BOOK OF CHOICE

PEAT YC ERI (CBN Dias

OF

CHOICE FERNS

FOR

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.

GE OG. SCHN ELDER,

Membre Correspondant de la Société Nationale a’ Horticulture de France (Paris); Membre Correspondant de la
Société d’ Horticulture de St. Germain-en-Laye (France); Membre Correspondant de la Société ad’ Horticulture
du Nord de la France; Membre Correspondant de la Société d’ Horticulture de Valenciennes;
Membre de la Société & Horticulture de Seine-et-Oise (Versailles); Membre de la
Soctété Royale @ Agriculture et de Botanique de Gand (Belgique).

VOLUME I.
FROM INTRODUCTION TO ATHYRIUM.

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.

led Fea la

J)JHE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS, published by the same
Firm as Nicholson’s ‘Dictionary of Gardening,” is, like
that most useful of publications relating to all gardening

matters, intended to be the most complete of all popular

works written on the subject to which it is specially devoted.
In its compilation, the Author besides giving the public the benefit of a
knowledge acquired by over twenty years of observation and experience as
a practical cultivator has on his part neglected no opportunity of consulting
the accepted botanical authorities on the subject; and, so far as the nomen-
clature is concerned, has almost invariably adhered to the line adopted by
Hooker and Baker in their “Synopsis Filicum,” a work which is, and for
a long time to come no doubt will be, considered as the standard authority
on matters relating exclusively to Ferns.

The Author would here briefly refer to the plan he has adopted in the
description of the genera and species, of giving in plain English the meanings
of the botanical terms used. “Tur Boox or Cuorcr Ferns” is intended as
a book of reference, especially for those who have not an every-day acquaintance
with scientific terms, and to whom a string of such terms would be tedious or
even unmeaning except to the industrious few who would go through the
labour of translating them by the aid of a glossary. But by the plan here

followed a double purpose is served, for whilst accuracy is not sacrificed to

vi PREFACE.
a ee eee eee
the unscientific reader the meaning is made abundantly clear, and he is at
the same time, gradually and without special effort, made to acquire a proper
knowledge of the use of words which he will find of constant service.

The word “leafit” has been used throughout the work as explanatory
of the botanical term “pinnule,” which means a sub-division of a compound
leaf. The word has been adopted as being the one appealing most directly
to the mind of the reader little versed in botanical terms, and also as the
one affording less ambiguity ; for it has been thought that the words “ pinna
or leaflet” and “pinnule or leaflet of a leaflet, or sub-division of a leaflet,”
might, when used in the description of the same plant, prove embarrassing
to the reader. The latter, when once acquainted with the word “leafit”—
which we find has been used by George W. Johnson, F.R.H.S., throughout
his excellent popular book on “ British Ferns,” published as far back as 1851—
cannot possibly misunderstand its application. |

Through his liberality in producing exceedingly well-executed drawings
from nature, the Publisher, already well known to all concerned in horticultural
pursuits, has greatly added to the intrinsic value of the work, and it is to
be hoped that his earnest efforts will be as duly appreciated by the public—
for whom the book is intended—as they are by the Author, who fully acknow-
ledges these as a material and valuable help to his own endeavours to produce
accurate and reliable descriptions of all Ferns contained in it. In many
instances one or other of the marvellous photo-processes has been called
into requisition, as they give a result so far superior to and so much more
true to nature than any ordinary wood-engraving. In support of this the
Author would refer to the illustrations of the Nash Court and other ferneries,
and to the figures of Acrostichum scandens, Asplenium rutefolium, &e., than
which it is hardly possible to imagine anything more satisfactory.

The Author’s grateful thanks are due to Colonel Beddome for per-
mission to reproduce many of the illustrations in his large works, “ The
Ferns of British India” and “The Ferns of Southern India,” to the

Authorities at Kew Gardens for permitting drawings to be made there of

PREFACE. vil

herbarium as well as of living specimens; and to Messrs. J. Veitch and
Sons for allowing views of their Ferneries and Ferns in their extensive
collection to be sketched for the illustration of his work, as also for lending

—like Messrs. Birkenhead, of Sale, and W. Bull, of Chelsea

from their catalogues, which, in combination with those made _ especially

faithful drawings

by the Publisher, give the work a degree of attraction which it would
not otherwise have possessed.

The Author also desires to express the obligation he is under to
Mr. W. Robinson, of “The Garden,” for permitting him to make use of
some matter previously published by him in “The Garden.” To the late
Rev. Percy W. Myles the Author and the reader are greatly indebted for
having added the proper pronunciation of names which do not occur in
his nearly exhaustive and wholly invaluable Dictionary of Pronunciation in

the Supplement of the “ Dictionary of Gardening.”

GHORGE SCHNEIDER.
Lonpon.

ONE at Se

CHAPTER

I.—IntTRoDUCTION

IL.-—CrAssIFICATION FOR DECORATIVE eee ,

Ill.—Trer Frrns :
a — GIGANTIC NON-ARBORESCENT F'pRNs
—SMALL-GROWING FERNS

ii pt hae with CoLouRED or TINTED Tees

VII.—Varircatep AND Crestep Frrns
VIII.—Goup anp Stiver Ferns

LX.—Curmeine, TRAILING, AND ee ane ‘

X.—Finmy or TRANSPARENT Ferns
X1I.—Vrviearous and Protrrerous FERns
XII.—Curious Frrns

XIII.—Dryine Fern Fronps . :
XIV.—FeErtTInisaTION AND PROPAGATION .
XV.—CuutturaL Drrecrions

XVI.—Various Fancy Ways or Growing a,

XVII.—Ferrn Fors, British anp Exotic
XVITI.—Acrosticuum, Linneus
XIX.—Acriniopreris, Link
XX.—Apiantum, Linneus
XXJ.—Arpantopia, Wallich
XXIJI.—Atsoruma, Brown
X XIII.—Anemia, Swartz
XXIV.—Aneropteris, Hoffmann
XX V.—Antropuyum, Kaulfuss
XX VI.—Asprprum, Swartz :
XXVIT.—Asrrentum, Linneus feaclutine Aare

82 -

103
108
144
161
169
LG®
236
240
aot
309
380
397
402
410
479

HE

BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

CHAPTER I.

INTRODUCTION.

—)\WHE sole object of the Author, as also of the Publisher, in
A] bringing out this new book on Ferns, is to render these
most interesting plants attractive, by presenting to the public
their classification in as simple a form as possible, and by

giving detailed instructions which will ensure their successful
cultivation. The necessity of producing such a work as the present one
has forced itself upon the attention of its Author, not only from the
love which he personally entertains for Ferns, but also from the tendency
to partial neglect which he—as well as all those concerned in the preser-
vation of beautiful and useful plants—has lately noticed with a deep sense
of regret. For it is incontestable that fashion, which is as tyrannical in
the court of flowers as in any other, has of recent years brought about
great changes in the cultivation of certain classes of plants; and Ferns
have not escaped the effects of the submission to the general sentiment
and usage, to the current of which they have had to yield to such a degree
as to serlously endanger the preservation of even collections which have been

formed at no ordinary amount of expense and devotion. That of our great
B

2 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

national Botanic Gardens at Kew is, happily, a striking exception to the
rule. It is, however, notorious, and it must therefore be frankly acknow-
ledged, though with regret, that in all that is of human contrivance change
is not invariably an improvement, and many beautiful Ferns which formerly
were grown for their intrinsic value are greatly in danger of passing into
oblivion. This would be nothing short of a calamity, as, in the majority
of cases, these are plants whose introduction into this country represents
years of labour and a vast amount of anxiety, dependent as it has been
on the exertions of collectors sent out by private firms and great public
institutions for the purpose of discovering plants whose real value may be
said to reside in their relations to one another. This change of fashion
has resulted in a new departure in cultivation—one which consists in
producing almost exclusively plants intended to yield a supply of flowers
and foliage for the decoration of the dinner table, and which has entirely
revolutionised the art of gardening. It is well known that in many private
places, where what may be termed “collection-plants” were largely grown,
and special pleasure was derived from such a culture, quantities of plants
exclusively devoted to indoor decoration may now be seen in their stead.
As regards Ferns, it may reasonably be assumed that, although thousands
of them are now grown where dozens only were to be found a few years
ago, many really good, and often most beautiful, sorts are becoming scarcer
every successive season. The reason assigned for this state of things is
that kinds adapted to the purpose of decorating are comparatively few in
number, and the demand for such being yearly on the increase, it is only
natural that nurserymen should devote more space to these kinds, to the
exclusion of many others which, however beautiful in themselves, are
unsuitable for indoor decoration.

Although the character of this work is not intended to be purely
botanical, the utmost attention will be paid to the rules laid down by the
best acknowledged authorities, as has already been the case in Nicholson’s
“Dictionary of Gardening.’* It has, therefore, been found advisable to
follow the classification adopted by Hooker and Baker in their ‘“ Synopsis
Filicum,” this being undoubtedly the safest guide. The adoption of their

* «<The Dictionary of Gardening.’ Hdited by Geo. Nicholson, A.L.S8., Curator of the Royal
Gardens, Kew. London: L. Upcott Gill, 170, Strand, W.C.

INTRODUCTION. 5)

nomenclature may, to some readers, appear at first sight somewhat paradoxical
as it is proposed that the present work should be conducted on a popular
basis, whereas the excellent book referred to is a purely botanical work.
The great aim of the Author, however, is the simplification of the gardening
nomenclature, which at present is still very complicated ; and although names
which have long been in use in botanical books of standard position, but
which have never been generally adopted, may for a time appear strange
to the practical Fern-grower and amateur, it is confidently hoped that their
adoption in this popular work will prove of some service in spreading,
in a simple and comprehensive form, a general knowledge of the proper
classification, and therefore of the true names, of the Ferns described. It
will be noticed that, whenever any popularly-known genus has been transferred
into another, a special reference to it will be made. The use of obsolete
names will be completely abandoned; and, so far as practicable, the
synonyms by which some species have long been popularly known, will at
the same time and place be given, in conjunction with the new names, which
will retain priority over them.

The work will deal with the great Fern Family in its entirety, retaining
all that is essential in the original botanical descriptions, but purposely
avoiding technical terms whenever expressions sufficiently significant, but of a
more popular nature, and therefore more readily understood by the great
mass of readers for whom this publication is intended, can be used. On
account of the popular principle of the work, descriptions of purely botanical
species will be carefully omitted, while every effort will be made to bring
together all the species and varieties which possess particular interest, either
as decorative plants, or as subjects partaking of characters sufficiently striking
to render them of some importance in a well-ordered collection.

All the information supplied will be of as full and explicit a character
as possible. The Author, presupposing an entire ignorance of the subject on
the part of his readers, will enter into details as thoroughly as the require-
ments of such an extensive family deserve, not only as regards the descrip-
tions of the plants, but also, and especially, when referring to matters bearing
on their cultivation. The alphabetical order is the one to which, in this
instance, preference has been given, as it is considered that when references
are needed the task is greatly simplified by its use.

4 THE BOOK OF CHOICE. FERNS.

It will, in the course of the publication, be noticed that exotic and British
species are treated simultaneously. This step has only been taken after due
consideration, and its acceptance cannot fail to satisfy the reader when it is
explained that the reasons which prompted the Author to abandon the division
adopted by most authors are these: First, that all Ferns, whether of British -
or of exotic origin, belong to one family, and that if the division between
these two sections should be maintained on account of the diversity of
habitats, there is no valid reason why sub-divisions—such as for Japanese,
Australian, North American, Indian, South American, and other Ferns—should
not equally be resorted to; and it is deemed advisable to ayoid the compli-
cations which would naturally attend such an innovation. The second reason
offered in favour of the unification bears on the cosmopolitan character of
certain species which, though reputedly of British origin, are found equally
wild in many other and very distant parts of the globe. This is particularly
applicable to most of our Spleenworts, or Aspleniums, for we have it, on the
authority of. Beddome and other writers, that Aspleniwm Adiantum-nigrum,
which is popularly but erroneously called the French Fern, is not only found
throughout Europe, but also in Northern Asia, North and Seuth Africa,
Madeira, the Azores, the Canaries, the Cape de Verde Islands, St. Helena,
Abyssinia, Afghanistan, and Java; while in Northern India it flourishes at
Kashmir and Simla. The dwarf-growing Asplenium viride has been collected
in all parts of Europe, as well as on the Himalayas and in North America.
Asplenium Ruta-muraria is plentiful in Kashmir, Thibet, at the Cape, in
Algeria, and in North America; while A. septentrionale is known to exist
not only in Hurope, from Norway to the extreme south, but also in Northern
India, in Kashmir and Gurhwal; A. fontanwm is found on the Himalayas, and
A. Trichomanes is plentiful in the Neilgherries and in Southern India. The
same remarks apply to Cystopteris fragilis, which, although essentially acknow-
ledged as an European Fern, is found on the Himalayas, in Nepaul, in Siberia,
in Asia Minor, in North and South America, in the West Indies, and in
North and South Africa. Even our own Royal Fern, Osmunda_ regalis, is
abundant on banks of rivers and streams on the Neilgherries and other high
mountains on the western side of the Madras Presidency, India. The same
may also be said of Nephrodium spinulosum, N. Thelypteris, and others which,
although found in a wild state in all parts of Europe, are also natives of

INTRODUCTION. 5

India, America, and other parts very distant from one another. From the
foregoing examples, to which, but for the want of space, we might add
numerous other illustrations, it will readily be admitted that a satisfactory
separation of British and exotic Ferns is a matter surrounded with insuperable
difficulties. Ferns, it must be borne in mind, unlike most other plants, are
found in a wild state all over the globe, and at various elevations.

Another remarkable peculiarity as regards the distribution of Ferns, is that
each country appears to yield plants forming natural special sections. Thus,
for instance, the power of producing crested, depauperated, cruciated, and other
characters peculiar to forms of original species, either of an evergreen or of a
deciduous nature, is much more developed among Ferns growing spontaneously
in England than among those found in any other country. Whether these
changes are due to the influence of the atmosphere, or whether they may be
attributed to other agencies, the fact remains that scarcely a single species
of Fern, native of the British Isles, has retained its normal characters
throughout—all have become more or less addicted to variations; and that
power of producing variable forms, which may possibly be a natural
predisposition on the part of the said species, can hardly be ascribed to
the effects of cultivation, since we find that most of these multifid, crested,
and other forms, so numerous especially amongst the Scolopendriums,
Asplenium Filix-femina, Nephrodium Filia-mas, Aspidium angulare, and Poly-
podium vulgare, have usually been met with in a wild state, comparatively
few of them having originated among cultivated plants. To Japan we are
indebted for the greater part of our hardy greenhouse Ferns; and most of
these Japanese kinds, such as Aspidiwm setosum, A. falcatum, Nephrodium
erythrosorum, N. opacum, &e., all of which are evergreen and hardy, have a
peculiarly glossy appearance and leathery or coriaceous texture, which
characters are shared by very few of our own indigenous Ferns, and by
scarcely any other exotic kinds. North America supplies us with Ferns
mostly of a deciduous nature, the most remarkable of these being Osmunda
cinnamomea, O. Claytoniana (interrupta), and O. (regalis) gracilis, Onoclea
sensibilis, O. germanica (Struthiopteris pennsylvanica), Adiantum pedatum,
Dicksonia punctilobula, and Woodwardia areolata. It is singular, however,
that although the above-named are Fern-countries in every acceptation of
the word, the growth of their indigenous species partakes of an herbaceous

6 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

character exclusively, no Tree Ferns being known to grow spontaneously in
any of the above-mentioned habitats. Even in North America, which is
the home of the most gigantic Conifers, and whose forests contain, probably,
the tallest-growing trees, arborescent Ferns are conspicuous by their absence.
The production of these highly interesting and most imposing specimens of
vegetation appears to be restricted to India, tropical America, New Zealand,
and Australia. Tree Ferns natives of Australia and New Zealand are by
far the best known to European cultivators, probably on account of the
greater facility with which they are imported. Of all Tree Ferns,
Dicksonia antarctica is undoubtedly the most popular in our collections.
This is easily understood when notice is taken of the peculiarly fibrous
character of its stem, which is naturally and densely clothed throughout its
whole length with living roots, and which, on that account, may safely be, and
generally is, simply cut above the surface of the ground, and shipped to
Europe as a log of wood, and without any further preparation. In that
way, and provided the operation takes place during the resting season,
Dicksonia antarctica travels very well. The above treatment, however, is
hardly applicable to other kinds of New Zealand and Australian Tree Ferns,
such as Alsophilas and Cyatheas, whose stems, of a more woody nature,
cannot with impunity be cut down at any leneth, and which, to ensure safe
transit, require to be dug out of the ground with their roots, or at least
the best part of them, thus making their importation much more difficult,
and accounting, in a great measure, for their comparative scarcity in European
collections. These latter remarks apply equally to Indian and _ tropical
American Tree Ferns, though most of the species of Ferns with beautifully
tinted and powdered fronds are natives of these countries. It is thence
that the popular Gold and Silver Gymnogrammes, the magnificently-coloured
Pieris (quadriaurita) tricolor and P. (q.) argyrca, as also the lovely Adiantum
tinctum, A. macrophyllum, A. polyphyllum (cardiochlena), A. (tetraphyllum)
Henderson, A. (tenerwm) Farleyense, and a host of others, have been
introduced.

It must not be inferred from the above statements that only the Ferns
at present in cultivation will be mentioned, for many species which were
formerly cultivated in our collections, but which, nowadays, are very difficult
to find, as well as Ferns which, though not in general cultivation, are

INTRODUCTION. 7

deserving to be, and others only known in herbaria, but whose introduction
is much to be desired, will also be included, in the fervent hope that a
description of them may not only stimulate the cultivation of those sorts we
already possess, but also eventually.lead to the successful importation of other
scarce and beautiful species and varieties.

Finally, that the book may be as complete as possible in every way,
neither trouble nor expense has been spared to enrich it with numerous
illustrations, all the more reliable on account of their having been drawn

from living subjects.

CHAPTER IL.

CLASSIFICATION FOR DECORATIVE PURPOSES.

WOR diversity of form, as also for variations in the colour of
their foliage, no other family of plants can compare with
Ferns ; for, without disparagement to other plants, it is now
generally admitted that these modest representatives of the

Vegetable Kingdom, which have no bright flowers to enhance
their beauty, are nevertheless of the greatest utility in all matters relating to
decoration both in and out of doors. It is therefore readily understood why
houses should be exclusively devoted to their cultivation.

As regards the effects produced by the variety in size and shape of
foliage, there need be no misgivings as to the results of a combination ; the
bold foliage of some of the gigantic-growing kinds forms a striking yet agree-
able contrast when in close proximity to the smaller-growing species and
varieties. This is particularly well illustrated in the cases of the lace-like
foliage of Cheilanthes (myriophylla) elegans, Pteris scaberula, Davallia
Nove-zelandie, Gymnogramme schizophylla, Asplenium viviparum, Adiantum
aracillimum, and many other kinds, when opposed to the massive, shield-like
form of Platycerium grande, of the elephant’s-ear-shaped Acrostichum (Hymeno-
dium) crinitum, of the various forms of Marattia and Angiopteris, and, above
all, of the massive though very elegant foliage of the New Zealand, Australian,
and tropical American Tree Ferns with which one frequently meets in well-
ordered collections.

The variation in tints and colours to be found amongst Ferns, as
belonging either to matured or to impertectly-developed fronds, is so con-

CLASSIFICATION FOR DECORATIVE PURPOSES. 9

siderable that it gives ready means for producing, without much trouble, very
pleasing contrasts and combinations. Some colours almost equal in brightness
to that of many flowering plants are noticeable among Ferns, especially in
the earliest part of their growth. The young and partly-developed fronds
of Adiantum Veitch, A. macrophyllum, A. tinctum, A. fuluum, and others, for
instance, are endowed with most gorgeous hues; while the chameleon-like
nature of the foliage of A. rubellum, which, from the most delicate pink, turns
to a bright magenta, and finally changes to a glaucous-green tint of exquisite
softness, shows us an interesting as well as extraordinary natural phenomenon
most worthy of our closest observation. The beautiful bronzy and metallic
tints which are peculiar to the young fronds of Doodia media, D. aspera, and
its elegantly-crested form multijida, of the magnificent and vigorous Adiantum
polyphyllum (cardiochlena), A. Sancte-Catharine, and A. (tetraphyllum) Hen-
dersont, or of the specially striking Didymochlena truncatula, or the charm-
ingly dwarf Lomaria L’Herminiert, as well as those which distinguish the
early vegetation of the superb Davallia divaricata (D. polyantha of commerce),
are indeed among the most magnificent products of Nature. It is all the
more interesting when we note that, before assuming the uniform green colour
which they retain afterwards, the noble fronds of the last-named species
invariably change from a bright claret to the deepest shade of crimson, a
colour which also forms a natural network of a most pleasing nature, and
entirely covers the young fronds of Polypodiuin appendiculatum, a species of
South American origin which, with the exception of the colouring of its
fronds, possesses the greatest analogy to our own native Polypody, P. vulgare.
It may, to a certain extent, be objected that all these variations in colour
belong to the early part of the vegetation only; but, considering that ever-
green Ferns grow nearly all the year round, this objection is of very little
consequence, as there is always a variety of colour among them.
Independently of the various tints above enumerated, the fronds of Ferns,
when fully developed, exhibit a most extensive variety of shades of green,
ranging from the dark colour of Aspidiwm (Polystichum) setosum to that of
the soft, pea-green tint of the lovely Adiantum cethiopicum (A. venustum of
commerce) ; while others remain all the year round beautifully glaucous, as in
certain Pellxas (Platylomas), such as P. cordata, P. calomelanos, and P.

(cordata) flewuosa, or as in the case of that popular and vigorous Polypody,
c

10 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

P. aureum, and its scarcer form, P. sporadocarpwm, or, again, as in the
delightfully dwarf-growing P. glaucophyllwm, whose lovely, bluish fronds are
further ornamented by the extremely rich colour of its fructification. To the
above-named plants, with permanent-coloured foliage, we may also add the
lovely, pendulous Selaginella uncinata (S. cesia of commerce), and the upright,
climbing S. Walldenoviz (S. cesia arborea of. commerce), two species having
their foliage of a most beautiful peacock-blue colour, which they retain all the
year through. The greatest amount of pleasure and interest is easily derived
from a collection of Gymnogrammes, provided a constantly dry corner of the
warm house can be devoted to them. These Gold and Silver Ferns are not
only rendered attractive by the singularity of their powdered nature, which is
mostly shown on the under-surface of their fronds—white, as in (G. calomelanos,
G. spectabilis, and G. tartarea; lemon-coloured, as in G. pulchella, and the
heavily-crested form G. Wettenhalliana, in which case, as also in the silver-white
G. calomelanos peruviana (G. peruviana argyrophylla of commerce), the powder
is suffused over both surfaces of the fronds; or a beautiful golden colour, as
in G. calomelanos chrysophylla, and its numerous varieties (Laucheana, Alstonc,
and the beautifully-crested Parsonsit for instance)—but some, and we may say
most, of them are strong and compact growers, and very well adapted for
decoration in a general way.

Garden varieties, which have of late years sprung up in great quantities
among exotic as well as among native kinds, also materially add to the list
of Ferns worthy of cultivation. See, for instance, what a beautiful object,
when grown in a hanging basket, Adiantum cuneatum grandiceps makes; in
this case, the weight of the tassels produced at the ends of the fronds gives
the plant a most elegant and ornamental habit; while the naturally dwarf-
orowing A. Luddemannianum, with the numerous little corymbs formed by
the agglomeration of its emerald-green pinnules, may be acknowledged as a
real vegetable jewel. From its general appearance, this lovely and most
interesting plant could hardly be taken as an offspring of A. cuneatum, yet
such undoubtedly is the case, since it is totally devoid of the creeping
rhizomes which characterise its nearest ally, A. Capillus-Veneris, to which
it appears more closely related. What could be prettier than many of the
numerous forms of Asplenium Filia-femina, or of Nephrodium Pilia-mas ?
while exquisite selections can be made out of the many varieties of Aspzdiwim

GLASSTFLICATION FOR DECORATIVE PURPOSES. 11

angulare, and also of Scolopendrium vulgare, most of which are of garden
origin.

The division of the cultivated Ferns into several sections will enable the
reader to form a much better estimate of the various uses to which plants
belonging to each separate section can be put. Before commencing the descrip-
tion of the species and varieties of known Ferns, we will, in the following
chapters, endeavour to make the reader acquainted with the peculiarities of
the plants belonging to the sections, as follows: (1) Tree Ferns ; (2) Gigantic
Non-arborescent Ferns; (3) Small-growing Ferns; (4) Ferns with Coloured or
Tinted Fronds ; (5) Variegated and Crested Ferns; (6) Gold and Silver Ferns;
(7) Climbing, Trailing, and Drooping Ferns; (8) Filmy or Transparent Ferns ;
(9) Viviparous or Bulbil-bearing Ferns ; and (10) Curious Ferns, whose appear-
ance is totally distinct from what a Fern is generally supposed to be, viz., the

embodiment of grace and elegance.

Goa ere alll

TREE FERNS.

gJOWEVER rich in species of herbaceous Ferns some European
countries are, it is a fact that no Tree Ferns are found in a
wild state in Kurope. In that part of the world, the nearest
approach to an arborescent Fern is Dicksonia (Balantium)

Culcita, which is found indigenous in Madeira, where it grows
plentifully in swampy places; at least, such an inference may reasonably be
drawn from the fact that a quantity of Hymenophyllum tunbridgense is
generally found growing on the crowns which are imported into this country.

For the greater part of the Ferns belonging to this the first section we
are mostly indebted to the mountainous regions of Australia, where they
grow in shady ravines or in valleys where the atmosphere is constantly
humid. There they attain almost incredible dimensions; and although when
under cultivation in Hurope these same Australian species cannot get to such
extraordinary sizes, they may, nevertheless, be considered as the monarch of
the arborescent greenhouse vegetation. South America, China, India, and
South Africa, are all countries where, to a certain extent, Tree Ferns are
produced ; but these have never become as popular under cultivation as those
from Australia, where the Stuart and Gawler Ranges supply in abundance the
particularly straight-stemmed Alsophila australis, as Queensland produces A.
Coopert, a species peculiar on account of its slender and generally very
straight stem, which, contrary to that of nearly all other Tree Ferns, is
totally devoid of aérial roots. The Blue Mountains and the Liverpool
Range, in New South Wales, produce the handsome Dicksoma Younqie,

TREE FERNS. 18

particularly striking through its rough, slender stem, and its long, plumose
fronds, which are peculiarly borne on stout stalks, covered with brown hairs
of a long and shaggy nature. But these Tree Ferns of Australia proper can
hardly be kept apart from those of New Zealand and Tasmanian origin, for,
besides succeeding admirably under similar treatment, they are likewise
frequently found scattered over the different regions just mentioned.

However productive of Tree Ferns other parts of Australia may be,
Victoria is the home of the kinds of most imposing dimensions. It is in
that country that Dicksonia antarctica appears to attain its utmost size ;
handsome trunks of that species, 50ft. to 60ft. in height, and surmounted by
heavy crowns of ample foliage, being frequently met with. This, however, is
not the only place where that truly magnificent Tree Fern luxuriates, as it 1s
equally found in several parts of Tasmania or Van Diemen’s Land, notably
on Mount Wellington, where it grows in abundance, and where it also
attains extraordinary dimensions. In both places the habitats of the Tree
Ferns are of such a damp nature that they may be said to be enveloped in
perpetual mist, an assertion fully borne out by the fact that many of the
trunks imported into this country are either partially or totally covered with
little Hymenophyllum rarum, and the equally diminutive, though extremely
pretty, Zrichomanes venosum, both species which could not possibly luxuriate
under any other atmospheric conditions.

The hardiness of Dicksonia antarctica is surprising; it has even been
found with its head heavily laden with snow. Notwithstanding _ this,
however, its culture out of doors in this country does not appear to have
met with any decided success, although we hear of its standing uninjured,
yet without protection, in parts of Ireland, while some large stems have
lately been planted by Mr. J. C. Williams, on his magnificent estate at
Caerhays Castle, St. Austell, in Cornwall, where they promise to do very
well.

Besides Dicksonia antarctica, New Zealand might also claim the
production of the Silver Tree Fern, Cyathea dealbata, a kind with generally
a straight stem and large fronds, which, owing to the silvery colour of
their under-surface, are very attractive; C. medullaris, perhaps the most
gigantic, or at least the most rapid-growing, Tree Fern known, with stalks
very robust, and of a beautiful ebony-black colour; and C. Smithi, an

14 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

arborescent kind, with fronds more delicately divided than in most other
Tree Ferns. Dicksonia squarrosa, with its very slender stem, and fronds
disposed in a nearly horizontal position; D. jibrosa, which appears to be
simply a crisp form of D. antarctica; and the less-known D. lanata, whose
stalks are densely clothed at the base with large, white, chaffy scales, are
also natives of New Zealand, where they form the bulk of the forest
vegetation as regards arborescent Ferns.

Although the majority of the most popular Tree Ferns are, as we have
shown, natives of these comparatively cool regions, other kinds are equally
humerous in more tropical countries. In the East and West Indies, in the
Kastern Archipelago, and in South America, they are plentiful enough, and in
the majority of cases they are only found growing at high elevations ; they
are, therefore, nearly, if not quite, as hardy as those from Australia and
New Zealand, and their scarcity in collections can only be attributed to the
difficulties attending their importation into this country. In some cases, the
stems of certain species are so slender that they mostly arrive in this country
when already dead, all the substance having been dried out of them ;
whereas, in other instances, the crowns are formed of such a pulpy substance,
that long before the stems have reached their destination decomposition has
already taken place, and the plants are virtually dead. Besides the nature
of the stems, a great deal also depends on the time of year at which these
plants are taken up from their native places. It is by far the best way
for the collector to send them soon after they have matured their growth,
following, in that respect, a general rule which allows us to take up
successfully any of our own trees and shrubs when they are at rest.

Provided Tree Fern stems arrive in good condition, they rapidly become
handsome plants, and do not require the amount of attention which most
people imagine they do; for, although deprived of their original roots, the
structure of the stems, with very few exceptions, is such that, when under
the influence of constant moisture, and, in some cases, subjected to a little
heat, fresh roots soon make their appearance all around the stems. ‘Tree
Ferns should, as soon as they arrive, be put in pots or tubs proportionate
to their size, and be fixed firmly into these, the stems being put sufficiently
deep to ensure their being held securely by the ramming of the soil,
which should consist of a mixture in equal parts of rough fibrous peat

TREE FERNS. 15

and turfy loam. Water should then be sprinkled over them, sparingly at
first, yet in sufficient quantity to keep them moderately but constantly
moist; but no water should be allowed to collect and remain in their
crowns. These sprinklings should become more frequent, and also more
copious, as the new roots are produced and the new fronds are developed
—indeed, until the plants are perfectly established.

From the description of their native habitats, it will naturally be inferred
that Tree Ferns under cultivation require an abundance of water along their
stems, which, at all times of the year, should be kept constantly moist.
Provided they receive sufficient water, they are not very particular as to
their soil, for we have seen them thriving equally well in rough, peaty
soil and moss combined, or in pure loam. Perhaps the most peculiar
point in connection with Tree Fern culture is that the stems of Cyathea
dealbata imported from New Zealand are invariably found to have been
growing in very stiff clay, yet, under cultivation, these same Ferns succeed
best when planted in peat.

When grown in pots or in tubs, Tree Ferns may very easily be kept
- within bounds; but when planted out in the conservatory, they require
special attention to prevent them from attaining too large a size. In this
case, the best plan to be adopted, by which to prevent excess of growth,
is to cut annually round their stems at a distance of about 3ft., with the
spade, a sort of trench, which will be found sufficient to check their
exuberance. By so doing, the plants will be as if kept in tubs. This
root-pruning should be done between the months of November and February,
according to the temperature of the house in which the Ferns are growing,
and before active vegetation commences. In spite of all that attention,
it sometimes happens, however, that Tree Ferns attain too large dimensions
for the place which was originally intended for them. In such cases,
there are only two ways of getting over the difficulty: one consists in
raising the structure in which the plants are growing; the other, which
is far less expensive, is the reduction of the stems, an operation which
may be performed with safety at any time between the beginning of
November and the middle of February, provided that the trunks thus
operated upon are afterwards subjected to rational treatment. In the first
place, it is of the utmost importance that the operation should be carried

16 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

out while the plants are dormant, or failure will be the result. If done
early in winter, just after the plants have gone to rest, they will, during
three or four months, present a wretched appearance—in fact, look like
freshly-imported stems—as, in all probability, they will lose their foliage,
and not produce any for a considerable time. This, however, will not
happen if the operation is performed during January or February, and just
before they make their annual start, for, in that case, they usually keep
their old foliage on until a crown of young fronds is developed, when the
old foliage naturally disappears; but should the plants even be deprived of
their old fronds sooner than was anticipated, they would only remain
unsightly for a comparatively short time.

Methods of preparing the stems for reduction are numerous; getting
them to root in a bed of moss for a season previous to amputation has
been advocated, but for this there is really no necessity. It is evident that if
imported stems, cut off in their native habitats without any preparation, and
subjected to a long journey, can be induced to make good plants in one
season, stems under altogether more favourable circumstances, cut off when
still at rest but approaching their growing season, must produce results at
least quite as satisfactory. The first Tree Fern stems which we saw treated
in this way consisted of Dicksonia antarctica, D. squarrosa, Cyathea medullaris,
and Alsophila australis. These were in the once famous Fernery belonging to
Mr. T. Bewley, of Dublin; they were cut off from 2ft. to 3ft. above the
ground and re-planted close to the stumps, which were left undisturbed.
None of these stumps ever made any growth, although, under ordinary treat-
ment, it is not rare to notice Dicksonia squarrosa producing side growths ;
but the shortened stems succeeded admirably. Since then we have many
times had the opportunity of testing the effects of similar operations, and we
have noticed that subjects treated in that way succeed better when planted
out than when grown in pots or tubs. Although most Tree Ferns stand
such reduction very well, Dzcksonia antarctica suffers least—a fact easily
accounted for when one considers the enormous quantity of aérial roots of
which the trunk is formed, and which, when in proximity to moisture, have
the power of absorbing an amount of atmospheric food sufficient to stimulate
the development of a good head of fronds.

The cut-off portion of the stem, which, for safety, should be at least equal

TREE FERNS. 17

in height to the length of the fronds, should be planted permanently in a
previously-prepared bed. Thorough drainage is indispensable, and it should be
made of clinkers, intermixed with brick rubbish and coarsely-broken charcoal,
so as to allow the more than ordinary amount of water which must be given
to pass off freely. The drainage should be covered with a layer of moss,
preferably sphagnum. The shortened stem must be set on the drainage, and
then should be securely fixed thereon by the addition of some similar material
placed around its base. Upon this a mixture of two-thirds peat and one-third
loam should be placed, and arranged so as to form a little mound around
the stem. This disposition will prevent the great quantity of water resulting
from copious and frequent syringings from keeping the base too wet until the
fresh young roots have attained a certain development, after which little fear
need be entertained on that score. These syringings should be administered
carefully over the whole surface of the trunks, so as to favour the develop-
ment of fresh roots in equal proportion all around the stems. It is from
these syringings, given early in the morning and late in the evening, that the
greatest benefit 1s derived. A light shading should also be applied during the
hottest part of the day, principally in early spring, and until the new fronds
have attained that state of hardness which will enable them to stand a much
greater amount of light than is generally supposed to be good for them.

The above treatment is also that generally adopted, and with the most
satisfactory results, in the case of newly-imported stems. These are some-
times surrounded with a layer of sphagnum, which undoubtedly favours the
emission and development of new roots; but unless such packing is carefully
performed by experienced hands, it is productive of much mischief, as when—
by the repeated use of the syringe, and likewise through the slow but un-
avoidable shrinking of the mossy material which is continually being washed
away—the roots become exposed, these, besides presenting an untidy appear-
ance, are also subjected to the danger of drying much more rapidly than
those of plants otherwise treated, and of losing their vitality in a singularly
short space of time.

The watering of Tree Ferns, when they are well established, should,
whenever practicable, be done from the very crown downwards, as batches
of fresh young roots are invariably produced at the base of each new set
of fronds. |

D

18 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

In the following lists of thirty temperate and thirty tropical species, we
have, so far as practicable, endeavoured to include all the best-known Tree
Ferns, and have marked with an asterisk (*) those species which, although
to a certain extent arborescent, seldom form a trunk more than from 2ft. to

dft. in height.

TEMPERATE SPECIES. TropicaL SPRctus.

Alsophila australis. Alsophila aculeata.
Cooperi. armata.
excelsa. aspera.
Leichardtiana. contaminans.
lunulata. glabra.

Rebeccee. infesta.
Scottiana, paleolata.

Brainea insignis.* procera.

Cyathea Cunninghami. pruinata.
dealbata. radens.
medullaris. sagittifolia.

Dicksonia antarctica. Teenitis.
arborescens. villosa.
(Cibotium) Barometz.* Cyathea arborea.
Berteroana. canaliculata.
fibrosa. Drégei.
lanata. excelsa.
(Cibotium) regalis. Hookeri.
(Cibotium) Schiedei.* insignis (Cibotium princeps).
squarrosa. integra.
Youngie. Serra.

Hemitelia (Alsophila) capensis. sinuata.
setosa. Dicksonia chrysotricha.
(Cyathea) Smithii. Menziesii.

Lomaria Boryana.* Sellowiana. :
B. cycadoides.* Wendlandi (Cibotium spectabilis).
discolor.* Hemitelia grandifolia.
gibba.* horrida.

Todea arborea.* Karsteniana.
Fraseri Wilkesiana.* speciosa.

CHAPTER IV.

GIGANTIC NON-ARBORESCENT FERNS.

YJONSIDERED simply from a decorative point of view, the
section next in importance to that exclusively composed of
Tree Ferns is the one including all the large-growing non-
arborescent kinds; and with the exception of Dicksonia
(Balantium) Culcita and Woodwardia radicans, both natives

of Madeira and the Azores, no other Ferns belonging to this group are of

European origin. For the ornamentation of conservatories and winter gardens

of large dimensions, the numerous, and in many instances particularly striking,
plants which form this group are unequalled for diversity of foliage; and
whatever their habit may be—drooping, as that of Woodwardia radicans,
Asplenium caudatum, A. longissimum, and Nephrolepis davallioides furcans ;
spreading, as that of several kinds of Angiopteris and Maratua, Dicksonia
(Dennstedtia) davallioides Youngii, Acrostichum (Stenochlena) scandens and
Davallia hirta cristata; erect, as that of Todea barbara (africana) ; with
massive foliage, as Asplenium Nidus and its variety australasicum; or with
light and finely-cut fronds, as Dicksonia cicutaria and Polypodium rugulosum
—they all come in for their share of usefulness, and some of them are found
indispensable where spacious houses have to be filled. What can have a more
tropical and really regal appearance in a conservatory than a naturally-arranged
group of the large-erowing Davallias—D. divaricata (polyantha), for instance,
which one cannot help admiring, especially when furnished with its finely-
bronzed fronds, which, bright crimson in their youth, turn with age to a
beautiful dark, glossy green? JD. solida, too, has large, pendulous fronds,

20 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

with gracefully-cut pinne of a light, shining green, which contrast strikingly
with those of the well-known and deservedly-appreciated Asplenium Nidus,
remarkable alike for the extraordinary substance of its broad, entire, glossy
fronds, and for the unusual way in which they are disposed, leaving at their
base a circular hollow, from which distinctive character the popular name of
“ Bird’s-nest Fern” originated. Where such groups exist, and when they are
surmounted by the noble head of a light and spreading Tree Fern, as in the
charming Fernery at Park Hill, Streatham, where a gigantic Dicksonia insignis
(Cibotium princeps) towers above the whole Fernery in a majestic manner;
or where, as at Chatsworth, the most conspicuous and elevated position is
occupied by D. (Cibotium) Barometz, the Vegetable Lamb, the effect is
admirable. When, besides the above-named plants, the intervening spaces are
filled with such Ferns as D. cicutaria, a kind with very finely-cut and
elegantly-drooping fronds, or with the elegant-habited Aspidium (Polystichwn)
capense, the no less curious Pieris laciniata (Ghiesbreghtit), whose soft, succulent
stems and gigantic fronds, of a peculiarly pale green colour and soft texture,
possess a most singular aspect, such groups, intermixed with a few noble
fronds of Marattias, which are usually borne on- stout, robust, fleshy stalks,
from 10ft. to 12ft. high, produce a sight never to be forgotten. These gigantic
non-arborescent Ferns are sufficiently numerous to allow for their disposition
in all parts of the Fernery. While the common Polypodium aureum and its
beautiful variety sporadocarpum, P. Heraclewm, and Acrostichum (Stenochlena)
scandens delight in a moderately dry position, such handsome kinds as
Acrostichum aureum, all the Angiopteris and Marattias, as well as TZodea
barbara (africana), are particularly well adapted for growing in the dampest
places. Such diversity of forms, sizes, and habits, makes a most effective
display.

The variety of colours belonging to the foliage of the various kinds of
which this group is composed is equally remarkable. How many intermediate
tints are there not, for instance, between the light, glaucous colour of Davallia
(Microlepia) platyphylla and the very dark glossy green of Lomaria Boryana
cycadoides! Besides the beautiful metallic or bronzy hue peculiar to the
foliage of the handsome Didymochlena truncatula, Woodwardia orientalis, and
Nephrodium (Lastrea) erythrosorum, there are also shades of green sufficient
to make of themselves a most interesting group.

GIGANTIC NON-ARBORESCENT FERNS. 2]

Another and most plausible reason may here be given for favouring the
culture of these gigantic non-arborescent Ferns, inasmuch as, if they do not
actually require the abundance of light which must be allowed to many
other kinds of plants, they accommodate themselves to the effects of it, as
Tree Ferns usually do. It naturally follows that in Ferneries in which
arborescent species, and also Ferns belonging to this section, are sufficiently
represented, the necessity for artificial shading is considerably reduced, as ~
under the shelter of these robust growers, many of the more delicate among
the smaller kinds are found to thrive admirably without needing any further
shading. Although all these kinds may be grown in pots, and under such
_ treatment form very beautiful objects, it is only reasonable to state that they
are all much more adapted for planting out in the Fernery, as, under such
conditions, the development of their gigantic fronds is not impeded by
occasional neglect, the effects of which, often irreparable, are always much
more apparent when the plants have their roots bound round the sides of a
pot, than when they are allowed to roam over a practically unlimited space.
With a view to helping in the plantation of the Fernery, we here give
a list comprising no other species than those which will thrive in a minimum
temperature of 55deg. during the winter, so that all of them can be safely
erown together. According to the position which they should occupy in the
house, and also to suit their peculiar requirements, the large-growing non-
arborescent Ferns may be divided into three sections. The first, and also the
most extensive, comprises only plants whose requirements are easily satisfied,
which thrive well in the ordinary mixture of soil, such as that used for
Ferns in general, and which will succeed in any part of the Fernery: these
are, of course, the sorts most frequently met with, and are marked with an
asterisk (*) in the accompanying list. .The second section consists either of
plants that require drier treatment, or else of kinds of a more drooping
habit ; in any case, they are all Ferns which are benefited by being planted
on elevated positions: these are marked with a dagger (7). The semi-aquatic
or swamp-loving sorts, which are about the strongest growers of all, form
a third and last section: these, which in the list are marked with a
parallel (||), delight in being planted in the lowest part of the Fernery, and
thrive best where the ground, which should be of a spongy and not retentive
nature, can be permanently kept in a naturally damp condition. In addition

22 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

to abundance of water at the roots, the Ferns belonging to this last. section
derive the greatest benefit from occasional syringings overhead during the
summer. The figures indicate the average height in feet.

Acrostichum aureum ||, 6. Marattia Kaulfussu ||, 10.
Blumeanum*, 4. laxa ||, 7.
canaliculatum ft, 4. Nephrodium (Aspidium) macrophyllum f, 5.
(Olfersia) cervinum*, 4. patens*, 4.

Herminieri*, 4. setigerum™*, 6.

(Stenochleena) scandens t, 6. s. cristatum™*, 3.

tenuifolium +, 5. s. tenericaule*, 3.
Adiantum polyphyllum (cardiochleena)*, 6. Standishu*, 5,

tenerum*, 4, Nephrolepis acuta t, 6.

trapeziforme*, 4. davallioides fT, 6.
Angiopteris evecta ||, 12. d. furcans fT, 5.

e. pruinosa ||, 12. rufescens tripinnatifida Tt, 5.
Aspidium capense*, 4, Polypodium aureum%, 6.
Asplenium caudatumt, 4. a. sporadocarpum™, 5.

longissimum yt, 7. conjugatum (coronans) tT, 4.

Nidus ft, 6. diversifolium }, 6.

N. australasicum ft, 8. Heracleum ft, 5.

obtusatum lucidum*, 4. lachnopus fT, 5.

Blechnum brasiliense*, 6. nigrescens*, 4,

Ceratopteris thalictroides ||, 4. ornatum™, 6.

Davallia divaricata t, 5. punctatum rugulosum%, 5.
hirta cristata*, 6. subauriculatum t, 8.
platyphylla*, 6. subpetiolatum™, 5.
solida ornatat, 4. verrucosum™, 5.

Dicksonia adiantoides*, 5. Pteris moluccanaT, 6.
(Cibotium) Barometz*, 10. Ouvrardi*, 5.
cicutaria*, 5, quadriaurita*, 5.

Culcita ||, 6. q. argyrea*, 5.

davallioides Youngii*, 7. tremula*, 6.
Didymochlena lunulata*, 4. t. flaccida*, 5.

Lomaria Boryana cycadoides*, 4. t. foliosa*, 5.
procera chilensis*, 5. Thyrsopteris elegans*, 7.

Marattia alata ||, 10. Todea barbara (africana) ||, 8.
Cooperi ||, 8. Woodwardia orientalis Tf, 5.
fraxinea elegans ||, 8. radicans}, 7.

CHAPTER VY,

SMALL-GROWING FERNS.

JIN the Vegetable as well as in the Animal Kingdom nearly all
families have their pigmies as well as their gigantic repre-
sentatives, and Ferns are certainly no exception to the general

rule. If Tree Ferns and other gigantic-growing kinds which

form the subjects of the two preceding chapters are all of
exotic extraction, small-crowing Ferns, on the contrary, are abundantly found
in Europe, and many of them may even be said to have their natural home
in the British Isles. Indeed, some genera are composed almost exclusively
of dwarf-growing species—such, for instance, are Actiniopteris, Cheilanthes,
Doodia, Nothochlena, Pellea, Woodsia, and others—all of which are of
peculiarly neat and compact habit. Small-growing Ferns, however, are not
confined to special genera, as there are also others more extensive, in which
vigorous-growing kinds are in close proximity to most interesting species of
very diminutive stature, such as we note in Davallia parvula, a little gem,
which in Borneo entirely covers the surfaces of trees with a uniform thick
carpet of its pretty and curious little fronds, produced from and disposed on
tiny little rhizomes of a particularly wiry nature. In this genus, which
comprises such robust-erowing species as D. divaricata, D. solida, D. pallida
(Mooreana), and others, we also note D. alpina, a lovely species of Malayan
origin: this delights in extending its more fleshy rhizomes over the rocks,
which it covers with its barren and fertile fronds, seldom exceeding a few
inches in height, and of very distinct shape and size. The more extensive
genus Acrostichwm, again, furnishes us with striking examples of dwarf-growing

24, THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

kinds, such as the very pretty little A. (Rhipidopteris) peltatum, and its
delicately-divided variety gracillimum, scarcely 3in. high, classed with such
robust species as A. awrewm, A. scandens, and others. These pretty dwarf
representatives of a genus particularly known through its most vigorous-
growing members, as well as the above-named Davallias, are not by any
means difficult to cultivate ; but they appear to entertain the greatest dislike
towards spacious and lofty structures, and to allow for their welfare it is
almost indispensable to provide for them accommodation under a bell glass
or in a case of small dimensions, in which a given amount of uniform
moisture may be constantly maintained.

Lomaria, Pteris, Polypodium, Nephrodium, and other equally popular
genera, which comprise many very large-growing kinds, are equally noted for
their dwarf representatives. The deliciously violet-scented North American
Nephrodium fragrans, for instance, is well worthy of a place in every
collection, however limited in dimensions this may be; its tufted habit,
showing narrow, lanceolate fronds, seldom exceeding 4in. in length, is ex-
tremely pretty: while the equally pretty tropical American N. sanctum, which
is now so very seldom met with in collections, is particularly attractive and
interesting on account of its dwarf size and its dark, finely-cut fronds, which
are disposed in rosettes, and which give the plant quite a unique appearance.
Pieris scaberula, a native of New Zealand, is another of these lovely dwarf-
growing Ferns, and differs materially in size and habit from most of the
other numerous species which form this really popular genus. When the
name of Lomaria is mentioned, the mind is naturally carried to such strong-
growing plants as the well-known JL. ciliata, L. gibba, L. procera chalensis,
and others; but it must not be forgotten that the genus also comprises such
gems as ZL. alpina, and also the charming L. Germaini (crenulata), from
Japan. Both species are evergreen and very hardy, and although of exceed-
ingly dwarf habit, measuring but a few inches in height, they are nevertheless
found remarkably useful for the decoration of the cool Fernery, where, their
foliage being of a very lasting nature, they make a fine display all the year
round.

In the very extensive and most deservedly popular genus Adiantum, we
find, by the side of such tall and robust-growing kinds as A. polyphyllum
(cardiochlena), A. pulverulentum, A. tenerwm, A. trapeziforme, and others,

“ Asplenium ruteefolium.
nat. size).

SMALL-GROWING FERNS. 25

some pretty and thoroughly distinct species and varieties of remarkably dwarf
habit. If we take first the kinds which rank as species, we find foremost
among them the very curious and always attractive, kidney-shaped A. reniforme,
from Madeira and the Azores, and A. r. asarifolium, from the Bourbon
Islands and Madagascar. Although this variety, which requires more heat
than the type for its perfect development, produces fronds of the same shape
as those of A. reniforme, but nearly as large again, these seldom attain more
than Gin. in height. ‘Then there are the gold- and the silver-dusted
Maidenhairs, A. withiopicum sulphureum and A. w&. scabrum, both natives of
Chili, and seldom exceeding a few inches in height; while the New Zealand
A. assimile and its crested form are particularly pretty dwarf Ferns, provided
with underground rhizomes, making in the cool-house, and especially when
grown in hanging baskets, a most agreeable display of very elegant little
fronds. Our own British Maidenhair, A. Capillus-Veneris, is another very
fair example of dwarf kinds: when grown in a warm-house, which treatment
appears to suit its requirements very well, it attains, it is true, larger
dimensions ; but when planted in the cool-house, and especially when its
thick rhizomes cling to the rockwork, its fronds seldom get more than din.
or 6in. in length. This lovely species has produced several very handsome
varieties, and among them two of very dwarf habit, which are respectively
named A, C.-V. daphnites and A. C.-V. jissum. These two varieties have
been raised in this country, and are remarkably well adapted for growing
on small rockwork, or for covering a brick wall in the cool Fernery,
as both plants grow from 4in. to 6in. only—the former with erect fronds,
whose pinnules, of a glaucous-green, are agglomerated towards the apex,
where they become fasciated ; whereas the latter, of a totally different aspect,
has very finely-cut fronds, with deeply-lacerated pinnules. It is particularly
remarkable, as regards this latter variety, that whereas whole walls in
greenhouses are, in some private places in America, completely covered with
it, and although it has been in commerce several years, yet it has not
become very popular with the majority of amateurs in this country. Among
the numerous forms of A. cwneatum which from time to time have been
found among seedlings, and which under cultivation retain their peculiarly
dwarf character, we note A. c. mundulum and A. c. Pacotti. Both of these

are of dwarf habit, and their fronds, which are produced in profusion, are
E

26 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

erect, stiff, and of a much harder texture than those of any other kind
belonging to the same genus; on that account they are most useful for
bouquets and buttonholes, as well as for table decoration. A. Victoria is
another dwarf-growing kind, which originated among seedlings raised from
stronger-growing species that had already been a long time in cultivation.
Its fronds, which are short and numerous, bear pinne as large as those of
the better-known and general favourite A. tenerum Farleyense; they are of a
most pleasing light green colour, and when mature contrast beautifully with
the ever-coming and partly-developed ones, which are of a lght claret tint,
cradually gaining a yellowish tinge previous to assuming their permanent
light green colour. A. Luddemannianum and A. Legrandi are also variations
from A. cuneatum, seldom attainmg more than 5in. or 6in. Both are of very
compact habit, and the latter appears to be a contracted form of the well-
known A. ¢. gracillimum, from which it differs in haying its fronds much
shorter and more compact, though quite as finely developed. While in a
young state, and during their partial development, these fronds are of a
lovely red colour, and the plant has the appearance of being thickly studded
all over with innumerable little beads of various tints of pink and red.
Although the majority of the dwarf-growing Ferns may be said to be of
exotic origin, some of the prettiest and most interesting species amongst them
are indigenous to this country. These, with but very few exceptions, belong
to the genera Aspleniwm, Cystopteris, and Woodsia. It is remarkable that
amongst the Aspleniums, most of, if not all, the dwarf-growing kinds, such
as A. Ceterach, A. fontanum, A. germanicum, A. lanceolatum, A. Ruta-
muraria, A. Trichomanes, and A. viride, appear to have a predilection for
growing on old walls. According to Col. Beddome, who has made the
Indian Ferns a special study, and who has published an excellent and most
elaborate work on these plants, divided into “Ferns of British India” and
“Ferns of Southern India,” most of the above-named. species are also found
very extensively in many parts of India, and growing in positions exactly
similar to those which they prefer here. The Cystopteris and the Woodsias,
either of British or of North American origin, also form a _ considerable
addition to the list of dwarf-growing Ferns ; but, although the above-named
genera and the genus Doodia contain some of the prettiest among the
many choice Ferns of small dimensions, the great bulk of species proper

SMALL-GROWING FERNS. 27

forming this class is contained in the genus Pellewa (Platyloma of commerce),
the representatives of which have pretty fronds, mostly of a glaucous hue,
handsomely shaped, borne on thin, wiry stalks, varying in colour from a
dark prune to shining black. Although a few of the stronger-growing kinds
among these are natives of Australia, the majority of them come from North
America, as do also most of the Cheilanthes and Nothochlenas of small
dimensions. It is obvious that, besides being highly interesting themselves,
the Ferns forming this section possess over many other stronger-growing
kinds an advantage which should not be overlooked, inasmuch as a greater
number of them can be accommodated in a given space; and the fact that
they do not require any more special attention than larger kinds should be
conducive to their more general cultivation, wherever a suitable place can be
made for them.

A list is appended in which the best and most distinct species and
varieties are classified, according to their requirements, for stove, greenhouse,
and outdoor Ferneries. The day and night temperatures of the stove and
greenhouse are here given. Srove—Summer: Night, 60deg.; day, 75dee.
Winter: Night, 52deg.; day, 60deg. Grernnouse—Summer: Night, 50deg. ;
day, 60deg. Winter: Night, 40deg.; day, 50deg.

For Stove. For GREENHOUSE. For Ovrpoor FERNERY.

Acrostichum conforme. Adiantum ethiopicum (as- Asplenium Ceterach.

Herminieri. simile). fontanum.
peltatum. ee. scabrum. germanicum.
p- gracillimum. z. sulphureum. lanceolatum.
spathulatum. Capillus-Veneris. Ruta-muraria.
Actiniopteris radiata. C.-V. cornubiense. septentrionale.
r. australis. C.-V. daphnites. Trichomanes.
Adiantum cuneatum Legrandi. C.-V. fissum. viride.
e. Luddemannianum. glaucophyllum. Cryptogramme crispa.
ce. mundulum. monochlamys. Cystopteris alpina.
ce. Pacotti. reniforme. bulbifera.
diaphanum. Asplenium alternans. fragilis.
reniforme asarifolium. flabellifolium. f. Dickieana.
Victoriee. monanthemum. f. sempervirens.

Asplenium formosum.
fragrans nobile.
obtusilobum.

Cheilanthes farinosa.

fragrans.

Dayallia heterophylla.

Lomaria Spicant.
S. Aitkiniana.
S. concinna.

28 SEV Kat3,

BOOK (OL VCR ONCE. UG RIN Ss

For Srove (cont.).

Asplenium paleaceum.
pumilum.
Sanderson.
viviparum.

Cheilanthes radiata.
(Nothochlena) tenuis.

Davallia alpina.
parvula.
pedata.

Fadyenia prolifera.

Nothochlena ferruginea.
flavens.
nivea.
sinuata.
trichomanoides.

Pellzea profusa.

Polypodium glaucophyllum.

lycopodioides.
piloselloides.
reptans.

stigmaticum (venosum).

vaccinilfolium.

For GREENHOUSE (cont.).

Davallia Novee-Zelandize.

Doodia aspera.

a. multifida.
caudata.

Lomaria alpina.
Germainii (crenulata).

Nephrodium fragrans.
sanctum.

Nothochlena Hekloniana.
hypoleuca.
lanuginosa.
Marantee.

Pellza alabamensis.
andromedeefolia.
atropurpurea.
Brewerl.

Bridgesii.
gracilis.
rotundifolia.
ternifolia.

Polypodium rupestre.
Pteris scaberula.

For Ourpoor Frrnery (cont.).

Lomaria Spicant cristata.
imbricata.
lineare.
. projectum.
strictum.
trinervo-coronans.
‘Wilsoni.
Nephrodium pseudo-mas
ramosissimum.
Polypodium alpestre flexile.
Dryopteris.
Phegopteris.
Scolopendrium vulgare
densum.
v. Kelwayi.
Woodsia caucasica.
elabella.
hyperborea (alpina).

ilvensis.

Din mp

obtusa.
oregana,.
scopulina,

CHAPTER Vid.

FERNS WITM COLOURED OR TINTED FRONDS.

IOR the formation of this section we are again indebted
exclusively to the exotic species; as, with the exception of
the variations in shades of green, no Fern of Huropean origin
finds a place in the list. Yet Japan vies with tropical and

North America, as well as with the East and West Indies,
in the spontaneous production of such Ferns, some of which are possessed of a
foliage which, for either richness of colour or delicacy of tints, is as greatly
admired as many of our flowering plants are for their floral display.

In the arrangement. of a Fernery the usefulness of these colourings is
obvious, and the advantages to be derived from the use of such plants for
that purpose are so manifest as to scarcely require any illustration. When
formed into groups exclusively by themselves, or when disposed among other
Ferns lacking bright colours, the kinds with tinted fronds are truly beautiful,
and greatly add to the appearance and general effect of the stove or green-
house in which they are grown—for it may be stated here that kinds of Ferns
with coloured fronds are adapted equally for warm or for cool cultivation.
The brightest hues are, it is true, found among plants requiring the tempera-
ture of the warm-house, where a greater amount of heat and a comparatively
greater quantity of moisture appear to favour the production of bright colours
in Ferns, as they do in the case of other plants with decorative foliage. The
Ferns belonging to this section are also found among the large-growing kinds
as well as among those of smaller dimensions, thus giving their cultivator free

scope for placing them in all parts of the house in which they are grown.

30 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

Among the large-growing kinds, and next to the popular Blechnum
braziliense, Didymochlena lunulata (truncatula) occupies a most prominent
position, as its very handsome and regular habit, the beautiful bronzy tint of
its young foliage, and the dark shining green colour of the older fronds, have
made it a general favourite wherever it has been introduced. This applies
with equal force to the magnificent Davallia divaricata (polyantha), a species
producing immense fronds of a particularly graceful arching character and
coriaceous nature, which, before they assume the dark, glossy green colour
peculiar to them, pass through a whole series of tints and shades, varying
from deep purple to bright magenta, then to light bronze. All these trans-
formations take place in the course of a few days; and the plant being
evergreen, and growing all the year round, some of these richly-coloured
fronds are found on it at almost any time of the year.

We have a little group composed of several strong-growing Japanese
Nephrodiums, whose foliage bears lovely metallic tints: NV. erythrosorum, of
large and handsome proportions, producing in great abundance its highly
decorative fronds, which are rendered exceedingly interesting by the sori being
large, and the indusium which covers them being of a bright, light red
colour, contrasting most pleasantly with the dark glossy green hue of the
upper surface of the mature frond and the light pinkish colour of the partly-
developed ones; NV. opacum, whose fronds, of a particularly leathery nature,
possess very lasting properties; and the charming WN. prolificum, having all
the appearance of a finely-cut form of NV. erythrosorum as regards mode of
growth and the glorious tints of its elegant fronds, which are, besides, very
singular, as when mature they are covered with young plants produced as
plentifully as on the well-known Asplenium bulbiferum. Aspidium (Nephro-
dium) varium, a species seldom seen in cultivation, is remarkable for the rich,
glowing, velvety-metallic colour of its young fronds, which later on assume a
splendid dark green tint. To the above-enumerated species we must add,
though representing different tints, it is true, but quite as attractive in their
way, the popular and vigorous Polypodium aurewm, and the scarcer and_ still
more distinct P. a. areolatum (sporadocarpum): both are strong growers, and
produce a charming effect in the Fernery, where the bold and massive foliage
of the former, of quite a bluish tint, forms a singular contrast with the colour
of other Ferns around it. The latter, although of a somewhat more rigid

FERNS WITH COLOURED OR TINTED FRONDS. 31

habit, is nevertheless one of the handsomest coloured Ferns in cultivation,
and always commands attention on account of its erect, deeply-pinnatifid,
slightly-waved, and very glaucous fronds.

The genus Adiantum is undoubtedly the richest in species with tinted
fronds, and, as regards brightness of colours and variety of forms, it surpasses
all other genera. Although small-growing kinds certainly predominate among
coloured Maidenhairs, several strone growers are to be noted among them,
particularly the gigantic <A. polyphyllum (cardiochlena), whose handsome
fronds, averaging between 4ft. and 5ft in height when fully developed, are of
a pale green when mature, but of a truly beautiful semi-transparent rosy
colour in their young stage. The foliage of the strong-growing A. trapeziforme
is of a uniform green colour, but some lovely pink, red, and bronzy tints are
to be noticed among its varieties culiratwm, Sancte-Catharine, and penta-
dactylon, all of which attain equally large dimensions. These colours are also
characteristic of the elegantly-pendulous A. peruvianum, and of the more rigid
A. Seemannii, both of which have broad pinnules of a delightful metallic hue
when in a young state. Again, the bright red colour of the young growth
of A. Veitchianum and A. cyclosorum is intense, especially when these species
happen to be grown in close proximity to the glass, and in a genial
temperature, with a good deal of atmospheric moisture surrounding them.
For colours and elegance none of the above-mentioned species, however, can
compete with that Queen of the Maidenhairs, A. tenerwm Farleyense. Where
is there any other foliage plant approaching the subtle and delightful tints
found in a well-grown plant of that deservedly-popular variety ? When it
has been kept near the light, in a temperature varying from 65deg. to 75deg.,
and enjoying an abundance of moisture, its broad, elegantly-fringed pinnules,
instead of having the sickly, yellowish appearance which is so detrimental to
the well-being of the plant, are of a pale but bright green colour relieved by
a wonderfully pretty purplish border, which greatly adds to the numerous
charms of the Fern. Quite as attractive as most of the foregoing, although
lacking the bright colours of many of them, is the beautiful A. Williamszi,
most distinct and conspicuous above all others by the pale green, almost
yellow, tint of its long, hanging fronds; when young, these are covered with
a bright yellow powder, which gradually disappears as the fronds reach
maturity. Being of a somewhat straggling habit, this species, lke many

32 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

other Ferns, is scarcely adapted for pot-culture; the plants, however graceful
they may be in themselves, do not show to the best advantage when grown
without due regard to their requirements. The best, and we should say the
most natural, way of cultivating this striking species is that adopted at Kew,
where fine specimens of it, grown in suspended baskets, are the admiration of
every beholder.

If we now turn from the strong-growing Adiantums to the smaller kinds
belonging to the same genus, we find among these some interesting and
striking species, both m colour and habit. Most captivating imdeed are the
extraordinary tints of some, such as the charming little A. rubellwm, with
sub-erect fronds, varying in colour from the yellowish-pink which the plants
assume when they don their spring foliage, to the magenta, and then the bright
purple border peculiar to their further development ; while the bright carmine
of A. macrophyllum, with large pinne of a singular shape, and the brilliant
rose, turning later on to a beautiful copper-colour, of A. tetraphyllum gracile
and A. ¢t. Hendersoni, are scarcely equalled in any other plants. In the case
of A. cuneatum gracillimum and A. c. Legrandi, two varieties which, among
dwarf-growing kinds, can hardly be surpassed for gracefulness, the young fronds,
naturally light and feathery, assume, when grown near the light, an intense
rosy-pink eolour, which they retain for a very long time. The long-fronded,
pendulous A. concinnum, the erect little A. tinctum, and the exceedingly
interesting little A. cuneatum Luddemannianum, are also found among the gems
of a good collection: the last is specially attractive, with its agglomerated
pinnules, forming little rosettes, which, when the plant is grown near the
light, not only exhibit various shades of green, but during the spring and
summer are further ornamented by a very pretty pale magenta edge.

