fe = Ete amen af cn Nag ee A 4 Re K OF CHOICE FERNS. CHOICE FERNS THE GARDEN. CONSERVATORY, AND STOVE. DESCRIBING AND GIVING EXPLICIT CULTURAL DIRECTIONS FOR THE BEST AND MOST STRIKING FERNS AND SELAGINELLAS IN CULTIVATION. ILLUSTRATED WITH COLOURED PLATES AND NUMEROUS WOOD ENGRAVINGS, SPECIALLY PREPARED FOR THIS WORK. CeO Gae => C EN TI Fak, Membre Correspondant de la Société Nationale a’Horticulture de France (Paris); Membre Correspondant de la Société @ Horticulture de St. Germain-en-Laye (France); Membre Correspondant de la Société @ Horticulture du Nord de la France; Membre Correspondant de la Société ad’ Horticulture de Valenciennes, Membre de la Soctété @ Horticulture de Seine-et-Oise (Versailles); Membre de la Soctété Royale @ Agriculture et de Botanique de Gand (Belgique). VOLUME II. FROM BLECHNUM TO NOTHOCHLANA, LONDON: L. UPCOTT GILL, BAZAAR BUILDINGS, DRURY LANE, W.C. NEW YORK: CHARLES SCRIBNER’S SONS, 153-157, FIFTH AVENUE. LONDON : L. UPCOTT GILL, LONDON AND COUNTY PRINTING WORKS, BAZAAR BUILDINGS, W.C. nim ke WO. i. HE general approbation bestowed upon the First Volume of “Tue Boox or Cuxorcre Ferns,’ by numerous persons holding various positions in the Horticultural World, but all qualified to give an opinion on the value of such a publication, besides being very gratifying to the Author, also proves that he has succeeded in producing a work combining the scientific classification of, and the results of scientific researches by, previous authors of unquestionable merit, with his own descriptions based on popular lines and made so simple as to convey a clear meaning to even the least technically educated of its readers. Such was the Author’s aim; and while he has spared no pains in making the work a trustworthy and_ really genuine addition to the Garden Library, it has received at the hands of the Publisher such special attention as to render it an ornamental book as well as a useful work of reference. The frequent recurrence, in Vol. IL, of popular expressions explanatory of technical terms may have appeared unnecessary to the scientific reader, but to the uninitiated this plan has gradually conveyed a knowledge of these terms, which, as will be noticed, are now employed with much more freedom; and it is hoped by the Author that when the work is completed, the majority of readers will have become thoroughly conversant with the technical expressions contained in it. Strict accuracy in matters relating to the culture and the history, as well as to the nomenclature of Ferns, having been the main object of the vi IEA ALE TS. Author, it is deemed necessary to rectify here an error which has crept in, This relates to the discovery of ‘“ Apospory,” a newly-observed form of reproduction, which, at page 141 of Vol. L, is attributed to Mr. Mapplebeck, and at page 547 to Mr. G. B. Wollaston, but the true nature of which was first detected and demonstrated by Mr. Chas. T. Druery, who reported upon it in a paper read before the Linnean Society on June 19th, 1884. In the autumn of that year he exhibited plants and fresh material which led to further investigation by Prof. F. O. Bower, who fully confirmed Mr. Druery’s observations, first in a short paper which embodied Mr. G. B. Wollaston’s fresh discovery of Apical Apospory, and subsequently in an exhaustive monograph published by the Linnean Society. Mr. Mapplebeck’s. discovery related to dorsal bulbils on Aspleniwm Wilie-famina, a quite distinct phenomenon. The generic limitation as laid down by Hooker and Baker in their “Synopsis Filicum,” which work was a constant guide in the compilation of Vol. I. of “Tne Boox or Cnorcn Ferys,” has been strictly adhered to in this volume, which, it is hoped, will give equal satisfaction to all interested in the subject. GEORGE SCHNEIDER. 17, Irtetp Roan, West Brompton, S.W. GO EIN 1. CHAPTER I.—Burecunum, Linneus I].—Borrycuium, Swartz {11.—Brainea, Hooker IV.—Cassresrera, Kaulfuss V.—Crratopreris, Brongniart VI.—Cuemantusrs, Swartz VIL—Cryrrocramme, &. Brown Vill.—Cyarnna, J. Smith 1X.—Cysrorrrris, Bernhardz X.—Danma, Smith XI.—Davatria, Smith XII.—Deparia, Hooker and Gr ii XUL—Diacarrr, Blume ~XIV.—Dicxsonia, L’ Héritier XV.—Dricryoxirutum, Hooker . XVI.—Dinymocaitaya, Desvaur XVIL—Drerora, Baker XVUL—Doopra, &. Brown XIX.—Drymoetossum, Presi XX.—Fapyenia, Hooker XX1.—Guricuenta, Smith XXI1.—Gymnocramme, Desvaus X XII..—Hetmintuostacuys, Kaulfuss XXIV.—Hemionitis, Linneus . XX V.—Hemiteria, Brown X X VL.— Hymenornyiium, Linneus XXVIL.—Hyvoperris, Brown Vill CONTENTS. CHAPTER XX VIII.—Hyporzpis, Bernhardi : ; : XXIX.—Jamnsonta, Hooker and Greville XX X.—Kaurrussia, Blume XXXI.—Linpsara, Dryander . XX XII—Lravea, Lagasca XXXIT.—Lomarita, Willdenow XXXIV.~—Loneuiris, Linneus XXX V.—Loxsoma, Brown XXX VI.—Lycopium, Swartz XXX VIT.—Mararria, Swartz XXX VIUI.—Maronta, Brown XXXIX.—Meniscrum, Schreber XL.—Monria, Swartz . ; ‘ ; : : X LI.—Monocramue, Schkuhr XLII.—Neruropium, Richard X LIII.—Nepuroreris, Schott XLIV.—Norsocurana, R. Brown . ; ‘ ERRATA. Page 298, line 16, for Holochlena read Holcochlena. Page 511, line 11, for pseudo-mas read propinqua. PAGE 388 346 348 300. a2 ov4 418 421 423 436 446 44.8 455 458 462 583 601 TELE BOOK OF GHOICE FERNS. VO les BALANTIUM—Bal-an’-ti-um. See Dicksonia. BLECMNIDIUM—PBlech-nid’-i-um. See Blechnum. BLECMNOPSIS—Bléch-nop’-sis. See Blechnum. CHAPTER. |. BLECMNUM, Linneus. (Bléch’-num. ) S||N Hooker and Baker’s “Synopsis Filicum”’ Blechnum is given as Genus 34. It forms by far the most extensive part of the Blechnee, a tribe composed exclusively of Ferns widely diffused through Tropical and South Temperate regions, as the plant popularly but erroneously known as blechnum Spicant, and a native of Europe, is in reality a Lomaria and not a Blechnum, The genus is a comparatively small one, and derives its appellation from Alechnon, a Greek name for a Fern. | Besides Hublechnum, or the true Blechnum of Linneus, the genus comprises Bleehnopsis of Presl and Blechnidium of Moore, which are separated by these authorities only on very superficial characters. The genus also includes Salpichlena of J. Smith, which consists of only one species, differing from all VoL. I. , Bt bo THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS. others through its fronds being bipinnate (twice divided to the midrib) and through its stem being of a twining nature. The distinctive characters of Blechnum lie in the disposition of the sori (clusters of spore cases), which are linear (long and narrow), continuous or nearly so, and océupy a position parallel with, and usually contiguous to, the midrib, Their involucre (covering) is membranous and distinct from the edge of the frond. With the exception of B. (Salpichlena) volubile, the fronds of which are bipinnate, all the Ferns contained in the genus have their fronds either simple (undivided), as in B. Lanceola; pinnatifid (the divisions of the frond not extending quite to the rachis, or stalk of its leafy portion), as is the case in the popular A. brasiliense; or simply pinnate (only once divided to the rachis), like those of the common JB. occidentale and B. orientale. The veins, usually free, are forked; those of the fertile fronds, which are shghtly contracted, being combined near their base at the point of forking by a transverse vein, and forming the sporangiferous receptacle near the midrib. | Culture. This genus is composed of mostly handsome-growing plants, of strong habit, very useful for decorative purposes, although there are also included in it several dwarf kinds that are particularly adapted for growing in Fern-cases or in shallow creyices im the rockery. Like the Lomarias, to which they are closely alhed, but from which they differ in not producing separate fertile fronds, the Blechnums 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, which, 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 are not at all fastidious as to their food, and 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. Propa- gation is usually effected by means of the spores, which are produced in abundance, and which germinate very freely when sown in heat. BLECHNUM. 3 Principal Species and Varieties. B. (Eublechnum) arcuatum—Ev-blech’-num ; ar-cii-a’-tum (curved, or bent like a bow), C. Gay. This is a distinct, greenhouse species, native of Chili and Chiloe. Its fronds, simply pinnate (only once divided to the midrib), are produced from a stout, somewhat upright stem, densely clothed at the crown with spear- shaped, sharp-pointed, dark brown scales ; they are usually Ift. to 1}ft. long, 1}in. to 2in. broad, and borne on strong, upright stipites (stalks) 6m. to 12in. long and scaly at the base; their outline is linear-lanceolate (narrow-spear- shaped), and they are furnished on each side of the midrib with numerous sickle-shaped leaflets of a rigid and very leathery texture, gradually narrowed upwards, auricled (eared) on the upper side, quite distinct at the hbase, but sometimes imbricated (overlapping), gradually diminishing downwards to mere auricles. The sori (spore masses) are disposed in a continuous line close to the midrib.—Hooker, Species Filicum, i., p. 59. B. (Eublechnum) asplenioides — Eu-bléch’-num ;_ as-ple’-ni-6-i/-des » (Asplenium-like), Swartz. A stove species, of small dimensions, native of Tropical America, from Panama and New Granada to Brazil and Peru. The fronds, stalkless or nearly so, are produced from an elongated stem clothed at the crown with small, narrow scales of a light brown colour ; they are narrow-spear-shaped in outline, narrowed at both ends, about 6in. long and 4in. broad, and are furnished with numerous leaflets of a somewhat leathery texture, sometimes blunt, at other times sharp-pointed, but all connected at the base with one another, the lower ones very gradually dwindling in size. The sori (spore masses), which are disposed in a short line close to the midrib, are often situated on one side only.—Hooker, Species Filicum, ii., p. 45. B. (Eublechnum) australe — Eu-bléch’-num ; aus-tra/-lé (Southern), | Linneus. This greenhouse species, native of South Africa, northward to Bourbon and Madagascar, produces its spear-shaped fronds, 9in. to 18in. long, 2in. to din. broad, from a stout, creeping stem of a scaly nature ; the fronds are borne B 2 4, THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS. on erect stalks 4in. to Gin. long and are furnished with numerous pinne (leaflets). The barren pinnw are 14in. long and 4in. broad, narrowed to a sharp point, cordate or auricled (heart-shaped or eared) at the base, especially on the upper side, the lower ones dwindling into mere auricles; the fertile pinne are narrower : all are of a rigid and coriaceous (leathery) texture. The sori (spore masses), which sometimes reach the edge, are disposed in a continuous or slightly-interrupted line not quite close to the midrib. — Hooker, Species Filicum, ii., p. 57. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 198. B. boreale—bor-é-a/-lé (Northern). Synonymous with Lomaria Spicant. Fig. 1, Blechnum brasiliense (much reduced). B. (Eublechnum) brasiliense—Iu-bléch’-num ;_bras-il-i-en’-sé (native of Brazil), Desvaux. This very handsome and popular, greenhouse or stove species, native of Brazil and Peru, is undoubtedly the strongest-erowing plant of the genus, and also the most useful as a decorative Fern (Fig. 1). Its stem, which -attams an average height of 3ft., 1s of rather slender dimensions m proportion to its height, and is densely clothed at the crown with dark brown. scales, BLECHNUM. 5 The fronds, which are produced in great abundance, are oblong-spear- shaped, 2ft. to 8ft. long, ft. or more broad, narrowing downwards very gradually : they are pinnatifid, their leaflets, of a coriaceous (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 pinne (leaflets) are din. to 6in. long, 3in. 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 (spore masses) are disposed in a continuous line close to the midrib.— Hooker, Species Filicum, tii., p. 438, t. 157. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 193. Lowe, Ferns British and Exotic, iv., t. 38. B. b. corcovadense—cor-co’-va-den’-sé (from Corcova), Maddi. This variety, extensively grown for decoration, differs from the typical species in its fronds being of a beautiful crimson colour when young, eradually turning to a metallic hue before becoming permanently green ; they are also of a more erect habit. The plant forms an upright stem of the same dimensions as that of A. brasiliense. B. b. ec. crispum—cris’-pum (curled). A very pretty variety is met with in gardens under this name, for which we can find no responsible authority. It is not quite so strong-growing as the type, its fronds being shorter and furnished with wavy leaflets of a harsh texture and with crispy edges.—Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, ever ee wl a B. (Eublechnum) cartilagineum—Hu-bléech’-num; car-til-a-gin’-¢-um (cartilaginous, of a gristly nature), Swartz. A very handsome, greenhouse species, native of the temperate parts of Australia. Its stem, which generally grows in an oblique position, is densely clothed at the crown with scales of a blackish colour. The fronds, 2ft. or more long and 6in. to Yin. broad, are borne on strong, upright stalks 4in. to Gin. long, scaly and muricated (covered with sharp points) in the lower part; they are simply pinnate (only once divided to the midrib) and broadly 6 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS. spear-shaped. The leaflets are of a leathery texture, 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 (spore masses) are disposed in a broad line close to the midrib.—Hooker, Species Filicum, ii. p. 48. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, 1., p. 194. Lowe, Ferns British and Exotic, iv., t. 42. B. (Eublechnum) Fendleri—HKu-bléch’-num ; Fend’-ler-i (Fendler’s), Hooker. This stove species, native of Venezuela and Brazil, has much the appearance of the commoner 6. longifolium, of which it may possibly be but a form of more slender habit, with the sori (spore masses) disposed in continuous lines close to the midrib and covered with a pale-coloured, broad involucre of parchment-like texture and slightly hairy. — Hooker, Species Lilicum, ui., p. 48, t. 158. B. (Eublechnum) Finlaysonianum — Ku-bléech’-num ; Fin-lay-son-i- a’-num (Finlayson’s), Wallich. A gigantic-growing, stove species, native of the Malayan Peninsula and Borneo, Its ample fronds, 3ft. to 4ft. long and borne on_ strong, upright, dark brown, polished stipites (stalks) 1ft. long, are produced from a short, thick stem, and are composed of a large terminal leaflet and numerous lateral ones of a leathery texture and with both surfaces smooth. The largest of these leaflets, 9in. to 12in. long and lin. broad, are gradually narrowed to a poimt, and below to a narrow base, the lowest being reduced to mere auricles. The sori (spore masses) are disposed in a continuous line close to the midrib.—Hooker, Species Filicum, ii., p. 53. Beddome, Ferns of British India, t. 249. B. fraxinifolium—trax-in-if-ol/-i-um (Ash-leaved). A garden synonym of b. longifolium fraxineum. B. (Eublechnum) glandulosum — Eu-blech’-num; glan-dul-o’-sum (having glands), Lank. This is a very interesting, stove species, native of Brazil and Mexico, which produces from a creeping rhizome (prostrate stem) its spear-shaped BLECHNUM. fi fronds, of a uniform pale green colour, Ift. to 14ft. long, and furnished with lone and narrow, somewhat sickle-shaped pinne (leaflets) of parchment- like texture and minutely -hairy. The sori (spore masses) form a continuous line on each side of the midrib, and extend nearly to the point of the leaflets—Lowe, Ferns British and Haotic, iv., t. 41. B. gracile—erac’-il-é (slender). A variety of B. longifolium. B. (Eublechnum) hastatum — Ev-bléch’-num ; has-ta’-tum (halbert- shaped), Kaulfuss. 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, 1ft. to 14ft. long and 2in. to 4in. broad; these are borne on erect and nearly smooth stalks 4in. to 6in. long, and are furnished on each side with from twenty to forty pinne (leaflets) of a leathery texture. The barren leaflets, lin. to 1din. long and din. broad, are somewhat. sickle- shaped and gradually narrowed to a point; they are slightly auricled on their lower side, whereas their upper side is heart-shaped and provided with distinct, hastate (halbert-shaped) auricles. The fertile leaflets, of similar shape, are narrower, and the sori (spore masses) are disposed half-way between the midrib and the edge in a continuous or more or less interrupted line. —Hooker, Species Filicum, tii., p. 57. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, 1, p- 194. Lowe, Kerns British and Exotic, iv., t. 338. B. (Eublechnum) levigatum—Eu-bléch’-num ; le-vig-a’-tum (smooth), Cavanilles. This most interesting, greenhouse species, native of Port Jackson, New South Wales, is, of all the known Blechnums, that in which the dimorphous (two-formed) character of the fronds is most noticeable. In nearly all others the difference between the barren and the fertile fronds is hardly perceptible, whereas in this species they are totally different. Both kinds are borne on pale-coloured stipites (stalks) 6in. to Yin. long, and are produced from a stout, ascending stem clothed at the crown with large, spear-shaped scales of a pale brown colour: the barren ones, 9in. to ldin. long and Gin. to Jin. broad, are composed of a large termimal leaflet and from fifteen to twenty pairs of lateral ones of: a coriaceous (leathery) texture, elliptical in shape, 8 | THE BOOKS OF CHOLCH FETINS: suddenly narrowed to an acuminate point, with their margin finely toothed, quite distinct and heart-shaped at the base; while young they are of a beautiful rosy colour. In the fertile fronds, which are much smaller, the: leaflets stand erect and are much contracted, being thus much narrower and also more distant, their breadth varying from din. to din. The spore masses form with the midrib an uninterrupted and contiguous line about two lines broad, covered with large brown involucres of a membranous nature. —Hooker, Species Filicum, ii., p. 56. Lowe, New and Rare Ferns, t. 58. B. (Eublechnum) Lanceola—Eu-bléch’-num ; Lan’-cé-ol-a (lance-leaved), Swartz. An interesting, evergreen, greenhouse species, of dwarf habit, native of Tropical America, where it is found from Panama southward to Brazil and Peru. Its little, entire (undivided) fronds, 4in. to 6in. long and din. broad, spear-shaped, and of a somewhat leathery texture, are borne on slender, erect stalks 2m. 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 sorl (spore masses) are disposed in a continuous line on each side of and close to the midrib—Hooker, Species Filicum, ui, p. 47. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i, p. 195. Lowe, Ferns british and Exotic, Lents sone This pretty little species is particularly adapted for planting in Fern- eases, where it thrives admirably, and where the contrast between the bright dark green of the upper surface of its fronds and the continuous central band of deep brown formed by the sori is very conspicuous and attractive. B. L. trifoliatum—trif-ol-i-a’-tum (three-leaved), Kaulfuss. This is very similar to the typical plant, but its fronds are furnished with one or two pairs of small, oblong, blunt lateral leaflets at their base. As in the little-known B. plantaginewm of Presl, an open space is frequently observed between the line of fructification and the midrib. — Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 195. BLECHNUM. ) B. (Eublechnum) longifolium—Eu-bléch’-num ; long-if-ol’-i-um (long- leaved), Hooker and Bonpland. A variable, stove species, native of Tropical America and the West Indies. Its fronds are simply pinnate (only once divided to the midrib), usually from Qin. to 12in. long including their stalks, and are produced from a slender, ereeping rhizome ; they consist of a terminal leaflet and three to six pairs of lateral ones (Fig. 2), 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 (spore masses) are disposed in broad lines close to the midrib.—//ooker, Species Hilicum, ii., p. 49, t. 94. Lowe, Ferns British and Lxotie, Veg te Ol Fig. 2. Blechnum longifolium G nat. size). B. 1. fraxineum—trax-in’-¢-um (Ash-leaved), Walldenow. A variety generally found in gardens under the name of B. fraxinifolium ; it is more robust and closer-growing than the type, with six to eight pairs of leaflets, sometimes lin. broad.—Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, 1., p. 195. B. 1. gracile—egrac’-il-é (slender), Kaulfuss. 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 5. Lanceola when planted in the Fern-case, and thrives under the same treatment.—Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, 1., p. 195. B. (Blechnidium) melanopus—bBlech-nid’-i-um ; mel-an’-op-us (having a dark foot or stalk), Hooker. , A greenhouse species, of small dimensions, native of the Khasia Hills, Bengal, and distinct through the dark chestnut-brown colour of the stalks on 10 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS. which its spear-shaped fronds, 8in. to 9m. long and Qin. to 3in. broad, are borne. These fronds are furnished with numerous narrow-sickle-shaped pinnx (leaflets) of a leathery texture, about 1din. long and 4in. broad, gradually narrowed towards the point and enlarged at the base, the lowest ones growing gradually shorter and blunter. The sori (spore masses) are disposed in a continuous line near the midrib—Hooker, Species Filicum, il, p. 64, t. 161. Beddome, Ferns of British India, t. 50. B. (Eublechnum) nitidum — Eu-bléch’-num ; _ nit/-id-um (shining’), Presl. This stove species, of medium size, somewhat resembles B. brasiliense in general appearance, but is much smaller. Its fronds are simply pinnate (only once divided to the midrib), and borne on scaly stalks 3in. to 4in, long; they are about 10in, lone and 4in, to 6in. broad, and are furnished with numerous somewhat sickle-shaped leaflets of a coriaceous (leathery) texture, 2in. to 3in. long, tin. broad, gradually narrowed to- wards the point, but enlarged and connected at the base (Fig. 3), and with their edges finely toothed. The sori (spore masses) are disposed in a continuous line close to the midrib.—LHooker, Species Lilicum, i, p. 44, t. 53. Nicholson, Dic- tionary of Gardening, 1., p. 195. Beddome, ferns of British India, Fig. 8. Blechnum nitidum G nat, size). ; iE 49, B. n. contractum—con-trac’-tum (contracted), Hooker. This variety differs from the typical plant through its leaflets being conspicuously contracted and having their edge much undulated.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 184. BLECHNUM. 11 B. (Eublechnum) occidentale—Eu-bléch’-num ; oc-cid-en-ta/-l8 (from the West), Linneus. One of the best-known and most-appreciated among Ferns of dwarf habit is this West Indian, stove species, probably on account of its easy cultivation, as also of the lasting qualities of its elegant fronds, which remain fresh a very long time in water, when used for mixing with cut flowers. Besides, it has Fig. 4, Blechnum. occidentale (4 nat. size), for years been used in many private establishments 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, Yin, to 14in. long and 4in, to 8in. broad, are borne on upright but flexible stalks Gin, to 12in. long and scaly below ; they are furnished on each 12 Tit BOOK OF \CHOLCE FERNS: side of their midrib with twelve to twenty-four linear leaflets of a leathery texture, 3in. to 6m. long and in. broad, gradually narrowed to a point, heart-shaped or even auricled at the base, the lower ones often lin. apart, and the lowest pair usually deflexed (Fig. 4) and very little shorter than the others. The sori (spore masses) form a broad, continuous line close to the midrib.—Hooker, Species Filicum, ii., p. 50. Lowe, Ferns British and Lxotic, iv., t. 89. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, 1., p. 195. B. o. multifidum—nmul-tif’-id-um (much-cut). A very pretty variety, said to have been introduced from Dominica, but for the name of which we can find no authority. Its very elegant fronds attain about Ift. in leneth ; they are pinnate (once divided to the midrib), their leaflets being copiously crested and tasselled at their extremity, giving | the whole plant a very elegant and pleasing appearance. In general habit it is sunilar to the species, but the weight of the tassels renders the fronds more pendulous and more elegant.—Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, 1., p. 1995. B. (Blechnopsis) orientale — Bléch-nop’-sis ; or-i-en-ta’-lé (Mastern), Linneus. This very handsome, robust, greenhouse species, whose habitat extends from Australia and the Polynesian Islands northward to South China and the Himalayas, is no doubt one of the most interesting of the whole genus. Its massive fronds, 1ft. to 3ft. long and frequently 1ft. broad, are produced from a stout, upright stem clothed at the crown with dark brown scales, and borne on strong, erect stalks 4in. to 8in. long and ‘scaly below ; they are ego-shaped, and furnished on each side of their midrib with numerous nearly contiguous pinne (leaflets) of a leathery texture, 4in. to 8in. long and jin. broad, narrowed to a long point, a few of the lowest being reduced to mere auricles or lobes. The leaflets, when young, are of a beautiful metallic colour, changing with age to a uniform light green, and the fronds being of a particularly drooping habit, this species is very useful where Ferns are required for hanging baskets of large dimensions. The sori (spore masses) are disposed in a long, continuous line close to the midrib.—Hooker, Species Filicum, iii., p. 52. Lowe, Ferns British and Euwotic, iv., t. 40. Beddome, Ferns of Southern India, t. 29. BLECHNUM. 13 B. (Eublechnum) plantagineum—LKu-bléch’-num ;_plan-ta-gin’-é-um (Plantain-like), Presi. A stove species, from Panama, with entire fronds very similar to those of A. Lanceola, from which it differs by having a distinct space between the line of fructification and the midrib.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 183. B. polypodioides — pol-yp-od-i-3-i’-des (Polypodium-like). | Synonymous with B. unilaterale. B. (Eublechnum) rugosum—Eu-blech’-num ; ru-go’-sum (wrinkled), ’ Moore. A yery distinct, greenhouse Fern, of medium dimensions, remarkable for the opaque pale green colour and the harsh, rugose surface of its narrow- spear-shaped fronds, borne on densely-glandular stalks 3in. to 4in. long and particularly hairy above, as are also the stalks. The leaflets are oblong, blunt or sometimes abruptly pointed and sickle-shaped. The sori (spore masses) are disposed along the midrib, and extend from the base nearly to the extremity of the leaflets — Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, iv., p. 500. B. (Eublechnum) serrulatum—Eu-blech’-num ; ser-rul-a’-tum (saw- edged), Richard. 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, where it is called the ‘“ Florida Blechnum,” and where, according to Haton, it is found wild in wet places, chiefly along streams and about ponds, especially in the southern part of Florida. The fronds, produced from a stout, ascending rhizome (prostrate stem) and borne on strong, erect, smooth stalks 6in. to 12in. long, are Ift. to 2ft. long, 6in. to 9in. broad, and furnished on each side of their rachis (stalk of the leafy portion) with from twelve to twenty-four distinctly-articulated pinne (leaflets) of a leathery texture. The pinne 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 than the barren ones, The sori (spore masses) 14 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS. are disposed in a continuous line close to the midrib. 6. striatum is another name for this species. — Hooker, Species Filicum, i., p. 54. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i. p. 195. Lowe, Ferns British and Lzotic, w., t. 43. Haton, Ferns of North America, 1, t. 19. B. Spicant—Spi’-cant (spiked). This is the commonest but an erroneous appellation for Lomaria Spicant. B. striatum—stri-a’/-tum (striped). Synonymous with 6. serrulatum. B. (Eublechnum) triangulare—Ju-blech’-num ; tri-ang-ul-a’-ré (three- angled), Link. This evergreen, stove species, native of Mexico, somewhat resembles a form of B. occidentale, from which, however, it is totally distinct through its leaflets, mostly alternate (not opposite, as those of B. occidentale), being sessile (stalkless), and forming a wing extending the whole length of the rachis (stalk of the leafy portion). The fronds, of a deep green colour, are from Lit. to 14ft. long, borne on scaly stalks, and produced from a creeping rhizome (prostrate stem). The sori (spore masses) are disposed in a continuous line on each side of and close to the midrib of the leaflets, and extend nearly to their extremity.—Lowe, Ferns British and Exotic, i., t. 39. B. (Eublechnum) unilaterale—Eu-bléch’-num ; u-nil-at-er-a’-lé (one- sided), Willdenow. This very elegant, stove or greenhouse species, of small dimensions, native of Tropical America, is usually met with in gardens under the name of B. polypodioides. Its fronds, which while in a young state are of a beautiful and conspicuous pink colour, are borne on slender stalks lin. to 4in. long, scaly below, and produced from an elongated rhizome (prostrate stem) densely clothed at the crown with narrow, pale brown scales; they are lanceolate (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 (spore masses) are disposed in a line close to the midrib.—Hooker, Species Filicum, ii., p. 45. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 195. Lowe, Ferns British and Exotic, 1w., t. 34. BLECHNUM. 15 B. (Salpichleena) volubile — Sal-pich-le’-na ; vol-u’-bil-é (twisting), Kaulfuss. A singular and distinct, stove species, native of the West Indies, Brazil, and Peru, with stipites (stalks of the fronds) of a climbing nature, furnished with pinne (leaflets) disposed in opposite pairs. The leaflets are divided into pinnules (leafits) of a leathery texture, usually four to six on each side of the leaflets, and narrow-spear-shaped ; they are from 6in. to 12in. long, about 2in. broad, and have a peculiarly gristly border. The sori (spore masses), disposed in a continuous line along the midrib, are at first covered by a broad involucre- of parchment-like texture, which afterwards breaks up into short pieces.—Hooker, Species Filicum, i, p 638. CHP ry a, BOTRYCMIUM, Swartz. (Bot-rych’-i-um. ) Moonwort. HIS small genus is composed of very interesting and pretty, though not decorative, Ferns of dwarf habit, and it forms 7 Genus 75 in Hooker and Baker’s “ Synopsis Filicum.” All the known species are native of temperate regions, viz.: Europe, from Iceland and Norway to Spain; Australia, New Zealand, and Tasmania, the Himalayas and the Neilgherries, Japan, the United States, and British North America; but only one species, B. Lunaria, is indigenous in Great Britain. The name is derived from the Greek botrys, signifymge a bunch or cluster —in reference, no doubt, to the bunch-like disposition of the fructification, by which, as well as by their peculiar mode of growth, the species belonging to this genus are distinguished from all others. The plant is composed of a slender tap-root, from which issue numerous cylindrical, yellowish fibres, disposed in a whorl (circle), but spreading horizontally in the soil: from this arises a single stem of a fleshy nature, and from about the middle of which the barren and fertile fronds are produced, the fertile one appearing to be simply the continuation of the stem, which ends in a cluster of small, round, light brown capsules. These capsules are sessile (stalkless), and arranged im two rows on the face of spikes, which form a compound panicle. A latent bud, containing the embryo of the frond for the following year, is invariably noticed at the base of the stem. {| aN if ~ & \ i A tal 4 S| Davallia pallida Gy nat. size). BOTRYCHIUM. 17. Culture. This interesting genus contains some very curious plants, all deciduous ; but they are seldom seen in cultivation, probably on account of the difficulties experienced in keeping them through the winter, when they should not on any account be allowed to get dry, or death will speedily and assuredly ensue, They are of little use as pot plants, but their fertile fronds have a very pleasing appearance among other Ferns when grown in the rockery, in which ease they should be planted in some naturally damp nook where they are not likely to be disturbed, and where constant moisture may be secured for them while at rest. The difficulty in taking them up consists in getting the crowns with their roots, as they are generally found to be deeply imbedded in the ground. To induce Botrychiums to grow in a Fernery, they should be moved with about a square foot of the turf i which they are growing naturally, and as much of depth of the soil undisturbed. They lke to have their roots covered with turf, though they should not be overshadowed by other vegetation. The plants succeed best in a compost of sandy loam and only a small portion of peat, and perfect drainage is essential. Propagation may be effected by division of the crowns. There is no record of seedlings having been raised artificially. Principal Species and Varieties. B. australe—aus-tra’-lé (Southern). ELeb, H. fimbriatum—fim-bri-a’-tum (fringed). A synonym of 1. javanicum. M. flabellatum—fia-bel-la’-tum (fan-like), Labillardire. This lovely species, also known under the names of H. néfens and H. nitidum, is a native of Australia, Tasmania, 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, glistening, bright HYMENOPHYLLUM. 3138 green hue, the same tint being found in both young and old fronds. According to the variety, the fronds are from 4in. to 12in. long, 2in. to 4in. broad, and borne on firm, erect, smooth stalks 2in. to 4in. long; they are tripinnatifid (three times divided nearly to the midrib) and somewhat resemble those of H. demissum in outline, but are more spear-shaped, and their pinne (leaflets), instead of being smooth, have a crisped appearance, produced by a contraction which is natural to them. The lower leaflets, lin. to 2in. long, are divided into several pinnules (leafits) that are distinct through their wedge-shaped base and furnished on both sides with several long, narrow segments. The sori (spore masses), six to twenty to a leaflet, are terminal on the lateral segments, and are provided with an involucre (covering) that is divided more than half-way down and has rounded and entire valves.—Hooker, Species Filicum, i., p. 111. Hooker and Greville, Icones Filicum, t. 197. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, u., p. 166. Lowe, New and Rare Ferns, Addenda, p. 182. M. flexuosum—tlex-ut-o’-sum (bending), Cunningham. A Fern with beautifully crisped and undulated foliage, and a native of New Zealand, somewhat resembling H. crispatum, but with larger and more divided fronds, 10in. to 12im. long, broadly spear-shaped, and borne on distinctly-winged stalks; they are four times divided nearly to the midrib, their ultimate segments being narrow and undulated. The numerous sori (spore masses), six to twenty to a leaflet, are terminal on the segments on both sides and provided with a large involucre (covering) that is entire and two-valved to the base. It is a species whose wiry rhizomes (prostrate stems) delight in decayed moss and vegetable matter, and also one of the few which do not suffer from wetting overhead. Although given in the “ Synopsis Filicum” as simply a synonym of H. javanicum, H. flecuosum is usually accepted as a distinct species, and it is described and illustrated as such in Hooker's Species Filicum, i., p. 105, and Icones Plantarum, t. 962; also in Lowes New and Rare Ferns, p. 179. M. Forsterianum—Fors-ter-i-a’-num (Forster’s), Schneider. This beautiful species, dedicated to the memory of the late J. Cooper Forster, was accidentally introduced into this country growing among some 314 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS. clumps of Cattleyas imported from Brazil.- At first sight it seems intermediate between AH. caudiculatum and H. dilatatum, its large, handsome fronds, 1}ft. long and fully 6in. broad, being borne on stalks which are 6in. to Sin. long, conspicuously winged to the very base, and measure in the leafy portion quite din. in breadth. Their fronds are tripinnatifid (three times divided nearly to the midrib), the leaflets, 3in. long and not tailed like those of H. caudiculatum, as well as their segments, being of a light green colour, closely set, and prettily undulated. The sori (spore masses), 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 involucre (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 (prostrate stems) are particularly fond of moss and decaying vegetable matter, and which produces fronds in great abundance. M. fuciforme—tu-cif-or’-mé (Fucus-like), Swartz. This handsome species, which takes rank amongst the strongest-growing Hymenophyllums, is a native of Chili and Juan Fernandez, where it grows on trunks of trees in shady woods. Its upright-growing fronds, of a glaucous (bluish-green) colour, 1ft. to 2ft. long, 4in. to 6in. broad, broadly spear-shaped, and three times divided nearly to the midrib, are borne on strong, erect stalks narrowly winged above ; their main rachis (stalk of the leafy portion) is winged throughout, and their lower segments are two or three times forked. Instead of being produced from slender, wiry rhizomes (prostrate stems), like most of those of the other known species, the fronds in this case spring from thick, decumbent rhizomes, which have all the appearance of crowns. The numerous and comparatively small sori (spore masses) are disposed in the axils of the segments, and are provided with an involucre (covering) that is divided nearly to the base and has rounded, entire valves.—Hooker, Species Filicum, i., p. 103, t. 36p. Lowe, New and Rare Ferns, t. 72. M. gracile—erac’-il-é (slender), Bory. A species of medium dimensions, native of Bourbon, Natal, and Mauritius, with spear-shaped fronds three times divided nearly to the midrib, 2in. to 6in. long, lin. to 2in. broad, and borne on slender, wiry stalks 2in. to 3in. long. HYMENOPHYLLUM. 315 The sori (spore masses), two to four to a leaflet, are terminal or axillary on the lateral segments, and are provided with an involucre (covering) that is not divided more than half-way down and has rounded valves.—Hooker, Species Filicum, i., p. 110. Hooker and Greville, Icones Filicum, t. 198. M. Gunnii—Gun’-ni-i (Gunn’s), Van den Bosch. This dwarf species, native of Tasmania, produces from a long-creeping, thread-like rhizome (prostrate stem) its oblong fronds, which are two or three times divided nearly to the midrib, 2in. to 3in. long, about lin. broad, smooth on both surfaces, and borne on stalks lin. to 1d4in. long and winged at the top. The sori (spore masses), as broad as the lobes, are provided with an. involucre (covering) as broad as deep, and with rounded valves.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 463. HM. hirsutum—hir-su’-tum (hairy), Swartz. This extremely delicate-looking species is a native of Tropical America, from Cuba to South Brazil and Patagonia, where it forms on trunks of trees a closely-matted covering of wiry, thread-like rhizomes (stems), producing in great abundance narrow-oblong fronds 2in. to 6m. long and din. broad, on slender stalks lin. to 2in. long, that are naked or slightly winged and hairy above. The fronds are once pinnatifid (divided nearly to the midrib), of a flaccid nature, often pendulous, of a pale colour, and hairy over the surface. The sori (spore masses), one to four to a leaflet, are terminal on the segments, and are furnished with a sub-orbicular involucre (nearly round covering), the wedge-shaped base of which is sunk in the frond, and the valves of which are very hairy.—Hooker, Species Filicum, i., p. 88. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, ii., p. 166. Lowe, New and Rare Ferns, Addenda, p. 182. This species succeeds best on a block of wood and in an upright position ; it requires a very humid but airy situation, and great care must be taken at all times that no water touches its fronds. M. hirtellum—hir-tel’-lum (slightly hairy), Swartz. A very pretty, delicate species, native of Jamaica, Guadeloupe, and Mexico, with pale green fronds 3in. to 6in. long, 2in. to 3in. broad, tripinnatifid (three times diyided nearly to the midrib), clothed all over with soft, white 316 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS. or tawny hairs, and borne on erect, round stalks lin. to 4in. long and of a woolly nature. The main rachis (stalk of the leafy portion), equally woolly, is slightly winged above, and the lower pinnules (leafits) are again pinnatifid, with long, narrow, hairy segments. The sori (spore masses), two to twelve to a leaflet, are placed at the end of the lateral segments on both sides, and are provided with an orbicular involucre (covering) that is sunk in the frond and divided about half-way down, with valves strongly ciliated. —Hooker, Species Hilicum, i., p. 90, t. 31p. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i, p. 166. Lowe, Ferns British and Exotic, viii., t. 7A. In the cultivation of this species, watering overhead must be carefully avoided. M. interruptum—in-ter-rup’-tum (interrupted), Kunze. This beautiful and interesting species, native of Guadeloupe and the mainland of South America, from Mexico and New Granada southward to Peru, where it is found growing on trees, has a peculiar appearance, produced by the habit of its elegantly-drooping or pendulous fronds, which are densely clothed with soft, tawny hairs. These fronds are borne on short, wiry, slightly hairy stalks, and vary from 6in. to nearly 3ft. in length and from Zin. to din. in breadth; in general outline they are long-spear-shaped and twice divided nearly to the midrib. The sori (spore masses), six to twelve to a leaflet, are terminal on the segments of both sides of the upper leaflets, and are provided with an involucre (covering) that is divided more than half-way down and has rounded and very hairy valves.—Hooker, Species Filicum, 1., p. 92, t. 33B. M. Jamesoni—Jame-so’-ni (Jameson’s), Hooker. : A very distinct species, of medium dimensions, native of the Andes of Columbia, and readily distinguished by its long, narrow fronds, which are 3in. to 9in. long, in. broad, of a flaccid nature, with the rachis (stalk of the leafy portion) only slightly winged towards the extremity and fringed throughout with spines of a soft yet tough texture. The leaflets, forked at their summit, show only one or two linear (long and narrow) segments on each side, and the sori (spore masses), disposed singly in the axils of the segments, have their egg-shaped valves conspicuously thorny.—Hooker, Species Filicum, 1., p. 96, t. 35a. HYMENOPHYLLUM. 517 M. javanicum—ja-van’-ic-um (Javanese), Sprengel. This species, with which H. jimbriatum and H. tasmanicum are identical, has a very wide range of habitat, being found in India, from Nepaul and Sikkim to Ceylon, the Malayan Peninsula, the Philippines, New Zealand, and Australia. Its triangular fronds, 4in. to 8in. long, 3in. to 4in. broad, borne on erect stalks 2in. to 4in. long and margined above with a broad, crisped wing, are tripinnatifid (three times divided nearly to the midrib). The lower leaflets, 14in. to 2in. long, are divided to a narrow, crisped centre into several flat or slightly-crisped leafits on both sides, the lower of which are deeply pinnatifid (Fig. 82). The sori (spore masses), six to twelve to a leaflet, are terminal and axillary on the segments on both sides, and are provided with an involucre (covering) that is about as broad as the segments, divided down nearly to the base, and furnished with roundish valves entire or dented. — Hooker, Species Filicum, i., p. 106. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, u., p. 166. M. khasianum — khas-i-a’-num (from Khasya), Baker. A species of small dimensions, native of Khasya, with lanceolate (spear-shaped) fronds 2in. Fig. 82, Frond and Rhizome of to 3in. long, produced from a wide-creeping, slender Hymenophyllum javanicum rhizome (prostrate stem), and borne on stalks 4in. me to 1}in. long and winged upwards; they are three times divided nearly to the midrib, and the abundant and terminal sori (spore masses) are provided with an egg-shaped involucre (covering) that is divided down nearly to the base.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 464. HM. lanceolatum—lan-cé-ol-a’-tum (spear-shaped), Hooker and Arnott. A dwarf-growing species, native of the Sandwich Islands, with spear- shaped or oblong fronds 3in. to 6in. long, lin. to 2in. broad, and borne on 318 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS. slender, naked stalks 2in. to 3in. long and of a wiry nature. The fronds are three times divided nearly to the midrib, and are hairy only on their margins and midrib. The sori (spore masses), two to eight to a leaflet, are placed at the side or at the extremity of the lateral seements, and are provided with an involucre (covering) that is divided more than half-way down and has rounded and copiously-ciliated valves. — Hooker, Species Filicum, 1., p. 94, t. 34x. M. L’Merminieri—L’Her-min-i-e’-ri (L’Herminier’s), Mettenius. A very dwarf-growing species, seldom exceeding 2Hin. in height, native of Guadeloupe-—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 463. M. Lindeni—Lin’-den-i (Linden’s), Hooker. This fairly robust-growing species is a native of the Andes of Venezuela and Heuador. Its fronds, 6in. to 12in. long, 4in. to 6in. broad, and often recurved, are borne on stout, erect stalks din. to 6in. long, of a hairy nature ; they are three times divided nearly to the midrib, their main rachis (stalk of the leafy portion) being also hairy and winged in the upper part. Their lower leaflets, 2in. to 4in. long, have numerous deeply-divided pinnules (leafits) on both sides, both surfaces of which are hairy. The very abundant sori (spore masses) are terminal on the segments, and are provided with an involucre (covering) having short, broad, and strongly-ciliated valves. — Hooker, Species Filicum, 1., p. 98, t. 34c. M. lineare—li-né-a’-ré (lone and narrow), Swartz. This pretty and distinct species, also known as H. elegans, of a particularly hairy nature, has a very wide range of habitat, beng found in Tropical America, from Jamaica and Mexico southward to Brazil and Peru, ascending on the Andes of Hcuador to 12,000ft., and occurring also in the Mauritius. Its pendulous fronds, 3in. to Sin. long, lin. to 2in. broad, and of a flaccid nature, are produced from a slender, hairy, thread-like rhizome (prostrate stem) ; they are fully pinnate (divided quite to the midrib), their leaflets being deeply cut into simple or forked, lmear (narrow) lobes with margin and surface densely hairy. The sori (spore masses), two to six to a leaflet, are terminal on the lateral segments, and are provided with an involucre (covering) that HYMENOPHYLLUM. 319 is about as broad as the segments, and has rounded and strongly ciliated valves. In a natural state the long, narrow fronds form densely interlaced masses on rocks and trees.—Hooker, Species Filicum, i., p. 91. M. magellanicum—mag-el-lan’-ic-um (from Magellan), Willdenow. A species of particularly rigid, upright habit, native of Chili, Chiloe, and the Organ Mountains. Its oblong-triangular fronds, 3in. to 6in. long, 2in. to din, broad, and three times divided nearly to the midrib, are borne on erect, wiry stalks, 2in. to 4in. long, naked or margined on each side with an undulated and crisp wing. The broadly-triangular lower leaflets have " deeply-cleft pinnules (leafits), furnished on each side with several segments toothed along their edges. The sori (spore masses), which are particularly small, are disposed six to ten to a leaflet, and are terminal on the segments of the upper leaflets; they are provided with an oblong involucre (covering), having two short-toothed valves. This species is also known as H. attenuatum, and dislikes water on its fronds.—Hooker, Species Filicum, i., p. 99, t. 36B. M. Malingii—Ma-ling’-i-i (Maling’s), Mertenius. A New Zealand species, very closely related to the better-known H. sericeum, from which it differs principally in the total absence of a connecting membrane between the veins of the pinne (leaflets)—AHooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 66. M. marginatum—mar-gin-a’-tum (edged), Hooker and Greville. A species of very small dimensions, native of Port Jackson, Australia, with linear (narrow) fronds, about lin. long, one line broad, once or twice forked, and furnished with a central costa (midvein); they are of a firm texture, and have their margin bounded by a thickened line, and their summit emarginate (notched). The terminal and solitary sori (spore masses) are provided with an involucre (covering) that is nearly round, divided nearly to the base, and has convex, entire valves.—Hooker and Greville, Icones Filicum, t. 34. Hooker, Species Filicum, p. 87. M. microcarpum—mi-croc-ar’-pum (small-fruited), Desvaus. A species of a very hairy nature, native of South America, from Venezuela and Hcuador, southward to Peru and the south of Brazil. Its broadly- 320 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS. triangular fronds, 6in. to 12in. long and 3in. to 5in. broad, are produced from a rhizome (prostrate stem) that is clothed with woolly, yellow hairs, and are borne on firm stalks 4in. to 6in. long, woolly, and slightly winged above; they are tripinnatifid (three times divided nearly to the midrib). The sori (spore masses), two to twelve to a leaflet, are placed at the extremity of the lateral segments of the upper leaflets, and are provided with an ege- shaped involucre (covering) that is divided to the base, with valves either toothed or ciliated.—Hooker, Species Filicum, i, p. 90, t. 328. M. microphyllum—ni-croph-yl’-lum (small-leaved), Mettenius. This small-growing species, with thread-like rhizomes (prostrate stems), native of the Andes of Bogota, has the habit of small forms of /7. tunbridgense. —Hooker, Synopsis Pilicum, p. 463. M. microsorum—ni-cros-o’-rum (having small sori), Van den Bosch. This species, which is intermediate in habit between H. exsertum and H. polyanthos, is a native of the Sikkim Himalayas, where it was collected by Dr. Hooker at an elevation of 11,000ft. It is the plant that Beddome figures and describes under the same name as a variety of H. polyanthos, stating that it is found growing at 6,000ft. elevation on the Anamallay Mountains, where it is common on trunks of trees near the head of the Toracadu River, Ceylon. Its oblong-spear-shaped fronds, of a flaccid mature and tripinnatifid (three times divided nearly to the midrib), are 2in. to 3in. long, about lin. broad, and borne on slender, naked stalks, lin. to 2in. long, sometimes winged towards the summit. The main rachis (stalk of the leafy portion) is also naked, and furnished with a narrow wing extending nearly throughout. The sori (spore masses), two to twelve to a leaflet, are terminal on the lobes or segments of the upper pinne (leaflets), very small, and provided with an involucre (covering) that is divided more than half-way down, with valves rounded and entire-——Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 59. Beddome, Ferns of British India, t. 306. HM. mnioides—mni-i-i’-des (Mnium-like), Baker. A very curious, minute, moss-like plant, with the habit of Mniwm undulatum or M. serratum, but dark brown in colour. It is closely allied HYMENOPHYLLUM. 321 to H. abruptum and also to H. tenellum; but while the leaflets, instead of being more or less divided, are quite simple, the main rachis (stalk of the leafy portion) is scarcely winged below. This species is a native of Pic du Mont Mu, in New Caledonia, where it has been collected by Deplanche.—Hooker, Synopsis [ilicum, p. 57. M. Moorei—Moor’-é-i (Ch. Moore’s), Baker. This curious little species, native of Lord Howe’s Island, is of very small dimensions, its singular fronds, produced from a wide-creeping rhizome (prostrate stem), seldom measuring more than lin. in height including the stalks on which they are borne; they are rounded in their upper and wedge-shaped in their lower half, and somewhat fan-shaped. The sori (spore masses), one to three to a frond, rarely terminal, are sunk in the frond at their base.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 464. M. multifidum—nmul-tif’-id-um (much-cleft), Swarez. A very elegant species, native of New Zealand and the Pacific Islands. The broadly-spear-shaped fronds, 2in. to 6in. long and lin. to 5in. broad, are borne on wiry, naked stalks 2in. to 4in, long, their main rachis (stalk of the leafy portion) being winged above and wingless below; they are tripinnatifid (three times divided nearly to the midrib), with narrow ultimate segments. The sori (spore masses), two to twelve to a leaflet, are terminal on the lateral segments of the upper leaflets on both sides, and are furnished with an egg-shaped involucre (covering), the valves of which are divided not more than half-way down and entire. In exposed situations the fronds are much drawn. together and the segments are recurved.—Hooker, Species Filicum, i., p. 98. Hooker and Greville, Icones Filicum, t. 167. M. myriocarpum—my-ri-oc-ar’-pum (many-fruited), Hooker. This species, native of Mexico and southward to the Andes of Peru, has pendent, broadly-spear-shaped fronds 3in. to 12in. long, 2in. to 8in. broad, and borne on stalks 2in. to 3im. long and slightly winged above ; they are of a flaccid habit and three times divided nearly to the midrib, which is furnished with a narrow wing throughout. The very numerous sori (spore masses) are terminal and lateral on the segments on both sides; they are VOL. I. Y 322 THE BOOK “Of “CHOLCE VERN 'S, provided with an involucre (covering) that is divided to the base and has egg-shaped or rounded valves entire or sinuated at the summit— Hooker, Species Filicum, i., p. 106, t. 570. M. Neesii—Nees’-i-i (Nees’), Hooker. A species of small dimensions, native of Ceylon, Java, Borneo, Fiji, and the Philippine Islands. Its small, egg-shaped fronds, about 2in. long, in. broad, and three times divided nearly to the midrib, are borne on naked or slightly-winged stalks lin. to 2in. long. The rachis (stalk of the leafy portion) is winged throughout, the wing and leaflets being much crisped. The small and usually single sori (spore masses) are disposed in the axils of the upper leaflets; they are provided with an involucre (covering) that is nearly cylindrical below, divided more than half-way down, and having slightly-toothed valves.—Hooker, Species Filicum, 1., p. 99. Beddome, Ferns of British India, t. 279. HM. nitens—nit’-ens (shining). A synonym of H. flabellatum. M. nitidum—nit’-id-um (shining). A synonym of H. flabellatum. M. nudum—nw’-dum (naked), Desvauz. A small Fern, native of the West Indies, with fronds 14in. to 3in. long, erect, broad, bipinnate (twice divided to the midrib), and fringed with hairs. —Lowe, New and Rare Ferns, Addenda, p. 182. M. obtusum—ob-tu’-sum (blunt), Hooker and Arnott. This small-growing species, native of Oahu, Sandwich Islands, is of a particularly woolly nature. It spear-shaped fronds, three times divided nearly to the midrib, 2in. to 4in. long, lin. to 2in. broad, and borne on slender, ciliated stalks 2in. long, have their rachis (stalk of the leafy portion) winged throughout and the surface and margin of their pinnules (leafits) copiously clothed with pubescence. The sori (spore masses), two to six to a leaflet, terminal on the lateral segments, are provided with an involucre (covering) that is as broad as the segments, divided about half-way down, and having rounded and strongly-ciliated valves.—/Hooker, Species Filicum, ib, [Ue tO. Uh GOD HYMENOPHYLLUM. 323 M. parvifolium—par-vif-ol’-i-um (small-leaved), Baker. This Fern, native of Moulmein, is the smallest and simplest species of the genus, its very minute fronds, narrow-oblong in shape, simple (undivided) or cleft at their summit, sometimes half-way down, and furnished with only a central vein, are seldom more than three lines long and one line broad. The solitary, terminal sori (spore masses) have their wedge-shaped base sunk in the frond, divided about half-way down, with rounded, entire valves.— Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 56. Beddome, Ferns of British India, t. 225. M. pastoense—pas-to-en’-sé (from Pasto), Hooker. A robust-looking species, native of the Volcano of Pasto, Andes of Northern Keuador. Its fronds are ovate-acuminate (egg-shaped and tapering into a point), fully bipinnate (twice divided to the midrib), 6in. to 12in. long, 4in. to 6in. broad, and borne on stout, upright stalks 4in. to 6in. long and densely hairy. The rachis (stalk of the leafy portion), equally strong, is densely clothed with rusty-brown hairs, which are also found on the rachis and margin of the leaflets. The sori (spore masses), twelve to twenty to a leaflet, are terminal on and broader than the segments ; they are fur- nished with a roundish involucre (covering) that is deeply two-valved, and the valves are only ciliated. —Hooker, Synopsis Lilicum, p. 67. M. pectinatum — pec-tin-a’-tum (comb-like), Cavanilles. One of the most beautiful species of the whole genus, native of Chili and Chiloe, of great interest on account of the essentially distinct character of its Fig. 83. Frond of Hymenophyllum : ate ‘i : pectinatum oblong, pinnate (once-divided) fronds, 3in. to 6in. @ nat. size). long, #in. to 14m. broad, and borne on naked | stalks 2in. to 4in. long, of a particularly wiry nature. The main rachis (stalk of the leafy portion) is only winged towards the summit, and the leaflets are deeply cleft on their upper side into long, narrow, parallel segments that are simple (undivided) or of a slightly-forked nature (Fig. 83). The sori (spore masses), often six to eight to a leaflet and terminal on the Y 2 B24 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS. lower segments of the upper side, are provided with an involucre (covering that is divided nearly to the base and has egg-shaped, entire valves.