— continued.
A. c. Edgeworthii.
This plant, which is also known in commerce as A.
cihatum, 1s a native of China and the Himalayas. It
chiefly differs from the type in the smooth nature of both
surfaces of its leaflets. Its fronds are also slenderer,
shorter, and produced in greater abundance; while the
Fig. 55. Adiantum caudatum Edgeworthii, a lovely basKet

Fern that often shows three generations of plants in one
individual.
colour of their leaflets is of a bright, soft bluish-green.

Fig. 55, for which we are indebted to Messrs. W. and J.
Birkenhead.
A. ciliatum.
This is identical with A. caudatum Edgeworth.
A. Collisii.
This highly-decorative, home-raised, stove Maidenhair,
of fine proportions and graceful habit, was, when first
ADIANTUM
— continued.
described, given as a hybrid between A. tenerum and A.
gracilumum, a theory which receives considerable support
from the general appearance of the plant.
A. colpodes.
An elegant species from Tropical America, most useful
for basket culture or for planting in the wall of the stove,
where its long, slender, and pendulous fronds can show
themselves to advantage. These fronds are from Ift. to
13ft. long, 4in. to 8in. broad, tripinnate, and borne on
slender stalks, covered with long but very narrow, light
brown scales. The lower leaflets spread at right angles
from the stalk, and are about 4in. long by ldin. broad,
slightly branched below. The leafits, with which the pinnee
are abundantly furnished, although of a very rich green
when matured, are of a very delicate pink when young;
they are nearly or quite stalkless, about din. long and lin.
broad, with their upper margin rounded, lobed, and toothed.
The sori are disposed on the teeth of the outer edge of the
leafits.
A. concinnum.
On account of its decorative qualities, this tropical
American species is well worthy of a place in every collec-
tion. The fronds are of about an equal width for two-
thirds of their length, then gradually tapering to their
extremity. Being of a semi-transparent nature and the
sori being numerous, the latter are shown to great ad-
vantage, especially when the plant is grown in a basket and
suspended from the roof of a warm house. A distinctive
character les in the disposition of the lowest pinnules,
which are upright and pressed flat against the stalk, almost
covering it. Fig. 12, p. 17.
A. c. latum.
A most valuable and distinct stove Adiantum from the
Kiast Indies. It differs essentially from the type by its stiff,
upright habit, and by the size of its leafits, which are twice
as large and set much farther apart. Fig. 56.
A. cristatum.
It is difficult to say how this plant came to receive such
a specific name, as it has never been seen crested in culti-
vation: it is also known as A. Kunzeanum. Though found
in the West Indies, Venezuela, Cuba, and Caracas, it is
most plentiful in Jamaica. The fronds are borne on strong,
upright, somewhat woolly stalks, 6in. to 12in. long, are
from 2ft. to 3ft. long, 9in. to 12in. broad, and furnished
with a terminal central leaflet fully Qin. long and 1 jin.
broad. Besides this there are numerous rather distant
lateral spear-shaped ones on each side. The leafits are }$in.
to 3in. long and tin. broad, horizontal, and close together,
somewhat sickle-shaped, and blunt at the point; they are
of a leathery texture, dark green, smooth, very shiny, and
eradually become smaller as they approach the summit of
J (Mg YB
Sey LeOe.
¥Y Lye =
WSF WAY \
oe oS 7 3
Z P= SON b, \:
LAS >
Fig. 56. Adiantum concinnum latum, an upright-habited

variety of a popular species having large leaflets.
the pinne. The semi-oval sori are generally confined to the

superior margin, where they are disposed in several oblong
patches.
A. cuneatum.
This very old favourite, native of Brazil, is perhaps
better known and more generally cultivated than any other
ADIANTUM
— continued.
Maidenhair Fern. Nothing can surpass the elegance of its
foliage for bouquets; and this excellent quality is so fully
appreciated by growers in general that hundreds of
thousands change hands in our markets yearly; in private
gardens it is equally in demand. The fact of its being ever-
green, and consequently very useful in winter, greatly adds
to its value. The fronds are from 1ft. to 14ft. long, 6in. -
to 9in. broad, of a more or less upright habit, and borne on
erect, slender stalks 6in. to Yin. long: they are triangular,
three or four times divided to the midrib, and furnished
with numerous leafits tin. or a little more broad, wedge-
shaped at the base, with their upper edge deeply lobed.
The sori, which are of moderate size and from four to six
to each leafit, are disposed all round the upper edge.
This species has produced under cultivation more forms
or variations which have received distinctive names than
any other exotic Fern. Although most of them are deserv-
ing of attention, we must confine ourselves to the follow-
ing selection : —
A. c. deflexum.
This very distinct form, of garden origin, with its
triangular fronds, three or four times divided to the mid-
rib, furnished with lobed and deflexed segments, attracted
the attention of the late Mr. Thomas Moore, who thus
wrote to the Gardeners’ Chronicle for 8th Dec., 1888: ‘ This
goes far to support the ideas of those who believe in the
crossing of Ferns, whether the process is truly described by
the term hybridisation or not. It was raised between A.
cuneatum and A. Bausei, the latter also a so-called hybrid
Fern.’ Like both its supposed parents, it reproduces
itself perfectly true from spores.
A. c. dissectum.
A very pretty variety, of garden origin, with fronds
shorter and more triangular than those of A. cuneatuwm, and
furnished with leafits more deeply cut than in that species.
It is also of more compact habit, but does not reproduce
itself true from spores, and can only be propagated by the
division of the crowns.
A. c. elegans.
In this pretty variety, of garden origin, the triangular
fronds are of a particularly slender nature; they are about
9in. long, besides the glossy stalks, about 6in. long, on which
thev are borne, and are furnished with numerous wedge-
shaped, very light green leafits, whose dimensions are inter-
mediate between those of the typical species and those of
ADIANTUM
— continued.
the popular A. ¢. gracillimum. Its habit is more erect
than that of the type; it is also of quicker growth and repro-
duces itself freely from spores.
A. c. gracillimum.
One of the first really distinct variations observed in
the popular A. cuneatwm, and one which has very few
rivals. The fronds—which, like those of the typical species,
are produced in profusion from a densely-tufted crown, and
measure from 1}ft. to 2ft. in length, and about 9in. across—
are many times divided, thin and fragile in spite of their
massive appearance, and furnished with minute rich green
leafits, which are distinctly stalked and two- or three-lobed,
the sterile lobes blunt. '+ is a most elegant Fern, with
light and graceful fronds. The multiplicity of the minute
Jeafits, and the almost invisible ramification of the stalk,
give to a well-grown plant a particularly charming appear-
ance. The slightly kidney-shaped sori are solitary on the
entire pinnules and two or three on the larger lobed ones.
This variety reproduces itself true from spores, although
seedlings do not show their characters until they have
attained a certain size.
A. c. grandiceps.
One of the most distinct and by far the most attractive
of the numerous home-raised forms of the popular species,
from which it differs in several striking particulars. It is
more robust in habit; its fronds, produced in great numbers
from a densely-tufted crown, are more elongated and ter-
minate in a dense tassel of finger-like growths ; the leaflets also
terminate in similar, but smaller, branched tassels, which by .
their weight give the fronds a very elegant, arching habit,
rendering the plant one of the most suitable Ferns for sus-
pended baskets, in which position it thrives apace, and soon
makes a very handsome object. It freely reproduces itself
true from spores. Fig. 57.
A. c. Lawsonianum.
A distinct variety, as it differs from the type in having
more rigid fronds, which frequently attain 13ft. im height,
and are abundantly furnished with curiously and finely-
cut. dark green leafits, of a peculiarly narrow wedge-shape ;
these, being set further apart than in the species, and
borne on short, thread-like stalks, give the whole of the
plant a very light and decorative appearance. Unfor-
tunately this form does not reproduce itself true from
spores, and consequently remains comparatively scarce.
ADIANTUM
— continued.
A. c. Luddemannianum.
This curious and very striking variety, of garden origin,
is quite different from any other Maidenhair in cultivation.
The peculiarity which distinguishes this Adiantum from all
others consists in its leafits being crested, usually clustered
at the extremities of the erect fronds, which are produced -
Fig. 57. Adiantum cuneatum grandiceps, an attractive

form with tasselled leaflets.
from a tufted crown, and branch about a third of the way

up. These pinnules, which are much curled, and borne on
short stalks, are generally fan-shaped and deep green. It
is a very elegant variety, of small dimensions, rarely exceed-
ing 10in. in height, and completely sterile. Its parentage
as a hybrid would be difficult to trace, as it is the first
ADIANTUM— continued. Se
crested form on record, a character which it cannot have
inherited from any known source.
A. c. mundulum.
This charmingly pretty and compact-growing variety, of
garden origin, may reasonably be termed a perfect. minia-
ture, and quite a gem among Adiantums. It forms a very
elegant little subject, seldom more than 8in. high. Its
fronds, which are produced in profusion from a densely-
tufted crown, are tripinnate, triangular, and furnished
with numerous leafits, which are narrowly wedge-shaped,
a few of the larger ones among them being three-lobed. The
sori are roundish, and disposed one in each notch of the
lobes. The fronds are remarkably stiff, of good substance,
and particularly well adapted for mixing with small flowers.
This form reproduces itself true from spores.
A. Cunninghamii.
Synonymous with A. affine.
A. curvatum.
A beautiful and entirely distinct Brazilian stove species.
Its handsome fronds, which rise from a_ short-creeping
rhizome, are borne on black, shining stalks, 8in. to 12in.
long, and are dichotomous. Their leaflets, 8in. to 12in.
long and about 3in. broad, are furnished with leafits nearly
luin. long, curved, overlapping, with their superior margin
and point finely toothed: these pinnules are of a light green
colour, and are attached to the midrib by a very short foot-
stalk. The sori are oblong and disposed singly, about seven
of them on a pinnule. This Fern requircs shade and a
very moderate amount of moisture.
A. cyclosorum.
This grand, well-marked, evergreen, stove species, from
New Guinea, is very effective. Its triangular fronds, which
are borne on upright, stout, glossy-black stalks, 8in. to 12in.
long, are three times divided to the midrib, and furnished
with spreading leaflets. They possess a very feathery ap-
pearance through their rhomboid leafits, being borne on
short stalks and set far apart. These leafits are grace-
fully arched, and of a beautiful bronzy-pink when in a
young state, whereas when matured they are of a pleasing
light green. The sori are circular and disposed eight to
ten round the margin of each pinnule.
A. diaphanum.
A lovely dwarf species, thriving equally well under
greenhouse or stove treatment, being a native of Java,
Fiji, New Caledonia, Norfolk Island, New South Wales, and
New Zealand. It is much better known and extensively
grown under the name of A. setulosum. In general habit
it shows a tendency towards the A. pedatwm group, for its
fronds, which seldom attain more than 10in. in height, are
once divided to the midrib, or provided with one to three
branches at the base. These leaflets or branches are fur-
nished with leafits of a thin texture, 4in. long and lin.
Fig 58. Adiantum diaphanum, a most useful Maidenhair

for employing as an edging for the conservatory.
broad, the lower line rather decurved, the upper one nearly
parallel with it, notched like the blunt outer edge. The
kidney-shaped sori are numerous, and disposed singly, five
to seven on each pinnule. Fig. 58. This pretty species is
of easy culture, and very useful for cutting. It is also of
_A Dictionary of Choice Ferns, 109
great value as an edging for the conservatory, for not only
are the fronds produced in abundance, but the slender
rhizomes possess the peculiarity of forming young plants on
al] their parts, thus making compact little specimens, of
great interest and utility.
A. digitatum.
In general appearance this species, from Peru and
New Granada, reminds one but very little of a Maidenhair
Fern, as it is of semi-scandent habit, and its large tripin-
nate fronds are of a soft, fleshy texture and deciduous;
they are borne on thick, fleshy, pale green stalks, woolly and
transparent, from lft. to 1$ft. long; their foliaged portion,
which frequently attains 8ft. in length and 20in. in
width at the lower part, gradually shortens upwards. The
leafits vary in form from deflexed to wedge shape at the
base; they are very symmetrically set, borne on short stalks,
often measure ljin. across, have their upper edge rounded
and deeply cut, and are densely covered with short hairs,
Which give the foliage a woolly feeling when touched. The
sorl are disposed in lines along the edge of the lobes. A
very distinct and ornamental Fern, sometimes known as 4.
speciosum.
A. excisum.
This pretty, greenhouse species, native of Chili, though
of smaller growth and of slenderer habit, is closely allied
to A. ethiopicum, and, like that species, has also produced
several distinct varieties. In the type the fronds, Gin. to
12in. long and 3in. to 4in. broad, are borne on stalks Qin.
to 3in. long, of a wiry nature and chestnut-brown colour,
rising from a tufted crown. They are furnished on each
side with numerous zigzag, short leaflets, the lowest of
which are slightly branched again; their leafits are about
three lines broad, wedge-shaped at the base, while their
upper edge is rounded and bluntly lobed. The sori are
large for the size of the plant, kidney-shaped, and situated
in distinct hollows on the lobes.
A. e. multifidum.
This handsome, garden variety partakes somewhat of
the character of A. concinnum, both as regards the way in
which its fronds are produced and by the peculiar manner
in which their stalk is covered by deeply-cut leafits closely
pressed against it. The fronds, of a drooping habit, are
four times divided to the midrib, and their deeply-cut sub-
divisions give the plant a very graceful appearance: these
fronds grow from lft. to 14ft. in length, and are usually
divided at their summit into several branches, which very
II0O cmnoice Ferns for Amateurs.
often are again divided, forming a beautiful tassel 2in. to
din. long.
A. e. nanum. |
This variety, also of garden origin, is very useful where
dwarf Ferns are required for edging or for pot culture, or
where small fronds for mixing with flowers are in demand.
Its rigid fronds, which are produced in great abundance
from a densely-tufted crown, are three times divided to the
midrib, and furnished with wedge-shaped and closely-set
leafits: they seldom attain more than 8in. in height.
A. Farleyense.
By far the most beautiful of the whole genus, and not
inappropriately called the “Queen of Maidenhair Ferns,”
It is a native of Farley Hill, Barbados, and has attained
such a degree of popularity and is so extensively known
under the above name that, although classed in botanical
works as simply a form of A. tenerum, is here accorded
specific rank. For exhibition purposes this evergreen Fern
is unrivalled: it always attracts a deal of attention, and
shows the gardener’s skill to great advantage, with its broad,
massive, yet gracefully-drooping fronds, four times divided
to the midrib, from 23ft. to 3ft. in length and frequently
2ft. broad. When grown near the glass and under the
influence of abundant light, the leafits, often ldin. broad,
deeply fringed, and with almost crispy lobes are very
prettily edged with a delicate pale crimson tint, which
turns to a pleasing rich, light green colour when quite
mature. Fig. 30. .
A. Fergusoni.
An elegant, stove species, native of Ceylon, with fronds
stiffly erect, 2ft. to 24ft. high, including the glossy purplish-
black stalks. They are tripinnate, and furnished with
long-stalked leaflets, which in their turn are subdivided into
large, overlapping leafits, variable in form; but where
sterile neatly-toothed and notched along the outer margin :
the terminal one is generally three-lobed. On account of
the light colour of its foliage, the aspect of this Fern is
particularly pleasing. The sori, of oblong form, are
situated at the top of the lobes of the pinnules.
A. formosum.
One of the most ornamental Ferns in existence, and on
that account grown in immense quantities. It is a native
of Australia. The fronds, which are produced abundantly
from slender, underground, creeping rhizomes, are branch-
ing and four times divided to the midrib. They are erect
or nearly so, and from 13ft. to 3ft. in height, one-half of
, cultivation.
in Ferns ornamental
most the of one and Maidenhairs,
of finestthe of one formosum, Adiantum
59. Fig.
3ae BS
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mV ¥ S
b\ =. w\
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<a
II2 Choice Ferns for Amateurs.
which, the stalk, is naked. The foliaged part, triangular
in outline, is copiously furnished with small leafits, whose
lower edge is straight, whereas the upper and outer are
rather rounded and deeply lobed, the lower ones being
distinctly stalked. These ¢ sub-divisions are pale
green, the barren ones being finely dented. The spore
masses, nearly kidney-shaped, are usually disposed six to _
eight to each fertile pinnule. Of very easy culture, it suc-
ceeds admirably in a greenhouse; yet, when cultivated in
a stove, the sub-divisions of the fronds become larger, and
the plant forms in all respects a handsomer specimen. It is
very readily propagated by spores, and also by the division
of the creeping rhizome. No particular care is required
with regard to its propagation, as one is almost certain to
find seedlings of it coming up amongst the different plants
in the house in which it is cultivated. Fig. 59. There is
a nicely variegated form (variegatum).
A. fragrantissimum.
This handsome Fern is quite distinct from anything
previously known in cultivation. It is of garden origin, and
possibly a natural hybrid from A.cuneatum and A. Moorei (A.
amabile of commerce). Its fronds, which last much longer
than those of any other Adiantum with wedge-shaped leaflets.
The characteristic feature is the large size of the ultimate
divisions, which at once appears peculiar, presenting as it
does a novel aspect among the forms with wedge-shaped
pinnules. Despite its specific name the fronds are scentless.
A. fulvum.
This pretty and very compact-growing, greenhouse
species, native of New Zealand, Norfolk Island, New South
Wales, and Fiji, is of great value as a pot-plant, also where
Ferns are required for edging, as its habit is very sym-
metrical. Its elegant fronds, borne on stiff yet slender
stalks of a rough nature, and produced from a central
tufted crown in great abundance, are from 8in. to 12in. long
and Gin. to 8in. broad; they are formed of a terminal leaflet
Ain. to 6in. long and about lin. broad, and of several
branches, the lower of which are branched again and furnished
with leafits of a parchment-like texture, about 3in. long and
iin. broad, dimidiate, the lower edge nearly straight, the
upper almost parallel, sharply toothed like the outer edge, of
a bright bronzy or metallic hue when in a young state, and
dark green when fully developed. The sori are large and
numerous, roundish, almost heart-shaped, and disposed from
eight to twelve round a pinnule.
A. Ghiesbreghtii.
This very handsome, stove plant, which is much more
extensively known under the name of A.scutum, originated
in Mr. B. 8S. Williams’s nursery, where it sprang up
without anyone being able to say whence it came, or if it
were merely an altered and improved form—a sport—of
some species already in cultivation. Anyhow, it possesses
the power of reproducing itself true from spores, as may be
seen by the immense quantities of it which yearly find their
way into our flower markets. It is a very fine Fern, of
remarkably good constitution, with the habit of A. Farley-
ense, but less dense, and undoubtedly a variety of A.
tenerum: it also makes one of the finest known Maiden-
hairs for decoration or for exhibition purposes. There is a
lovely form of this (ramosum), with fan-shaped fronds and -
deep green leaflets. 7
A. Henslovianum.
This beautiful and most distinct, stove species, also
known as A. letum, A. Reichenbachit, and A. sessilifolium,
is a native of Columbia and Peru, and is of quite a different
appearance from all other Adiantums, as the stalks, instead
of being, as usual, thin, black, and polished, are thick, green,
and gradually become of a dark chestnut-brown colour and
slightly hairy. It is also readily distinguished from most
others by the peculiarity possessed by its pinnules, the inner
edge of which usually overlnps the midrib.
A. hispidulum.
Very handsome, greenhouse species, native of Australia
and New Zealand; it is extensively known and cultivated
under the name of A. pubescens (which sce).
A. Kunzeanum.
This is synonymous with A. cristatum.
A. laetum.
Synonymous with A. Henslovianum.
A. Lathomi.
A beautiful, garden variety, possibly a natural sport
from A. Ghiesbreghtti (A. scutum of commerce), which it
somewhat resembles, though it differs from that species in
having a gracefully-drooping instead of a semi-erect habit.
One of the most ornamental of the large-growing Maiden-
hairs in cultivation, and quite as useful in its way as the
smaller A. cuneatum and varieties.
A. lucidum.
A distinct, stove species, of medium growth, native of
the West Indian Islands, Panama, and Brazil. The fronds,
af
ADIANTUM
— continued.
9in. to 15in. long and 4in. to 8in. broad, are produced
from a creeping rhizome and borne on _ strong, upright
stalks 6in. to 9in. long, which are densely covered with
short hairs of a rusty colour: they are simply pinnate,
and consist of a large terminal leaflet and six to ten lateral
ones on each side. These leaflets are 3in. to 4in. long
and about lin. broad, nearly equal-sided, slightly dented
towards the point, wedge-shaped at the base, of a bright
olive-green colour, and shining on both sides. The lower
leaflets are sometimes slightly branched. The oblong sori
are disposed in a continuous row along each side. A lovely
basket subject.
A. lunulatum.
A very distinct and handsome, stove species, found in
Hong-Kong, in Cochin China, on the Himalayas at an eleva-
tion of 4000ft., southward to the Polynesian Islands and
Tropical Australia, Madagascar, Angola, Guinea, in Tropical
America from Mexico southward to the Organ Mountains
in Brazil, &c. It is an _ easily-recognised species, of
deciduous habit, losing its fronds about December and
starting into growth again about the beginning of March.
It has a peculiarly slender, pendulous habit, and is pro-
liferous at the end of its fronds—so much so, that it is not
rare to see produced from their apices three generations of
plants. When the fronds are mature, the stalks are of a
beautiful shining black colour, while those in course of
development are of a deep pink, and then of a light brown
tint, quite different from those of all other species.
A. macrophyllum.
This elegant, stove species, native of Mexico, the West
Indian Islands, Brazil, and Ecuador, is one of the most
distinct Ferns in cultivation. Its large, equal-sided leaflets,
which in the young and partly-developed fronds are beau-
tifully tinged with red, change with age to a most pleasing
bright green. The handsome fronds, borne on erect, nearly
black stalks 6in. to 12in. long, are produced in great
abundance from an underground rhizome; they are of a
particularly upright habit, 9in. to 15m. long and 4in. te
Sin. broad, and only once divided to the midrib. Fig. 60.
One of the most decorative of our stove Ferns, but it re-
quires a liberal supply of water and a shady situation, or it
soon becomes spotted. Albo-striatumisa lovely variegated form.
A. monochlamys.
This exceedingly pretty and entirely distinct, dwarf,
ereenhouse species, native of Japan, though closely related
to the Himalayan A. venustum, is clearly distinct through
A Dictionary of Choice Ferns. TI5
its compact habit and bluish-green foliage. The pleasing
aspect of this plant. renders it a most valuable Adiantum,
the more so that it requires but little or no artificial heat
for its cultivation. On that account it ranks as one of the
best dwarf Ferns for the cool conservatory and the green-
house. It has proved perfectly hardy in Cornwall and
Devonshire. Fig. 5, p. 8.
7
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Fig. 60. Adiantum macrophyllum, a very elegant Stove Fern

of upright habi}.
A. Moorei.
A remarkably elegant, stove species, native of Peru,
much more generally known in gardens as A. amabile. Its
handsome fronds, which frequently attain 2ft. in length
by lft. or more in breadth, are borne on slender, black,
Te
II6 Choice Ferns for Amateurs.
shining stalks 6in. to 9in. long. They are deltoid, twice or
thrice divided to the midrib, and are furnished with
numerous leafits, borne on short footstalks, and set some.
what far.apart, which gives the fronds a peculiarly light
and feathery appearance, the more so that they are deeply
lobed on their outer margin, where the sori, round or nearly
x0, are situated at the extremity of the lobes. A. Moorei,
which has proved very variable, possesses the peculiarity of
reproducing itself freely by means of the little bulbils
borne on its fine, fibrous roots. :
A. palmatum.
A very beautiful and graceful Fern, native of Peru,
which thrives equally well under either greenhouse or stove
treatment. Its handsome and particularly light. fronds,
produced from a stout, underground, prostrate stem, are
borneon very slender stalks 9in. to 12in. long, shining black,
but rather downy at the base; they are three times divided
to the midrib, often reaching 33ft. in length by 10in. in
breadth. The leafits, which are distinctly stalked, are of
comparatively large dimensions, being lin. to 13in. broad;
they are of a thin texture, smooth, set far apart, and vary
in shape; but all are deeply cut down into from three to
five large lobes, which are again more or less divided. The
sori, oblong in shape and of variable length, are disposed
at the tips of the lobes, usually one to each.
A. pedatum.
This thoroughly distinct and magnificent species,
although given as a native of British India by Beddome,
is essentially a Fern from North America, where it is exten-
sively distributed. North American Ferns are mostly
valued for their hardiness and usefulness, producing as they
do in the outdoor Fernery a contrast which could not pos-
sibly be obtained by planting British species and varieties
alone. Some of them, too, are individually interesting, and
foremost among these is A. pedatwm, on account of its
unique appearance, robust growth, and _ distinctive
character. Fig. 61. In its native country it will bear over
20deg. of frost. There, it is true, it is naturally protected by
a thick layer of leaves, which annually covers its crowns when
at rest; it is also protected each year by a covering of snow.
A. peruvianum.
A well-marked, Peruvian, stove species, undoubtedly
one of the most ornamental of all the known large-growing
Maidenhairs. Its ample and gracefully-pendent fronds,
which are produced from a thick, underground, running
rhizome, are borne on stout, upright, black, polished stalks,
A Dictionary of Choice Ferns. , 117
9in. to 18in. long, and of a very wiry nature. Their leafy
portion grows to a length of from 2ft. to 3ft., and is almost
triangular in outline and elegantly arched. These fronds
are simply pinnate on two-thirds of their total length, but
they usually have at the base from one to three branches,
some of which are occasionally again slightly divided. The
leafits are 2in. or more broad, 1din. deep, unequally ovate,
Ga 5 y 2
t SJAS?
La ay PSS
Fig. 61. Adiantum pedatum, a distinct and very hardy

North American Maidenhair.
wedge-shaped at the base, and finely-toothed and lobed

round the upper and outer edges. When mature, these
leafits, which are borne on short though perfectly distinct
footstalks, are of a beautiful dark green colour, contrasting
agreeably with the soft metallic hue of the fronds in course
of development and the pale green tint of those newly
expanded. The sori, somewhat varying in length but
usually oblong in form, are disposed in interrupted patches
along the whole of the anterior margins of the fertile
pinnules.
A. populifolium.
Synonymous with A. Seemanniz.
A. prisnophyllum.
Synonymous with A. tetraphyllum.
A. pubescens.
This greenhouse Fern, native of New Zealand and Aus-
tralia, though sometimes regarded as synonymous with A.
hispidulum, is, from a decorative point of view, sufficiently
distinct to be separated from it. Lowe says: “This fern
has been correctly named pubescens: indeed it is as
pubescent as it is possible for a Fern to be, the stem being
quite rough with the vast number of shurt brown hairs with
which it is entirely covered.’’? A. pubescens is of much
larger dimensions than A. hispidulum, as usually seen, the
leafits being much larger, deep green, bluntly oblong, wedge-
shaped at the base, with their margin slightly dented. The
fronds are nearly all fertile, from lft. to 14ft. long, pro-
duced from a tufted central crown, and are very persistent.
The kidney-shaped and hairy sori are small, and are dis-
posed from twelve to sixteen to a leafit, along the upper
and outer edges only.
A.
reginz.
One of the most distinct, and undoubtedly the most
decorative, of a series of seedlings or supposed hybrids of
garden origin, comprising the better-known A. rhodophyl-
lum, A. Victorie, &c. The general appearance of all these
warrants the assumption that they are issue from A. Ghies-
breghti (A. scutum of commerce); but they essentially
differ in the colour of their young growths and in their
habit, which latter in all cases is dwarfer and much more
compact.
A. Reichenbachii.
Synonymous with A. Henslovianum.
A. reniforme.
In the shape of its fronds, this very interesting and
exceedingly distinct, greenhouse species differs from all
other Adiantums. It has a very limited geographical
range, for it is not known to have been gathered in a wild
state in any other places than Madeira, Teneriffe, and
the Azores. It is an evergreen Fern of comparatively small
A Dictionary of Choice Ferns. Tig
dimensions, having as little as possible the appearance of
an Adiantum; but its great distinctness alone is sufficient
to make it indispensable in any collection. Its singular,
leathery fronds, which are abundantly produced from a
close, tufted crown, and borne on slender, shining, bright
chestnut-brown stalks, 4in. to 6in. long, are essentially
kidney-shaped—hence the specific name; they are of a bril-
liant shining-green, smooth, when fully developed, fre-
quently Ijin. across, and their leafy portion is, at the point
of junction with the stalk, provided with a broad, shallow
depression (Fig. 52). The venation of the fronds is very
delicate, conspicuous, and interesting, the main veins which
start from the basal depression being repeatedly forked until
they reach the outer margin, by which time they have been
four times forked. The oblong sori are produced abun-
dantly, and are disposed in a continuous row all around the
margin.
A, r. asarifolium.
Compared with the typical plant, this scarce variety,
sometimes given specific rank, is always stouter and
coarser, and its fronds, instead of being truly kidney-shaped
are quite round and of a much thicker texture; they usually
measure 23in. across, and are produced from a stout, single
crown, the stalks and the base of the frond itself being very
woolly.
A, rhodophyilum.
This beautiful, stove Fern, of dwarf and compact habit,
is a supposed hybrid of garden origin: it has the appearance
of having issued from A. Ghiesbreghtu (A. scutum of com-
merce), to which it is far superior in its ornamental qualli-
ties. The fronds, which are abundantly produced from a
densely-tufted crown and borne on very slender, black,
shining stalks, have their leafy portion about lft. long,
triangular in shape, tripinnate, and elegantly spreading.
The leafits, when first developed, are of a beautiful rosy-
purple, but gradually take on a soft, pale green. The sori
are sparingly produced, oblong in form, and disposed singly
at the extremities of the lobes on the outer or superior
margin only. The remarkable diversity of colours pre-
sented by the pinnules at different stages of their growth,
which are all to be seen on the plant at the same time,
renders this Adiantum one of the most effective decorative
Ferns in cultivation. To this striking characteristic must
also be added its compact habit and the elegant contour
of its tufted fronds. All these characters are faithfully
reproduced in young plants obtained from spores.
ADIANTUM
— continued.
A. roseum.
A greenhouse Fern, of dwarf habit, whose fronds,
scarcely din. long, are of a lovely pinkish tint when young.
It is of garden orig...
A. rubellum.
This very pretty, stove species, closely allied to and
intermediate between A. Wagneri (A. decorum of com-
merce) and A. tinctum, is a native of the Andes of Bolivia:
it is of dwarf but elegant habit. The fronds, which «are
abundantly produced from a close, tufted crown, and borne
on exceedingly slender, black, shining stalks, 4in. to 6in.
long, have their leafy portion of similar length; they are
deltord and bipinnate. The numerous leafits are fan-
shaped at their summit, wedge-shaped at their base, and
their outer margin is lobed and finely toothed: they are
almost stalkless, and when young are of a_ beautiful
purplish-crimson, changing with age to a light bluish-green
tint, but even then tinged with pink. The sori are round
or slightly kidney-shaped, and are disposed singly in the
tips of the lobes. -
A. scutum.
A popular name for A. Ghiesbreghtit.
A. Seemannii.
This very handsome and totally distinct, stove species,
also known under the names of A. populifolium and A.
Zahnw, is a native of Guatemala and Brazil. It is of very
peculiar growth, inasmuch as while in a young state the
plant only produces simple fronds of extraordinary dimen-
sions, which are then heart-shaped, with an elongated point,
and often measure as much as 3in. in breadth: they are
produced from a thick, underground rhizome, and are borne
on upright, black, shining stalks 6in. to 9in. long. With
maturity the fronds become pinnate, the lower pair of
pinne being occasionally divided again. The pinne, which
are larger than even those of the popular A. macrophyllum,
and have black, polished footstalks often lin. long, are
then ovate, acuminate, unequal-sided, and drooping at right
angles from the stalk. The barren pinne are usually finely
dented, while the fertile ones show on their outer margin
an uninterrupted line of oblong sori. The foliage, of a par-
ticularly leathery texture, is, when only partly developed,
of a bronzy or metallic hue, turning with age to a deep glossy-
green above, and a pretty bluish colour beneath.
A. sessilifolium.
This is synonymous with A. Henslovianum.
A Dictionary of Choice Ferns. 12]
A. setulosum. |
A synonym of A. diaphanum.
A. speciosum.
Synonymous with A. digitatum.
A. tenerum.
This very fine, evergreen, stove species is admittedly
a general favourite: its beautiful fronds, which are abun-
dantly produced from a _ slowly-creeping, underground
rhizome, about as thick as a goose-quil, and covered with
dark brown hairs and dented scales of the same colour,
grow from 3ft. to 4ft. in length, nearly one-third of which’
is naked. These fronds, of a very elegant character, are
three or four times divided to the midrib, and lft. to 1éft.
broad. The ebeneous-black and glossy character of the stalks
extends to the footstalks of the numerous leafits, and this
produces a great and pleasing contrast to the brilliant green
of the latter. These leafits are all borne on short foot-
stalks, from which they readily fall when dry: their upper
edge is rounded, broadly, and often also deeply lobed; the
barren lobes are finely dented, and the fertile ones are
entire. The sori are kidney-shaped, and disposd from ten
to thirteen in roundish or transversely-oblong patches in
the lobes of the upper margin of each fertile pinnule. A
grand exhibition species. It is the Brittle Fern of North
America, and is found also in the West Indies, Mexico, and
South America.
A. t. Farleyense.
- The correct name of the plant usually called A. Farleyense,
A. tetraphyllum.
A handsome, but very variable, stove species, also
known under the name of A. prionophyllum. It is a
native of Tropical America, where it is found from Mexico
and the West Indies southward to Brazil. Its massive yet
elegant fronds, borne on strong, upright, downy stalks
rising from a slowly-creeping, underground rhizome, are
of a very peculiar shape. They consist of a long terminal
leaflet, Gin. to 9in. long and lin. to ldin. broad, and of
numerous spreading lateral ones nearly as large on both
sides; consequently, the leafy portion of the frond is fre-
quently 14ft. long and almost as much broad. The leafits
are of a leathery texture, din. to 3in. broad and iin. deep,
sub-dimidiate, their lower line straight or somewhat de-
curved, the upper line nearly parallel, finely toothed, and
the outer edge very oblique. The sori, usually of oblong
form, sometimes kidney-shaped, are disposed in broken lines
round the upper and outer margin.
A. t. acuminatum.
The long, narrow-pointed shape of the ieaflets distin-
guishes this garden form from the type.
A. t. gracile.
A closely-growing variety, introduced from Tropical
America, having fronds similarly produced from an under-
ground, slowly-creeping rhizome, and borne on slender, black
stalks of a downy nature; but these fronds are much shorter
than those of the type, and elegantly arching. This is a very
distinct and specially striking Fern, remarkable for the
beautiful reddish hue assumed by its fronds when first de-
veloped, a characteristic they retain until they are fully
expanded.
A. tinctum.
This pretty, dwarf species, which thrives equally well
in greenhouse or in stove temperature, is a native of the
Andes of Peru. It is mtermediate between A. rubellum
and A. Wagneri (A. decorum of commerce); but its elegant
fronds, Gin. to 9in. long, borne on slender, black stalks, 4in.
to Gin. long, and produced in profusion from a central,
tufted crown, are less divided than those of the latter
species. They are also much narrower, bipinnate, and their
lower leafits are closely wrapped over the stalk. When in a
young state the pinnules are of a delicate rosy-red, and they
change with age to a bright green colour. This is the
smallest of the known Adiantums with coloured foliage.
A, trapeziforme.
A delicate-looking, yet bold-growing, stove species, from
Tropical America. Its handsome fronds, which are produced
from a slowly-creeping, underground rhizome, and borne
on firm, upright, black, shining stalks, 6in. to 12in. long,
and furnished near their base with a few narrow scales,
vary in length from 13ft. to 24ft. They consist of a central
leaflet, 6in. to 9in. long and 2in. to 3in. broad, and three
or four large, spreading ones on each side, the lowest of
which are frequently branched again. The leafits are of
papeny texture and a brilliant green, 14in. to 2in. long,
din. to 3in. broad, dimidiate, and have their sides nearly
parallel, the outer and the upper edges being bluntly lobed.
The sori are oblong, large, prominent, and numerous, and are
disposed close together round the upper and outer edges of
the fertile pinnules. This Fern is readily distinguished from
all others by its peculiar-shaped pinnules. Fig. 62. .It is
also a free grower, which quality no doubt accounts for its
GA
cianen
j ok.
Fig. 62. Adiantum trapeziforme, a very bold-growing species

with handsome fronds.
popularity. Like A. tetraphyllum, this species is very variable

and several handsome varieties of it are in cultivation, including
A. t. Sanctz=Catherine.
A garden name for very ornamental Brazilian
form of much dwarfer and more compact habit than the
species. A place with a smaller amount of light than is
required by other varieties of the same species, suits this
plant admirably.
A. Veitchianum.
No doubt the most highly-coloured-as well as the largest-
foliaged of the known tinted Adiantums (with the exception
of A. macrophyllum). It is a stove species from the Andes of
Peru. Its very attractive fronds, abundantly produced from
a slender, underground rhizome, and borne on thin, wiry,
black, shining stalks 4in. to 6in. long, are from 8in. to 12in.
long, deltoid, and bipinnate in their lower half. They are
particularly upright, and are furnished with numerous leafits
about 3in. broad, semicircular on their upper margin, where
they are also shallowly lobed. The round and small sori are
disposed about eight along the upper margin of the fertile
pinnules. The pinnules are of a remarkably bright red tint
in their young state, and with age change to a soft pale
ereen; they are also of a thicker texture than most Adian-
tums of the same section.
A. venustum.
This very rare, distinct, dwarf species, thrives best in
the cool greenhouse or frame, and is nearly hardy in sheltered
places. It should not be confused with a totally different
plant that is extensively grown as A. venustum, and found in
most collections as well as in many trade catalogues under
that name, but which is only a dwarf form of A. ethiopicum.
The true A. venustwm also produces its elegant fronds from a
creeping rhizome, but in this latter organ the power of
ramification 1s not much developed; consequently the fronds
are produced more sparingly than in the variety Just men-
tioned. The more rigid texture, the numerous small, scarcely-
lobed segments, and the few large sori, clearly distinguish
the true species from the spurious form, as also from its
allies—A. glaucophyllum and A. monochlamys.
A. Victoriz.
In this pretty, dwarf Maidenhair, of garden origin,
which has all the appearance of a very dwarf form of
A. Farleyense, the fronds, abundantly produced from a
central, tufted crown, are crowded, bipinnate, and form
close, low tufts, 4in. to 6in. high, of rich, bright green foliage.
The rather large leafits are peculiarly crisped or undulated,
deeply lobed around the upper and outer margins, and the|
oblong sori are disposed one on the tip of each lobe of the
fertile pinnules.
A. Weigandii.
This very pretty, stove Fern, of particularly neat habit
and pleasing colour, originated in American gardens, whence
it was brought to Europe under the above name, but without
any authority for it. Mr. Moore, however, retained the
name, and published an extensive description, from which
the following are the most important passages: “ We regard
\ ih \:
Hs
Welt
ee
7, a eee
SS \ W) Av ey
WZ == "YA
x WO \ =p)
-—— yy NS \, =
. —— >
IWS ey Z
\ KEE Ip,
B fiiN, S|,
:wigs Me Wey
i, YB ES, ©
a
Fig. 63. Adiantum Weigandii, a pretty neat-habited stove

species that is extremely decorative.
this as a very distinct plant, one of pleasing character likely

to be used for decorative purposes. The fronds have about
the same size and outline of the useful A. decorwm, and the
habit is similar, but the pinnules are quite different. These
organs have a peculiar aspect, being very freely and con-
spicuously lobate at the edge, and yet appearing to be but
little divided, on account of the very narrow sinuses between
the lobes. The lobes are large and few, and in consequence
the pinnules in some instances have very much the cutting
to be cbhserved in the leaves of the Hawthorn. The apical
portions of the fronds and of the pinne are crowded.” The
fronds are triangular in shape and tripinnate, are about
lft. long, and, being produced from a close crown, they form
a neat tufted mass of foliage; while the numerous large,
nearly circular sori are disposed one or two on each lobe, at
the tip of which they are situated. Fig. 63.
A. Williamsii.
One of the most beautiful of all known Maidenhairs, and
one which thrives well under cool treatment, as it is a native
of the mountains of Peru, where it is found at a great
elevation. It may possibly be a form of the very variable
A. ethiopicum, and has somewhat the general aspect of
A. «. chilense, although its growth is not so dense; it is also
of a free and more vigorous constitution.
A. Zahnii.
Synonymous with A. Seemannii.
ADIANTOPSIS. ‘Sce Cheilanthes.
AGLAOMORPHA. See Polypodium.
ALEURITOPTERIS. See Cheilanthes.
ALLOSORUS. Se Cheilanthes, Cryptogramme, and Pellaea.
ALSOPHILA.
The genus Alsophila is composed exclusively of
species of Tree Ferns from either tropical or
temperate quarters of the globe. The distinguishing
characters reside in the globose sori, which are
situated at the back of the fronds, and disposed on
a vein or in the forking of a vein. These sori mostly
stand out conspicuously from the leafy portion of
the fronds, and are frequently downy, and destitute
of involucres or covering.
Alsophilas, as well as all other Tree Ferns,
should have an abundant supply of water, which
is best distributed over the stems with a syringe,
liberally during the summer, but moderately during
winter—without, however, suspending 1t alto-
gether. The plants also require a good quantity of
moisture at the roots, and occasional waterings with
weak liquid manure are beneficial, especially in the
spring, when unfolding their new fronds. Although
Alsophilas grow well in a light conservatory, where
they produce fronds of a hardier and more substan-

tial texture, it is under the combined influences of
shade and moisture that their most vigorous growth
is produced; they should therefore be sufficiently
shaded to prevent the sun from burning the fronds
as they unfold, as also to keep them from being dis-
coloured when fully developed. Like all other Tree
Ferns, very little pot-room suffices. They should be
potted, tubbed, or, better still, planted out in the
houses, 1n a compost of three parts of peat, one part
of fibrous loam, and one part of sand as coarse as
procurable; in this they will grow luxuriantly for
years without requiring further attention than con-.
stant moistening. A. ezxcelsa is grown in large
quantities for market. It is also a useful species for
sub-tropical gardening.
A. Van Geerti, and perhaps a few other species,
produce young growths on their stems, from which
they can be propagated; but generally speaking,
Alsophilas are increased from spores, which are
abundantly produced and germinate freely under
warm treatment.
A. aspera.
A. very handsome, stove species, also known as A. nitens,
native of the West Indies, and readily identified through the
large, glossy, spear-shaped scales, lin. or more in length,
found at the base of the stalks. The trunk is 10ft. to 30ft.
high, slender, and covered with short, stout spines, which
also extend to the stalk and to the rachis or stalk of the
leafy portion of the fronds. These fronds, which reach
some 1l0ft. to 12ft. in length and are gracefully arched
(Fig. 64) and of a very light and pleasing green colour, are
bipinnate. ‘The oblong leafits are borne on short footstalks;
they are cut down from half to two-thirds of the way to their
midrib; their lobes are oblong-egg-shaped, often sharply
toothed, and their midrib shows on the under-surface some
blister-like scales. The sori of a very deciduous nature, are
situated half-way between the midrib and the margin of the
fertile pinnules.
A. atrovirens.
South Brazil is the home of this gigantic species. Its
large tripinnatifid fronds are borne on stalks about equal
in length to their leafy portion, stout and_ slightly
scaly. Their rachis, of a dark straw-colour, sometimes
ALSOPHILA
— continued.
perfectly smooth, at other times slightly covered with short,
hard excrescences, is furnished with spear-shaped leaflets Qin.
to 15in. long and 3in. to 4in. broad; the leafits, cut about
half-way down to the midrib, are nearly stalkless, of a
somewhat leathery texture, dark green on both sides, and
without scales; their ascending and entire segments are Lin.
broad, and blunt. The small and numerous sori are disposed
on the forking of the veins but close to the midrib.
Fig. 64. Alsophila aspera, a West Indian species having

large, glossy, spear-shaped scales.
A. australis.
Undoubtedly one of the handsomest Alsophilas in cultiva-
tion. It is a greenhouse species, native of Tasmania and
Australia, especially in the South. A trunk of 15ft. or
18ft. high generally measures from 2ft. to 24ft. in circum-
ference, and produces a somewhat flat or spreading head of
numerous fronds, 8ft. to 18ft. long and borne on naked stalks
about 1$ft. long. Their principal leaflets, spear-shaped, about
lift. long and 6in. to 10in. broad, are furnished with
numerous leafits, light green above and bluish below, 3in. to
4in. long, sharply pointed, and divided nearly to their midrib,
or towards the base even sometimes pinnate. The stalk and
rachis, although not exactly spiny, are very rough to the
ALSOPHILA
— continued.
touch and are covered at their base with dark brown, chaffy
scales; the foliage is also altogether of a more leathery
texture than that of most other Tree Ferns. The small,
round sori are disposed from one to four at the basal portion
of the fertile pinnules.
A. Colensoi.
: Of comparatively small dimensions, this species is a
native of New Zealand and Otago. Unlike most Alsophilas,
its trunk, only 4ft. to 5ft. high, is totally devoid of spines,
and the fronds, slightly hairy, 2ft. to 4ft. long and lft. or
‘more broad, are borne on short stalks densely clothed with
silvery-white scales lin. long, and with copious dark brown
ones of smaller dimensions. ‘The principal leaflets are 12in.
to 14in. Icng, oblong, and terminate in a long, tapering
point; their leafits are 2in. long and 4in. to din. broad,
deeply pinnatifid, being divided nearly to the midrib. The
lobes, only two to three lines long, are strongly toothed, and
the small and round sori are disposed nearer the midrib than
the margin of the fertile segments.
A. Cooperi.
From Queensland hails this handsome species, which is
in the way of the better-known A. excelsa, but of smaller
dimensions: it thrives equally well under either stove or
greenhouse treatment. The ample fronds are tripinnate, and
have their rachis densely clothed at the base with large pale
brown scales. Their somewhat spear-shaped leaflets are 13ft.
to 2ft. long, and are furnished with strap-shaped leafits 4in.
to 5in. long and 3in. to lin. broad, the segments of which,
equally strap-shaped, are }in. to 4in. broad and bright green
on both sides. The small sori are disposed almost on the
midrib of the fertile segments.
A. excelsa.
Norfolk Island is the home of this splendid greenhouse
species which proves nearly hardy in the neighbourhood of.
Cornwall, and is a very rapid grower. In its native habitat it
is said to have trunks from 60ft. to 80ft. high. Its ample
fronds, of a dark green above and paler green beneath, are
borne on stalks of a rough nature, and their principal
leaflets, 1$ft. to 2ft. long and 6in. to 10in. broad, are, when
young, densely clothed with rusty-coloured hairs intermixed
with small scales of a darker colour. The numerous leafits
are set close together, oblong-spear-shaped, acuminate, and
so deeply pinnatifid that they are frequently cut down to
their midrib; the segments which are thus formed are
narrow, sickle-shaped, and have their margins recurved and
toothed like a saw, those of the barren fronds being larger
K
130 | Choice Ferns for Amateurs.
ALSOPHILA—continued.
and of a paler green than those of the fertile ones, which are
also of a more leathery texture. The sori are pléntifully
disposed close to the midrib of the fertile segments.
A, infesta Van-Geertii.
Under this name is known to commerce a variety of the
Tropical American species A. infesta. It is a distinct and
highly-ornamental Tree Fern, whose stem or trunk never
attains a great height; it is slender, tortuous, of a bright
brown colour, and possesses the peculiarity—very rare in
Alsophilas—of producing on its surface lateral growths or
young plants, which, when sufficiently furnished with roots,
may be safely detached and soon form independent subjects.
Although the trunk is of comparatively short stature, it
produces very fine broad, spear-shaped fronds 5ft. to 6ft.
long, including the stalk, which are bipinnate. The leaflets, also
spear-shaped, are lft. to 14ft. long and 5in. to 6in. broad,
and are furnished with leafits of a dark, shining green colour
and deeply toothed. The hght brown stalks are covered with
numerous short, black spines. The whole plant is of a
particularly elegant habit, its fronds being gracefully arched.
A. nitens.
Synonymous with A. aspera.
A. pruinata.
Although scarce in cultivation, this beautiful species,
suited to either the stove or the greenhouse, deserves every
attention, if only on account of its distinctive and ornamental
characters, for its fronds, of a particularly elegant habit, are
quite as silvery underneath as those of the better-known
Cyathea dealbata; while the stem or trunk from which they
are produced, and which under cultivation seldom attains
great dimensions, usually produces several crowns or heads,
and by the division of these the plant can be increased. It is
a native of Tropical America and the West Indies, and has
been aptly likened to a small pine-tree, leafy at the top. Its
stem varies from 3ft. to 8ft. in height, with a perfectly
smooth stalk.
A. Rebecce. |
A Queensland species, whose habit is distinct from all
others. Its stem, about 8ft. in height, is smooth, and com-
paratively slender, yet it is well furnished with broad, arch-
ing fronds 2ft. to 3ft. in length, and of a leathery texture.
They are bipinnate, and their stalks being nearly black, form
a striking contrast to the glossy, deep green colour of their
upper surface. The lower leaflets are lft. to 17ft. long and
4in. to din. broad: they are furnished on each side with
A Dictionary of Choice Poins. ISI
ALSOPHILA—continued.
from twenty to thirty leafits, the lower ones of which are
distinctly stalked, 2in. to 3in. long and about din. broad,
terminating in a tapering point, while their base, rounded on
both sides, is slightly eared above. The small and numerous
sori are disposed in two rows situated half-way between the
midrib and the edge of the fertile pinnules.
A. Van-Geertii.
Synonymous with A. infesta Van-Geertu.
ANEMIA.
A well-marked genus, exclusively composed of.
Ferns of comparatively dwarf habit, distinguished
from nearly all others by having, like our native
Osmunda, their fructification disposed in a con-
spicuous “panicle”? standing well above the leafy
portion of the frond. Through their fertile segments
being always wholly contracted, a peculiarity which
gives them the appearance of flowering spikes
(Fig. 14, p. 19), these interesting plants are
popularly known as ‘Flowering Ferns.” As
now understood, the genus includes Anemidictyon.
Most of, if not all, the known Anemias are
possessed of a certain decorative value, and
their peculiar mode of fructification gives them
an additional attraction, and entitles them to general
cultivation.
Although many very interesting species have at
different times been introduced, comparatively few
have survived the effects of the treatment first
received. For all that, provided heat and plenty
of light are at the disposal of the cultivator, these
Ferns are not difficult to manage. Anemias will be
found to thrive best in a mixture of two parts good
tibrous peat, one part leaf-mould, and one part sharp,
coarse silver sand, the plants being kept on a shelf
if in a spacious house, or near the glass if in a warm
pit or low house. Watering overhead is very in-
jurious to all of them. They prefer being grown in
small pots to being planted out, and although they
cannot well be regarded as the ideal of decorative
Ferns, as they cannot be used for general PRED GSEs
K
on account of their vegetation being too slow, still,

when grouped by themselves or with other Ferns of
dwarf habit or of medium dimensions, they present
a very striking appearance. Anemias are usually
propagated from their spores, which germinate very
freely, though some species of a naturally tufted
habit may be successfully increased by division of
the crowns, between the middle of March and the
end of April.
A. adiantifolia.
This very handsome, evergreen, stove species is perhaps
the best-known of the whole genus. It is a native of the
West Indies, Central and South America, Southern Florida,
Guatemala, Mexico, &c. Its fronds, which seldom exceed
lift. in height, including the very slender and very hairy
stalks on which they are borne, are produced from a creeping
rhizome, and have their veins repeatedly forked but not
intermixed. They are bipinnate, except at the base, where
they are thrice pinnate: their barren portion is shortly
stalked, 6in. to 9in. long, 4in. to 6in. broad, deltoid, and
furnished with spear-shaped leaflets, the lower pair of which
are opposite and the others alternate. Their leafits are of
a leathery texture, dark green on both sides, wedge-shaped
at the base, and sharply toothed on the margin, the basal
ones being again divided to the midrib. The fertile panicle,
situated at the base of the leafy or barren portion of the
frond, consists of two upright, contracted segments 3in. to
Ain. long, and borne on slender stalks 2in. to 3in. long: they
are flattened, and bear two rows of acorn-shaped spore
cases, provided with a terminal transverse ring—a character
which is shared by all the species belonging to the same
section.
A. Cheilanthoides.
A popular appellation for A. tomentosa, and one for
which there is no authority.
A. collina,
This very rare, stove species, also known as A. hirta of
J. Smith, is a native of Brazil. It is quite distinct from most
other known species owing to the rusty colour of the spreading
hairs which densely clothe the firm, upright stalks 8in. to
12in. long. The fronds have their barren portion 6in. to
12in. Jong, 2in. to 3in. broad, and are composed of about
twelve pairs of stalkless leaflets, which are about 14in. long
by 41in. broad, unequal-sided, blunt, and nearly entire: these
are of an almost leathery texture, set further apart than
in most other species, and the stalk of the leafy portion is,
ANEMIA — continued.
like the stalk proper, covered with spreading hairs of a
rusty colour. The fertile portion, disposed at the base of
the barren one, consists of contracted segments 2in. to 3in.
long, disposed in a panicle, and borne on slightly hairy foot-
stalks 4in. to Gin. long.
A. deltoidea.
Synonymous with A. tomentosa.
Fig. 65. Anemia Dregeana, a Natal species having a