Among other genera we find, in kinds of dwarf stature, with fronds of
red and metallic colours, the charming little Doodia media, D. aspera and its
crested form multifida; the now very rare Lomaria 1 Herminieri, a species of
compact and sturdy habit, whose short, coriaceous fronds are produced in
abundance all through the summer; also the charming Polypodium appendi-
culatum, whose arching fronds are ornamented with a network of rich crimson,
entirely covering them during their young state; the pretty little Blechnum
Lanceola, Osmunda regalis (palustris), O. 7. (japonica) corymbifera, and many

other kinds of minor importance.

FERNS WITH COLOURED OR TINTED FRONDS. 33

The glaucous or bluish tints, which so effectively relieve the monotony
of a uniform mass of green foliage, and which, as has been stated above, are
well represented among strong-growing kinds by Polypodium auwreum and
P. a. areolaitum (sporadocarpum), are shared particularly by some of the dwarf
Pellwas: these form in themselves a most interesting group, and, being
evergreen, are well adapted for the ornamentation of our warm and cool
Ferneries all the year round. It is really very difficult to state which of these
plants are most effective, as the same refreshing tints which characterise the
genus Pell@a are shared to a great extent by nearly all the kinds comprised
in it. P. andromedefolia, P. atropurpurea, P. Bridges, P. ornithopus, and
P. o. brachyptera, are little gems among glaucous Ferns; but the most distinct
in form are P. ternifolia, P. cordata, and P. ¢. flecuosa. The last has gracefully-
pendulous fronds, which show themselves to perfection when the plant is grown
in a suspended basket, and near the light. P. ternifolia requires to be grown
in the same way to show to the best advantage its prettily-coloured fronds,
which are rendered still more striking by their curious and uncommon shape,
the pinne being disposed in whorls, forming little stellate clusters of pale blue
foliage, set at equal intervals all along a black stem, which is no stouter than,
and as shining as, that of an Adiantum. JP. cordata is now a very scarce
species, whose fronds, averaging 14ft. long when fully developed, stand nearly
erect, thus showing to perfection the heart-shaped pinnx, which are of a most
pleasing outline, while their natural glaucous colour is all the more showy on
account of the stripes bemg straw-coloured.

Even the genus Selaginella supplies us with several subjects particularly
attractive on account of their bright colours. Nothing is more gorgeous than
the lovely peacock-blue tint of the foliage of the common drooping S. wncinata
(popularly known as S. cwsza), which is very extensively used for planting in
hanging baskets for cool- and warm-houses alike. The same beautiful colour
is equally peculiar to S. Willdenovii, a species of upright scandent habit which,
in commerce, has from time immemorial been known, though, as it would
appear, erroneously, under the names of S. lewvigata and S. cesia arborea.
The bronzy, erect-growing S. atroviridis and the metallic S. Vogeli (africana)
and S. rubella deserve special notice, as well as the bright golden form (awrea)
of the dwarf, creeping S. Kraussiana (or, as it is more commonly called,

S. denticulata), which is extensively used for covering the ground in Ferneries,
F

34 GEE BOOK SOL SCs OL GLE ET RIN Se

where it grows luxuriantly under the friendly shelter of the Ferns. These
dwarf-growing Selaginellas are frequently seen grown in a sort of pyramid or
mound, under which conditions they are very effective; but they may also,
and with great advantage, be planted in the Fernery, where they will spread
rapidly. It is worthy of remark that the bluish and metallic tints of
S. uncinata (cesia) and S. Willdenovii (cesia arborea), instead of being, as is
generally supposed, intensified by exposure to strong light, are usually destroyed
by it, as its action has a tendency to turn the peacock-blue tint of the
fronds into a shabby reddish colour. The golden- and silver-variegated forms
of S. Kraussiana (denticulata) are the only kinds which really derive benefit
from exposure to light, without which they scarcely show their distinctive
characters. |

Although not exhaustive, the following is a representative list of Ferns
with coloured and tinted fronds. Only the kinds marked with an asterisk (*)
require stove temperature ; all others thrive under greenhouse treatment. For
stove and greenhouse temperatures, see page 27.

Adiantum aneitense.* Adiantum rubellum.

caudatum Hdgeworthii.*
colpodes.

concinnum.*

c. Flemingi.

c. latum.*

cuneatum gracillimum.
ce. Legrandi.

c. Luddemannianum.
curvatum braziliense.*
cyclosorum.

fulvum.

Ghiesbreghti (scutum).*
hispidulum (pubescens).
intermedium.*
lunulatum.*
macrophyllum.*

m. bipinnatum.*
monochlamys.
peruvianum.*

polyphyllum (cardiochlena).*

pulverulentum.*
rhodophyllum.*

Seemannii.*

tenerum Farleyense.*
tetraphyllum gracile.*
t. Hendersoni.*
tinctum.

trapeziforme cultratum.*
t. pentadactylon.*

t. Sanctee-Catharine.*
Veitchianum.
Victorize.*

Waeneri (decorum).
Williamsii.

Aspidium (Nephrodium) varium.
Blechnum braziliense.

Lanceola.

L. trifoliatum.
longifolium.

l. gracile.
occidentale.

Brainea insignis.
Davallia divaricata.*

heterophylla.*

PMNS Vil “COLOURED “OR TINTED FRONDS, 30

Davallia immersa.
pallida (Mooreana).*
retusa.*
tenuifolia Veitchiana.*
Didymochleena lunulata (truncatula).*
Doodia aspera.
a. multifida.
blechnoides.
caudata.
media.
Lomaria attenuata. |
L’ Herminieri.*
Patersoni.
Nephrodium erythrosorum.
odoratum.
opacum.
prolificum.
Sieboldii.

Osmunda regalis (japonica) corymbifera.

r. palustris.
Pellzsa andromedeefolia.
atropurpurea.

Pellesa Breweri.
Bridgesii.
cordata.
c. flexuosa.
mucronata (Wrightiana).
ornithopus.
o. brachyptera.
ternifolia.
Polypodium appendiculatum.*
aureum.
a, areolatum (sporadocarpum).
glaucophyllum.*
Pteris incisa.
quadriaurita aspericaulis.
Selaginella atroviridis.*
Kraussiana aurea.
rubella.*
uncinata (cesia).
Vogelii (africana).
Willdenovii (ceesia arborea).*
Woodsia polystichoides Veitchi.
Woodwardia orientalis.

GIG ESB. Ya

VARIEGATED AND CRESTED FERNS.

|’ we consider the many crested, variegated, congested, truncate,
depauperated, revolute, cornute, marginate, and other forms

found in many genera, we feel bound to acknowledge that

there is little, if any, doubt that Ferns are as much addicted

to variation as any other members of the Vegetable Kingdom.
The creation of new species, especially amongst Ferns, is mostly the result of
a slow process of evolution by which Nature produces new types inheriting
more or less of the parental characters. T’o these same variations, or freaks
of Nature, we are indebted for the majority of our decorative trees and shrubs,
as also for a goodly number of our flowering and foliage plants of an herbaceous

nature.

Variegated Ferns and Selaginellas.

The most striking of the several variations which naturally affect Ferns
are “cristation” and variegation ; and it is noteworthy that this latter form of
variation appears to be almost exclusively peculiar to Ferns of exotic origin,
and even these are anything but numerous, as they only form a group,
which, even including the variegated Selaginellas, numbers barely a score
of species and varieties. Some of these, such as Anemia Phyllitidis tessellata
and Gymnogramme japonica variegata, can hardly be said to possess the
variegated character in a permanent way, for although, when freshly developed,
their fronds show unmistakable signs of variegation, these gradually disappear
as maturity is attained. It is somewhat singular that Nature, although so

VARIEGATED AND CRESTED FERNS. 37

prolific in the production of variegated forms of trees, shrubs, and herbaceous
plants in Hurope, should act so very sparingly with regard to Ferns as to
leave positively no record of regularly - variegated species and varieties
permanently maintaiming that character. Mention has occasionally been made,
it is true, of variegated forms of Nephrodium [ila-mas, of Aspidium angulare,
and of Seolopendrium vulgare, but none of these have proved constant under
cultivation ; neither in these cases is the variegation anything particularly
striking, nor does it increase the decorative value of the plants affected by it.

Among exotic Ferns accidental variegation is also occasionally met with,
especially in such genera as Lomaria and Nephrolepis, in which portions of
fronds are more or less splashed with white or yellow; but, notwithstanding
unremitting efforts on the part of specialists to fix these variations, none of
them have proved constant. An illustration of the deep interest with which
erowers regard the fixing of variegation in certain genera may be given here,
in connection with the production of a singular form of Adiantum decorum,
which originated in Mr. Herbst’s nurseries at Richmond, Surrey, in 1874 or
1875. The peculiarity of that plant, which had retained the habit and the
general characters of the species, consisted in the colouring of the pinnules,
most of which in the mature fronds were of a dark green, freely striped with
a much lighter colour. This Fern was the object of so much consideration
and attention on the part of its owner, that for several years numberless
seedlings were raised and grown by him to a size quite sufficient to enable
him to ascertain their value; but, although the variegated character was shared
by most of the seedlings, none of these showed it to a degree sufficiently
marked to allow of their being distributed as truly variegated plants. Again,
in 1871, one really well-variegated form of Adiantum cuneatum made its
appearance among the thousands of seedlings annually raised in Messrs. Hugh
Low and Co.’s nurseries at Clapton. In this case the variegation was excep-
tionally good, the very dark green colour peculiar to the mature fronds of the
species being copiously relieved by pure white streaks, which extended to all
parts of the little fronds. Unfortunately, that most interesting plant was,
through sheer neglect, lost to science and to the floral decorator alike. Instead
of being separated during the process of pricking oft, three or four seedlings
had, as is frequently the case, been allowed to remain together, and one day
the plant with the variegated portion in it was found to have disappeared

38 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

among a quantity of young A. cwneatwm, which had been included in an order
for Ferns intended for filling small glass vases for a living-room, where, no
doubt, its doom was sealed, as nothing more was ever heard of it. This
occurrence is all the more to be regretted as the reproduction of the plant
would have been watched with the utmost interest. It is well known that
in really well-variegated Ferns the character referred to is, with scarcely any
exception, faithfully reproduced; and it is important to note that amongst
exotic kinds the variegation, when fixed, is both constant and decorative.

In 1882 we met, in Belgium, with a very singular form of Adiantum
formosum, whose fronds, about 24ft. in height, and equal in vigour to those of
the typical species, were densely furnished with innumerable small pinnules of
a light green colour, but copiously dotted and splashed all over with pale
yellow. The most admired, however, among these variegated Maidenhairs, is
undoubtedly an extremely pretty form (striatum) of A. macrophyllum, which
seems to have made its appearance simultaneously in England, in France, and

in Belgium, in 1883—an occurrence which can scarcely be accounted for in
any way. In each case the variegated plant has preserved the erect, some-
what rigid habit of the typical species, and the fronds, rising from an
underground, creeping rhizome, attain from Ift. to 1$ft. in height. Their
large and peculiarly-shaped pine are, like those of the type, of a delicate
pink or red colour when young; but this ground-tint is very freely relieved
by yellow stripes, which, besides being the principal ornament of the partially-
developed fronds, remain perfectly distinct and prominent when the foliage has
assumed its permanent bright green colour.

Interesting as the above-mentioned representatives of the genus Adiantum
may be, as illustrating the natural variation in the direction of variegated
Ferns, they are greatly surpassed in that way by the various kinds of Pieris,
forming part of a genus which undoubtedly is the richest among Ferns in
subjects partaking of that character. Of these, too, some of the Hast Indian
species require warm-house treatment, whereas others are perfectly satisfied
with a cool-house temperature. Among the latter, P. cretica albo-lineata
may reasonably claim to be the most distinct and useful of variegated Ferns,
and the appreciation of its decorative qualities is “sufficiently shown by the
enormous quantities of it which, every year, and in all sizes, pass through
our London markets. The beauty of its variegation and the hardiness of the

VARIEGATED AND CRESTED FERNS. 39

plant are, no doubt, the characters which have secured a well-deserved
popularity for this Fern. It is particularly well adapted for the decoration
of the dwelling-room, where, provided it receive careful treatment, it will
remain for a long time in perfect health, the broad silver bands which occupy
the centre of its fronds, and the bright green colour peculiar to their edges,
being extremely attractive. A thoroughly distinctive character of this species
hes in the great dissimilarity of its barren and fertile fronds: the former,
forming the body of the plant, are broad, and of a somewhat spreading
habit, while the latter, much narrower in all their parts, are erect and well
above the others, thus giving the plant a highly ornamental appearance. We
have in the home-raised variety M/ayi a crested form of P. cretica, in
which the dissimilarity of fronds, as a distinctive character, has not been
reproduced. Although in this case the variegation is of equal brilliancy, the
fronds are nearly all uniform in size, and, instead of standing in an erect
position, all the fertile ones partake more or less of the decumbent or
spreading character which, in the typical plant, is peculiar to the barren
fronds, forming a plant of compact growth and habit similar to the several
known crested, but green, forms of this essentially decorative Fern.

Again, there is the beautifully-coloured Pieris biaurita nemoralis variegata,
whose fronds attain large dimensions, and are rendered highly attractive by
the centre of each pinna being of a bright pinkish colour, gradually, however,
fading into white, a tint which it retains as long as the fronds remain on the
plant. Somewhat in the same way, but with foliage adorned with colours
of extreme brillancy, is P. quadriaurita tricolor, an Kast Indian variety
somewhat difficult to manage. It is only now and then that we hear of
someone having succeeded in growing it to perfection, and in most cases this
happens seemingly without anything special in the way of cultivation: its
well-being evidently depends more on local or climatic influences than on
skilful treatment. As a proof of this, it may be stated that in some places,
where formerly this lovely Fern was thriving, it will now hardly grow, in
spite of unchanged treatment ; whereas, in other places, where for years it
only contrived to exist, it occasionally makes a sudden burst and for a certain
time grows apace. One practically successful instance came under our notice
in 1867, when, to our great astonishment, we saw, at Loisy, near Vitry-le-
Frangais, in the east of France, planted in a camellia-bed, in the greenhouse,

40 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

two magnificent self-sown specimens of this beautiful Fern, with fronds fully
25ft. long, having the centre of each pinna, throughout the whole plant, of
a bright rosy-red, with a margin of white on either side of it, which colours
formed the most pleasing contrast with the rich, glossy green of the other
portions of the fronds. These two subjects must, however, have been endowed
with a special and particularly robust constitution, since hundreds of seedlings,
pricked off from the same batch of prothalli to which the two plants referred
to belonged, were grown, some on shelves, close to the glass, in the warm-
house, and others on the same camellia-bed, but with altogether different
results: none of these ever succeeded in getting over the stunted stage in
which this eminently distinct Fern is generally seen.

Very different, i point of culture, from Pteris quadriaurita tricolor is
the popular and robust-growing P. qg. argyrea, with its gracefully-arching
fronds, which, under liberal treatment, often attain a length exceeding 4ft. It
is, to say the least, very singular that, like the preceding variety, this, which
may justly be considered the best representative of variegation in Ferns,
should have been introduced about the same time accidentally, both having
been found spontaneously, the former in Belgium, the latter in England,
among some soil in which other plants had been packed and imported from
abroad. P. g. argyrea, however, is by far the more useful of the
two, and is particularly well adapted for pot-culture for decoration. On
account of its remarkably well-defined and striking variegation, it is most
effective, as the large band of silvery-white in the centre of its fronds and
pinne forms a most pleasing contrast with the lively green by which it is
surrounded in every part of the plant. Although recommended for growing
in a cool-house, where it thrives very well during the summer, this useful
species evidently requires a higher temperature during the winter, its dislike
to cold being clearly indicated by the brownish colour which its fronds, even
when mature, assume under cool treatment in the winter.

Pieris palmata nobilis (or Doryopteris nobilis, as it is more commonly
called), is another variegated Fern requiring stove temperature. So far as
general appearance is concerned, this is totally different from all other Pteris,
as its fronds, instead of being once or several times divided, are, when in a
young state, first heart-shaped, then of a broad sagittate form; but as the
plant becomes stronger, they assume a more palmate shape. They are bright

VARIEGATED AND CRESTED FERNS. 4]

green in colour, and their broad, slightly-undulated segments are ornamented
throughout with a broad, white band, which gradually diminishes in intensity
as it approaches the edges.

In June, 1877, Messrs. James Veitch and Sons exhibited, at a meeting of
the Royal Botanic Society, an exceedingly pretty variegated Fern, under the
name of Pteris ensiformis variegata, which was then certificated. Its little
fronds, the longest of which were barely 8in. long, were particularly attractive
on account of the brightness of their silver markings. The variegation, which
equally affected the lateral pinne, was particularly noticeable on the terminal
one; this, compared with that of most other Pteris, as also with the size
of the plant, was very long. The partial extinction of this particularly neat
little Fern is a matter for regret, as it was thoroughly distinct from all other
known kinds. It is equally surprising as it must have been of easy repro-
duction, the plants shown on the occasion referred to having been raised
in England from spores received from India, thus showing that, like all other
well-variegated Ferns, this had the power of reproducing itself true from
seedlings.

There are a few other variegated Ferns which do not belong to either
Adiantum or Pieris, and which only require cool-house treatment. Among
these the most beautiful is assuredly Asplenium macrocarpum (Goringianum)
pictum, a very handsome Japanese kind, of medium size. Its fronds are
abundantly produced from a fleshy, underground rhizome; they are very
eraceful (but, unfortunately, also very brittle), and particularly striking on
account of their pretty claret-coloured rachis, on each side of which are the
pinne variegated with white, and furnished throughout with a central whitish
band; as the fronds get matured, the band assumes a greyish hue, very
distinct from the dark ground surrounding it.

A most valuable addition to the group of variegated Ferns that are nearly
hardy and of robust constitution, is found in Nephrodium Otaria (aristatum)
variegatum, a Japanese species. Its variegation, which is very good and
clear, is a light yellowish-ereen on a dark shining ground. Its constitution
and the nature of its fronds render it one of the most enduring of all
cool Ferns.

There are two species in which the foliage, if not strictly variegated, is

spotted with white. The more interesting of these is Gymnogramme Muellert,
G

42, . THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

an Australian species bearing no outward resemblance to any other Gymno-
erammes, but appearing to be more closely allied to Aspleniwm Ceterach. Its
pinnate fronds are stiff and furnished with roundish pinne, the under side of
which is densely clothed with brown scales, whereas the upper surface, which
is of a bright green, is dotted all over with scales of a brillant silvery nature,
producing a pleasing effect, and simulating a sort of regular and perfectly
constant variegation, entirely distinct from that of any other Fern. The other
is Nephrodium albo-punctatum, a plant of medium growth, whose dark and
leathery foliage is freely dotted with white.

On account of their affinity, we shall, to complete this section, include
several variegated forms of Selaginellas, the most popular, the most useful,
and the best-known of which is S. Martensii variegata.. This variety has kept
the habit and vigour of the sub-erect growing type, although the broad, dark
leaves, clothing the numerous stems—which, on their under-side, produce a
great quantity of roots—are profusely blotched with white. The latter charac-
teristic, although not quite constant, is reproduced by means of cuttings.
S. Kraussiana variegata (or, as it is more commonly but erroneously named,
S. denticulata variegata) is a variety of the species so extensively used for
edgings, and for covering the surface of the pots of plants kept in the dwelling-
room. It is not, however, adapted to the latter purpose, but is found exceed-
ingly useful for edgings, for pot-culture, or for planting in rockeries ; in all
of which positions its minute and dense foliage, beautifully tipped with white,
is most effective. This interesting little plant requires, during the winter, to
be kept close to the light, in order to prevent its damping off. The last and
most distinct variegated Selaginella is a form of S. imvolvens, which belongs
to the “‘ tabuliform” section of the Club Mosses. It forms a pretty, dwarf tuft,
consisting of an overlapping series of branches disposed round a central axis,
and furnished with innumerable small branchlets ; some of the branchlets are
creamy-white, and these, being abundantly produced and being mixed with the
green foliage, make it an elegantly-variegated plant.

In the appended list of variegated Ferns, the species and varieties marked
with an asterisk (*) are hardy; those marked with a dagger (7) require stove
temperature all the year round; while those which are not specially marked
thrive under common greenhouse treatment. For the stove and greenhouse
temperatures, see page 27.

VARIEGATED AND CRESTED FERNS. 45

Adiantum formosum variegatum. Pteris aquilina variegata.*
macrophyllum striatum.+ biaurita nemoralis variegata.
Anemia Phyllitidis tessellata. cretica albo-lineata.
Aspidium aculeatum angulare variegatum.* c. Mayi.
Asplenium Adiantum-nigrum variegatum.* ensiformis variegata.
fontanum variegatum.* palmata nobilis.
macrocarpum (Goringianum) pictum. quadriaurita argyreea.
Gymnogramme japonica variegata. q. tricolor.
Muelleri. Scolopendrium vulgare variegatum.*
Nephrodium albo-punctatum. Selaginella involyens (japonica) varie-
Filix-mas variegatum. gata.
Otaria (aristatum) variegatum. Kraussiana (denticulata) variegata.
Polypodium vulgare variegatum.* Martensii variegata.

Crested Ferns.

It has been clearly demonstrated that variegation is a form of variation
possessed almost exclusively by Ferns of exotic origin. Cristation, on the
contrary, is a form of variation to which Huropean Ferns appear much more
predisposed than exotic kinds, for there is scarcely a British species which
has not produced crested forms, from the dwarf Aspleniwm Trichomanes to
the gigantic-growing Pteris aquilina, or common Bracken.

In exotic, as in native, species of Ferns, cristation consists in the sub-
division—in some instances many times repeated—of the extremities of the
fronds, by which process a sort of tassel is naturally formed. At other times
the cristation is only shown by the bifurcation of the tips of the fronds ;
but it is interesting to note that, whatever form this character assumes, it
generally extends to the pinne, which are usually affected in the same
manner, though in a lesser degree, as the extremity of the frond itself.
Another point which is worth noticing, is that the stalk of the frond is
seldom, if ever, affected by simple cristation. The abnormal character of the
stalks, which occasionally become fasciated or flattened, and branched out, is
only shown when cristation, by infinite division of all parts, is developed to
such an extent as to produce, instead of a flat, normal frond, either a_ball-
like mass of green vegetation, or an intricate and symmetrically-divided sort
of lattice-work.

Cristation—“ monstrosity,” as it has sometimes been called—is, when

shared by exotic kinds, in the majority of cases constant, as plants partaking

44, THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

of it reproduce themselves freely from spores with very little variation. Such,
however, is not the case with British Ferns, as many of them have a tendency
to revert to the common or typical form when some peculiarities in their
treatment do not agree with them. It is also well known that not only do
some of these crested forms revert to the type, but the offspring of these
are in many cases extremely variable. Such inconstancy plays an important
part in the production of new varieties, as it is now an accepted theory that
when the common form has once varied, the produce of this variation have a
greater tendency to vary again. In the case of the propagation of a specially-
fine crested form being required, this can only be effected with security by the
division of the original plant.

The variation by way of seedlings in connection with crested Ferns
is of such importance that we trust it will not be considered out of place
here if we quote Mr. Druery’s experience on its reproduction. Speaking on
this most interesting subject, Mr. Druery, in a most elaborate article on
variation in his excellent work on “Choice British Ferns,”* says: “ We
have ourselves raised a very robust and heayily-crested form of Hard Fern
(Lomaria Spicant) from a wild find of similar character, but of smaller
growth. Strange to say, the sowing from which this splendid plant originated
was so nearly a failure that only the one plant resulted, which, as stated,
surpasses the parent; yet when spores of this more marked variety were
sown, fully 90 per cent. were absolutely common Hard Ferns; two only
closely resembled the parent, one far surpassed it, several are of a different
type of cresting ; one is extremely dwarf, with fronds absolutely fan-shaped—
and between these and the common ones there is every grade of cresting,
from merely squarish tips to ball-like tufts.”

The foregoine statement, emanating as it does from such a high authority
on the subject, and being the result of a series of careful experiments, con-
ducted with a view to ascertaining the constancy of seedlings, will, we
venture to say, prove conclusive as to the amount of reliance to be placed
on the reproduction of crested variations by their own spores. But these
remarks apply exclusively to British Ferns. The reproduction of crested
exotic kinds is principally effected by seedlings, and, generally speaking, with

* “Choice British Ferns: their Varieties and Oulture.” By Charles T. Druery, F.L.8. London:
L. Upeott Gull, 170, Strand, W.C.

VARIEGATED AND CRESTED FERNS. A5

most satisfactory results. The numerous crested forms of Pteris, Gymnogramme,
Adiantum, Nephrodium, &e., are illustrative of our theory. For instance, in
the case of seedlings of Adiantum cuneatwm grandiceps, the first plant of
which originated in England about 1878, there never is any variation ;
thousands upon thousands of young plants of this crested variety are raised
yearly, and all partake to about the same extent of the characters of the
first accidental seedling. Péeris cretica Mayi, also a home-raised crested form,
follows the same rule, and yields nothing but true representatives of the plant
originally raised at Edmonton about 1884. The same may be said of the
beautiful P. cretica nobilis, and of several forms of P. serrulata cristata which
have become fixed, and which are, as a rule, reproduced without any striking
variations. Hixception must, however, be made in favour of the splendidly-
crested form of P. serrulata known as the Chiswick variety. This is the
strongest-growing of all home-raised forms of the Ribbon Fern, but up to this
time it has not proved amenable to propagation by means of spores; these
are yielded abundantly, but have rarely, if ever, been known to reproduce
plants partaking of the same robust characters as the one originally raised in
the gardens of the Royal Horticultural Society, at Chiswick, about 1867.

The above remarks bear exclusively upon the reproduction of crested
exotic Ferns which have been artificially or accidentally produced under culti-
vation in Hurope. Crested exotic Ferns found in their native habitats are
comparatively few in number, and it is that scarcity of spontaneous production
which prompts us to say that European species have a much greater tendency
to cristation than exotic kinds. Indeed, should the latter be addicted to the
same variations, it would be most difficult to explain how the collectors have
not ere this discovered and sent home crested Ferns in quantities: as a
matter of fact, these same sorts, spontaneously produced in their various
native habitats, may almost be counted upon the fingers.

We have amongst the first exotic crested Ferns introduced, the remarkably
handsome Nephrolepis davallioides furcans, a plant which, as a decorative
subject, can. hardly be surpassed. This useful and interesting variety reproduces
itself fairly well from seedlings, although a few of these give variations or
forms which are crested in the same manner as the parent, but with pinne
a trifle narrower and more denticulate than those of the original; in any
ease these occasional variations are not of sufficient importance to allow even

46 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

for varietal names. As a plant of similarly strong habit, and whose cristation
is both ornamental and distinct, Davallia (Microlepia) lirta cristata may be
considered a natural companion to the above-named Nephrolepis. Its robust
growth makes it valuable to the amateur; its long, massive, beautifully-
arching, heavily-tasselled fronds render it one of the best Ferns for the
decorator ; while its easy mode of reproduction, true from spores, enables the
market grower to produce in enormous quantities a plant for which he finds
a ready sale.

Among smaller-growing kinds of exotic Ferns introduced into Europe in
crested forms, we may note Osmunda regalis japonica corymbifera and
Davallia Maries cristata; both of these are of Japanese origin, and their
introduction into Europe dates from about 1880. In both instances the
seedlings reproduce exactly the typical crested plants. The propagation of
Osmunda regalis japonica corymbifera, which, through its dwarf and compact
habit, is unquestionably the best of all the known forms of the Royal Fern
for decorative purposes, and especially for pot-culture, would be particularly
slow were it not that the spores, which are very sparingly produced, germinate
freely, and until now have not been known to yield any variations. From
the information supplied by the collector who introduced it from Japan, where
he remained several years, it is positively certain that, although the plain
QO. regalis japonica is very prolific there, the crested form, in its native habitat,
has never been seen in fructification. The same character of sterility was
equally observed during the four years following its introduction into Kurope,
after which time first a very small portion of frond, then part of another,
became, as it would appear, accidentally fertile. The spores then gathered
were sown, and in due course a progeny of young plants, resembling the
parent. in all respects, were produced. Although five years have elapsed, and
the plant that yielded the spores from which the first crop of European
seedlings originated has greatly increased in size, and has been very carefully
watched year after year, there has been no other sign of fructification ; but,
on the other hand, several plants of the younger generation have produced
fertile fronds, and those again have yielded innumerable young subjects,
partaking of the same characters as the original parent.

In the case of Davallia Mariesii cristata, there would be no real necessity

for depending on the reproduction of the crested character by the seedling

VARIEGATED AND CRESTED FERNS. 47

process, as the plant is provided with numerous slender rhizomes, by means of
which it could be propagated in any quantity. Still, with a view to ascertaining
to what extent this naturally-crested exotic Fern would reproduce itself, several
sowings from spores gathered on well-crested fronds were made during two
successive seasons, and the results perfectly justified the assertion made that it
is self-reproducing, for among the thousands of young plants obtained from
these several batches of seedlings, no variation of any importance was
observable.

The dwarf crested form of Doodia aspera, called multifida, is another
striking instance of constancy of reproduction in this section of Ferns, for
the pretty tasselled character of its short, hard fronds, and their peculiar
bronzy-red tint, are characters which in every instance are reproduced true
among seedlings raised from spores gathered from the crested plants. Crested
forms of Nephrodium molle are of garden origin, and they reproduce themselves
freely from seedlings; while the New Caledonian crested form of N. Richards,
called multifidum, was, about 1878, introduced into Hurope, where it was rapidly
propagated by means of its own spores. In the latter case the seedlings
are found to have a tendency to variation, but in that respect they only share
the character of their parent, which is extremely variable, the fronds on the
same plant being sometimes heavily crested, and at other times simply forked.
It follows that even in this instance the report of thorough reproduction of the
parental characters in exotic crested Ferns is perfectly in accordance with the
theory expounded above, but which does not refer to British Ferns.

On account of the elegance given to the fronds of most of the crested
varieties by the weight of their terminal tassels, the majority of these are well
adapted for growing in suspended baskets, in which position they prove
eminently decorative. We therefore append a list of most of the known exotic
crested kinds, :either of garden origin or introduced in already crested
form. As regards British Ferns, however, the variations in forms of such
species as Asplenium Filix-foemina, Nephrodium Liliz-mas, Aspidium aculeatum
angulare, and Scolopendrium vulgare, are so numerous that their complete
description in this part of the book would be justly considered out of place,
and we feel compelled to limit ourselves to simply indicating their existence in
the following list, reserving. such descriptions till later on, when each genus will
be treated separately and in detail. In this list the species and varieties

48 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

marked with an asterisk (*) are hardy ; those marked with a dagger (+)
require stove temperature all the year round; while those which are not
specially marked thrive under common greenhouse treatment. For stove and

greenhouse temperatures, see page 27.

Adiantum ethiopicum assimile cristatum. Nephrodium patens cristatum.

cuneatum grandiceps.
ce. Luddemannianum.
excisum multifidum.
schizophyllum.
versaillense.
Aspidium aculeatum acrocladon.*
a. angulare, numerous varieties.*
a. cristato-gracile.*

Asplenium Adiantum-nigrum erandiceps.*

Filix-foemina, numerous varieties.*
marinum ramosum.*

Ruta-muraria cristatum.*
Trichomanes cristatum.*

T. multifidum.*

T. ramosum.*

viride multifidum.*

Davallia elegans polydactyla.t
(Microlepia) hirta cristata.
Mariesii cristata.

Doodia aspera multifida.

Gymnogramme calomelanos chrysophylla

erandiceps.t

c. c. Pargonsi.T

pulchella Wettenhalliana.t
Lomaria gibba Belli.

Spicant cristatum.*

S. multifurcatum.*

S. polydactylon.*

S. ramosum.*

S. trinervo-coronans.*

Nephrodium emulum cristatum.*
Filix-mas, numerous varieties.*
molle corymbiferum.

m. grandiceps.

Richardsi multifidum.t
setigerum (tenericaule) cristatum.
spinulosum (dilatatum) cristato-
eracile.*
s. grandiceps.*
s. polydactyla.*
Nephrolepis davallioides furcans.+
Duffi.t
Osmunda regalis japonica corymbifera.
r. cristata.*
Polypodium Lingua corymbiferum.
vulgare bifidum.*
vy. compositum.*
v. cristatum.*
vy. multifido-cristatum.*
v. ramosum.*
Pteris aquilina cristata.*
a. grandiceps.*
a. multifida.*
cretica Mayi.
ec. nobilis.
serrulata angustata.
Applebyana.
corymbifera.
cristata.
c. compacta.
c. Dixoniana.
c. major (Chiswick variety).
c. semi-fastigiata.

nn nhpnpn nm QD

. polydactyla.
inom erandiceps.
Scolopendrium vulgare, numerous
varieties.*
Woodwardia radicans cristata.

Char Time Vill

GOLD AND SILVER FERNS.

)WHESE form a most interesting section, which is composed
exclusively of plants of exotic origin. All of them possess a
certain and constant charm even to the most uninitiated, who

generally look upon them as marvels of creation. The gold or

silver character of these Ferns is formed by different substances,
and is due to various natural causes. In the majority of cases, such as in
Gymnogrammes, in Adiantums, and in Nothochlenas, it is produced by a
thick coating of fine powder forming a sticky substance, resembling a waxy
exudation, with which the under side of the fronds is entirely and evenly
covered ; in other instances, such as in Cheilanthes, the under part of the fronds
is rendered equally silvery by the superposition of scales or of hairs which
uniformly cover their surface; while in the case of Silver Tree Ferns, and in
some of the Gleichenias, the under side of the fronds, though deprived of either
scales or real powder, is beautifully and evenly silvery, as if only painted
white, or of a glaucous colour. But in their cases this white or glaucous
colour is simply due to the presence of a substance of a consistency similar
to that of the bloom on grapes and plums, and disposed in a coating so fine
that it readily disappears when rubbed with the fingers. This substance,
although quite superficial, is, however, laid very evenly, and forms, with
the other portions of the leafy part of the fronds, a perfectly united body. A
beautiful golden appearance is also frequently produced by the presence of
spores, which, when disposed in sufficient quantities, give the fronds a

brightness equal to that resulting from either of the above-named causes ;
H

50 THE BOOK Of? CHOICE TERNS:

but although many kinds, especially amongst. Polypodiums, are very prolific,
none equal in brilliancy the beautiful Onychium auratum, which~ rightly
deserves a prominent place among Golden Ferns. This really beautiful and
robust-growing species, which thrives best in the warm-house with an
abundance of moisture, is a native of the East Indies, where it is said
to attain very large dimensions. It is a Pteris-habited Fern, with foliage
extremely light and feathery, and there is no exaggeration in saying that
when its robust, triangular, fertile fronds are fully developed and become
mature, nothing, even among Gymnogrammes, can be more handsomely
golden. These are all the more conspicuous in that they consist of linear
seoments, the upper surface of which is bright green, and contrasts
pleasantly with the rich colour of their under side, adorned as it is by a
massive indusium of a very bright yellow, which gives to the whole plant
a pretty and interesting appearance.

Although the group under notice is a comparatively small one, it
comprises representatives of several genera, among which the Gymnogrammes
occupy the first and the largest place; and, as they are about the most
variable of all the cultivated kinds of exotic Ferns, it follows that both the
silver and the gold colours of the under side of their fronds, which form
their principal attraction, vary greatly in intensity, as, out of a quantity of
seedlings, varieties showing almost every shade of white, lemon, and golden-
yellow powder may be obtained. They also vary as much as regards size as
they do in colours, for whereas among the Golden section, the charming dwart
G. sulphurea, whose delicate fronds are covered on both surfaces with powder
of a pale yellow colour, seldom exceeds 8in. in height, such varieties as
G. calomelanos chrysophylla, G. ¢c. ¢. Martensi, G. ¢. c. Laucheana, G. ¢. ¢.
gigantea, &c., produce fronds which frequently attain 3ft. in length. Several
other golden forms of Gymnogramme, of garden origin, distinct from one
another, as also from the original species, in their habit, or in the colour
of their powder, are equally strong growers. Among these the most
distinct is, perhaps, G. c. c. Alstoni, which is a really handsome and
attractive plant, and which, at the same time, may be regarded as one
of the greatest curiosities in the whole Fern family. It is an excellent
grower, of the Laucheana type, with broad, triangular fronds, supported

on stalks of medium length, thus making a capital specimen. The

GOLD AND SILVER FERNS. 51

character of curiosity is, however, imparted to it by the fact that, as the
plant becomes adult, all, or at least the majority, of the pinnules completely
turn back, their extremity being perfectly incurved ; these, being of a bright
golden-yellow colour, give a most peculiar, and certainly a very attractive,
appearance to the plant, which then looks as if dotted all over with yellow
beads, in some cases as large as good-sized peas. This curious variety
also possesses the property of freely reproducing itself true from spores. Such
are the variations in size and habit among the kinds forming the Golden
section.

The plants belonging to the Silver section, although as a rule not such
strong growers, are nevertheless very showy, and of a more uniform size; yet
unless it happens to be under very special and favourable conditions Gymno-
gramme calomelanos peruviana remains comparatively low, and forms much
more bushy plants than most other kinds: its fronds, in point of size, are
equal to any of those belonging to the Golden section. Numerous inter-
mediate forms are found between this excellent species (distinguishable at
first sight from all others through its beautifully massive fronds, covered on
both surfaces with a thick layer of powder as white as snow) and the dwarf-
habited, though long-fronded, G. tartarea. Then we have the very long-
fronded G. calomelanos spectabilis, showing a much more erect habit of growth,
and attaining quite 4ft. in height.

G. trifoliata is a most interesting and very curious kind, differing
from all other species, not only in its scandent habit, but also in the.
singular form of its fronds, which are linear and trifoliolate; these have
also the power of extending to an almost indefinite length, and their under
surface is covered in some instances with white, and in others with pale
yellow, powder, rendered all the more apparent by the dark green colour of
the upper surface of the pinne. |

Among the plain-fronded Gymnogrammes there is one, named G. decom-
posita, which is very handsome, but somewhat difficult to classify, on account
of the changeable colour of the farinose powder of its finely-divided, triangular
fronds, which frequently reach quite 3ft. in length. While the plant is young,
these are white, or nearly so; but the covering of the crown and stalks is of
a yellow hue, which gradually deepens as the plant gets older. This species is

also of a more erect and more decorative habit than most other kinds

52 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

belonging to the genus, and its particularly finely-dissected appearance is
produced by the numerous lobes of the pinne being deeply cut into minute
segments. Other plain-fronded species, such as the delicate but exceedingly
beautiful G. Pearce: and its superb variety robusta, G. schizophylla and its
plumose form gloriosa, &e., have their foliage powdered with white only while
young: as the plants get older, the powder becomes gradually scarcer, until
in the adult stage it is limited to the crown itself.

As we have before remarked, cristation is a form of variation to which
Gymnogrammes are very subject, for many of them have a tendency to
produce forked and multifid fronds; but, contrary to most other crested
Ferns, the Gymnogrammes thus affected have a more erect habit than the
species with plain fronds. The differences in size are also less marked among
the plants forming the crested section than in any other; the dwarfest form,
however, is the thickly-crested G. calomelanos chrysophylla Parsonsi, whose
short and sturdy fronds are entirely covered with a bright yellow powder.
Then there are the handsome G. pulchella Wettenhalliana, whose fronds, which
average about 20m. in length, are sometimes pure white, and in other
instances pale lemon or sulphur-coloured ; and the rare G. calomelanos chryso-
phylla grandiceps, with fronds averaging about the same size as those of
G. pulchella Wettenhalliana, but in colour a very fine dark yellow, and with
huge and massive crests, borne on erect stalks, which show themselves
admirably amongst other kinds. These crested forms also come in for their
share of usefulness as decorative Ferns, for in their case, owing to the
particularly erect character of the plants, the powder is much more conspicuous
than in species and varieties with plain fronds.

Besides the natural attractions which they possess, and their value as
decorative plants, the cultivation of Gymnogrammes is rendered more general
by the simplicity of their requirements. Although one sometimes hears of
complaints bearing on their fastidiousness, we feel confident that this is only
imaginary. Nearly all of them are most sturdy growers, provided they are
kept in a place where they can enjoy a great abundance of light and a liberal
supply of water at the roots during their growing season, especially if they
are potted in a light compost of a permeable nature, which is the most
suitable to them. With the exception of G. Muelleri and G. triangularis, all
the species and varieties of Gymnogramme belonging to the Golden and Silver

GOLD AND SILVER FERNS. 53

sections require stove treatment, and, in order to keep their foliage in perfect
condition, syringing overhead should at all times be carefully avoided.

The genus Nothochlena also supplies us with Ferns which are rendered
golden and silver by a coating of powder under their fronds ; and among
these the most striking are, no doubt, N. nivea and N. flavens (or N. chryso-
phylla, as it is most commonly called). The outlines of the fronds in both
species are very similar to those of an Adiantum, which accounts for their
being spoken of by amateurs not particularly well acquainted with them as
Golden and Silver Maidenhairs, their black and shining stems, and their
roundish and minute pinnules, reminding one forcibly of plants belonging
to the genus Adiantum. These Nothochlenas are, however, much more
easily managed, and therefore much more frequently found in cultivation,
than the true Silver and Golden Maidenhairs, Adiantum ewthiopicum scabrum
and A. «. sulphureum; and the white or the yellow exudation, which covers
the under side of their fronds, is, in both cases, freely interspersed with the
sori, as black as jet. Totally different in appearance from Nothochlana nivea
and N. flavens is N. trichomanoides, 1 West Indian species, with narrow,
pinnate fronds, attaining about 15ft. in length, and beautifully silvery on the
under surface.

As regards the true Golden and Silver Maidenhairs, it may be stated
here that both varieties of Adiantum cwthiopicum are natives of Chili, where they
are found growing on bare rocks in elevated and exposed places, and that
both are of very dwarf habit, seldom exceeding 8in. in height. The pinne
of A. @. scabrum are rather large, compared with the size of the plant ;
they are almost reniform, and copiously dusted on both sides with a white
farinose powder ; whereas those of A. @. sulphuwrewm, of a similar shape, are
much smaller, and only become golden underneath as the fronds become
fertile; they are then sparingly powdered on their upper surface, while the
under side, thickly covered with yellow meal, is further ornamented by the
sori, continuous and well marked all around the edge. It is much to be
regretted that, on account of the wrong treatment which they usually receive,
these most interesting Ferns have become almost extinct in collections ; they
are best treated in a cool-house, on a dry shelf, close to the lght, where
they require very little shading in summer, although during that time they
greatly benefit by being kept well watered at the roots, especially if potted

54: THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

in a compost of a very open nature, in which old mortar and_ brickdust
predominate.

Quite different in habit, as well as in size and vigour, from the above-
named Maidenhairs is Adiantum Williamszi, a species also native of Chili, but
whose foliage, ornamented with golden powder, attains much larger dimensions.
This highly decorative and deseryedly popular Fern, which is a most satis-
factory grower, makes, in a remarkably short time, a splendid specimen,
especially when grown in a hanging basket, in which position its long,
pendulous fronds, laden with numerous rounded pinnules, develop and show
themselves to advantage. The plant shows its beautiful colour in quite a
young state, especially along the stalk and on the outside of the partially-
developed fronds ; but when these are fully grown, the distinctive golden
character is discernible only at the base and along the lower half of the
stalks. It is, nevertheless, a Fern which, if only on account of the peculiarly
yellowish or golden hue of its nearly reniform pinnules, deserves to be crown
in every collection.

‘““cilver”’? character ig not due to the

In the sub-section of Ferns whose
presence of farinose powder, but is only the result of a uniform layer of white
or glaucous colour on the under side of their foliage, the most conspicuous,
as also the most popularly-known, kinds are, no doubt, the New Zealand
Cyathea dealbata and the tropical American Alsophila prwinata, both Tree

Ferns of great interest, the latter of which, though well deserving of

°
cultivation, is but very little known. Both species require the same treat-
ment, which is not in any way different from that recommended in Chapter IIL,
for greenhouse Tree Ferns in general. In both cases their noble fronds
partake, to about an equal degree of intensity, of the same silvery character
which is shared by several Gleichenias, notably G. Cunningham, G. rupestris,
G. circinata (spelunce of commerce), G. longissima, and others more or less
frequently found in collections. These handsome and curious Ferns differ
from all others by their peculiar mode of growth, their semi-scandent fronds
attaining an indefinite length. They are generally credited with a great
amount of fastidiousness; this, however, is not the case. It is usually
thought that their culture is surrounded with all sorts of difficulties, whereas
the magnificent specimens which from time to time one admires at flower

shows, seem to point to a totally different opinion. The majority of them

GOLD AND SILVER FERNS. 55

attain large size, and grow freely enough if a place suitable to their require-
ments can be found in the cool-house ; above all, they dread close atmosphere,
and all require, besides free ventilation, a great abundance of water at the
roots at all times of the year, but more especially from April till October,
when their growth is very rapid. Their comparative scarcity is due less to
the difficulties attending their cultivation than to the slowness of their
propagation, which, with the rare exceptions of small batches of seedlings,
is generally effected by the division of rhizomes, a somewhat tedious, and
not always very satisfactory, operation.

The remaining sub-section of Silver Ferns is that in which the plants
derive their character from the superposition of either scales or short hairs
on their under surface. Although a few Cheilanthes, such as C. lanuyinosa,
C. tomentosa, C. viscosa, &c., ‘partake of such a character, the genus
Nothochlena is the one which most extensively contributes to this sub-
section. The most prominent are the American WN. ferruginea, N. Newberry,
N. sinwuata, and N. sulphurea, and the Nothochlenas of Southern Europe,
N. lanuginosa and N. Marante. All these are really charming and highly
interesting species of comparatively dwarf stature, few of them reaching
over lft. in height, and that seldom, while several of them do not exceed
Gin. These cannot in any way be considered as intruders when found in
company with other Silver Ferns; the more so that, independent of similarity
of characters, they delight in the same situation, and succeed under similar
treatment. They are easily managed, and prove a source of constant interest
when grown in a place where they can be subjected to an abundance of
light; but care should always be taken that they are not over-potted.

One of the principal advantages to be derived from the cultivation of
Gold and Silver Ferns is that, with the exception of the arborescent kinds
partaking of the characters, and of a few of the most gigantic forms of
Gymnogrammes, an amateur with only a small amount of space at his
disposal can enjoy the natural beauties peculiar to many interesting and
valuable specimens. For the benefit of persons willing to give the Gold and
Silver Ferns a fair trial, we append a list of the most distinct and decorative
kinds, in which those requiring stove treatment are marked with an asterisk (*),
while those marked with a dagger (7) will thrive in a greenhouse all the

year round. For stove and greenhouse temperatures, see page 27.

56 Mia 15 OXON (OVER (CIHOUMCIBE— JRE IRIN,

Adiantum ethiopicum scabrum.t
ze. sulphureum.t
Wilhamsi.t

Alsophila contaminans (glauca).*
pruinata.T

Cheilanthes argentea.t
a. Borsigiana.*

Clevelandi.t
HKatoni.T
farinosa.*
lanuginosa.t
Lindheimeri.t
rufa.*
tomentosa. f
viscosa.*

Cyathea dealbata.t
insignis (Cibotium princeps).*

Gleichenia circinata (speluncee).*
Cunninghami.t
dichotoma.*
longissima.T
pectinata.*
rupestris.T

Gymnogramme calomelanos.*

chrysophylla.*

Ge @. AIO

c. c. gigantea.*

c. c. grandiceps.*

S

Gymnogramme calomelanos chryso-
phylla -Laucheana.*
. c. Martensi.*
. c. Massoni.*

. peruviana.*

. spectabilis.
decomposita.*
Muelleri.t
pulchella.*

p. Wettenhalliana.*
sulphurea.*
tartarea.*

c
c
c. c. Parsonsi.*
c
Cc

triangularis.+

trifolata.*
Nothochlena Hckloniana.t+

ferruginea.*

flavens (chrysophylla).*

hypoleuca.t

lanuginosa.t

Marantee.f

Newberry1.t

nivea.*

sinuata.*

squamosa.*

sulphurea.T

trichomanoides.*
Onychium auratum.*

Clo eID ee ee

CLIMBING, TRAILING, AND DROOPING FERNS.

HIS section embraces a large number of plants which, from
a decorative point of view, are most valuable, while, on
account of their peculiar structure, many of them are also

of the utmost interest to the botanist as well as to the

gardener. The various ways in which most of them can be
used render them of great service wherever collections of Ferns are grown
for their own merit, the majority of them being specially adapted for growing
in places which would frequently, without their presence, be singularly

difficult to make pleasant to the eye.

Climbing Ferns.

Of Climbing Ferns proper, there are none but those belonging to the
genus Lygodium; but although only a comparatively small number of these
are known to cultivation, they are sufficiently varied to enable anyone to use
them for the decoration of the warm- and of the cool-house. Their peculiar
power of twisting and twining around sticks, strings, wires, &c., in the same
way as ordinary climbing plants, enables us to fill up certain spaces in the
Fernery by employing Ferns exclusively. Lygodiums are all of scandent or
sub-scandent habit, and, unlike other Ferns, with, to a certain extent, the
exception of Gleichenias, their graceful fronds possess the property of ex-
tending to an almost indefinite length. These, under cultivation, frequently

measure from 25ft. to 380ft. in length, and form, when carefully trained,
IK

98 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

charming festoons. The plants are generally free growers, especially the
species native of tropical America, Australia, and the Polynesian Islands,
whose constitution is more robust than that of the others; on this account
they are especially valuable either for covering pillars, for arching over a
doorway, or even for training alone the glass, where they produce a very
pleasing effect. The smaller-erowing kinds, with more delicately-divided
fronds, which are natives of Japan and North America, are particularly well
adapted for growing as window plants, the more so that they can, without
any inconvenience, withstand a much lower temperature than the others:
these, as well as the tropical kinds, may be used very effectively as rafter
plants, and may even be grown on trellises in pots; but in this latter way
their beauty is partially, if not totally, destroyed.

The most popularly-grown lLygodium is undoubtedly L. japonicum,
which, however, is exclusively known in commerce as L. scandens: the true
L. scandens is a totally different plant as regards habitat and general
appearance. L. japonicum produces some extremely slender growths of a pale
green colour, which atta from 8ft. to 10ft. m length. The fertile portion
of the fronds, which gives the plant a beautiful and attractive appearance,
forms about the upper half of the frond itself, and shows the fruiting
spikelets disposed at the apex of each lobe. This lovely species may also
be grown with advantage in hanging baskets, under which conditions it makes
a really handsome specimen in a remarkably short space of time ; especially
is this the case if care is taken to train some of the largest fronds along the
chains and in the centre of the basket, leaving at the same time those of
medium growth to hang all around the sides, which will soon be completely
covered, and in a most effective manner.

The charming North American L. palmatum is a Fern in which a great
deal of interest has been concentrated, as it is probably the only instance
recorded in which a plant has received by statute law special legal protection
solely on account of its decorative qualities. Besides being very effective
as a climbing plant,-Mr. D. C. Eaton, in his excellent work, ‘Ferns of the
United States of America,” tells us that the carefully-pressed fronds are much
used as an article of sitting-room decoration in the cities of Connecticut
and other States. For that purpose, the plant is gathered in August and
September, and exposed for sale in ereat quantities, both in fresh condition

CLIMBING, TRAILING, AND DROOPING FERNS. 59

and as pressed specimens, in the markets. of Newhaven and New York. The
most astonishing feature in connection with this lovely Fern is the fact that
the gathering of it became so destructive that some twenty years ago (1869,
we believe) the Legislature of Connecticut passed a special law for its pro-
tection, when the offence of wilfully cutting, uprooting, or otherwise destroying
it, was made punishable by the infliction of a maximum fine of £20 or
twelve months’ imprisonment, or even both penalties. As is the case with
L. japonicum, the greatest ornamental character is imparted to this species
by the fertile portion of its very handsome fronds, which climb over other
plants to the height of from 3ft. to 4ft. This fructification consists in several
of the uppermost pairs of leaflets being paniculately decompound, being
pinnately divided, with pinnules generally three-lobed. L. palmatum is found
growing plentifully in low, moist thickets, and damp, open woods, from
Massachusetts to Virginia, Hastern Tennessee, and even Florida.

Among the warm-house kinds, ZL. dichotomum holds a most prominent
place on account of its foliage, which is very persistent, and, though some-
what massive, nevertheless very elegant. Its vigorous shoots, which grow
to an indefinite length, are well furnished with dichotomously-divided fronds,
whose opposite and twice-divided segments grow to 10in., or even 12in., in
length, and are of a beautiful bright green colour, and of a coriaceous texture.
It is not unusual to find specimens of this species trained on pillars and
against the glass, as in the large tropical Fernery at Kew Gardens, where
they command the admiration of all visitors. L. pinnatifidum, L. reticulatum,
and a few others, are equally strong growers, and show their characters to
the best advantage when grown under similar conditions. Lygodiums re-
quire an abundance of water at the roots; the foliage of either warm
or cool kinds, having once suffered through drought, never recovers.

In the following list of Climbing Ferns, those marked with an asterisk (*)

require stove treatment; the others will thrive in the cool-house.

Lygodium articulatum.* Lygodium polystachyum.*
dichotomum (pedatum).* reticulatum (Iorsteri).*
heterodoxum (Linden:).* scandens.*
japonicum. trifurcatum.*
palmatum. venustum.*

pinnatifidum. volubile.*

60 Lit “BOOK OF (GHOlTCE TERNS.

Trailing Ferns.

Covering Tree-Fern trunks or partly-decayed pieces of wood, walls at the
end of Ferneries, even clothing rafters and pillars, and joining them together
with a mass of luxuriant foliage, and filling up large spaces overhead by
means of suspended baskets—these are positions for which Ferns of a trailing
habit are particularly well adapted. It is almost impossible for anyone who
has not seen living examples to form an idea of the charming effect
shown by Tree-Fern stems covered with some of these interesting species ;
their rhizomes, in a short time, embrace the whole surface of the trunks,
and produce in abundance foliage which, for light and elegance, is equal
to many of the Maidenhair Ferns, while the foliage of some of the stronger-
srowing Acrostichums, more massive and perhaps also more durable, although
of a heavier nature, is quite as graceful as that of many other kinds of
Ferns with more finely-divided fronds. Their usefulness is brought still
more forcibly into prominence when we note that there are some adapted to
the cool- and others to the warm-house; and that, by a judicious selection,
almost any part of the Fernery may be greatly improved by their presence.

If many genera, such as Lindsaya, Pteris, Dicksonia, and Oleandra,
supply us with one or more members which may reasonably be classed in
this section, on the other hand there are certain other genera, such as
Nephrolepis, Davallia, Polypodium, and Gleichenia, which contain scarcely any
other plants but those which can be utilised for the above-named purposes.
Foremost among these is the extensive and deservedly popular genus Davallia,
which is composed almost exclusively of species of great interest, every one
of these viene with each other in usefulness and elegance, though varying
essentially in form and habit. Davallias have been found widely distributed :
although the majority of the species known at present are natives of the
East Indies and the numerous islands of the Malay Archipelago, some come
from Australia and New Zealand, and from Japan; while in the South of
Europe, Madeira, the Canaries, and the adjacent islands, is found the most
popular species of all, D. canariensis, commonly known as the Hare’s-foot
Fern. In consequence of their being naturally scattered over such a large
area, and being found in such totally different habitats, many beautiful forms
can be made to decorate either the cool or the warm Fernery. Although

CLIMBING, TRAILING, AND DROOPING FERNS. 61

there are many Davallias quite as handsome, and undoubtedly more deco-
rative, the most conspicuous, as also the most admired, species are, besides the
one named above, D. bullata (the Squirrel’s-foot Fern) and D. Tyermanni
(the Bear’s-foot Fern). The popular names are given to these interesting
species in allusion to the brown, grey, or silvery rhizomes with which they
are provided, and which, to a great extent, resemble, when deprived of their
foliage, the feet of the animals mentioned.

Many Davallias may be used with great advantage as basket-plants ; used
thus they make charming objects, especially those with slender and flexuose
rhizomes, such as J). bullata, D. dissecta, D. (Leucostegia) immersa, D. Mariesit,
D. Nove-Zelandie (Acrophorus hispidus), D. pentaphylla, and D. Tyermanni,
whose natural habit is to twine round and to cover any material on which they
are allowed to grow. It is when cultivated in this way that Davallias show to
the best advantage. Being nearly all surface-rooting plants, they are satisfied
with a small layer of soil, into which their rhizomes must not be allowed to
plunge very deeply ; in fact, these Ferns thrive best when their rhizomes, which
are a constant source of attraction, remain on the surface of the soil. The
compost should be formed of three parts of fibrous peat and one part of chopped
moss, or, better still, of good leaf mould, if procurable, for all the species are
partial to decayed vegetable matter. When Davallias are cultivated in pots
or in pans, a thorough drainage is of first necessity, as they require, during
their growing season, an abundance of water at the roots; while during the
winter, although the waterings must be less frequent, their rhizomes, even
those of the thoroughly deciduous species, must never be allowed to become
quite dry; this is a most important point to observe in connection with their
culture, as if these organs are allowed to shrivel, the growth in the ensuing
- season will be much weaker.

The genus Nephrolepis, though not very extensive, is, amongst Ferns of
trailing habit, the next in importance to Davallia, as all its members, without
exception, are equally valuable for planting on decaying wood, Tree Ferns,
rockwork, &c. In such positions they rapidly form, on account of their
spreading nature, very ornamental masses of a peculiarly striking and
attractive character. Like the genus Davallia, Nephrolepis comprises plants
of exceptionally vigorous growth as well as others of very small stature, so
that any particular kind may, without difficulty, be accommodated in some

62 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

part of the Fernery. Should, for instance, a huge projecting boulder require
covering, no Fern is better adapted to that purpose than a plant of
N. davallioides furcans, whose habit is so totally different from all other
species belonging to the genus. [rom a central tuft or agglomeration of
crowns, its beautifully-crested fronds, which attain fully 4ft. in length, are
produced abundantly all the year round. Instead of being erect in habit,
like those of many other species, the weight of the tassels which terminate
them gives them a graceful and arching appearance, which is not possessed
in an equal degree by any other Nephrolepis. NW. acuta, N. davallioides,
and NV. rufescens tripinnatifida, of equally robust growth, are much more at
home when planted in a deep recess or a hollow place, with plenty of
space overhead, as their fronds, also about 4ft. long, take a much more erect
direction. Among the kinds of smaller dimensions, NV. cordifolia pectinatu
(N. pectinata of commerce) and N. philippinensis are the most distinct. The
former, on account of its close, compact, yet graceful habit, and the greyish
colour of its comparatively short and slender fronds, is a unique plant. |
Although comprising many species of diminutive dimensions, the genus
Acrostichum also supplies a goodly number of plants which are most useful,
either for making boulders and archways naturally ornamental, or for adorning
Tree-Fern stems. In their natural habitats, many of them ascend trees by
means of the extension of their rhizomes, which are generally thick and of
a fleshy nature, and sometimes, as in the case of A. sorbifolium, attain 4Oft.
in leneth. In most cases, Acrostichums are not only decorative, but equally
interesting ; for their fructification, disposed on separate fronds, is totally
different from that of most other Ferns. In that respect these plants may
be classed (as curiosities only) with Osmundas and Anemias, which are
commonly termed “ Flowering Ferns.” Many of the strong-growing kinds—
such as A. acuminatum, whose shining barren fronds are bipinnate and very
drooping; A. Blumeanum, A. cervinum, A. (Stenochlena) scandens, A. sorbi-
folium, &c., with pinnate fronds; A. Herminiert, A. scolopendrifolium, A,
simpler, and others with simple fronds—-are most useful and ornamental, as,
through their habit and the texture of their foliage, they are entirely distinct
from all other Ferns. They may also be used very effectively as pillar
plants, in which case the columns of the house should be surrounded by a
cylinder made of galvanised wire, which should be gradually filled up with

CLIMBING, TRAILING, AND DROOPING FERNS. 63

roughly-broken fibrous peat and sphagnum as the plants require it. Thus
grown, they form a fine feature, hiding the supports, which, when naked, are
unsightly. Acrostichums are also useful for covering walls, in front of which
a wire trellis should be erected. A space of about 3in. must be left between
either the wall or the column and the wire trellis, and the interval between it
and the wall filled with the compost named above.

The genus Polypodium (in which are included Niphobolus, Phegopteris,
Phlebodium, Phymatodes, Pleopeltis, &c., of commerce) also contributes largely
to the section of Trailing Ferns; for a great many of the species contained in
it are provided with rhizomes of an essentially trailing nature. This character
belongs as much to the British species Polypodium calcareum (the Limestone
Polypody), P. Dryopteris (the Oak Fern), P. Phegopteris (the Beech Fern),
and P. wulyare (the common Polypody), as it does to many of the species of
exotic origin, either with gigantic upright fronds, as P. awreum, or with long,
drooping fronds, like P. (Goniophlebium) subauriculatum, or with smaller fronds,
such as P. piloselloides, P. repens, P. rupestris, &c. These, and many other
species, too numerous to be mentioned here, may with advantage be employed
for the purpose of covering Tree-Fern stems, as recommended for Acrostichums,
Davallias, &e. They are considered all the more serviceable for that effect in
that their culture does not present any serious difficulties, and that among
them are found some species adapted for the cool-house as well as others are
‘for the stove. Their propagation is of the simplest description possible, for
each portion of their rhizomes (in most cases of a fleshy nature), when pro-
vided with two or three fully-developed fronds, readily forms an independent
plant if carefully separated from the mother plant.

Gleichenias, especially those which belong to the section composed of
plants with orbicular segments or pinnules resembling a quantity of beads,
may also be classed among some of the most distinct Trailing Ferns. These
plants, besides being highly decorative, are of the utmost interest, inasmuch
as their habit, growth, and general appearance, are wholly different from those
of any other Ferns. Their growth, instead of being limited to the production
of fronds which, as in nearly all other Ferns, when once developed, remain
stationary, possesses an altogether distinct character. These organs, which
spring from thin, wiry, creeping rhizomes, are either bifurcate or dichotomously

divided, according to the different species. In the centre of each frond there

64 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

is a bud, which for an indefinite period remains latent, but which, in its turn,
produces a prolongation of the frond by giving birth to a slender stem,
bearing at its summit a pair of fronds similar in shape to the one from which
they originated. Hach one of these fronds (or even portions of them) in time
produces more of the same form and habit. It is the production of fresh fronds
from the centre of the older ones, several times repeated, which gives the
plants quite a sarmentose, if not even a climbing, habit, and this is rendered
all the more interesting by the fact that plants in good health retain their
fronds for a considerable time; indeed, it is nothing unusual to see good
specimens bearing foliage five or six years old.

Nearly all the plants comprised in the section of Gleichenias proper are
natives of New Zealand, Tasmania, and New South Wales, where they are said
to form imposing masses of undergrowth, somewhat resembling that of our
common Bracken (Pieris aquilina), generally extending over vast areas, and
of so dense a nature as to seriously impede the progress of travellers. Their
shoots keep on growing from one year to another until they attain quite
indefinite dimensions, thus continually adding fresh difficulties to be encountered
by persons coming in contact with them. Indeed, from all reports, the only
way to get through a tract of land in possession of Gleichenias is to cut them
down mercilessly—an operation from which, however, they are said to rapidly
recover. If such be the case in their native habitats, they certainly lose a
great deal of their natural vigour and hardiness when under cultivation, as
they always fare very badly after cutting down here, however carefully it may
have been done. The statements just referred to may, however, be perfectly
true, seeing that the soil im which they delight in their native habitats 1s
essentially different from that which, under culture, gives the most satisfactory
results. All Gleichenias that we have seen imported into this country, either
dead or alive, from various habitats, came in cases partly filled with some of
their native soil, which, to all appearances, invariably seemed of a heavy,
clayey character. This is apparently easy enough to imitate, and we know
of several instances in which this has been done in such a way as to defy
detection, except by analysis. Yet the soil thus manufactured did not answer.
Can it be, then, that the native soil contains some elements of which our
imitations are destitute; or that, the same salts being present in both soils,
our water is unable to dissolve some of them, and therefore the compost is

la i el

as
=
>
=
£2
zg 3
as
— = tS ie
& A |
\
HY
d
.
a

CLIMBING, TRAILING, AND DROOPING FERNS. 65

deprived of some of its nutritious qualities? This we cannot tell. All we
can say is that Gleichenias which, at different times, have been grown in a
compost made with a view to imitate the soil in which they grow naturally,
have proved to be hopeless failures; whereas the most satisfactory results
haye been obtained by growers who, regardless of the dangers incurred by not
following Dame Nature in all her ways and fancies, have sternly adhered to
good fibrous peat, roughly broken up and mixed with at least one-third of
coarse silver sand. In such a compost, and with an abundance of water at the
roots at all times, but particularly during the growing season, there need be
little anxiety about their welfare, the more so if they can be grown in a light
and airy house, which position will suit most of them.