— Hooker, Species Filicum, i., p. 96, t. 34D. No description, however complete, can do justice to the elegant appearance of this plant, as the greyish-green colour of its fronds, as well as the very conspicuous and beautiful venation of its pinnules (leafits), which are restricted to the upper side of the leaflets only, are characters not shared by any other known species. M. Plumieri—Plu-mi-e’-ri (Plumier’s). Synonymous with H. eiliatum. M. polyanthos—pol-j-an’-thos (many-flowered ?), Swartz. This very interesting species, also known as H. Blumeanum and H. protrusum, is subject to much variation in form; it is very widely distributed, being found throughout the Tropics, and extending a little beyond them both North and South: in America South Chili, and Juan Fernandez; in Asia—Nepaul and Sikkim to Ceylon, from Cuba and Jamaica southward to Brazil, Tsus-Simi, the Malayan Peninsula, Java, and New Zealand; in West Tropical Africa, Mauritius, and Madagascar. The broadly-oblong fronds, 2in. to 8in. long, lin. to 3in. broad, and tripinnatifid (three times divided nearly to the midrib), are borne on slender, wingless stalks 2in. to 3in. long; their main rachis (stalk of the leafy portion) is usually only narrowly winged above. The lower leaflets are divided to a narrow centre into several pinnules (leafits) on each side, which, in their turn, are deeply pinnatifid. The sori (spore masses), two to twelve to a leaflet, are terminal or axillary on the segments on both sides, and are provided with a small involucre (covering) that is divided nearly to the base and has egg-shaped or rounded, entire or slightly- toothed valves.—Hooker, Species Filicum, 1, p. 107. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, u., p. 166. Lowe, Ferns British and exotic, vi, t. 8A. Beddome, Ferns of British India, t. 280. This species does not require such a close temperature as do most Hymenophyllums ; the most airy place in the house suits it best. It is provided with exceedingly slender, wiry rhizomes (prostrate stems), which delight in making their way through partly-decayed vegetable matter ; on that account it makes a beautiful object on a block of wood, its slender, elegantly-arching fronds then showing themselves to great advantage. HYMENOPHYLLUM. 325 MH. p. Blumeanum—Blu-mé-a’-num (Blume’s), Sprengel. This totally distinct form, native of Ceylon and the Malayan Islands, is very elegant in habit; its fronds are much narrower and more elongated than those of the typical plant; they are borne on long, naked stalks, and their pinne (leaflets), irregular in shape and size, and remote, are sometimes simply pinnatifid (only once divided nearly to the midrib).—Zooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 60. Beddome, Ferns of Southern India, t. 266. HM. protrusum—pro-tru’-sum (protruded). Synonymous with H. polyanthos. HM. pulcherrimum—pul-cher’-rim-um (most beautiful), Colenso. As its name implies, this comparatively rare species, native of New Zealand, where it is found on trunks of trees, is very handsome (see Plate). Its lovely fronds, 6in. to 12in. long and 4in. to Gin. broad, are produced from a thick and closely-set crown, and are borne on erect stalks 3in. to 4in. long, of a wiry nature, and winged down to the base. They are broadly triangular, tri- or quadripinnatifid (three or four times divided nearly to the midrib), and of a very graceful habit; they are not exactly pendulous, but being borne on robust stalks they are partly erect, and then the weight of their leafy portion causes them to arch over in a most agreeable manner. The main rachis (stalk of the leafy portion) is slightly winged throughout, and the lower leaflets, which have their midrib flexuose (bending) and are slightly waved, with several distinct pinnules (leafits) on both sides, are subdivided into segments which are again pinnatifid in their lower divisions. The sori (spore masses) are numerous, axillary and terminal on the segments on both sides, and provided with a round involucre (covering) that is divided nearly to the base, the valves being entire.—W. Hooker, Species Filicum, i., p. 103, ESE Tae Hooker, Flora of New Zealand, 232, t. 74. Lowe, New and Rare Ferns, t. 71. M. pumilum—pv’-mil-um (little), Ch. Moore. A remarkably dwarf species, native of Mount Tomah, New South Wales, with little, entire (undivided) fronds, seldom more than lin. high, including the short stalks on which they are borne. The sori (spore masses), one only to a frond, are terminal; they are provided with a deeply-cleft involucre (covering) having egg-shaped, entire valves.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 464. 326 . THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS, M. rarum This close-growing species has a wide range of habitat, being found pendent from trees in Chili, Cape Colony, and Mauritius, as well as in Tasmania and New Zealand, where it densely covers trunks of Tree Ferns with its pendent fronds. These fronds are of a flaccid nature, 2in. to 6in. long, lin. to 2in. broad, and borne on very slender stalks lin. to 3in. long ; they are oblong in shape and bipinnatifid (divided twice nearly to the midrib).' The leaflets, simple, narrow, forked, or pinnatifid, show two or three deeply-cut segments on each side. The large sori (spore masses), which ra’-rum (rare), R. Brown. are terminal on the segments of the upper leaflets, are provided with an involueré | (covering) that is divided half-way down or more and has a wedge-shaped base and rounded valves.—Hooker, Species Filicum, i., p. 101. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, ii., p. 166. Lowe, New and Rare Ferns, Addenda, p. 182. HM. r. imbricatum—im-bric-a’-tum (overlapping), Colenso. _ This variety, native of New Zealand, differs from the species only in haying the stalk of its leafy portion much shortened, and the pinnz (leaflets) overlapping and slightly crisped.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 58. H. recurvum—re-cur/-vum (crooked), Gaudichaud. A species very closely allied to the better-known /. caudiculatum, with fronds of about the same size and similarly divided. It is common in the Sandwich Islands.—Hooker, Synopsis Lilicum, p. 61. M. reniforme—te-nif-or’-mé (kidney-shaped), Hooker. A species of medium growth, native of the Andes of Hcuador and Peru, and closely resembling, in general habit, H. crispum, from which it is readily distinguished. by its truly-bipinnate (twice-divided) fronds and by their very narrow segments. The specific name here applies to, the shape of the involucre (covering) with which the sori (spore masses) are provided, and not, as in Adiantum reniforme and Trichomanes reniforme, to the shape of the frond. —Hooker, Species Filicum, i., p. 110, t. 38c. M. sabineefolium A small-growing species, native of Salak, Java, with egg-shaped or sab-i-ne-fol’-i-um (Savin-leaved), Baker. triangular fronds lin. to 2in. long, more than lin. broad below, and borne on HYMENOPHYLLUM. 327 naked or slightly-winged stalks lin. to 2im. long. The pinne (leaflets) are erisped, and their very narrow ultimate segments, are deeply cut nearly to the midrib by numerous strong, aristate (awned) teeth; this character is so conspicuously developed that the ordinary appearance of a Hymenophyllum is quite lost, and a frond looks more like a miniature branch of Juniperus Sabina.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 71. M. scabrum—scab’-rum (rough), A. Richard. A truly beautiful and very distinct species, native of New Zealand, and one of the most decorative of the whole genus, on account of its splendidly- arching fronds, produced from a wiry rhizome (prostrate stem), which has a peculiar dislike to being left underground, often measuring 14ft. in length and Sin. in breadth. These fronds are tripinnatifid (three times divided nearly to the midrib) and borne on strong, wiry stalks 2in. to 4in. long, densely clothed with stiff hairs of a rusty-brown colour. The lower leaflets, 2in. to din. long, are divided on both sides nearly to the midrib into several pinnules (leafits), which are again pinnatifid, with divided lower and entire narrow upper segments. The sori, six to twenty to a leaflet, and terminal on the lateral segments on both sides, are provided with a small involucre (covering) that is divided nearly to the base and has valves toothed at their summit. The fronds are of a dark, dull green colour, which, however, makes a very pleasing contrast with that of the rusty-brown, bristly hairs which densely cover the rough, round stalks on which they are borne; the latter character causes this plant to form a link between the species with smooth fronds and the truly hirsute ones.—Hooker, Species Filicum, i., p. 110. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, ii., p. 167. Lowe, New and Rare Ferns, p. 180. This handsome plant is particularly averse to being wetted overhead, although it requires an abundance of moisture at the roots. A somewhat airy place in the house suits it best. M. sericeum—+se-ric’-é-um (silky), Swartz. This species, native of Tropical America, from Cuba, Jamaica, and Mexico southward to Peru and Brazil, is undoubtedly one of the most remarkable of the hairy kinds in cultivation, for its splendid fronds are produced in such abundance from thin, woolly rhizomes (prostrate stems) as to quite cover the 328 THE BOOK OF CHOICE, FERNS. shady rocks upon which, in a natural state, it grows apace. These fronds, which vary from 6in. to 2ft. in length and from 2in. to 3in. in breadth, are borne on wiry, naked stalks 2in. to 4in. long. They are thus exceptionally long and comparatively narrow, simply pinnatifid (only once divided nearly to the midrib), and of a pendulous habit; they are rendered very attractive by their leaflets, which are sometimes simply notched and sometimes divided more than half-way to the midrib, being covered with a tawny and dense silky down, which in its young stage is of a peculiarly light or silvery hue. The very numerous small sori (spore masses) are terminal on the edge of the leaflets, and are provided with a small, roundish involucre (covering), the base of which is sunk in the leaflet, and which has rounded valves covered with shaggy, reddish-brown hairs.—Hooker, Species Filicum, i., p. 92. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, u., p. 167. Lowe, Ferns British and Exotic, viil., t. 8B. Although requiring a great amount of moisture in the atmosphere, this extremely beautiful species is particularly averse to having its long, flexuose, woolly fronds wetted. The material most suitable to its growth is a piece of sandstone, or any other porous stone over which its tiny rhizomes can run freely without, however, clinging to it. M. Simonsianum—Sim-ons-i-a’/-num (Simons’), Hooker. A small-growing species, native of the Khasya Hills and Sikkim, with narrow-oblong fronds 2in. to 3in. long, about in. broad, and borne on slender, naked stalks lin. to 2in. long and of a wiry nature. These fronds are only once divided nearly down to a broadly-winged rachis (stalk of the leafy portion) into fan-shaped segments with shallow divisions. The sori (spore masses), terminal on the upper parts of these divisions, are provided with a broadly-oblong involucre (covering) that is divided nearly to the base and has toothed valves.—Hooker, Second Century of Ferns, t. 13. Beddome, Ferns of British India, t. 281. M. Smithii—Smith-i-i (Smith’s), Hooker. This species, which is the Leptocionium affine, L. holochilum, L. Preslit, and ZL. serrulatum, of Van den Bosch, the principal, or at any rate the most copious, recent writer on Trichomanes and Hymenophyllum, 1s a native of HYMENOPHYLLUM. 329 Java, the Philippine Islands, and the Malayan Peninsula. Its oblong, sharp- pointed fronds, 3in. to Sin. long, 2in. to 3in. broad, and borne on wiry stalks lin. to 2in. long, of a naked or slightly downy nature, are bipinnatifid (twice divided nearly to the midrib). The rachis (stalk of the leafy portion) is winged above and ciliated (hairy) below, and the oblong-triangular leaflets have their own rachis winged and are divided into narrow and_peculiarly- toothed segments, one to four times forked. The sori (spore masses), one to four to a leaflet, are terminal on the segments on both sides, and are provided with a small involucre (covering) that is oblong in form and divided about half-way down, having entire valves. — Hooker, Species ilicum, 1, p. 97, t. 358. Beddome, Ferns of British India, t. 277. M. Sprucei—Spru’-cé-i (Spruce’s), Baker. A pretty, small-growine species, native of Tarapota, Eastern Peru, and one which in habit resembles the small forms of H. interruptum, but with fronds of a much thinner texture and the hairs confined to the ribs and edges.— Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 65. M. tasmanicum—tas-man’-ic-um (Tasmanian). This is identical with H. javanicum. HM. tenellum—ten-el’-lum (slender), Kuhn. | A stove species, of small dimensions, native of Ceylon and the Mascarene Islands, with wide-creeping rhizomes (prostrate stems), from which broadly- triangular fronds, lin. to 2in. long, #in. to lin. broad, and three times divided to the midrib, are produced in abundance. The main stalk is winged down to the base, and the triangular leaflets are wedge-shaped at the base on the lower side. The sori (spore masses), two to six to a leaflet, are terminal; they are provided with round lobes and a wedge- shaped, entire base-—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 57. M. tenerrimum—ten-er’-rim-um (most tender), Van den Bosch. This little plant, native of Peru, is much the most slender and diminutive species of the section comprising H. falklandicum, H. tunbridgense, &c. Its little fronds, lin. to 2in. long and less than din. broad, are pinnate (once divided to the midrib), with leaflets distant, very small and slender, simple 330 DHE BOOK (OL GHOlTCAVEIRINS, or once or twice forked. The spore masses, solitary or two together, are terminal, and provided with an involucre (covering) that is divided nearly to the base, and has round, ciliated valves.—Hooker, Synopsis Fulicum, 1., p. 68. M. tortuosum—tor-tti-o’-sum (zigzag), Hooker and Greville. A pretty species, of medium growth, native of Chili, Patagonia, and the neighbouring islands. Its broadly-triangular fronds, 3in. to 6in. long and Zin. to 3in. broad at their base, are borne on erect stalks 2in. to 3in. long, of a wiry nature, and furnished on both sides with a narrow, crisped, sinuated (wavy) wing, equally noticeable along the rachis (stalk of the leafy portion). They are three times divided to the midrib, the ultimate divisions being long and narrow, irregularly toothed, and undulated at the margin. The sori (spore masses), sometimes ten to twenty to a leaflet, are stalkless and terminal on the ultimate segments, and are provided with a broadly-ege-shaped involucre (covering) that is divided about half-way down, the valves being slightly toothed on the outer edge.—Hooker, Species Filicum, 1., p. 99. Hooker and Greville, Icones Filicum, t. 129. M. triangulare—tri-ang-ul-a’-ré (triangular), Baker. A small-growing and prettily-divided species, native of Fernando Po, and one which in habit greatly resembles H. bivalve and H. multifidum, but with broader segments, and sori (spore masses) also much larger and usually solitary.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 69. M. tunbridgense—tun-bridg-en’-sé (from Tunbridge), Smith. Though one of the smallest-growing, the “ Tunbridge Wells Filmy Fern,” as this species is popularly called, is also one of the most interesting plants in cultivation, and possesses additional attraction from being an eminently British Hymenophyllum. It was first discovered by Mr. Dare, a botanist of the seventeenth century, and was first mentioned by Petiver in his “ Musei Petiverani Centuria Prima,” published in 1695. Mr. Petiver there calls it Darea tunbridgensis minor, thus commemorating the finder and the place where it was found. We find it stated in Ray’s ‘Synopsis Methodica Stirpium Britannicarum,”’ published in 1696, that “this Fern was first shown to Mr. Ray by Mr. Newton, who, in company with Mr. Lawson, found HYMENOPHYLLUM. 331 it on Buzzardrough Cragg, near Wrenose, Westmoreland, among the moss. Dr. Richardson met with it upon moist rocks in Wales, and near Settle, in Yorkshire. It was found also plentifully by Mr. Rand, in company with Mr. Sherrard, among the pebbles of Cockbush, six or seven miles from Chichester, on the coast of Sussex.” Although very scarce at Tunbridge Wells now, it was formerly plentiful there, as well as in Devonshire, at Westman’s Wood, Becky Falls, Durnsford Bridge, and other places; then in Yorkshire, although not very frequently, it used to occur at Greenfield, near Saddleworth, and near Halifax. It is to the present day found in abundance in Ireland, near the upper Lake of Killarney, and in the County of Wicklow, at Powers- court Waterfall, Glencree, &c.; in Wales, near Cader Idris and Dolgelly ; while in Scotland it occurs frequently, especially in the vicinity of Oban. But it is not only in the British Isles that H. tunbridgense is indigenous, for it is of a very cos- mopolitan habit, beng often im- ported from Madeira and the Azores, where it frequently covers the short trunks of Dicksonia (Balantium) culcita. It is reported from the Mauritius, Jamaica, Venezuela, Guatemala, and the Peruvian Andes ; it has also been found in Ceylon, on the Himalayas, and Beddome states, “I have also detected this , ; Fig. 84. Hymenophyllum tunbridgense species on the mountains close to (nat. size). Chokampatly (Tinnevelly) at an elevation of 5000ft., and lately it has been discovered in great quantities in Japan.” In its natural habitats, the Tunbridge Wells Filmy Fern grows from the sea-level to the height of 1200ft., and delights in a warm, damp, sheltered situation; although it thrives in various positions, it prefers one approaching the perpendicular, and is often found growing on trees. H. tunbridgense is a compact, elegant little plant (Fig. 84), with tiny, thread-like rhizomes (prostrate stems) of a very wiry nature, producing little fronds, oblong-spear-shaped, lin. to 3in. long, din. to lin. broad, and 382 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS. furnished with flabellato-pinnatifid pinne (leaflets somewhat fan-shaped and divided nearly to the midrib on their upper side). The sori (spore masses), which are stalkless and usually solitary in the axils of the narrow segments, are provided with a nearly round, two-valved involucre (covering) that is copiously toothed on the upper margin.—Hooker, Species Filicum, i., p. 95. Lowe, Ferns British and LExotic, vii., t. 58; Our Native Ferns, ii., t. 72. Beddome, Ferns of Southern India, t. 265. However spreading and flourishing we meet with the Tunbridge Wells Filmy Fern in its native state, often covering large surfaces of rock and stone exposed to the action of all kinds of weather, we find, when an attempt at cultivation is made, that 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 of 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. Dr. John Winter, of Brighton, a most successful cultivator of these plants, says that the treatment which gives the most satisfactory results consists in laying the sheet of Hymenophyllum upon a porous piece of stone without any soil, and laying a slab over it, leaving it in that state for three to four weeks, after which time the plant has usually taken hold of the new stone, when the slab is removed. M. undulatum—un-dul-a’-tum (wavy), Smith. A pretty species, native of Mexico, Jamaica, and Peru, with narrow-oblong, pendent fronds of a flaccid nature, 3in. to 6in. long, scarcely lin. broad, three times divided nearly to the midrib, and borne on very slender stalks lin. to 2in. long. The sori (spore masses), two to six to a leaflet, are provided with an involucre (covering) that is divided nearly to the base and has rounded valves slightly crisped towards the margin, but not toothed.—Hooker, Species Filicum, 1., p. 105. HM. unilaterale—u-nil-at-er-a’-lé (one-sided), Bory. Although closely related to H. tunbridgense, this plant, popularly known as ‘‘ Wilson’s Filmy Fern,” is sufficiently distinct to be separated from that species. It is equally of a cosmopolitan character, being found in a natural state in Norway, in South Africa, in the Falkland Islands, in Tasmania and HYMENOPHYLLUM. 333 New Zealand, in Chiloe, &e. It is also more widely spread throughout England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales than H. tunbridgense. In Wales it is met with on Snowdon, near Llanberis Pass, and on the adjacent mountains, especially near Twll-du and on rocks near Pont Bren over a gulf of the River Rheidol. In Ireland it is found in most counties, but principally in Killarney, on the Kerry mountains, and in Connemara. In Scotland its distribution is very wide in Ayr, Peebles, Stirling, Forfar, Perth, Argyle, Ross, &e., but it is commoner in Argyleshire and at Finlarig Burn, near Killin, in Perthshire, than in any other localities. Its presence in England is recorded from various counties, among which we note Cornwall, Devon, Stafford, Salop, Lancashire, Yorkshire, Northum- berland, Westmoreland, Cumberland, &c., the principal localities where it has been gathered being near the waterfall at Ambleside; at Black Rocks of Great End, in the Scawfell Range, and at Seale Force Fall, near Buttermere ; at Greenfield, near Saddleworth, and near Silverdale. H, unilaterale is altogether of more rigid habit than H. tunbridgense, from which it is also distinguished by its leaflets. of a very dark colour though re- Fig. 85, Hymenophyllum unilaterale, showing Habit, : and Detached Pinnule with Involucre markably transp ar ent, being curved and (Habit, nat. size; detached Pinnule enlarged). repeatedly divided, but not fan-shaped (Fig. 85). The stalks of the fronds are round and almost black, and the sori (spore masses), disposed in the axils of the leaflets, instead of being stalkless as in /. tunbridgense, are distinctly though shortly stalked. Another peculiarity of this little plant is the repeated elongation of its fronds, which not only endure for several years but renew their growth annually—a circumstance first pointed out by Mr. F. Clowes, of Windermere. It succeeds well under the treatment recommended for HA. tunbridgense. H. Wilsoni of Hooker is identical with this species—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 67. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, ii., p. 167. Lowe, Our Native Ferns, u., t. 73. 334 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS. M. valvatum Greville. val-va’-tum (valvate, having folding parts), Hooker and This charming species, distinct in habit from all others, is a native of Nicaragua, Guadeloupe, Martinique, and the Andes of Columbia and Peru, where it grows on trunks of trees, sometimes entirely covering them. Its broadly-triangular fronds, of an exceptionally dark green colour, 4in. to 6in. long, and 14in. to 24in. broad at the base, are produced from exceedingly slender rhizomes (prostrate stems) of a wiry nature, lin. to 3in. long, slightly winged above. They are tripinnatifid (three times divided nearly to the midrib), with their rachis (stalk of the leafy portion) winged throughout and their leaflets slightly hairy, the lower ones being triangular, with deeply-cleft pinnules (leafits). The ultimate segments are conspicuously waved on each side of the midrib. The sori (spore masses), twelve to twenty to a leaflet, are terminal on the segments of the upper ones on both sides; they are provided with an egg-shaped inyolucre (covering) that is divided nearly to the base, the valves: being smooth or slightly ciliated—Hooker and Greville, Icones Filicum, t. 219. Lowe, New and Rare Ferns, Addenda, p. 182. The growth of this species is peculiar, as it takes place in autumn and winter, when most other Ferns from the same habitats are comparatively resting. Although not of a hirsute nature, it greatly dislikes water on its delicate and exceedingly transparent fronds. M. Wilsoni—Wil’-son-i (Wilson’s). Synonymous with H. unilaterale. M. Zollingerianum—Zol-lin-ger-i-a’-num (Zollinger’s), Kunze. A species of medium dimensions, native of Java, and in habit somewhat resembling H. polyanthos, from which it differs principally through the apex of its flaccid fronds being elongated.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 62. CHAPTER XXVII MYPODERRIS, Brown. (Hyp-od-er’-ris. ) mw © F this genus only two species are known; they are closely allied to Woodsia, but may be distinguished at first sight by their comparatively large size and robust habit, and botanically by their having a conspicuously-reticulated venation. In Hooker’s “Synopsis Filicum ” Hypoderris forms Genus 10, and is placed between Onoclea and Woodsia. The name is derived from hypo, under, and derris, skin, in reference to the indusium (covering of the sporangia), a portion of which is buried under the sori (spore masses). The fronds, produced from a short rhizome (prostrate stem) of a woody nature, are either undivided or three-lobed. The sub-globose sori are disposed in lines or series parallel with the secondary veins, and usually scattered over the whole surface of the under-side of the fronds; they are furnished with a membranous, parchment-like involucre in the form of a calyx and fringed on the margin. Culture. The Hypoderrises are Ferns of easy culture, thriving well in a warm temperature and moist atmosphere. The compost which they prefer consists of one part of fibrous loam, two of peat or partly-decayed leaf-mould, and one of silver sand; and although attaining larger dimensions when grown 336 PEE BOOK” OF WGlLOl CL aN in a shady place, they thrive luxuriantly in and are not averse to strong light. They also enjoy an abundance of water at the roots, especially from May to October. On account of their robust habit, these Ferns are well adapted for the decoration of the warm rockery where their foliage, of a massive nature, forms a striking contrast with that of plants with more finely-divided fronds. Species. M. Brownii—Brown’-i-i (Brown’s), J. Smith. . This singular, handsome, and strikingly-distinct Fern, native of Trinidad and Guiana, is little known in cultivation in this country. It is an evergreen, Fig. 86. Frond of Hypoderris Brownii (4 nat. size). stove species, producing from a short-creeping and scaly rhizome (prostrate stem) of a woody nature fronds of a light green colour, borne on stout stalks densely covered with diminutive, whitish scales. The leafy portion of the fronds is either undivided or three-lobed (Fig. 86) when mature, and the lateral lobes I Cyathea medullaris (much reduced). JEW IP OSD IBIRARISY: 337 are then very small in comparison with the central one. The whole frond, 10in. to 12in. long, is somewhat undulated, with a cordate (heart-shaped) base, and its margin is entire. The abundant spores germinate very freely.— Hooker, Garden Ferns, t. 24. Lowe, Ferns British and Exotic, vii., t. 14. M. Seemanni—See-man’-ni (Seemann’s), Prentice. A handsome, strong-growing species, native of Nicaragua, with oblong- spear-shaped fronds 13ft. long and 6in. to 7in. broad, produced from a short, woody rhizome (prostrate stem), and borne on fleshy stalks 6in. to 12in. long with only a few scales at the base. These fronds are pinnatifid (divided nearly to a narrowly-winged midrib) in their lower part, ligulate (strap-shaped) and sinuated (waved) in their upper third. The pinne (leaflets) are spear-shaped, few, and distant; their texture is parchment-like and they are smooth on both sides. The sori (spore masses) are scattered in an irregular line, principally near the edge of the leaflets—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 460. VOL. Il. Z Grob Ge i ke MYPOLEPIS, Bernhard. (Hyp-ol’-ep-is. ) LTHOUGH Hooker, in his “Species Filicum,” enumerates some thirty species, Presl, in his “ Tantamen Pteridographiz,” describes ten species, and Fée, in his “Genres de la Famille des Polypodiacées,” gives over twenty species, 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 (decumbent stems). It derives its name from hypo, under, and lepis, a scale, in allusion to the marginal covering peculiar to the inferior sporange (lower spore capsule), and in Hooker’s ‘Synopsis Filicum” forms Genus 24. The distinctive characters of the plants which have been retained in this genus reside in the non-confluent nature of their uniform, roundish, marginal, small sori (spore masses) and in their invariably being placed in the sinuses (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. Culture. All the known species of //ypolepis are indigenous in either warm or temperate climates—Tropical America and the West Indies as well as New Zealand, Cape Colony, and California: the genus has no British representative, 15 GA OV baa Ime Coy, 339 and 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 (prostrate stems) delight to run, although they do not cling to the stones. All are of easy culture, and when kept in pots should be grown in 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 of this genus may be propagated from spores, which in most cases vegetate freely; but they are usually increased by the division of their rhizomes, this being a quicker and less troublesome mode of reproduction. Principal Species and Varieties. M. amaurorachis—am-aur-or’-ach-is (haying a dark rachis), Kunze. This highly ornamental, greenhouse species, very distinct from any other in cultivation, is a native of Australia. Its remarkably handsome fronds, of a soft, papery texture, light, cheerful green in colour, and of a very hairy nature on both surfaces, are produced in great abundance from thick, hairy rhizomes (prostrate stems), and are of an elegant, elongated-triangular shape. They are about 3ft. long and 2ft. broad at the base, and are borne on sturdy stalks lft. to 14ft. long, which, like the rachis (stalk of the leafy portion), are of a dark purplish colour, rough and very hairy; they are three or four times divided nearly to the midrib towards the base, being less divided towards the summit. The pinne (leaflets) are distinctly petiolate (stalked), those at the base being opposite, the others alternate; their pinnules (leafits) or sub- divisions are undulated and notched. The abundant and conspicuous sori (spore masses) are situated singly in the notches of the lobes and disposed on their margin.—Lowe, New and Rare Ferns, t. 2. 340 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS. This is a plant very easily managed, and one which with ordinary care readily makes a pretty specimen, as the fast-creeping rhizomes soon spread in all directions. HM. anthriscifolia an-thris’-cif-ol’-i-a (Chervil-leaved), Presi. A very robust-growing, greenhouse species, native of Bourbon, Mauritius, and Fernando Po, with ample fronds of a thin, papery texture, which are Fig, 87. Pinna and Pinnule of Hypolepis anthriscifolia (a; Pinna, } nat. size; b, Pinnule, nat. size). said by Bojer to attain 18ft. in length (?). The fronds are quadripin- natifid (four times divided nearly to the midrib) and borne on strong, erect, straw-coloured stalks lft. to 2ft. long, rather rough with small raised points ; their lower leaflets, lft. or more in length and 4in. to 6in. in breadth, are divided into spear-shaped, distantly- placed pinnules (leafits), the segments of which are cut down to the midrib into small, oblong, deeply-pinnatifid divi- sions, in the lower sinuses (notches) of which the spore masses are disposed two to four together (Fig. 87).—Hooker, Species Filicum, ti., p. 66, t. 95a. The above-described plant bears no resemblance to the one which is ex- tensively found in gardens under the name of H. anthriscifolia, for which we have been unable to find any authority. The garden plant variously known as Hypolepis, Cheilanthes, and Microlepia anthriscifolia, is a charming Fern of dwarf dimensions, said to be native of South Africa. It is of a deciduous nature (losing its fronds in the winter), and quite peculiar in growth, its beautiful fronds, which are four times divided nearly to the midrib, ded GO URERL Od Ses 341 resembling in their numerous and finely-cut divisions those of a common ‘Lace Fern” (Cheilanthes elegans); they are abundantly produced from strictly underground rhizomes (stems), which are small and of wiry texture. These fronds, which grow almost upright, seldom measure more than 6in. to vin. in length, and their breadth varies from 24in. to 3in. at their widest part; they are of a soft green colour when young, turning with age to a darker green tint and a velvety texture; and being borne on slender and slightly hairy, short stalks, a delightful effect is imparted. This plant possesses the advantage of being perfectly hardy. In Messrs. Backhouse’s nursery, at York, it has stood uninjured for several winters on the outdoor rockery. Being of small dimensions, and a capital grower, it may with advantage be used for making edgings in the cool Fernery under glass. It is also well adapted for growing in hanging baskets of small dimensions ; but care must be taken not to allow it to get dry during the winter season, as its slender rhizomes soon lose their vitality when the soil surrounding them lacks moisture for any length of time. M. Bergiana—Berg-i-a’-na (Berg’s), Hooker. This well-marked, greenhouse species is a native of South Africa, being found in Cape Colony, Kaffraria, Natal, and Gambosi Land, and one of the handsomest of its section. Its beautiful fronds, triangular in shape and quadripinnatifid (four times divided nearly to the midrib), are of a peculiarly upright habit ; they are from lft. to 14ft. long, 6in. to 9in. broad, and borne on strong, tufted, upright stalks 14ft. to 2ft. long, dark chestnut-brown in colour, and woolly throughout. The leaflets are also triangular, and their pinnules (leafits), of a similar shape, are further divided into egg-shaped segments gin. to #in. long and fin. to din. broad, with oblong, 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 (stalk of the leafy portion) is of a rigid nature, zigzag, dark brown, and woolly. The under-surface of the frond is hairy throughout. The very small sori (spore masses), produced in great abundance, are placed in the sides of the lobes of the segments or ultimate divisions.—Hooker, Species Filicum, u., p. 67. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, ii., p. 170. 342 THE BOOK Gk "GHOIGE TERNS: H. Bergiana is singularly prolific, and the way in which it reproduces itself most readily is very peculiar, and confined to this species: from its tiny fibrous roots spring a quantity of small, seedling-like plants, which form good-sized subjects much more quickly than seedlings proper. M. californica—cal-if-or’-nic-a (Californian), Hooker. This species, also named Aspidotis californica, and which has quite the habit of the more finely-divided coriaceous species of Cheilanthes, is identical with Cheilanthes californica of Mettenius. M. distans—dis’-tans (distant), Hooker. This pretty, greenhouse species, native of New Zealand, in its very graceful habit resembles some slender forms of Asplenium (Athyrium) Filiz- jfemina, and is particularly well adapted for growing in a Fern-case, where its elegant folage develops itself to perfection. The fronds, abundantly produced from slender, creeping rhizomes (prostrate stems), and borne on slender, flexuose (zigzag-bending) stalks about 6in. high, of a chestnut-brown colour and slightly rough, are about Ift. long, 4in. to 5in. broad, broadly spear-shaped, and bipinnate (twice divided to the midrib). The leaflets spread at right angles with the rachis (stalk of the leafy portion), and their oblong pinnules (leafits) are cut about half-way down; they are of a thin, papery texture and of an intense dark green colour. The sori (spore masses), two to four to a pinnule, are placed in the lower sinuses.—Hooker, Species Filicum, ii, p. 70, t. 950. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, u., p. 170. M. hostilis—hos’-til-is (inimical), Presi. A stove species, of large dimensions, native of Jamaica, Cocos Island, and Peru, of more delicate appearance than the popular H/. repens, with smaller and more deeply-divided ultimate lobes, in which respect, as well as in general habit, it very closely resembles the South African H. anthriscifolia. —Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 130. M. millefolium—mil-lef-ol’-i-um (Milfoil-leaved), Hooker. This greenhouse species, native of New Zealand, is a much smaller plant than the better-known H. tenuifolia. Its broadly-triangular fronds, lft. or more long and 4in. to 6in. broad, are borne on erect stalks about 6in. long, LLNS Eds 343 of a pale brown colour, and produced from a stout rhizome (prostrate stem) of a wide-creeping nature; they are of a soft, papery texture, their under-surface being slightly hairy and the stalks of their leaflets slightly winged. The ultimate segments are also more frequently and sharply toothed, and the small, roundish sori (spore masses) are placed in their lower sinuses (notches) only. —Hooker, Species Filicum, i., p. 68, t. 95z. M. nigrescens—nig-res’-cens (blackish), Hooker. A very robust-growing, stove species, native of Jamaica, Martinique, Venezuela, and the banks of the Amazon. It is distinct from all other known species through the strong prickles with which the stout, erect stalks of its fronds are thickly armed. The fronds themselves, of a soft, papery texture, are ample and quadripinnatifid (four times divided nearly to the midrib) ; they are furnished with numerous leaflets spreading at right angles from the main rachis (midrib), the lowest being frequently lft. long, 6in. broad, and divided into leafits 3in. to 4in. long, 14in. broad, spear-shaped, spreading or even deflexed (thrown back). The small and numerous sori (spore masses) are placed at the bases of the sinuses (notches) of the ultimate divisions.— Hooker, Species Filicum, ii., p. 66, t. 90c. M. Purdieana—Pur-die-a’-na (Purdie’s), Hooker. This stove species, of comparatively small dimensions, is a native of New Granada. Its spear-shaped fronds, 9in. to 12in. long and tripinnatifid (three times divided nearly to the midrib), are borne on strong, erect, rough stalks 6in. to Yin. long, of a bright brown colour. The largest leaflets, 2in. long and lin. broad, are cut down below to a narrow-winged rachis (midrib) into numerous narrow-oblong and deeply-notched pinnules (leafits) ; they are of a soft, papery texture, and their rachis is densely clothed with long and narrow scales of a peculiar brown colour. The sori (spore masses), nearly one line across and roundish, are placed against the sinuses of the pinnules (notches of the leafits)—Hooker, Species Filicum, i., p. 69, t. 913. M. radiata The plant frequently found in gardens under this name, for which we rad-i-a’-ta (having radiating leaflets). can find no authority, is identical with Chelanthes radiata, also popularly known as Adtantopsis radiata. 344, THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS. M. repens—re’-pens (creeping), Presl. Although a somewhat coarse-growing Fern, this stove species, native of Tropical America, from the West Indies southward to Brazil and Peru, is a robust, handsome plant, with fronds 3ft. to 4ft. long, quadripinnatifid (four times divided nearly to the midrib), produced from a wide-creeping rhizome Se i VILLE ssn ogaesce Fig. 88, Pinna of Hypolepis repens (j nat. size). (prostrate stem), and borne on strong, upright stalks Ift. to 2ft. long, straw-coloured, and more or less densely prickly. The lower leaflets (Fig. 88), lft. to 2ft. long and 6in. to 12in. broad, are divided into spear-shaped pinnules (leafits) Gin. long, 1}in..to 2in. broad, with oblong-spear-shaped, blunt segments, that are cut down nearly to the midrib into numer- ous bluntish lobes ; they are of a soft, papery texture, and the sori (spore masses), two to six to a segment or lobe, are placed in the sinuses (notches)—Hooker, Species Filicum, i, p. 64, t. 900. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, ii., p. 170. Lowe, Ferns British and Hzotic, iv., t. 11. This species seeds so freely that, when once obtained, it is almost impossible to lose it; indeed it becomes a troublesome weed, covering every Fern-pan, to the exclusion of all less robust species. M. spectabilis — spec-ta’-bil-is (beautiful). Synonymous with Cheilanthes chloro- phylta. M. tenuifolia—ten-t-if-ol’-i-a (slender-fronded), Bernhardi. This very handsome and distinct species, of unusually striking habit, is a robust-growing plant of a cheerful bright green colour; on account of its being found in a wild state in Java, the Polynesian Islands, Australia, Norfolk Island, and New Zealand alike, it is of a very accommodating nature, thriving ETA OI AE IP IES, 340 equally well in the greenhouse or in the stove, although in the latter place it attains larger dimensions. Its ample fronds, 4ft. to 5ft. long and quadri- pinnatifid (four times divided nearly to the midrib), are produced from a stoutish, wide-creeping rhizome (prostrate stem) of a downy or slightly hairy nature, and borne on strong, upright stalks 1ft. long and also slightly hairy. The lower leaflets, usually 1ft. to 14ft. long and 6in. to 9in. broad, are divided into spear-shaped pinnules (leafits), which in their turn are subdivided into segments of similar shape, cut down to the rachis (stalk of the leafy portion) into numerous narrow-oblong, toothed ultimate divisions. The texture is soft and papery, and the under-surface is sometimes slightly hairy. The sori (spore masses), two to six to an ultimate division, are placed at the sinuses (notches) of the teeth—Hooker, Species Filicum, ii p. 60, tt. 89c and 90a. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, ii., p. 170. °%) ISOLOMA—Is-ol-o’-ma. See Lindsaya. CHAPTER XXIX. JAMESONIA, Hooker and Greville. (Jame-go’-ni-a. ) Botany at Quito, is monotypic—that is to say, it contains but one species, which, however, has several varieties. It belongs to the tribe Grammitidee, and in Hooker and _ Baker’s ‘Synopsis Filicum” forms Genus 49, though by Mettenius it is placed in Gymnogramme, to which it is closely allied. The distinctive character of the plants belonging to the genus resides in the sori (spore masses), oblong in shape, being placed on the flabellate (fan-shaped) veins on the back of the pinne (leaflets), remote from the edge. Culture. J. imbricata and its varieties all succeed well under greenhouse treatment. A compost of an open nature, made of two parts fibrous peat, one part chopped sphagnum, and one part silver sand, suits them best. They require copious watering at the roots, but should not be syringed overhead. Propagation is usually effected by the division of their rhizomes, but they may also be increased by means of the spores, which are abundantly produced, and germinate freely when sown in a warm temperature. Not being of a very decorative character, these plants, though thoroughly distinct, are not extensively found in private collections ; their culture being generally limited to botanic gardens. FAMESONIA. 347 J- imbricata—im-bric-a’-ta (overlapping), Hooker and Greville. A greenhouse plant, native of the Andes, from New Granada southward to Peru. Its fronds, produced from a creeping, black, tortuose rhizome (twisting prostrate stem) of a woody nature, and borne on wiry, slender, blackish stalks 3in. to 4in. long, are 6in. to 18in. long and simply pinnate (only once divided to the midrib). Their pinne (leaflets), closely set and roundish, often spread horizontally and have their edge conspicuously incurved ; they are of a leathery texture, and their rachis (stalk of the leafy portion) and under-surface are slightly hairy.—Hooker and Greville, Icones Filicum, t. 178. Among the several varieties of J. imbricata the following are the most distinct : J. i. canescens—can-es’-cens (hoary), Kunze. A plant of stouter habit than the species, the long, silky, yellowish-brown hairs of the upper part of the frond being often so dense that they quite hide the leaflets, which are of a hoary (greyish) colour.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 369. J. i. Pearcei—Pear’-ce-i (Pearce’s), Baker. A native of the Andes of Kcuador, where it is found growing at an elevation of 10,000ft. Its fronds, a little more than lin. broad, have their pinne jin. broad, oblong, and densely hairy beneath, and their edges revolute. —Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 514, J. i. verticalis—ver-tic-a’-lis (perpendicular), Kunze. A yariety with fronds 6in. to 9in. long and 4in. broad, borne on rigid stalks about Ift. long and of a wiry nature; their oblong-triangular leaflets are naked, and the tomentum (woolly substance) which covers their rachis is very short.—Hooker, Species Filicum, v., p. 105. CHAPTER XXX. KAULFUSSIA, Blume. (Kaul-fus’-si-a. ) VERY distinct division of the sub-order Marattiacee, named in commemoration of Dr. G. F. Kaulfuss, a Professor of Botany at Halle, who died in 1830. It is composed of a Single species only, and forms in Hooker and Baker’s “Synopsis Filicum” Genus 72. It is distinguished from the closely-allied species by its sporangia (spore capsules), ten to fifteen, being sessile (stalkless) and arranged in concrete, raised, circular masses, which are hollow in the centre, with the oblong apertures in the inner face. There is in commerce another plant known as Kaulfussia amelloides, a name for which we cannot find any authority. It is totally different from the present one, inasmuch as it is a flowering plant of the order Composite. It is the Charieis heterophylla of Cassini, an ornamental hardy annual, native of South Africa. K. esculifolia—es-cul-if-ol’-i-a (Chestnut-leaved), Blume. _ This very curious plant, described also as Kaulfussia assamica by Gvriffith, has peculiarly-shaped, coarse, trifoliate fronds in the shape of a Chestnut-leaf, with the leaflets sessile (stalkless) and their under-surface, when fertile, copiously furnished with cavities or stomata-like pores, which are probably secretory organs. It is a native of Assam and the Philippine and Malayan Islands, and requires stove treatment. The stalks are lft. to 14ft. long and KAULFUSSTA. 349 auricled (eared) at the base. The central leaflet is from 6in. to 12in. in leneth and 3in. to 4in. in breadth, is oblong-spoon-shaped, and has nearly entire edges ; the other leaflets, of similar shape, are smaller and often unequal- sided and lobed. The texture is soft and fleshy, and the copious, roundish, non-indusiate sori (naked spore masses) are scattered all over the under-surface of the fronds.—Hooker and Greville, Icones Filicum, t. 229. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, ., p. 217. Beddome, Ferns of British India, t. 185. The plant is very easily grown, requiring a substantial mixture of two parts fibrous loam, one part peat, and one part sand, with abundance of water at the roots all the year round. It is usually propagated from spores. K. assamica—as-sam’-ic-a (native of Assam). A synonym of K. esculifolia. ynony LACOSTEA—Lac-os’-té-a. See Trichomanes. LASTREA—Las’-tre-a. See Nephrodium. LECANIU M—Lec-an’-i-um. See Trichomanes. LEPICYSTIS—Lep-ic-ys’-tis. See Polypodium. LEPTOCIONIUM—Lep-toc-i-on’/-i-um. See Mymenophyllum. LEPTOGRAMME—Lep-tog-ram’-me. See Gymnogramme. LEPTOPTERIS—Lep-top’-ter-is. See Todea. LEUCOSTEGIA—Leu-cos-teg’-i-a. See Davallia. LINDS AZ A—Lind-sx’-a. See Lindsaya. CHAPTER XAXXI. LINDSAYA, Dryander. (Lind-say’-a. ) \|LTHOUGH but poorly represented in European gardens, yet this is a somewhat extensive genus, comprising about fifty species of very handsome, stove and greenhouse Ferns, the habitats of which are mainly confined within the tropics. They form a distinct tribe (Lindsayew, named after Archibald Lindsay, an English botanist of the last century), which is distinguished by the disposition of the sori (spore masses): these are placed in a line at, or very near, the edge of the frond, and are provided with an involucre (covering), the inner valve of which is membranous (parchment-like), the outer (obsolete in Dictyoxiphium, the only other genus belonging to the tribe) being formed of the margin of the frond. In Hooker and Baker’s “Synopsis Filicum” Lindsaya (commonly called Lindsea) forms Genus 20. Most of the species have one-sided leaflets of a somewhat pellucid (transparent) though leathery texture, approaching in shape a quarter of a circle. Lindsayas 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. According to their characters, the -plants forming this genus are divided into five distinct sections as follow : Dievu1a (Di-el’-li-a), Brackenridge. In this section, which is almost exclusively composed of species from the Sandwich Islands, the sori, not LINDSAYA. 351 quite marginal, are transversely oblong or linear (very narrow); the outer valve of the involucre is membranous and similar in shape to the spore mass which it covers, but the frond on the other side is usually produced beyond them and not altered in texture. Eutinpsaya (Hu-lind-say’-a) (the true Lindsayas), Dryander. This is a well-marked section, and by far the largest one of the genus. The plants of which it is formed have their head-quarters in Tropical America, Asia, and Polynesia; their distribution, however, extends to the Mauritius, Japan, and Australia. Their habit is very similar to that of certain Adiantums, and their fronds are sometimes pellucid. Isotoma (Is-ol-o’-ma), J. Smith. In habit and texture the plants of which this group is composed resemble Preris rather than Adiantum, and the cuneate (wedge-shaped) species appear to be very closely related to Stenoloma, of Fée, which forms a sub-division of the genus Davallia. The fronds of certain species are simple (undivided), while those of others are either pinnate (once divided to the midrib) or bi-. or tripinnatifid (twice or three times divided nearly to the midrib), with their ultimate divisions conspicuously wedge-shaped. ScuizotomMa (Schiz-ol-o’-ma), Gaudichaud. The fronds of the species belonging to this section are either undivided or simply pinnate (only once divided to the midrib) and not transparent. They also have their veins more or less anastomosing (running into one another). SYNAPHLEBIUM (Syn-aph-leb’-i-um), J. Smith. In habit and texture, the plants of this section greatly resemble HKulindsayas, from which they differ only by the anastomosing nature of the veins of their leaflets, which are unilateral (disposed along one side of the frond). Culture. if the species of this genus are more extensively represented in herbaria than in gardens, it is not on account of their deficiency in good qualities, but simply owing to the difficulties with which their importation is usually beset. Time after time, some of the most beautiful representatives of the genus have arrived in Europe; but, although to all appearances in good condition on their arrival, from some inexplicable cause they have just as 352 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS. frequently died, leaving nothing behind but dry specimens for the herbarium. Lately, however, owing to their being differently treated, some of the most interesting kinds, looked upon as precious gems by all Fern-lovers, have been established in this country. These, when taken from the packing-cases, were placed in pots nearly filled with crocks, in which they were firmly held by two or three pieces of turfy loam. In this way cultivators are imitating their natural mode of growth, for this class of Fern is generally found with the creeping rhizomes (prostrate stems) running in and about a poor stony soil, frequently drenched with rain, and therefore often carried away and leaving very little soil to stagnate about the roots. All of them, too, revel in a humid atmosphere, and under cultivation do well if treated as Filmy Ferns; but they need a higher temperature. Several of the species bear considerable resemblance to certain Adiantums, some others are more like Davallias but in all instances their stalks, which are light-coloured, lack the black, polished appearance peculiar to those of most of the Maidenhair Ferns. Although they require an abundance of water at the roots, perfect drainage for Lindsayas cannot be too strongly insisted 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 moss, kept close, and occasionally sprinkled overhead. Nearly all the species thrive fairly well under such treatment, although a few members of the genus, notably those native of New Zealand, such as L. linearis, L. microphylla, and L. trichomanoides, naturally need a little less heat. The majority of them, however, come from warmer climes—the East and the West Indies, Tropical America, &c.—where they grow naturally either in or on the margin of the woods and under the shade of large forest trees, close to running streams, where the atmosphere is constantly humid and warm. With the few exceptions indicated, all the species here described require stove temperature. Lindsayas are usually propagated by the division of their crowns or of their rhizomes. We have no record of any of them having been raised from = WoOODWARDIA AREOLATA. LINDSAYA. 353 spores in this country, unless it be of L. retusa of Mettenius, which has been fully described as Davallia retusa, the name first given to it by Cavanilles, subsequently confirmed by T. Moore, and under which the plant is also extensively known in European gardens. Principal Species and Varieties. L. adiantoides—ad-i-ant-6-i’-dés (Adiantum-like), J. Smith. A species of medium or small dimensions, also known as ZL. humilis, native of the Malayan Archipelago. Its elegant fronds, 4in. to 6in. long, lin. broad, and simply pinnate (only once divided to the midrib), are borne on somewhat tufted, black, polished stalks lin. to 2in. long and of a wiry nature. The leaflets, of a soft, papery, and somewhat transparent texture, are about gin. long and }in. broad, with the upper edge rounded and broadly lobed about one-third of the way down, and the lower one straight or slightly curved. The sori (spore masses) are marginal in the lobes.—Hooker, Species Filicum, i., p. 204, t. 61c. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, ii., p. 280. L. borneensis—bor-ne-en’-sis (Bornean), //ooker. This species, with short-creeping rhizome and fronds lft. to 14ft. long and 9in. to 12in. broad, is a native of the forests of Borneo. It comes very near the better-known JL. guianensis, but its sori are quite marginal and disposed in a continuous line.—//ooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 107. L. botrychioides—bot-rych-i-6-i/-dés (Botrychium-like), St Hilaire. A Brazilian Fern, which it is suggested may be simply a_ loose, unbranched variety of L. guianensis, but smaller in all respects, and with fronds simply pinnate (only once divided to the midrib). The sori (spore masses) are disposed in a continuous line round the upper and outer edge and the inner half of the lower one, the outer valve projecting beyond the inner one.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 105. L. Catherine Although Hooker, in his “Species Filicum” (p. 212, vol. i.), minutely Cath-er-i/-nee (from St. Catherine’s), Hooker. b) describes as a species and gives an illustration (t. 658) of this Brazilian VOL, IT. 2A 304 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS. plant, it is now recognised as simply a variety of JZ. virescens.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 106. L. caudata—cau-da’-ta (tailed). A variety of L. trapeziformis. L. coneinna—con-cin’-na (neat), J. Smith. A pretty species, native of the Philippe Islands and Borneo. Its fronds, 6in. to 12in. long, #in. broad, and simply pinnate (only once divided to the midrib), are produced from a short-creeping rhizome (prostrate stem) and borne on erect stalks 2in. to din. long and of a wiry nature. The leaflets, which are of a soft, papery, and somewhat transparent texture, are very blunt on the outer edge, and the upper ones are very closely set together, but not overlapping. The sori (spore masses) are disposed in a continuous or somewhat interrupted line along the upper edge, which is slightly notched. —Hooker, Species Filicum, 1., p. 205, t. 61x. L. (Schizoloma) cordata — Schiz-ol-o’-ma ; cor-da’-ta (heart-shaped), Gaudichaud. This species, of very peculiar appearance and dwarf habit, native of the Malayan Peninsula, where it is said to be rare, is totally distinct from all the other members of the genus, inasmuch as the fertile and the barren fronds are completely dissimilar in every respect. The fertile ones, which rise altogether above the others, measure from 3in. to 6in. in length ; they are usually linear (very narrow), entire or forked, or sometimes divided into three long, narrow leaflets, on which the sori (spore masses) are disposed in a continuous, marginal line. The barren fronds, on the contrary, are quite entire (undivided), somewhat heart-shaped, 2in. to 3m. long, and lin. to 1din. broad. Both kinds are of a leathery texture, are produced from a short-creeping rhizome (prostrate stem), and are borne on slender, erect, wiry stalks, which are longer in the fertile than in the barren ones.—Hooker, Species Pilicum, i, p. 219, t. 66a. Beddome, Ferns of British India, t. 299. L. cultrata—cul-tra’-ta (shaped like a plough-coulter), Swartz. A very elegant species, also known in gardens as L. Lobbiana, native ot the East Indies, Java, Ceylon, Luzon, and the Philippine Islands; in the Himalayas it ascends to 4000ft.; it has also been found in the Neilgherries LINDSAYA. 