“panicle” 3in. to 4in. long.
A. Dregeana.
A stove species, native of Natal. Its fronds are borne
on firm, slightly hairy stalks, 8in. to 12in. long; their barren
portion, 8in. to 12in. long and 2in. to 8in. broad, is formed
of from eight to twelve pairs of leaflets, which are lin. to
15in. long, 3in. to 3in. broad, unequal at the base, with
their upper side somewhat heart-shaped, and their margin
conspicuously toothed. These leaflets are of almost leathery
ANEMIA
— continued.
texture, and their surfaces and rachis are covered with fine
hairs: they show a distinct midrib often half-way to their
summit. The fertile portion, situated at the base of the
barren one, is composed of contracted segments, disposed in a
panicle 3in. to 4in. long, with lower branches stretched out,
and is borne on a stalk 3in. to 4in. long. Fig. 65.
A. flexuosa.
A. hirta.
Synonymous with A. collina.
A. Langsdorffiana.
This stove species, native of South Brazil and Venezuela,
has somewhat the general appearance of the popular
A. Phillitidis, from which it differs in several respects,
notably in having its veins free instead of intermixed.
A. Phillitidis.
This species, native of Cuba, Peru, and South Brazil,
thrives equally well under either greenhouse or stove treat-
ment. It is of much stronger constitution than most other
species, for it produces from a single crown fronds frequently
reaching 23ft. in height, including the naked, light green
stalks, lft. to 13ft. long, on which they are borne. Their
barren portion, €in. to 12in. long and 4in. to 8in. broad,
consists of a terminal leaflet and from four to twelve pairs
of lateral ones, all stalkless, the lowest the largest, 2in. to
6in. long, lin. to 2in. broad, pointed at their extremity, their
base rounded or heart-shaped, they are bright green and of
a tolerably tough texture, and have a distinct midvein
extending to their extremity. The fertile portion, borne
on a stalk 3in. to 8in. long, is composed of short, contracted
segments, disposed in a dense panicle 4in. to Qin. long.
A. P. fraxinifolia is a variety with fronds seldom exceeding
lift. in length, including the somewhat hairy stalks,
on which they are borne. Their barren part consists of a
terminal leaflet and of eight or nine pairs of lateral ones;
these are entire egg-shaped, 23in. long, lin. broad, and
closely set together. The fertile portion, composed of short,
contracted segments produced in pairs from the base of the
lower leaflets, forms a very dense panicle about Qin. high,
light green in its young stage, but turning with age to a
peculiar light brown colour.
A. rotundifolia.
A stove species, native of South Brazil, having fronds
borne on upright, slender stalks, which are 6in. to 9in. long
ANEMIA —continued.
and hairy in their young state. It is also distinct from
nearly all other known species through the barren portion
of the frond, 8in. to 12in. long and lin. to 2in. broad, being
frequently prolonged and rooting at its extremity. This
barren portion consists of from eight to twelve pairs of
distantly-placed, almost leathery leaflets lin. long, #in. broad,
very blunt, with their lower side terminating abruptly at the
base, their outer edge finely toothed, and their surfaces and
rachis finely hairy. The fertile portion is composed of short,
ecntracted segments, disposed in a panicle 2in. to 3in. long,
borne on a slender stalk 3in. to 4in. long. One of the finest
of “Flowering Ferns.’’
A. tomentosa.
In gardens this handsome species is also known as
A. cheilanthoides, A. deltoidea, A. flexuosa, and A. villosa. It
thrives equally well under either greenhouse or stove treat-
ment. Its habitat extends from Mexico and the West Indies
to Peru and Monte Video. It has a very singular appear-
ance, produced by the rusty-coloured hairs with which its
strong, upright stalks, 6in. to 12in. long, are densely clothed.
The barren portion of the frond is 6in. to 12in. long, and
about half as broad, sometimes bipinnatifid, and furnished
with leaflets of almost leathery texture and densely hairy on
both surfaces, a character which is also shared by their
rachis. The lowest leaflets are the largest, and show blunt
lobes often 3in. long and Hin. broad, nearly uncut. The
fertile portion is composed of contracted segments disposed
in a loose panicle 4in. to 9in. long, and borne on a stalk only
lin. to 2in. in length.
A. villosa.
ANEMIDICTYON.
The plants formerly included under this genus
are now referred to Anemza.
ANGIOPTERIS,.,
Although above sixty species are enumerated by
Moore, only one of these has been recognised by
Hooker and Baker as possessing sufficiently defined
characters to rank as a species: all others usually
known in gardens as distinct species are simply
varieties of it. All the known forms of Angiopteris
are of particularly robust habit, and are found
crowing naturally in swampy places, most of them

all over Ceylon, Java, and the Pacific Islands. They
are therefore exceedingly useful for adorning the
warm Fernery all the year round, and the cool
Fernery during summer. Whether grown in pots
or planted out, “they should be kept in a mixture of
two parts fibrous loam, two parts rough peat, one
part chopped sphagnum, and one part coarse sand:
in this compost they thrive luxuriantly, provided
that at all times they receive a liberal supply of
water at the roots and are allowed plenty of room
fully to expand their gigantic foliage. When they
"are grown in pots, the same mixture should be used,
but it is a good plan to keep the pots in water to the
depth of 2in. or 3in.
Although spores of Angiopteris are frequently
and freely produced, there is no record of any seed-
lines of these noble Ferns having ever been raised in
England, or indeed in any other country in Kurope.
Propagation is, therefore, usually left to their
natural disposition of frequently producing at the
base of their fronds young plants, which, when
sufficiently developed, may be detached without
trouble. The most expeditious way of increasing
Angiopteris, however, is by means of the scaly appen-
dages with which the base of each frond is sur-
rounded. Each of these fleshy scales contains at
least two dormant buds, which, under the influence
of heat and constant moisture, soon develop into
subjects in all respects similar to the parent plant.
The scales should be detached in their entirety, and
not cut up, then laid in silver sand, covered with
chopped sphagnum, and kept in a close propagating-
case. Though this may be done at almost any
season, February and March are the best months.
According to the season in which this operation is
performed, it 1s known that from three to five months
usually elapse before the first indications of growth
may be noticed; but after they have made a decided
start, the young bulbils rapidly gain in strength,
and may soon be considered as so many independent
subjects.
ANGIOPTERIS —continued.
A. evecta.
This, the only recognised species, is found all over the
tropics of the Old World, in Madagascar, in New Caledonia,
in Queensland, and from Japan to Ceylon. Its fronds impart
to a Fernery of sufficient size to accommodate them a noble
and tropical appearance, but it is very unlike a Fern in
general aspect. The fronds, with their stalks, attainia length
of 18ft. and a breadth of l10ft.; they are produced from
a thick, fleshy crown, forming in time a sort of stem 25ft.
high and 13ft. to 2ft. thick, and are borne on stout, blackish,
fleshy stalks. The base of the stalk is swollen, often
measuring 8in. in circumference, and is furnished with two
large, leathery ear-like flaps, which remain attached to the
stem after the fronds have fallen. The fronds are bipinnate;
a”
with spreading leaflets lft. to 3ft. long, the lowest the
largest, and have their rachis swollen at the base. The
leafits are of a leathery texture, bright shining green on both
sides, from 4in. to 12in. long and from lin. to 1gin. broad,
boat-shaped, and either stalkless or very short-stalked (Fig.
66); their edge is entire or slightly toothed, and they ter-
minate in a tapering point. The sori are oblong in form,
and consist of from eight to fifteen capsules to each pinnule;
they are disposed near the edge, where they form a broa‘4.
marginal, and laterally continuous row. Fig. 66.
ANTIGRAMME. Se Scolopendrium.
ARTHROPTERIS. See Nephrodium and Nephrolepis.
ASPIDIUM.
Buckler or Shield Ferns are the common names
for this popular genus, and are in allusion to the
form the covering of its sori, which may be fanci-
fully likened to the Buckler or Shield of history.
The distinguishing characters of the genus Asprdiwm
reside partly in the disposition of the sori, which are
almost spherical, dorsal, and terminal on the vein-
lets, and partly in the presence of a roundish
covering common to all the species alike, which is
fixed to the frond by the centre. The genus is thus
subdivided: Cyclodium, Cyrtomium, Huaspidium,
and Polystichum. |
Very few Aspidiums are fastidious in their
habits. The exotic species belonging to the
Polystichum section are particularly robust; and
DIDYS
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tropical
appearance.
a
Fernery
imparts
that
to
species
robust-growing
aevecta,
Angiopteris
a
66.
Fig.
whether adapted to stove or to greenhouse treatment,

all thrive in a mixture of three parts sandy peat and
one part fibrous loam. They also succeed admirably
in places where light is not abundant, and where few
other Ferns would hold their own. ‘The British
portion of this group is represented by the Prickly
Shield Fern and its numerous varieties, all of which
are free-growing, easily managed, and very desirable
either for the outdoor rockery, for the indoor Fernery,
or for pot culture. All are evergreen, delighting in
a mixture of sandy loam and fibrous peat in equal
parts, resting on a sound drainage. Although, when
once established, the influence of strong slight is not
injurious to them, they produce much finer fronds
when given a shady situation. During the growing
season they require to be freely supplied with water
at the roots, and to be kept constantly moist during
the winter. British Aspidiums are also excellent
Ferns for pot culture, as they bear indoor treatment
much better than most native Ferns. Except in
cases of rare varieties, which are only increased by
division of the crowns, their propagation is usually
effected by means of spores; these are abundantly
produced. If sown as they ripen, at the end of the
summer, they germinate rapidly, and make, during
the following summer, young plants which are very
valuable for the decoration of the greenhouse and of
_the conservatory during the ensuing winters.
‘The deservedly popular Ferns belonging to the
section Cyrtomiwm, and of which A. falcatum is the
best, are amongst the most useful known decorative
plants, on account of their rapid growth and their
firm, leathery texture; while all are distinct and
handsome. They thrive even in rooms and on stair-
cases, where their leathery foliage seems to defy
draughts, smoke, and gas better than any other
Ferns. On that account such Ferns as A. (Cyrto-
mium) faleatwm and its varieties (Fig. 67) are grown
in immense quantities to supply the market. Their
bold and shining foliage forms a striking contrast to
that of finer-cut species when planted out, in the cool
Fernery. For that special purpose such plants are of
140 - Choice Ferns for Amateurs.
the greatest value, as by their use additional charm

may be given to the rockery not heated artificially,
but simply protected by glass, where they, being of
an evergreen nature, retain their beauty all winter.
Their culture is very simple, and their requirements
Fig. 67. Aspidium falcatum pendulum, a beautiful and

enduring variety much in request for growing in rooms.
are particularly limited. The best compost is one

consisting of about equal parts fibrous loam, peat,
and silver sand; but care must be taken that they
are not: potted hard, or, if planted out, that the soil
round them is kept moderately loose. They require
A Dictionary of Choice Ferns. 14!
an abundant supply of water at the roots during the

erowing season, and frequent syringings overhead
are beneficial during that time, but during winter
they should be watered sparingly. Like most other
Aspidiums, propagation of the Cyrtomium section is
best effected by spores, which are abundantly pro-
duced, and which germinate very freely if sown as
soon as gathered.
A. acrostichoides.
When fully developed, the leafy portion of the fronds is
lft. to 2ft. long, and rarely as much as 5in. broad. On each
side of the midrib are from twenty-four to thirty leaflets, the
uppermost of which become gradually smaller, the frond
ending in a short, serrated point. The largest of the barren
leaflets are 2in. to 3in. long, 4in. broad in the middle, oblong
or oblong-spear-shaped from a very unequal base, being
suddenly narrowed to a short stalk on the lower side of the
base, but furnished on their upper side with a well-developed,
triangular, bristle-tipped ear; their margin is finely dented
with incurved bristle-tipped teeth. They are tough as to
texture, deep green, very smooth and shining on their upper
surface, paler and minutely chaffy beneath. In the fertile
fronds, which are usually taller, the upper third part is
suddenly contracted, so that the lowest fertile leaflet is not
more than two-thirds as long or as broad as the barren one
next below it. The sori occupy the whole under-side
of the fertile pinne. Though hardy in most parts of this
country, this highly decorative Fern proves most useful when
erown in either the cold house or the conservatory ; its fronds
last there much longer than on plants outside. This is
the Christmas Fern of the United States.
A. a grandiceps.
A very handsome variety, of garden origin, and the only
crested North American Fern at present in commerce. It
is smaller and altogether more compact than the type, from
which it also differs by the large crests formed at the end of
the fronds, and the crests of smaller dimensions with which
their leaflets are ornamented. It is equally desirable for
the hardy Fernery or for the conservatory.
A. a. incisum.
A pretty form, having broader fronds than the type; the
leaflets also are wider, deeply cut, and sharply pointed.
A. aculeatum.
Known by the popular name of Prickly Shield Fern, this
handsome hardy species, whose brilliant, shining fronds are
142 | - Choice Ferns for. Amateurs.
ASPIDIUM —continued.
of quite an evergreen nature, is a Fern of the most cosmo-
politan character. It is recognised as a native of North
America and India alike, also of all parts of Europe, where it
is found in situations varying from the sea-level to an
altitude of above 3000ft. As a British species it is being
widely distributed, but generally found on damp, shady
banks, along hedgerows, or in woods, and usually in some-
what stiff, loamy soil. As will be seen from Fig. 82, it is a
particularly strong, bold-growing species. It has produced
comparatively few striking varieties.
A. amabile.
This very pretty species thrives in either the inter-
mediate or the warm house. It is a native of Nepaul, Ceylon,
the Malaccas, Formosa, and Japan. It is of medium growth,
for its spear-shaped fronds, lft. or more long and 6in. to Qin.
broad, are borne on slender, polished stalks slightly scaly
below. The leafy portion is composed of a long terminal
leaflet and from six to nine lateral ones, disposed on each
side of the midrib; these are leathery, and of a soft green
colour, 6m. to 8in. long and lin. to 14in. broad; sometimes
the lowest are slightly compound at the base. The sub-
divisions, jin. to in. long, are of a peculiar shape, having
at least half their lower side cut away, the upper side and
the outer part of the lower one being lobed and sharply saw-
toothed. The sori are disposed close to the margin of the
fertile leaflets.
A. angulare.
Botanically this very handsome Fern, popularly known
as the Soft Prickly Shield Fern, is but a form of A. aculea-
tum. To the cultivator, however, it is abundantly distinct.
It is evergreen, its elegant foliage remaining in perfect con-
dition until long after the new growth is developed. In
habit it 1s more pendulous than A. aculeatum, and its fronds,
which frequently attain 3ft. in length and Gin. to Qin. in
width, are usually lax, spear-shaped, and bipinnate: they are
produced from a stout, tufted, short stem, are numerous, -
spreading, and arched, and, like the stalks and the crown
itself, are covered with reddish-brown, chaffy scales. The
plant is very widely distributed, being found in Sweden,
Norway, France, Spain, and Italy alike in Europe; in various
parts of India, Abyssinia, and Natal; in Madeira, the Canary
Islands, and the Azores; in North America, Mexico, Guate-
mala, Caracas, Java, New Granada, and Singapore. Even
in England it has a wide range. With regard to variation,
this species differs essentially from A. aculeatum, which is
ASPIDIUM— continued.
singularly constant in its character, whereas of the Soft
Prickly Shield Fern some remarkable varieties have been
either found wild or raised artificially from spores in such
quantities that the forms affected by the fronds are very
extensive, and many of them are remarkably handsome and
decorative. Thus we have forms of much larger size than
the species from which they spring, and others very dwarf ;
some with very broad fronds, as we also have particularly
narrow-fronded varieties. In a popular work like this no
good purpose would be served by recording all the varieties
thus obtained. Those interested will find them fully de-
scribed in Druery’s “ British Ferns.’’
A. cCapense.
A handsome and very useful greenhouse species, native
of the Cape of Good Hope, but found in a wild state in
various other places. Its fronds, of a very leathery texture
and of a shining nature, have both surfaces naked; their
leafy portion is nearly deltoid in form, tripinnate, ‘lft. to
sft. long and lft. to 13ft. broad, and is borne on a firm,
erect, greyish stalk, densely scaly ‘below. The lowest leaflets
frequently measure Gin, to 10in. long by 3in. to 4in. broad;
they are oblong-spear-shaped, sharp-pointed, wedge-shaped
at the base and have bluntly-lobed segments. The sori are
disposed in two rows nearly filling the space between the
midrib and the edge. In gardens this species is also known
as A. coriaceum.
A. coriaceum.
A garden name for A. capense.
A. falcatum.
Ferns belonging to the Cyrtomiwm section form a small
eroup of most useful subjects in the genus Aspidium, but this
species and its several varieties surpass all others in being
best adapted for indoor’ decoration. Although all
known forms of Cyrtomium falcatum are, in commerce,
considered as so many _ species, they are simply
varieties of A. falcatum, a species with a very wide range of
habitat, being known as a native of Japan, China, the
Himalayas, Neilgherries, &c. Its handsome fronds, Lift. to
23ft. long and 6in. to 9in. broad, are borne on stout stalks
6in. to 10in. long, and densely clothed, especially at the base,
with large light brown scales. They are produced from a
very stout crown of a particularly scaly nature, and are
spear-shaped, simply pinnate, and of a shining dark green
above but paler underneath. The numerous leaflets are
stalked at the base of the frond, but stalkless in its upper
half; they are sickle-shaped, 4in. to 6in. long, lin. to Qin.
broad, sometimes eared, the lower side rounded or obliquely
truncate at the base. The sori are bold and pretty, being
thickly scattered over the whole under-surface of the frond.
Although generally considered as a greenhouse Fern, this
species has proved perfectly hardy out of doors in various
parts of England, Ireland, and Wales. In these cases, how-
ever, it became deciduous, though the vigour of the plants
remained unimpaired.
A. f. caryotideum.
This variety, of Japanese origin, is totally distinct from
the type in its drooping habit and also in the colour
and shape of its fronds, which, instead of being dark green,
are of a most conspicuous light green tint. It is erroneously
knewn as Cyrtomivum Fortune.
A. f, Fortunei.
In commerce this Japanese variety is sometimes called
Cyrtomium Anomophyllum, and differs from the type in
having the leaflets narrower and more opaque. The fronds,
too, produced in greater quantities, are also of a more
upright habit, 2ft. to 24ft. long, and their leaflets, slightly
eared at the base, are of a rather thin texture, and of a
dull dark green colour when matured, but prettily mottled
with lighter green in their young state. It 1s quite as hardy,
and reproduces itself true from spores.
A. f. pendulum.
A very elegant garden variety, whose chief distinction
lies in its pendulous habit. Fig. 67.
A. falcinellum.
A pretty, greenhouse species, of medium growth, native
of Madeira, having oblong-spear-shaped, very leathery
fronds, lft. to 14ft. long and 4in. to 6in. broad, borne on
somewhat slender stalks 4in. to 8in. long, densely clothed,
especially below, with spear-shaped blackish-brown scales.
The central leaflets are about 3in. long and Hin. broad, but
eradually become smaller towards the base and summit of the
frond; they are all short-stalked, their upper side is bluntly
eared and their lower one obliquely truncate at the base, and
their edge is finely saw-toothed. The bright green of the
fronds, and the bold nature of the large sori, disposed in two
lcng rows, with their conspicuous indusia, render this Fern
one of the most attractive of the whole genus.
A. frondosum.
A beautiful, evergreen species, native of Madeira. Its
fronds, lft. to 2ft. long and Qin. to 12in. broad, are of a rich,
shining green; they are borne on strong, straw-coloured or
pale brown, usually polished stalks lft. to 2ft. long, but
densely scaly below. The lowest leaflets measure from 6in. to
12in. in length and 3in. to 4in. in breadth, and are borne on
comparatively long footstalks. Their leafits, of a somewhat
leathery texture, are spear-shaped, very unequal-sided,
pinnatifid, with rounded lobes terminating in sharp-pointed
teeth, and obliquely truncate at the base below. The sori
are plentifully produced, and are disposed principally in two
rows close to the midrib.
A. laserpitiifolium.
Much better known under the popular name of Lastrea |
Standishu, this very handsome, greenhouse Japanese Fern
has proved hardy in several parts of Hngland and Ireland.
It is of robust growth and very elegant habit, producing from
a slowly-creeping rootstock of a woody nature, roughly scaly,
and remaining on the surface of the ground, fronds which
frequently measure 23ft. in length by 1}ft. in breadth at their
widest part, and which are borne on stout, fleshy, hight green
stalks quite lft. long. The leafy part, of a somewhat broad
spear-shaped form, is tripinnate, being abundantly furnished
with spear-shaped leaflets, which are in their turn sub-
divided into leafits of the same shape and of leathery texture,
so closely set as to overlap, and these, being very numerous
and bluntly lobed, give the whole plant a very massive,
though feathery and beautiful, appearance.
A. lepidocaulon.
A very interesting, greenhouse species, native of Japan
and Tsus-Sima, with fronds of a dark green and shiny nature
and of a leathery texture, like those of the popular
A. (Cyrtomium) falcatum, but usually much longer, drooping,
and rooting at their extremity. The chief peculiarity of this
Fern is that the upper part of its fronds is totally unprovided
with leaflets, and terminates in a long, tailed process, pro-
ducing at the extreme end a solitary bulbil, which later on
develops into a perfect plant. A splendid basket or bracket
Fern.
A. Lonchitis.
This very handsome species, which is generally known
under the popular name of “Holly Fern,” but which some-
times is also called the “Alpine Shield Fern,” is of very
cosmopolitan character. Though usually accepted as a plant
of true British origin, it is so extensively distributed as to be
considered native of almost all parts of the globe.
A. Lonchitis has a thick and almost woody rootstock
L
densely covered with the overlapping bases of former stalks.
The newer portion is of a very chaffy nature, being thickly
clothed with large, egg-shaped scales of a peculiar rusty-
brown colour. The stiff leathery fronds are smooth and
shining, very dark green in colour, and are disposed in|
shuttlecock fashion at the top of the rootstock. They are
borne on scaly stalks lin. to 4in. long, vary in length from a
few inches to I14ft., and are from lin. to Q2in. broad.
According to Mr. Reeve it is best grown in “a shady
part of the rockery, where it can be kept constantly damp
without ever being wet.” It must be planted firmly in a
compost of equal parts sandy loam and peat with a liberal
admixture of sand, as early in the spring as possible, and
if a hand-glass or bell-glass is placed over it for a short
time it is all the better, as this will keep the soil moist about
it for some time without the application of much water, after
which it should be gradually inured to more air. It is
usually increased by means of its spores, which should be
sown as soon as ripe. Division of its crowns is at all times a
very risky operation.
A. macrophyllum.
The plant usually listed under this name is Nephrodium
macrophyllum.
A. mucronatum.
This lovely, dwarf, close-growing, evergreen, easily-
cultivated, stove species is a native of Jamaica, and through
the leathery texture of its fronds, their dark colour, and
their stiff habit, somewhat resembles our Holly Fern (A.
Lonchitis), though more graceful in habit (Fig. 68).
A. munitum.
When well grown and fully developed, this is one of the
finest of North American Ferns. The _ spear-shaped
evergreen, leathery fronds are bright shining green
above and paler beneath. They seldom exceed 2ft. in length
and 8in. in breadth under cultivation, and are borne on
tufted, straw-coloured stalks 4in. to Qin. long, densely
clothed with large, glossy, light brown scales. The leaflets,
which are very numerous, are from 3in. to 4in. long, $in.
broad, and closely set; they are nearly straight, and their
margin is finely but sharply saw-toothed. The large and
conspicuous sori are disposed in two rows near the edge.
A. pungens.
Very pretty greenhouse species, native of the Cape
Colony and Natal, chiefly distinguished by the wide-creeping
nature of the underground rhizome, from which its somewhat
leathery spear-shaped fronds, 2ft. to 3ft. long by 9in. to 10in.
broad, and borne on slightly scaly stalks lft. long, are
abundantly produced. This species is proliferous, being
usually provided at the end of its fronds with a solitary bulbil
that develops into a perfect plant.
Fig. 68. Aspidium | mucronatum, a close-growng evergreen

species, resembling in habit thepopular Holly Fern, but of
more graceful habit.
A, setosum.
One of the most popular kinds grown for decorative
purposes on account of its enduring nature. Its appearance
issomewhat similar tothat of our A.angulare, but its ever-
green fronds, 1ift. to 14ft. long and 4in. to 6in. broad, are
borne on stiff stalks 8in. to 10in. long and of a very scaly
L
ASPIDIUM—continued.
nature (Fig. 69). These fronds are densely furnished with
dark shining green leathery leaflets, subdivided into leafits
that are somewhat heart-shaped but terminate in a sharp
bristle, and so closely set as to be in some cases quite over-
lapping. Hardy in sheltered positions in the West and
South of England. Synonymous with Polystichum setosum.
Fig.69. Aspidium setosum, a species remarkable for its lasting

- qualities, and one that is hardy in favoured parts of England.
A. triangulare laxum.
A garden name for a Fern with elegant, long, and very
narrow drooping fronds. On account of its leathery texture
it is useful for decoration. It is synonymous with Poly-
tichum «iphiodes.
A. triangulum ilicifolium.
A greenhouse variety, native of Northern India. Its
fronds, Gin. to 9in. long and lin. to 2in. broad, are borne on
slender stalks lin. to 2in. long, clothed throughout with large
scales of a light brown colour. The leaflets are about lin.
long, abruptly pointed at their extremity (Fig. 33), and cut
ASPIDIUM — continued.
down below to the stalk into spear-shaped or sharp-pointed,
narrow lobes of a leathery texture. The sori are disposed
principally in two rows near the midrib.
A. trifoliatum.
When well grown, this stove species, native of the West
Indies and Tropical America, is one of the most conspicuous
of all cultivated Ferns. Its bold-looking fronds, lft. to 1}ft.
long and Gin. to 12in. broad, with a large terminal leaflet
narrowed or forked at the base, are borne on _ tufted,
brownish, stout stalks 1ft. or more long and scaly only at the
base. They also usually have on each side one or two lateral
leaflets of a nearly triangular shape, the lowest of which are .
mostly forked; these leaflets are of a soft, papery texture
and bright green colour; they are also fertile throughout.
The abundant sori, disposed in rows near the main veins, are
gigantic and conspicuously black.
A. tsus-simense.
Probably only a slender form of A. aculecatum, of
a particularly compact habit and dark green colour.
A. vestitum.
This very handsome, evergreen, greenhouse species,
native of New Zealand, Tasmania, and Chili, is of smaller
and more compact habit than most of the species belonging
to the section Polystichum, and it makes a very pretty
specimen plant. The fronds, which are produced from a
tufted rhizome, are of a particularly dark green colour;
they are from Qin. to 12in. long and are borne on stalks of
similar length, and densely clothed with bright-coloured
scales. These fronds are almost spear-head-shaped and
bipinnate; their oblong, pointed leaflets are furnished with
leafits some of which are eared at the base, while
the majority of them are wedge-shaped, with a sharp tooth
at their point. The distinct and conspicuous sori are disposed
in one row on each side of the midvein of the fertile pinnules.
A. viviparum.,
Better known under the names of Polystichwm viviparum
and P. trapezioides, this stove species is a native of the West
Indies, and is distinct from nearly all other species on
account of its producing at the extremity of the fronds a
solitary bud or bulbil from which the plant may be easily
propagated. Its very handsome fronds, lft. to 14ft. long
and 4in. to 6in. broad, are borne on stalks, 4in. to Gin.
long, covered with large, spear-shaped scales at their base,
the lower ones nearly black in the centre. The numerous
~
ASPIDIUM— continued. |
leaflets are very leathery and dark shining green, nearly
spear-shaped, the central ones 2in. long and 4in. broad; their
edge is more or less deeply lobed. The sori are disposed in
two or four rows. |
ASPLENIUM.
Spleenwort is the popular name given to this
genus, on account of the supposed property of curing
affections of the spleen with which these plants
were formerly credited. Aspleniums differ from
most other Ferns by the disposition of their sori,
which are attached to the veins, and which, instead
of being parallel with either the midrib or the
margin of the frond, are oblique to the midrib, and
are of a peculiar linear-oblong shape. The family is >
very rich in plants suitable for decoration, and those
with long, drooping fronds are, on account of their
leathery texture, particularly well adapted for hang-
ing-baskets. Worthy of remark, too, is the number
of native Aspleniums that may fairly lay claim to
be classed as choice.
The genus, as now understood, includes
Anisogonium, Athyriwm, Ceterach, Cconopteris,
Darea, Diplazium, Euaspleniun, Hemidictyum,
Neottopteris, and Thamnopteris.
Aspleniums succeed best in a mixture of fibrous
loam, peat, and sand, in equal proportions. In
potting, great care should be taken that the drainage
is as perfect as possible, as, if it is at all defective,
the plants will soon become flabby and generally out
of condition. With the exception of a few dwarf
species, which grow naturally in walls or in fissures
of rocks, Aspleniums, above all, dislike being potted
hard. Though many will stand the full rays of the
sun under glass, it 1s not beneficial In any way to
the plants, which, instead of being of a healthy,
bright, shining green colour, as nearly all of them
are when in good condition, have a yellowish tint,
although they may perhaps be hardier than those
erown in partial shade. Being native of countries
very distant from one another, and being found
wild under totally different conditions, it will be
A Dictionary of Choice Ferns, I5I
easily understood that Aspleniums require varied

treatment. On that account, while some species
and varieties need stove temperature to develop their
foliage to perfection, others do well in a green-
house temperature; while a few may _ even
be used in the hardy Fernery. Although the
majority of the hardier kinds—even our own
A. marinum—grow very well for a time under
the influence of strong artificial heat, it must
be borne in mind that 1t 1s only a fictitious growth,
as those species native of New Zealand, as well as
our British kinds, are much more robust, although
of slower growth, when kept in a lower temperature.
A considerable number of exotic Aspleniums are
either viviparous or at least proliferous at their
apex. In either case, if there is any desire to in-
crease the stock of any particular viviparous or
proliferous species, the portion of the fronds bearing
the rudiments of young plants should be fastened
down to the soil by means of wooden pegs, in the
way suggested when dealing with Propagation
generally. None of the British Aspleniums are
known to possess these viviparous or proliferous
characters, and their propagation is usually effected
through the division of their crowns, although they
may with advantage be increased from their spores,
which mostly ripen in the autumn and germinate
freely during the following spring.
As is only to be expected in so vast a genus,
there are a few individuals that need special soil or
special treatment; but these are easily catered for,
and are comparatively few in number. The staple
soil has already been given; but for ferns like
A. bulbiferum Fabianum, so highly prized for table
decoration; A. caudatum, one of the most beautiful
of all for baskets; and A. formosum, another lovely
species, peat and sand alone should be employed.
For A. Adiantum-nigrum leaf-soil, sandy loam, lime
rubbish, and fibrous peat, in about equal parts,
should be provided. The elegant Lady Fern should
be planted in a moist, shady situation—at the foot
of a rockery, and in turfy soil; it is not as a rule a
good pot subject. Strange as it may appear, our

native Sea Spleenwort (A. marinum, Fig. 70) is best
grown under glass—a method of treatment that also
suffices to bring out the best characteristics of other
hardy species and varieties. A. fontanwm, A. Goring-
zanum pictum, and A. lanceolatum are all
best grown as greenhouse subjects. The compost
for the first should consist of sandy peat,
broken bricks, and old mortar rubbish; that
Fig.70. Asplenium marinum, a lovely little fern that succeeds

best under glass.
for the second, two parts leaf-mould to one each

of fibrous loam and silver sand; and for the last of
peat, lime-rubbish, small pieces of broken bricks,
and leaf-mould in about equal parts. Our native
A. Trichomanes must have a light, airy position, and
be planted in a mixture of porous, loamy soil, lumps
of sandstone, and old lime-rubbish. For forming an
edging, planted between stones, to the outdoor
Fernery, it is a most effective species. The Bird’s
Nest Fern, A. Nidus, gives a splendid “ tropical ”

effect in the outdoor summer bedding arrangements,
but it must not be placed in full sunshine.
It is worthy of special note that all Aspleniums
are particularly free from the attacks of such pests
as thrips, green fly, and mealy bug, and are natur-
ally clean plants, their worst enemies being woodlice
and slugs, which are fond of their succulent stalks.
The former may be fought by means of phosphorus
paste, and the latter with Slugicide.
A. Adiantum=-nigrum.
This hardy, evergreen species, popularly known as the’
Black Maidenhair Spleenwort, is a native Fern, and is also
found in quantities almost all over the world. The fronds,
6in. to 12in. long and 4in. to 6in. broad, are borne on chest-
nut-brown, nearly black, polished stalks usually 6in. to Qin.
long, but sometimes longer than the leafy portion of the
fronds; they usually taper to a long, narrow point, and are
of a deep shining green colour above and paler beneath.
These fronds are furnished on each side with numerous
leaflets, 2in. to 8in. long and lin. to 2in. broad, cut down
to a compressed, winged stalk into numerous leafits, which
frequently are in their turn cut down into oblong segments
sharply toothed round the outer edge, so that according
to their state of development or to their size the fronds
may be said to be twice, thrice, or almost four times
divided to the midrib. The fronds are very lasting and
highly valued on that account. They are extensively sold
in the market as “French Fern.’’
This useful species has, in its wild state, produced
several variations, the most distinct of which are—A. A.-n.
acutum, A. A.-n. decompositum, A. A.-n. grandiccps
(Wig. 7), A. A.-n. incisum, A. A.-m. microdon, A. A.-n.
obtusatum, A. A.-n. oxyphyllum, A. A.-n. ramosum, and
A. A.-n. variegatum.
A. attenuatum.
This singular, dwarf, rigid Fern, native of New South
Wales and Queensland, requires stove temperature. Its
dark green fronds, their fleshy texture, and their narrow,
ragged outline, strikingly contrast with other species.
They are scarcely divided, becoming pinnatifid only at the
base; they rise from a short, erect crown, and are borne on -
short stalks covered with narrow, blackish scales; their
length varies between 6in. and 12in., and they are usually
154 | | - Choice Ferns for Amateurs.
ASPLENIUM—continued. |
proliferous at their extremity (Fig. 15). The lowest lobes
which are oblong or roundish, reach down nearly or quite
to the crown. The large and comparatively few sori occupy
much of the lower surface, where they reach nearly to the
edge.
A. Baptistii.
This very handsome stove species, of medium growth,
is a native of the South Sea Islands, the habitat of many
good Ferns known in cultivation It is a perfectly dis-
tinct plant, producing from a stout, decumbent stem broadly
ovate fronds about 1ft. long, borne on stalks 6in. to 8in.
Fig. 71. Asplenium Belangeri, a species noteworthy for the

disposition of its fronds in a graceful plume.
long; they are bipinnate. The leaflets, about 5in. long, are
borne on short stalks; each of them is provided with four
narrow leafits 2in. long, equally disposed on short, slender
stalks, and a terminal lobe, 34in. long and lin. broad, fur-
nished with distinct marginal teeth pointing forwards, and
terminating in a long-attenuated point, which is toothed
nearly to the end. The slender stalks of both leaflets and
leafits give a very open appearance to the centre of the
fronds, which are of a thick and leathery texture, and dark
green in colour. The long, narrow, and straight sori are
parallel with, and close to, the midrib.
A. Belangeri.
An evergreen stove species, native of Java, Sumatra,
and Borneo, and one of the most elegant of the genus,
A Dictionary of Choice Ferns. | 155
ASPLENIUM—continued.
forming a graceful plume of finely-divided fronds, spread-
ing on all sides. It is better known as A. Veitchianum.
The fronds, lft. to 14ft. long, 2in. to 3in. broad, and bipin-
nate, are borne on firm, erect, smooth stalks of a greenish
colour and from 4in. to 8in. long. The numerous and
closely-set leaflets are almost horizontal, lin. to ldin. long,
31n. broad, and proliferous on their entire length; they are
rounded at the point, truncate at the base on the lower
side, and regularly cut down throughout to a broadly-
winged stalk into blunt, linear lobes or leafits; the
latter are all simple except the basal one on the upper
side of the pinne, which is always once and frequently
twice forked. The spore masses, produced over the whole
under-surface of the frond, are long and narrow; one is dis-
posed on each segment or lobe, where it is situated on the
exterior side, and as is characteristic of plants belonging
to the sub-genus Darea. These spore masses open on the out-
ward side—the side turned away from the rachis. Fig. 71.
A. biforme.
Synonymous with A. dimorphum.
A. bulbiferum.
Perhaps the best-known and most universally grown of
all the Aspleniums is this greenhouse species, from New
Zealand, Australia, &c., owing to its rapid growth, its
robustness, and its easy cultivation ; while the fact of its being
viviparous in the highest degree accounts for its being met
with in almost every collection. It is also one of the best
of all Ferns for dwelling-rooms. Its fronds, 1}ft. to 2ft.
long and 8in. to 12in. broad, are borne on stalks 6in. to
10in. long, green on the upper side and brown below; they
are spear-shaped, bearing numerous oblong leaflets, 4in. to
8in. long and 14in. to 2in. broad, cut down to a compressed,
winged stalk into numerous somewhat egg-shaped leafits,
the largest of which are usually situated near the midrib,
and wedge-shaped at the base. Though of a naturally
erect and somewhat stiff habit, the fronds are usually quite
pendulous by the great quantities of young plants with
which their entire surface is covered at some time of the
year, and these young plants may frequently be seen with
half-a-dozen fronds of their own. The principal varieties of
this species are A. b. Fabianwm and A. 6. laxum
(commonly known in commerce under the name of A. laxum
pumilum). The latter is particularly handsome.
A. caudatum.
A very interesting and highly-decorative stove species,
native of India, Polynesia, Java, Brazil, Ecuador, &c. Its
fronds, 13ft. to 2ft. long, 4in. to 8in. broad, and borne on
firm stalks 4in. to Gin. long, densely clothed with fine, small,
brown scales, are composed of from twenty to thirty pairs
of leaflets 3in. to 4in. long and comparatively narrow, sel-
dom lin. broad, elongated, spear-shaped, usually opposite,
and pinnatifid; these leaflets are broadest at the base and
attenuated at their extremity, with their edge deeply
toothed and their two sides unequal, the upper one being
eared and narrowed suddenly, and the lower one very
obliquely truncate at the base. The fronds are of nearly
the same breadth throughout, except near the apex, where
they suddenly become narrower and terminate in a tail-like
appendage, usually bearing one solitary bulbil, or some-
times two, from which the plant may be readily propagated.
Its sori are of a bright reddish-brown colour when mature,
disposed on either side of and parallel to the midvein, along
the whole length of which they form a close double row;
besides these, one or more, usually not so bold, run longi-
tudinally along the segments and at a slight angle to those
near the midvein.
A.Ceterach.
This species, of dwarf habit, generally known as Ceterach
oficinarum, and popularly called Scaly Ceterach, Scaly
Spleenwort, or Scale Fern, is of a very cosmopolitan charac-
ter, for, besides being essentially a British Fern, it is also
known to be indigenous throughout EHurope, Northern Asia,
British India, &c. The “scales’’ giving rise to the popular
names are situate on the under-surface of the leathery
fronds. The fronds, 4in. to 6in. long and _ 4IMin.
or less broad, are cut down nearly or quite to the
rachis into alternate, blunt, nearly entire, roundish lobes,
with a rounded depression between them. These fronds are
produced in great abundance from a close, central crown,
and, although they frequently shrivel up completely during
the dry weather, as also during the winter, they spread out
afresh as soon as the plant is exposed to a certain degree of
moisture. Fig. 4, p. 7.
A. C. aureum.
This charming Fern, also known as Ceterach canariensis
of Willdenow, although usually termed a species, is un-
doubtedly only a large variety of A. Ceterach; it differs
in its much more vigorous habit and also in the disposition
of its beautiful fronds, which are usually produced from a
single crown. Although requiring warmer treatment than
the type, it is more amenable to cultivation, and will be
found to do well in a mixture of three parts sandy peat and
one of loam and sand, with small pieces of limestone. When
potted in such light material it requires a pretty liberal
supply of water at the roots, but the drainage must be
perfect. There are numerous forms of this.
A. Colensoi.
A useful and very elegant greenhouse species, native
of New Zealand, frequently found in the trade under
the erroneous name of A. Hookerianum, which is properly
apphed to a plant of entirely different appearance. The
species dedicated to Bishop Colenso is much in the way of
the well-known A. bulbiferum, but of more compact habit
and of much smaller dimensions in all its parts. When fully
developed, the fronds are literally studded all over with
young plants, by which means this species is usually
propagated.
A. dimorphum.
This very handsome greenhouse Fern, native of Nor-
folk Island, is undoubtedly one of the most elegant of the
whole genus. It is also known in commerce under the names
of A. biforme and A. diversifolium. These significant syno-
nyms are very applicable to a species whose barren and fertile
fronds or portions of fronds are so entirely different that,
unless seen growing upon the plant, it is difficult to recon-
cile the two as belonging to the same subject, the one hav-
ing the leafits narrow and thread-like, while in the other
they are broad and not unlike the leaf of a celery-plant on a
small scale. A. dimorphum is a remarkably variable species,
having its fronds sometimes all fertile, sometimes all barren,
whileit is not at all unusual to find that the lower portion
of a frond is barren while the upper part of it is fertile.
It is a plant of exceptionally good constitution and very
proliferous, producing on the upper surface of its fronds
numerous small bulbils, by which means it is usually propa-
gated. The sori, single on each pinnule, are situated on the
inner edge and very long, occupying generally three-fourths
of the length of the pinnule.
A. diversifolium.
Synonymous with A. dimorphum.
A. ebeneum.
This charming greenhouse species, although given as
from Ecuador and Cape Colony, is a small-growing Fern
essentially indigenous in North America. The general ap-
pearance of the plant is that of an erect-growing, elongated
form of our own A. T'richomanes. The pretty fronds are
lft. to 13ft. long and 2in. to 3in. broad. Fig. 72.
A. elegantulum.
Synonymous with A. incisum.
A, erectum.
Synonymous with A. lunulatum.
WS
Sat
=
Fig. 72. Asplenium ebeneum,a North American species hav-

ing considerable resemblance to ournative A. Trichomanes.
A. Filix-foemina.
This, the popular Lady Fern, is one of the easiest to
grow as well as one of the most decorative of our native
species. The fronds, lft. to 3ft. long, and- 6in.
to 12in. broad, are borne on firm, erect, straw-
coloured or brownish stalks, scaly below below and Gin.
to 12in. long; they are remarkably light in form,
plume-like and graceful, and are disposed in a crown
situated at the summit of a rootstock which in old plants
is often very large and stem-like, but which, even then,
remains lying upon the surface of the ground. The leafy
A Dictionary of Choice Ferns. : I59
portion of the fronds is oblong-spear-shaped, with numer-
ous leaflets, the lower ones of which are spreading, spear-
shaped, 3in. to 6in. long and lin. to 14in. broad, cut down
to a compressed, winged stalk, into leafits which in their
turn are again deeply incised. The texture is soft and
papery. The sori are usually linear-oblong, though the
lower ones are often curved.
No British Fern is so variable in its forms and in its
dimensions as this one, for its varieties, though they all pass
into one another by various gradations, are innumerable.
No good purpose would be served by describing these here.
Anyone interested in such variations from the type would
do well to purchase Druery’s “ British Ferns.”’
Fig. 73. Asplenium fontanum, one of the gems among the