In this section of Gleichenia there are but few acknowledged species—
G. Boryi, G. circinata, G. dicarpa, G. polypodioides, and G. rupestris ; but
numerous kinds are cultivated and commercially accepted as species. The
latter are really simple forms differing from one or other of the above-named
species by outward appearance only, but showing no real distinction so far
as botanical characters are concerned. The lovely G. Mendeli, G. microphylla,
G. spelunce, and G. semi-vestita, are only forms of G. circinata ; while
G. alpina, G. hecistophylla, and G. vuleanica, must only be considered as
so many forms or variations of G. dicarpa. G. polypodioides, from South
Africa, is a somewhat more delicate-looking species than most of the others
belonging to the same section, and is highly interesting and thoroughly
distinct in appearance, owing to the lovely pea-green colour of its elegant
little fronds.

Entirely different in general appearance from the above-named species
are the plants belonging to the section of Glecchenia generally known
as Mertensia. Their fronds, disposed in whorls, are of a more coriaceous
nature ; they are also broader, generally dichotomously branched or fan-
shaped, and borne on much stouter stems, which show no inclination to
become scandent. Their pinne, instead of being, like those of the plants
belonging to the preceding section, small and beaded or orbicular, are larger
and linear in form; the same differences are also apparent in their rhizomes,
which, instead of being slender and smooth, are thick and of a fleshy nature,
and have a predilection for growing several inches below the surface of the

ground. In nearly all cases, too, their stipes, or stalks of the fronds, instead
K

66 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

of being smooth and somewhat shiny at the base, are there densely covered
with chaffy scales, which vary in colour according to the species. This
group is best and most extensively represented by the popular G. flabellata,
a magnificent Fern, whose appearance—that of a small forest of fan-like fronds
—is as handsome as it is singular. It is a vigorous grower, as is amply
testified by specimens which, at horticultural shows, are frequently seen
measuring 6ft. through, by quite as much in height. G. Cunninghami (the
Umbrella Fern), of New Zealand, a plant now seldom seen, but always
much admired, also belongs to this group. It is of erect habit, and possesses
a peculiar appearance, owing to its segments, about 6in. long, being strongly
incurved and very glaucous underneath. Then there are G. dichotoma,
particularly distinguishable by its beautifully glaucous colour; and
G. pubescens, one of the most striking species, with stout rhizomes, and
fronds several times dichotomously divided, their under surface being covered
with a peculiar light brown pubescence.

The most striking species of (Gleichenia, however, is perhaps G. longissima
(known also as G. glauca and G. gigantea), » Japanese plant very seldom
met with in collections, where it deserves to hold a prominent position.
After having been several times imported, and as many times lost, it has
at last been established in this country. The great interest attached to
this plant lies in its being, apparently, an intermediate form, a sort of link,
between the beaded kinds and those belonging to the Mertensia group, but
more vigorous, or, at any rate, of larger dimensions, than any of the other
species contained in either group. The fronds, which are very robust, of
rather short stature, and borne on stout stalks of a particularly shining
brown colour, are produced from very thick underground rhizomes, and
are bifurcate. Instead of having the beaded appearance of the fronds of
G. circinata, G. dicarpa, &e., or of being furnished with linear segments
like those of G. Cunninghami and G. flabellata, they are deeply pinnatifid,
with pinne alternate, and pinnules dentate and closely set. It is difficult to
say what size, under cultivation, these fronds will attain, but compared
with other Gleichenias they are very large; for in specimens of comparatively
recent importation, the bifurcations already measure 26m. in length by 14in.
in breadth, the pinne being about Gin. long, gracefully drooping, and the
pinnules perfectly flat and beautifully glaucous underneath The young

CLIMBING, TRAILING, AND DROOPING FERNS. 67

growths are entirely covered with large, dark (almost black), chaffy scales,
which are persistent until perfect development. The bifurcations are very thickly
set at their base with pinnules closely disposed, and forming a sort of frilling
round the stalk. The whole of the plant is of a delightful green colour.

With the exception of G. longissima and G'. dichotoma, nearly all the
Gleichenias are of erect habit, and though belonging, through the nature of
their running rhizomes, to the section Trailing Ferns, have very little in
common appearance with the plants forming the scandent or sub-scandent
group. Some of the thick-rhizomed species are found spontaneous in cool,
and others in warm, regions. They require the same treatment as recom-
mended above for other Gleichenias.

Many Hymenophyllums and Trichomanes possessing rhizomes of a very
rambling character should also have been included in this section ; but, special
attention to these most interesting plants being drawn in the following

’ it has not been

chapter, under the heading of ‘Filmy or Transparent Ferns,’
thought necessary to do more than mention them in this instance. Several
kinds of ZLindsaya, such as L. divergens, L. lanceolata, L. lanuginosa,
L. pectinata, and L. trapeziformis ; Dicksonia (Cibotium) Barometz (the Vegetable
Lamb) ; some Oleandras, such as O. articulata, O. nodosa, and O. Wallichii ;
and the exceedingly pretty Pteris scaberula, a New Zealand species, which,
for elegance of foliage, rivals any other finely-cut Fern in cultivation, may
be said to close this abridged list of Trailing Ferns.

A selection of over one hundred of the most distinct Ferns of trailing
and of sarmentose habit is here given. Those marked with an asterisk (*)
are strong-growing kinds; the parallel (||) indicates either sarmentose or
erect growers ; and, with the exception of the kinds marked with a dagger (f),
which require stove temperature, all thrive under greenhouse treatment. For
stove and greenhouse temperatures, see page 27.

Acrostichum acuminatum.t* Acrostichum conforme.t
alienum.T flagelliferum.t
appendiculatum.t Herminieri.t*
axillare.t latifolium.t
Blumeanum.* nicotianefohum.t* |
canaliculatum.* osmundaceum.t*

cervinum.t* (Rhipidopteris) peltatum.t

68 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

Acrostichum petiolosum.t*
(Stenochleena) scandens.t*
scolopendrifolium.t
simplex.t
sorbifolinm.t*
subrepandum.t}*
tenuifolium.*

Adiantum Feei (flexuosum).* ||

Blechnum Lanceola.t
longifolium.t

Davallia aculeata.* ||
(Acrophorus) aftinis.t*
alpina.t
bullata.
canariensis.

(Leucostegia) cheerophylla.
dissecta.T

divaricata (polyantha).+*
elegans.t*

ferruginea.t ||

fijensis.t

fumarioides.t * ||
Griffithiana.
heterophylla.t
(Microlepia) hirsuta,

(M.) hirta.+*

(M.) h. cristata.t*
(Leucostegia) immersa.
marginalis (scabra).t*
Mariesii.

M. cristata.

Nove-Zelandie (Acrophorus hispidus).

pallida (Mooreana).+*
parvula.t

pedata.+
pentaphylla.t
pyxidata.t

repens (hemiptera).t
solida.t*

(Microlepia) strigosa.*
Tyermanni.

Dicksonia adiantoides.*
(Cibotium) Barometz.*
cicutaria.*
(Dennsteedtia) davallioides Youngu.*

Gleichenia Boryi.t ||

circinata spelunce.t* ||
cryptocarpa.®* ||
Cunninghami.||
dicarpa.t* ||
dichotoma.+ ||
flabellata.” ||
flagellaris.}* ||
longissima.* ||
pectinata.T ||

poly podioides. ||
pubescens.t * ||
quadripartita.* ||
rupestris.* ||

r. glaucescens.* ||

Lindsaya divergens.t

lanceolata.+
lanuginosa.T
pectinata.T
trapeziformis.t
trichomanoides.t

Oleandra articulata.t

nodosa.

Wallichu.

Polypodium aureum.*
a. areolatum (sporadocarpum).*

Billardieri.
Dryopteris.

(Goniophlebium) glaucophyllum.t

hexagonopterum.

(Goniophlebium) lachnopus.t

(Niphobolus) Lingua.
(N.) L. corymbifera.
Paradiseze.t *
Phegopteris.
piloselloides.t
pustulatum.
repens.{ *

sororium.t

(Goniophlebium) subauriculatum.t*

(G.) subpetiolatum.t*
Swartzi (serpens).t
vacciniifolium.t
verrucosum.t*
vulgare and varieties.

CLIMBING, TRAILING, AND DROOPING FERNS. 69

Drooping Ferns.

Ferns with or without running rhizomes, but having pendulous foliage,
constitute a special group of plants adapted for growing in hanging baskets.
Most of these Ferns, either large or small growers, are provided with rhizomes,
the size of which is generally proportionate to that of the fronds which they
produce. In most cases these rhizomes are underground, preferring to be
slightly covered with soil to being thoroughly exposed. The small-crowing
kinds are very useful for planting in Fern-cases ; while the others, which

produce fronds from 6ft. to 10ft. long, and even more, are found of the

oO?)
greatest value for covering Tree-Fern trunks or for growing in hanging
baskets of large dimensions. Cultivated in either way, they show themselves
to perfection ; their pinne are, in many cases, rendered handsome, and of
striking appearance, through being beset with sori of a beautiful brownish-
yellow colour when the spores are ripe. Foremost among these are the
Polypodiums, especially those belonging to the Gontophlebium group, of which
P. subauriculatum is the largest representative. As a basket Fern for the
warm-house it has hardly any equal: its graceful fronds, which are abund-
antly produced from creeping rhizomes, are pinnate, with pinne deeply cut,
and in young plants rather dentate and broad ; whereas, in the mature fronds,
they are set further apart, are much narrower, and have smooth edges. The
sori, as in several other species of the same genus, are sunk in the pinnae,
forming little protuberances on the upper surface. Planted in the centre of a
spacious warm conservatory, this species surpasses all others in elegance, and
where there is plenty of height to allow the fronds to droop as they like,
a specimen (as may be seen in the house of Baron Alphonse de Rothschild,
at Ferriéres, near Paris, with fronds 12ft. to 14ft. long) is a sight never to
be forgotten. P. lachnopus, although of smaller dimensions altogether, is
just as interesting, but adapted only for baskets of smaller size; while
P. appendiculatum is quite distinct from any other member of the genus,
owing to the deep crimson colour with which its handsome and gracefully-
pendulous fronds are ornamented. They grow to about 15in. long, and
their midribs and veins, which are of a deep crimson, form a_ brilliant
network, nearly covering their entire surface, the colour being intensified
by the exposure of the plant to the action of strong light.

70 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

All Nephrolepis are also particularly useful for growing in suspended
or hanging baskets, the more so that they all have a curious propensity for
taking possession of the outer surface of the basket and of growing all around
it, thus making a perfect ball of gracefully-pendulous foliage, which, provided
the plants are well supplied with water at the roots, remains in perfect
condition for a very long time. For large baskets, few Ferns are more effective
than NV. acuta (ensifolia), N. davallioides furcans, and N. exaltata; while for
baskets of small or of medium size, NV. cordifolia pectinata, N. philippinensis,
and NV. Bause: have no equals. NV. cordifolia pectinata is a form so prolific that
there is nothing uncommon in finding in a 10in. basket as many as 120 of its
most gracefully-pendulous, slender fronds, which seldom exceed lft. in length.
N. cordifolia (popularly known as NV. tuberosa, and probably the commonest
kind in cultivation) is particularly useful for covering walls; for, although all
Nephrolepis possess, to a very great degree, the power of reproducing
themselves by means of stolons, or thin, flexible, wiry rhizomes, provided with
bulbils, and growing on the surface of the ground, no other is known to
propagate so rapidly as this particular one. Besides these reproductive organs,
a few species are likewise provided at the roots with small, roundish tubers,
of a succulent nature, which also produce young plants in a very short time.
N. pluma and N. Bausei are entirely deciduous, and, from want of knowledge
respecting their habit, it frequently happens that they are lost during their
resting season; for, if kept dry while they are deprived of their fronds, their
tubers, by the time vegetation should commence again, will be found to have
ceased to exist. For securing a healthy, strong spring growth, it is essential
that the soil which contains them when at rest should be kept all through
the winter in a moderately moist condition, so as to prevent them from
entirely shrivelling up.

When grown in pans or in baskets, or planted in the Fernery,
Nephrolepis thrive apace in a mixture of coarsely-broken peat, chopped
sphagnum, and silver sand, in about equal proportions. In this open
compost the rhizomes run very freely and produce young plants, which
may be safely severed from the parents when they have produced two or
three fronds; but the most natural way of growing them is, undoubtedly,
on partly-decayed wood, or on Tree-Fern stems, in which positions they

are even more eftective than Davallias.

CLIMBING, TRAILING, AND DROOPING FERNS. 71

Several Aspleniums, such as A. caudatum and A. longissimum, are very
ornamental when grown in baskets of large dimensions, whereas A. flabellz-
folium and A. Sandersoni are only adapted for growing in small baskets.
The genus Adzantwm also furnishes its small contingent of basket or
Drooping Ferns: the most generally used for that purpose are A. /unulatum,
A. caudatum, and its variety LHdgeworthi or incisum, all of which are of
exceedingly graceful habit, and are rendered still further interesting by
their proliferous nature—each frond being terminated by a young plant,
which develops fronds of a very good size without being in contact with any
soil whatever. The same remarks equally apply to the beautiful Gymnogramme
schizophylla and its more vigorous variety gloriosa, the only known
proliferous members of the genus. Pieris moluccana and Woodwardia
radicans are two of the most gigantic-growing Ferns adapted to basket-
culture; the former requires warm-house temperature, while the latter is
one of the best known and most appreciated of cool-house Ferns.

In the following list of Ferns with Drooping Foliage, adapted for growing
in hanging baskets, the dagger (7) indicates that stove treatment is required
(those not so marked thrive in the cool-house), and strong-growing plants
are marked with an asterisk (*). For stove and greenhouse temperatures, see

page 27.
Adiantum ethiopicum. Davyallia dissecta.+
' g. assimile. fijensis.+
caudatum.t (Leucostegia) immersa.
c. Edgeworthi (incisum).t+ pentaphylla.t
concinnum.t repens (hemiptera).t
digitatum (palmatum). retusa.t*

lunulatum.t
1. dolabriforme.t
Moorei (amabile).+

Asplenium caudatum.}*

flabellifolium.
flaccidum.
longissimum.}*
obtusilobum.tT
Sandersoni.t

Davallia bullata.
(Leucostegia) cheerophylla.

tenuifolia Veitchiana.+*

Gymnogramme schizophylla.+

s. gloriosa.t*

Nephrolepis acuta (ensifolia).+*

Bausei.t

cordifolia (tuberosa).
c.. pectinata.T
davallioides.t*

d. furcans.t*
Dufhi.t

exaltata.*

72 Mielld, SKOKIE (OR (CIM OM CIS JDEIEINS,

Nephrolepis falciformis.t* Polypodium pustulatum.
philippinensis.T (Goniophlebium) subauriculatum.t*
pluma.t* verrucosum.t *
ramosa.} Pteris moluccana.}+*
rufescens tripinnatifida.t* scaberula.

Polypodium appendiculatum. Woodwardia orientalis.*
(Goniophlebium) lachnopus.t radicans.*

Paradiseee. r. cristata.

CHAPTER X,

FILMY OR TRANSPARENT FERNS.

HE popular name of “Filmy” is a most appropriate appellation
when applied to a section of Ferns whose foliage, in some
cases small and slender, in other cases broad and massive,
although more or less finely divided, is always of a
transparent nature, sometimes so very much like a film as

to allow anyone to read even “diamond” (a very small type) through it.

These real gems of the J%lices family, although nowadays seldom seen

in private collections, are, undoubtedly, deserving of much more attention

than they usually receive at the hands of the ordinary Fern-grower. They
combine such beauty and variation of form with extreme delicacy of texture,
that no other class of Ferns can compare with those contained in this
section; it comprises only three genera, viz., Hymenophyllum, Todea, and

Trichomanes, the fronds of each of which are wonderfully transparent. Why

these most interesting plants are not more extensively cultivated, it is

difficult to understand, as they are, of all Ferns, the best adapted for
ornamenting a room. They will grow luxuriantly in the same glass case
for years, without ever presenting the wretched appearance that other

Ferns do at times when subjected to similar treatment, as the plants

belonging to this section retain their fronds for an unusually long time.

We know of some Hymenophyllums, and also some Trichomanes, now

bearing fronds which have been on the plants for certainly upwards of ten

years. When tastefully arranged on a rockwork made of sandstone, or of

other equally porous material, and intermixed with pieces of dead Tree
L

74 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

Ferns, or with logs of partly-decayed wood, these subjects have a charming and
unique appearance, and when laden with dew-drops they are truly fascinating:
these dew-drops are the result of condensed moisture—a condition most
essential to the well-being of all Filmy Ferns.

The requirements of Filmy Ferns as regards heat and light are easily
satisfied, and one may almost go as far as to say that no place in the room
is too dark for them, although, in order to grow them to perfection a
good subdued light, with absolute protection from sunshine, is necessary.
Indeed, all they require for growing successfully in the dwelling-house is a
close glass case in which a sufficient quantity of moisture can permanently
be afforded them, careful watching to keep the sun’s rays from them, and a
little attention in supplying them with the necessary amount of water at the
roots. This last condition is certainly not one giving a very great amount
of trouble, as, on account of the close atmosphere in which these interesting
Ferns delight, and of the condensation naturally resulting therefrom, the
waterings at the roots need not be very frequent.

Filmy Ferns are found in nearly every part of the globe, but, with the
exception of Trichomanes radicans (the Killarney Fern) and of Hymeno-
phyllum Tunbridgense and H. unilaterale (or, as it 1s more commonly called,
H. Wilson), which are indigenous to our own islands, the greater part of
them are natives of New Zealand, Tasmania, and Chili, where they are under
the influence of a naturally humid climate. Some are found thriving apace
all around huge stems of Tree Ferns, while others delight in nothing but
decaying vegetable matter. Some of the most beautiful kinds, such as
Hymenophyllum abruptum (brevifrons), H. hirtellum, H. javanicum, Trichomanes
alatum, T. crinitum, T. Kraussii, T. maximum (anceps), T. spicatum, T.
trichoideum, &c., are inhabitants of the East and West Indian Islands, where
they are found on the mountains at high elevations, growing in large masses,
and forming a green matting over constantly wet rocks. In such a position,
a low temperature, shade, and moisture—all agents indispensable to their
well-being—are constantly present. Moisture these Ferns must have, as
the delicate fronds of many species are so membranous that, if exposed to
drought or to the effects of sunlight for even a very short time, they would
completely shrivel up: and, as regards heat, its consequences are equally
disastrous; for an ‘hour, or even less, of exposure to a dry, heated atmosphere

FILMY OR TRANSPARENT FERNS. 79

would be quite sufficient to completely ruin plants which for years may
have grown vigorously.

On account of their requiring extra shading, and also moisture in much
greater abundance than any other classes of Ferns, Hymenophyllums, Tricho-
manes, and Todeas are hardly manageable unless kept by themselves.
Where these plants are cultivated in sufficient quantity to fill a house, a
naturally shaded spot should be selected for it, in a place where the ground
can be dug deep enough to allow the side walls to be built without glass.
In fact, 2 Filmy Fernery should represent, as nearly as possible, a natural
ravine, simply covered with a glass roof. In such a structure, fluctuations
of temperature and dangers arising from changes of atmospheric conditions
are greatly minimised, and artificial heat is scarcely necessary.

The reason why Filmy Ferns have for a long time been so neglected, is
mostly traceable to the ‘fact that until recently a great many of them were
termed “Stove Filmies,” and were, consequently, kept in too high a
temperature, rendering them a constant source of disappointment. In
many cases this proved highly injurious to the health of the plants, especially
if the atmosphere, besides being over-heated, happened also to be dry at
times, in which instances the results of years of patient labour were
destroyed in a few hours.

The more rational mode of culture to which these lovely Ferns are now
subjected in various places, and notably in our great national establishment
at Kew, is the result of careful observations, and also of a series of
experiments made by various practical growers, to whom the success in their
cultivation is principally due. The most energetic and indefatigable
champion of cool treatment, as applied to Filmy Ferns, and the person to
whom most credit for the innovation is due, was Mr. J. Cooper Forster,
who, when living in Upper Grosvenor Street, possessed there an excellent
collection of these most interesting plants. They were a source of constant
recreation to their owner; he had an extensive knowledge of their require-
ments, was acquainted, not only with their names, but also with their
various habitats, and, in many cases, with incidents connected with their
discovery, and was particularly fond of discoursing upon the same, thus
imparting most valuable and somewhat miscellaneous information to his
visitors. For many years this truly practical grower contended that, with

76 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

very few exceptions, Trichomanes, Hymenophyllums, and Todeas, might, -
with advantage, be grown in a temperature allowed, during the winter, to
fall within a few decrees of freezing-point; for, as he justly remarked,
even the kinds indigenous to tropical countries are generally found in
mountainous parts, where they usually grow at high elevations. Many of
them will even bear freezing. It is on record, for instance, that in Messrs.
J. Backhouse and Son’s nursery, at York, Zrichomanes radicans occasionally
stands a temperature below zero. We also know that, besides the above-
named species, Todeas and Hymenophyllums have, without visible injuries,
withstood a temperature of 14dee. below freezing-point at Messrs. J. Veitch
and Sons’ Chelsea establishment, where, for a whole fortnight, they were
frozen into a solid block of ice. When under the influence of the thaw,
the fronds gradually recovered their former positions, and, as year after year
passed by, it was ascertained that these plants had not suffered from
the rigours of the temperature to which they had been exposed. Until
the winter of 1879-80, during which the above-stated incident occurred,
the ‘Cool Filmies” had always been covered over in cold weather ; but,
there being no hot-water pipes in the places where these were planted,
and being much exposed to cold winds, it was found impossible, with all
due exertions, to keep the frost out. One may, therefore, judge of the
anxiety of all concerned in their welfare during that length of time, and also
the pleasure experienced when, after the ordeal was over, it was seen that
the plants had not suffered in the least. After a very short period they
started into fresh growth, which proved more vigorous than that produced
by other plants of the same kinds subjected to artificial heat. It need hardly
be added that since that time the ‘Cool Filmies” do not receive any more
covering during the winter.

While at Upper Grosvenor Street, where the atmosphere was by no
means congenial to them, it was only by dint of constant attention carefully
bestowed upon them by a most diligent observer and devoted admirer, that
these plants were kept in such perfect condition. This justly-celebrated
collection is now the property of Kew Gardens; it was generously presented
to that institution in 1888 by Mr. Stuart Forster, who inherited it at
the death of his father, in March, 1886. There to this day may be seen
in a special case in the cool-house, among the Forster Collection, but greatly

FILMY OR TRANSPARENT FERNS. 77

improved by the effect of a more genial atmosphere, a unique specimen of
the New Zealand kidney-shaped Fern, Trichomanes reniforme, measuring fully
3ft. across, with a perfect mass of its curiously-shaped and very transparent
fronds, new and old, not only testifying to the excellent treatment received,
but also showing the suitability of the spot selected for it, by the innumerable
rhizomes which have extended on all sides, and which, gathering additional
strength as they grow, form a perfect mass ot vegetation. It is singular that
a plant of such size, and in such good condition, should be so very sparing
of fertile fronds ; but only two of these have been recorded as having been
produced previous to the transfer of the plant to Kew.

The Forster Collectioh comprises also the best and largest known
specimen of the lovely little Trichomanes parvulum, from Japan, one of the
choicest Filmy Ferns, of small growth, with exceedingly pretty miniature
palm-like fronds of a particularly dark green colour, yet very transparent.
This most interesting little Fern was imported, quite accidentally, in 1880,
on a block of wood covered with Dendrobium japonicum, and it is still
growing on the original block, from which the Dendrobiums have been
detached. J. venosum, from New Zealand, T. exsectum, from Chili, and
T. humile, from Java, thrive equally well under the same treatment as that
to which the Killarney Fern, 7. radicans, and its varieties, Andrewsi,
concinnum, dilatatum, and dissectwm, are subjected.

With regard to Hymenophyllums, the same sympathy exists to a similar
degree among plants of various origin. Thus the temperature which suits
our own British species, H. Tunbridgense and H. unilaterale (Wilsonz), also
appears to meet all the requirements of H. w@ruginosum, H. demissum
(productum), H. dilatatum, H. pulcherrimum, H. scabrum, and others from
New Zealand; and of H. asplenioides, H. chiloénse, H. (Hymenoglossum)
cruentum, H. dichotomum, H. fuciforme, H. pectinatum, and others from
Chili and Mexico ; as well as those of H. caudiculatum, and of the magnificent
H. Forsterianum, which last, to all appearances, seems to be but a much
larger and more vigorous-growing form of H. caudiculatum, and which,
like that species, is a native of Brazil, whence it was accidentally introduced
among some Cattleyas in or about 1874.

All the Todeas, whether the New Caledonian 7. Fraseri and its Fijian
variety Wilkesiana, the beautiful New Zealand species, T. hymenophylloides

78 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

(pellucida) and T. superba, or even any of the reputed hybrids or seedlings
raised in this country, such as 7. plumosa and T. grandipinnula, thrive
in the same temperature, and under precisely the same treatment, as the
Trichomanes and Hymenophyllums above named; so that the objection
to growing them on account of the heat they require is much more
imaginary than real.

Another cause of the scarcity of Filmy Ferns in collections is the
erroneous idea which is prevalent amongst Fern-growers that, being found
erowing mostly in shady ravines and naturally damp places on mountains,
where the air is constantly charged with moisture, it is indispensable for
them to be kept permanently moistened overhead. The sooner that notion
is disposed of, the easier the culture of these plants will become. It is true
they all enjoy having their fronds laden with condensed moisture; but
although a few of them, such as Tvrichomanes radicans and its varieties,
Hymenophyllum demissum, H. pulcherrimum, and a few others, do not mind
being wetted over, the majority of them are averse to it. Mechanical
watering over the fronds should, whenever possible, be carefully avoided,
for it is certain destruction to all the hairy or downy species, such as
Hymenophyllum cruginosum, H. chiloénse, H. ciliatum, H. hirsutum, and
H. scabrum; as also to the Trichomanes with foliage of similar nature, such as
T. alatum, T. aptifolium (meifolium), T. crinitum, and T. trichoideum ; and even
those species which are not actually injured by watering overhead do better
without it. Such watering is all the more injurious when rain-water
is not procurable, as it has been abundantly proved that a Trichomanes or
a Hymenophyllum that is frequently moistened with hard water soon loses its
vigour. It sometimes happens during the hot weather, when great difficulty
is experienced in keeping the temperature sufficiently cool, that, the atmosphere
being very dry, a slight syringing is thought necessary in the Fern-
case; even then the hairy species should be carefully avoided. Only rain-
water at the temperature of the case, or nearly so, should be used for the
purpose, and then very sparingly. If the case, frame, house, or whatever the
structure devoted to Filmy Ferns may be, is sufficiently well drained, so as
to allow for frequent waterings of stones, walls, walks, &e., that will be found
sufficient, and even on the hottest days it will not be at all necessary to have

recourse to syringing.

FILMY OR TRANSPARENT FERNS. 79

The quantity of light to be given to Filmy Ferns has also been a subject
of much controversy, as for a lone time they were invariably grown in very
dark places; but, thanks to the experiments successfully conducted, regardless
of expense, by Mr. J. Cooper Forster, we are now in possession of a much
sounder knowledge of the subject. At Upper Grosvenor Street, where, as
before stated, he grew these plants to perfection, it was proved that, although
Trichomanes radicans is occasionally seen growing wild in positions so dark
and so gloomy that its fronds are scarcely discernible, the place best adapted
for its culture, as, indeed, for that of other Filmy Ferns, is a spot where good
light, with absolute protection from every ray of sunshine, can be secured. This
is borne out by the fact that the strongest and the most numerous growths
all make their way towards the light. When Mr. Forster’s collection of
Filmy Ferns was at its best, its fortunate possessor was particularly fond
of showing a large patch of Hymenophyllum Tunbridgense, part of which was
in the shade and part in the light, and of letting his visitors draw their
own conclusions; for, while the portion in the shade gradually dwindled
away, that in the light increased in thickness, and the fronds gained in
length, many of them measuring fully 4in., which is not a very usual
occurrence among cultivated plants of that species.

Contrary to the Todeas, all of which produce their handsome, feathery
fronds from an indivisible crown, nearly all the Hymenophyllums, and also
the greater part of the Trichomanes, in cultivation are of trailing or creeping
habit, and are provided with rhizomes which, in some cases, have the power
of firmly adhermg to rocks or other material with which they come in
contact, as is the case with Zrichomanes radicans and its varieties ; whereas
in others, such as in nearly all Hymenophyllums, they simply trail loosely on
the ground as if devoid of all power of adhesion. The materials required for
growing Filmy Ferns vary according to the nature of the roots and rhizomes
of the different species; indeed, the soil is only a matter of secondary
importance, as it has been found that almost any material, if sufficiently
porous, free from impurity, and possessed of moisture-retaining qualities, is
suitable for their growth. As a rule, the species with thin, wiry rhizomes
are averse to having them deeply buried, and delight in running through
partly-decomposed moss and other vegetable matter; whereas those with
thick, fleshy rhizomes are particularly fond of sandstone or of any other

80 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

porous material of a hard nature, on which their roots run freely, and from
which they derive all the nourishment they require.
These beautiful and most interesting Ferns are usually propagated by

division of the rhizomes—an operation which is safe enough, but which, the

plants being comparatively slow growers, is a process requiring a certain
amount of patience.

In the following list, which comprises most of the Filmy Ferns in
cultivation, an attempt has been made at dividing them into two sections:
those with creeping rhizomes are marked by an asterisk (*), while those
without the asterisk are species with indivisible crowns. The strongest-

growing kinds are indicated by a dagger (f).

Hymenophyllum abruptum (brevifrons).*

eeruginosum.*

andinum.*

asplenioides.*

axillare (apicale).*
bivalve (pyriforme).*
caudiculatum.*
chiloénse.*

ciliatum (Boryanum).*
crispum (amoenum).*
(Hymenoglossum) cruentum.*
demissum (productum).t*
denticulatum.*
dichotomum.*
dilatatum.t*

elasticum.*

elegantulum (pulchellum).*
falklandicum.*
flabellatum (nitens).*
flaccidum.*
Forsterianum.t*
fuciforme.t

hirsutum.*

hirtellum.*

interruptum.*
javanicum.*

J. crispatum.*

j. flexuosum.*

lineare (elegans).*

Hymenophyllum magellanicum (attenu-

atum) .*
Neesii.*
obtusum.*
pectinatum.*
polyanthos (protrusum).*
pulcherrimum.t
rarum (semibivalve).*
recurvum.*
scabrum.t*
sericeum.*
Simonsianum.*
Tunbridgense.*
unilaterale (Wilsoni).*
valvatum (platylobum).*
Zollingerianum.*

Todea Fraseri.T

F, Wilkesiana.t
erandipinnula.t
hymenophylloides (pellucida).
intermedia.

plumosa.t

superba.t

Trichomanes alatum.*

apiifolium (meifolium).t
auriculatum (dissectum).*
Bancroftii.

bipunctatum (Fuilicula).*
crinitum.

TM VOT! “LRANSPARENT FERNS,

81

Trichomanes crispum.

cuspidatum (Bojeri).
erosum (muscoides).*
exsectum.*
gemmatum.,*
glauco-fuscum.

Harti.

humile.*

javanicum (curvatum).
Kaulfussu.*
Kraussi.*

labiatum.

maximum (anceps).
membranaceum.*
parvulum.*

Petersii.*

pinnatum (floribundum).t
Pluma.

Trichomanes pyxidiferum.*

radicans.t*

r. Andrewsii.t*

r. concinnum.t*

r. dilatatum.~*

r. dissectum.t*

r. Luschnatianum.t*
reniforme.*

reptans.*

rigidum (achilleeefolinm).
scandens.*

sinuosum (incisum).*
spicatum.

superbum (fimbriatum).+
tenerum (angustatum).*
trichoideum.*
trichophyllum.

venosum.*

GHAPIER Al,

VIVIPAROUS AND PROLIFEROUS FERNS.

HESE form a very numerous and important group, comprising
plants of many genera, some of which, such as Gymnogramme,
Polypodium, Pteris, Cystopteris, &c., have among them only
one, or perhaps two, species partaking, as if accidentally, of
the above-named characters; whereas others, and principally

Asplenium and Woodwardia, are particularly noted for the quantity of viviparous

and proliferous sorts which they comprise. There are several distinct ways

in which these singular characters are shown in Ferns. In some instances,
such as the popular Aspleniwm bulbiferum, A. viviparum, the handsome Japanese
Nephrodium prolificum, &c., the upper surface only of the foliaged portion of
the fronds is wholly or partially covered with adventitious growth; or again, as
in the case of Cystopteris bulbifera, with numerous small bulbils which answer
the same purpose of reproduction. In others, such as Aspidiwm (Polystichum)
angulare proliferum, the proliferous characters, mstead of being present on
the foliaged part of the frond, are entirely restricted to the stalk or rachis ;
there they are crowded together, and form a perfect mass of young growth
which, when left to its own resources, seldom attains any particular dimen-
sions. In other cases, again, such as some of the Adiantums, Aspidiums, &c.,
the fronds bear (generally at their apex) one solitary bulbil, or produce, as a
prolongation to the midrib of their fronds, a young plant which, in its turn,
develops into a full-grown subject, and from the extremities of the fronds of
which another generation of plants is produced. Then there are Ferns which
are proliferous through latent buds being disposed on the stalks, usually at

VIVIPAROUS AND PROLIFEROUS FERNS. 83

the base (such as Marattias), where, unless they happen to be placed under
particularly favourable circumstances, although possessing the power of repro-
duction, they remain dormant and never develop.

These viviparous and proliferous characters are not limited to any special
genera, nor are they peculiar to Ferns of any particular size or habit ; for,
while there are such proliferous pigmies as Aspleniwm flabellifolium, A. incisum
(elegantulum), and Fadyenia prolifera, the gigantic-crowing Asplenium di-
morphum (A. biforme or A. diversifolium of commerce), Nephrodium divergens,
Woodwardia orientalis, W. radicans, and numerous other kinds, are examples
of large-growing Ferns possessing the same characters. With a view to
simplifying their nomenclature, it is advisable to divide these Ferns, according
to the different ways in which the characteristic bulbils or young plants are
either produced or disposed upon their various organs, into four groups, as
follow :

(1) Plants in which the viviparous character extends over the whole,
or over the greater part, of the surface of the leafy portion of the fronds,

(2) Ferns in which the proliferous character, instead of belonging to
the leafy portion of the frond, extends only to its stalk or rachis, which is
then covered, to a greater or less degree, with adventitious growth.

(3) Ferns whose fronds bear one solitary bulbil, situated at or near to
their extremity, or whose tailed appendage is formed by the production of a
young plant partaking of the same characters as the parent.

(4) A group exclusively composed of Ferns which have the base of their
stalks provided with either stolons, roots, or scales, of a proliferous nature,
each of these bearing one or more latent buds or bulbils, which, under favour-
able circumstances, never fail to reproduce the parent.

Group Il.

In the first of these four groups—that comprising Ferns in which the
viviparous character extends over the whole or over the greater part of
the leafy portion of the fronds—the whole or only a part of their limb
is plentifully studded with young plants, all in various stages of formation,
from the mere bulbil, no larger than a pin’s head, to the small ‘“plantule”
furnished with four or five embryo fronds, as is often noticeable in some

84: THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

of the larger-growing forms of Asplenium. This group contains, besides the
greater part of the genus <Aspleniwm, such curiosities as Hemionitis palmata
(generally and popularly known as the Ivy-leaved Fern), whose five-lobed
fronds are rendered very conspicuous by the quantity of young plantules
which originate from the base of these lobes, and which, even when allowed
to remain undisturbed, attain a certain development, their tender roots
sometimes covering the whole of the old fronds. It is a pretty, and also a
most interesting, plant.

The singular and interesting Nephrodium prolificum, from Japan, is another
subject in which the viviparous character 1s wonderfully well developed. Its
fronds, somewhat finely cut comparatively to their size and texture (which is
very leathery), form a triangular outline, and are borne on stalks varying
from Gin. to 8in. long; whereas their limb, or leafy portion, reaches over
14ft., and is bipinnately divided. It is an easily-grown Fern, suitable for
cool-house culture, and the greatest peculiarity of this singular plant—
entirely different in this respect from all other members of its genus—is
that of producing in great abundance leafy buds or bulbils, either in the
axils of the divisions of the fronds or on the margins of the limb, or even
on the stalks or rachides.

Japan further supplies our Ferneries with the handsome, vigorous-growing
Woodwardia orientalis, whose bipinnatifid and very broad fronds, of a par-
ticularly flat nature and very leathery texture, attain from 4ft. to 5ft. in
length, and bear on their upper surface a profusion of little bulbiform plants,
which, when left undisturbed on the mother frond, rarely, if ever, produce
more than a couple of tiny httle fronds, but grow rapidly when allowed to
fall upon a mossy or otherwise soft and moisture-retaining material.

We have in the North American Cystopteris bulbifera another striking
illustration of the proliferous character possessed by certain Ferns; for its
fronds, from 10in. to 12in. long, with segments of a light green colour and
deeply cut, bear on their under side a quantity of small bulbs, which, as soon
as they drop to the ground, give birth to little plants in all respects similar
to the parent.

As before stated, with a few exceptions, the majority of the Ferns
forming this group of plants with viviparous and proliferous characters, are

found in the genus Aspleniwm, and this is all the more singular imasmuch

VIVIPAROUS AND PROLIFEROUS FERNS. 85

as the said character is not shared by any of the Aspleniums, or Spleen-
worts, of British origin, whereas nearly all the species of exotic origin have
it more or less extensively developed. Foremost among these is the popular
A. dimorphum (biforme, diversifolium), from the Norfolk Islands, which,
probably, is also the strongest-growing kind contained in its genus. The
fronds, from 3ft. to 4ft. in length, are, as the name indicates, of two forms ;
according to their barren or fertile characters, these are bipinnate, with
broad pinne in the former case, whereas the fertile parts are much more
finely divided, tripinnate, and of a bright shining green colour. It frequently
happens with this curious and highly decorative plant, that the lower
portion of the frond is barren, while the upper part is fertile, and, therefore,
much more finely divided. The evergreen nature and vigorous growth of
this species render it one of the most valuable among all Ferns grown for
indoor cultivation.

From New Zealand we have also the evergreen A. bulbiferwm, of
equally rapid growth, although shorter in all its parts than the preceding
species. Smaller still is A. Colensoi (Hookerianum), also from New Zealand.
This species, of particularly compact habit, is probably the most proliferous
of all the Aspleniums ; for the young plants of it, even when in quite a small
state, have their little fronds literally covered with very small bulbils. In
A. flaccidum we have another New Zealand species extensively partaking of
the viviparous character; for its bipinnate, leathery fronds, from 2ft. to 3ft.
in length, and of a very pleasing colour and elegantly pendulous habit,
are, when mature, thickly studded with young bulbils all over their upper
surface. A. compressum, a rare species from St. Helena, is distinct from
all others on account of its thick and simply pinnate fronds, which are of a
very fleshy texture, and are covered all over their upper surface with young
plants. Among the dwarfer forms of this remarkably proliferous genus, the
lovely A. viviparum, from the Mauritius, occupies the most prominent
place. Its fronds, which seldom exceed lft. in length, are very finely
divided; their colour is of a particularly dark green, unknown in most
other Aspleniums, unless it be in A. Belangert (Veitchianum), a West
Indian species, producing, from an erect caudex, elegant, feather-like fronds
from 1l5in. to 20m. long, which, lke those of A. uwwiparum, are at times
covered with adventitious growth.

86 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

No species surpasses in power of attraction the very singular Ceratopteris
thalictrowdes (commonly known as the Floating Stag’s-horn F ern). It is
essentially an aquatic, but requires stove heat, and may be propagated either
from spores, which germinate freely, or from the proliferous buds with which
its barren fronds are amply provided. These sterile fronds are about 14ft.
long, and prostrate; whereas the fertile ones are decompound, erect, and
from 2ft. to 3ft. in height, and their segments are forked and linear.

To the above may also be added two varieties of Scolopendrium vulgare,
individually named denswm and proliferum, in which the leafy portion of
the fronds is thickly studded with little plantules, as in Aspleniwm bulbiferum
and Nephrodium prolificum.

Group II.

The second group—that in which the proliferous character, instead of
belonging to the leafy portion of the frond, extends only to its stalk or
rachis—though not so extensive as the one just treated, comprises plants
belonging to several distinct genera. We find, among the gigantic-growing
kinds, the deservedly-popular Woodwardia radicans, native of St. Michael
and the Azores, bearing several adventitious buds on its stalks or rachides,
and there only. This species, unsurpassed as a basket Fern for a cool-house,
has of late years become perfectly acclimatised in some parts of England,
especially in Cornwall, where it has been planted in an outdoor Fernery, and
under the shelter of the trees, and where it is thriving uncommonly well.
Several very striking forms of this handsome Fern, all of which to a great
extent share the proliferous characters of the species, are known to be in
cultivation, and all have, we believe, been introduced equally from St. Michael
and the Azores by Messrs. Stansfield, of Todmorden, who for years past have
made Ferns a specialty. The most striking of these, W. r. cristata (or
Brownt, as it is frequently called), has long, arching fronds furnished with
pinne and pinnules extensively subdivided, and terminating on each side of
the fronds with tufted crests, smaller than the terminal ones, which frequently
measure from 6in. to 8in. in width. W.r. Burgesiana is 2 most interesting and
distinct form, with pinne and pinnules uniformly depauperated and serrated

throughout ; while JV. r. erispa, which in a young state is scarcely pinnatifid,

VIVIPAROUS AND PROLIFEROUS FERNS. 87

except on the lower pinnules, differs from the typical plant by having its
pinne and pinnules crowded and crisped. It is noteworthy that these
varieties are vigorous growers, and that, as regards size, they come very near
the original species.

We have in Polypodium refractum (deflewwm) another strong-growing
Fern, producing on the stalk and at the axils of the pinne little bulbils similar
to those of Woodwardias.

Among the exotic kinds of small dimensions, there is the pretty little
Asplenium monanthemum; its simply pinnate fronds, about 10in. long, are
provided at their base with one or a pair of bulbils, which generally develop
themselves even when left on the plants undisturbed. This form of pro-
liferousness seems, however, to affect our British species more extensively.
In Aspidium (Polystichum), for instance, there are several kinds which partake
of that proliferous character to an almost indefinite degree. Such is the case
with A. (P.) angulare proliferum, and its numerous and handsome forms
Crawfordianum, Footii, Wollastoni, &c.; each of these produces, all along its
stalks, and at the base of its fronds, small bulbils, which, in a remarkably
short space of time, develop into plants in every respect resembling the
parents.

Adventive buds are equally existent in the stalks, or at the base of the
fronds, of nearly all Scolopendriums, and of most Nephrodiums belonging to
the Filiz-mas section ; and although proliferation in Ferns is now treated as if
it were quite a recent discovery, practical men have for a very long time been
perfectly cognisant of it, and aware of its advantages, as may be gathered
from the fact that, some twenty years ago, when trade in British Ferns was
at its best, crested varieties of Nephrodiwm Iilia-mas, and crested, muricated,
crimped, and other forms of Scolopendrwwm, were likewise extensively pro-
pagated by means of these adventive buds. If not separated in good time
from the mother plant, while in a latent state, the buds become abortive ;
but it must be borne in mind that, unlike the proliferous buds or bulbils
found on the stalks of Aspidiuwm (Polystichum) angulare proliferum and its
sub-varieties, these are not perceptible, and only develop themselves when
the stalk, accompanied by a small piece of the caudex, is detached from the
plant which bears them—an operation which is best performed when the
plants are still at rest, and just before starting into growth again.

88 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

Group III.

The third group is that which is formed of plants either bearing one
solitary bulbil situated at or near to the extremity of the fronds, or whose tailed
appendage is formed by the production of a young plant partaking of the same
characters as the parent. To this group belong most of the Ferns best adapted
for growing in hanging baskets. It is undoubtedly the most extensive, or, at
any rate, the most varied, as it comprises many more genera than any of the
other three groups into which Viviparous and Proliferous Ferns are here divided.
Species belonging to this third group are so numerous, and of such various
habits, that they might be divided into strong and small growers.

The genus Aspleniwm is undoubtedly the one which supplies the greatest
number of such Ferns, and some of these, such as A, cauwdatum and A. longissi-
mum, belong to the strong-growing kinds. Both are erand species, from the
Hast Indies, producing in great abundance simply-pinnate fronds; these
frequently reach from 4ft. to 5ft. in length, and are provided at their extremity
with an adventitious bulbil which, by its development while still on the parent
plant, considerably adds to the size of the fronds. Although closely allied,
these two species are totally distinct from each other ; for in A. longissimum
the pinne are somewhat roundish and smooth at the edges, whereas those of
A. caudatum are long, deeply cut when fertile, and attenuated towards their
extremities, thus making the fronds of a much greater width than those of the
former species ; for in well-grown and vigorous specimens they usually measure
from Vin. to 8in. in width. The truly magnificent, but unfortunately now very
rare, A. rhizophorum (A. rachirhizon of commerce) might be classed with the
above but for the general appearance of its fronds, which are tripinnate, with
pinne finely divided, and apex lengthened into a tail bearing a young plant
at the end; it is an evergreen species from the West Indies, and is well
adapted for basket-culture.

To the genus Gymnogramme we are indebted for perhaps the most beautiful
of these viviparous Ferns, G. schizophylla and its splendid variety gloriosa,
which are essentially distinct from all other known Gymnogrammes, and whose
fronds are produced in abundance on very slender stalks of a reddish-brown
colour, and of a very glossy nature. These fronds, which arch gracefully on
all sides, are from 20in. to 24in. long, their leafy portion being about 4in. wide

VIVIPAROUS AND PROLIFEROUS FERNS. 89

and very finely cut, with the ultimate pinnules deltoid and very minute. A
remarkable peculiarity possessed by these Gymnogrammes is the furcation of
the rachis at about two-thirds of its length, where it becomes viviparous, every
frond producing a young plant at the point of furcation.

Nephrodium (Phegopteris) effusum divergens is a beautiful and highly
ornamental variety from the West Indies; its broad, decompound, and finely-
divided fronds are from 3ft. to 4ft. in length, and of a very pleasing light
ereen colour.

In the evergreen and erect-growing Aspidium (Polystichum) aculeatum
vestitum, from New Zealand, we have one of the most striking of all the
strong-growing kinds of Viviparous Ferns. Its bipinnate fronds, which are
of a peculiarly rich dark green colour, and vary from 2ft. to 3ft. in length,
are abundantly produced from an upright thick crown, which, like the base
of the fronds, is densely clothed with chafty scales, nearly $in. long, black in
colour, and bordered with brown. A peculiarity noticeable in these scales is
that, while they decrease in length, they gain in breadth as they advance
towards the summit of the fronds, thus forming a conspicuous, thick, imbri-
cated band along the under side of the stalk.

Among the smaller-growing kinds of Proliferous Ferns the genus Adiantum
is particularly conspicuous. It possesses at present four proliferous representa-
tives (two species having each one distinct variety), all of which are natives of
the East Indies. The showiest of them all is A. lunulatum, a very distinct
and equally handsome species, of particularly slender and pendulous habit :
its fronds, simply pinnate, beautifully drooping, furnished throughout with
half-moon-shaped pinne of a bright green colour, attain about 20in. in length;
and it is not at all unusual to see at their extremity young plants, which, in
their turn, produce others, so that four, or even five, generations are sometimes
developed on the same plant in the course of one season’s growth. Unfortu-
nately, this is a deciduous species, to which special attention must be paid during
the winter, as the crown is then in danger of being kept too dry, and may
thereby disappear altogether. A. J. dolabriforme is an evergreen form of
recent introduction, somewhat resembling the species in general appearance,
though its fronds are much shorter, and are borne on much slenderer
stalks ; but they partake to a very great degree of the proliferous character

and pendulous habit of the type, and the plant possesses the great advantage
N

90 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

of retaining its foliage all the year round. The foliage of both these plants
is of a light and cheerful green, and it is also distinguished by the shining
ebony-black colour of the stalks, peculiar to Maidenhair Ferns in general.
The other proliferous species of this genus, A. cawdatum, is an evergreen plant,
with pubescent, pinnate fronds, about Ift. in length, and of a dull greyish
colour, which is quite distinct from that seen in any other Adiantum ; the
stalks, which are very flexible, and of a brittle character, are densely clothed
with short, brownish hairs, which greatly help to produce the pubescent character
to which allusion has been made. In the variety ciliatum (Hdgeworthii) the
fronds are longer and broader than in the type; they are also of a much
more pleasing colour, the pinnae are more deeply cut, and the plant shows
altogether a most robust constitution, and is less liable to the depredations of
thrips, which are very partial to the foliage of A. caudatum. The last-named
variety, although the dwarfest of the four known Proliferous Adiantums, is
probably the most interesting, if not also the most decorative: its delicate,
pubescent, simply-pinnate fronds are, when young, adorned with a lovely
pinkish hue which none of the others possess, and which gradually shades off
into a pale greyish-green, thus greatly enhancing their beauty. The two
species and their two varieties are all well adapted for growing in hanging
baskets of small dimensions. Thus treated, the graceful habit of the plants,
as well as the way in which the young ones are produced at the ends of the
fronds, is shown to perfection. These four Proliferous Maidenhair Ferns
need stove temperature, and are all shallow rooters, requiring, to attain
their full development, but little soil, and that of a very light nature; peat
and sand, or, better still, sandy leaf-mould, being the most suitable compost in
which to grow them. Although particularly fond of a moist atmosphere, the
fronds of these Adiantums must not be wetted, as they become black, and
show unmistakable signs of decay, if in immediate contact with water for any
length of time.

Among the most interesting kinds of Proliferous Ferns belonging to this
‘“‘one-bulbil group,” we find the North American Walking Fern, Scolopendrium
(Camptosorus) rhizophyllum, a species with simple fronds from 8in. to 10in.
long, lanceolate and running out to a point, which arches over, and attaches
itself firmly to the ground: hence its popular name. fadyenia prolifera
is another very interesting and highly curious Fern, which has two totally

VIVIPAROUS AND PROLIFEROUS FERNS. 91

distinct sorts of fronds, the sterile ones being dark green, prostrate, and
proliferous, and the fertile ones much longer, narrower, erect, but not
proliferous. Again, there is the West Indian Aspidiwm (Polystichum) vivi-
parum, an evergreen species with erect caudex, from which glossy dark
green fronds, of great substance, and of a somewhat prickly nature, are
produced with great regularity, forming a very handsome plant, which
seldom attains more than 20in. in height.

Of Aspleniums there are numerous sorts whose fronds are provided with
a solitary and terminal bulbil. Most conspicuous among these are the delicate
little Australian A. flabellifolium, with its pretty fan-shaped pinne, the
reddish-brown sori covering the under side; A. alatum; A. attenuatum ; the
rare and pretty A. brachypteron, from Fernando Po, where it grows at a high
elevation on the Cameroon Mountains ; A. lunulatum (erectum) Fernandesianum
and A. l. tenellum; and the attractive little A. obtusilobwm, a pretty, dwarf,
trailing species from the Fiji Islands, with pinnate fronds from 4in. to 6in.
long, proliferous at their apex, and making a dense, compact mass of
foliage, &ce. Then there are the curious Pteris (Doryopieris) palmaita,
P. pedata, P. sagittifolia, and the equally strange Hemionitis cordata, in
all of which the bulbil, instead of being terminal, is situated at the base
of the limb of the fronds; and various other kinds partaking of the
same character.

Perhaps the most interesting of all in this group is 7?richomanes
pinnatum (floribundum), the only Proliferous Filmy Fern at present known.
It is a native of the West Indies, and its simply-pinnate fronds, from
1ft. to 14ft. long, are exquisitely transparent; the pinne are beautifully
fringed on their edges, and the fronds are attenuated, rooting at their
extremity. Unfortunately, it is essentially a warm-house species, and, not-
withstanding the numerous attempts which have been made, it has constantly
refused to thrive under the cool treatment so suitable to most other kinds.

Group IV.

When we come to the fourth group—exclusively composed of Ferns which
have the base of their stalks provided with either stolons, roots, or scales, of a
proliferous nature, each of these bearing one or more latent buds or bulbils,

92 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

which, under favourable circumstances, never fail to reproduce the parent—we
find that, compared with the three other Proliferous groups already described,
it is a very small one indeed. Besides the Angiopteris, all the Marattias, and
part of the Platyceriums and Polypodiums known to commerce, it comprises
only several Nephrolepis and Adiantums.

The Nephrolepis are all provided with long, wiry stolons or underground
rhizomes, which are more or less proliferous, and which, when touching the
ground, or when allowed to hang down in a damp atmosphere, produce, at
irregular intervals, bulbils, which soon develop into young plants in all
respects resembling their parents. Several kinds, such as WN. cordifolia
(tuberosa), N. pluma, N. undulata, and N. Bausei, bear some perfect tubers, by
which they may also be propagated ; but as, with the exception of the first-
named of these species, all are of a deciduous nature, great care must be
taken that, even when deprived of their foliage, the plants shall have their
tubers kept in a moderately moist state, otherwise they will cease to live long
before the time comes for them to start into growth again.

When proliferous, the Platyceriums show that character exclusively on
their roots. It is, however, interesting to note that, although the roots of
P. alcicorne are frequently met with perfectly covered with adventitious growths,
that peculiar character is shown but very sparingly in P. a. major, P. ethio-
picum (stemmaria), P. biforme, and P. Willinckii; while in the cases of
P. grande and P. Wallichit, although the greatest attention has been paid to
the subject, there is no record of their roots ever having produced young
plants in either small or large quantities.

Plantules are frequently found on the roots of Polypodiwm loriceum and
its variety pectinatum ; while those of Hypolepis (Cheilanthes) Bergiana are also
very proliferous. Several members of the genus Adiantum are proliferous on
their roots—principally A. Moore: (A. amabile of commerce), A. cyclosorum,
A. diaphanum (setulosum), A. tinctum roseum, &c., in which no real rhizomes can
be detected, the proliferous bud being situated on the root itself, or, at most,
on a sort of stolon which emanates from the base of the crown, and the
extension of which is indefinite.

As to Angiopteris and Marattia, both of which genera are natives of
swampy places, the proliferation in their cases is most peculiar. All of them
have their fronds, which are of a very fleshy substance, surrounded at their

VIVIPAROUS AND PROLIFEROUS FERNS. 93

base by succulent appendages forming scales; each of the scales is provided
with two latent bulbils, which never fail to develop into plants if inserted in a
compost of chopped sphagnum and silver sand, and kept in a warm and moist
place. It is an experiment which we have repeatedly tried on all the species
belonging to these two genera, and in which we have always been successful.

From the above descriptions it will be seen that, although Ferns of
many genera possess them to a more or less developed degree, the proliferous
and viviparous characters are shared principally by a few special genera: most
of the others have only one or a couple of representatives partaking of it—
unless it be that the want of observation has, until now, prevented us from
discovering some secret of Nature connected with proliferation existing in most
Ferns in the same way as that which affects the plants belonging to the
fourth group.

The modes of propagation applicable to these Proliferous and Viviparous
Ferns are of the simplest description. In most cases, indeed, Nature
seems to have unmistakably indicated the most rational mode of increase: in
the case of solitary and terminal bulbils, it is found best not to sever their
connection with the parent, as by firmly pegging down the end of each of
the fronds to the soil, or to the moss surrounding the plants, the bulbils thus
secured rapidly form perfectly independent little plants. As regards species
provided with bulbils on their fronds, it is well known that when, of their
own accord, the bulbils become detached from the mother plant and drop
on to the ground, they soon form independent subjects. This applies
particularly to the majority of Aspleniums, especially to those contained in
the bulbiferum section, suchas A. dimorphum (biforme, diversifolium), A. laxum
pumilum, and A. Colensoi (Hookerianum), whose comparatively short fronds are
at all times literally loaded with partly-developed fronds. The same treatment
is equally applicable to other Aspleniums of dwarfer habit, whose foliage is much
more finely divided, and at times covered with young plantules bearing no
resemblance whatever to the parent plants; the plantules being picked off
when provided with three or four rudimentary fronds, and lightly placed on
damp, sandy soil, will, without even the help of a close atmosphere, emit roots
in a comparatively short space of time, when they may with safety be put into

single pots. In a similar way Nephrodium prolificum, Woodwardia orientalis,

94 LEE BOOKNOL WG OLCE aN ES:

and Cystopteris bulbifera may be treated; but, as regards the two Hemionitis,
Hf. cordata and H. palmata, as well as the interesting Ceratopteris thalic-
troides, it should be borne in mind that their bulbils do not bear separation
from the fronds, which must therefore be pegged bodily to the soil to allow

of the development of the new adventive growth.

In the following select list of Viviparous and Proliferous Ferns, those

whose names are marked with an asterisk (*) require stove heat; all the

others thrive under cool-house treatment.

Adiantum caudatum.*
e. ciliatum (Hdgeworthii). *
cyclosorum.*
diaphanum (setulosum).
lunulatum.*
1. dolabriforme.*
Moorei (amabile).*
tinctum roseum.*
Angiopteris evecta.
e. assamica.
e. Brongniartiana.
e. hypoleuca.
e. Miqueliana.
e. pruinosa.
e. Teysmanniana.
Aspidium (Polystichum) aculeatum ves-
titum.
(P.) angulare proliferum.
(P.) a. p. Crawfordianum.
(P.) a. p. Footii.
(P.) a. p. Henleye.
(P.) a. p. Wollastoni,
(P.) viviparum.
Asplenium alatum.*
alternans.
attenuatum.*
auriculatum.
Belangeri (Veitchianum).*
brachypteron.*
bulbiferum.
b. Fabianum.
caudatum.*
Colensoi (Hookerianum).

Asplenium compressum.

dimorphum (biforme, diversifolium).
flabellifolium.

flaccidum.

incisum (elegantulum).*

laxum pumilum.

longissimum.*

lunulatum (erectum).*

]. Fernandesianum.*

1. reclinatum.*
1. tenellum.*
monanthemum.
obtusilobum.

-radicans,

repens.*

resectum.*

rhizophorum (rachirhizon).*
Sandersoni.*

viviparum.*

v. nobile.*

Ceratopteris thalictroides.*
Cystopteris bulbifera.
Fadyenia prolifera.*
Gymnogramme schizophylla.*

s. gloriosa.*

Hemionitis cordata

palmata.*
pedata.*

Hypolepis (Cheilanthes) Bergiana.
Marattia alata.*

attenuata.*
cicuteefolia.*
Douglasiu.*

VIVIPAROUS AND PROLIFEROUS FERNS. 95

Marattia fraxinea.
Kaulfussii.*
laxa (Cooperii).*
Nephrodium Filix-mas, numerous varie-
ties.
(Phegopteris) effusum divergens.*
prolificum.
Nephrolepis acuta.*
a, rufescens.*
a. tripinnatifida.*
altescandens.
Bausei.*
cordifolia (tuberosa).*
c. compacta.
c. pectinata.*
davallioides.*
d. furcans.*
Dufhi.*
exaltata.
pluma.*
undulata.*

Zollingeriana.
Platycerium ethiopicum (stemmaria).*

Platycerium alcicorne.

a. major.*

biforme.*

Halli.*

Willinckii.*

Polypodium loriceum.

1. pectinatum.

(Goniopteris) proliferum.*

refractum (deflexum).
Pteris (Doryopteris) ludens.

(D.) palmata.

(D.) pedata.*

(D.) sagittifolia.*
Scolopendrium (Camptosorus) rhizo-

phyllum.

vulgare densum.

v. proliferum.
Trichomanes pinnatum (floribundum).*
Woodwardia orientalis.

radicans.

r. Burgesiana.

r. crispa.

r. cristata (Browni).

CHAPTER XII.

CURIOUS FERNS.

Son] N undertaking an abridged, and consequently a very superficial,
description of the plants forming the subject of this chapter ~
—devoted exclusively to Curious. Ferns, whose appearance
‘is totally different from what a Fern is generally supposed to

be, viz., the embodiment of grace and elegance—the Author
is particularly desirous of calling the attention of the reader to a class of
plants many of which, to the casual observer, would naturally appear to
be anything but Ferns.

It is generally admitted that, besides that particular sense which regulates
the love of the beautiful, we are also credited with the possession of a certain
feeling, akin to that of admiration, which naturally manifests itself at the sight
of anything peculiar ; and although we may, in that respect, be far behind
the Japanese, we find, besides collectors of beautiful plants, amateurs who have
a predilection for bringing together plants of fantastic shapes and _ habits.
These peculiarities are found in almost all classes of plants ; and Ferns, it will
be seen, are certainly no exception to the rule. Though not anywise plentiful,
Ferns of this description are, however, found amongst British as well as
amongst exotic kinds.

Crested, depauperated, or otherwise malformed varieties of species originally
and naturally elegant, are not intended for admission in this section of truly
Curious Ferns, which section may be said to contain two classes of totally
distinct plants, equally interesting as curiosities, though vastly different from
a decorator’s point of view: the one, comprising species eminently graceful

CURIOUS FERNS. 97

and decorative ; and the other, only species of which, if only on account of
the peculiarities which characterise them, every well-ordered collection should
possess at least one specimen.

Amongst the former section, the entire genus Lygodium may be said to
occupy the most prominent place, as all its members are, without exception,
quite as graceful and decorative as what is frequently, though erroneously,
ealled the Asparagus Fern (Asparagus plumosus nanus), which, of course, is
no Fern at all. As far as outward or general appearances only are concerned,
the Lygodiums do not appear to belong to the Fern family any more than the
climbing asparagus ; they are climbers, adapted for growing either in the cool-
or in the warm-house, and their Fern characters reside, not in their habit, but
only in their mode of fructification, and this is only noticeable when the plants
have attained a certain degree of development. Indeed, we are frequently
asked by the uninitiated if these are really Ferns—a question which, even by
the most superficial observation, is readily answered. Gymnogramme trifoliata
and Gi. javanica are also climbing species, which, in general appearance,
have but very little in common with ordinary Ferns. All the above-
named Ferns are like so many foliage or flowering plants of climbing habit.

Very different, though quite as great a curiosity as the above-named
plants, is the lovely little Actimiopteris radiata, found in various parts of
India, and which has been described as a miniature Palm-tree. Although
much smaller in all their parts—seldom exceeding a few inches in height—
its flabellate fronds are the exact representation of those of a Chamerops on a
very small scale. Unfortunately, this plant is a somewhat capricious grower ;
but the variety called australis, the fronds of which attain about 6in. in height,
and are formed of fewer but longer segments, possesses the same peculiar
habit, and is of much easier culture.

Though Platyceriums may, in all fairness, be described as belonging to
the section of Curious Ferns, it is evident that in their case they may also
claim admission to the list of ornamental plants; for, however peculiar in
habit, and however singular their mode of growth, it must be admitted that
they all are very decorative in their way. Through their introduction into
our Ferneries, many of these structures are rendered particularly attractive,
species of what are popularly known as the Stag’s-horn Ferns being established

either on partly-decayed branches of trees, which may be suspended from the
0

98 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

roof, or on pillars covered with cork-bark, in which these singular Ferns grow
luxuriantly. Platyceriums form a small but widely-diffused genus of Ferns,
all of which are provided with two totally different kinds of fronds, the barren
ones being, in most cases, similar in size, as also in their rounded or sub-
orbicular shape and convex disposition ; while the fertile ones, on the contrary,
differ according to the species to which they belong in their size, which is
very variable, in their more or less dichotomously-forked nature, and in
their habit, which, in some species, is erect or sub-erect, while in others
it is quite drooping. Elk’s-horn and Stag’s-horn Ferns—all of which are of
an epiphytal nature—may be considered as not only the most curious, but also
the most beautiful and the most extraordinary, subjects of the whole order.
From a purely decorative point of view, the commonest species, Platyceriwm
aleicorne, and the rarest, P. grande, are, undoubtedly, the most useful. The
fronds of the former are abundantly produced, but seldom exceed 24ft. in
length ; they are three or four times dichotomously divided, and their under
surface is thinly covered with a substance of a cottony or downy nature, which
oradually disappears as the fronds reach maturity ; their upper surface is of
a glossy, dark green colour, which they retain as long as they remain on the
plants. In the second case, the fertile fronds frequently attain fully 6ft. in
length ; and through their pendulous habit, and the peculiar disposition of their
elongated, dichotomously-forked divisions, these singular organs give the
plants an appearance which is indeed anything but that of a Fern.