355 and in Queensland. It is a distinct, Adiantum-like Fern, of a hardier constitution than most other kinds. JL. cultrata is a thoroughly evergreen species, which, if a tolerably fair quantity of humidity is kept up in the stove Fernery, will soon make itself at home there, especially if it can be planted on rockwork by the water’s edge. It is of itself very interesting and ornamental, but its attractive powers are still further enhanced by the delicious per- fame emitted from its foliage, which some- what resembles that of almonds or that produced by the Peach-tree leaf on being crushed between the fingers, and we have heard it compared to the odour of the Sweet-scented Vernal Grass (Anthoxanthum odoratum). Its perfume, whatever it is com- pared to, is retained for several years when the fronds are kept in a dry state. The fronds are freely produced from a_ short- creeping, underground rhizome (prostrate stem), and borne on wiry, green stalks 3in. to 6in. long; they are simply pinnate (only once divided to the midrib), 6in. to 12in. long, and about lin. broad. The leaflets are either opposite or alternate, din. to 3in. long, about }in. broad, closely set but not imbricated (overlapping); they are of a somewhat leathery texture and bright oreen colour, and their lower margin is straight OE slightly curved, usually upwards ; their Fig. 89. Fronds of Lindsaya cultrata upper edge, on which the oblong sori (spore Cena sio) masses) are situated, is slightly lobed, so that the continuity of the line of fructification is broken (Fig. 89).—Hooker, Species Milicum, i., p. 203. Nicholson; Dictionary of Gardening, ii., p. 280. Beddome, Ferns of Southern India, t. 23. Lowe, New and Rare Ferns, t. 163. 2A 2 356 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS. L. (Synaphlebium) davallioides—Syn-aph-leb’-i-um ; day-al-li-3-i/-dés (Davallia-like), Llwme. This species, also known in gardens as Davallia Kunzeana, is a native of the Malayan Peninsula and Islands. It is of robust habit, its fronds, which are formed of a long central point and two or three pairs of curved branches 4in. to 8in. long, are produced from a short-creeping rhizome (prostrate stem) and borne on firm, erect stalks 6in. to 12in. long. The pinne (leaflets) have their lower margin straight or slightly curved, while _the upper one shows four to six regular, rounded but not deep lobes, placed close together but not overlapping, on the margin of which the sori (spore masses) are uniformly disposed. The whole plant is of a very pleasing, lively, tender green colour.—Hooker, Species Filicum, 1., p. 224, t. 68a. Beddome, Ferns of British India, t. 141. L. (Isoloma) divergens — Is-ol-o’-ma ; di-ver’-gens (wide-spreading), Wallich. A curious species, native of the Malayan Peninsula and Borneo, with a creeping rhizome (prostrate stem) of a wiry nature, producing somewhat sparingly fronds 6in. to 12in. long, 14in. to 2in. broad, and simply pinnate (only once divided to the midrib), borne on stout, hard, ebony-black and very glossy stalks 4in. to 6in. long. The numerous leaflets, of a coriaceous (leathery) texture, bright green above and glaucous (bluish-green) beneath, are of a peculiar shape, being obliquely truncate at the base below and auricled (eared) at the base above, with their margin entire and bluntish at the point. The sori (spore masses) are disposed in a continuous line along both edges. Being of a pleasing colour, this species is very attractive-—Hooker, Species Filicum, i., p. 210. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, ., p. 280. Beddome, Ferns of British India, t. 250. L. dubia—dub’-i-a (doubtful), Sprengel. A native of Venezuela, Guiana, and the Valley of the Amazon, producing from a short-creeping rhizome (prostrate stem) fronds 4in. to 8in. long, 1din. to 2in. broad, simply pinnate (only once divided to the midrib), and borne on stalks closely set together, 3in. to 6in. long, and of a wiry nature. The pinne (leaflets), lin. long and not more than jin. broad, have thei upper LINDSAYA. 357 edge notched towards their gradually-narrowing point ; they are of a soft, papery texture, and the line of sori (spore masses) is not interrupted till it reaches the crenations (notches) of the outer third of the upper margin.— Hooker, Species Filicum, i, p. 209, t. 64c. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, ii., p. 280. L. elegans—e’-leg-ans (elegant). Synonymous with ZL. stricta. L. (Isoloma) elongata—Is-ol-o’-ma ; e-lon-ga/-ta (lengthened), Labillardidre. A greenhouse species, of somewhat large dimensions, native of New Caledonia and the Isle of Pines. Its ample fronds, Ift. to 13ft. long, Gin. to 9in. broad, broadly triangular, and tripinnatifid (three times divided nearly to the midrib), are produced from a stout, creeping rhizome (prostrate stem) densely covered with narrow filaments; they are borne on stout, erect, chestnut-brown, polished stalks Gin. to 9in. long, and are of a leathery texture. The sori (spore masses) occupy nearly or quite the whole margin of the lobes, which are of a peculiar shape, being broader at their summit. than at the base.—Hooker, Species Filicum, i., p. 213. L. (Schizoloma) ensifolia—Schiz-ol-o’-ma ; en-sif-ol/-i-a (sword-fronded), Swart. This greenhouse species has a very wide range of habitat, being a native of Hong-Kong, and, according to Beddome, found at the foot of the Sisparah and Carcoor Ghats, in Malabar; it also occurs at an elevation of 4000ft. in the Himalayas, whence it extends to Queensland, the Polynesian Islands, Mauritius, Madagascar, Natal, Cape Colony, and the Guinea Coast, In general habit it is much like the popular Pteris cretica, and it is very variable in size and in the number of the leaflets. Its narrow-spear- shaped fronds, 6in. to 12in. long, 3in. to 4in. broad, simple (undivided) at their summit and simply pinnate (only once divided to the midrib) below, are produced from a stout, creeping rhizome (prostrate stem) of a scaly nature, and borne on wiry stalks 6in. to 9in. long. The leaflets, all distinctly stalked, are usually disposed in pairs and of various shapes, only the barren ones, which are broader than the others, being toothed. The sori (spore masses ) are disposed in a continuous line on the margin of the fertile leaflets, which are abundantly produced. L. Grifiithiana is a simple-fronded form of 358 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS. this species.—Hooker, Species Filicum, 1., p. 220. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, ., p. 280. Leddome, Ferns of Southern India, t. 25. L. (Diellia) erecta—Di-el’-li-a ; e-rec’-ta (upright), Hooker. A stove species, of little decorative value, native of the Sandwich Islands. —Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 118. L. (Diellia) faleata—Di-el’-li-a ; fal-ca’-ta (sickle-shaped), Looker. _ This handsome species, native of the Sandwich Islands, is distinguishable at first sight by the brilhant green tint peculiar to its elegant fronds. These are Ift. to 14ft. long, 2in. to 4in. broad, spear-shaped, and simply pinnate (only once divided to the midrib); they are borne on strong, erect stalks 3in. to 4in. long and of a densely scaly nature. The pinne (leaflets), lin. to 2in. long and 4in. broad, are sickle-shaped and slightly undulated at the margin, the upper half being rather broadest and auricled at the base; the lower ones are very short and blunt, and all are of a soft, papery texture. The sori (spore masses) are marginal—Hooker, Synopsis Fuicum, p. 113. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, ti., p. 280. | L. falciformis A plant from British Guiana, and one which is probably but a young, fal-cif-or’-mis (scythe-shaped), /ooker. unbranched form of L. trapeztformis.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 104. L. filiformis—f-lif-or’-mis (thread-like), Hooker. This species, native of British Guiana and probably the smallest and slenderest of the branched species, has fronds 4in. to 6in. long, formed of a long, simple terminal leaflet and several pairs of short, spreading branches below ; they are borne on slender, very flexuose (zigzag-bending), brownish- black stalks 2in. to 4in. long, of a wiry nature. The texture is of a soft, papery, and transparent nature, and the sori (spore masses) are disposed in a continuous line along the upper edge of the pinnules (leafits)—Aooker, Species Filicum, i., p. 212, t. 63D. L. flabellulata—fla-bel-lul-a’-ta (fan-shaped), Dryander. A native of South-East China, the Malayan Peninsula and Islands, Ceylon, North Australia, &c., with fronds produced from a short-creeping LINDSAY A, 359 rhizome (prostrate stem) and borne on erect, wiry, brownish-black, polished stalks 4in. to 12in. long. It is very variable in character, also in the size of its leaflets and in its ramification, as its elegant, narrow-spear-shaped fronds, 6in. to 12in. long, are sometimes simply pinnate (only once divided to the midrib), whereas in other cases they are furnished with several pairs of lateral branches and shortly-stalked and somewhat fan-shaped leaflets, their lower line being straight or decuryed and the upper one rounded, entire or lobed, with the point broadly rounded. The sori (spore masses) are disposed in a continuous line, except when interrupted by the lobes. LZ. tenera is ~ ts Ga. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, ., p. 280. Beddome, Ferns of British India, t. 216. a form of this species—Hooker, Species Lilicum, i., p. 211 L. (Schizoloma) Fraseri—Sschiz-ol-o’-ma ; Fra’-ser-i (Fraser’s), Hooker. Though described as a species and illustrated in Hooker’s ‘ Species Filicum” (vol. i, p. 221, t. 708), it is not at all unlikely that this plant with simply-pinnate fronds, native of Queensland, is only a small, delicate form of L. heterophylla.n—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p.. 112. L. (Schizoloma) Griffithiana—Schiz-ol-o’-ma ; Grif-fith-i-a’-na (Griffith’s), Hooker. A simple-fronded form of JZ. ensifolia, native of Mergui, Burmah.— Hooker, Species Filicum, i., p. 219, t. 688. Beddome, Ferns of british India, t. 29. L. (Schizoloma) Gueriniana—Schiz-ol-o’-ma ; Guer-in-i-a’-na (Guérin’s), Gaudichaud. This species, native of the Malayan Peninsula and Islands, is distinct in general appearance from any other known Lindsaya. Its long and very narrow fronds, produced from a short-creeping, scaly rhizome (prostrate stem), and borne on flexible stalks 4in. to 6in. long, are of a coriaceous (leathery) texture and measure from 6in. to 9in. in length. They are oblong-spear- shaped and simply pinnate (only once divided to the midrib), with leaflets about Zin. long, egg-shaped or oblong, nearly entire, horizontal, and slightly auricled (eared) at the base on the upper edge. The sori (spore masses) are 360 THE BOOK “OF CHOICE FERNS. disposed in a continuous line along both margins.—Hooker, Species Filicum, Tes 8, tle Beddome, Ferns of British India, t. 340. L. guianensis—gui-a-nen’-sis (native of Guiana), Dryander. A beautiful species, closely allied to L. trapeziformis; it is a native of Tropical America, from Jamaica southward to Rio Janeiro. 2 Opt ESS ae Soras009 eae ye MD: Ee rel Fig, 90, Lindsaya guianensis (3 nat. size). on firm, naked, erect stalks 4in. to 8mm. long. Its Upper Portion of Frond of The ample fronds, produced from a short-creeping rhizome (prostrate stem), and borne on rigid, erect stalks Gin. to 12in. long and of a polished nature, are composed of a terminal, simply-pinnate point and from one to six pairs of lateral branches, bin. to 9in. long, which sometimes are again The pinnules (leafits), din. long and zin. broad, are not lobed, and their outer edge is bluntly rounded; they are so closely placed as to be sometimes imbricated (overlapping). The spore masses are disposed in a continuous line, with the outer valve produced, but altered in texture. branched. The general appearance of the whole plant partakes very much of the habit of a good- growing Davallia; it is also very attractive on account of the lively bright green colour of its foliage.—Hooker, Species Filicum, i., p. 216, t. 62a. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, ii., p. 280. L. (Schizoloma) heterophylla — Schiz-ol- o’-ma ; het-er-oph-yl’-la (variable - leaved), Dryander. A native of the Neilgherries, Ceylon, Hong- Kong, and the Malayan Peninsula and Islands, with spear-shaped or triangular-oblong fronds, Gin. to 12in. long, 3in. to 6in. broad, produced from a short-creeping rhizome (prostrate stem) and borne fronds vary from simply pinnate (only once divided to the midrib), with large, spear-shaped, LINDSAYA. 361 entire leaflets, to bipimnate (twice divided to the midrib), with branches spreading upwards, 3in. to 4in. long, and furnished with oblong-spear-shaped, blunt pinnules (leafits) of a soft, papery texture, and alone the margin of which the sori (spore masses) are disposed in continuous lines. LZ. Fraseri is probably only a form of this species—Hooker, Species Filicum, i., p. 223. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, ii., p. 281. Beddome, Ferns of Southern India, t. 206. L. horizontalis — hor-i-zon-ta’-lis (horizontal). This is synonymous with L. trapeziformis. L. humilis—hum’-il-is (humble). A synonym of L. adiantoides. L. Kirkii—Kirk’-i-i (Dr. Kirk’s), Hooker. This distinct and handsome species, of robust habit and somewhat large dimensions, 1s a native of the Seychelles. Its ample fronds, lft. to 2ft. long, Gin. to Jin. broad, and of a thin, papery texture, are borne on stout, nearly upright stalks Ift. to 2ft. long; they are formed of a long, unbranched point and from six to nine branches on each side, 6in. to 9in. long. The pinnules (leafits) are so closely placed that each overlaps the base of the next above it; they are much decurved at the base, their outer edge beine rounded ; the upper ones are notched and those nearest to the rachis (stalk of the leafy portion) frequently overlap it. The abundant. sori (spore masses) are disposed round the upper edge; they are not more than twice as broad as deep, protruded from the margin, terminating only one or two of the veins. —Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 108. L. (Isoloma) lanuginosa—Is-ol-o’-ma ; la-nu-gin-o’-sa (woolly), Wallich. This species, native of the Malayan Peninsula, Tropical Australia, and the Mauritius, is of robust growth, and in habit is as little like other Lindsayas as possible, for its oblong-spear-shaped fronds, Ift. to 2ft. long, gin. to 4in, broad, simply pinnate (once divided to the midrib), and produced from a stout, creeping rhizome (prostrate stem) clothed with scales of a filamentous nature, greatly resemble those of Nephrolepis acuta, and show similar white dots on the upper side of their deciduous leaflets. These leaflets are of a leathery texture, long and narrow, entire (undivided) or very slightly 362 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS. toothed towards the apex, which is sharp-pointed in the fertile and obtuse or bluntly-rounded in the barren fronds. The rachis (stalk of the leafy portion) and the short stalks on which the fronds are borne are all more or less covered with a short, woolly substance of a light brown colour. The sori (spore masses) are disposed in a continuous line along both edges.—Hooker, Species Filicum, i., p. 210, t. 698. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 281. Beddome, Ferns of British India, t. 140. L. laxa—lax’-a (loose). Sih VY ZZ LZ —— EWS yz LS SALLE Za Si A : SS ; Nit ——S SS =~ Li Sw i SSS VE BPYE LZ WNW) LE LSS ea iy J SSE SA Xx WSS (ZL. SLE ZZ Lf E ESSE Fig. 109, Pinna and Fertile Pinnule of Lygodium reticulatum (Pinna, nat. size; Fertile Pinnule, 4 nat. size). the margins, where they appear like so many blunt teeth (Fig. 109). This species is the L£. Schkuhri of J. Smith and the Lygodictyon Forsteri of J. Smith.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 439. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 809. Lowe, New and Rare Ferns, t. 35. A soil of a little more substantial nature than that recommended for other kinds suits LZ. reticulatum best. TRICHOMANES RADICANS AND. T RENIFORME. LYGODIUM. 433 L. scandens—scan’-dens (climbing), Swartz. This is a species of very slender growth and somewhat bushy habit, thoroughly distinct from the Z. scandens of commerce, which is synonymous with L. japonicum. Swartz’s L. scandens is a native of South China, the Himalayas, Queensland, the Malayan Islands, Ceylon, and the Guinea Coast. The primary petiole (first stalk) is very short, and the secondary ones are about 43in. long. The leaflets, 4in. to 8in. long and 2in. to 4in. broad, are composed of a terminal segment and four or. five on each side, which are very variable in shape. The segments are usually simple (undivided), broadly. strap-shaped, with a rounded or heart-shaped base, sometimes halbert-shaped or even slightly pinnate (cleft to the midrib) below, always articulated (jointed) to a short petiole, and spread at right angles from the rachis (stalk of the leafy portion) ; they are of a firm texture ~and glaucous (bluish-green) colour, naked, or nearly so, on both surfaces. The fructification consists in the spikes, one to three lines long, being disposed in close rows along the edge of the segments. 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 microphyllum of Brown is a common form, with short, broad segments.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p- 437. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, ii., p. 309. Beddome, Ferns of Southern India, t. 61. L. Sehkuhri—Schkuhr’-i (Schkuhr’s). A synonym of Z. reticulatum. L. semihastatum—se-mi-has-ta’-tum (half halbert-shaped), Desvaua. A native of the Mariana Islands, with primary petiole (first stalk) nearly or quite obsolete, and secondary ones lin. or more long. The leaflets are once forked and short-stalked ; the divisions, simple and strap-shaped, are 6in. to 8in. long, nearly lin. broad, unequal at the base, on one side of which they are distinctly heart-shaped. The texture is leathery, and in the fertile segments the spikes, about in. long, are disposed in close rows along their edge.—HHooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 437. L. spectabilis—spec-ta’-bil-is (showy). Synonymous with L. heterodoxum. VOL, Il. 25 434, THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS. L. subalatum—sub-al-a/-tum (nearly winged), Bojer. A very distinct species, native of Madagascar and the Comoro Islands. Its long fronds are furnished with leaflets 6in. to 9in. long, 4in. to Gin. broad, somewhat triangular, bipinnate (twice divided to the midrib), and divided into very closely-set, often overlapping segments, six of which are usually found on each side below the terminal leaflet. This plant is midway between L. japonicum and L. polystachyum, and has the pinnatifid barren segments of the latter—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 438. L. venustum—ven-us’-tum (pleasing), Swartz. A native of the West Indies, Mexico, Brazil, and Peru, somewhat resembling LZ. scandens, but of larger dimensions and of a constantly downy nature. The fronds are of indefinite length, and the primary petiole (first stalk) is so short that the leaflets appear as sessile (stalkless). The leaflets are 6in. to 12im. long, 4in. to 6in. broad, and composed of a terminal leafit and from four to twelve on each side, all of which are simple (undivided), broadly strap-shaped, jointed at the base, and bluntly lobed at the edge when barren. The fructification is formed of spikelets one to four lines long, disposed in close rows, which give the fertile portion of the frond the appearance of being pinnatifid. Both surfaces of the leaflets, as well as the stalks, are -densely clothed with greyish hairs, which may be considered a very uncommon and peculiar character. L. polymorphum of Humboldt, Bonpland, and Kunth, is identical with L. venustum.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 488. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, ii., p. 309. This plant requires a good deal of space for its development, ay it is a robust and rapid grower, and one of the few Lygodiums averse to being syringed overhead during the summer months. L. volubile—vol-u’-bil-é (twining), Swartz. In this somewhat close-growing species, native of Cuba and Brazil, the primary petiole (first stalk) is nearly or quite obsolete ; the secondary ones, about lin. long, bear leaflets 8in. to 12in. long, 6in. to 10in. broad, formed of a simple terminal leafit, broadly oblong in shape, 3in. to 6in. long, and lin. to 1}in. broad, and three to five pairs of lateral ones, somewhat wedge- shaped and jointed at the base, all distinctly though shortly stalked, and of - LYGODIUM. 435 a bright green colour. The texture is somewhat leathery, and both surfaces are either naked or slightly downy. The fertile portions of the fronds show spikes lin. to 3in. long, closely disposed in rows along the edge of the leafy segments. L. volubile is also known as L. hastatum.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 438. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, ii., p. 309. PA 2 CHAPTER AKAVIL MARATTIA, Swartz. (Mar-at’-ti-a.) HE memory of J. F. Maratti, an Italian botanist who, in A] 1760, published a book entitled “De Floribus Filicum,” is perpetuated in this well-marked genus, which embraces eight species of evergreen plants, and extends all round the world within the tropics, reaching a little beyond the southern one. In Hooker and Baker’s “Synopsis Filicum” Marattia forms Genus 70; it is the most distinct portion of the sub-order Marattiacew, of which, in an elaborate illustrated Monograph published by De Vriese and Harting, at Leyden, in 1853, no less than ninety-four species are defined. Marattias are distinctly characterised by their sometimes sessile (stalkless), sometimes shortly-stalked capsules, from four to twelve of which are usually joined together in concrete, boat-shaped masses termed synangia: these consist of two opposite rows of capsules, and open by slits down their inner faces. According to the various characters of this particular organ, the genus, although small, is divided into three distinct sections, as follow: KumaraTtia (Eu-mar-at’-ti-a), or true Marattia, Swartz; in which the synangia are furnished with an obscure, fimbriated involucre (fringed covering). Huropium (EHu-pod’-i-um), J. Smith; with short-stalked synangia devoid of involucre. GymyotHEcA (Gym-noth-e’-ca), Presl; in which the synangia are devoid of involucre and stalkless, MARATTIA, 437 The Marattias are highly ornamental, robust-growing Ferns, and although they do not form trunks, generally attain very large dimensions. Their stately fronds are produced from very thick, fleshy crowns, similar to those of Angiopteris, from which they are distinguished only by having the sori (spore masses) joined together and disposed in two opposite rows; while in the latter, the sori, although very close together, are not concrete, but distinct and separable. Most of the known species have the fronds bipinnate (twice divided to the midrib), but occasionally they are tri- or quadripinnatifid and of a peculiar nature, having distinctly articulated leaflets and leafits. All are of a more or less thick and fleshy substance, and are rendered most attractive through the singular appendages surrounding the base of the stalks, which are also jointed, and which often assume the appearance of abnormal fronds. A peculiarity of this genus is that it produces most of the edible Ferns known in cultivation. In New Zealand, the West Indies, Brazil, and Mexico, the succulent crowns of the various indigenous species are used by the natives as an article of food, either boiled, roasted, or baked. Culture. All Marattias 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 given a good amount of heat. We have, however, seen M. fraxinea elegans stand in a cold Fernery for several consecutive years, and indeed make very good progress during the summer months, although resting in the winter; but it is, we believe, the only Marattia 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 state in which they have the faculty of remaining a comparatively long time without sustaining any serious damage. It is, 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. 438 THE BOOK- OF CHOICE FERNS. The Marattiacee are seldom propagated by means of spores, although these are abundantly produced, for they are said to germinate with difficulty ; our own experience points that way, as we have only once succeeded in getting some to germinate, notwithstanding that they have been sown in all possible states and under various conditions. The only instance of these plants having been propagated from spores, which has come to our knowledge, is that of Mons. C. Loury, Chef de Cultures at the Jardin des Plantes, Paris, who, in 1887, succeeded in raising young plants of M. Kaulfussii, the two-year-old subjects being already, when we saw them at that age in 1889, of comparatively large dimensions. Since the publication of the part bearing on Angiopteris (Vol. L, p. 398), we have ascertained that the same cultivator also raised A. evecta from spores. In a personal letter relating to the subject, he states that these were fifteen months before showing any signs of germination, but that when once started the prothalli rapidly acquired extraordinary dimensions, and that, on account of their great size and of the conspicuously undulated character of their edges, these were easily detected among other prothalli of different species of Ferns. Mons. Guignard, Professeur 4 l’Ecole Supérieure de Pharmacie de Paris, to whom some of these most interesting subjects were handed for scientific examination, states that these organs, comparatively to those of other kinds of Ferns, are much developed, and sends us a sketch of a prothallus, natural size, measuring. lin. in length, }in. in breadth, and showing a conspicuous depression of both margins in its centre. Marattias are: usually and readily increased by laying the basal scales of the fronds on a bed of constantly moist material, such as sphagnum moss, where they will be found to emit roots most freely, and to produce on each side of the scales little bulbous growths, which. later on develop into plants similar to the parents. Principal Species and Varieties. M. (Gymnotheca) alata—Gym-noth-e’-ca ; al-a’-ta (winged), Smith. 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 (three times divided nearly to the midrib), are borne on robust stalks lft. to 2ft. long, lin. or more thick, of MARATTTA., 439 a fleshy nature, and deciduously scaly. The lower leaflets are the largest, and the ultimate divisions or segments, which are din. to in. long, din. 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 (Fig. 110), are quite unique in the genus. The same remark applies to the rachises (stalks of the leafy portion), which through their entire length are furnished with a very distinct and conspicuous wing. The synangia, which are copious and nearly marginal, have their sides erect and their attachment oblong or roundish.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 442. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 327. Fig. 110. (1) Upper Portion of Frond and (2) Pinhule of Marattia alata (1, much reduced; 2, nat. size), The spores of M. alata are produced freely ; but, unfortunately, these seem to require for their germination, and especially for their full development, some kind of treatment apparently yet unknown to our cultivators. They have been tried by us at different periods, in various ways, and on diverse sorts of materials, but always with the same unsatisfactory results, never reaching above the prothallium stage: in this state some of them once remained during three years, gradually spreading, though not showing any signs of fronds, until at last they fell a prey to a fungoid growth which completely destroyed them. 44.0 THE BOOK tOLRGILOTOL UEERIN Ss M. arguta—ar-gu’-ta (sharply notched), Mettenius. A garden plant, of which the native country has not been ascertained. Its very ample fronds are bipinnate (twice divided to the midrib) and furnished with broadly spear-shaped leaflets, which are divided into oblong- spear-shaped pinnules (leafits) of a somewhat leathery texture, 5in. to Gin, long, 13in. broad, roundish at the base, sharp-pointed at the extremity, and furnished with sharp, unequal, incurved teeth along the margins. A few fringed scales of a rusty-brown colour are noticeable over the lower surface as also over the rachis (stalk of the leafy portion). The very small sori (spore masses) are elliptic, and disposed in synangia with five to six capsules on a side and not touching the base of the teeth.—Hooker, Synopsis Vilicum, p- 520. M. ascensionis—as-cen-si-o’-nis (from Ascension Island), A variety of M. frasxinea. M. (Eumarattia) attenuata—Eu-mar-at/-ti-a ; at-ten-ti-a/-ta (attenuated), Labillardiére. This robust-growing species, native of Australia and New Caledonia, has fronds 3ft. to 4ft. long, tripinnate (three times divided to the midrib), and borne on smooth, green stalks also 3ft. to 4ft. long. The leaflets, 14ft. to 2ft. long, are all more or less distinctly stalked, the lower ones being furnished with a stalk fully Gin. long, two or three leafits on each side, and a terminal segment 4in. to 6in. long and lin. or more broad, all wedge-shaped at the base and finely toothed at their summit. These leaflets are of a somewhat leathery texture, with both surfaces naked and the rachis (stalk of the leafy portion) not winged. The synangia are about Hin. long, their sides are upright, and the receptacle is linear (very narrow).—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 441. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, ii., p. 327. M. (Gymnotheca) cicutzefolia—Gym-noth-e’-ca ; cic-u-te-fol/-i-a (Cicuta- leaved), Kaulfuss. j A purely Brazilian species, also known as M. Verschaffeltiana. Its ample fronds are of almost erect habit, 5ft. to 6ft. long, strictly bipimnate (twice divided to the midrib), and borne on stout, round stalks 1ft. to 2ft. long, lin, thick, of a dark green colour, and entirely covered in their lower part MARATTIA. 4.41 with brownish scales of a chaffy nature. The lower leaflets, 1ft. to 14ft. long, are often 1ft. broad, and their oblong-spear-shaped pinnules (leafits), which are 4in. to 6in. long and about lin. broad, have their base heart-shaped or slightly rounded, and their edge either entire or finely toothed. The leaflets are of a somewhat leathery texture and very dark green, with both surfaces naked; and the rachises (stalks) of the leaflets are shehtly winged towards their extremity. The synangia, situated at a short distance from the edge, are about fin. long, deeply cleft, with the sides ultimately spreading.— Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 441. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, ll, p. 327. WM. Cooperii—Coo’-per-i-i (Sir Daniel Cooper’s). For the name of this bold and essentially distinct species we can find no authority. It is a native of New Caledonia, and, although unsurpassed for decoration in a warm conservatory, where it is most effective, still remains rare in cultivation. Its magnificent, massive, decompound (much-divided) fronds, 24ft. 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 wrinkled appearance, singularly contrasting with the smooth or shiny appearance of the leafy portion of the fronds. These fronds are bipinnate (twice divided to the midrib) in young specimens, but in plants that have attained their full development they are distinctly tripinnate and furnished with oblong pinnules (leafits) that are poimted at the extremity, deeply but irregularly toothed on 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, WM. Cooperi« 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. M. (Gymnotheca) Douglasii—Gym-noth-e’-ca ; Doug-las’-i-i (Douglas’s), Baker. This gigantic species, native of the Sandwich Islands, produces fronds 6ft. to 8ft. long, borne on thick, smooth stalks 3ft. to d5ft. long. The lowest 44,2 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS. leaflets are much the largest, and all, except the lowest pair, are simply pinnate (only once divided to the midrib), 6in. to Sin. long, 2in. to 38in. broad, with rachises (stalks) flattened and narrowly winged throughout. The pinnules (leafits) are usually under Lin. long, 4in. broad, linear-oblong, wedge- shaped at the base, and furnished with broad, blunt teeth on the margins ; the pinnules of the lowest leaflets are again pinnatifid (divided nearly to the midrib). The synangia are disposed one to each lobe of the leafits, and are situated close to their margin, with the sides ultimately spreading.— Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 441. M. elegans—e’-leg-ans (elegant). A form of WM. frawinea. ANI \\ \\ PTT TTI uN) WY, N Wie Pp a} te, < SN ¥ CO \ EX i UY MQ < ANY . PG ls if Wh f Rae AN ES eT DS BeOS oe, Srna Fig. 111, Portion of Pinna of Marattia fraxinea - nat. size). M. (Eumarattia) fraxinea—Eu-mar-at’-ti-a ; frax-in’/-é-a (Ash-like), Smith. This noble-looking plant, of very large dimensions, has a wider range of habitat than any other known species, being found on the Guinea Coast, in Angola, Zambesi-land, the Mascarene Islands, Natal, Cape Colony, Ceylon, the Philippine and Polynesian Islands, New Zealand, Queensland, and Norfolk MARATTIA. 443 Island; also in Southern India, where, according to Beddome, it grows abundantly in Sisparah Ghat, in the Bolamputty Valley on the Coimbatore Hills. Its gigantic fronds, twice pinnate or casually thrice divided to the midrib, are 6ft. to 15ft. long, and borne on stalks Ift. to 2ft. long, 14in. thick, deciduously scaly and swollen in the lower part. The pinne (leaflets), lft. to 2ft. long and often lft. broad, are provided with oblong-spear-shaped leafits 4in. to 6in. long, lin. to 1din. broad, of a leathery texture, sharply pointed at their extremity, wedge-shaped or slightly rounded at their base, and entire or slightly toothed on their margins. Both surfaces are naked, and the rachises (stalks of the leafy portion) are sometimes slightly winged. The synangia, disposed in close rows near the margin -of the leafits (Fig. 111), are about din. long; they have their sides upright, and are composed of from six to twelve capsules on each side-—Hooker, Synopsis Pilicum, p. 440. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, ii., p. 327. Beddome, Ferns of Southern india, te 19, Of the many varieties of WM. frazinea known in cultivation, the most distinct are the following : M. f. ascensionis—as-cen-si-o’-nis (from Ascension Island), J. Smith. This curious variety, which is the same plant as MM. purpurascens of De Vriese, and the smallest of all known Marattias, is, as its name implies, a native of the Island of Ascension. It is particularly striking on account of its very compact habit and the heavy dark green or lurid-purple colour of its fronds, which seldom attain more than 3ft. in height, and rise from between two succulent and leafy appendages attached to their base, as in MM. Cooperi, but of a smoother nature. The lower pinnules (leafits) are often cut down to a distinctly-winged rachis (stalk), and the leafy appendages at the base of the stalks sometimes produce lobes like the frond in texture.— Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 441. M. f. elegans—e’-leg-ans (elegant), Hndlicher. An easily-grown and _ highly-decorative form, found abundantly in Norfolk Island and New Zealand alike, and one which can be used with great advantage in the cool conservatory all the year round, or for sub-tropical work during the summer months, when it produces quite a unique effect. 444 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS. Its gigantic fronds, twice or occasionally three times divided to the midrib, and borne on stout, light green, round stalks, assume a much more horizontal position than those of most other plants in the genus. They often attain 7ft. in length, and are furnished with broad leafits of a bright shining green colour, finely notched on the margins, and principally at their extremity. M. f. salicifolia—sal-ic-if-ol’-i-a (Willow-leaved), Schrader. A native of the Society Islands, with leafits sharply toothed throughout, often only 4in. broad, and of a dark green colour. The synangia, which have only six capsules, are long and narrow, and are disposed further from the edge than in the species. M. f. sambucina A native of Java, with leafits 2in. to 3in. long, #in. broad, narrowed to both ends, and very pale beneath. The small synangia are placed half as far from the edge as from the midrib, and the rachis (stalk of the leafy portion) of the leaflets is more distinctly winged than usual.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 441. sam-bu’-cin-a (Hider-like), Blume. M. (Eupodium) Kaulfussii — Eu-pod’-i-um ; Kaul-fus’-si-i (Kaulfuss’), J. Smith. This noble and distinct species, native of the West Indies, Colombia, Keuador, and Rio Janeiro, is totally distinct in habit as well as in general appearance from any other cultivated kind. Its beautiful fronds, 3ft. to 4ft. long and quadripinnatifid (four times divided nearly to the midrib), are borne on thick, naked, round stalks 2ft. to 3ft. long, of a very light green colour, and totally deprived of scales; these stalks are disposed in an almost perpendicular position, the leafy portion of the fronds being gracefully recumbent. The lowest leaflets are much the largest, being Ift. or more long and Gin. to 8in. broad; they are furnished with numerous small, deeply-toothed pinnules (leafits) 3in. to 4in. long, closely set along the very distinctly-winged rachises (stalks of the leafy portion), which also produce at intervals long, silvery, hair-like scales standing erect on the upper part of the fronds, which are of a most delightful pale green colour. This species differs also from all other members of the genus through the synangia not being MARATTIA. 445 marginal ; they are deeply cleft and distinctly pedicellate (stalked).—Hooker, Second Century of Ferns, t. 95. Lowe, New and Rare Ferns, t. 17. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, ii., p. 327. M. (Gymnotheca) laxa—Gym-noth-e’-ca ; lax’-a (loose), Kunze. A highly ornamental though somewhat coarse-growing Fern, of robust growth, native of Mexico, and distinct from most other Marattias through its airy, light appearance. Although its gigantic fronds, produced from a thick, short, and fleshy trunk or rootstock, are always of large dimensions, and -borne on stout, light green, fleshy stalks Ift. to 2ft. long, thickly covered at the base with grey, chaffy scales, yet the leaflets are set very loosely and have a peculiar deflexed character, which gives the whole plant a graceful appearance different from that of other much more massive species. The lower leaflets, 14ft. to 2ft. long and often I1ft. broad, are furnished with oblong-spear-shaped leafits 4in. to 6in. long, lin. broad, heart-shaped at the base, deeply toothed at the edges, of a somewhat leathery texture, and of a rich dark green colour ; their rachises (stalks of the leafy portion) are slightly winged towards the summit. The synangia, about one line long and disposed quite close to the edge of the leafits, have their sides always erect and their attachment linear (very narrow).—Hooker, Species Filicum, p. 441. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 327. Lowe, Ferns British and Exotic, agg es ee M. purpurascens — pur-pur-as’-cens (purplish), This plant is identical with M. ascensionis of J. Smith, a variety of M. frazinea. M. salicifolia—sal-ic-if-ol’-i-a (Willow-leaved). A variety of M. frazinea. M. Verschaffeltiana—Ver-schaf-fel-ti-a’-na (Verschaffelt’s). Synonymous with M. cicutefolia. | SSS ee SSS SSE Sa EO CHAPTER XXXVIIL MATONIA, Brown. (Mat-o’-ni-a. ) M\AMED after Dr. Maton, Vice-President of the Linnean Society, Wel the genus Matonia, which, being monotypic (composed of a solitary species, MZ. pectinata), represents a very small sub- | division of the tribe Cyathew, and forms, in Hooker’s “ Synopsis Filicum,’ Genus 8. Besides the unique appearance of its foliage, M. pectinata is distinguished from all other Ferns by the singular conformation of the receptacle of its sori (spore masses), for that organ, of a firm, parchment-like nature, is expanded into a six-lobed, umbrella-shaped involucre, which covers six large, sessile (stalkless) capsules. The veins are forked and free, except those around the sori, which are closely reticulated or netted. Culture. Very little is known as to either the culture or the propagation of this, one of the rarest and handsomest of known Ferns, which, though at various times imported alive in this country, never seems to have made headway or even to have become established in any collection. Considering that it comes from Mount Ophir, Malacca, it should be as easily grown as some Cypripediums found wild in the same locality, which succeed admirably under artificial: cultivation. Unfortunately, such is not the case; and although MATONTIA. 447 subjected to the same treatment, J. pectinata has not been successfully grown in this country for any length of time. On account of its peculiar beauty, however, its culture well deserves to be tried again whenever opportunities arise. M. pectinata—pec-tin-a’-ta (comb-like), Brown. This Fern produces from a strong, creeping rhizome (prostrate stem) its curious and pretty, fan-shaped fronds, which are borne on slender stalks 6ft. to 8ft. long. Their leafy portion, 1ft. to 2ft. long and lft. to 14ft. broad, is composed of leaflets of a hard, leathery texture, produced on the anterior (upper) side of the divergent branches, where they are pinnatifid (cut nearly to the midrib); they are of a smooth nature and frequently glaucous (bluish-green) beneath.—Hooker, Species Filicum, v., p. 286. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, ii, p. 337. Beddome, Ferns of British India, t. 186. | . CHAPTER XXXIX. MENISCIUM, Schreber. (Me-nis’-ci-um. ) S) HIS genus, which derives its name from meniskos, a crescent, in reference to the shape of the sori (spore masses), embraces a group of about ten very distinct species of stove Ferns, whose habitat is almost confined to the tropics. All the species at present known have fronds either undivided or simply pinnate (only once divided to the midrib), and in either case have their venation similar to that of the plants belonging to the better-known sub-division of Polypodium called Goniopteris, from which they differ only by the shape of their spore masses. In Hooker and Baker’s “ Synopsis Filicum” Meniscium forms Genus 54, and its distinctive characters reside in the narrow-oblong or linear (very narrow) form of the sori, which are disposed like so many areola (little cells) on the connivent transverse veinlets. Culture. Although the genus Menisciwm comprises only 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. simplex) is of such small dimensions that it is frequently used in Fern-cases, a purpose for which it appears particularly well adapted. Nearly all Menisciums have a beautiful venation quite peculiar to them ; being MENISCIUM. 44.9 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 in a mixture of half loam and half 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 germinate freely when sown in a warm and moist position. Principal Species and Varieties. M. angustifolium—an-gus-tif-ol/-i-um (narrow-leaved), Willdenow. This species, of medium dimensions, which is distributed over a vast area, extending from the West Indies to Peru, has simply-pinnate (once-divided) fronds 13ft. to 2ft. long and lft. broad, borne on firm, erect stalks 1ft. to 1}ft. long and of a slightly downy nature. The spreading leaflets, of a somewhat leathery texture, are 4in. to Gin. long, Hin. to fin. broad, gradually narrowed to a sharp-pointed extremity, with their edge quite or nearly entire, and are wedge-shaped at the base and downy on the veins on the under- surface ; the lower ones are often stalked, the others are sessile (stalkless). The fertile leaflets are much narrower than the barren ones, and the sori (spore masses) are disposed four to six together between the midrib and the edge.—HHooker, Species Filicum, v., p. 164. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, ll., p. 392. M. cuspidatum—cus-pid-a’-tum (cuspidate, or gradually tapering into a sharp, stiff point), Blume. A strong-growing species, native of the Himalayas, the Malaccas, and the Philippine Islands. Its simply-pinnate (once-divided) fronds, 2ft. to 4ft. long and lft. or more broad, are borne on stout, naked stalks Ift. to 2ft. long. Both barren and fertile leaflets are of a somewhat leathery texture and of the same shape and dimensions; they measure from 6in. to Yin. in length and lin, to 3in. in breadth, are wedge-shaped or rounded at the base, where they are often slightly stalked, and terminate in a tapering point. The rachis VoL, I. 24 450 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS. (stalk of the leafy portion) is naked or nearly so on both sides, and the spore masses are disposed six to twenty together between the midrib and the edge.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 392. Lowe, Ferns British and Exotic, ii, t. 25. M. giganteum—gig-ant-e’-um (gigantic), Mettenius. This is a very distinct species, native of Peru, with simple (undivided) fronds 13ft. to 2ft. long, 4in. broad, and borne on strong stalks lft. long, dark brown, and of a slightly downy nature. The leafy portion, which is of a soft, papery texture, elongate-oblong in shape, and narrowed rather suddenly at both ends, is slightly repand (bowed) on the margins, and has a tendency to become uneven or sinuate. The abundant sori (spore masses) are disposed thirty to forty together between the midrib and the edge.—Hooker, Species Filicum, v., p. 163. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, ii., p. 352. M. Kapplerianum —Kap-pler-i-a’-num (Kappler’s). Synonymous with M. reticulatum sorbifolium. M. macrophyllum — mac-roph-yl’-lum (large-leaved). A form of M. reticulatum. M. molle-—mol’-lé (soft). A variety of M. reticulatum. M. palustre—pal-us’-tré (marsh-loving). Synonymous with M. serratum. M. pauciflorum—pau-cif-lo’-rum (few-flowered ?), Hooker. A species with pinnate (once-divided) fronds Ift. to 14ft. long, 6in. to 8in. broad, borne on tufted, glossy, brownish stalks 6in. to 12in. long; it is a native of Sierra del Crystal, West Tropical Africa. The numerous leaflets, of a somewhat leathery texture, 3in. to 4in. long and seldom jin. broad, are set Zin. to #in. apart; they are very gradually narrowed from the middle to both ends, and have their edge sharply toothed. The sori (spore masses) are disposed in one or two rows between the midrib and the edge.—Hooker, Species Filicum, v., p. 164. M. reticulatum—re-tic-ul-a’-tum (netted), Swartz. This species, of very large dimensions, has a wide range of habitat, extending from Mexico and the West Indies to Brazil and Peru. Its ample MENISCIUM. 451 fronds, 2ft. to 4ft. long and 1ft. or more broad, are borne on stout, glossy stalks lft. to 3ft. long and of a brownish colour. The leaflets, of a somewhat leathery texture, 6in. to 12in. long and lin. to 4in. broad, have their edge entire (undivided) or slightly undulated ; they are either wedge-shaped or rounded at the base and terminate in a sharp point. The sori (spore masses) are disposed from eight to twelve between the midrib and the edge.— Hooker, Species Filicum, v., p. 165. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i, p. 352. Several varieties of this species are known in cultivation, the most distinct being the following : M. r. macrophyllum—mac-roph-yl/-lum (large-leaved), Kunze. This is a Mexican form, the chief characteristic of which is that it is furnished with a few large leaflets. M. r. molle—mol’-lé (soft), Mettenius. This variety, gathered in New Granada by M. Triana, has the rachis (stalk of the leafy portion) and the under-surface of its leaflets softly hairy ; the leaflets are quite entire, about ft. long, lin. broad, truncate (as if maimed) on the upper and rounded on the lower side at the base.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 392. M. r. sorbifolium—sor-bif-ol/-i-um (Sorbus-leaved), Willdenow. This variety, which is identical with the M. Kapplerianum of Fée, has narrower leaflets than usual, the lower ones being slightly stalked.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 392. M. salicifolium—sal-ic-if-ol/-i-um (Willow-leaved), Wallich. A species of medium size, native of Penang and Singapore, with fronds Ift. to 1}ft. long, 1ft. broad, and borne on glossy, pale brown stalks lft. or more long. The leaflets, of a somewhat leathery texture and disposed from gin. to ldin. apart, are very gradually narrowed from the middle to _ both ends, and have their edge nearly entire. The sori (spore masses) are disposed four or five between the midrib and the edge.—Hooker, Species Filicum, v., p. 164; Second Century of Ferns, t. 90. 262 452 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS. M. serratum—ser-ra’/-tum (saw-toothed), Cavanilles, This very decorative species is a native of Mexico, the West Indies, Brazil, and Peru. It is also called MZ. palustre, and appears to be somewhat related to M. reticulatum, as its simply-pinnate (once-divided) fronds are of similar size (3ft. to 4ft. long and Ift. or more broad), and borne on stout, glossy, brownish stalks ft. to 3ft. 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, 3in. 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 (spore masses) are disposed twelve to twenty between the midrib and the edge.— Hooker, Species Filicum, v., p. 165. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i, p. 352. Lowe, Ferns British and Hiotie, 1., t. 45. M. simplex — sim’-plex (simple, undivided), Hooker. This charming, miniature species, Fig. 112, Meniscium simplex which Kunze considers as a simple (4 nat. size), form of M. triphyllum, 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 (prostrate stem) of a firm nature, and borne on slightly pubescent stalks 1ft. or more in length in the case of the fertile fronds, but only 4in. to Gin. long in the barren ones. Both kinds of fronds are simple (undivided), oblong-spear-shaped in general outline (Fig. 112), heart-shaped and sometimes auricled at the base, and somewhat undulated at MENISCIUM. 453 the margin; the barren ones are Gin. to Qin. long and Qin. to 8in. broad, the fertile ones are smaller, and both are of a somewhat leathery texture and dull green colour. The reddish sori (spore masses), disposed eight to twelve between the midrib and the edge, frequently become confluent and completely cover the under-surface of the fertile fronds.—Hooker, Species Filicum, v., p. 162; Tilices Exotiew, t. 83. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, ii., p. 352. Lowe, Ferns British and Euxotic, ii., t. 41. 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. ‘M. sorbifolium—sor-bif-ol’/-i-um (Sorbus-leaved). This is a variety of M. reticulatum. M. Thwaitesii—Thwaites’-i-i (Thwaites’), Looker. A small species, native of Ceylon, producing from a firm, wide-creeping rhizome (prostrate stem) fronds 8in. to 10in. long and 4in. to din. broad, borne on straw-coloured, nearly naked stalks 9in. to 12in. long. These fronds are composed of a terminal leaflet divided half-way to the midrib and several pairs of blunt, narrow-oblong, distinctly-stalked leaflets, the lowest the largest (2in. to 3in. long, 3in. broad), of a thin, papery texture, with the edge bluntly lobed and the base suddenly narrowed. The sori (spore masses) are disposed four or five in the lower leaflets, between the midrib and the edge Hvoker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 391. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, ii., p. 352. | M. triphyllum—triph-yl’-lum (three-leaved), Swartz. This small species, native of the Himalayas, South China, and the Malaccas, produces from a firm, wide-creeping rhizome (prostrate stem) barren and fertile fronds of different general aspect, the former being borne on slender and slightly downy stalks din. to Gin. long, whereas the stalks of the fertile ones are fully Ift. in length. Seldom has either kind of frond more than one pair of leaflets besides the terminal one, which is oblong-spear- shaped, din. to 6in. long, lin. to I}in. broad, rounded or wedge-shaped at the base, and with the edge somewhat undulated; the lateral leaflets are of the same shape, but of smaller dimensions. The fertile fronds are similar 454, THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS. to the barren ones, but smaller. All are of a somewhat leathery texture, and their veins, which are abundant and very conspicuous, are slightly downy underneath. The whole plant is of a very dark green colour, and the sori (spore masses) are disposed six to nine between the midrib and the edge.— Hooker, Species Filicum, v., p. 163. Hooker and Greville, Icones Filicum, t. 120. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, ii., p. 352. MERTENSIA—Mer-ten’-si-a. See Gleichenia. MESOCML/EN A—Mes-och-lx’-na. See Didymochleena. MICROGONIUM—Mi-crog-o’-ni-um. See Trichomanes. MICROGRAMME—Mi-crog-ram’-me. See Polypodium. MICROLEPIA—Mi-crol-ep’-i-a. See Davallia. I. anthriscifolia is identical with Hypolepis anthriscifolia of commerce. MICROSORIUM—Mi-cros-o’-ri-um. The plants formerly classed under this generic name are now divided by Hooker and Baker between Nephrodium and Polypodium. ise a hols, MOMRIA, Swartz. (Moh’-ri-a. ) Frankincense Fern. SVZ|EDICATED to the memory of Daniel Mohr, a German botanist, ‘| who died in 1808, this genus is monotypic (comprising but one species, the African MM. caffrorum, better known in gardens under the name of M. thurifraga). In Hooker and Baker’s “Synopsis Filicum” Mohria forms Genus 66, and is a small division of the sub-order Schizwacew, combining the capsules peculiar to the plants comprised in the sub-order with the habit of Cheilanthes. Thus the sori (spore masses), which are disposed near the edge of the pinnules (leafits) and situated. at the end of the forked veins, are enclosed in a two- valved, stalkless, nearly round capsule, opening vertically on the exterior side, and crowned by a complete, operculiform (lid-shaped) ring. By this means a distinct border of round prominences is formed along the edge of the frond on the under-side. Culture. M. caffrorum is of very easy culture: all that it requires in the way of soil is a mixture of about equal parts of peat, leaf mould, and sand, with the addition of small pieces of sandstone or soft brick-dust. Syringing overhead must be carefully avoided, or it 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. 4.56 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS. Propagation is readily effected from spores, which are abundantly produced, and which germinate very freely, producing young Sables in a remarkably short space of time. M. achillezefolia — ach-ill-e’-2-fol/-i-a (Yarrow-leaved). A variety of M. caffrorum. M. caffrorum—caf-fro’-rum (native of Kaffraria), Desvaue. This handsome Fern, popularly known as M. thurifraga, is a native of 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, produced 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 (Fig. 113) are tripinnatifid (three times divided nearly to the midrib), being furnished with oblong-spear-shaped leaflets, cut down to a narrowly-winged rachis (stalk) into leafits of a soft, papery texture, 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 contraction of the lobes over the spore masses gives them a very elegant Fig. 118. Barren (i: of appearance. The rachises and the under-surface of both Mohnia oaifnonim kinds of fronds are more or less densely clothed with (much reduced). very narrow scales of a pale brown colour. When bruised, the plant emits a strong odour of frankincense—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 436. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, ii., p. 375. Lowe, Ferns British and Exotic, viii., t. 70. M. c. achillezefolia—ach-ill-e’-«-fol/-i-a (Yarrow-leaved), Moore. The barren fronds of this form much resemble the leaves of the Yarrow (Achillea millefolia). It is much dwarfer in habit than the type, being only MOFARIA. 457 6in. to 9in. high, the barren fronds shorter and spreading, the fertile ones standing upright and much more finely divided, bemg almost quadripinnatifid (four times divided nearly to the midrib). Unfortunately, it increases but slowly, for, although fertile fronds are freely borne, we do not know of a single instance in which it has reproduced itself; and Lowe, at p. 104 of his excellent book on “ New and Rare Ferns,” gives it as his opinion that ‘‘one of the greatest proofs that this charming Fern is only a variety of M. thurifraga, is that spores carefully saved and sown have only produced the ordinary form of M. thurifraga.” Its propagation is therefore confined solely to the division of the crowns—a very slow process, which no doubt accounts for its remaining so scarce in collections. This variety is also said to have a different scent, and to grow in more open places than the typical species.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 436. Lowe, New and Rare Ferns, t. 42B. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, ii., p. 375. M. thurifraga — thu-rif’-rag-a (frankincense-scented). Synonymous with M. caffrorum. MONACMOSORUM—Mon-ach-os-o’-rum. See Polypodium. CHAPTER XLII. MONOGRAMME, Schkuhr. (Mon-og-ram’ ane) Rush Ferns. N)|HIS genus, which forms a small division of the tribe Gram- 5] mitidee, is composed of small grass or rush-like plants with simple (undivided) fronds, and may be said to embrace the simplest in structure of all known Ferns. Though only about nine species are at present known, these are widely distributed over the globe, as representatives of the genus are found in Borneo, at the Cape of Good Hope, in Brazil, in Queensland, &e. The name is derived from monos, one, and gramma, writing, in allusion to the disposition of the sori (spore masses), which are arranged in a single row on one or both sides of the midrib of the narrow fronds. In Hooker and Baker’s ‘Synopsis Filicum” Monogramme forms Genus 51, and is divided into two sections : HumonogramMMe (Eu-mon-og-ram/-me), or Monogramme proper, the fronds of which have a central vein only, and PrrvrogramMMeE (Pleur-og-ram’-me), /ée, in which the fronds have some indistinct lateral veins in addition to the midrib. Culture. None of the species contained in this genus are of much value as decorative Ferns; they are, however, very interesting from a botanical point of view, and three or four of the strongest growers may even be used with MONOGRAMME. 