Small growing species of the genus, pretty as to frond, and
compact as to habit.
A. flaccidum.
Very variable, greenhouse, evergreen species, native of
Australia, Tasmania, and New Zealand, and one of the most
appreciated of all the basket Ferns adapted to cool treat-
ment. The fronds are from 2ft. to 3ft. in length, 4in. to 8in.
broad, and are borne on stout, though flexible, greenish,
naked stalks 4in. to 8in. long; these are furnished with
numerous close or distant spear-shaped leaflets of a thick,
leathery texture and deep green colour, 4in. to 8in. long,
4in. to 2in. broad, sometimes rather rigid and recurved,
sometimes quite flaccid and drooping like the main stalk,
occasionally deeply pinnatifid, but oftener cut down to the
thick midrib into oblique or nearly sickle-shaped, narrow-
linear lobes, upon which the sori are quite marginal,
ASPLENIUM— continued.
A. fontanum.
One of the prettiest of the dwarf, compact-growing
species contained in the genus (Fig. 73). It is known to
grow wild in various parts of France, Switzerland, Italy,
Spain, Germany, Siberia, and also in Britain. The fronds,
3in. to 6in. long, including the slender, wiry, naked, greenish
stalks on which they are borne, and about 13in. broad, are
oblong-spear-shaped, broadest above their middle, and taper-
ing towards the base and the extremity; they are furnished
with numerous dark-green leaflets, about 4in. long, and cut
down to the midrib into several leafits, which are again
pinnatifid. The margin of each lobe is deeply notched with
from three to seven angular teeth. The plentiful sori are
disposed from two to four on each pinnule, but when mature
they become confluent and then cover nearly the whole of
the under-surface of the frond.
A. formosum.,
This elegant, delicate-looking, small-growing, evergreen,
stove species, which, by the wiry, polished nature of its
dark-coloured stalks, approaches the Trichomanes group, is
a native of Tropical America; it is also found in Ceylon and
on the Neilgherries. Its lovely fronds, which are produced
abundantly from a very short, upright stem, are of a
papery texture and of a particularly light green colour;
they are borne on very short, tufted, polished stalks, of a
chestnut-brown colour, and measure from lft. to 13ft. in
length and about lin. in breadth. They are furnished with
from twenty to thirty pairs of horizontal stalkless leaflets,
sin. long, deeply divided almost to the midrib on their
upper edge, while their lower edge is wedge-shaped, and
forms a straight line. The short, narrow-oblong sori are
disposed from one to four on each side of the midrib.
A. Goringianum pictum.
This remarkably pretty greenhouse species, popularly
known as Athyriwm Goringianum tricolor, is a native of
Japan, and is said to be quite hardy in sheltered positions;
but to have it in perfection, so that none of its beautifully-
coloured foliage shall be damaged by late frosts, cold winds,
&c., it is necessary to give it at least the protection of a
cold frame. It is distinguished from all other members of
the genus by the bright colour of its fronds, which are
entirely deciduous; they are from 10in. to 15in. long, spear-
shaped, and pendulous. The numerous leaflets are divided
into sharply-toothed leafits, on which the oblong or some-
times kidney-shaped sori are abundantly disposed in two
A Dictionary of Choice Ferns, 16]
rows parallel to the midvein. The stalks on which they are
borne, claret-coloured in their entire length, form a pleasing
and striking contrast to the bright grey colour of the
leaflets next on each side, which disposition forms a central
erey band running through the whole length of the frond,
and is as effective as in the better-known Pteris quadri-
aurita tricolor.
ay
Fig. 74. Asplenium Hemionitis multifidum, a beautiful variety

having fronds as broad as they are long, and their main
divisions deeply cut, giving them a fringed outline.
A. G. tricolor.
Synonymous with A. Goringianwm pictum.
A. Hemionitis.
This very distinct greenhouse species, perhaps the most
striking of all the known species with lobed fronds, is a
native of Madeira, the Canaries, the Azores, and Teneriffe;
it is much more commonly known by the name of A. palma-
tum on account of the peculiar shape of its fronds, which
are borne on firm, naked, dark-coloured stalks 4in. to 8in.
long. These fronds, 4in. to 6in. each way, usually 10in.
M
high, and of a papery texture, are composed of a triangular,
sharp terminal lobe and of two large heart-shaped, pointed
lateral ones, which are again sometimes bluntly, sometimes
acutely, lobed at the base, and these basal lobes on each
side overlap one another and the stalk. The very abundant.
sori affect the form of a narrow line about ldin. long, dis-
posed on each vein, giving the fronds the appearance of
being striped in long lines all over their under-surface.
This plant must not be confused with the West Indian
Hemionitis palmata. Its has produced two quite distinct
varieties: A. H. cristtum and A. H. multifidum. Fig. 74.
A. incisum.
This greenhouse species, somewhat resembling the
British A. lanceolatum, is a native of Japan, where it ‘s
common; also of Tsus-Sima, Chusan, and Western China. Its
fronds, 8in. to 12in. long and lin. to 2in. broad, are borne on
tufted, polished stalks of a chestnut-brown colour and 2in.
to 8in. long. The numerous leaflets, of a particularly thin,
papery texture, are blunt in the lower part of the frond,
whereas the central ones, lin. long and spear-shaped, are
cut down to the midrib into numerous egg-shaped leafits
conspicuously truncated at their base on the lower side and
deeply pinnatifid. The linear-oblong sori are disposed one_
to each vein. This species is also known as A. elegantulum.
A. longissimum.
This beautiful, pendulous, stove species, native of Java,
Borneo, Malacca, and the Mauritius, is the best of al:
the family for growing in a large basket. Its very elegant
fronds, 2ft. to 8ft. long and 4in. to 6in. broad, are borne on
strong, blackish stalks 3in. to 12in. long and very flexible;
they are furnished on each side of the midrib with numerous
leaflets of a somewhat leathery texture and dark green in
colour. The leaflets are stalkless and have their two sides
nearly equal, with a distinct midrib, their edge slightly
toothed, and their base often eared on both sides. The
fronds are abundantly produced from a thick and slightly-
creeping rhizome, so that, being an evergreen species, the
plant is well furnished at ‘all seasons with fronds which last
a very long time. The numerous sori are disposed in two
regular rows on each side of the midrib and reach nearly to
the edge.
A. lucidum.
The plant which is extensively grown under this name for
decoration is really a form of A. obtusatum.
A Dictionary of Choice Ferns. 163 |
A. lunulatum.
This pretty, stove species, also known as A. erectum, is
very widely distributed throughout the Tropics. It is of
medium dimensions, and its narrow-spear-shaped fronds, 6in.
to 18in. long and only about 13in. broad, borne on nearly
naked, grey stalks 2in. to 4in. long, are furnished with from
twenty to twenty-five pairs of leaflets about lin. long, jin.
broad, bluntish at the point, and more or less deeply notched
throughout. These fronds are of a thin, papery texture,
dark green in colour, and the lower pinne are often deflexed,
whereas the others are all horizontal. The sori, disposed on
each side of the midrib, form oblique lines falling short of
both edge and midrib. Several pretty and distinct forms of
A. lunulatum are cultivated as decorative Ferns, the prin-
cipal ones being A. l. Fernandesianum of Kunze and
A. l. reclinatum of Houlston (A. tenellum of commerce,
Roxburgh). The former is distinguished from the typical
plant by its more rigid habit and also by the more leathery
texture of its leaflets, while the latter is a form with wide-
spreading fronds of equally dark green colour but copiously
proliferous at their extremity.
A. marinum.
Though found in many countries, it is chiefly as a
British plant that this species is most interesting. The Sea
Spleenwort generally grows in chinks of rocks, to the sides of
which it clings so firmly that it is very difficult to remove the
plants without injuring them. Fortunately it is a free-
erowing Fern which, even when detached with only a few
roots, readily starts into growth under good treatment. Its
firm, leathery foliage, of a pleasing dark green colour and
mest peculiarly glossy nature, renders it one of the most
distinct of our native Ferns. The fronds, under generous
cultivation, sometimes attain 20in. in length. They are pro-
duced from a single succulent crown almost entirely covered
with black, chaffy scales, which, however, do not extend
along the stalk; they usually are oblong-spear-shaped, from
6in. to 12in. long and 2in. to 3in. broad, and are borne on
tufted, polished stalks 3in. to 6in. long and of a chestnut-
brown or nearly black colour. The abundant leaflets are
of a leathery texture and bright shining green in colour;
those of the lower half of the frond are quite distinct
(Fig. 70), spreading horizontally, lin. or more long, din.
broad, with their point sometimes sharp but more usually
blunt and their margin notched and toothed, slightly trun-
cate below and often eared above. The broad sori fall short
| M 2
of the edge. Some very distinct varieties, mostly, if not all,
of natural production, are in cultivation.
A. monanthemum.
This exceedingly pretty, greenhouse species is a native
of the temperate regions of both hemispheres. Its simply-
pinnate fronds, 1ft. to 13ft. long and barely lin. broad, borne
on polished chestnut-brown stalks seldom more than Qin.
Fig. 75. Asplenium monanthemum showing the habit of the

plant and the mode of proliferation usually found on the
basal pair of leaflets in fully developed specimens.
long, are of erect habit and furnished with twenty to thirty

pairs of stalkless brilliant green leaflets of a leathery texture,
and disposed horizontally; these, about 4in. long and iin.
deep, are fully developed on one side of the midvein and
scarcely at all on the other, are rounded at their extremity
(which, hike their upper side, is notched), suddenly narrowed
at the base, and often eared; their lower side is more or
less cut away in a straight or, in the lower ones, decurved
line, and they are so closely placed as to be in some cases
almost overlapping. Instead of being proliferous at their
‘'ASPLENIUM— continued.
extremity or on their upper surface, the fronds of this species
possess the peculiarity of producing little bulbils at the axils
of the basal pair of leaflets only, being in that respect
different from most other Aspleniums in cultivation. The
very conspicuous sori are mostly solitary, being disposed
parallel with the lower edge of the leaflet; occasionally,
however, there are two or even moer to a leaflet. Fig. 75.
A. Nidus.
This singular and very interesting stove species, popu-
larly known as the Bird’s-nest Fern, has a very exten-
sive range of habitat, being a native of Mauritius, the
Seychelles, Japan, Bonin, and Chusan, westward to the
Society Islands, southward to Queensland, Norfolk Island,
and Lord Howe’s Island; it is also found in the Peninsula of
India. The undivided fronds, 2ft. to 4ft. long, 4in. to 8in.
broad, of a leathery texture and shining nature, rise symme-
trically from a single succulent crown, leaving quite a hollow
centre at the base; they are of nearly the same breadth
throughout, sharp-pointed at their extremity, and gradually
taper below into a very short stalk. The sori, which occupy
the upper half of the frond, are disposed in oblique lines
about half-way between the midrib and the margin. It is a
Fern which thrives best in a mixture of about equal parts
of rough, fibrous peat and chopped sphagnum, for it requires
very little soil, most of its nourishment being derived from
aérial roots, which are produced freely on the surface of the
pot and at the base of the fronds, if the atmosphere is kept
in proper condition. Fig. 2.
A. N. australasicum. |
This variety differs from the typical plant in its fronds
being less pointed and having their midrib strongly keeled
on the back, also in its habit, as the fronds grow horizontally
before taking their upright course, thus forming a circular,
deep, vase-shaped hollow.
A. N. musefolium.
This most distinct form is also so handsome that Sir
W. J. Hooker says “it is unquestionably the most noble of
all the genus Asplenium.’’ It differs essentially from the
species by its larger fronds, which do not grow horizontally,
but are disposed symmetrically all round the succulent
crown, and take an upright direction from the start, so as
to leave the crown less elevated and less exposed, thus
making the hollow centre more funnel-shaped. The sori
extend nearly to the edge. This variety is remarkably we'!l
adapted for decoration in vases, in which it makes a very
pretty object.
A. nobile.
A garden name for a variety of A. viviparum.
A. obtusatum lucidum.
This, the common A. lucidum of commerce, is a very
decorative, free-growing form, whose fronds, of a graceful |
habit and beautiful shining-green colour, often measure 2ft.
in length and lft. in breadth. The leaflets, which vary from
fifteen to twenty on each side of the stalk, are oblong,
leathery, 6in. long, 1}in. broad, and narrowed gradually to a
long, tapering point; their edge is also more deeply toothed.
The long lines of sori are placed so near together that when
mature they kecome confluent, and when in that state the
dark brown fructification forms a very pleasing contrast to
the vivid colour of the frond. This New Zealand variety is
an easily-cultivated plant.
A. obtusilobum.
This is a very pretty, dwarf, stove species, native of the
New Hebrides. It is readily distinguished from all other
known Aspleniums by the proliferation, which, instead of
being, as is usual in many Aspleniums, located at the
extremity of the fronds, only shows itself on the slender,
whip-shaped growths that start from amongst the fronds at
the base of the plant. These runners, which have
all the appearance of undeveloped fronds and which extend to
fully lft. long, bear at a distance of about every 3in., where
they appear as if articulated, a proliferous bud: this, even
without its being brought into immediate contact with the
soil, produces a young plant, from the base of which several
runners like the one above described will eventually start
and produce young plants in their turn. The fronds, about
Gin. long and 2in. broad, are borne on greenish, naked, tufted
stalks about 2in. long. They are furnished with from nine
to twelve pairs of leaflets of a papery texture and bright
shining-green colour; the largest leaflets are about lin. long
and 3in. broad, divided into leafits. The sori are regularly
disposed on the margin of the leaflets.
A. palmatum.
A popular name for A. Hemionitis.
A. przmorsum.
A very variable, greenhouse species, found wild
in the West Indies, Australia, Teneriffe, and the Canary
Islands. From its good constitution and its general appear-
ance it is a popular favourite, for its beautifully-arching
fronds, sometimes 3ft. long, are among the most decorative
of the genus; they are produced from a slightly-creeping
rhizome, bipinnate, and furnished with elongated leaflets
of a leathery texture and dark green in colour, narrowing
to a point and divided into leafits with a sharply-toothed
margin. The sori are disposed in narrow, oblique lines
extending from the midvein to very near the edge of the
pinnules.
A. rutzfolium prolongatum.
This is a variety which, on account of the drooping habit
of its fronds and of their highly proliferous nature, is very
distinct from the original species (Fig. 76). It is indigenous
Fiz. 76. Asplenium rutaefolium, a beautiful species for the

greenhouse.
in Southern India, and, according to Beddome, is abundant

on the Shevagherry Hills, although rare in other localities.
Its fronds, 4in. to 6in. long, of the same leathery texture
as those of the species, suddenly terminate in a tail-
like naked extension of the rachis, lin. to 2in. long, having
at its extremity a proliferous bulbil. The leaflets are divided
and subdivided much in the same way as those of
A. rutefoliwm, but they are less closely placed, and the spore
masses are disposed on the margin of the pinnules as is the
case in the species.
A. Sandersoni.
This pretty and very distinct greenhouse species
(Fig. 77) is a native of Natal, Zambesi Land, and Johanna
Island. Its slender, graceful fronds, 6in. to Qin. long, 4in.
broad, and usually proliferous at their extremity, are borne
on green stalks lin. to 2in. long and slightly scaly. They
are furnished with from twelve to twenty pairs of horizontal
leaflets about 3in. long, shortly stalked, of a peculiar
dimidiate form, and deeply toothed on the upper edge, the
lower one being straight, quite entire, and curved
backwards. The texture is thin and papery, and the oblong
Fig. 77. Asplenium Sandersoni, an elegant fronded species

for small baskets.
sori are disposed from one to three to each leaflet. The

small size of the fronds and the well-defined characters of its
pinne give this Fern a very elegant aspect and render it most
interesting and useful for small baskets.
A. tenellum.
Synonymous with A. lunulatwm reclinatum.
A. Trichomanes.
This pretty, dwarf species, known as the Maidenhair
Spleenwort, is found throughout Europe, in most parts of
A Dictionary of Choice Ferns. a 169
ASPLENIUM —continued,
India, throughout the United States, and in nearly
every part of England. According to the situation
which it occupies, its long and narrow fronds, only once
divided to the midrib, vary from 6in. to 12in. in
length; they are borne on slender, glossy stalks 2in. to 4in.
leng and of a peculiar chestnut-brown colour, and are
furnished with from fifteen to thirty pairs of dark green
leaflets, scarcely stalked and of a somewhat leathery texture.
These are usually roundish-oblong, obliquely wedge-shaped at
the base, and toothed all round, yet variable in form. The
fructification is distributed over the frond, and the sori are
disposed in linear, oblique lines of three to six on each side
of the midrib, become confluent when fully developed and
entirely cover the under-side of the leaflets.
The Maidenhair Spleenwort has produced several very
interesting and pretty varieties, some of which are more or
less crested, forked, or branched, while others differ from
the typical species by having their leaflets variously cut or
disposed in different ways. These will be found listed in
the catalogues of Fern specialists.
A. trilobum.
A very rare little, stove species, native of Chili and
South Brazil, with curious fronds 14in. long and lin. broad,
borne on firm, erect stalks 2in. to 3in. long and scaly
below. These fronds are very singular in shape, being wedge-
shaped at the base, entire, with their margin undulated and
notched, on the lower part deeply lobed with broadly-notched
divisions. They are of a leathery texture, and the sori are
broad and short. |
A. Veitchianum.
A synonym of A. Belangeri.
A. viviparum.
This exceedingly elegant stove species, native of the
Mauritius and Bourbon Islands, has dark green fronds, 1ft.
to 2ft. long, 6in. to 8in. broad, borne on firm, erect, greenish
stalks 6in. to 9in. long. The many closely-placed leaflets,
4in. to 6in. long, ldin. to 2in. broad, are cut. down to
numerous pinnatifid leafits, the lower segments of which are
again forked and hardly thicker than a thread: these being
of a somewhat erect nature give the plant a very feathery,
light appearance, which is enhanced by the presence
of young plants, with which the upper surface of its fronds is
entirely covered, and which, when pegged down to the soil,
root very freely. The abundant sori are solitary and disposed
on the margins of the segments. A. v. nobile is a beautiful
and more vigorous form, and it also requires stove treatment.
ATHYRIUM. See Asplenium.
BALANTIUM. See Dicksonia.
BLECHNUM.
The genus is a comparatively small one, and

derives its appellation from Blechnon, a Greek name
for a Fern. It includes Blecnidium and Blech-
nopsis. ‘The plant popularly described as Blechnum
Spricant belongs to another genus—Lomaria.
The distinctive characters of the family are
found in the disposition of the sori, which are
linear, continuous, or nearly so, and occupy a
position parallel with, and usually contiguous to,
the midrib. Their covering is membranous and
distinct from the edge of the trond.
Blechnums are mostly handsome-growing plants,
of strong habit, very useful for decorative purposes,
although they also include several dwarf kinds that
are particularly adapted for Fern-cases or shallow
crevices in the rockery. Like the Lomarias, to which
they are closely allied, but from which they differ
in not producing separate fertile fronds, the Blech-
nums are mostly hardy, of robust constitution, and
of rapid growth. They also have a particular dislike
to water over the fronds, which causes them to turn
first brown and then black in a very short time,
unless the plants are in a very light, warm, and
well-ventilated place. This, to a certain extent,
counterbalances the effects of the superfluous
moisture by not allowing it to remain on the foliage
long enough to injure it. Blechnums will thrive in
almost any compost; but their fronds become stouter
and have more consistency when grown in a mixture
of two parts peat, one part loam, and one part sand,
with good drainage, taking care that the roots never
suffer from want of water. Propagation is usually
effected by means of the spores. These are pro-
duced in abundance, and germinate very freely
when sown in heat.
B. boreale.
Synonymous with Lomaria Spicant.
A Dictionary of Choice Ferns. | I7I
BLECHNUM— continued.
B. brasiliense.
This very handsome and popular greenhouse or stove
species, native of Brazil and Peru, is undoubtedly the
strongest-growing and most useful from a decorative point
of view of the family (Fig. 73). Its comparatively slender
stem, which attains an average height of 3ft., is densely
Fig. 78. Blechnum brasiliense, a very decorative species, and

the strongest growing of the family.
clothed at the crown with dark brown scales. The fronds,

which are produced in great. abundance, are oblong-spear-
shaped, 2ft. to 3ft. long, lft. or more broad, narrowing
downwards very gradually; they are pinnatifid, their
leaflets, of leathery texture, not being cut quite down to
the midrib, with which they remain connected along the
whole length of the frond; when mature they are somewhat
inclined to be pendulous, getting with age into a nearly
horizontal position. The numerous leaflets are 4in. to 6in.
BLECHNUM — continued.
long, gin. broad, gradually narrowed towards the point,
very finely toothed, the lower ones only being short and
blunt; they are of a light green colour, with both surfaces
naked, and the sori are disposed in a continuous line close
to the midrib.
B. b. corcovadense.
This variety, extensively grown for decoration, differs
from the typical species in its fronds being of a beautiful
crimson colour when young, gradually turning to a metallic
hue before becoming permanently green; they are also more
erect. The plant forms an upright stem of the same
dimensions as that of A. brasiliense.
B. b. c. crispum.
A very pretty variety is met with in gardens under
this name. It is not so strong-growing as the type, its
fronds being shorter and furnished with wavy leaflets of a
harsh texture and with crispy edges.
B. cartilagineum.
A very handsome greenhouse species, native of tem-
perate Australia. Its stem, which generally grows in an
oblique position, is densely clothed at the crown with
blackish scales. The fronds, 2ft. or more long, and Gin. to
9in. broad, are borne on strong, upright stalks 4in. to 6in.
long, scaly and covered with sharp points in the lower
part; they are simply pinnate, and broadly spear-shaped.
The leathery leaflets are gradually narrowed towards the
point; they have their margin finely toothed, and are
enlarged and connected at the base, the lower ones being
very little smaller than the others. The sori are disposed in
a broad line close to the midrib.
b. hastatum.
A very distinct and pretty greenhouse species, native
of the temperate parts of South America, producing from
a short, stout, scaly stem its spear-shaped fronds, lft. to
1ift. long and 2in. to 4in. broad; these are borne on erect
and nearly smooth stalks 4in. to 6in. long, and are fur-
nished on each side with from twenty to forty leaflets of a
leathery texture. The barren leaflets, lin. to l3in. long
and 3in. broad, are somewhat sickle-shaped and gradually
narrowed to a point; they are slightly eared on their lower
side, whereas their upper side is heart-shaped and provided
with distinct halbert-shaped auricles. The fertile leaflets,
of similar shape, are narrower, and the sori are disposed
half-way between the midrib and the edge in a continuous
or more or less interrupted line.
BLECHNUM— continued
B. Lanceola.
An interesting, evergreen, greenhouse species, of dwarf
habit, native of Tropical America. Its little undivided
fronds, 4in. to 6in. long and din. broad, spear-shaped, and of
a somewhat leathery texture, are borne on slender, erect
stalks 2in. to 4in. long, and produced from a slender, creeping
rhizome of stoloniferous nature—that is to say, at the point
of junction between the crown and the roots the plant is
provided with loose, trailing branches or shoots which take
root at intervals, whence fresh buds are developed. The
Fig. 79. Blechnum longifolium, a somewhat variable species

from Tropical America and the West Indies.
sori are disposed in a continuous line on each side of and

close to the midrib. This pretty little species is particularly
adapted for planting in Fern-cases, where it thrives
admirably, and where the contrast between the bright dark
green of the upper surface of its fronds and the con-
tinuous central band of deep brown formed by the sori is
very conspicuous and attractive.
B. longifolium.
A variable stove species, native of Tropical America and
the West Indies. Its fronds are only once divided to the
midrib, usually from 9in. to 12in. long including their
stalks, and are produced from a slender, creeping rhizome;
they consist of a terminal leaflet and three to six pairs of
lateral ones (Fig. 79), of a leathery texture, 3in. to din.
long and din. broad, gradually narrowed towards the point
and somewhat heart-shaped at the base, the lower ones
about lin. apart. The sori are disposed in broad lines
close to the midrib.
B. 1. gracile.
A distinct and pretty variety, differing from the species
through the slender habit of its fronds, which are of a
beautiful red colour when young. It is a good companion
to B. Lanceola when planted in the Fern-case, and thrives
under similar treatment.
B. occidentale.
To the West Indies belongs this justly appreciated stove
species, of dwarf habit. It is very popular on account of its
easy cultivation, and the lasting qualities of its fronds when
cut. For years it has been used in many private establish-
ments for growing amongst orchids, to which it forms a very
effective background or undergrowth, the more so that, it
is a plant never infested by insects of any sort, and that it
grows as well in coarse sand, gravel, or moss as in the best
compost. The fronds, 9in. to ldin. long and 4in. to 8in.
broad, are borne on upright but flexible stalks 6in. to 12in.
long and scaly below; they are furnished on each side of
their midrib with twelve to twenty-four linear leathery
leaflets, 3in. to 6in. long and 3in. broad, gradually narrowed
to a point, heart-shaped or even eared at the base, the lower
ones often lin. apart, and the lowest pair usually deflexed
(Fig. 80) and very little shorter than the others. The sori
form a broad, continuous line close to the midrib. '
B. polypodioides.
Synonymous with B. wnilaterale.
B. serrulatum.
This very handsome stove or greenhouse species is the
only one in which the leaflets are plainly and distinctly
articulated to the stalks; it is a native of the West
Indies, Guiana, Brazil, Australia, New Caledonia, Borneo,
Malacca, and North America. The fronds, produced from
a stout, ascending rhizome and borne on strong, erect,
smooth stalks 6in. to 12in. long, are lft. to 2ft. long, 6in.
to 9in. broad, and furnished on each side of their rachis
with from twelve to twenty-four distinctly-articulated
leathery leaflets. The leaflets are elliptical or narrow-
oblong, 4in. to 5in. long and din. broad, gradually narrowed
towards the point and downwards to a rounded or obtusely
wedge-shaped, often unequal, base; their margin is very
finely toothed. The fertile leaflets, usually confined to the
upper part of the frond, are narrower and often longer
Fig. 80. Blechnum occidentale, a much appreciated species

whose fronds are very enduring when cut.
than the barren ones. The sori are disposed in a continuous

line close to the midrib. B. striatum is another name for
this species.
B. Spicant.
A very common but erroneous name for Lomaria
Spicant.
B. striatum.
Synonymous with B. serrulatum.
B. unilaterale. |
Of small dimensions, this very elegant stove or green-
house species, native of tropical America, is usually met
with in gardens under the name of B. polypodioides. Its
fronds, while young, are of a conspicuous pink colour, and.
are borne on slender stalks lin. to 4in. long, scaly below, and
produced from an elongated rhizome densely clothed at
the crown with narrow, pale brown scales; they are spear-
shaped, 6in. to 12in. long, about 2in. broad, and furnished
with numerous leaflets of a thin, papery texture, usually
toothed at the point, but with the edges smooth or nearly
so, the lower ones being dilated to a broad base, shorter,
and blunt. The sori are disposed in a line close to the
midrib.
BRAINEA.
So far, this commemorative genus is represented
by a solitary species, B. insignis, a_ tree-like
Indian and Chinese Fern resembling Blechnum in
general appearance, but with naked sori, and with
veins forming little cells along the costa or midvein.
Its distinctive characters consist in the sori being
continuous along transverse veins near the midrib,
and being also produced along the small veins in the
direction of the edge of the leaflets, which they at
length entirely cover. The roots of B. insignis are
of a remarkably brittle nature, and great care must.
be taken in repotting; if that operation is carelessly
performed, a certain quantity of roots are mutilated,
and the chances are that the plant will never
recover. The compost it prefers is a mixture of
fibrous peat and loam in equal parts, with the addi-
tion of some sharp sand; it also requires good
drainage, as it should receive plenty of water at the
roots and on the stem. I¢t is usually propagated
from spores, which germinate freely.
B. insignis.
An interesting greenhouse Tree Fern, of small dimen-
sions, native of Hong-Kong, Burmah, and Khasya. It forms
a somewhat stout stem, which is seldom perfectly straight,
ai.d which, when fully developed, attains a height of 4ft.,
measures about 2ft. in circumference, and is covered with
narrow, rusty scales 4in. to lin. long. The fronds, which
are not unlike those of a Lomaria in general appearance,
BRAINEA— continued.
are abundantly produced, and borne on firm stalks 3in. to
- 4din. long, naked, and scaly only at the base; they are 2ft.
to 3ft. long, 8in. to 12in. broad, and simply pinnate. The
barren leaflets, of a leathery texture and of a bright green
colour on the upper surface, but of a greyish hue and
showing peculiar markings on their under-side, are narrow-
spear-shaped, 4in. to 6in. long, nearly stalkless, and finely
toothed on their margins. The beauty of the plant is
enhanced by its fronds being of a distinct metallic colour —
when partly developed. In the fertile fronds the pinne
are much contracted.
CAMPYLONEURON. See Polypodium.

CHEILANTHES.
This somewhat extensive genus, of which there
is no British representative, 1s composed of mostly
delicate-looking Ferns, the majority of which are of
small dimensions, and of a brittle nature. All
the plants included in the genus have their veins
free, and the sori are terminal, or nearly so, on the
veins—small, and semi-spherical at first, but
becoming more or less confluent afterwards; their
covering, which is formed from the reflexed margins
of the segments, forms roundish and distinct little
pouches, partly connected, but not quite continuous.
This peculiarity is responsible for the popular name
of Lip-Fern.
As now understood, the genus includes Adian-
topsis, Aleuritopteris (Allosorus), Eucheilanthes,
and Physapteris.
This most interesting genus is strikingly dis-
tinct, and includes some of the most elegant and
beautiful Ferns in cultivation. They are all ever-
green, and, although coming principally from
tropical countries, the majority of them thrive best
in a house where the temperature seldom exceeds
60deg. with artificial heat; a good many of them
are even suited with a greenhouse temperature of
45deg. minimum in winter. This is no doubt owing
to their being found in their native habitats at
creat elevations and in dry, rocky, exposed
situations. Anyhow, wherever Cheilanthes are seen
N
at a disadvantage and in bad condition, it is invari-

ably due to their being kept in an over-heated,
close stove, and frequently syringed—treatment
which produces shapeless, emaciated plants deprived
of all beauty. They should be grown as near to the
light as possible, either on shelves against the glass,
or in hanging-baskets suspended from the roof, for
which purpose some of them are very well adapted.
No overhead watering or syringing should at any
time be allowed, as this is quite as injurious to all
of them as any extra heat; but they should be
supplied with an abundance of water at the roots,
and for this purpose they must be either potted or
basketed in good fibrous peat and sand, with their
crowns well above the rim. The compost should be
very porous, and to that end a small portion of |
sandstone and charcoal broken up into little pieces
should be added to 1t. The two great evils to be
avoided are strong, close heat, and overhead
moisture, while essentials to their well- being are an
abundance of water at the roots, an open, porous
compost for them to grow in, a somewhat airy atmo-
sphere, and plenty of light overhead. Most, if not
all, of the Cheilanthes, “reproduce themselves freely
and true from spores, which germinate very readily
and form young plants in a comparatively short
time.
C. alabamensis,
See Pellea alabamensis.
C. californica.
Californian Lip Fern is the name in North America
by which this pretty Fern is known. Its elegant fronds are
borne on densely-tufted, erect stalks about Gin. long and
of a glossy nature, and proceed from a_ short-creeping
rootstock that is very chaffy with rigid, narrow, dark
brown scales; they are deltoid about 3in. each way, and
quadripinnatifid. The leafits of the lower side, which are
much larger than the others, are cut down to the midrib
into numerous segments, and these again are very sharply
cut nearly to the centre. The sori, which are roundish, and
disposed from two to six to a segment, are usually placed
at the base of the depressions at the ends of single
veinlets.
CHEILANTHES— continued.
C. chlorophylla.
This stove species, native of South America, from New
Granada southward to Monte Video, is a very handsome
plant, and perhaps the most robust-growing of the section
to which it belongs. Its somewhat spear-shaped and tripin-
natifid fronds, lft. to 14ft. long and 4in. to 6in. broad,
produced from a stout, scaly rhizome, are borne on strong,
erect, naked, chestnut-brown polished stalks 1ft. to 1ft.
long. The leaflets, 3in. to 5in. long and 3in. to Isin.
Fig. 81. Cheilanthes Clevelandi or Cleveland’s Lip Fern, a

delicately beautiful species from North America.
broad, are spear-shaped and somewhat distantly placed;

their leafits, equally spear-shaped, are cut down to the mid-
rib into entire, narrow-oblong segments, on both edges
of which the numerous small and roundish sori are
uniformly disposed.
C. Clevelandi.
A very handsome greenhouse species, native of North
America, where it is popularly known as Cleveland’s Lip
N2
CHEILANTHES—continued.
Fern. Its pretty and delicate-looking fronds, 4in. to 12in.
long and borne on tufted, erect, scaly stalks, are produced
from a creeping rootstock nearly as thick as a goose-quill,
several inches long, covered with closely-pressed, rigid-
pointed, nearly black scales; they. are tri- or quadripinnate,
with the ultimate divisions of the leaflets nearly round —
(Fig 81), small, deep green above, and covered with fine
white scales beneath. The numerous sori are disposed in
interrupted series on the edges of the segments.
C. dealbata.
Synonymous with C. farinosa.
C. Eatoni.
A very distinct and pretty greenhouse, North America
species, that in general appearance is somewhat similar to
the well-known C. tomentosa, but smaller in all its parts;
it also differs from that species in being coated with rather —
rigid-pointed scales instead of mere woolly hairs on the
stalks and midrib of the leaflets beneath, and in being
matted with tomentum on the upper surface of its fronds.
C. elegans.
Synonymous with C. myriophylla.
C. farinosa. |
This magnificent stove species, frequently found in
gardens under the name of Aleuritopteris mexicana, has a
very extensive habitat. It is found in Africa, on the
Cameroon Mountains, in Zambesi Land, Abyssinia, &c.;
in the Malayan Peninsula, Java, and the Philippine
Islands; in Brazil and Mexico up to 8,000ft. elevation; in
Guatemala and New Granada; on the Neilgherries, and in
other mountainous districts of the Madras Presidency, it is
called the Silver Fern. In size it is very. variable, its
fronds ranging from 3in. to 12in. in length and 3in. to 6in.
in breadth, and being borne on densely-tufted stalks 3in. to
Gin. long, of a dark chestnut-brown colour, and clothed with
narrow scales when young; they are usually spear-shaped,
sometimes deltoid, and twice or thrice divided half-way to
the midrib; the somewhat leathery leaflets are disposed in
opposite pairs, the lowest ones often much the largest, with
the lowest leafits longer than the others and deeply pin-
natifid, most of the others having a broad, entire central
space. In mature fronds the under-surface is densely
covered with pure white powder; their upper surface is of
a dull green, slightly speckled with white. The small,
brown sori are placed in a continuous line along the edges,
their coverings extending throughout every fertile segment
of the frond. C. dealbata is another name for this species.
A Dictionary of Choice Ferns. ~I8I
CHEILANTHES —continued.
C. ferruginea.
The plant grown in gardens under this name is identi-
cal with Nothochlena ferruginea of Hooker.
C. fragrans.
This pretty evergreen, greenhouse species, of small
dimensions, also known under the names of C. odora and
C. suaveolens, is of a very cosmopolitan character. It is
found wild in the South of France, Spain, Italy, Greece,
Fig. 82. Cheilanthes fragrans, a very fragrant-fronded species

that retains its perfume for a long time when dried.
Turkey, Madeira, and the whole of the Mediterranean

Islands; also in Afghanistan, Syria, Algeria, and the
Himalayas. Its delicately-cut little fronds are deliciously
scented, and retain their agreeable perfume for a very long
time when in a dried state; they are only 2in. to 3in. long,
about lin. broad, bi- or tripinnatifid, and borne on thin,
wiry stalks lin. to 3in. long and densely clothed with
narrow, reddish-brown scales. The leaflets, of a somewhat
leathery texture and deltoid, are about din. long, iin.
broad, opposite, and cut down to the rachis below into
several pinnatifid, linear-oblong lobes. The small and
numerous sori are covered by light brown involucres of a
parchment-like teture, and toothed all round. Fig. 82 is
reduced from Col. Beddome’s “Ferns of British India’’ by
the kind permission of the author.
C. hirta. .
This very handsome, delicate-looking, greenhouse
species, native of the Cape of Good Hope, Port Natal,
Grahamstown, Mexico, and the Java Mountains, is on»
of the most decorative of the genus. Its pale green, brittle
fronds are produced from a somewhat erect crown, and
borne on strong, erect stalks 2in. to 4in. long, densely
coated with spreading, woolly hairs of a bright reddish-
brown colour; they are 4in. to 12in. long, 2in. to bin.
broad, spear-shaped, and three times divided half-way to
the midrib. The leaflets, also spear-shaped, are opposite,
and spread from the main stalk at right angles; they are
lin. to 3in. long, and are cut down to the midrib into
numerous leafits which are scarcely more than lin. long
and again pinnatifid and notched; their margin is much
incurved. The abundant bright reddish sori are distinct,
and are disposed all round the edge of each segment
of the fertile frond, and eventually become confluent. This
species varies greatly in size and hairiness, the most dis-
tinct form being the one generally foundin gardens under
the name of C. Ellisiana of Moore, which has fronds much
broader, more finely divided, and of a more upright habit,
than those of the typical plant.
C. Lindheimeri.
A very pretty greenhouse species, native of Western
Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. Its fronds, 3in. to 6in.
long, 14in. to 2in. broad, are produced from a thin, slender
rootstock, several inches long, very nearly black, and
bearing a few rusty-coloured scales at the base, and are
borne on wiry, dark chestnut-brown coloured stalks 3in. to
6in. long and thinly clothed with narrow-spear-shaped
scales. The spear-shaped leaflets are numerous, and cut
into many linear-oblong leafits, which are again cut into
numerous minute, roundish segments. The upper surface
is webby with slender branching hairs, which are much en-
tangled and constitute a heavy tomentum of exceedingly
delicate hairs having no evident articulations. When the
frond is very old this webbiness partly wears off, while the
colour of the scalesof the lower surface gradually becomes
deeper. The whole under-surface is densely clothed with
imbricated, ferruginous scales. The outer margin of the
segments is so revolute as to make them appear almost
pouch-like. The sori, disposed a few to the margin of each
pinnule, are entirely hidden beneath the scaly and woolly
covering.
C. microphylla.
This very elegant, delicate-looking, greenhouse species
is popularly known in North America as Plumier’s Lip
Fern — after its discoverer, the Rev. C. Plumier. It
has a very extensive range. Its fronds, produced
from a_ slightly - creeping rhizome, and _ borne on.
slender, wiry, flexuous stalks 2in. to 6in. long, of
a dark chestnut-brown colour and woolly below when
young, are 3in. to Qin. long, 2in. to 3in. broad, spear-
shaped and bi- or tripinnatifid. The numerous leaflets are
disposed in opposite pairs; the lowest, lin. to 2in. long,
are divided into linear-oblong, somewhat leathery, pinnules,
and cut down to the stalk below. Both surfaces are green
and smooth. The roundish or elongated sori are covered
with narrow involucres of a pale colour.
This species is extremely variable in the form and
composition of the frond, abundance or scantiness of the
pubescence, and continuity of the involucres; consequently,
several varieties are recorded, C. m. micromera being the
best known.
C. myriophylla.
Undoubtedly this is one of the prettiest species of the
genus, and popularly known as the Lace Fern. It is usually
cultivated under the name of C. elegans, a name preferred
by Mettenius, who says that the specimens of C. elegans
and of C. myriophylla, both of Desvaux, are exactly alike.
It certainly is the most extensively-grown species, and suc-
ceeds well either in the greenhouse or in the stove, being a
native of Tropical America. Its delicate-looking, brittle
fronds, 4in. to 6in. long, 14in. to 2in. broad, and borne on
densely-tufted, wiry, erect stalks, 3in. to 6in. long, thickly
clothed with pale, woolly down, are somewhat spear-shaped
and three or four times divided half-way to the midrib.
The lower leaflets, about lin. long, 4in. broad, and broadly
spear-shaped, are cut down to the rachis on both sides into
numerous narrow-oblong leafits, which are again slightly
branched at the base, and further divided into very small
roundish, bead-like segments, the margin of which is so
much incurved as to make these organs appear pouch- or
pocket-shaped. The upper surface of the frond is of a
bright pale green, and slightly hairy, while the lower one is
distinctly matted and scaly. The abundant sori are dis-
posed all round the margin of the bead-like segments, and
are slightly confluent.
C. odora.
Synonymous with C. fragrans.
C. pulchella.
A distinct and pretty greenhouse species, native of
Madeira and the Canaries, with fronds 3in. to 12in. long
and 2in. to 4in. broad, borne on densely-tufted, strong,
erect, dark chestnut-brown stalks 3in. to 9in. long. These
fronds are tripinnate, and their lower leaflets, 2in. to 3in.
long and opposite, are divided into spear-shaped leafits of
a somewhat leathery texture, and cut down to the rachis |
into numerous narrow-oblong segments, around the edges
of which the copious roundish sori are regularly disposed.
C. radiata.
For a long time this pretty lhttle stove Fern was con-
sidered a species of Adiantum, to which, by its general
appearance, it seems related much more than it does to
any of the plants belonging to this genus. It is a native
of tropical America, and has a very extensive range.
Usually there are six to nine leaflets to each frond, all
starting from a common central point like the spokes of a
wheel, with a whorl of bract-like segments at the axis;
they are borne at the extremity of strong, erect, wiry stalks
lft. to 13ft. long, and of a_ blackish, glossy, polished
nature. The longest of the leaflets are from 6in. to Qin.
long, about lin. broad, and furnished with numerous
leafits about din. long, unequal-sided, truncate at the base
below, and eared at the base above. The small and very
numerous sori are very conspicuously placed along both
margins of the entire pinnules, often crowded, and always
covered with a kidney-shaped indusium of a bright brown
colour.
C. tenuis.
A pretty little stove species, native of Mexico, with
fronds averaging about lft. in length, including the stalk,
which is produced from a creeping rhizome; they are some-
what spear-shaped and tripinnate. The leaflets, oblong in
shape, are divided again into minute and somewhat circular
segments with a wedge-shaped base, dented, reflexed, and
concave; they are covered on both sides with a woolly
substance of a rusty-brown colour. The sori are disposed
in a single row and are in some degree hidden in the axis
of the reflexed. margin of each segment, where they are
covered by a narrow and continuous indusium.
C. viscida.
A very elegant little North American greenhouse
species, known as the Sticky Lip Fern—a characteristic
that has given rise to the specific name. Its fronds, 3in. to
5in. long, narrow-oblong in outline, and bipinnate, are
borne on wiry, dark brown, tufted stalks 3in. to din. long,
chaffy at the base, but shining in their upper part; they
are of a soft, papery texture, minutely glandular, every-
where sticky, and furnished with from four to six pairs of -
nearly stalkless leaflets 4in. long, divided into conspicu-
ously toothed segments. The sori are disposed from one to
three to each segment, where they are covered by curiously-
recurved, minute, herbaceous teeth.
CHRYSODIUM. See Acrostichum.
CIBOTIUM. See Dicksonia.
CRYPTOGRAMME.
It is worthy of notice that the genus Crypto-
gramme (Mountain Parsley Fern, or Rock Brake)
is composed of a solitary, but distinct and very
pretty, species, of British or Kuropean origin, and of
only two varieties—one from Northern India, and
another, a North American form.
The Mountain Parsley Fern, so named on
account of its great resemblance to the typical
Parsley, is one of the prettiest of all our native
Ferns. It is also one of the very few which, under
cultivation, have retained their characters perfectly
constant; for, notwithstanding the enormous quanti-
ties grown under various conditions, no deviation
from the species worthy of record has as yet been
noticed in this country. It is essentially a deciduous
plant, losing its fronds about the end of October
and starting into growth again about the beginning
of May. Its fertile fronds, considerably longer than
the others and produced as a second crop of foliage
later in the season, are greatly appreciated for
bouquets and button-holes. Their spores ripen and
scatter themselves, in their native state, about

September, after which the fronds soon die down,
the barren ones remaining on the plants rather
longer than the others.
The Mountain Parsley Fern delights in a cool,
moist, and shady spot, and is especially adapted for
a quiet nook in a rockery, where it should be planted
in a well-drained place and in a mixture of loam
Ra =
. A
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y
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INGE > 7%
ar,
Z z=
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VEBZZE Z, ————=Z f \Wc
5 AGE Mee
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eaeme
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BEARS
MyRB.
Fig. 83. Cryptogramme crispa acrostichoides, a pretty North