The genus Hemionitis is another in which the subjects, mostly of tropical
origin, are all of curious yet of elegant appearance ; whether we refer to the
charming little H. cordata, with its neat little heart-shaped fronds, or to
the equally singular H. palmata, whose curious fronds, 2in. to 6in. wide,
are formed of five divisions, all of nearly equal dimensions. Again, the
peculiar H. hedercefolia, the fronds of which are about 3in. each way, and
palmate, is a perfect curiosity. As is the case in the preceding species,
the fronds are formed of five lobes; but these, instead of being of equal
dimensions, vary in so far that the two outer, or lateral ones, are shorter
and less acute than the others, and have a particularly spreading disposition,
which gives them quite the appearance of an ivy-leaf.

How unlike Ferns are the species comprised in the genus Schizwa,
all of which are plants of comparatively small dimensions, and of very

CURIOUS FERNS. 99

pretty appearance! Very seldom, however, does anyone meet with any of
those lovely Ferns with fronds terete or sub-terete, in cultivation: with
the exception, perhaps, of the North American S. pusilla, their existence
is only known from collectors’ descriptions, or through dry specimens which
from time to time find their way into European herbaria from Australia,
New Zealand, Cape Colony, various parts of the West Indies, the Himalayas,
the Neilgherries, &c.; for this genus—very distinct in habit, though relatively
small—is very widely diffused.

While some genera are entirely composed of Ferns rendered peculiar
by their appearance, or by the conformation of their foliage, others, which
are specially known and admired for the elegance of the majority of their
members, also contain a few species provided with fronds of extraordinary
shape, contrasting singularly with those of the greater part of the genus.
Even the genus Adiantum, of which gracefulness is an acknowledged cha-
racter, belonging to most of its members, contains some very strangely-
foliaged species, such, for instance, as A. reniforme, 2 Madeira Fern, whose
kidney-shaped fronds give it the appearance of anything but a Maiden-
hair, and its connection with that popular genus is only made apparent
and indisputable by its fructification, which is essentially that belonging
to all other Maidenhair Ferns. The same remarks apply to the New
Zealand kidney-shaped Trichomanes reniforme, which, in relation to such
finely-divided species as 7. trichoidewm, occupies the same position as
do Adiantum reniforme and its variety asarifoliwm towards the finely-cut
A. cuneatum and A. ¢. gracillimum; for its broad, transparent fronds have
very little in common with the unusually elegant and light character of
most Trichomanes, to which its relationship is only shown through its
similar fructification. Lindsaya reniformis occupies exactly the same position
in its genus as do the other above-named kidney-shaped Ferns. Pieris
(Doryopteris) palmata, with its barren fronds formed of a broad, undivided
centre, and five or more triangular lobes, and its fertile fronds cut down
to a broadly-winged centre into linear lobes, appears, on a cursory glance, to
have as little in common with other members of its own genus as the hastate
or triangular-shaped Asplenium Hemionitis (A. palmatum of commerce), or the
entire, broad-fronded A. Nidus, has with other finely-divided species contained

in the same genus.

100 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

The extremely curious West Indian Acrostichwm (Hymenodium) crinitum,
popularly known, on account of its peculiar shape, and also of its extraordinary
texture, as the Elephant’s-ear Fern, is undoubtedly one of the greatest curiosities
in the whole order. The barren fronds, which are produced from a woolly
and somewhat decumbent rhizome, are simple and entire, progressively attaining
larger dimensions, until they ultimately measure about Idft. in length and
10in. in breadth at their widest part. The whole of their surface, as well as
their margins, is covered with long, black, stiffish hairs, which give the plant
a most peculiar appearance ; they are borne on stalks varying from Gin. to
8in. long, also densely covered with the same long, black hairs. The fertile
fronds are much smaller in all their parts than the barren ones, besides being
contracted, and borne on shorter stalks. This strange plant, as well as the
dwarf and elegant A. (Rhipidopteris) peltatwm, whose fronds, several times
dichotomously divided, and showing very narrow linear divisions, are disposed
on slender, creeping rhizomes, are as different from other Acrostichums as
possible, and anyone may readily be excused for not taking them at a first
glance as belonging to the Fern order.

Certain Polypodiums, such as P. (Pleopeltis) fossum and P. Xiphias, and
the Australian Gymnogramme Muelleri, are so many other instances illus-
trating the great diversity in habit or in shape of foliage existing between
some species and that of the majority of their congeners. The Floating
Stag’s-horn (Ceratopteris thalictroides) bears very little resemblance to a Fern ;
and all the Marattias—those giants of the non-arborescent Fern vegetation—
have very little besides their mode of fructification to make them rank with
ordinary Ferns: yet such they undoubtedly are, the Marattias forming one of
the most conspicuous and well-marked genera of the whole order.

The exceedingly curious Botrychium Lunaria, or common Moonwort, and
the no less peculiar Ophioglossum vulgatum (Adder’s-tongue), are two very
striking examples of cosmopolitan and British Ferns whieh, from their appear-
ance only, would be precluded from belonging to the order. Both plants
produce only solitary fronds, and those of a most peculiar conformation. The
former, whose usual habitats are mountain meadows and pastures, though by
no means common, is nevertheless found in various parts of England, Scotland,
and Ireland. Its crown is composed of a slender tap-root, producing a simple,
cylindrical, erect, pale green stem, from the middle of which issues a solitary

CURIOUS FERNS. 101

frond or sterile segment with fan-shaped pinnae, while the stem terminates in
a doubly-compound spike of small, round, light brown capsules. Turner was
the first English botanist who mentioned this Fern as an English plant; a
description of it, accompanied by a very good woodeut, is found in the third
part of his “ Herbal,” published in 1568, at which time the plant was credited
with loosening locks and fetters, and even shoes from horses’ feet, and other
miraculous pzoperties. In the case of the Adder’s-tongue, the solitary frond
is also of a peculiarly striking conformation: its stem is pale green, round,
and hollow, and tapers downwards. The barren lobe of the frond is stalkless,
ege-shaped, and nearly erect; the fertile spike, which, from its somewhat
tongue-like shape, gives the plant its popular name, rises from within the
barren lobe, which it considerably overtops when the plant is fully mature.
Like Botrychium Lunaria, this is usually found growing spontaneously in
meadows and moist pastures, although it is recorded as having been gathered
in an old chalk-pit in an open copse at Abbot’s Barton, near Winchester. It
is equally found in various parts of England; in Scotland, in Dalmeny Woods,
near Edinburgh ; in Orkney; in Wales, near Wrexham; and in various parts
of Ireland. Turner, in the third part of his “ Herbal,” mentions it as an
English plant, and as one endowed with wonderful medicinal properties.

In Helminthostachys zeylanica we have an exotic plant which, although
its habitat is mostly restricted to the Himalayas, Cochin China, the Philip-
pines, Ceylon, New Caledonia, and Queensland, possesses the same peculiar
mode of growth as Botrychiums and Ophioglossums, producing, from a thick,
fleshy rhizome, one solitary frond, with palmate-pinnate, barren segments,
from the base of which arises a solitary fertile spike longer than the
barren portion.

Other kinds, no doubt, such as Antrophyums, Vittarias, &c., are very
unlike ordinary Ferns; but those mentioned above are the species most
frequently met with in collections, and are therefore more deserving of special
notice than those principally known in herbaria, however desirable the intro-
duction of the latter into this country may appear, and it has been thought
advisable to limit the list of these curiosities to plants known in cultivation.

In the following list of Curious Ferns the strong-growing kinds are
indicated by an asterisk (*): of the sorts not so marked very few exceed
15in. or 18in. in height.

102 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

Acrostichum (Hymenodium) crinitum.*

(Rhipidopteris) peltatum.

(R.) p. gracillimum.
Actiniopteris radiata.

r. australis.

Adiantum reniforme.

r. asarifolium. A
Angiopteris evecta, and varieties.*
Antrophyum, all known sorts.
Asplenium Hemionitis (palmatum).

H. cristatum.

Nidus.*

N. australasica.*

Botrychium, all known sorts.
Ceratopteris thalictroides.*
Gymnogramme javanica.*

Muelleri.

trifoliata.*

Helminthostachys zeylanica.
Hemionitis cordata.

Hemionitis hedereefolia.
palmata.
Jamesonia imbricata.
Kaulfussia eesculifolia.
Lindsaya reniformis.
Llavea cordifolia.
Lygodium, all known sorts.*
Marattia, all known sorts.*
Oleandra neriiformis.*
Ophioglossum, all known sorts.
Platycerium, all known sorts.*
Polypodium (Pleopeltis) fossum.
Xiphias. .
Pteris (Doryopteris) ludens.
(D.) palmata.
(D.) sagittifolia.
Schizeea, all known sorts.
Teenitis, all known sorts.
Trichomanes reniforme.
Vittaria, all known sorts.

CHAPTER All],

DRYING FERN FRONDS.

‘|T is not only in their living state, and when in fresh condition,
that Ferns are decorative and interesting: they are also a
great and constant source of enjoyment when carefully pre-
served in a dry state. The fronds being flat, the majority,

if not the whole of them, may, with a little attention, be dried
in such a way as to be very nearly as attractive in that state as when in
full growth. It is quite as pleasant to refer to fronds thus preserved as it 1s
to consult drawings or paintings—more or less exact and trustworthy—of flowers
gone by which, on account of their size, shape, or nature, it is found
impossible to preserve in the same way. In the case of dried fronds there
can be neither exaggeration nor deception ; the size and shape are sure to
be exact, and, if carefully prepared, the colours of the species may equally
be depended upon.

It must be borne in mind that, although they may be placed under
exactly similar conditions, some Fern fronds will retain their colour much
better than others. Hymenophyllums, Todeas, and Trichomanes, for instance,
seldom become discoloured through the process of drying; in fact, it may be
broadly stated, that all thin-textured fronds keep their colour far better than
those which possess more substance, such as some of the Lomarias, Acro-
stichums, Aspleniums, Davallias, Polypodiums, &c. The reason for such a
result is obvious. In the first place, scarcely any moisture is exhaled during
the drying of these thin fronds, compared with the amount of it given off by
fronds of a more fleshy nature. The latter, on account of their thickness, are

104 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

also much more liable to injury should the weight applied to them happen
to be in any way excessive. It is also remarkable, that while the young and
tender fronds of some Adiantums, such as A. macrophyllum,. A. rhodophyllum,
A. rubellum, A. tetraphyllum gracile, A. tinctum, &e., which are endowed
with the most delicate colours, retain their beauty in a dry state for years
without any trouble, others belonging to the same genus are a source of constant
anxiety to the operator, and require, besides careful manipulation, an endless
amount of attention to retain a comparatively small portion of colour. In
the latter cases, which, however, are fortunately the exception, and not the rule,
it is only by repeated efforts and through good fortune that one is able to
obtain perfect specimens.

In drying Fern fronds with a view to referring to them in the future,
no trouble should be spared to insure the preservation of their colours.
As such collections are, as a rule, made by persons who can gather their
specimens at the proper time, the collectors can afford to wait until the fronds
are in the best possible condition for cutting and pressing; and by so doing,
and using a little discretion in the matter of selection, they may ensure the
retention of the colours when dry.

Drying fronds for purely botanical purposes is an operation totally
different from that of drying a collection for the sake of retaining the beauty
and interest of the subjects, as specimens collected and preserved for com-
parison must possess all the characters which are essential to distinguish one
from the other. It is therefore indispensable that, large or small, they
should be of full size, on which account they frequently require to be doubled
up in the herbarium, without the least regard to specially tasteful arrangement ;
and provided that the spores are present, it matters little if the frond which
bears them has remained green, or if it has turned brown, or even black, as
colour, in the eye of a botanist, is of little value. Totally different, however,
is the work of the amateur collector who, in his leisure hours, treasures up
the most beautiful forms, and in most cases limits his work exclusively to
them, judiciously leaving out specimens possessed only of botanical interest.

As in other matters of greater or of less importance, there are certain
rules which, to ensure perfect success in drying Fern fronds, must be strictly
adhered to. These have been gradually worked out by specialists who,
through long and careful observations, have succeeded in improving upon

a
a,
ws

Adiantum novee-caledonice
G nat. size).

DRYING FERN FRONDS. 105

already-known methods; and it is to their labours that we are indebted for
much valuable information regarding this interesting operation. The first
and most important point consists in securing the fronds at the most
propitious time, and in a perfectly dry state. When quite matured, they
may be gathered at any time of the year, irrespective of seasons; but great
care should always be taken to secure them in such a state that neither
the least condensed moisture nor wet of any kind should be on them when
cut for pressing. The selection of a dry and warm place appropriate for
drying purposes is also a point of nearly as great importance as the one just
referred to, for it is essential that the drying should be done rapidly and
uninterruptedly ; and to secure something like even results, it is best to have
the fronds placed between two boards. As drying material, blotting-paper
is undoubtedly the best ; still, it is not indispensable, and there is no particular
need of employing it exclusively, for excellent results are also obtained by the
use of newspapers, or, indeed, of any paper which is not glazed, and which
accordingly will freely absorb the moisture which newly-cut fronds are sure
to produce in a greater or less quantity. It was in such material that, some
eighteen years ago, we dried, with the most complete success, coloured young
fronds of the delicately-tinted Adiantum rubellum, A. Vettchianum, and
A. macrophyllum ; also of Pieris quadriaurita tricolor, young and partially-
developed fronds of Davallia divaricata, and, above all, a magnificently-
tinged frond of Adiantum tenerum Farleyense, which had been grown close
to the hight, and which was of a lovely pinkish hue ; all these fronds have to
this day retained their colours so wonderfully well as to appear even now
quite fresh.

After they have been gathered, the fronds must not be allowed to shrivel
in the least, but must be dried immediately. From considerable experience,
we find the following plan to be the one which produces the most satisfactory
results: Let a frond, if of a large size, or several smaller ones, be put in
the paper in such a way as to avoid touching each other; then place
between each lot four or five sheets of paper. When several layers have been
thus disposed of, put them between two boards, and submit them gradually
to the gentle pressure of an ordinary press, or of a weight sufficient to
keep them from shifting, but not too heavy, as this, by bruisine them,

would cause a predisposition to discolour. When laying the fronds in
P

106 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

their permanent positions, care must be taken to put every pinna and
pinnule in its proper place, as the aspect acquired by the frond at that
particular period will be permanently maintained when dry. It is also most
important, for the purpose of identification, that, according to their size,
either one or several pinnules should, in preparing them for drying, be
turned upwards, so as to show the mode of fructification. This will be found
of very great importance when the specimens are required for reference, as
it will often save the risk of breaking them through manipulation, while it
will in no wise affect or spoil their appearance. For the same reason, when
dealing with species whose barren and fertile fronds are totally different, it is
also necessary to dry one of each, representing the entire development of the
plant ; if of large size, however, such as those of certain Tree Ferns, Marattias,
and Davallias, portions of these same organs varying in size, but sufficiently
important to show the distinctive characters, may effectually replace them.
In the case of Ferns with fronds having their under side covered with farinose
powder, such as Gymnogrammes, Nothochlenas, and Cheilanthes, it will be
found very useful to put between the pinnz additional strips of paper, which
will prevent them from sticking together, and which may be removed when
the subjects are dry.

Until the fronds are perfectly dry, the paper in which they-are laid should
be changed every two or three days, and the damp sheets be replaced by
others, either new, or previously dried, and well aired; this is of the utmost
importance. Care must also be taken to see that they occupy exactly the
same position after each successive shifting.

When the fronds are perfectly dry, but not until then, they should be
mounted on cardboard ; their points, as well as the extremities of their pinnae,
should be fastened by means of a little gum, which is unnoticed, and gives
the fronds a more natural appearance than can be obtained by any of the
other means generally in practice—such as narrow strips of paper, cotton,
&e., all of which contrivances destroy the natural effects of the fronds
thus operated upon. Each specimen should, moreover, be accompanied by
a label, on which should appear, not only the generic and specific names, but
also the synonyms, if any; the habitat or country of which the species is a
native, and the medium height of the plant—not in its wild state, but under
cultivation. All these details, being the work or the results of the owner’s

DRYING FERN FRONDS. 107

personal observation, may be considered as so much valuable and useful
information, upon which one can safely rely in cases of identification, besides
being to such a collection the very essence of interest and attraction.

It frequently happens that the fronds, which, when dry, are particularly
brittle, are injured by the constant friction to which they are exposed through
the various uses to which herbarium specimens are usually subjected. To
prevent such mishap, it will be found useful, after the specimens have been
fixed on the cardboard as above stated, to have them protected by a sheet
of tissue-paper of the same dimensions as the cardboard itself, on which it
should be fastened with a little gum on one side. A little camphor kept
in the box or drawer devoted to these dry specimens, acts as a preventive
against a very minute insect which frequently attacks dried fronds, doing
incalculable mischief by perforation. It is scarcely necessary to add, that
these specimens must occupy a thoroughly dry place, in which they will

remain in perfection for an indefinite length of time.

Cigteae (iene eh

FERTILISATION AND PROPAGATION.

HE relation towards each other of these two subjects 1s, ‘as
regards Ferns, of such importance that they can scarcely
be treated independently of one another. The mysteries of
the fecundation of these plants being but little known to the

majority of even practical growers, it becomes indispensable,
before describing the most natural mode of propagation—by spores—to
explain as clearly as possible the phenomena by which the rudiments of life
are produced. The generation of vegetable life in the case of Ferns is
essentially different from that of most other classes of plants, in which it
is simply the result of a fertilised flower, and in which everything connected
with the process of fertilisation can be observed with the naked eye. In
the case of plants that produce flowers, the ovaries, when they are either
naturally or artificially fertilised, swell, and in the course of time yield seeds ;
these, being placed under favourable conditions, possess the property of
giving birth to plants which, like the parent plants, are capable of
reproducing themselves in a direct manner by means of their flowers.

Fertilisation.

Filices, or, as they are popularly called, Ferns, which form the most
important division of Linneus’s twenty-fourth class, Cryptogamia, and which,

’ are called Acrogens, the

in the second class of Lindley’s “ Natural System ’
division being Filicales, are leafy plants, the leaflets or fronds being produced

FERTILISATION AND PROPAGATION. 109

from a rhizome which, according to the species, either creeps on the surface
of the ground, runs below it, or rises upwards into the air. Without
exception, these fronds unfold in a spiral manner and are traversed by veins.
It is from the under surface of these veins that the “sporangia,” which
contain the reproductive sporules—the equivalent for seeds in other plants—
are produced, They are dependent from the “sporangiferous receptacle,”
which is a thickened point or lengthened portion of the ultimate “ veinules.”’
This. receptacle, when formed on the apices of the veinules, is called
“terminal’’; it is termed ‘‘ medial’ when situated between their base and
their apex ; ‘‘axillary,’ when on the point of the forking ; “‘ compital,” when
disposed on points of confluence of two or more yeinules ; and ‘“ amorphous,”
when part of the disk of the frond is changed in texture, and closely occupied
by the sporangia. These sporangia, whose shape is either globose, pyriform,
or oval, are disposed on each receptacle in crowded masses, termed “ sori,”
which, in most genera, are each furnished with a membranous covering, called
an “‘indusium,” which rises from a receptacle, and is of various forms; or the
sori are naked, as in Polypodiwm—that is, without an indusium. The sori,
besides being of different forms and dimensions, occupy various positions, and,
according to these, are called “ marginal,” when situated close upon the margin
of the fronds or segments, as in Adiantum, Pieris, &e. ; ‘“intramarginal,”
when placed between the margin and the midrib, as in Dicksonia ; “ costal,”
when close to the midrib, as in Sadleria and Fadyenia; and “ transverse,”
when elongated, either oblong or linear, and making a continuous or broken
line forming an angle with the midrib, as in Blechnum, Lomaria, Wood-
wardia, &c. The indusium is a membrane produced from the receptacle of
each sorus, of a plane, cup-shaped, or vaulted nature, which, as it becomes
replicate, generally drops off. When the indusium is produced from the
centre of the receptacle, as in Aspidiwm, it is central, and usually orbicular,
with its margin depressed and free all round, or it is inflated. When it is
lateral, or produced on one side, its shape is either oblong, oval, or reniform,
and it is attached by a point or by the base of one side, as in Nephrodium ;
or it may be linear, when its whole length is fastened on the one side of an
elongated receptacle, as in Aspleniwm, the other side being quite free. When
calyciform, its base is attached all round, and it is entire and globose, as in

Diacalpe ; but after a time it opens with an entire or laciniated margin, forming

110 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

a cup, which contains the sporangia. In some cases, the whole of the sori of
each segment are inclosed in a collective indusium, which is formed by the
revolute margin of fertile contracted fronds, as in Pieris, while all the margin
or lobules of the frond in certain genera, as in Cheilanthes, are changed in
texture, forming an accessory indusium, with which the interior lateral
attached special indusium is more or less connivent. These differences in the
arrangement of the sori and the structure of the indusia are of the greatest
importance, as they form the distinctive characters on which the separation
of genera of Ferns from one another and their relative position towards
each other are based.

From what precedes it will be seen that the indusium is a membrane,
sometimes totally, sometimes partially, covering the sori, which are themselves
collections of sporangia; also that these sporangia—mostly pedicellate, very

rarely sessile, in some cases surrounded by an elastic, articulate ring, in other

cases perfectly ringless—are the contents of the sporangiferous receptacle, which
is the thickened point or lengthened portion of the ultimate venules. This is
most important to bear in mind, as it is from the contents of these sporangia,
fertilised in a most peculiar way, that Fern life is generated.

Ferns are flowerless plants which furnish us with ample means for a very
interesting study; for there are indeed few, if any, more striking subjects in
connection with the science of botany than their singular mode of reproduction.
As they do not bear any flowers, Ferns have no seeds proper; these are
replaced by spores, which, as we have endeavoured to explain above, are
disposed, according to the different genera, in several ways and on various
parts of the fronds. The spore, however, differs from the seed proper in not
being the product of fertilisation: it is an unfertilised body, by which, in
Cryptogams, the species is reproduced through a series of evolutions, and
from which, after several transformations, a young plant grows. Some spores
are produced sexually, and in that respect resemble the seeds of Phanerogams,
or flowering plants, from which, however, they essentially differ in never
inclosing an embryo or young plant as the seed does: these spores, im fact,
correspond with the embryo itself rather than with the entire seed. Besides
these sexual spores, some asexual ones, which may closely resemble them in
appearance, are produced by most Cryptogams through a process of budding
or cell-division ; but they are often very different, and it frequently happens

FERTILISATION AND PROPAGATION. 111

that, through its being subjected to different conditions as regards “food,”
temperature, &e., two or three varied forms of asexual spores are found on a
plant. Taken generally, the spores of Cryptogams, through the reproductive
phenomena which they present to the observation of the botanical student,
may rightly be considered as amongst the most wonderful subjects to which
his attention may be devoted. Their microscopical nature also affords the
greatest contrast between their diminutive size and the gigantic dimensions
attained by some of their produce.

Mr. Charles T. Druery, in his excellent work on “ Choice British Ferns,” *
has a remarkable chapter devoted to ‘‘The Wonders of the Spore,” which is
undoubtedly the result of an extensive series of personal and careful obser-
vations, and which, treating as it does at length on the minuteness, the
fertility, &c., of the subject, we cannot do better than quote here without
unnecessary comments. As illustrating the great contrast between the spore
and its results, Mr. Druery says: ‘Take, for instance, the largest of the Tree
Ferns: here we have nothing less than a noble, stately tree, possibly LOOft. in
height, with a huge, spreading crown and massive trunk in proportion, the
whole of which has been developed from a microscopic spore, invisible to the
naked eye. If we examine the fronds of that huge tree, we shall probably find
the backs entirely covered with small, brown patches, lines, or dots, of which
there will be countless myriads upon a single frond; yet, notwithstanding
their number, every patch, line, or dot will, under the microscope, resolve
itself into not merely a heap of spores, but into a heap of hundreds of capsules,
or pods, each of which in its turn, though itself barely visible, contains some
forty or fifty spores. Hence, there are many thousands of spores in every
patch, or myriads of millions on every frond, every individual of which
is capable of reproducing the parent form in all its luxuriant and stately
magnificence.

“To bring this illustration of fecundity home to the mind, we have
estimated the spores upon a single frond of our native common Polypody
(Polypodium vulgare), and found that one of the subdivisions of the same
size, taken from a Tree Fern, would yield plants sufficient to form a wood as
large as Epping Forest. Every frond would bear hundreds of such sub-

* “Choice British Ferns.” By Charles T, Druery, F.L.S. Illustrated. London: L. Upcott Gill,
170, Strand, W.C.

112 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

divisions, and the Tree Fern would probably bear thirty to forty fronds every
season. A little calculation, therefore, will show that really inconceivable
numbers have to be dealt with. Notwithstanding this marvellous fecundity
in point of numbers, it has been demonstrated that it does not end here, each
spore being capable of producing, under certain circumstances, not merely
one, but several plants, so that there is, practically, no limit to the repro-
ductive powers of the Fern family.

“Qn the other hand, this wonderful fertility as regards numbers would
appear to be very nearly counterbalanced, in a general way, by the minuteness
of the spores handicapping them severely in their first stages of development.
As an illustration of this, we recently gathered, in the winter, six dead,
shrivelled fronds from a plant of the Victoria Lady Fern (Athyrium [Asplenium |
Filize-femina Victorie), and which had, presumably, shed their spores; yet,
on placing these between paper, In a warm room, in a few days a heap of
remaining spores was shed, sufficient to fill a teaspoon. Our first impression
naturally was that this heap consisted merely of the empty capsules, but, to
our surprise, the microscope revealed spores in abundance—in such abundance,
indeed, that, by careful subdivision, we were enabled to make a fair estimate,
and found that there were at least e:ghty millions, 1 number which, enormous
as it is, was, beyond a doubt, far exceeded by that of the spores which had
been shed broadcast in the Fernery where the plant was growing. Yet, though
the plant has occupied its position for five years, and there are a thousand
chinks and crevices around it, which should give the spores a fair opportunity
of development, it is a remarkable fact that not a single chance-sown plant
has made its appearance amongst the innumerable seedlings of other Ferns which
spring up in profusion under identical circumstances. Again, this Fern,
which, from its unique and unmistakable form, is fitted admirably for our
illustration, was found wild as long ago as 1861, shortly after which, being,
as we have demonstrated, a remarkably fertile plant, it was propagated from
its spores, and distributed all over the country, so that, at the present date,
plants as fertile as the parent exist in every collection, even the most humble.
This being so, we would naturally expect that escaped spores from some of
these cultivated plants would have yielded apparently wild ones; yet, in the
course of twenty-seven years, not a single new find of that form has been

recorded.

FERTILISATION AND PROPAGATION. 113

“Our readers would naturally jump to the conclusion, from the foregoing
remarks, that the Victoria Lady Fern is especially difficult to raise from its
spores artificially, instead of which, if the spores be sown with ordinary care,
and protected from disturbance, they germinate freely, and produce abundance
of plants, all of the parental type. It is manifest from this that, in some
subtle way, the spores of this Fern are more heavily handicapped, under
natural conditions, in their early stages of development, than other abnormal
forms of the Lady Fern, which become veritable weeds under precisely the
same conditions of growth.”

Mr. Druery’s rational remarks, and the unsatisfactory results to which
he alludes with regard to some Ferns not readily reproducing themselves in
a natural way from spores, all of which we fully endorse (having had many
opportunities of noticing the same), lead us to the explanation of the phenomena
peculiar to the first growth from the spore, which is itself an organ not
formed by sexual reproduction, but by vegetative growth only. This first
erowth is called the “ prothallus” (from the Greek words pro, instead of,
and thallos, a branch; in allusion to the structure thus named taking the
place of a stem). The name is given to a body which is developed from a
spore, not only of a Fern, but also of Horse-tail, Club-moss, or Pillwort.
According to which of these four groups it belongs to, the prothallus varies
much in its form and in its degree of development; but it is in all cases
entirely cellular throughout its existence, and on it are found the organs for
sexual reproduction. The prothallus, which is produced by simple generation
of cells, and has all the appearance of a common Liverwort, is in most plants
belonging to the other groups provided only with either male or female
organs. In Ferns, it bears the organs of both sexes, which are developed
on its under surface, and are akin to sexual organs in flowers, and undoubtedly
analogous to the more conspicuous sexes in flowering plants.

This will explain the distinct alternation of generations peculiar in the
reproduction of prothallus-producing plants, notably in Ferns. The spore
produces, as its first growth, the prothallus, which may be described as a
flattened, green, expanded body, growing particularly in damp places, and
having a predilection for damp bricks. Except in the middle, where it
reaches the thickness of several layers, it is thin, consisting only of a single
layer of cells, containing an abundant supply of “ chlorophyll” bodies, which

Q

114 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

give it its colour. The prothallus varies in shape and in size according to
the genera, and also according to its age: in the majority of cases it is, when
only partly developed, much longer than broad (see Fig. 1); but it rapidly
extends in breadth until, when full grown, it generally resembles in outline
the conventional figure of a heart, having one end narrowed and a notch in
the broader margin (see Fig. 2), and seldom exceeds jin. in breadth. Its
lower surface then becomes partly covered with tiny root-hairs, each made
up of a row of cells. It is also on its lower surface, and along the edges,
that the “ antheridia,” or male organs, are disposed.

The ‘“antheridia,” which are usually numerous, and exist in the form
of small, cellular protuberances composed of three comparatively large cells,
originate as outgrowths of cells of the epidermis; each outgrowth is cut off,

y
iw

Fig. 2, Lower Surface of Mature

Fig, 1. Young Prothallus

Prothallus
Qnuch magnified).
p, Prothallus; rh, Root-hairs of core ned Fig. 3, Antherozoid
Prothallus ; s, Spore. a, Archegonia; rh, Root-hairs. (much magnified).

as a new cell, by a cell-wall. In some prothalli, the contents of the cell thus
formed, and containing a tissue of mucilaginous nature, break up into a
number of small, rounded cells, called “parent cells,” in each of which is
formed an ‘“‘antherozoid” (see Fig. 3), slender, but coiled spirally in two
or three turns, and provided with a tuft of fine hairs or cilia at one end.
These antherozoids (from antheros, belonging to a flower, and zoon, life),
which somewhat resemble microscopic tadpoles, and swim actively in the
moisture surrounding them, are the analogues of the pollen-grains in flowering
plants, while the pollen-cases are represented, in Cryptogams, by the antheridia.
There is no doubt that, however different in other details, the physiological
action of the antherozoid is similar to that of the pollen-grain, as the only
function of this organ is fecundation ; this is effected by means of a more or
less rapid motion, to which it is subjected by the action of a number of

FERTILISATION AND PROPAGATION. 115

delicate and irritable hairs, situated at one of the extremities of a flattened
thread, helicoid in form, which always accompanies this club-shaped vesicle.
In most prothalli, however, a process of cell-division goes on in the young
antheridium, whereby it is finally made up of a layer of cells surrounding a
central cell (see Fig. 4), and, in this central cell, the parent cells are
developed, and produce antherozoids. The outer coat, formed by the layer
of cells, has to aid in expelling the antherozoids when ripe, and the cells do
this by absorbing water rapidly, swelling, and compressing the contents of the
central cell till its apex, which is not covered by the layer, is burst (see
Fig. 5), the “parent cells” are expelled, and, soon rupturing, set free the

Fig. 4. Young Antheridium Fig, 8, Ripe Antheridium Fig, 6. Immature Archegonium
Quuch magnified). (much magnified), Qnuch magnified).
c, Central Cell, filled with Parent Cells From which Antherozoids have been ¢e, Canal, still Closed above, and Filled
of Antherozoids ; e, e, Epidermis of shed by Opening at 0.—c, Empty by the Canal-cell; e, e, Epidermis ;
Prothallus. Central Cell; e, e, Epidermis. n, Neck-cells ; 0, Oosphere.

antherozoids, which have the faculty of moving rapidly in water, or in a drop
of dew or rain.

The “archegonia” (see Fig. 6) are the female organs, in each of which
lies the ‘‘oosphere”’; the latter, fertilised by the ‘“ antherozoa,” becomes the
‘“‘oospore.”’ This oospore develops into the Fern-plant bearing the well-known
fronds, on the back of which are visible the groups (sori) of minute, brown
spore-cases (sporangia), in which le numerous spores, like the one with which
the cycle began. It will thus be seen that the prothallus and the leafy Fern-
plant are two generations in the course of a single cycle. The archegonia,
which are developed rather later than the antheridia, are situated in the
middle of the lower surface of the prothallus, behind the notch already
mentioned (see Fig. 2), and in the vicinity of the antheridia. ach of the
archegonia, which are by no means so plentiful as the male organs— most

116 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

frequently not more than two being produced on one prothallus, and then
only one of them appearing fertile—originates, like the antheridia, from a
cell of the epidermis, from which it grows out in a hemispherical form.
These female organs are larger and more compact structures than the
antheridia ; their constitution is also totally different, for they are built with
four tiers of cells and in a sort of columnal form. Their development is
effected in this wise: A cell-wall forms, and cuts it off from the cell of the
epidermis. It increases in size, and becomes further divided into three layers;
and these are again sub-divided by cell-walls. The result is that a structure
is formed somewhat in the form of a column, or, better still, of a flask with
a long, narrow neck. The hollow of the flask, or large cavity at the base, is
occupied by a large cell, the oosphere
(see Fig. 7), rich in protoplasm, termi-
nating, when mature, in a kind of style
open at the top, and communicating with
the cavity below by means of a central
canal. The cavity or sac at the base
further contains a globose uticle, whose

functions are considered analogous to the

embryonic sac in the ovules of flowering

Fig, 7, Longitudinal Section of Mature
Archegonium of Fern

(much magnified). is regarded as the object to be fecundated,

plants ; it surrounds the oosphere, which

c, Opening of Canal down Neck; ¢, ¢, Epidermis of or as the germ that, after impregnation,
eSoe i ae ee ae will set up a growth which ultimately
assumes the form of the parent plant.
From very careful observations it is now beyond doubt that the
fecundation of the oosphere is effected as follows: The tube of the neck of
the archegonium is at first filled with a narrow cell, the canal-cell, the cell-
wall of which becomes mucilaginous, swells, and is expelled from the outer
opening of the tube, leaving a passage for the antherozoid down the tube, or
central canal, to the oosphere, when the latter is ripe to be acted on by it
(see Fig. 7). The antherozoids are caught in the mucilage while moving over
the prothallus ; they wriggle down the tube, reach the oosphere, and fertilise
it. The oosphere very soon begins to grow, and the final result is the
development of the oospore into the leafy plant or Fern. It may be

FERTILISATION AND PROPAGATION. 117

mentioned that the oospore, at a very early period, divides into eight cells,
in two layers. Of these cells, four lie next the base, and four next the front,
of the prothallus. Of the latter, the two farthest from the neck of the
archegonium give origin to the first leaf or frond; one, near the neck, to
the growing point of the stem; and the fourth to hairs. Of the other four
cells, one, opposite to the stem, develops into the root, one ultimately
disappears, and the other two form the “foot” of a structure that remains
sunk in the archegonium, which has grown so as still to surround the foot
(see Figs. 8 and 9). By means of this organ the young plant absorbs
nourishment from the prothallus, which, for a time increases in size, but is

Fig. 8. Diagrammatic Sketch of Connection of
Young Fern with Prothallus,

Fig. 9. Young Fern growing from Prothallus

f, Foot of young Fern imbedded in Hollow of enlarged

Archegonium (a); fr, Very young Frond of Fern;

p, Prothallus; 7, Root of Fern; rh, Root-hairs of Jr, Young Frond of Fern ; p, Lower Surface of Prothallus ;
Prothallus. 7, Root of Fern; rh, Root-hairs of Prothallus.

(slightly enlarged),

gradually exhausted and withers away, and afterwards the young Fern is able
to nourish itself by its own roots. and leaves.

Such are the complicated but exceedingly interesting phenomena resulting
in the fertilisation of the spore and in the reproduction of Ferns in general,
and for the clear exposition of which we are much indebted to Mr. George
Nicholson’s ‘ Dictionary of Gardening.’”’*

Propagation.

There are several ways by which Ferns can be, and are usually, repro-
duced: by spores, by the division of the crowns, by the sectioning of the
rhizomes, by the rooting of the proliferous growths found on the surface of

* «The Illustrated Dictionary of Gardening.’ Hdited by George Nicholson, A.L.S. London:
L. Upeott Gill, 170, Strand, W.C.

118 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

the fronds of certain species, or by the development of the latent eyes found
at the base of some of the others, &e., all of which we intend bringing
into notice later on.

As with regard to flowering plants propagation is effected by means of
seeds, the most natural, as also the quickest, way of reproduction in Ferns is by
means of their spores. It is most important that these should be gathered at
the proper time—that is to say, when the sori begin to turn brown ; the spore-
bearing fronds should then be cut, and be allowed to dry for two or three days
in paper bags, after which time the spores should be sown as soon as possible.
To attain a satisfactory result, it is necessary that the spore-bearing fronds of
the required species should be frequently examined, for, notwithstanding the
accuracy of the instance of the Victoria Lady Fern given by Mr. Druery, in
which case spores in enormous quantities had been found in completely
withered fronds, it must be borne in mind that many species shed their spores
entirely, and that to wait until the reproductive organs have assumed a uniform
brown appearance is to ensure the gathering of perfectly empty capsules.
This is particularly the case with regard to Osmunda, Todea, and a few
other genera, the spores of which are all scattered to the winds by the time
that the sori are discoloured. Hence the majority of failures experienced by
persons who frequently complain that “although the spores sown were of a
beautiful brown colour, and great attention was paid to them, the results are
anything but satisfactory.”

Having secured spores in good condition, the next points of importance
are when and how to sow them. Although Ferns may be sown at any time
of the year, the early spring (March and April) is the most favourable time
for sowing most species, as, if properly treated, seedlings, or at least the greatest
part of them, raised then have sufficient time to form crowns strong enough
to stand the following winter. When sown later, although the spores come
up equally well, there is the risk of the young plants produced being destroyed
during the winter months, especially if there should happen to be heavy fogs,
which invariably have a most disastrous effect upon them. It may be safely
stated that, generally speaking, the sooner spores are sown after gathering,
the more readily they germinate; but those which naturally ripen during the
autumn or winter months, if collected and kept in paper, in a dry but not
warm place, may safely be preserved until the spring, when it will be found

FERTILISATION AND PROPAGATION. 119

that their germination has not been materially affected by the delay to which
they have been subjected. As a proof of this assertion, we can offer not only
our own successful case of uniform spring sowing, but also the many instances
in which nurserymen and botanical gardeners have had to introduce new Ferns
from spores received through the medium of their collectors: in such cases,
after travelling for several months, the spores cannot possibly be sown soon
after having been gathered. An idea of the vitality with which Fern spores
are endowed may be gathered from the fact that from spores of Pteris
quadriaurita tricolor seven years old, sown in 1876, a splendid crop of young
plants were raised, and in the course of one season perfectly healthy and
robust specimens were produced.

Many ingenious ways of sowing Fern spores have been advocated by
persons more or less practical, some even going so far as to recommend their
being sown on prepared flannel; but, provided the materials used be of pure
quality, we have learnt from experience that the simpler the operation the
better, and that the use of either a piece of turfy loam, or in some cases a
piece of fibrous peat, or, again, a mixture of both, perfectly free from fungus
(brought about by decomposition of organic matter or of insects) is all that is
required. To make sure that the materials used are perfectly free from all
impurity and from living organisms, it is well to submit them to the process
of baking in order to kill any germs of moss or other unwelcome growth
which they may contain, and which may smother the young Ferns as they
come up, and also to kill any slugs, worms, or insect larve which may
be present. Another excellent way of getting rid of vegetable or animal
life in the material used for sowing, especially when it is a mixture of the
nature of ordinary Fern compost, consists in gently pouring the contents
of a kettleful of boiling water over it, and allowing it to cool. In either case,
when the soil thus treated has been allowed to cool and drain, it is ready
for use, as egos or larve of insects, spores of Fungi, &c., are all destroyed,
and there is nothing left in the soil to interfere with the growth of the
young Ferns.

When the sowing takes place on turfs of either peat or loam, these should
be put in boiling water, and allowed to remain in it long enough to become
perfectly saturated, after which they should be placed in an upright position,
to allow all superfluous moisture to drain off. They are then ready to receive

120 tit BOOK OF (CHOTCE. “FERNS:

the spores, which should be scattered over them without any covering ;
being put under a bell-glass, they should remain there until the growth is
sufficiently developed for pricking off, which is the next operation, and which
will be described presently.

In case fibry loam is not procurable, it is best to sow in porous, shallow
pans, or in pots which have been partly filled with crocks covered with a
layer of either fibrous peat or sphagnum moss, the rest of the pan or pot
being filled to within half an inch of the rim with a mixture of peat, loam,
silver-sand, and soft brick broken very small; the surface may be rendered
even by pressing it firmly with the bottom of another pot. This compost
possesses a great advantage over all others, as it has been conclusively
proved by many experiments undertaken by us, with a view to ascertaining
to what extent the nature of the material employed has influence upon the
germination of the spores, that while those of most species germinate on any
material of a naturally moist nature, there are certain kinds which germinate
only on either peat, crocks, or loam. When, therefore, it is not known
positively which of these materials is the most suitable, the mixture above
recommended gives the spores a fair chance of falling on the material for
which they have a predilection; and we have frequently noticed that
in pots thus filled the seedlings have been found most numerous on either
peat or loam without any detriment to the young plants thus produced.
The soil should be watered with boiling water, and allowed to drain; for
watering after the sowing, even with cold water, may result in the total
destruction of the spores. On account of their extreme minuteness, the
spores should be simply dropped on the surface of the soil, and afterwards
covered with a flat piece of glass. For the same reason, it is also
necessary, while sowing, to hold the paper which contains them very close
to the surface of the pots, as, being of so exceedingly light a nature, they
are very liable to fly in all directions except in the one which they are
desired to take.

The watering of the pots or pans in which Fern spores are sown is an
operation of the utmost importance, and one which at all times requires great
tact, as it has been demonstrated, when dealing with Fertilisation, that it is
at a certain given time and through the agency of moisture, that the anthero-
zoids fulfil their function, resulting in the fecundation of the spore. Until

FERTILISATION AND PROPAGATION. 121

the seedlings have formed a little crown, watering should always be done by
partial immersion—that is, by allowing the lower part of the pots to stand in
water till sufficient moisture has been absorbed—but the pots should not in
any case remain altogether in water. To that effect, they should be stood in
saucers, and disposed in places varying in temperature according to the nature
of the species sown.

Beginning with British and other hardy kinds, we find that, although
they germinate more rapidly, and also take less time in producing young
characterised plants, when sown in heat, it is not at all necessary to have any
artificially-heated place in which to sow and grow them. Im their case, the
pots or pans may be placed in some damp, shady, but not dark corner, out
of the way—under the stage of a greenhouse, if such a place be available, is
a good situation for them; and it is necessary to stand them on a piece of
slate, or by other means to prevent the worms from getting in from below.
There, without further attention, they should remain, until the surface of the
pots or pans becomes covered with a growth of Lichen or Liverwort appearance ;
from this the young plants ultimately develop, according to the different
species, in a space of time usually varying from three to six months from
the time of sowing. A certain state of apparent dormancy, lasting sometimes
several weeks, may be observed between the production of the scaly growth,
and the sudden appearance, here and there, and eventually in a crowd, of the
fronds proper, and it is during that period that the reproductive functions
previously described take place; it is also principally during that time that,
to encourage fertilisation, a uniform rate of moisture is of the greatest
consequence.

When Fern spores germinate freely, and form a dense mass of prothalli,
it 1s necessary, or even indispensable, that they should be several times divided
—a, delicate operation known as “ pricking off,” the effect of which is to give
them room to develop themselves; for, if allowed to crowd and overgrow
each other in the seed-pan, they are very hable to damp off. The “ pricking
off” consists in taking small tufts of prothalli, and putting them in pots
filled with a material similar to the one in which they have been sown; but
ereat care must be taken that no bruises result from that operation, and, on
that account, small patches should be taken on a stick having the least notch
cut in the end, and they should be merely deposited, not pressed, into the

R

122 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

new soil, and about lin. apart in all directions. After they have been
pricked off, Fern seedlings should, for a few days, be treated very much
as they were previously; they should still be watered by partial immersion,
and no water should be applied overhead until the young plants have
produced fronds. They should be gradually inured to the air by tilting on
one side the glass cover, which may in a short time be removed altogether.
Until then, it is best to keep the pots or pans at all times well shaded
during sunshine, but not during dull weather. This is most effectually done
by means of pieces of paper, which may be laid on the outside of the frame,
and removed when not required. But when fronds have made their appearance,
the seedlings will not require any other shading than that to which the house
is usually subjected.

When the seedlings, provided with three or four rudimentary fronds, are
sufficiently strong, they must be potted, at first three in a pot, then separately
in small pots. On account of their tenderness it will be found necessary to
place them in a somewhat close atmosphere, well shaded and carefully watered,
where they should be kept until perfectly established, and where the air must
be admitted gradually.

The foregoing details, though applying particularly to British and other
hardy Ferns, form a mode of treatment which is equally applicable to the
propagation of greenhouse and stove kinds, exception being made simply as
regards the temperature to which they should be subjected, as they will fare
all the better if sown in a close case in which a temperature of from 70deg.
to 75dee. can be evenly maintained. Although Fern seedlings, when under
suitable conditions, grow quickly during the spring and summer, it is impos-
sible to state how long they will take to form little plants. Seedlings of such
genera as Adiantum, Pieris, Gymnogramme, Nephrodium, &c., soon make little
subjects requiring to be potted singly; whereas those of others, especially
Gleichenia and Marattia, are of so very slow growth that we have known
seedlings of the former to show their first fronds only the third year after
the sowing took place.

There is another, and, to our mind, a most important, reason why Ferns,
whenever practicable, should be propagated from spores: the interest attached
to their being reproduced in that way is greatly increased by the chance
thus afforded of finding something new, which cannot be obtained if the

FERTILISATION AND PROPAGATION. 123

plants are propagated in any other way. Take, for instance, the brilliantly-
coloured Adiantum rhodophyllum, which emerged from a batch of seedlings of
A, Victorie, itself a freak of nature or a natural hybrid, found amongst a
quantity of A. Ghiesbreghti (scutwm) seedlings; or the equally graceful
A. Collisii, a gigantic-growing kind in the way of A. tenerwm, but with
fronds finely divided, almost like those of A. gracillimum, a form selected from
among a lot of seedlings of the common A. cuneatwm. Many other forms of
Maidenhairs, such as the crested A. cuneatum grandiceps and A. e. Luddemann-
janum, the drooping A. Bauser and A. cuneatum deflecum, the singular
A. Capillus-Veneris fisswm and A. cuneatum Pacottii, and a host of others,
might also be mentioned here. Variations from seedlings, however, are not
limited to that genus, for we have in Nephrolepis Bausec a most beautiful
Fern, said to have originated amongst a batch of seedlings of VV. pluma, from
which it is totally different, and on which it may be considered a very decided
improvement, being, in fact, a delicately plumose form. In Davallias we have
at least two good home-produced forms—namely, D. elegans polydactyla and
D. Mariesii cristata. By repeatedly sowing the delicate Gymnogramme
schizophylla, the vigorous form known as G. s. gloriosa was obtained. Forms
of our own native Ferns, too, raised from spores, are so numerous as to almost
defy description. Again, we have endless varieties of Pterias—crested forms of
P. serrulata and P. cretica of dwarf habit, such as P. serrulata cristata
compacta, P. s. ¢. Diwoni, &e., as well as gigantic-growing varieties such as
P. s. cristata major and P. Ouvrardi, the fronds of which frequently attain
4ft. in length. There is also the beautiful P. cretica nobilis, a lovely form
of erect habit; but the most striking of all the known forms of Péeris is
undoubtedly P. tremula grandiceps, a finely-crested seedling of P. tremula, in
which not only are the bold and massive fronds terminated by a large and
regularly-produced tassel, but every pinna has its extremities ornamented by
a conspicuous and very pretty crest of smaller dimensions than the terminal
one. Its habit is equal, and somewhat similar, to that of the popular species ;
its vigour is all that can be desired; and, as it reproduces itself in true
characters, it will prove a striking illustration of what may be raised in the
way of Ferns from spores, especially as P. tremula is apparently the least
sportive species in the whole genus, and one which, until now, had not

produced a single variation of any importance.

124 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

The above remarks naturally bring us to a subject which for some con-
siderable time has given rise to much controversy, but which, owing to the
better knowledge of the reproductive organs, and of their functions as bearing
on the fecundation of the spore, is now admittedly beyond dispute. We refer
to “Hybridisation.” On account of the minute nature of the phenomena
observable in fertilisation in Ferns, systematic hybridisation as in plants
provided with flowers, and consequently with visible organs, may be at once
discarded as impracticable. But the fact remains that the sowing of spores
of several varieties together often results in offspring of mixed character-
istics, proving that crossing really takes place. In several of the cases of
the above-named garden hybrids, for instance, none of which are known for
certain to be the result of forethought, a connection between the two parents
is clearly shown; and this is still better exemplified in some of the results
of intentional crosses produced by several of our British Fern growers. It is
particularly the case with plants raised by Mr. Lowe, Mr. Clapham, Colonel
Jones, and others, who have made this highly interesting operation a subject
for special study, to which their untiring attentions have been devoted, with
the results that Ferns are now produced, as examples of success in fertilisation,
being crosses that possess characters combining those of specially fine varieties
of which they are offspring. Among the most striking instances illustrative
of satisfactory results in intentional crossing, that mentioned in Mr. Druery’s
book on “Choice British Ferns” (p. 44) as being Mr. Clapham’s greatest
success, and the result of a cross between a beautifully-crested Polypody
(Polypodium vulgare bifido-cristatum) and a very finely-divided one (P. elegan-
tissimum), is particularly remarkable and conclusive. In this case, the result
is the transference not only of the characteristic cresting of the former to
the latter, but also of its peculiarities to the otherwise normal fronds, which
the latter is in the habit of producing occasionally—a feature which, of course,
places the cross beyond a doubt.

It does not, however, follow that operations of this kind are always
successful, and failure at a first experiment must not prevent another attempt.
With a view to ascertaining the practicability of this mode of producing
new forms, we personally undertook the sowing, on a very large scale, of
spores of all the known species and varieties of Osmunda, considering
that on account of the very distinct forms which it contains, that genus was

FERTILISATION AND PROPAGATION. 125

the most appropriate for making such an experiment. There were sown
together the crested form of our common Royal Fern (Osmunda_ regalis
cristata) with the North American O. connamomea, as also with O. Claytoniana
(interrupta). These, again, were sown together with QO. javanica, different
from all other known Osmundas through its evergreen nature and the
coriaceous texture of its pinnate fronds ; with the slender North American form
of O. regalis, called gracilis or spectabilis ; and with the crested Japanese form
of O. regalis, called japonica corymbifera. These, we thought, might have
produced, even if only a small percentage, offspring partaking to a greater or
lesser degree of the character of both parents; but, to our great disappoint-
ment, although several thousands of young plants were raised from these
sowings, they simply reproduced one or the other of the parents, and not the
slightest trace of variation was observable amongst them. The same thing
happened in the cases of other genera, though, on account of the proceedings
being less carefully booked, the trials were not of such importance as the one
referred to above.

It is difficult, if not even impossible, to trace the parentage of such crested
forms of Maidenhairs as Adiantum cuneatum grandiceps and A. ce. Luddemann-
zanum, or the deeply-laciniated A, Capillus-Veneris jissum, or, again, the drooping
A, Bauser and A. cuneatum deflecum ; for there were existent no parents already
possessing either crested, laciniated, or drooping characters, which could be trans-
mitted to the offspring through fertilisation. The same remarks apply equally to
the Davallias, two crested forms of which were raised about the same time as the
above-named Maidenhairs, viz., D. elegans polydactyla and D. Mariesit cristata,
one of which, at any rate, if not both, must have originated from parents
with plain foliage. These, we should say, are natural sports or accidental
variations in seedlings, which may possibly later on produce numerous varieties
more or less crested, as is now the case with the almost endless forms of
Pteris serrulata. It may be taken as a general rule that when the original
form has once varied, it has a greater tendency to vary again. In that respect
we have, as conclusive examples, the numerous forms of the Lady Fern, the
Male Fern, the Hartstongue, &¢., in which the tendency to variation is so
developed that many distinct forms are generally found in any large batch of
seedlings, while a small portion only reproduce the variety from which the
spores have been gathered.

126 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

As illustrative of the above statements, it has been thought advisable to
publish here as complete a list of garden hybrids, or supposed hybrids,
already in existence, as could be made: the number goes on steadily
increasing every year. Had it been possible, we would have given the names
of the parents ; but, although some forms apparently partake of the distinctive
characters of two decided species already in cultivation, the production or
procreation of the greatest number of them is too problematic, and _ their
parentage, as at present known, is too uncertain, to warrant the advisability
of such an undertaking.

Besides endless garden and naturally-produced abnormal forms of
Aspidium (Polystichum) aculeatum angulare, Asplenium (Athyrium) FPilia-
femina, Nephrodium (Lastrea) Lilia-mas, Polypodium, Scolopendrium, and
other hardy British Ferns, the following are all the varieties of garden origin
at present known. The plants marked with an asterisk (*) require stove
temperature: all the others thrive .admirably under cool treatment. For
stove and greenhouse temperatures, see page 27.

Adiantum assimile cristatum. Adiantum cuneatum Owenii.
Bausei.* c. Pacottu.
Birkenheadii. c. strictum.
Burnii. ce. Waltonil.
Capillus-Veneris cornubiense. Dadsii.
C.-V. daphnites. excisum multifidum (Leyii).
C.-V. digitatum. e. nanum.
C.-V. fissum. Flemingi.*
C.-V. grande. Ghiesbreghtii (scutum).*
C.-V. imbricatum. eracillimum.
C.-V. Maraisil. Lathomii.*
C.-V. obliquum. regine.*
Collisii.* rhodophyllum.*
cuneatum Bournei. schizophyllum.*
c. deflexum. versaillense.
c. dissectum. Victorie.*
c. elegans. Weigandi.*
c. grandiceps. Davallia elegans polydactyla.*
ce. gratum. Mariesii cristata.
c. Lawsonianum. Dicksonia Lathami.
c. Legrandii. Doodia aspera monstrosa.
c. Luddemannianum. Gymnogramme calomelanos chrysophylla
c. mundulum. Alstonii.*

FERTILISATION AND PROPAGATION. 127

Gymnogramme calomelanos chryso- Pteris cretica nobilis.
phylla grandiceps.* Ouvrardi.

ce. ¢. Laucheana.* serrulata cristata.
ce. c. L. gigantea.* s. c. Applebyana.
c. c. Massonii.* s. c, compacta.
c. c. Parsonsii.* s. ¢. Dixonii.
c. decomposita.* s. c. lacerata,
Pearce robusta.* S. ¢. major.
pulchella Wettenhalliana.* s. c. polydactyla.
schizophylla gloriosa.* s. Leyii.

Lomaria gibba Bellu. tremula flaccida.
ge. platyptera. t. foliosa.

Nephrodium molle corymbiferum., t. grandiceps.
patens cristatum. Todea grandipinnula.
setigerum (tenericaule) cristatum. intermedia.

Nephrolepis Bausei. plumosa.
cordifolia compacta. Woodwardia radicans Burgesiana,

Pteris cretica Mayu. r. cristata.

Propagation by spores is not always the quickest means employed for the
reproduction of certain species. Filmy Ferns, for instance, are exceedingly
slow in producing their first fronds, and Hymenophyllum demissum nitens and _
H. pulcherrimum have been known to remain five years in the prothallus state ;
from a small batch of spores of the Killarney Fern (Trichomanes radicans), sown
in 1877, the results, in 1885, were only small plants, which, however, have grown
rapidly since that date, their rhizomes starting and extending in all directions.
Trichomanes and Hymenophyllums, therefore, must not be included amongst
Ferns which are best propagated by spores: on the contrary, they increase
more rapidly by means of division. Todeas, however, which belong to the
same class, can only be propagated by spores. The stock of these lovely
plants was only kept up by frequent importations until a comparatively recent
date, when seedlings were freely raised by some of our leading nurserymen ;
but even in this instance the seedlings required several years of careful and
constant nursing. Several striking varieties have also been produced among
these ; notably Todea plumosa and 7. grandipinnula, both of which originated
in Messrs. James Veitch and Sons’ establishment. In their cases, as in those
of many other garden hybrids, it is difficult indeed to trace the parentage, for
these two varieties, as also some half-a-dozen less distinct in character, appeared
amongst a batch of seedlings of 7. superba. The most extraordinary fact in

128 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

connection with these productions is the case of 7. grandipinnula, which,
though a Todea through the disposition of its spores and by the nature of
its crown, has fronds greatly resembling those of a much-enlarged Trichomanes
radicans. Another strange circumstance in connection with that extremely
beautiful and most translucid of all known Todeas is that, soon after young
plants of it had been sent out and distributed in Europe, several short, but
evidently old, stems of a species in all respects similar to it were imported from
Australia, under the name of 7. Moore’. It is really impossible to account for
such a freak of nature, the more so when we consider that, instead of a single
subject being produced at the outset, a sufficient quantity of seedlings of
LI. grandipinnula were found at once to enable the raisers to put it in commerce.

If any further reasons in support of the practice of propagating Ferns
from spores were required, no more conclusive proof of its excellence could be
found than the fact that all our market growers raise them in that way.
Their mode of procedure, however, is of the simplest description, and differs
essentially from the one recommended above. This comes from the fact that
the market grower’s aim is not the formation of a collection, but simply the
cultivation of showy sorts of rapid growth. He accordingly limits his culture
to a few genera, such as Adiantum, Pieris, Nephrodium, Aspidium, and Poly-
podium, and even of these he only grows the most vigorous ; but this he does
to perfection, and in an incredibly short time. His modus operandi is as
follows: The spores of the different species, when ripe, are collected and sown
broadcast on the surface of pots containing plants of slower growth, such as
Palms, which, not often requiring fresh potting, gives the spores a fair chance
of germinating and even of producing young plants. The latter are “ pricked
off” either in boxes or in pans; thence, when they have made five or six
fronds, they are taken and potted at once into 24in. pots. In these pots, |
hundreds of thousands of Ferns are disposed of annually for the ornamentation
of the dinner-table or of dwelling-rooms; for such purposes more Ferns
are grown in this country than any other kind of plants, and all of them are
raised from spores. This mode of reproduction is also frequently resorted to
for covering naturally damp, bare stone or brick walls, on which the spores
of certain species germinate promptly, and the plants grow apace for a lone
time without any other nourishment than moisture, and what little vegetable

mould is naturally produced by the decaying of their lower fronds.

FERTILISATION AND PROPAGATION. 129

Propagating Ferns from spores is an exceedingly delicate operation, and
one which, in its results, is sometimes discouraging, especially to the beginner
who does not know, or does not fully realise, the advisability of keeping the
spores very select, and apart from each other. It frequently happens that,
instead of seedling Ferns appearing “as per note-book,” other species
take their places altogether. We have even known such instances to occur
with spores collected from fronds kept separated from all others, when,
notwithstanding this precaution, young plants which eventually were found
to belong to other genera were present in such quantities as to greatly
endanger the existence of those that were expected, which, however, appeared
later on. The cause of such mishap is not far to seek: the spores being
of so light a nature that they are carried away by the least breeze of
wind, some, belonging to species particularly prolific, are naturally always
in suspense in the air and in the water in the tanks, and many of them settle
upon the fronds of all other kinds indiscriminately. These being, as a rule,
spores of the commonest and most vigorous kinds, they germinate and develop
much more rapidly than the others, which, in all probability, they would
overgrow. The only way to avoid the consequences of this mishap is to
gradually weed out, when quite young, those kinds which threaten to choke the
sorts especially desired, and which, if the spores were good when sown, are
invariably found under the spurious growth.

Besides the most natural way of propagating Ferns—from spores—it 1s
sometimes found advisable, and in some cases is even necessary, to resort to
one or other of the following methods of reproduction: (1) Division of the
crowns; (2) “sectioning” of the rhizomes; (3) the rooting of proliferous
or viviparous growths; and (4) the stimulation into growth of tubers found
at the roots, or of latent buds situated at the base of the fronds, either on the
stalk itself, or on the scales with which certain kinds are provided.

All Ferns which naturally form several crowns (and under careful culture
and genial conditions there are many, especially among the British kinds,
which partake of that character) may be propagated by division of these
adventitious crowns, which are produced, sometimes from buds situated at the
base of the stalks, and at other times by a process of fission in the crowns
themselves. This mode of propagation is particularly applicable, amongst our

native kinds, to the numerous and beautiful deciduous forms of the Lady
8

130 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

Fern, Asplenium (Athyrium) Pilix-femina, and to those of the common
Hartstongue, Scolopendrium vulgare, in which the duplication of the crowns
takes place much more readily than in other generas. It is undoubtedly the
safest mode of increasing most of the crested, tasselled, cruciated, congested,
or depauperated forms of these species, the faithful reproduction from spores
of the endless, and in some cases confusing, varieties being, at least, doubtful.

When Ferns are to be propagated by the division of the crown, it is
necessary to allow sufficient time for its full development into two or more
distinct centres of growth, when it will be found that each of these is
provided with its own set of roots, and is really a perfect plant. In that
case, by passing a sharp knife just between the crowns only—taking care,
however, not to cut the roots—and afterwards pulling them apart, two or
more young plants, which only require to be potted separately to form
independent subjects, are produced. It is also deemed advisable sometimes
to resort to that operation as a means of regulating the growth of the plants
which are of less graceful appearance, when through the multiplicity of
crowns a perfect crowd, developing in all directions, is produced. The most
favourable time for the operation is from the middle of March to the middle
of April, just before the plants start into fresh growth; the young subjects
will then have plenty of time to thoroughly establish themselves during
the ensuing season. If this mode of propagation is applied to British
Ferns, they should, after the operation has been performed, be kept
in a cold frame, as artificial heat is not in any way beneficial to
them, and little or no water should be given until the first fronds
make their appearance, which they generally do from ten to fifteen days
after separation. When separating the crowns of exotic Ferns of evergreen
nature, the divisions must, for a few weeks, be put under glass in a frame,
to which air and light should be gradually admitted until the young plants
are strong enough to stand outside the case. It will also be found
advisable to subject to the same process such kinds as, for instance, the
erested and other abnormal forms of the Male Fern, Nephrodium (Lastrea)
Filiz-mas, which are apt to develop several crowns, not by the process of
fission, like the species above-named, but through the development of side
buds. The removal of these buds is undoubtedly beneficial to the mother-
plant, which then produces a more vigorous and more symmetrical growth,

FERTILISATION AND PROPAGATION. 151

all its energies being concentrated in the development of its own growth.
Like the divided crowns, the little plants produced from these buds are
provided with a bunch of roots all ready to support the new subject as soon
as it is severed from the mother-plant. These young plants are then best
pricked out round the edges of pots or small pans filled with a compost
of an open and somewhat sandy nature. For some reason or other, the
edges of the pots and pans appear to be the most suitable places for young
plants of all sorts, but particularly for young Ferns produced either from
buds or from spores; this is possibly due to the permanent sweetness of
the soil, which stimulates root action, through the circulation of a certain
amount: of air which does not easily penetrate any further into the compost.

Ferns provided with creeping rhizomes may generally be propagated freely
by the “sectioning” of these organs, most of which bear cutting up into pieces,
particularly while the plants are still at rest. It is thus that the Oak Fern
(Polypodium Dryopteris), the Beech Fern (P. Phegopteris), the common Poly-
pody (P. vulgare), and our native Maidenhair (Adiantum Capillus-Veneris), are
usually propagated, as every piece of creeping rootstock bearing a couple of
fronds and a few roots, or even rudiments of roots, usually produces a plant,
when firmly pegged to the ground, with the rootlets well covered. Exotic
Polypodiums, as also the majority of Dayallias, numerous Acrostichums, &c.,
are easily increased by the layering of the points of their rhizomes ; or if these
are cut into various lengths, they rapidly produce lateral growths, which form
independent little plants in a very short time. The best material in which to
lay these pieces of rhizomes is one of very porous nature, in which a sufficient
quantity of permanent moisture can easily be maintained without the compost
ever becoming sour. Chopped sphagnum, rough fibrous peat, and coarse silver
sand, in equal proportions, form the mixture which gives the most satisfactory
results. In this the sectioned rhizomes should be laid with but a very
superficial covering of the same material, through which the young growths
will make their way in a remarkably short space of time, especially if the
whole is subjected to the influence of a warm, moist atmosphere, such as that
of an ordinary propagating-case, or of a melon- or forcing-pit.