459 advantage for planting in warm Fern-cases. All require stove treatment, and need a very light peaty material to grow in. Propagation is easily effected by division of the rhizomes (prostrate stems), which are usually of a slender, wide-creeping nature. Principal Species. M. darezecarpa—da’-ré-e-car’-pa (Darea-fruited), Hooker. A very diminutive plant, native of Labuan and Borneo, with fronds seldom exceeding lin. in length, and sori (spore masses) sunk in a deep cleft on one side of the midrib, the wing which covers it reaching nearly to the edge.——Hooker, Species Filicum, v., p. 121, t. 287a. M. graminea—era-min’-é-a (grass-like), Schkuhr. A little species, also known as M. linearis, with grass-like fronds of a soft, flaccid nature, seldom more than 2in. long, and sori (spore masses) disposed in a line near the apex or summit, where the edges are incurved. —Hooker, Species Filicum, v., p. 122. M. graminoides—era-min-é-i’-dés (grass-like), Baker. A very small species, native of Brazil, St. Helena, and Jamaica, with fronds about 14in. long, barely half a line broad, simple or once forked, and with a prominent midrib. The spore masses arise from the midrib near the enlarged point of the frond, the edge of which is scarcely incurved.mHooker, Species Filicum, v., p. 121. M. (Pleurogramme) immersa— Pleur-og-ram’-me ; im-mer’-sa (sunk, immersed), [ée. This species, native of Cuba, Venezuela, and Guiana, has fronds 2in. to din. long, gin. broad, tapering downwards into an indistinct stem, with the sori (spore masses) sunk in a deep, central, longitudinal cavity.—Hooker, Species Filicum, v., p. 125. M. Junghuhnii—Jung-huhn’-i-i (Junghuhn’s), Hooker. Though this may be considered a miniature Fern, native of Ceylon, Java, the Philippines, Queensland, and the Polynesian Islands, it is the 460 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS. strongest-growing species of the whole genus. It forms little tufts of linear, filiform (thread-like) fronds, of a soft, papery texture and flaccid nature, 6in. to 12in. long, about half a line broad, usually simple, but occasionally forked, and presenting a very peculiar appearance, produced by the disposition of the spore masses: these are deeply sunk in a furrow on one side, or according to Brackenridge on both sides, of the midrib.—Hooker, Species Filicum, v. p. 123, t. 2898. Leddome, Ferns of British India, t. 210. ) M. linearis—li-né-a’-ris (very narrow). Synonymous with M. graminea. M. rostrata—ros-tra’-ta (beaked), Hooker. A species of medium size, native of Nicaragua, with fronds 3in. to 4in. long, one line broad, densely crowded in turf-like patches, tapering to the point and gradually downwards into: an indistinct stem. They are of a leathery texture, with the surface naked, the midrib very distinct, and the sori (spore masses) quite sunk in a longitudinal furrow lin. to 2in. long.— Hooker, Species Filicum, v., p. 122, t. 287z. M. (Pleurogramme) seminuda—Pleur-og-ram’-me ; se-min-u’-da (half- naked), Baker. A distinct species, of comparatively large dimensions, native of the West Indies, Guatemala, and South Brazil. Its fronds, of a leathery texture and rigid nature, 4in. to 8in. long, Zin. to 4in. broad, tapering downwards into an indistinct stem, are densely crowded in turf-like patches. The sori (spore masses), which are not sunk in a cavity, are disposed in two rows close to the midrib: these ultimately become confluent, covering the whole of the upper part of the frond, the edges of which are more or less inflexed.— Hooker, Species Filicum, v., p. 124. M. subfaleata—sub-fal-ca’-ta (somewhat sickle-shaped), Hooker. This is a very small-growing species, native of the New Hebrides, producing from a slender, wide-creeping rhizome (prostrate stem) fronds of a somewhat leathery texture, seldom more than lin. long and half-a-line broad towards the point, with sori (spore masses) sunk in an unequal-sided, longitudinal furrow.—Hooker, Species Filicum, v., p. 122, t. 219. MONOGRAMME. 461 M. trichoidea—trich-6-i’-dé-a (hair-like), J. Smith. A pretty and distinct species, native of the Philippines, producing from _a very slender rhizome (prostrate stem) its thread- or hair-like fronds 3in. to 4in. long, densely crowded in turf-like patches. The fertile ones are dilated in two or three places for a space of }in., and there bear the spore masses in a longitudinal furrow, with a high raised edge on both sides.—Hooker, Species Filicum, v., p. 128. MY RIOPTERIS—My-ri-op’-ter-is. See Cheilanthes. NEOTTOPTERIS—Né-ot-top’-ter-is. See Asplenium. CHAPTER XLII. NEPMRODIUM, Richard. (Neph-ro’ skeen) Buckler Ferns. N)|HIS genus, which derives its name from nephros, a kidney, in || reference to the shape of its spore cases, is a very important portion of the tribe Aspidiew, which, on account of the character furnished by the shape of the involucre (covering of the spore masses) of the various plants which it comprises, has been divided, besides three small groups, into two large genera, viz. : Aspidium proper, in which the involucre, round and terminal on the veinlets, is fixed by the centre, and Nephrodium, an extensive group of plants, which in Hooker and Baker’s “Synopsis Filicum” forms Genus 44, and which comprises about 300 species, varying much in size, texture, cutting, and venation. The plants belonging to the tribe Aspidiew are distinguished principally by their sub-globose sori (nearly round spore masses), terminal on the veinlets, and furnished with a cordate-reniform (between heart- and kidney- shaped) involucre, which is attached to the frond by the sinus (depression). The two genera thus formed have a closely similar range of variation in cutting and venation, and it is by no means clear in which of the two several species should be placed. It must also be borne in mind that an Aspidium with an abortive or obliterated involucre is not distinguishable from a Polypodium, that the number of species which have been originally described as non-indusiate, in which a more or less (often very slightly) developed involucre has been afterwards found to exist, is very considerable, NEPHRODIUM. 463 and that no doubt more will be added to the list. In one form or another this genus is represented in nearly every part of the world. A comprehensive classification of such an extensive group of plants required its division into various sections: accordingly there have been numerous sub-divisions of the genus such as the following, which for want of really permanent and distinguishable characters have now been abandoned. The principal of these were: Abacopteris, Fée ; Amauropelta, Kunze ; Anisocampium, Presl; Arthropteris, J. Smith; Camptodium, Fée; Diclosodon, Moore ; Dryopteris, Schott; Haplodictyum, Presl; Hemestheum, Newman ; Hypodematium, Kunze; Lophodium, Newman; Pachyderis, J. Smith ; Phegopteris, Fée ; Podopeltis, Fée; Proferea, Presl; Pycnopteris, Moore. As the genus Nephrodium at present stands, it is divided, according to the various kinds of venation observable in its species, into four distinct groups as follow : Eunernropium (Eu-neph-ro’-di-um), or true Nephrodium, Richard. The plants forming this group have only their lower veinlets united. Lasrrea (Las’-tre-a), Presi. In this group the plants have all their veinlets free. Preocnemia (Plé-cc-ne’-mi-a), Presi. In these plants the lower veinlets of contiguous groups are united, and, being pinnate in the lobes, form central arches. SAGENIA (Sag-e’-ni-a), Presi. All the veins in the plants of which this distinct group is composed are anastomosing (copiously intercrossing each other) ; they usually have free included veinlets. The group Lastrea—by far the most important—is, for purposes ot classification, subdivided into sections as follow : I. Plants with fronds not cut down to the main rachis (stalk of their leafy portion), such as \. decursivo-pinnatum (popularly known under the name of Lastrea decurrens). II. Species whose fronds have their leaflets either entire (undivided) or lobed less than one-third of the way down to the midrib, as observed in N. (Lastrea) cuspidatum. Ill. The plants belonging to this section have their leaflets cut more than half-way down to the midrib into close, regular, entire or nearly entire lobes. The involucre in many, but not all the species, is thin and fugacious (not 464 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS. lasting), and the lower leaflets are hardly, if at all, reduced. N. (Lastrea) patens is a very good illustration. IY. A section composed of plants with leaflets cut nearly or quite to the midrib into toothed or pinnatifid lobes. One of the best representatives of this section is the popular NV. (Lastrea) erythrosorum. VY. The species comprised in this section have their fronds small or of medium dimensions, tri- or quadripinnatifid (three or four times divided nearly to the midrib), and their involucre is of a firm nature and persistent. ‘This section is well represented by N. (Lastrea) spinulosum. VI. The plants of this section have small or medium-sized fronds, triangular, tri- or quadripinnatifid, and produced from a wide-creeping rhizome (prostrate stem), which characters are well shown in JN. (Lastrea) decompositum. VII. A section composed entirely of species of large dimensions, with ample, decompound (much-divided) fronds, 1}ft. to 2ft. long and Ift. broad, and with involucre often small and fugacious. N. (Lastrea) effusum is a very good illustration. Culture. This genus includes many species remarkable for their decorative qualities, and others unequalled for their hardiness and power of endurance. Such a large group of plants must of necessity have a very wide geographical range : therefore we find in it kinds suitable for the tropical Fernery, for the greenhouse, and even for the open air; indeed, it is well represented in this country by several species and an almost endless list of varieties, all more or less curious or beautiful. Many of the kinds, too, are particularly interesting on account of their venation, but the principal reason why these plants are so popular lies in their constitution being so robust and _ their habits so accommodating. Plants of all dimensions are found amongst Nephrodiums, from the tiny-growing N. pedatum and N. sanctum, with fronds only a few inches long, to the majestic West Indian N. villosum or the beautiful and massive NV. Boryanum from the Himalayas, both of which produce very handsome fronds from 4ft. to 6ft. and even frequently 8ft. in length. Whatever be their size, however, Nephrodiums are all of easy culture, a property which market growers have not been slow in appreciating at its FZ Za —————— ZS Lomaria Boryana Dalgairnsice (% nat, size). NEPHRODIUM. 465 full value, as may readily be observed by the thousands of different kinds used for decorative purposes every season. Even the commonest of all, N. molle, which for years was considered no better than a weed, has of late sprung into commercial popularity: its rapid growth, and the handsome shape which it assumes when properly cultivated, greatly contribute to make it a most valuable addition to the already important list of decorative Ferns. When specimens of this species are planted out on the rockery, where all Nephrodiums seem to thrive, they soon become objects of great beauty ; but, whether grown in that way or as pot plants, they require a richer soil than most other Ferns. All the Nephrodiums thrive in a mixture of loam and peat, which, for the most robust kinds, should be 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- growing species, less loam and more sand should be used. Most Nephrodiums, especially the strong-growing 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 case. They 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 kinds 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 brownness 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 grow the plants in well-ventilated houses, where moisture cannot condense on their foliage. Nephrodiums are easily and rapidly propagated by means of their spores, which are abundantly produced and germinate very freely : the species provided with creeping rhizomes may also be increased by the division of these organs, which operation is most successfully performed during the months of March and April. VOL. II. bo isa] 466 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS. Principal Species and Varieties. N. (Eunephrodium) abortivum — Eu-neph-ro’-di-um ; ab-or-ti/-vyum (abortive), J. Smith. A stove species, of comparatively small dimensions, native of Penang, Java, and Ceylon. Its fronds, of a soft yet firm texture, Lft. to 2ft. long and 6in. to 8in. broad, are borne on tufted, firm, erect, and quite naked stalks 6in. to 12in. long. The central leaflets, 3in. to 4in. long and not quite lin. broad, are cut about one-third of the way down into close, entire lobes ; the lower leaflets are distant, and are suddenly reduced to mere auricles (ears). The veinlets are from six to eight on a side, and the sori (spore masses) are medial (disposed along the midrib)—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 292. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, ii., p. 440. N. (Lastrea) abruptum—Las’-tre-a ; ab-rup/-tum (abrupt), Baker. This is a strong-growing, stove species, native of Peru, with fronds 2ft. to 3ft. long, lft. or more broad, and borne on angular stalks 14ft. long and of a slightly villous (downy) nature above. The leaflets, 6in. to Sin. long and of a somewhat leathery, rigid texture, are cut down to a broadly-winged stalk into close, sharp-pointed, entire lobes, the basal ones rather reduced, and the leaflets on the upper side cut off in a slight curve. The veinlets are prominent, twelve to sixteen on each side, with the spore masses near the extremity. NV. abruptum of Presl is identical with N. truncatum.—AHooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 268. N. (Lastrea) acutum—has’-tre-a ; ac-u’-tum (sharp-pointed), Hooker. A stove species, of very distinct appearance, from South Brazil. Its fronds, deltoid (in shape of the Greek delta, A) and three or four times divided nearly to the midrib, are 13ft. to 2ft. long and borne on straw- coloured stalks of a slightly scaly nature. The lowest leaflets are distinctly stalked, of the same deltoid shape, and unequal-sided ; their pinnules (leafits), spear-shaped, stalkless, and sharp-pointed, are cut down to a narrow wing into spear-shaped segments, the lowest of which are again pinnatifid. The whole of the leafy portion is of a thin yet somewhat leathery texture and of NEPHRODIUM. 467 a dull green colour. The spore masses are small and medial (disposed along the midrib).—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 286. N. (Lastrea) emulum This handsome British species, with which Lastrea wmula of Brackenridge, Las’-tre-a ; em/-ul-um (rivalling), Baker. L. recurva of Newman, L. fanisecii of Moore, Sowerby, Babington, and others, and Nephrodium fenisecii of Lowe, are synonymous, is commonly called the “ Hay-scented Buckler Fern” on account of the fragrance, much rh VE N 4 Fig. 114, Frond of Nephrodium emulum (4 nat. size). like that of newly-mown hay, which is emitted by the dried fronds when crumpled between one’s fingers. It is a very distinct species, which, through its peculiarly crisped appearance, is readily distinguished from any other comprised in the genus. Its pretty fronds, which are sometimes quite triangular, but occasionally between spear-shaped and triangular, lft. to 14ft. long, 6in. to 10in, broad, and borne on tufted stalks ft. long, densely covered 2H 2 468 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS. with narrowly spear-shaped scales, are three times divided to the midrib (Fig. 114). The lowest leaflets are much the largest, and these are divided into pinnules (leafits) concave in shape, on which account the plant is some- times also called the “Concave Buckler Fern.” The lowest of the leafits are larger than the others, and all are broadly spear-shaped, of a bright, pale green colour, and cut down to the rachis (stalk) below into deeply-cleft lobes that are much curled or crisped upwards. The whole of the leafy portion is of a papery texture; its upper surface is smooth and shiny, while the under-side is glandular. The fructification, which occupies the whole under- surface of the fertile fronds, consists of numerous circular sori (spore masses) disposed in two rows along the leaflets and their lobes, and eventually becoming confluent ; these are covered by a uniform indusium having a jagged, uneven margin.—Hooker, Species Lilicum, iv., p. 127; British Ferns, t. 20. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, ii., p. 440. Lowe, Our Native Ferns, 1, t. 34, This Fern, of dimensions comparatively small for a Nephrodium, though occurring sometimes in dryish situations, is usually found in moist, sheltered, woody places, and on banks beneath hedges. Its habitats are somewhat localised: it is most abundant in the western portion of England, being found in many parts of Cornwall and Devonshire; also in Somersetshire, Sussex, and Cumberland ; in Wales it is met with, though not plentifully, in Anglesey and Glamorgan; while in Scotland it is found in Forfarshire and Argyleshire, and in the Isles of Arran, Mull, North Uist, and Orkney. It is more plentiful in Ireland, being common in some parts of Antrim, Wicklow, Shgo, Galway, Clare, Cork, and Kerry. The “ Hay-scented Buckler Fern” 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 an evergreen species, thriving best in a mixture of sandy loam and leaf-mould in about equal proportions. N. emulum is not given to much variety from the normal form, and of the several more or less constant varieties known, those described on the following page are the most distinct, NEPHRODIUM. 469 N. ee. angustipinnulum — an-eus-tip-in’-nul-um (having narrow leafits), Moore. The peculiarity in this variety, originally found near Cushendall, in Antrim, consists in the pinnules (leafits) being more confluent, the~ lobes being irregularly shortened, and the teeth more evidently awned than in the type.—Lowe, Our Native Ferns, i., p. 333. N. «&. ramosum—ra-mo’-sum (branched), Clapham. This singular form, originally found at Hackness, only differs from the typical species in having twin fronds joined together at the base.—Lowe, Our Native Ferns, i., p. 333. N. (Sagenia) alatum—Sag-e’-ni-a ; al-a’-tum (winged), Wallich. A very distinct, robust-growing, stove species, native of Assam, Singapore, Java, and Borneo, producing from a creeping rhizome (prostrate stem) fronds 2ft. to 3ft. or more long, borne on rather distant stalks 1ft. to 2ft. long, but winged a long way down, sometimes almost to the base; they are oblong in shape, and furnished with four or five pairs of distant, oblong or strap- shaped leaflets, on which the small and numerous sori (spore masses) are scattered without order, being covered by a small, heart-shaped involucre.— Hooker, Species Filicum, iv., p. 47. Beddome, Ferns of British India, t. 169. N. (Lastrea) albo-punctatum—Las’-tre-a ; al/-bo—punc-ta’-tum (white- spotted), Desvaua. This distinct and pretty, evergreen, stove species, native of Guinea, Natal, Angola, Fiji, &c., possesses an entirely original character, and.at first sight has all the appearance of an elegantly-variegated Fern, owing to the upper surface of its leaflets being dotted all over with small white spots. Its fronds, Qin. to 12in. long and 4in. to 6in. broad, are produced from a slender, wide- creeping rhizome (prostrate stem), and borne on naked, jointed stalks of a greyish colour. The pinnae (leaflets) are spreading, 2in. to 3in. long, 3in. broad, and cut half-way or more down to the rachis (stalk of the leafy portion) into oblong, blunt, entire lobes. The fronds are of a soft, papery texture and of a very dark green colour above, thus showing to perfection the small, white dots with which they are adorned. The sori (spore masses) 470 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS. are situated at the end of the veinlets, near the edge.—LHooker, Species Filicum, iv., p. 85; Filices Lxotice, t. 89. N. (Lastrea) like), Baker. A stove species, of comparatively small dimensions, native of Rio Janeiro, with oblong-spear-shaped fronds 1ft. to 1}ft. long, bipinnatifid (twice divided ; al-soph’-il-a’-cé-um (Alsophila- nearly to the midrib), and borne on grey, smooth stalks about Gin. long. The peculiar, strap-shaped leaflets are all, except the uppermost, distinctly stalked, the lower ones din. to 6in. long, many of them reduced at the base and cut down to a broad wing into close, entire, somewhat sickle-shaped lobes of a firm, parchment-like texture and bright green colour. The small and medial sori (spore masses) are covered with a minute, fugacious (not lasting) involucre.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 495. N. (Eunephrodium) amboinense—Eu-neph-ro’-di-um ; am-boi-nen/-sé (native of Amboyna), Presi. This stove species, native of Ceylon and the Philippine and Malayan Islands, is very closely related to the common N. molle. It differs principally in the more papery texture of its fronds, which are of similar dimensions and habit, and also in the less hairy and less deeply-lobed nature of its bluntish and slightly sickle-shaped pinnules (leafits). The veins are pinnate, with four to six veinlets on each side, and the sori (spore masses) are disposed in rows close to the midrib.—Hooker, Species Filicum, iv., p. 75. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, ii., p. 440. Las’-tre-a ; am-plis’-sim-um (very large), Looker. A stove species, native of Guiana and Brazil, with fronds 2ft. to dft. long, four or five times divided nearly to the midrib, and borne on brownish, naked stalks 14ft. to 2ft. long. The lower leaflets, as well as their lower pinnules and segments, are deltoid (in shape of the Greek delta, A), stalked, and wedge-shaped on the lower side at the base ; their terminal lobes, blunt and oblong, are equal in the upper part of the leaflets, while in the lower part they are narrowed at the base. The fronds are of a moderately NEPHRODIUM. 471 firm texture and green on both surfaces, and their medium-sized sori (spore masses) are disposed one at the base of each upper terminal lobe, and covered by a smooth involucre of a somewhat persistent nature—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 502. N. (Lastrea) amplum—Las’-tre-a ; am’-plum (large), Baker. This very robust-growing, stove species, whose habitat extends from the West Indies southward to Ecuador, is of much larger dimensions than the preceding one. Its massive fronds, 3ft. to 4ft. long and 2ft. or more broad, are borne on stalks 2ft. to 3ft. long, densely clothed at the base with an entangled mass of bright, silky scales. The lower leaflets are often 1ft. long and Gin. broad, while their pinnules (leafits), of a soft, papery texture, are spear-shaped, closely set, and cut down nearly or quite to the rachis (stalk of the leafy portion) into oblong, pinnatifid lobes. The numerous small sori (spore masses) are disposed close to the midrib, and covered by an involucre of a very fugacious (not lasting) nature-—Hooker, Synopsis Pilicum, p. 285. N. (Lastrea) angustifrons Baker. This is a peculiar and well-marked, greenhouse species, native of Nepaul, Las’-tre-a ; an-gus’-tif-rons (narrow-fronded), with fronds 2ft. long, 6in. to 8in. broad, produced from a wide-creeping rhizome (prostrate stem), and borne on dark stalks Ift. to 2ft. long and slightly scaly. The leaflets, of a somewhat leathery texture, 4in. to 6in. long, and 2in. broad, are distant, spear-shaped, and flexuose (bending) ;_ their pinnules (leafits), of the same shape, are cut down to the rachis below into nearly quadrangular, toothed lobes, the veinlets of which are forked. The sori (spore masses) are disposed in rows close to the midribs of the leafits.— Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 283. Beddome, Ferns of British India, t. 226. N. (Lastrea) apiciflorum extremity), Hooker. Las’-tre-a ; ap-ic’-if-lo’-rum (flowering at the In general aspect, as well as in habit, this greenhouse species, native of Northern India, where it is found up to 9000ft. elevation, resembles N. Filix-mas, but it is remarkable on account of the fructification being restricted to the tips of the lobes, the sori (spore *masses), six to eight to 472 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS. a lobe, being confined to the upper third, and covered with a firm, prominent involucre. It is one of the most robust growers of the whole genus, its handsome fronds, produced from a short, stout, upright trunk clothed all over with light brown scales, forming a very effective, highly decorative plant of a pleasing light green colour.—Hooker, Species Filicum, iv., p. 112, t. 248. Beddome, Ferns of British India, t. 40. N. (Lastrea) arborescen A stove species, native of the Samoan Islands, with ample fronds, the -a; ar-bor-es’-cens (arborescent), Baker. lower leaflets of which often measure 12ft. long and Sin, broad. The pinnules (leafits), distinctly stalked and spear-shaped, are 3in. to 4in. long, 1}in. broad, and cut down to the rachis, except at the point, into spear-shaped and deeply-cleft segments of a soft, papery texture, with both surfaces naked, and veinlets pinnate (once divided) in the lobes of the seoments. The small and abundant sori (spore masses) are disposed close to the midrib, and covered with a naked, firm, very distinctly reniform (kidney-shaped) involucre of a persistent nature.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 286. Rw AS 5 . SENG NS SNe \ Fig. 115. Frond of Nephrodium Arbuscula G@ nat. size), N. (Eunephrodium) Arbuscula — Eu-neph-ro’-di-um; Ar-bus’-cul-a (little tree), Desvaua. This handsome, stove species, of medium size and peculiarly distinctive in character, is a native of Ceylon, Amboyna, the Philippine, Solomon, and Mascarene Islands, the Neilgherries, and the Anamallay and Pulney Hills, NEPHRODIUM. 473 where, according to Beddome, it grows in beds of rivers at an elevation of 3000ft. to 4000ft. Its fronds, which are freely produced from a creeping rhizome (prostrate stem), are of a firm, parchment-like texture and borne on naked or slightly downy stalks 4in. to 8in. long; they are oblong-spear- shaped and measure 1ft. to 1}ft. in length and 6in. to 8in. in breadth. The leaflets, 3in. to 4in. long and din. broad, are slightly dented on the margin, closely set, and cut a quarter of the way (or less) down into blunt lobes, several of the lower pairs being short and distant (Fig. 115), much contracted, and frequently auricled (eared) above. The veinlets are distant, three or four on a side, and the sori (spore masses) are disposed in close rows. The whole of the plant is slightly hairy and of a most pleasing pale green shade. N. Hookeri is identical with this species—Hooker, Species Pilicum, iv., p. 74. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, ii., p. 440. Beddome, Ferns of Southern India, t. 87. N. (Eunephrodium) aridum — Eu-neph-ro’-di-um ; ar’-id-um (arid), Baker. A gigantic-growing, stove species, native of Northern India, the Philippines, and the Malayan Islands; it is particularly well adapted for planting out in the warm conservatory, where its magnificent fronds, which are of a somewhat upright habit, can attain their full development. These fronds are produced from a thick, decumbent rhizome (prostrate stem), and borne on erect, round, naked stalks 1ft. or more long; they are 3ft. to 4ft. long, 1ft. to 14ft. broad, and are furnished with leaflets 6m. to 9in. long, lin. broad, of a leathery texture, and cut about one-third of the way down into nearly triangular, sharp-pointed lobes. The veinlets are from eight to ten on a side, and the sori (spore masses) are disposed in rows about midway between the midrib and the edge.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 291. Beddome, Ferns of British India, t. 297. N. (Lastrea) aristatum—Las’-tre-a ; ar-is-ta’-tum (awned). Synonymous with N. Otaria. N. (Eunephrodium) articulatum—LEu-neph-ro’-di-um ; ar-tic-ul-a’-tum (articulated). A synonym of N. pennigerum. 4.74, THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS. N. (Lastrea) ascensionis — Las’-tre-a; as-cen-si-o/-nis (from the Island of Ascension), Hooker. A pretty, stove species, of small dimensions; its fronds, somewhat triangular in shape, and borne on short, stout stalks densely clothed with narrow scales of a dark brown colour, seldom attain 1ft. in length and Gin. in breadth, The leaflets, of a somewhat leathery texture, are imbricated (overlapping), the lower ones 3in. to 4in. long, 2in. broad, and divided into narrow-spear-shaped pinnules (leafits) cut down to the rachis (stalk) into nearly entire (undivided), oblong lobes, at the base of each of which there is a sorus (spore mass).—Hooker, Species Filicum, iv., p: 124, t. 257. | N. (Eunephrodium) asplenioides—Eu-neph-ro’-di-un ; as-ple’-ni-6-i/- des (Asplenium-like), Baker. This stove species, of medium dimensions, native of the West Indies, produces from a creeping rhizome (prostrate stem) fronds Ift. to 1ift. long, 4in. to din. broad, oblong in shape, simply pinnate (only once divided to the midrib) in their lower half, and borne on hairy stalks Gin. to 9in. long and of a greyish colour. The upper leaflets, closely set and entire (undivided), are oblong and blunt; those next in order are connected by a wing to the rachis (stalk of the leafy portion), bluntly lobed one-third of the way to the midrib, 2in, to 3in. long, and fin. broad; the lowest are distantly placed and grow gradually shorter. The texture is somewhat leathery, and the stalks and under-surface are finely hairy. The sori (spore masses), which are particularly small, are disposed in rows near the midrib.—Hooker, Species -Lilicum, iv., p. 65. N. (Lastrea) atratum—Las’-tre-a; a-tra/-tum (dark-coloured), This is synonymous with NV. hirtipes. N. (Lastrea) attenuatum — Las’-tre-a ; at-ten-t-a/-tum (attenuated, diminished), Baker. A stove species, of large dimensions, native of the Philippine Islands, with ample fronds 3ft. to 4ft. long, 2ft. broad, and borne on firm, naked stalks 1ft. or more long and of a glossy nature. The leaflets, Yin. to 12in. long and about 3in. broad, are very acuminate (terminating in a long, tapering point), the edge being cut three-quarters of the way down into entire, NEPHRODIUM. 475 spreading, blunt lobes, the lower ones of which are much reduced. The leaflets are of a somewhat leathery texture and have the sori (spore masses) disposed in a close row near the midrib.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 268. N. augescens—au-ges’-cens (enlarged). A synonym of JN. serra. N. (Lastrea) aureo-vestitum—Las’-tre-a ; au’-ré-o-ves-ti/-tum (golden- clothed), Hooker. This stove species, of medium dimensions, native of the West Indies, 1s particularly distinct on account of the bright golden colour of the long, narrow scales with which the stalks, about 6in. long, are densely clothed. The fronds, 1}ft. to 2ft. long and Gin. to 9in. broad, have their leaflets 3in. to 4in. long, about lin. broad, and cut down to the rachis (stalk of the leafy portion) into narrow-oblong lobes; they are of a soft, papery texture, and have their under-side naked, but the rachises* are, like the stalks, furnished with bright golden-coloured, narrow scales. There are seven or eight veinlets on each side, and the sori (spore masses) are disposed in a row on each side of, and close to, the midrib—Hooker, Species Frlicum, iv., p. 101, t. 246. N. (Lastrea) barbigerum—Las’-tre-a ; bar-big’-er-um (bearded), Hooker. A greenhouse species, of medium dimensions, native of the Himalayas. According to Beddome, it is found in Kumaon, Simla, and Sikkim, at altitudes varying between 12,000ft. and 13,000ft. Its fronds, borne on tufted stalks Gin. to 12in. long and densely clothed with large, bright brown scales, and soft, silky hairs, are 2ft. to 3ft. long and 6in. to 12in. broad. The spear- shaped leaflets, 4in. to 6in. long and 1tin. broad, are closely set and divided into oblong, blunt pinnules (leafits), the lower ones deeply cleft into lobes copiously furnished with awned teeth, and with their edge often incurved. The texture is soft and papery. The sori (spore masses) are disposed in rows close to the midrib of the pinnules.—Hooker, Species Filicum, iv., p. 118. Beddome, Ferns of British India, t. 227. N. (Sagenia) Barclayi—Sag-e’-ni-a ;\ Bar-clay’-i (Barclay’s), Baker. A species of medium dimensions, native of New Ireland, with fronds deltoid (in shape like the Greek delta, A), 14ft. each way, bipinnatifid (twice 476 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS. divided nearly to the midrib), and borne on nearly naked stalks of a blackish colour. They are composed of a terminal pinnatifid leaflet and four pairs of lateral ones, the lowest stalked and cut down to the rachis (stalk) below into spear-shaped pinnules (leafits). The fronds are of a parchment-like texture, dark green on both surfaces, and the small and numerous sori (spore masses) are disposed in two series on each side of the midrib.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 504. N. (Sagenia) Barteri—Sag-e'-ni-a; Bar’-ter-i (Barter’s), Baker. This strong-growing, stove species, native of Fernando Po, produces from a creeping rhizome (prostrate stem) fronds 2ft. to 8ft. long, 1ft. to 14ft. broad, borne on straw-coloured, naked stalks Ift. or more long. They are composed of an entire, oblong terminal leaflet 9in. to 12in. long, 3in. to 4in. broad, sharp-pointed at the extremity, and gradually narrowed to the base, and three or four pairs of similar lateral ones, all simple, the lowest slightly stalked. The fronds are of a somewhat leathery texture, with main veins distinct to the edge and Hin. apart; and the rather small sori (spore masses), disposed in two regular rows near the midveins, are covered with a minute involuecre of a fugacious nature.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, ps 299: N. (Lastrea) Beddomei—Las’-tre-a ; Bed-do/-me-i (Beddome’s), Baker. A stove species, closely related to the better-known N. noveboracense, but smaller, of a more slender nature, and of a firmer texture.— Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 267. N. (Lastrea) Bergianum This greenhouse Fern, of medium dimensions, native of Cape Colony and Las’-tre-a ; Berg-i-a’-num (Berg’s), Baker. Natal, and which, Baker says, is perhaps a variety of NV. patens with lower leaflets gradually reduced, has fronds 1ft. to 2ft. long, 6in. to 10in. broad, and borne on stalks 6in. to 12in. long, of a naked or finely hairy nature. The leaflets, of a soft, papery texture, 3in. to din. long and #in. broad, are cut down nearly to the rachis (stalk of the leafy portion) into close, entire lobes, more or less hairy on their under-side. The sori (spore masses), disposed along the midvein, are covered with a small involucre of a fugacious nature.— Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 269. NEPHRODIUM. 477 N. (Lastrea) Blumei — Las’-tre-a; Blu’-mé-i (Blume’s). Synonymous with N. intermedium. N. (Lastrea) Boivini—Las’-tre-a ; Boi-vi/-ni (Boivin’s), Baker. This gigantic-growing, stove species, native of Madagascar, is very distinct and ornamental. Its ample fronds, deltoid and quadripinnatifid (shaped like the Greek delta, A, and four times divided nearly to the midrib), have their lower leaflets also deltoid and stalked, 14ft. long, 1ft. broad, and divided into oblong-spear-shaped pinnules (leafits) wedge-shaped on the lower side at the base. These fronds are of a thin but firm texture, and their final lobes are blunt and nearly entire, the upper ones being somewhat sickle-shaped. They are of a dark green colour on both surfaces; the upper one is hairy, and the lower one is finely scaly on the ribs. The copious medium-sized sori (spore masses) are disposed close to the margin, and are covered by a fugacious involucre.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 501. N. (Lastrea) A stove species, of medium dimensions, native of the Bourbon and Bo’-je-ri (Bojer’s), Baker. Mauritius Islands, with fronds 14ft. to 2ft. long and nearly as broad, borne on straw-coloured stalks 6in. to Yin. long, with spear-shaped scales at the base only. The leaflets are overlapping, spear-shaped, sometimes Lft. long and 4in. broad, the lowest the largest; while their pinnules (leafits) are cut down to the rachis (stalk) below into oblong-strap-shaped and almost entire lobes of a soft, papery texture and naked on both surfaces. The sori (spore masses) are distant from the midrib, and are covered by a naked involucre of a firm nature.—Hooker, Species Filicum, iv., p. 126. N. (Lastrea) Boottii — Las’-tre-a; Boott/-i-i (Boott’s). A variety of N. spinulosum. N. (Lastrea) ‘-borneense—Las’-tre-a ; bor-ne-en’/-sé (Bornean), Hooker. This stove species, native of Borneo, is of somewhat similar habit to the better-known NV. flaccidum, from which it is, however, quite distinct through the more leathery texture of its spear-shaped fronds: these are lft. to 1}ft. long, 4in. to 6in. broad, and borne on firm, erect, naked stalks 6in. long and of a brown colour, It also differs from that species through its fronds being 478 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS. produced from a stout, wide-creeping, densely scaly rhizome (prostrate stem). The leaflets, 2in. to 3in. long and about Lin. broad, are cut down to a broadly- winged rachis (stalk) into narrow-oblong, notched lobes (Fig. 116), having about six veinlets on each side, with a sorus (spore mass) on each, disposed midway between the midrib and the edge, and covered by an involucre of leathery texture and of a persistent nature.—Hooker, Species Filicum, iv., p. lll; Second Century of Ferns, t. 93. Fig. 116. Frond of Nephrodium borneense (4 nat. size). N. (Lastrea) Boryanum—Las’-tre-a ; Bo-ry-a/-num (Bory’s), Baker. A greenhouse species, of large dimensions, native of the Himalayas (Beddome states that it grows on the Anamallay Hills at 3000ft. elevation, and in Sholas about Ootacamund, on the Neilgherries, at about 7000ft.); it is also found in Moulmein, Java, and Bourbon. Its ample fronds, 6ft. to 8ft. long and 2ft. to 3ft. broad, are borne on straw-coloured or brownish stalks 2ft. to 3ft. long, and produced from a strong, creeping rhizome (prostrate stem) of a fleshy nature, furnished with numerous coarse roots. The lower pinne (leaflets), which are 1ft. to 1}ft. long and 6in. broad, are divided into lanceolate pinnules (spear-shaped leafits) 3in. to 4in. long and cut down to a winged rachis (stalk of the leafy portion) into blunt, spreading, more or less toothed lobes. The texture of the fronds is soft and papery, and the spore masses are disposed in rows near the midrib.—Hooker, Species Filicum, iv., p. 133, Beddome, Ferns of Southern India, t. 97. NEPHRODIUM. 479 N. (Lastrea) Brackenridgei — Las’-tre-a; Brack-en-ridg’-é-1_ (Bracken- ridge’s), Baker. A stove species, native of Viti and the Samoan Islands, with oblong- spear-shaped fronds 2ft. to 4ft. long and Ift. to 13ft. broad, borne on grey stalks 2ft. to 3ft. long. The lower leaflets, which are short-stalked and furnished with a gland at the base, are cut down nearly or quite to the rachis (stalk) into close, sickle-shaped, sharp-poimted pinnules (leafits) of a somewhat leathery texture and dull green on both surfaces. The very small sori (spore masses) are disposed close to the midvein, and are covered by a firm, smooth involucre of a persistent nature.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 494. N. (Lastrea) Braunianum — Las’-tre-a; Brau-ni-a’-num (Braun’s), Hooker. This greenhouse species, of comparatively small dimensions, native of Columbia, has the general habit of plants of the section Sagenia. Its nearly triangular fronds, 1ft. to 14ft. long, 9in. broad, and borne on naked, blackish stalks lft. or more long, are cut down to a broadly-winged rachis (stalk) into pinnatifid (deeply-cleft) leaflets, of which the lowest pair are much the largest. The pinnules (leafits), of a soft, papery texture, have their lower side much developed and again pinnatifid, or cut into toothed, oblong lobes 4in. broad. The small and numerous sori (spore masses) are disposed at the ends of the veins.—Hooker, Species Pilicum, iv., p. 84. N. (Lastrea) Brunonianum—lLas’-tre-a ; Bru-no/-ni-a’/-num (Brown’s), Hooker. A very distinct, greenhouse species, native of the Himalayas, and said by Beddome to occur at Kumaon at an elevation of 12,000ft., in the Sikkim- Himalaya at 13,000ft., and in the Punjab at 15,000ft. Its narrow fronds, which are borne on tufted, black stalks 4in. to 6im. long, densely covered with large, spear-shaped, dark brown scales, although measuring Ift. to 1}ft. long, are seldom more than 4in. in breadth; they are furnished with numerous close, unequal, oblong-spear-shaped, blunt leaflets cut down half-way to the rachis (stalk of the leafy portion) into sharply-toothed, blunt lobes. The texture is soft and papery, and the abundant sori (spore masses) are disposed 480 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS. about midway between the edge and the midrib. F ig. 117 is reduced from Col. Beddome’s “Ferns of British India,” by the kind permission of the author.—Hooker, Species Filicum, iv., p. 113, t. 251. Beddome, Ferns of Lritish India, t. 37. ae 7) ae RNS } ty WEY, : ANN ZS ) AN Brinn ARS fiir AP \ THUY I. WS ye a3 Ww VA = A. wes a A 3 RE ene pseae eS Rees a SSAA yd, Sep EY pe Aes PIL S| Al eISSN RE RS = jeu . te Wi: 7} Ee: Sf: i Sa = S72 : Re ce Ses SZ QS rs Vz = a Lf SPER ASN EN ENES ES AYEI i Eng Pa ASELIES GS ES aS gS Ge ee vy pe es ye oN aN hs J RY yy CE Le WZZZ LCE —— LEE Fig, 117. Frond of Nephrodium Brunonianum (4 nat. size). N. (Lastrea) Buchanani—Las’-tre-a ; Bu-chan’-an-i (Buchanan’s), Baker. A distinct, stove species, native of Bourbon and Natal, with fronds deltoid (shaped like the Greek delta, A), 1ft. to 2ft. each way, quadripinnatifid (four times divided nearly to the midrib), and borne on tufted stalks Gin. to 12in. long, brownish at the base, straw-coloured upwards, and densely clothed with narrow, dark brown scales. The lower leaflets, also deltoid, are the largest and unequal-sided ; the others are equal and spear-shaped: all are of a moderately firm texture, naked on both surfaces, and of a bright green colour. The final lobes are strap-shaped and blunt, and are faintly toothed on the outer edge. The rather large sori (spore masses) are disposed along the midveins, and are not found on the lower part of the pinnules (leafits) ; they are covered by a smooth involucre of a persistent nature.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 499. N. (Lastrea) canum—Las’-tre-a ; ca/-num (hoary), Baker. A greenhouse species, somewhat resembling the better-known NV. molle, from which it is mainly distinguished by being slenderer in all its parts — Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 267. NEPHRODIUM. 481 N. (Lastrea) catopteron—Las’-tre-a ; cat-op’-ter-on (winged downwards), Hooker. This greenhouse species, native of Cape Colony, the Mascarene Islands, and the Guinea Coast, is of large dimensions, its ample fronds, borne on stalks 3ft. to 4ft. long and of a downy nature, usually measuring from Aft. to 6ft. in length and from 2ft. to 3ft. in breadth. The lower leaflets are oblong-spear-shaped, lft. to 14ft. long, and divided into close, spear-shaped pinnules (leafits), which in their turn are cut into oblong, bluntish, more or less deeply-cleft segments. The texture is soft and papery, the rachises (stalks of the leafy portion) are downy on both sides, their veinlets are forked, and the sori (spore masses) are covered by an indusium of firm texture——Aooker, Species Filicum, iv., p. 137. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, u., p. 440. N. (Lastrea) chinense—Las’-tre-a ; chi-nen’-sé (Chinese), Baker. A greenhouse species, of comparatively small dimensions, native of China, Korea, and Japan. Its nearly triangular fronds, 1ft. to 1}ft. long, 6in. to 9in. broad, and produced from a decumbent rhizome (prostrate stem), are borne on slender stalks about 6in. long, clothed throughout with narrow, dark brown scales; they are furnished with only a few leaflets, the lowest much the largest, of a soft, papery texture. The abundant sori (spore masses) are distant from the midrib.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 278. N. (Lastrea) chrysolobum — Las’-tre-a ; chry-sol/-ob-um (golden- lobed), Lée. This very pretty, greenhouse species, of small dimensions, native of Brazil and Columbia, though still rare in cultivation, is of great decorative value. Its elegant little fronds, 6in. to 9in. long, 3in. to 4in. broad, and borne on slender, tufted stalks 4in. to 6in. long, of a downy nature, have their leaflets cut down nearly to the rachis (stalk of the leafy portion) into close, blunt, entire lobes, the lowest pair deflexed and slightly stalked. The peculiarity of this little Fern is the golden-downy nature of the under-surface of its fronds, singularly contrasting with the glossy nature and dark green colour of the upper surface. The veinlets are from six to eight on a side, and the sori (spore masses) are situated at their extremity—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 262. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, u., p. 440. VOL, II, Daal 482 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS. N. (Sagenia) cicutarium—Sag-e’-ni-a; cic-u-ta/-ri-um (Cowbane-like), Baker. A rare, stove species, of medium dimensions, native of the Polynesian and Malayan Islands, the Neilgherries, the Himalayas (where it is found at 4000ft. elevation), Ceylon, &e.; it also extends from Cuba and Mexico southward to Brazil and Peru. Its fronds, of an elongated-triangular shape, 1ft. to 2ft. long and borne on brownish stalks 1ft. or more long, have their extremity deeply pinnate (cleft to the midrib), with sinuated (wavy), spear- shaped lobes. The three or four pairs of leaflets below this are deeply pinnatifid (cut nearly to the midrib) or pinnate below. The fronds are of a soft, papery texture, bright green and smooth on both surfaces; their main veins are distinct to the edge, and the rather large and somewhat kidney- shaped sori (spore masses) are disposed in two rows near the main veins and situated at the extremity of the free veinlets—Hooker, Species Filicum, iv., p- 48. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, ii., p. 440. Lowe, Ferns British and Exotic, vi., t. 45. N. (Lastrea) cirrhosum—Las’-tre-a ; cir-rho’-sum (tendrilled), Baker. A stove species, of comparatively small dimensions, native of the Island of St. Thomas, West Africa, with fronds 1ft. long and 6in. broad, borne on slender, tufted stalks 9in. to 12in. long and densely scaly, especially below. The leaflets, of a soft, papery texture, are cut down very nearly to the rachis (stalk) into narrow-oblong, entire lobes; these have five or six veinlets on each side, with the sori (spore masses) nearly terminal.—Hooker, Species Filicum, iv., p. 92, t. 244. N. (Lastrea) Clarkei—Las’-tre-a ; Clar’-ké-i (Clarke’s), Baker. This greenhouse species, native of Sikkim, is intermediate between N. apiciflorum and N. Filiz-mas, but quite different from either of these species in the general outline of its fronds, which are spear-shaped and gradually narrowed from the middle to both ends ; they vary from lft. to 2ft. in length, and from 3in. to din. in breadth, and are furnished with stalk- less leaflets. The texture is also more leathery, and the sori (spore masses), disposed very close to the midvein, are covered by a firm, smooth, persistent involucre.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 497. NEPHRODIUM. 483 N. (Sagenia) coadnatum This pretty and particularly distinct, stove species is a native of the Sag-e/-ni-a ; cd-ad-na/-tum (united), Wallich. East Indies and the Island of Ceylon. Its smooth, elongated, triangular fronds, 2ft. to 3ft. long, produced from a stout, scaly, and somewhat creeping rhizome (prostrate stem), are bipinnate (twice divided to the midrib), being furnished with leaflets the inferior leafits of which are longer than the superior ones. The round and prominent sori (spore masses) are disposed close to the margin of the lobes.—Lowe, Ferns British and Ezotic, vi., t. 50. N. (Lastrea) cochleatum — Las’-tre-a ; coch-lé-a’-tum (spirally twisted like a snail-shell), Don. This very curious Fern, native of the Neilgherries, where it is found at various elevations between 5000ft. and 6000ft., and of the Anamallay Hills and other localities, where it is abundant at from 2500ft. to 4000ft. elevation, has been described by some authors as a distinct species, whereas by others it has been considered as only a form of N. filix-mas. Under cultivation it has retained its distinctive characters, which do not belong to the Filix-mas group, and which consist in peculiarities of the fertile fronds. Beddome, in his excellent work, says: “This very curious species is only to be found in fructification in cold weather. The fertile fronds, when they first appear in October or November, are quite contracted and covered with one mass of fructification; they die off again in January or February. I have never detected any appearance of fructification on the broader sterile leaves, which are growing all the year round, and it is quite an error, I think, to suppose that the enlarged sorus is the effect of a disease.” From Beddome’s statement it will be seen that the fertile fronds are produced from a second and distinct growth, and not until the autumn, whereas the barren ones are produced all the year round; also that while the fertile fronds are wholly contracted, the barren ones, of much larger dimensions, often measure 3ft. long. The latter are borne on stalks sometimes scaly, but often quite smooth, and rising from a stout, erect stem.—Beddome, Ferns of Southern India, t. 115. N. (Lastrea) concinnum—lLas’-tre-a ; con-cin’-num (neat), Baker. A yery distinct and pretty, stove species, whose habitat extends from Mexico to Chili, Its oblong-spear-shaped fronds, produced from a wide- 212 48 4 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS. creeping rhizome (prostrate stem), and borne on naked or slightly hairy stalks 6in, to 12in. long, are 14ft. to 2ft. long, 6in. to 8in. broad, and furnished with leaflets cut down nearly to the rachis (stalk) into spreading or sickle-shaped lobes of a somewhat leathery texture. There are from six to eight veinlets on each side, and the sori (spore masses), disposed close to the margin, are covered with a minute, ciliated, fugacious involucre.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 268. Beddome, Ferns of Southern India, t. 247. N. (Sagenia) confluens—Sag-e’-ni-a ; con’-flti-ens (cohering), F. Mueller. A greenhouse species, of very distinct appearance, native of Queensland, with fronds deltoid (in shape of the Greek delta, A), 1ft. to 14ft. each way, and tripinnatifid (three times divided nearly to the midrib). Their lowest leaflets, which are the largest and also deltoid, are unequal-sided and furnished with large, spear-shaped pinnules (leafits), the lowest of which are deeply lobed. The fronds are of a moderately firm texture, bright green on both surfaces, and densely hairy on the ribs. The large sori (spore masses), disposed in one row near the main veins, are covered with a small involucre of a fugacious nature.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 504. N. (Lastrea) costale—Las’-tre-a ; cos-ta’-lé (on the midrib), Baker. This is a stove species, native of Venezuela, with broadly spear-shaped fronds 1}ft. long, furnished with numerous sessile (stalkless) leaflets, strap- shaped and sharp-pointed, 4in. long, lin. broad, cut down to a narrow wing into blunt lobes of a parchment-like texture, smooth and of a dull green colour on both surfaces. The densely-produced sori (spore masses) are disposed on the midvein, and covered with a persistent, reddish, kidney-shaped, and bristly involucre-—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 495. N. (Lastrea) crassifolium — Las’-tre-a ; cras-sif-ol/-i-um (thick-leaved), Hooker. A stove species, of medium dimensions, native of the Philippines and the Malaccas, with fronds 13ft. to 2ft. long, 8in. to 12in, broad, and borne on tufted stalks lft. or more long and of a slightly hairy nature. The leaflets, of a peculiarly thick, leathery texture, are 4in. to 6in. long, lin. to lin. broad, and divided into blunt, sickle-shaped lobes reaching from half to NEPHRODIUM. A85 two-thirds of the way down to the rachis (stalk), the lower ones being distinctly stalked. The lobes have ten to twelve veinlets on a side, and the sori (spore masses) are situated close to the midrib.—Hooker, Species Filicum, iv., p. 114. Beddome, Ferns of British India, t. 199. N. (Eunephrodium) crinipes — Eu-neph-ro’-di-um ; eri-nip’-és (hairy- footed), Hooker. This strong-growing, stove species, is a native of the sub-tropical region of Sikkim-Himalaya, where it is found at an altitude of 1000ft. Its fronds, 2ft. to 8ft. long and 8in. to 12in. broad, are borne on stout, erect stalks Ltt. to Lift. long, densely covered with long, shaggy, dark brown scales which extend from their base about half-way up the leafy portion. The whole plant is of a peculiarly upright habit and hairy throughout. The leaflets, which affect. a position more horizontal than usual, are 4in. to 6in. long, about {in. broad, and deeply toothed—in fact, cut half-way down to the rachis (stalk) into close, narrow-oblong lobes of a soft, papery texture, dark green above, and naked on both sides. The lobes have six to eight veinlets on a side, and the sori (spore masses) are disposed close to the midvein.—Hooker, Species Pilicum, iv., p. 71. Beddome, Ferns of british India, t. 263. N. (Lastrea) crinitum—Las’-tre-a ; cri-ni’-tum (hairy), Desvauwe. A stove species, native of Mauritius and Bourbon Island, with broadly- triangular fronds 1ft. to 2ft. long, 8in. to 12in. broad, borne on stout, upright stalks Gin. to 12in. long, densely clothed with purplish-brown, narrow, curly scales. The leaflets, 4in. to 6in. long, lin. broad, and of a soft, papery texture, are cut down nearly to the rachis (stalk) into slightly sickle-shaped, narrow- oblong lobes in which there are nine to twelve veinlets on a side, with the sori (spore masses) disposed along the midvein.—Hooker, Species filicum, vv, p: ald. N. (Lastrea) cristatum—Las’-tre-a ; cris-ta/-tum (crested), Michauc. It is not very clear why this hardy species, native of Central and Northern ‘Europe, from the British Islands to the Ural Mountains and the Caucasus, also of various parts of North America, was named cristatwm, as its fronds never show any sign of cristation. Its popular name, however, in this country is 486 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS. “Crested Shield Fern,” or “Crested Buckler Fern,” and in America it is known as the “ Crested Wood Fern.” According to Haton, it is found growing in swampy woods and wet thickets, sometimes in wet meadows or open bogs, from Newfoundland and New Brunswick to the Slave River and Lake Winnipeg, - and extending southward to West Virginia, Kentucky, and Arkansas. The same authority adds that in the United States it is less abundant than N, marginale and N. Thelypteris, but commoner than N. Goldieanum. As a Fern indigenous to Great Britain it is very local. NV. cristatum is a singular and beautiful species, of upright habit. Its narrow-oblong, spear-shaped fronds, usually 1ft. to 14ft. long, 3in. to 5in. Fig. 118, Frond of Nephrodium cristatum GQ nat. size). broad, and borne on tufted stalks Gin. 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 indusium (covering) has been shed. They are produced from a rootstock creeping just below the surface of the ground, 5in. to 6in. long, chaffy with large, thin, light brown, ovate scales, which also cover the stalks and are more or less persistent on the lower part of the stalks. The leaflets, of a soft, papery texture, are broadly triangular near the base, being more elongated near the centre of the frond (Fig. 118); they are cut down nearly, or quite, to the base below into broad, blunt, oblong, slightly-cleft pinnules (leafits), NEPHRODIUM. 487 which are also of a blunt nature. The fructification usually occupies the upper half of the frond; the numerous round sori (spore masses) are disposed close to the midvein, and covered with a flat, kidney-shaped involucre of a fugacious nature.—Hooker, Species Filicum, iv., p. 121. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, iv., p. 573. Lowe, Ferns British and Exotic, vi., t. 20. Laton, Ferns of North America, i., t. 66. Considered as a purely British species, the Crested Buckler Fern is one of our rarest plants. It has been found on boggy heaths, among coarse grass, at the Lows, on Holt Heath; at Fritton, near Yarmouth, in Suffolk, and on Surlingham Road, near Norwich, in Norfolk; at Westleton and at Bexley, near Ipswich, in Suffolk; on Oxton Bogs, in Nottinghamshire ; near Madeley, in Staffordshire ; and on Wybunbury Bog, in Cheshire. In Ireland it has been discovered at Rathronan, near Clonmel. There are no records of its having ever been found either in Scotland or in the West of England. In Gerarde’s “Herbal,” edited by Dr. Johnson, the latter says that “it then (1633) grew plentifully in the boggy, shadowy moors near Durnford Abbey, in SUSSEX, -and also on the moist, shadowy rocks by Maple Durham, near Petersfield, in Hampshire.” Ray, in his “Historia Plantarum,” also states that Mr. Goodyer had found it, not only in Sussex, but also in many other places in England. In its native situations it appears to prefer growing on the sides of large tufts of Aira cespitosa and other swamp-loving grasses. Owing to its native places being boggy situations, NV. cristaium 1s somewhat difficult to grow successfully for any length of time. As an outdoor Fern, if planted in peaty soil near the water, it will flourish as well as in its native habitat, but in less favourable situations it will become weaker every year, until it finally, in two or three years, dies. Mr. W. Reeve, who grew it most successfully, gives the following directions for its cultivation: “The Lastrea cristata is a very useful plant for adorning the moist, shady parts of the rockery and shrubbery, as well as for growing in pots. Those who wish to grow it as a pot plant must drain well and give the plants a compost of loam and fibrous peat in equal parts, with a free admixture of silver sand ; and plenty of room will be required as the plant increases in size. It prefers being grown in a damp, shady, and cool rather than hot situation. When grown in a high temperature, the unfolding fronds become long and weak, the plant loses its beauty and oftentimes damps quite off, or dwindles away. 488 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS. It is well adapted for damp, shady places, the shaded part of a rockery included, where it will grow well in a compost of loam and peat with a little grit (fine stones or small crocks) mixed with it. It may be increased by sowing the ripe fructification, which will be in a fit state by the end of the summer. All plants in pots should be plunged, or other means taken to keep the roots constantly cool and moist.” Little variation, besides that resulting from the various habitats in which it is found growing spontaneously, is observable among the many plants of Crested Buckler Fern which have come under our notice, and the following are the only two accepted as distinct varieties : | N. ec. Clintonianum—Clin-ton-i-a’-num (Clinton’s), Zaton. This variety, of much larger dimensions than the typical species, is, according to Eaton, of essentially North American origin, “being found in Canada, New England, New York, New Jersey, Ohio, and Wisconsin, but not occurring in Europe.” Its robust fronds, 2Hft. to 4ft. long, have their leaflets oblong-spear-shaped ; these are broadest at the base, where they are 4in. to 6in. long and lin. to 2in. broad; their divisions, more numerous than in the typical plant, and either crowded or somewhat distant, are narrow- oblong, blunt, and finely toothed; the basal leaflets are sometimes pinnately lobed. The sori (spore masses), situated near the midvein, are covered with a roundish or kidney-shaped, naked, smooth indusium. According to the same authority, this variety has, in America, often been mistaken for N. Goldieanum, from which it palpably differs in having fertile and barren fronds unlike, also in the narrow outline of the fertile fronds, and especially in having all the leaflets broadest at the base instead of in the middle.— Eaton, Ferns of North America, ii., p. 156. N. c. uliginosum—u-li-gin-o’-sum (marsh-loving), Newman. This variety, which is of a much more upright habit than the species, is also of a more robust, or at least more enduring, constitution ; for, although constantly found growing in company with the species, it flourishes in the open Fernery in situations which would prove fatal to N. cristatum. It also differs from the species through its fructification ripening earlier in the summer—towards the middle of June instead of the end of July—and its NEPHRODIUM. 489 foliage fades away in autumn, shrivelling up in a similar manner to what is observed with the Lady Fern, whilst NV. cristatwm remains green far into the winter, its fronds not shrivelling up, but breaking near the ground and thus causing them to be prostrate long before they have faded away. The variety uliginosum is given in the “Synopsis Filicum” as a connecting link between NV. cristatum and N. spinulosum, the barren fronds most resembling the former, and the fertile ones the latter. Both kinds of frond occupy an erect. position and are borne on long stalks, which make them appear naked about half their length; they are broader than in the typical species ; their pinnules or leafits, smaller and more numerous, are also more sharply pointed, more deeply cut, and furnished with sharp teeth at their extremity ; and the fructification, of a conspicuous colour, extends over the whole under-side of the frond.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 273. Lowe, Ferns british and Exotic, vi., p. 60. N. (Lastrea) cubense—Las’-tre-a ; cub-en’-sé (Cuban), Baker. A stove species, native of Cuba, with much-divided fronds like those of the better-known NV. denticulatum, but not so sharply cut—AHooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 501. N. (Eunephrodium) cucullatum — Eu-neph-ro’-di-um ; cuc-ul-la’-tum (hood-like), Baker. This stove species, of medium dimensions, native of Northern India, Ceylon, the Malaccas, and Fiji, has fronds 1ft. to 2ft. long and 8in. to 12in. broad, borne on strong, upright stalks of a brownish colour and nearly naked. The leaflets, 4in. to 6in. long and 3in. broad, are cut down one-third of the way: to the rachis (stalk of the leafy portion) into triangular, sharp-pointed, somewhat sickle-shaped lobes of a leathery texture, the lower leaflets dwindling down suddenly to mere auricles. The sori (spore masses) are nearly terminal on the veinlets, eight to ten of which are found on each side of a lobe.— Hooker, Species Filicum, iv., p. 81. N. (Eunephrodium) Cumingianum—Ev-neph-ro’-di-um ; Cum-ing-i- a/-num (Cuming’s), J. Smith. This is a very distinct, stove species, of small dimensions, native of Panama, with ligulate (strap-shaped) fronds 3in. to 4in. long and 3in. to #in, 490 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS broad, gradually narrowed at both ends, entire (undivided) or slightly sinuated (wavy-edged) ; they are of a somewhat leathery texture, with both surfaces naked, and are borne on slender, naked stalks 2in. to 4in. long. The veins, which are forked, are disposed in groups of two or three on each side.— Hooker, Species Filicum, iv., p. 63. N. (Lastrea) Currori—lLas’-tre-a ; Cur-ro’-ri (Curror’s), Baker. A stove species, of large dimensions, native of Equatorial Guinea, with ample fronds deltoid (in shape of the Greek delta, A) and four times divided nearly to the midrib. The lowest leaflets, produced on the lower side, are oblong-spear-shaped, stalked, 1}ft. to 14ft. long, 6in. to 8in. broad, and cut into pinnules (leafits) which are further divided into close, broadly spear-shaped, deeply-cleft lobes of a moderately firm texture, dull green on both sides, and thinly clothed with shining, brown hairs. The sori (spore masses), of medium size, are situated close to the midvein, and are covered with a smooth inyolucre of a fugacious nature.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 500. N. (Lastrea) cuspidatum—Las’-tre-a ; cus-pid-a’-tum (pointed), Baker. This greenhouse species, native of Ceylon, possesses qualities which render it most valuable either as a pot plant or as a distinct subject 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 of a somewhat papery texture and of a glossy dark green colour, which, however, is relieved by the beautiful and refreshing claret-colour of the stalks, the two tints forming a pleasing and most decided contrast. The sori (spore masses), disposed in rows close to the midvein, are covered with a fugacious involucre-—Hooker, Species Filicum, iv., p. 234. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 440. Beddome, Ferns of British India, t. 118. N. (Eunephrodium) cyatheoides—Eu-neph-ro’-di-um ; cy-ath-é-6-i’-des (Cyathea-like), Aaulfuss. A very handsome, but rare, greenhouse species, native of the Sandwich Islands and Sumatra. Its ample fronds, simply pinnate (only once divided NEPHRODIUM. 491 to the midrib), 2ft. to 3ft. long, 1ft. or more broad, and borne on strong, naked, glossy, greyish stalks I1ft. to 2ft. long, are furnished with closely- set, spreading leaflets 4in. to Gin. 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 (spore mass) on each, close to the main vein.— Hooker, Species Filicum, iv., p. 76, t. 241. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, ii., p. 440. N. (Lastrea) davallioides — Las’-tre-a ; day-al-li-d-i’-des (Davallia-like), Baker. This large-growing, stove species, native of Fiji, Tahiti, and Samoa, produces from a stout, wide-creeping rhizome (prostrate stem) fronds 3ft. to 4ft. long and 2ft. or more broad, borne on strong stalks 1ft. to 2ft. long, of a brownish colour, and densely scaly at the base only ; they are deltoid (in shape of the Greek delta, A), with lower leaflets 1ft. long and nearly as broad. The leaflets are divided into pinnules (leafits) of similar shape, and these in their turn are cut into either spear-shaped or deltoid segments, the lobes of which are deeply cleft. The texture is somewhat leathery, and the small and abundant. sori (spore masses) are covered with a firm, kidney- shaped involucre.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 287. N. (Lastrea) decipiens—Las’-tre-a ; de-cip’-i-ens (deceiving), Hooker. A greenhouse species, of small dimensions, native of China, with broadly spear-shaped fronds Sin. to 10in. long and 4in. to 5in. broad, and spreading leaflets Qin. to 3in. long, with the edge very slightly but broadly toothed. These leaflets, of a somewhat leathery texture and naked on both surfaces, have their sori (spore masses) disposed in two rows near the midrib.—Hooker, Species Filicum, iv., p. 86, t. 243. N. (Lastrea) decompositum—Las’-tre-a ; de-com-pos’-it-um (decom- pound, much cut), R. Brown. This very handsome, greenhouse species, native of Australia, Tasmania, New Zealand, Tahiti, and the Fiji Islands, is very variable in size, cutting, 492 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS. and texture. Its fronds, lft. to 2ft. long and Ift. broad, are produced from a wide-creeping rhizome (prostrate stem) and borne on firm stalks 1ft. to Ife. long and scaly only at the base. They are broadly triangular, with their lowest leaflets much the largest (Fig. 119), sometimes measuring 9in. lone and 4in. broad: these are divided into spear-shaped and more or less deeply-cleft pinnules (leafits), with unequal-sided, deeply-cleft, and lobed segments. The rachis (stalk of the leafy portion) and under-side of the frond, which is of a soft, papery texture, are more or less woolly, and the rather large and Fig. 119, Frond of Nephrodium decompositum G nat. size). prominent sori (spore masses) are placed midway between the midrib and the edge.—Hooker, Species Filicwm, iv., p. 146. Micholson, Dictionary of Gardening, ii., p. 440. Lowe, Ferns British and Enotic, vi., t. 33. This species is of comparatively easy culture, and is altogether a most desirable plant. 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, as it is of a neat and compact habit. N. d. glabellum—glab-el’-lum (smoothish), Cunningham. This is an exquisite variety, native of New Zealand, and differing from the species mainly in its dimensions and in the nature of its fronds. Its full NEPHRODIUM. 493 size is from lift. to 1}ft. high, but it is oftener seen as a compact little specimen not exceeding lft. in height. Its delicate and finely-divided fronds, produced in great abundance from an underground-creeping rhizome, are of a somewhat triangular form, and are borne on short, light-haired stalks, contrasting agreeably with the glossy nature of the leafy portion of the fronds. — Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 281. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, u., p. 440. N. d. glabellum is well adapted for pot culture, or for planting in nooks in the rockery where there is but little soil or space at disposal. It is also a capital plant for Fern-cases, as generally seen in dwelling-rooms, where it grows luxuriantly, its tender, soft green colour forming a striking contrast with plants of a darker hue. The beauty of this variety is readily destroyed by watering or syringing overhead, which causes the fronds, young or old, to assume a brownish, sickly appearance. N. (Sagenia) decurrens—Sag-e’-ni-a ; de-cur’-rens (decurrent), Baker. This must not be confounded with the plant usually found in collections as Lastrea decurrens of J. Smith (N. decursivo-pinnatum of Baker), which is totally different. The present one is a stove species, of large dimensions, native of Northern India, Ceylon, the Philippines, the Malaccas, Formosa, Aneiteum, Fiji, and Samoa. Its singular fronds, 2ft. to 4ft. long, 1ft. or more broad, are cut down to a winged stalk into four to eight pairs of sinuated (wavy-edged), narrow-oblong leaflets 6in. to 12in. long and lin. to in. broad, the two lowest sometimes forked. They are of a somewhat leathery texture, and the large and prominent sori (spore masses) are disposed in two regular rows between the principal veins.—Hooker, Species Lilicum, iv., p. 47. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 449. Beddome, Ferns of Southern India, t. 245. N. (Lastrea) decursivo-pinnatum—de-cur-si’-vo—pin-na/-tum (appearing as if pinnate, while the leaflets are connected with the stalk by a narrow wing), Baker. This is the plant which in gardens is usually known as Lastrea decurrens of J. Smith. It is a greenhouse or half-hardy species, of small dimensions and of deciduous nature, native of Japan, China, and Formosa, 4.94, THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS. and one entirely distinct from any other species in cultivation. Its fronds, which are produced from a succulent, underground-creeping rhizome covered with chaffy, greyish scales, are borne on tufted stalks, which are 3in. to 4in. long and clothed throughout with narrow scales of a particularly light colour. These fronds are upright in habit, 1ft. or more in length, 3in. to 4in. broad, and furnished with narrow leaflets lin. to Qin. long and Hin. broad. The edges of the leaflets are more or less deeply cleft, and the bases are connected by a broad, lobed wing, the lower ones reduced and sometimes distinct. The texture is soft and papery, the under-side slightly hairy, and the copious scattered sori (spore masses) are covered with a minute indusium of a fugacious nature.—Hooker, Species Hilicum, iv., p. 231; Second Century of Ferns, t. 49. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, ii., p. 440. Lowe, Ferns British and Exotic, vi., t. 6. N. (Lastrea) deltoideum—has’-tre-a; del-toid’-é-um (delta-shaped), Desvauc. Undoubtedly this beautiful, stove species, found at the same time in Jamaica and in Southern India, is one of the most distinct evergreen species contained in the genus. Although in its native habitats its fronds are said to attain 2ft. in length and 8in. in breadth, it is very seldom indeed, under cultivation, that they exceed 14ft. in height; they are borne on tufted stalks gin. to 6in. long, densely clothed with narrow scales, and pinnate nearly to the base. The disposition of the leaflets is most peculiar: the first eight or ten pairs, in the lower part of the frond, are reduced in size, measuring only about din. in length; whereas the others, which are bluntly lobed, are 2in. to 4in. long, about lin. broad, and cut two-thirds of the way down into close, entire lobes of a leathery texture, and nearly naked on their under-side. The very prominent veinlets are disposed eight to ten on each side, and the sori (spore masses) are situated nearer the edge than the midrib and covered with an involucre of a very fugacious nature.—Hooker, Species Filicum, iv., p. 108. N. (Eunephrodium) denticulatum—Eu-neph-ro’-di-um ; den-tic-ul- a’-tum (having small teeth), Hooker. A stove species, of medium dimensions, whose habitat extends from the West Indies and Guatemala to South Brazil. Its triangular fronds, lft. to NEPHRODIUM. 495 2ft. long and 8in. to 12in. broad, are borne on tufted stalks, which are Ift. or more in length, densely clothed with narrow scales at the base and naked above. The lower leaflets are much the largest, and the lowest pinnules (leafits), larger than the others, are spear-shaped with their segments again pinnate, being cut into spathulate (spoon-shaped) lobes furnished with spiny teeth. The texture is leathery, and the abundant sori (spore masses) are scattered over the whole under-surface.—Hooker, Species Irilicum, iv., p. 147. N. (Lastrea) deparioides—tLas’-tre-a ; dep-ar-i-5-i/-des (Deparia-like), Hooker. This greenhouse species, of medium size, native of Ceylon and Southern India, where, according to Beddome, it is found on the Anamallay Hills, though not in abundance, possesses a character unique in the genus through the position of its sori (spore masses), which are quite terminal, thus giving the plant the appearance of a Deparia. Its oblong-spear-shaped fronds, 14ft. to 2ft. long and 8in. to 10in. broad, are borne on firm stalks lft. or more long and slightly scaly below. The lower leaflets, 4in. to Gin. long, 2in. broad, and spear-shaped, are cut down to the rachis (stalk of the leafy portion) into unequal-sided, stalked, triangular pinnules (leafits), whose broad, blunt, nearly quadrangular lobes are furnished with very distinct and prominent teeth. The texture is soft and papery, and the sori (spore masses), terminal in the teeth, are quite concealed by convex involucres.—Hooker, Species Hilicum, iv., p. 189; Filices HExoticw, t. 3. Beddome, Ferns of Southern India, t. 104. N. (Lastrea) dilatatum—Las’-tre-a ; di-la-ta’-tum (enlarged), Desvaua. Although given in the “Synopsis Filicum” as simply a variety of N. spinulosum, also of Desvaux, this strong-growing, perfectly hardy Fern, popularly known in England as the “ Broad, Prickly-toothed Buckler Fern,” possesses such distinctive characters, and has been accepted in commerce as a species for such an indefinite space of time, that we cannot deprive it of its specific rank, which has been acknowledged by such authorities as Smith and Swartz under the generic appellation of Aspidiwm, and by Babington, Lindley, Moore, Presl, Sowerby, and others under that of Lastrea. With the object of making it perfectly clear for future reference, it is perhaps well 496 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS. to point out the marked differences existing in the two plants under the respective names which, for once differmg from the authors of ‘ Synopsis Filicum,” we intend retaining in this work. The caudex or rootstock of NV. dilatatum is not of a Fig. 120. Frond and Fertile Pinna of Nephrodium dilatatum (Frond, much reduced; Pinna, 4 nat. size). creeping character; it is large, erect, and almost entitled to be described as arborescent, for miniature stems or trunks 1ft. to 14ft. high are fre- quently met with in a wild state. The rootstock of NV. spinulosum, on the contrary, is of a decidedly creeping nature; and, although spreading slowly, yet in old plants it reaches to a certain distance and sends up numerous crowns or tufts of fronds. In N. dilatatum the crown is usually solitary, though sometimes two or three may be found growing so close together as to form one solid mass; when fully developed this is of the size of a man’s fist and densely covered with large scales of a bright, dark brown colour, almost triangular and of a deciduous nature, and the fronds produced from the same are disposed in a symmetrical, circular cluster bearing some resemblance to the capital of a Corinthian column. The fronds are more decompound (finely divided) than those of JN. spinulosum, which are produced from small, whitish crowns and disposed in irregular tufts. In habit and colour they are also different, for, while in N. dilatatum the entire fronds, which frequently attain 6ft. in length and 13ft, in breadth, are either upright or spreading and of a dark green (oats “yeu ¥) pulissiunsaja aurlumdsouwAy NEPHRODIUM., A497 colour above and paler beneath, those of V. spinulosum, seldom more than 1dft. long and 8in. broad, are of a delicate light green colour on both sides and perfectly flat. Further, in N. dilatatum the pinnules (leafits) and their sub-divisions are usually more or less twisted or contorted. From the above comparisons it will at once be seen that great outward differences exist between the two plants, which, we contend, should remain totally distinet, especially when we take into consideration the fact that N. dilatatum is an extremely variable Fern, differing in form and stature according to the situation in which it grows. Thus, when found in a spot which is wet in the spring and dried up in the summer, as on the margin of a pond, its fronds are large, quite drooping, and of a peculiar dark colour. A dry and rocky or a confined situation renders the fronds smaller and less divided, their pinnules (leafits) being then blunt, deflexed, or drooping ; whereas permanent wet will elongate the fronds and separate the leaflets and also their divisions. The fructification is abundant, the sori (spore masses) being situated nearer the midvein than the edge (Fig. 120); at first they are swollen and kidney-shaped, but the indusium (covering), when bursting, becomes circular, with a deep cut or depression in its lower side.—Lowe, Our Native Ferns, i., t. 32; Ferns British and Ezotic, vi., t. 27. Correvon, Les Fougeres Rustiques, p. 140. N. dilatatum is not only distributed over all parts of Europe (where its existence is recorded from Lapland to Portugal and Spain), but it is dispersed through the whole world: thus, it is found in Asia, in Kamtschatka; in Africa, in the Azores; in America, in Canada and on the Rocky Mountains ; whereas in England it is so common that no locality need be specified. On account of its decorative qualities as well as for its hardihood, it must be acknowledged as one of the most valuable Ferns known for the adornment of the rockery or the shrubbery, as 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. It is, therefore, well adapted for the shaded side or base of the rockery, and as it will, when once established in a favourable position, attain large dimensions, forethought will be required in planting, so that it may not smother the smaller-growing species. If grown as a pot-plant, N. dilatatum must be allowed a moderate space for its roots, and it prefers a compost of fibrous VOL. Il, 2K 498 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS. loam, peat, and sand, in about equal proportions. 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 varieties of N. dilatatum found growing spontaneously or produced by cultivation are very numerous. Moore, in his ‘“Nature-printed Ferns,” describes eighteen of them as most distinct, and in a list published in 1865, Mr. P. Neill Fraser, of Canonmills Lodge, Edinburgh, enumerates no less than sixty-five varieties. E. J. Lowe, in his excellent work, “Our Native Ferns,” while describing sixty varieties, illustrates no less than forty-three of them. The following are the most distinct of those at present known, many of those included in the above-named lists having disappeared from cultivation : N. d. angustipinnulum—an-gus-tip-in’-nul-um (having narrow leafits), Moore. A singular form, originally found in Lancashire. Its curious fronds, about Ift. long and bipinnate (twice divided to the midrib), are to a certain extent depauperated (impoverished), their pinnules (leafits) being rather distant and narrow, about lin. long, and unequally toothed on their margins, while near the extremity of the fronds they are shortened into irregular, roundish lobes.—Lowe, Our Native Ferns, i., fig. 259. N. d. Chanterize—Chan-te’-ri-x (Mrs. Chanter’s), Moore. A beautiful and very distinct variety, originally found in tolerable abundance at Hartland, in North Devon. Its handsome fronds, 2ft. long, are oblong-spear-shaped, abruptly narrowing at the base, and narrowing into a long tail-like process at their summit. The leaflets, 34in. long, 1}in. broad, and twisted upwards, have their basal pinnules (leafits) oblong and very blunt at the extremity. The small and numerous sori (spore masses) are disposed in a single line on either side near the midrib of the small pinnules and on the lobes of the larger ones.—Lowe, Our Native Ferns, i., fig. 245. N. d. collinum—col-li/-num (hill-loving), Newman. This variety, usually known as “Pinder's Hill Prickly-toothed Buckler Fern,” has its leaflets situated distant from one another and particularly spreading.—Lowe, Ferns British and Exotic, vi., p. 79; NEPHRODIUM. : 499 N. d. compactum—com-pac’-tum (compact), Svm. A very distinct variety, of small dimensions, raised from spores at Mr. R. Sim’s Nursery, at Foot’s Cray, Kent. The fronds, 4in. to 8in. long and borne on short stalks, are short-triangular, thick in texture, and of a very leafy nature. The broad and closely-set leaflets are blunt at their extremity, and their overlapping pinnules (leafits) are somewhat variable in outline.— Lowe, Our Native Ferns, i., fig. 257. N. d. crispum—cris’-pum (curled), Moore. A thick-textured variety, with fronds of normal size and shape, but differing from those of the species through the conspicuously curled or crisped nature of the pinnules (leafits), which are of a very dark green colour. It was originally found in the neighbourhood of Nettlecombe.— Lowe, Our Native Ferns, i., fig. 244. N. d. cristatum—cris-ta’-tum (crested), Moore. This pretty and distinct variety, originally found near Doncaster and subsequently in Devonshire, differs from the species solely by its broader and somewhat shorter fronds having their extremity, as also that of their leaflets, usually twice-forked and forming blunt, flat, spreading crests. The leaflets are not all recularly crested, but where not so they are enlarged, showing a tendency to forking.—Lowe, Our Native Ferns, 1., fig. 237. N. d. dumetorum—du-me-to’-rum (thicket-bush-like), Moore. A dwarf variety, whose fronds, seldom exceeding 10in. in length, have a pleasing, crisped appearance, owing to the upper surface of their leaflets being of a pinched and puckered nature, quite distinct from all other known varieties. The very abundant, large, and distinct sori (spore masses) are covered with indusia conspicuously fringed and provided with stalked glands. This form has been found in Silverthwaite, Westmoreland ; at Challacombe, in Devonshire ; at Ingleborough, in Yorkshire; in Argyleshire, Aberdeenshire, and Ross-shire, in Scotland; also in Ireland and in the Isle of Man.—Lowe, Our Native Ferns, 1., fig. 231. | N. d. gracile—erac’-il-é (slender), Lowe. This lax, slender form, of Hemlock-like appearance when growing vigorously, was originally found in the Island of Arran, Its fronds, borne 2x2 500 TE” BOOK OF (CHOICES TERNS. on stalks about Ift. long and densely scaly, are about Ift. long and Qin. broad in the middle. Their leaflets are distant, and the pinnules (leafits), sometimes opposite, sometimes alternate, are long, narrow, and more or less rounded at the extremity, where they are sometimes forked.—Lovwe, Our Native Ferns, i., fig. 263. N. d. grandiceps—geran’-dic-eps (large-headed), Moore. A remarkable variety, originally found at Windermere, and probably the most beautifully-crested known form of N. dilatatum. Tts handsome fronds, of normal size, show a great development Bt, sf of the crests, which are disposed with constant a a me regularity and symmetry at the end of each leaflet, els I besides a very large one at the extremity of the frond itself (Fig. 121). SSIES N. d. Mowardii — How-ar’-di-i (Howard’s), Monkman. This unique variety is the most remarkable form of N. dilatatum that has yet been discovered. The name Howardii, according to Lowe, was given in compliment to the LHarl of Carlisle, and in acknowledgment of the interest his Lordship has taken in the Ferns of the Castle Howard district. Fig, 121. Frond of Nephrodium It was found accidentally by one of Lord Carlisle’s dilatatum grandiceps (much reduced). labourers, growing luxuriantly in the Raywood, closely contiguous to Castle Howard. like the original species, this variety is of robust habit, but the outlines of the fronds present a peculiar contracted appearance towards their extremity, where the leaflets, becoming curiously dwarfed and transformed, are composed of pinnules (leafits) having three, four, or five short divisions which are finely and continuously toothed on the margins. On account of this arrange- ment, the leaflets, with their transformed forked pinnules, strongly resemble the small fronds of the better-known Asplenium (Athyrium) Filix-foemina Fieldie and Aspidium (Polystichum) angulare Elworthiii—Lowe, Our Native Ferns, 1, figs. 241, 242, 243, NEPHRODIUM. 501 N. d. lepidotum—lep-id-o’-tum (scaly), Moore. A singularly distinct, dwarf variety, with a very obscure history. It is said to have been originally found in Yorkshire, but all that we know respecting it is that it was distributed by Mr. Tait, of Edinburgh. Its remarkably handsome fronds, scaly in all their parts, are quadripinnate (four times divided to the midrib), and in full-grown specimens measure 13ft. in leneth ; they are broadly egg-shaped, and the leaflets are everywhere very unequal, the posterior ones being much the larger. The small and distinct pinnules (leafits) are again divided into distant, blunt segments, having a tapering, stalk-like base. A striking peculiarity in the development of the fronds of this variety, as observed by Thomas Moore, consists in the indefinite character of their evolution, for the basal pinnules of a leaflet have matured and scattered their spores before the extremity of the same leaflet has expanded. This extraordinary form reproduces itself true from spores. —Lowe, Our Native Ferns, 1., t. 33. N. d. nanum—na’-num (dwarf), Newman. This, the smallest variety of \. dilatatum known in commerce, was originally found near Settle, in Yorkshire, and eventually in the hilly districts of Scotland, Ireland, and Wales. Its fronds, which seldom, if ever, exceed 10in. in length, are egg-shaped, broadest at the base, and bipinnate (twice divided to the midrib). The spreading leaflets have their basal pinnules (leafits) stalked, and the larger ones deeply lobed, with finely-toothed edges. The sori (spore masses), which usually cover the whole under-side of the frond, are often most copious towards its summit, forming a line on either side.—Lowe, Our Native Ferns, i., p. 317. N. d. ramosum—ra-mo’-sum (branched), Moore. A fine and really interesting Fern, said to be a native of Scotland. It has the appearance of being a ramose form of N. d. dumetorum; it is usually twin-fronded, but sometimes each twin frond is again divided, thus forming a large, flabellate (fan-shaped) mass of foliage, and in that state it is very remarkable. The spores are abundant, and more or less reproduce the variety, some seedlings being more branched than others.—Lowe, Our Native Ferns, i., fig. 238. 502. THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS. N. d. Stansfieldii—Stans-field’-i-i (Stansfield’s), Moore. This remarkably pretty form, of dwarf dimensions, was originally found in Cheshire. Its fronds, 8in. to 10in. long and 4in. to Sin. broad, are somewhat triangular in shape, and furnished with strap-shaped, blunt leaflets and leafits of a totally distinct character, being conspicuously crisped or recurved, of a thick, leathery texture, and so abundantly glandular as to give almost a horny appearance to the frond.—Lowe, Our Native Ferns, 1, fig. 269. N. d. tanacetifolium—tan-ac-e’-tif-ol’-i-um (Tansy-leaved), Moore. This common yet very pretty variety, found in Devonshire, Kent, Surrey, Derbyshire, Yorkshire, and other parts of England, is, or at least formerly was, abundant in various places between Clitheroe and Preston, and Clitheroe and Lancaster. Its large, broadly-triangular fronds are tripinnate (three times divided to the midrib). The robust stalks are abundantly furnished with entire, spear-shaped scales of a dark brown colour, and marked with a darker bar down their centre.— Lowe, Our Native Ferns, i., p. 298 ; Ferns British and Exotic, vi., p. 79. N. (Lastrea) diplazioides—Las’- tre-a ; dip-laz-i-6-i/-des (Dip- lazium-like), Hooker. A greenhouse species, of robust habit, native of Columbia, producing fronds 2ft. to 3ft. long, sometimes 1ft. broad, and borne on tufted stalks Gin. or more long, densely clothed with Fig, 122, Nephrodium dissectum ath ranted narrow scales of a dark brown colour. The leaflets, of a soft, papery texture, and furnished with a gland at the base beneath, are din. to Gin. long, lin. to 1din. broad, and cut down to a broadly-winged stalk into nearly entire, broad lobes, reaching less than half-way down to the midrib, close to which the sori (spore masses), covered by a small, spiny involucre, are disposed.— Hooker, Species Filicum, iv., p. 99. NEPHRODIUM. 503 N. (Lastrea) dissectum—Las’-tre-a ; dis-sec’-tum (dissected), Desvauz. This very handsome, strong-growing, stove species, which is better known as \V. membranifolium, is a widely-spread plant, being found in New Caledonia, Ceylon, Madagascar, and the Philippine Islands, and also, according to Beddome, on the Anamallays and Neilgherries, in the Sisparah and Carcoor Ghats. Its ample fronds, in shape of the Greek delta, A, and borne on rather slender stalks 1ft. or more long, clothed towards the base with narrow scales of a dark brown colour, are from lft. to 5ft. long and lft. to 3ft. broad. The es ge yy, VS es ve f FD, Ure ro aN AY ze Ue aw SS We x a Nine = FS = ANS ING YS ig Ta i) x i sN SS if Fig. 123. Lower Leaflet of Nephrodium dissectum ( nat. size). lower leaflets, which sometimes are simply pinnatifid (cut half-way down to the midrib), with broad, blunt lobes (Fig. 122), and sometimes 1ft. long and pinnate (Fig. 123, reduced from Col. Beddome’s “Ferns of Southern India,” by the kind permission of the author), with similarly pinnatifid pinnules (leafits), are of a soft, papery texture and of a bright green colour. The sori (spore masses), copious and generally disposed at a little distance from the edge of the pinnules, are covered by a flat involucre—Hooker, Species Filicum, iv., p. 1381. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, ii., p. 440. 504 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS. N. (Eunephrodium) distans—Eu-neph-ro’-di-um ; dis’-tans (distant), Hooker. A stove species, of medium dimensions, native of Madagascar. Its fronds, produced from a strong, wide-creeping rhizome (prostrate stem), and borne on firm, erect stalks 1ft. or more long, of a brownish colour, and slightly hairy, are 13ft. to 2ft. long, 8in. to 10in. broad, and furnished with leaflets 3in. to din. long, slightly lobed, and of a. soft, papery texture. The spore masses are disposed in contiguous rows, filling up nearly the whole space between the midrib and the edge.—Hooker, Species Milicum, iv., p. 76. N. (Lastrea) Eatoni—Las’-tre-a ; Eat/-on-i (Katon’s), Baker. A greenhouse species, of medium size, native of the Kakeah and Loo- Choo Islands, Eastern Asia. In habit as well as in cutting it resembles N. dilatatum, from which it differs in its dense, fine, spreading, hair-like scales and in the slightly hairy nature of its rachises (stalks of the leafy portion) and of the under-surface of its fronds, which are lft. to 13ft. long, 6in. to 9in. broad, and of a soft, papery texture. The small and copious sorl (spore masses) are covered by a glandularly-ciliated involucre.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 276. N. (Lastrea) effusum—las’-tre-a ; ef-fu’/-sum (spreading), Baker. This very handsome, stove species, usually known in commerce under the names of Polypodium effusum and P. divergens, is a native of Cuba, Mexico, Brazil, and Peru. Its beautifully decompound (much-divided) fronds, produced from a short-creeping, woody rhizome (prostrate stem), and borne on stalks 2ft. long or more and slightly scaly below, attain fully 4ft. in length by 2ft. in breadth, and are four or five times pinnatifid (cut partly to the midrib). The lower leaflets, which are the longest, measure lft. to 13ft. in length and are often lft. broad; they are furnished with closely-set, spear-shaped pinnules (leafits), divided again into spear-shaped, unequal-sided segments, the lower ones of which are cut down to the midrib into oblong, pinnatifid, bluntish lobes. The fronds are of a somewhat leathery texture and of a pale green colour on both sides; and the copious sori (spore masses), scattered over their under-surface, are generally devoid of involucre. —Flooker, Species Filicum, iv., p. 265. NEPHRODIUM. 505 N. (Eunephrodium) elatum—Eu-neph-ro’-di-um ; e-la’-tum (tall), Baker. A stove species, of large dimensions, native of the Mauritius, and readily distinguished by its oblong-spear-shaped fronds, 3ft. to 4ft. long and I1%ft. to 2ft. broad, produced from a wide-creeping rhizome and borne on grey, downy stalks about 1ft. long. They are of a moderately firm texture, dark green on both surfaces, and densely downy on the ribs and edges.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 502. N. (Lastrea) elongatum — lLas’-tre-a; e-lon-ga’-tum (elongated). A variety of NV. Filix-mas. N. (Lastrea) Elwesii—Las’-tre-a ; Hl-wes’-i-i (Hlwes’s), Baker. A greenhouse species, of medium dimensions, native of Sikkim, in general habit much resembling NV. concinnum. Its oblong-spear-shaped fronds, however, are borne on very short, slightly downy stalks ; they are of moderately firm texture and bright green and smooth on both surfaces. The small sori (spore masses), disposed on the margins of the leaflets, are covered with tiny, smooth involucres of a fugacious nature—Hooker, Synopsis Lilicum, p. 497. N. (Lastrea) eriocarpum—Las’-tre-a ; er-i-oc-ar’-pum (woolly-fruited). Synonymous with NV. odoratum. N. (Lastrea) eriocaulon — Las’-tre-a ; er-i-oc-au’-lon (woolly-stemmed), Baker. The distinctive character of this stove species, native of Rio Janeiro, resides in the woolly nature of the stalks of its fronds, which are densely clothed with narrow, spreading scales of a rusty-brown colour. Its fronds, oblong-spear-shaped and bipinnatifid (twice divided half-way to the midrib), are 2ft. to dft. long, of a parchment-like texture, bright green on both surfaces, and slightly downy underneath. The medium-sized sori (spore masses) are disposed on the veins, and are covered with small, fugacious involucres.— Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 495. N. (Lastrea) erythrosorum—Las’-tre-a ; er-yth-ros-o’-rum (having red sori), Hooker. . This greenhouse species, of medium dimensions, native of Japan and China, produces from a thick, underground-creeping stem, broadly spear-shaped 506 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS. fronds 1ft. to 13ft. long and 8in. to 12in. broad, borne on stalks Gin. to Qin. long and more or less densely clothed with narrow scales of a dark brown or blackish colour. The leaflets are spear-shaped, and the lowest, which are also the largest, frequently measure 6in. long and l4in. broad; they are cut down to the rachis (stalk) below into oblong, bluntish pinnules (leafits) 2in. to 3in. broad and with slightly-toothed edges. The texture, though of a papery nature, is firm, and both surfaces are naked. The sori (spore masses) are disposed near the midrib, six to nine to a pinnule, and are covered by flat involucres of a bright red hue when young.—Hooker, Species Filicum, iv., p. 120, t. 258. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, ii., p. 440. 3 N. erythrosorum, or, as it is most popularly called, Lastrea erythrosora, is a highly decorative species (see Coloured Plate), in many respects distinct from all other members of the genus, and a valuable addition to the list of Ferns possessing characters sufficiently attractive to deserve cultivation on a large scale. It has proved perfectly hardy under our London climate, having stood, without any protection whatever, the test of our hardest winters ; but under such treatment it becomes deciduous. When treated as a cool indoor subject, its magnificent fronds, of a beautiful bronzy hue in a young state, but turning with age to a dark shining green, remain on the plant all the year round, and make it a very useful species for winter decoration. The whole plant is rendered exceedingly attractive by the bright red indusia, which contrast pleasantly with the dark glossy green of the upper surface of the frond. NV. erythrosorum is easily propagated from spores. N. (Eunephrodium) eusorum—Eu-neph-ro’-di-um ; eu-so’-rum (having prominent sori). Synonymous with N. truncatum. N. (Pleocnemia) excellens — Plé-oc-ne’-mi-a ; ex-cel’-lens (excellent), Blume. A stove species, of large dimensions, native of Java, with ample fronds bipinnatifid (twice divided to the midrib) and borne on stout, naked stalks of a greyish colour. The lower leaflets, 1ft. long and 3in. to 4in. broad, are cut down nearly to the rachis (stalk of the leafy portion) into entire, spear- shaped lobes of a somewhat leathery texture. The small and copious sori (spore masses) are disposed principally in two irregular rows near the midrib of the lobes.—-Hooker, Species Filicum, iv., p. 63. NEPHRODIUM. 507 N. (Eunephrodium) extensum — Eu-neph-ro’-di-um ; ex-ten’-sum (stretched out), Hooker. A very massive-looking, greenhouse species, native of Ceylon and Southern India, where, according to Beddome, it is found on the Neilgherries, the Anamallays, and other mountainous tracts. Its large and copiously- pinnate fronds, 2ft. to 4ft. long, 1ft. to 13ft. broad, and borne on robust stalks 1ft. to 2ft. long, slightly hairy, and of a brownish colour, are produced from a wide-creeping rhizome (prostrate stem) of a fleshy nature. The leaflets, which are numerous and closely set, are disposed almost horizontally ; they are of a soft, papery texture, bin. to 9in. long, and cut about two- thirds of the way down to the midrib into narrow-oblong lobes, the under- surface of which is naked or slightly hairy. The sori (spore masses) are disposed in rows, nearly terminal on the veins, and not confined to the lobes. The whole plant is of a pleasing bright green colour.—Hooker, Species Filicum, iv., p. 72, t. 240a. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, ii., p. 440. N. (Lastrea) Fairbankii — lLas’-tre-a ; Fair-bank’-i-i | (Fairbank’s). Synonymous with N. Thelypteris. N. (Lastrea) Falconeri This well-marked, greenhouse species, native of Cashmere, has the Las’-tre-a ; Fal-con-e’-ri (Falconer’s), Hooker. outward appearance of NV. fragrans on a large scale. Its oblong-spear-shaped fronds, 14ft. to 2ft. long and 8in. to 10in. broad, are produced from an upright crown and borne on stalks 1ft. long, densely clothed throughout with somewhat egg-shaped scales. The leaflets, 4in. to 5in. long and in. to 2in. broad, have their largest pinnules (leafits) cut down nearly to the rachis into oblong, blunt lobes, with edges revolute (turned back). The sori (spore masses) are disposed in rows and situated close to the midrib of the pinnules. —Hooker, Species Filicum, iv., p. 123, t. 254. Beddome, Ferns of British India, t. 41. N. (Eunephrodium) Fendleri — Eu-neph-ro’-di-um ; Fend’-ler-i (Fendler’s), Hooker. A stove species, of medium size, native of Venezuela, with fronds 2ft. to 3ft. long, 1ft. or more broad, borne on greyish, naked stalks lft. to 508 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS. 2ft. long. The leaflets, of a leathery texture and naked on both surfaces, are cut about a third of the way down to the rachis (stalk of the leafy portion) into oblong, blunt lobes, on the margins of which the sori (spore masses), covered by a firm, persistent involucre, are regularly disposed.— Hooker, Species Filicum, iv., p. 82. N. (Eunephrodium) ferox—LKu-neph-ro’-di-um ; fer’-ox (fierce), Moore. This handsome, stove species, native of Kumaon, Java, and the Philippine Islands, is of peculiarly robust habit, and, when planted out, attains large dimensions. Its ample, pinnate (once-divided) fronds, which attain 4ft. in length and 2ft. or more in breadth, are produced from an upright crown, and are borne on strong stalks Ift. to 2ft. long, densely covered with long, narrow, black scales. The numerous and closely-set leaflets are of a somewhat leathery texture and glossy on both surfaces; they are cut about one-third of the way down into spear-shaped lobes. The large and conspicuous sori (spore masses) are solitary on, or close to, each main vein.—Hooker, Species Filicum, iv., p. 77. Beddome, Ferns of British India, t. 129. N. (Lastrea) ferrugineum—Las’-tre-a ; fer-ru-gin’-é-um (rusty-coloured), Baker. A beautiful, stove species, from Southern India, where, according to Beddome, it is found on the Neilgherries, in Sholas on the Koondahs, on the road between Avalanche and Sisparah. Its massive yet elegant fronds, somewhat triangular in shape and soft in texture, sometimes attain 2ft. in length and 14ft. in breadth, and are tripinnate (three times divided to the midrib). The leaflets spread at a right angle, the lowest being Gin. to Qin. long and 3in. to din. broad. The pinnules (leafits) of the under-side are the largest, spear-shaped, bluntish, closely set, and divided again into broad, egg- shaped segments, with close, nearly entire lobes toothed on the margins. The stout stalks, 1ft. to 13ft. long, as well as the rachises (stalks of the leafy portion) are densely clothed, especially on their upper part, with spreading, broad scales of a reddish-brown colour. The large and conspicuous sori (spore masses) are disposed two or three to a lobe, to the upper half of which they are confined.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 283. Beddome, Ferns of Southern India, t. 100. NEPHRODIUM. 509 N. (Lastrea) Filix-mas—las’-tre-a; [il’-ix—-mas (Male Fern), Richard. The “Male Fern,” or, as it is also sometimes called, the ‘‘ Common Buckler Fern,” botanically known as Nephrodium Filia-mas of Richard, Hooker, and R. T. Lowe, Lastrea Filix-mas of Presl, Babington, Moore, Sowerby, and others, Aspidiwm Filiz-mas of Swartz, Mettenius, Fée, EK. J. Lowe, and others, Polypodium Filiz-mas of Linneus, Bolton, and Hudson, and Polystichum Filia-mas of De Candolle, Roth, Koch, and Ledebour, is, of all our native Ferns, the one which occurs in most districts. According to Lowe, “it is equally common in all the counties of England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland, the Channel Islands, the Northern Islands, and Western Islands, ascending the hills in Scotland to the elevation of 1500ft.” Its habitat, however, is not limited to the British Islands, for it is of most cosmopolitan character, being found throughout Europe, on the Continent of which, Correvon states in his “Fougéres Rustiques ” (p. 133), it is one of the commonest of all Ferns. It occurs in Asia, from Lapland to Japan and the Malayan Islands, ascending the Himalayas to 1500ft.; it is also found in some form or other in Africa, Algeria, Madeira, and the Azores ; while we have it on the authority of Haton that in America it is common from Greenland along the Rocky Mountains and Andes to Peru, as well as in Canada, Colorado, &e. The handsome fronds of this species 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 8in. to 12in. broad, and are furnished with spear-shaped leaflets 4in. to 6in. long, about lin. broad, cut down very nearly to the rachis (stalk of the leafy portion) into close, blunt, regular, nearly entire lobes of a papery texture, the lower ones rather shorter than the others. The abundant and large sori (spore masses) are covered with a large, convex indusium.—Hooker, British Ferns, t. 15. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 440. Lowe, Our Native Ferns, i., t. 26. Eaton, Ferns of North America, 1, t. 41. Correvon, Les Fougeres Rustiques, p. 133. The Male Fern is of an extremely variable character—so much so that, besides the almost endless varieties that are known to exist and most of which have been found growing spontaneously, Mr. G. B. Wollaston, of 510 L1HE BOOK (OF (CHOICE AAETAVS: Chislehurst, Kent, an authority who has exercised great care in the examination of this Fern, recognises three distinct species which he names Lastrea Filiz-mas, L. pseudo-mas, and L. propinqua. Mr. E. J. Lowe, who has also devoted a great deal of his time to researches on the subject, follows, - in his excellent work, “Our Native Ferns” (vol. 1, p. 233), Mr. Wollaston’s theory and adopts his views. Such well-known authorities as Hooker, Babington, and Moore, however, have deemed it more prudent to consider the above-named plants as simply varieties connected by numerous forms, all of which, in commerce as well as in botanic gardens, are to this day known as varieties of /iliv-mas. 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. In its natural state it is, according to Lowe, “ found lining the sides of ditches, the margins of rivers and lakes, the edges of cliffs and crevices of rocks, be they moist or dry, no matter what their geological construction, becoming a principal undergrowth in many woods, and even growing where the salt waves of the sea can occasionally wash over them” (“Our Native Ferns,” vol. i., p. 42). | N. Filiz-mas is a Fern of noble habit, and when planted in naturally sheltered places, it becomes almost an evergreen species, 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 appearance, laid in between and among them. A most striking illustration of the above arrangement is in existence at Ashurst Park, the seat of Mr. G. Field, near Tunbridge Wells, | where British Ferns (species and varieties) are grown to perfection in a most natural way. The Male Fern is not, however, in any way fastidious, and will grow luxuriantly either in pots or planted out, in almost any soil, provided that during its growing season it receive a good supply of water at the roots; but it prefers a light and sandy loam to a stiff clay, and although it will bear exposure to the sun, yet it flourishes much better in a shady situation. It is readily propagated from spores, which are usually ripe about Midsummer, and also from division of the crowns, which is a much slower process, NEPHRODIUM. | 511 Variations from the type are very numerous, some which have been raised artificially from spores, and others which have been found growing spontaneously, being exceedingly handsome and of a permanent character. Many of these are described and illustrated in Moore’s “ Nature-printed Ferns”; while in the list published in 1865 by Mr. P. Neill Fraser, of Canonmills Lodge, Edinburgh, upwards of a hundred yarieties are enumerated. The following are the most distinct and interesting : N. F.-m. abbreviatum —ab-brey-i-a’-tum (shortened), Babington and Moore. This peculiarly distinct form is the one which Wollaston gives as a species under the name of Lastrea pseudo-mas. It is common along the banks of the Tees, above High Force, an imposing waterfall about four miles above Middleton; and occasional plants occur along Widdicomb Moor and Cronkley Fell, becoming more abundant as one approaches Cauldron Snout from the Clnts. It is also found» on Snowdon and Ingleborough ; in Lancashire, Westmoreland, Cumberland, Gloucestershire, Forfarshire, and at Killarney. This variety is distinguished from the ordinary [ilixz-mas by its tufted habit, for, whereas the typical species is usually found growing in single crowns, this form is found in clumps which may be readily divided into as many as twenty distinct plants. The nature of its foliage is also different, as its fronds, seldom more than 14in. long, have their leaflets conspicuously curled, thus differing strikingly from the uniformly flat leaflets of Hilia-mas; whilst the usual solitary spore-case on each leaflet of the variety is equally a marked contrast to the six or eight spore-cases on each leaflet of the typical plant.—Lowe, Our Native Ferns, i., fig. 186. N. F.-m. a. cristatum—cris-ta’-tum (crested), Clowes. A sub-variety, of dwarf and compact habit, originally found in Borrodale, Cumberland. Its fronds, lft. to 14ft. long, furnished with opposite leaflets and leafits and a very scaly midrib have their extremity, as well as that of their leaflets, which are comparatively narrow and loosely set, ornamented by a tassel formed by the midvein being once or twice forked.—Lowe, Our Native Ferns, i. t. 30; New and Rare Ferns, p. 69. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 440, 512 TALE BOOLS (OL) CLOGS TANS, N. F.-m. acrocladon—ac-roc’-lad-on (having branched ends), Lovwe. A beautiful variety, raised from spores by Mr. Clapham, of Scarborough. It is a distinct, handsome Fern, having, in general outline, a strong resem- blance to Aspidium (Polystichum) angulare. Its fronds, about 2ft. long, are elegant in form and of a deep green colour; the deeply-cut leaflets have their 99 extremities dilated into fan-shaped “ fingers,” these much-cleft tassels being largest on the basal leaflets, and becoming smaller towards the summit of the frond, which terminates somewhat abruptly —Lowe, Our Native Ferns, i., t. 28; New and Rare Ferns, p. 127. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, ii, p. 440. N. F.-m. Barnesii—Bar-ne’-si-i (Barnes’s), Moore. This particularly distinct and narrow-fronded variety was originally found near Milnthorpe, in Lancashire. Its fronds, 14ft. long, are of about equal breadth throughout, their leaflets being short, distant, somewhat triangular, seldom more than l1}in. long, and divided into oblong pinnules (leafits) conspicuously toothed on the margins. The stalks and midribs are densely scaly. This variety reproduces itself freely from spores.—Lowe, Our Native Ferns, 1., fig. 222. N. F.-m. Bollandiz—Bol-lan’-di-z2 (Mrs. Bolland’s), Moore. A strong-growing variety, which, on account of the great breadth of its fronds, their winged rachises (stalks of the leafy portion), and large, wavy pinnules (leafits), is very distinct. It was originally found in a hedgerow at Ashurst Park, Tunbridge Wells. The fronds, fully 14ft. long, are broadly spear-shaped and twice divided to the base of the leaflets, the divisions of which are connected by the wings of the rachises.—Lowe, Our Native Ferns, i., fig. 188. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, ii., p. 440. N. F.-m. crispum—cris’-pum (curled), Szm. This distinct variety, of small dimensions and compact habit, was originally found in Westmoreland, Cumberland, and Yorkshire. It is a densely-leafy Fern, with almost erect, short-stalked, dwarf, crispy, compressed, spear-shaped fronds, Sin. to 12in. long, 4in. to 6in. broad, and of a peculiar dark green colour. The pinne (leaflets) and their pinnules (leafits) overlap each other, NEPHRODIUM. 513 those next to the rachis (stalk) being so closely set as to frequently quite conceal it. This reproduces itself true from spores.—Lowe, Our Native Ferns, i., fig. 197. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, ii., p. 440. N. F.-m. cristatum—cris-ta’-tum (crested), Moore. A truly beautiful variety, originally found at Charleston, near St. Austell, in Cornwall, and also near Ilfracombe, in Devonshire. It is of such a striking and decorative character that Lowe, in his excellent work, remarks that “it is the most ornamental and useful of British Ferns, that no Fernery can be complete without it, and that it is impossible to grow too many plants of it, a mass of eristatum being a picture to look upon.” Its fronds, which are narrow-spear-shaped in outline and symmetrical in form, are of large size, being upwards of 3ft. in length and about lft. broad in the middle; their main and secondary stalks are densely covered with large scales of a light brown colour. They gracefully bend apparently from the weight of their very large, many times short-branched, and crispy terminal tuft or crest, the pinne (leaflets) ending in a similar though smaller, many-branched crest, thus fringing the outline of the frond, which is of a dark green colour, with a regular border of crispy and rather spreading crests. Whether grown in pots or planted out in the hardy Fernery, this variety produces a noble mass of fronds; it also possesses the advantage of reproducing itself true from spores, though seedlings have occasionally been found differing sufficiently from the parent to receive distinctive names.—Lowe, Our Native Ferns, i., t. 27. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, ii., p. 440. N. F.-m. ec. angustatum—an-gus-ta’-tum (narrow), Moore. This elegant variety, raised by Mr. R. Sim, of Foot’s Cray, from spores of cristatum, bears very narrow fronds consisting of two almost parallel rows of crispy, compact tassels, diminishing in size as the fronds suddenly taper towards the large terminal crest, the weight of which imparts a gracefully- arching habit. The fronds are remarkably narrow, being lft. to 14ft. in length and seldom more than 1din. in breadth, and their stalks are densely covered with large, reddish-brown scales; they are simply pinnate (only once divided to the midrib), the leafits being all confluent and very narrow, so that the edges of the leaflets are merely slightly lobed, the whole frond VOL, I. 21 514. THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS. seeming, as Mr. Thomas Moore justly remarks, “‘to consist only of a frill on each side of the rachis.” This variety is of a rich deep green colour and quite constant.—Lowe, Our Native Ferns, i., t. 31; New and Rare Ferns, p. 129. N. F.-m. c. fimbriatum—fim-bri-a’-tum (fringed), Birkenhead. A very handsome variety, raised from spores by Messrs. Birkenhead, of Sale, who describe it as a great improvement upon the old cristatum, being lighter in appearance, smaller, more compact, prettily crested, and fimbriated. | N. F.-m. dentatum—den-ta’-tum (toothed), Lowe. This large-growing variety, originally found near Nettlecombe, is, in general appearance, somewhat like the coarser and laxer forms of Aspidiwm (Polystichum) angulare. Its fronds, 3ft. to 4ft. long and of a vivid green colour, are furnished with numerous sharp-pointed leaflets with deeply-cut and strongly-toothed pinnules (leafits)—Lowe, Our Native Merns, i., fig. 204. N. F.