American variety of our Mountain Parsley Fern often
called Allosorus Crispus.
and peat in about equal parts, with the addition of

bricks broken into small pieces; but care should be
taken that the compost is free from lime, which is
highly injurious to its very minute, fibrous rootlets.
It may be propagated by spores, but this is a slow
and tedious process; the more so that it is readily
increased by the division of the crowns in the spring
months, just before growth commences. This little
CRYPTOGRAMME— continued.
gem also grows luxuriantly in a cold frame, or for
two or three years in the greenhouse, or under the
shade of vines, where, however, it seldom lasts any
longer. The plants should always be well established
in pots before being turned out into the border or
on the rockery.
C. crispa. .
The fronds are of a_ pale, delicate green colour,
abundantly produced from a densely-tufted rootstock, which
lies horizontally just beneath the surface of the soil and
produces a great quantity of very minute, hair-like, fibrous
rootlets. These fronds, of a soft, papery texture and 2in.
to 6in. long, are borne on straw-coloured, polished stalks of.
the same length and slightly scaly towards the base; they
are oblong in shape, three or four times divided half-way
to the midrib, and naked on both surfaces. In the barren
fronds, the ultimate segments are somewhat wedge-shaped
and deeply pinnatifid, while those of the fertile fronds are
pod-shaped. The sori are hidden beneath the _ reflexed
margins of the segments, which nearly join at the midrib,
eventually becoming confluent. This is Allosorus crispus of
the older botanists.
C. c. acrostichoides.
This variety is a native of North America, where it is
commonly known under the popular name of American
Rock-Brake. It is of larger and stronger habit than our
species, the barren fronds having their rachis narrowly
winged, and their segments of thicker texture and not so
deeply cut. The fertile fronds are twice as long as the
others, and are provided with fewer and more distant,
longer, narrow and distinctly-stalked segments; these are
pod-like, and their edges are so far recurved as to meet at
the midvein or even to overlap, forming a papery involucre
which spreads when mature.
CYATHEA.
About eighty species are embraced in this
venus (which includes Disphenia), but few are in
cultivation even in large establishments. Still, like
the closely-allied Alsophilas and Dicksonias, the
majority of these species are highly decorative, and
several are deservedly popular and_ extensively
used for the embellishment of our conservatories
and winter gardens. Indeed, 1t may be truth-
fully said that some of the most beautiful of

all Tree Ferns are to be found in Cyathea; but
whether of gigantic habit, or otherwise, all the
species are tree-“like.
The distinguishing characters of the family
reside in the disposition of the spore masses, which
are invariably situated either on a vein or in the
axil of the forking of a vein; in the character of
their receptacles, ‘which are elevated, globose, or
elongated; and especially in the singular nature of
their elobose, inferior involucres, which cover the
whole sorus, and which, when mature, break at the
summit and form a more or less persistent cup
(hence the generic name from kyatheivon, meaning
a little cup) quite even or irregular at the margin.
All the species are evergreen. To make ood
erowth they require not only an abundance of water
at the roots, but also that their trunks be kept
constantly moist. By these means only can Cyatheas
be induced to produce fine heads of fronds, which
last all the longer on the plants if they have
oradually been inured to the sun during the summer.
Like all other Tree Ferns, Cyatheas are satisfied
with very little pot-room, and the soil in which they
should be potted, tubbed, or, better still, planted
out in the Fernery, is a mixture of three parts
fibrous peat, one of loam, and one of coarse silver
sand. Of the numerous species grown, none are
known to produce adventitious growths along the
trunk or at the base, and none are known to be
proliferous. Propagation is usually, therefore, from
spores; these are abundantly produced and germi-
nate freely, making very showy young plants in the
course of a couple of seasons.
C. Burkei.
A synonym of C. Drege.
C. dealbata. |
Deservedly the most popular species of the whole genus,
this beautiful Fern (Fig. 1) 1s a native of the Northern
and Middle Islands of New Zealand. The handsome fronds,
which are borne on smooth, or at the most slightly rough,
stalks, are from 5ft. to 7ft. in length, of a bluish-green
CYATHEA —continued.
colour above and very glaucous or silvery beneath; they
are twice or thrice divided to the midrib, and some-
what spear-shaped, and are divided into narrow, pointed
leafits which have their sickle-shaped segments conspicu-
ously toothed. The reddish-brown sori, which form a most
interesting feature, are abundant, and produce a _ most
pleasing contrast with the white under-side of the leaflets
(a peculiarity responsible for the specific name), to the
lower half of which they are sometimes confined, though
usually disposed midway between the midvein and the
margin; they are covered by roundish involucres of a thin
and more or less transparent nature, which break down in
an irregular manner. Planted in a conservatory and in a
somewhat elevated position, C. dealbata makes a very noble.
object, and the peculiar colour of the under-side of its
fronds shows itself to perfection when seen by artificial
light.
C. Dregei.
A stove species, also known as C. Burkei, native of
Natal, Macalisberg, and Zambesi Land, with a trunk seldom
more than 4ft. high and very thick Its fronds are twice
divided to the midrib, borne on smooth stalks, and furnished
with stalkless leafits 2in. to 3in. long, which are also cut
into blunt, somewhat sickle-shaped, and more or less deeply-
toothed lobes. The sori, disposed half-way between the mid-
vein and the margin, are covered by thin, fragile involucres,
which, opening at the summit, form cups with a small,
shghtly irregular margin.
C. insignis.
This truly magnificent stove species, usually found in
collections under the names of C. princeps and Cibotiwm
princeps, is a native of Cuba, Mexico, and St. Catherine’s
Peak. It forms a stout trunk of large dimensions, pro-
ducing numerous beautifully arching fronds from 10ft. to
12ft. long, borne on robust stalks thickly covered at their
base and up to the leafy portion with long, glossy, light
brown scales, but eventually becoming whitish, and quite
brittle. They are tripinnate, having stalkless leaflets, pin-
natifid nearly to the midrib, and divided into oblong-sickle-
shaped, sinuate or toothed lobes, with slightly reflexed
margins. The bright green colour of the upper surface
of the fronds forms a pleasing contrast to the beautifully
bluish-green hue of their under-side. The abundant sori
are provided with very peculiar cinnabar-brown involucres,
often breaking down into four nearly equal valves.
CYATHEA— continued.
C. medullaris.
This is a magnificent and deservedly popular green-
house species, quite distinct from any other known Tree
Fern. It is a native of New Zealand, Norfolk Island, and
Fig. 84. Cyathea medullaris, a popular species, and the largest

of the whole genus. The centre of the trunk yields a pulpy
sago-liKe substance that furnishes a useful article of food
in New Zealand and the Pacific Islands.
the Pacific Islands. In its native habitats it has a trunk

upwards of 40ft. in height, bearing magnificent spreading
fronds 12ft. to 15ft. long and proportionally broad, twice
or thrice divided to the midrib, and of a leathery texture.
CYATHEA—continued.
These are borne on robust stalks, at first of a peculiar
prune-colour, but ultimately becoming jet-black and highly
polished. Before they are fully unfolded, the young fronds
are densely clothed with long, black, chafty scales, which
later on change to a bright, light brown colour. "In the
fully-developed fronds, the stalks and also the midribs are
rough with hard, glandular tubercles of a glossy nature
and resembling a resinous exudation. The leaflets, fully
aft. long, are divided into secondary ones 5in. to 6in. long,
about lin. broad, cleft nearly to the midrib, or again pin-
nate; these are again cut into leafits or segments of an
oblong or a narrow-oblong shape, blunt, coarsely toothed in
the barren fronds, lobed and pinnatifid in the fertile ones,
with the margins turned back. The sori, abundantly pro- -
duced and orange-yellow in colour, are disposed one to each
lobule of the pinnule or lobe, and are situated about mid-
way between the midvein and the margin; they are covered
_ by circular involucres of parchment-like texture, which soon
break open at the summit with an irregular, often two-
lobed margin. The whole surface of the frond is of a
pleasing, bright green colour.
C. medullaris is of very rapid growth; when planted in
a conservatory where plenty of room can be allowed for
its perfect development, it makes a good-sized stem or
trunk in a comparatively short time. It is by far the most
imposing of all known Tree Ferns that will succeed under
cool treatment. Fig. 84.
C. princeps.
This is synonymous with C. insignis, a Fern more ex-
tensively known in gardens as Cibotium princeps.
CYRTOMIUM. See Aspidium.
CYSTOPTERIS.
Bladder Fern is the popular name of this small

genus, all the species of which have their fronds twice
or thrice divided, of thin texture, and with veins free.
The distinguishing characters of the genus, how-
ever, reside in each sorus, of a roundish form, being
placed on the back of the veins and provided with a
nearly globular involucre of a membranous nature,
which is inserted by its broad base under the sorus,
and at first covers it like a hood. Notwithstanding
its being small, this genus, which is composed of
only four species and a few varieties, is nevertheless

very interesting, inasmuch as, with the exception of
the essentially North American C. bulbifera, all
others are indigenous to this country, and well
adapted for planting in the outdoor Fernery, where
shady and well-drained spots should be selected for.
them, all being found growing naturally at high
elevations. With the exception of C. montana,
which is provided with underground creeping
rhizomes, all the Cystopterises produce their slender
fronds in great abundance either from a closely-
tufted crown or from shortly-decumbent rhizomes.
On account of their delicate appearance, all are well
adapted for pot-culture, either under glass, in a
cold frame, or without glass protection, in a
sheltered position. All the known species and
varieties lose their fronds early in the autumn, and
remain dormant until about April, during which
period their crowns must not be allowed to get com-
pletely dry. When planted out, a compost of about
equal parts of fibrous peat, loam, and leaf mould is
best. For pot-culture 1t is advisable to add to this
mixture a small proportion of old, crumbled mortar
or broken limestone, and also to pay special attention
to the drainage. Bladder Ferns are usually pro-
pagatea during March and April by division of the
crowns, wherever more than one has formed; they
are also easily raised from spores sown in autumn in
a cold frame. C. bulbifera, however, is more readily
increased by means of the bulbils produced along the
stalks of the leafy portion of the frond, which,
having fallen to the ground, soon emit a few slender
roots and send up some rudimentary fronds, pro-
ducing perfectly-developed foliage during the second
year.
C. bulbifera.
This singular and elegant species, which takes its name
from the large, fleshy bulbils borne on its upper leaflets, is
a very distinct plant, of North American origin, and quite
as hardy as any of the British species and varieties. The
fronds are of a thin, papery texture, and yet not without
a kind of brittle rigidity; they are produced from a root-
stock that is usually quite short, seldom over lin. long,
CYSTOPTERIS — continued. :
and covered with the persistent and somewhat fleshy bases
of the old stalks. In mature plants they are usually Gin.
to 12in. long and 3in. to 4in. broad at their widest part.
They are usually spear-shaped, frequently much elongated
upwards, and twice or thrice divided half-way to the mid-
rib; their broadest part is the base, where the leaflets
are often 2in. to 3in. long, lin. broad, and divided into
narrow-oblong segments cut down nearly to the midrib and
slightly toothed; thence they gradually narrow to their
extremity, having, according to Katon, a narrower and
more tapering outline than any other known North
American Fern with compound and feathery fronds. The
stalks are usually 4in. to 6in. long, very slender, smooth,
and of a brittle nature, usually green, except at the base, |
where they are dark brown; but sometimes the whole stalk
and rachis are brownish. The sori are produced so
abundantly as to be found on all portions of the frond,
even to the base; they are disposed two to twelve to a leafit
and usually in two rows, one in each segment.
C. fragilis.
This is probably the commonest of the known species of
Cystopteris, and it possesses a peculiarly cosmopolitan char-
acter, being found nearly the world over. It is the Brittle
Fern of North America, and the Brittle Bladder Fern of
Britain, having been known here for over two centuries.
It is readily distinguished by its fronds, 4in. to 8in. long,
lgin. to 3in. broad, somewhat spear-shaped, and twice or
thrice divided half-way to the midrib, being abundantly
produced from a close, tufted crown, and borne on smooth,
reddish-brown stalks 2in. to 4in. long, of a very slender
and brittle nature. The largest leaflets, lin. to ldin. long
and 3in. broad, are divided into oblong leafits, which are
cut down into bluntly- or sharply-toothed lobes. The
texture is soft and papery, and the abundant sori are dis-
posed two to twelve to a pinnule. This species requires a
suitable situation to develop and preserve its true character,
as it is very hable to alter its growth according to its
position. Of its numerous varieties the best, from a
gardening point of view is:
C. f. Dickieana.
Undoubtedly this remarkably pretty, dwarf Fern is
the most distinct variety, and it possesses the property of
reproducing itself so truly from spores, that some authori-
ties are inclined to accord it specific rank. It differs
from the type in its much denser habit and more ovate
fronds, the height of which is seldom above 5in.,,
O
CYSTOPTERIS — continued.
including their short stalks; these latter are thicker than
those of any of its congeners, and have their base densely
coated with brown scales.
C. montana.
The Mountain Bladder Fern is a very handsome plant,
quite distinct in habit from all other species and varieties
belonging to the same genus; for its lovely and very elegant
ENOL
ee
OCIS.
Fig. 85. Frond of the Mountain Bladder Fern, Cystopteris
montana, a lovely Fern for a moist sunless part of the
Hardy Fernery.
fronds, which are delicately divided (Fig. 85), strikingly tri-

angular in outline, about6in. each way, instead of emanating
from either a compact crown or a short rhizome as in other
species, are produced on very slender, underground rhizomes.
They are borne on slender, erect stalks, from 6in. to Qin.
long, perfectly smooth, except near their base, where there
are a few light-coloured scales, and are quadripinnatifid and
of a light green colour. To grow this Fern successfully a
sheltered, moist, and sunless part of the hardy Fernery
must be chosen. Devote to it a level spot lft. square,
remove the soil about 10in. deep, half-fill the hole thus
formed with broken bricks, or other porous material, and
CYSTOPTERIS— continued.
in the remaining space put some very fibrous peat, mixed
with a little loam and silver sand. Plant in this, and
cover with a bell-glass, having its rim raised an inch or
so above the surface for ventilation; but beware of snails.
Keep the soil always moist while ‘the plant is growing,
and remove the glass as soon as the Fern appears sufficiently
_ well established. When it has made vigorous growth it
will not require any further protection. The above advice
is that of the late Mr. R. Sims, who was most successful
in the cultivation of all British Ferns.
DAVALLIA.
Hare’s Foot Ferns, or Davallias, are almost
evergreen in character. ‘Their mode of fructification
is so distinct that there is very little difficulty
in identifying the species when once their
most distinctive characters are understood. In
all Davallias the sori are either marginal or sub-
marginal; they are generally globose or roundish,
but sometimes elongated, either laterally or verti-
cally. They are disposed in shortly- but distinctly-
stalked capsules, and are covered by involucres that
are variable in form, being sometimes kidney-
shaped, sometimes nearly round, always open at the
summit, broadly fastened at the base, and generally
united, ‘though occasionally open at the sides. The
veins are always free, and although there are a few
exceptions, the majority of the species produce their
fronds from rhizomes that are usually wide-creeping,
scaly, and peculiarly predisposed to remain on the
surface of the soil. Botanists subdivide the family
thus:—Acrophorus, Kudavallia, Humata, Leucos-
tegia, Loxoscaphe, Microlepia, Odontoloma, and
Stenoloma.
Davallias are some of the finest of all Ferns for
basket culture, such species as D. bullata, D.
Gapearcensis, 1. dissecta, D. Mariesu, and OD.
Tyermanni being excellent. To the genus also
belong the Fern. balls, so popular for suspending
in rooms or glass- houses: and also the grotesque-
looking animals that have a certain vogue. <A form
of the well-known D. bullata (Nagaha) is usually
employed for the purpose. ;
O
Grown in either pots or pans, Davallias that are

provided with rhizomes require to be a little elevated
above the rim, as nothing is more injurious to them
than to have their rhizomes buried in the soil,
especially the species whose rhizomes are clothed
with large, chaffy scales. Besides being highly
decorative, their fronds last a very long time when
severed from the plant. Most of them delight in a
compost made of three parts fibrous peat, one part of
chopped sphagnum or good leaf mould, and one part
of silver sand, with thorough drainage and an abun-
dant supply of water at the roots during the growing
season. During the winter they must be watered
only sparingly, never allowing them, however, even
those that are deciduous, to become quite dry. This
is a very important point, as, if the rhizomes are
allowed to shrivel, the ensuing growth will be much
weaker. The plants require no syringing overhead,
but derive much benefit from being kept near the
glass, where good light is obtainable.
Those species without rhizomes are propagated
by spores, which are abundantly produced, and
which, if sown in heat, germinate freely and soon
form little plants; while species provided with
rhizomes may be increased by the division of these
organs in the early spring. Where Davallias like
dissecta, bullata, and Mariesii are required in quan-
tities, it is much more satisfactory to raise seedlings;
and if, as soon as they have produced a small
rhizome 2in. long, this is repeatedly pruned, they
produce, in a remarkably short time, pretty, bushy
little plants. ,
D. aculeata.
This very handsome West Indian stove species is re-
markable on account of its climbing habit, which resembles
that of a bramble. Its elegantly-divided fronds possess the
singular property of lengthening at the points very much
in the way of Lygodiums and Gleichenias. Their stalks
and rachis measure sometimes 6ft. in length, and are
covered with sharp thorns curved downwards; they are
tripinnatifid, and their lower leaflets, lft. to 14ft. long.
Adin. to 6in. broad, and somewhat spear-shaped, are divided
into leafits, which in their turn are cut into wedge-shaped
A Dictionary of Choice Ferns, | 197
DAVALLI A—continued.
segments, twice to four times lobed and bright green.
~The small and cup-shaped sori are terminal. The plant is
rendered very attractive by the slender stalks and the fresh
srowths being of a pale claret hue: these issue from a
short, underground, creeping rhizome, and make a _ beau-
tiful pot specimen. This species may also he used with
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Fig. 86. Davallia affinis, a beautiful species, well adapted

for growing on projecting parts of the rocKery.
great advantage for covering a rustic pillar, or for climbing

over rockwork. It should be either planted or potted in
a more sandy or gritty compost than is used for most
Davallias.
D. affinis.
A handsome, finely-cut stove species, native of Ceylon,
Java, and Polynesia, and usually found in gardens under
DAVALLIA— continued.
the name of Acrophorus. It is well adapted for growing
on rockwork, where it should be planted on _ projecting
places. The elegantly-divided fronds, lft. to 2ft. long, 6in.
to 12in. broad, and somewhat spear-shaped, are borne on
strong, erect stalks 4in. to 9in. long, and three or four
times divided to the midrib; they are produced from thick —
prostrate stems (Fig. 86) that are densely clothed with
sharp-pointed scales of a peculiar rusty colour. The ulti-
mate segments of the fronds are cleft nearly to the mid-
rib, and are provided with sharp teeth. The small sorit are
disposed at the base of the teeth, two to six to a segment.
D. alpina.
A charming little stove species, of trailing, dwarf
habit, native of Java, Borneo, and the Polynesian Islands,
and totally distinct from all others. Its fronds, which
are abundantly produced from very slender and peculiarly |
flattened rhizomes, densely covered with scales of a light
brown colour, are of two kinds. The barren ones, 2in. to
3in. long, and about 14in. broad at their base, are tri-
angular in outline; their upper segments, of a leathery
texture, and of a dark shining-green colour, are broad
and slightly toothed. The fertile fronds have their segments
more finely divided, more distantly placed, and deeply and
sharply toothed, which characters give the
plant a
very elegant appearance. Both kinds of fronds
are borne
on slender stalks, 2in. to 4in. long, and have their rachis
narrowly winged. The sori are placed in the teeth on both
sides. This little gem requires a warm temperature and
moist atmosphere, although it is not partial to watering
overhead. It succeeds remarkably well, and forms a very
handsome little specimen, when grown on a pyramid of
fibrous peat. :
D. bullata.
This handsome, deciduous, stove or greenhouse species,
native of Japan, Java, and MHindostan, is popularly
known «as the Squirrel’s-foot Fern, from the general
appearance of its creeping rhizomes, which are in-
variably clothed with minute reddish-brown scales. The
fronds, which are abundantly produced on these rhizomes,
are 8in. to 12in. long, 4in. to 8in. broad, somewhat tri-
angular, quadripinnatifid, of a rich, dark shining green
colour, of a leathery texture, and are borne on rather
slender, yet firm, stalks 3in. to 4in. long. The deeply half-
cup-shaped sori occupy the greater part of the tooth in
which they are placed on the margin of the segments, and
are usually provided with a horny projection on the
outside. One of the most useful Davallias in cultivation,
succeeding equally well in stove or greenhouse, and making
a very fine specimen, whether grown in a shallow pan of
good dimensions, in a hanging-basket, on a pyramid of
peat, or on a vertical piece of cork or a Tree-Fern stem,
where the rhizomes have plenty of room for extension.
D. canariensis.
Probably the best known of all Davallias, and com-
monly called the MHare’s-foot Fern, from the peculiar
Fig. 87. The Hare’s-foot Fern, Davallia canariensis, one of

the most useful species of this very large genus.
nature of its prostrate stems (Fig. 87), which are stout,

naturally creeping downwards, curving over the sides of
the pot in which it grows, and being covered with pale
brown, narrow scales, much resemble a hare’s foot. Its
fronds, lft. to lift. long, 9in. to 12in. broad, and borne
on strong, erect stalks 4in. to 6in. long, are triangular
and quadripinnatifid; they are of a leathery texture and
bright green in colour. The sori, abundantly produced
and covered by half-cup-shaped involucres, occupy the
whole of the margin of the ultimate division on which
they are disposed, and are usually provided with a horn
extending beyond them. A very ornamental and interest-
ing Fern, useful for either pot or basket culture, or for
planting on the rockwork. It is also an excellent Fern
for the dwelling-room.
DAVALLIA—continued.
D. dissecta.
This very beautiful and easily-cultivated stove species,
frequently found in gardens under the name of D. elegans
dissecta, is a native of Java and the Malayan Archipelago,
and one of the most extensively-grown species for decora- |
tive purposes. Its fronds, produced in great abundance
from a stout, wide-creeping rhizome, clothed throughout
with scales of a rusty colour, are lft. to 13ft. long and
deltoid, being about as broad at the base as they are long,
and four times pinnatifid. They are of a light green tint,
which contrasts agreeably with the colour of the rhizomes.
The sori, situated one on each of the ultimate segments
of the fertile fronds, are small, oblong, and provided with
one or two horns protruding beyond them.
D, divaricata. |
This exceedingly handsome, strong-growing stove
species, native of Khasya, Northern India, the Malayan
Peninsula, Java, &c., is generally found in commerce
under the name of D. polyantha. Its beautiful fronds,
2ft. to 3ft. long, are produced from thick, knotty rhizomes,
of a woody nature, and clothed with scales of a rusty
colour; they are tripinnatifid, of a deep claret-red
when young, gradually changing to a bronzy or metallic
colour, and then to a deep shining green; the various
hues, all of which are generally observable on the plant,
have a beautiful and very pleasing appearance. The
barren and fertile fronds, although of similar size and
shape, are very different, the latter being very finely
divided through the contraction caused by the fructifica-
tion. In each case the lower leaflets are often lft. long
by 6in. broad; they are of a leathery texture, and the
half-cup-shaped sori are placed obliquely as regards the
central veins in the teeth, at some distance from the edge.
The place that suits this species best is a projecting rock
in the warm Fernery, where it can show itself in all its
beauty. It is also a shallow-rooting plant, requiring but
a few inches of soil to develop itself to perfection, and on
that account can easily be grown on the trunk of a dead
Tree Fern.
D. elegans
A magnificent, vigorous-growing, stove species, native
of Ceylon, the Malayan Peninsula, Java, Borneo, Madras,
&c., and remarkable for the elegant divisions of its fronds,
which are lft. to 2ft. long, 9in. to 15in. broad, deltoid,
three times cut nearly to the midrib, and of a bright
shining green. These fronds are abundantly produced from
a stout, wide-creeping rhizome densely clothed with woolly
fibres; the leafits of their lower leaflets are fully 3in. long,
lin. broad, and cut down into oblong segments which are
slightly toothed, and of a leathery texture. The sori,
covered by half-cup-shaped involucres, are disposed several
on the extremity of each segment, and have sharp teeth
projecting beyond them at the edges. This handsome
species has produced several varieties, the principal of
which are D. e. dissecta, D. e. elata and D. e. polydactyla,
the last-named a strikingly handsome variety, with dark
glossy green long-enduring fronds.
D. fijiensis.,
‘This charming Fern—the most finely-divided species
of the series to which it belongs—is, as its name implies,
a native of the Fiji Islands, and requires stove temperature.
It is remarkable through its thick rhizomes, which some-
what resemble those of the common D. canariensis, but
are usually straight. Its handsome fronds, although finely
cut (Fig. 88), are firm and durable in texture; they are
borne on upright, strong stalks, 6in. to 9in. long, measure
from lft. to 14ft. in length and Gin. to 12in. in breadth,
have a deltoid outline, and are of a bright green colour.
Being of free growth, graceful habit, and evergreen, it
must rank amongst the most ornamental and useful of
the whole genus. There are several more or less distinct
varieties, the most striking being D. f. major and D. f.
plumosa, perhaps one of the most elegant of all known
Ferns, distinct from the species by the gracefully-drooping
habit and the feathery nature of its pendulous fronds, as
also by their much more finely-divided character. D. fiji-
ensis and its various forms are all very useful as pot and
basket plants, and very valuable for decorative purposes
generally, making noble specimens, particularly adapted
for exhibition. They are all averse to loam, a_ peaty
— of a sandy nature being that which suits them
est.
D. heterophylla.
This very singular and pretty stove species is a native
of the Malayan Peninsula and the Polynesian Islands.
It and D. angustata are the only known Davallias with
entire fronds. The fronds of D. heterophylla are produced
from a small, creeping, scaly rhizome; they are 3in. to
6in. long, lin. broad, of a leathery texture, smooth
on both surfaces, and shortly stalked; the barren ones are
spear-head-shaped, entire, or sometimes slightly lobed at
the base, while the fertile ones are narrower and: deeply
DAVALLIA—continued.
notched (Fig. 3, p. 6). The sori are disposed two to ten to
a lobe. This plant is particularly well adapted for grow-
ing on a Tree Fern trunk, in which position it is shown
to great advantage. When grown in a pan or a pot it
requires very little soil, as it is only surface-rooting.
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Fig. 88. Davallia fijiensis, one of tbe most elegantly graceful

species in the genus; its fronds, though finely cut, are
very durable.
D. hirta cristata.
A fine, crested form, usually found in gardens under
the name of Aicrolepia hirta cristata. It was introduced
into this country from the South Sea Islands, and is
greatly superior in decorative qualities to the type, being
equally vigorous, but of a much more elegant, spreading
habit. Its beautiful fronds, of a peculiarly soft light
green colour, are produced in profusion from very short,
creeping rhizomes having all the appearance of numerous
crowns crowded together; they are borne on stout yet
flexible stalks, and attain fully 6ft. in length. These
fronds not only differ from those of all other known species
in having their extremity heavily tasselled, but even their
leaflets are freely branched and_ sub-divided near the
summit, and the natural weight of these crests and tassels,
and the much-divided pinnz and pinnules, give the whole
plant a very attractive appearance by producing a gradual
and graceful curve of the stalks. D. h. cristata is one of
the strong-growing Davallias which should preferably be
grown in fibrous peat and sand only; it is also one of
those which suffer most from insufficiency of water at the
roots at any time of the year. The whole plant is slightly
hairy, and on that account should never be _ watered
overhead. It very seldom produces fertile fronds, so that
it is generally increased by the division of the crowns.
D. Mariesii.
An elegant, deciduous, greenhouse species, of dwarf
habit and very free growth; it is a native of Japan, where
it is very extensively used for decoration. In general
aspect it is not unlike the well-known D. bullata, but it
is more slender in all its parts. As a basket Fern,
D. Maries is one of the best of the genus; its rhizomes,
of a very slender and flexible nature, readily take pos-
session of the whole exterior surface of the basket, and
peep out in all directions. It is extensively used in Japan
for forming boats, wreaths, crosses, and other designs, to
which purpose its flexible rhizomes readily lend themselves.
D. M. cristata is a prettily-crested garden variety.
D. Mooreana.
Synonymous with D. pallida.
D. nove=zelandiz,
This exceedingly beautiful greenhouse Fern, native of
New Zealand, is more generally known under the name of
Acrophorus hispidus. It almost equals some of the Filmy
Ferns in beauty, and should be extensively grown, as it
makes a very pretty object on the rockwork, in the fissures
of which it becomes quite at home. The fronds, lft. to
15ft. long, 4in. to 8in. broad, triangular, and tripinnate,
are produced from a slender, creeping rhizome clothed
with rust-coloured hairs, which are soft and jointed; they
are of a brownish-green colour, glossy, of a somewhat
leathery texture, and borne on firm, erect stalks of a
mahogany-brown colour, and from 4in. to 8in. long. The
lower leafits are cut down to the rachis, except towards
their extremity, into narrow, deeply-pinnatifid segments,
on the teeth of which the minute and numerous spore
masses are disposed. The rhizomes, which are of a
peculiarly wiry nature, do not bury themselves in the
ground. 7
D. pallida.
This beautiful stove species, native of Aneiteum and
Borneo, and usually known as D, Moorecana, is undoubtedly
one of the handsomest decorative Ferns known. Its robust
fronds, of an elongated-triangular form, 2ft. to 3ft. long,
and four times pinnatifid, are produced on rhizomes as
thick as one’s finger, wide-creeping, and covered with spear-
shaped scales of a dark brown colour; they are borne on
smooth, naked stalks lft. to 14ft. long, and furnished with
triangular leaflets, the lowest, which usually are also the
largest, frequently measuring 6in. to 8in. broad at their
base. The leafits and their segments are stalked and
wedge-shaped at their base; they are of a firm and some-
what leathery texture, the lobes into which they are finally
divided, and upon which the spore masses are disposed on
the upper side at the base, being blunt and wedge-
shaped. That the merits of D. pallida are fully appreciated
by Fern-growers in general, is amply demonstrated by the
fact that huge specimens of it are to be seen at all flower
shows, for which purpose it is admirably adapted. It is
a Fern of rapid growth, possessing the great advantage,
from the decorator’s point of view, of making a large
specimen in a comparatively small pot.
D. polyantha.
Synonymous with D. divaricata.
D. tenuifolia Veitchiana.
The rhizomes of this variety are of such a very short-
creeping nature that the plant appears quite destitute of
the hare’s-foot-like growths so peculiar to Davallias in
general, its fronds being produced in great abundance from
what appears to be a densely-tufted crown formed by under-
eround rhizomes. It is a most beautiful and distinct
variety, easily distinguished from the type by its elegant
and pendulous, plume-like fronds, 23ft. to 3ft. in length.
including the stalks, very finely cut and gracefully arching
on all sides.. Their leafy portion, of a broadly spear-
shaped outline, is furnished with numerous leaflets, which
are divided into lace-like leafits and segments, much longer
and slenderer than those of any other kind, and the pale
green colour of which forms a striking and most pleasing
contrast with the red tinge of their slender, round, flexible
stalks. This variety is a native of the Straits Settlements. Its
light, drooping habit makes it one of the best of stove
basket Ferns in cultivation; its roots are averse to loam,
and are also very sensitive to the effects of drought.
D. Tyermanni.
This very handsome greenhouse species, native of the
West Coast of Africa, is popularly known as the Bear’s-
foot Fern, on account of the narrow, silvery-white scales
~ with which its wide-creeping rhizomes are densely clothed.
Its fronds, of a bright green colour and somewhat leathery
texture, are somewhat scantily produced; they are tri-
angular in shape, 4in. to 6in. long, four times pinnatifid,
and borne on naked stalks 2in. to 3in. long and of a
reddish colour. The sori, disposed at the base of the ulti-
mate lobes, are covered by hemispherical involucres that
are free at the sides.
DENNSTACDTIA. ‘See Dicksonia.
DIACALPE
This genus is composed of a solitary species.

Its chief peculiarity is the hard, globose, entirely
closed covering, which at last bursts open irregularly,
and is affixed to the sorus by a small point of contact.
D. aspidioides.
This stove species is a native of the Malayan Islands,
Sylhet, Assam, and Ceylon. It is an easily grown plant,
its requirements being similar to those of the strong-
erowing Aspleniums, and it is very striking on account of
the rich dark green colour of its massive fronds of 4
oeraceful habit. These are lift. to 2ft. long, including the
smooth and comparatively slender stalks on which they are
borne, and about lft. broad; they are broadly ovate, and
of a thin and more or less transparent texture. The
leaflets, of the same shape as the leafy portion of the frond
itself, have their leafits of a peculiar oblong-wedge-shape,
lobed, and as the plant becomes older more or less de-
current. This handsome Fern is readily propagated by
its spores, which are abundantly produced and disposed
one mass to a pinnule, on the midvein of which they are
attached by a very short: stalk.
DICKSONIA,
The genus Dicksonia, as it stands at present,
includes Balantium, Cibotium, Dennstedtia, Eu-
dicksonia, Patania, and Sitolobium.
The majority of the Dicksonias only require
cool treatment; most of the arborescent kinds being
found growing in valleys and in deep, shaded
ravines, and in countries where some of them occa-
sionally have their fronds heavily loaded with snow.
D. antarctica thrives when planted outside in shel-
tered spots in different parts of England, Wales, and
Ireland. At Bosahan, near Falmouth, Sir Arthur
Pendarves Vivian grows 1t to perfection. Wherever
a suitable spot exists, Tree Ferns should be intro-
duced, as they present a tropical appearance. When
Dicksonias are grown in pots, it is indispensable
that water should be applied freely to their roots all
the year round, or they will show the effects of a
day’s neglect in anunmistakableway,and a very long
time will elapse before they recover from the injury
done during that short time. The plants are all the
more likely to suffer from want of water when grown
in pots, as these should be of the smallest size pos-
sible consistent with the dimensions of the trunks.
As a rule, when not planted out, all Tree Ferns
thrive best in pots or tubs in which only three or
four inches of soil all round the trunks is allowed.
The most suitable compost is a mixture of two parts
fibrous peat, one part fibrous loam, and one part
coarse silver sand. However good their growth may
be when cultivated in pots, it cannot equal their
vigour when grown in the open ground, in which
case the bottom must be particularly well drained;
for, although these plants require a constant supply
of water, their roots soon decay when stagnancy is
allowed. To produce luxuriant and lasting foliage,
Dicksonias should, during the summer, have their
trunks thoroughly watered twice a day; but these
copious waterings should gradually decrease as the
season advances, and during the winter the trunks
should only be kept constantly moist, the heads being
slightly shaded during the hottest summer days only,
Dicksonias of arborescent habit are invariably

propagated from their spores, which they produce
in great abundance, and which germinate very
freely. Those species which are provided with
rhizomes may be increased by the division of those
organs, an operation which is best done in March
or April; but when required in large quantities, it 1s
found more advantageous to propagate them from
spores in the usual way.
D. antarctica.
This magnificent greenhouse species, native of Hastern
Australia and Tasmania, is a universal favourite. Though
it is the commonest of all the arborescent Ferns in cui-.
tivation, it always attracts special attention, and is much
admired on account of its trunk, which, although varying
considerably in thickness, is generally proportionate to its
height. Although it is said to attain the height of 35ft.,
the handsomest specimens that one usually meets with
measure from 18ft. to 20ft. high. Its massive fronds, 3ft.
to 6ft. long, 2ft. to 3ft. broad in the centre, and borne
on stalks barely 1ft. long, which in their young state are
densely covered with narrow, fibrous scales of a dark
purple-brown colour, are tripinnate, spear-shaped, and,
when fully developed, furnished with thirty to forty pairs
of fully pinnate leaflets. The central leaflets are lft. to
13ft. long and 4in. to 5in. broad; their leafits, about $in.
broad and of a leathery texture, are stalkless, of a rich
shining-green colour above, paler beneath, and sub-divided
into oblong, deeply-cleft segments, the sori being disposed
six to ten on the lowest only. These sori, globose in
form and produced on the extremities of the smaller veins,
are small but numerous, and their covering is of a leathery
texture. D. antarctica is a large and rapid grower, easily
cultivated, and requiring very little cultural attention. It
is admirably adapted for the decoration of the conservatory,
whether planted out or grown in a pot or tub.
D. Barometz.
A handsome greenhouse species, which, on account of
the singular appearance of its decumbent, massive, hairy
rhizome, is known under the popular name of Vegetable
Lamb; it is a native of Assam, China, and the Malayan
Peninsula and Islands. The handsome fronds, of a leathery
texture and 6ft. to 8ft. long, are tripinnate and tri-
angular in shape. The lower leaflets, 1ft. to 2ft. long and
6in. to 12in. broad, have their leafits narrow, sharp-
pointed, and cut down within a short distance from the
DICKSONIA— continued.
rachis in their upper portion and sometimes quite down
to it at their base. Their upper surface is a dark, shining
green, whereas their underside is of a beautiful glaucous
colour. The stalks and rachis are more or less densely
clothed throughout with long, light-brown hairs, and the
sori, disposed two to twelve to a pinnule, are covered by
a distinctly two-valved involucre.
D. Culcita.
This very striking, large-growing, greenhouse species,
native of Madeira and the Azores, is popularly known as
a
hy) A)
AAD
Ba AL
SOAR
\
SSS SEH
f\ \
Fig. 89. DickKsonia Culcita, popularly called the Cushion

Fern; it is a handsome species for the greenhouse.
Cushion Fern. This is due to the fact that its crown and
the base of its fronds are covered with a dense, woolly
substance of a soft, silky nature, so abundant that it has
now become an article of commerce. D. Culcita cannot
be strictly called a Tree Fern, inasmuch as its trunk
seldom, if ever, rises more than a few inches above the
ground (Fig. 89). Its fronds, fully 1$ft. long, lft. bread,
and tripinnate, are borne on stout, upright stalks as
DICKSONIA— continued.
long again as their leafy portion. The lower leafits
are deltoid, and have egg-shaped divisions, cut down to
the stalk in the lower part, with oblong, unequal-sided,
deeply-toothed segments of a leathery texture and wedge-
shaped at the base. The fertile fronds are so much
contracted that there is very little membrane left between
the sori, which are one line across and have a singlar
covering somewhat resembling a purse. D. Culcita (usually
called Balantium culcita), although a very strong grower,
produces comparatively few roots; these are of a tough,
wiry nature, and seem to delight in an open compost
made of two parts peat and one part chopped sphagnum,
without any sand. The soil should at all times be kept
very moist. Although spores are produced in great abun-
dance, we have no knowledge of any young plants having
ever been artificially raised in this country.
D. Lathami.
This noble greenhouse Fern is the only instance known
at present of an artificially-produced hybrid of arborescent
habit. It was raised at the Birmingham Botanic Gardens
by Mr. Latham, who states that it is the result of a
cross effected between D. antarctica and D. arborescens.
It certainly possesses all the characters of a plant inter-
mediate between these two species, and appears to have
retained the exceptionally robust nature of the latter,
combined with the elegant character of the former.
D. Schiedei.
One of the most beautiful of all known Tree Ferns,
and very distinct. Though it thrives fairly well in a
conservatory, it prefers stove temperature, being a native
of Guatemala and of Mexico. The very elegantly-drooping
fronds, oblong-triangular in shape, are frequently seen
measuring from 6ft. to 10ft. in length. They are tri-
pinnate, are borne on stout, brownish stalks of a very
hairy nature, and rise from a crown that is densely
covered with long, silky, shining brown hairs. The oblong-
spear-shaped leaflets, lft. to 2ft. long and ending in a
very narrow point, are furnished with short-stalked, narrow
leafits cut down quite to the stalk below; these are again
sub-divided into closely-set, somewhat sickle-shaped, toothed
segments, upon each of which four to six spore masses
are disposed parallel with the edge. The sori are peculiar,
inasmuch as the inner valve of the involucre overtops the
outer one. This species is highly decorative, and all the
more attractive as its fronds, of a somewhat leathery
texture, are of a pale yellowish-green above and beneath
P
DICKSONIA— continued,
very glaucous, with which the colour of the conspicuous
spore masses forms a pleasing contrast.
D. squarrosa.
very handsome, arborescent, greenhouse species,
native of New Zealand and Chatham Island. It is particu-
larly attractive on account of its slender, black or very
dark-coloured trunk, which frequently produces young
plants on its surface. The habit of its head is also
peculiar and very effective: it is quite flat, and is formed
of a quantity of rigid, leathery fronds, dark shining green
on their upper surface, paler beneath, and borne on short
and comparatively slender, dark purplish or blackish stalks
that are covered with raised points and blackish hairs.
These fronds are oblong-triangular and tripinnate; their
numerous oblong-spear-shaped leaflets, 9in. to ldin. long
and 4in. to 6in. broad, are furnished with nearly stalkless
leafits, which in their turn are divided into spear-shaped
segments, the barren ones toothed, the fertile ones much
smaller, deeply pinnatifid, and contracted. The sori are
disposed six to eight on the lower segments, the whole
of which they occupy, with the exception of the midrib
and the tip. The trunk of this species, being naturally
of a very dry nature, must be carefully kept moist.
DICTYOGRAMME. See Gymnogramme.
DICTYOPTERIS. See Polypodium.

DIDYMOCHLAENA.
Only a couple of species are embraced in this
genus, both being of tree-like habit. They
are very ornamental, stove Ferns, and especially is
this the case with D. lunulata, which is most com-
monly met with in collections. They are of easy
cultivation, although it is nothing unusual to see
their leafits fall of, leaving the stalks naked; that
eenerally happens when the plants have suffered
from want of water at the roots; but although un-
sightly for a time when in such condition, they
soon recover under liberal treatment. The plants
should be potted in a mixture of two parts of good
fibrous peat and one of loam, with a good dash of
silver sand, and be thoroughly well drained;
although they naturally grow in places that are
constantly moist, stagnancy at the roots must be
A Dictionary of Choice Ferns. 2iI
carefully avoided. The spores, which are produced

in abundance, germinate freely, and produce young
plants in a remarkably short space of time.
D. lunulata.
This very handsome stove Fern, extensively known in
gardens also under the name of D. truncatula, is a native
of Tropical America. It is entirely distinct from any
other Fern in cultivation, its general aspect being that of
a tree-like Adiantum, for its pinnules are shaped like
those of several Maidenhair Ferns, and the bright metallic
colour which adorns its fronds in their young stage helps
to make the illusion more complete. The fronds are, how-
ever, provided with thick, fleshy stalks, and their leafy
portion, at first of a crimson-bronze tint, which gradu-
ally turns to a vivid, glossy green, are of a fleshy texture
unknown among Adiantums, to which the resemblance is
thus much more apparent than real. This Fern might be
extensively used for outdoor sub-tropical decorations from
mid-June to mid-September, the experiments which have
been tried in that respect in France and in Belgium having
proved very satisfactory. It has a very disagreeable way
of losing its pinnules; but these drop off only when the
plant has been allowed to get dry at the roots.
D. truncatula.
A synonym of D. lunulata.
DIPLAZIUM. Sce Asplenium.
DISPHENIA. § Sce Cyathea.
DOODIA.
Although not an extensive genus, Doodia is very
rich in decorative Ferns of small habit, as, with the
exception of one species, all are of dwarf growth;
they are, nevertheless, found very useful, especially
for Fern-cases and for edgings of window-boxes
filled with taller-growing kinds. Some Doodias
grow more luxuriantly in a stove temperature, and
produce more massive foliage under such treatment,
but none of them actually require great heat; the
cool and intermediate houses are the places suitable
to all of them. They are also very useful for form-
ing an undergrowth in cool houses devoted to either
Palms, Orchids, or other flowering subjects; the more
so as they are naturally clean plants, and they bear
fumigation without injury. D. caudata is perhaps
the most generally useful of all the species for this
Pie
purpose. Doodias, when planted under or grown

amongst other plants, bear with impunity the syring-
ings that may be found necessary to the welfare of
the latter, or do equally well without, as the case
may be. ‘They should be potted in a compost of
three parts of peat and one of silver sand: while a
little chopped sphagnum forms a valuable addition.
The drainage, especially when they are grown in
Fig. 90. Doodia aspera multifida, a variety with gracefully

drooping fronds, several times forked at their extremity.
pots, must not be overlooked, as they are very

sensitive to the effects of stagnant water. None of
them like exposure to the full rays of the sun.
Doodias are invariably propagated by means of
their spores, which are produced in abundance, and
sverminate very freely, but they may also be increased
by the division of the crowns in early spring.
DOO DIA — continued 2

D. aspera.
This pretty, evergreen, greenhouse species, of erect
habit, is a native of Temperate Australia. It is easily
distinguished from all other known species by the harsh
and rigid nature of the dark-coloured stalks of its fronds.
The fronds, which are abundantly produced from a short-
creeping rhizome, are oblong-spear-shaped, 6in. to 18in.
long, 2in. to 4in. broad, and pinnatifid; the numerous
long and narrow leaflets have their margins strongly
toothed and their base dilated, the lower ones dwindling
to mere auricles. They are of a particularly tough tex-
ture, and while in a young state, and until quite
developed, are of a very beautiful purplish-metallic hue,
which gradually turns to the darkest green. The oblong
sori are disposed in one or two rows, the inner situated
at a short distance from the midrib. Two remarkably
pretty and distinct varieties have been produced in D. a.
corymbifera, a plant of stiff, erect habit, with fronds seldom
attaining more than half the dimensions of those of the
type, and densely crested at their extremity; and D. a.
multifida, in which the fronds, instead of being erect, like
those of the type, are elegantly drooping, and instead of
being densely crested, like those of the foregoing variety,
are several times forked at their extremity (Fig. 90); their
leaflets show the same character. Both these varieties,
the latter of which reproduces itself freely and true from
spores, the foliage, of a beautiful claret colour when young,
gradually assumes a copper tint and changes to a dark
green with age.
D. caudata. ;
An easily-cultivated, greenhouse species, which comes
up readily in crevices and on pots in all Ferneries where
one plant of it has been once introduced; it is a native
of Australia, Tasmania, and New Zealand. Speaking of
this plant, Dr. Hooker, in his “Flora of New Zealand,’
says: “It is very closely allied to D. media, and probably
a variety of it, but more flaccid, the fronds often prostrate,
pinnate nearly to the top, fertile more distinct from the
barren, and longer.’’ D. c. conflwens (identical with
D. linearis of J. Smith) differs from the type in having
narrow-linear fronds, the upper part of which is un-
divided, while only the lower third is sinuate and pin-
natifid; their lobes are rounded, and the lowest ones are
very distinct. It is a native of New Caledonia and Australia.
D. linearis.
Synonymous with D. caudata confluens.
DOODIA—continued.
D. lunulata.
A synonym of D. media.
D. media. |
A very pretty greenhouse species, native of Australia
and New Zealand, and also known as D. lunulata. It has
spear-shaped fronds lft. to 14ft. long, ldin. to 3in. broad,
and borne on slender, smooth stalks of a delicate pink
colour, 4in. to 6in. long, and scaly at the base. These
fronds, which when young are of a delicate red colour,
are of a slenderer and more pendulous habit than those of
any other Doodia. They are furnished with numerous
narrow leaflets, which in the barren ones are _ usually
bluntish at the point and finely toothed at the margins;
the upper ones are dilated and connected at the base,
while those below the middle are heart-shaped and even
eared on the upper side. The fertile fronds, which are
usually longer, have their leaflets much narrower, almost
linear, except at their base, where they are pinnatifid or
eared above and below. The texture of both kinds of
fronds is somewhat leathery, and the short, oblong sori
are disposed in one or two rows, with a considerable
space between the inner one and the midrib. The whole
plant is of a bushy habit, the fronds being produced
from a close, compact crown. There are several varieties
in commerce, one of the most distinct being D. m. Kun-
thiana from the Sandwich Islands.
DORYOPTERIS. Sce Pteris.
DRYNARIA. See Polypodium.
ELAPHOGLOSSUM. See Acrostichum.
GLEICHENIA.
The plants comprised in this genus, popularly
known as Umbrella and Bead Ferns, may _ be
differentiated from all other Ferns by their mode of
erowth. From the centre of each frond develops a
bud that gives birth to a pair of fronds, in all re-
spects identical with the one from which they were
evolved. The genus is divided into two sections—
EKugleichenia and Mertensia.
In the majority of cases cool treatment is the
most suitable for these plants, and that with very
few exceptions they fare best in a house where during
the winter the temperature falls as low as 4ddeg.
_ In fact, most, if not all, of the failures experienced

in the early attempts at cultivating these charming
plants may be traced to growing them in too much
heat—treatment which caused them to make stunted
growths, generaliy full of thrips and scale. Be-
sides the house being at most what is usually called
intermediate, it should also be lght and well
ventilated. Bright lght is indispensable; they will
even withstand a little sunshine during the morning
and the afternoon, and be benefited by 1t. Light, in
fact, is of such importance that if a plant in perfect
health be placed under, say, ‘Tree Ferns, or
under any other plant that will permanently shade.
it, it will soon start on a retrograde march, and
show by its spindly growth that it does not at all
appreciate the presence of neighbours taller than
itself. It is also worthy of note that success cannot
reasonably be expected unless these plants are in a
perfect state of cleanliness. ,
The section that includes such plants as the
elegant G. circinata and its varieties are very shallow
rooters, and when not planted out should be
grown in rough, sandy peat, in pans. ‘Their
rhizomes must be carefully kept on the surface by
being pegged on the potting material, which must be
made firm, if not altogether hard. Abundance of
pot-room is therefore indispensable. The pans
should be well drained, as, although Gleichenias
require liberal waterings, nothing is more injurious
to them than stagnant moisture at the roots.
In the Mertensia section that includes G. dicho-
toma and G. flabellata, &c., a compost of two
parts fibrous peat, one part fibrous loam, and one
of sand is preferable to the sandy peat recommended
for the others. They also require a quantity of
water at the roots, though stagnant moisture must
carefully be avoided. Plants of both sections are
always the better for being kept dry overhead.
Gleichenias in general propagate slowly. With the
exception of seedlings of G. circinata spelunce and
G. c. semi-vestita of commerce, and of G. rupestris,
the mode of increase has always been limited to the
division of clumps, an operation which is very

tedious, extremely hazardous, and seldom attended
with complete success.
G. circinata.
This elegant, greenhouse species, native of Australia,
Tasmania, New Zealand, New Caledonia, and Malacca,
is of particularly slender habit, with short and narrow
fronds borne on stems clothed with chaffy hairs of
A),
es : cz .
SS a 4 oD,
Sena %
Saet6,
Nae \ ’
D SS)
eS N i - ip
i}(}a
~< 7 (
Se A
Fig. 91. Gleichenia circinata Mendelli, a compact=-habited

very elegant Fern.
a reddish-brown colour. The lobes of their leaflets are

ovate or nearly round, especially when fertile, more or less
glaucous underneath, and have their margins slightly
rolled inwards. The sori are disposed in capsules three
or four together, and very abundantly produced. It is
also known as G. microphylla. Several very handsome
forms, considered in commerce as distinct species, are
only varieties of G. circinata. Of these the most distinct are:
G. c. Mendelli.
This differs from the type in being much more robust
in growth and of a thicker texture; in fact, it is a very
compact-habited plant (Fig. 91). The under-part of its
GLEICHENIA—continued.
lobes, which, instead of being circinate, are perfectly flat, —
is of a beautiful silvery colour. This variety is also
known in gardens under the name of G. c. glauca.
G. c. semi-vestita.
A handsome, stove variety, native of New Caledonia
and Malacca, differing from the species, and also from
its other forms, by its close habit and very erect mode of
erowth.
G. c. spelunce.
Perhaps this rare, large-growing and essentially distinct
variety is the most handsome and decorative of the whole
group of plants with beaded fronds. It is a native of
New South Wales and Tasmania, and is easily recognised
by its pendent but not curving fronds, which are produced
in abundance and divided into elegantly-arching or pen-
dulous leaflets, loosely and gracefully set.
G. dicarpa.
An elegant and equally variable greenhouse species,
native of Australia and Tasmania, where it is very abun-
dant, and also of the Isle of Pines and of New Caledonia.
It is distinguishable from all the other species belonging
to the same section by its graceful fronds, of variable
length, being repeatedly divided in two only, the leaflets
being again pinnatifid, and by their lobes or segments
being small, round, deeply pouched, pale green below, and
of a dark shining green above. The sori consist of two
capsules, concealed in the almost slipper-shaped lobes, and
are mixed with rusty-coloured hairs which often extend
to the stalks. In commerce there are several very hand-
some forms of this variable species, the most noteworthy
of which is G. d. longipinnata, a remarkably handsome,
ereenhouse form, which must not be confounded with
G. longipinnata of Hooker (a variety of G. pubescens); it
is a native of Tasmania, whence it is occasionally imported
among plants of the typical species. The fronds, which are
longer than those of the type, and of an_ exceedingly
eraceful habit, have their pendulous leaflets formed of
numerous small and very deeply-pouched segments, the
pouching being caused by the recurving of their edges.
G. dichotoma.
This handsome, distinct, stove species is one of the
most widely distributed of the whole group, being found
in tropical and sub-tropical regions in the New and in
the Old World, in the Pacific Islands, and as far north
as Japan. On account of this extensive distribution, it
GLEICHENIA—continued. -
is very variable in size as well as in the shape of its
leaflets, which are sometimes 13{t. long and 6in. broad,
but frequently only 5in. long and 2in. broad. In some
cases they are more or less woolly beneath, but they are
generally smooth, bright green above, and very glaucous
underneath. Occasionally also the lowest pair of the lobes
of which they are composed are much elongated, reflected,
and pinnatifid, and the species is distinguished at first
sight by the pairs of accessory leaflets which are invari-
ably present at the base of the forks. G. dichotoma is a
solitary species in its section, not only on account of the
peculiar formation of its fronds, but also because it is
perhaps the only species provided with wiry, creeping
rhizomes of the smooth, shining nature of those of the
plants with beaded leaflets. The sori, according to Lowe,
consist of from ten to twelve capsules, punctiform and
naked. G. Hermann and G. rufinervis are synonymous
with this species.
G. fiabellata.
No doubt this is the most popular and best-appreciated
of all those belonging to its section. It is a native of
Australia and Tasmania, New Zealand, and New Cale-
donia, and it is a greenhouse Fern of robust, erect habit,
making a magnificent specimen. The handsome, fan-shaped
fronds, produced from thick, underground rhizomes of
a woody nature, are very proliferous and two or three
times forked, thus producing a whorl of spear-shaped,
ascending leaflets furnished with comb-like leafits and ter-
minating in a tail-like process. These leafits or seg-
ments are very narrow and of a bright green colour on
both surfaces. The sori consist of from one to four naked
spore cases disposed on each side of the midvein. The
stalks are stout, of a dark colour, and it is not unusual
to see specimens 6ft. in height and 6ft. through.
G. Hermanni.
A synonym of G. dichotoma.
G. microphylla,
A synonym of G. circinata.
G. rufinervis.
Synonymous with G. dichotoma.
G. rupestris.
A rare and very handsome greenhouse species, native
of New South Wales and Port Jackson, somewhat allied
to G. circinata, but of denser and more symmetrical
GLEICHENIA— continued. | :
habit; it is distinct from most other plants of the same
section through the leathery texture of its foliage and the
reddish-purple tint or prune-colour of the stalks of its
fronds. There is a pretty variety in G. r. glaucescens, in
which the fronds are of the same dimensions as in the
type, but their leafy portion is of thicker texture, and
their glaucous colour, besides being more conspicuous, is
not confined to the under-part only, but spreads all over
the surface, and forms a striking contrast with the reddish-
purple tint of the stalks.
GONIOPHLEBIUM. Sce Polypodium.
GONIOPTERIS. See Polypodium.