In the case of viviparous or proliferous growths being produced on the
foliage of either British or exotic Ferns, the mode of propagation is obvious ;
for, even when the plants possessing these characters can be reproduced from

132 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

spores, the time gained by rooting the adventitious growths, as compared with
the time taken by the complete development of seedlings, is sufficient to give
the former process the preference. This mode of propagation is particularly
applicable, among exotic Ferns, to several forms of Asplenium bulbiferum, most
of which produce small bulbils all over the upper surface or at the extremity
of their fronds; also to several members of the genus Adiantum, Padyenia
prolifera, Cystopteris bulbifera, Scolopendrium (Camptosorus) rhizophyllum, &e. :
while, as regards British Ferns, it is restricted to several varieties of Aspidiwm
(Polystichum) aculeatum angulare of the proliferum section, and to a few Scolo-
pendriums. Several of the Aspidiums named develop buds in profusion on the
surface of their stalks, and it is quite a common occurrence to see a mass of tiny
young growths covering their midribs before the fronds decay altogether. As
regards the Hartstongue, some forms produce buds on their stalks, as also on
the surface and on the edges of their fronds; in the latter case it is necessary
to cut a small portion of the frond to fix them in the soil, and to hold them
until the roots have developed. Even in the plumose sections of the Lady Fern
a few forms haye been found occasionally producing on the back of their
fronds bulbils from which young plants can be produced by pegging down.
For all the above it is best to detach the young bulbils from the frond when
they have three or four rudimentary fronds, and to prick them out in pans,
or near the edges of pots, in an open compost similar to that recommended
above for sectioned rhizomes.

We now come to a process of reproduction which is less generally known
than any of those previously mentioned: it consists in assisting, or rather in
artificially stimulating, the development of buds which, when left to themselves,
usually remain dormant at the base of the stalks of the fronds of certain
species. This is particularly applicable, among exotic kinds, to Angiopteris
and Marattias, whose fronds are surrounded at their base by fleshy appendages,
each provided with two buds, which seldom, if ever, develop when left on the
plant, but which, on being placed in a compost of an open nature, and
subjected to heat and moisture, never fail to produce handsome young plants.
Among British kinds this peculiar process may be applied with advantage in
the reproduction of some varieties of the Male Fern, of the Hartstongue, and
even of some forms of the Lady Fern; for it has been found that the basal

portions of the old, decayed fronds, which for many years retain some vitality,

FERTILISATION AND PROPAGATION. 188

contain such latent buds, which usually develop when detached from the old
fronds and treated in the same way as the scales of Marattias. As regards
Scolopendriums, all may be readily increased by dividing the stool, or under-
ground stem, with which every plant belonging to this genus, when sufficiently
old, is provided. Cut up that portion which is below the ground into small
fragments, lay these in a shallow pan half filled with crocks, and cover them
with a thin layer of very sandy soil, which must be kept moderately, but
also constantly, moist. In this way a crop of young plants, in all respects
like the one from which the divisions have been obtained, will be secured.
Although these will come up under cold treatment, the influence of a little
artificial heat greatly assists the development of the young growth.

The small tubercles produced at the roots of certain Nephrolepis offer us
another means of reproduction, and one which is most valuable in the propa-
gation of such kinds as NV. pluma, N. Bausei, &e., which, being of a deciduous
nature, would otherwise have to be increased exclusively from spores. Their
tubercles, which are produced in abundance, remain in the ground at rest
fully three months after the foliage has died down—in November or December
—and if the soil in the meantime is kept moderately moist, but not wet,
these tubercles retain their vitality until the month of March, when, by being
potted off singly, in small pots at first, they will, during the season, and
with successive pottings, make very pretty young plants, similar to those
produced from the stolons with which all tuberless and evergreen Nephrolepis
are provided.

The foregoing modes of propagation may be resorted to with great
advantage for the reproduction of species and varieties which, although
fertile, cannot always be depended upon to reproduce true from spores, or, again,
for accelerating the propagation of some of these fertile kinds. But there are
cases in which the adoption of one or other of these methods becomes
indispensable ; for, however great the advantages derived from the propa-
gation of Ferns from spores may be, there are some instances in which that
mode of increase is practically impossible, as there are kinds permanently
barren, or at least so far as plants subjected to cultivation are concerned. As a
rule, we find this character most commonly shown in plumose forms of different
species of British as well as of exotic origin. ‘“ Plumation,’ which may be

considered as the most beautiful type of variation, consists in either a much

134 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

more delicate division and growth of the ultimate sections of the frond than
that of the common species, or in a greater foliaceous development. Ferns
partaking of the plumose character are usually either partially or entirely
barren, the reproductive vigour of the plant, exactly as is the case with
flowering plants bearing double flowers, being apparently affected by the
leafy development. It is now beyond dispute that if spores are not, or are
only very sparingly, formed, the reproductive powers of these barren plants
are much more developed in the production of buds on various parts of their
fronds. Various and conscientious experiments have conclusively proved
that the barren Scolopendrium crispum, for instance, is much more readily
propagated from sections of the underground stem than the fertile varieties.
Among the British Ferns naturally barren, the most striking instance is that
of the beautiful Welsh Polypody (Polypodium vulgare cambricum), which,
although grown in great quantities, and consequently under very different
circumstances, and subjected to various climatic conditions and influences,
has never, to our knowledge, been seen bearing any fertile fronds, either in
its natural habitat or under cultivation. The characteristic of permanent
barrenness is equally well illustrated in the case of the lovely frilled or
plumose form of the common Hartstongue, Scolopendriwm vulgare crispum,
which, although grown in enormous quantities and under various conditions,
has invariably refrained from producing spores. There is, it is true, a form
ealled S. vulgare crispum fertile, but it is a totally different plant from the
above, its plumose character being a great deal less prominent than in the
variety crispum. The same comparative distinctions, as regards fertility
in relation to ‘“plumation,” are exemplified to a similar degree in Moore’s
very plumose form of the Lady Fern, which very seldom produces any
spores, and in Axminster’s form of the same species, which is less plumose,
and is generally fertile. We have, year after year, carefully examined the
fronds of plants of Moore’s variety growing under totally different con-
ditions, the result of our researches being that sometimes, but very
rarely indeed, a very limited number of spore-cases or sori were found—
not in sufficient quantity in any case to ensure the propagation of that lovely
variety exclusively from spores. The same remarks apply also to Aspidiwm
(Polystichum) aculeatum angulare plumosum, which partakes of the barren
character to an exactly similar decree. If a few spore-cases are produced,

FERTILISATION AND PROPAGATION. 135

they are generally found, upon close inspection, to be abortive. This absence of
spores sufficiently explains the rarity of these lovely Ferns in our collections, as
well as the comparatively high figures at which they are quoted in Fern
catalogues. Their propagation is necessarily a very slow process, particularly
that of the plumose form of Aspidiwm (Polystichum) aculeatum; this can
only be increased by means of side growths, which are but sparingly produced
at the base of the protracted trunk, and only after the plant has already
attained a certain age. The barren forms of Polypodium and of Scolopendrium
are more plentiful in collections, for this reason—that while, in the cases just
described, one must patiently wait for the production of the offsets or of
side buds, these species and their varieties may be—and, indeed, frequently
are—propagated either by the sectioning of the underground stems, as
previously explained, or by the division of the crowns, which are produced
in greater abundance.

Among exotic Ferns, we find the same barren character affecting to a
similar degree the plumose forms of different species. A popular illustration
of this character is undoubtedly the beautiful Adiantum tenerum Larleyense,
or, as it is commonly called, A. Marleyense, which according to some authors
should be a plumose or much-enlarged form of A. tenerwm, and according
to others one of A. Ghiesbreghti (scutum). This latter theory, however, can
hardly be maintained, as A. Ghiesbreghti is known to be itself a variety of
A. tenerum, having originated some years since in Mr. Williams’ nursery,
whereas A. tenerum Larleyense is certainly not of British garden origin.
Whatever its pedigree may be, this really beautiful Fern, which is sometimes,
and very appropriately, called “‘ The Queen of the Maidenhairs,”’ was first
discovered on Farley Hills, in Barbados, by the late Mr. T. C. Daniel, of
Stoodleigh, near Tiverton, who sent the original plant to England, and from
this one plant all those afterwards propagated were produced by the division
of the crowns ; none appear to have ever been raised from spores, which from
time to time we have heard of as existing in various places, but have never
seen. As it has just been stated, A. tenerum Farleyense is exclusively
increased by division, and it is found more profitable to repeatedly divide
small plants than to cut up large specimens, divisions of which take a much
longer time to form shapely plants. As is the case with most stove Ferns
of evergreen nature, this may be safely divided at all times of the year,

136 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

provided the divisions can, for five or six weeks, be kept in a warm, close
place; but it is, nevertheless, best to perform the operation when possible
between March and August.

We have in Nephrolepis Dufii another beautiful and distinct, entirely barren
Fern, a native of the Duke of York’s Islands, in the South Pacific. Its mode
of growth and its general appearance are so very unlike any other member of
the same genus that it is impossible to determine of which species this may
be a variety. Its fronds, which are densely crowded, grow from 15in. to Q0in.
in length, and are slightly or heavily crested according to the temperature to
which it is subjected: the higher the temperature, the larger the crests. The
pinne (which are small and produced in pairs, one overlapping the other,
those above being the largest) present an arrangement entirely different from
that observed in any other Nephrolepis. Their predominant form is semi-
circular, and they are all slightly toothed at the edges. The compact, elegant
habit of this Fern, and its bright colour, coupled with excellent lasting
qualities, render it a desirable plant for house decoration. Its propagation is
comparatively easy and rapid, as it produces in abundance stolons from which
young plants spring up in all directions. The same may also be said of the
Fijian VV. rufescens tripinnatifida, undoubtedly the most beautiful of all the
strong-growing kinds in cultivation. The fronds of this exceptionally fine,
plumose, and, consequently, totally barren Fern, which reach quite 3ft. in
length, are of a lovely light green colour, and possess a particularly massive
yet feathery appearance, produced by the broad pinne being regularly and
constantly tripimnatifid, their margins being on both sides deeply cleft, and
covering each other in a most graceful and effective manner. Being, like all
other Nephrolepis, provided with numerous stolons, this variety is readily
propagated by the same means as is employed for NV. Duffix and NV. davallioides
jJurcans, which consists in planting them in a bed made of rough fibrous peat,
chopped sphagnum, and coarse silver sand, in about equal proportions. In
this compost the stolons should be allowed to run freely, and they should be
pegged down firmly as soon as they have attained 6in. in length; upon these
young plants will develop and root freely, and can then be taken up without
difficulty and put into single pots. This is by far the best way of increasing
all Ferns provided with proliferous stolons, and all Nephrolepis, whether fertile

or barren, can with advantage be propagated in this way.

FERTILISATION AND PROPAGATION. 137

Lomaria discolor bipinnatifida is another rare and beautiful barren Fern,
of Australian origin, and one of the most elegant of its genus for decorative
purposes. It is a plumose form of the sub-arborescent L. discolor, to which
it bears the same relation as Polypodium vulgare cambricum does towards
P. vulgare. ike those of the species to which this remarkable variety is
related, its fronds, which are produced in abundance, spring from the crown
of a short, robust stem; they measure from 1}ft. to 2ft. in length, and
have a peculiar arching habit, doubtless produced by the weight of the leafy
portion, which, instead of being simply pinnate, like those of all other
Lomarias, has the pinne very closely set, so as to overlap each other.
This variety produces only pseudo-fertile fronds, which have all the appear-
ance of fructification, but which never contain any spores: it consequently
remains comparatively scarce. To reproduce it, suckers have to be resorted
to: these are very sparingly produced from the base of the trunk, and
generally below the surface of the ground. By being taken off, when provided
with three or four fronds, but not before, and potted in a light compost
containing a little decayed sphagnum, the suckers soon produce young plants,
which, when established, grow rapidly.

The superb Gymnogramme Pearcei robusta, which is a vigorous-growing
form of the elegant but very delicate G. Pearcei of Peruvian origin, is another
permanently barren Fern, illustrative of the theory that when a plant does not
produce seeds its reproductive powers are enhanced in other ways. The
original G, Pearcei generally, if not exclusively, produces but a single crown ;
but this very interesting variety has a tuft of crowns at the apex of the short
caudex, from which many stipes arise, giving the plant a denser habit, and
the appearance of being better furnished, than the original type. This
multiplicity of crowns is the exception among Gymnogrammes, and furnishes
us with the only means of propagation applicable to this particular variety,
whose tall, triangular, bright green fronds are nearly as finely cut as those
of the species from which it is a seedling, but in other respects it is larger
in all its parts, much more robust, and of much freer growth.

Accidentally or occasionally, fertile Ferns are found amongst exotic as
well as amongst British kinds, and that partial character again is mostly
restricted to plumose forms of species naturally provided with plain foliage.

We will only give as illustrations three of the forms most striking, on account
T

138 THE BOOK OF CHOICE, FERNS:

of their beauty and their value as decorative plants. First comes the magnifi-
cent plumose form of Pieris serrulata cristata known, on account of its
origin, as the “ Chiswick” variety, but usually sold in the trade under the
name of P. serrulata cristata major. This splendid variety forms plants
4ft. high, and as much through; its fronds, rendered beautifully pendulous
and elegant through the weight of their crests, are usually apparently fertile ;
but, although spores appear to be present in abundance, we very rarely hear
of any seedlings of it being raised, and we must confess that, although
carefully-selected spores of it have been repeatedly sown by us for the last
fifteen years, we have never raised a single plant equal in habit and in
vigour to the original subject, the propagation of which is exclusively effected
by means of division of the crowns. In Davallia (Microlepia) hirta cristata
we have a plumose and gigantic crested form from the New Hebrides, in
the South Pacific, partaking of the barren character to about the same degree
as the Pteris above mentioned. It is a grand plant, with the spreading habit
of the normal form, from which it materially differs in having its handsome,
feathery fronds, frequently 4ft. long, heavily tasselled at their extremities,
and the rachides of the pinnae branched and subdivided at their ends.
On account of the few seedlings raised from spores produced accidentally
being very variable, the propagation of this remarkable plant is generally
effected by the division of the crowns—an operation which may be per-
formed with safety at any time of the year, as the plant is im active growth
in all seasons. Davallia jijiensis, an evergreen plumose form of Haresfoot
of comparatively recent introduction, is the last Fern which we shall mention
as partaking of the character of occasional fertility: it has been casually
known to produce spores, but there is no existing record of any young
plants having been raised from these. Its finely-divided and _ beautifully
glossy fronds, which grow from 2ft. to 3ft. im height, are compoundly divided,
the whole of them being split up into lanceolate pinnules of a firm and durable
texture and bright green colour, These are abundantly produced from creeping
rhizomes, which exhibit a great dislike to being kept underground. Its
propagation, therefore, though somewhat slow, is comparatively easy, as every
piece of rhizome, with a frond or two attached to it, and provided with
rudimentary roots, will, by being detached and kept close for the space of
a few weeks, produce young plants in all respects like the parent.

FERTILISATION AND PROPAGATION. 139

Besides the kinds above enumerated, there are some other Ferns, british
and exotic, partaking to a certain extent of the barren, or of the accidentally
fertile, characters; but the instances given above have been thought
sufficiently numerous to show that these characters are shared principally,
if not even exclusively, by plumose forms in both sections, and that repro-
duction from spores, however advisable in many respects as a general operation,
becomes, in such peculiar cases, absolutely impossible.

Lately we have had to record two other modes of propagation, each of
them very little known to the public in general, but which may be classed
among the most important discoveries of recent date bearmg on the repro-
duction of Ferns, and through both of which the young Fern is produced
independently of the phenomena described in the part of this chapter devoted
to propagation from spores. One has been called Apogamy (from apo, afar,
and gamos, marriage), and the other Apospory (from apo, afar, and spora, a
spore or seed). In the former process, Apogamy, which was first observed
by Professor Farlow in connection with the well-known Pieris cretica, but
which is now known to affect several other Ferns, notably Nephrodium
(Lastrea) Filia-mas cristata, the young Fern is produced as a bud from
certain parts of the prothallus, without the formation of sexual organs. The
sexual process, as the name indicates, is in this case completely abolished,
the production of spores being suppressed.

In the other departure, Apospory, which has been brought prominently
before the public by Mr. Charles T. Druery—who, in a series of most interest-
ing lectures upon the subject before the Linnean Society, stated that in certain
Ferns the prothalli are produced as outgrowths from the pinnules of the Fern
fronds, and not from the spores—the sexual reproduction is not affected, and
the leafy Ferns are developed from the prothalli in the usual way. But the
prothallus, according to the variety in which Apospory was observed, is either
modified sporangia or simply a structure of prothalloid nature, without any
connection with sori or sporangia. Thus it is that Professor Bower, who
made careful and very elaborate investigations of these new modes of repro-
duction, states that in Asplenium (Athyrium) Filia-femina Clarissima—the
first plant on which this singular character was observed—the prothalli are
modified sporangia; whereas in Aspidium (Polystichum) aculeatum angulare
pulcherrimum, in which the same character was first discovered by Mr. G. B.

140 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

Wollaston, no traces of sporangia can ever be detected. We particularly
mention these two varieties as being those on which the most interesting
experiments made by Mr. Druery and by Mr. Wollaston were based. The
welfare of these plants is of the utmost interest to us, on account of several
specimens of Asplenium Lilix-femina Clarissima, which were presented to
us by Col. Jones personally, being still in our possession. But either
through their not being sufficiently developed, or through their being culti-
vated out of doors under unfavourable circumstances, these do not appear to
share the character of their parent; and, although we have never succeeded
in raising seedlings from any of them, we have equally, up to the present
time, been unable to detect on them any traces of Apospory. The original
plant of this beautiful and exceedingly interesting form was bought by
Col. Jones, of Clifton, from Mr. Moule, who found it in a wild state in
North Devon. Considering how easily most of the varieties of the Lady
Fern are raised from spores, it was thought very remarkable that failure
should follow upon failure in attempts at its reproduction from what were
supposed to be, and what had all the appearances of, spores. It was at last
decided to treat the peculiar growths produced by that Fern as merely
abortive spore-cases which, like those of some other abnormal forms, were
produced by this one, lacking the special vigour necessary for the formation
of perfect reproductive spores. All attempts at raising it from spores having
proved abortive, further trials were abandoned until, later on, Mr. Druery
having discovered upon another form of the Lady Fern (A. /.-f. plumosum
divaricatum) numerous proliferous bulbils occupying the place of the sori
on the back of the fronds, and having reported the fact to Mr. Wollaston,
this latter gentleman was led to re-examine A. /’.-/. Clarissima, as the
Fern had been named by Col. Jones. As the results of his examinations,
Mr. Wollaston came to the conclusion that these so-far barren excrescences
might be viviparous growths of a kindred nature, and capable of reproducing
the parent form by direct bud-development. Later on, Mr. Druery found,
upon microscopical examination of a portion of a frond sent him, that
“there were material structural differences between the unmistakable bulbils
of A. F.-f. divaricatum and the singular growths found upon A. Lf.
Clarissima, the former being solitary, bud-like growths, seated in the centre
of a number of brown, lanceolate scales, and without a trace of indusium ;

FERTILISATION AND PROPAGATION. 141

while the latter were composed of five or six or more flask-shaped bodies,
each one larger than the bulbils aforesaid, and seated within an undoubted
indusium.”

In Fig. 10, A represents the pear-shaped, bulbil-lke growths which
were previously referred to as flask-shaped bodies or excrescences attached
firmly to the frond by their thicker extremities, and seated within indusia in
every case; these were observed in 1883. With a view to ascertaining their
reproductive capabilities, Mr. C. T. Druery undertook a series of experiments,
commencing by layering edgewise some of the pinnw in prepared pans, and
embedding them half-way into the soil, thus bringing the growth into immediate
contact with it. Then placing the pan in gentle heat, he had the satisfaction
of seeing these growths increase in size, and develop in such a way that the
said experiments culminated
in the production of young @
plants of the same type as |
the parent. These originated

from archegonia and anthe-

ridia eventually developed on

prothalli which themselves

Fig. 10. Apospory.—Abnormal Reproduction of Asplenium
had their origin on the points _ __ Filix-feemina Clarissima.

A—Pyriform Pseudo-bulbils or Abnormal Sporoid Growths of 1883 (magnified).
B—a, a, a, Clavate Abnormal Sporoid Growths of 1884; b, b, Ragged
Indusium—magnified.

of the pear-shaped pseudo-
bulbils. In the following year
(1884) Mr. Druery brought
before the notice of the Linnean Society pinnw showing this singular mode of
fructification, which, owing partly, he believed, to a long, dry summer, and
partly to the fact that the parent plant was placed out of doors for a time, was
in an immature state, yet afforded ample evidence of abnormality. This is
represented at B, Fig. 10, where it will be noticed that, by lifting the indusium
of the pinne, a number of curious, club-shaped, and occasionally serpentine,
cellular masses are partially disclosed, which, though very different from the
swollen, pear-shaped bodies of the previous year (see A, Fig. 10), differ just as
widely from embryo sori. Later on Mr. Druery ascertained that Mr. Mapple-
beck had already observed the same phenomenon, and had raised plants from
similar bulbils, which appeared identical in position and character with those
of Asplenium, of which Athyrium forms a very important section.

142 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

Finally, we extract from a paper by Professor Bower with reference
to Mr. Druery’s observation, which was read at the Linnean Society’s meeting
on the 18th December, 1884, the still more interesting example of Apospory
of which Mr. G, B, Wollaston is the discoverer, and which bears on the plant
already mentioned, Aspidium (Polystichum) aculeatum angulare pulcherrimum.
“ Here,” Professor Bower says, “flattened organs, of undoubted prothalloid
nature, are formed by simple vegetative outgrowth of the tips of the pinnules,
and without any connection with sori or sporangia. At first the tip of the
pinnule merely extends, so as to form a flattened expansion, one layer of cells
in thickness, and with a very irregular margin; while the whole tip curves
downwards, and often forms a spiral coil of one or one and a-half turns, closely
covered above by the more expanded portion of the pinnule. In other cases
the outgrowth may assume very irregular forms. Ultimately the characteristic
marginal growth begins at some point, sometimes terminal, but more frequently
lateral,” &c. This latter instance, being an example of the formation of an
expansion of undoubted prothalloid nature, bearing sexual organs, by a process
of purely vegetative outgrowth from the plant, may be considered as a still
more complete example of Apospory than even that of Asplentum Filia-femina
Clarissima.

From the preceding remarks, which have been derived from Mr. Druery’s
excellent work on “Choice British Ferns,’ in which the process of Apospory
is very minutely described, and to which the reader may refer for more
detailed particulars, it will be seen that no less than three distinct forms of
proliferation have now been observed in the Athyriwm section of the genus
Asplenium :

(1) Bulbils of the ordinary character, developed in the axils and on
the superior surface of the pinne, and agreeing in general characters with the
ordinary bulbils of Asplenium.

(2) Bulbils formed apparently by transmuted spore-producing energy, and
occupying the place of sori, 7.e., on the under-side of the pinnaw—a position until
now, we believe, quite unrecorded in connection with any of the /ilices.

(3) A new form of proliferation altogether, viz., proliferous prothall
arising from pseudo-bulbils produced by a different transmutation of the repro-
ductive force, and evolving plants only after the prothalli have produced the

usual sexual organs common to prothalli resulting from spores.

FERTILISATION AND PROPAGATION, 143

These, so far as is at present known, constitute the whole series of means
of reproduction in Ferns, some of which, as has been pointed out, are more
applicable to certain sorts than to others, but all of which yield satisfactory
results if properly carried out.

To those persons who are anxious to raise rice distinct from kinds
already known in cultivation, we would point out that, so far as the
production, either accidentally or methodically, of new forms is concerned, the
sowing of spores is the only means which can be depended upon; for it
will be seen from what has been said regarding the other modes of
propagation, that these constitute means of reproduction only, the subjects
thus obtained being in all respects, and without any recorded exception,
similar to the plants (either species or varieties) to which they owe their
existence.

e
e!

VE

Clcluitled ane ae

CULTURAL DIRECTIONS.

LTHOUGH it frequently happens that the conditions under
which plants grow spontaneously cannot be artificially produced,
the knowledge of the positions in which they grow naturally

is of the utmost importance in the successful cultivation of all

plants, to whatever family they may belong. With the exception
of a few kinds which really prefer exposed and airy situations, it may be safely
stated that the majority of Ferns are generally found forming a sort of under-
growth in woods and forests, or clinging to the sides of rocks, or again growing
by the sides of brooks and rivulets, but almost always under trees, which not
only afford them protection from the hot rays of the sun, but also shelter them
from the violence of strong winds. In these situations they luxuriate to such
an extent that when the same kinds are found growing accidentally in places
exposed to the direct action of the elements, they are difficult to identify.
Whether Ferns aye cultivated in pots or in the open ground, these natural
conditions should, as much as possible, be imitated. The hardy Fernery should
therefore be situated, whenever practicable, in a naturally moist and cool spot,
and, strong light being in most cases objectionable, the neighbourhood of tall
deciduous trees should have preference over all other places.

As regards Ferns requiring glass protection, it should be borne in mind
that, with few exceptions, exotic as well as hardy kinds love moisture and
shade. On that account the houses in which they are grown should, when-
ever possible, be disposed from north to south, so as to avoid the strong rays
of midday sun, while at the same time retaining all the light possible.

aes ene

root

a a

CULTURAL DIRECTIONS, 145

Exception to this rule should be made in favour of structures intended for
the cultivation of Filmy Ferns—Todeas, Trichomanes, and Hymenophyllums—
all of which thrive best when grown in a house with a north aspect and
subdued light. The exotic Fernery should also be a little below the level of
the ground: this disposition will ensure uniformity of temperature and per-
manency of moisture, both conditions most beneficial, but very difficult to
obtain in houses built above ground, especially when, as is generally the
case, these structures are supplied with shelves and open stages. Where a
naturally shaded spot cannot conveniently be found in which to erect the Fernery,
shading is at times indispensable, but it should only be afforded with a view
to preventing the scorching of the fronds, by breaking the rays of the sun,
and not to keeping out all natural light. In this case it is preferable to
shade by means of movable blinds, made of coarse canvas or of other suit-
able material, which should be of a nature suficiently open to admit plenty
of light. The blinds should be let down for a few hours, according to the
situation of the Fernery, when the sun is strong, but should be drawn up
again as soon as there is no danger of burning; for it is unwise to weaken
the substance of the fronds by subjecting the plants to the influence of per-
manent artificial shade. Although most Ferns are naturally adverse to strong
light, it is now acknowledged that, in the construction of a Fernery, the use
of ground or plate glass for roof glazing should be avoided. Numerous
experiments have been tried with the object of dispensing with shading when
ground glass had been selected as the best means of producing an even and
diffuse light, but its use in most cases, if not in all, has had to be abandoned.
The shading of the Fernery by blinds may, however, be successfully obviated
by the use of green-tinted glass, as in the Fern-houses in Kew Gardens,
where, in spite of all that has been said and written to the contrary, it
gives perfect satisfaction.

The foregoing remarks apply exclusively to the external parts of the
Fernery. The organisation of the internal parts is a matter of no less import-
ance, and to give the subject as fair a share of attention as it really deserves
it is proposed here to divide the particulars into two sections. It is there-
fore necessary to deal first with the Fernery as it is understood by nurserymen
and market growers, as also by gardeners and others requiring Ferns to be
grown either for sale or for the sake of supplying decorative plants for the

U

146 THE BOOK (OF “CHOTCE. FERNS:

room, and where, on that account, these plants must necessarily be grown in
pots. In the second part, special attention will be devoted to the arrangement
of the Fernery in a natural style, such as should exist in every amateur’s
garden, even where these plants are largely grown for the special purpose of
frond-gathering ; for the supply yielded by Ferns planted out far exceeds that
produced by plants in pots, even under the most favourable conditions.

The houses in which Ferns are intended to be grown in pots should be
low structures, sunk at least I$ft. or 2ft. below the surface of the ground,
and provided with solid beds bricked on their vertical outer surface. The
walks should be made either of coarse gravel or of the natural earth, simply
covered with a thickness of a couple of inches of coal cinders, these being the
most porous and yet the best moisture-retaining materials that can be used in
a house in which constant humidity is of the utmost importance. Wherever
Ferns are grown in pots it will be found essential that these should stand on
a solid, cool, moist bottom, and the stage or the shelf can hardly correspond
to the requirements of the plants. It may, therefore, not be out of place to
remark here that the most suitable material on which to place Ferns in general
is a solid bed of ashes, or one of sand covered with a layer of coal cinders,
which have the property of remaining perfectly sweet and fresh for an
indefinite time. The ventilation of such a house should be managed so that
a free and constant supply of fresh air may be admitted without creating a
regular draught, which itself is extremely injurious to nearly all plants, but
most particularly to Ferns of all kinds. It is, however, questionable whether
a close, stuffy atmosphere is not more injurious to Ferns than an excess of
ventilation. If the Fernery is a cool structure specially devoted to Japanese,
New Zealand, Australian, and evergreen British kinds, and in which the
temperature during winter is only kept a little above freezing-point, then
ventilation from the roof is quite sufficient. When, however, we have to deal
with the house in which warm exotic kinds, such as South American and Hast
and West Indian species are grown, it is advisable, besides the top ventilation,
to have also ventilators along the sides of the house. These should be dis-
posed a little below the level of the hot-water pipes, so that the air which,
before escaping through the top ventilators, passes over and amongst the plants,
should only do so after haying been slightly warmed by its temporary contact
with the hot-water pipes.

CULTURAL DIRECTIONS. 147

Ferns in Pots.

Ferns grown in pots require fresh potting more or less frequently,
according to their size and also to their power of growth, but in any case
it is advisable to avoid over-potting. It is well known among practical men
that these plants make their hardiest and most luxuriant growth when the
inside surface of their pots is already covered with a network of their roots.
These organs, in the majority of cases, are of a fibrous nature, and exceedingly
sensitive to even a temporary absence of moisture, which occurrence should
always be carefully avoided, as the results are generally very disastrous in
their effects. When a Fern has suffered from want of water at the roots,
the effect is shown by the shrivelling of the fronds, the older ones being
usually affected before the young growths. This peculiarity in Ferns is very
misleading, especially with persons not particularly well versed in their culture ;
for while in the case of most other plants, either of herbaceous or of woody
texture, the temporary flagging of the foliage is efficiently remedied by an
ordinary watering, or, at the most, by a thorough soaking of the roots, such
treatment has no apparent effect on the roots of most Ferns, and very few
indeed are the species whose fronds, having once flagged, regain their elasticity
by the application of water at the roots.

When proper attention is given to Ferns after repotting, this operation
may safely be performed at almost any time of the year ; but it is best, speaking
generally, to commence in the warm-house about the beginning of February,
and in the cool-house about the beginning of March. In every case, it is
most advisable to have the plants repotted before their starting into new
srowth. Old pots, when used, should be clean and dry: although the
plants may grow, and even luxuriate, in pots which have been used either
wet or dirty, they cannot fail to greatly suffer when they next require
repotting, as it will then invariably be found impossible to remove them
from the old pots without breaking a quantity of live roots, which will be
found to strongly adhere to their sides. Previously to their being used for
Ferns, new pots should also be put in water, in which they should remain a
sufficiently long time to get thoroughly soaked, and then be well dried
before using: it is notorious that pots fresh from the kiln absorb a great

quantity of water, and when their pores are not previously filled, it very

148 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

frequently happens that the first two or three waterings, instead of being
beneficial to the plants, only serve to soak the pots, while the balls of soil
which the latter contain become so dry that it is often most difficult after-
wards to get them into a satisfactorily moist condition.

When we consider that nearly all Ferns require to have their roots
kept at least moist at all times of the year, it will be readily understood that
the question of drainage is also one of the utmost importance ; for it is
now generally admitted that, compared with the process of watering and
the production of proper atmospheric moisture and temperature, the question
of soil is one of only secondary consideration. If Ferns suffer seriously from
drought, the presence of water-logged soil is quite as pernicious and
destructive in its effects. When repotting Ferns, it should be remembered
that by far the greater number of them grow naturally in partly-decayed
vegetable matter, usually of a soft nature: they should therefore be made
firm in their pots, but on no account should they be potted hard. Formerly
a large proportion of peat was used in the cultivation of Ferns, as it is to
this day on the Continent; but we have of late become better acquainted
with their requirements, and the superior qualities of leaf-mould have been
held as of considerable advantage to these plants. A compost of an open
nature, through which the water may readily pass, and which also favours
a change of air in the soil (so beneficial to the roots), consists of a mixture
of two parts of sandy loam, such as the kind in which the common Bracken
is generally found to luxuriate, with one part of leaf-mould, one part
of fibrous peat, and one part of coarse sand. This compost may be given as
the one possessing all the qualities required by the majority of Ferns; it
makes a very open, porous material, in which most kinds will thrive. In
any case where a particular treatment is required, this will be given with
the description of the species.

The Natural Fernery.

Although Ferns are naturally a highly-interesting class of plants when
each species is taken individually, their beauty is greatly increased by judicious
disposition in massing them together; and the natural Fernery, taken either

as a warm or as a cool structure, or even as an outdoor rockery, is the

ah

‘
oe
me

]

CULTURAL DIRECTIONS. 149

place most likely to produce satisfactory results in their cultivation. In
Ferneries such as these, in which all specimens, large or small growers, are
planted out without any regard to regularity and symmetry, where they
are allowed, so to speak, to run wild, and by such means to simulate as
much as possible natural growth, each plant has the advantage of showing to
a greater perfection its peculiar characters. It 1s when under such conditions
that, through the intermixing of plants possessing broad and bold foliage with
others of totally different characters, a most pleasing contrast is produced,
and masses of vegetation remarkable for picturesque beauty are most effec-
tively formed.

The formation of striking contrasts should be an object always kept in
view. Combinations of this sort can easily be effected by a judicious selection
of species of either totally different habits or distinct forms and colours. The
variety of tints observed in many Ferns is of the greatest value, and should
be carefully studied in the plantation of a natural Fernery, as it affords ample
and ready means for the production of very effective arrangements. In
grouping Ferns, symmetry should in all cases be carefully avoided, for their
being disposed in a formal manner does not add to their natural beauty.
Overcrowding is another evil which should be strictly avoided, as, when planted
thickly together, individuality is lost, and that is a point which, at the time
of planting, should receive special attention, Another advantage in connection
with the natural Fernery is that Ferns planted in rockwork require a great
deal less attention than those grown in pots, and if provided with suitable soil
at the outset they will, with the help of an occasional surfacing, flourish
for years, and attain a size considerably larger than when grown in pots.

The successful building and planting of the natural Fernery either as
a cool or as a warm structure being dependent on similar principles, and
requiring the same attention, it is proposed here to treat the two simul-
taneously. In previous chapters attention has been called to the kinds adapted
to each structure. .

In the building of a natural Fernery the principal object is to secure, as
far as practicable, an equal amount of light for all the plants. It is necessary,
for the welfare of all subjects, that those planted at the lower part should
receive as much light as those on the higher part of the rockery, for the
fohage of the plants situated in the lower parts should be quite as fresh as

150 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

that of the plants above, and this luxurianee should reach to the very margins
of the walks; such results can only be attained by the free admission of light
in all parts of the Fernery at all times of the year, but especially during the
winter months, when we can hardly get a quantity sufficient for the require-
ments of all evergreen species.

The grottoes, as well as the arches and masses of overhanging rock, which
one is so accustomed to see in most Ferneries, should be carefully dispensed
with ; for, however attractive
the effect may be, it is invari-
ably spoilt by the sickly appear-
ance of the Ferns planted in
nooks which are perforce de-
prived of the necessary light.
A view of an underground
Fernery in which there are no
overhanging rocks, is shown at
Fig. 11. Tufa not only has a
pleasant appearance, but is also,
through its very porous nature,
the material best adapted for
the building of Ferneries. The
comfort of the plants should be

considered of primary import-

h,
!
()

bi
é

ance, and must on no account

fi ii f At
Ai : \ My 1

be sacrificed to the appearance
of the rockwork itself, as is too
Fig, 11, View of Underground Fernery. frequently the case nowadays.

For the well-being of the Ferns,

quite as much as for the sake of the general appearance of the place,
these should be planted on the sloping sides and on some little mounds
made of turfy peat securely held together by means of wooden skewers,
and covered with a layer of common moss, which at first requires pegging
down, but which in such a position rapidly grows, and firmly binds the whole
mass together. This mode of planting is found to be far more agreeable to
the eye, as also more beneficial to the plants, than the use of “ pockets,” which,

CULTURAL DIRECTIONS. 151

after all, are only substitutes for pots. When planted in the way above
described, Ferns have more freedom of action allowed to their roots, which,
generally speaking, have a roaming propensity much greater than they are
usually credited with. Then, no regular pockets having to be provided for the
reception of the Ferns, a smaller quantity of stone material is required, while
a greater bulk of earth generates proportionately a greater amount of natural
humidity not obtainable from stone, even when this is very porous, which is
not always the case. Another benefit derived from this mode of planting
consists in the total absence of sourness in the soil through the air having
free action all around the surface of the earth—a state of comfort foreign to
plants grown in pockets, however spacious and well drained these may be.

The plantation on mounds is particularly recommended for all species
provided with running rhizomes, such as certain Adiantums and Acrostichums ;
but principally for the majority of Davallias, Nephrolepis, and Polypodiums,
whose rhizomes soon take possession of the outer surface of the mound ; this
then becomes rapidly covered with foliage, all the more luxuriant in that the
plants have more room allowed for the extension of their rhizomes. These
organs, in most instances, require to be kept on the surface of the ground,
to which, when planting, they may be fastened by means of wooden pegs ;
but their adhesion to it, as the plants get established, soon dispenses with
the necessity for pegs. In some instances, where the fronds are somewhat
sparsely disposed on the rhizomes, it is advisable to prune the latter from
time to time, with a view to promoting and encouraging the formation of
a greater quantity of rhizomes, which, though of a smaller size, produce a
greater abundance of foliage. This operation, which consists in nipping off
the extremity of the rhizome and producing bifurcation, is frequently adopted
by our market growers, and may be safely performed at any time during
the active period of vegetation, but not during the resting season.

The warm Fernery should, all the year round, be kept at a moderate
and comfortable temperature; for it has been conclusively proved that, far
from being necessary to the comfort of the Ferns, a greater- amount of
artificial heat than they really require is highly injurious to them. Many
growers still entertain the idea that strong heat, combined with heavy shading
and abundance of permanent moisture, are essential points in the culture of

Ferns, whereas the production of elongated and weak foliage is invariably

152 THE BOOK, Of CHOLCE, TETINS,

the result of such treatment. Attention has already been called to the necessity
of providing efficient ventilation, as also to the satisfactory condition resulting
from the influence of light: now the heating of the warm Fernery is of quite
as much consequence, and should be studied most carefully. In the first
instance, it is of the utmost importance that no Ferns whatever should be
placed in close proximity to the hot-water pipes. The latter should be so
disposed as to be completely hidden from view by the rockwork, and air-shafts
should be so managed that the heat generated by the pipes may not come in
direct contact with the plants, but be diffused in the house by passing through
and at the back of the rockwork. ‘Tropical Ferns may be said to have a
period of active growth extending from March to September, and during that
time all possible advantage should be taken of natural heat, which, even when
somewhat strong, is not hurtful. The damage is generally done by the use
of artificial heat, which should not be resorted to so long as the night
temperature of the house does not fall below 60deg.; the solar heat may,
without inconvenience to the plants, raise it to 75deg., or even 80deg., during
the day. During the period of rest, from September to March, a minimum
night temperature of 50deg. to 55deg. is all that is required, and it need not
then be much higher during the day until vegetation commences, when it
should be gradually raised to the above-named minimum point.

A much greater number of Ferns than is generally supposed thrive as
well in the cool as in the warm Fernery: their growth, however, is not so
rapid, although with time they make quite as pretty specimens. It is, indeed,
questionable if the cool Fernery is not the more enjoyable of the two, for,
when tastefully arranged, nothing can be more interesting, or give greater
satisfaction, than such a structure leading from the conservatory ; and what
renders it still pleasanter is that a more genial and altogether more comfortable
temperature may, and should, be maintained in it all through the year. The
temperature of the cool Fernery need not at any time exceed Sddeg. to
60deg., and it will be found best to keep it at a minimum of from 45deg. to
50deg. during the winter months. It is really surprising to note the number
of otherwise really handsome Ferns which, on account of their deciduous
character only, have been gradually withdrawn from cultivation, and are now
too seldom seen in any collection; yet collections of Caladiums, Gloxinias,
Begonias, and other equally deciduous plants, which are at rest for fully six

View of the Cool Fernery, Nash Court, Faversham,

CULTURAL DIRECTIONS. 1538

months in the year, are largely grown in private establishments. There is
really no reason why several very ornamental kinds of deciduous Ferns which
sueceed well in the cool Fernery should not be planted among the evergreen
sorts, so that when the former are deprived of their foliage their places should
not remain conspicuously bare.

Although, when planted out, Ferns are to a certain extent able to take
care of themselves, and require comparatively little attention, yet the watering
of the natural Fernery is an operation which requires a certain amount of
tact; and although it certainly gives a great deal less trouble than does the
watering of the same plants when these are grown in pots, it should be
attended to very carefully. The watering of such a place by means of a hose —
fixed to a cold-water pipe (as is frequently seen in private establishments),
after numerous careful trials, stands condemned as being a dangerous practice,
and one which is productive of very serious evils. The principal drawback
arising from watering the Fernery by means of a hose is that, even with
the greatest amount of care, many of the plants receive water when they
really do not require it, and, when occasionally that operation is left to the
discretion of a less experienced, or of a less careful, person, there is always
the danger of its being done indiscriminately—the more so that, the water
flowing uninterruptedly from the pipe, no physical exertion is required.
Now, this water is generally, if not always, far too cold, and by being
poured among the roots of the plants in much greater volume than is needed,
these get into a bad state of health, from which they take a long time to
recover. To make matters still worse, it frequently happens, when the hose
is used, that the cold water is lavishly administered over the fronds until
these are dripping with it, and this by itself is highly injurious to the plants,
which, unless under special conditions, are all the better for having their
foliage kept dry.

The only way to water the natural Fernery judiciously is by means of
the watering-can and the syringe: this, no doubt, requires more time, and
gives a little more trouble, than the hose, but it will be found a great deal
more satisfactory in the end, as each plant can then receive water according
to its requirements. The greatest danger in such a place is that of giving
too much water, for when the Ferns are once well established, and their

roots are running freely into a bulk of soil, a long space of time must
x

154

THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

necessarily elapse before another watering is required. As far as possible,
this operation should be performed on the morning of a bright day, so
that the extra quantity of moisture thus generated may rapidly evaporate.
Condensation on the foliage, if too frequently taking place, will invariably
end in turning the fronds to a brown, unnatural colour, and then decomposition
commences. To avoid frequent waterings, which must necessarily have for
effect the impoverishment of the soil, it is advisable, on bright mornings
and all through the summer, to slightly damp the surface of the ground
among the plants with the syringe. This helps in maintaining the surface
of the soil, where the majority of the young roots are found, in a uniform
state of moisture, which is highly beneficial to them. Syringing overhead in
the Fernery is not advisable, unless it be in very hot weather, and it should
then be done only slightly, and in the morning, so that, all superfluous moisture
having time to evaporate, condensation on the fronds may be avoided.
Ferneries constructed on the principles previously described certainly exist
in this country, but they are few in number, and not always of easy access.
For the benefit of readers living within easy distance of London, we may
here state that two such Ferneries are in existence in Chelsea, and that no
opportunity of viewing these interesting structures should be missed by
persons who take any interest in this beautiful class of plants. These
delightful houses may be seen at the establishment of Messrs. J. Veitch and
Sons, to whom we are indebted for permission to make the sketches for the
accompanying Plates. ‘The principal Fernery, or perhaps ‘ Orchido-Fernery,”
as we might call it, is a most happy combination. The groundwork of
it is a warm Fernery, disposed as has been recommended above, all the
Ferns being permanently planted with a view to producing a pleasing
effect. The very elegant rockwork, which has been built of pieces of light-
coloured tufa cemented together, entirely differs, through its light nature,
from any other similar structure with which we are acquainted; a small
fountain, in which water trickles down very gently, and only in sufficient
quantity to give life to the place, forms part of a centre-piece on which
Platyceriums, as well as Polypodiums, Davallias, and other trailmg Ferns,
are fixed, and on which they appear quite at home. Here the Ferns
are planted on slopes and on mounds, although in building the rockwork
pockets of various dimensions have here and there been provided. The

View of Rockery at Messrs, Veiteh's Royal Nursery, showing Treatment of Banks, cc.

CULTURAL DIRECTIONS. 155

pockets, however, are not intended for I ern-planting; they have been
designed for the convenience of placing in them Orchids, which remain there
during the whole time they are in flower. The effect thus produced is really
charming, for the lovely colours of the Orchid flowers show themselves off
to much better advantage when contrasting with the foliage of the Ferns
with which they are surrounded than under any other condition. This unique
structure also illustrates to perfection the truth of our assertion as regards
light and air being natural agents most required for the well-being of
Ferns, as the house is square in shape, with light all round as well as above,
and sufficiently ventilated to ensure the lasting of the Orchid flowers. It may
be added that, on account of plants in flower always being present in the
house, no syringing overhead is ever done, the moisture arising only from
the water poured on the walks and other surfaces devoid of vegetation.
Yet in such places all the Ferns are growing well. A selection has naturally
been made mostly from amongst the Indian and South American species, and,
these having been planted in places most appropriate to their requirements,
the effect produced is excellent, and all subjects give the greatest satisfaction.
There we observe, by the side of the pale pea-green colour of the fronds of
Davallia (Microlepia) hirta cristata, whose heavy tassels, produced at the
extremity of each division, give an additional grace to a plant which is
naturally eleeant, the beautifully and richly coloured foliage of Davallia
divaricata (D. polyantha of commerce), whose gigantic yet finely-divided
fronds, first of a bright claret-colour, changing to crimson-purple, and turning
later on to a bronzy-metallic tint, finally assume a deep green colour,
which they retain for months, and as long as they remain on the plant. In
such a place one would naturally expect to see Adiantums doing well; and
the contrast produced by the gorgeously-coloured fronds of A. macrophyllum,
A. rubellum, A. tenerum Farleyense, A. tetraphyllum Hendersoni, A. Veitchianum,
and other species with tinted foliage, too numerous to be mentioned
here, with the darker hues of the fronds of such kinds as A. cwrvatum, A.
trapeziforme pentadactylon, and A. t. Sancte-Catharine, and the light green
tints of A. emulum, A. fragrantissimum, A. Moorei (amabile), A. polyphyllum
(cardiochlena), &c., proves unmistakably that the treatment they receive is
that which suits them best. The several species and varieties of Gymnogramme,
and notably the prettily-crested G. Parsonsii, the Cheilanthes, and the

156 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

Nothochlenas, planted on the higher part of the rockwork, also testity to
their appreciation of this treatment. Among other strong-growing kinds,
particularly attractive on account of either the colouring or the shape of
their foliage, we note Davallia pallida (Mooreana), Didymochlena lunulata
(truncatula), Marattia Cooperti, Nephrolepis davallioides furcans, Osmunda
regalis palustris, Pteris aspericaulis, P. Mayii, &c.; while the section of
miniature or dwarf-growing kinds is represented by such plants as Adiantum
Capillus-Veneris fissum, A. caudatum ciliatum (Edgeworthit), A. cuneatum
Legrand, A. c. Luddemannianum, A. ¢c. Pacottii, A. lunulatwm (dolabriforme),
Asplenium incisum (elegantulum), A. lunulatum (Fernandezianum), A. viviparum,
Davallia alpina, D. parvula, Doodia aspera and its crested variety multifida,
Polypodium glaucophyllum, the exceedingly pretty and equally interesting
Hemionitis palmata, Acrostichum (Rhipidopteris) peltatum and its exquisitely-
divided form gracillimum. Hyen Pieris scaberula, although of New Zealand
origin, appears, in company with the others enumerated above, to enjoy the
temperature common to all of them. In the darker places such Selaginellas
as S. caulescens, S. ineequalifolia, S. umbrosa, and S. uncinata (cesia), are
doing equally well; while Platyceriwm alcicorne majus, P. grande, and P. [Millit,
which are grown on cork blocks, and are hung up against each upright
beam on which there is sufficient room to hold them, show sufficiently that
the selection of the place in which they are grown has been judiciously made.

The other Fernery at Chelsea is one exclusively devoted to cool Ferns.
It is a span-roofed structure about 36ft. long by 20ft. wide, and although
built more than twenty years ago, it may still be held as a model of rockwork
building and arrangement, for this comparatively small house justly claims to
be one of the prettiest Ferneries now in existence. It is one of the very
rare examples in which, instead of sacrificing to the appearance of the
rockwork itself, the comfort of the plants, being considered of primary import-
ance, has received special attention. Through judicious selection, and the care
and taste displayed in the disposition of the plants, this house has been most
conveniently laid out. It is quite a cool Fernery, without any possible means
of heating, and yet is fresh and attractive all the year round. In this house,
as in the one previously described, no pockets have been provided for the
reception of the Ferns: they are disposed in a natural way, among the rocks
and on the sloping sides, where they enjoy a considerable amount of light,

View of Cool Fernery at Messrs, Veitch’s Royal Nursery, showing Treatment of
Vertical Wall,

CULTURAL DIRECTIONS. 157

and on some little mounds of turfy peat, covered with a layer of common
-green moss, which is kept growing, and in which they luxuriate. In this
structure, as in the warm Fernery, nooks and corners have been so managed
as to make it appear much larger than it really is. The principal difference
between these two houses lies in the materials which have been employed in
the erection of the rockwork, and in the selection of the species particularly
adapted to each house. In the warm-house tufa has been exclusively
employed, whereas in the cool Fernery the principal part of the rockwork
is built of brick-burrs, and therefore does not possess such a light appear-
ance; but in both cases the production of a natural and genial atmosphere
has been made dependent on the bulk of soil contained in the house when
compared with the quantity of rockery. The selection of the species for the
houses has, in both cases, received the same amount of consideration, and
this cool Fernery is planted with mostly evergreen kinds native of Japan,
Australia, and New Zealand, which in this cold F ernery have proved nearly
as hardy as our own British sorts. In this house, where the temperature
frequently falls below freezing-point, it is interesting to note how Ferns
from nearly all parts of the globe thrive together; for, so far as the health
of the plants is concerned, there is really nothing to choose between the
giant Australian and New Zealand Tree-ferns and the Dicksonia (Balantium)
Culcita and Woodwardia radicans from Madeira, which, with the various
forms of Aspidium (Cyrtomium), Nephrodium (Lastrea), and Pteris, from
Japan, Adiantum formosum, Todea arborea, &c., from Australia, and Asplenium
and Lomaria from Chili, form a most interesting group of plants. Here, again,
a treatment in all respects very similar to that recommended for the warm
Fernery is followed, with the exception of the watering, which, on account of
the temperature being cooler, is less abundant and less frequent. The com-
plete success obtained in the erection and management of both houses is all
the more remarkable when we consider the difficulties under which plants have
to be grown in the midst of a populous district, and subjected to the
pernicious effects of the London fogs, which are so detrimental to the culti-
vation of plants in general, and of Ferns in particular.

The outdoor natural Fernery is, or should be, quite as interesting as the
warm- or the cool-houses devoted exclusively to these popular plants, and
should always form an attractive part of the garden; for, if all Ferns are

158 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

beautiful, some of the hardy kinds are so cheap as to be within the purchasing
power of all, while others are so scarce and costly as to be worthy companions
of all that is rich and rare among the gems of the stove and the conservatory.
No garden should be without its hardy Fernery, for the popularity of Ferns
does not rest only upon their beauty or their price. They possess an
additional value, inasmuch ag there is scarcely any place in which representa-
tives of some of the genera refuse to grow. Most of them thrive best in
the shade ; others prefer the brightest light ; a third group will live principally
on dry walls and chalky rocks; a fourth succeeds nowhere except in abundant
moisture; and a fifth revels in the freest air of mountain-tops. Speaking
generally, it may be said that, by the formation of a natural Fernery, a shaded
place, which would be almost useless for the cultivation of other plants, can
be easily and successfully turned into a verdant and highly-interesting spot.
The introduction, within the last few years, of North American and Japanese
kinds, which have proved perfectly hardy under our climate, has materially
added to the great diversity of size and habit as represented by the British
species and their numerous varieties.

In the formation of the outdoor Fernery it is essential to study the
requirements of the plants rather than to show the building of the rockwork,
and to provide against the disastrous effects of high winds, which are
injurious to all of them. The tenderest kinds must be sheltered by over-
hanging trees, and by groups of the more robust sorts, which, when planted
in masses and judiciously disposed, considerably help in procuring the comfort
necessary to the well-being of the smaller and more delicate species. In
most gardens many suitable positions exist which might be rendered very
attractive by the introduction of hardy Ferns. As these plants require, during
the summer, a great abundance of water at the roots, one of the essential
points in connection with the formation of a hardy Fernery is the selection
of a place where a good depth of soil, with thoroughly good drainage,
can be secured. There, with a pile of rockwork, or, better still, a com-
bination of old tree-stumps, furnished with their large roots, and of blocks
of stone—the rougher the better—a Fernery may, with very little trouble and
expense, be prepared on either a small or a large scale; and, according to
their size and habit, places may be selected to suit all our native Ferns,
many of which are as beautiful and as truly decorative as kinds requiring

CULTURAL DIRECTIONS. 159

warmer treatment. In planting these, it is advisable to allow sufficient space
for their full development, and it is an excellent plan to form a substantial
background by planting in masses, instead of singly, in rich loam, such
species as the Male Fern, Nephrodium (Lastrea) Filia-mas; the Shield Fern,
Aspidium (Polystichum) aculeatum and A. a. angulare; the Ostrich-feather
Fern, Onoclea (Struthiopteris) germanica and its variety pennsylvanica, for which
the most exposed places should be reserved. Under the friendly protection
of these more robust species, it will be found that innumerable varieties of
the Lady Fern, Asplenium (Athyrium) Filia-feemina, as also varieties of the
Male Fern, Nephrodium (Lastrea) Filiv-mas, will luxuriate in a mixture,
in equal parts, of peat, loam, sand, and leaf-mould; while the common Harts-
tongue, Scolopendrium vulgare, and its numerous varieties, the Royal Fern,
Osmunda regalis, and the North American Osmundas, with Onoclea sensibilis,
and the Marsh Shield Fern, Nephrodium (Lastrea) Thelypteris, will be found
to thrive best in the lowest and dampest part of the Fernery. The space
existing between and among the above-named species should be devoted to
the cultivation of the several species of Bladder Ferns, Cystopteris alpina,
C. dentata, C. Dickieana, C. fragilis, and C. montana; also to several species
of Spleenworts, Asplenium Adiantum-nigrum, A. fontanum, A. lanceolatum, and
A, viride. The Hard Fern, Lomaria (Blechnum) Spicant, should also be
planted under the same conditions, which are equally suitable to Aspidiwm
acrostichoides, A. nevadense, A. novcboracense, A. Goldieanum, Dicksonia
punctilobula, Woodwardia areolata, and other North American species of
similar growth. The projecting points of the rockwork will be rendered
extremely beautiful by being covered, on the driest side, with the common
Polypody, Polypodiwm vulgare, and its varieties; the Parsley Fern, Crypto-
gramme (Allosorus) erispa; and such of the species of Spleenwort as Aspleniwm
Trichomanes, A. Ruta-muraria, and the Scale Fern, Aspleniwm Ceterach
(Ceterach officinarum), all of which thrive best in a compost in which old
mortar and broken bricks form one half, the other half being made of peat
and sand.

Another point of great importance to be considered in the plantation
of the hardy Fernery is the distribution of the evergreen and the naturally
deciduous kinds, which should be disposed in such a way as to avoid at
any time a bare appearance and allow the whole place to remain partly

160 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

covered with foliage during the resting season. Such a place may safely
be planted at any time from October to March ; but if it is tolerably sheltered,
it will be found preferable to plant during the autumn, as root action in
most hardy Ferns commences long before there are any visible outward signs
of vegetation, and in that case the plants moved in the autumn will, if kept
sufficiently moist, have made a quantity of fresh roots, upon which the new
growth is mostly dependent. In an exposed situation it is best to plant
only in spring, and just before vegetation commences—that is, about the
end of March—as the plants are then in most vigorous state, the ascension
of the sap rendering them ready to take every advantage of the new
soil, the nutritive properties of which are readily assimilated by the roots.
Another point worthy of consideration in this case is derived from the fact
that if any of the old fronds are injured through the operation, there is
but little harm done; whereas if the planting takes place later on, the
injuries done to the young growths may result in a permanent disfigure-
ment of the plants.

When a hardy Fernery is once established it requires very little attention
to keep it in order. The whole work in connection with such a place
is limited to occasional waterings during the summer, while during the
winter a slight covering of old leaves or other light material placed over
their crowns will enable the tenderer sorts to withstand uninjured the
rigour of our severest winters. Such protecting material must be carefully
removed as soon as the hard frosts are over, or its presence will prove
detrimental to the plants, either by the breaking of the young fronds if the
operation is performed when these are partly developed, or by their sudden
exposure to drying winds and late frosts, if they have been allowed to make

their growth under artificial protection.

CHAPTER XVI.

VARIOUS FANCY WAYS OF GROWING FERNS.

<|ESIDES the culture of Ferns on a somewhat large scale, as
treated in the previous Chapter, there are many other ways
of making the most of these charming plants, such as

growing them on cork bark, on hanging blocks, in suspended

baskets, in window-cases, and, above all, in glass cases in
the dwelling-room. Of these various ways, the last is probably the one
which deserves the greatest amount of attention, as it directly affects a
very numerous class of lovers of Ferns who, through living partially or
entirely in town, are, from want of space or other outside accommodation,
deprived of the pleasure of growing their favourites in any of the previously-
described ways. Persons of that disposition of mind, residing in the
country, may depend on continued enjoyment derived from seeing Ferns in
their native habitats; but to many lovers of these plants the pleasure of
seeing them growing in their natural state is denied, and it is especially
for the benefit of these that the following particulars have been included
in this work.

From a purely decorative point of view it may be said that, whether
in. window-cases, on a rustic stand with a propagating-glass to cover
the plants, or in the more commodious Fern-case (the dimensions of which
must depend on the size of the room for which it is intended), there
are few objects more attractive, and, at the same time, more likely to
prove a constant source of pleasure and instruction, than a miniature
Fernery planted with judiciously-selected and well-grown Ferns. In such
XY

162 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

structures an imposing display may be made of Filmy Ferns, as these are
the most suitable, as well as the most lasting, of all kinds adapted for
growing under such conditions; the only drawback to their general use
being the expense, an item which sometimes has to be taken into consideration.
Fern-cases may also, more cheaply, yet very effectively, be planted with
other Ferns in mixed sorts, a list of which is given at the end of this
chapter; but in this instance they require replanting oftener, for, being of
more vigorous, or rather of quicker, growth, they more rapidly overgrow the
case, which soon becomes a real wilderness. Another reason why Filmy Ferns
should, whenever possible, have the preference is, that while their transparent
fronds remain uninjured through a prolonged contact with the glass, those of
nearly all, if not of all, other kinds soon deteriorate when subjected for any
length of time to the influences of the moisture more or less permanent in
a Fern-case ; so that the economy in choosing commoner Ferns, unless they
are only of the cheapest kinds, is more apparent than real.

The most ornamental, but at the same time the most expensive, of
Fern-cases is that known as the Victoria case: a spacious structure of oblong
shape, with curved or domed top, in which ventilation is provided by means
of a movable or sliding strip of glass at the upper part, where the two bent
pieces of glass meet, and also through both the ends, which, being hung on
hinges, can be opened to admit the exact amount of air required. In this
structure all possible light is saved, as there are neither cross-bars nor uprights
in the way, each side and each end, as well as each half of the curved top,
being individually of only one piece of glass. The bottom part of the
case is separated from the soil by a false bottom made of perforated zine,
and the space thus remaining between the two is used for the reception of
the water resulting from the watering of the plants; one end is provided
with a small tap or hole, through which, by a slight tilting of the case
from the opposite end, all superfluous water is easily disposed of. In such
a case—the dimensions of which are proportionately as follows: 30im. in
length, 16in. in width, and 24in. at the highest part of the curved top—
it is comparatively easy to make a miniature rockery, and one which gives
immediate and lasting satisfaction. Having laid on the perforated zine
bottom a thickness of a couple of inches of crocks, and covered these with a
layer of sphagnum, or, better still, if procurable, a layer of very fibrous peat,

VARIOUS FANCY WAYS OF GROWING FERNS. 163

to prevent the drainage from becoming choked, all that remains to be done
is to fill the bottom of the case, to the depth of about 6in., with a mixture
of soil suitable to the kinds intended to be planted in it. If for Filmy Ferns—
Todeas, Hymenophyllums, and Trichomanes, mixed—a compost of two parts
peat, one part silver sand, and one of partly-decomposed sphagnum, will
satisfy all kinds with either crowns or slender, shining rhizomes which
delight in running into loose and decayed vegetable matter. If, however, the
case is intended to be filled exclusively with Zrichomanes radicans, it will be
best to use, in equal proportions, peat and porous sandstone roughly
broken into pieces of various sizes; to the latter substance the hairy rhizomes
cling with great tenacity, while the fleshy roots run freely amongst the
pieces, from which they derive all the nourishment they require. Should,
however, a commoner class of Ferns be intended to be grown in the case,
a mixture of two parts peat or leaf-mould, one part fibrous loam, and one
part silver sand, will be found the most satisfactory compost for the majority
of kinds used generally for planting in either Fern- or window-cases. In these,
as in Filmy Fern cases, a miniature rockery may, with equal success, be
prepared, and, the case being usually a fixture, there is no necessity for
cementing together the pieces of either tufa or natural stone used in its
construction. Provided that these be firmly embedded in the soil, they need
only be stood up, and their base may with advantage be planted with
small pieces of the dwarf-growing form of Ficus repens called minima, which
in time covers them, and which may very easily be kept within bounds by
occasional pruning. Some small-crowing Selaginellas may also be planted in
close proximity to the stones, whence they will extend and cover the
surface of the ground; and by paying a little attention to them, overcrowding
may always be easily avoided.

Next to the Fern-case of oblong shape comes the octagonal structure,
and then the plain glass shade, which may be procured of various heights and
dimensions, so as to suit plants of different sizes and habits; but, in all cases,
the mode of planting the Ferns and their treatment afterwards are the same.
These consist in the dispensation of proper light, ventilation, and judicious
waterings. As regards the light, it is advisable, whenever possible, to have
the Fern-case placed as near the window as practicable, and have it shaded
from the sun when necessary. When the case is devoted to Filmy Ferns,

164 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

these are all the better if placed near the window with a north aspect, where,
although receiving a good deal of light, which shows their transparency to
great advantage, the sun never troubles them. When grown in a room,
they require but very little ventilation ; and, unless there happen to be an
excess of condensed moisture, it is best to keep the case closed, for, if exposed
for any length of time to the influence of the dry air of a dwelling-room,
the delicate fronds soon shrivel up, and are eventually destroyed. Should
there be, however, any accumulation of condensed moisture on the glass, it
is well to give a little air; but the case should be closed again as soon as the
glass is dry. When filled with other Ferns of mixed characters, the case
requires a greater amount of ventilation; and, when thoroughly established
in it, the plants derive much benefit from a change of air, which should be
frequently given with a view to preventing the glass from becoming dim and
slimy through the condensation of moisture upon it. Watering is an operation
which, in connection with Fern-cases, requires a certain amount of tact, and
for which no hard-and-fast rule can possibly be laid down; but it is essential
to point out that a great deal of irreparable mischief is frequently the result
of a too liberal use of the watering-pot. After being planted in the case, the
Ferns should be watered gently until the soil is uniformly damp, and the ease
being then closed, no more water will be required until the surface of the
soil gets dry, when a gentle watering over the ground only, as before, should
be given to the extent required; but, in any case, it is most advisable to
keep the foliage of the plants dry.

Among other fancy ways of growing Ferns, one of the most popular is in
suspended baskets, which, though sometimes made of wood or cane, are usually
made of galvanised wire. These baskets are lined with fresh, living moss ;
this, being firmly pressed against the sides, is sufficient to retain the soil,
in which the Ferns should be planted a little below the surface of the wire,
so as to allow sufficient room for the water to permeate the whole ball.
When baskets are planted too high, the difficulties in keeping the Ferns in
good order are greatly increased, and nothing short of frequently-repeated
soakings will answer; whereas, if filled only below the level of the rim,
ordinary waterings, with occasional dippings, will be found quite sufficient to
keep the plants in good condition at the roots. Baskets manufactured of cork
bark may also be made very ornamental and rustic, and should be treated in

VARIOUS FANCY WAYS OF GROWING FERNS. 165

the way stated above, with this difference—that they do not require any
lining. The general appearance of suspended baskets of any description is
greatly enhanced by the introduction of a few foliage plants of creeping habit,
such as Micus repens, Saxifraga sarmentosa, green and variegated forms of
Tradescantia, &e., which, being planted near the edge, soon take possession
of the outer surface, covering it more efficiently than the Ferns themselves
could do, while the same treatment is applicable to them. A list of Ferns
suitable for growing in suspended baskets will be found at the end of
Chapter IX., pages 71-2.