-m. elongatum—e-lon-ga’-tum (lengthened), Hooker and Greville. A very distinct, strong-growing form, found in Madeira, the Azores, Cape Colony, Abyssinia, &c. Its fronds, sometimes 3ft. to 4ft. long and 2ft. broad, are quadripinnatifid (four times divided half-way to the midrib); the lower leaflets, 1ft. long and 4in. to 6in. broad, are divided into close, spear-shaped pinnules (leafits), cut down nearly to the rachis (stalk) into oblong, notched lobes.—Hooker, Synopsis Hilicum, p. 272. N. F.-m. foliosum—fol-i-o’-sum (leafy), Lowe. This remarkable Fern, originally found at Woodfield, Moseley, is of close, compact habit and medium dimensions. Its massive fronds, about 1éin. long, are furnished with short and broad leaflets closely set together and overlapping each other from the base to the summit of the frond. The pinnules (leafits), large, rounded, and deeply cut almost to the midrib, have their margin more notched than toothed, the inferior ones being much longer, broader, and auricled (eared), almost concealing the midrib, which, like the stalk, is densely covered with large scales of a very dark brown colour,—Lowe, Our Native Ferns, 1., fig. 209. NEPHRODIUM. 515 N. F.-m. furcans—fur’-cans (forked), Moore. A strong-growing, handsome form, originally found at Windermere, but subsequently near Huddersfield, and on Bookham Common, Surrey. The fronds are of normal size and shape, except so far as the ends of the leaflets are concerned, the difference consisting in the forked character of the leaflets, the fish-tail-like terminations of which margin the fronds in a handsome manner. The frond itself is seldom forked at its summit.—Lowe, Our Native Ferns, i., fig. 192. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, ii., p. 440. N. F.-m. grandiceps—gran’-dic-eps (large-headed), Wollaston. _ This, probably the most gigantic of the whole section of crested forms of Filiz-mas, was originally found in Staffordshire. It grows to a size equal to that of the typical species, its fronds often measuring 2ft. in length by 6in. in breadth, but their extremity is densely crested and branched in a different way to other crested varieties, inasmuch as the process begins from A a few inches from the summit of the frond (Fig. 124), where the rachis (stalk of the leafy portion) branches three or four times, each of the ramifications being furnished with closely- set leaflets, which are beautifully crested, as are also occasionally their pinnules (leafits), which in the lower part of the frond are elegantly pendulous.—Lowe, Our Native Ferns, 1, fig. 225. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gar- dening, i., p. 441. Fig. 124, Frond of Nephrodium Filix-mas N. F.-m. Ingramii — In-gram’-i-i (In- es gram’s), Moore. A large variety, originally found in Worcestershire, and described by T. Moore, in the “ Gardeners’ Chronicle” of August 8th, 1863, as being one of the most striking varieties of Miliz-mas, of normal development, which had come under his notice. Its fronds, 3ft. to 4ft. long and at least 1ft. broad, have a very distinct and remarkable appearance, which is produced by the 242 516 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS. nature and the disposition of their pinnules (leafits), about lin. long, din. broad, and obliquely directed forwards. The upper part of the frond only is fertile, and differs from the lower portion through its pinnules being more pointed, more deeply cut, and smaller; the long, narrow outlines and obliquity of disposition being still preserved.—Lowe, Our Native Ferns, 1, fig. 214. N. F.-m. Jervisii—Jer-vis’-i-i (Jervis’), Moore. A somewhat coarse-growing variety, normal in size and habit, originally discovered near Darlaston Hall, Staffordshire, by Mr. Swynfen Jervis. Its Fig. 125. Upper Portion of Frond of Nephrodium Filix-mas Jervisii (i nat. size). broadly spear-shaped fronds, about 4ft. long, are furnished with elongated leaflets, which at their extremities are ornamented with tassels spread out and of a somewhat less tufted nature than in distinctly-crested forms (Fig. 125). —TLowe, Our Native Ferns, i., figs. 184, 185. N. F.-m. Loweize—Lowe’-i-z (Mrs. Lowe’s), Love. This singular variety, of small dimensions, raised from spores in Mrs. EK. J. Lowe’s Fernery, is as curious as it is distinct, for its fronds, about lft. long, and branching and tufted at their extremity, are furnished on one side of the midrib with leaflets of perfect development and crested at their NEPHRODIUM. 517 extremity ; but on the other side of the midrib, from the centre to the summit, the leaflets are either almost wanting or very short and narrow.— Lowe, Our Native Ferns, i., fig. 226. N. F.-m. Mapplebeckii—Mapple-beck’-i-i (Mapplebeck’s), Lowe. An elegantly-crested form, originally found near Grasmere, in the English Lake District. Its fronds, 1ft. or more long, are many-fingered, forking into two distinct fronds near the base, their basal leaflets being frequently divided in the same manner.—Lowe, Our Native Ferns, i, p. 279. N. F.-m. multicristatum — mul-tic-ris-ta/-tum (many times crested), Lowe. . In this very handsome variety, which was raised from spores by Mr, K. J. Lowe, the size and form of the fronds are normal. It, however, strikingly differs from the original cristatwm in having a oreater number of crests, some of the branches commencing in the centre of the leaflet instead of merely at its extremity—Lowe, Our Native Ferns, i., fig. 217. N. F.-m. Pinderi—Pin’-der-i (Pinder’s), Moore. This handsome and essentially distinct form, with very long and narrow fronds of remarkable outline, was originally found near Elter Water, in the Lake District, and subsequently also at Coneysthorpe, near Malton. Its narrowly spear-shaped fronds, borne on short stalks densely clothed with very long scales, are about 3ft. long and less than Gin. broad in their widest part, very much tapered upwards to a long slender point, and tapering also below in the same manner.—Lowe, Our Native Ferns, i., fig. 189. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, ii., p. 441. N. F.-m. polydactylum—pol-yd-ac’-tyl-um (many-fingered), Moore. A beautiful, strong-growing variety, originally found at Bromsgrove, in Worcestershire, and distinct from cristatwm through the multifid (much-cleft), not crested, character of the fronds and the leaflets, which are repeatedly divided and crisped at their extremity. The fronds, 13ft. to 2ft. long and Gin. to Yin. broad, are furnished with leaflets which do not lessen in width until near the crispy tassel, where they suddenly become much narrowed. 518 LE BOOK” OF “CHOTCE PERM S: The pinnules (leafits), divided almost to the midrib, are more or less pointed and have their edges toothed.—Lowe, Our Native Ferns, i., fig. 207. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, u., p. 441. Moore, Nature- printed British Ferns, t. 37. N. F.-m. propinquum—prop’-in-qi-um (approaching), Wollaston. This variety, which Wollaston ranks as a distinct species, is not so coarse-growing as the typical /iliz-mas; and although it attains a large size, there is a smoothness in the fronds which renders it distinct at first sight. These fronds, 3ft. to 5ft. long, are also shorter and broader for their length, than in the type. The plant are of a more compact habit, and their leaflets is found in various counties in England, in Scotland, and also in Ireland, and is reported from the Channel Islands. Lowe states that where found it is frequently very abundant.—Lowe, Our Native Ferns, i., fig. 203. N. F.-m. pumilum—pu’-mil-um (dwarf), Moore. A very rare and pretty little Fern, of erect habit, originally found on Snowdon, and subsequently near Llyn Ogwen, and one which, on account of its very distinct tufted habit and general appearance, Mr. Wollaston considers as a doubtful species, and Lowe figures as such (“Ferns British and Exotic,” vi, t. 15). Its elegant little fronds, 9in. to 12in. long, are borne on stalks that are 2in. to 3in. long and clothed with fringed scales ; they are furnished with short, blunt, and somewhat deflexed leaflets, deeply cleft, and recurved at their extremity. The form of the fronds and of their leaflets is decidedly concave; and the sori (spore masses) are disposed in a single line on each side the midrib of the leaflets—Lowe, Our Native Ferns, i., fig. 218. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, ii., p. 441. N. F.-m. ramo-cristatum—ra’-mo-cris-ta’-tum (branched and crested), Moore. A very distinct but somewhat irregular or inconstant form, of dwarf habit, with fronds seldom more than 10in. long, usually three times branched, and crested at their extremities (Fig. 126). C. T. Druery, in his excellent work, “Choice British Ferns,” states (p. 109) that the branching of the fronds begins at the base, and that the plant forms a compact and very ornamental bush. NEPHRODIUM. 519 N. F.-m. ramosissimum—ra-mo-sis’-sim-um (much branched), Joore. This strong-growing variety, raised from spores by Mr. Ivery, of Dorking, produces in abundance fronds which are many times branched and densely tufted at their summit (Fig. 127). The branching process sometimes begins near the base of the stalks, while in other cases there is no bifurcation until the lower part of the leafy portion is reached, when the rachis (stalk) becomes branched again and again and terminates in a dense tuft. ee Vy pp TR Sie eet Fig, 126. Frond of Nephrodium Filix-mas Fig, 127. Frond of Nephrodium Filix-mas ramo-cristatum ramosissimum G nat. size). (& nat. size). N. F.-m. ramosum—ra-mo’-sum (branched), Moore. A variety of dwarf habit and irregular outline, originally found on the Clova Mountains, in Scotland. Its fronds usually have at their base several branches twice divided to the midrib, and their summit is also branched. The small pinnules (leafits) are also blunt and toothed.—Lowe, Our Native Ferns, 1., fig. 205. N. F.-m. ramulosissimum—ra-mul-o-sis’-sim-um (having many small branches), Moore. This remarkably pretty variety, the smallest-growing form at present known, is seldom more than 4in. high. Its little fronds are repeatedly 520 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS. branched, the first bifurcation usually beginning near the base, and each branch ending in an elegant little crest. We have never seen it in fructification or heard of its being fertile, but it is readily propagated by division of the crowns, which are of a dense and tufted character. N. F.-m. Schofieldii—Scho-field’-i-i (Schofield’s), Sim. A pretty, distinct, and really pigmy variety, originally found near Buxton, in Derbyshire. Its fronds, 3in. to 6in. long, are very variable in outline, sometimes symmetrical, simply pinnate (once divided to the midrib), and terminating in a crispy, outspread tuft; more frequently unsymmetrical (irregular) in their development and multifid (much-cleft) at their summit ; or occasionally branching from the stalk or from the lower portion of the frond.—Lowe, Our Native Ferns, i., fig. 216; New and Rare Ferns, t. 11. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, ii., p. 441. N. F.-m. Scottii—Scot’-ti-i (Scott’s), Lowe. This singular variety, originally found near Swansea, in South Wales, possesses a curious appearance, produced by the leafy character of its fronds, which are about 1}ft. long, 5in. broad, and furnished with leaflets closely set and overlapping each other. One half of these leaflets are branched, and all are more or less irregular; usually these branching pinne have three pairs of opposite pinnules (leafits) at the base, and these are deeply cut and irregular in shape. The extremity of the frond is also branched.—Lowe, Our Native Ferns, i., fig. 223. N. F.-m. Willisonii—Wil-lis-on’-i-i (Willison’s), Moore. An interesting variety, of medium dimensions, originally found near Whitby. Its fronds, of a narrow outline, are furnished with leaflets distantly placed and deeply cleft, the intervals between them being occasionally as much as 3in. The pinnules (leafits) are deeply cleft in the same manner, unequal in size, and irregularly toothed.—Lowe, Our Native Ferns, i., t. 318 ; New and Rare Ferns, p. 116. N. F.-m. Winstanleyi—Win-stan’-ley-i (Winstanley’s), Lovwe. This elegant and slender variety was raised by Mr. EH. J. Lowe from spores of cristatum, from which it essentially differs in several respects. Its NEPHRODIUM. .-.- 521 fronds, simply pinnate (only once divided to the. midrib), with segments deeply cut near the base, are 20in. long and only 34in. broad. It also differs from cristatum in having its fronds terminated by a tufted crest, which forms a compact, rounded head, all the margins of which are deeply cut; and also by the shape of its leaflets, which are closely set, narrow, and broadest at the base, the lobes being finely toothed. The fructification in this variety is’ confined to the upper half of the frond, where the sori (spore masses) are disposed in a single row on either side of the midrib, being much smaller in size and less conspicuous than in cristatum. The leaflets near the base of the frond are spread out, much branched, but not tufted at the extremity, and only show a slight tendency to be crested—Lowe, Our Native Ferns, 1, fig. 228. N. (Lastrea) firmifolium—lLas’-tre-a ; fir-mif-ol/-i-um (firm-leayed), Baker. A stove species, of medium dimensions, native of the Andes of Hast Peru. It is much like N. acutwm, from which it differs principally in the rigidly- firm texture of its fronds, in their much narrower and less deeply-cut pinnules (leafits), and in its smooth rachises (stalks of the leafy portion)—AHooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 501. N. (Lastrea) Fischeri—lLas’-tre-a; Fis-che’-ri (Fischer’s), Baker. This stove species, of small dimensions, native of Brazil, has oblong-spear- shaped fronds 6in. to 8in. long and 24in. to 3in. broad, borne on tufted, smooth stalks 2in. to 3in. long. The short-stalked leaflets, of a thin but firm texture, are cut down to a narrow wing into close, entire, blunt lobes, and are smooth on both surfaces. The sori (spore masses), disposed along the midvein, are covered by a smooth involucre of a persistent nature.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 496. N. (Lastrea) flaccidum A greenhouse species, of medium dimensions, native of the Himalayas, where it occurs at an elevation of 6000ft., also of Ceylon and Java. In general appearance it somewhat resembles some of the least-cut forms of Asplenium (Athyrium) Filiz-femina. The fronds, 1ft. to 12ft. long and 6in. to 8in. broad, are borne on slender, naked stalks lft. or more long. The Las’-tre-a ; flac’-cid-um (relaxed), Hooker. 522 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS. leaflets, 3in. to din. long’ and lin. broad, are cut down to the midrib, with a distinct, narrow wing, into small, oblong lobes; the lower ones are distant, shorter than the others, and deflexed (thrown back) ; all are of a soft, papery texture. The sori (spore masses) are disposed about half-way between the edge and the midrib.—Hooker, Species Filicum, iv., p. 133, t. 263. N. (Lastrea) flexuosum—Las’-tre-a ; flex-ti-o’-sum (flexible), Baker. A stove species, of large dimensions, native of Rio Janeiro, with ample fronds of a peculiar appearance, produced by the zigzae nature of their rachis (stalk of the leafy portion), which is clothed with woolly hairs and spear- shaped scales. The leaflets, oblong-spear-shaped, distinctly stalked, and 8in. to 9in. long, are divided into close, strap-shaped pinnules (leafits), which are again divided into oblong, close, blunt segments of moderately thick texture and clothed with short hairs. The small sori (spore masses), disposed along the midvein, are covered by a smooth involucre of a fugacious nature.— Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 501. — N. (Lastrea) floridanum — Las’-tre-a ; flor-id-a’-num (from Florida), Hooker. A very distinct, North American species, of robust growth and_ peculiar habit, perfectly hardy in this country, where it withstood uninjured, and without protection, the severe winter of 1879-80. According to Eaton, it is called the ‘Florida Wood Fern,” and is found growing in wet woods from Florida to Louisiana. The fronds, which are highly ornamental and of a somewhat leathery texture, are produced from a stout, fleshy, creeping, very chaffy rhizome (prostrate stem), with large, thin, brown scales, and are borne on dark green stalks, which are longer in the fertile than in the barren fronds. The two kinds of fronds are quite dissimilar in appearance. The totally barren ones are much shorter than the others and comparatively broader, being 9in. long and 44in. broad in the middle.. The fertile fronds, 13ft. to 2ft. long, 6in. to 8in. broad, and oblong-spear-shaped, have their lower leaflets barren and their upper part only fertile ; in the latter portion the leaflets are cut down to a narrowly-winged rachis (stalk) into oblong, slightly notched, blunt leafits, with their own breadth between them, and two rows of rather large sori (spore masses) which reach from the midrib nearly to the edge, and NEPHRODIUM. 525 are coyered with a roundish indusium perfectly smooth and of a rather rigid nature—Hooker, Filices Exotice, t. 99. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, ii, p. 441. Haton, Ferns of North America, u., t. 67. N. (Lastrea) foenisecii—Las’-tre-a ; foe-nis-ec’-i-1 (hay-scented). This is synonymous with NV. emulum. N. (Lastrea) fragrans—Las’-tre-a ; fra’-grans (fragrant), Richard. This is a lovely little greenhouse plant (Fig. 128), 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 which they retain for many years when preserved dry in the herbarium. Eaton states that it grows in crevices of shaded cliffs, and on mossy banks, espe- cially near cascades and rivulets, from Northern New England to Wisconsin, and northward to Arctic America. It is also reported as being found in the Caucasus and in Siberia, and has also been gathered in quantities by Maximowicz and by Maries at high elevations in Japan, where it is said to give a most pleasant flavour to the tea to which it is sometimes added — Fig. 128. Nephrodium fragrans in that country. The fronds, 6in. to 9in. Games seize). long, 1$im. broad, and of a somewhat leathery texture, are oblong-spear-shaped, being pointed at their extremity and oradually tapering to a narrow base; their leaflets are cut down nearly to the rachis (stalk) into oblong lobes, which are again toothed or lobed. These fronds are produced from an upright and rather stout rootstock covered with broad, chaffy scales of a light brown colour, and are borne on short stalks of an equally scaly nature. Each crown generally produces six to eight fronds, but as the crowns are usually found clustered together in a tuft of five or six, they frequently present an agglomeration of thirty or more fronds on one plant. The lower part of the fronds is often quite concealed by sori 524 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS. (spore masses), which are covered with a very large inyolucre of a parchment- like texture. Although a plant of small stature and somewhat rigid appear- ance, NV. fragrans is one which deserves to be grown in eyery collection, if only for its perfume, which is readily detected even if only a single plant is kept.—Hooker, Species Filicum, iv., p. 122. Hooker and Greville, Icones Filicum, t. 70. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, ii., p. 441. Eaton, Ferns of North America, 1., t. 23. N. (Lastrea) Fraseri—Las’-tre-a ; Fra’-ser-i (Fraser’s), Baker. A stove Fern, of large dimensions, native of Ecuador, with fronds 3ft. or more long, Ift. broad, and borne on dark reddish stalks.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 495. N. (Lastrea) funestum—tas’-tre-a ; fu-nes’-tum (deadly). A synonym of N. subquinquefidum. N. (Lastrea) Funkii—Las’-tre-a ; Funk’-i-i (Funk’s), Baker. This stove species, of small dimensions, native of New Granada, produces spear-shaped fronds lft. long and 2in. to 24in. broad, borne on short stalks, which, like the rachis (stalk of the leafy portion), are clothed throughout with firm, spreading, narrow, dark brown scales. These fronds are bipinnatifid (twice divided nearly to the midrib), being furnished with sessile (stalkless), spear-shaped, bluntish leaflets of a moderately firm texture, cut down to a narrow wing into nearly entire (undivided) lobes, the surfaces of which are of a somewhat downy nature. The sori (spore masses), disposed along the midvein, are covered with a small inyolucre of a fugacious nature.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 496. N. (Lastrea) furcatum—Las’-tre-a ; fur-ca’-tum (forked), Hooker. A stove species, of gigantic dimensions, native of Columbia and Peru. Its ample fronds, 3ft. to 6ft. long and 2ft. or more broad, are borne on stalks 2ft. to 3ft. long, densely clothed with a mass of very narrow, intertangled scales of a rusty brown colour. The lower leaflets, 1ft. to 14ft. long, 6in. to 9in. broad, and spear-shaped or triangular, are furnished with spear-shaped leafits (pinnules) of a soft, papery texture; their segments are cut down NEPHRODIUM. 529 nearly to the rachis (stalk) into close, entire lobes, along the midvein of which the sori (spore masses) are abundantly disposed.imHooker, Spécies Filicum, iv., p. 36. N. (Lastrea) Gardnerianum—tLas’-tre-a ; Gard-ner-i-a’/-num (Gardner’s), Baker. This greenhouse species, of small dimensions, is a native of the Organ Mountains, Brazil. It is of no particular decorative merit.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 496. N. (Pleoenemia) giganteum—Plé-oc-ne’-mi-a ; gig-ant-e/-um (gigantic), ) Baker. In habit and texture this large-growing, stove species, native of Ceylon and the Malayan and Philippine Islands, somewhat resembles the better- known JN. cicutarium. Its ample fronds, 2ft. to 3ft. long, are deltoid (in shape of the Greek delta, A), three times divided to the midrib, or four times divided nearly to it, and borne on grey, slightly hairy stalks 1ft. to 14ft. long, covered at their base with linear (very narrow) scales of a dark brown colour. The lower leaflets, which are much the largest, are also deltoid, unequal-sided, stalked, and furnished with spear-shaped, pinnatifid segments ; while the upper leaflets are spear-shaped, and furnished with broad, blunt lobes, near the main veins of which the sori (spore masses) are disposed in single rows.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 503. Beddome, Ferns of Southern India, t. 80. N. (Lastrea) glabellum—lLas’-tre-a ; glab-el’-lum (smoothish), A variety of NV. decompositum. N. (Lastrea) glabrum—Las’-tre-a ; glab-rum (smooth), Baker. A stove species, of small dimensions, much resembling the better-known N. chinense, and of little decorative value—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 278. N. (Eunephrodium) glandulosum—Ev-neph-ro’-di-um ;_ glan-dul-o’- sum (glandular), J. Smith. This greenhouse species, native of Assam, the Himalayas, and the Island of Leyte, is of medium dimensions, its fronds, borne on naked or slightly 526 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS. hairy stalks 1ft. or more long, being seldom more than Ift. in length and 4in. to 6in. in breadth. These fronds are furnished with from eight to twelve pairs of leaflets, those of the barren fronds being the largest and closest, with their margin entire (undivided) or slightly lobed, and sometimes auricled (eared) at the base. The texture is soft and papery, and the rachis (stalk of the leafy portion), as well as the under-surface, is either naked or slightly hairy, sometimes glandular. The fertile leaflets are contracted, and the sori (spore masses) are disposed close to the midvein.—Hooker, Species Filicum, iv., p. 76. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, ii., p. 441. Beddome, Ferns of British India, t. 132. N. (Lastrea) Goldieanum—lLas’-tre-a ; Gol-die-a’-num (Goldie’s), Hooker. A very fine, hardy, North American species, which, according to Eaton, is found growing in deep, rocky woods from Canada and Maine to Indiana, Virginia, and Kentucky. Referring to this Fern, Eaton says (“Ferns of North America,” vol. i, p. 809): “It was collected by Pursh on his visit to America in the early part of this century, the precise locality not known— in the Flora, he says, ‘New Jersey to Virginia’—and was by him referred to Hilic-mas. His specimens, preserved in the Herbarium at Kew, are partly froldieanum and partly cristatum. Mr. John Goldie’s discovery was made near Montreal in 1818, and the excellent figure in Hooker and Greville’s ‘Icones Filicum’ was probably taken from one of his specimens, or perhaps from live plants originally brought by him to the Botanic Garden at Glasgow.” We have it also on the same authority that this Fern is one of the finest and largest of the species of the Hastern States, being surpassed in these respects only by the Osmundas and the Ostrich Fern, and that, although not one of the commonest Ferns, it is very abundant in some localities. The fully- developed fertile fronds, which, like the barren ones, are produced from a creeping or slightly ascending rootstock of a very fleshy nature, several inches long and nearly lin. thick, are 2ft. to 3ft. long, 1ft. or more broad, and furnished with fifteen to twenty pairs of leaflets of a soft, papery texture; these leaflets are cut down nearly to the rachis (stalk) into narrow-spear-shaped lobes, with notched edges. The fertile fronds are produced late in the autumn, those forming the first growth being usually barren and shorter than the others. Both kinds are borne on stalks about NEPHRODIUM. 527 1ft. long, of a light green colour, somewhat stout, and clothed at their base with large, dark brown, shining scales, which extend to about half the length of the stalks (Fig. 129). The abundant and conspicuous sori (spore masses) are disposed in rows near the midrib.—Hooker, Species Filicum, iv., p. 121. Hooker and Greville, Icones Filicum, t. 102.- Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, ii., p. 441. Eaton, Ferns of North America, i., t. 40, Lowe, Ferns British and Exotic, vi., t. 28. Fig. 129. Frond of Nephrodium Goldieanum G nat. size). N. (Lastrea) gracile—las’-tre-a; grac’-il-e (slender). A variety of N. sparsum. N. (Lastrea) gracilescens — Las’-tre-a; grac-il-es’-cens (very slender), Hooker. A greenhouse species, native of Japan, China, and Northern India, and of very graceful habit.. Indeed, a great charm is imparted to it by the 528 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS. particularly slender nature of its elegant fronds, which are of peculiarly narrow dimensions when compared with their height. These fronds are borne on slender stalks Gin. to 9in. long, slightly hairy, and produced from a wide-creeping rhizome (prostrate stem); and although their leafy portion is frequently 13ft. long, it is rarely more than Gin. broad. The leaflets, 2in. to 3in. long and 4in. broad, are cut down to within a short distance of the rachis (stalk) into close, narrow-oblong lobes, the lowest pair of which are usually thrown back. The sori (spore masses) are nearly terminal and are covered with a naked involucre-—Hooker, Species Filicum, ive ss oo. N. (Sagenia) Griffithii—Sag-e’-ni-a ; Grif-fith’-i-i (Griffith’s), Baker. A strong-growing, stove species, with fronds 3ft. to 4ft. long, borne on brownish stalks lft. to 2ft. long; they consist of a large terminal leaflet cut down nearly to the rachis (stalk of the leafy portion) into spear-shaped divisions, and several leaflets on each side Ift. or more long and nearly as broad, of a soft, papery texture and light green in colour. The rather large sorl (spore masses) are disposed in two rows, nearly all terminating the veinlets—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 300. Beddome, Ferns of British EOD Ua oo.ls N. (Lastrea) Grisebachii — las’-tre-a ; Grise-bach’-i-i (Grisebach’s), Baker. A stove species, of gigantic dimensions, native of Cuba, much in the way of the better-known JV. setigerum, from which it differs principally by its larger size, and also by the stalks of its fronds being densely clothed at the base with spear-shaped scales fully lin. long, which leave distinct tubercles when they fall—Hooker, Species Filicum, iv., p. 264. N. (Eunephrodium) guadalupense — Hu-neph-ro’-di-um ; guad-al-u- pen’-sé (from Guadaloupe), Le. A stove species, very closely related to N. abruptum, from which it differs in the dull green colour of both surfaces of its fronds, and in the slightly downy character of the ribs; the veins are also much closer than those of NV. abruptum.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 503. “WOTTAHAOONV TO WNIGCOdATOd NEPHRODIUM. 529 N. (Lastrea) guatemalense — Las’-tre-a; gua-tem-a-len’-sé (from Guatemala), Baker. This stove species, which is also found at Chiapas, South Mexico, has the external appearance of a diminutive form of \V. effuswm; but its narrowly- triangular fronds, three times divided nearly to the midrib, and borne on glossy, brown stalks 9in. to 12in. long and downy upwards, are seldom lft. in length, being of a rigid but thin texture and dull green on both surfaces. The sori (spore masses), of medium size, are disposed along the midvein and covered with a smooth, persistent involucre-—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 498. N. (Eunephrodium) Maenkeanum—Eu-neph-ro’-di-um ; Haenk-é-a’- num (Haenke’s), Presi. A stove species, native of Ceylon and the Malayan and Fiji Islands. It resembles the better-known NV. cucullatum, but is of much larger dimensions ; its fronds, borne on strong, upright, slightly hairy stalks 2ft. long, some- times measuring 4ft. in length and 1}ft. in breadth. It is also of a less hairy nature than that species, and its sori (spore masses) are provided with an involucre of a very fugacious nature.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 290. N. (Lastrea) Marveyi—Las’-tre-a ; Har-vey’-i (Harvey’s), Baker. This stove species, native of Viti and Samoa, produces from a wide- creeping rhizome (prostrate stem) its oblong-spear-shaped fronds, which are 2ft. to 3ft. long, 1ft. to 14ft. broad, bipinnatifid (twice divided nearly to the midrib), and borne on grey stalks 6in. to 12in. long and slightly scaly at the base. The stalkless leaflets are narrow-strap-shaped, 6in. to Qin. long, 3in. broad, closely set, and cut down to a narrow wing into close, strap- shaped lobes of a parchment-like texture and of a bright green colour on both surfaces. The sori (spore masses), disposed on the margins, are furnished with a persistent involucre.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 497. N. (Pleocnemia) heterophyllum—Plé-oc-ne’-mi-a ; het-er-oph-yl/-lum (variable-leaved), Hooker. A small-growing, stove species, native of the Philippine Islands, with fronds 5in. to 6in. long, divided into blunt, oblong or slightly sickle-shaped lobes reaching a quarter of the distance to the midrib. These fronds are VOL, II. 2M 530 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS. of a leathery texture and hairy on both surfaces, especially along the edge and upon the midrib beneath ; they are produced from a creeping rhizome (prostrate stem), and are borne on stalks 2in. to 4in. long and of a densely hairy nature.—Hooker, Species Filicum, iv., p. 62; Second Century of Ferns, t. 20. N. (Sagenia) heterosorum—Sag-e'-ni-a; het-er-os-o/-rum (having sori of variable shape), Baker. A stove species, native of Chittagong, with fronds 2ft. or more in length, deltoid (in shape of the Greek delta, A), and once divided to the midrib. The leaflets, conspicuously stalked, broadly strap-shaped, and irregularly lobed, are gemmiparous (provided with leaf-buds in the axils), of a thin but firm texture, and of a uniform bright green colour. The copious scattered sori (spore masses) vary in shape and are often confluent (running into one another ).— Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 504. Beddome, Ferns of British India, t. 47. N. (Eunephrodium) hirsutum—Lu-neph-ro’-di-um ; hir-su’-tum (hairy), J. Smith. | This large-growing, stove species, native of the Philippine Islands, must not be confounded with N. hirsutum of Don, which is synonymous with N. odoratum. In J. Smith’s N. hirsutum, the fronds, 3ft. to 4ft. long, 14ft. broad, and borne on strong, grey, hairy stalks 1ft. or more in length, have their leaflets very closely set and spreading, the largest sometimes measuring 10in. in length. These leaflets are cut half-way down to the midrib into entire, narrow-oblong lobes, the lower ones being provided with a gland beneath at the base. The texture is somewhat leathery, and the sori (spore masses) are disposed along the midvein.—Hooker, Species Filicum, iv., p. 70, t. 240s. N. (Lastrea) hirtipes—tas’-tre-a ; hir’-tip-és (hairy-stalked), Hooker. This very handsome, hardy species, better known in gardens under the name of Lastrea atrata, is a native of the Himalayas, where it is found up to 6000ft. elevation, and, according to Beddome, it also grows in great abundance on the Neilgherries at 4000ft. and upwards. The general habit of the plant is that of our common N. Filiz-mas; but its eracefully-arching fronds, 2ft. to 3ft. long, 8in. to 16in, broad, and produced from a short, thick, NEPHRODIUM. 581 and very fleshy caudex (stem) rarely measuring 6in. above the ground, are borne on tufted stalks lft. 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. The pinne (leaflets), 4in. to Sin. long and nearly lin. broad, are cleft into broad, blunt lobes, reaching from a quarter to one-third of the way down to the midrib (Fig. 130); and the large and conspicuous sori (spore masses) are disposed along the midvein. Fig. 180. Frond of Nephrodium ae tipes (& nat, size). 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 fronds have then a tendency to fall around the plant; in that state, however, they retain their colour and freshness for several months if only held up by a little black thread, which can easily be concealed from view.—Hooker, Species Filicum, iv., p. 115, t. 249. Nicholson, Dictionary of ae i, p. 441. eddome, Ferns of Southern India, t. 96. N. (Lastrea) hirtum—Las’-tre-a ; hir’-tum (hairy), Hooker. A pretty, stove species, native of the West Indies, seldom more than lft. high, including the wiry, brown, densely shaggy stalks, 4in. to 6in. high, 2m 2 532 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS. on which the fronds are borne. These fronds, of a somewhat triangular shape, 4in. to 6in. high and 3in, to 4in, broad, have their lowest leaflets much larger than the others; and the lowest pinnules (leafits), also larger than the others, are cut down to the rachis (stalk) below into spathulate (spoon-shaped), usually entire, blunt lobes. The whole leafy portion of the frond is of a soft, papery texture and bright green colour, and the small and abundant sori (spore masses) are disposed at a little distance from the midrib.—Hooker, Species Filicum, iv., p. 128. N. (Eunephrodium) hispidulum — Eu-neph-ro’-di-um ; tye ole (somewhat rough), Baker. A stove species, of medium dimensions, native of the Philippine and Malayan Islands ; it is closely related to N. Arbuscula, but has narrower and more deeply-lobed leaflets.—Hooker, Species Filicum, iv., p. 69. re-a ; his’-pid-um (hispid, rough), Hooker. This lovely, greenhouse species, native of New Zealand, is also found, though rarely, in Australia; it is a well-marked plant of medium dimensions. The elegantly-arching fronds, lft. to 14ft. long, Sin. to 12in. broad, of a somewhat triangular shape, and produced from a stout, creeping rhizome (prostrate stem), are borne on wiry, brown stalks lft. to 14ft. long, clothed with squarrose (rough), nearly black, narrow scales. The spear-shaped leaflets have their lowest pinnules (leafits) larger than the others, each leafit being cut down to a winged rachis (stalk) into small, oblong or linear (very narrow), sharply-toothed lobes of a leathery texture, dark green colour, and particularly shining nature. The abundant and conspicuous sori (spore masses) almost entirely cover the under-side of the fertile fronds.—Hooker, Species Hilicum, iv., p. 150. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 441. N. hispidum is particularly adapted for growing in a Fern-case in the dwelling-room, where, in the company of Todeas and other Filmy Ferns, it will be found to thrive admirably ; indeed, it is a plant rather difficult to manage in the open house, unless a close and shaded corner can be devoted to it. Hither as a pot plant or planted out it forms a beautiful and interesting object. NEPHRODIUM. 5383 N. (Eunephrodium) Mookeri—Eu-neph-ro’-di-um ; Hook’-er-i (Hooker’s). Synonymous with NV. Arbuscula. N. (Lastrea) Mopeanum — Las’-tre-a ; Ho-pe-a/-num (Lieut. Hope’s), Baker. A stove species, of medium dimensions, native of Polynesia, with oblong- spear-shaped fronds 1ft. long, Gin. to 7in. broad, borne on naked, glossy grey stalks ft. to 14ft. long, and bipinnatifid (twice divided nearly to the midrib). The distant, stalkless leaflets are cut down to a narrow wing into strap-shaped, entire lobes of a somewhat leathery texture and dull green on both surfaces. The sori (spore masses), disposed in a crowded manner close to the midrib, are covered by a firm involucre of a persistent nature—/ooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 494, Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, iv., p. 573. N. (Lastrea) Mornei—tLas’-tre-a ; Hor’-né-i (Horne’s), Baker. A stove species, native of the Seychelles. Its large fronds are deltoid (in shape of the Greek delta, A), 2ft. to 3ft. each way, quadripinnatifid (four times divided nearly to the midrib), and borne on robust stalks of a naked, glossy nature. The lowest leaflets, also deltoid, are much the largest; their lowest leafits (pinnules) and segments, closely set and spear-shaped, are sharply pointed at their extremity and winged to the base; the final lobes are oblong and notched. The fronds are of a parchment-like texture, smooth, and bright green on both surfaces. The small sori (spore masses), nearly marginal and restricted to the lobes, are covered with a smooth and somewhat persistent involucre.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 500. N. (Eunephrodium) Mudsonianum—LEu-neph-ro’-di-um ; Hud-so-ni- a’-num (Hudson’s). A synonym of NV. ¢truncatum. N. (Lastrea) inzquale This is a greenhouse species, native of Cape Colony and Natal; it is of Las’-tre-a ; in-e-qua’-lé (unequal), Hooker. medium dimensions, intermediate in habit between WN. spinulosum and the large forms of N. Filiz-mas. The fronds, borne on stalks 1ft. or more long, with a dense tuft of reddish-brown scales at the base and a few spreading upwards, are lft. to 2ft. long and 8in. to 12in. broad, and have their lower leaflets rather shorter and broader than the others, which are 6in. to 8in. long 534 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS. and 2in. to 3in. broad. The leafits (pinnules), usually spear-shaped, of a soft, papery texture and dark green, are cut down nearly to the rachis (stalk) into oblong, toothed segments. The sori (spore masses), disposed in two rows near the midribs, are covered with a firm, smooth involucre.—Hooker, Species Filicum, iv., p. 125. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, ii., p. 441. N. (Eunephrodium) incisum — Eu-neph-ro’-di-um ;_ in-ci/-sum (cut), Baker. This stove species, native of the West Indies and New Granada, is of medium size and of peculiar appearance, on account of its narrow-oblong fronds, 1ft. or more long and in. to 1Jin. broad, being provided with triangular or spear-shaped lobes, often not reaching more than one-third down to the rachis (stalk). These fronds, of a somewhat leathery texture, finely hairy on their under-surface, and borne on tufted stalks 2in. to 4in. long and scaly below, are very gradually narrowed towards their base so as to form a scarcely-cut wing to the stalk. The nearly marginal sori (spore masses) are covered with an involucre of a very fugacious nature-—Hooker, Species Lilicum, iv., p. 65. N. (Lastrea) insigne A greenhouse species, native of New Granada, with fronds 1ft. long and Las’-tre-a ; in-sig’-né (remarkable), Baker.’ about 9in. broad, furnished with opposite, stalkless leaflets 4in. to din. long, cut down two-thirds of the way to the rachis (stalk) into close, oblong, blunt lobes, the lower ones being deflexed (thrown back). The fronds are of a thin texture, naked on both sides, and their sori (spore masses), disposed along the midvein, are covered with a very small, slightly hairy involucre.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 262. ° N. (Lastrea) intermedium—Las’-tre-a ; in-ter-med’-i-um (intermediate), Baker. This greenhouse species, also known as N. Blume?, is a native of India and Japan; it is a very striking plant, of easy culture. The somewhat triangular fronds, 2ft. to 3ft. long and 1ft. to 14ft. broad, are borne on stout, erect stalks lft. to 2ft. long, densely clothed at the base with long, silky scales of a peculiar bright brown colour. The lower leaflets, spear-shaped and NEPHRODIUM.. 535 often Ift. long and 4in. to 5in, broad, are divided into close, spear-shaped pinnules (leafits), with oblong-spear-shaped segments and strap-shaped, nearly entire lobes of a soft texture. The small and copious sori (spore masses), disposed nearer the midrib than the edge, are covered with a thin involucre of a fugacious nature.—looker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 283. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, ii., p. 441. Beddome, Ferns of Southern India, t. 249. N. (Eunephrodium) invisum—Eu-neph-ro’-di-um ; in-vi/-sum (unseen), Carruthers. This stove species, native of the Polynesian Islands, where it is common, is one of the most striking as well as one of the most robust known; it is well suited for a large Fernery on account of its bold habit and its easy culture. The handsome fronds, produced from a wide-creeping, stout rhizome (prostrate stem), and borne on stout, brownish stalks 1ft. or more in length and hairy, are 14ft. to 2ft. long and 8in. to 12in. broad. The numerous leaflets, 4in. to Sin. long, are cut about one-third of the way down into sharp, triangular, falcate (sickle-shaped) lobes of a somewhat leathery texture. The sori (spore masses) are disposed in rows close to the midrib.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 290. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, ii., p. 441. N. (Sagenia) irregulare—Sag-e’-ni-a; ir-reg-ul-a’-ré (irregular). This is synonymous with NV. latifolium. N. (Lastrea) Jenmani A stove species, native of Jamaica, with fronds about 2ft. long, Sin. to Las’-tre-a ; Jen’-man-i (Jenman’s), Baker. 12in. broad, and borne on stout, upright stalks of a scaly nature. They are bipmnate (twice divided to the midrib), their leaflets being copiously dotted with pellucid or semi-transparent spots.—Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, ive, Pie DFO; N. (Lastrea) Karwinskyanum — L[as’-tre-a; Kar-win-sky-a/-num (Karwinsky’s), Baker. A stove species, of medium dimensions, native of Mexico and Guatemala, with triangular fronds Ift. to 14ft. long, Sin. to 12in. broad, borne on slender stalks 6in. to 9in. long and slightly scaly at the base. The lowest. leaflets, which are much the largest, are oblong-triangular in shape, and are provided 536 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS. with close, spear-shaped pinnules (leafits) cut down below nearly to the midrib into oblong, bluntly-toothed lobes of a soft, papery texture, at the base of which the sori (spore masses), covered with a prominent, ciliated involucre, are disposed.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 279. N. (Lastrea) Kaulfussii—Las’-tre-a ; Kaul-fus’-si-i (Kaulfuss’s), Hooker. This stove species, of medium dimensions, is a native of Brazil and the West Indies. Its fronds, borne on slender and slightly hairy stalks 4in. to Gin. long, are 13ft. to 2ft. long, Gin. to 8in. broad, and oblong-spear-shaped. Their leaflets, 3in. to 4in. long, are cut down nearly to the rachis (stalk) into spreading, entire, blunt lobes, of a soft, papery texture, and finely hairy on their under-surface. The sori (spore masses), disposed along the midrib, are covered by a fugacious involucre——Hooker, Species Filicwm, iv., p. 97. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, ii., p. 441. N. (Lastrea) lanceolatum — has’-tre-a ; lan-cé-ol-a’-tum (spear-shaped), Baker. This pretty, stove species, native of Coban, Guatemala, is of small dimensions ; its elegant, spear-shaped fronds are tripinnatifid (three times divided nearly to the midrib) and seldom measure more than Ift. in length, including the tufted and minutely-scaly stalks on which they are borne. The short-stalked leaflets, also spear-shaped and wedge-shaped at their base on the lower side, are cut into strap-shaped, blunt pinnules (leafits) with blunt lobes, of a moderately firm texture, smooth on their upper surface, their under-side being densely scaly on the midribs. The sori (spore masses), disposed close to the midrib and only one to each lobe, are covered with a smooth, persistent involucre—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 498. N. (Lastrea) lancilobum—Las’-tre-a ; lan-cil’/-ob-um (having spear-shaped lobes), Baker. A greenhouse species, of medium dimensions, native of Queensland, and very striking on account of the dark green colour and finely-hairy nature of its fronds, which are deltoid (in shape of the Greek delta, A), lft. to 2ft. each way, and quadripinnatifid (four times divided nearly to the midrib). These fronds are borne on greyish stalks 1ft. long, and their lower leaflets, much the largest, are slightly stalked. The lowest pinnules (leafits) and NEPHRODIUM. 537 segments are spear-shaped, as are also the final lobes, near the border of which the small sori (spore masses), covered with a minute, fugacious involucre, are disposed in two rows.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 499. N. (Sagenia) latifolium—Sag-e’-ni-a ; la-tif-ol/-i-um (broad-leaved), Baker. This stove species, native of the Polynesian Islands, and better known in gardens under the name of Sagenia irreqularis, has fronds 2ft. to 3ft. long and Ift. to 13ft. broad, borne on ebeneous (blackish), glossy stalks 1ft. or more in length. Their apex or summit is deeply pinnatifid, showing spear- shaped, sharp-pomted lobes cut down nearly to the midrib ; below this there are from three to five leaflets on each side, the lowest much the largest, being 8im. to 12in. long and Gin. to 8in. broad, of a soft, papery texture, the ereyish colour showing up conspicuously the main veins, which are distinct to the edge, and a network of fine veinlets upon which the sori (spore masses) are disposed in rows, principally close to the main veins.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 298. N. (Lastrea) latifrons—Las’-tre-a ;_la/-tif-rons (large-fronded), Hooker. This stove species, native of the Sandwich Islands, in habit somewhat resembles some of the large forms of our common J. Filiz-mas. Its somewhat triangular fronds, 2ft. to 3ft. long, borne on strong, upright stalks about Itt. long and densely clothed with light brown, deciduous scales, have their leaflets, the lowest of which often measure lft. in length and Gin. in breadth, divided into sharp-pointed, spear-shaped pinnules (leafits) cut down about half-way to the midrib into blunt lobes about din. broad. These lobes are of a. soft, papery texture, bright green and smooth on their upper surface, while their under- surface, on which fine glands may be observed, is of a mealy appearance. The large and conspicuous sori (spore masses) are covered by a broad, smooth involucre.—Hooker, Species Filicum, iv., p. 138. N. (Lastrea) lepidotum—Las’-tre-a ; lep-id-o’-tum (scaly). A variety of N. dilatatum. N. (Lastrea) lepidum—Las’-tre-a ; lep’-id-um (pretty), Baker. This remarkably elegant, greenhouse Fern (see Plate), which originated at the Pine-Apple Nursery, Edgware Road, London, may be a distinct species, 538 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS. though it has all the appearance of a deeply-contracted form of the popular NV. patens, of which it possesses most of the outward characters. We fail to find any positive record as to how it was introduced in this country; all that can be gathered with certainty is that it was sent out in 1886 by Messrs. E. G. Henderson and Sons, in whose establishment it had been raised by their general manager, Mr. James O’Brien, from spores received by himself from a friend residing in Brazil. Its fronds, somewhat narrow-egg-shaped, but terminating in a tapering point, are borne on roundish stalks din. to 6in. long, green above and brownish below, where they are clothed with light brown scales, similar scales densely covering -the crown from which they are produced. These fronds are 14ft. to 2ft. long and 8in. to 9in. broad in their widest part, and are furnished with very short-stalked leaflets, disposed alternately (not opposite), and cut nearly to the midrib into sharp-pointed lobes connected with it by a broad wing. Each of the leaflets, of a soft, papery texture and deep green colour, is provided at its base with a pair of distinct, though narrow, auricles (ears), hiding the short stalks on which they are borne ; these ears extend along the rachis (stalk of the leafy portion), reaching from one leaflet to another. The abundant and conspicuous sori (spore masses) are placed near the midribs on each side, and are covered wae inflated, kidney- shaped, lead-coloured, persistent involucres. N. (Lastrea) Lepinei—Las’-tre-a ; Lep-i/-né-i (Lepine’s), Baker. A robust, stove species, native of Tahiti, with fronds 6ft. long and quadripinnatifid (four times divided nearly to the midrib). The leaflets, distinctly stalked and deltoid (in shape of the Greek delta, A), are furnished with short-stalked, oblong-spear-shaped pinnules (leafits), which in their turn are cut into oblong-spear-shaped segments, with lobes bluntly toothed. The fronds are smooth on both surfaces and of a dull green colour. The sori (spore masses) are marginal, being disposed at the ends of the teeth.— Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 501. -a; Lep-rieur’-i-i (Leprieur’s), Hooker. A stove species, of large dimensions, native of Guiana and of the Andes of North-Eastern Peru, with fronds 2ft. to 3ft. long, 1ft. to 1}ft. broad, borne on grey stalks lft. to 2ft. long and hairy. The leaflets are cut down to NEPIHRODIUM. 539 within a short distance of the midrib into small lobes, furnished with a prominent gland at the base, and are of a leathery texture. The sori (spore masses), disposed along the midvein, are covered with a firm, hairy involucre. —Hooker, Species Filicum, iv., p. 106. N. (Pleocnemia) Leuzeanum—Plé-oc-ne’-mi-a; Leuz-8-a/-num (Leuze’s), Hooker. This very handsome, robust-growing, stove species, native of Northern India, Luzon, China, the Philippines, Mishmee, Assam, Sylhet, Burmah, and the Fiji Islands, produces from a somewhat arborescent stem, densely scaly at the crown, its almost triangular fronds, which are 4ft. to 6ft. long, and borne on stout stalks 2ft. to 3ft. long and densely clothed at their base with very narrow, curly, dark brown scales; these scales, though found on nearly the whole length of the stalks, get gradually less as the leafy portion of the frond is approached. The leaflets, 1ft. to lift. long and Gin. to Sin. broad, are divided into oblong, somewhat sickle-shaped segments (see Plate, for which we are indebted to Messrs. W. and J. Birkenhead) 3in. to 4in. long, the lowest on the lower side usually showing three or four distinct pinnules (leafits) cut down to the bare midrib, the other parts of the same segments being cleft only to a broadly-winged midrib into entire or undulated lobes. The abundant but comparatively small sori (spore masses) are usually disposed in close, single rows in the lobes, and covered with a very fugacious involucre.—Hooker, Species Filicum, iv., p. 61. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 441. Beddome, Ferns of British India, t. 134. N. (Eunephrodium) Levyi — Eu-neph-ro’-di-um; Le’-vy-i (Levy’s), Baker. A greenhouse species, native of Nicaragua, of small dimensions and of little decorative value. Its fronds, including the grey-hairy stalks on which they are borne, seldom measure more than Ift. in length; they are of a dull green colour and slightly downy on both surfaces.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p- 502. N. (Lastrea) Lindeni—Las’-tre-a ; Lin’-den-i (Linden’s), Baker. A pretty, greenhouse species, of small dimensions, native of Mexico and Guatemala. Its spear-shaped fronds, Gin. to Yin. long, 2in. to 3in. broad, 540 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS. and bipinnatifid (twice divided nearly to the midrib), are borne on tufted, slender, grey stalks 3in. to Gin. long and densely clothed near the base with spreading, narrow, brown scales. The spear-shaped, short-stalked leaflets are cut down nearly to the midrib into close, blunt lobes of a peculiarly cleft and notched nature and of a membranous texture. The small sori (spore masses), disposed along the midvein, are covered with an inyolucre of a fugacious nature.—HHooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 493. N. (Sagenia) Lobbii—Sag-e’-ni-a ; Lob’-bi-i (Lobb’s), Baker. This stove species, native of Borneo, is particularly striking on account of its somewhat triangular fronds, about 1ft. each way and borne on naked stalks 6in. or more long, being composed of a terminal leaflet 4in. to Gin. long, tapering gradually from the middle to each end, and two similar lateral ones on each side, the lower long-stalked and tripartite (divided into three parts). The texture is somewhat leathery, and the abundant sori (spore masses) are scattered over the whole under-side of the fronds.—Aooker, Species Filicum, iv., p. 59, t. 232. N. (Eunephrodium) longipes — Eu-neph-ro’-di-um ; long’-ip-és (long- footed), Moore. A stove species, of large dimensions, native of Java. It is of peculiar appearance, through the long stalks, 3ft. to 4ft. long, upon which its fronds, about 3ft. long and 9in. to 10in. broad, are borne. The leaflets, about 5in. long and Zin. broad, are cut two-thirds of the way down into oblique, rather sharp, oblong lobes, with a distinct sinus (depression) between them; they are of a somewhat leathery texture, and their upper surface is densely hairy on the veins. The sori (spore masses) are disposed about midway between the midrib and the edge.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 290. N. (Sagenia) macrophyllum — Sag-e’-ni-a ;_ mac-roph-yl’/-lum (large- leaved), Baker. This is a very distinct, stove species, native of the West Indies, Tropical America, and Brazil. Its handsome fronds, borne on tufted, dull-brownish stalks 1ft. to 2ft. long and scaly below, are 2ft. to 3ft. long, lft. or more broad, and composed of a large terminal leaflet, often forked at the base, and from aa \. aii OR NS \ ~—“ A(t) = \ = Se ss = Ff Oe : Ef il SSS fl TS , iy B = Lip an J Z F CHE ie 2 Ne => % TIN i iby = = AN bs e “LIE ELS ) fs EE {\ RS Be SE y “ [Ae AS Giga ——— A f : bi fis. Z, Pn 4 Nee eel f [= N sty Z gp flv { ji, 4 | y i i?) Wie 2 i ZEW iii i Col: ff if (LINAS ANTES is i Eg fH ADIN fe = | Loft IA i HM ee i \ > Malis = Sh it | Mi 1 \ WSS Uheata Bly ‘, \ > = yA SOY } As A\ =i); fi! fii’ ))® S, =e = — "4 — ~ WS \5\/)/ =e 3 Nephrodium Richardsi multifidum (much reduced). ‘ ane panies Pe cae cee ee NEPHRODIUM. 541 four to eight lanceolate (spear-shaped) lateral ones on each side: these are either entire or slightly lobed, the lowest pair being distinctly forked at the base. The fronds are of a soft, papery texture, pale green, and usually naked on both surfaces. The sori (spore masses), which are kidney-shaped and disposed in two rows between each primary vein, are usually situated on the middle of a veinlet—Hooker, Species Filicum, iv., p. 56. Lowe, Ferns British and KHaxotic, vi., t. 46. N. (Sagenia) mamillosum—Sag-e’-ni-a ; mam-il-lo’-sum (nippled), Baker. A stove species, native of the Moluccas, and somewhat resembling NV. decurrens, from which species, however, it is easily distinguished through its leaflets being undivided, and especially through the peculiar nature of its sorl (spore masses), which are so deeply immersed in the frond as to make the upper surface appear as if covered with minute nipples.—Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, iv., p. 573. N. (Lastrea) marginale — Las’-tre-a; mar-gin-a/-lé (haying marginal spore masses), Michauz. This handsome, hardy species, which in general habit is about midway between the typical form of NV. Filiw-mas and N. cristatum, is deserving of a much more general cultivation than is the case at present. It is a native of North America, where it is known under the popular name of ‘« Kvergreen Wood Fern,” and whence, according to Lowe, it was introduced into the Royal Gardens, Kew, so far back as 1712. Eaton says it is one of the most abundant and characteristic Ferns confined to North America; it is found in New Brunswick, Arkansas, and Central Alabama; it was also gathered by Drummond on the Saskatchewan and on the Rocky Mountains of British America ; and Eaton further informs us that it grows “on rocky hill-sides in rich woods, especially where black leaf-mould has gathered between the masses of rocks.” The spear-shaped fronds, 14ft. to 2ft. long and 6in. to 8in. broad, are borne on stalks 6in. to 12in. long, clothed principally at the base with shining scales of a light brown colour. They are bipinnate (twice divided to the midrib), with leaflets 3in. to 4in. long, lin. to 1}in. broad, of a more leathery texture than those of most other species belonging to the genus, and also of a darker green colour, The pinnules (leafits) are oblong, blunt at 542 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS. the extremity, and nearly entire, though occasionally lobed or indistinctly toothed (Fig. 131). The large and prominent sori (spore masses) are disposed along the margin of the leafits, and are covered with a firm, roundish- kidney-shaped, lead-coloured involucre-—Hooker, Species Filicum, Evy, e MED Os Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, ii., p. 441. Haton, Ferns of North America, ii., t. 55. Lowe, Ferns British and Exotic, vi., t. 6. Fig, 181, Frond of Nephrodium marginale G@ nat. size). In cultivation, N. marginale stands our winters outside very well, but in that case it becomes deciduous, although it is quite evergreen in the greenhouse. When planted in the outdoor rockery, a situation neither too wet nor too dry should be selected for it. There exists in America a variety elegans in which, although of smaller growth, the fronds have most of their leafits twice or even three times as long as those of the type, and all pinnatifid (divided nearly to the midrib), thus making a very distinct plant. N. (Lastrea) Maximowiczii — Las’-tre-a; Max-im-ow-ic’-zi-i (Maxim- owicz’s), Baker. A distinct, greenhouse species, of medium growth, native of Yokohama, with fronds deltoid and quadripinnatifid (in shape of the Greek delta, A, and four times divided nearly to the midrib), seldom more than Ift. each way, and borne on light brown, glossy stalks Gin. to 8in. long, clothed with scattered scales throughout. The lowest leaflets, much the largest and long- stalked, are produced on the lower side; their lowest leafits and segments, also deltoid and stalked, are cuneate (wedge-shaped) at the base, and the final lobes are oblong, unequal-sided, and distinctly toothed ; they are of NEPHRODIUM. 543 a parchment-like texture, with both surfaces dark green and smooth. The small sori (spore masses), placed just below the final notches, are covered with a smooth, persistent involucre.—/Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 499. N. (Sagenia) melanocaulon — Sag-e’-ni-a ; mel-an-oc-au’-lon (black- stemmed), Baker. This stove species, native of the Philippine and Malayan Islands, produces from an ascending caudex or upright trunk fronds lft. to 2ft. long and Qin. to 1din. broad, which are borne on glossy, blackish stalks 1ft. or more long ro-shaped and formed of and scaly at the base. These fronds are broadly ego a large terminal leaflet deeply pinnatifid (cut nearly to the midrib), and from one to four lateral ones on each side, also deeply pinnatifid, with egg-shaped, pointed lobes, the lowest of which are distinctly stalked, 6in. to 12in. long, 4in. to 6in. broad, often again pinnate at the base. The texture is soft and papery, and the rachis (stalk of the leafy portion) is of a blackish colour. The numerous small and scattered sori (spore masses) are covered with a small, fringed involucre of a fugacious nature—Hooker, Species Filicum, 1Vaps De. N. (Lastrea) membranifolium — Las’-tre-a ; mem-bra-nif-ol/-i-um (membranous-fronded). Synonymous with NV. dissectum. N. (Lastrea) microbasis — Las’-tre-a ; mi-crob-a/-sis (having a small base), Baker. | | A greenhouse species, found on the banks of the Niger. Its oblong-spear- shaped fronds, about 13ft. long and Sin. to 6in. broad, are produced from an upright trunk, borne on short, naked, grey stalks, and bipinnatifid (twice divided nearly to the midrib). The sessile, ligulate pinne (stalkless, strap- shaped leaflets) are of a somewhat leathery nature, pointed at their extremity, and cut down to a narrow wing into close, blunt, entire lobes, the lower ones being much reduced and deflexed (thrown back). Their rachises (stalks of the leafy portion) are densely hairy, and the lower surface of the leaflets is finely downy on the ribs. The small sori (spore masses), disposed on the midveins, are covered with a densely bristly, fugacious involucre.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 496, a 544 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS. N. (Lastrea) microsorum — Las’-tre-a ; mi-cros-o/-rum (having small sori), Hooker. A greenhouse species, of medium dimensions, native of Mount Chimborazo, with fronds 2ft. long, 1ft. broad, and borne on stalks 1ft. or more in length and densely scaly, especially below. The leaflets, of a soft, papery texture, are about 6in. long and cut down to the rachis (stalk) below into close, blunt lobes, on which the small and abundant sori (spore masses) are disposed midway between the edge and the midrib.—Hooker, Species Filicum, Iv., p. LOG. N. (Lastrea) Milnei—Las’-tre-a ; Mil/-né-i (Milne’s), Hooker. In this stove species, native of Fiji, and somewhat resembling NV. dissectum in general appearance, the fronds, 1}ft. to 2ft. long, 1ft. or more broad, and somewhat deltoid (in shape of the Greek delta, A), are borne on naked, blackish, polished stalks 1ft. or more in length. The lowest leaflets, which are much the largest, are frequently Gin. to Yin. long and 4in. to Sin. broad ; they are divided into close, lanceolate pinnules (spear-shaped leafits), cut down throughout to a narrowly-winged rachis (stalk of the leafy portion) into narrow-oblong, deeply-cleft lobes of a somewhat leathery texture, deep green in colour, and smooth on both surfaces. The sori (spore masses) are terminal on the short lateral branches of the veins of the lobes.—Hooker, Species Filicum, iv., p. 143 ; Second Century of Ferns, t. 62. N. (Eunephrodium) molle—Eu-neph-ro’-di-um ; mol’-lé (soft), Desvaua. This greenhouse species, of medium dimensions, which, on account of its free growth and prolific character, is frequently met with in cultivation, is a variable plant, with a remarkably wide range of habitat. It is found from Cuba and Mexico to Peru and Brazil, from the Himalayas and Hong-Kong to New Zealand and New South Wales, also in Madeira, the Azores, Cape Colony, the Mascarene Islands, on the Guinea Coast, &c. Its spear-shaped fronds, lft. to 2ft. long, Sin. to 12in. broad, and borne on tufted, somewhat slender stalks 1ft. or more in length and slightly scaly at the base, have their leaflets, 4in. to 6in. long, fin. broad, of a soft, papery texture and pale green colour, cut about half-way down to the midrib into narrow, blunt lobes (Fig. 132); the lower leaflets are placed at a little distance from each other and are rather NEPHRODIUM. 545 oo —~ - = shorter than the others, which become more closely set as they approach the summit, The sori (spore masses) are distant from the midrib, and are covered Fig. 182. Nephrodium molle (é nat. size). with a very hairy involucre of a purplish colour.—Hooker, Species Filicum, iv., p. 67. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, ii., p. 441. Beddome, Ferns of Southern India, t. 84. Lowe, Ferns British and Exotic, vi. t. 30. VOL. II. 2N 546 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS. This is a most accommodating plant, succeeding under either stove or greenhouse treatment. It does well either grown 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 NV. molle have been produced under cultivation, the most distinct being the following : N. m. corymbiferum—cor-ymb-if’-er-um (corymb-bearing), Moore. . A really interesting and highly-decorative plant, of more upright habit (Fig. 133) than the species from which “it originated. It produces from a single crown and in great abund- ance fronds 14ft. to 2ft. long, which are repeatedly branched and furnished with singularly- contracted leaflets that are much shorter than in the species and crested at their ex- tremity ; the summit of the frond itself is adorned with a similar crest of larger dimensions. On account of its curious form, its rapid growth, and its pleasing Fig. 133. Nephrodium molle corymbiferum, showing oreen colour. this variety has taken (1). Habit, (2) Summit of Frond, (8) Leafiet. 4 ; (1 and 2, much reduced; 3, 4 nat. size.) a leading place among the Ferns specially grown for decoration. When subjected to cool or intermediate treatment it is never, to our knowledge, attacked by any insect; it is only when grown in too warm a house that the plant is seen covered with mealy bug, which pest is only eradicated with great difficulty, as the texture of the fronds is very soft, and they do not bear fumigating or dipping in any insecticide. N. m. grandiceps—eran’-dic-eps (large-headed), Moore. In this pretty and very distinct variety, also of garden origin, the fronds bear at their summit a large, terminal crest, and the extremities of their leaflets are also conspicuously crested (Fig. 134).—Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, iL, p. 442. NEPHRODIUM. 54.7 N. (Lastrea) montanum — Las’-tre-a; mon-ta/-num (Mountain Buckler Fern), Baker. This interesting, hardy species, also known under the name of Lastrea Oreopteris, though not indigenous in any other part of the world, is found in France, Switzerland, and in the centre of Europe in considerable quantities. It is widely spread through the United Kingdom, being exceedingly common in Scotland and the North of England, where it ranges from the sea-level to an altitude of 3000ft. Ray, who first mentions it as a native of this country, referring to it in the Appendix to the Second Edition of his “Synopsis Methodica Stirpium Britannicarum,” gives it as “a variety of the common Male Fern, observed by Petiver on Dunsmore Heath, near ea Rugby, in the County of Warwick.” It was eventually found in many parts of the British Islands, notably at Old Foot’s Well, Bromsgrove, in Worcestershire ; near \) ISS Ny S E ie 3 ae a \ nod Chapel Weardale and Darlington, in Dur- ham ; in the woods of Castle Howard, in Yorkshire ; at Conham and Leigh Woods, near Bristol, in Somersetshire ; on Bailey’s Hill, between Brasted and Tunbridge, in Kent; near Southampton, &c. In the Lake District of Westmoreland and Cumberland - it is very abundant. It has been gathered Fig, 134, “Portion of Frond. of Nepheradium molle grandiceps in Wales, near Wrexham, in Denbighshire, @ nat. size). and at Llanberis and Nant Gwynedd, in Carnarvonshire, and has been reported from various parts of Scotland and Ireland. As its name implies, the Mountain Buckler Fern is usually found growing upon mountain heaths, but it is also an inhabitant of shady woods where the soil is moist, without, however, being uniformly wet. The spear-shaped fronds of this species, produced from a dense, clustered crown, and borne on short, tufted stalks furnished at their base with chaffy scales of a light brown colour, are 1}ft. to 2ft. long, Gin. to Sin. broad, and Gives 548 THE BOOK OF CHOICE "FERNS. furnished with leaflets 3in. to 4in. long, lin. broad at the base, of a soft, papery texture, and of a brillant green colour. These leaflets are cut down to a broadly-winged stalk into close, oblong, blunt lobes, the lower ones, distantly placed, being gradually dwarfed to mere auricles. The round and moderate- sized sori (spore masses) are disposed in rows near the edge of the lobes, and covered with a thin involucre of a peculiarly white colour.—Hooker, Species Filicum, iv., p. 90; British Ferns, t. 14. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, u., p. 442. Lowe, Ferns British and Heotic, vi., t. 17. Correvon, Les Fougéres Rustiques, p. 1338. . The Mountain Buckler Fern is most effective when planted in masses on the rockery ; but it is one of the few species which do not take to transplanting very kindly, 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 cultivation is a compost of four parts of fibry peat and one part each of leaf mould and sandy loam, with a free admixture of silver sand. Though N. monianum is one of the least variable of the British Ferns, it has produced a few varieties, some of which have been considered of sufficient importance to occupy a permanent place in collections, and to deserve the careful attention of the late Thomas Moore, who named and described most of them. The following are the most distinct forms: N. m. caudatum—cau-da’-tum (tailed), Moore. This variety, of normal size, but very distinct in appearance, originally found at Windermere, has remained permanent under cultivation. In some respects it is normal, but it differs in its leaflets, variable in length and 6in. broad at the base, being narrowed and drawn out to a considerable length, and furnished with rounded leafits. The extremity of the fronds is frequently three times divided.—Lowe, Our Native Ferns, i., fig. 179. N. m. crispum—cris’-pum (curled), Moore. A variety originally found on the Clova Mountains. It is normal in outline and size, but differs essentially from the species in having its pinnules (leafits) undulated, so that the frond has a crispy appearance.—Lowe, Our Native Ferns, i., fig. 175. NEPHRODIUM., 549 N. m. cristatum—cris-ta’/-tum (crested), Moore. The fronds of this variety, which was originally found in Monmouthshire, are somewhat smaller than those of the normal form, and terminate in corymbs (agglomerations) of a leafy nature. The extremities of the leaflets are also much crested and crisped, although not to such a degree as the summit of the frond.—Lowe, Our Native Ferns, i., fig. 174. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, ii., p. 442. N. m. Nowellianum—Now-el-li-a’-num (Nowell’s), Moore. This form of the Mountain Buckler Fern—by far the most extraordinary hitherto discovered—is as interesting as it is distinct. It was originally found near Lake Gyrionedd, in North Wales, and has proved constant under cultivation ; it is of so remarkable a character that anyone only moderately acquainted with the genus would be puzzled to say to which species it is related, as it shows so very little of the character of the typical plant. The fronds, which vary from 14ft. to 2ft. in length and from 4in. to Gin. in breadth, are pinnate (divided to the midrib), being furnished with very narrow leaflets, and terminate much more abruptly than in the normal species; their pinnules (leafits) are extremely short, deeply cut and serrated, often curiously hooked and horned. The sori (spore masses) are very conspicuous.—Lovwe, Our Native Ferns, i, fig. 176. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, ii. p-. 442. ? N. m. truncatum—trun-ca’-tum (maimed, bitten off), Moore. This very curious variety, which was found near Tunbridge Wells and also at Llanberis, Carnarvonshire, possesses a peculiar appearance owing to the extremities of all the leaflets of its fronds terminating abruptly, appearing as if eaten off in a uniform manner by some insect. The extremity of the rachis (stalk of the leafy portion) frequently projects fin. beyond the pinnules (leafits). In all other respects this plant is normal.—Lowe, Our Native Ferns, i., fig. 176. N. (Eunephrodium) multijugum—Euv-neph-ro’-di-um ; mul-tij/-ug-um (having many pairs of leafits), Baker. A stove species, of large dimensions, native of the Malayan Peninsula. Its ample fronds, 3ft. to 4ft. long, lft. to 1}ft. broad, and borne on strong, 550 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS. upright, nearly smooth stalks 1ft. to 2ft. long, are furnished with leaflets Gin. to Sin. long, cut two-thirds of the way down to the rachis (stalk of the leafy portion) into close, sharply-pointed, nearly sickle-shaped lobes of a somewhat leathery texture and bright green colour. The sori (spore masses) are disposed near the midrib.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 291. N. (Lastrea) Napoleonis—las’-tre-a ; Nap-o-le-o’-nis (Napoleon’s), Bory. This singular and thoroughly distinct, greenhouse species, limited to the Island of St. Helena, is of medium size. Its shortly-triangular fronds are lft. to 14ft. long and 8in. to 12in. broad, and are borne on stalks Gin. to 12in. long, densely scaly at the base and naked upwards. The lowest leaflets are much the largest. The pinnules (leafits) of the under-side, which are the longest, are narrowly spear-shaped, closely set, and cut down nearly to the rachis (stalk) into slightly-toothed, broad, blunt lobes of a somewhat leathery texture. The sori (spore masses), disposed close to the midrib, are covered with a smooth, naked involucre.— Hooker, Species Filicum, iv De 2opcts 20. ic N. (Eunephrodium) nevadense — Eu-neph-ro’-di-um ; ney-a-den’-sé (from Nevada), Haton. This very interesting, greenhouse species, which in North America is known by the popular name of “ Sierra Shield Fern,” is, according to Eaton, found in moist meadows and alone creeks in the Sierra Nevada, North California, especially in a meadow containing also the Swamp-loving Darling- tonia, near Quincy, Plumas County, and in Berry Creek Cafion, Butte County. Its spear-shaped fronds, produced from a creeping rhizome (prostrate stem), are 13ft. to 3ft. long, including their short stalks, the lower part of which, and the rhizome or rootstock, bear a few chaffy scales. These fronds are of a thin, papery texture and pale green colour. The sori (spore masses), situated close to the margin of the leaflets, are covered with a minute, kidney- shaped indusium, furnished with a few dark-coloured, marginal glands, and bearing several long, straight, jointed hairs on the upper surface. An important feature to be observed in the fertile fronds, and which has not been noticed in any other Fern, is that the divisions of the leaflets are closed or folded together in the early part of the day, and only open in the afternoon. NEPHRODIUM. 551 In his excellent work, “ Ferns of North America,” vol. 1., p. 74, Haton, referring to this peculiar character, says that Mrs. Austin, to whom he is indebted for a complete series of fine specimens of Ferns of Plumas County, California, is the first person who noticed it. When writing to him on the subject, she said: “I noticed this last fall when I went early (while it was yet cool) in the morning for specimens for the press. I would not gather them as I did not think they would make nice specimens, but went further up the creek, collecting other plants, and did not return till two or three o'clock, when I found the pinne all open and the fronds fit to press.” Some subsequent observations confirmed her in the opinion that this Fern at least has its daily periods of contraction and expansion; but whether the change is caused by alternation of light and darkness, dampness and dryness, or heat and cold, is yet undetermined.—Laton, Ferns of North America, i., t. 10. N. (Sagenia) nigrescens—Sae-e’-ni-a ; nig-res’-cens (blackish), Baker. A stove species, of medium dimensions, native of Upper Guinea, with fronds 14ft. to 2ft. each way, deltoid (in shape of the Greek delta, A), tripinnatifid (three times divided nearly to the midrib), and borne on grey stalks 1ft. to 2ft. long. The leafy portion, of a parchment-like texture, is nearly smooth and of a dark green colour. The moderately large and irregular sori (spore masses) are disposed in series between the midrib and the edge of the final lobes——Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 504. N. (Lastrea) noveboracense—Las’-tre-a ; nov-eb-or-ac-en’-sé (native of New York), Desvauz. ; This interesting, greenhouse species, which in America is known under the popular name of “New York Shield Fern,” is found abundantly in moist thickets and wet, grassy places in North America, principally from New Brunswick and Canada to Virginia, also in Ohio, Kentucky, and North Carolina. It is peculiarly distinct on account of the very slender character of its underground-creeping rhizome (prostrate stem), which always keeps several inches in advance of the developed fronds, and the youngest portion of which is singularly downy. The spear-shaped fronds, 1ft. to 2ft. long, 4in. to 6in. broad, and borne on slender stalks about lft. long, are furnished ' with | spreading leaflets 2in. to 3in. long, cut down very nearly to the midrib into 552 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS. narrow-oblong lobes, which are broadest in the barren fronds; the lower leaflets are smaller and deflexed (thrown back), and all are of a soft, papery texture. The sori (spore masses) are disposed in rows near the margin of the lobes.—Hooker, Species Filicum, iv., p. 89. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, ii., p. 442. Eaton, Ferns of North America, i., t. 7. There exists a variety which is generally imported from Essex County, New York, and which differs from the above species only in the sweet and agreeable odour emitted by its slightly more rigid and narrower fronds. Eaton states that a few plants of it, dried in the open air, will perfume a room deliciously for a long time. N. (Lastrea) obtusilobum — Las’-tre-a ; ob-tu-sil/-ob-um (blunt-lobed), Baker. A stove species, of large dimensions, native of Ceylon, with fronds 3ft. to 4ft. long and 1ift. to 2ft. broad, borne on firm, upright stalks that are lft. to 2ft. long and densely clothed with large, egg-shaped, light-coloured scales. The lower leaflets are frequently 1ft. long and 6in. broad, and their pinnules (leafits), cut down to the midrib into oblong, entire lobes, are of a soft, papery texture, with their under-surface more or less glandular. The sori (spore masses) are disposed along the midvein.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 284. Beddome, Ferns of British India, t. 296. N. (Lastrea) odoratum—Las’-tre-a ; od-o-ra/-tum (fragrant), Baker. This very interesting, comparatively small, greenhouse species, also known as NV. ertocarpum of Decaisne and WN; hirsutum of Don, has a very wide range of habitat. It is said to be found at elevations of between 7000ft. and 8000ft. in Northern India, whereas Beddome, in “ Ferns of Southern India,” says it is found on the Peringoonda Hill, in the Anamallays, at an altitude of 5000ft. ; it is also a native of South China, the Malayan Peninsula, Mauritius, &e. This Fern has a very peculiar appearance, produced by the stout, ascending stem from which the fronds rise, and which, like that of the common Cushion Fern (Dicksonia Culcita), is provided with a thickness of about 2in. of scales, nearly lin. long and of a beautiful golden colour. The stalks, densely clothed at their bases with similar scales, are lft. to 14ft. long. The leafy portion is deltoid (in shape of the Greek delta, A), from 9in. to 18in. each way, and um japonicum i Lygod. . size). @ nat. NEPHRODIUM. 503 tripinnate (three times divided to the midrib), the lowest leaflets being much the largest (Fig. 135, reduced from Col. Beddome’s ‘‘ Ferns of Southern India,” by the kind permission of the author). The pinnules (leafits) are spear-shaped, often imbricated (overlapping), and have blunt, rounded lobes; they are of a soft, papery texture and pale green colour, and are hairy on both sides. The abundant and conspicuous sori (spore masses) are covered with a large, pale, dairy involucre. of 1 good and compact habit, but This species is requires very careful watering during the winter.—Hooker, Species Lilicum, iv., p. 141. Nicholson, Dichonary of Gardening, il., p. 442. Beddome, Ferns of Southern India, t. 95. N. (Lastrea) opacum—Las’-tre-a ; op-a’-cum (opaque). This garden name, for which we cannot find any authority, is applied to a plant having the appearance of a thick-leaved, dull form of the popular N. erythrosorum, and said, like that TG Sh VEL Le ee a Ze, SEE Fig. 135, Nephrodium odoratum (much reduced). 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 is a most useful Fern, as its foliage is rarely affected by gas, smoke, or London fog. N. (Lastrea) Oreopteris — Las’-tre-a; Or-é-op’-ter-is (Mountain Fern). Synonymous with N. montanum. N. (Eunephrodium) Otaria — Hu-neph-ro’-di-um ; O-ta’-ri-a (Otaria), Baker. This very useful, greenhouse species, better known in gardens as Lastrea aristata, although usually considered of Japanese origin, is also a native of the Philippines, the Neilgherries, and Ceylon. Its beautiful fronds, of a very 5dD4 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS. robust nature, are produced from a thick, fleshy, underground rhizome (prostrate stem), 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 1ft. or more in length. The terminal leaflet is 4in. to 6in. long, lin. to 1Jin. 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 (spore masses), which cover nearly the whole under-side of the fronds.—Hooker, Species Filicum, iv., p. 62, t. 238. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, ii., p. 442. The plant known in commerce as Lastrea aristata variegata, though usually considered as a form of this species, is undoubtedly a variety of Aspidium aristatum, and is described as such at p. 444, Vol. I. N. (Eunephrodium) pallidivenium—Eu-neph-ro’-di-um ;_pal-lid-iv-e’- ni-um (pale-veined), Baker. A stove species, of somewhat large dimensions, native of the Guinea Coast, and gathered in the Livingstone Expedition on the shores of Lake Nyassa. Its rigid fronds, 2ft. to 3ft. long, 8in. to 12in. broad, and borne on naked stalks 1ft. or more long, are furnished with leaflets 4in. to 6in. long, about lin. broad, and cut two-thirds of the way down to the rachis (stalk) into somewhat sickle-shaped, deeply-cut, closely-set lobes. The lower leaflets are not much smaller than the others, and all are of a leathery texture. The small and abundant sori (spore masses) are disposed in close rows about midway between the midrib and the edge.—Hooker, Species Filicum, v., p. 8. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, ii., p. 442. Las’-tre-a ; pal-us’-tré (marsh-loving), Baker. N. (Lastrea) palustre This greenhouse species, native of JBrazil, in general habit greatly resembles N. montanum, but is of much larger dimensions. Its fronds, NEPHRODIUM. 5D9 occasionally as much as 3ft. long and Ilft. broad, are borne on naked, straw-coloured stalks fully 1ft. in length; the lobes of their closely-set pinne (leaflets) are narrower than in WN. Montanum, and the sori (spore masses), which fill up the greater part of the space between the midrib and the edge, are covered with small, ciliated involucres. — Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 270. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, ii., p. 442. N. (Lastrea) Parishii — Las’-tre-a; Par-ish’-i-i (Rev. C. §. Parish’s), Hooker. A very distinct, stove species, of comparatively small dimensions, native of Moulmein, where it is said to grow on limestone rocks in shady, moist places. Its fronds, borne on slender, naked stalks Gin. to Yin. long, are Fig. 186. Frond of Nephrodium Parishii (% nat. size). deltoid (in shape of the Greek delta, A), 6in. to 8in. each way, their lower leaflets being much the largest (Fig. 136, reduced from Col. Beddome’s “ Ferns of British India,” by the kind permission of the author). The pinnules (leafits), oblong-spear-shaped, 13in. to 2in. long, and jin. to in. broad, are cut down nearly to the rachis (stalk of the leafy portion) into close, crenated (notched) lobes of a parchment-like texture. The sori (spore masses) are disposed in rows not far from the midrib.—Hooker, Species Filicum, iv p- 131, t. 260. Beddome, Ferns of British India, t. 48. a] 556 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS. N. (Lastrea) patens—Las’-tre-a ; pat/-ens (spreading), Desvaua. This extremely ornamental, greenhouse species has a very extensive range of habitat. In North America, where it is commonly called the “ Spreading Wood Fern,” it is found from Florida to South Carolina, westward near the Gulf of Mexico to Alabama, Louisiana, and Texas, also in several cafions near Santa Barbara, California. In all these places, Eaton (vol. ii., p. 182) states, it grows in low, shady woods; he also says that it is a common Fern throughout Tropical America, and that plants not distinguishable from it are found in South Africa, and in the Islands of the Pacific Ocean. N. patens is likewise found in Polynesia, Japan, Angola, &c. The fronds vary very much in size, according to the habitat, the largest fronds 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 Ift. in length, and which emerge from an oblique rootstock of a chaffy nature. The texture of the fronds is thin, but firm. The leaflets, 4in. to 9in. long and Hin. to 3in. broad, are cut down about three-quarters of the way to the rachis (stalk) 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 (spore masses) 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.—Hooker, Species Filicum, iv., p. 95. Nicholson, Metionary of Gardening, u., p. 442. LHaton, Ferns of North America, Use uctin ces There is a form known in gardens as N. (Lastrea) p. superbum, for which name we cannot find any authority. This variety, which is said to have originated among some seedlings raised in the Gardens of the Royal Horticultural Society, at Chiswick, has its fronds more deeply cleft and far surpasses in elegance the species from which it is issue. N. (Lastrea) patulum—bLas’-tre-a ; pat/-ul-um (slightly spreading), Baker. A stove species, with a habitat ranging from the West Indies and Mexico to Brazil and Ecuador. Its broadly-spear-shaped fronds, 1ft. to 2ft. long and Gin. to 12in. broad, are borne on tufted stalks 1ft. to 14ft. long, scaly towards the base. The spear-shaped leaflets, 3in. to 6in. long and 14in. to 2in. broad, NEPHRODIUM. 557 have their divisions sometimes spathulate (spoon-shaped) and not cut down quite to the midrib ; they are of a thin yet firm texture, pale green in colour, and naked on both surfaces. The sori (spore masses), which are disposed in rows, are situated about midway between the edge and the midrib, and are covered with a conspicuous, naked involucre.—Hooker, Species Pilicum, iv., p- 138, t.. 267, N. (Lastrea) pedatum—Las’-tre-a ; ped-a’-tum (foot-like), Hooker. A stove species, of small dimensions, native of the West Indies, with fronds 3in. to 4in. each way, deeply cleft, and borne on tufted, glossy stalks 4in. to 6in. long. The foliage, of a leathery texture, is naked on both sides, and the large and conspicuous sori (spore masses) are disposed in rows near the main veins.—Hooker, Species Filicum, iv., p. 84. N. (Eunephrodium) pennigerum—LEv-neph-ro’-di-um ; pen-nig’-er-um (winged), Hooker. This stove species, of large dimensions, is a native of the Himalayas, Ceylon, the Malaccas, Johanna Island, Angola, and the Guinea Coast ; according to Beddome, it is also found on the Neilgherries and Anamallay Mountains, in the Sisparah and Carcoor Ghats. Its fronds, 2ft. to 4ft. long, 1ft. to 14ft. broad, are borne on stout, tufted, finely-hairy stalks 8in. to 12in. long. The numerous leaflets, 6in. to 9in. long, have their edge cut about a quarter of the way down to the midrib into oblong-sickle-shaped lobes of a somewhat soft, papery texture, and the sori (spore masses) are disposed along the midvein. NN. articulatum is another name for this species.—Hooker, Species Filicum, iv., p. 82. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i, p. 442. N. pilosissimum—-pil-o-sis’-sim-um (very pilose). This is a synonym of N. subguinquesidum. N. (Lastrea) platypus—Las’-tre-a ; plat’-yp-us (flat-footed), Hooker. This doubtful, stove species, of medium dimensions, native of Java and the Moulmein Mountains (where, according to Beddome, it grows at 5000ft. elevation), much resembles Aspidium aristatum, but its sori (spore masses) are covered with a large, distinctly kidney-shaped involucre.—Hooker, Species Filicum, iv., p. 149. Beddome, Ferns of British India, t. 228. 558 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS. N. (Lastrea) podophyllum — Las’-tre-a; pod-oph-yl/-lum (footstalk- fronded), Hooker. A singular, greenhouse species, native of Japan and China, much in the way of the more popular N. Sieboldii, having, like that species, a distinct terminal leaflet similar to the lateral ones.—Hooker, Species Filicum, iv., p. 87. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, ti., p. 442. N. (Sagenia) polymorphum—Sag-e’-ni-a ; pol-ym-orph’-um (of many forms), Baker. This is a variable, stove species, native of Ceylon, the Malayan Peninsula and Islands, and the Himalayas, where it is said to occur up to 4000ft. elevation. Its fronds, 2ft. to 4ft. long, 1ft. to 14ft. broad, and borne on brownish, naked stalks 1ft. or more in length, are produced from a creeping rhizome (prostrate stem). They are composed of a terminal leaflet and from two to six pairs of lateral ones, all large, oblong in shape, variously forked, especially the lower ones, and of a leathery texture, the principal veins being distinct to the edge. The small, abundant, scattered sori (spore masses) are disposed on the connected veinlets.—Hooker, Species Filicum, Iv., p. d4. N. (Lastrea) Prenticei A species of small dimensions and of little decorative value, with fronds Las’-tre-a ; Pren-tic’-e-i (Prentice’s), Baker. about 1ft. long, bright green on both surfaces. The sori (spore masses) are disposed along the midvein, and covered with a small, smooth, persistent involucre.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 494. N. (Lastrea) Preslii—Las’-tre-a; Presl’-i-i (Presl’s), Baker. A stove species, of small dimensions, in general appearance resembling a small form of NV. dissectum, but of a thicker texture, and with the sori (spore masses) disposed close to the base of the obscure veinlets.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 272. N. (Eunephrodium) procerum—Eu-neph-ro’-di-um ; pro-ce’-rum (tall), Baker. A stove species, native of Bourbon Island. It produces oblong-spear- shaped fronds 2ft. to 3ft. long, 1ft. to 14ft. broad, bipinnatifid (twice divided NEPHRODIUM. : 509 nearly to the midrib), and borne on stalks of a slightly downy nature. The sessile pinne (stalkless leaflets) are strap-shaped and sharply pointed, the central ones, which are the largest, being from 6in. to Yin. long and #in. broad ; all are cut down to a broad wing into sickle-shaped lobes of a rigidly-leathery texture, smooth on both surfaces, and with ribs finely hairy. The minute sori (spore masses) are disposed along the midvein, and are covered with a smooth involucre of a persistent nature-—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 502. N. (Lastrea) prolificum This greenhouse or eyen hardy species—one of the most interesting of Las’-tre-a ;_ pro-lif’-ic-um (prolific), Moore. the many Ferns 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 Gin. to Yin. long, are of a somewhat elongated-triangular form, seldom exceed 1ft. in length, and are tripinnate (three times divided to the midrib). The numerous leaflets and their sub-divisions, of a leathery texture and shining dark green colour, being set far apart, give the whole plant an elegant appearance. A very singular character peculiar to this species is that it produces, either in the axils of the leaflets or, less frequently, on the margins of their lobes, innumerable leafy buds, by which it is easily and rapidly propagated. 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 colour, as in N. erythrosorum, to which species the present plant appears to be related. It is undoubtedly a most distinct Fern, deserving a place in every good collection, for, on account of its peculiarity as well as its elegance, it never fails to prove a subject of great attraction—Micholson, Dictionary of Gardening, iv., p. 572. N. propinquum—prop-in’-qti-um (allied), Wollaston. This is the Lastrea Filiz-mas abbreviata of Babington and Moore, which Mr. Wollaston ranks as a species, on account of its more compact habit, more beautiful outline, and thoroughly deciduous character.—Lowe, Our Native Ferns, i., pp. 234, 235, and 280. 560 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS. N. pseudo-mas—pseu’-do-mas (false Male Fern), Wollaston. A form of the common fliz-mas, from which it differs through its fronds being of larger dimensions and of a more leathery texture ; they are also said to possess an evergreen character. Mr. Wollaston ranks this variety as a distinct species—Lowe, Our Native Ferns, i. pp. 234 and 237. N. (Eunephrodium) pteroides — Eu-neph-ro’-di-um ; pter-6-i’-des (Pteris-like), J. Smith. This stove species, of large dimensions, better known in garden collections as NV. terminans, possesses a very wide range of habitat, being found in China and Queensland, also in the Malayan and Philippine Islands, in Ceylon, and on the Himalayas, the Neilgherries, and the Anamallays, where, according to Beddome, it occurs in moist forests and outskirts of Sholas at between 2000ft. and 4000ft. elevation. The simply-pinnate fronds, 2ft. to 4ft. long, 1ft. or more broad, and borne on slender, greyish stalks 1ft. to 2ft. long and slightly scaly below, are furnished with deeply-lobed leaflets of a soft, papery texture and bright green colour. The sori (spore masses) are disposed only along the margins of the lobes.—Hooker, Species Filicum, iv., p. 73. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 442. Lowe, Ferns British and Exotic, vi., p. 44. Beddome, Ferns of Southern India, t. 90. N. (Lastrea) pubescens—Las’-tre-a ; pu-bes’-cens (downy), Desvauc. A very handsome, evergreen, stove species, native of the West Indies, and one which, in general appearance, somewhat resembles the better-known N. decompositum. Its fronds, produced from a wide-creeping rhizome (prostrate stem), and borne on slender stalks 6in. to 12in. long, are deltoid (in shape of the Greek delta, A), 6in. to 18in. long, with lower leaflets much the largest. The sharply-toothed segments are unequal-sided, being largest on the upper side, and of a somewhat leathery texture. The sori (spore masses), small and distant from the midrib, are of a very pale straw-colour when in a young state, becoming pale green with age.—Hooker, Species Filicum, iv., p. 146. Hooker and Greville, Icones Filicum, t. 102. Lowe, Ferns British and Exotic, WVileeet, ohn N. (Lastrea) pumilum—Las’-tre-a; pu’-mil-um (dwarf), A variety of N. Filiz-mas. NEPHRODIUM. 561 N. (Eunephrodium) punctatum — Eu-neph-ro’-di-um ; punc-ta/-tum (dotted), Parish. A greenhouse species, of medium dimensions, native of Moulmein, where, according to the Rev. C. 5. Parish, it is found in deep jungles. Its oblong- spear-shaped fronds, 2ft. to 3ft. long and produced from a creeping rhizome (prostrate stem), are furnished with sessile pinne (stalkless leaflets) of a parchment-like texture and cut down to a broad wing into sickle-shaped lobes, along the margins of which the sori (spore masses) are disposed.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 503. Beddome, Ferns of British India, t. 181. N. punctilobulum—punc-til-ob’-ul-um (having dotted lobes). A synonym of Dicksonia punctiloba. N. (Lastrea) purpurascens — Las’-tre-a ; pur-pur-as’-cens (purplish). Synonymous with N. sparsum. N. (Lastrea) Raddianum—Las’-tre-a ; Rad-di-a’-num (Raddi’s). This is a synonym of NV. vestitum. N. (Lastrea) recedens—Las’-tre-a ; rec-e’-dens (receding), Hooker. This stove species, of medium dimensions, native of the Philippines, Ceylon, and the Neilgherries (where, according to Beddome, it occurs at 4000ft. elevation), is very rare in cultivation. It is a thoroughly distinct- habited Fern, with fronds 14ft. to 2ft. long, Ift. or more broad, and deltoid (in shape of the Greek delta, A); they are borne on erect stalks 1ft. long, clothed with soft, woolly scales. The lower leaflets, 6in. to 12in. long and 3in. to 6in. broad, have their pimnules (leafits) often 6in. long, 2in. broad, divided into distinct, one-sided, spear-shaped segments, and close, slightly- toothed lobes, all being of a parchment-like texture, more or less woolly underneath, but quite smooth on the upper surface. The sori (spore masses) are disposed six to eight round the edge of the larger lobes.—Hooker, Species Filicum, iv., p. 185, t. 265. Beddome, Ferns of Southern India, t. 98. N. (Lastrea) recurvum — Las’-tre-a ; rec-ur’-vum (recurved). This is synonymous with N. emulum. VOL. IL, 20 562 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS. N. (Eunephrodium) refractum — Eu-neph-ro/:di-um ; ref-rac’-tum (curved back), Hooker. A greenhouse species, native of Brazil. It is well marked by its peculiar habit and by the bright green colour of its fronds, which are I1ft. to 14ft. long, 6in. to 9in. broad, and borne on naked stalks 1ft. long and of a glossy nature. The leaflets grow gradually smaller, from near the bottom to the top; the lower ones, 4in. to Sin. long and #in. broad, are deflexed, and the lowest pairs very much so, their broad and blunt lobes reaching about a quarter of the way down to the midrib. The fronds are of a soft, papery texture and bright green colour, and are smooth on both surfaces. The sori (spore masses), disposed along the midvein, are covered with a minute, fugacious involucre.—Hooker, Species Filicum, iv., p. 162, t. 252. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, ii., p. 442. N. (Lastrea) remotum—Las’-tre-a ; rem-o’-tum (distant), R. Braun. This handsome Fern, which, in Hooker’s “British Ferns” (t. 22), is figured and given as a variety of NV. spinulosum, was first discovered in the summer of 1859, in Westmoreland, by Mr. F. Clowes, of Windermere, who himself looked upon it as a form of NV. spinulosum, and sent some fronds to Mr. Thomas Moore, of the Chelsea Botanic Gardens. This well-known authority on Ferns recognised it as Aspidium remotum of Braun, and announced the discovery of this British species at a meeting of the Linnean Society on the 15th December, 1859. It is a plant of deciduous character, with oblong-spear-shaped fronds, 2ft. long, 6in. broad, and of upright habit. The leaflets, usually opposite and spear-shaped, are closely set, and their pinnules (leafits), about 1}in. long and shortly stalked, are cut half-way down to the midrib, or more, and distinctly toothed, more especially towards the extremity. The somewhat conspicuous sori (spore masses) are disposed in two rows near the midvein, and are covered with a kidney-shaped indusium of a persistent nature-—Lowe, New and Rare Ferns, t. 22. Correvon, Les Fougeres rustiques, p. 142. N. (Lastrea) Richardsi—Las’-tre-a ; Rich-ards’-i (Richards’), Baker. A stove species, native of New Caledonia. It is of little decorative value, of medium dimensions only, and has fronds of a parchment-like texture, The NEPHRODIUM. 563 sori (spore masses), disposed along the midvein, are covered with a firm, sightly hairy, persistent involucre.— Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 494. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 443. N. R. multifidum—mul-tif-id-um (much cleft), Moore. This variety, also known on the Continent under the name of Aspidium Germinyi, is no doubt one of the handsomest of all Ferns, although it has sprung from a typical form, native of New Caledonia, which, probably on account of its weedy appearance, has never been much in cultivation. In this exceedingly ornamental variety, 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 13in. 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 (see Plate). It possesses the faculty of reproducing itself true from spores.—/icholson, Dictionary of Gardening, iv., p. 5738. N. (Lastrea) rigidum—Las’-tre-a ; rig’-id-um (rigid), Desvaux. This hardy species, of medium dimensions, has a very wide range of habitat. Besides being found in Algeria, Tunis, Syria, Asia Minor, and California, it is also a native of various parts of Europe, and occurs in several localities in England, where it is commonly known as the “Rigid Buckler Fern,” and is almost confined to the limestone mountains of the North, ranging, as Mr. Moore remarks, between 1200ft. and 1500ft. above the sea- level. Its notice as a British species dates from 1815, when it was first discovered at Ingleborough by the Rev. Mr. Bree. It was subsequently found at Whornside; at Settle; at Arnside Knot (near Silverdale), in Westmoreland ; and on White Scars, above Ingleborough. Later still, a single plant of it 20 2 564 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS. was found at Bath, and another at Louth, in Ireland; but in such situations as to justify the opinion that these were introductions. Its oblong-spear- shaped fronds, 1ft. to 14ft. long and 4in. to 6in. broad, are borne on tufted stalks 6in. long and clothed below with large, spear-shaped, light brown scales. The largest leaflets, 2in. to 3in. long and lin. to 14in. broad, have their leafits (pinnules) cut down nearly to the rachis (Fig. 137). The fronds are of soft texture and upright habit, with their under-side shghtly glandular. The abundant sori (spore masses) are situated close to the midrib, and are covered with a firm, prominent involucre fringed with glands.— Hooker, Species Filicum, iv., p. 160; British Ferns, t. 16. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, ii., p. 443. Lowe, Ferns British and Exotic, vi, t. 21. Haton, Ferns of North America, ii., t. 46. Correvon, Les Fougéres rustigues, p. 138. fil f ES) A A iN’ Y Se 3 ot rail ig we me we Saez 3 is BU 8 Hes &? if cae i ye? ie Sy y ed 2 ae WS SY BESTS WS ae St ee Pe Se = WSS te I BS ee ae UY] he SS 3 ey S oS : ISS rd Ne PS GUS pat POSS at SY SER EB Fig, 187. Frond of Nephrodium rigidum ( nat. size). Under cultivation, N. rigidum is a free-growing species, and the fact of its being found growing wild generally upon chalky soils shows that by its natural habit it is well adapted for planting on artificial rockwork. Correvon, in his excellent work, “ Les Fougéres rustiques,” states that, although on the Jura Mountains and on the Alps, the leafy parts of the plant are developed in full sun and under the influence of a warm and dry atmosphere, its rhizome (prostrate stem) and roots usually penetrate to a great depth through pebbles and limestone, where they remain in a permanent state of moisture. Katon, in his exhaustive work on “Ferns of North America,” mentions (vol. ii, p. 4) two distinct forms of this species, viz., N. 7. pallidum of Link, found in the South of Hurope, a variety with fronds less sharply toothed and NEPHRODIUM. 565 of a much lighter colour than those of the typical plant; and N. r. argutuwm of Kaulfuss, which is essentially a North American plant, found growing wild on rocky hillsides and cafions, often in copses, from Oregon and California to the Sierra Madre of North-Western Mexico. Eaton further states that the latter variety is one of the commonest Ferns of California, where it is known as the “ Rigid Wood Fern,” but most abundant west of the Coast Range, though occurring as far east as Plumas County. By the same authority it is also stated that this variety has larger and broader fronds than the European N. rigidum, but that it certainly presents no points of specific distinction, and that ‘“‘some of the Oregon specimens, collected near the Willamette River, are so nearly typical rigidum, that they would not be challenged if mixed - among Kuropean specimens.”—Laton, Ferns of North America, ii., p. 4. N. (Eunephrodium) sagitteefolium — Hu-neph-ro’-di-um ;_ sag-it-tex- fol’-i-um (arrow-leaved), Aoore. A stove species, of large dimensions, but of little decorative value, native of Java.—Hooker, Species Filicum, iv., p. 78. N. (Lastrea) Salvini—Las’-tre-a ; Sal-vi’-ni (Salvin’s), Baker. This stove species, native of Guatemala, produces spear-shaped fronds Lft. to 13ft. long and 3in. to 4in. broad, their stalks being 6in. to 9in. long and provided at the base with a tuft of narrow, brown scales. The spear-shaped leaflets, 1din. to 2in. long and #in. broad, are closely set and cut down to the rachis (stalk of the leafy portion) into overlapping, oblong pinnules (leafits), of a soft yet firm texture, and blunt lobes reaching about half-way down. The sori (spore masses) are disposed at the base of these lobes, often one to each lobe, and covered with a firm, naked involucre——Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 274. N. (Lastrea) sanctum—Las’-tre-a ; sanc’-tum (sacred), Baker. A stove species, of particularly small dimensions, native of the West Indies and Guatemala; it is a perfect gem, which, although well adapted for growing in a Fern-case, has a great dislike to being watered overhead. Its habit is very peculiar, as its growth is rosulate—that is to say, its numerous spear-shaped fronds, which seldom exceed Yin. in length and 2in. in breadth, 566 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS. are arranged in a rosette round the short, upright caudex (stem) from which they are produced ; they are borne upon densely-tufted, slender stalks, 2in. to din. long. The leaflets are barely lin. long, bluntish at the point, with the edge more or less deeply cleft; their lobes are sometimes close and narrow-oblong, at other times distinct and spathulate (spoon-shaped). The fronds are of a soft, papery texture and dark shining green colour, and are slightly glandular on their under-side. The small and numerous sori (spore masses) are covered with an involucre of a yery fugacious nature.— Hooker, Species Filicum, iv., p. 252. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, ii, p. 443. . N. (Lastrea) scabrosum—Las’-tre-a ; scab-ro’-sum (rough), Baker. This greenhouse species, which is the Polypodium nigrocarpum of Beddome, is a native of the Neilgherries. Its ample fronds, 14ft. to 2ft. long and 1ft. to 13ft. broad, are borne on slender stalks 14ft. to 2ft. long, furnished throughout with small, egg-shaped, straw-coloured scales. The leaflets, 6in. to 9in. long and 3in. to 5in. broad, have the pinnules (leafits) of the lower side largest, with spear-shaped segments cut down nearly to the rachis (stalk of the leafy portion) into toothed, strap-shaped lobes of a soft, papery texture. The small sori (spore masses), disposed usually one at the base of each lobe, are covered with a small, fugacious involucre—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p- 283. Beddome, Ferns of Southern India, t. 169. N. (Eunephrodium) scolopendrioides—Eu-neph-ro’-di-um ;_ scol-op- en’-dri-6-i/-des (Scolopendrium-like), Hooker. A stove species, native of the West Indies. It is of little decorative value, with fronds I1ft. long, lin. to 2in. broad, and of a soft, papery texture. —Hlooker, Species Filicum, iv., p. 65. . N. (Sagenia) semibipinnatum—Sag-e’-ni-a ; se-mib-ip-in-na/-tum (half- bipinnate), Baker. This stove species, native of Penang and Borneo, produces fronds 1ft. to 13ft. long and Gin. to Yin. broad, composed of a narrow-oblong, terminal leaflet Gin. to 9in. long, entire, and narrowed towards both ends, and four to six smaller lateral ones on each side. They are of a soft, papery texture, NEPHRODIUM. 567 and their small and scattered sori (spore masses) are confined to the connected veinlets—Hooker, Species Filicum, iv., p. 59, t. 231. Beddome, Ferns of British India, t. 137. N. (Lastrea) semihastatum — Las’-tre-a ; se-mi-has-ta’-tum (half halbert-shaped), Hooker. This stove species, of botanical interest only, is a native of Peru. Its peculiar-shaped little fronds, seldom more than 6in. long, are borne on slender stalks 3in. to 4in. long, of a hairy nature-—Hooker, Species [ilicum, rh oe Opec N. (Eunephrodium) serra— Eu-neph-ro’-di-um ;. ser’-ra (like a saw), Desvaux. A stove species, of large dimensions (better known perhaps as Lastrea augescens), native of Cuba, Venezuela, Mexico, &c. Its fronds, of a particularly slender nature, 2ft. to 3ft. long and 1ft. or more in breadth, are produced from a wide-creeping rhizome (prostrate stem) and borne on firm, glossy stalks 1ft. or more in length; they are broadly spear-shaped, with spreading leaflets Gin. to Yin. long and seldom #in. broad, cut down about half-way to the midrib into sickle-shaped, sharp-pointed lobes of a somewhat leathery texture and light or pale green in colour. The sori (spore masses), disposed in rows a little apart from the midrib, are covered with a hairy indusium.—fooker, Species Filicum, iv., p. 79. Lowe, Ferns British and Exotic, vi., t. 10. N. (Lastrea) setigerum — Las’-tre-a ; se-tig’-er-um (bearing bristles), Baker. This strong-growing, greenhouse species, better known under the name of N. tenericaule, has a very wide range of habitat, being found in China, Japan, Northern India, &c., in all of which places it appears to occur in great quantities. Its ample fronds, lft. to 3ft. long and borne on sometimes naked, sometimes scaly, stalks 1ft. to 2ft. long, are produced from a creeping rhizome (prostrate stem). The lowest leaflets, which are the largest—often 8in. to 12in. long and 4in. to 6in. broad—are divided again into narrow-spear- shaped pinnules (leafits) cut down to the rachis (stalk of the leafy portion) into close, deeply-cleft lobes; they are of a soft, papery texture and pale 568 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS. green in colour. The small and numerous sori (spore masses), often eight to twelve to a lobe, are covered with an involucre of a very fugacious nature.— Hooker, Species Filicum, iv., p. 142, t. 269. This species, which is very variable in size and general appearance, sometimes produces fronds more or less crested ; completely crested young plants have even been observed, though never named or described by any authority. N. (Lastrea) setosum A delicate and distinct, stove species, native of Java, also known as Las’-tre-a ; se-to’-sum (bristly), Baker. Aspidium setosum. Its fronds, 1ft. to 13ft. long and Gin. to Yin. broad, are borne on tufted stalks 4in. to 6in. long, densely clothed with scales of a light brown colour. The lowest leaflets are the largest, and the pinnules (leafits), usually spear-shaped, are cut down to the midrib into long, narrow segments. The fronds are of a soft, papery texture and naked on both surfaces. The sori (spore masses) are disposed in a line close to the midrib—dHooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 274. N. (Lastrea) Sieboldii—Las’-tre-a ; Sie-bold’-i-i (Siebold’s), Hooker. This greenhouse or even hardy species, native of Japan and China, in the neighbourhood of Hong-Kong, and also known in gardens as Pycnopteris Sieboldu, is a thoroughly distinct Fern, possessing very little of the general appearance of a Nephrodium. Its singular fronds, of two different kinds, are produced from a decumbent rhizome (prostrate stem) of a very succulent nature, and covered with large, brown, spear-shaped scales. Barren and fertile fronds alike are simply pinnate (only once divided to the midrib), being composed of an entire or slightly-toothed, broadly spear-shaped terminal leaflet 8in. to 12in. long and ldin. to 2in. broad, and from two to four similar ones on each side, the lowest shortly stalked. Both kinds of fronds are of a coriaceous (leathery) texture, smooth, and glaucous (bluish). The leaflets of the barren fronds, which are borne on roundish, light green stalks seldom more than 8in. long, are somewhat undulated. In the fertile fronds, which are borne on stalks frequently 1ft. long, they are more contracted and entirely covered with large sori (spore masses), scattered irregularly.—Hooker, Species Filicum, iv., p. 87; Wilices Emoticw, t. 31. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, ii., p. 444. Lowe, Ferns British and Exotic, vi., tt. 84 and 35. NEPHRODIUM. 569 Though generally considered as an evergreen greenhouse species, N. Sieboldi is sufficiently hardy to withstand the severity of the English climate, as it is reported by Lowe to have survived the winter of 1854-55 in the open air, while it also withstood the rigours of the winter of 1889-90 unprotected, in the neighbourhood of London. N. (Sagenia) Simonsii—Sag-e’-ni-a ; Sim-ons’-i-i (Simons’), Baker. A greenhouse species, native of the Eastern Himalayas, with fronds bipinnatifid (twice divided nearly to the midrib), and borne on naked, blackish stalks 13ft. to 2ft. long; they are deltoid (in shape of the Greek delta, A), lft. to 14ft. each way, of a bright green colour, and smooth on both surfaces. The small sori (spore masses), irregularly disposed between the main ribs, are covered with a minute involucre of a fugacious nature.—Hooker, ETE Filicum, p. 504. N. (Sagenia) singaporianum—Sag-e’-ni-a; sing-ap-or-i-a/-num (from Singapore), Baker. A stove species, of medium dimensions, native of the Malayan Peninsula and Islands, with fronds 1ft. or more long, 2in. to 4in. broad, produced from a creeping rhizome (prostrate stem), and borne on stalks 6in. to 12in. long. These fronds are of a somewhat papery texture, oblong, entire, pointed at the summit, narrowed rather suddenly, and then decurrent (running down) gradually at the base. The closely-set sori (spore masses) are disposed four to six in a line between the midveins.—Hooker, Species Filicum, iv., p. 42. Hooker and Greville, Icones Filicum, t. 26. N. (Eunephrodium) Skinneri — Eu-neph-ro/-di-um ; Skin’-ner-i (Skinner’s), Hooker. This stove species, native of Guatemala and the Andes of Ecuador, is of small dimensions, its sharply-pointed, spear-shaped fronds, borne on slender, tufted stalks 2in. to 3in. long and hairy, being seldom more than Sin. long and lin. broad. They terminate abruptly below, and have oblong-sickle- shaped, nearly entire lobes reaching half-way down in the centre, and often quite to the midrib at the base, of a soft, papery texture, hairy underneath, and with sori (spore masses) close to the edge——Hooker, Species Filicum, iv., p. 64; Second Century of Ferns, t. 25. 570 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS. N. (Lastrea) Sloanei—Las’-tre-a ; Sloan’-é-i (Sloane’s), Baker. A stove species, much in the way of NV. patens, but of larger dimensions, of more rigid habit, and with narrower and more sharply-pointed lobes. Its fronds, 3ft. to 4ft. long, are produced from a stout, wide-creeping, scaly rhizome (prostrate stem). It is a native of Mexico and Cuba, and extends southward to Brazil and Peru.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 263. N. (Eunephrodium) sophoroides—Eu-neph-ro’-di-um ; soph-or-3-i/-des (Sophora-like), Desvauz. This greenhouse species is a native of Japan, Hong-Kong, and Formosa. Its fronds are lft. to 2ft. long and Gin. to Qin. broad, and are borne on slender stalks lft. or more long and of a downy nature. The spreading leaflets are of a soft, papery texture, 4in. to 6in. long, din. to #in. broad, and sharp-pointed at their extremity, with the edge cut about one-third of the way down into oblong-triangular lobes. The sori (spore masses) are distant from the midrib.