GYMNOGRAMME.
This somewhat extensive genus contains the
majority of what are popularly known as the Gold
and Silver Ferns, the under-side of the foliage of
many of them being covered with farina of a colour
varying from the purest white to shades of yellow.
Sometimes plants are found that bear fronds suf-
fused with white and yellow powder at the same
time: this may frequently be observed in forms
derived from the calomelanos type, which also some-
times produce fronds provided with the usual
covering on one half, whereas the other portion is
quite destitute of such powder. In some species the
powder is practically confined to the stalks—in G.
decomposita (Fig. 92) for instance.
The distinctive characters of the genus reside
in the naked nature and in the disposition of the
sori, which arise from the veins of the under-surface
of the fronds; in their form, which 1s linear or linear-
oblong, and either simple or forked; and in their
being irregularly scattered over the entire under-
surface of the fronds. They are situated along the
veins between the base and the apex, and usually
occupy almost the whole length of the minor veins.
After a time they become confluent, and when this
occurs the proper distribution and arrangement of
the spore masses are no longer apparent. ‘The genus
as it is now accepted embraces many plants which
formerly were classed under different generic names,
as follows:—Ceropteris, Dictyogramme, Eugymno-

gramme, Leptogramme, Selliguea, and Syngramme.
All the species of Gymnogrammes are very
ornamental, and the majority of them may be
Fig. 92. Gymnogramme decomposita, a

species in which the powdering is
practically confined to the stalks.
successfully grown in hanging baskets. Where

practicable, this method of culture is really the most
suitable, as Gymnogrammes are fond of light and
also of a drier atmosphere than that found in the
ordinary Fernery or the warm plant-house. How-
ever, owing to their great size and robust growth,

some kinds may only be grown in pots.
Gymnogrammes should be firmly potted in lght
material, made up of two parts fibrous peat, one of
leaf mould, or the same quantity of finely-chopped
sphagnum, and one of silver sand. Those grown in
pots should not be mixed among other Ferns, but be
kept by themselves and out of reach of the water
from the syringe, as they not only suffer from the
effects of watering overhead, but also present a
wretched appearance, the white or yellow meal
being easily displaced by the slightest sprinkling.
Then, too, accumulations of water in the crests of
the fronds will cause damping off in winter. This is
particularly so with the beautiful form G. calomel-
anos chrysophylla Parsons. This needs to be kept
in a very dry place, and as close to the light as
possible. They grow very well and get much “better
coloured if kept without, or with only very light,
shading, the hght, however strong, never being too
much for them, provided they have been accustomed
to it from the first, and that plenty of ventilation is
afforded. Although particularly fond of a dry
atmosphere, Gymnogrammes are plants that suffer
very much if water at the roots is not freely
administered. They are readily propagated from
spores.
G. calomelanos.
This very handsome, robust-growing, and extremely
variable, stove species, is a native of the West Indies; also
of the Tropical West African Islands. The oblong-triangu-
lar fronds, lft. to 3ft. long and 6in. to 12in. broad, are
borne on firm, very nearly black, shining, tufted stalks 6in.
to 12in. long. These fronds spring from all round the crown
of the rhizome, bending outwards, and leaving the plant
very hollow in the centre. The spear-shaped leaflets, often
cut down quite to the midrib, are closely set, 6in. long and
13in. to 2in. broad; they are divided into distinct, toothed
leafits, of a somewhat leathery texture, dull green on the
upper side, but entirely covered underneath with creamy-
white farinose powder. The sori are branched, oblique,
and confluent, nearly covering each segment.
Inder this species are now included as forms many
plants that in catalogues are usually regarded as species.
GYMNOGRAMME — continued.
The more noteworthy are: G.c. chrysophylla (aptly called by
Lowe the “king of the Gold Ferns’’); G. c. c. Alstonie
(nearly all of whose leaflets are turned upwards and grace-
fully incurved, the upper side of the fronds appearing as if
dotted with golden globules); G. ¢. c. grandiceps (a beau-—
tiful crested form); G. c. c. Laucheana and the gigantic
GPS
; cy
4 iA SSS
Si = by e .
LACv x We WP2 WE
Wa~ — <7v7 r x SH
Ae
Fig. 93. Gymnogramme calomelanos peruviana, a rather

striking and graceful form.
form (gigantea); G.c.c. L. grandiceps (the most striking of all

known Gold Ferns); G.c.c¢. Parsonsu (a beautifully-crested
dwarf form, of upright habit); G. c. peruviana (Fig. 93),
G. c. p. argyrophylla (the finest of all Silver Ferns, being
thickly coated with white meal); and G. c. p. Mayu (fronds
surfaced with pale yellow powder).
G. dealbata.
Synonymous with G. tartarea.
GYMNOGRAMME— continued.
G. decomposita.
This finely-divided, strong-growing, stove species, native
of South America, regarded by some as a natural hybrid
between G. Pearce: and G. calomelanos chrysophylla, and
by others as a species, is a remarkably handsome and totally
distinct Fern, with somewhat the habit of G@. pulchella, but
when in a young state much more finely divided and scantily
furnished with powder: this powder is white, or nearly so,
but as the plant gets older it becomes of a bright yellow
and covers the stalks, but seldom extends to the leafy
portion of the fronds, in this respect resembling the finely-
cut G. Pearcer. Its fronds are quadripinnatifid, and their
closely-set and triangular leaflets are longest at the base of
the frond; these leaflets have a peculiarly elegant aspect .
(Fig. 92), being divided into small leaflets, that in turn are
sub-divided into several minute, finger-like lobes. The
slender and conspicuous sori are confluent where the lobes
joi, running up into them. The plant reproduces itself
freely from spores.
G. japonica.
This interesting and highly-decorative, greenhouse
species, usually known under the name of Dictyogramme
japonica, is, as its name implies, a native of Japan, though
hardly distinct in general appearance from G. javanica (Fig.
94). When first introduced, it was expected to become a
cood evergreen Fern for outdoor culture. As a matter of
fact, it will only bear a few degrees of frost, and can hardly
be called an evergreen, as the old fronds, although dying
down gradually, have all disappeared by the time the new
ones make their appearance. The general aspect of the
plant is that of a broad-leaved Pteris cretica of a very dark
colour and stiff habit. It is a great lover of moisture, and
to do well requires a quantity of water at the roots all the
year round. The soil which suits it best is a mixture of
about equal quantities of peat and fibrous loam. The plant
has a great antipathy to being potted hard, and particularly
dislikes water on the fronds, which turn black in a very
short time if subjected to frequent syringings.
G. Muelleri.
An interesting species, from Northern Australia, suited
for either a cool or a warm house. When young it
resembles Aspleniwm Ceterach, but very different therefrom
when old. Its fronds, 4in. to 10in. long, and lin. to 33in.
broad, borne on wiry stalks 3in. to 4in. long, are thick
and leathery, and the under-surface, like the stalks, is
thickly clothed with rusty-brown scales.
GY MNOGRAMME— continued.
G. Pearcei robusta.
Like the type, from which it is an accidental seedling,
this variety has somewhat deltoid fronds of a dark green
colour and very finely cut, but narrower at the base and
more elongated towards the summit: in other respects it
Fig. 94. Gymnogramme javanica, a Fern that with difficulty

is differentiated from G. japonica.
is larger in all its parts. The lower portion of the stalks
and the crown itself are covered with white powder. Unlike
most Gymnogrammes, which have but a single crown, this
variety forms a tuft of crowns at the apex of the short stem,
from which many stalks arise, giving the plant a denser
habit and the appearance of being better furnished than
the original type.
GYMNOGRAMME— continued.
G. pulchella.
A very handsome, stove species, native of Venezuela,
and one which comes very near G. calomelanos peruviana,
from which, however, it is readily distinguished by its more
upright habit and by the shape of its fronds, which are borne
on firm stalks 6in. to 9in. long, of a dark chestnut-brown
colour and silvery.
G. p. Wettenhalliana,
This highly decorative variety, of garden origin, differs
from the type mainly in the crested form of its fronds, which
are of smaller dimensions, but otherwise very similar in
division. It does not come true from spores.
G. schizophylila.
This is a very distinct, stove species, native of Jamaica,
and one of the most attractive of Ferns. The fronds, which
are freely produced from a central crown, are borne on
slender, reddish-brown stalks; they average about 2ft. in
length and 6in. broad, and are elegantly arched on all
sides, which habit makes this one of the very best Ferns
for growing in suspended baskets. The ultimate segments
are very small, and their slightly-powdered under-surface
1s covered with the spore masses, which are disposed one
row to each segment. A very remarkable peculiarity in
this species consists in the forking of the stalk at about
two-thirds of its length in the leafy portion, where it pro-
duces a young plant. These little plants may be used for
propagation, as they root very freely when pegged down
on a mixture of peat, chopped sphagnum, and sand, in about
equal proportions.
G. s. gloriosa.
A beautiful garden form of the above, with fronds of
much larger dimensions and of a peculiarly feathery nature,
raised in France by Mr. Ch. Maron in 1881, and distributed
in 1883 by Linden as one of his introductions. It is also
of much more robust constitution, and. reproduces itself
true from spores, which are produced abundantly, and also
from young plants. The latter are found growing not only
at the extremity of the fronds, but even at the end of each
leaflet.
G. sulphurea.
This exquisitely beautiful, stove species, native of the
West Indies, is about the smallest-growing of all the Golden
Gymnogrammes with spear-shaped fronds. ‘The fronds,
which are 6in. to 12in. long and 3in. to 4in. broad, are ex-
tremely elegant, the leaflets being in pairs and set rather
Q
GYMNOGRAMME
— continued.
widely apart; those nearest the base of the frond are
smallest and of a triangular shape, and they gradually become
larger and more elongated as they become farther removed
from the crown from which they are produced, attaining
N SB i <
SNE. Ny
URN f
ES Vs
SMOAM)
wachINns WZ
A Ay
NN her
fa
N=;
in
aN (
Va.
iy = = ~
Fig. 95. Gymnogramme tartarea, one of the most popular

species Known to cultivation; the fronds beneath are
covered with snow-white powder.
their greatest length in the centre of the fronds. The

stalks are lin. to 6in. long, but generally short, slender,
of a chestnut-brown colour, and often powdery. The leafits
are fan-shaped, with undivided or cleft, wedge-shaped seg-
ments of a soft, papery texture, pale green above, and
GYMNOGRAMME— continued. |
profusely covered beneath with a brilliant sulphur-yellow,
farinose powder, of which there is also an_ occasional
sprinkling on the upper surface. The narrow, obliquely-
forked sori become, when fully mature, confluent, and nearly
cover the whole under-surface of the frond. It is more
difficult than other Gymnogrammes to grow from one year
to another. During the winter it must be kept as close to
the light as possible.
G. tartarea.
A very distinct and deservedly-popular, stove species,
also known in gardens as G. dealbata, native of Tropical
America. Its fronds are oblong-triangular, lft. to 2ft. long,
6in. to 12in. broad, and borne on firm stalks 6in. to 12in.
long, of a dark chestnut-brown colour, and scaly towards’
the base. They are twice divided nearly (not quite, as
appears to be the case in Fig. 95) to the midrib; of the
numerous spear-shaped leaflets, the lowest are the largest,
and all are divided into oblong, blunt leafits, entire or
nearly so, of a heavy, dull green colour on their upper sur-
face, but entirely covered beneath with snowy-white powder.
The abundant narrow spore masses are disposed along the
midvein, eventually becoming confluent; and being of a
very dark colour, as well as the stalks, form a striking
contrast with the pure white under-side of the fronds.
G. t. ochracea differs essentially from the type in the bright
yellow colour of the under-side of its fronds, which have
leafits very regular, and only the lowest distinctly toothed.
GYMNOPTERIS. See Acrostichum.
HEMIDICTYUM. See Asplenium.
HEMIONITIS.
This genus 1s composed exclusively of small-
crowing Ferns with peculiar-shaped fronds—hence
the popular name of Ivy-leaved Ferns. It forms a
small group of stove plants which are practically
confined to the Tropics, and which are readily distin-
cuished through their spore masses being disposed
in continuous rows along, and sometimes also
developed between, the veins, in which division they
are netted. Although some elght or nine species
are known and described, only three or four of them
are usually found in cultivation: these are easily-
grown plants of dwarf habit, very useful for decora-
tion and also for growing in Fern-cases, weet they
Q
thrive luxuriantly even if planted in moss only.

When grown in pots, all these singular Ferns require
is a mixture of two parts of fibrous soft peat, and
one part of sand, or where the peat obtainable is of
a somewhat close nature, the mixture is benefited by
ny hy
poe: Ue ye
thal
ee P eT UC
a \ Ge
7 EG Zi ;
an AG “OM MP? SS
Fig. 96. Hemionitis cordata, a stove species with distinctly

heart-shaped barren fronds and triangular fertile ones.
the addition of one part of chopped sphagnum. It

is essential, on account of the few roots which they
produce, that these plants should be kept in pots of
comparatively small dimensions and that thedrainage
should be perfect. All are liable to be attacked by
ereen-fly, which is easily destroyed by slight fumiga-
tions; thrips also may make their appearance on the
foliage, in which case the most efficacious treatment

consists in a dip in a slight solution of lemon oil.
The plants are readily propagated from spores, which
germinate freely, and also by means of the young
plants which most species produce at the base and
at the notches of the segments of the fronds. These
should be firmly laid on a surface of the soil
recommended above.
H. cordata. |
This very distinct, stove species (Fig. 96), native of
Ceylon, Moulmein, the Philippines, and also of various parts
of Peninsular India, is so very unlike any other known Fern
in general outline, ‘that it forms a striking contrast with
its associates wherever it is introduced. Its fronds, which-
are produced from an underground, creeping rhizome, are
of two kinds. The barren ones, 2in. to 3in. each way,
heart-shaped, bluntish at the point, and with rounded basai
lobes and a deep notch between them, are borne on dark
chestnut-brown, glossy stalks 2in. to 4in. long. The fertile
fronds have their lobes much sharper, the whole leafy por-
tion being nearly triangular; these are borne on stalks
similar to those of the barren fronds, but often lft. long.
Both kinds are of a somewhat leathery texture, smooth and
dark green on the upper surface, whereas their under-side,
which is slightly hairy and of a paler colour, is completely
covered with sori, that are narrow at first, but eventually
become confluent. The barren fronds are proliferous at
their base, where one or several little bulbils are produced,
and by means of these the species may easily be propagated.
H. palmata.
This dwarf-growing and thoroughly distinct, stove
species, native of the West Indies and Mexico, is generally
known by the appropriate name of “Ivy-leaved Fern,’’ its
palmate fronds, 2in. to 6in. each way, being composed of
five nearly equal divisions; but there the comparison ends,
for they are covered on both sides with rusty-coloured hairs,
which extend all along the stalks. The fertile fronds,
which have their divisions more sharply defined, are borne
on glossy, dark chestnut-brown stalks 6in. to 12in. long
and upright; whereas the barren ones, with lobes shorter,
blunter, and less divided, are borne on similar stalks, but
only 2in. to 4in. long, and their habit is horizontal: both
kinds are of a soft, papery texture and pale green in colour.
The narrow sori are disposed all along the veins, and are
so copious as eventually to become confluent. Fig. 29, p. 40.
HYMENODIUM. See Acrostichum.
HYMENOPHYLLUM.
The chief characteristic of Filmy Ferns in
general has already been alluded to in the first part
of this book. So far as this genus is concerned, with
the exception of H. fuciforme and H. pulcherrimum, .
nearly all the species at present known are of creep-
ing habit, and, being provided with shallow-
rooting rhizomes, they succeed best when growing
on the surface of a rock and allowed to run under
the moss which covers it. They are particularly
well adapted for growing in Fern-cases in towns;
they are all the more valuable by reason of their
foliage, though apparently of a delicate nature, not
being, like that of most other Ferns, affected by the
London fogs.
Hymenophyllums require but little light and
only a small depth of soil, as their slender, mostly
wiry, rhizomes, have the greatest objection to
being buried. When the plants are cultivated in
pots or in pans the compost should be made of sandy
peat, chopped sphagnum, and small pieces of sand-
stone, in about equal parts, with an additional
sprinkling of coarse crock dust, the whole being made
so hight and permeable as to be prevented under any
circumstances from ,becoming sour through the
accumulated moisture resulting from the repeated
sprinklings and waterings necessary to produce con-
densation. Some species, especially among the most
dwarf-growing kinds, succeed best when established
on a piece of sandstone without any other material.
Hymenophyllums are propagated but slowly
by spores—a fact which no doubt accounts for their
prices remaining higher than those of ordinary
Ferns. They are, however, commonly increased by
the division of their rhizomes, an operation which is
safe enough, although it is one requiring a little
patience. Draughts must be carefully avoided at
all times of the year, and air should only be very
sparingly admitted into the case.
H. caudiculatum.
This large, erect-growing species is a native of Peru,
Chili, and Brazil, where it is found growing on mossy trees
HYMENOPHY
LLUM— continued.
and among decaying vegetable matter. It is undoubtedly
cne of the handsomest and most striking of cultivated
Hymenophyllums. The very translucid, erect, smooth, and
shining fronds, 6in. to 15in. long, 2in. to 3in. broad, broadly
spear-shaped, and three times divided nearly to the midrib,
are borne on upright stalks 4din. to 6in. long, of a wiry
nature, and broadly winged almost to the base. The leaflets
are spear-shaped, and, as is also the case with the
fronds, tailed at the extremity (hence the specific name);
the lower ones, often 2in. long, are divided down to a broad,
central rachis, their lower leafits being again cleft nearly
to the midrib, while the upper ones are simple or only
forked. The sori, two to twelve to a leaflet, are placed at
the extremity of the segments on both sides; they are pro-
vided with a very large covering, divided nearly to the
base, with valves twice as broad as deep and bluntly toothed.
H. chiloense.
This real gem among Filmy Ferns is a small, pendent,
tufted species which, in Southern Chili and in Chiloe, is
said to form a dense carpet over trees and rocks alike. Its
pretty little fronds, triangular or broadly spear-shaped,
seldom more than 2in. long and lin. broad, are of a dull
green colour, with very conspicuous, dark veins covering
their entire surface; they are bipinnatifid, their leaflets
being regularly ciliated on the margin with short, strong
hairs, and their under-surface slightly hairy. The sori are
placed singly at the base of the leaflets on the upper side,
divided about half-way down, with a wedge-shaped base
free or sunk in the frond, and half-rounded, strongly-ciliated
valves.
H. demissum.
This species, native of New Zealand, Fiji, Java, and
the Philippine and adjacent Polynesian Islands, is perhaps
the most decorative and the easiest-grown of the entire
genus, and is so well appreciated as to be found in every
collection where an attempt at the cultivation of Filmy
Ferns is made. Its fine fronds (Fig. 97), 4in. to 12in. long,
din. to 4in. broad, and broadly triangular, are borne on
upright, firm, wingless stalks 4in. to 6in. long, and of a wiry
nature; they are three or four times divided nearly to the
midrib, and their lower leaflets, 2in. to 3in. long, are cut
down very nearly to the rachis on both sides into numerous
leafits, which are again divided into pinnatifid segments.
The sori are very numerous, terminal and axillary on the
segments on both sides, and provided with a covering that
is divided nearly to the base and has egg-shaped, entire or
HYMENOPHYLLUM—continued.
toothed valves. No Hymenophyllum is more effective
than this species; it is a suitable companion for the
Killarney Fern, with which, under cultivation, it is often
found.
H. dichotomum,
This pretty, dwarf-growing species, native of Juan
‘Fernandez and Chili, where it
grows on mossy trees, is par-
ticularly striking on account
of the beautifully-crisped and
transparent characters of its
ty Ntiake WINS finely-divided foliage, which
AN Nae Vg eke distinguish it at first sight
WAY ake Wels VAR
ON oh) jes BY sight from any other species.
Sy 1_\ WA SS ! BONSS.
S
ren We AY Ze
VEZ
Basie It delights in sending its tiny
ANA:NG x AEASE LS
NS
rhizomes through a coating of
VV j \Vy 7 SY IS
Ven) | fap
Van)
Vol Pee
ap
7 iEZ
LF p> *
moss covering either a piece
pala ROKR of rock or a block of wood or
May
, Y E
ESS Tree Fern.
H, flabelfatum.
This lovely species, also
known under the names of
IT. nitens and H. nitidum,
is a native of Australia, Tas-
mania, and New Zealand,
where it grows pendent from
trunks of Tree Ferns and
other trees, also from holes
in rocks and roots of trees.
It is very. variable in size,
compactness, and degree of
elongation of its _ fronds,
which are of a peculiar, glis-
a}
tening, bright green hue, the
Fig. 97. Frond and Portion of
same tint being found in both
Rhizome of Hymenophyl- young and old fronds. Ac-
lum demissum, one of the cording to the variety, the
most decorative of the
whole genus. fronds are from 4in. to 12in.
long, 2in. to 4in. broad, and
borne on firm, erect, smooth stalks 2in. to 4in. long; they
are three times divided to the midrib, and somewhat re-
semble those of H. demissum in outline, but are more spear-
shaped, and their leaflets, instead of being smooth, have
a crisped appearance, produced by a contraction which is
natural to them.
HYMENOPHY
LLUM — continued.
H. Forsterianum.
This beautiful species was accidentally introduced 1uto
this country growing among some clumps of Cattleyas im-
ported from Brazil. At first sight it seems intermecl'ate
between H. caudiculatum. and H. dilatum, its large,
handsome fronds, lift. long and fully 6in. broad, being
borne on stalks which are 6in. to 8in. long, conspicuously
winged to the very base, .and measure in the leafy portion
quite iin. in breadth. Their fronds are tripimnatifid, the
leaflets, 3in. long, and not tailed like those of H. caudicu-
latum, as well as their segments, being of a light green
colour, closely set, and prettily undulated. The sori, two
to six only on a leaflet, are terminal at the summit of the
segments on the upper side only, and are provided with a.
very large covering, that is divided nearly to the base, and
has broad, entire valves smooth on the edges. This is a
very free-growing plant, whose wiry rhizomes are par-
ticularly fond of moss and decaying vegetable matter.
H. nitens.—
A synonym of H. flabellatum.
H. nitidum.
A synonym of H. flabellatum.
H. tunbridgense.
Though one of the smallest-growing species, the Tun-
bridge Wells Filmy Fern is also one of the most interesting.
It is not only in the British Isles that H. tunbridgense is
indigenous, for it is of a very cosmopolitan habit, being often
imported from Madeira and the Azores, where it frequently
covers the short trunks of Dicksonia (Balantium) culita.
It is reported from the Mauritius, Jamaica, Venezuela.
Guatemala, and the Peruvian Andes; it has also been
found in Ceylon, on the Himalayas, &. It is a
compact, elegant little plant, with tiny, thread -like
rhizomes of a very wiry nature, producing little fronds
oblong-spear-shaped (Fig. 13, p. 18), lin. to 3in. long,
4in. to lin. broad, and furnished with somewhat fan-
shaped leaflets, divided nearly to the midrib on _ their
upper side. The sori, which are stalkless and usually
solitary in the axils of the narrow segments, are provided
with a nearly round, two-valved covering, that is copiously
toothed on the upper margin. Unfortunately, it is one of
the most difficult of all Hymenophyllums to manage. It
dislikes water over the fronds, and thrives well either in
a mixture of equal parts peat and silver sand or on a block
of sandstone, the principal object being to have it pressed
hard on to the material upon which it is intended to grow.
HYPOLEPIS.
This genus, closely allied to Cheilanthes, as it
is accepted now, comprises only about a dozen species
of Ferns of medium and large dimensions, all
furnished with creeping rhizomes. The distinctive
characters of the plants reside in the non-confluent
nature of their uniform, roundish, marginal, small
sorl, and in their invariably being placed in the
notches of the ultimate divisions of the frond; also
in the involucre, of the same shape as the sorus
which it covers, being membranous in texture and
formed out of the reflexed margin. All the species
require either stove or greenhouse temperature.
They are highly ornamental when planted in the
rockery, for which purpose they are most useful, as
they thrive best when associated with stones, over |
and amongst which their creeping rhizomes delight
to run, although they do not cling thereto. All are
of easy culture, and when kept in pots should be
orown 1n rough peat with a good sprinkling of small
stones and silver sand, as they require an abundant
supply of water at the roots at all times of the year.
On that account also it is indispensable that the
drainage of either the pots or the part of the rockery
in which they are planted should be perfect, any
- deficiency in this respect producing most disastrous
results. Hypolepises should be grown in a fairly
shaded position, as the rays of the sun are hurtful to
their foliage, which in most instances is of a soft,
papery texture. All the species may be propagated
from spores; but they are usually increased by the
division of their rhizomes, this being a quicker and
less troublesome mode of reproduction.
H. Bergiana.
This well-marked, greenhouse species is a native of
South Africa, and one of the handsomest. Its beautiful,
triangular, quadripinnatifid fronds are of a _ peculiarly
upright habit; they are from 1ft. to 14ft. long, 6in. to Qin.
broad, and borne on strong, tufted, upright stalks, 1)ft. to
2ft. long, dark chestnut-brown in colour, and woolly through-
out. The leaflets are also triangular, and their leafits, of
a similar shape, are further divided into egg-shaped seg-
ments din, to 2in. long and tin. to din. broad, with oblong,
A Dictiénary of Choice Ferns. 235
HYPOLEPIS — continued.
bluntly-toothed ultimate divisions, which give the plant a
very elegant appearance. The leafy portion of the fronds
is of a peculiarly thin, papery texture, and bright shining
green in colour, and the rachis is of a rigid nature, zig-zag,
dark brown and woolly. The under surface of the frond is
hairy throughout. The very small sori, produced in great
abundance, are placed in the sides of the lobes of the seg-
ments or ultimate divisions.
This species is singularly pro-
lific.
H. repens. Ts
Although somewhat
coarse-growing, this stove
species, native of Tropical
America, is a robust, hand-
some plant, with fronds 3ft.
to 4ft. long, quadripinnatifid,
produced from a wide-creep-
ing rhizome, and borne on
strong, upright stalks lft. to
2ft. long, straw-coloured, and
more or less densely prickly.
The lower leaflets (Fig. 98),
lft. to 2ft. long and Gin. to
12in, broad, are divided into
‘spear-shaped leafits 6in. long,
ok to an. -bread,. with
oblong -spear-shaped, blunt
segments, that are cut down
nearly to the midrib into
numerous bluntish lobes;
they are of a soft, papery
texture, and the sori, two to
six to a segment or lobe, are
placed in the notches. This
- species produces spores so |
freel~ that, when once ob- Fig.°98. Leaflet of Hypolepis
tained, it is almost impossible repens,a robust and hand -
to lose it; indeed, it becomes ae eg te wae
a troublesome weed, cover-
ing every Fern-pan, to the exclusion of all less robust
species.
LASTREA. Sce Nephrodium.
LEPICYSTIS. See Polypodium.
LEUCOSTEGIA. ‘ee Davallia.
LINDS/EA.. See Lindsaya.
235 Choice Ferns for Amateurs,
LINDSAYA,
Iindsaya (commonly called Lindswa) or
Dryander, is a large genus of stove and greenhouse
Ferns, very few of which are grown in this country.
Most of the species have one-sided leaflets of a
somewhat transparent though leathery texture,
approaching in shape a quarter of a circle. Lind-
sayas are readily distinguished through the sori,
marginal or nearly so, being placed at the summit
of and uniting two or more veins, and through their
being furnished with a double involucre opening
outwardly. As now made up the genus contains
Diellia, Eulindsaya, LIsoloma, Schizoloma, and
Synaphlebium. For a long time the requirements
of these Ferns were little understood. Of recent
years, however, owing to their being differently
created, some of the most interesting species have
been established in this country. Although they
require an abundance of water at the roots, perfect
drainage for Lindsayas cannot be too strongly in-
sisted upon, for they suffer considerably from the
effects of stagnant water—as much, in fact, as from
the want of atmospheric humidity. When properly
established, these plants should be potted in a
mixture of two parts turfy loam and one part fibrous
peat, with just a dash of sand; and only a little of
this mixture should be used in each pot, the greater
part of which should be filled with drainage
materials. They should then be either set on, or,
better still, plunged in, a bed of sphagnum, kept
close, and occasionally sprinkled overhead. Nearly
all the species thrive fairly well under such treat-
ment, although a few members of the genus, notably
those native of New Zealand, such as L. linearis
and L. trichomanoides, &c., naturally need a little
less heat. With the few exceptions indicated, all the
species require stove temperature. Lindsayas are
usually propagated by the division of their crowns or
of their rhizomes.
L. linearis.
This pretty, distinct, small, and rare greenhouse species,
native of Tasmania, New Zealand, and West Australia, has
LINDSAY A—continued.
much the smallest leaflets of the unbranched group. Its
fronds, which are produced from a creeping rhizome of a
wiry nature, are simply pinnate, 6in. to 12in. long, with
small, rigid, stalkless leaflets, often distinctly fan-shaped,
the upper edge of which is very slightly toothed; the lower
ones are arranged with a considerable space between them.
The sori are disposed in a continuous line along the upper
edge of the leaflets.
L. trichomanoides.
A distinct and pretty, dwarf-growing, greenhouse
species, native of New Zealand, Tasmania, and New South
Wales, with oblong fronds 4in. to 9in. long and 2in. to 3in.
broad, produced from a creeping rhizome ofa scaly nature,
and borne on slender, wiry stalks 4in. to 6in. long, of a.
chestnut-brown colour. The spear-shaped leaflets, 2in. to
din. long, are cut down quite to the midrib into wedge-
shaped leafits, which are again broadly lobed on the upper
edge; they are of a thin, papery texture, and of a very
pleasing bright green colour. The sori are disposed in a
continuous, marginal line.
LITOBROCHIA. ‘See Pteris.
LOMARIA.
An important genus (including Lomariopsis) of
stove, greenhouse, and hardy Ferns of world-wide
distribution, though its headquarters are situated in
the South Temperate zone. There is but one British
example, L. Spicant of Desvaux (or, as it 1s most
commonly called, Blechnum Spicant), but this has
produced many variations, some of which are quite
distinct from the typical plant.
While some few species need stove treatment,
the great bulk of them are greenhouse plants; and
some few are hardy. Lomarias must never be
“forced,” for, as soon as the temperature becomes
too high, thrips make their appearance; while, if
water overhead is used at all, the texture of the
foliage of most species is such that the fronds get
spotted. These remarks are applicable to nearly all
the species, large and small alike.
With regard to soil, this should consist of about
equal parts good fibrous loam, leaf-mould, and silver
sand. Where leaf-mould is not easily procurable,
an equal proportion of peat may be substituted, but

leaf-mould is best. A few of the smallest-growing
species—L. alpina, L. Germainit, and L. lanceolata,
are adapted for growing in Fern-cases. Several
species are also useful for room-decoration, the
principal among them being the well- known and
much- appreciated L. gibba, which for that purpose
is very extensively raised by our wholesale growers.
The slower-growing, but very compact, L. -ciliata
and L. discolor nuda are also highly decorative.
Although they will not bear being kept dry,
Lomarias do not require so much water at the roots
as do the majority of other Ferns. They should be
potted somewhat loosely, for they dislike the soil
being pressed hard into the pots. An excellent way
of making use of them is to plant them in dead
Tree-Fern stems. Remove the decayed or partly-
decayed matter from the centre of the stems, and
scoop them out sufficiently to accommodate a solitary
plant with a little meuld round it, in order to give it
a start; after that, keep the stem constantly moist,
and the result will be that in a short time the roots
of the transplanted Lomaria will have taken posses-
sion of the dead stem, in which they run apace.
Lomarias are almost invariably increased by means
of their spores.
L. alpina.
This pretty little evergreen, almost hardy Fern, of
smaller dimensions than our common L. Spicant, is a native
of Temperate South America, New Zealand, Tasmania, and
South Australia. As in the case of all other Lomarias, the
barren and the fertile fronds are totally distinct; both are
produced from a wide-creeping rhizome, clothed at the
crown with spear-shaped, rusty-brown scales. The barren.
ones, 4in. to 8in. long and 4in. to 3in. broad, are narrowly
spear-shaped, with closely-set, blunt leaflets (Fig. 99) 4in.
long, of a somewhat leathery texture, and of a bright
metallic hue when young, turning with age to a very dark
ereen colour. The fertile ones, borne on stalks 4in. to 8in.
long, have their leaflets narrower and more distant; these
do not share the changes of colour which affect the sterile
ones. Although it may in many sheltered places be treated
as a hardy Fern, this species succeeds best and remains
evergreen in the greenhouse. It is extremely useful for
LOMARIA— continued.
edging in the rockery or for planting in groups, making
patches of a metallic or dark green colour on, say, the point
of a rock, as it is a plant which requires very little soil in
which to grow.
L. attenuata.
This distinct and handsome species, of easy cultivation,
has a particularly wide range of habitat, being found in
America, the Polynesian, Norfolk, Mauritius, and Bourbon
Islands; Fernando Po, and Cape Colony. It is usually met
with growing wild, either on the sides of Tree Ferns or on
partly-decayed branches of trees. The barren fronds, lit.
to 3ft. long and very gradually narrowed downwards, are
furnished with numerous leaflets connected at the base, 3in.
N Y
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9 CANS
ASS
Fig. 99. Lomaria alpina, a nearly hardy evergreen species

very useful for Fern=-cases.
to 4in. long, }in. to 3in. broad, gradually narrowing towards

the point, which is sometimes bluntly toothed; they are of
a leathery texture, and when young are of a very pretty
rosy tint, but later on become dark green. The fertile fronds.
of a similar shape, are much smaller, their numerous leaflets
being very much contracted and of a uniform dark green
colour at all times. Both kinds of fronds are produced from
a stout, decumbent stem, densely clothed with narrow bright
brown scales, with which the crown also is entirely covered;
they are borne on upright stalks 4in. to 6in. long, naked
or but slightly scaly below. LZ. gigantea of Kaulfuss is
identical with this species.
L. Boryana.
Undoubtedly one of the most distinct species of the whole
genus; it is a decorative, greenhouse plant, native of the
West Indies, and in gardens is familiar under the synonyms
L. magellanica and L. zamioides. It is easily distinguished
from any other Lomaria by its extremely dense habit and
the succulent texture of its foliage. Although it hardly
grows to sufficient height to be classed among Tree Ferns,
it produces a stout, massive trunk or stem, from which
rise a quantity of sturdy, egg-shaped barren fronds lft. to
2ft. long, 6in. to 8in. broad, and having the general appear-
ance of Gamia-leaves. There are several acknowledged
varieties, the most distinct of which are L. B. cycadoides,
L. B. Dalgairnsie, and L. B. robusta.
L. crenulata.
A synonym of -L. Germainit.
L. discolor. | ae a |
A thoroughly distinct and beautiful greenhouse species,
native of Australia, Tasmania, and New Zealand, forms a
short, thick, tough, woody stem or trunk, bearing a massive
crown of gracefully-arching fronds. The barren ones are borne
on strong, black stalks 3in. to 6in. long, densely clothed
at the base with long, dark scales; they are lft. to 3ft.
long, 4in. to 6in. broad, and gradually narrowed at the
base. The numerous leaflets, 2in. to 3in. long and about
din. broad, are cut down nearly to the midrib, suddenly
narrowed towards the point, and wavy on their margin;
they are of a leathery texture, rich green above, and
pale whitish-green beneath. As is usual among Lomarias,
the fertile fronds are entirely different from the barren
ones, but in this case they are furnished with numerous
narrower and shorter leaflets, which, instead of being
contracted in their whole length, are like the barren ones
at the base of the fertile frond, above which part they
are very narrow; they are conspicuously dilated or widened
at the base, where they are connected with the midrib, a
character which gives the whole plant a unique appearance.
L. d. bipinnatifida.
This greenhouse variety, native of South Australia, is
certainly one of the most pleasing and attractive of
Lomarias in cultivation, not only on account of its lght,
cheerful colour, equally bright on both sides of the beauti-
fully-cut fronds, which in general appearance resemble
those of the Welsh Polypody (Polypodium vulgare cambri-
cum), but also owing to its drooping habit and other
characteristics perfectly distinct from those of the species
to which it is said to be related. It is a somewhat arbores-
cent Fern. As little artificial heat as possible, so as to
keep it free from the attacks of thrips and red spider,
should be afforded this variety.
L. d. nuda.
Although accepted as only a variety of L. discolor, this
handsome, compact-habited, Australian, greenhouse Fern,
often met with in cultivation under the name of L. falcata,
is apparently very distinct from the type. Its general
appearance, the texture of its foliage, its mode of growth,
and the disposition of its fructification, are all different.
With the exception of LZ. gibba, which is of more rapid
growth, L. d. nuda is undoubtedly the most useful Lomaria
in a young state for table and room decoration. This
variety, which is readily propagated by means of spores, and
is extensively grown for decoration, has produced several
sub-varieties, the best of which, and indeed the only one
worth cultivating for its own decorative merits, is the one
commonly known as ZL. d. n. pulcherrima, an ornamental
plant with a constitution equally as good as that of the
typical plant from which it no doubt originated. From
L. d. nuda it differs in having the extremity of each leaflet
somewhat crested or forked, and the summit of the frond
still more distinctly crested. It should be kept as much as
possible from artificial heat, the effects of which are most
pernicious to the young growth.
L. falcata. _
A synonym of ZL. discolor nuda.
L. Germainiil.
This pretty, dwarf-growing, greenhouse or hardy
species, native of Chili, is more extensively known in gardens
and in the trade as ZL. crenulata. In general aspect it
much resembles LZ. alpina, but the lower leaflets of its fronds
are distinctly separated.
L. gibba.
This well-known, stove or greenhouse species, native cf
New Caledonia, Aneiteum, and the Isle of Pines, is one of
the most elegant and useful species of the large genus.
Its elegant barren fronds, 2ft. to 3ft. long and 6in. broad,
are deeply pinnatifid, their leaflets being cut down nearly
to the rachis, but dilated and connected at the base; in the
centre of the frond they are 2in. to 3in. long, but the lower
ones grow shorter very gradually; all are of a bright shining
ereen colour and of a leathery texture. In the fertile
fronds, the leaflets are narrow and contracted, and the sori
occupy the whole space between the edge and the midrib.
Both kinds of fronds are borne on short, strong, upright
stalks densely clothed below with long, narrow, black scales,
and produced from a fleshy crown, which in course of time
R
Sh
veo
242 s Choice Ferns for Amateurs.
forms a stem or trunk 4ft., or even 5ft., in height. These
fronds, which are of a somewhat erect habit when the plant
Fig. 100. Lomaria gibba platyptera, a gigantic handsome &

Blechnum-slikKe variety.
is still in a young state, become more pendulous as the

specimen gets older, and are of a very elegant, arching
habit when the trunk is formed. There are many varieties,
the most striking being
A Dictionary of Choice Ferns. - 243
LOMARIA—continued.
L. g. platyptera.
This is a Fern of gigantic dimensions, its handsome
fronds frequently attaining 3ft. in length. Although given
by Moore as a variety of L. gibba, it has all the appear-
ance of a Blechnum, as on the mock-fertile fronds, which
never produce any spores, the false fructification is dis-
posed on each side of the midvein, and does not form a
separate frond. It is permanently parren, and has been
produced several times by sowing together spores of @. gibba
and Blechnum brasiliense. Fig. 100.
L. g. rosea.
In this handsome variety, also known in, commerce under
the name of L. g. tincta, the principal attraction and most
distinctive character reside in the lovely pinkish or rosy
colour with which its fronds when in a young state are
adorned, and which is equal in intensity to that observed
in certain Adiantums. It is of much more erect habit
than the species. This variety reproduces itself freely from
spores.
L. gigantea. |
_ Asynonym of LZ. attenuata. It must not be confounded
with L. ciliata gigantea.
L. lanceolata.
An evergreen greenhouse species, native of New Zea-
land, Tasmania, Australia, and the Polynesian Islands,
particularly attractive on account of its dwarf and compact
habit and the lively colour of its young barren fronds; these
are beautifully ornamented by the bright orange-red
coloured rachis which runs through their centre. The
barren fronds are 6in. to 12in. long, 2in. to 4in. broad,
borne on dark brown stalks 4in. to 6in. long, and abun-
dantly produced from a close, fleshy crown. The closely-set
leaflets, of a leathery texture and bright green, colour, are
somewhat sickle-shaped, gradually narrowed to a point,
slightly toothed, and smooth on both sides. The fertile
fronds, which are distinctly pinnate, of a more upright
habit, and seldom more than 3in. long, are furnished with
contracted, sickle-shaped leaflets about jin. apart at the
base.
L. L’Herminieri.
Under this name is known a most attractive stove species
from Tropical America, as its foliage when young is of a
beautiful crimson colour, changing with age to a dark glossy
green. The barren fronds are broadly spear-shaped, 9in. to
15in. long, and 3in. to 4in. broad, numerous and disposed in
R 2
a somewhat erect position, which, on account of their stiff,
leathery texture, they retain as long as they remain on the
plant. They are furnished with leaflets about 2in. long,
Jin. broad, and rounded or somewhat blunt at the ex-
tremity. The fertile ones are distinctly pinnate. Besides
being one of the Lomarias most sensitive to moisture on
the fronds, it is also one requiring peat and sand only to
thrive well, as loam, unless very hght and fibrous, is
injurious to its roots.
L. magellanica.
Synonymous with LZ. Boryana.
L. pumila.
A very pretty, greenhouse species, native of New Zea-
land, and one which somewhat resembles the better-known
L. alpina, but it is much more delicate in texture and has
its leaflets distinctly notched.
L. Spicant.
Although a thoroughly British plant, the Hard Fern,
also known as Blechnum boreale and B. Spicant, is found
in nearly every part of the world. It is one of the com-
monest of our evergreen species, and its striking dwarf and
sturdy habit, as well as the deep green colour of its barren
fronds, renders it one of the most useful plants for the
decoration of the outdoor rockery, where, ina moist, shady
nook, it forms a beautiful and most conspicuous object.
L. Spicant is ene of the least fastidious of all our British
Ferns, for, although it prefers a moist situation with a
northern aspect, it also succeeds in a stiff, clayey soil, and
when exposed to the more or less direct rays of the sun.
It dislikes lime in any form. It is in great request for the
hardy Fernery, but, like some others of our British Ferns,
it may with great advantage be also used for the decoration
of the greenhouse and conservatory: under such conditions
its fronds, which are extremely useful in a cut state for
mixing with cut flowers, retain their stiffness all through the
winter. The most reliable method for increasing the
varieties of the Hard Fern is by division of the crowns, as
very little dependence can be placed on their exactly repro-
ducing the varieties in any other way. The species is readily
propagated by means of spores, which are usually ripe about
September. LL. Spicant has produced many very interest-
ing varieties, the most distinct and the most attractive of
which well deserve special attention at the hands of all
qualities they are equal to the type. They are too numerous
Fern-growers, the more so that in hardiness and decorative
LOMARIA— continued. :
to be described, and those interested must refer to a
specialist catalogue like those issued by Birkenhead, May,
and Veitch and Sons. One of the handsomest is
L. S. trinervis.
This remarkably handsome variety, originally found on
the Sugar-loaf Mountains, in Wicklow, differs from all other
known forms through the division of the barren fronds into
three sections near the base, where one lateral branch is
produced on either side of the central one, which is usually
yoy
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W(WZE
Q; Mop: Bhs A
vA ZN : i
4x Y p aN 2 wea
ae q aly FEZ, (7 tne
ay (y Sa Wy, WE, ye f yD aD)
we Vr ~ge°*
hy t), SYSUSe
ray,
Vee Jehs»S
alg Ne at
: = SN AZ _e x.
DISEINNSASSE \ VG
; will A == Y WSN FS\EF ye
A) A AGN ( !43 <2
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A/e Spel | ae 5
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ay
§
Fig. 101. Lomaria Spicant trinervis coronans, a beautifully

crested Fern of graceful habit.
much larger than the lateral ones. The fertile fronds,

which are but sparingly produced-—seldom more than two
on a plant—are branched at the base in the same way.
Sometimes the summit of the fronds, and the extremity of
the branches, are forked or even terminated by a crest of
very distinct character; it is then called L. S. t. coronans.
Bie 101.
L. zamizfolia.
A synonym of LZ. Boryana cycadoides.
L. zamioides.
A popular garden name for Z. Boryana and its variety
cycadoides.
LOMARIOPSIS. See Lomaria.
LYGODICTYON. See Lygodium.
LYGODIUM.
In this comparatively small yet widely-diffused
genus of Chmbing Ferns, most of the species require
stove temperature. The fronds of all are totally
different from those of any other Ferns; consisting
as they do of a stalk or shoot possessing the power of
almost indefinite elongation, and sometimes attain-
ing under cultivation 20ft. to 30ft. in length. They
are also of a different structure: though of various
forms, their leaflets are never directly disposed on —
the stalk or shoot, but are connected with it through
“primary” and “secondary” petioles. -.Primary
petioles are the short (sometimes very short) stalks
that bring the climbing or twining stem into contact
with the secondary petioles, the latter being a con-
necting link between the primary petioles and the
leafy portions. The genus includes Hydroglossum
and Lygodictyon, the latter of which often finds a
place in nurserymen’s lists.
All Lygodiums luxuriate in rich, spongy soil of
an open nature; that which suits them best being
a mixture of peat or good leaf mould, loam, and
chopped sphagnum, in about equal proportions.
They require an abundance of water at the roots,
and are greatly benefited by frequent and copious
syringings during their most active season, from
May to October. It is only when planted out that
these singular Ferns show themselves to advantage
and attain their full development, and in that condi-
tion they are also less liableto the attacks of pests
than when restricted to pots.
Propagation is effected by means of spores, when
the plants are required in quantities, and such 1s the
method usually adopted for producing strong,
healthy plants of L. japonicum, which species is the
most generally grown. Most of the other species are
increased by the division of the crowns, which
operation may be safely performed at any time
between March and September.
LY GODIUM—continued.
L. circinatum.
Synonymous with ZL. dichotomum.
L. dichotomum.
This very beautiful species (also known as ZL. circi-
natum, L. flecuosum, and L. pedatum) is a native of
Chusan, Hong-Kong, Ceylon, and the Philippine and
Malayan Islands. The very long shoots are well furnished
with repeatedly-divided fronds, which are disposed in pairs,
opposite and somewhat distant. The primary petiole is so
much reduced that the fork seems almost to spring from the
main rachis or shoot; the secondary ones, lin. to 2in. long,
are firm and naked. ‘The finger-shaped leaflets are com-
posed of five or six lobes, reaching nearly down to the
base, or once or even twice forked. The barren divisions,
8in. to 12in. long and $in. to #in. broad, are of a beau-
tiful bright green colour and of a leathery texture, with
both surfaces naked. The fertile divisions, very much
narrower and contracted, have their spore masses disposed
in spikes one to two lines long, in close, marginal rows.
It is a species well adapted for covering large pillars,
as it is of very robust growth and most effective; its
foliage, though somewhat massive, is very elegant, and
remains on the plant for a very long time.
L. flexuosum.
This is a synonym of ZL. dichotomum.
L. Forsteri
Synonymous with L. reticulatum.
L. japonicum.
This very pretty and elegant greenhouse species is a
native of Japan, China, the Himalayas, Java, the Philip-
pines, and North Australia. It is distinguished from all
other species by the shape of its leaflets, which are 4in.
to 8in. long, néarly as broad, and triangular; the primary
petiole is very short, and the secondary one is from fin.
to lin. long. It undoubtedly is the most popular member
of the whole genus; its decorative merits are so well
recognised that for years past thousands of plants of it
have found their way to our great flower markets, where
it is known only under the misleading name of L. scandens.
L. japonicum is a delightful climber, producing shoots 8ft.
to 10ft. long, of an exceedingly tender nature, and fur-
nished with finely-cut foliage of a cheerful green colour,
forming light festoons that are very useful for table-
decoration. It is well adapted for growing in a Fern-case,
but should be placed near the light. The plant may also
248 Choice F erns for Amateurs.
LY GODIUM—continued.
be grown in a wire basket 12in. to 14in. in diameter.
Three plants should be put in it, one between each chain.
Some of the strongest shoots should be trained upwards
along the chains and in the centre of the basket; while
those of medium growth should be allowed to hang all
around the sides, which they will soon completely cover.
L. palmatum.
This charming greenhouse species, of comparatively
small dimensions, is undoubtedly the most delicate-looking
as well as the hardiest kind comprised in the genus. It is a
native of North America. From a wide-creeping rhizome,
of a very slender nature and of a dark brown, almost black,
colour, the extremity of which is scantily furnished with
short, semi-transparent, jointed hairs, rise at a distance of
lin. or 2in. apart a quantity of delicate climbing graceful
fronds. The lovely fronds, which, when mature, show a
fertile portion totally different from the barren ones, creep
and climb or twine over other plants to the height of 3ft.
or 4ft. The totally barren fronds, as well as the lower por-
tion of the fertile ones, are strictly bipinnate, and of a
peculiar shape, inasmuch as, beginning at 6in. or 8in. from
the ground, the twining midrib bears very short branchlets
disposed lin. or 2in. apart. A very ornamental character
is imparted to this most interesting plant by the handsome
appearance of the fertile portion of its fronds, composed of
several pairs of somewhat triangular leaflets, three or four
times pinnatifid, being pinnately divided, with leafits gene-
rally three-lobed, and formed only of winged stalks and
short, spike-like fertile ultimate divisions of a very graceful
and elegant appearance. This species requires a very porous
soil; the best mixture is good leaf-mould and chopped
sphagnum in equal parts, with an abundance of water at
the roots all the year round, but principally from March to
September. Fig. 10, p. 16.
L. pedatum,
This is synonymous with L. dichotomum.
L. reticulatum.
This fine, bold-looking plant, native of the Polynesian
Islands and Eastern Tropical Australia, though not so hardy
as the Japanese and North American species, is a gem
among the large climbing Ferns; it is particularly effective
when grown around a pillar where massive foliage is re-
quired, for, besides being a robust grower, its beautiful
fronds are of a rich, dark, glossy colour, especially when the
plant is grown in a rather shady place. These fronds,
which are of indefinite length and distinctly bipinnate, are
LY GODIUM —continued. |
furnished with numerous pairs of leaflets, all disposed ex-
actly opposite, the primary petiole being only iin. long and
Fig. 102. Lygodium scandens,a slender growing,'bushy habited