Another very effective way of growing Ferns is the one which we have
seen adopted with marked success by Messrs. W. and J. Birkenhead, of Sale,
near Manchester, and which, we gather from their ‘“ Hints on the Cultivation
of Ferns,” consists in fastening to a piece of cork bark a layer of living
moss larger than the cork itself, and roots upwards; on this the Fern is
placed, and its own roots are surrounded with suitable compost, in quantity
according to size of plant and cork. Over this compost and the roots of the
Fern the edges of the moss are drawn so as to cover up all the soil; then
the moss and Fern are fastened on to the cork by means of thin copper wire,
worked across in different directions, and twisted round copper tacks at the
edges of the cork. The whole is then suspended by one hooked wire if to
hang against a wall, or by three or four wires and a hook if to hang like
a basket from the roof of a greenhouse or of a conservatory. The moss
should be kept constantly moist, and the body of moss and soil soaked occa-
sionally in water, to ensure thorough saturation. With this treatment the
moss may be made to grow as well as the Fern, forming altogether a most
charming object. Such Ferns as Davallias especially delight in having their
rhizomes among the damp moss, their roots going through the moss into
the compost.

Virgin cork may, indeed, be used in many ways, and always with the
greatest effect. One of the prettiest arrangements which has come under our
notice was produced by artificial trees, of various dimensions, being made. of
pieces of cork bark, firmly tied together, yet with little spaces left between
the pieces, the hollow parts of which were filled with a compost suitable
to the Ferns used. In these crevices, seedling plants of Davallias and

Nephrolepis had been inserted when quite young, and their rhizomes and

166 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

stolons had actually taken entire possession of the cork; the effect produced
by the mass of elegant foliage, and also by the rhizomes twining around the
cork, being really most pleasing.

The porous bottle is another very ingenious fancy way of growing
Ferns, and one which, with proper attention, produces very satisfactory
results. <A. terra-cotta botile, made of porous material, being procured, is first
covered with a layer of clay about lin. thick, which is fastened to it by means
of fine copper wire, worked across
in different directions, and into
which young seedlings of Adiantum
Capillus-Veneris are planted, at a
distance of 2in. in all directions.
The bottle is then filled with water
(which is intended to percolate
through to the clay), and hung
up, being occasionally replenished.
No water whatever is given direct
to the plants, which rapidly cover
the whole surface of the clay, and
form a most interesting ball of green
foliage, lasting in perfection so lone
as the bottle, from which they derive
the whole of their nourishment, is
not allowed to get dry.

The stems of dead Tree Ferns

Fig. 12, Dead Tree Fern, decorated with Ferns, may also be utilised with advantage

in this way: by scooping out the

upper part, and filline it with soil, a good-sized plant may be inserted in
the top, while the sides may be planted with young seedlings, which, as is
shown in our Illustration (Fig. 12), eventually take possession of the whole
surface. The best plants adapted for this purpose are the several species of
Dayallias, and of trailing Acrostichums, Nephrolepis, and some of the Poly-
podiums, all of which, in their natural state, are found growing in a
similar way. These ornamented Tree Fern stems, although practically dead,
require to be watered, like Tree Ferns, from the top; and, to keep the artificial

VARIOUS FANCY WAYS OF GROWING FERNS. 167

growth upon them in good order, the waterings must be both copious and
frequent during the growing season, gradually lessening them as the winter
approaches.

The little terra-cotta baskets of various forms, and the Egyptian vases
and pitchers of diminutive sizes, which are now so frequently met with
as one of the principal ornaments of drawing-rooms, also require special
attention. The vases and pitchers with the neck a great deal narrower
than the body are specially difficult to plant; for, while there is a com-
paratively large quantity of soil below, the aperture is so small that the
introduction of a Fern with foliage corresponding to the size of the vase
or pitcher necessitates a great sacrifice of roots, which operation is necessarily
injurious to the plant. The plan generally adopted consists in planting these
articles of decoration in advance with small seedlings, and allowing them to
erow, in a greenhouse or frame, until they correspond with the size of the
receptacle, by which time they are thoroughly established and able to stand
drawing-room treatment.

The following is a list of the Ferns best adapted for growing in either
Fern- or window-cases in a room. The more robust, or those requiring less
confinement, are marked with an asterisk (*); while those which thrive best
in a close case are marked with a dagger (7). The strong-growing kinds,
suitable only for large cases, or for standing in the room without glass
protection, are marked with a parallel (||).

Adiantum emulum.* Aspidium (Polystichum) viviparum.*
Capillus-Veneris, and varieties.* Asplenium Adiantum-nigrum.*
cuneatum.* alternans.*
diaphanum.* bulbiferum, and varieties. ||
formosum.* Colensoi.*
hispidulum.* dimorphum. ||
reniforme.* ebeneum.*
venustum.* flabellifolium.*

Aspidium (Lastrea) aristatum, and lanceolatum.*

variety.* Asplenium marinum.*
(Polystichum) capense.* monanthemum.*

(Cyrtomium) falcatum. || obtusilobum.*
(Polystichum) mucronatum.* ruteefolium.*
(P.) munitum.* Sandersoni.*
(

Ee
P.) setosum.* Trichomanes,*

168 THE BOOK WOr (CHOUCE, WEE RIN,

Blechnum occidentale.*

Davallia dissecta.*
Mariesii.*

(Microlepia) strigosa.*
tenuifolia.*

Doodia aspera.*
caudata.*
media.*

Hymenophyllum, all species.t

Hypolepis distans.*
tenuifolia. ||

Lygodium japonicum (scandens).*
palmatum.*

Nephrodium (Lastrea) decompositum.*
(Sagenia) decurrens.*
molle. ||
odoratum (hirsutum).t
(Lastrea) patens.||

Nephrolepis cordifolia (tuberosa).||
philippinensis.*

Onychium japonicum.*

Osmunda javanica.*

Osmunda regalis palustris. ||

Pellea falcata.*

(Pteris) geraniefolia.*
(P.) hastata.*
rotundifolia.*

Polypodium acrostichoides.*
(Phlebodium) aureum.||
(Niphobolus) Lingua.*
(Phymatodes) pustulatum.*

Pteris cretica. ||
c. albo-lineata. ||
c. Mayii.||
longifolia. || .
semipinnata.*
serrulata, and varieties. ||

Scolopendrium vulgare, various forms.*

Selaginella helvetica.t
Kraussiana, and varieties +
Martensii, and varieties +
uncinata (ceesia).T

Todea, all species.t

Trichomanes, all species.

CHAPTER AVI.

FERN FOES, BRITISM AND EXOTIC.

T may be safely stated that insects specially feeding on Ferns
are, as a rule, the outcome of improper culture, or of the
uncongenial state of the temperature and atmosphere in which
the plants are kept under artificial treatment. Anyone may

3 readily be convinced of the truth of this assertion by observing
and studying Ferns in their native habitats, where they are seldom attacked
by any insects specially feeding on them. Woodlice, slugs, snails, cock-
roaches, and other pests, are, it is true, particularly fond of the young
erowths, especially those of the kinds of a succulent nature; and caterpillars,
and even mice, play sad havoc among their more mature, as well as among
their partially-developed, fronds. But the above are all marauders whose
depredations are not limited to Ferns, which they attack in common with
other plants, running as they do from one to the other, and destroying them
indiscriminately as they come in contact with them. These are fiends to be
met with in any culture, and among all classes of plants, feeding on nearly
all vegetables alike, and can scarcely bear the appellation of “Fern Foes,”
as intended here for such insects as thrips (Fig. 13), mealy bug (Fig. 14),
scales (Figs. 15 and 16), white and green flies, &c.—these select fronds of
the Ferns, to which they attach themselves, and on which they remain as
long as any nutriment is to be derived from them. But these insects, unlike
the pests previously mentioned, are invariably found on plants out of natural
conditions, the constitution of which they materially help to weaken. It is
not an uncommon occurrence among Ferns grown in a warm-house to find
Z

170 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

plants infested with thrips and red spider; but, in nine cases out of
ten, when the same plants are subjected to a lower temperature, they remain
perfectly clean. The same remarks apply to a little white fly, commonly
called the “Tomato Fly,” which is distinguishable from all others by its
peculiarly abrupt, erratic, short flight, darting instantaneously, when disturbed,
from one plant to another, and which almost invariably settles on the under-
side of the fronds.

Of all the above-named insects, the thrips (Fig. 13) is the most dangerous,
for its depredations are swift and irreparable. In the cases of mealy bug,
scales, and flies, when the plants have once been freed from their presence,
they increase in vigour, and their appearance does not show any signs of the
passage of the enemy. With the thrips—which is a small insect, barely gin.
long, white when quite young, and black when adult,
and possessed of wonderful destructive powers—it is
very different, for it feeds exclusively on the outer
coating of the frond on which it lives, leaving
behind it marks which nothing can remove. On

account of the delicacy of their texture, and of the
very fine nature of their foliage, the process of

Fig. 18, Thrips

(magnified).

washing or sponging, which is practicable in most
other classes of plants, is almost impossible in
regard to Ferns ; other means of getting rid of these pests must therefore,
in most cases, be resorted to. Attention has already been called to the
greater lability to which Ferns grown in too high a temperature are subject
regarding the attacks of the thrips, which soon disfigure them entirely, and
which, when found only in small quantities, may be picked off the plants by
hand, and then be kept under by the said plants being subjected to a cooler
treatment afterwards. But if the Ferns have been allowed to get badly
infested with thrips, the only remedy lies in the application of tobacco-
smoke or, better still, of tobacco-vapour. A full description of the genus
Thrips is given in Nicholson’s ‘ Dictionary of Gardening,” vol. iv., p. 30.
Ferns, however, are, as a rule, very sensitive and very adverse to fumi-
gation, and when this operation has to be resorted to, it is far better to
smoke the house moderately in the evening, and repeat the operation the next
morning, than to smoke strongly at once. It is also preferable to smoke

FERN FOES, BRITISH AND EXOTIC. 171

with pure tobacco than to depend on tobacco-paper or tobacco-cloth, either of
which develops fumes more or less injurious to Ferns. Even pure tobacco-
smoke becomes hurtful when applied too strongly, and a slight dose repeated
two or three times will prove more effectual and safer than one strong
fumigation. A great deal of inconvenience to the Ferns is avoided by the use
of tobacco-steam instead of tobacco-smoke: indeed, we have seen it applied
in numerous cases, and have never had to record a serious mishap in connection
with its use. Very little observation is needed to demonstrate that it must
naturally be a safer process, as, instead of being rarefied by the action of the
fire, like tobacco-smoke, it is of a moist nature; and it must also be more
efficacious, inasmuch as, instead of being light, and naturally ascending like
smoke, it is heavier than the atmosphere of the house, and, after rising a
certain height, it falls on and among the plants like a dew, so that the insects
cannot possibly escape the deadly effects of the nicotine deposited everywhere
in that way. The excessive bitterness with which everything in the house
becomes impregnated by its use also acts as a very efficacious and safe
preventive.

There are many ways of generating tobacco-steam, and a very ingenious
machine, called the “Thanatophore,” has been invented for the purpose of
steaming tobacco-juice and disseminating it in the houses. Syringing hot-
water pipes with diluted tobacco-juice will, to a certain extent, help to keep
the place free from insects; but this, although apparently a very simple and
primitive method, is almost as expensive as the ‘‘ Thanatophore,’ on account
of the unavoidable loss of material, and is less effective than the following
process, which is simple, safe, and does not require any special tuition or
preparation: Put into a deep iron pot, say, 2qts. of tobacco-juice, specially
manufactured for steaming and of guaranteed strength, procurable from the
principal nurserymen ; then put into the furnace a fire-brick, and when this
has become white-hot, take it out of the fire, and straightway put it into
the iron pot containing the tobacco-juice, closing the door of the house. We
purposely say deep iron pot, as the juice, when hot, has the property of rising
considerably, in the same way as milk, and unless this expansion be provided
for, only a small part of the material would be used: the greater portion of it,
running over the sides of the pot, would be entirely wasted. By the time
the brick has completely cooled down, all the nicotine will have been extracted

172 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

from the juice and distributed in the form of steam all over the house,
which, when of very large dimensions, may require two, three, or even more,
similar pots and bricks. By this process not only does the nicotine, through
its purity, remain harmless to the plants, but it also reaches green and white
flies as well as thrips. Thrips have a very clever way of instinctively letting
themselves down to the ground as soon as the smoke approaches them, and
in that way partially, and sometimes even totally, avoid its effects. Another
point in favour of tobacco-vapour lies in the fact that there can be no flaring
up, as is frequently the case with tobacco-paper or with tobacco-rags, when
the effects are really disastrous.

Like tobacco-smoke, tobacco-steam is destructive only to breathing insects,
and then only when these have no means of escape ; but it has no effect either
on mealy bug (Fig. 14), which must be removed
by hand—all the insecticides which up to the
present have been found capable of destroying it
being at the same time equally injurious to

Ferns—or on scale (Figs. 15 and 16), which must
Fig. 14. Mealy Bug also be washed off or picked by hand. The latter
aaa a insect, which has all the appearance of a small
protuberance of either brown or whitish colour,

although apparently remaining stationary, multiplies, and, notwithstanding the
apparent absence of leos or of any other means of locomotion, spreads rapidly,
mainly through the agency of ants, which derive some nourishment from its
exudations. Accordingly, the ants—remarkable alike for their activity and
their foresight—form “plantations” of scales, much in the same way as we
form orchards, oyster-beds, &c., by carrying them from one plant to another
(a performance which has many times been watched with keen interest by
observers), and setting the mother scale so that it may easily adhere to the
stem or the under-part of the frond, where a young colony surrounding the
old scale shortly makes its appearance, and, unless its progress be checked at
the outset, soon spreads over the whole plant on which it lives. This mode of
transport by ants explains the spreading of scales from one plant to another
of the same kind situated at a considerable distance, and for which it is
difficult, if not even impossible, to account in any other way. The scales are
very difficult to remove, on account of the inefficiency of known insecticides,

FERN FOES, BRITISH AND EXOTIC. 173

which do not appear to take any effect on them. When the fronds infested
with scales happen to be old, they may with safety be cut clean off; but,
unless the Fern be of a deciduous nature, the whole or even the greater
part of the fronds should not be cut off at once, as in most cases this mode

of curing would prove quite as dangerous as the complaint. The most

Fig. 15, Scale Insect (Lecanium Hesperidium). Fig. 16. Scale Insect (Lecanium Persice),
a, Twig and Leaf bearing Females (nat. size) ; a, Leaf with Male on it (slightly enlarged) ;
b Female (magnified). b, Male flying (much enlarged).

practical way is to pick off by hand all that can be seen, and then to well wash
the plant with warm water containing soft soap in the proportion of 20z. to
1 gallon of water; by that means, the young brood of very minute scales,
which have been unavoidably missed, will be effectively destroyed. A most
interesting dissertation on scale insects, and their mode of reproduction, is
published in Nicholson’s ‘Dictionary of Gardening,” vol. il., p. 378.

As the ant is, in many instances, the travelling medium of the scale, it
may also be classed among the Fern enemies, and its presence in the
Fernery must be checked by all possible means. Among the many ways
recommended for destroying ants, one of the easiest and most efficacious
consists in laying in the places where they are accustomed to assemble pieces
of thick twine or rope, about Ift. long, which have been previously dipped
in a syrup made of coarse sugar. The ants cluster in great numbers
upon these strips, which, from time to time, can easily be taken up and
dipped into boiling water. The same satisfactory results may be obtained
from the use of a good-sized sponge, sprinkled over with finely-powdered sugar :
the sponge, thus prepared, being laid near the holes whence the ants issue,

174 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

becomes in a short time quite a living object, the ants filimg up the holes
of the sponge, which may then be plunged into boiling water.

Although they sometimes attack hardy Ferns, all the above-mentioned
insects are particularly the enemies of stove and greenhouse kinds. British
Ferns have as their greatest foe a semi-transparent green fly, which affects
principally the Lady Fern, Asplenium (Athyrium) Filiv-faemina ; it apparently
lays its egos in the crowns of the plants, so that in the spring they rise with
and hatch upon the young fronds, upon which the young brood feed at once.
It is easily distinguished from the common green fly as it runs about swiftly,
and is a voracious sap-feeder. Like the thrips among stove and greenhouse
kinds, this fly rapidly spoils the appearance of the Ferns with which it
comes into contact; after its passage, traces are left which cannot by
any means be eradicated. This insect appears to thrive best where light is
somewhat scanty, as it is in such places that its depredations are mostly
noticed. It is only seen in spring and early summer, and this is explained by
its transformation, about July, into a shining, hard, brown insect, having much
resemblance to a large flea. The most practical way to deal with the insect
is to carefully search for and destroy the first spring broods, by which means
its spreading is abruptly arrested. British
Ferns have also in the leather-coated grub of

the “daddy long-legs” (Fig. 17) avery serious
Ravin sGrubeape*Darapeloneelese: enemy, which, during its nocturnal excursions,
(nat. size). plays great havoc among the young fronds of

many kinds. Its depredations are carried on

all the safer as, through its general appearance, very little, if any, suspicion
is attached to it; when full grown, this insect, if we may call it by such a
name, resembles a tiny, dull black sausage seldom exceeding lin. in length,
and is very destructive. It is essentially a night-feeder, and never gets far
away from its larder, burying itself in the ground close to the plant attacked.
The best plan, when it has been ascertained that this is the cause of the
mischief, is to lift the plant bodily out of the soil with all the earth possible,
and then, with a hand-trowel, see if the delinquent has taken refuge in the
soil surrounding the ball (in which it frequently buries itself after its meal,
and from which it emerges the following night); by this means its destruction

is greatly simplified.

FERN FOES, BRITISH AND EXOTIC. 175

Caterpillars cannot be said to be very particular as to the nature of the
Ferns on which they feed, for we have frequently had the opportunity of
observing the same individual going from the soft-textured Lady Fern, on
which it was hatched, to the more succulent Asplenium lucidum and Poly-
podium aureum, and thence to the leathery Lomaria procera (chilensis),
oftentimes even attacking the harsh foliage of Dicksonia antarctica, and
that in a house where any amount of softer or tenderer foliage was at
hand. Consequently, it is no easy matter to allure these pests towards any
particular bait, and the only way of getting rid of them is to pick them off by
hand. A great deal of anxiety later on can, however, be avoided by acting
on the axiom that prevention is better than cure, and by paying special
attention during the summer to the destruction of all moths and butterflies
making the Fernery their headquarters or their rambling-grounds.

For woodlice, scooped-out pieces of potato, turnip, &e., or traps consisting
of pots laid on their side, with a little moss in them, to which they will
retire for a hiding-place, may be laid with success. For slugs and snails,
pieces of lettuce and cabbage leaves are said to be attractive, but by far the
best material is fresh bran, which should be disposed in small quantities about
the house, and to which it will be found that they go in preference to any
other bait. As it is usually at night that these pests come out, it is
indispensable to search diligently for them by lamplight, when many of
them will be found making their way to, or already buried in, the bran.
Searching for the above foes will also afford
an opportunity of catching cockroaches, if there
are any about the house, as these seldom come
out before night. They usually infest warm-

houses only, and they select for resting- SS sft } a ~,
a Gi" - vey

places the warmest corners, whenee they direct Ee ala

their nocturnal visits, retiring to their haunts Fig, 18, Female Cockroach,

before daylight. Cockroaches (Fig. 18) are

seldom found in greenhouses, or in places where the temperature is allowed
to fall below 50deg. ; and when accidentally found under such conditions, their
running powers, which under the influence of a warm temperature are excessive,
seem paralysed, and their destruction then gives very little trouble. However

destructive to Ferns, and although feeding, as they generally do, on the young

176 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

and partly-developed fronds, cockroaches are not entirely herbivorous. They
are particularly fond of phosphorus, and this taste on their part makes their
destruction easy when compared with that of many of the other warm-house
pests. Pieces of phosphorus paste (Chase’s Beetle Poison), placed here and
there in the imfested house, very quickly attract them, and as effectually
destroy them. Whatever has not been eaten should be taken up in the
morning before any water has been
thrown about the place, and also before
any strong light has had time to play
on the said paste, which in either case
loses its virtue ; but if carefully picked
up, and put into the close box, as
advised, it can be used again with as
much effect as fresh paste. Cockroaches

thus destroyed should not be swept
PLS, IRI CEe ASTID clean away, as they do not emit any
offensive smell, and are usually eaten
up by any others which have not fed on the paste, and which are thereby
poisoned in their turn. Birkenhead’s Beetle Trap (Fig. 19) is also of great
value in the Fernery, as indeed in any other plant- or fruit-house, and likewise
for domestic purposes. It is a simple, cheap, and very effective contrivance,
which cannot get out of order, and by means of which thousands of cock-
roaches and beetles may be destroyed in a remarkably short space of time.
Although, in many instances, earth-worms may be considered useful in
renewing the surface of the soil, by bringing up from the subsoil finely-
divided earth, as also by favouring, by means of their burrows, the circulation
of air and water to certain depths, and by promoting a more rapid decay of
vegetable matter in the soil, yet these sometimes useful creatures may also be
included in the list of Fern foes. Besides disturbing to a great extent
the surface of the soil, where the Fern roots principally spread, the worms
have a natural habit of dragging into the ground tree-leaves, and also the
ends of living fronds, in which way they make themselves particularly
obnoxious. It is when they get into flower-pots, however, that worms are
most troublesome and hurtful, and require to be destroyed, for, in such

instances, the soil is rapidly decomposed on account of the vegetable matter

FERN FOES, BRITISH AND EXOTIC. 177

which it contains being digested by them without any additional nutritive
matter taking its place. Among the several ways of getting rid of worms,
the watering of the soil (whether in a flower-pot or in the open ground) with
a weak solution of smelling-salts or carbonate of ammonia is about the
simplest, as also the most efficacious, as it causes the worms to come to
the surface of the ground in a very exhausted condition. The same effect
is also produced by an infusion of walnut-leaves. The watering of the soil
with a solution of lime-water soon clears the ground of all worms, but there
are many kinds of Ferns and other plants to which an application of lime-
water would prove more hurtful than the presence of the worms themselves.
Whenever any of the processes above recommended have to be resorted to, it
is best to make the application in the evening, as it is then that worms are
near the surface of the ground. Again, it will frequently have been noticed
that after a warm shower, especially in the evening, worms in enormous
quantities crawl out of their holes in search of food, and they may then be
collected, if necessary, by the aid of a lantern ; but this is an operation which
requires to be quickly performed, for it is well known that the vibration of the
soil caused by footsteps, or the appearance of light, causes the worms to beat a
hasty retreat into their holes. Their increase may also be greatly checked by
the introduction, in the garden or in the Fernery, of hedgehogs, shrew-mice,
and frogs, all of which feed largely on worms.

A word of protest against the destruction of a harmless, or rather of a
useful, creature—which, instead of being protected as it deserves, is generally
hunted down by persons well-
intentioned, no doubt, but
possessing no knowledge of its

value in the garden—must be

entered here in favour of the
Testacella Slug (Fig. 20). Fig. 20. Testacella Slug (Testacella haliotidea)
This humble creature, which, Ruabaize:

unlike the other slugs, is

insectivorous, may rightly be termed the gardener’s friend, as it feeds exclu-
sively on worms, which it follows into their burrows. Its presence in the
garden and in the Fernery is undoubtedly beneficial to these places, and its

distinctive outward characters should be made widely known, so as to protect
2A

178 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

it from further molestation. Its slender body, when fully extended, is about
3in. long, of a dirty yellow colour, with brown specks, rarely pale yellow, and
sometimes entirely black. The hinder part of its back is provided with a
small, ear-shaped, flat, greyish shell, about 4in. long, which protects the rear
of the animal when in the burrows. This slug, which bears the name of
Testacella haliotidea (Fig. 20), is known to occur in many localities in the South
of England ; and, according to Professor Trail (in Nicholson’s “ Dictionary of
Gardening,” iv., p. 19), has been found as far north as Kirkcaldy, in Fifeshire.
There exists another species, named 7. Maugei, possessing the same insecti-
vorous nature, indigenous in South-west Hurope, but which has, however,
naturalised itself in the neighbourhood of Bristol; it differs from the one
above mentioned by the uniform dark brown colour of its body, and by
the larger dimensions of its shell, which is the external character distinguishing
both species from the ordinary slugs so justly feared in the Fernery on
account of their depredations.

GEA I Rae AV LL,

ACROSTICHUM, Linnaeus.
(Ac-ros’-tich-um. )

—)\|HIS very extensive genus, which, in Hooker and Baker's

a

“Synopsis Filicum,” is given as genus 60, and which forms by
far the greatest portion of the Acrostichew (Ac-ros-tich’-é-2),
is composed almost exclusively of tropical Ferns, and comprises
various groups with a wide range of venation and cutting.

For diversity of foliage, as also for variation in habit, few other genera
can compare with Acrostichum, as it embraces plants of the smallest dimen-
sions, and others of quite gigantic size, as well as plants with simple
(without distinct ramifications) or entire fronds, and others with fronds
pinnatifid (divided half-way to the midrib in segments in a feathery manner),
pinnate (divided to the midrib in a feathery manner), or even bipinnate
(doubly pinnate). The distinguishing characters of Acrostichum proper reside
in the nature and in the disposition of the sori (clusters of spore-cases),
which are spread over the whole under-surface of the fertile fronds, or of
their upper pinne (leaflets)—or, occasionally, over both surfaces—and are
not confined to the veins only.

The following are the various groups included in this genus :

AconiopTERIs (Ac-on-i-op’-ter-is), Presl—Fronds simple; veins anas-
tomosing (intermixed), united only near the margin.

Curysoprum (Chry-so’-di-um), /’e.—Plants with fronds dimorphous (of
two different forms), or sometimes with the upper pinne like the others,

180 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

and fertile; others with barren fronds sometimes simple but forked, or
pinnatifid (the divisions of the pinne not extending quite to the stalk
or rachis) or pinnate at the base when fully developed; some species also
copiously pinnate, and even doubly pinnate. Main veins none, or indistinct.

Kernorria (Hg-en-olf’-i-a), Schott.—The characters peculiar to the plants
belonging to this group differ from those belonging to Polybotrya (Pol-yb-ot’-ry-a)
only through the presence of a seta (bristle) in the sinus (depression) of the
lobes of the ultimate divisions.

KiapHoeiossum (Hl-aph-og-los’-sum), Schott—An important group, com-
prising numerous species with fronds either simple or pinnate, and veins
free; the barren fronds of some species being nearly or quite naked, the
edge not fringed; others, with both surfaces also nearly or quite naked,
have the edge of their fronds fringed ; some, again, have the upper surface
of their fronds slightly, and others densely, scaly. |

GYMNOPTERIS (Gym-nop’-ter-is), Bernhardt.— Ferns belonging to this
group are peculiar through the dimorphous nature of their fronds, which
in some species are entire, and in others sometimes simple, but with one or
two pairs of pinne when fully developed ; in other cases, copiously pinnate.
Veins copiously anastomosing, the main vein being distinct, and extending
nearly or quite to the edge.

Hymenoteris (Hym-en-ol’-ep-is), Kaulfuss.—Plants with simple, uniform
fronds, bearing the fruit on the contracted apex (point).

Otrersta (Ol-fer’-si-a), Raddi—Fronds pinnate, with veins anastomosing,
and united only near the margin.

Puorrinoprerts (Pho-ti-nop’-ter-is), J. Smith—Ferns with pinnate or
deeply-pinnatifid (divided nearly to the midrib) fronds, easily distinguished
through the fruit being disposed on the Lomaria-like upper pinne.

Potyzotrya (Pol-yb-ot’-ry-a), Humboldt and Bonpland.—Plants with
barren fronds variously pinnate and pinnatifid, but not of Lomaria-like habit ;
veins pinnate in the ultimate divisions of the fronds, except in A. CP.) bifur-
catum (bif-ur-ca/-tum), where a single vein is carried into each ultimate
division. — .

Rurerpopreris (Rhi-pid-op’-ter-is), Schott—A small group of plants with
venation flabellate (fan-shaped) ; fertile fronds small, sub-orbicular (nearly

round), and uncut,

ACROSTICHUM. 181

SOROMANES (So-rom/-an-és), /’ée.—Ferns with veins pinnate, a few ot
those of contiguous groups usually joining.

STENOCHLHNA (Sten-och-le’-na), J. Smith.—Ferns with fronds simply
pinnate, and somewhat resembling those of Lomaria (Lo-ma/-ri-a) as regards
their shape, their texture, and their fine, close venation.

The name Acrostichum, from akros, outermost, and stichos, row (1.¢.,
beginning of a verse), refers to the disposition of the sori, which have been
thought to resemble the beginning of lines of verse.

Culture.

The genus is exceedingly rich in plants of decorative value, some of
the strongest-growing kinds being particularly adapted for covering trunks
of Tree Ferns, walls, columns, &c., which they ascend by means of the
extension of their rhizomes (prostrate or subterranean stems, emitting leaves
at the growing point and rootlets along the surface), and in which situation
_ they produce a very striking effect, hiding as they do unsightly supports or
other equally objectionable subjects. The species with long fronds are parti-
cularly valuable for growing in hanging baskets; while, for most of the
species with entire or simple fronds, pot-culture must necessarily be resorted
to. In whatever way they are grown, Acrostichums require a liberal supply
of water at the roots; consequently, the compost used must be of a very
porous nature. A mixture of two parts fibrous peat, one part chopped
sphagnum, and one part coarse silver sand, will be found to suit nearly all
known species. Although over one hundred species of Acrostichums are
enumerated in the ‘Synopsis Filicum,” it has been thought necessary to
make a judicious selection, and, accordingly, only the most striking forms
have been fully described here; names of those possessed of mere botanical
interest have been inserted in their alphabetical order, to record their existence,
but without lengthy comments.

Principal Species and Varieties.

A. accedens—ac-ce’-dens (approaching), Mettenius.
A species of botanical interest, native of the Andes of Bolivia.—Hooker,
Synopsis Filicum, p. 523.

182 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

A. acrocarpum—ac-roc-arp/-um (pointed fruit), Martens.
A species of dwarf dimensions, and of only botanical interest, native of
Central Brazil Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 522.

A. (Polybotrya) acuminatum — Pol-yb-ot/-ry-a ; ac-u/-min-a/-tum
(taper-pointed), Hooker.

On account of the drooping character of its light green fronds, of a firm

texture, which are abundantly produced from a thick, climbing rhizome

Fig. 21, Acrostichum acuminatum
(& nat. size).

(prostrate stem), this Brazilian, stove species may be considered one of the
most decorative kinds comprised in the genus. The barren fronds, borne on

ACROSTICHUM. 183

firm, erect stipes (stalks), 4in. to 6in. long, and scaly throughout, are from
1ft. to 2ft. long and fully 1ft. broad, deltoid (in form of the Greek delta, A)
and simply pinnate (divided to the midrib), with their upper pinne (leaflets)
slightly lobed, truncate (terminating abruptly) on the lower side at the base,
Gin. to Sin. long, and 4in. to 6in. broad, usually furnished with small
pinnules (leafits) on each side. The fertile fronds are 1ft. long, deltoid, and
thrice pinnate. See Fig. 21.—Hooker, Species Filicum, v., p. 245. Nicholson,
Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 19.

Although its fertile fronds are said to be sub-quadripinnatifid (four
times nearly divided to the midrib) at the base, the Peruvian A. (Polybotrya)
nutans, Kunze, appears to be closely related to this species.

A. (Gymnopteris) alienum—Gym-nop’-ter-is ; al-i-e/-num (foreign),
Swartz.

The fronds of this handsome and distinct stove species (native of tropical
America, Cuba and Mexico to North Peru and the Amazon Valley) are pro-
duced from a woody rhizome (prostrate stem), and are borne on stalks 6in.
to Sin. long, and scaly downwards. Although of a similar shape, and of the
same papyraceous (paper-like) texture, the barren and fertile fronds are very
different in size: the former, from I4ft. to 2ft. long, and often lft. broad,
have their upper part deeply pinnatifid (the divisions of the pimne not
extending quite to the stalk or rachis), with lanceolate (spear-shaped) lobes,
while the lower part is pinnate (divided to the midrib), with lower pinne
entire (uncut) or deeply pinnatifid. The fertile fronds, which are much smaller
than the barren ones, are furnished with distant (not close), narrow-linear
(considerably longer than broad) or pinnatifid, leafy pinne (leaflets ).—Aooker,
Species Filicum, v., p. 272. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, 1., p. 18.

A. alpestre—al-pest’-ré (alpine), Gardner.
A species of botanical interest, native of the Organ Mountains, Brazil.—

Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 405.

A. amygdalifolium—am-yg’-dal-if-ol’-i-um (Almond-leaved), Mettenius.
A species with dissimilar fronds of small dimensions, native of Costa
Rica.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 520.

184 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

A. (Polybotrya) apiifolium—Pol-yb-ot/-rj¥-a; ap-i-if-ol/-i-um (Parsley-
leaved), Hooker.

This pretty, though very dwarf, stove species, from the Philippine Islands,
is totally distinct from all other Acrostichums, on account of its habit, which
greatly resembles that of an Anemia. The barren fronds, 4in. to 6in. each
way, are borne on stems about 2in. long, erect, and densely clothed with
tomentum (short, woolly hairs); they are tripinnate (three times divided to
the midrib), with pinne (leaflets) close, the lowest pair only having pinnatifid
pinnules (leafits divided not quite to the midrib), while the ultimate divisions
are oblong-rhomboidal, their outer edge slightly toothed. The fertile fronds are
borne on a slender and entirely naked stem, 6in. to 8in. long; they are
panicled (furnished with distinct, branching peduncles), with a few distant,
slender, either simple (uncut) or compound (set together) branches. Both. are
produced on a stout, woody, erect caudex (upright stem).—AHooker, Species
Filicum, v., p. 248. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 18.

A. (Elaphoglossum) apodum—El-aph-og-lis’-sum ; ap/-od-um (stem-
less), Kaulfuss.

A very interesting and ornamental stove species, native of the West Indies
to Brazil and Peru. Its barren fronds, 1ft. long, 2in. broad, are produced
from a thick, woody caudex (upright stem) densely covered with linear
(long and very narrow), crisped, brown scales, and have a very hairy appear-
ance, produced by the short, brown hairs with which the edges and midrib
are densely fringed. The fertile ones are much smaller, but both are of a sub-
coriaceous (almost leathery), thin texture-—Hooker, Species Hilicum, v., p. 213.
Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 18.

A. (Egenolfia) appendiculatum—Ee-en-olf’-i-a ; ap-pen-dic-ul-a/-tum
(having an appendage), Walldenow.

This highly decorative stove species produces from a firm, woody,
rhizome (prostrate stem), barren fronds, 1}ft. to 2ft. long and Gin. to 8in. broad,
simply pinnate (cut down to the midrib), with winged rachis (stalk provided
on each side with membranous expansions), and proliferous (bearing young
plants on leaflets) at their apex; they are borne on erect stems, 4in. to 6in.
long, naked or slightly scaly. The pinne (leaflets), 3in. to 4in. long and nearly

ACROSTICHUM. 185

lin. broad, are very variable, some being nearly entire, while others are cut
half-way down to the midrib of the blunt lobes, the upper side frequently
auricled (eared), the lower one obliquely truncate (terminating abruptly), and
dark green. The fertile fronds, besides being narrower, are on a longer spike,
with roundish or oblong pinnex, often distinctly stalked. This is a free-
growing species, native of various parts of India, from the Himalayas to
Hong-Kong, Ceylon, the Malaccas and Philippine Islands, and, according to
Beddome, it is found growing in moist forests, at no great elevation, in the
Anamallays, Neilgherries, &e.—Hooker, Species Filicum, v., p. 251. Beddome,
Ferns of Southern India, t. 194; Ferns of British India, t. 110. Nicholson,
Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 18.

A. (Polybotrya) articulatum—Pol-yb-ot’-rj-a ; ar-tic-ul-a’-tum (jointed),
Hooker.
A very strong-growing stove species, native of the Philippine Islands.—
Hooker, Synopsis Eilicum, p. 418.

A. (Polybotrya) aspidioides — Pol-yb-ot/-ry-a ; as-pid-i-6-i’-dés
(Aspidium-like), baker.

A distinct stove species, from Cuba, with general habit similar to that of
Nephrodium (Lastrea) Filix-mas. The barren fronds, pinnatifid (nearly
divided to the midrib) and of a sub-coriaceous (almost leathery) texture, Ltt.
high, are borne on stems densely clothed with lanceolate-acuminate (spear-
shaped and pointed) scales. The fertile fronds are narrower, doubly pin-
natifid, with the lobes fertile on both sides.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 414.

A. (Polybotrya) asplenifolium — Pol-yb-ot’-ry-a ; as-ple-nif-ol’-1-um
(Asplenium-fronded), Bory.

A greenhouse species, from the Neilgherries, Anamallays, &c., where,
according to Beddome, it grows wild in moist forests, at no great elevation.
Its barren and fertile fronds are very dissimilar: the former are pinnate (cut
down to the midrib), glabrous (smooth), sometimes viviparous (producing
young plants) at their apex; pinne (leaflets) twenty-five to forty pairs,
opposite or alternate. Fertile fronds much contracted, with leaflets much shorter

than those of the sterile ones. Both are produced from a short, creeping, thick
28

186 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

rhizome (prostrate stem), and are borne on very scaly stems.—Beddome, Ferns
of Southern India, t. 195.

A. assurgens—as-sur’-gens (ascending), Baker.
A species of small dimensions, native of the Andes of New Granada,
Keuador.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 409.

A. Aubertii—Au-ber’-ti-i (Aubert’s), Desvaua.

This very distinct and well-marked stove species, in the way of the
commoner A. viscosum, from which, however, it differs in texture and clothing
(coating of its fronds), is a native of Bourbon, Natal, Guatemala, Venezuela,
&c, The barren fronds, 1ft. or more in length, are borne on stems 4in. to
6in. long, clothed with squarrose (rough), lmear (much longer than broad),
brown scales; the fertile ones, only 2in. to 3in. long, are suddenly narrowed
at the base, and borne on stems 6in. to 9in. long. They are produced on
a woody, short-creeping, prostrate stem, densely covered with scales similar
to those clothing the stems. See Plate.—Hooker, Species Filicum, v., p. 219.

A. (Chrysodium) aureo-nitens — Chry-so’-di-um ;_ au’-ré-3-nit/-ens
(golden-shining), Hooker.

A stove species from Galapos, very distinct on account of the singular

combination of an entire (uncut), spathulate (spoon-shaped) barren frond, with a

pinnate (divided to the midrib) fertile one—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 421.

A. (Chrysodium) aureum — Chry-so’-di-um ; au’-ré-um (golden),
Linneus. .

One of the best and most distinct of all known Acrostichums. From
an erect caudex (stem) the massive fronds of this noble, strong-growing
Fern, which is found in a wild state in swampy places all over the tropics
of both hemispheres, are produced abundantly. They are borne on strong,
erect stems, Ift. to 2ft. high, and their leafy portion frequently measures
4ft. to 5ft. in length; they are of a coriaceous (leathery) texture, and of a
particularly brilliant and pleasing green colour, pinnate (divided to the midrib),
with barren and usually stalked pinne (leaflets) 3in. to 9in. long, and some-
times 3in. broad. The fructification in this highly decorative species is limited

: ' . Acrostichum Aubertit

ee eRe

ACROSTICHUM. 187

to the upper leaflets, which are only a little smaller than the barren ones,
and densely sporangiferous (bearing spore-cases) on their under-side. See
Fig. 22.—Hooker, Species Filicum, v., p. 226. Beddome, Ferns of Southern

Fig. 22. Acrostichum aureum
(fy nat. size).

India, t. 204. Eaton, Ferns of North America, t.-58. Lowe, Ferns British
and Exotic, vii., t. 62. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, 1., p. 18.

To obtain its full development, this handsome evergreen species requires
the temperature of the warm-house, where it should be treated as an aquatic.

188 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

It should be potted in equal parts of fibrous peat and loam, and, provided
there is abundance of heat in the house, it will make a very striking object
if the lower part of the pot can be kept in water. A splendid specimen of
it is usually to be seen in the Victoria House at Kew, where it is always
the admiration of every beholder.

The interesting and judicious remarks published by Prof. D. ©. Eaton,
in his splendidly-illustrated work on “Ferns of North America,” regarding
the very uncommon and extremely peculiar conditions under which this Fern
is found in a wild state, being of importance, and likely to promote success
in its cultivation, we have thought it advisable to give them here in
their entirety. Respecting this species, Eaton, in vol. ii, p. 95, of the
above-named work, says: “ Acrostichum aureum is the largest of all the
Ferns of the United States. Captain John Donnell Smith notes that it is
often 8ft. to 1lft. high; and Fée gives three metres as the extreme height.
Tt is found on muddy shores of brackish marshes, creeks, and bayous in
Southern Florida, very often associated with the mangrove. It is found in
similar places in nearly all tropical regions, and is perhaps the only known
Fern which grows only within the influence of salt water. Dr. Garber says
that, in ascending the creeks of Southern Florida, this Fern is found as far as
the water is brackish, and ceases as soon as the water becomes entirely free
from salt. Blume reports that he has seen one form, in the interior of Java,

in places full of springs abounding in carbonate of lime and chloride of sodium.”

A. auricomum—aur-ic’-om-um (haying golden locks), Kunze.
A greenhouse species, of botanical interest, native of the Andes, from
Columbia to Peru and Mexico.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 410.

A. (Stenosemia) auritum—Sten-os-e’-mi-a ; au-ri’-tum (eared), Swartz.

This stove species, native of the Philippines and the Malay and Solomon
Islands, is one of the few Acrostichums producing young plants on the
upper surface of their fronds, which spring from a woody caudex (upright
stem), and are deltoid in shape (that is to say, like the Greek delta, A), and
of a papyraceous (papery) texture. The barren ones, borne on stems 6in. to
9in. long, are from 8in. to 12in. each way; their central segment is deeply
pinnatifid (the incisions of the pinne not extending quite to the stem or

ACROSTICHUM. 189

rachis), with spear-shaped, entire (uncut) lobes, the lateral ones of which are
unequal-sided, with elongated-lobed lower pinnules (leafits), which do not reach
quite down to the rachis. The fertile fronds, also deltoid in shape, are borne
on stems lft. to 1dft. long, but their distant, linear (considerably longer
than wide) pinnw are barely }in. broad, the upper ones simple (without
distinct ramifications), the lower ones pinnatifid (divided half-way to the
midrib). The proliferous character of the plant is shown by a pair of bulbils
disposed at the base of the lower pinne of the barren fronds.—AHooker,
Species Filicum, v., p. 257. Lowe, Ferns British and Exotic, vi, tt. 52,09:
Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 18.

A. (Chrysodium) axillare — Chry-so’-di-um ; ax-il-la/-ré (axillary),
Cavanilles.

A greenhouse species, native of the Himalayas, the Neilgherries, and the
Philippine and Malay Islands, and one of the most distinct of all those
_ belonging to the narrow-fronded section. From a wide-scandent (long-climbing),
slender rhizome (prostrate stem), the fronds, barren and fertile ones equally
simple (without distinct ramifications), are produced. The former, borne on
short stems, are from 6in. to 18in. long and about Idin. broad, and have
their point somewhat blunt, the edge uncut, and their lower half gradually
tapering to the base. Their texture is papyraceous (papery), and both their
surfaces are naked (destitute of hairs or down). The fertile fronds, from
6in. to 12in. long, and from one line to three lines broad, and flexuose
(bending to and fro in opposite directions), are borne on stems from lin.
to 6in. long.—Hooker, Species Filicum, v., p. 276. Nicholson, Dictionary
of Gardening, 1., p. 19.

A. Barteri—Bar’-ter-i (Barter’s), Baker.

This stove species, although more recently found in New Guinea, was
originally discovered in Sierra Leone, by Barter, in 1816. It is of little
horticultural interest.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 519.

A. Bellermanianum—Bel-ler-man-i-a’-num (Bellerman’s), AJotzsch.
A greenhouse species, native of Columbia and Ecuador, much in the way
of A. conforme (con-for’-mé) as regards habit and texture, with barren

190 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

fronds of small dimensions, seldom exceeding 6in. long by 1Jin. broad, borne
on firm, erect stipes (stalks) 3in. to Gin. long, and densely clothed with large
scales of a pale brown colour. These barren fronds are very blunt at the
point and rounded at the base; they are of a coriaceous (leathery) texture,
and are covered on both sides with scales of a furfuraceous or mealy nature.
The fertile fronds, which are borne on longer stalks than the barren ones,
are much narrower, but, like them, are produced from a rhizome (prostrate
stem) of a woody nature, and are densely covered with linear (long and very
narrow), glossy scales of a reddish-brown colour.— Hooker, Species Filicum, v.

p- 236.

)

A. (Chrysodium) bicuspe—Chry-so’-di-um ; bic-us’-pé (having two
points), Hooker.

In this very curious stove species, native of Java, Formosa, and the Loo-
Choo Islands, the barren and fertile fronds are produced from a woody, short-
creeping rhizome (prostrate stem), densely clothed with yellowish, silky hairs.
They are of coriaceous or leathery texture, and differ from each other
inasmuch as the barren ones, borne on firm, naked stems, lft. long, are
rounded at the base, their apex consisting of two broad, divaricated (branching
off at a high angle, and spreading irregularly in various directions), acuminate
(ending in a long taper-point) lobes, with a broad, rounded sinus (depression)
between them, and frequently measure 6in. in their entire portion ; whereas
the fertile ones, borne on stipes (stalks) 14ft. or more high, though from
6in. to 9in. long, are barely din. broad, and narrowed at both ends, with two
or three nearly parallel ribs extending from the apex to the base.—Hooker,
Species Filicum, v., p. 271.

A. (Polybotrya) bifurcatum — Pol-yb-ot/-ry-a; bif-ur-ca’-tum (twice
forked), Swartz.

The fronds of this greenhouse species, native of St. Helena, are borne on
dense, tufted, slender, naked stipes (stalks), 2in. to 4in. long, and seldom
exceed 4in. in length. The barren ones, of herbaceous (soft or succulent)
texture, have their lower pinne usually two- or three-cleft, with linear divi-
sions, and naked on both sides.—Hooker, Species Filicum, p. 209. Nicholson,
MNetionary of Gardening, i., p. 19.

ACROSTICHUM. 191

A. (Chrysodium) Blumeanum — Chry-so’-di-um ; Blu-mé-a/-num
(Blume’s), Hooker.

This greenhouse species, named also by Blume Leptochilus lomarioides
(Lep-toch-i/-lus lo-ma-ri-0-i’-dés), is a native of Assam, Java, Samoa, and the
Philippine Islands, where it is found growing on trees, of the bark of which its
thick, wide-climbing rhizomes (long prostrate stems), of a woody nature, readily
take possession. Its barren fronds, which measure from 2ft. to 3ft. in length
and about 1ft. in breadth, are borne on scaly stipes (stalks) not more than
6in. long, and are furnished on each side with numerous pinne (leaflets)
of a membranous or soft texture; these are sessile, or without a stalk, and
from 4in. to 6in. long, with their extremity acuminate (tapering to a point) ;
they have their edge slightly toothed, and their base rounded. The fertile
fronds are equally pinnate (divided to the midrib) ; but the pinne, 4in. to 8in,
broad, are less closely set, and never more than }in. broad.—Hooker, Species
Filicum, v., p. 268. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, 1., p. 19.

A. Boryanum-—Bo-ry-a’-num (Bory’s), Lée.

A West Indian, stove species of botanical interest, with barren fronds
often 1ft. long and 3in. broad, and fertile ones much smaller, but borne on
longer stalks.—AHooker, Synopsis Hilicum, p. 407.

A. Burchellii—Bur-chel’-li-i (Burchell’s), Laker.

In this Brazilian, greenhouse species, of little decorative value, the barren
fronds, of leathery texture, often attain 2ft. in length and lin. in breadth,
while the fertile ones are of much smaller dimensions.—Hooker, Synopsis
Filicum, p. 401.

A. (Polybotrya) canaliculatum — Pol-yb-ot’-ry-a ; can-a-lic-ul-a’-tum
(channelled), Hooker.

This gigantic species, native of Venezuela, which succeeds equally well
under either stove or greenhouse treatment, is of a particularly well-developed,
scandent (climbing) habit, and well adapted for running up a Tree Fern
stem, or for covering the stump of a dead tree. Its barren fronds, which are
produced from a wide-climbing rhizome (long prostrate stem) of a woody nature,
covered with spines or short scales, are of a dark glossy green colour, and of

192 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

a sub-coriaceous (leathery) texture, and which frequently attain from 3ft. to
4ft. in length and 1$ft. in breadth, are tripinnate (three times pinnate), and
borne on stalks 1ft. or more in length. The lower barren pinne (leaflets)
usually measure from 6in. to 9in. in length and quite 4in. in breadth, and
are furnished with numerous lanceolate (spear-shaped) pinnules (leafits),
borne on short stalks, and whose segments or subdivisions are naked on both
surfaces, The segments of the fertile pinnules, barely din. long, spread at
right angles, and bear three or four sessile (stalkless) balls of sori (clusters
of spore-cases).—Hooker, Species Filicum, v., p. 247. Nicholson, Dictionary of
Gardening, i., p. 19.

Fig, 23. Acrostichum cervinum
(jb nat. size),

A. cardiophyllum — ecar-di-oph-yl’-lum (having heart-shaped fronds),
Hooker.

A dwarf-growing, greenhouse species, native of the Andes of Quito, and

one of botanical interest only, as its barren fronds, including the stalks on

which they are borne, are seldom more than 24in. long, and not more than

3in. broad.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 405.

ACROSTICHUM. 193

A. (Olfersia) cervinum—Ol-fer’-si-a ; cer-vi/-num (stag-horn-like), Swartz.

In this truly handsome, stove species, whose habitat extends from Cuba
and Mexico to South Brazil and Peru, the barren and fertile fronds are
entirely dissimilar. The former, simply pinnate (divided to the midrib),
are produced in great abundance from a creeping rhizome (prostrate stem)
of a woody nature, and thickly covered with shining light brown scales; they
are borne on stalks 1ft. or more long, densely clothed with scales similar to
those covering the rhizome; they are of a weeping habit, and measure from
3ft. to 4ft. long, while their pinne (leaflets), entire (undivided) or nearly so,
of a coriaceous (leathery) texture, and pale shining green in colour, are from
Gin. to Yin. long and frequently 2in. broad, and unequal at the base. The
fertile fronds are bipinnate (twice pinnate), with pinnw linear (considerably
longer than broad), distant, and furnished with short, spreading pinnules
(leafits), entirely covered with sporangia (spore-cases). See Fig. 23.—Hooker,
Species Filicum, v., p. 254. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, 1., p. 19.
Lowe, Ferns British and Exotic, vu., tt. 39, 40.

A. ciliatum—cil-i-a’-tum (fringed with hairs), Pres/.

A greenhouse, Peruvian species, of little decorative value. It has barren
fronds 1ft. to 1}ft. long, and smaller fertile fronds, which, however, are borne
on longer stalks than the barren ones.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 406.

A. cinnamomeum—cin-nam-o’-mé-um (cinnamon-coloured), Baker.

The fertile fronds of this greenhouse species, native of the Cameroon
Mountains and Fernando Po, are seldom more than 10in. long, including the
stalks on which they are borne, and which are densely covered with rough

scales of a bright brown colour.—Hooker, Synopsis Milicum, p. 409.

A. (Soromanes) Ccenopteris—So-rom’-an-és ; Ccn-op’-ter-is (Ceenop-
teris), Kunze.

This strong-growing, Mexican species, which, although more luxuriant
under stove treatment, may be successfully cultivated in the greenhouse, is
better adapted for growing on partly-decayed branches of trees than for making
pot-specimens. Its rhizomes (prostrate stems), of a woody nature, and densely
clothed with long, narrow, rusty-coloured scales, soon take possession of either

20

194, THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

wood or Tree Fern stem with which they are brought into contact. These
trailing stems, as thick as a finger, produce two distinct sorts of fronds, barren
and fertile, both of which are borne on straw-coloured stalks, 6in. to 12in.

QE

h oo
Wawe Teer ty ~
Wat Ne
THIN INS

Fig. 24. Acrostichum Cosnopteris
(& nat. size).

long, scaly below. The barren ones, 2ft. to 3ft. long and about lft. broad, are
simply pinnate (once divided to the midrib); the pinne (leaflets) are of an
almost leathery texture, shining green, and frequently measure from 4in. to

ACROSTICHUM. 195

Sin, long and 14in. broad; they are entire (uncut) and toothed, especially
towards the point. The fertile fronds are smaller, narrower, and bipinnate
(twice divided to the midrib). This species, of easy cultivation, is the same
as the one known under the name of Soromanes serratifolium (So-rom’-an-es
ser-ra-tif-ol/-i-um), Fée. See Fig. 24.—Hooker, Species Filicum, v., p. 206.

A. conforme—con-for’-mé (symmetrical), Swariz.

This is a handsome, evergreen, stove species, of dwarf habit, with very
thick, shining fronds, produced from a creeping and scaly rhizome (prostrate
stem). The barren ones, which, contrary to the general rule, are narrower
than those bearing fructification, are of erect habit, from 6in. to 9in. long,
and are borne on short, erect, slightly scaly stalks. To this species—whose
habitat extends over a vast area, it being found in Mexico and Brazil, in the
Sandwich and Fiji Islands, on the Himalayas and the Neilgherries (where,
according to Beddome, it is very common on trees on the higher ranges),
at the Cape of Good Hope, &c.—many other kinds are closely related ; the
principal ones being A, lawrifolium (laur-if-ol/-i-um), A. marginatum (mar-
gin-a’-tum), and A. obtusifolium (ob-tu-sif-ol’-i-um).—Hooker, Species Lilicum,
v., p. 198. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 19. Lowe, Ferns British
and Exotic, vii., t. 44. Beddome, Ferns of Southern India, t. 198.

A. (Mymenodium) crinitum — Hym-en-o’-di-um ; cri-ni’-tum (hairy),
Linneus.

Of all stove Ferns in cultivation this West Indian species is undoubtedly
_ the most curious, as also, when well grown, one of the handsomest among
the numerous forms contained in the genus to which, notwithstanding its
peculiar appearance (which reminds one of anything but a Fern), it really
belongs. The name of Elephant’s-ear Fern, under which it is commonly
known, conveys an idea of the extraordinary shape of its fronds; they are
simple, entire (undivided), broadly oblong or of an elliptical shape, and
produced from a rhizome (prostrate stem) thick, decumbent (reclining on the
surface of the ground), of a woody nature, and densely covered with long,
black hairs, which are also found on both surfaces, and more abundantly on
the margins, of the barren fronds. These are of a leathery, yet succulent,
texture, and of a dull green colour; when fully developed, they frequently

196 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

measure from 17ft. to 14ft. long and from 8in. to 10in. broad. The fertile
ones, of similar shape and texture, are smaller and contracted, their edges are
turned inwards, and the whole of their under-side, with the exception of a
narrow margin, is densely covered with brownish-black sporangia (spore-
cases), from which the spores escape at an early date. The barren and fertile
fronds are both borne on firm, erect stipes (stalks), 6in. to 8in. long, which
are densely clothed with long and very narrow, black silky scales. This interest-
ing Fern is a general favourite. See
Fig. 25.—Hooker, Species Filicum,
v., p. 267. Nicholson, Dictionary of
Gardening, i., p. 19. Lowe, Ferns
british and Exotic, vii., t. 41.

A mixture of a spongy nature,
composed of two parts peat and one
part chopped and partly-decayed
sphagnum, is the material which
this species prefers ; but in such a
compost care must be taken that
it does not get treated too liberally
with water at the roots, as in that
case it is not unusual to -find its
fleshy fronds covered with circular
marks, having all the appearance

and transparency of oily spots, which
gradually extend over their surface,

Fig, 25, Acrostichum crinitum

nae Bz: and completely destroy it. This

peculiar disease we have not known
to affect any other species, except Platyceriums (Plat-yc-er’-i-ums), all of
which are subject to it to the same extent ; it is invariably due to stagnation at
the roots, to which cause many handsome specimens have, to our knowledge,
already succumbed. The most efficacious treatment for affected plants
consists in entirely remoying the soil from the roots, by washing them, and
re-potting in a smaller pot; after this operation very little water should be
allowed, and even when in good health, unless growing in great heat, plants
of A. crinitum should be watered only when they show signs of flagging.

ACROSTICHUM. 197

BR. cubense—cub-en’-sé (Cuban), Mettenius.

A very dwarf, stove species, of botanical interest only, with barren fronds
spathulate (spoon-shaped), of a membranous (almost transparent) texture ;
including the stalks on which they are borne, they seldom exceed 5in. in
leneth.— Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 520.

A. (Chrysodium) cultratum — Chry-so’-di-um; cul-tra’-tum (knife-
shaped), Baker.

This stove species, native of San Cristoval and the Solomon Islands, where
it is found climbing on trees, is one of the most gigantic Acrostichums
(Ac-ros’-tich-ums) known in cultivation. Its barren fronds, produced from a
wide-creeping or long-trailing rhizome (prostrate stem), attain 6ft. in length,
and are furnished with ligulate (strap-shaped) pinne (leaflets) measuring
from Gin. to 8in. in length and Idin. in breadth, and which are pinnate
(cut down to the midrib), or sometimes are cut down to a narrow wing
into undivided, close, blunt lobes, }in. broad, narrowed to-a broad base,
which is then wedge-shaped. Both surfaces of the barren fronds, which are
of moderately firm texture, are naked and of a bright green colour. The
fertile pinne are like those of the barren fronds, but more distant, and
only about two lines broad.Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 524,

A. Cumingii—Cum-ing’-i-i (Cuming’s), (ée.

A stove kind, from the Philippines, whose barren fronds, 6in. to 8in.
long, are of very thick texture, and have their lower part densely covered
with large, ovate (egg-shaped), dull brown scales, similar to those which
cover the woody stems from which they are produced.imHooker, Synopsis
Filicum, p. 407.

A. cuspidatum—cus-pid-a’-tum (gradually tapering to a short, stiff point),
Willdenow.
A stove species, of little decorative value, but rendered interesting by
the peculiar nature of its barren fronds, from lft. to 2ft. long, of a
leathery texture, whose upper surface is nearly naked, while the lower one
is densely matted with small, ciliated (fringed) scales of a peculiarly
furfuraceous (mealy) nature—Hooker, Synopsis Hilicum, p. 411.

198 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

A. Deckenii—Deck-en’-i-i (Decken’s), Kuhn.

A greenhouse species, from Mount Kilimanjaro, East Tropical Africa, of
botanical interest only, with spear-shaped fronds 9in. to 12in. long and
densely clothed below with rusty scales.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 528.

A. decoratum—dec-or-a’-tum (decorative), Kunze.

In this handsome stove species, native of the West Indies, Guiana, and
Peru, which is totally distinct from all others in cultivation, the barren
fronds, lft. or more long by 8in. to 4in. broad, are of a coriaceous (leathery )
texture and of a bright green colour; they are acute (sharp-pointed) at
their extremity, rounded at their base, and their edges are densely fringed
with squarrose (rough) scales nearly fin. long and of a bright brown colour.
The fertile fronds are nearly as large as the others; both are produced
from a very stout caudex (trunk), equally furnished with scales of the same
bright colour, but fully in. in length—Hooker, Species Filicum, v., Ds Looe

A. (Stenochlena) decrescens — Sten-och-lw’-na; de-cres’-cens (de-
creasing), Baker.

A greenhouse species, native of the Cameroon Mountains, West Tropical
Africa, with a wide-scandent (long-trailing) rhizome (prostrate stem), on which
are disposed the barren fronds of a leathery texture, and about 1}ft. long and
4in. broad, furnished with about forty pinne (leaflets) of various lengths on
each side, gradually narrowing to mere auricles (ears or rounded appendages)
at the base.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 412.

A. decurrens—de-cur’-rens (running down), Desvauz.

A stove species, of botanical interest only, native of the Philippines.
Its barren fronds, lft. or more long, have both sides naked, but their edge is
densely fringed with minute dull brown scales.— Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 403.

A. dendricolum—den-dric’-ol-um (living on trees), Baker.

A stove species, of little decorative value, although in the Andes of
New Granada trees are covered with its little, lanceolate (spear-shaped)
barren fronds, barely 4in. long, thickly fringed with minute, pale brown
scales.— Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 521.

ACROSTICHUM. 199

A. (Elaphoglossum) dimorphum—El-aph-og-los’-sum ; dim-orph’-um
(of two forms), Hooker.

This greenhouse species from St. Helena is of botanical interest on account
of its being given in the “Synopsis Filicum” as “the only Elaphoglossum
having the fronds distinctly incised or crenated.” This applies only to the
barren fronds, of a leathery texture and about 4in. long, as the smaller fertile
ones are nearly entire (uncut).—Hooker, Synopsis Pilicum, p. 406.

A. discolor—dis’-col-or (of two colours), Kuhn.
An Amazon, stove, botanical species, with spear-shaped fronds about 4in.
long, densely scaly beneath.—Hooker, Synopsis Pilicum, p. 521.

A. (Photinopteris) drynarioides—Pho-ti-nop’-ter-is; dryn-a’-ri-6-i’-dés
(Drynaria-like), Hooker.

This stove species, from Penang
and the Solomon Islands, is very
peculiar on account of its fronds,
several feet long and lft. or more
broad, being sessile (stalkless) ; it
also differs from most other known
kinds in the upper part of the fronds
being furnished with Lomaria-like
pinne (leaflets) quite 1ft. long, and
which, although adnate (attached
throughout their length) to the
rachis (stalk), break away from it
readily. See Fig. 26.—Hooker, Species
Filicum, v., p. 282. Beddome, Ferns
of British India, u., t. 325.

A. Feei—Fe’-é-i (Fée’s), Bory.
A West Indian stove species,

Fig, 26. Acrostichum drynarioides
(é nat. size).

of purely botanical interest, with.
leathery fronds which, including the stalks on which they are borne, seldom
exceed 3in. in length.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 404.

200 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

A. ferrugineum—fer-ru-gin’-8-um (rust-coloured), Linden.

A greenhouse species, of little decorative value, native of the Andes
of Columbia, entirely similar in habit to the better-known A. latifolium
(la-tif-ol’-1-um), but with fronds smaller, bright green on their upper surface,
while their under-side is covered with minute scales of a rusty-brown colour.
—FHooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 522.

A. (Rhipidopteris) flabellatum—Rhi-pid-op’-ter-is ; fla-bel-la’-tum (fan-
shaped), Hooker.

A stove species of small dimensions, whose habitat extends from New
Granada to Peru. Its barren fronds are dichotomously divided (each division
again forked in two), and the fertile ones are entire (undivided) and nearly
round.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 415.

A. flaccidum—flac’-cid-um (relaxed), Fée.

This greenhouse species, native of Panama and North Brazil, though
closely related to the very decorative A. Lechlerianum (Lech-ler-i-a’/-num)
and A. simplex (sim’-plex), is of botanical interest only. Its barren fronds,
which are of a dark green colour on both sides, seldom exceed Qin. in length,
including the stalks ; while the fertile ones are shorter still._—Hooker, Synopsis
Filicum, p. 401.

A. (Gymnopteris) flagelliferum—Gym-nop’-ter-is; flag-el-lif’-er-um
(rod-shaped), Wallich.

This is a free-growing stove species, native of the East Indies. The
barren fronds are of a somewhat succulent texture, and the terminal pinne
(leaflets), at least 1ft. long, become narrower towards the extremity of the
frond, where it becomes proliferous. These barren fronds, which average
about 2ft. in length, are borne on stems 6in. to 12in. long, and are usually
furnished with three pairs of pinne, 3in. to 6in. long and lin. to Qin.
broad, borne on short stalks, undulated or crimped, and of a dull green
colour. The fertile fronds are from Ift. to 1$ft. long, and their pinne, 2in.
to 3in. long, are seldom more than Jin. in breadth. Both are produced
from a creeping, scaly rhizome (prostrate stem) of a woody nature. See
Fig. 27.—Hooker, Species Filicum, v., p. 258. Nicholson, Dictionary of

ACROSTICHUM. 201

Gardening, i, p. 19. Lowe, Ferns British and Exotic, vii., t. 63. Beddome,
Ferns of British India, t. 112.

Fig, 27. Acrostichum flagelliferum
(gy nat. size).

A. (Chrysodium) fluviatile—Chry-so’-di-um ; fluv-i-a’-til-é (floating),
Hooker. .

A stove species of little decorative value, native of the Guinea Coast.