—Hooker, Species Filicum, iv., p. 68. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, ii., p. 444. N. (Lastrea) sparsum—Las’-tre-a ; spar’-sum (scattered), Don. This noble-looking, greenhouse species, also known in gardens under the name of NV. purpurascens, has a very wide range of habitat, being found from Northern India to North China, in Ceylon, the Malayan Islands, Mauritius, &e. Beddome, in his excellent work on Indian Ferns, states that it is a common plant in most mountainous tracts on the western side of the Madras Presidency. Its broadly spear-shaped fronds, Ift. to 2ft. long, Sin. to 12in. broad, and borne on glossy stalks 6in. to 12in. long, are produced from a short, upright, stout trunk covered with egg-shaped, pointed, chaffy scales. The lowest leaflets, 4in. to 6in. long and 1din. to 2in. broad, are the largest. The lowest pinnules (leafits) are sometimes again divided, the others, spear- shaped and unequal-sided, being deeply cleft into oblong, blunt lobes: all are of a papery yet firm texture and of a pale green colour. The abundant sori (spore masses) are usually disposed one to each lobe, and placed near the midrib; they are covered with a flat, naked involucre about one line broad.—Hooker, Species Filicum, iv., p. 132, t. 262. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, ii., p. 444. Beddome, Ferns of Southern India, t. 103. NEPHRODIUM. 571 N. s. gracile—grac’-il-é (slender), Moore. This is the most distinct, as also the prettiest, known variety of N. (Lastrea) sparsum, five forms of which are described in Hooker and Baker’s “Synopsis Filicum,” p. 498. The fronds of WV. s. gracile, lanceolate and bipinnatifid (spear-shaped and twice divided nearly to the midrib), vary from 3in. to 4in. in length ; they are borne on short, slender stalks, which, as may be seen from Fig. 138 (reduced from Col. Beddome’s “Ferns of British India,” by the kind permission of the author), are clothed throughout with conspicuous scales.—Beddome, & ferns of British India, t. 198. wes N. (Lastrea) Spekei—lLas’-tre-a ; Spe/-ké-i ce (Capt. Speke’s), Baker. A stove species, of medium dimensions, native of Johanna Island and Angola. Its fronds, borne on slender stalks Ift. long, are 14ft. to 2ft. long and 9in. to 12in. broad ; they are fur- nished with entire leaflets 4in. to 6in. long, lin. "/ 198 Nephrodium sparsum gracile (} nat. size). broad, and cut down very nearly to the midrib, and are of a soft, papery texture. The sori (spore masses) are disposed midway between the edge and the midrib.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 263. N. (Lastrea) spinulosum—Las’-tre-a ; spi-nul-o’-sum (somewhat spiny), Desvauz. This hardy species, known under the popular name of “ Prickly Shield Fern,” has a very wide range of habitat, being found in Arctic Europe and America, southward to Madeira, the Mediterranean, on the Himalayas, and also, though sparingly, in Bourbon Island and Cape Colony. Eaton, in his excellent work on the “Ferns of North America” (vol. ii, p. 166), states that it is usually met with in shady woods, often in springy places, and along shaded rivulets from Newfoundland to Oregon and North-Western America, and extending southward to North Carolina, Tennessee, and Arkansas. In England it has been found in the Isle of Man ; near Ingleborough, Pottery 572 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS. Car, at Doncaster, and at Richmond, in Yorkshire; in Shropshire; in Warwickshire; in Derbyshire; in Norfolk; in Sussex; at Tunbridge, in Kent ; in Devonshire, &c. In all these places it grows in marshy spots, moist wooded ground, and wet hedgerows. Its fronds, which are produced from a tufted crown, are borne on slender stalks about 1ft. long. and sparingly clothed with somewhat pointed scales; they are lft. to 13ft. long, 6in. to Sin. broad, and oblong-spear-shaped in shape. The lowest leaflets, somewhat triangular, are 3in. to 4in. long and Idin. to 2in. broad. The broadly spear- shaped pinnules (leafits), about lin. long and 4in. broad, are cut down to the rachis (stalk) below into oblong lobes, copiously furnished with sharp-pointed teeth. The fronds are of a soft, papery texture and of a pale green colour. The sori (spore masses) are covered with a persistent involucre.—Hooker, British Ferns, t. 20. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, ii., p. 444. aton, Ferns of North America, i, t. 68. This fine, erect-growing species is well adapted for the moist parts of the Fernery, or the shady parts of the shrubbery, where, through its bold, free habit, it is rendered very distinct and decorative. The plant will bear a moderate degree of exposure, though it prefers shade; but, whichever situation it may occupy, a good supply of water at its roots is necessary all the year round. N. spinulosum has produced a few varieties, among which the following are the most distinct : N. s. Boottii—Boot’-ti-i (Boott’s), Gray. This variety, which, in Eaton’s work on “Ferns of North America,” is illustrated and described as a distinct species, though it is said to occur in England, in Continental Europe, and in Siberia, is much commoner in North America, where it is said to grow naturally in wet places in woods, often in alder thickets near streamlets or ponds. Its was, according to Haton, first discovered near Lowell, Massachusetts, by W. Boott as far back as 1843, and has since been found by several collectors near Fresh Pond, Cambridge, in Middlesex County; near Amherst and near Pelham, in the same State ; also in Connecticut, Southern New York, and Delaware. So far as the structure of its rootstock and its mode of growth are concerned, there is nothing to distinguish this Fern from N. cristatum or from N. spinulosum. Its fronds, NEPHRODIUM. 573 of a deep green colour and moderately firm texture, smooth above, and slightly scaly beneath, are disposed in a circle or crown, and stand fully 3ft. high, including stalks, in the largest plants; the stalks, when young, are chaffy with egg-shaped, rusty-coloured, shining scales, most of which drop off as the season advances. The spear-shaped leaflets are distant, and their lowest pinnules (leafits), about din. long and Hin. broad, are cut from one-third to half the way down to the rachis (stalk) below.—EZaton, Ferns of North America, ii, t. 69. N. s. crispum—cris’-pum (curled), Moore. A variety of normal size, but of very rigid habit, with the margins of the lobes closely rolled back and partially hiding the sori (spore masses), which are very large and very dark in colour. This plant, which is described by Dr. Deakin in his “ Florigraphia Britannica,” was originally found near Sheffield.—Lowe, Ferns British and Exotic, i., p. 328. N. s. intermedium—in-ter-med’-i-um (intermediate), Muhlenberg. This variety, which, according to Eaton, is the common form of the species in the North United States, seems to be exclusively North American. It has nearly the same range as the species, but extends to Tennessee and probably to Arkansas ; it is not reported from Newfoundland. It has dark green fronds a little broader in outline than those of the type, not unfrequently 22in. long and 9in. broad. The leaflets are more spreading than in the type; the lowest ones are sometimes nearly 3in. distant from the next, and the first or basal pinnule (leafit) is generally a little shorter than the second one, as specially noticed .by Milde. The indusium which covers the sori (spore masses) is sprinkled on the surface and at the margin with stalked and stalkless glands. The fronds are generally of larger dimensions and more finely cut than in our typical plant.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 277. Eaton, Ferns of North America, ii., p. 164. N. s. tripinnatum—trip-in-na/-tum (three times pinnate), Moore. A very handsome Fern, with narrow, upright fronds of a somewhat stiff habit. The leaflets of the fronds are short; their pinnules (leafits) are small, the anterior and posterior ones being unequal in size; these pinnules 574 THE BOOK "OF “CHOICE, FERNS. are distinctly divided into segments, which are oblong, blunt-toothed, and sometimes twice toothed.—Lowe, Our Native Ferns, i., p. 329. N. (Lastrea) Sprengelii—Las’-tre-a ; Spreng-el’-i-i (Sprengel’s), Hooker. A stove species, of large dimensions but of little decorative value, native of the West Indies and Guatemala. Hooker, Species Filicum, iv., p. 94. N. (Lastrea) Sprucei—tlas’-tre-a ; Spru’-cé-i (Spruce’s), Baker. This stove species, native of the Andes of Ecuador, has fronds 2ft. to 3ft. long and 8in. to 12in. broad, with leaflets 4in. to 6in. long, lin. broad, of a soft, papery texture, and cut down nearly to the rachis (stalk) into spreading lobes with a considerable space between them. The sori (spore masses), placed nearer the midrib than the edge, are covered with a large, distinct involucre. —Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 269. N. (Lastrea) Standishii—Las’-tre-a ; Stand-ish’-i-i (Standish’s). This is the popular or commercial name, for which we can find no authority, for a very useful and highly decorative Fern, the proper or botanical name of which is Aspidiwm laserpititfolium. N. (Eunephrodium) subcuneatum—Eu-neph-ro’-di-um ; sub-cun-é-a/- tum (nearly wedge-shaped), Baker. A stove species, of small dimensions, native of Cayenne, producing from a short-creeping rhizome (prostrate stem) its broadly-spear-shaped fronds, of a dull green colour on both surfaces. The small sori (spore masses) are covered with a smooth, fugacious involucre.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 503. N. (Lastrea) subquinquefidum — Las’-tre-a ; sub-quin-quef’-id-um (somewhat five-cleft), Hooker. This very pretty, stove species, which is also known in gardens under the various names of N. funestum, N. pilosissimum, and N. Vogelli, has a very wide range of habitat, being found from the West Indies to Brazil, in the Island of Nissobe, in Angola, on the Guinea Coast, and in Senegambia. It is of medium dimensions only, for its fronds, which are borne on brownish, firm stalks 1ft. or more long and naked or hairy upwards, are 6in. to 18in. NEPHRODIUM. 579 each way. The lower leaflets are much the largest, and the pinnules (leafits) on the lower side are much larger than the others, which are lin. to 3in. long and about lin, broad, often cut down to the rachis (stalk of the leafy portion) below into broad, oblong lobes of a soft, papery texture and dark green colour. The sori (spore masses) are disposed along the midvein— Hooker, Species Filicum, iv., p. 129, t. 259. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, ii., p. 444. ‘ N. (Sagenia) subtriphyllum-—Sag-e’-ni-a ;_ sub-triph-yl/-lum (somewhat three-leaved), Baker. A stove species, of medium dimensions, native of Polynesia, China, Malaya, Ceylon, and the Mascarene Islands. Its fronds, produced from a creeping Fig. 189. Frond of Nephrodium subtriphyllum ( nat. size). rhizome (prostrate stem) and borne on brownish stalks 1ft. or more in length, are 1ft. to 1$ft. long, 8in. to 12in. broad, and sub-deltoid (nearly in shape of the Greek delta, A); they are composed of a large, deeply-cleft terminal leaflet, with spear-shaped lobes, and one or two leaflets on each side. These leaflets are usually distant, auricled at the base, and spear-shaped at the point, and are of a soft, papery texture. The rather large but scattered sori (spore masses) are confined to the connected veinlets. Fig. 139 is reduced from Col. Beddome’s “Ferns of Southern India,” by the kind permission of the author.—Hooker, Species Hilicum, iv., p. 52. Beddome, Ferns of Southern India, t. 242. 576 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS. N. (Lastrea) tenericaule — Las’-tre-a ; ten-er-ic-au’-Ié (tender-stalked), Synonymous with JN. setigerum. N. (Lastrea) tenuifolium—tas’-tre-a ; ten-~-if-ol/-i-um (slender-leaved), Hooker. A stove species, of medium dimensions and of little decorative value. It is a native of the Fiji Islands.—Hooker, Species Filicum, iv., p. 144. N. terminans—ter’-min-ans (terminating). A synonym of N. pteroides. N. (Lastrea) Thelypteris — Las’-tre-a; The-lyp’-ter-is (Thelypteris), Desvaux. This perfectly hardy species, popularly known in England as_ the “Female Buckler Fern,” or the “Marsh Shield Fern,” is of a thoroughly cosmopolitan character, as it is found in quantities in both hemispheres. In Europe it extends from Norway to Spain; in Cashmere it occurs at elevations varying between 5000ft. and 6000ft., while it is stated by Beddome (who, in “Ferns of British India,” describes it under the name of Lastrea Fairbankit) to be found in swamps on the Pulney Mountains at an altitude of 4000ft. It is also a native of Cape Colony, Angola, Natal, New Zealand, Bermuda, Japan, &c. It is quoted by Eaton as a very common Fern in marshes and wet places, but sometimes also in dry ground from Lake Winnipeg, British America, and North Brunswick to Louisiana and Florida. This Fern was first noticed as an English plant by Ray, who, in his “Synopsis Methodica Stirpium Britannicarum,” mentions it as the ilix minor palustris repens (“Creeping Water Fern, or lesser Marsh Fern”). NN. Thelypteris is a most interesting Fern on account of its being found in various parts of the United Kingdom, generally in boggy meadows and marshes, especially where the soil is gravelly. It is commoner in Scotland than in England or Ireland. In the latter country it is limited to the marshes of Glencree, in Wicklow, and the neighbourhood of Neveruss, Killarney. In England it is found on Lear- mouth Bogs, in Northumberland ; near Settle, in Yorkshire; at Allesley, in Warwickshire; on Knutsford Moor and New Church Bog, near Over, in Cheshire ; and on Oxton Bogs, in Nottinghamshire. It is also stated to have existed formerly in Windsor Park and Sunninghill Wells, in Berkshire ; in the valley below Cesar’s Camp, on Wimbledon Common; in a bog on NEPHRODIUM. 577 Waterdown Forest, near Tunbridge Wells, and in various other places where it is now extinct. It is found in Wales, in a moist dell at the foot of Snowdon, near Llanberis, and near Beaumaris, in Anglesey. The fronds of N. Thelypteris, which rise from a very slender, wide- creeping rootstock or rhizome, nearly black and almost devoid of chaffy scales, keeping just beneath the surface of the ground, are borne on round, naked stalks about lft. long, of a slender nature, and scattered at long intervals along the rootstock. They are lft. to 2ft. long, 4in. to 6in. broad, and furnished with spreading leaflets 2in. to 3in. long and 3in. broad, cut down very nearly to the midrib into spreading, narrow-oblong lobes, which are broader in the barren than in the fertile fronds. The lower two or three pairs of lobes are usually a little shorter than those above them, and fronds are occasionally found in which they are conspicuously reduced. Although the surface of the fronds appears smooth, careful examination reveals a slight pubescence along the midrib and veins, especially on the under-surface ; they are of a very thin, papery texture and of a delightful green colour. The sori (spore masses) are distinctly disposed in rows near the recurved edge.—Hooker, Species FPilicum, iv., p. 88; British Ferns, t. 13. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, ii., p. 444. Eaton, Ferns of North America, i., t. 30. Beddome, Ferns of British India, t. 254. Correvon, Les Fougeéres rustiques, p. 132. . This interesting Fern would flourish luxuriantly in the company of Osmundas, in a low, boggy situation, a constantly damp soil, of a peaty or open nature, being indispensable to its welfare. N. (Lastrea) Thwaitesii—Las’-tre-a ; Thwaites’-i-i (Thwaites’), Baker. A stove species, native of Ceylon, greatly resembling N. deparioides in general outline, but differing from that species through its small spore masses being quite marginal instead of terminal in the teeth of the lobes of its fronds. —Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 277. Beddome, Ferns of Southern India, t. 247. N. (Lastrea) tomentosum—Las’-tre-a ; to-men-to’-sum (downy), Desvaus. This stove species, of medium dimensions, is of little decorative value. It is a native of Mauritius, Bourbon, and Tristan d’Acunha.—Hooker, Species Filieum, iv., p. 95. VOL. Il. 2P 578 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS. N. (Eunephrodium) truncatum — Eu-neph-ro’-di-um ; trun-ca/-tum (truncate, maimed), Presi. This very fine but very rare, greenhouse species, also known as N. abruptum, N. eusorum, and N. Hudsonianum, is a native of North India, Malacca, Australia, and Polynesia. It is a plant of large dimensions, its fronds, which are 2ft. to 4ft. long and Ift. to 14ft. broad, being borne on tufted, stout, upright stalks 2ft. long, greyish in colour, and of a slightly hairy nature. The leaflets, 6in. to 9in. long and lin. broad, are | SBS : @ Ae TKO gawd SES) , SN x e w& Fig. 140. Frond of Nephrodium undulatum (} nat. size) cut down one-third or more of the distance to the midrib into blunt, spreading, oblong lobes, of a soft, papery texture. The sori (spore masses) are disposed one on each veinlet, close to the main vein.—Hooker, Species Filicum, iv., p. 77, t. 241B. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, ii., p. 444. Beddome, Ferns of British India, t. 130. N. (Lastrea) undulatum—Las’-tre-a ; un-dul-a’-tum (wavy), Baker. This is a very distinct and elegant, stove species, native of Ceylon, and, according to Beddome, found at Wattekelle, Kallibokka, at an elevation of NEPHRODIUM. 5 755) 5000ft. In general appearance it somewhat resembles the better-known, peculiar-looking Fern, Adiantum Féei, as its fronds possess the same zigzag outline, produced by the flexuose habit of their rachis (stalk of the leafy portion). These fronds are 1ft. or more long, 6in. to 8in. broad, broadly egg-shaped, and borne on tufted stalks 6in. to 12in. long, scaly towards the base, but glossy upwards. The main rachis, which is very distinctly zigzag, is furnished with pinne deflexed (leaflets thrown back) and then curved upwards and overlapping (Fig. 140); the lowest pair, usually the largest, are 4in. to 6in. long, 2in. to 3in. broad, and divided into nearly triangular pinnules (leafits), these being again cut into broadly egg-shaped’ segments, on which the somewhat large sori (spore masses) are disposed near the midrib. The whole plant, besides being curious, is also rendered very attractive by the pale green colour of its fronds, which are naked on both sides.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 276. Beddome, Ferns of Southern. India, t. 271. N. (Eunephrodium) unitum—Ev-neph-ro’-di-um ; u-ni/-tum (joined), R. Brown. This fine, stove species, of medium dimensions, has a very wide range of habitat, extending from Florida and the West Indies to Brazil and Peru, and embracing Polynesia, Australia, New Zealand, Natal, Cape Colony, Algiers, &e. Its fronds, borne on brownish, naked stalks 1ft. to 14ft. long, are 2ft. or more in length, Gin. to 8in. broad, and furnished with leaflets 4in. to din. long and fin. broad, their edge being cut from one-third to half the way down into spreading, triangular, sharp-pointed lobes, of a leathery texture. The sori (spore masses) are situated at the extremities of the veinlets, principally in the lobes—Hooker, Species Filicum, iv., Dy Wo. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, ii., p. 444. N. u. glabrum—glab’-rum (smooth), Mettenius. This variety, which in North America is known under the popular name of “Rounded Shield Fern,” is stated by Eaton to grow in the swamps and bogs of Southern California. According to the same authority, it is also widely distributed through the West Indies, Guiana, Brazil, West Africa, Mauritius, Java, Ceylon, Sumatra, Borneo, &c. It is said to differ from the species principally in the nature of its fronds, which are sometimes perfectly 2Pp2 580 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS. smooth ; but frequently a few little scales and a very scanty and minute pubescence (down) may be detected along the midribs and veins, especially along the margin of the lobes. Eaton adds (p. 76) that, although known since the beginning of the present century, this Fern was first discovered within the limits of North America in 1873 by Mr. C. E. Faxon, who collected it near Enterprise, Florida.—Eaton, Ferns of North ATENICH, 1% tte LBs N. (Lastrea) varium—Las’-tre-a ; var’-i-um (variable), The Fern cultivated under this name in gardens is the Aspidium varium of Swartz. It is closely related to N. erythrosorum, its foliage being of the same leathery and fog-resisting nature. N. (Eunephrodium) yvenulosum — Eu-neph-ro’-di-um ; ve-nul-o’-sum (small-veined), Hooker. A greenhouse species, of large dimensions, native of Fernando Po. Its fronds, rising from a creeping rhizome (prostrate stem), are 4ft. long and 1ft. to 14ft. broad, and are borne on sharply-angled, greenish, naked stalks 14ft. long; they are furnished with numerous leaflets, the lowest of which are short and very distant. The largest leaflets, 8in. to Yin. long and lin. broad, are cut down half-way to the midrib into slightly-toothed, oblong lobes of a somewhat leathery texture, bright green in colour, and naked on both surfaces. The sori (spore masses) are disposed on each vein about half-way to the edge—Hooker, Species Filicum, iv., p. 71. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, ii., p. 444. N. (Eunephrodium) venustum — Ew-neph-ro’-di-um ; ven-us’-tum (charming), J. Smith. This is a very handsome, stove species, of medium dimensions, native of Jamaica. Its fronds, borne on tufted, greyish, glossy stalks 1ft. or more in length, are 2ft. or more in length and 1ft. in breadth, and are furnished with numerous spreading leaflets, 6in. long and lin. broad, cut into blunt, oblong lobes reaching half-way down to the rachis (stalk), and of a soft, papery texture. The sori (spore masses) are disposed principally in the lobes close to the edge——Hooker, Species Filicum, iv., p. 71. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, ii., p. 444. NEPHRODIUM. 581 N. (Lastrea) vestitum—tas’-tre-a; ves-ti/-tum (clothed), Baker. This stove species, also known in gardens as WN. Raddianum, is a native of Brazil. It has a very striking appearance, produced by the long, woolly, cinnamon-coloured scales which densely cover its stalks on their entire length. These stalks are 6in. to 12in. long and bear very decorative fronds Ift. to 2ft. long and 6in. to 10in. broad. The leaflets, 3in. to din. long and about lin. broad, are cut down to a narrowly-winged midrib into blunt, sickle-shaped lobes of a soft, papery texture and bright green colour. The sori (spore masses) are situated close to the midrib. Hooker, Species Filicum, iv., p.' 98, t. 245. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, li, p. 444, N. (Lastrea) villosum—Las’-tre-a ; vil-lo’-sum (hairy), Presi. This evergreen, stove species, which is said sometimes to attain a height of 18ft., is a noble species when well grown. It is a native of the West Indies, Jamaica, and the Caribbean Islands, and, according to Lowe, was introduced into the Royal Gardens, Kew, in 1844, by Mr. N. Wilson. Its gigantic fronds are borne on stout stalks 2ft. to 3ft. long, usually hairy, and clothed with spreading scales; they are produced from an arborescent trunk, and their stalks and rachises (stalks of the leafy portion) are completely covered with narrow, fringed scales. The leaflets, often 2ft. long and 1ft. broad, are divided into spear-shaped pinnules (leafits) cut down to the rachis into close, oblong, deeply-cleft segments of a soft, papery texture and pale green colour. The abundant sori (spore masses), disposed half-way between the midvein and the edge, are covered with a flat involucre, which is as often suppressed as developed.—Hooker, Species Filicum, iv., p. 134, t. 264. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, ii., p. 444. Lowe, Ferns British and Exotic, vi., t. 37. N. (Lastrea) viscosum—Las’-tre-a ; vis-co’-sum (slimy), Baker. A stove species, of small dimensions and little decorative value, native of Malacca, the Philippine Islands, and Borneo.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 264. N. (Lastrea) Vogelli—Las’-tre-a; Vo-gel’-li (Vogel’s). A synonym of N. subquinquejidum. 582 THE BOOK. OF CHOICE FERNS. N. (Lastrea) Walkerze—Las’-tre-a ; Walk’-er-x (Mrs. Walker’s), Baker. A very handsome, stove species, native of Ceylon, producing an abundance of ample, leathery, oblong-spear-shaped fronds of a somewhat rigid habit, often measuring 3ft. in length by Ift. in breadth. These fronds, which are simply pinnate (only once divided to the midrib), are borne on stout stalks Lft. to 13ft. long, clothed throughout with narrow, pale brown, glossy scales. This species is, however, very variable, as sometimes plants of it are found with deeply-cleft leaflets, which organs are often furnished with a large auricle (ear) at the superior base. The whole plant is more or less densely clothed with bristly scales, which produce a very striking and pleasing appearance.— Hooker, Synopsis Bilicum, p. 493. Beddome, Ferns of British India, t. 334. N. (Lastrea) Wardii—Las’-tre-a ; Ward’-i-i (Ward’s), Baker. A stove species, of medium dimensions, native of the Seychelles. Its fronds are deltoid (in shape of the Greek delta, A), 2ft. long, and very finely divided, being four or five times pinnatifid (divided half-way to the midrib). The numerous leaflets are distinctly stalked, as are also their pinnules (leafits), while the final lobes are oblong in shape, closely set, of a fragile texture, smooth, and bright green on both surfaces. The large sori (spore masses), disposed alone the midyeins, are covered with a smooth, persistent involucre.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 500. N. (Eunephrodium) Wrightii — Eu-neph-ro’-di-um ; Wright’-i-i (Wright’s), Hooker. This pretty, stove species, native of Cuba, produces from a creeping rhizome (prostrate stem) oblong-spear-shaped fronds 6in. to 9in. long and 13in. broad, borne on upright, firm stalks 4in. to 6in. long and of a greyish colour ; they are cut down nearly to the midrib above, and quite below, into close, oblong, entire or auricled (eared), spreading lobes of a leathery texture and slightly hairy underneath. The sori (spore masses) are disposed close to the margin of the lobes.—Hooker, Species [ilicum, iv., p. 64, t. 239. CHAPTER ALIIL. NEPMROLEPIS, Schott. (Neph-rol’-ep-is. ) ae Ferns. IN Hooker and Baker’s “Synopsis Filicum” Nephrolepis forms Genus 45, immediately following Nephrodium. Its name is derived from nephros, a kidney, and lepis, a scale, in reference to the coverings of the sori (spore masses), which are round, ; arising from the upper branch of a vein, generally near the edge. All the known species, and with very few exceptions their varieties, have their fronds simply pinnate (only once divided to the midrib). These leaflets, instead of being fastened to the rachis (midrib of the leafy portion), are articulated at the base, often very deciduous in the dried plants, and show white dots of a chalky nature on their upper surface. As regards its geographical distribution, this genus, which comprises little more than a dozen species, belts the world in the Tropics, passing a little beyond them both north and south. It has no British representative. From Eaton’s excellent work, “Ferns of North America”’ (vol. ii., p. 130), we extract the following most valuable information: ‘The genus Nephrolepis was proposed in 1834, by H. W. Schott, for those species of Nephrodiwm or Aspidium which had a reniform indusium (kidney-shaped covering of the spore masses) obliquely affixed by its emarginate (notched) base to the side of the enlarged tip of the fertile vein. He gives excellent analytical drawings of N. exalitata, and mentions NV. pectinata, biserrata, &c., as also examples of his genus. In the ‘Tentamen Pteridographie’ of Presl, two years later, the genus 584: THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS. is admitted, and over a score of species are referred to it. A new distinctive character is also indicated: ‘ Pinne (leaflets) truly articulated to the rachis, and easily separated from it.’ Fée divided the species into two genera, Nephrolepis and Lepidocaulon, assigning to the former the species with a broadly reniform indusium somewhat laterally attached to the receptacle, and to the latter those with a round, reniform indusium, affixed by the centre ; but since specimens are very common in which both forms of indusium occur on the same pinna, it is clearly impossible to make the special form of indusium a generic character. A peculiarity in the genus, which escaped the observation of many of the earlier pteridologists, is the- indefinite growth of the fronds. According to the observations of Mettenius, there is no necessary limit to the apical development of the fronds in mature plants. What he has to say on the subject 1s found in his ‘Filices Horti Botanici Lipsiensis,’ published at Leipzig in 1856, where (at p. 99) he expresses himself as follows: . “The rhizome (prostrate stem) of all the cultivated species is raised erect from the soil, without reaching any great height, and is covered with the gradually-decaying leaf-stalks. In all the cultivated species, just below the points where the fronds are inserted on the rhizome, there originate filiform (thread-like) runners, which either produce buds somewhere on their course above ground, or develop tubers at the end which enters the soil, and thus contribute to the multiplication of the plant. The fronds are characterised by the perennial, indefinite growth of the rachis or leaf-stalk, and the con- sequent unlimited periodical production of pinne at the uninjured circinate (crozier-like) apex, long after the older pinne have fruited or fallen off. Only in the earliest fronds of plants grown from spores (and also in J. platyotis [N. acuta] and N. davallioides, after the formation of the fertile pinnae) does the development of the frond terminate with a gradual diminution of the size of the pinne, whilst the highest rudimentary side pinna blends with the proper terminal segment. In J. ewaltata the oldest fronds continue to develop at the apex, and the growth of the frond is limited only by some injury happening to the apex. The limit of the yearly increase of the frond is always indicated by the smaller size of the segments.’”’ Hooker includes Nephrolepis in the tribe Asfidiew, while Mettenius places it in Davalliee, and Hée locates part of it in each of these Tribes, though the character of the indusium, when fully developed, is unmistakably Aspidioid. Nephrodium lepidum G nat, size). NEPHROLEPIS. 585 Culture. Although not a large genus, yet Nephrolepis contains some of the most valuable Ferns adapted for planting on rockwork, a position in which they soon form ornamental masses of a striking and attractive character. All Nephrolepises are 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 previously 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 (prostrate stems) 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 N. Duff, N. rufescens tripmnatifida, and the fertile but very variable N. davallioides furcans, which, when propagated from spores, produces plants showing their crested character in a more or less marked degree. Where it is desired that these should be increased, 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 developed three or four fronds. Besides the usual rhizomes already alluded to, a few species, such as N. Bausei, N. cordifolia (tuberosa), N. philippinensis, N. pluma, and N. undulata, are also provided at the roots with small tubers of a succulent nature, which likewise produce young plants in a remarkably short time. In this latter section N. Bausei, N. pluma, and N. undulata are entirely deciduous, and, from want of know- ledge respecting their habit, have often been lost during their resting season, when some growers keep them so dry that, long before the time comes when they should start into growth again, the tubers have ceased to live. The soil which contains them must, all through the winter, be kept in a moderately moist condition, so as to prevent them from shrivelling up: this is an essential point as regards securing a healthy, strong spring growth. All the species of Mephrolepis are particularly well adapted for basket culture, being naturally of an elegant drooping character; they have also a curious propensity for taking possession of the outer surface of the baskets 586 THE BOOK “OF -GHOlLGE FERNS: 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 germinate freely and make young plants in a short time. Principal Species and Varieties. N. acuta—ac-u’-ta (acute, sharp), Presl. This very handsome, strong-growing, stove species, also known in gardens under the names NV. 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. Its geographical distribution is very wide, for it is found in Cuba, Guatemala, Peru, and Brazil; also in Polynesia, Hong-Kong, Loo-Choo, and Queensland, as well as in the Mascarene Islands, Zambesi Land, Natal, and Angola, and on the Guinea Coast. The habit of its massive fronds, 2ft. to 4ft. long and 8in. to 12in. broad, which are borne on tufted stalks 4in. to 8in. long, of a naked or slightly scaly nature, is arching rather than pendulous. The leaflets, of a somewhat leathery texture, 4in. to Gin. 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 (spore masses) are disposed near the margin, and covered with a nearly round involucre affixed by its centre—Hooker, Species Filicum, iv., p. 153. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, u., p. 444. Lowe, Ferns British and Exotic, vii., t. 22. Beddome, Ferns of Southern India, t. 94. N. Bausei This garden-raised plant is one of the most distinct of the whole genus. Baus’-é-1 (Bause’s), Moore. Its numerous, somewhat erect fronds, more than lft. long, leafy from the base (Fig. 141), and of a soft, bright green colour, have a peculiarly graceful appearance produced by the feathery nature of their leaflets, which, instead of NEPHROLEPIS. 587 being entire, as is the case with others of the same genus, are pinnatifid (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 intermediate house, and is entirely deciduous. This plant reproduces itself true from spores, which germinate freely.—Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, Iv., p. 573. Fig. 141. Frond of Nephrolepis Bausei (4 nat. size). N. biserrata—hbis-er-ra’-ta (twice serrated). Synonymous with N. acuta. N. cordata compacta—cor-da/-ta com-pac’-ta (heart-shaped and dense). A yariety of N. cordifolia. N. cordifolia—cor-dif-ol’-i-a (having heart-shaped leaves), Pres/. This is perhaps the most useful of all the known species from a decorative point of view; 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. imbricata and N. obtusifolia. Its range of habitat extends from Cuba and Mexico to Brazil and Peru, and from Japan and India southward to Australia and New Zealand; it is also found in the Mascarene Islands and Zambesi Land, and on the Guinea Coast. Beddome, in his excellent work on “Ferns of Southern India,” states that it is common in the sub-alpine jungles of the western side of the Madras Presidency. It is of intermediate size and somewhat erect in habit. The fronds, borne on tufted, wiry stalks slightly scaly at the base, are lft. to 2ft. long and seldom more than 2in. broad. 588 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS The numerous leaflets, about lin. long and fin. 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 (spore masses), 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. Fig. 142 is reduced from Col. Beddome’s “Ferns of Southern India,” by the kind permission of the author.—Hooker, Species Filicum, iv., p. 151. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, ii., p. 445. Beddome, Ferns of Southern India, t. 92. Lowe, Ferns British and Exotic, vii., t. 25. os ® RX: on) 2senE Fig. 142, Frond of Nephrolepis cordifolia G nat, size). N. c. compacta—com-pac’-ta (compact). Under the name of N. cordata compacta, for which we can find no authority, there has recently been distributed a most elegant form of the above species. Its arching fronds spread in all directions from a common centre ; they are from 14ft. to 2ft. long, and are furnished with leaflets from the base. The leaflets are closely disposed along the rachis (stalk of the leafy portion), and are oblong in form, leathery in texture, seldom more than lin. long, elegantly toothed, and of a deep glossy green colour, with a darker mid-nerve. This variety thrives equally well in the intermediate house or in the stove, and reproduces itself freely from spores. NEPHROLEPIS. 589 N. c. pectinata—pec-tin-a’-ta (comb-like), Schott. This handsome Fern, usually acknowledged as a species, but which by the authors of “Synopsis Filicum” is regarded as only a variety of N. cordifolia, is a native of Tropical America, and is undoubtedly 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 quite unique. Hither grown in a pot or in a basket of small dimensions, or planted in a perpendicular wall, it is most useful. Contrary to most other kinds, 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 14ft. in length. The leaflets, which are oblong in shape and toothed at the edges, are closely set together, and, being distinctly auricled (eared) at the base, form an uninterrupted line all along the midrib. The plant does not produce any tubers, but it is one of the kinds most readily propagated from spores. Although intro- duced into the Royal Gardens, Kew, as late as 1841, we have it on the authority of Lowe that it was known in some of the English gardens as far back as 1820.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 301. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 445. Lowe, Ferns British and Exotic, 2a vii, t. 18. ae E Fig, 143. Nephrolepis davallioides, showing Habit . : ag and Barren Leaffet.| N. davallioides — day-al-li-6-i’-dés (Habit, much reduced; Portion of Frond, 4 nat. size). (Davallia-like), Kunze. This magnificent, stove species, of large dimensions, is a native of the if i ie Liin@ =), . oN : \\ 4 S\ Vi ii Mb oe \\ WAS Malayan Archipelago, the East Indies, and Java. Its vigorous constitution and the graceful habit of its arching fronds (Tig. 143), 2ft. to 3ft. long, 1ft. broad, and borne on stalks 1ft. 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 590 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS. 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 din. to lin. broad, are of two distinct forms, the lower ones being barren, opposite, somewhat 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 (spore mass), situated at its extreme point (hence the name davallioides). 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; a good specimen of it makes an exhibition plant of particularly attractive appearance, as the barren and fertile portions of its fronds are as distinct as those of the better-known Asplenium biforme. The spore masses are covered by a kidney- shaped involucre-—Hooker, Species Filicum, iv., p. 155; Lilices Exotice, t. 60. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, u., p. 445. Lowe, Ferns British and Exotic, vil., tt. 23 and 24, N. d. furecans—fur’-cans (forked), Moore. Among the many crested Ferns in cultivation, this singular as well as beautiful form, introduced into European gardens by Messrs. J. Veitch and Sons, through Messrs. J. Baptist and Sons, of Sydney, New South Wales, is one of the most distinct and most highly decorative. So different indeed is it from the type, that it is questionable whether the plant really is a form of N. davallioides, although such was Moore’s decided opinion. Yet the most essential characteristic—that of the fructification being disposed at the extreme point of the lobes of the fertile leaflets—is altogether absent, the barren and the fertile leaflets are of the same nature, and there is no contraction noticeable ; finally the whole habit of the plant is also thoroughly distinct. NV. d. furcans is of equally robust growth, but its handsome, arching fronds, 3ft. to 4ft. long, 8in. broad, and of a more massive appearance, are produced in great abundance from an agglomeration of crowns. Its most distinct characteristic is the furcation of the leaflets (Fig. 144), which are either alternate or opposite and closely set along the midrib, whereas those of N, davallioides are set much NEPHROLEPIS. 591 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 Fig. 144. Portion of Frond and detached Fertile Pinna of Nephrolepis davallioides furcans (Portion of Frond, } nat. size; detached Pinna, nat. size), 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.—Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, ii., p. 445. This plant is valuable for growing in large baskets, in which it neyer fails to prove very attractive. Although spores are freely produced, it is best 592 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS. to propagate N. d. furcans 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, a small percentage only of which are possessed of the true characters of the parent. N. d. f. plumosa—plu-mo’-sa (feathery), May. This, no doubt, is the most distinct of the numerous forms raised from the above-named variety. It is of smaller dimensions and much more compact habit, its fronds being repeatedly forked at their sum- mit and ending in large tassels of a crested and feathery nature. N. Duffii— Duf’-fi-i (Duft’s), Moore. - This pretty, neat-habited, stove species, native of the Duke of York’s Island, in the South Pacific Ocean, is un- doubtedly one of the most interesting of the whole genus. Its compact habit, its compara- Fig, 145, Nephrolepis Duffii, showing Habit and Upper Portion\ “ 4 é : ibe: of eae ae oa tively small dimensions, and (Habit, much reduced; Portion of Frond, } nat. size). the bright glossy colour of its beautifully-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. We have frequently heard complaints of the-fronds being simply forked (Fig. 145), when the same plants, after being subjected to a greater amount of heat and moisture, produced fronds very heavily tasselled, the plant then assuming an NEPHROLEPIS. 593 elegant, vase-shaped appearance (see Plate). In fact, nothing short of the moist heat of a stove will induce it to show its characters in their best condition. The leaflets, which are usually small, of various sizes, rounded at the summit and toothed at the edges, are produced in pairs, one overlying the other, and, curiously enough, those on the upper side are the largest; their disposition is irregular, the pairs being sometimes opposite, but mostly alternate, distant towards the base, approximate higher up, and imbricated (quite overlapping) in the crested portion of the fronds.—WNicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i, p. 445. Being a totally barren plant, NV. Duffii 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—en-sif-ol’-i-a (sword-fronded). Synonymous with NV. acuta. N. exaltata—ex-al-ta’-ta (lofty), Schott. Though one of the commonest of the whole genus, this stove species is very justly 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 1793. Its range of habitat is very extensive : Beddome, in his “ Ferns of Southern India,” gives it as a native of Wynad, the Anamallays, and Neilgherries. Eaton, in the “Ferns of North America,” states (vol. i., p. 130) that it is found growing on decomposing vegetable matter and on the trunks of trees, particularly the Cabbage Palmetto, in South Florida, and adds that it is also found in Mexico, the West Indies, Central and South America, South Asia, China, the Pacific Islands, Australia, and part of Africa. Its fronds, 2ft. 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 leaflets, of a somewhat leathery texture, are 13in. to 3in. long, Hin. to gin. broad, and usually sharp-pointed, with the edge entire or slightly toothed, the upper side eared, and the lower rounded at the base (Fig. 146, reduced from Col. Beddome’s “Ferns of Southern India,” by the kind permission of the author). The sori (spore masses), disposed near the margin of the leaflets, VOL. Il. 2 Q 594 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS. are covered with a firm and distinctly kidney-shaped involucre.—Hooker, Species Filicum, iv., p. 152. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, ii., p. 445. Beddome, Ferns of Southern India, t. 93. Haton, Ferns of North America, His, ets S63! For indoor decoration, as well as for general use, N. ewaltata has no equal, and being of a particularly accommodating nature it thrives well under other Ferns in places which possibly would otherwise 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 LEAS m: LE LLLP SAS Z] WY, ‘ a Wp, USK. . . NAS NEN AUN VAR UA UE ues Say ey ZAM i) RO PYSZBN S f Se TO i i i \ a KS IN Sy IN AS VS HWS uh REN Fig. 146. Frond of Nephrolepis exaltata (much reduced). give it plenty of room, so as to ensure the full development of its beautiful fronds. NV. evaltata 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 which may happen to be near it. N. e. hirsutula—hir-su’-tul-a (covered with small hairs), Presi. Eaton, in his “Ferns of North America,” referring to this plant, says (vol. ii, p. 180): ‘The hirsute form is more common in India, China, and Polynesia, but it is found also in several parts of Tropical America.” It is grown less extensively than other kinds, probably on account of the softness of its foliage, which is densely covered with short, soft hairs of a peculiar NEPHROLEPIS. 595 greyish hue, thus giving the whole plant quite a distinct appearance.— Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, ii., p. 445. Lowe, Ferns British and Exotic, vii., t. 21. N. e. neglecta—ne-glec’-ta (untrimmed), Kunze. A singular form, reminding one, by the strange way in which the leaflets are set, of some of the depauperated and cruciated forms of our British Polystichums and Athyriums (Aspidiums and Aspleniums). The fronds, which vary in length from Ift. to 2ft., have a peculiarly narrow appearance produced by the nature of their leaflets, some being cordate (heart-shaped), some cruciate (in the form of a cross), and some again almost triangular ; they are set somewhat far apart on a thick, round, and slightly scaly stalk. These leaflets, however, possess the advantage of being much more securely attached to the midrib than those of any of the other kinds belonging to the genus, and are not so easily affected by want of water at the roots. The sori (spore masses) are covered with a nearly round inyolucre attached to the frond by its centre. This is not a good Fern for pot or for basket culture, but it is very striking when planted on the rockery, where it grows in fine masses. N. e. volubilis—vol-u’-bil-is (twining), J. Smith. A straggling, flexuose (zizgag-bending) form, of South American origin ; it is more remarkable for its peculiar habit than on account of its beauty. N. falciformis—fal-cif-or’-mis (sickle-formed), De Vriese. A handsome, stove species, native of Borneo, with fronds of somewhat upright habit, 14ft. to 2ft. long, comparatively narrow, and furnished with numerous leaflets, the lower of which are barren, being somewhat oblong, the upper fertile ones being narrowly sickle-shaped, sharp-pointed, thrown back, 1jin. long, din. broad, and slightly eared at the base on the upper margin. The sori (spore masses) are not marginal, but are disposed in one row half- way between the midvein and the edge.—WNicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, li, p. 445. N. floccigera—floc-cig’-er-a (bearing little tufts of wool), Moore. This strong-growing, stove species, native of Java and the Celebes, somewhat resembles N. exaltata in habit, but is easily distinguished from that 2Q 2 596 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS. species through the distinctly notched character of its leaflets and the disposition of its sori (spore masses), which are placed at the tips of the lobes. Its fronds, 2ft. to 3ft. long and 8in. to 12in. broad, are furnished with leaflets 4in. to 6in. long, about gin. broad, sharp-pointed at their extremity, and deeply notched along their edges. They are of a somewhat leathery texture, and the spore masses are covered by a firm, kidney-shaped involucre.—Hooker, Species Filicum, iv., p. 155. N. hirsutula—hir-su’-tul-a (slightly-hairy). A variety of N. exaltata. N. imbricata—im-bric-a’-ta (overlapping). Synonymous with WV. cordifolia. N. neglecta—ne-glec’-ta (untrimmed). This is a variety of N. ewaltata. N. obliterata—ob-lit-er-a’-ta (forgotten). A synonym of N. ramosa. N. obtusifolia—ob-tu-sif-ol’-i-a (blunt-leaved). This is synonymous with N. cordifolia. N. pectinata—pec-tin-a/-ta (comb-like). A very distinct variety of N. cordifolia. N. philippinensis—phil-ip-pi-nen’-sis (from the Philippine Islands), Moore. This lovely and most distinct species, of comparatively small dimensions and compact habit, succeeds equally well under either stove or greenhouse treatment. It is entirely distinct from all other known species, inasmuch as its narrow fronds, seldom exceeding 1ft. 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 leaflets, set very closely together, and aftecting a deflexed position; they are 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. N. platyotis—plat-y-o’-tis (broad-eared). Synonymous with NV. acuta. N. pluma—plu’-ma (feather-like), Moore. This very handsome, greenhouse species, native of Madagascar, is deciduous, being deprived of its foliage from October to the beginning NEPEHROLEPLS. 597 of March. Its beautifully-pendulous fronds, 4ft. to 5ft. long, 4in. broad, and simply pinnate (once divided to the midrib), are borne on slender, round stalks, whose base is totally deprived of leaflets for at least 8in.; higher up the leaflets are closely set on each side of the midrib, generally numbering from eighty to a hundred each side in the largest fronds. These leaflets, of a soft texture, are usually sickle-shaped, broadest at the base, which is slightly eared, and taper to an attenuated point; they are-about 2in. long and have their margins notched in a series of oblique crenatures, a characteristic peculiar to this species. The fronds are thus 4in. broad, and when produced in large numbers, which is the case in strong plants, they have an elegant appearance, especially when the plants are grown in suspended baskets. The sori (spore masses) are transversely set at the end of the anterior venule (veinlet), being disposed one to each notch.—Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, ii., p. 446. N. pluma being thoroughly deciduous, care must be taken to keep its tubers, which are of a somewhat woody character and of a dark brown colour, in a constantly but moderately moist soil during the resting period, which corresponds with our own winter, otherwise they will shrivel up, and the plant will be lost. N. plumosa—plu-mo’-sa (feathery). This is a sub-variety of N. davallioides Jurcans. N. punctulata—punc-tul-a’-ta (small-dotted). Synonymous with N. acuta. N. ramosa—ra-mo’-sa (branched), Moore. A stove species, of small dimensions, native of Western Tropical Africa, Ceylon, the Philippines, Australia, Samoa, Fiji, &e. Its fronds, 6in. to 12in. long and lin. to 3in. broad, are borne on very short stems disposed on wide- creeping rhizomes (prostrate stems) of a wiry nature. The leaflets, of a soft, papery texture, gin. to 13in. long, and din. to din. broad, are slightly notched ; their upper edge is auricled (eared) and parallel with the stalk, while the lower one is oblique. The sori (spore masses) are covered with a roundish involucre of a very fugacious nature. The name ramosa is rather misleading, as the fronds are not branched. This species is also known as JN. obliterata and NV. trichomanoides.— Hooker, Species Filicum, iv., p. 154. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, ii., p. 446. 598 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS. N. rufescens—ru-fes’-cens (reddish), Presi. Although considered by the authors of the “Synopsis Filicum” as simply a variety of NV. 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, in our opinion, than a mere variety of NV. acuta. The leaflets overlap one another and are cut down, especially on the lower side, into deep, lanceolate (spear-shaped) segments, which in their turn are deeply and conspicuously notched. The sori (spore masses) are nearly round, situated immediately within the margin of the lobes, and covered with a kidney-shaped involucre.— Hooker, Synopsis FHilicum, p. 301. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, iv., p. 573. N. r. tripinnatifida—trip-in-na-tif’-id-a (three times divided nearly to the | midrib), Baker. This free-growing, handsome, stove variety, is one of the most distinct and beautiful of all the strong-growing kinds, and is a native of the Fiji Islands. Its fronds, like those of N. rufescens, 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 (stalk of the leafy portion). They possess a peculiarly massive, yet feathery appearance, produced by the broad leaflets, of a soft, papery texture, being regularly and constantly tripinnatifid (three times divided nearly to the midrib), their margins being on both sides deeply cleft and covering each other in a graceful and most effective manner (see Plate), much in the way of the better-known and very popular “ Welsh Polypody” (Polypodiwm vulgare cambricum).—Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, iv., p. 573. This variety is very useful either for pot culture or for planting out in the warm Fernery. Unfortunately, like nearly all plumose forms of species of Ferns already in cultivation, it has, until now, proved entirely barren ; but, being provided with the wiry, running rhizomes (prostrate stems) peculiar to the genus, it may be easily propagated by the same method as that employed for commoner kinds, which produce young plants on their rhizomes at intervals. NEPHROLEPIS. 599 N. splendens—-splen’-dens (splendid). Synonymous with WN. acuta. N. trichoman oides—trich-om-an-6-i’-dés (Trichomanes-like). A synonym of N. ramosa. N. tuberosa—tu-ber-o’-sa (tuberous-rooted). This is the common garden name for N. cordifolia, and by far the more popular of the two. The species was so named by Presl, who describes it in his “ Tentamen Pteridographiew ”’; Kunze and Moore, in their respective works “ Index Filicum,” retain the name fuberosa; and Lowe, in his excellent work “Ferns British and Exotic” (vil, p. 45), states that it is also found in J. Smith’s “ Catalogue of Ferns cultivated in British Gardens.” N. undulata—un-dul-a’-ta (wavy), J. Smith. This comparatively dwarf, stove species, native of Sierra Leone, West Africa (whence, according to Lowe, it was introduced into the Royal Gardens, Kew, in the year 1848, by the Right Hon. the Harl of Derby), is exceedingly handsome, especially when in fructification. Its fronds, which are of an arching but not drooping habit, seldom exceed 14ft. in length; they are narrowly spear-shaped, and furnished with narrow-oblong, pointed leaflets of a thin, papery texture, notched at the edges, and of a cheerful light green colour.—Lowe, Ferns British and Exotic, vii., t. 20. Like NV. cordifolia and N. pluma, this species produces small tubers, from which it can easily be propagated after its resting period. It is very scarce in collections, owing, doubtless, to its being of deciduous habit, which often causes it to be accidentally thrown away during its resting time. N. volubilis—vol-u’-bil-is (twining). A variety of WV. evraltata. N. Zollingeriana—dZol-lin-ger-i-a’-na (Zollinger’s), De Vriese. A Malayan species, of somewhat upright and stiff habit, differing from most other kinds through its leaflets being so deeply toothed as to appear bipinnatifid ; they are set a little way apart on round stalks of a woolly nature, green in the early stage of development, but turning with age to a dark brown colour. The fronds, of medium dimensions, and seldom attaining more than 13ft. in length, are of a cheerful light colour. The rhizomes (prostrate stems) are freely produced and extend a long way from the plant. 600 THE BOOK, OF “GHOIGE WPERN'S. The sori (spore masses), disposed in a single row about half-way between the midvein and the margin, are covered by a nearly round involucre of a fugacious nature.—Lowe, Ferns British and Exotic, vii., p. 46. This variety thrives best when planted in rockwork, in either a warm or an intermediate temperature. NIPHMOBOLUS—Niph-ob’-ol-us. See Polypodium. NIPHOPSIS—Niph-op'-sis. See Polypodium. CIA in ALT, NOTMOCMLANA, A&. Brown. (Noth-och-le’-na. ) Gold and Silver Maidenhair Ferns. HE name of this genus is frequently but incorrectly spelt Nothoclena ; it is derived from nothos, spurious, and cAlaina, a cloak, on account of the covering of the spore masses with which some species appear to be provided. Nothochlena, which in Hooker and Baker's “Synopsis Filicum” is Genus 50, forms an important part of the tribe Grammuitidew. The plants are closely related to Cheilanthes, from which they differ only by the absence of a distinct involucre, and with which they are connected by gradual intermediate stages. The genus is divided into Nothochlena proper, with fronds densely matted beneath, and Cincinalis of Desvaux, the fronds of which are coated on their under-side with white or yellow powder. The learned Dr. Fée, in speaking of this coloured powder, says: ‘ L’exudation jaune, blanche, ou rose qui couvre la lame infériéure de ces plantes est de nature céracée, et cette sorte de cire végétale et soluble dans Valcool et Vether. LHlle est produite par des glandes en massue et présente sous le microscope l’aspect de petits filaments dune ténuité extréme” * (Haton, “ Ferns of North America,” i., p. 67). The plants belonging to this genus are widely dispersed, some being found in Southern Europe, in North and South America, in China, in * “