species that produces young shoots all along'the stems.
the secondary ones 3in. long. The leaflets are composed of a

terminal segment and from four to six lateral ones on each
side; these are of a firm, almost leathery, texture, either
250 Choice F erns for Amateurs.
LY GODIUM — continued.
rounded or heart-shaped at the base, 2in. to 3in. long, 4in.
to jin. broad, all articulated at the base, and the lower
ones short-stalked; they are also rendered very attractive
by their margins being finely toothed and beautifully wavy.
The fertile segments, which are broader, though shorter,
than the barren ones, bear the small, oblong fruit-spikes,
one to three lines long, in close rows on the margins, where
they appear hke so many blunt teeth. <A soil of a little
more substantial nature than that recommended for the
other species suits L. reticulatum (also called Lygodictyon
Forstert) best.
L. scandens.
This is a species of very slender growth and somewhat
bushy habit, thoroughly distinct from the ZL. scandens of
commerce, which is synonymous with L. japonicum. A
character peculiar to this species is the natural propensity
which it possesses for developing fresh young shoots all
along the stems, being in that respect much more prolific
than any other species in cultivation. The variety micro-
phyllum is a common form, with short, broad segments.
Big. 202.
MARATTIA.
Marattias are distinctly characterised by their
sometimes stalkless, sometimes — shortly-stalked,
capsules, from four to twelve of which are usually
joined together in concrete, boat-shaped masses
(synangia): these consist of two opposite rows of
capsules, and open by slits down their inner faces.
The genus includes Kuwmarattia, HKupodium, and
Gymnotheca.
The Marattias are highly ornamental, robust-
crowing Ferns, and although they do not form
trunks, generally attain very large dimensions.
Being swamp-loving plants, they should be potted
in a substantial compost, and the pots partially
placed in water. A mixture of about equal parts of
roughly-broken peat, loam, and river sand is one in
which they thrive most luxuriantly, especially if
siven a good amount of heat. MM. frazxinea elegans,
however, has been kept in a cold Fernery for several
consecutive years, and indeed made very good pro-
eress during the summer months, although resting in
the winter; but it is, we believe, the only one
which will succeed under cold treatment. Marattias

possess an immense advantage over most, if not all,
other gigantic-growing Ferns, inasmuch as, if they
are accidentally allowed to get dry at the roots, the
fronds and their divisions, being jointed and of a
fleshy nature, hang down and become quite flabby—
a condition in which they have the power of remain-
ing a comparatively long time without sustaining
any serious damage. Itis, however, advisable, when
plants in that condition are detected, to give water
at the roots at once, when the fronds will speedily
regain their former stiffness without showing a trace
of having suffered from the mishap.
Marattias are usually and readily increased by
laying the basal scales of the fronds on a bed of
constantly moist material, such as sphagnum, where
they will be found to emit roots most freely, and to
produce on each side of the scales little bulbous
= ene which later on develop into plants similar
to the parents.
M. alata.
This is a species of highly ornamental habit and
strikingly distinct characters, native of the West Indies,
Mexico, and Guatemala. Its magnificent fronds, 3ft. to 4ft.
long: and tripinnatifid, are borne on robust stalks Ift. to
2ft. long, lin. or more thick, of a fleshy nature, and de-
ciduously scaly. The lower leaflets are the largest, and the
ultimate divisions or segments, which are 3in. to 3in. long,
jin. broad, of a soft, papery texture, oblong in shape, blunt
or pointed, with a wedge-shaped base, sometimes smooth,
but usually finely toothed on their margins, are unique in
the genus. The same remark applies to the rachises, which
through their entire length are furnished with a very dis-
tinct and conspicuous wing. The synangia, which are
copious and nearly marginal, have their sides erect and
their attachment oblong or roundish. Spores of this species
are produced freely; but they will not develop beyond the
prothallus stage.
M. Cooperii.
This native of New Caledonia is unsurpassed for decora-
tion in a warm conservatory. Its magnificent, massive,
much-divided fronds, 21ft. to 3ft. long and 2ft. broad, rise
from between two horny-looking appendages of a peculiarly
rough nature, and are borne on succulent, blackish, round
stalks 2ft. to 3ft. long, of a somewhat dull colour and
MARAT TIA—continued.
wrinkled appearance, singularly contrasting with the smooth
or shiny appearance of the leafy portion of the fronds. These
fronds are bipinnate in young specimens, but in plants that
have attained their full development they are distinctly
tripinnate and furnished with oblong leafits, that are
pointed at the extremity, deeply but irregularly toothed om
the margins, of a leathery texture and dark green colour.
The synangia, disposed in close rows near the margin of the
leafits, have their sides vertical, and show from six to twelve
capsules on each side. Of all the Marattias in cultivation,
it is perhaps the one most subject to the ravages of thrips
and scale; but it may easily be kept clean, as it will endure
fumigation without suffering in the least.
MENISCIUM,
Although the genus Meniscium contains but a
comparatively small number of species, these are
sufficiently distinct to render it interesting; the
majority of them are strong-growing, handsome
plants, but one at least amongst them (J. stmplez)
is of such small dimensions that it 1s frequently used
in Fern-cases, a purpose for which it appears particu-
larly well adapted. Nearly all Menisciums have a
beautiful veining quite peculiar to them. Being
swamp-loving subjects, they are useful for planting
in Ferneries near the margin of water, a place where
few Ferns grow very satisfactorily. They thrive
luxuriantly m a mixture of halt loam andy halt
fibrous peat, with a few pieces of crocks or charcoal
intermixed. | Though their roots, which are of a
fleshy and brittle nature, are fond of moisture, they
have a great dislike to stagnant water.
Menisciums are usually propagated by division
of their crowns, but they may also be easily and more
rapidly increased by means of their spores, which
verminate freely when sown in a warm and moist
position.
M. palustre.
Synonymous with M. serratum.
M. serratum.
M. palustre is another name for this very decorative
species, native of Mexico, the West Indies, Brazil, and Peru.
Its simply-pinnate fronds, 3ft. to 4ft. long, and lft. or more
MENISCIUM — continued,
broad, are borne on stout, glossy, brownish stalks 1ft. to
dft. long. The leaflets, of a somewhat leathery texture,
oblong-spear-shaped, with a heart-shaped base, and sharp-
pointed at the extremity, are loosely set lin. to 3in. apart;
they are 6in. to 12in. long, 4in. to 2in. broad, finely toothed
on the margin, very dark glossy green on the upper surface,
and paler below, where the most beautiful venation, the
principal attraction in the plant, is shown by alternate
lines of very conspicuous ridges and furrows. The sori are
disposed twelve to twenty between the midrib and the edge.
Fig. 103. Meniscium simplex, a beautiful miniature species

well suited for Fern-case culture.
M. simplex.
This charming, miniature species, is a native of Chusan,
Hong-Kong, and Formosa. It is as totally different in
habit and in general aspect as it is in size from any other
species belonging to the genus. The barren and fertile
fronds are similar in shape but entirely distinct: both are
produced from a wide-creeping rhizome of a firm nature,
and borneon slightly pubescent stalks lft. or more in length
in the case of the fertile fronds, but only 4in. to 6in. long
MENISCIUM—continued.
in the barren ones. Both kinds of fronds are simple,
oblong-spear-shaped in general outline (Fig. 103),. heart-
shaped and sometimes eared at the base, and somewhat
undulated at the margin; the barren ones are 6in. to Qin.
long and 2in. to 3in. broad, the fertile ones are smaller,
and both are of a somewhat leathery texture and dull green
colour. The reddish sori, disposed eight to twelve between
the midrib and the edge, frequently become confluent and
completely cover the under-surface of the fertile fronds.
This species is well adapted for growing in a Fern-case,
where it thrives remarkably well, and makes a pleasing
contrast with other Ferns of a lighter or more finely-divided
character.
MICROLEPIA. See Davallia.
MICROSORIUM, The plants formerly classed under this name are
now divided between Nephrodium and Polypodium.
MOHRIA.,
A monotypic genus, the species being the pretty
Frankincense Fern, which is of very easy culture.
All that it requires in the way of soil is a mixture of
about equal parts peat, leaf mould, and sand, with
the addition of small pieces of sandstone or soft
brick-dust. Syringing overhead must be carefully
avoided, or 1t will cause the fronds to turn brown
and decay in a short time. The plant is essentially
a greenhouse subject, and should receive all the light
possible.
Propagation is readily effected from spores,
which are abundantly produced, and which germi-
nate very freely, producing young subjects in a
remarkably short space of time.
M. caffrorum.
This handsome Fern, popularly known as M. thuri-
fraga, is a native o: South Africa, Madagascar, and the
Mauritius and Bourbon Islands. Being of a gracefully
pendulous habit, and essentially distinct from any other
drooping Fern, it is very useful for growing in hanging
baskets of small or medium size, as its elegant fronds, pro-—
duced from a close, tufted crown, and borne on stalks 3in.
to 4in. long, more or less densely clothed with scales of a
reddish-brown colour, sometimes attain 14ft. in length and
4in. in breadth. The barren ones are tripinnatifid, being
furnished with oblong-spear-shaped leaflets, cut down to a
MOHRIA— continued.
narrowly-winged rachis into leafits of a soft, papery tex-
ture, deeply cleft and again conspicuously toothed. The
_ fertile fronds are longer than the barren ones, from which
they also differ by being conspicuously contracted and by
having their leaflets rounded at the edges: this contrac-
tion of the lobes over the spore masses gives them a very
elegant appearance. The rachises and the under-surface
of both kinds of fronds are more or less densely clothed with
very narrow scales of a pale brown colour. When bruised,
the plant emits a strong odour of frankincense. Jf. c.
achillecefolia is a form much resembling the leaves of the
Yarrow (Achillea millefolia). It is much dwarfer in habit
than the type. ;
M. thurifraga.
Synonymous with Al. caffrorum.
* NEPHRODIUM.
In this immense genus of Buckler Ferns are
included species remarkable for their decorative
qualities, and others unequalled for their hardiness
Necessarily they have a very wide geographical
range: in 1t may be found species suitable for the
tropical Fernery, for the greenhouse, and even for
the open air. Plants of all dimensions are found
amongst the Nephrodiums. Whatever their size,
however, all are of easy culture, whether planted out
on the rockery, where all Nephrodiums seem to
thrive, or grown as pot plants. They, however,
require a richer soil than most other Ferns.
The more robust kinds thrive in a mixture of
loam and peat, in about equal proportions, with a
small part of cow-manure previously dried and well
mixed together, and an additional sprinkling of
silver sand; for the smaller and consequently slower-
ene species, less loam and more sand should be
used.
Most Nephrodiums, especially the _ strong-
srowing kinds, are quite indifferent as to shading;
a little sunshine acts as a strengthening agent,
making their foliage much more lasting during the
winter months than could otherwise possibly be the
ease. hey all require a good supply of water at the
roots all the year round, but principally during the
growing season. Although they do not actually

suffer from occasional waterings overhead, it is very
doubtful if they derive any benefit therefrom: the
foliage of many being of a soft texture, soon gets
spotted and loses its beauty if allowed to remain in
a wet condition for any length of time. In any case,
the plants must not be kept close; confinement in
the case of Nephrodiums means not only an invasion
of thrips, their greatest enemy, but also that brown-
ness of mature fronds which often puzzles the
amateur grower, but which, by the practical man,
is never mistaken for insect depredations. The
only way to avoid such unhealthy appearances is to
srow the plants in well-ventilated houses, where
moisture cannot condense on their fronds.
Nephrodiums are easily and rapidly propagated
by spores: the species with creeping rhizomes may
also be increased by the division of these organs, in
March and April.
N. zemulum.
This handsome British species is commonly called the
“Hay-scented Buckler Fern’? on account of the fragrance
that is emitted by the dried fronds when crumpled between
the fingers. It is readily distinguished from any other.
comprised in the genus by its peculiarly crisped appearance.
It is of easy culture, and may be grown with success in
nearly any degree of shade, entirely excluded from the sun,
or in a situation exposed to the action of its full rays; but
in the latter position it is of less luxuriant habit, whereas
in the shade it will unfold its fronds abundantly and make
a noble object. It is am evergreen species, thriving best in
a mixture of sandy loam and leaf-mould in about equal pro-
portions. There are few noteworthy varieties. |
N. albo=punctatum.
Under this name is known a pretty evergreen stove
species, native of Guinea, Natal, Fiji, &c., that has an
appearance of being variegated owing to the fact of the
upper surface of its leaflets being covered with small white
dots.
N. atratum.
This is synonymous with N. hirtipes.
N. cristatum
The Crested Shield Fern or Crested Buckler Fern of
this country, and the Crested Wood Fern of America, is
NEPHRODIUM—continued.
a beautiful species, of upright habit. Its narrow-oblong,
spear-shaped fronds, usually 1ft. to 14ft. long, 3in. to din.
broad, and borne on tufted stalks 6in. or more long,
sparingly clothed with egg-shaped, light-coloured scales, are
rendered very attractive through the bold character of their
fructification, which is almost black soon after the covering
has been shed. They are produced from a rootstock creep-
ing just below the surface of the ground, 5in. to 6in. long,
chaffy with large, thin, hght brown, ovate scales, which
also cover the stalks and are more or less persistent on
the lower part of them. The leaflets, of a soft, papery
texture, are broadly triangular near the base, being more
elongated near the centre of the frond; they are cut down
nearly, or quite, to the base below into broad, blunt, oblong,
slightly-cleft leafits, which are also of a blunt nature. The >
numerous round sori are disposed close to the midvein.
N. cristatum is somewhat difficult to grow successfully for any
length of time unless planted in peaty soil near the water.
N. cuspidatum.
This greenhouse species, native of Ceylon, is valuable
either as a pot plant or for the rockery. It is of compact
habit and of easy culture, producing in abundance from a
decumbent, fleshy stem its handsome fronds 2ft. to 3ft.
long, 8in. to 12in. broad, borne on succulent, round stalks
that are barely lft. long, and densely furnished at the base
with pale straw-coloured, chaffy scales. The leaflets, spear-
shaped and sharply toothed on the margins, are somewhat
papery and of a glossy dark green colour, which, however,
is relieved by the refreshing claret colour of the stalks. The
sori, disposed in rows close to the mid-vein, are covered with
a fugacious involucre.
N. cyatheoides.
A very handsome, but rare, greenhouse species, native
of the Sandwich Islands and Sumatra. Its ample fronds,
simply pinnate, 2ft. to 3ft. long, 1ft. or more broad, and
borne on strong, naked, glossy, greyish stalks lft. to 2ft.
long, are furnished with closely-set, spreading leaflets, 4in.
to 6in. long and about lin. broad. These leaflets have their
extremity sharp-pointed and their edge irregular and very
deeply toothed ;they are of a somewhat leathery texture, of
a pleasing light green colour, and their veinlets, disposed
in groups of from ten to twelve on each side, often show a
sorus on each, close to the main vein.
N. decompositum.
This very handsome, greenhouse species, native of Aus-
tralia, Tasmania, New Zealand, Tahiti, and the Fiji Islands.
: S
NEPHRODIUM— continued.
is very variable. Its fronds, lft. to 2ft. long and lft. broad,
are produced from a wide-creeping rhizome, and borne on
firm stalks lft. to 13ft. long, and scaly only at the base. They
are broadly triangular, with their lowest leaflets much the
largest, sometimes measuring 9in. long and 4in. broad: these
are divided into spear-shaped and more or less deeply-cleft -
leafits, with unequal-sided, deeply-cleft, and lobed segments.
The rachis and under-side of the frond, which is of a soft,
papery texture, are more or less woolly, and the rather |
large and prominent sori are placed midway between the
midrib and the edge. This species is of comparatively easy
culture. It is usually of medium growth, exceedingly useful
for table-decoration, and also for forming an edging in the
rockery in front of taller kinds.
N. dilatatum.
The Broad, Prickly-toothed, Buckler Fern is world-
wide in its distribution. In England it is so common that
no locality need be specified. Still, on account of its decora-
tive qualities and its hardihood, it is one of the most
valuable Ferns for the adornment of the rockery or the
shrubbery. It grows very well upon elevated positions and
in exposed situations, although it will attain greater size
and beauty when accorded a shady spot than when grown in
full exposure to light. If grown as a pot-plant, it must be
allowed a moderate space for its roots, and it prefers a
compost of fibrous loam, peat, and sand, in about equal pro-
portions. When sheltered, it retains its fronds through the
winter. It may be freely. increased by means of its spores,
which ripen about September and germinate very freely.
The finely-divided fronds attain 6ft. in length and 1$ft. in
breadth; they are dark green above, paler below, and their
leafits are more or less twisted or contorted. Still, the
plant varies considerably with its habitat. In dry places
the fronds are smaller and less divided than when the plant
grows in wet. The sori are near the mid-vein, and at first
are kidney-shaped, finally becoming circular. Its forms are
very numerous.
N. dissectum,
This very handsome, strong-growing, stove species
(better known as N. membranifolium) is found in New
Caledonia, Ceylon, Madagascar, and the Philippine Islands,
&e. Its ample deltoid fronds, borne on rather slender
stalks 1ft. or more long, clothed towards the base with
narrow scales of a dark brown colour, are from 1ft. to 5ft.
long and lft. to 3ft. broad. The lower leaflets, which
sometimes are simply pinnatifid, with broad, blunt lobes
NEPHRODIUM— continued.
(Fig. 104), and sometimes lft. long and pinnate, with
similarly pinnatifid leafits, are of a ” soft, papery texture
and of a bright green colour. The sori, copious, and
generally disposed at a little distance from the edge of the
leafits, are covered by a flat involucre.
N. erythrosorum.
This greenhouse species, native of Japan and China,
produces from a thick, underground-creeping stem, broadly
spear-shaped fronds, Ift. to 1gft. long and 81in. ‘to 12in.
broad, borne on stalks 6in. to 9in. long, and more or less
Fig. 104. Nephrodium dissectum, a strong-growing, handsome

widely-distributed species.
densely clothed with narrow scales of a dark brown cr

blackish colour. The leaflets are spear-shaped, and the
lowest, which are also the largest, frequently measure Gin.
long and lin. broad; they are cut down to the stalk below
into oblong, bluntish leafits 2in. to 8in. broad, and with
slightly-toothed edges. The texture, though of a papery
nature, is firm, and both surfaces are naked. The sori are
disposed near the midrib, six to nine to a pinnule, and are
covered by flat involucres of a bright red hue when young—
hence the specific name. It has proved perfectly hardy in
London; but it becomes deciduous. When treated as a cool
indoor subject, its magnificent fronds, of a beautiful bronzy
"a2
260 | _ Choice Ferns for Amateurs.
NEPHRODIUM
— continued.
hue in a young state, but turning with age to a dark shining
green, remain on the plant all the year round. Easily
propagated from spores.
N, Filix=mas,
In the Male Fern, or the Common Buckler Fern, the
handsome fronds are broadest in the middle, narrowing
towards the base, and to a sharp point at their summit;
they are produced from a large, somewhat upright stem of
a woody nature, covered with thick, brown, overlapping
scales, which also extend to the strong stalks. They are
2ft. to 3ft. long and 8im. to 12in. broad, and are furnished
with spear-shaped leaflets 4in. to Gin. long, about lin. broad,
cut down very nearly to the rachis into close, blunt, regular,
nearly entire lobes of a papery texture, the lower ones rather
shorter than the others. The abundant and large sori are
covered with a large, convex indusium. On account of its
hardihood and of its easy culture, the Male Fern may be
considered one of the very best either for town or for
country treatment, as it bears smoke better than any other
British Fern. It is of noble habit, and when planted in
naturally sheltered places, becomes almost an evergreen,
most useful for ornamenting the rockery and shrubbery.
Like many other Ferns, it looks much handsomer when
planted out, especially if disposed upon an irregular surface,
in clumps of six or eight strong plants each, with a few
pieces of stone or rock, which greatly add to their appear-
ance laid in between and amongthem. It is readily propa-
gated from spores, which are usually ripe about midsummer,
and also from division of the crowns, which is a much slower
process. More than a hundred varieties are enumerated.
N. fragrans.
This is a lovely little greenhouse plant (Fig. 105), usually
known in North America as the Fragrant. Wood Fern, on
account of the pleasant odour—compared by some authors
to that. of the Violet and by others to that of the common
Primrose—which is emitted by the fronds in a fresh state,
and by which it may be readily distinguished.
N. hirtipes.
Under the name of Lastrea atrata, this very handsome
hardy species is better known in gardens; it is a native of
the Himalayas and the Neilgherries. The general habit of
the plant is that of our common N. Filix-mas; but its grace-
fully-arching fronds, 2it. to 3ft. long, 8in. to 16in. broad,
and produced from a short, thick, and very fleshy stem,
rarely measuring 6in, above the ground, are borne on tufted
NE PHRODIUM— continued.
stalks 1ft. or more in length. The long, rough, black or
very dark, chaffy scales with which these stalks are densely
clothed, give a most. conspicuous appearance to the whole
plant, which is also rendered all the more decorative by the
way in which the fronds are disposed, forming as it were
a natural vase of beautiful dark green colour. A singular
character, quite peculiar to this plant, is that during the
winter the stalks get very soft and brownish at their base,
and the tronds have then a tendency to fall around the
plant; in that state, however, they retain their colour and
Fig. 105. Nephrodium fragrans, the fragrant Wood Fern of

North America.
freshness for several months if only held up by a little black

thread, which can easily be concealed. Also known as
Nephrodium atratum.
N. hispidum.
This lovely, greenhouse species, native of New Zealand
and Australia, is a well-marked plant of medium dimen-
sions. The elegantly-arching fronds, lft. to 13ft. long, 8in.
to 12in. broad, of a somewhat triangular shape, and pro-
duced from a stout, creeping rhizome, are borne on wiry,
brown stalks lft. to 14ft. long, clothed with rough, nearly
black, narrow scales. The spear-shaped leaflets have their
lowest leafits larger than the others, each leafit being cut. down
262 ; Choice Ferns for Amateurs.
NEPHRODIUM-—- continued.
to a winged stalk into small, oblong or linear, sharply-
toothed lobes of a leathery texture, dark green colour, and
particularly shining nature. The abundant and conspicuous
sori almost entirely cover the under-side of the fertile fronds.
A species particularly adapted for growing in a Fern-case
in the dwelling-room, where, in the company of Todeas and
other Filmies, it will be found to thrive admirably. Hither
as a pot plant or planted out it forms a beautiful and in-
teresting object. :
N. lepidum.
A remarkably elegant, greenhouse Fern, which origi-
nated at the Pine-Apple Nursery, Edgware Road, London.
It may be a distinct species, though it has all the appeaarnce
of a deeply-contracted form of the popular N. patens, of
which it possesses most of the outward characters.
N. membranifolium.
Synonymous with N. dissectum.
N. molle.
On account of its free growth and prolific character, this
greenhouse species, of medium dimensions, is frequently met
with; it is a variable plant, with a remarkably wide range of
habitat—Cuba, Mexico, Peru, Brazil, the Himalayas, Hong
IKkong, New Zealand, &c. Its spear-shaped fronds, lft. to
2{t. long, 8in. to 12in. broad, and borne on tufted, somewhat
slender stalks lft. or more in length and slightly scaly at
the base, have their leaflets, 4in. to 6in. long, 3in. broad,
of a soft, papery texture and pale green colour, cut about
half-way down to the midrib into narrow, blunt lobes (Fig.
106); the lower leaflets are placed at a little distance from
each other, and are rather shorter than the others, which
become more closely set as they approach the summit. The
sori are distant from the midrib, and are covered with a
very hairy involucre of a purplish colour. It succeeds under
either stove or greenhouse treatment. It does well either
erown in a pot or planted out in the rockery, where it
forms a capital background, showing off to advantage other
and choicer Ferns, and in which position it soon multiplies,
as it is readily propagated from spores. Several varieties
of N. molle have been produced under cultivation, the most
distinct being N. m. corymbiferum and N. m. grandiceps.
N. montanum.
This interesting, hardy species, known as the Mountain
Buckler Fern, has spear-shaped fronds, produced from a
dense, clustered crown; they are borne on short, tufted
stalks, furnished at their base with chaffy scales of a light
brown colour, are 14ft. to 2ft. long, 6in. to 8in. broad, and
NEPHRODIUM-— continued.
furnished with leaflets 3in. to 4in. long, lin. broad at the
base, of a soft, papery texture, and of a brilliant green
colour. These leaflets are cut down to a broadly-winged
stalk into close, oblong, blunt lobes, the lower ones, dis-
tantly placed, being gradually dwarfed to mere auricles.
Fig. 106. Nephrodium molle, one of the species largely grown

for market work.
The round and moderate-sized sori are disposed in rows near

the edge of the lobes, and covered with a thin involucre of
a peculiarly white colour. This species is most effective
when planted in masses on the rockery. It does not take
very kindly to transplanting, although, with a little care,
it may successfully be removed. It also makes a handsome
specimen when grown in a pot; in either case thorough
drainage is necessary, and the soil best suited to its
NEPHRODIUM —continued.
cultivation is a compost of four parts of fibry peat and one
part each of leaf-mould and sandy loam, with a free admix-
ture of silver sand. N. montanwum is one of the least variable
of the British Ferns; but it has produced a few varieties.
N. opacum.
This garden name is applied to a plant having the
appearance of a thick-leaved, dull form of the popular N.
erythrosorum, and said, like that species, to be a native of
Japan. Its fronds, however, never show, even in their
young state, the beautiful tints which form the principal
ornament of N. erythrosorum; yet it isa most useful Fern,
as its foliage is rarely affected by gas, smoke, or London fog.
N. Otaria.
In gardens, this Japanese species is better known as
Lastrea aristata. Its robust fronds are produced from a
thick, fleshy, underground rhizome, which delights in finding
its way in any material of a rough or coarse nature—peat,
partly-decayed vegetable matter, or even partly-decomposed
moss; they are borne on stalks 6in. to 12in. long and of a
scaly nature, and their leafy portion usually measures lft.
or more in length. The terminal leaflet is 4in. to 6in. long,
lin. to 14in. broad, and sharply pointed at its extremity,
and it shows on both sides finely-toothed lobes reaching about
a quarter of the way down to the midrib; there are also from
three to’six spreading, lateral leaflets on each side of the
frond, the lower ones being distinctly stalked. The texture
is leathery, and the colour a bright, shining green. This is
a very ornamental and exceedingly useful plant, to which
a certain character of distinctness is imparted by its large,
conspicuous, closely-set sori, which cover nearly the whole
under-side of the fronds. The plant known in commerce
as Lastrea aristata variegata, though usually considered «s
a form of this species, is undoubtedly a variety of Aspidium
aristatum.
N. patens.
An extremely ornamental, greenhouse species, with a
very extensive range of habitat. In North America it is
called the Spreading Wood Fern. It is likewise found in
Polynesia, Japan, Angola, tropical America, &c. The
fronds vary according to the habitat, the largest of the
North American species seldom being more than 2ft. in
length and 10in. in breadth; they are borne on roundish,
pale green stalks, which also vary from a few inches to
sometimes 1ft. in length, and which emerge from an oblique
rootstock of a chaffy nature. The leaflets, 4in. to Yin. long
and iin. to 3in. broad, are cut down about three-quarters
NEPHRODIUM
— continued.
of the way to the rachis into narrow-oblong, nearly sickle-
shaped lobes, both surfaces of which are pubescent with
fine, white, sharp-pointed hairs. The rather small though
conspicuous sori are disposed sometimes nearer the margin
than the midrib, and furnished with a roundish or kidney-
shaped, persistent involucre, covered with hairs like those
of the frond. There is a garden form, N. p. superbum,
that far surpasses the type in elegance.
N. prolificum.
This greenhouse or even hardy species, introduced from
Japan, is of comparatively small dimensions. Its fronds,
which are produced from a succulent crown showing very
little above the surface of the ground, and borne on green,
wiry stalks 6in. to 9in. long, are of a somewhat elongated-
triangular form, seldom exceed lft. in length, and are
tripinnate. It produces, either in the axils of the leaflets
or, less frequently, on the margins of their lobes, innumer-
able leafy buds, by which it is easily and rapidly propa-
gated. The abundance of the sori and their colour are also
very characteristic, for the under-side of the lobes is entirely
covered with conspicuous spore masses of a beautiful red
when young, turning later on to a deep purple. Undoubtedly
a Fern deserving a place in every good collection.
N. pubescens.
A very handsome, evergreen, stove species, native of
the West Indies, and one which, in general appearance,
somewhat resembles the better-known N. decompositum.
N. Richardsi multifidum.
This variety is no doubt one of the handsomest of all
Ferns. The fronds differ from those of the typical plant
in having their extremities, as well as those of the leaflets,
cleft into numerous narrow, pointed, spreading, finger-like
lobes. Its fronds, which are produced in great abundance
from a short, succulent, decumbent stem, measure about 2ft.
in length and 8in. in breadth at their widest part; they
are borne on round stalks 10in. to 15in. long, of a pale green
colour, and slightly downy when young. The leaflets, which
are upwards of 4in. long in the broadest part of the frond,
terminate in a dense tuft of long, narrow divisions, the
extremity of the fronds being also divided into two or more
branches consisting of numerous thread-like segments. The
singular and elegant character of this useful plant is
enhanced by its bright green colour and the arching habit
of its fronds. It reproduces itself true from spores.
N. (Lastrea) Standishii.
This is the popular name for Aspidiwm laserpitifolium.
NEPHROLEPIS.
Although not a large genus, yet Nephrolepis
(Ladder Ferns) contains some of the most valuable
Ferns for planting on rockwork. <A peculiarity of
the genus is the indefinite growth of the fronds. Ac-
cording to the most capable observers, there is no —
necessary limit to the apical development of the
fronds on mature plants. All mised are
Fig. 107. Nephrolepis Duffii, an elegant, graceful species, one

of the best for pot culture.
most tenacious of life, and when it so happens that,
through want of moisture at the roots, their leaflets
drop off, the plants soon recover; for, after a few
weeks of attentive nursing, another crop of fresh
foliage usually takes the place of the fronds pre-
viously destroyed. The fronds, which in some kinds
attain 4ft. in length, are in most, if not in all, cases
produced from crowns disposed at various intervals
on long, thin, rapid-growing rhizomes of a wiry
nature. This is a feature peculiar to the plants
contained in this genus, and by which means most
of them are rapidly increased, especially the reputed

barren. forms, such as NV. Dufft. (Fig. 107), XN.
rufescens tripinnatifida, and the fertile but very |
variable V. davallioides furcans, which, when propa-
gated from spores, produces plants showing their
crested character in a more or less marked de-
gree. Where it is desired that these should be in-
creased, they should be planted in a shallow bed of
coarsely-broken peat, chopped sphagnum, and silver
sand, in about equal parts: in this the rhizomes can
freely run and produce young plants, which may be
safely severed from the parent when they have de-
veloped three or four fronds. Besides the usual
rhizomes already alluded to, a few species, such as
N. Bauset, N. cordifolia, N. philippinensis, &c., are
also provided at the roots with small succulent
tubers, which likewise produce young plants in a
remarkably short time.
All the species are well adapted for basket cul-
ture, being of an elegant drooping character; they
have also a curious propensity for taking possession
of the outer surface of the baskets and growing all
round them, thus making perfect balls of gracefully
pendulous foliage, which, provided the plants are
well supplied with water at the roots all the year
round, remain a long time in perfect condition. On
account of the jointed nature of their leaflets, the
fronds are of little use in a cut state, as they only
last good for a comparatively short time. The
plants are specially useful for covering walls and
pillars, as they require but very little soil, and can
almost be kept thriving on moisture alone. Many
of them may be propagated from spores, which
eerminate freely.
N. acuta.
This very handsome, strong-growing, stove species, also
known in gardens under the names N. biserrata, N. ensifolia,
N. platyotis, N. punctulata, N. splendens, &c., is often
mistaken for N. exaltata, which it only resembles as far
as size and general aspect are concerned. It is found in
Cuba, Guatemala, Peru, Brazil, Polynesia, Hong Kong,
&c. Its massive arching fronds, 2ft. to 4ft. long and 8in.
to 12in. broad, are borne on tufted stalks 4in. to 8in. long,
NEPHROLEPIS— continued.
of a naked or slightly scaly mature. The somewhat leathery
leaflets, 4in. to 6in. long and din. to lin. broad, are acute
the edge being entire or slightly notched, the upper side
eared, and the lower side rounded at the base. The sori
are disposed near the margin. There is a useful crested
variety of this usually grown for market under the name
of N. ensifolia Weston. :
N. Bausei.
_ This garden-raised plant is one of the most distinct of
the whole genus. Its numerous, somewhat erect fronds,
more than Ift. long, leafy from the base, and of a soft,
bright green colour, have a peculiarly graceful appearance,
produced by the feathery nature of their leaflets, which,
instead of being entire, as is the case with others of the
same genus, are divided nearly to the midrib. This and
the dense dwarf habit of the plant render it very striking.
It originated among some seedlings of N. pluma, and, like
that species, thrives equally well in a stove or in an inter-
mediate house, and is entirely deciduous. This plant repro-
duces itself true from spores. It should be kept sufficiently
moist in water to prevent shrivelling.
N. biserrata.
Synonymous with N. acuta.
N. cordifolia.
From a decorative point of view, this is perhaps the
most useful of all the known species; it thrives well under
cool treatment. It is more extensively known in gardens
under the name of N. tuberosa, and sometimes is also met
with under those of N. ambrieata and N. obtusifolia. Its
habitat extends from Cuba and Mexico to Brazil and Peru,
and from Japan and India southward to Australia and New
Zealand. It is of intermediate size and somewhat erect in
habit. The fronds, borne on tufted, wiry stalks slightly
scaly at the base, are Ift. to 2ft. long, and seldom more
than 2in. broad. The numerous leaflets, about lin. long
and tin. broad, are very closely set, sometimes overlapping;
their base is rounded or heart-shaped on the lower side and
distinctly eared on the upper side; they are usually blunt,
have their edge entire or slightly notched, and are of a rich,
dark green colour. The sori, disposed in a row about half-
way between the midrib and the edge, are covered with a
firm, distinctly kidney-shaped involucre, oblique or opening
towards the outer edge. |
N. c. compacta.
A most elegant form of the above species. Its arching
fronds spread in all directions from a common centre; they
NEPHROLE PIS—continued.
are from 13ft. to 2ft. long, and are furnished with leaflets _
from the base. This variety thrives equally well in the
intermediate house or in the stove, and reproduces itself
freely from spores.
N. c. pectinata.
Undoubtedly this may be regarded as one of the gems
of the genus. Its close, compact, yet graceful habit,
coupled with the greyish colour of its comparatively short
and slender fronds, borne on perfectly naked stalks, make it
unique. Hither grown in a pot or in a basket of small
dimensions, or planted in a perpendicular wall, it is most
useful. Unlike most of the other species and varieties, it
produces fine bushy plants in small pots suitable for table .
decoration, and it is not uncommon to find in a 10in. basket
as many as 150 gracefully pendulous, slender fronds seldom
exceeding lft. in length. The species is one of those most
readily propagated from spores.
N. davallioides.
This magnificent, stove species, is a native of the
Malayan Archipelago, the East Indies, and Java. Its
vigorous constitution and the graceful habit of its arching
fronds, 2ft. to 3ft. long, lft. broad, and borne on stalks lft.
or more long, make it a plant of no ordinary merit. These
fronds are symmetrically disposed in a fibrous crown, which
sends forth on all sides stolons of a wiry nature and of
great length; these delight in creeping on the surface of the
ground or in some very loose material, such as partly-
decayed moss, sending up here and there tufts of new
fronds. The stalks on which the fronds are borne are stout,
round, channelled in front, and scaly at the base only. The
leaflets, 4in. to 6in. long and 4in. to lin. broad, are of twa
distinct forms, the lower ones being barren, opposite, some-
what spear-shaped, and toothed at the edges. The upper
portion, only of the fully-developed fronds is fertile, differing
in that respect, as well as in general appearance, from all
other known species. The fertile leaflets, which are also
opposite, are longer and narrower than the barren ones;
their lobes are much deeper, and each of these is terminated
by a single sorus. This is a Fern which should be in every
collection; for covering walls of large dimensions or for
planting on dead Tree Ferns it has no equals; 1a good speci-
men of it makes a particularly attractive exhibition plant,
as the barren and fertile portions of its fronds are as dis-
tinct as those of the better-known Asplenium biforme. The
spore masses are covered by a kidney-shaped involucre.
270 _ Choice Ferns for Amateurs.
NEPHROLEP!IS—continued.
N. d. furcans.
_ Among the many crested Ferns in cultivation, this
singular as well as beautiful form is one of the most distinct
and highly decorative. Its most striking characteristic is
the furcation of the leaflets, which are either alternate or
opposite and closely set along the midrib, whereas those of
N. davallioides are set much farther apart. In the barren
leaflets, which in fully-developed plants are situated only
on the lower portion of the frond, and which generally are
few in number, the furcation is less marked and sometimes
only rudimentary; in the fertile leaflets it is twice or even
three times repeated at the extremities of the first divisions,
becoming more complex towards the summit of the frond,
where it often forms quite a large tassel, whose weight
gives the fronds an elegant, pendulous habit. This plant ‘s
valuable for growing in large baskets, in which it never fails
to prove very attractive. Although spores are freely pro-
duced, it is best propagated by means of the young plants
produced from rhizomes in the ordinary way, on account
of the numerous and extreme variations which take place
among the seedlings.
N. Duffii.
This pretty stove species, native of the Duke of York’s
Island, in the South Pacific, is one of the most interesting
of the whole genus. Its compact habit, its comparatively
small dimensions, and the bright glossy colour of its beauti-
fully-tasselled fronds, give it a prominent place in a group
of Ferns naturally rich in decorative subjects. Its curious,
irregularly-pinnate fronds are borne on slender stalks
covered with reddish-brown, downy scales at their base.
Instead of these fronds being produced loosely, as in most
other Nephrolepises, they are densely crowded—the outcome
of closely-clustered crowns; they seldom measure more: than
2ft. in length, and are terminated by very handsome crests,
which vary in size according to the temperature in which
the plant is grown. A moist heat is required to induce it to
show its true characters. N. Duffit can only be propagated
by division of the crowns, an operation easily performed at
almost any time of the year, but with greater safety in
early spring; or by young plants produced from the
rhizomes, which, however, are not so plentiful as in other
species. It is one of the best Ferns for pot culture, its
somewhat upright habit making it less suitable than other
species for baskets, brackets, and wall-coverings.
N. ensifolia.
Synonymous with WN. acuta.
NEPHROLEPIS —continued.
N. exaltata.
One of the commonest of the genus, this stove species .
is also one of the most popular. From Lowe’s description
and particulars, we gather that it was introduced by Mr.
Anderson to the Royal Gardens, Kew, in the year 1798.
Its habitat includes the Neilgherries, South Florida, Mexico,
the West Indies, Central and South America, South Asia, &c.
Its fronds, 2f{t. or more long and 3in. to 6in. broad, are
borne on tufted, firm stalks 4in. to 6in. long, of a naked
or slightly scaly nature. The somewhat leathery leaflets
are ljin. to 3in. long, tin. to im. broad, and usually sharp-
pointed, with the edge entire or slightly toothed, the upper
side eared, and the lower rounded at the base. The sori,
disposed near the margin of the leaflets, are covered with
a firm and distinctly kidney-shaped involucre. Being of
a particularly accommodating nature, N. exaltata thrives
well under other Ferns in places which possibly would other-
wise remain bare. It is also well adapted for planting on a
cool rockery, either in out-of-the-way corners or on rocks
near water; but, wherever it is planted, care should be
taken to give it plenty of room, so as to ensure the full
development of its beautiful fronds. N. exaltata is a
rapid grower, and soon forms very ornamental masses when _
planted out; but when left alone it has a tendency to
overrun any more delicate Ferns near it.
N. e. Piersoni.
An interesting and beautiful variety raised by Mr.
F. R. Pierson, of Tarrytown, New Jersey. Instead of pos-
sessing comparatively narrow fronds, as in the type, thts
form bears them 7in. in width. Moreover, they are fur-
nished with secondary divisions some 2in. wide that go te
make it even more interesting than the plumose form of
N. rufescens.
N. imbricata.
Synonymous with N. cordifolia.
N. obtusifolia. |
N. philippinensis.
Of comparatively small dimensions and compact habit,
this lovely species succeeds equally well under either stove
or greenhouse treatment. Its narrow fronds, seldom exceed-
ing Ift. in length, are quite erect and produced from
thickly-tufted crowns. On each side of the midrib, which is
of a bright shining brown colour, are the leflets, set very
closely together, and affecting a deflexed position ; they are
NEPHROLEPIS—continued. |
of a pleasing dark green colour, leathery in texture,
strongly eared at the base, and finely toothed at the edges.
The curious position of the leaflets and the upright habit
of the whole plant make it a most interesting Fern.
HAIN -
pK (i i INS
GM KG diz
Z KCWe UT
We
|
ye WINS
KG |
AN INNS
ZI MAZZI?
Lae Co Lappin
SENS a MI! LILYMy ZAN,) Ty
Ml MN Z AD NWA
*
\
ie “S
a
roan) Ad)Nf Oy un BN
Mins
b y i
We
iN
LY tj
| tz
ly
Fig. 108. Nephrolepis rufescens tripinnatifida, a graceful

strong-growing variety equally well adapted for pot culture
and for planting out.
N. Piersoni.
This beautiful plumose Fern, although catalogued as
A species, is regarded as a form of the well-known ezaltata.
N. platyotis.
A Dictionary of Choice Ferns, . 273
NEPHROLEPIS—continued.
N. punctulata.
N. rufescens.
Although sometimes regarded as a variety of N. acuta,
this remarkably handsome plant appears to be sufficiently
distinct to rank as a species. The upright habit of its
fronds, 2ft. to 3ft. long, the rusty-coloured woolly nature of
their stalks and of the under-surface of the leaflets, and
the deeply-cleft character of the leaflets, render the plant
of more interest than a mere variety of N. acuta.
N. r. tripinnatifida.
This free-growing, stove variety, is one of the most dis-
tinct and beautiful of all the strong-growing kinds, and is -
a native of the Fiji Islands. Its fronds have a particularly
upright habit, and are 2ft. to 3ft. long and 4in. to 6in.
broad; they are of a lovely bright green colour, which forms
a pleasing contrast with the reddish tint of their rachis.
They possess a peculiarly massive, yet feathery appearance,
produced by the broad leaflets, of a soft, papery texture,
being regularly and constantly tripimnatifid, their margins
being on both sides deeply cleft and covering each other
in a graceful and most effective manner, much in the way
of the better-known and very popular Welsh Polypody.
This variety is very useful either for pot culture or for
planting out in the warm Fernery. Like nearly all plumose
forms of species of Ferns already in cultivation, it has
proved entirely barren; but, being provided with the wiry,
running rhizomes, peculiar to the genus, it may be easily
propagated by the same method as that employed for com-
moner kinds, which produce young plants on their rhizomes
at intervals. Fig. 108.
N. splendens. 7
N. tuberosa.
NIPHOBOLUS. See Polypodium.
NIPHOPSIS. Sce Polypodium.
NOTHOCHLAENA.
The Gold and Silver Maidenhairs found in
this genus are closely related to Cheilanthes, from
which they differ only by the absence of a distinct
involucre, and with which they are connected by
eradual intermediate stages.
T
274 one Choice Ferns for Amateurs.
Some of the members of this genus require stove

temperature all the year round, while others succeed
best under greenhouse treatment. In that respect
they are like Gymnogrammes and Cheilanthes, which,
on account of either the woolly or the golden or
silvery nature of the under-side of their foliage,
they also resemble in general appearance. It is not
even unusual to find on the same plant fronds the
under-sides of which are adorned with quite different
colours—white, creamy, pale, or deep yellow. The
slender black-stalked species have much the appear-
ance of Maidenhairs, and one often hears V. flavens
and VV. nivea so described.
Most of the plants belonging to this genus are
of a somewhat delicate nature, requiring more than
usual care, especially during the winter, to preserve -
their foliage, which, from its constitution, in many
cases possesses the property of retaining moisture and
is therefore apt to decay. An important fact to
notice is that, from whatever part of the globe they
come, all the Nothochlenas are invariably found on
rocks much exposed to the sun, but so situated that
the plants get a good supply of moisture at the
roots. The majority of the species are of erect or
semi-erect habit, although a few are particularly
well adapted for growing in baskets of small or
medium dimensions, in which they display their
elegant fronds to advantage. In any case they should
not be kept in a close or a moist place, a some-
what airy situation being indispensable to all ofthem.
If grown in pots, a mixture of good fibrous peat and
small pieces of sandstone in about equal proportions
is all that is required; but great care must be taken
to ensure perfect drainage, as stagnant water at the
roots is highly injurious. Finely-sifted soil should
be carefully avoided, as also should overhead
syringings.
Nothochlenas are almost invariably propagated
from spores, which, in some cases, germinate freely,
but many of the species may also be increased by
division of the crowns, an operation that is best
performed from March to May.
NOTHOCHLANA—continued
N. chrysophylla.
A synonym of UN. flavens.
N. dealbata.
A very elegant little plant, of slender habit; it is a
native of North America, and requires cool treatment. The
fronds, borne on slender, wiry, chestnut-brown stalks 4in.
to 6in. long, are deltoid, 3in. to 4in. each way, and tripin-
nate, their distant leaflets being again divided into blunt,
oblong lobes of a somewhat leathery texture; they are pale
green on their upper surface, and coated with pure white
powder beneath.
N. flavens. :
An extremely elegant, South American species, better
known in gardens under the name of N. chrysophylla, is
one of the most popular of the whole genus. The
plant is graceful in appearance, and the bright golden
powder with which the under-surface of its abundant
Adiantum-like fronds is covered, forms a pleasing contrast
with the slender, black, shining stalks on which they are
borne. It thrives best in a basket, and should be kept close
to the light and in a warm house, at least during the
winter. The tripinnate fronds are borne on densely-tufted,
glossy, chestnut-brown stalks 4in. to 8in. long, are produced
from a thick rhizome covered with dark brown scales; they
are 4in. to 9in. long, 2in. to 4in. broad, broadly triangular,
and furnished with leaflets disposed somewhat far apart.
The leafits are somewhat: loosely set, nearly wedge-shaped,
of a slightly leathery texture, and of a bright green colour
on their upper surface, while their under-side is densely
covered with a bright yellow powder. The brown sori
extend from the edge nearly to the midrib.
N. Hookeri.
This thoroughly distinct, greenhouse species, native of
North America, must not be confounded with N. Hooker of
Lowe, which is only a form of N. nivea. In general appear-
ance this pretty little plant much resembles the better-
known Gymnogramme triangularis. Its five-pointed, star-
shaped fronds (Fig. 109), about 3in. each way, are produced
from a short-creeping rootstock, at the end of which the
wiry, reddish-brown, smooth, shining stalks, about 6in.
long, are clustered. The frond consists of a middle portion
of broadly-triangular form, supported on a short but nar-
rowly-winged stalk, and of two lateral divisions, which are
stalkless. The upper surface of the fronds is smooth and
of a dull, rather dark shade of green, while the powder
P 2
~