Its fronds—of a thin, papery texture, lft. to 2ft. long, borne on stalks Ift.

to lift. long

rhizome (prostrate stem).—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 422.

are produced from a firm, wide-creeping or long-trailing

A. (Rhipidopteris) foeniculaceum—Rhi-pid-op’-ter-is ; fee-nic-ul-a’-cé-um
(Fennel-leaved), Hooker.

A stove species of small dimensions, native of Heuador, and closely con-
nected with A. flabellatwm (fla-bel-la’-tum) and the better-known A. peltatwm
(pel-ta’-tum). The dichotomous (repeatedly-forked) character peculiar to these
species it also shares to a smaller degree.—Hooker, Species Lilicum, v., p. 293.

Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 19.
2D

202 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

A. Fraseri—Fra’-ser-i (Fraser’s), Mettenius.

A dwarf, greenhouse species, of purely botanical interest, native of the
Andes of Columbia and Keuador. It has fronds entire (uncut), of a sub-
chartaceous (parchment-like) texture, about 2in. long, and covered on both
surfaces with red-brown bristles.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 520.

A. furfuraceum—fur-fur-a’-c8-um (seurfy), Metienius.

A stove species, native of Costa Rica, of little decorative value, but very
peculiar through the nature of its short fronds, which are entirely covered on
both surfaces with scales, rigid, and of a reddish-brown colour, except on the
midrib, where they are very nearly black.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 523.

A. (Gymnopteris) gaboonense — Gym-nop’-ter-is ; gab-oon-en’-sé
(native of Gaboon), Hooker. |
A stove, botanical species, from the Guinea Coast, with barren fronds
about lft. long, sometimes proliferous (producing young plants) at their
extremity, and fertile ones much smaller.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 417.

A. (Elaphoglossum) Gardnerianum—El-aph-og-lis’-sum ; Gard-ner-
I-a’-num (Gardner’s), /ée.

The barren fronds of this greenhouse species, native of Brazil and
Venezuela, seldom exceed 8in. in length, including the firm, erect stems on
which they are borne, and which, like the upper surface of the blade itself,
are densely clothed with large scales of a mealy nature and pale brown colour.
—Hooker, Species Filicum, v., p. 233. Lowe, Ferns British and Exotic, vii., t. 58.

A. glabratum—glab-ra’-tum (smooth), Mettenius.

A dwarf, stove species of purely botanical interest, native of New Cale-
donia, with barren fronds spathulate (spoon-shaped), about 2in. long, and
fertile ones linear (long and very narrow), 4in. to 5in. long, and only two

lines broad.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 518.

A. (Aconiopteris) gorgoneum — Ac-on-i-op’-ter-is; gor-go’-ne-um
. (Gorgon-like), Kaulfuss.

A stove species of little decorative value, native of the Sandwich and

Society Islands, Its barren fronds are nearly stalkless, entire (uncut), and

ACROSTICHUM. 203

vary from 6in. to 15in. in length, while the fertile ones, though smaller and
narrower, are borne on erect stalks 6in. or more long.—Hooker, Synopsis
Filicum, p. 416.

A. gratum—gera’-tum (pleasing), [’e.

This greenhouse, Mexican species is of botanical interest only. Its barren
fronds, about 8in. long, are borne on stalks of equal length; whereas the
fertile fronds, while smaller, are borne on longer stalks.—Hooker, Synopsis
Filicum, p. 521. |

A. (Gymnopteris) Marlandii—Gym-nop’-ter-is ; Har-lan’-di-i (Harland’s),
Flooker.

A stove species, native of Hong-Kong and Formosa, and one which,
when well grown, makes a very handsome specimen, although its barren fronds
are usually entire (uncut). These are borne on firm, glossy stipes (stalks)
1ft. to 14ft. long, of chestnut-brown colour, and scaly at the base; they fre-
quently show a spathulate (spoon-shaped), terminal pinna (leaflet) sometimes
1ft. long by 3in. broad, besides one or two of similar shape, but of smaller
dimensions, on each side, usually connected at the base, all of a coriaceous

(leathery) texture. The fertile fronds are similar in shape to the barren

ones, but are provided with much smaller pinne.—Hooker, Species Filicum, v.,

p. 274.

A. Merminieri—Her-min-i-e’-ri (Herminier’s), Bory.

This stove species, whose habitat extends from Cuba to Brazil, is very
handsome, and easily distinguished from all others through the striking appear-
ance resulting from its two very dissimilar kinds of fronds. Its barren ones,
which are sword-shaped, and measure from 2ft. to 3ft. in length and about
ldin. in breadth, are of a coriaceous (leathery) texture, and they terminate
in a long, taper point, while their lower part is very gradually narrowed ;
both their surfaces are naked, but the upper one has quite a peculiar metallic
gloss. The fertile fronds are small, seldom measuring more than 4in. long,
and sub-sessile (short-stalked). The rhizome (prostrate stem) on which the
fronds are produced is stout, short-creeping, and of a woody nature, densely
covered with linear (much longer than wide) scales of a reddish-brown colour

204 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

and quite lin. in length.—Hooker, Species Filicum, v., p. 216. Nicholson,
Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 19.

A. heterolepis—het-er-ol’-ep-is (having different scales), Baker.
A stove, Brazilian species of purely botanical interest, with small, oblong-
lanceolate (elliptically spear-shaped) fronds, the under-side of which is densely

clothed with spreading scales of a pale brown colour.—Hooker, Synopsis
Filicum, p. 521.

A. (Elaphoglossum) heteromorphum—Fl-aph-og-lis’-sum ; het-er-
om-or’-phum (various-formed), Alotzsch.

This dwarf-growing, stove species, native of Columbia and Keuador,
although of little decorative value, is particularly interesting through - its
barren fronds—only 2in. long by nearly lin. broad, and borne on short, slender
stems—being simple (without distinct ramifications), rounded at the base,
and having scattered over both surfaces linear (much longer than wide)
scales, of a peculiar chestnut colour. Its fertile fronds, of smaller dimensions,
are, like the barren ones, disposed on a slender, wide-creeping or long-trailing
rhizome (prostrate stem).—Hooker, Species Filicum, v., p. 224. Nicholson,
Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 19.

A. (Chrysodium) Meudelotii—Chry-so’-di-um; Heu-de-lot/-i-i (Heu-
delot’s), Hooker.

A stove species from Senegambia and Sierra Leone, whose barren fronds,
1ft. to 14ft. long by 6in. to 10in. broad, are furnished with numerous erecto-
patent (upright-spreading) pinne (leaflets) on each side, 3in. to 6in. long,
and narrowed to both ends. These fronds, of a coriaceous or leathery texture,
are borne on firm, erect, naked stipes (stalks), 6in. to 9in. long, and proceed
from a wide-creeping or long-trailing rhizome (prostrate stem) of a woody
nature.—Hooker, Species Filicum, v., p. 264. |

A. hybridum—hyb’-rid-um (hybrid), Bory.

This stove species, native of the Mascarene Islands, the Cameroon
Mountains, Fernando Po, &e., appears to be identical with the Brazilian plant
known as A. Linbergit (Lin-berg’-i-i), of Mettenius. Its barren fronds,

ACROSTICHUM. 205

Gin. to 12in. long and about 2in. broad, have their base somewhat rounded,
and terminate in a tapering point; they are of a sub-coriaceous (almost
leathery) texture, with both surfaces naked, except the midrib beneath, but
their edge is abundantly furnished with subulate (awl-shaped) scales. The
fertile fronds are much smaller than the barren ones, but both kinds are.
borne on firm, erect, scaly stipes (stalks), 6in. to 9in. long, proceeding from
a rhizome (prostrate stem) of a woody nature, and densely clothed with linear
(much longer than wide), crisped scales, of a peculiar dark chestnut-brown

colour.—Hooker, Species Filicum, v., p. 210.

A. laminarioides—la-min-a’-ri-6-i/-dés (Laminaria-like), Bory.

This strong-growing, stove species, native of Guiana, is very closely
related to A. cuspedatum (cus-pid-a’-tum) of Willdenow, but the upper
surface of its barren fronds, instead of being naked, is thinly, and its lower
surface densely, coated with minute, ciliated (fringed with hairs) scales, of a
grey colour, with a brown dot in the centre. These fronds, which are entire
(undivided), and lanceolate (tapering to both ends), frequently attain 2ft. in
leneth and 1din. in breadth; they are borne on grey stipes (stalks), 6in. to
Jin. long, of a furfuraceous (scurfy) nature, which are produced from a stout,
short-creeping, woody rhizome (prostrate stem), covered with firm, linear (much

longer than wide), brown-black scales.—Hooker, Species Pilicum, v., p. 235.

A. (Chrysodium) lanceolatum — Chry-so’-di-um ; — lan-cé-ol-a’-tum
(spear-shaped), Hooker.
A stove species of botanical interest, native of the Philippine Islands,
Ceylon, &e—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 420.

A. (Elaphoglossum) latifolium — El-aph-og-los’-sum ; _ la-tif-ol/-i-am
(broad-leaved), Swartz.

This stove species, to which A. Blanchettic (Blan-chet/-ti-1), A.. calle-
folium (cal-le-fol’-i-um), A. longifoliwm (long-if-ol’-i-um), and A. tovarense
(to-va-ren’-sé), are so closely related as to be now admitted as simple varieties
of it, has a most extensive habitat, for it is found from Mexico and Cuba
to Brazil and Peru, also in Jaya, and specimens received from the Seychelles
probably belong to the same species. Its barren fronds, lft. to 14ft. long

206 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

and 3in. to 4in. broad, of a very coriaceous (leathery) texture, are simple
(without distinct ramifications), and terminate in a point, while their lower
part is narrowed gradually. They are borne on firm, erect, stramineous
(straw-coloured) stipes (stalks), naked or slightly scaly. The fertile fronds,
of similar shape, are considerably narrower than the barren ones, but both
are produced from a thick, creeping rhizome (prostrate stem), of a woody
nature, furnished with lanceolate (spear-shaped), crisped scales, of a light
brown colour.—Hooker, Species Filicum, v., p. 202. Nicholson, Dictionary of
Gardening, i, p. 19. Lowe, Ferns British and Exotic, vii., t. 51.

A. (Stenochlena) laurifolium—Sten-och-lx’-na ; laur-if-ol/-i-um (Laurel-
leaved), Hooker.

This handsome, stove species, native of the Philippines and the Solomon
Islands, must not be confounded with Du Petit Thouars’ A. laurifolium, figured
in Lowe’s “Ferns, British and Exotic,” vii, t. 59. This latter plant, with
simple (undivided) fronds of small dimensions, is now admitted as a simple
form of A. conforme (con-for’-mé) of Swartz, previously described. Hooker’s
A. laurifolium, on the contrary, is a Fern of somewhat gigantic growth and
of great decorative value, with fronds pinnate (divided to the midrib), and
reaching 3ft. in length by about 14$ft. in breadth. Its barren pinne (leaflets),
of a leathery texture, are from 6in. to 9in. long, and fully 14in. broad; they
are gradually narrowed from their heart-shaped base to their extremity, and
have a sharply- but finely-toothed edge. The fertile pinne are a little longer
than the barren ones, but seldom more than Hin. in breadth, the lower ones
being from lin. to 2in. apart. It bears a certain resemblance to the more
popular A. (Stenochlena) scandens (scan’-dens), but is of larger dimensions,
and its pinne are not articulated (jointed). The greatest difference, however,
is found in its habit, as its fronds are produced from a firm, erect, naked
stem ; whereas those of A. scandens proceed from a rhizome (prostrate stem)
of a wide-creeping nature.—Hooker, Species Filicum, v., p. 251.

A. (Polybotrya) Lechlerianum—Pol-yb-ot’-r¥-a; Lech-ler’-i-a/-num
(Lechler’s), Hooker.

This is a very handsome stove species, from Peru and Ecuador, with

fronds 3ft. to 4ft. long and lft. to 14ft. broad, quadripinnatifid (four times

ACROSTICHUM. 207

divided to the stalk); the lower pinne (leaflets), 6in. to Yin. long and 4in.
to 5in. broad, are furnished with close, lanceolate (spear-shaped) pinnules
(leafits) deeply lobed or cut nearly down to the rachis (stalk), which is
pubescent. These barren fronds are of a coriaceous (leathery) texture, naked
on both surfaces, and are borne on firm, erect stipes (stalks) 9in. to 12in.
long, scaly downwards. The fertile pinnules are narrower and more distant
(set further apart); their segments are oblong or elliptical and cylindrical,
and have a space between them, the lower ones being rather beaded (round
and close together). The rhizome (prostrate stem), from which the fronds
are produced, is wide-creeping or long-trailing, scaly, and of a woody
nature. — Hooker, Species Filicum, v., p. 246. Nicholson, Dictionary of
Gardening, iv., p. 484.

A. (Elaphoglossum) lepidotum—El-aph-og-los’-sum ; lep-id-o’-tum
(scaly), Welldenow.

A stove species of tropical American origin, and which is possessed of only
botanical interest; its small, leathery barren fronds seldom reaching over
Sin. in length, including the stalks on which they are borne, and which are
firm and scaly throughout. Its fertile fronds are similar to the others, but
are borne on longer stalks.—Hooker, Species Filicum, v., p. 238. Nicholson,
Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 19.

A. (Elaphoglossum) leptophyllum—El-aph-og-los’-sum; lep-toph-yl’-lum
(thin-leaved), Fée.

A stove species, native of Brazil, and of purely botanical interest. It
is characterised by the ligulate (strap-shaped) form of its coriaceous (leathery)
fronds, which are borne on stalks 3in. to 4in. long, and of its fertile ones,
which are provided with stalks three or four times as long.—LHooker, Synopsis
Filicum, p. 400.

A. (Elaphoglossum) Lindeni—El-aph-og-los’-sum; Lin’-den-i (Lin-
den’s), Bory.

This curious little stove species, which is found in most parts of tropical

America, from Mexico to Ecuador and Brazil, although of very little decorative

value, is peculiar on account of its leathery fronds, barren and fertile, being

208 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

much smaller than the stalks on which they are borne, and which are of a
very slender nature.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 404.

A. (Chrysodium ) Lindigii—Chry-so’-di-um ; Lin-dig’-i-i (Lindig’s), Baker.

A stove species, native of New Granada, with fronds 2ft. long, Itt.
broad, and furnished with barren pinne (leaflets) Gin. to 8in. long and
about Ijin. broad, and fertile pinne distant (set far apart), 4in. to 5in. long,
but only jin. broad, entire (uncut), and gradually narrowed upwards.—

Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 423.

A. (Elaphoglossum) lineare—El-aph-og-lés’-sum ; li-né-a’-ré (narrow), F’ée.

A greenhouse, Brazilian Fern, of purely botanical interest, much in the
way of the already-described <A. Aubertiz (Au-ber’-ti-1).—Hooker, Synopsis
Filicum, p. 406.

A. (Elaphoglossum) Lingua—El-aph-og-los’-sum; Lin’-gua (tongue-
like), Raddz.

This stove, West Indian species, with a firm, wide-creeping or long-
trailing rhizome (prostrate stem), covered with small, ovate (egg-shaped) scales
of a dark brown colour, differs from the better-known and already-described
A. latifolium (la-tif-ol’-i-um) mainly through its rhizome, its scales, and the
shape of its fronds, which are of a leathery texture, and are suddenly narrowed

at their base.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 402.

A. (Gymnopteris) Linnzanum — Gym-nop’-ter-is; Lin-ne-a’-num
(Linneus’), Hooker.

A stove species, native of the Malay Islands, of small dimensions and
of purely botanical interest, with thin, paper-like barren fronds, usually
proliferous at their extremity, and seldom measuring more than 9in, long,
including their short stalks.—Hooker, Synopsis Pilicum, p. 417.

A. (Elaphoglossum) luridum—El-aph-og-los’-sum ; Iu/-rid-um (lurid),
Pée.

This stove species, native of Trinidad and Guiana, of little decorative

value, is somewhat in the way of A. /atifoliwm (\a-tif-ol/-i-um), from which,

‘(azis “qn })

asuapiaun winpuDip yy

TIN
DG
A af)

ACROSTICHUM. 209

however, it differs by its more spoon-shaped fronds, which are also more
blunt and slightly scaly at the edge; they seldom exceed lft. in length,
and are of a very coriaceous (leathery) texture, with both sides naked.—
Hooker, Synopsis Eilicum, p. 402.

A. (Elaphoglossum) magnum—El-aph-og-los’-sum ; mag’-num (large),
Baker (?).

This very handsome stove species, native of British Guiana, is a very
decorative Fern, although its fronds are entire (undivided). The barren
ones, from 2ft. to 3ft. long and from 1din. to 2in. wide, are lanceolate (spear-
shaped), being gradually narrowed to both ends; they are of a coriaceous
(leathery) texture and light colour, their upper surface being covered with
minute, whitish, chaffy scales, while on the under-surface these are of a
ferruginous (rusty) colour, and very dense. These fronds are borne on tufted
stalks 3in. to 4in. long, which proceed from a sub-erect (nearly upright)
rhizome or stem; this is also densely clothed with small palew (chaffy scales)
of a nearly black colour.—NMicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, iv., p. 484.

A. Mandoni—Man’-don-i (Mandon’s), Mettenius.
A botanical species of most diminutive size, native of the Andes of
Bolivia. Its barren fronds, barely 2in. long, have both sides densely covered

with reddish-brown scales.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 522.

A. marginale—mar-gin-a’-lé (marginal), Baker.

This stove svecies, of small dimensions, native of the Andes of Keuador,
has ‘barren fronds vf a remarkably leathery texture, and naked on both
surfaces ; they are oblong-lanceolate (elliptically spear-shaped), about Gin. long
by 2in. broad, narrowed suddenly at the base and gradually to their point, and
bordered by a dense fringe of minute, spreading, brown scales. The stipes
(stalks) on which the barren fronds are borne are only 3in. to 4in. long,
and, like the woody rhizome (prostrate stem) from which they proceed, are
thinly covered with linear (much longer than wide) scales of a light brown
colour. The fertile fronds, which are ornamented with a similar border, are
of a different shape, being ligulate (strap-like), about Sin. broad; their
upper surface is clothed with scales, adpressed (closely pressed together),

25

210 1He BOOK OF, CHOICE WERNS,

and the stalks on which they are borne reach fully 1ft. in length.—Hooker,
Synopsis Filicum, p. 519.

A. (Elaphoglossum) Matthewsii—HEl-aph-og-lis’-sum ; Mat-thews’-i-i
(Matthews’), He.

A stove, Mexican and Peruvian species, of botanical interest only, with
barren fronds seldom exceeding 3in. in length, and borne on stalks of the same
length. Contrary to nearly all other Acrostichums (Ac-ros’-tich-ums), this
has fertile fronds larger than the barren ones, and also borne on longer
stalks.—Hooker, Synopsis Iilicum, p. 408. |

A. (Elaphoglossum) melanopus — El-aph-og-los’-sum ; mel-an/-op-us
(having a black foot), Kunze. |

This stove Fern, native of Venezuela, is of comparatively small dimensions,
its barren fronds being from 5in. to 8in. in length and about 2in. broad.
They are of an elliptical-oblong shape, and sharply pointed at their ex-
tremity, while their base is rounded; they are of a coriaceous (leathery)
texture, and have their margins ornamented -with small, dark scales. The
stipes (stalks) on which they are borne are 2in. to 3in. long, and, as well
as the short-creeping rhizome (prostrate stem) from which these are produced,
are densely covered with long, blackish or dark chestnut-coloured scales. The
fertile fronds, borne on longer stalks, are only half the size, shorter and narrower.
—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 408. Lowe, Ferns British and Exotic, vii., t. 59.

A. Mettenii—Met-ten’-i-i (Mettenius’), Kuhn.

A ‘stove species, of small dimensions and of purely botanical interest,
native of the valley of Lloa, Ecuador, where it is found growing wild on
trees in company with A. dendricolum (den-dric’-ol-um). Its barren fronds,
of a thin but firm texture, seldom exceed 8in. in length, including the stalks

on which they are borne.—//ooker, Synopsis Pilicum, p. 520.

A. (Elaphoglossum) micradenium — El-aph-og-los’-um ; mi-cra-
den’-i-um (small-glanded), /ée. z

This dwarf-growing, stove species, native of the Sandwich Islands, is of

little decorative value, for its barren fronds, of an herbaceous or soft texture,

ACROSTICHUM. 211

seldom measure more than 8in. in length, including their stalks, which are
covered with small, linear (much longer than broad) scales of a’ dark

chestnut-brown colour.—Hooker, Synopsis Lilicum, p. 400.

A. (Chrysodium) minus—Chry-so’-di-um ; min’-us (small), MJettenius.
A stove species, of small dimensions, and of botanical interest only, with
fronds barely 4in. long, including their stalks. It is a native of the Philip-
pines, but has been also gathered by Hooker and Dr. Thomson on the Khasya
Hills, at an elevation of 2000ft. to 3000ft—AHooker, Synopsis Pilicum, p. 420.

A. Mulleri—Mul’-ler-i (Muller’s), Howrnier.

A greenhouse, Mexican species, of small dimensions and of little decorative
value, but very peculiar through its spear-shaped fronds, only 4in. to 6in.
long, having both surfaces densely clothed with reddish, stellate (star-shaped)
scales.— Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 522.

Fig. 28. Acrostichum muscosum

Gb nat. size).

A. muscosum—mus-co’-sum (mossy), Swartz.
In this very distinct, stove species, which is a native of tropical America,
from Mexico and the West Indies to Peru and Brazil, the barren fronds,

212 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

Sin. to 12in. long and about I4in. broad, are narrowed at both ends ; they
are of a coriaceous (leathery) texture, and their upper surface is naked, while
their lower surface is quite hidden by imbricated or overlapping scales, shortly
ciliated (fringed with hairs), of a rusty colour, and frequently dark chestnut-
brown in the middle; they are borne on firm stipes (stalks), 4in. to 6in.
long, clothed with large, ovate (egg-shaped), pale brown scales, and are pro-
duced from a woody, short rhizome (prostrate stem), equally covered with
scales of a bright chestnut-brown colour. The fertile fronds are much smaller
than the barren ones, but their stalks are longer. See Fig. 28.—Hooker, Species
Filicum, v., p. 231. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 19.

A. (Gymnopteris) nicotianzfolium—Gym-nop’-ter-is ; ni-co-ti-a-ne-
fol’-i-um (Tobacco-leaved), Swartz. |

This stove species, native of Cuba, is of very easy culture and highly
decorative. Its barren fronds, which are from Ift. to 3ft. in length, frequently
measure Ift. in breadth, and are usually composed of a large, terminal pinna
(leaflet) and two or three pairs of lateral pinne Gin to 12in. long and
sometimes 3in. broad, of a papyraceous (paper-like) texture, shining, and
with both surfaces naked; these barren fronds are borne on stipes (stalks)
13ft. to 2ft. long, scaly below, and are produced from a woody, wide-creeping
or long-trailing, scaly rhizome (prostrate stem). The fertile pinne (fruiting
leaflets) are distant (set far apart), 3in. to 4in, long and about: lin. broad,
the basal ones petiolate (borne on stalks), the upper ones adnate (closely
attached to the stalk)—Hooker, Species Filicum, v., p. 275. Micholson,
Dictionary of Gardening, i. p. 19. Lowe, Ferns British and Exotic,
Sv aap tseerel Oe

A. nigrescens—nig-res’-cens (nearly black), Hooker.
A stove species of purely botanical interest, native of British Guiana.—
Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 400.

A. Norrisii—Nor-ris’-i-i (Sir W. Norris’), Hooker.

This stove species, from Penang, resembles A. flaccidwm (flac’-cid-um) in
the shape of its barren fronds, but their texture is that of A. conforme
(con-for’-mé) and A. latifoliwm (la-tif-ol’-i-um). They are sessile (stalkless)

ACROSTICHUM. 2138

or nearly so, and leathery; they measure from 1ft. to 14ft. in length and
about lin. in breadth, and are produced from a stout, woody rhizome (prostrate
stem), covered with linear (very long and narrow) scales of a dull brown
colour. The fertile fronds are much narrower than the others.—/ooker,
Species Milicum, v., p. 215. |

A. obductum—ob-due’-tum (concealed), Aaulfuss.

A stove species, native of the Mauritius and Bourbon Islands, resembling
in texture and habit some of the large forms of A. viscoswm (vis-co/-sum).
Its barren fronds, lft. to 14{t. long and more than lin. broad, have their base
gradually narrowed, and are of a sub-coriaceous (somewhat leathery) texture ;
their upper surface is naked; the small, pale-coloured scales with which their
under-surface is densely covered are altogether peltate (attached by the
middle) and very minute, and the coating, though close, is very thin and easily
rubs away. These fronds are borne on firm, erect stipes (stalks), 3in. to 4in.
long, which, like the woody rhizome (prostrate stem) from which they spring,
are densely covered with small, linear (long and very narrow) scales, with a
black centre and a grey edge. The fertile fronds are much smaller than the

97

others.—Hooker, Species Filicum, v., p. 287.

A. (Gymnopteris) oligarchicum — Gym-nop’-ter-is ; ol-ig-arch’-ic-um
(commanding), baker.

A stove species from North Peru, of little decorative value, with barren
fronds pinnate (divided to the midrib), 8in. to 12in. long and 3in. to 6in.
broad, and of a soft texture, and fertile fronds simple (undivided), 3in. to
4in. long, borne on stipes (stalks) Gin. to 12in. long.—Hooker, Synopsis
Filicum, p. 418.

A. ornatum—or-na’-tum (adorned), Mettenius.

A stove species, native of the Andes of Venezuela, of botanical interest,
but rendered generally interesting through the edge of the fronds, which are
Gin. to Tin. long, and narrowed at both ends, being densely fringed with
very minute, rust-coloured scales; and also through the stalks on which they
are borne being, like the midrib beneath, densely clothed with spreading, pale
reddish scales 2in. to 3in. long.—Hooker, Synopsis Pilicum, p. 522.

214 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

A. (Polybotrya) osmundaceum—Pol-yb-ot/-r¥-a; os-mun-da/-cé-um
(Osmunda-like), Hooker.

This evergreen, stove species, native of Ecuador and South Brazil, may
justly be considered as the handsomest of all the Acrostichums (Ac-ros’-
tich-ums) of scandent habit, climbing as it does, in St. Catharine Island,
more than 20ft. up the trunks of trees, of which it eventually takes entire

Fig, 29, Acrostichum osmundaceum,

Gl. nat. size).

possession. The barren and the fertile fronds in this beautiful species are
entirely different, though both are produced in abundance from a dark, scaly,
stout, creeping rhizome (prostrate stem) of a woody nature. The barren ones
are ample, tripinnate (three times divided to the midrib), and their lower
pinne (leaflets), 15ft. to 2ft. long and Gin. to Sin. broad, are of a leathery

ACROSTICHUM. 215

texture, with both sides naked. The barren pinnules (leafits) are stalked,
lanceolate (spear-shaped), and cut down nearly or quite to the rachis (stalk)
below into close, nearly entire lobes; they are quite smooth, of a dark green
colour, and have much the appearance of an Aspidium (As-pid’-i-um) or of
Polystichum aculeatum (Pol-ys’-tich-um ac-u-lé-a/-tum). The fertile fronds,
also tripinnate, are of dimensions nearly equal to those of the barren ones,
and erect in habit; but the pinne are contracted, and their segments are
linear (much longer than wide), cylindrical, jin. to din. long, with a space
between them, and wholly covered with sori (clusters of spore-cases). See
Fig. 29.—Hooker, Species Filicum, v., p. 246. Nicholson, Dictionary of
Gardening, 1., p. 19. Lowe, Ferns British and Hzotic, vii., t. 151.

A. ovatum—o-ya’-tum (egg-shaped), Hooker. |

A very dwarf, stove, Brazilian species, of purely botanical interest, readily
distinguished from the small forms of <A. spathulatuwm (spath-ul-a’/-tum)
by its wide-creeping or long-trailing rhizome (prostrate stem), covered with
bright brown scales of a peculiar fibrillose (thread-like) nature.—Hooker,
Synopsis [ilicum, p. 408.

A. (Chrysodium) pachyphyNum—Chry-so’-di-um ; pach-yph-yl/-lum
(thick-leaved), Avwnze.

Although possessing but little decorative value, the barren fronds of
this stove, Peruvian species, which has quite the habit and the very coriaceous
(leathery) texture of an Hlaphoglossum (Hl-aph-og-los’-sum), attain fully 2ft.
in length and Gin. in breadth, and are borne on strong, erect stalks nearly
1ft. in length.—/Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 421.

A. palustre—pal-us’-tré, (marshy), Hooker.
A stove species, of botanical interest only, native of the Guinea Coast.
—FTooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 402. |

A. (Chrysodium) pandurifolium—Chry-so’-di-um ; pan-du-rif-ol/-Y-um
(with fiddle-shaped fronds), Hooker.
A curious, small-growing, stove species, of botanical interest, native of
the Andes of Peru.—Hooker, Synopsis Iilicum, p. 422.

216 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

A. Patini—Pat-i’-ni (Patin’s), Baker.

This stove species, of medium growth, but of little decorative value, was
discovered by Patin in the Andes of New Granada.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum,
ps Lo.

A. (Bhipidopteris) peltatum—khi-pid-op’-ter-is ; pel-ta’-tum (peltate-
fronded), Swartz.

This exceedingly pretty, dwarf-growing, stove species, whose habitat

extends from Mexico and the West Indies to Peru and Brazil, where it is

found growing luxuriantly in decayed vegetable matter and on trunks of

Fig. 80. Acrostichum peltatum

(4 nat. size).

trees, is one of the most distinct, as also one of the most attractive, of all the
numerous species belonging to the genus. As the name pelfatwm implies,
and as may be seen by Fig. 30, its little barren fronds,. of a coriaceous
(leathery) texture, from 13in. to 2in. each way, are attached by their centre,
or nearly so, to slender stalks 2in. to 4in. long and scaly throughout. These
barren fronds, which are produced in great abundance, are essentially different
from those of any other member of the genus, as they are repeatedly dichoto-
mous—that is to say, not only is each portion of them forked, but each forked
part is subdivided into two branches, and each of these again into two

ACROSTICHUM. 217

others, thus producing an agglomeration of divisions linear in form, or of
about equal width throughout their length, and seldom more than half a
line broad. The fertile fronds, which are totally distinct, sub-orbicular
(nearly circular), generally entire (uncut), and barely lin. broad, though
occasionally two-lobed, are borne much more sparingly on the same
slender rhizome (prostrate stem) that produces the barren ones. See
Fig. 30.—Hooker, Species Filzcum, v., p. 252. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gar-
dening, 1., p. 19.

Unless kept in a place naturally moist, this elegant little Fern, which
does not bear having its roots disturbed more than is necessary, and which,
furthermore, requires a liberal supply of water all the year round, is con-
sidered a somewhat shy grower. When, however, in a place in which a
permanently moist atmosphere may be depended upon, it grows freely in a
mixture, in about equal proportions, of partly-decayed leaf-mould, fibrous
peat, and silver sand.

A. p. gracillimum—grac-il’-lim-um (most graceful), Moore.

A Brazilian variety, partaking of the same habit as the species, and with
fronds of the same peculiar shape and conformation, but of larger dimensions
and much more finely divided. It is also of easier cultivation, and thrives
under the treatment recommended for A. peltatum.

A. perelegans—per-e’-leg-ans (very elegant), /’ée.
A small-growing, stove, evergreen species, of botanical interest, native of
Brazil and Peru.—lHooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 411.

A. petiolosum-—pet-i-ol-o’-sum (stalked), Hooker.

This very handsome and strong-growing, stove species, native of Mexico,
the West Indies, Brazil, &ec., is better known under the name of Polybotrya
caudata (Pol-yb-ot/-ry-a cau-da/-ta), and is totally distinct from the diminutive
and uninteresting A. petiolosum of Desvaux, which is a native of Heuador
and Peru, and which seldom reaches above 6in. in height. The barren fronds
of the species to which we refer, instead of being entire (undivided), are
bipinnate (twice divided to the midrib), and sometimes tripinnatifid (three
times nearly divided to the midrib), and, instead of being only a few inches

: 28

218 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

long, they frequently measure from 2ft. to 4ft. in length and from: 1ft. to
3ft. in breadth. ‘They are deltoid in shape (resembling the Greek letter A), of
a coriaceous (leathery) texture, and their upper pinne (leaflets), lanceolate
(spear-shaped) and pinnatifid (divided nearly to the midrib), are sometimes
lft. long and 6in. to 10in. broad ; these are again subdivided, and their
pinnules (leafits) are in the form of long, falcate (sickle-shaped) lobes, reaching
half-way down to the midrib, and with both surfaces naked, the upper one
being particularly glossy. The fertile pinnules, which measure 2in. to 3in. in
length, are very narrow (not more than one line broad), dangling (hanging
loosely), continuous or beaded (round and set close together), and disposed
from 3in. to lin. apart. These fronds are borne on robust stipes (stalks) of
a woody nature, which are covered at their base with long and very narrow
scales, and which proceed from a wide-scandent or long-trailing, woody rhizome
(prostrate stem) often lin. in thickness.—Hooker, Species Hilicum, v., p. 244.
Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, 1., p. 19.

A. pilosum—pil-o’-sum (hairy), Hooker.

This Mexican, stove species, although principally of botanical interest, is
easily distinguished from all others by the texture and the clothing of its
barren fronds, which are interesting through their being flexuose (bending
gently to and fro in opposite directions), and covered on both sides with
small scales of a bright brown colour, each of them resembling a tuft of
stellate (radiating star-like) hairs. These fronds, 6in. to 8in. long and nearly
lin. broad, are borne on zigzag and slightly scaly stipes (stalks), which
proceed from a rhizome (prostrate stem) of a woody nature, and densely
covered with large, spear-shaped scales of a .pale brown colour.—Hooker,

Species Filicum, v., p. 241.

A. (Mymenolepis) platyrhynechos—Hym-en-ol’-ep-is; plat-y-rhyn’-chos
(broad-beaked), Hooker.

A stove species, from the Philippines, which is of little decorative value,
but is distinct from most other species through the sori (clusters of spore-cases)
being disposed in a patch, sometimes 2in. long, at the apex or point of the
frond.—Hooker, Species Filicum, v., p. 280. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening,
Tsganpoe 0);

ACROSTICHUM. 219

A. (Polybotrya) plumbicaule—Pol-yb-ot'-ry-a ; plum-bic-au’-le (lead-

— grey-stalked), Baker.

This stove species, native of Tarapota, North Peru, has barren fronds
1#ft. to 2ft. long and nearly 1ft. broad, simply pinnate (divided once only
to the midrib), with about twelve pinnae (leaflets) on each side, below the
terminal one; the lower pinnw are sessile (stalkless), 5in. to 6in. long and
lin. broad, and of a leathery texture. These fronds are borne on firm,
upright, glossy stipes (stalks), which in the case of the fertile ones are
longer ; and both are produced from a wide-scandent or long-trailing, scaly
rhizome (prostrate stem) of a woody nature—/ooker, Synopsis Lilicum,
p. 4138.

A. (Chrysodium) polyphyllum — Chry-so’-di-um ; __ pol-yph-yl’-lum
(having many leaves), Hooker.

A stove, Fijian species, of large dimensions ; its barren fronds are some-
times simply pinnate (cut once only to the midrib), but more usually are
several feet in length, and furnished with pinnx (leaflets) of a soft texture,
Gin. to 12in. long and 2in. broad, which are also pinnate, their pinnules
(leafits) being numerous on each side, about lin. in length, sessile (stalkless),
lanceolate (spear-shaped), and sharply toothed. These fronds, which are pro-
duced in profusion from a wide-scandent or long-trailing rhizome (prostrate
stem) are borne on firm, naked stipes (stalks), 6in. to 12in. long, and jointed

at the base.—Hooker, Species Filicum, v., p. 269.

A. (Chrysodium) prestantissimum—Chry-so’-di-um ; pra-stan-tis’-
sim-um (most excellent), Bory. é

In this robust-growing, West Indian, stove species, the fronds are produced
from an erect caudex (upright stem), and are borne on firm, naked stipes
(stalks) 1ft. or more long. They are of a sub-coriaceous or leathery texture,
varying from 2ft. to 4ft. in length and from lft. to 14ft. in breadth, and are
furnished on each side with numerous sessile (stalkless) barren pinne
(leaflets), which are from 6in. to 1Uin. long and nearly 2in. broad, and
whose extremity is acute (sharp-pointed), the edge entire, and the base
rounded. The fertile pinne, 4in. to 8in. long and din. to 3in. broad, are further
apart than the barren ones.—Hooker, Species Filicum, v., p. 269.

220 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

A. (Gymnopteris) Preslianum — Gym-nop’-ter-is ; Presl-i-a/-num
(Presl’s), Hooker.

A stove species, of medium dimensions and of botanical value only, native
of the Philippine Islands, but which, however, is also figured in Beddome’s
“Ferns of British India,” t. 69, where it is stated that “it was discovered
growing in great abundance on rocks in the bed of a river at the foot of the
Bhagamundal Ghat, just below Talle Cavery, and at the confines of Malabar,
Coorg, and South Canara.”—Hooker, Species Filicum, v., p. 265.

A. Prestoni—Pres-to’-ni (Preston’s), Baker.

A stove species, from Rio de Janeiro, with simple (undivided) barren
fronds, Ift. to 13ft. long and Yin. broad, lanceolate (spear-shaped), and
bordered on their whole length with a dense, persistent fringe of minute,
spear-shaped scales of a brown colour. The stipes (stalks), Gin. to Qin. long,
on which they are borne, are equally covered with spreading, brown-black
scales, and proceed from a thick, shert-creeping rhizome (prostrate stem) of a
woody nature. The fertile fronds, of much smaller dimensions, are borne on
longer stalks.—Hooker, Synopsis: Filicum, p. 519.

A. (Polybotrya) pubens — Pol-yb-ot/-r¥-a ; pu/-bens (pubescent or
downy), Baker.

In this robust-growing, stove species, native of Brazil and Pe-u, the
barren fronds, 2ft. to 3ft. long and Ift. or more broad, are furnished with
numerous pinne (leaflets), the lower ones of which are fully 6in. in length
by Ijin. in breadth, and cut more than half-way down to the midrib into
close, blunt lobes of a leathery texture. The fronds are borne on firm stalks,
scaly below, Gin. to 9in. long, and produced from a scaly, woody rhizome
(prostrate stem).—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 414. .

A. (Gymnopteris) punctulatum — Gym-nop’-ter-is; punc-tul-a/-tum
(spotted), Swartz.

A stove species, of purely botanical interest and medium growth, native
of the Mascarene Islands, Zambesi-land, &c., with fronds pinnate (divided to
the midrib), the barren ones 1ft. to 1}ft. long and often ft. broad, borne on
stalks 6in. to 12in. long —Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 419.

- ACROSTICHUM. 221

A. pygmeum—pyg-me’-um (small), MJettendus.

This stove species, of very dwarf habit, is of little decorative value.
It is a native of the Andes of Columbia and Hcuador.—Hooker, Synopsis
Filicum, p. 520.

A. (Gymnopteris) quercifolium — Gym-nop’-ter-is ; quer-cif-ol/-i-um
(Oak-leaved), /etzius. | }

This is a very uncommon, stove species, of small dimensions, native
of Ceylon and South China; its barren fronds, borne on stipes (stalks)
about 2in. long, are Oak-leaf-shaped, little more than lin. broad, and covered
with short, brownish hairs. The fertile fronds, which are nearly twice the
length of the barren ones and very much contracted, are halbert-shaped, erect,
and borne on lengthy footstalks.—AHooker, Species Filicum, p. 279. Nicholson,
Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 20. Lowe, Kerns british and LHaotic, vii, t. 49.

A. (Chrysodium) Raddianum—Chry-so’-di-um ; Rad-di-a’-num (Raddi’s),
Kunze.

This stove species, native of Brazil and Guiana, better known perhaps
under the name of Polypodiwm guianense (Pol-yp-od’/-i-um gui-a-non/-sé), of
Aublet, is very decorative, for its barren fronds, sometimes 2ft. in length
and 14ft. in breadth, and borne on naked, firm stipes (stalks), are furnished
on each side with numerous pinne (leaflets), which are 6in. to Sin. long, and
have their edge toothed. The fertile fronds are like the others, but much
smaller.—Hooker, Species Filicum, v., p. 264.

A. rampans—ram’-pans (trailing), Baker.
A stove species, of small dimensions and of purely botanical interest,

native of Cuba.—Hooker, Synopsis Lilicum, p. 518.

A. (Gymnopteris) repandum—Gym-nop’-ter-is ; rep-an’/-dum (spread-
ing), Blume. .

This robust-growing, stove species has a very wide range of habitats, as
it is known to exist in a wild state in the Philippine, Malay, and Polynesian
Islands, also in New Caledonia, Queensland, the Seychelles, &c. Its barren
fronds, which are very decorative, are from 1#ft. to 2ft. long and 8in. to 12in.

222 LAE SBD OOLK OL NOHO GIE akan S:

broad, sometimes elongated and rooting. They are furnished on each side
with numerous pinne (leaflets) of soft texture, the lower ones fully 6in. long
by lin. broad; the fertile pinnae, which are stalked and bowed, measure 2in.
to 3in. in length.—Hooker, Species Filicum, v., p. 259.

A. (Chrysodium) reticulatum—Chry-so’-di-um ; re-tic-ul-a’-tum (netted
or veined), Kaulfuss.
A stove species, of botanical interest only and of small dimensions, native
of the Sandwich Islands.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 421.

A. (Photinopteris) rigidum — Pho-ti-nop’-ter-is; rig’-id-um (stiff),
Wallich.

In this handsome, strong-growing, stove species, native of the Philippines,
and, according to Beddome, also found in Singapore, Java, Labuan, Luzon, &c.,
the fronds, several feet long and often lft. broad, are sometimes barren through-
out, but oftener they terminate in ten or a dozen very contracted fertile pinne
(leaflets) 5in. to 12in. long, and covered with spore-cases on their whole length,
except on their costa (midrib) and on their slightly revolute margin. These
fronds are of a very leathery texture and glossy ; the barren pinne are stalked,
jointed at the base, and from 3in. to 6in. long by 2in. to 3in. broad, their
extremity generally caudate (terminating in a tail) and curved upwards. The
stipes (stalks on which the fronds are borne), though short, are firm, nearly
as thick as a goose quill, and produced from a wide-scandent or long-trailing
rhizome (prostrate stem) of a woody nature and covered with fringed scales
of a brown colour.—Hooker, Species Filicum, v., p. 281. Beddome, Ferns of
British India, t. 69.

A. (Chrysodium) rivulare—Chry-so’-di-um ; ri-vul-a’-ré (growing by
the river-side), Baker.
A stove species, of small dimensions and of proliferous habit, but of very

little decorative value, native of Viti.—Hooker, Synopsis Pilicum, p. 524.

A. rufidulum—ru-fid’-ul-um (slightly reddish), Welldenow.
A stove species, of small growth and very scaly appearance, of purely
botanical interest, native of Madagascar.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 522.

ACROSTICHUM. 223

A. (Chrysodium) salicinum—Chry-so’-di-um ;_ sal-ic’-in-um (Willow-
like), Hooker.

Although its fronds attain nearly 2ft. in length, including their stalks,

this stove species, native of Sierra Leone, is of very little decorative value.—

Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p, 422.

A. samoense—sam-o-en’-sé (native of Samoa), baker.

A dwarf-growing, stove species, native of the Polynesian Islands, and one
which possesses only botanical interest, though particularly singular on account
of its fronds being densely clothed on both surfaces with brownish hairs of a

soft, bright silky nature-——Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 407.

A. (Stenochlena) scandens — Sten-och-le’-na ; scan’-dens (climbing),
John Smith.

This very handsome stove species, very valuable as a decorative Fern, is
a native of South China, Ceylon, Fiji, and the Himalayas, and, according to
Beddome, is also found wild in moist forests in the Anamallay Mountains,
and, up to 4000ft. elevation, in the Sampagee Ghat (Coorg) and South Canara.
Its fronds, which have a particularly elegant outline and drooping habit, are
from 2ft. to 3ft. long, besides the firm, naked stipes (stalks), 4m. to 6in. long,
on which they are borne; they are lft. or more broad, and simply pinnate
(divided only once to the midrib). The pinne (leaflets), which are of a
very leathery texture, although sometimes slightly stalked and articulated,
are usually sessile (stalkless) ; they generally measure from Gin. to 8in. long
and from lin. to 14in. broad, and have their edge thickened and serrated
(having the appearance of a saw). The fertile pinne, which are very seldom
seen on plants under artificial cultivation, though from 8in. to 12in. long, are
so contracted that they are seldom more than two lines broad. See Plates
A and B (the first drawing, A, does not represent this plant, but another
cultivated at Kew under the same name. Plate B represents the true plant).—
Hooker, Species Filicum, v., p. 249. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening,
i, p. 20. Beddome, Ferns of Southern India, t. 201.

The rhizome (prostrate stem) on which the fronds are produced is very
long-trailing, and on that account this species is very useful for large Ferneries,

the more so that, although generally considered as a stove Fern, it grows

224 THE BOOK OF CHO/CE FERNS.

very well in the intermediate house, where the winter temperature occa-
sionally falls below 50deg. Fahrenheit. It is a somewhat coarse feeder as
well as a vigorous grower, and prefers a compost of an open nature made
of fibrous loam, fibrous peat, partly-decayed leaf-mould, and silver sand, in
equal parts, with abundance of water at the roots all the year round.

A. Schlimense—Sschlim-en’-sé (Schlim’s), /¢ée.

A stove species, of small dimensions and of little decorative value, some-
what resembling A. flaccidum in texture, though distinctly stalked. It was
discovered in New Granada by Schlim, and later on by Spruce, in Ecuador.—
Hooker, Synopsis Hilicum, p. 402.

A. Schmitzii—Schmitz’ -i-i (Schmitz’s), Mettenius.
A greenhouse species, of small dimensions and of purely botanical interest,
native of Mexico.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 523.

A. scolopendrifolium— scol-op-en-drif-ol’-i-um (Scolopendrium-leaved),
Raddi.

This stove, Brazilian species is one of the most decorative of all the
cultivated forms with simple (undivided) fronds comprised in the genus, for
its singular barren fronds, often more than lft. in length and from 2in. to
3in. in breadth, are produced in great abundance from a very short-creeping
or short-trailing rhizome (prostrate stem), which is densely covered with
long and very narrow scales of a dark chestnut-brown colour. These fronds,
of a coriaceous (leathery) texture, are of a pale green colour, and their
stipes (stalks), from $8in. to 12in. long, their rachis (midrib), and _ their
margin are densely covered with long, cordate (heart-shaped) scales of a brown
colour. Contrary to the barren fronds, which are of a pendulous habit, the
fertile ones, much smaller and more sparingly produced, are erect in habit
and articulated (jointed) near the base of the stalks. The general aspect
of the plant is that of a gigantic Scolopendrium of woolly or downy appear-
ance.—Hooker, Species Filicum, v., p. 211. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening,
i, p. 20. Lowe, Ferns British and Exotic, vii, t. 45.

This plant does not like to be disturbed at the roots, and thrives best
when pot-bound, provided the watering is done carefully.

ACROSTICHUM. 225

A. (Chrysodium) semicordatum—Chry-so’-di-um ; se-mic-or-da’-tum
(heart-shaped on one side only).

This greenhouse species, native of the Neilgherries and Ceylon, has a
most peculiar appearance on account of its barren fronds, 8in. to 12in. long
by 3in. to 4in. broad, and sometimes proliferous (bearing young plants)
at their extremity, being entirely different in shape to all other kinds; the
base of their upper side is cordate (heart-shaped), while the base of the
lower side is truncate (terminating abruptly); the fertile pinne (leaflets),
lin. to 14in. long, are seldom more than one line broad. The fronds are
produced from a short-creeping rhizome (prostrate stem) of a woody nature.
—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 422. .

A. (Chrysodium) serratifolium — Chry-so’-di-um ;_ ser-ra-tif-ol’-i-um
(having fronds toothed like a saw), Mertens.

A stove species, of medium dimensions, native of Venezuela, Brazil,
Peru, Mexico, &c. Its barren fronds, which are borne on stipes (stalks)
1ft. to 14ft. long, are fully 2ft. in length and 8in. to 12in. in breadth, and
are furnished on each side with numerous sessile (stalkless) pinne (leaflets),
4in. to 6in. long and lin. or more broad, and of a leathery texture. They
are produced from a short-creeping rhizome (prostrate stem) of a woody
nature, and slightly scaly—+Hooker, Species Filicum, v., p. 268. Nicholson,
Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 20.

A. (Chrysodium) serratum—Chry-so’-di-um ; ser-ra’-tum (toothed), Baker.
A stove species, of small dimensions and of purely botanical interest ; a
native of Tarapoto, East Peru.—Hooker, Synopsis Lilicum, p. 524.

A. Sieberi—Sie’-ber-i (Sieber’s), Hooker and Greville.

A stove species, which, although attaining medium dimensions, is of but
little decorative value; a native of Mauritius and the Bourbon Islands.—
TTooker, Synopsis Hilicum, p. 4038.

A. simplex—sim’-plex (undivided), Swartz.
This stove species, which is found wild from Cuba to Brazil, is character-

ised by its firm, leathery barren fronds, 8in. to 12in. long and about Ijin.
264

296 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

broad, which are very gradually narrowed to both ends. Contrary to most
of the species with simple (undivided) fronds, those of this species are quite
naked on both sides, and their margin is distinctly cartilaginous (of a gristly
nature). These fronds, as well as the fertile ones, which, instead of being as
usual contracted, are larger, proceed from a short-creeping rhizome (prostrate
stem) of a woody nature, and covered with spear-shaped scales, somewhat
large, and of a dark brown colour.— Hooker, Species Filicum, v., p. 200.

Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 20.

A. (Stenochlena) sorbifolium—Sten-och-le’-na ; sor-bif-ol’-i-um (Ser-
vice-leaved), Linncus.

Although its fronds are seldom more than 1}ft. long, this species, which
requires stove treatment all the year round, may safely be considered as the
one of all known Acrostichums which attains the most gigantic proportions
in a wild state. Its habitat extends over a vast area, for it is known to
be plentiful in the West Indian Islands, Mauritius, Bourbon, Singapore, in
Tropical America, in Peru and South Brazil, also in New Caledonia, in
the Philippines and Fiji Islands, in Cochin China, on the Guinea Coast, é&c.
In all these localities its thick rhizome (prostrate stem), of a woody nature
and sometimes prickly, is frequently seen clasping trees, like a cable, to the
height of 85ft. or 40ft. The fronds of this remarkable Fern, although com-
paratively short, are from 6in. to 12in. broad and simply pinnate (divided
only once to the midrib). The barren pinna (leaflets), which are disposed
from three to twenty on each side, are of a coriaceous (leathery) texture,
4in. to Gin. long, about 14in. broad, articulated (jointed) at their base, and
more or less serrated (dented) on the margins. The fertile pinne, which
are set lin. to Zin. apart, are from 2in. to din. long and much contracted,
being barely Hn. broad—AHooker, Species. Filicum, v., p. 241. Nicholson,
Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 20. Beddome, Ferns of British India, t. 192.

Several kinds, previously considered as distinct species, are now admitted
to be but simple varieties of A. sorbifolium, differing mostly in the number of
pinne or leaflets, and corresponding to the genus Lomariopsis of Fée, which
comprises, among the most interesting and best-known forms, such Ferns as
Lomariopsis cuspidata, Fée, a variety with long-stalked leaflets tapering into
a sharp, stiff point; L. variabilis, Fée, with lower leaflets deeply pinnatifid

ACROSTICHUM. 227

(cut nearly to the midrib), and having round, dented lobes; and L. Smithii,
Fée, a very curious form, with fronds sessile (stalkless), tripinnatifid
(three times divided nearly to the midrib), and furnished with numerous
small pinnules (leafits), dichotomously forked (divided into two parts which
are repeatedly divided).

A..spathulatum—spath-ul-a’-tum (spoon-shaped), Bory.

This is a dwarf-growing, stove species, native of various parts of Tropical
America, South Africa, and also of Ceylon, where, according to Beddome, it
is found growing at an elevation of 5000ft. to 6000ft. It is from a nearly
erect stem, densely scaly, and furnished with numerous wiry roots, that
the firm, upright, short stipes (stalks) are produced. These bear barren
fronds, about 4in. long by din. broad, of a coriaceous (leathery) texture,
and having both surfaces and margins densely covered with hair-hke scales.
The fertile fronds, smaller than the barren ones, are borne on longer stipes,
also of a scaly nature. This interesting little species is more generally
known under the name of A. piloselloides (pil-o-sel-l6-i'-dés).—/Hooker, Species
Filicum, v., p. 227. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, 1., p. 20. Beddome,
Ferns of Southern India, t. 218.

A. (Mymenolepis) spicatum—Hym-en-ol’-ep-is ; spi-ca’-tum (spiked),
Linneus.

This species, of medium growth, though found in Ceylon, Madagascar,
the Philippines, and the Society Islands, may be considered a greenhouse
Fern, for it is also a native of the Himalayas, where it is found wild at an
elevation of 6000ft. Its fronds, 10in. to 18in. long and about lin. broad, are
of a leathery texture, and while their lower part is narrowed very gradually,
their upper, entire (undivided) part is contracted and fertile. They are
borne on firm stems, barely 2in. long, and proceeding from a short-creeping
rhizome (prostrate stem) of a woody nature.—Hooker, Species Milicum, v.,
p. 280. Micholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 20.

A. Sprucei—Spru’-cé-i (Spruce’s), Baker.
A stove species, which, although attaining rather large dimensions, its

barren fronds sometimes measuring 8ft. in length, including their stalks, is

228 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

not possessed of much decorative value. It is a native of Mount Chimbo-
razo.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 411.

A. squamipes—squa’-mip-es (scaly-footed), Hooker.

A stove species, of small dimensions and of purely botanical interest. Its
small fronds are of a very leathery texture, and are densely covered with spear-
shaped scales of a peculiarly bright reddish-brown colour. <A native of New
Granada and Peru.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 404.

A. squamosum—squa-mo’-sum (scaly), Swartz.

Although not attaining very large dimensions, this singular species, which
thrives equally well under either stove or greenhouse treatment, and which is
also known under the name of A. paleacewm (pal-é-a/-cé-um), deserves a special
notice. It is a native of Sumatra, Ceylon, and the Sandwich Islands, also of
Madeira and the Azores; while, according to Beddome, it is abundant on
trees on the Neilgherries, about Nediwattan, and on the Sisparah Ghat. The -
barren fronds, of a thick but not leathery texture, are from 8in. to 12in. long
and about lin. broad, simple (undivided), attenuated (gradually narrowed)
at the base, and densely covered on both sides with reddish scales of a velvety
nature, extending to the edge, which appears ciliated all round. These curious
fronds are borne on dark, scaly stipes (stalks), which proceed from a prostrate
stem of a woody nature and equally scaly.—Hooker, Species [ilicum, v., p. 240.
Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, 1., p. 20. Beddome, Ferns of Southern
India, t. 197. Lowe, Ferns British and Exotic, vii., t. 48.

A. squarrosum—squar-ro’-sum (scurfy), Alotzsch.
A stove species, of dwarf habit and of purely botanical interest; native
of Columbia.—Hooker, Synopsis Pilicum, p. 405.

A. stelligerum —-stel-lig’-er-um (star-bearing), Wallich.

This stove species, native of the Neilgherries, is found, according to
Beddome, in the Anamallay forests, growing on rocks in the bed of the
Trocadero River at an elevation of 4000ft. Its barren fronds, which are
borne on stipes (stalks) 3in. to 5in. long, are narrow, spear-shaped, pointed
at their summit, but gradually attenuated (narrowed) at their base; they are

ACROSTICHUM. 229

from 6in. to 9in. long, barely lin. broad, and are densely clothed on both
sides with minute scales of a bright rusty colour. The fertile fronds are much
contracted, and are borne on longer stalks—Hooker, Synopsis Pilicum, p. 521.
Beddome, Ferns of Southern India, t. 196.

A. stenopteris—sten-op’-ter-is (narrowly winged), Klotzsch.

A stove species, of somewhat large dimensions (although its fronds,
of a particularly soft texture, are nearly stalkless), but possessing little
decorative value; native of Columbia and Venezuela.— Hooker, Synopsis
Filicum, p. 402.

A. (Elaphoglossum) stigmatolepis—El-aph-og-lis’-sum ;__ stig-mat-ol’-
ep-is (scale-marked), /ée.

This greenhouse species, of medium dimensions, is a native of the
Neilgherries and the Anamallay Mountains, where, according to Beddome,
it is common in ravines at no great elevation, and grows indiscriminately on
rocks and on trees. Its barren fronds, of quite a leathery texture, are
lanceolate (spear-shaped), 8in. to 12in. long by about lin. broad, borne
on stalks 2in. long; their upper surface is naked, while over their lower
one are thickly scattered very minute black dots simulating scales, which, in
this species, are only fuund covering the stalks, and the stout, short-creeping
rhizome (prostrate stem) from which they are produced. The much smaller
fertile fronds are borne on longer stalks——AHooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 521.
Beddome, Ferns of Southern India, t. 199.

A. stramineum—stra-min’-é-um (straw-coloured), Mettenius.

A stove species, of small dimensions and of purely botanical interest ;
native of New Granada.

Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 408.

A. strictum—stric’-tum (straight), Raddi.

This stove species, of small dimensions, although rendered very distinct
by the presence of numerous ciliated (fringed) scales of a dark chestnut-
brown colour on its short-creeping rhizome (prostrate stem), as well as on
the upper surface of its fronds, is of little decorative value. It is a native
of Brazil and Columbia.—Hooker, Species Lilicum, v., p. 225.

230 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

A. (Aconiopteris) subdiaphanum—Ac-on-i-op’-ter-is ; sub-di-aph’-
an-um (semi-transparent), Hooker and Greville.

The barren fronds of this singular species, 6in. to 8in. long by about
1din. broad, are simple (undivided), with both ends gradually narrowed, and
their edge entire. They are borne on firm, upright, scaly stipes (stalks),
which proceed from an upright caudex (stem) of a woody. nature.—Hooker,
Species Filicum, v., p. 256. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, 1., p. 20.

A. (Gymnopteris) subrepandum—Gym-nop’-ter-is ; sub-rep-an’-dum
(slightly waved), Hooker.

This stove species, native of the Islands of Luzon and Penang, is very
decorative, for its barren fronds, 2ft. long by lft. broad, are copiously pinnate
(many times cut down to the midrib), and are furnished on each side with
numerous pinne (leaflets) of a coriaceous (leathery) texture, which sometimes
are 6in. to Yin. long and 2in. broad. The fertile fronds are like the others,
but smaller—Hooker, Species Filicum, v., p. 275. Nicholson, Dictionary of
Gardening, 1., p. 20. Beddome, Ferns of British India, t. 3308

A. succiszefolium—suc-ci’-se-fol’-i-um (Succisa-leaved), Thouars.

A stove species, of small dimensions and of purely botanical interest ;
native of the Bourbon and Mauritius Islands—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum,
p. 408.

A. (Gymnopteris) tacceefolium—Gym-nop’-ter-is; — tac-ca-fol’-1-um
(Tacca-leaved), Hooker.

This stove species, native of the Philippines, has barren fronds sometimes
entire (undivided), about 1ft. long and 2in. to 3in. broad; sometimes 2ft.
or more in length and more than lft. in breadth, and copiously pinnate
(many times cut down to the midrib). In this latter case they are furnished
with lanceolate (spear-shaped) leaflets 6in. to 9in. long, about 1Jin. broad,
and of a soft, paper-like texture. These barren fronds are borne on stipes
(stalks) 3in. to 4in. long and scaly downwards. The fertile fronds are
sometimes undivided, and attain about 1ft. in length: in other instances
they are cut down to the midrib, with forked pinne (leaflets) of a particularly
soft texture. The rhizome (prostrate stem) from which these fronds proceed

ACROSTICHUM. 231

is of a woody nature and densely covered with long, narrow scales of a
dark reddish-brown colour. There exists also a three-lobed form of this
species commonly known as A. ¢rilobum (tril/-ob-um).—Hooker, Species
Filicum, v., p. 279. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, 1., p. 20.

A. tahitense—ta-hi-ten’-sé (native of Tahiti), Carruthers.
A small-growing, stove species, of purely botanical interest, which, as its

name indicates, is a native of TahitiimHooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 522.

A. Tatei—Ta’-té-i (Tate’s), Baker.

This stove species, native of Nicaragua, is easily distinguished from all
others of similar habit through its filiform (thread-like) rhizome (prostrate
stem), which is long-trailing, and thinly clothed with broad, spear-shaped scales
of a peculiar brown colour. The barren fronds are gradually narrowed to
both ends, about Sin. long, and borne on rough, straw-coloured stipes (stalks) ;
the fertile ones are rather shorter and narrower, but are borne on stalks of

same size.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 518.

A. tectum—tec-tum (covered), Willdenow.

A distinct, if not very decorative, stove species, whose habitat extends
from Mexico and the West Indies to South Brazil and Peru. It is distinguished
by its long barren fronds, of a leathery texture, which are narrowed gradually
to both ends, and the upper surface of which is nearly or quite naked, while
their under-surface is clothed with small, thin scales, of a brown colour and

darker in the centre-—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 410.

A. (Stenochleena) tenuifolium — Sten-och-lw’-na ; ten-U-if-ol’-1-um
(narrow-leaved), Baker.

This stove species, native of the Mascarene Islands and Natal, is not
only a very decorative Fern, but one which is also easily distinguished from
all others by the conformation of its fertile fronds. These, instead of
being simply pinnate (only once divided to the midrib) and contracted, are
twice pinnate ; the pinne are borne on somewhat long stalks, and furnished
with numerous pinnules (sub-divisions) 2in. to 3in. long and lin. to 1jin.
broad, spreading from the rachis or stalk at right angles. The barren fronds

232 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

are simply pinnate, 3ft. to 5ft. long and 1ift. to 14ft. broad, and have on
each side twenty to thirty pinne 6in. to 12in. long and about 14in. broad,
terminating into a sharp point, and with their edge thickened and toothed ;
they are of a coriaceous (leathery) texture, glossy on both sides, and are
borne on firm, upright, naked stipes (stalks) 4in. to 6m. long, produced from
a wide-scandent or long-trailing rhizome (prostrate stem) of a woody nature,
and slightly scaly.—Hooker, Species Filicum, v., p. 250. Nicholson, Dictionary
of Gardening, 1., p. 20.

A. (Elaphoglossum) tomentosum—El-aph-og-los’-sum ; to-men-to’-sum
(woolly), Bory.

A stove species, native of the Bourbon Islands, somewhat resembling
A, Siebert in texture and general habit, but differing from it, as from many
other kinds, in the peculiar nature of the scales with which its stalks and
fronds are densely clothed: these scales are narrow, ending in short hairs,
and the upper ones are quite white, while the lower ones are black in the
middle-—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 411.

A. (Chrysodium) tricuspe—Chry-so’-di-um ; tric-us’-pé (having three
points), Hooker.

This greenhouse species, native of Sikkim, is very singular. Its barren
fronds, borne on firm, naked stipes (stalks) nearly lft. long, are formed of
three entire or undivided lobes, the terminal one 6in. long and 2in. broad,
the lateral ones rather smaller; they are of a coriaceous (leathery) texture,
and naked on both surfaces. The fructification is generally confined to the
upper half of the central lobe of the fertile fronds, which is lin. to 3in. long
and tin. broad; but it sometimes extends to the same portion of the lateral
ones, which part is then contracted and soriferous (covered with spore-cases).
—Hooker, Species Filicum, v., p. 272, t. 304.

A. (Gymnopteris) variabile—Gym-nop’-ter-is ; var-i-a/-bil-é (variable),
Hooker.
A stove species, of botanical interest only, native of the Himalayas (where
it is found growing up-to 8000ft. elevation), to Ceylon and Java.—Hooker,
Synopsis Filicum, p. 417.

‘(azis -geu {)

ajlanie WintAydnsja, winpuoip y

ACROSTICHUM. 933

A. villosum—vil-lo’-sum (clothed with long, weak hair), Swartz.

A pretty, dwarf, stove species, found in a wild state from Mexico to
Cuba and Peru. The barren fronds, Gin. to 9in. long and lin. to 1din.
broad, are simple (undivided), lanceolate (spear-shaped), undulated, and of a
pale green colour: they are of a thin, flaccid texture, and have both their
surfaces, as also their edge, more or less scaly. The fertile fronds, of similar
shape, are of much smaller dimensions. Both kinds of fronds are articulated
(jointed) near the base of the stipes (stalks), which are produced from a
short rhizome (prostrate stem) of a woody nature, densely clothed with bright
brown scales. This is a very variable species: among the principal deviations
from the type may be named the thin-textured A. Plumieri of Fée, the small
A. setosum of Liebmann, and the robust A. wndulatum of Willdenow.—Hooker,
Species Filicum, v., p. 225. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, 1., p. 20.
Lowe, Ferns British and Exotic, viu., t. 54.