NOTHOCHLAENA
— continued.
with which the under-side is copiously coated varies greatly
in colour, sometimes being almost white or pale sulphur-
yellow, while on some specimens it is of quite a deep yellow,
inclining to orange.
N. lanuginosa.
A pretty and deli-
cate, greenhouse
Species, easily distin-
guished from all others
by the dense, white,
woolly substance which
covers its fronds. It
is one of the few spe-
cles native of the South
of Europe, and is well
adapted for growing in —
the crevices of the cool
rockery, where it
should be planted with
very little soil around
it, and in an elevated
and exposed situation.
N. Marante.
This exceedingly
pretty, greenhouse or
even hardy species is
found in the Hima-
layas, in Syria. and
Tauria, in the Azores,
and Madeira. From
a rhizome of a woody
nature, and _ densely
i) covered with bright
A\
¢ NY
rusty-coloured, narrow
ek scales, are produced
‘ ee some broadly spear-
Fig. 109. One of the _ star-shaped .}., . |
fronds of the pretty Nothochlena eaapee zromides, 4in. to
Hookeri. 12in. long, 14in. to 3in.
broad, and borne on
strong, wiry stalks 3in. to 6in. long; they are bipinnate, being
furnished with spear-shaped leaflets cut down to the rachis
into close, oblong, entire, thick, leathery leafits. The upper
surface, of a pale green colour, is naked, while the under-
side is thickly covered with reddish-brown scales. The sori
are disposed all along the margins of the leaflets. This
Fern not only prefers, but really requires, thoroughly cold
NOTHOCHLAENA —continued.
treatment. Messrs. J. Backhouse and Son, of York, grow -
it to perfection with very little trouble. All through the
summer it is grown out in the open, and during the winter
the plants are simply put into cold frames, where the frost
often penetrates, and where they are protected only from
excessive wet.
N. Newberryi.
A very pretty, greenhouse Fern, native of the southern
counties of California. It is easily distinguished from all
other North American species by the division and the colour
of its broadly spear-shaped fronds, 3in. to 5in. long, borne
on nearly black stalks of the same length, and produced
from a thick, creeping, more or less branched rootstock,
covered with very narrow, dark brown scales. These fronds
are tripinnate, and a few of the leafits near the midribs
being again divided, are thus almost quadripinnate.
N. nivea.
This lovely, stove species, of small dimensions,
deservedly one of the most popular in cultivation, is a
native of the Andes, from Mexico to Peru. In general
aspect it resembles N. flavens, though not quite so robust,
and of a slenderer and more drooping habit. The most
distinctive character of this extremely interesting plant,
however, is the dense, pure silvery-white powder covering
the under-side of its flexible fronds, and through which the
abundant and naked sori protrude; these sori are disposed
all round the margins of the small, roundish leafits. This
character fully accounts for the common name of Silver
Maidenhair Fern; the blackness of the stalks adds to the
delusion, as their slender and shining nature is very similar
to that of most Adiantums. A most useful plant where
baskets of small dimensions are required for the warm
house; it should be kept very near the light, and in a
position where no overhead waterings are likely to reach it.
N. sinuata.
A beautiful stove or intermediate house Fern, found
in Peru, Chili, and Mexico, &c. On account of the length
of its gracefully-pendulous fronds, it should be grown, if
possible, in a hanging basket—really the only way to show
off to advantage its lovely fronds, which are 14ft. to 2ft.
long, lin. to 3in. broad, and borne on firm yet flexible
stalks 2in. to 4in. long and of a chestnut-brown colour.
These fronds are simply pinnate, being provided with short-
stalked, egg-shaped or oblong leaflets, disposed alternately
along the stalk, and varying from entire and undulated to
deeply cleft. The texture is thick and leathery, the upper
NOTHOCHLENA — continued.
surface is pale green and slightly hairy, while the under-
side is densely coated with small, narrow, rusty-brown
scales. The black and abundant sori are disposed along the
edges of the leaflets, which are slightly inflexed.
N. trichomanoides.
One of the handsomest among the rare species met with
in collections, and one which, when well grown, never fails
to attract attention. The particularly decorative and
drooping habit of its narrow fronds, 6in. to 12in. long and
rarely more than ldin. broad, the peculiar white colour of
their under-surface, due to a combination of white, star-
like scales and fine mealy powder intermixed, render this
plant one of the most striking of the whole genus. It is
a native of Jamaica and Cuba. The fronds, produced from
a central crown and borne on tufted, firm stalks 2in. to 4in.
long, of a chestnut-brown colour, and slightly scaly, are
simply pinnate. The oblong, blunt leaflets show some con-
spicuous, blunt lobes, all of a somewhat leathery texture,
white underneath, and belted all round the margin with
an even and uninterrupted band of very conspicuous and
ornamental, black spore masses. For a medium-sized hang-
ing basket, N. trichomanoides has few equals, as its abun-
dant fronds are most elegantly pendulous. It requires to
be grown in. a light compost of either fibrous peat or leaf-
mould and silver sand. It thrives best in the intermediate
house, where its fronds are fairly enduring, provided they
are kept perfectly dry at all seasons.
OLEANDRA.
Although not an extensive genus, Oleandra
embraces some of the most interesting trailing Ferns
in cultivation. With the exception of the Oleander-
like O. neriiformis, all the species make good speci-
mens either trained upon stems of dead Tree Ferns,
which they readily ascend and quickly cover, or
erown on mounds of peat. None but very fibrous
peat should, however, be used; thick turfs of it
should be placed one above another, and tightly
fastened together by means of wooden pegs so as
to form a pyramid. Another way of employing
Oleandras is to use them for covering pillars in-
doors; but as they take possession of any genial
surface, fastening themselves to it by means of short,
fibry roots, it is indispensable that these should be
provided with proper nourishment as the rhizomes
A Dictionary of Choice Ferns. | 279
extend. The best plan is to fix round the pillar a

wire cylinder of 2in. to 3in. mesh, which should be
filled up, as the rhizomes extend, with a mixture of
two parts of fibrous peat and one of sphagnum,
rammed tolerably close. For hiding pillars, walls,
or unsightly upright supports, the Oleandras are
quite as useful as the better-known Davallias, and
do not require any more special attention; although
not perhaps quite such rapid growers, they possess
the advantage of retaining their foliage longer than
is the case with most Davallias. All the species
known to cultivation require stove treatment and
abundance of water at the roots throughout their
erowing season, and they are greatly benefited by
occasional syringings overhead during the summer.
Although Oleandras may be propagated from spores,
they are usually increased by division of the rhi-
zomes between April and September.
O. articulata.
An evergreen species, native of Natal, the Mascarene
Islands, the Seychelles, and the Guinea Coast; it is specially
adapted for growing on small pyramids of peat. Its simple,
undivided fronds are produced about 2in. apart, from firm,
more or less upright, wide-climbing rhizomes, from which
they hang gracefully. They are borne on slender stalks lin.
to 2in. long, with the joint close to the base, and their
leafy portion, 6in. to 12in. long, ldin. to 2in. broad, and
of a somewhat leathery nature, has the midrib beneath
slightly scaly. The sori in this species form two irregular
rows of orange-brown dots, often some distance from the
midrib. This is one of the smallest-habited plants of the
genus, and looks well covering the stem of a dead Tree
Fern. Its foliage is of a pleasing shade of hght green, and
the veining is exceedingly pretty.
O. nodosa.
A beautiful, free-growing species, native of the West
Indies and Guiana, where it has been found covering the
stems of dead trees. It is readily distinguishable from all
others by the trailing nature and satiny gloss of its shoots,
and by the disposition of its fructification, which is irregu-
larly scattered. - The plant is of medium size, of a cheerful,
bright green colour, and easily cultivated, especially when
planted on partly-decayed vegetable matter. The veiming
of the fronds is particularly attractive and very conspicuous
when seen from below, as they are of a semi-transparent,
OLEANDRA— continued.
though somewhat leathery texture; they are 6in. to 12in.
long, 1ljin. to 24in. broad, slightly wavy, and pointed at
their summit. The stalks, Zin. to 6in. long and often
blackish, are jointed not far from the base. The abundant
and conspicuous sori are scattered, but placed nearly all in
the inner half of the frond. ?
OLFERSIA. See Acrostichum.
ONOCLEA.
Onoclea and Struthiopteris (Sensitive and
Ostrich-feather Ferns) have been united by Met-
tenius, the plants, of a hardy nature, being natives
of North America, Sikkim, Japan, and Kastern
Kurope. ‘These plants require an abundance of
water at the roots all the year round, and are best
adapted for planting out in the hardy rockery or
Fernery, as pots scarcely afford them sufficient
accommodation for the full development of their
rhizomes or stolons, which, in some instances, extend
a very long distance. There are two very widely
distinct sorts of fronds—the barren ones, which are
numerous and produced early in the spring, and the
fertile ones, which are few in number and produced
late in the summer. The fertile fronds are con-
tracted, much shorter than the others, and very
rigid. The soil which Onocleas prefer is a compost
of three parts of good strong loam and one of leaf-
mould. Great care should be taken that at all times
of the year their roots should be kept in a damp
state. Onocleas may be increased by means of spores,
but their propagation is effected usually by division
of their underground rhizomes, or of their stolons,
an operation which, as the plants are of a deciduous
nature, is best performed from October to March.
O. germanica.
This beautiful species (usually found in gardens under
the name of Struthiopteris germanica), and known as the
Ostrich Fern, has broadly-spear-shaped fronds that seldom
exceed 4ft. in length under culture. In North America,
again, its barren fronds attain l10ft. in length; but under
cultivation these are much shorter, narrowed from the middle
to the base, and abruptly terminate in a point at their
summit ; they are furnished with numerous stalkless leaflets,
A Dictionary of Choice Ferns, 28I
ONOCLEA— continued.
the lowest being wavy and thrown back, and many of them
pinnatifiid. ‘The leaflets are of a light green colour and of
a soft, papery texture, and they are frequently injured by
late spring and early autumn frosts. The fertile fronds,
produced only in autumn or late in the summer, are dis-
posed in the middle of the crown and perfectly erect; they
are much shorter than the barren ones, and much con-
tracted. The lobes of the leaflets have their margins much
recurved, so that the whole leaflet forms a somewhat
articulated, pod-like body. The sori are covered by a
delicate, cup-shaped involucre of a very short-lived nature.
O. sensibilis.
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if not even the <= _W//ReL) ae ( :
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exotic Ferns in-

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America. Its
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main attraction
lies in the pleas-
ing, soft, pale
green colour of
the lovely barren
fronds, broadly tri-
angular in outline,
long-stalked, and
cut down nearly
to the midrib into Fig. 110. Onoclea sensibilis, showing
oblong-spear- habit and portions of fertile frond and
shaped leaflets, barren leaflet.
which are wavy or slightly toothed at the margins. The
_ middle of the frond is winged from the basal or from the
second pair of leaflets, the wing at the base being very
narrow, but gradually widening towards the summit. These
barren, fronds sometimes reach 1}ft. in length, especially
when the plants are well established in a naturally and
constantly moist part of the rockery, and, as they are borne
on stalks of about the same length, they measure about 3ft.
in height, a result never attained under pot-culture. The
texture is soft and papery, the surfaces are perfectly
smooth, and the under-side is slightly bluish. The fronds
do not last long when cut, even when put in water, but
shrivel almost immediately, showing a disposition to fold
282 | Choice Ferns for Amateurs
ONOCLEA — continued.
their leaflets face to face, for which reason, Eaton Says,
the plant has received the popular name of Sensitive
Fern. The foliage of this Fern is also very sensitive to a
cold temperature, for the first autumn frosts always destroy
it, and the late spring frosts which we sometimes experience
in May and June have the same injurious effects. These
remarks apply to barren fronds only, which are by far the
handsomer and the more numerous. Fertile fonds are not
very common, and areso unlike the barren ones that no one
unacquainted with the plant would suppose them to be
related to each other. Both kinds are produced from a
thick, fleshy rhizome which runs underground; the fertile
ones stand about half the height of the barren ones, and
are perfectly rigid and nearly black when fully developed.
Another peculiarity is that they dry up in winter, but
remain erect during the following summer, so that a fruit-
ing plant often bears fertile fronds of two years’ growth.
The involucre with which the sori are covered is globose,
and bursts at the summit. Fig. 110.
ONY CHIUM.
Although four species belonging to this genus
are known in cultivation, the two most extensively
grown—O. auratum and O. japonicwm—are ex-
tremely elegant, and possess some useful decorative
qualities. Their fronds are so light and finely cut,
and of such a pleasing colour, that they are specially
adapted for mixing with cut flowers, amongst which
they look as graceful as some of the finest Adiantums,
and remain fresh much longer. While O. auratum
produces its ample and handsomely decompound
fronds from a single crown, thus forming a sort
of miniature Pteris tremula with finely-divided
foliage, O. japonicum, on the contrary, produces
them from numerous underground rhizomes, making
thick tufts of graceful and pleasing foliage,
green on both sides; whereas that of the former
species, when in a fertile state, is of a beautiful
golden colour beneath, which gives the plant quite
the appearance of a golden Fern. The colouring,
however, is due, not, as in Gymnogrammes and
Nothochlenas, to the presence of powder, but to the
indusia, which are of a bright, rich golden hue.
These two most interesting species differ alike in
habit and in the treatment that they require. While

O. japonicum thrives well in a cool house—in fact,
will not stand stove treatment, under which it 1s
soon attacked by thrips—O. auratum requires a -
stove, or at least a good intermediate house, all the
year round. ‘The same compost suits them both,
viz., a mixture of fibrous loam, peat or leaf mould,
and silver sand, in about equal proportions. Both
should be potted loosely, as they have great aversion
to hard soil at any time. Care must also be taken
to ensure their fronds being kept dry at all seasons,
as 1f allowed to get wet they soon turn to a darkish
brown colour and begin to decay.
O. japonicum is easily propagated from spores,
which germinate freely, or by division; but the
same cannot be said of O. auratum, which no doubt
would be equally popular if its propagation were
more rapid; the fact of its forming only single
crowns prevents its increase by division. The only
mode of dealing effectually with this handsome
species is, therefore, by means of seedlings, which
come up freely enough, but which have a natural
tendency to damp off just above ground while in a
young state.
QO. auratum.
This lovely, evergreen, stove species is a native of the
Malayan Peninsula and Islands. The barren and the fertile
fronds are of similar dimensions, but otherwise different.
Both kinds are borne on stout, erect, naked stalks, 6in. to
12in. long, of a pale brown colour. The barren ones, lft.
or more in length and 8in. to 12in. broad, are quadripin-
natifid; their lower leaflets, somewhat triangular and
spreading, are 4in. to 6in. long, and furnished with
numerous leafits and segments of a somewhat triangular
shape; their ultimate divisions are often wedge-shaped and
trifid at the summit. The fertile fronds are readily dis-
tinguished at first sight by their less divided nature, and
by the pod-like appearance of their leafits, which are seldom
more than 4in. to lin. long and fin. broad. The upper
surface of both kinds of fronds is of a beautiful bright glossy
green, while the under-surface of the fertile ones is rendered
very attractive by the rich golden colour of its sori, which
arecovered with an involucre of parchment-like texture. In
potting or planting this species, the utmost care should be
ONY CHIUM —continued.

taken to keep the crown well above the surface of the soil,
which must be thoroughly drained.
O. capense.
This is a garden name for O. japonicum.
Fig. 111. Onychium japonicum, a very pretty and

useful species of a little Known genus.
QO. japonicum.
This greenhouse species is undoubtedly the most useful
of those in cultivation, being freer in growth and producing
its fronds in greater abundance than any other. These,
however, are of a semi-deciduous character, 1ft. or more
in length, 6in. broad, egg-shaped, and quadripinnatifid.
ONY CHIUM— continued.

The lower leaflets of the barren ones are 4in. to Gin. long,
Spear-shaped, and furnished with numerous, usually
triangular, leafits and segments. Unlike those _ of
0. auratum, the segments in this species, both fertile and
barren, are uniform, being all narrow-linear, a little taper-
ing below, and gradually sharp-pointed. The fronds are
produced from a short-creeping rhizome, and borne on
slender, erect, naked, straw-coloured or pale brown stalks
6in. to 12in. long; they are of a somewhat leathery texture
and of a bright, shining green colour on both sides—hence
the common garden name of lusidum. This useful species
is a native of Japan, China, and Northern India. The sori,
_ of a bright brown colour, are covered with a pale involucre
of a parchment-like texture, and occupy nearly the whole
under-surface of the segments. Fig. 111.
O. lucidum.
A garden name for O. japonicum.
OSMUNDA.
Though not extensive, this highly interesting
genus comprises some species which are very orna-
mental in a cool house; while some make beautiful
objects for the hardy Fernery. Osmundas are com-
monly called Flowering Ferns, and are on that
account regarded with more than usual interest.
Most of them are deciduous, and, with the exception
of O. javanica, whose general appearance is much
nearer that of a glossy, thick-foliaged Lomaria than
anything else, they all more or less resemble one
another.
Osmundas are easily cultivated, even in common
garden soil; but if planted out, a spot should be
_ selected for them by the side of water, so that, while
the heads of the plants are in the open and fully
exposed to the air, the roots may be kept constantly
wet. If anyone will take the trouble to prepare for
these magnificent Ferns a mixture of swamp mud
and good loam, and will keep their roots supplied
with abundant moisture, the result will be all that
can be desired. If, however, there is any difficulty
in procuring the materials just named, a mixture of
turfy loam and fibrous peat will suit them very well,
and the addition of a portion of river sand will
induce the development of roots, which will run in

all directions, and thus insure the production of
numerous robust fronds. Though requiring an
abundance of water at the rootsat all times of the
year, the plants dislike being syringed overhead.
The propagation of Osmundas is invariably effected
by means of spores, which are produced in abundance
and germinate very freely.
O. cinnamomea.
This very handsome and perfectly hardy species is
usually considered as a purely North American plant. It
has, however, a very wide range of habitat. It is of robust
growth and compact habit, and when deprived of fertile
fronds its general appearance is very similar to that of
QO. Claytoniana (O. interrupta, as that species is usually called
in gardens); in fact, in the absence of fructification it is
not always easy to distinguish one from the other. When
well grown, the crown of fronds of this species rivals in
density that of O. Claytoniana, and the barren fronds,
which in this case are by far the more numerous, are of
almost the same shape and dimensions as those of that
species. O. cinnamomea is generally of more upright habit,
but the most striking difference between the two species,
discernible only when in a barren state, is that in the plant
under notice the summit of the frond is decidedly sharp-
pointed, as is also the summit of each.
O. Claytoniana.
Of all the known species of the genus, this is the most
conspicuous. When growing in a favourable situation and
allowed ample room, it forms a crown of fronds several feet
in diameter. The outer fronds, which are generally barren,
are borne on tufted, loosely-woolly stalks, which are lft. or
more in length and clothed with loose, woolly material when
young, though naked when mature; they rise nearly erect
on their stalks, but, instead of retaining their upright
position, like those of O. cinnamomea, they gradually bend
away from the centre and curve outwards in all directions
(Fig. 112), thus forming a most elegant, vase-shaped plant
of large dimensions.
O. interrupta.
A garden name for O. Claytoniana.
O. javanica.
A handsome and very distinct, stove species, also known
as O. Presliana and O. Vachellt. It is of somewhat rigid
OSMUNDA— continued.
habit, and is found growing in a natural state from Kamt-
schatka to Java and Ceylon. The peculiar fronds, which
in general appearance greatly resemble those of a Lomaria,
are lft. to 3ft. long, 8in. to 12in. broad, and simply pinnate,
being provided with leaflets distinctly barren or fertile.
The barren ones, of a leathery texture, dark green colour,
BY
WEN iAg,
N\)
Fig. 112. Osmunda Claytoniana, a distinct species whose

fronds are so disposed as to form an elegant vase-shaped
plant.
and glossy, are 4in. to 8in. long, din. to 2in. broad, wedge-
shaped at the base, and often slightly stalked, their edge
being either entire or sometimes sharply toothed. The
fertile leaflets, which are usually disposed on each side cf
the stalk, and in the centre of the frond, are shorter, and
made up of numerous close but distinct, oblong, stalkless
clusters.
O. Presliana.
Synonymous with O. javanica.
OSMUNDA— continued.
O. regalis.
Though generally considered as a British Fern, this
stately and deservedly popular species may well be classed
among the most useful and most decorative of the exotics
of strong growth. Not by any means common in all
parts of the United Kingdom, in places congenial to its
growth O. regalis is found plentifully, and in such positions
forms huge masses. QO. regalis is the typical Flowering
Fern, and in this country varies little in general appear-
ance. Its rootstock is so covered with overlapping stalk-
bases of former growths and by interlacing roots that the
whole forms a massive, spongy clump of great thickness;
and a peculiarity of this species resides in its sending out
strong, blackish rootlets in great abundance, some of which
creep in an upward direction between the scales, while
others pierce directly through them, thus binding the whole
together and giving it great strength and solidity. Most
of the fronds, which are borne on firm, erect, naked stalks
lft. to 1}ft. long, and are of variable length and more or |
fess graceful habit, according to the position in which the
plants grow, are barren and strictly bipinnate. When
fertile they have their upper part transformed into a bipin-
nate, panicled mass of fructification formed of cylindrical
leafits. The barren leaflets, 6in. to 12in. long and 2in. to
4in. broad, are furnished with stalkless or short-stalked
leafits lin. to 2in. long, din. to 2in. broad, of a soft, papery
texture, and of a full, herbaceous green colour. If grown
in pots, the Royal Fern must have good drainage and an
abundant and continuous supply of water. It is easy of
cultivation, and may be readily propagated from spores,
which germinate freely. O. r. cristata is a form differing
essentially from the type in its totally distinct habit, in the
size of its tasselled thick-textured fronds, and crested leaflets.
QO. r. japonica corymbifera.
This very distinct and beautiful, Japanese Fern, of
dwarf habit, is unquestionably the best Osmunda for decora-
tive purposes, and especially for pot culture, yet introduced.
The compact, dwarf habit of the plant, the distinct crista-
tion of the leaflets, and the peculiar soft colour of the
fronds, which makes a pleasing contrast to every other
Fern, combine to give this Osmunda a unique character.
This variety reproduces itself true from spores; although
usually deciduous, it retains its foliage all the year when
kept in a warm greenhouse.
O. Vachellii.
This is identical with O. javanica.
PELL/AEA.
In habit of growth, as also in geographical dis-
tribution, the Cliff Brake Ferns, or Pelleas are
closely allied to Chetlanthes, from which they differ
principally through the continuous nature of their
involucre. The distinguishing characters of the
plants belonging to this genus reside in the dis-
position of the sori. These are within the margin,
terminal on the veins, which in nearly all cases are
free, at first dot-like or decurrent on the veins, but
soon running into a line; also in the character of
the involucre, which is formed of the more or less
changed edge of the frond, quite continuous and
sometimes very narrow. The genus includes Allo-
sorus, Cheiloplecton, Holcochlena, and Platyloma.
All the Pelleas are of small or medium dimen-
sions, and are very useful for planting in rockeries
or in small hanging baskets, in which positions they
are much more effective than when grown in pots.
They require but little soil, and a comparatively
exposed situation suits them best. They flourish in
a compost of a light and very porous nature, such as
a mixture of two parts peat, one part loam, and one
part silver sand, or, better still, pulverised old
mortar, in which their thin, fibrous roots delight to
run. Pellewas should not at any time be allowed to
get dry at the roots; yet, on the other hand, their
foliage should never be wetted. They prefer being
kept close to the hight, which is never too strong for
them, provided they are sheltered from the direct
rays of the sun. Most of the known species are
readily propagated by spores, which are abundantly
produced and germinate freely. Those species pro-
vided with running rhizomes may be propagated by
division during March and April.
P. adiantoides.
In gardens, this vigorous, West Indian, greenhouse
species, is extensively grown under the names of Pteris
adiantifolia, P. adiantoides, and P. latifolia. The whole
plant is of a particularly dark green colour, and its general
appearance is that of a large form of P. hastata.
U
290 — Choice Ferns for Amateurs.
PELL/AEA —continued.
P. alabamensis.
Cheilanthes alabamensis (Kunze) is another name for
this very pretty North American greenhouse species. The
broadly egg-shaped fronds, borne on wiry, polished, blackish
stalks 2in. to 4in. long, and covered at the base with fine
woolly scales of a reddish-brown colour, are produced from
a short-creeping and branched rootstock, which is covered
with similar scales. ‘they are 4in. to 8in. long, ldin. to
2in. broad, bi- or tripinnatifid, and furnished with numerous
leaflets of a somewhat leathery texture. The leaflets are
closely placed, and cut down nearly to the midrib into
numerous narrow-oblong segments, most of which are entire,
but the lowest are sometimes again pinnatifid; they are
naked on both surfaces, and the sori are covered by arather
broad involucre of a parchment-like texture.
P. Breweri. |
A remarkably pretty, greenhouse Fern, native of North
America. The delicate little fronds, 2in. to 3in. long,
seareely lin. broad, narrow-oblong, simply pinnate, borne on
tufted, round, very fragile, chestnut-brown stalks 2in. to
3in. long, and chaffy only at the base, are produced from a
short, stout, ascending rootstock, densely clothed with
narrow, light brown scales. The leaflets are usually oppo-
site, the upper ones egg-shaped, undivided and stalkless, the
lower ones cleft down the centre nearly to the base into two
unequal parts, of which the lower is the smaller, each the
same shape as the upper leaflets, and not toothed or further
divided, the larger part beimg about jin. long and tin.
broad. The fronds are of a thick but scarcely leathery tex-
ture, pale green, and naked on both surfaces. The sori,
disposed in a continuous, marginal line, are covered by a
broad, thin, and nearly transparent imvolucre.
P. calomelanos.
To the dark brown colour of its strong, tufted, upright,
polished stalks, which are 4in. to 6in. long and _ slightly
scaly towards the base, this beautiful greenhouse species
owes its name. The fronds, 4in. to 8in. long and 3in. to
6in. broad, are somewhat deltoid, and twice or thrice divided
to the midrib. The rigid, spreading leaflets are sometimes
simply pinnate, but frequently are twice pinnate; their
leafits, borne on rigid, though slender, black, shining stalks,
are iin. to 2in. each way, and vary in contour from blunt-
heart-shaped to triangular-halbert-shaped, and, with the
two sides often unequal at the base. The texture of the
fronds is leathery, and they are smooth and of a lovely
bluish-green in colour on both surfaces. The sori, disposed in
PELLALA—continued.
a broad line along the margin of the leafits, soon hide the-
narrow, thin, and transparent involucre. This species is a
native of Cape Colony, Zambesi Land, &c.
P. cordata.
Mexico and the Andes of Peru are the habitat of this —
handsome greenhouse species. Its broadly spear-shaped
fronds, lft. or more in length and 4in. to 6in. broad, are
borne on strong, erect, straw-coloured stalks 6in. to Qin.
long, polished, but clothed below with small, pale, spear-
shaped scales when young. The leaflets, of the same shape
as the fronds, are provided with a straight rachis, the lower
ones being slightly branched at the base; their short-stalked
segments, oblong or egg-shaped, rounded or heart-shaped at
the base, 4in. to lin. long, and half as broad, are of a some-
what leathery texture, and blunt. at the extremity. The
sori are disposed in broad, marginal lines, which soon hide
the involucre.
P. c. flexuosa.
In gardens, this North American variety is usually
found under the mame of Platyloma flexuosa. The hand-
some fronds, produced from a rather slender rootstock
clothed with narrow, brown scales, are borne on stalks
several inches long, more or less furrowed along the front,
gradually passing into a more or less zigzag stalk.
P. falcata.
This decorative, greenhouse species is found in, Tropical
Hindostan, the Malayan Peninsula, Australia, New Zealand,
Tasmania, &c. The fronds, produced from a wide-creeping,
slender, underground rhizome, and borne on strong, erect
stalks 3in. to 6in. long, more or less hairy and scaly,
are oblong-spear-shaped, 6in. to 18in. long, lin. to
Qin. broad, and only once divided to the midrib. They
are formed of twelve to thirty or more pairs of stalkless,
or nearly stalkless leaflets, din. to lin. long and fin.
to iin. broad, and usually a larger terminal one; all
are spear-shaped or oblong-spear-shaped, usually ter-
minating in a sharp point, and often slightly sickle-
shaped, wedge-shaped, enlarged, or heart-shaped at the
base; their texture is leathery, and their colour a dark,
dull green above, paler beneath. The sori are disposed ‘n
a continuous, broad, marginal line extending from the base
nearly to the summit of each fertile leaflet, and soon hide
their narrow involucre. ,
P. hastata.
More generally found in gardens under the name of
Pteris hastata, this highly-decorative, ace eames
U
PELL A A—continued.
greenhouse Fern, has a somewhat extensive ie baba! being
found from Cape Colony northward to Natal, Zambesi Land,
the Mascarene and the Cape de Verde Islands, and Abys-
sinia. The fronds, lft. to 2ft. long, are borne on wiry,
erect, dark chestnut-brown, highly-polished stalks 6in. to
12in. long; they are obiong in shape and bi- or tripinnate,
their leaflets varying from simply pinnate to copiously
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Fig. 113. Pellaea hastata, a strong-growing and highly

decorative species; barren fronds only are shown.
bipinnate. The leafits, of a soft, papery texture and yel-

lowish-green colour, are eggo-shaped when barren, except the
terminal ones, which usually are distinctly halbertt-shaped
and undulated on their margins: these characters are much
more conspicuous when the plant is fertile (Fig. 113 shows
barren fronds only). The fronds are smooth on both sur-
faces, and the sori, disposed in a continuous, marginal line,
are provided with a somewhat narrow, thin involucre, nearly
or quite hidden when the spores are ripe.
PELLA A—continued.
P longimucronata,
This is synonymous with P. mucronata.
P. mucronata.
This very pretty, North American, greenhouse species
is also known under the names of P. longimucronata and
P. Wrightiana. Its interesting fronds, deltoid and bipin-
nate, 3in. to Gin long and lin. to 3in. broad, are produced
from a short, thick, knotted rootstock that is densely chafly
with very narrow scales of a dark brown colour, and are
borne on strong, erect, dark brown, polished stalks 2in. to
4in. long. The leaflets of the barren fronds are almost
stalkless, roundish or egg-shaped, rounded or even somewhat
heart-shaped at the base, but provided with a minute, semi-
transparent, sharp point, or mucro, at their extremity.
Those of the fertile fronds are rolled in nearly to the mid-
veins and therefore very narrow, often longer than the
barren ones, curved upwards, and terminate in a sharp,
mucronate point—hence the specific name. All are of a
leathery texture and of a pale, glaucous-green colour on
both surfaces. The sori are completely hidden by the broad,
leathery involucre, which is permanently rolled over them.
P. ternifolia.
An interesting and pretty species, native of Tropical
America. The very elegant, pendulous fronds, 6in. to 12in.
long, lin. to ldin. broad, and borne on tufted, erect, dark
chestnut-brown stalks 2in. to 4in. long, polished above, but
densely scaly at the base, are narrow-spear-shaped, and
have from six to twelve or more pairs of leaflets. These
are always opposite, of a leathery texture, and beautiful
glaucous-green in colour on each side; they are cleft down
nearly to the base into three narrow, rigid segments, with
inrolled edges, thus forming a sort of claw. The involucre
is formed out of the edge of the frond, and remains rolled
over the spores till they attain their full maturity.
P. Wrightiana.
Synonymous with P. mucronata.
PHEGOPTERIS. See Polypodium.
PHLEBODIUM. See Polypodium.
PHYMATODES. ‘Sce Polypodium.
PLATYCERIUM.
K1lk’s Horn and Stag’s Horn Ferns (Platycervwm)
constitute a small family, well marked, through
the repeatedly-forked character of the fertile fronds
of most of the species resembling Stag’s Horns.
With the exception of P. alcicorne, which

thrives best in an ordinary greenhouse temperature,
all the Platyceriums require stove treatment. They
succeed best and become most effective when planted
in the fork of an ordinary tree-branch or in an arti-
ficial wall-pocket made of virgin cork. VP. alcicorne
also has a most pleasing appearance when grown as
a basket plant, as its roots, which usually produce
young plants on their surface, soon make a perfect
ball, imparting a singular effect, growing as 1t does
in all directions—sideways, head downwards, &c.—
with equal vigour. The compost which suits them
best 1s a mixture, in about equal parts, of rough,
fibrous peat and sphagnum. ‘The plants are particu-
larly fond of strong light, and should receive water
at the roots with moderation. The best way to keep
them in good condition in that respect is to soak
them thoroughly, and then to wait until the foliage
begins to droop and to present a soft, withered
aspect before soaking them again. Platyceriums
are usually propagated by means of young plants
produced from the adventitious buds on their roots.
P. grande, however, has never been known to pro-
duce any, and consequently it must be propagated
by means of spores; this method, though somewhat
slow, is also resorted to for other species when
required in great quantities.
P. alcicorne.
Although the commonest species of the genus, this is an
extremely interesting Fern, found growing on branches of
trees in Australia, Java, the East Indies, Madagascar, and
Peru. It is of easy culture, thriving equally well in the
greenhouse, the cool conservatory, or the stove. Of all
known Platyceriums, it is the one which grows the quickest
and which is the most easily propagated from the young
plants produced on its roots. Its barren fronds are rounded
and convex, with edges waved and lobes spreading, and are
downy when young. The fertile fronds are 2ft. to 3ft.
long, clustered, of a somewhat upright habit, twice or
thrice forked, and of a thick, leathery texture; their strap-
shaped and bluntish ultimate divisions have the fructifica-
tion disposed in the last forks and at their base in very
irregular patches, and the under-surface is covered with a
thin, cottony down. In the variety majus, which requires
A Dictionary of Choice Ferns. — 295
PLATY CERIUM — continued.

a warmer temperature than the species, the foliage is much
larger and the entire plant shows a much more robust habit.
(Fig. 114, for which we are indebted to Messrs. James Veitch
and Sons). There is also a seedling variety Mayu, that
emanated from Mr. H. B. May’s collection. Its segments
are wider than those of the type, and the divisions are
longer.
Fig. 114. Platycerium alcicorne majus, an Australian variety

aide much larger fronds, and of more robust habit than
the type.
P. grande.
A magnificent stove species, a native of North Aus-
tralia, Singapore, and the Philippines. The barren fronds,
which are very large, stalkless, nearly round, and ascending,
have their upper portion divided into a number of broad,
blunt segments of a spongy texture and pale green colour,
covered when young with a light, woolly substance, which
gradually disappears as the frond becomes mature. The
tertile fronds, 4ft. to 6ft. long and of a pendulous nature,
are usually produced in pairs and provided with a broadly
wedge-shaped disk: this becomes completely covered with
the fructification, which forms a large triangular patch,
and it bears at each corner a repeatedly-forked division
extending a good distance beyond it, but always remaining
barren.
PLAT Y CERIUM — continued.

P. Hillii.
This very handsome Queensland Fern is very closely
related to P. alcicorne majus—so much so that, until the
plants attain their full development, it is very difficult to
distinguish one from the other. The repeated forking of
the frond divisions differentiate it from majus; while it is
altogether stiffer in habit.
PLATYLOMA. ‘ee Pellaea.
PLEOCNEMIA. § See Nephrodium.
PLEOPELTIS. Sce Polypodium.
PLEURIDIUM. § Sce Polypodium.
POLYBOTRYA. See Acrostichum.
POLYPODIUM.
An exceedingly large genus—the most ex-
tensive, in fact, of the Natural Order Filices. As
now understood, it comprises Campyloneuron,
C yrtomiphlebium, Dictyopteris, Dipteris, Drynaria,
Lupolypodium, Gontophlebium, Goniopteris, Gram-
mitts, Niphobolus, Phegopteris, Phlebodium, Phy-
matodes, ie leopeltis, and Pleuridium.
The Polypodiums, both British and exotic, are
of two different structures and of various habits. A
small proportion of them, such as our common
“Oak” and “ Beéch” Ferns (P?. Dryopterts and P.
Phegopteris), are deciduous, and provided with
slender rhizomes which delight in running under-
ground, especially in partly-decayed vegetable
matter; the foliage of these species, as a rule, is of a
soft, papery texture. The majority of them, how-
ever, are of an evergreen nature, having fronds of a
somewhat leathery texture, produced from rhizomes
which prefer being kept above or close to the surface
of the ground. Those species which are provided
with underground rhizomes may be either grown in
pots or planted in any part of the stove, the cool
Fernery, or the outdoor rockery, according to their
native habitats; and for these, a mixture composed
of two parts fibrous loam, one part leaf mould, and
one part sharp silver sand, answers all require-
ments. This treatment also applies to the species
in which the fronds are produced from a single

crown. ‘he epiphytal species (those provided with
rhizomes of a thickness varying from that of a quill
pen to that of a man’s thumb), which do not burrow,
but keep near, or even on, the surface of the soil,
require good fibrous peat, or, better still, half-de-
cayed leaf mould, in which silver sand is not needed,
but to which a fourth part of fibrous loam may be
added to give it cohesion. Whether grown in pots
or planted in the rockery, these species should have
good drainage and comparatively shallow pots or
pockets. The epiphytal species are particularly
adapted for covering Tree-Fern stems and for grow-
ing in hanging baskets, in which positions their.
rambling habit 1s shown to great advantage.
P. aureum and its varieties are among the
most popular of all the species. ‘The value of these
Ferns for decorative purposes 1s sufficiently attested
by the fact that thousands of them annually
find their way to Covent Garden Market; some
rowers, indeed, make quite a speciality of them,
as much on account of their rapid growth as be-
cause of their distinct habit. Although the fronds
have a natural tendency to be produced from a single
rhizome, the plants may, by judicious treatment, be
rendered useful as pot subjects. ‘To obviate this
mode of growth, the extremity of the rhizome is en-
tirely cut off when only about 2in. long, the result
of that operation being the production of several
lateral rhizomes growing out of the mutilated one in
all directions, thus making bushy and compact
plants. Being evergreen and _ strong growers,
P. aureum and its varieties require substantial food;
a mixture consisting of about equal proportions of
fibrous peat, loam, and silver sand suits them best.
They must also receive a liberal supply of water at
the roots while growing, as well as occasional water-
ings with weak liquid manure.
The majority of Polypodiums are propagated by
division of their rhizomes, which operation may be
carried out at almost any time of the year; but a
few species grown extensively for decorative purposes
are more rapidly propagated by means of their

spores, which are abundantly produced, germinate
freely, and produce better-shaped plants than those
obtained from division of the rhizomes.
P. aureum.
This deservedly popular species, which thrives equally
well under either greenhouse or stove treatment, is common
in the West Indies, and in South America as far as Brazil,
&c. It is a strong-growing, bold species, and, owing to the
glaucous tint of its massive foliage, conspicuous. In very
young plants the fronds are simple or three-lobed, but in
fully-developed specimens they are 3ft. to 5ft. long and Qin.
to 18in. broad, and are composed of a long, narrow-spear-
shaped terminal leaflet, and of a variable number—from
five to fifteen—of horizontal, entire, but undulated leaflets,
din. to 9in. long, about lin. broad, and separated from each
other by more or less rounded and open sinuses, leaving a
wing or border of about din. along each side of the rachis.
The lowest two leaflets are sometimes distinctly separated
from the rest and are usually slightly decurved. The
popular appellation of “Golden Polypody,’’ may be derived
from the shining nature and bright brown colour of the
scales with which the older portions of its rhizomes are
covered, or it may be due to the intense golden colour of
the under-side of its fertile fronds, which is produced by the
presence of the enormous quantity of spore masses, dis-
posed irregularly in one, two, or three series, and from
which, when ripe, a most profuse, fine, bright yellow powder
escapes, and covers the upper surface of the fronds that are
beneath them. There are in commerce three plants closely
related to P. aureum. These are: P. a. areolatum,
P. a. pulvinatum, and P. a. sporadocarpum. The last,
commonly met with in gardens under the name of
P. glauwcum, is certainly the handsomest of the group to
which it belongs, being of a bluish tint not even approached
by any of the others.
P. Billardieri.
This very useful and highly-ornamental, greenhouse
species, native of New Zealand, Australia, Tasmania, &c.,
is provided with wide-creeping rhizomes of a woody nature,
densely clothed with dark-coloured and glossy scales, from
which the fronds are produced. These fronds usually stand
upright, and are borne on firm, erect, glossy stalks 4in. to
8in. long; they vary in shape from oblong-spear-shaped and
quite entire, to 13ft. long and half as broad and deeply
pinnatifid. In young or freshly-divided plants the simple
fronds predominate, whilst in old-established ones they are
POLY PODIUM—continued.
nearly all pinnatifid, being composed of narrow-spear-shaped
leaflets of a leathery texture, deep green in colour and
naked on both sides. The large, round sori are disposed in
single rows close to the midvein, and are so distinctly im-
mersed in the frond as to form protuberances on the upper
side. This species is a particularly shallow-rooting plant;
it flourishes best in a flower-pan, in a mixture in which
fibrous peat predominates.
P, Catharine.
An easily-cultivated, evergreen, stove species, a native
of Brazil. Its simply-pinnate fronds, 6in. to 12in. long and
din. to din. broad, are produced from a _ wide-creeping
rhizome clothed with dark brown, spreading scales, and
borne on erect, naked stalks 4in. to 6in. long and of a
glossy nature. The texture of their leaflets, which are
13in. to din. long and tin. to iin. broad, is somewhat
leathery, and their colour is dark, dull green. The large,
round sori are disposed in single rows close to the midrib.
P. Catherine of gardens is synonymous with P. loriceum
latipes.
P. chnoodes.
For growing in hanging baskets, this West Indian and
Venezuelan stove species, of drooping habit, is very useful.
Its elegant fronds, lft. to 2ft. long and 4in to Qin. broad,
are cut down to the rachis, into distinct, sickle-shaped,
opposite leaflets 2in. to 4in. long, 4in. to 3in. broad, heart-
shaped at the base, of a soft, papery texture, hght green
in colour, and finely hairy on both surfaces. They are pro-
duced from a stout rhizome densely clothed with soft,
spreading scales of a dull brown colour, and borne on erect,
slender, naked stalks 4in. to 6in. long. The spore masses
are disposed in two series on each side of the main veins.
This species was once known as P. dissimile.
P. conjugatum.
From Queensland comes this handsome species, which
has long pinnately-divided, shining, lance-shaped fronds,
springing from a stout creeping rhizome. The leaflets are
alternate and lanceolate, with wavy margins. The sori,
which are borne in two rows, between each of the primary
veins extend from the midrib to the margin. A favourite
exhibition plant.
P. coronans.
Synonymous with P. Heracleum.
P. cuspidatum.
Synonymous with P. persicefoliwm.
POLYPODIUM—continued.
P. dissimile.
Synonymous with P. chnoodes.
P. drepanum.
A very handsome, greenhouse species, native of
Madeira, with fronds 13it. to 3ft. long, 8in. to 12in. broad,
produced from a short, upright stem, and borne on tufted
stalks, which are lft. to 14ft. long and densely clothed with
dark-coloured scales at their base. The lowest leaflets,
which are also the largest, often, measure 8in. in length and
din. in breadth; the leafits are spear-shaped, unequal-sided,
conspicuously-eared on the upper side, and truncate on the
lower side at the base, with a broad, uncut centre and
numerous teeth. The fronds are of a leathery texture, with
both sides nearly naked. The very prominent and abun-
dant sori are disposed irregularly in rows on each side of
’ the midvein, and eventually become confluent.
P. Dryopteris. |
This exceedingly pretty, dwarf-growing, hardy species,
popularly known as the Oak Fern, has a most extensive —
range of habitat—Northern India, the Western Himalayas,
Manchuria, Japan, &c. Of the four native Polypodies with
deciduous foliage, P. Dryopteris is undoubtedly the one
most generally known and most deservedly appreciated.
On account of the peculiarly bright pea-green colour of its
fronds, and of its close and compact habit, it is much
admired and frequently used for forming in the hardy
Fernery edges which, all through the summer, possess a
freshness looked for in vain among all other Ferns of dwarf
habit. These fronds, produced from a wide-creeping
rhizome of a very slender nature, and borne on slender
stalks Gin. to 12in. long, naked upwards and slightly scaly
below, are deltoid, and generally measure from 6in. to 10in.
each way. Their lower leaflets are much the largest (Fig. 28),
and the spear-shaped leafits are slightly notched. They
are of a soft, papery texture and smooth on both surfaces.
The abundant but minute sori, of a hght brown colour, are
scattered over the whole under-side of the frond. A pecu-
larity noticeable in this species consists in the development
of the fronds, the rolled-up leaflets of which, in a young
state, resemble three small balls or green peas placed on
wires. In planting the Oak Fern, a spot where moisture
and shade can always be depended upon should, if possible,
be selected, and a shallow bed made of a compost of two
parts of fibrous peat, one part of leaf mould, and a free
admixture of silver sand, or, better still, of broken sandstone.
If grown in pots for a cool frame or for the greenhouse,
where it makes most pleasing objects, the above mixture
will be found equally suitable; but in either case avoid
putting in too much soil; a depth of 3in. to 4in. is quite
sufficient. It is also indispensable that thorough drainage
should be secured, for water remaining stagnant about its
roots is very injurious to P. Dryopteris. In planting, great
care must also be taken to prevent the rhizomes from being
buried too deeply, in which case they seldom grow; they
must be kept only just below the surface of the soil, through
Fig. 115. Polypodium Heracleum, one of the most distinctive

of all Polypodies.
which it is advisable to allow the tips to protrude. Plant-

ing should take place about April, and a moderate watering
must follow, after which the soil requires to be kept con-
stantly moist. Although totally deprived of foliage during
four or five months of the year, the Oak Fern should never
be allowed to get dry at the roots, for the rhizomes soon
shrivel up and the spring growth then only produces small
or deformed fronds, as the plants are much weakened. It
is also advisable to give pot specimens a slight covering
during the winter, though they do not require this
attention when planted out. _This species, readily increased
by division, does not appear to have produced any constant
variations; though several more or less curious forms of it
have from time to time been noticed.
POLYPODIUM— continued.
P. Heracleum.
This really magnificent, large-growing, stove species,
native of Java and of the Philippines, is the P. coronans of
gardens, but not of Wallich; it is also frequently found
under the name of P. morbillosum. Its stalkless fronds,
sft. to 6ft. long and 2ft. or more in breadth, are usually
disposed in a crown (Fig. 115), and are produced from a
stout, short-creeping rhizome of a woody nature, clothed
with long, silky scales of a bright brown colour, except near
the extreme end, where they are whitish. These fronds,
which are deeply pinnatifid, are of a light green colour and
of a stiff, harsh texture; their upper surface is covered
with minute, short, whitish hairs. while the midrib of the
frond is crowded with brown hairs, especially near the base,
where they are longer. The small sori are irregularly
scattered over the whole of the under-surface.
P. irioides ramo-=cristatum.
Queensland again is the home of this decorative, much —
admired, robust-growing variety, which differs from the
type in having the tips of the leathery fronds lobed, some
of them having as many as a dozen segments. The fronds
are of a bright green colour.
P. Meyenianum.
In, gardens this stove species, popularly known as the
“ Bear’s-paw Fern,” is as ornamental as it is distinct. It is
a native of the Philippine Islands, where it is said to grow
on branches of trees. It is provided with a rhizome of a
particularly stout nature, and densely clothed with narrow,
crisped scales in. long and of a bright rusty-brown colour.
From these singular-looking rhizomes are produced fronds
2ft. to 3ft. long and 8in. to 12in. broad; their lower part is
cut down nearly to the midrib into oblong, blunt, entire
lobes, while their upper portion is furnished with numerous
close leaflets 4in. to 6in. long. The fertile part of the
frond, which usually extends about one-third of its length,
bears a bright yellow spore mass, the fructification hanging
out so prominently that it gives the plant quite the
appearance of what is commonly called a “ flowering
Fern’ (Fig. 116). In gardens this curious and beautiful
species is sometimes met with under the names of
Aglaomorpha Meyeniana and of Drynaria philippinense.
As a rule, the Bear’s-paw Fern is a difficult plant to
manage in pots, but it thrives apace when treated lke a
Platycerium—grown either on a stump, in a shallow pan, or
in a hanging basket. Care should be taken not to bury its
A Dictionary of Choice Ferns, | 303
POLYPODIUM— continued.
rhizomes. The soil should be pure fibrous peat, on which
the rhizomes should at first be pegged down, free scope being
allowed for their extension.
Fig. 116. The Bear’s-Paw Fern, Polypodium Meyenianum,

one of the handsomest of all the Polypodies, and by reason
of the way the fructification stands out, the species is
referred to as a Flowering Fern.
P. morbillosum.
Synonymous with P. Heracleum.
P. muszfolium.
The fronds of this massive-growing, stove species,
native of the Malayan Islands, are rendered very handsome
POLY PODIUM —continued.

by their conspicuous venation; they are produced from a
woody rhizome clothed with egg-shaped scales of a dull
brown colour, and are from lft. to 3ft. long, 3in. to 4in.
broad, and stalkless. The lower part of the fronds is
broadly winged to the very base; their extremity is some-
times sharp-pointed, but. more generally bluntish; they are
mostly simple, though occasionally pinnatifid or deeply lobed
and crowded together, of a leathery texture, and pale green
in colour. The very numerous dark, reticulated veins ter-
minate before they reach the edge of the fronds. The
small and very abundant sori sometimes cover the whole of
the under-surface, upon which they are irregularly scat-
tered. In gardens this species is frequently.confounded with
P. Heracleum.
P. pectinatum.
One of the prettiest stove species in cultivation, this
Fern is also known as P. Wagener. It is a native of the
West Indies, Mexico, Brazil, &c. The usual dimensions of
the fronds, which are produced from a stout, scaly, under- —
ground rhizome, are Ilft. to 2ft.in length and 2in. to 6in. in
breadth; they are cut to the rachis into numerous closely-set,
horizontal, entire leaflets, lin. to 3in. long, of a soft,
papery texture, and of a deep, dark green colour. The
rich yellowish-brown sori are disposed in long rows, midway
between the midrib and the edge.
P. persiczfolium.
This handsome, strong-growing, stove species, native of
Java, is the P. cuspidatum of Blume. It closely resembles
the better-known P. subauriculatum, from which it is readily
distinguished by the leaflets being narrowed at the base and
the lower ones distinctly stalked. The abundant and pro-
minent spore masses are distinctly immersed. |
P. Phegopteris.
This handsome and interesting, hardy species, botani-
cally known as Phegopteris polypodioides, is the common
“Beech Fern,’’? a species with a range of habitat extending
from Iceland and Lapland to Japan, Etruria, and Greece,
and from Greenland southward to the United States of
America. It is difficult to understand why this Fern should
bear a popular appellation so singularly inapplicable, for
the name has no reference to either its shape or its haunts.
The fronds are 6in. to Qin. long, 4in. to 6in. broad, and
somewhat deltoid in shape; they are borne on slender,
naked stalks Gin. to 9in. long, and are cut down nearly to
the rachis into close, blunt, entire or slightly-toothed lobes.
The lowest or basal pair of lobes of each frond are suddenly
deflexed. The texture is soft and papery, and the under-
side of all the leafy portion is slightly hairy. The sori are
disposed nearer the edge than the midrib. Like the Oak
Fern, the species under notice may with advantage be
planted out in the open fernery or grown in pots, and the
compost recommended for that pretty species is equally
NY aS
are
‘ siees
RY
SW
ata
isi
Sloe
a
Fig. 117. Polypodium Phegopteris multifidum, a beautiful

variety having the fronds irregularly multifid.
suitable for the Beech Fern, but a greater depth—about
6in.—must be allowed, as it roots much deeper into the
gsround. Care must also be taken not to bury the rhizomes
deeply, but to keep them barely below the surface of the
ground. A moist, shady place is indispensable, as the plant
is particularly partial to an abundant and constant supply
of water, and to frequent syringings during the growing
season. When cultivated in pots in a cool house, the
Xx
POLY PODIUM— continued. F

Beech Fern is nearly evergreen, as its old fronds, though -
discoloured and generally broken at the base, remain on the
plants almost until the new ones make their appearance.
There is a variety, multifidum, that differs from the type in
being irregularly multifid. Wig. 117. ;
P. pustulatum.
A distinct and very useful, greenhouse species, native
of Australia and New Zealand. Its singular fronds, pro-
duced in great abundance from a copiously-branched, wide-
creeping rhizome of a woody nature and covered with nar-
row, dark brown scales, are borne on stalks lin. to 3in.
long. They vary in shape from entire, 3in. to 9in. long, tin
to 3in. broad, and narrowed to both ends, to lft. to 14ft.
long, 3in. to 4in. broad, and cut down to a broadly-winged
rachis throughout into spear-shaped lobes. These fronds
are of a papery texture, dark green in colour, with beauti-
fully-marked veins darker still, and smooth on both sides.
The conspicuous circular spore masses are disposed in asingle
series along the margin of the lobes, and distinctly im-
mersed. This plant is of easy culture; it is well adapted
for growing in dark places where hardly any other Fern
would thrive, and for planting in such positions on stones or
rock-work, which it rapidly covers and to which it clings
with a remarkable tenacity.
P. refractum. ,
This very handsome, stove species, native of Brazil,
produces from an upright-growing rootstock its pinnate
fronds, about 1ft. long, 6in. broad, and furnished with
spear-shaped leaflets. These leaflets are eared on both sides
at the base, sinuated on their edges, of a stiff texture, and
glossy on both sides, the lower ones being conspicuously
deflexed. The abundant minute, black spore masses are
irregularly scattered over the whole of their under-side.
P. Reinwardtil.
This is synonymous with P. sub-auriculatum.
P. Schneiderii.
Fern-lovers consider this the most striking and at the
same time the most interesting hybrid artificially raised.
It originated among some seedlings of P. aurewm and P.
vulgare elegantissimum, the spores of which had been pur-
posely sown together. While in a young state the offspring
showed very little difference from P. aureum, but its fronds,
at first entire and conspicuously undulated, became more
and more divided, and on the same plant one could at one
time see fronds entirely similar to P. aureum, and others
POLY PODIUM — continued.

partaking to a great extent of the divided character pecu-
liar to P. v. elegantissimum. As the plant increased in age
and in size, the cutting of its fronds also became more
distinct, for, while they retained the glaucous colour of
those of P. auwrewm, and were produced from a similarly
thick, fleshy rhizome clothed with silvery scales, they were
divided quite as much as those of P. v. elegantissimum,
and eventually became of a broader and more triangular
shape, their leafy portion measuring 9in. each way.
P. sub-auriculatum.
This stove species, native of Malaysia and the Philip-
pine Islands, is probably one of the best-known and most
extensively cultivated of the whole genus. It is a very
useful and decorative plant, and as a basket Fern for the
warm house it has hardly any equal, its graceful fronds,
which are produced from a wide-creeping rhizome clothed
with small, dull-coloured scales, attaining 8ft. to 10ft. or
more in length and 8in. to 12in. in breadth. They are
borne on firm, naked stalks 6in. to 12in. long and of a
glossy nature; their leaflets, din. to 6in. long and fin. to
lin. broad, are slightly toothed in young piants, whereas
in older specimens the fronds have their leaflets set farther
apart and narrower, with smooth edges, rounded or
even eared at the base. The sori, as in several other
species, are immersed in the leaflets, forming little pro-
tuberances on their upper surface. P. Reinwardtu is
synonymous with this species. P. subauriculatum can
advantageously be utilised for covering dead trunks of Tree
Ferns; in such positions it makes a very beautiful object,
and grows apace, as it delights in sending its roots and
rhizomes into partly-decayed vegetable matter. In the
centre of a warm conservatory it makes a Fern surpassing
all others in elegance, and where there is plenty of height
to allow the fronds space to hang, a specimen with number-
less fronds 10ft. to 12ft. long is a sight not easily forgotten.
If grown in a basket, it will derive great benefit from a small
portion of chopped sphagnum added to the mixture of the
soil, and will stand a fair amount of strong light.
P. trichodes.
In general appearance this magnificent, delicate-looking,
greenhouse species is not unlike a gigantic Aspleniwm
(Athyrium) Filix-foeemina.
P..verrucosum.
A really magnificent, stove species, of large dimensions.
native of Malaysia and the Philippine Islands. Its dis-
tinctly-pinnate peo: oft. to 4ft. long and lft. broad, are
x 2
POLYPODIUM-— continued.
borne on firm, erect, naked stalks, 14ft. to 2ft. long, and
are of a slender, pendulous habit; they are furnished with
numerous leaflets Gin. to 8in. long, din. to in. broad, quite
entire, and slightly hairy on both sides. The spore masses,
disposed in one regular row on each side of the midrib, are
prominent, and, being deeply immersed, form distinct pro-
tuberances on the upper surface of the frond.
P. vulgare.
Of the five Polypodies
recognised as British, P. vul-
gare, known as the Common
Polypody, is the only ever-
green one; it is as highly or-
namental in midwinter as at
any other time of the year.
It is one of the oldset Ferns
accepted as truly British.
Although the dimensions of
the fronds of P. vulgare are
greatly influenced by the
situation in which it grows,
it may be stated generally
that they vary from 6in. to
12in. in length, “and iirem
3in. to Gin. in breadth, that
they are borne on firm, erect
stalks Qin. to 4in. long, and
that they are cut down nearly
or quite to the rachis into
close, entire or slightly
toothed, usually blunt leaflets
of a soft, papery, or some-
times stiffer texture and
naked on both sides. It is
most useful for adorning the
hardy rockery, as well as
é _ being extremely decorative
ounieconeit rales for cultivation out of doors,
Be EEL
podium vulgare cambricum. the Common Polypody and its
several varieties are well
adapted for the ornamentation of the cool fernery under
glass, where they may be used with great advantage and
effect. P. vulgare varies to such an extent that to
give even a selection would occupy too much space. Those
interested will find them described in works dealing
with British Ferns. Moreover, in all the more important
POLYPODIUM — continued.
lists issued by such specialists as Birkenhead, May,
Veitch and Sons, and Bull, the chief variations from the
type are recorded, with their distinctive features. No
collection, however, having any pretension to be classed
as representative should omit the Welsh Polypody, P. v.
cambricum. It is rightly regarded as one of the most
beautiful Ferns in cultivation. It is the true plumose form
of the species, is of a dense and very pleasing habit, and
is constantly barren. Its beautiful fronds (Fig. 118), which
are much thinner and more delicate in texture than those
of the normal plant, attain sometimes 13ft. in length, and
often measure 5in. in breadth. Although quite hardy, it
makes a splendid pot plant when grown in the cold frame or
in the greenhouse, the pleasing pale green colour of its
foliage being particularly attractive among other Ferns.
P. Wageneri.
A synonym of A. pectinatum.
POLYSTICHUM. See Aspidium.
PSEUDATHYRIUM. Sce Polypodium.
PTERIS.
The genus Pteris (the Bracken or Brake), be-
sides comprising the hardy British species
P. aquilina and its varieties, includes numerous stove
and greenhouse exotic species exhibiting very ex-
tensive variation. It includes Amphiblestra, Camp-
teria, Doryopteris, EKupteris, Heterophlebium, Lnto-
brochia, and Pesta.
Pterises generally require greenhouse treat-
ment, though there are a few that will succeed under
stove treatment only. They are not fastidious as
regards soil; and a mixture of two parts peat, one
part loam, and one part sand suits most of them.
The majority of them thrive as well in a place ex-
posed to strong light as in a shady one, but this does
igeapply to f. quadriaurita argyrea, P. cretsca
albo-lineata, P. aspericaulis tricolor, and P. ensi-
formis Victoria, all of which need a subdued light,
otherwise they have a stunted and burnt appearance.
With the exception of a few species provided with
creeping rhizomes, and which may be propagated
by division, all Pterises are readily increased from
spores, which are abundantly produced and germi-
nate very freely.
PTERIS— continued.
P. adiantoides (adiantifolia of some authors).
Synonymous with Pellea adiantoides.
P. argyrea.
The very popular Fern thus listed is a form of
P. quadriaurita.
SSN Nae as
Bei SN
> &
TR
fe ")
x‘
d
1
eo
Fig. 119, Pteris aspericaulis tricolor, one of the finest of all

Pern: its fronds being a combination of green, white,
and red.
P. aspericaulis.
A very handsome, stove Fern, of dwarf and compact
habit, native of India. From an upright rootstock it yields
fronds 14ft. long and of a smooth, glossy nature. These are
composed of one terminal and two or three pairs of lateral
A Dictionary of Choice Ferns. oll
leaflets, the lowest pair being usually divided into two parts;
they are almost stalkless and opposite, deeply cleft or even
pinnate, with narrow, sickle-shaped, rather blunt leafits,
slightly toothed at the edges and minutely white-dotted
beneath. The spore masses are disposed chiefly on the
middie parts of the leafits. As the specific name implies,
the stalks are rough; the leafy portion of the fronds is very
attractive, being bright claret when quite young, turning
to a bronzy, metallic hue, and subsequently to a bright
green. The Malaysia variety, P. a. tricolor, is one of the
most charming Ferns ever introduced, being graceful in
habit, of medium dimensions, and splendidly variegated
with green, white, and red. Fig. 119.
P. Bauseli.
One of the most striking of all the known garden
hybrids, clearly showing the distinctive characters of the
parents from which it was produced. These are stated
to be P. semipinnata and a crested form of P. serrulata.
In habit, size, and formation of fronds, it is inter-
mediate between the two. The very compact habit of this
Fern, which retains its foliage for a lengthened period,
renders it a most useful decorative plant for the warm con-
servatory and intermediate house. For several years this
Fern was considered barren. Its fertile character was,
however, proved by Mons. Arthur van den Heede, of Ghent.
P. cretica.
Deservedly one of the most useful Ferns for decorative
purposes, and the few varieties which have been produced
through cultivation are all worthy of special attention. It
is a greenhouse species, native of Crete, Corsica, Italy,
Abyssinia, Bourbon, Natal, Cape Colony, &c. Its fronds,
6in. to 12in. long and 4in. to 8in. broad, are borne on erect,
wiry stalks Gin. to 12in. long. The lateral leaflets are
broadest and finely toothed when barren; the lower pairs
are often cleft nearly to the base into two or three narrow .
leafits. They are of a somewhat leathery texture and naked
on both surfaces, and the involucre is of a pale colour and of
a parchment-like texture. Of the varieties produced, the
more noteworthy are P. c. albo-lineata (Fig. 6, p. 9),
P. c. Mayii, P. c. nobilis, P. c. Ouvrardii, and P. c. Wimsettt.
The first two are remarkably handsome variegated Ferns.
P. elegans.
A garden name for P. nobilis.
P. ensiformis Victoriz. |
This variety, which is exactly the same plant as P. e.
variegata of Moore, previously introduced, is a remarkably
slender and graceful form, producing two entirely distinct
sorts of fronds, the barren ones being small and prostrate,
while the fertile ones, upright and abundant, are 11ft. to
15it. long, composed of narrow leaflets about tin. broad, and
beautifully variegated throughout. Although this elegant
Fern reproduces itself very freely from spores, some of the
seedlings are thoroughly distinct. Among these we may
particularly note regine, which has the variegation running
in narrow stripes to the margins of the leaflets, and is of
more vigorous growth; and cristata, a form with very
prettily and regularly crested fronds, which are also
beautifully and distinctly variegated.
P. hastata.
Synonymous with Pellea hastata.
P. longifolia.
This deservedly popular, greenhouse species, particu-
larly useful on account of its decorative qualities and easy
culture, is found wild in tropical and warm temperate
regions all round the world. Its broadly spear-shaped
fronds are simply pinnate, lft. to 2ft. long, and 6in. to Qin.
broad; they are borne on stout, upright stalks 6in. to 12in.
long and more or less densely clothed in their lower part with
narrow scales of a pale brown colour. The stalkless leaflets,
3in. to 6in. long and seldom more than 4in. broad, are some-
times slightly eared at the base; they are of a somewhat
leathery texture and naked and dark green on both sur-
faces. The sori fall short of the points of the leaflets,
and are covered by an involucre of parchment-like texture
and of a yellowish-brown colour. Although hundreds of
thousands of this species are annually grown for market, no
variation has ever been found amongst them. P. 1. Mariesit,
however, is an exceedingly pretty variety, found growing
wild by Mr. Ch. Maries in Penang, is remarkable for the
elegance of its fronds, which, like those of the species, are
* simply pinnate, and for its habit, which is compact, yet very
graceful. Moreover, it comes perfectly true from spores,
which are very freely produced.
P. nobilis.
This very handsome, stove species, also known in gardens
under the names of P. elegans and Litobrochia grandis, is
a native of Southern Brazil. Its fronds, borne on naked,
wiry stalks lft. or more in length, vary considerably as re-
gards both size and shape, according to the age of the
plant. In its young state 1t produces only single, heart-
shaped fronds; but those eventually produced are halbert-
shaped, and finally somewhat palmate in form, with the
PTERIS—continued.
terminal and the upper lateral leatiets entire, and the lower
lateral ones divided into two or four spear-shaped leafits
' on their lower side. It then forms a beautiful object, as
the fronds, thick and of a very leathery texture, are of
a bright green colour, and their centre, as well as that of
their leaflets and leafits, is ornamented with a broad band
of white, more intense in the middle and gradually tading
towards the edges. The spore masses form a continuous
line extending from the base to the tip of the divisions.
P. quadriaurita.
This species, which thrives in the cool and the warm
house alike, possess a very wide range of habitat, and is
accordingly very variable in habit and in dimensions. It
is found all round the world within the Tropics, and a little
beyond them. Its fronds vary from 6in. to 2ft. or 3ft. in
length and from 4in. to 12in. in breadth; they are borne on
naked or slightly rough, straw-coloured stalks usually lft.
to 2ft. long, and consist of a terminal leaflet cut down
nearly to the rachis into numerous close, parallel, narrow-
oblong lobes, and of several pairs of lateral leaflets 6in. to
12in. or more in length, the lowest usually compound, with
one or two similar but smaller leaflets branching from them
at the base on the lower side. The texture of the fronds is
somewhat leathery, and they are naked on both surfaces.
The sori are often continuous along the whole margin of the
segments.
P. q. argyrea.
A very handsome and deservedly popular Fern, intro-
duced from Central India. Its fronds, including the stalks,
often attain 43ft. or 5ft. in length and 243ft. in breadth.
The leaflets, which end in a tail-like point, and their leafits,
which are usually blunt, are regularly adorned in their
centre with a broad band of purest white, which forms a
most pleasing contrast with the bright green colour of the
other parts of the plant.
P. scaberula.
This exceedingly pretty, compact-growing, greenhouse
species, native of New Zealand, is much more like a finely-
cut Davallia than a Pteris. The plant is provided with
wide-creeping rhizomes of a wiry nature, from which its
spear-shaped and finely-divided fronds, borne on somewhat
rough stalks 6in. to 12in. long, are produced.
P. serrulata.
Probably this is the commonest and best-known species
in the genus, as it is also the most useful for decorative
purposes. It is a greenhouse Fern of the easiest culture.
PTERI1S—continued.
and is a native of China, where it is very common; it has
also been received from Japan, &e. Its slender fronds,
9in. to 18in. long and 6in. to Yin. broad, are borne on naked,
Fig. 120. A beautifully crested variety of the very popular

Pteris serrulata.
pale brownish stalks 6in. to 9in. long, and of a wiry nature.

Their main rachis is margined with a wing which grows
gradually narrower downwards, and forms the terminal
leaflet at the summit of the frond. The lateral leaflets are
disposed in six or more pairs, usually, but not regularly,
opposite; the upper ones are simple and 4in. to 6in. tong,
wile the lower ones are provided with several long, narrow
leafits on each side; the edge of the barren ones is con-
spicuously saw-toothed, and the fertile ones show a narrow
involucre of a parchment-like texture covering the spore
masses. Pteris serrulata is extremely variable, and through
its variations it is brought into close connection with
P. cretica. Cristation is the form of variation which, as
a rule, is most noticeable. P. s. cristata is a variety whose
fronds, instead of being lengthened into a terminal leaflet,
have a more or less rounded form, produced through the
cristation of the leaflets, which appear to be all of nearly
equal length. The original P. s. cristata is of upright habit
(Fig. 120), but many seedlings raised from it have a more
or less drooping character. Other fine forms are P. s:
‘gloriosa (with a fan-like crest), P. s. gracilis, and
P. s. undulata.
P. tremula.
This strong-growing, greenhouse species, commonly
called the “ Australian Bracken,” has become a very popular
Fern. Its ample fronds, 2ft. to 4ft. long and quite 2ft.
broad, are borne on strong, upright, naked, bright chestnut-
brown stalks lft. to 2ft. long. Besides the terminal leaflet,
which consists of a few closely-placed, entire lobes, there
are, according to the size of the fronds, from four to six
pairs of lateral leaflets. The upper leaflets are simply
pinnate, with entire leafits on each side, the largest being
about Gin. long and more than lin. broad; the lower ones
are often very compound, sometimes lft. long, and twice
divided to the midrib. The fronds are of a soft, papery
texture, bright green in colour, and naked on both sides.
The abundant spore masses are of a pronounced reddish-
brown colour, and sometimes fill up the whole of the leafits
except the midrib. There are numerous varieties, but none
that call for special notice. PP. t. elegans is a light and
elegant crested form of drooping habit, smaller than the
type; P.t. Smitheana, another fine crested form, very com-
pact; and P. t. Varieqata has its pinne variegated with
silvery white.
PYCNOPTERIS. See Nephrodium.
RHIPIDOPTERIS. See Acrostichum.
SADLERIA.
Two species of stove Ferns of tree-like habit go
to form this genus. Only one—S. cyatheoides—has
been introduced. This is a very handsome plant,

combining the habit of a small Cyathea with the
fructification of a Blechnum. It is a vigorous
grower, requiring no special care, and _ thriving
under warm treatment, in a mixture of two parts
peat, one part loam, and one part silver sand, with
abundance of moisture at all times of the year. It
is usually propagated by means of spores, received
from its native habitats, none of the cultivated
plants having as yet shown signs of fructification.
S. cyatheoides.
This handsome plant is a native of the Sandwich
Islands and Sumatra. Its fronds, 4ft. to 6ft. long and
9in. to 18in. broad, are borne on strong, upright stalks 6in.
to 18in. long, naked except at the base, where they are
densely clothed with long, narrow, hight brown scales. The
leaflets, 8in. to 12in. long and fin. to 3in. broad, are cut
down to the rachis into numerous connected, narrow leafits,
barely din. broad and somewhat bluntish at their extremity.
The whole of the leafy portion of the frond is of a leathery
texture and of a very pieasing light green colour.
SAGENIA,. See Nephrodium.
SALPICHLAENA. See Blechnum.
SCHIZOLOMA. See Lindsaya.
SCOLOPENDRIUM.
Comparatively few species are found in this
genus, popularly known as Hartstongue from the
shape of the frond of the British S. vulgare. The
family includes Antigramme, Camptosorus, Euscolo-
pendrium, and Schaffneria. The best known and
most extensively cultivated is undoubtedly the com-
mon Hartstongue, S. vulgare, of which an almost
unlimited number of beautiful or merely curious
forms are found in gardens. ‘These, through the ex-
tremely varied nature of the outline of their foliage,
present a wonderful series of interesting departures
from the normal state of the plant. They thrive best
in a compost of a light, sandy nature, made up of two
parts leaf mould or “peat, one part loam, and one part
ae sand, and are particularly useful for growing
by the edge of water or in shady places, where it 1s
often difficult to cultivate other plants with success.
With the exception of the varieties of S. vulgare,

which are usually and with greater certainty in-
creased by the division of their crowns (and a few
by means of the bulbils produced on their fronds),
the propagation of Scolopendriums is effected by
spores, which are abundantly produced and germi-
nate freely.
S. vulgare.
This ornamental hardy species is a native of various parts
of Kurope, Madeira, the Azores, and the Caucasus, as well as
Japan, and North and South America; but there are no
records of its having been found in any part of India. It is
among the rarest of American Ferns. The fronds of
this species are 6in. to 18in. long and Il4in. to 3in. broad;
they are borne on stalks 4in. to 8in. long and hairy at the
base, are strap-shaped, entire, usually bluntish at their
summit, and heart-shaped at the base. Their texture is
somewhat leathery and their colour usually bright green;
their fructification is abundant, generally more so towards
the extremity. The narrow spore masses are mostly dis-
posed in parallel pairs, oblique with regard to the midrib,
and of a brownish-black colour, which has a most pleasing
effect, the contrast with the bright green tint of the
frond being very striking. The really distinct varieties of
S. vulgare, either naturally produced or resulting from culti-
vation, are extremely numerous, and differ somarkedly from
the type, that a description of the usual fronds gives but a
very inadequate idea of the extensive variations found.
Still, interesting as they undoubtedly are, it would be im-
possible to describe even a tithe of the more noteworthy of
such variations. Elsewhere is illustrated one of the most
remarkable in S. v. Kelwayu (Fig. 27); and for the rest
we must refer readers to a work dealing especially with
British Ferns or to the lists of nurserymen making them a
speciality.
SELLIGUEA. See Gymnogramme.
STENOCHLAENA. See Acrostichum.
STRUTHIOPTERIS. Sce Onoclea.
THYRSOPTERIS.
This genus is composed of a solitary and most
interesting species. It is a thoroughly distinct
plant, requiring only greenhouse temperature, shade,
and an abundance of water at the roots. The fructi-
fication is totally different from that of any other
known Fern, and consists of the two or three pairs of

lower leaflets of the frond being tripinnate, each
leafit becoming a raceme of stalked, cup-shaped in-
volucres. Although fertile fronds have at various
times been produced in this country and every pos-
sible attention has been paid to the sowing of their -
spores, there is no record of any young plants having
been so raised, and the propagating of this handsome |
Fern has therefore been limited to the rooting of the
lateral shoots which are produced on the trunk.
The species 7’. elegans 1s a native of Juan Fernandez.
It has a trunk 1$ft. high, bearing fronds 3ft. to 4ft.
long, densely covered with rusty-brown scales.
TODEA.
The plants comprised in this small genus of
Crape Ferns vary greatly in appearance and texture, —
some having leathery foliage of a very resisting
nature, while that of most is finely divided, very
fragile, and transparent. All require greenhouse
treatment, and, with the exception of 7. barbara and
its variety, which do not suffer from exposure to air
and light, all are much benefited by close confine-
ment. Indeed, condensed moisture is absolutely
necessary to their well-being, and this cannot be
obtained without a close atmosphere. No sun should
ever be allowed to shine on plants having filmy
folhage, and the less they are disturbed at the
roots the better: the hot, dry atmosphere of the
summer months is undoubtedly their greatest enemy.
The soil in which Todeas thrive best is a compost of
peat and silver sand, to which a small portion of
partly-decomposed sphagnum may be added with
advantage. They are easily propagated from their
spores, which are produced in abundance and
verminate readily when sown under favourable
conditions; but they are of comparatively slow
crowth, seedlings requiring a long time to develop.
T. africana.
Synonymous with T. barbara.
T. arborea.
A garden name for T. barbara.
TODE A—continued.
T. barbara.
This highly decorative species, also known in gardens
under the names of 7. africana, T. arborea, and T. rivu-
laris, is a native of New Zealand, Temperate Australia,
Tasmania, Natal, and Cape Colony. It is a robust-growing
' plant, forming in time trunks of extraordinary thickness in
comparison to their height, and producing at the same time
great quantities of fronds 3ft.-to 4ft. long, often lft.
broad, on stout, erect, quite naked stalks, lft. or more in
length. Their leaflets, closely set, spreading, 6in. to Qin.
long, and lsin. to 2in. broad, are furnished with close,
narrow leafits, the edges of which are more or less dis-
tinctly toothed, while the upper ones are distinctly con-
nected at their base. The fronds are of a leathery tex-
ture, dark green, shining, and naked on both sides. The
densely-set spore masses, when mature, fill up the whole
under-surface of the leafits on which they are placed. As
a decorative Fern this has few equals, especially where
plants are required for very small fancy vases. Good plants
of it can be grown in comparatively small pots, and its
lasting qualities are unsurpassed by any other known Fern
grown for the decoration of the drawing-room, it being but
little affected by smoke or gas.
T. b. Vromii.
This variety, originally introduced from Belgium, is
quite distinct from 7. barbara: its fronds are much longer,
less triangular in shape, and of a pale green colour; they
are borne on shorter stalks, being furnished with leaflets
nearly to their base, and these are also of a longer shape
and less distinctly toothed. It is a quicker grower than
T. barbara, and possesses the same decorative qualities
as that useful species. In gardens it is known simply under
the name of 7. Vromat.
T. hymenophylloides.
This very handsome species, better known in gar-
dens under the name of TY. pcllucida, forms a_ thick,
fibrous trunk, from which its fronds, of a very trans-
parent nature, are produced in abundance. These fronds
are borne on firm, erect stalks 6in. to 12in. long, fre
quently measure 2ft. in length and lft. in breadth, and
are tripinnatifid. The dark green, spear-shaped leaflets,
4in. to 6in. long and 3in. to llin. broad, are closely set,
and the lowest are of about the same dimensions as the
others. The closely-set leafits, narrow-oblong in shape,
3in. to 1jin. long, and iin. broad, are cut down to the
midrib into simple or forked, very narrow segments. This
TODEA~— continued.
species is of easy cultivation and reproduces itself very
readily from spores.
T. pellucida.
Synonymous with T. hymenophylloides.
T. plumosa.
A very pretty seedling, raised in Messrs. J. Veitch and
Sons’ nursery, where a considerable number of plants of
identical character, but differing from the supposed parent,
ES
~S aoe
WSS
—
SVT,ateY
Di eay)Re,
sn
VT Free = T Is
Paes a { es
pn) 2-7:
a \
Oy
Fig. 121. Todea superba, a plant that merits its specific

name. It is an excellent one for exhibition.'
have been obtained from a sowing of T. superba. It is
of dwarf, compact habit, and of a pale green colour when
young. The surface of the fronds is moderately bristly
with the small, erect segments, as in TJ. intermedia, but
the fronds are shorter and more egg-shaped, and the stalks
are also wanting in the woolly nature which is peculiar to
that plant.
T. rivularis.
Synonymous with 7. barbara.
TODEA—continued.
T. superba.
This remarkable plant, known in gardens as_ the
Crape Fern, the Prince of Wales’s Feather Fern, and
the “New Zealand Filmy Fern,’’ is undoubtedly the most
striking as well as the most beautiful species known
(Fig. 121). It was first gathered by Forster in New Zea-
land, during Captain Cook’s voyage. This species does
not form a stem, but produces a somewhat erect, fibrous
trunk, of a woody nature in the interior, reaching at the
most 123ft. in height. Its handsome fronds, 2ft. to 4ft.
long and Gin. to 10in. broad, are borne on firm, erect stalks
2in. to 8in. long; they are tripinnatifid, and their narrow,
spear-shaped leaflets are closely set, the central ones being
din. to 5in. long and the lower ones gradually reduced.
The leafits have simple or forked linear segments, and the
stalks of the leaflets are densely woolly underneath.
T. Wilkesiana.
This beautiful miniature Tree-Fern, native of Fiji and
the New Hebrides, is closely allied to T. Frasert, but is
of larger growth, and has the lower leaflets distinct and
deflexed and the stalk of a more or less hairy nature.
Mr. Brackenridge describes the trunk as from 18in. to 20in.
high and 1din. in diameter, scaly towards the top, and
producing near the base black, wiry roots about the thick-
ness of a crow-quill, the surface of the trunk being
roughened by the raised scars of fronds that have fallen
off. The summit is crowned by from ten to twelve spreading
fronds 2ft. or more in length, lift. wide at their broadest
part, and broadly spear-shaped. The leaflets are stalkless,
oblong-spear-shaped, spreading, the two or three lower pairs
distant and deflexed. The leafits are blunt-oblong, ob-
liquely wedge-shaped at the base, toothed, transparent, and
marked with numerous small, brown spots. The stalks
of the leaflets are winged and clothed with short hairs.
The slender, tree-like habit of the plant gives it quite a
distinct aspect amongst its allies. This interesting species
requires a little warmer treatment than the others.
~ TRICHOMANES.
This genus, knows as Bristle Ferns, is composed
of over 100 species, agreeing with the Hymeno-
phyllums in habit of growth and in delicacy of tex-
ture, the character furnished by the shape of the
involucre dividing a very natural tribe into two
nearly equal halves. Baker separates the genus into
Feea and Kutrichomanes.
Y
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With the exception of a few species which

undoubtedly require more than greenhouse tem-
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perature, the Trichomanes may without danger be

submitted to the treatment recommended for
Hymenophyllums. When not otherwise stated, the

species described may be considered as~ thriving
under the cool treatment recommended for Filmy
Ferns generally. Whereas we do not advocate
for either Hymenophyllums or Todeas the use of
stone, this material is essential to the well-being of
certain Trichomanes. Many of the plants are pro-
vided with rhizomes, having a very strongly-marked
power of adhesion: it is for species like 7’. javanicum
(Fig. 122) and 7’. radicans especially that the stone
is necessary. It may be well to note here that
whenever stone is used it 1s necessary that a little
peat of sandy-fibrous nature should be placed at its
base to establish the plant. |
The. propagation of Trichomanes is_ usually
effected by division of the rhizomes, although it also
sometimes takes place by means of proliferous buds.
Trichomanes may also be propagated by means of
spores, but it is a slow process.
T. alatum.
This beautiful Fern, native of the West Indies and
Brazil, is very variable in dimensions and hairiness. Its
more or less broadly. spear-shaped fronds, 3in. to 12in. long,
lin. to 4in. broad, and borne on tufted stalks Qin. to din.
long and winged above, are two or three times cleft nearly
to the midrib, with leaflets cut in the same way and lobes
often again sharply toothed; they. are of a delicately mem-
branous texture, and of a very transparent pale green
colour, which produces a charming effect when the fronds
are laden with moisture. This species, also known as
T. attenuatum, thrives best on a piece of Tree-Fern stem.
T. attenuatum.
Synonymous with T. alatum.
T. auriculatum.
One of the loveliest of Ferns; it is found in Japan,
Formosa, Northern Hindostan, the Philippines, Java, and
Guiana. Its fronds, which are almost stalkless, 6in. to 12in.
long, 14in. to 2in. broad, and twice divided nearly to the
midrib, are produced from strong, wide-creeping rhizomes,
and have their rachis very slightly winged throughout or
above only. They are composed of shortly-stalked leaflets,
obliquely wedge-shaped at the base, and exquisitely trans-
parent. This plant is also known in gardens under the
name of T. dissectum.
Y 2
TRICHOMANES
— continued,
T. brevisetum.
Synonymous with 7’. radicans.
T. Colensoi.
This elegant, delicate-looking species, of a particularly
slender nature, was first discovered in the interior of the
Northern Island, New Zealand, by the Rev. W. Colenso. —
Its wide-creeping, slender rhizome is naked, and its oblong-
spear-shaped fronds, 2in. to 4in. long, are borne on naked
stalks lin. long; they are fully pinnate, with distant, stalked
leaflets cut down quite to the stalks, and very narrow seg-
ments. This species grows best on porous stone.
T. dissectum.
A garden name for 7. attenuatum.
T. exsectum.
A lovely species, native of Juan Fernandez and Southern
Chili. The fronds, 6in. to 12in. long, produced from a wide- |
creeping, slender rhizome, are extremely delicate and mem-
branous, and resemble thin, flat, much-branched, green
sea-weed. Their segments are narrow, smooth, either
simple or forked, and blunt. The plant thrives equally well
on hard wood or stone.
T. parvulum.
This small-growing species, native of Japan, China,
Java, Madagascar, &c., is a remarkably pretty plant, of
easy culture either on a fragment of Tree-Fern or on a
piece of fibrous peat. Its very attractive little fronds, pro-
duced from wide-creeping, thread-like, interlaced rhizomes,
and borne on very short, slender stalks, are round or nearly
so in general outline, wedge-shaped at the base about 4in.
each way, and cut like a fan about half-way down from the
outer edge in the direction of the base into narrow,
irregular segments (Fig. 123, reduced from Col. Beddome’s
“Ferns of British India,’’ by the kind permission of the
author). They are of a very transparent nature.
T. radicans.
This species, extensively known under the popular
name of Killarney Fern, and also called T. brevisetum,
is undoubtedly the most beautiful of all the Filmy Ferns.
It is a native of the Azores, Spain, Teneriffe, the Canary
Isles, Madeira, Mexico, New Granada, Venezuela, Brazil,
the Sandwich Islands, &c. The fronds are produced from
a wide-creeping rhizome of a hairy nature, which has a
great predilection for stone, clinging thereto with great
tenacity. They are borne on stalks 2in. to 6in. long, naked
or nearly so, and sometimes winged in their upper part.
TRICHOMANES— continued.
The leafy portion varies from 4in. to 12in. in length and
2in. to 6in. in breadth; it is three times deeply cleft nearly
to the rachis, which is very narrowly winged. The leafits
are again cleft. into deeply-toothed segments, and their
texture, though transparent, is particularly firm. T.radicans
is a most variable species, and some of its numerous forms
are very beautiful.
T. trichoideum.
This most lovely, delicate-looking, thread-like Fern—
admittedly the most finely-divided of all kinds shown in
cultivation—is a native of Ecuador, Brazil, and the West
Indies, where it grows on trunks of ‘trees. It is of upright
habit, with slender, creeping rhizomes, from which its
oo
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ee
Fig. 123. Trichomanes parvulum, one of the gems among

the small growing species.
spear-shaped fronds, 4in. to 8in. long and lin. to 2in.

broad, are produced in abundance. These fronds are borne
on very slender, naked stalks lin. to 2in. long, and are
three times divided nearly to the rachis, which is only very
slightly winged at the extremity. The leafits are again
divided into hair-like segments, which are of a membranous
texture and have a central vein only.
WOODSIA.
Woodsias are small-growing, much-tufted,
greenhouse and hardy Ferns, of distinct appearance
and very neat habit. All are of soft texture and of a
deciduous nature; their stalks are often jointed and
separating at the joints. The genus is divided into
Kuwoodsia and Physematium.
Most Woodsias are found in cold and temperate

climates. North America is particularly rich in
them, and the genus is well represented in Great
Britain by two species, W. hyperborea and W.
ilvensis, both of which are of particularly distinct
character, and rank among the rarest of our native
Ferns. As a rule, Woodsias may be said to flourish
where but little soil is allowed around their roots,
in crevices of damp rocks, or upon the rocks them-
selves, generally in fairly ‘exposed situations. They
are well adapted for growing in small intermediate
and hardy Ferneries, where they form suitable com-
panions to Asplenium Ruta-muraria, A. Ceterach,
A. Trichomanes, &c., and they may also be suc-
cessfully cultivated in pots. They require a very
open soil, composed of turfy peat and light loam in
equal parts, with a free admixture of finely-broken
charcoal, sandstone, or silver sand. Thorough
drainage 1s essential, and the crowns of the plants
should be kept above the soil and surrounded by a
few small stones: the effect of this arrangement is
to keep the roots in a permanently moist state with-
out using much water, as they are particularly
averse to stagnant moisture.
Woodsias are usually increased by the division
of their crowns, an operation which is attended with
most satisfactory results..when performed during
their resting period—from- November to March.
They may also be propagated by means of their
spores, which are produced in. abundance and ger-
minate freely, especially when sown in a tempera-
ture of 65dee. to Tdeg.
W. alpina.
A garden name for W. hyperborea.
W. glabella.
This pretty little, delicate-looking Fern, according to
Baker, may be a smooth form of W. hyperborea. It is
essentially a North American plant. :
Ww. hyperborea.
This species, known also in gardens under the name
of W. alpina, has a remarkably wide range of habitat,
being found in the Arctic regions and on high mountains
A Dictionary of Choice Ferns. o27-
WOODSIA—continued. .
in the temperate zone in EKurope, Asia, and America. The
fronds, narrowly spear-shaped, pinnate, and 2in. to 6in.
long, are abundantly produced from a clustered rootstock,
hidden by a mass of stalk-bases, which persist long after
the fronds have fallen off. The stalks are articulated, and,
like the midrib of the leafy portion, slightly hairy beneath.
The somewhat triangular leaflets are deeply cleft into
roundish or egg-shaped lobes of a pale green colour.
Fig 124. Woodsia ilvensis, one of the rarest of British Ferns,

but one that has a very wide range of habitat.
W. ilvensis.
Like the foregoing species, this has a very wide range
of habitat; in fact, in that respect it is very similar to
W. hyperborea, and, like that species also, it is one of
the rarest of British Ferns. The spear-shaped fronds
(Fig. 124), 2in. to 6in. long and pinnate, are produced from
a clustered rootstock. They are provided with stalkless,
blunt, oblong leaflets, broader at the base, slightly hairy
above, and deeply cleft into many oblong, obscurely-toothed
lobes of a dull green colour. The rachis and the secondary
midribs have their under-side clothed with reddish, chaffy
scales.
WOODSIA— continued.
W. polystichoides.
A very pretty, free-growing species, native of Japan,
with spear-shaped, simply-pinnate fronds, 8in. to 10in. long.
The stalkless leaflets are about lin. long, sharply eared at
the superior base, entire or slightly notched at the ex-
tremity, and slightly hairy on both sides; their colour is
a bright green and their texture is thicker than that of
most of the other species in cultivation. :
W. p. Veitchii. ;
On account of the thick, silvery down with which all
the parts of the plant are clothed, this is a very decorative
form. As regards the dimensions, habit, and hardihood,
it is equal to the typical species. This lovely variety is
a native of Ta-lien-kwan, Yellow Sea, China.
WOODWARDIA.
Woodwardias or Chain Ferns are of large or
medium dimensions. ‘Their distinctive character re-.
sides in the disposition of the sori, which are narrow
or narrow-oblong, and sunk in cavities of the frond
placed in single rows parallel with and contiguous
to the midribs of the leaflets and leafits; they are
covered by a somewhat leathery involucre, of the
same shape as the spore masses, and closing over
the cavity like a lid. Although only a small genus,
Woodwardia is sub-divided, according to the nature
of the veins, into three _ sections—Anchistea,
Euwoodwardia, and Lorinseria.
Woodwardias are indigenous to the North Tem-
perate zone, extending but very slightly within the
tropics. They all possess a decorative character for
either the cool greenhouse, the conservatory, or the
hardy fernery, according to their requirements. Few
Ferns are as effective as W.radicans or W. orientalis,
erown either on the rockery or in a hanging basket
in the conservatory; and W. areolata 1s very
effective planted in a marshy part of the hardy
Fernery. The compost in which these Ferns thrive
most luxuriantly is a mixture in equal parts of
fibrous loam, peat or leaf-mould, chopped sphagnum,
and silver sand, with abundance of water at the
roots all the year round. It is of the utmost im-
portance that these plants should be strictly kept
A Dictionaryof Choice Ferns. 329
under cool treatment, as when subjected to heat they

soon become a prey to thrips and scale, whereas
when grown in a cool atmosphere they are usually
very clean plants. Although Woodwardias may be,
and sometimes are, propagated from spores, they
are usually increased by means of the young bulbils
produced either towards the end of their fronds, as
in W. radicans and its varieties, or over the whole
of their surface, as in W. orientalis. The hardy
species are also easily multiplied by the division of
their rhizomes—an operation which is more success-
fully performed from November to March than at
any other time of the year.
W. angustifolia.
Synonymous with W. areolata.
W. areolata.
In its native habitat this handsome species is found
growing in swampy woods. The barren and fertile fronds
are totally different; both kinds are produced from a root-
stock sometimes Ift. long, often branched, round, about
Jin. thick, of a very dark brown colour, and _ bearing
black, fibrous roots along its whole length. The barren
fronds are by far-the more abundant; they are borne on a
short, slender stem, are 9in. to 12in. long and Gin. to
8in. broad, and are furnished with numerous pairs of
oblong-spear-shaped; wavy leaflets, 3in. to 4in. long, din. to
3in. broad, of a soft, papery texture, and naked on both
surfaces. The fertile fronds, considerably. taller than the
barren ones, and borne on a longer and much darker-
coloured stalk, are erect, and provided with narrow-linear
leaflets, disposed 4in. to lin. apart. W. angustifolia is
synonymous with this species.
W. Fortunei.
Synonymous with W. orentalis.
W. orientalis.
A very distinct and highly decorative species, found
from Japan southward to Formosa. It has somewhat the
habit of the better-known W. radicans, to which it is closely
related, but in general appearance its fronds are readily
distinguished from those of that species (1) by their much
more leathery texture, (2) by their deep crimson colour
when young, and (3) by the numberless minute bulbs, or
gemmiferous buds, which are produced on their upper sur-
face when mature—all characters which do not exist in
W. radicans. W. Fortunei is a synonym of this species.
Z
330 Choice Ferns for Amateurs. |
WOODWARDIA—continued
W. radicans.
This exceedingly handsome, strong-growing, evergreen
Fern derives its specific name from the viviparous char-
acter of its fronds, which, unlike those of the foregoing
species, have only from two to four large bulbils produced at
their extremity; these root into any damp material with
which they may be brought into contact, rapidly forming
young plants similar to the parent. Its elegantly pendu-
lous fronds, borne on strong, round stalks 1ft. to 2ft. long,
are 3ft. to 6ft. long, 14ft. to 2ft. broad, and simply
pinnate. The oblong-spear-shaped leaflets, about lft. long,
are cut down below within a short distance of the rachis
into finely-toothed, spear-shaped, bright green leafits. Near
the extremity of each frond usually one plant (sometimes
as many as four) is produced, which will grow to a con-
siderable size whilst on the frond; indeed, it is not at
all uncommon to see plants with half-a-dozen fronds 1ft.
long receiving all their support from the parent frond.
W. r. Brownii.
Synonymous with W. r. cristata.
W. r. Burgesiana.
This variety, introduced from the Azores, is of quite
distinct appearance. Its very handsome, light, elegant
fronds, which sometimes attain 23ft. in length, have their
leaflets and leafits uniformly depauperated; they are of
a somewhat harsh, leathery texture and beautifully saw-
toothed throughout. It is as proliferous as the type, and is
readily propagated by the pegging-down of the bulbils borne
at the extremity of the fronds.
W. r. cristata.
In this variety, which was originally discovered in the
Island of St. Michael by Mr. George Brown, the leaflets
and leafits of the fronds, which are much shorter than those
of the typical plant, are extensively subdivided. This
variety is readily increased by the viviparous buds which are
produced at the ends of the fronds, as in the typical plant,
and it is also worthy of notice that the characters peculiar
to cristata are quite apparent in young plants only a few
inches high. W. r. Brown is another name for the
variety.
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SCHNEIDER, G. (1905) - Choice Ferns For Amateurs (1905)

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Pe LOCIET OI 0 Oe —— LOE Ep ES crgarspte Pe OE - + ee =

= Fs . bens pees trem. Foie

In Perfection and Abundance,

IT 1S SAFE, QUICK, and LASTING, and

It is used by Government and Local Authorities, and by

LAP: Sold Everywhere in 6d. and 1s. Tins; and

(PO EE EEE EEE FEE EEE EE EOS $F

DIRECTIONS FOR USE

CLAY’S SUCCESSFUL GARDENING,

CLAY & SON, "xt" STRATFORD, LONDON, E.

BARR’S COLLECTIONS OF BULBS

BARR & SONS, ?°: 12213. KING STREET.

We ‘beg to call attention to our Collection, by far the

Most Varied and Interesting Collection

J. BACKHOUSE & SON,

fbridged from the

‘BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS,”’’

Illustrated with Numerous Wood Engravings

I.—CHOICE FERNS IN GENERAL .. I

SINCE the publication of “The Book of Choice

in the smaller one, even if they have been slightly

CLASSIFICATION AND DISTRIBUTION.

clothe the earth: this is amply proved by

Fig. 1. A beautiful Tree Fern (Cyathea dealbata), growing to

The former are represented by the huge Tree Ferns

Zealand, and some of them tolerably familiar even

Davallia divaricata; Pteris laciniata; Polypodium

Fig. 2. Bird’s-nest Fern (Asplenium Nidus), a singular and

restricted selection, it is true, one finds sufficient

still more useful section; for the Ferns coming under

Fig. 3. A pretty dwarf Fern (Davallia heterophylla), and one

representatives of such genera necessarily of exotic

Lomaria Spicant and its many beautiful varieties;

Fig. 4. Scaly Spleenwort (Asplenium Ceterach), an interesting

less attractive to the eye. Usually such statements

8 Choice Ferns for Amateurs.

countries. True it is that the brightest tints are on

Fig.5. Adiantum monochlamys, an exceedingly pretty Japanese

Polypodium, Pteris, Woodsia, Woodwardia, and a

not excepted. Variegation is not always constant,

Fig. 6. One of the most popular of variegated Ferns—Pteris

man has attempted to fix such variation from the

form; while P. biaurita nemoralis variegata and

Fig. 7. A noteworthy example of Crested Ferns originally

not often associated with variegated plants. ‘‘ Spot-

like appendage; at others, the variation may be seen

Fig. 8. Portion of Frond of Nephrodium molle grandiceps. A

mouch= not to the ‘same extent. Cristation,

constant, but it is worthy of record that the many

midgets—Gymnogramme sulphurea, for example.

Fig. 9. An exquisite example of the very characteristic Silver

in various ways. Usually it is due to the secretion

scales or hairs being superposed, evenly covering

Climbing and Trailing Ferns.

Trailing Ferns are of almost infinite variety;

mentioned as a genus providing good material; while

Fig. 12. A lovely drooping-fronded Maidenhair (Adiantum

Pendent - Fronded Ferns.

Gymnogramme, Nephrolepis, Polypodium, Pteris,