A. (Gymnopteris) virens—Gym-nop’-ter-is ; vir’-ens (green), Wallich.

This stove species, of particularly robust constitution and decorative
habit, is a native of Fernando Po, Sierra Leone: it is also found from the
Himalayas to Ceylon, Formosa, and Moulmein. Its barren fronds, of a
coriaceous (leathery) texture and with both surfaces naked, are from 2ft. to
3ft. long, often 1ft. broad, and furnished on each side with sessile (stalkless )
pinne (leaflets) 6in. to 8in. long and about lin. broad, the edge of
which is usually bluntly lobed, though it sometimes has a tendency to become
sinuate (uneven) ; the terminal pinna, twice as long as the lateral ones and
frequently longer, is generally rooting at the point. These large fronds are
borne on firm, upright stipes (stalks), which are devoid of scales, and which
proceed from a short-creeping rhizome (prostrate stem) of a hard, woody
nature. This handsome species appears to be connected with several equally
decorative forms which are not possessed of characters sufficiently distinctive
in themselves to be separated from it. Among these are A. terminans
and A. contaminans of Wallich; <A. crispatulum, equally of Wallich, with
pinne (leaflets) narrow, crisped, and of a very leathery texture ; A. proliferum
of Hooker, with broad leaflets; A. costatwm of Wallich, with pinne 8in. to
12in. long, 2in. to 3in. broad, and tinged with red.—Hooker, Species Pilicum,
V., p. 262.

2

234: THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

A. (Elaphoglossum) viscosum — El-aph-og-lés’-sum; vis-co/-sum
(clammy), Swartz.

This stove species, of easy cultivation and very distinct and ornamental,
has a particularly wide range of habitat, for it 1s found wild from Cuba to
Brazil and Peru, also on the Himalayas, whence its presence is noted to
Ceylon, Java, and the Philippine Islands, besides having been gathered in
the Seychelle and Mascarene Islands, Fernando Po, Angola, &e. It is
very variable in size, as also in nature, according to the influence of the
habitat in which it is found, and also to the age of the fronds: these are
often quite naked, and then there is great difficulty in identifying the plant,
whose foliage is usually furfuraceous (covered with scurfy scales), and often
of a viscous nature (coated with a sticky, tenacious juice). There are some
very large-growing forms, from which it is a matter of difficulty to clearly
distinguish the typical species: among these are A. curvans, A. dissimile,
A. Karstenianum, and A. xanthoneuron of Kunze. In the commonest
form amongst subjects in cultivation, A. viscosum is of medium size.
Its barren fronds are entire (undivided) and lanceolate (spear-shaped),
pointed at their summit but gradually narrowed towards their lower part,
from 8in. to 12in. lone only, and about lin. broad in their widest portion :
these are of a coriaceous (leathery) texture, and both their surfaces are
more or less covered with viscid (sticky) scales of very small dimensions.
The stipes (stalks) on which the barren fronds are borne are from 3in. to
4in. long, firm, upright, and equally scaly; while the rhizome (prostrate
stem), from which they proceed, besides being densely covered with long
and very fine scales of a dark chestnut-brown colour, shows very little
inclination to creep as in most other species. The fertile fronds, though
smaller, are borne on longer stems than the barren ones.—Hooker, Species
Filicum, v., p. 220. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, 1., p. 20.

A. (Chrysodium) Wallii—Chry-so’-di-um ; Wall’-i-i (Wall’s), Baker.

A stove species, of small dimensions and of purely botanical interest ;
native of Ceylon. Its barren fronds, almost stalkless, of a thin but rigid
texture, Sin. to Yin. long and less than }in. broad, are narrowed to both
ends. The filiform (thread-like) fertile ones, Gin. to 8in. in length, are long-
stalked Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 523.

ACROSTICHUM. 235

A. Welwitschii—Wel-wit’-schi-i (Welwitsch’s), Baker.

Like the preceding one, this stove species, of equally small dimensions,
is of very little decorative value; it is, however, rendered interesting by the
minute, spear-shaped scales, of a peculiarly rusty colour, with which the
under-side of its fronds and the stipes (stalks) bearing them are densely
clothed. A native of Angola.

Hooker, Synopsis Lilicum, p. 521.

A. (Polybotrya) Wilkesianum — Pol-yb-ot’-ry-a ; Wilkes-i-a’-num
(Wilkes’), Hooker.

In this stove species, native of New Caledonia and the Society Islands,
where its handsome fronds attain great dimensions, both the pinne (leaflets)
and the pinnules (leafits) are distinctly jomted at the base. The fronds,
which are borne on firm, upright, naked stipes (stalks) Gin. to 9in. long,
_ frequently measure fully 2ft. in length and lft. in breadth. They are cut
down to the rachis (midrib), where they are once more divided into numerous
equal-sided pinnules of a peculiarly wedge-like form, especially at the
base, with the rest of the edge deeply toothed. These fronds are of
a coriaceous (leathery) texture and quite glossy; their fertile leaflets are
linear and cylindrical (long, very narrow, and of a round form). The
rhizome (prostrate stem), from which the fronds are produced, is long-
trailing and naked, or deprived of scales.—Hooker, Species Milicum, v., p. 247.

A. Wrightii—Wright’-i-i (Wright's), MJettencus.
A stove species, of dwarf habit and of purely botanical interest ; native
of Cuba.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 401.

Gi line a LUA

ACTINIOPTEBRIS, Link.
( Ac-ti’-ni-op’-ter-is. )

Fan-Palm Fern.

N)|HIS name is derived from aktin, a ray, and Pieris, a Fern, in
allusion to the peculiar formation of the fronds, which radiate

into numerous narrow segments or subdivisions, all of which

start, from a common central point. In Hooker and Baker’s

’ Actiniopteris is given as Genus 40.

= ‘Synopsis Filicum,’
It is composed of one solitary, but beautiful and distinct, species of
Indian origin, and of one Australian variety of it only. Both plants are
at once recognisable by their flabellate (fan-like) habit, resembling a
perfect miniature Fan Palm, with fruit in character intermediate between
Aspleniee (As-ple’-ni-é-2) and Pteridew (Pter-id’-é-e). The distinguishing
character of Actiniopteris resides in the disposition of its sori (groups of spores),
which are linear-elongated (very narrow and very long) and sub-marginal
(disposed close to the margin of the fronds), The involucres or indusia,
which are the cuticular or outside coverings of the sori, are of the same shape
as the sori, folded over them, placed one on each side of the narrow sub-

divisions of which the frond is formed, opening towards the midrib.

Culture.

An idea of the tenacity of life with which these exceedingly pretty Ferns
are endowed, may be gathered from the fact that we have repeatedly had

ACTINIOPTERIS. 237

opportunities of noting plants doing well and which had originally been
sent from India, through the post, in a common letter or in an envelope,
without any additional protection whatever. These plants are erroneously
considered as very difficult to manage; consequently they are not grown as
extensively as they really deserve, for they are most interesting and, though
of comparatively small dimensions, are very decorative and attractive. [ailure
in their culture must, in many cases, be attributed to the excessive heat to
which they are subjected, which causes them to get “thrippy” and lose their
vitality ; but, when kept in a temperature of 60deg. in the winter, raising
to 70deg. in the summer, with constant moisture around them, they remain
perfectly clean and healthy: they then seldom give any trouble to the
cultivator, who is amply rewarded for whatever little extra attention he has
bestowed upon these plants by the production of abundant and luxuriant
foliage. The compost in which they thrive best consists of fibrous peat,
fibrous loam, broken in small pieces, coarse silver sand, and small crocks,
the whole in about equal proportions. It is also absolutely necessary
that the pots in which these Ferns are grown should be half-filled with
crocks, so as to insure perfect drainage, for they require frequent and
abundant waterings to keep their roots in a permanently moist state all the
year round.

Being devoid of rhizomes or stems of any kind, Actiniopteris are usually
propagated from spores, which germinate very freely when sown on a compost
of brickdust mixed with a little loam, and kept in a warm, close case. ‘They
may also be increased by the division of the crowns ; but this operation, which
should be done not later than the beginning of March, is of a somewhat risky

nature, and requires a certain amount of experience and a good deal of

attention to insure the establishing of the separated pieces.

A. radiata—rad-i-a’-ta (vayed), Link.

This charming little palm-like Fern is found in a wild state throughout
India, especially in the Peninsula, in Ava, Ceylon, Arabia, Upper Heypt,
Abyssinia, the Mascarene Islands, Zambesi-land, Macalisberg, Angola, and all
over the Madras Presidency, where, according to Beddome, it grows in exposed
situations in dry, rocky places, from the sea-level up to 4000ft. elevation.
It is of tufted habit, producing from a close, compact crown a quantity of

238 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

fronds borne on stipes (stalks) 2in. to 6in. long, slender and naked. The
leaty portion of the frond itself is fan-shaped, and seldom exceeds 1#in. each
way ; it is composed of numerous segments or sub-divisions, which are dicho-
tomous (repeatedly divided in two), not more than half a line broad, and
of a rush-like texture quite peculiar to this species. They are divided about

Fig. 81. Actiniopteris radiata

(2 nat. size).

half the distance down, of a bright green colour, and very glossy. The seg-
ments of the fertile fronds are longer than those of the barren ones, and these
fronds are also borne on longer stalks. See Fig. 31 (reduced from Col. Bed-
dome’s “Ferns of Southern India,” by the kind permission of the author).—
Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 246. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, 1., p. 21.
Beddome, Ferns of Southern India, t. 124.

ACTINIOPTERIS. 239

A. r. australis—aus-tra’-lis (Southern), Link.

This much-admired form is in all respects a stronger and more vigorous
grower than the species just described. The habit of the plant, though quite
as compact, is not so stiff, the fronds frequently attaining a height of 8in.

The segments are less numerous, much more deeply divided, larger, and,

Fig. 82, Actiniopteris radiata australis

G nat. size).

in fertile fronds, are subulate (awl-shaped) at the points; they are also of a
darker green colour and very glossy. See Fig. 82.—Hooker, Species Lilicum,
iii., p. 276. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 21.

This variety thrives in a temperature lower than that recommended for
the species to which it is related.

ADIANTOPSIS (Ad-i-an-top’-sis). See Cheilanthes.

CHAPTER XX,

ADIANTUM, JLinneus.
( Ad-i-an’-tum. )

Maidenhair.

HE name Adiantum is derived from adiantos, dry, and was given
no doubt in allusion to the singular property possessed by
most species belonging to this extensive genus, whose fronds
have the power of repelling water developed to such an extent °

that, even after having been wholly submerged, they are, when
taken out of the water, found to be as dry as before. In Hooker and Baker’s
“Synopsis Filicum,” Adzantwm forms Genus 21: it is there said to have its
head-quarters in Tropical America, although a good many species are natives
of more temperate climates. Most of the known species are recognisable from
all other Ferns but the typical Lindsayas by the texture, as also by the
one-sidedness, of their segments (subdivisions), and by the absence of an
apparent and distinct midrib in the segments. The stipes and rachis (stalks)
of most Adiantums are black in colour, and have a glossy or polished appear-
ance. Usually the pinne (leaflets) are either truncate (terminating abruptly),
as though they had been shortened by the removal of their extremity, or
wedge-shaped at the base, or dimidiate (fully developed on one side of the
midrib and scarcely at all on the other), and soriferous (spore-bearing) only
on the upper margin. The fronds are either simple (undivided), pinnate
(once divided to the midrib), pedate (shaped like a bird’s foot), bipinnate
(twice divided to the midrib), reniform (kidney-shaped), or decompound

DAVALLIA BULLATA,.

ADIANTUM, 241

(several times subdivided) ; they are generally smooth and vary in length
from Gin. to as many feet. Another distinctive character, almost peculiar
to all members of the genus, is found in the nature of the veins of the
pinne, for they are simple, radiating (all starting from a common point), and
forked; but except casually in A. lucidum, A. macrophyllum, and perhaps
some other species, they are anastomosing (running into one another) only
in four known species, which are termed Hewardia, J. Smith. The Capillus-
Veneris Group has flabellato-cuneate segments (sub-divisions fan-shaped or
rounded at the top and wedge-shaped at the base) ; but even these leaflets are
still without distinct midrib, whilst a few species have segments equilateral
(equal on all sides), and in habit somewhat resemble species of Pieris
and Schizoloma. In all Adiantums the sori (masses of spore cases) are
disposed on the edge of the pinne, either in a continuous line or
interrupted, and vary in shape, being sometimes kidney-shaped, elliptical,
round, or even linear (much longer than broad): they are usually
numerous and distinct, although there are exceptions. In all cases also the
involucre, or indusium (outside covering), which is formed of a reflexed
depression, is of the same shape as the sorus (heap of spore cases), which
it covers, and varies in form according as the margin of the frond is
more or less either dented or entire. This outside covering, which acts
as a protection to the spores, after a time becomes replicate (doubled down),
so that its upper part, which bears the capsules, comes in immediate contact
with its lower part.

As regards the variety of forms, the genus may be considered very rich,
for every one of the known Adiantums finds its place in one of the eight
following groups, into which the whole genus is subdivided :

1—A small group of species with simple (undivided) fronds, of which
A. reniforme is the type.

2.—Ranpicanres (Ra-di-can/-tes), or ‘ Rooting Group,’ in which the
fronds are always simply pinnate (never divided to the midrib more than
once), and the midrib is often elongated and takes root at its apex, where a
new plant in all respects similar to the parent is thus produced. A. caudatwm
may be given as a typical subject.

3.—Porysorous (Pol-ys-or’-ous), or ‘“‘ Many-sori-bearing Group,” com-
posed of species with fronds once or more pinnate, the fruit disposed in

21

242 THE BOOK (OF CGHOICGE HETENS.

numerous roundish, oblong, or kidney-shaped marginal patches. This group,
probably the most important in point of numbers, is divided into three sections,
as follows :

Section J.—Plants with segments (leaflets) not dimidiate (fully
developed on one side only, scarcely if at all on the other), but of
regular expansion, extending on both sides alike and having two more
or less distinct opposite rows of sori. Of this section A. intermediwm
is a very good illustration.

Section II.—This is composed of species with segments (leaflets)
dimidiate, the stipes (stalks) naked and polished, and is well represented
by A. diaphanum, known in commerce as A. setuloswm.

Section IJ[.—The plants composing this section have, like those of
the preceding one, their segments dimidiate, but their stipes are
pubescent (downy), as those of A. Henslomanum.
4,—O1ieosorous (Ol-ig-os-or’-ous), or “‘ Few-sori-bearing Group,” composed

of plants with fronds once or more pinnate, and the fruit disposed in con-
tinuous or slightly interrupted marginal lines. This group is also divided
into two sections, according to the disposition of the sori.
Section [.—This comprises subjects in which the segments are provided
with a line of fruit on both sides, and are, therefore, not dimidiate, as in
A. peruvianum for example.
Section [[.—The plants of this section have their segments dimidiate,
with the line of fruit altogether absent from the lower margin, as in
A, pulverulentum.
5.—Cariuius-Veneris (Cap-il’-lus-Ven/-er-is). All the subjects belonging
to this numerically very important group have their fronds at least bipinnate
(twice divided to the rachis or midrib), their segments flabellato-cuneate
(rounded at the top and wedge-shaped at the base), with the petiole (stalk)
situated near the centre, and the sori kidney-shaped. These various characters
are most distinctly shown in A. Capillus-Veneris and some of the Tropical —
American species with most minutely-divided fronds, such as A. Wagnere
(known in commerce as A. decorum), A. Mooret (known in gardens as
A. amabilis), A. concinnum, A. tenerum, &e.

6.—ScanpentEs (Scan-den/-tes), or “ Climbing Group.” In the few species
belonging to this group, the plants are provided with stems or elongated stipes

ADIANTUM. 243

of a climbing nature, attaining several feet in length, and provided on
their entire length with fronds tri- or quadri-pinnate: that is to say, either
three times or four times divided to the rachis or midrib. The best illus-
tration of this singular character is seen in the Mexican A. /¢éei.

7.—Prpatum (Ped-a/-tum), or ‘“ Foot-shaped Group.” The fronds of the
subjects belonging to this most distinct group are not pinnately branched,
but are dichotomously forked: that is to say, after being divided into two
parts these are repeatedly forked again ; they have numerous pinnae (leaflets)
springing from the upper side of the two branches. These characters
are best shown in the North American A. pedatum.

8.—Hawarpra (Hew-ar’-di-a). The species composing this group differ
from all other known Adiantums principally through their veins being anas-
tomosing (running into one another), a character which is well shown in
A. dolosum.

It is in this extensive and very varied genus that most of the species of
Ferns best adapted for decoration are to be found. On account of the black,
shining stalks common to most of them, Adiantums are popularly known as
Maidenhair Ferns, an appellation which is also frequently shared by our native
Asplenium Trichomanes, whose stipes (stalks) are of a nature very similar to
that which, at first sight, distinguishes Adiantums from all other Ferns.
Some of them are of the greatest utility for making bouquets, wreaths, &e. :
foremost among these is A. cuneatum, by far the commonest of all kinds now
in cultivation, but which will not be easily superseded by any new-comer ; for,
besides the natural gracefulness common to the fronds of this species, it
has the immense advantage of producing them in greater abundance than
most of the other kinds at present known. For the same purpose also,
A. Ghiesbreghti (commonly designated A. scutum), A. emulum, A. Wagneri
(better known as A. decorum), although not so much in demand, are very
useful. For large vases, where green and elegant foliage is often required for
intermixing with flowers of more than ordinary sizes, such as Gladioli,
Lihes, &c., what can be more appropriate, and produce better and more
pleasing effect, than the massive fronds of A. tenerum Farleyense (generally
known as A. Farleyense), the light-coloured and gigantic fronds of A. poly-
phyllum (popularly known as A. cardiochlena), or the darker foliage of
A. formosum ?

244 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

But it is not for cutting purposes only that Adiantums are so justly
appreciated. As “collection plants” there is no genus equal to them amongst
Ferns ; indeed, a judicious selection of the best sorts only will produce a
greater variety of forms and tints than could be found in any other. There
are numerous dwarf-growing forms of A. cuneatum and of A. Capillus-Veneris,
all very pretty, and equally useful for edgings in the Fernery. Then there are,
besides the gigantic forms already mentioned, the deservedly-popular A. trapezi-
forme, A. peruvianum, A. Seemanni, and others too numerous to be mentioned
here. Again, we have some whose shape and general habit are totally
different from ordinary Adiantums: such as, for instance, the curious A. reni-
forme, with its kidney-shaped fronds borne on slender, shining stalks; or the
lesser-known form, A. asarifolium, with broad, entire fronds perfectly round,
and measuring sometimes as much as 34in. across. Very strange, also, is the
general appearance of A. /éei, whose climbing fronds expand to very great
dimensions, and whose stalks are quite hairy and of a perculiarly ferruginous
(rusty) colour. There are also various kinds whose foliage is of a peculiarly
metallic hue, and numerous others, such as A. macrophyllum, A. tinctum, &e.,
which are exceedingly interesting through the beautiful rosy colour of their
splendidly-tinted fronds in their young state. Then we have the golden and
silvered forms of A. wthiopicum, respectively called sulphureum and scabrum,
which of late years have become exceedingly rare; and also the pendulous
kinds, A. caudatum and A..lunulatim, so well adapted for growing in sus-
pended baskets, that one may confidently assert that a collection composed

exclusively of Adiantums is most interesting.

Culture.

With the exception of the North American A. pedatum, none of the
Adiantums are truly hardy; even our native species, A. Capillus- Veneris,
requires protection. They are, as a rule, easy to manage. Plenty of light
should be allowed to all of them, but the full rays of the sun should, as
with nearly all other Ferns, be carefully avoided. A mixture of fibrous peat,
or of partly-decayed leaf mould, loam, and silver sand, in about equal parts,
will suit most of them. None of them like to be potted very hard, and

ADIANTUM. 245

watering or syringing overhead, unless it be in a very airy, light, and warm
house, is injurious to most of them.

The propagation of all kinds of Adiantum provided with running
rhizomes (underground stems) may with advantage be effected by the
division of the same, an operation which is best performed from February
to April. Species with tufted crowns may also be increased by division, but
in their case, and especially when quantities of plants are required, it is safer
and more advantageous to depend on spores (seeds), which germinate freely,
and which usually produce stronger and more shapely plants than those
resulting from the division of the crowns. The spores may be sown with
perfect safety at all times of the year, although the most favourable season
is from January to April, as in that case the young seedlings have ample
time to produce crowns sufficiently strong to withstand the effects of the
following winter.

So many of the most popular names in this. very extensive genus have
been for such a long time in constant use, that—with the general public—they
have entirely superseded the botanical ones. For instance, A. cardiochlena,
A. decorum, A. Farleyense, A. amabile, A. scutum, and A. setulosum, are much
better known by these appellations than by their botanical names of A. poly-
phylum, A. Wagnert, A. tenerum Farleyense, A. Moorei, A. Ghiesbreghti, and
A. diaphanum, of which the public knows but very little, but to which it
should be educated. It has therefore appeared to us necessary, in a book of
reference such as the present one is intended to be, not only to enter any of
the said plants having a recognised popular name in their proper places,
but at the same time to give them a place in the general nomenclature, so
as to simplify the task of identification, which frequently is an arduous one
when the synonyms are not given.

Principal Species and Varieties.

A. emulum

This Brazilian species, which thrives under either stove or greenhouse

em/-ul-um (rivalline), Moore.

treatment, though not attaining very large dimensions, is one of the most
useful of the numerous kinds with small foliage for decoration. Its fronds, of

246 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

a particularly light and elegant appearance, are produced in great abundance
from a close, tufted crown, showing no signs of running or creeping under-
eround stem. They are borne on particularly slender stipes (stalks), 4in. to
Gin. long, and their foliaged part, which at most measures 10im. in length, is
in the form of a triangle, somewhat narrow at the base, quadripinnate (four
times divided to the rachis or midrib), and furnished with distinct lateral
pinne (leaflets), also of a triangular shape. The leaflets are, in their turn,
subdivided into numerous pinnules (leafits), of rhomboid (oblong) shape,
deeply notched, and tapering to the base; the terminal pinnule is distinctly
cuneate (wedge-shaped), and, like the others, is borne on a very slender,
short, thread-like stalk. The colour of the foliage is one of the darkest greens
known among Adiantums. The sori (patches of spores) are disposed two to
four to each segment, and are round or nearly so.—Nicholson, Dictionary of

Gardening, 1., p. 24.

A. ethiopicum—exth-i-op’-ic-um (Ethiopian), Linneus.

This species, which may be grown with equal success in either the inter-
mediate or the warm house, has a most extensive range of habitat, being found
on the Cameroon Mountains, at an elevation of 7000ft., in Natal, Cape Colony,
Bourbon, Madagascar; also on the Neilgherries, in New Zealand, in tropical
as in temperate parts of Australia; in America, from Texas and California —
southward to Valparaiso and Monte Video, &e. Its fronds, 1ft. to 1}ft. long
and Gin. to Yin. broad, triangular in shape, three or four times divided to the
rachis (midrib), are of a soft, herbaceous texture, and are borne on stipes (stalks)
6in. to Yin. long, produced from slender rhizomes (underground stems).
They are furnished with numerous pinne (leaflets), the lower ones 3in. to 4in.
long and 2in. to 3in. broad ; these are again divided into sub-orbicular (nearly
round) pinnules (leafits),.of a thin, transparent texture, from jin. to #n.
across, and the upper part of which is deeply lobed. The sori (groups of
spores) in this species are disposed in several roundish patches.—Hooker,
Species Filicwm, ii., p. 387, t. 77. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, 1., p. 24.

Several popular kinds, usually given as species, are by Hooker and Baker
considered so closely related to A. wthiopicwm as to be regarded as simply
forms of this very variable species. These differ either in size, in habitat, or
in the texture of their fronds, to such an extent as to appear quite distinct from

ADIANTUM. 247

it; but having decided to follow the nomenclature adopted in the “ Synopsis
Filicum,” the most striking of these forms, notwithstanding the apparent
distinctive characters possessed by them, are accordingly given here as varieties

of A. ethiopicum.

A. #. assimile—as-sim’-il-é (assimilated), Swartz.

This essentially Australian Maidenhair Fern, which thrives best under
cool treatment, is given in the “Synopsis Filicum,” p. 123, as well as in
Nicholson’s ‘“ Dictionary of Gardening,” 1, p. 25, as “an Australian form of
the widely-distributed A. ethiopicum.” In Lowe’s “ Ferns, British and Exotic,”
vol. i1., an excellent plate (t. 8) is given with the information that A. assimile
is a common Fern in Australia, and one which appears to vary considerably
in different situations. The form generally met with in cultivation in this
country is that which is found in its wild state growing in low, damp situ-
ations; it is of comparatively small dimensions; its delicate fronds, which
are slender, measure, with the stalks on which they are borne, 10in. to 12in.
in length; they are glabrous (smooth), tripinnate (divided three times to the
rachis or midrib), and furnished with numerous pinnules (leafits) of a pecu-
liarly vivid green colour, of oblong shape, wedge-shaped at the base, and
slightly crenate (dented) at the edge. These fronds are produced from a
thin, wiry rhizome (stem creeping underground), and for that reason the plant
is well adapted for growing in suspended wire baskets, for which purpose it is
extensively used, as it covers them all round in a very short time with a
mass of light and elegant foliage. It is of a deciduous nature: that is to say,
its fronds generally disappear about November, and the plant starts growing
afresh about February. It is almost, if not quite, hardy in some sheltered
situations, as Lowe mentions specimens of it which have lived outdoors for
five consecutive years without any special protection. This pretty Fern is
found in a wild state in Tasmania, New South Wales, Australia, New
Zealand, &c. Besides the works enumerated above in which it is mentioned,
it is also found in Hooker’s “Species Filicum,” ii., p. 37.

A. &. a. cristatum—cris-ta’-tum (crested).
This is a sub-variety, of garden origin, with fronds of dimensions similar
to those of the plant last described, but elegantly crested, their extremity, as

248 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

well as the points of the pinne (leaflets), terminating into a tassel of a size
proportionate to the vigour of the plant.—Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening,
iv., p. 484.

A. x. emarginatum—e-mar-gin-a’-tum (notched at the end), Bory.

This very handsome, greenhouse Fern is known in North America under
the name of Californian Maidenhair Fern. In Eaton’s beautiful work, where |
a splendid plate of it is produced, it is given as a form of A. Capillus-
Veneris, which species it certainly resembles very much by its growth and
by the nature of its thick, fleshy rhizome (underground stem), as also by
the texture of its fronds—‘‘ growing among rocks and in cafions, both moist
and dry, from San Diego, California, to Oregon, not rare on the Coast Ranges,
but apparently unknown east of them.” It is essentially distinct from the
species to which it is said to be related through the shape of its pinnules
(leafits), which are sometimes roundish, but more frequently broader than
long, so as to be semicircular, like those of A. /unulatwm, or even slightly
reniform (kidney-shaped). They are commonly either truncate (abruptly
terminating) at the base, or broadly wedge-shaped, and are borne on slender
footstalks three to five lines long. In the sterile fronds the outer margin of
these pinnules is finely and sharply toothed; but in the fertile fronds the
teeth are found only at the extreme sides of the pinnules, and the margin of
the lobes is recurved (bent back). The fronds themselves, borne on stipes
(stalks) 6in. to 9in. long, are about 1ft. in length, and nearly or quite half
as wide as they are long; the largest ones are tripinnate (three times divided
to the rachis or midrib) in the lower part, bipinnate (twice divided to the
midrib) in the middle, and simply pinnate (divided only once to the midrib)
towards the apex, where the pinne (leaflets), which are of a thin, papery
texture, clear green above and slightly paler beneath, overlap each other more
or less according to the vigour of the subjects.—Hooker, Species Filicum,
ii., p. 89, t. 75. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, 1., p. 26. Eaton, Ferns
of North America, 1., t. 38.

A. x. chilense—chil-en’-sé (Chilian), Aawlfuss.
The fronds of this greenhouse, Chilian form are about 1ft. long, including
the stalks on which they are borne; they are triangular, tripinnate (three

ADIANTUM. 249

times divided to the midrib), and furnished with roundish pinnules (leafits)
of a glaucous or bluish-green, and of a very coriaceous (quite leathery) texture,
in which respect they differ essentially from those of the species to which
they are said to be related. These fronds are produced from a very short,
running rhizome (underground stem), of a woody nature, also quite different
from the same organ in A. wthiopicum.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 128.

A. x. scabrum—scab/-rum (rough), Kunze.

This lovely little greenhouse Fern, popularly known as the Silver Maiden-
hair, native of Chili, is of very compact habit. Its very interesting fronds,
which are produced in great quantities from a tufted crown, seldom attain
more than 9in. in length, including the slender stalks on which they are
borne. They are tripinnate (three times divided to the rachis or midrib),
triangular in outline, and furnished with pinnules (leafits) of a peculiar
semi-orbicular or kidney shape, dusted on both sides with a white farinose
powder.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 123.

This little gem, which is now seldom met with in cultivation, is generally
considered to be a difficult plant to grow, but it is only on account of its
being kept in too great heat and with too much moisture around it. I have
grown it, and seen it grown best—indeed to perfection—on a dry shelf with
Cacti, and with a very little allowance of water during the winter, in the
cold house.

A. «&. sulphureum—sul-phur’-é-um (sulphur-yellow), Aaulfuss.

This beautiful dwarf, evergreen kind, native of Chili, Conception, and
Peru, which is popularly known as the Golden Maidenhair, is a fit companion
to the one just described. As is the case with the Silver Maidenhair, the
fronds of this Golden one are produced in great abundance from a tufted
crown, and neither of the plants shows any signs of the running rhizomes
(underground stems) characteristic of A. ethiopicum, to which they are said
to be related. The fronds seldom attain more than 8in. in length, including
their stipes (stalks), and are tripinnate (three times divided to the rachis or
midrib) ; they are furnished with pinnules (leafits), roundish when barren,
but slightly- incised (notched) on their edges when fertile, of a deep green
colour on their upper surface, and thickly covered on their under-surface with

Danie

250 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

a farinose powder of a more or less intense bright-golden colour.—Hooker,
Synopsis Filicum, p. 123. Lowe, New and Rare Ferns, t. 61.

This variety is always regarded as a difficult subject to manage; it is,
however, well-deserving of any extra trouble it may cause, but will succeed
under the same treatment as A. @. scabrum, viz., on a dry shelf in the cold
house, with little water during the winter.

A. affine—af-fi’-né (related), Willdenow. |

This very decorative greenhouse species, commonly known as A. Cunning-
ham (Cun-ning-ham/-i-i), is very distinct from the A. affine of Hooker ; it is a
very variable plant, both in the branching and in the size of the segments, and is
not likely to be mistaken for any other, as it is known only in the Northern
Island of New Zealand, where it is found in damp woods at a high elevation.
Its fronds, bipinnate (twice divided to the rachis or midrib), and measuring
from 10in. to 12in. long, are borne on stipes (stalks) 6in. to 9in. long and
furnished with long, red scales, and have one terminal pinna (leaflet), 4in. to
6in. long and lin. to 1din. broad, and several lateral pinne of smaller
dimensions, the lowest of which are again branched. The pinnules (leafits),
of a sub-coriaceous (almost leathery) texture, of a dark, dull green colour above,
and glaucous (bluish-green) underneath, }in. to #in. long and din. deep, are
dimidiate (fully developed on one side and scarcely at all on the other).
The fronds are produced in abundance from a creeping rhizome (prostrate
stem), covered with rough scales of a dark brown colour. The sori (groups
of spores) in this species are numerous and nearly round.—Hooker, Species
Filicum, u., p. 52, t. 86. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, 1., p. 24. Lowe,
Ferns British and Exotic, ii., t. 12.

A. amabile—am-a’-bil-é (lovely). A garden name for A. Moorei.

A. amcnum

am-ce’-num (pleasing). Synonymous with A. flabellulatum.

A. andicolum—and-ic’-ol-um (native of the Andes). A garden name for
A, glaucophyllum.

A. aneitense—an-ei-ten’-sé (from Aneitum), Carruthers.
This decorative species, native of the Aneitum Island, grows equally well
under greenhouse or stove treatment. Its fronds, 14ft. to 2ft. long, and three

ADIANTUM. 251

times pinnate, are deltoid in shape (their outline having a resemblance to the
Greek delta, A), and are furnished with numerous pinnules (leafits), about din.
long, rhomboidal (representing a quadrangular figure whose sides are equal),
nearly sessile (stalkless), and whose inner side is close to the rachis (midrib) ;
the lower ones are shallowly lobed. The fronds are borne on stipes (stalks)
of a particularly rigid nature, and proceeding from a short-creeping rhizome
(prostrate stem) of a very scaly texture. The sori (patches of spores), from
four to six to a pinnule, are roundish or reniform (kidney-shaped), and
disposed in the centre of the lobes. See Plate (for which we are indebted to
Messrs. W. and J. Birkenhead).—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 472. Nicholson,
Nictionary of Gardening, i., p. 24.

A. asarifolium—as-ar-if-ol’-i-um (Asarum-leaved). Given in the “ Synopsis
Filicum” as simply a form of A. rendforme.

A. assimile—as-sim’-il-é (assimilated). A form of A. wthiopicum.

A. Bausei—Baus’-é-i (Bause’s), Moore.

This beautiful Fern, of garden origin, given by Moore as a possible
hybrid between A. trapeziforme and A. Wagneri (A. decorum), thrives equally
well in either the intermediate or the warm house. Although partaking of
some of the characters of both species above named, it is quite distinct from
either of them, as indeed from any other Adiantum, through the contracted and
deflexed character of its foliage. Its peculiar fronds, which are produced from a
central, tufted crown, reach quite 24{t. in length, including the robust, ebony,
upright, black stipes (stalks) on which they are borne. They are spreading, tri-
angular in shape, and tri-quadripinnate (three or four times divided to the
midrib), and are furnished with numerous broad pinnules (leafits) peculiarly
deflexed, of various shapes, according to the place they occupy on the leaflets :
the basal ones being ovate (ege-shaped) with a truncate (abruptly terminating)
base, the intermediate ones somewhat trapeziform (having the four sides unequal),
the terminal ones cuneate (wedge-shaped), all slightly lobed and pedicellate
(borne on short stalks). The whole of the foliage is of a beautiful light green
colour, and the general appearance of the plant is that of a weeping A. tenerwm
of strong growth and of upright habit. The sori (spore masses) are of

oblong, kidney shape, and set across the extremity of the lobes. See Plate

bo
Or
bo

THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

ish which we are indebted to Messrs. W. and J. Birkenhead).—Nicholson,
MNetionary of Gardening, i., p. 24.

A. bellum —tbel’-lum (handsome), Moore.

A greenhouse species, of small dimensions, native of Bermuda. Its short,
tufted fronds, 3in. to 6in. long, including the stalks, are bipinnate (twice cut
down to the midrib) and furnished with pinne (leaflets) composed of five
or six pinnules (leafits) only ; the pinne are cuneate (wedge-shaped) ; the
terminal ones, of the same shape, are lobed, with their margins erose (gnawed)
all round them, and all are borne on short stalks. The sori (spore masses) are
roundish, or sub-lunate (crescent or half-moon shaped), disposed by two or
three on the smaller pinnules only.—Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening,
1, p. 24,

A. Bennettii—Ben-net’-ti-i (Bennett's), Carruthers.

In this distinct, stove species, from the Sandwich Islands, the fronds,
about Ift. long, and borne on black, naked stalks, are deltoid (in form like
the Greek delta, A), twice or three times divided to the midrib, and furnished
with numerous pinnules (leafits), broader than deep, din. to 2in. broad, entire
(undivided), of a somewhat rounded, heart shape, and borne on pedicels
(stalks) three to four lines long. These pinnules are of a membranous (thin and
transparent) texture, with their upper surface glabrous (smooth), while their
under-side is densely bristly. The sori (spore masses) in this singular species
are reniform (kidney-shaped), one to two lines broad, and are crowded round
the outer border of the pinnules (leafits), where they are disposed from six
to ten on each fertile seement.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 4738.

A. Birkenheadii—Birk-en-head’-i-i (Birkenhead’s), Moore.

This is undoubtedly one of the handsomest of the numerous Ferns of
garden origin, and thrives equally well in the intermediate or in the warm
house. Its handsome fronds, produced from a tufted crown, are tripinnate
(three times divided to the midrib), about 23ft. long, including their stalks,
and lft. broad. Their pinne (leaflets) are alternate (apparently disposed
without. regularity), distant and long-stalked towards the base, closer set
together and sessile (stalkless) near the apex; the lower ones. are bipinnate

ADIANTUM. 258

(twice divided to the midrib), the upper ones pinnate (only once divided to
the midrib) ; the pinnules (leafits) are of an oblong-trapeziform (oblong and with
the four sides unequal) shape, and are cut on the upper edge into shallow
lobes. The stalks on which the fronds are borne are slender and of a some-
what rough nature, similar in that respect to those of A. draphanum
(A. setulosum of commerce). Indeed, the plant resembles a much-enlarged
edition of that lovely species, from which it is supposed to have originated,
and the peculiar way in which it reproduces itself from the bulbils formed
on its fibrous roots seems to point to its origin. It has, until now, proved
quite barren. See Plate—Micholson, Dictionary of Gardening, iv., p. 484.

A. Bournei—Bour’-né-i (Bourne’s). A form of A. cuneatum.
A. brasiliense—bras-il-i-en’-sé (Brazilian). A form of A. curvatum.

A. bulbiferum—bul-bif’-er-um (bulb-bearing). A variety of A. Capillus-

Veneris.

A. Burnii—Bur’-ni-i (Burn’s), Moore.

_ A very decorative form, of garden origin, requiring stove temperature.
Its evergreen, smooth fronds, broadly oval (broader at the base than at the
extremity) and acuminate (terminating in a long, tapering point), are three
and frequently four times divided to the midrib. They are furnished with
pinne (leaflets) of the same shape as the foliaged part of the frond itself ;
the lower ones are provided with a long stalk, and the upper ones are almost
sessile (stalkless). The pinnules (leafits), which are very numerous, are
stipitate (supported on stalks) below: the basal one is 2in. to 23in. long,
narrowly ovate and compound (further subdivided); the upper ones are
narrower still, being less divided at the base. The sori (spore masses), which
in this garden hybrid are very numerous, are of a roundish kidney-shape,
and situated at the base of a notch at the apex of the lobes.—Nicholson,
Dictionary of Gardening, iv., p. 484.

A. caleareum—cal-ca/-ré-um (limey), Gardner.

This stove species, native of the province of Goyaz, Brazil, belongs to
the “Radicantes” Group, of which it is one of the smallest growers. Its
gracefully-pendulous fronds, simply pinnate (only once divided to the midrib),

254: THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

and prolonged through their peculiar habit of rooting at the extremity, are
from 4in. to Gin. long, and are borne on slender, filiform (thread-like)
stalks, of a polished and naked nature, and of a bright black colour. They
are furnished with pinnw (leaflets) din. to in. broad and Hin. deep, of a
thin, papery texture, and varying in shape from a quarter to nearly half
a circle; the pinne are lobed from the circumference towards the centre
two or three times half the way down, and the main lobes are cleft again,
but less deeply. The sori (spore masses) in this species are roundish or
oblong, and disposed in small depressions at the summit of the lobes.—
Hooker, Species Filicum, ii., p. 15.

A. Capillus-Junonis—Cap-il’-lus-Ju-no’-nis (Juno’s hair), Ruprecht.

This greenhouse species, also known under the name of A. cantoniense
(can-ton-i-en’-sé), it having been gathered by Hance on the ramparts of Canton,
belongs, like the preceding one, to the “ Radicantes” Group. Its general aspect
is somewhat that of a diminutive form of the better-known A. lunulatum, for
its fronds, simply pinnate (only once divided to the midrib), seldom exceed
8in. in length, including the slender, polished stalk, of a blackish colour, on
which they are borne. They are furnished with a terminal leaflet, which
equally possesses the peculiarity of rooting at its extremity, and three to five
pairs of opposite leaflets, about din. in breadth, sub-orbicular (nearly round),
very slightly lobed, borne on short stalks, and of a pellucid (transparent)
texture. The sori (spore masses) in this species are roundish or transversely
oblong, scantily produced, and disposed round the outer edge, where they are
not contiguous.—Hooker, Species Filicum, p. 114.

A. Capillus-Veneris—Cap-il’-lus-Ven’-er-is (Venus’s hair), Linncus.

This species, to which the popular appellation of Maidenhair, common to
all Adiantums, owes its origin, is, from a decorative point of view, the one
which undoubtedly renders the greatest ‘services. As a wall or as a rock
plant it is invaluable, for the creeping rhizomes (prostrate stems) with which
it is provided—and which, according to the more or less favourable situa-
tions in which the plant is found, vary in thickness from that of a quill
pen to that of a man’s finger—produce in great abundance a foliage noted for
its elegance and delicacy. The running rhizomes of this species, and of its

ADIANTUM. 255

varieties, are easily distinguishable from all others, not only by the scales, of
a dark brown colour, with which they are densely clothed, but also through
the property which they possess of firmly attaching themselves to any material
with which they are brought into contact. This adhesive character, peculiar
to members belonging to this group of Adiantums, is, in the case of A.
Capillus-Venerts and varieties, developed to such an extent that it may be
safely stated that the presence of soil in their culture is only a matter of
secondary importance; for, if young seedlings originate on a perfectly bare
brick wall, or on rockwork, there is not the slightest difficulty in establishing
them in such a situation, and, provided a constantly moist atmosphere and
a temperature of 50deg. to 55deg. can be depended upon, they soon form
a complete mass of foliage, springing from their matted rhizomes, which have
no other food than the moisture they derive from the walls.

The geographical range of this lovely species is very extensive—it may,
in fact, be said to be world-wide in its distribution, for it is found in a wild
state throughout Central and Southern Europe, from the Jura and Tyrol
Mountains, to Sicily, Portugal, and Greece, where it is found in profusion,
adorning the brooks and rivulets, with its elegant fronds often attaining a
height of 14ft.; in Asia, plentiful on the Caucasus and in South-east China
and Japan, in Persia, in Syria, and in the Polynesian Islands; in Africa, Cape
of Good Hope, Abyssinia, Natal, in the Niger Valley, and in the Mascarene
_ Islands; while among the many Indian and other localities described by
Dr. Hooker the following are the most important: Malabar, Nepal, Simla,
Bhotan, Assam, Sikkim-Himalaya—where it is found up to 6000ft. elevation—
Cashmere, Thibet, and Afghanistan. It is also abundant in some parts of
North America, where, according to Eaton, it grows in moist, rocky places,
especially about springs and along water-courses, from Wilmington, North
Carolina, to Florida, Alabama, Texas, Utah, Arizona, Venezuela, and the Amazon
Valley. The islands of the Mediterranean, Teneriffe, Madeira, Canaries, Azores,
and Cape de Verde, also produce it in great quantities.

Tourists and Fern hawkers have, by their depredations, greatly reduced
the number of places where the Maidenhair grows, or rather grew, in England ;
but it is comforting to know that the plant is still found at Carclew, St. Ives,
and Hayle, in Cornwall; at Ilfracombe, Rillidge Point, Watermouth, and
Brixham, in Devonshire; at Dunraven and Barry Island, in Glamorganshire;

256 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

and at Glen Meay, in the Isle of Man; while in Ireland it is still more
profusely spread, for it is found in Galway, Kerry, the Arran Isles, and
Clare; it also grows on the banks of the Carron, in Scotland. Indeed,
Australia and New Zealand are, we believe, the only places where the existence
of A. Capillus-Veneris is not recorded.

The fronds, 8in. to 18in. long, are generally of a lengthened triangular or
ovate (ege-shaped) form, occasionally lanceolate (spear-shaped) or oblong ;
they are membranaceous and pellucid (of thin and more or less transparent
texture), sometimes bipinnate (twice divided to the midrib), but at other
times tripinnate (three times divided to the midrib), and furnished with
numerous segments or pinnules of a bright green colour, perfectly smooth, }in.
to lin. broad, with the base cuneate (wedge-shaped), the outer edge rounded,
deeply lobed from the circumference in the direction of the centre, and the
lobes again bluntly crenated (dented), and borne on very slender, thread-like,
short stalks. The lower sides of the leaflets are entire, and usually slightly
concave ; the upper, or outer, margin is more or less incised or lobed; and
the lobes in the American form are usually denticulated (toothed), and some-
times very sharply so, especially in those from Utah and California. In fertile
fronds, the teeth either disappear or are seen only on the upper part of the
sides of the lobes, while the ends or summits of these lobes are occupied by
the lunate (crescent-shaped) or oblong sori (spore masses), which vary in
length according to the width of the lobe. The fronds are borne on stipes —
(stalks) of a rather slender nature, 4in. to Qin. long, polished, of a purplish-
black colour, and furnished with a few scales near the base, whereas the rest
of them is quite naked and smooth. The roundish or reniform (kidney-shaped )
sori are placed in the roundish sinuses (depressions) of the crenations.
Whenever it grows luxuriantly, this Fern is more or less pendent in habit ;
but plants of moderate size commonly have their fronds erect (upright), or
but very slightly recurved (bent in a backward direction). Certain forms
which by some authors are considered as distinct species, though varying only
in their increased size, owe their more robust character no doubt to the
warmer atmosphere to which they are naturally subjected, and it is very
doubtful whether they are really distinet—Hooker, Species Filicwm, ii, p. 36.
Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 25. Lowe, Native Ferns, ii., t. 62;
ferns British and Exotic, iii., t. 15. Eaton, Ferns of North America, i., t. 37.

Acrostichum scandens

(} nat. size).

(B)

ADIANTUM. 207

Although classed among our native Ferns, the British Maidenhair is of
too tender a nature to bear a very cold temperature: the least frost injures
it, and a severe frost kills it. It is a very accommodating plant as regards
heat, and not at all fastidious in its habits, for it grows equally well in a
heated frame, in the greenhouse, or in the moist, shady part of a stove. In
Europe, it is essentially a coast plant, being found growing exclusively in
caves and fissures of rocks near the sea level, generally in a shady situation
where there is an abundant supply of moisture. When this Fern is grown
in pots an abundant drainage is essential, and the soil which it prefers is a
compost of a light nature, made of turfy peat, leaf mould, and lime rubbish,
in equal parts; it is also necessary that the rhizomes (prostrate stems)
should be kept on the surface of the soil.

This useful species has produced, either spontaneously or under cultivation,
many varieties, some of which are remarkably handsome: all of them share
the comparatively hardy character of the species. We give twenty of the
most distinct and the most interesting :—

A. C.-Y. bulbiferum—bul-bif’-er-um (bulb-bearing), Love.

This variety differs from the species in bearing little bulbils on the
leaflets, and is, so far as we know, the only one possessing that character.—
Lowe, Native Ferns, ii., fig. 838.

A. C.-V. cornubiense—cor-nu-bi-en’-sé (Cornish), Moore.

This is one of the prettiest of all forms in cultivation. It is of dwarf
and compact habit, and its fronds, seldom more than Sin. long, including the
stalks, are produced in abundance; they are more or less oblong in general
outline, and are furnished with pinnules (leafits) of a deep green colour, of
firm texture, though nearly transparent and prettily undulated at the edges.—
Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 25.

A. C.-V. crispulum—cris’-pul-um (slightly crisped), Moore.

A very handsome form, of robust and vigorous habit, having fronds 10in.
to ld5in. long, furnished with leaflets less numerous than in the type, but
broader and thin, crisp, of a light green colour, and more or less cut at their
broadest part.—Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 25.

21

258 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

A. C.-V. daphnites—daph-ni’-tés (glistening), Moore.

This is a most distinct form, with fronds Sin. to 19in. high, and of erect
habit. The leaflets as well as the extremity of the fronds, which terminate in
a flattened crest some 2in. in breadth, are of a dull green colour, and curiously
erisped and dilated, giving the plant a singular, semi-crested appearance.

Mr. C. T. Druery states, in the “ Gardeners’ Chronicle,” 6th August, 1887,
p. 170, that he has received from Mr. Greenwood Pim, of Monkstown,
county Dublin, a frond of this
variety upon which a remarkable
form of proliferation appears. In
this case there are, says Mr. Druery,
clusters of young plants protruding
from under the natural indusia
(coverings of sporangia or seed
vessels), and upon examination it
appears that the sporangia have
become transformed directly into
Ferns of the spore-bearing genera-
tion, instead of first developing into
prothalli, as the first rudimentary
development from the spores is

termed, as in cases of Apospory :

a mode of reproduction which,

Fig, 88, Adiantum Capillus-Veneris daphnites Mr. Druery Says, is differentiated
Sey from all others so far recorded.

The nearest approach is the trans-
formation of sori (spore masses) and indusia (their natural coverings) into
solitary buds or scales, which has been found to occur on several plumose
forms of Asplenium (Athyrium) Filix-feemina, as illustrated in our Chapter on
“Fertilisation and Propagation,” Fig. 10, p. 141. See Fig. 33.—Nicholson,

Dictionary of Gardening, 1., p. 25.

A. C.-V. depauperatum—de-pau-per-a/-tum (poor), Clapham.
This most interesting sport, or natural hybrid, found by Mr. James, of
Vauvert, amongst a batch of seedlings, is entirely distinct from all other

ADIANTUM. 209

known forms of our native Maidenhair Fern. Its erect fronds are narrow,
about Ift. long; their pinnules (leafits) are much cut, and in some cases
reduced to mere thread-like seements.—Lowe, Native Ferns, ii., p. 421, fig. 836.

A. C.-V. digitatum—dig-it-a’-tum (finger-like), Moore.

A curious variety, of dwarf habit and evergreen nature, whose fronds,
instead of being symmetrical, as is usually the case, have a tendency to become
unequally ovate (much broader at the base than at the summit). These are
furnished with unequal and irregular leaflets, the most perfect of which are
rhomboid in form (with four sides equal, though not forming a square),
rounded at their upper margin, with lobes deeply incised and_ slightly

dented at the edges. This is a constantly barren form.—Micholson, Dictionary
of Gardening, iv., p. 484.

A. C.-V. fissum—fis’-sum (divided), Moore.

A very elegant form, of dwarf habit, having erect fronds furnished with
pinnules (leafits) rather broader than those of the type, but deeply cut into
segments of various sizes and forms, which give the plant an appearance
distinct from all other known varieties. It is a most pleasing Fern for the
conservatory, as not only is it neat in habit, but the pinnules are of a bright

green colour, and they last a very long time on the plant.—icholson,
Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 25.

A. C.-V. Footi—Foot’-i (Foot’s), Lowe.

A very handsome variety, having fronds 13ft. to 2ft. long, furnished with
broad pinnules (leafits), some of which are as much as lin. wide. [ound at
Ballyryan, county Clare, by Mr. J. F. Foot.—Lowe, Native Ferns, i1., fig. 835.

A. C.-V. grande—eran’-dé (large), Moore.

In this variety, which is much more bushy in habit than the type,
although the foliage is quite as long, the fronds have a plumose (feathery)
appearance, produced by the much larger size of their pinnules (leafits),
which are undulated and conspicuously serrated (like a saw) at their edges ;

they are of a very light green colour, and gracefully pendulous.—Nicholson,
Dictionary of Gardening, iv., p. 484.

260 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

A. C.-VW. Mookeri—Hook’-er-i (Hooker’s), Lowe.

This very peculiar form, native of the Crimea, recedes from the type
towards A. cuneatum. It is remarkably slender in all its parts, and is of
a particularly close, thick-set, erect habit. The pinne (leaflets) and their
ultimate sub-divisions are disposed alternately (not opposite); the latter
are cuneate (wedge-shaped) at the base, and very finely dented at their
summit, which is naturally rounded or fan-shaped.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum,
p. 123. Lowe, Native Ferns, ii, fig. 834.

A. C.-V. imbricatum—im-bric-a/-tum (overlapping), Moore.

By far the handsomest of all varieties of A. Clapillus-Veneris at present
known. Its fronds are ovate (egg-shaped, much broader at the base than at
the summit), from 8in. to 10in. long, tripinnate (three times divided to the
midrib), and evergreen. They are borne on particularly slender stalks, and
consequently are very pendulous, and are furnished with pinne (leaflets) set
close together, 3in. to 33in. long and about Qin. broad ; the pinnules (leafits),
of a very light or pale green colour, are large, much overlapping, deeply cut
from the outer edge towards the centre, and beautifully undulated ; the lateral
ones are rhomboid in form (having the four sides of equal size), whereas the
terminal ones, lin. or more in breadth, are broadly flabellate (fan-shaped),
and borne on thread-like little stalks. The entire appearance of the plant, as
far as size, colour, and disposition of leafits are concerned, is exactly that of
the popular A. Farleyense, but it is essentially a cool-house variety and is
of dwarfer habit. It is interesting to note that this plumose form of the
common Maidenhair Fern, like most other forms of a plumose character, is
entirely barren.—Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, iv., p. 484.

A. C.-V. incisum—in-ci’-sum (deeply cut), IJoore.

A very distinct variety, in which the pinnules (leafits) are split into
long, narrow-cuneate (wedge-shaped) lobes, deeply serrated (saw-like) at the
edges. It is very strange that such a distinct form should have originated
spontaneously in localities so wide apart, for it has been collected in Ireland
by Dr. Allchin ; at Menstone Bay, Devonshire, by Mr. E. Newman; and at
Guernsey by Mr. J. James. This plant is well illustrated in Lowe’s “ Native
Ferns,” i, fig. 889.—Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 25.

ADIANTUM. 261

A. C.-Y. i. Footi—Foot’-i (Foot’s), Love.

This is a more vigorous and remarkably handsome form of the preceding
variety, found in county Clare by Mr. J. I’. Foot, with fronds I1ft. or more
long, furnished with ample leaflets of a light green colour and deeply cut.
It is somewhat allied to the variety jisswm, but is of a much more robust
nature, and its much longer fronds, instead of being upright, are grace-
fully pendulous.—Lowe, Native Ferns, ii, fig. 833. Nicholson, Dictionary of
Gardening, 1., p. 25.

A. C.-V. Kalon—Ka’-lon, Lowe.

This is one of the very few forms of A. Capillus-Veneris raised artificially
from spores in this country. Its distinct fronds are ovate (broadest at the
base and gradually narrowing towards their summit), 1lin. in length, and
din. in breadth ; their large pinnules (leafits) are very leafy and closely set
together.—Lowe, Native Ferns, i1., fig. 837.

A. C.-V. magnificum—mae-nif’-ic-um (magnificent), JMJoore.

In this fine and massive form the fronds often attain 13{t. in length and
upwards of 4in. in breadth, while their arching character gives the plant
a most distinct appearance. They are furnished with pinnules (leafits) much
larger than those of the type, and of a softer, rich green colour. Their
edges are prettily fringed, and overlap each other.—Micholson, Dictionary of
Gardening, i., p. 25.

A. C.-Y. Mairisii—Mair-is’-i-i (Mairis’), Moore.

This variety, which requires stove temperature in order to develop
its foliage perfectly, and which was raised artificially, has all the appearance
of a hybrid between A. Capillus-Veneris and A. cuneatum. Its fronds,
quadripinnate (four times divided to the midrib) and triangular, are borne
on stiff, upright stalks, and are abundantly produced from a creeping rhizome
(prostrate stem) covered with light brown scales. They are furnished with
pinnules (leafits) of a most peculiar shape, suggesting the parentage of
A. cuneatum, for they are cuneate-trapezoid (wedge-shaped and having their
four sides unequal), with their summit irregularly truncate (terminating
abruptly); those near the ends of the pinne (leaflets) larger and with

262 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

their margin divided into two lobes, the fertile ones cut into oblong, concave
sinuses (depressions), a disposition which gives a bluntly cornute (horned)
aspect to the principal pinnule. This singular variety, of particularly robust
constitution and somewhat erect habit, possesses the property of reproducing
itself true from spores.—Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, iv., p. 484.

A. C.-V. Moritzianum — Mor-itz-i-a’-num (Moritz’s), Moore and
Houlston.

This exceedingly handsome variety, given by some authors as native of
South America, and by others as coming from Madeira, appears to be the
most gigantic form known of A. Capillus-Veneris. Whatever dimensions
the fronds of that popular species may attain when grown under the influence
of heat and moisture, they never bear comparison with those of this pendulous
variety, which are perhaps not produced so abundantly as in the typical
species or in some of the varieties above described, but which attain a length
of 2ft. or even more, and are bi- or tri-pinnate (twice or three times divided
to the midrib). They are furnished with large pinnules (leafits), rather
distant, of a bright green colour, fan-shaped at their summit, and cuneate
(wedge-shaped) at the base, and they are of an elegant and pendulous habit.
—WNicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 27.

A. C.-Y. ramulosum—ra-mul-o’-sum (full of small branches), Moore.

In this extraordinary variety, native of Ireland, the main stem is twice
or three times divided towards the summit of the frond, thus forming a
spreading tuft of short, pinnate (once divided) branches. The pinnules
(leafits) in the lower portion of the frond are narrow and depauperated (only
partially developed).—Lowe, Native Ferns, ii., p. 419.

A. C.-V. rotundatum—rot-un-da/-tum (rounded), Moore.

A variety, native of the Isle of Man, differing essentially from the typical
species in the shape of its pinnules (leafits), which are usually round at their
summit and not wedge-shaped at their base like those of the normal form.
The fronds themselves are narrow, although the pinne (leaflets) are more
spreading. The upper portion of the fronds is nearly normal.—Wicholson,
Dictionary of Gardening, i. p. 25. Lowe, Native Ferns, ii., p. 421.

ADIANTUM. 263

A. C.-V. undulatum—un-dul-a’-tum (wavy), Moore.

This is a very elegant though somewhat delicate form, of dwarf habit ;
its dense fronds, which seldom exceed Gin. in length, are furnished with broad,
roundish pinnules (leafits) of a peculiar dark green colour, and_ prettily
undulated at the edges.—Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 25.

A. cardiochleena — car-di-och-le’-na (having heart-shaped indusia). A
popular name, synonymous with A. polyphyllum.

A. caudatum—cau-da’-tum (tailed), Linnaeus.

This evergreen, stove species, which in appearance is very different to the
majority of Maidenhair Ferns, and which is exceedingly useful for growing
in suspended baskets, is found wild nearly everywhere through the tropics,
in China, Ceylon, Mauritius, the Malay Islands, Java, Madras, Cape Colony,
on the banks of the Niger, in the Cape de Verde Islands, &c., and even on
the Himalayas, where it has been collected up to 3000ft. elevation. The usual
length of the fronds, which are simply pinnate (only once divided’ to the
midrib), is from lft. to 14ft., when they generally root at the extremity.
They are provided on each side of the midrib with leaflets about din. long,
dimidiate (fully developed on one side and scarcely at all on the other), nearly
sessile (stalkless), with the lower line straight and horizontal, while the.
upper, rounded, one is more or less cut, the point generally blunt, the lower
ones slightly stalked and wedge-shaped at the base. The leaflets are of a pale
dull green or greyish colour, and, like the stalks, are covered with short,
pale brown hairs, more abundant as they approach the crown whence
the fronds start. In hanging baskets this plant makes a charming object, as
it is not unusual to see from the same specimen three generations of plants,
hanging down 3ft. or more. The roundish or transversely oblong sori (spore
masses) are disposed on the edge of the lobes.—Hooker, Species Filicum,
i, p- 13. Lowe, Ferns British and Exotic, ii., t. 2a. Nicholson, Dictionary
of Gardening, 1., p. 25.

A. c. Edgeworthii—Edge-worth’-i-i (Edgeworth’s), Hooker.
This plant, which is also known in commerce as A. ciliatum, is like-
wise a native of China and the Himalayas. It differs from the species just

264: THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

described principally in the glabrous (smooth) nature of both surfaces of its
pinne (leaflets). Its fronds are also slenderer, shorter, and produced in greater
abundance, while the colour of their leaflets is also different and much more
pleasing, being of a bright,
soft bluish green. See Fig. 34
(for which we are indebted
to Messrs. W. and J. Birken-
head).—Hooker, Species Fili-
cum, i., p. 14, t. 81p. Bed-
dome, Ferns of British India,
t. 17. Nicholson, Dictionary
of Gardening, 1., p. 26.

A. chilense — chil-en’-sé
(native of Chili). A
variety of A. wthiopicum.

A. Collisii — Col-lis’-i-1
(Collis’), Moore.
This highly-decorative,

home-raised, stove Maiden-
Fig. 84. Adiantum caudatum Edgeworthii hair, of fine proportions
eae and graceful habit, was,
when first described, given
as a hybrid between A. tenerwm and A. gracillimum, a theory which may be
strengthened by the general appearance of the plant; for its massive fronds,
which, like those of the first-named species, are triangular and from 14ft. to 2ft.
across, are also produced from a slowly-creeping rhizome (prostrate stem), but
more numerous, somewhat taller, and much more branched, giving the plant
a far more elegant contour; they are borne on black, shining, slender stipes
(stalks) 1ft. to 14ft. long, whence they become much branched and spread
on all sides; whereas the numerous pinnules (leafits) with which they are
furnished, besides being small, are also wedge-shaped and slightly toothed
on the outer and the upper margins. The sori (spore masses), produced
sparingly, are disposed one on each depression of the upper margin.—
Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, iv., p. 484.

ADIANTUM. 265

A. colpodes—col-po’-des (hollowed), Moore.

This elegant species, native of Tropical America, is most useful for growing
in suspended baskets or for planting in the wall of the stove Fernery, where
its long, slender, and pendulous fronds can show themselves to advantage.
These fronds are from lft. to 14ft. long, 4in. to 8in. broad, tripinnate (three
times divided to the midrib), and borne on slender stipes (stalks) covered
with long but very narrow, light brown scales. The lower pinne (leaflets)
spread at right angles from the stalk, and are about 4in. long by 14in. broad,
slightly branched below. The pinnules (leafits), with which the pinne are
abundantly furnished, although of a very rich green when matured, are, when
in a young state, of a very delicate pink colour: they are nearly or quite
sessile (stalkless), about in. long and Hin. broad, with their upper margin
rounded, lobed, and toothed. The sori (spore masses) in this species are
disposed on the teeth of the outer edge of the pinnules.—Hooker, Synopsis
Filicum, p. 124. Necholson, Dictionary of Gardening, 1., p. 25.

A. concinnum—con-cin’-num (neat), Hooker.

A stove species of great beauty, native of Tropical America, from Mexico
to the West Indies, southward to Peru and Brazil. On account of its
decorative qualities, it is well worthy of a place in every collection. The
fronds, which often reach 2ft. in length and measure about 8in. in their
broadest part, are produced from a central, tufted crown and borne on stipes
(stalks) 4in. to 8in. long, green when in a young state, but shining black
when mature. They are tripmnate (three times divided to the midrib) and
furnished with numerous spreading, flexuous pinne (leaflets bending in a
nigzag manner), the lowest of which are frequently 6in. long by 3in. broad.
The -pinnules (leafits) are of thin texture and quite smooth, and are
broadly wedge-shaped at the base, while their upper edge is irregularly
rounded and has lobes blunt and mostly entire: the lowest seement of each
pinna and pinnule is large and sessile (stalkless). The sori (spore masses )
are kidney-shaped and disposed in distinct hollows all round the outer margin
at the rate of eight or ten to each pinnule. The fronds—which are of
about an equal width for two-thirds of their length, then gradually tapering
to their extremity—being of a semi-transparent nature and the sori being

numerous, the latter are shown to great advantage, especially when the plant
2M

266 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

is grown in a basket and suspended from the roof of a warm house. A
distinctive character peculiar to this species lies in the disposition of the
lowest pinnules, for these are upright and pressed flat against the stalk,
which they cover almost on its entire length. See Plate—Hooker, Species
Pilicum, u., p. 42. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 25. Lowe,
Ferns British and Exotic, iti., t. 1.

A. c. Flemingi—Flem-ing’-i (Fleming’s), Moore.

_ A very grand variety, of garden origin. It is of a more upright habit
and is not adapted for growing in hanging baskets; the fronds, which are
shorter, but denser and produced in greater abundance than in the type,
partake of the same light green colour, and have a very pleasing pinkish
hue when young.— Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 25.

A. c. latum—la’-tum (broad), Moore.

This is a most valuable and distinct stove Adiantum, native of the East
Indies, and recognised as being a form of A. concinnum, from which it
essentially differs by its stiff, upright habit, and by the size of its pinnules
(leafits), which are twice as large as those of that species and set much
farther apart. See Fig. 35.—Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, ti., p. 25.

A. conyolutum—con-vol-u’-tum (wrapped together), Fournier.

. A stove species, of Mexican origin, having a very distinct appearance on
account of the disposition of the pinnew (leaflets) on longer stalks than those
of most Adiantums. The fronds are quadripinnate (four times divided to the
midrib), about 1ft. in length, and their long-stalked leaflets are of two
different characters, the lowest ones being decompound (subdivided) and the
upper ones lanceolate (spear-shaped) and simply pinnate (only once divided
to the midrib). The terminal segment is cuneate-flabellate (wedge-shaped at
the base and fan-shaped at the summit). The sori (spore masses), which are
disposed two to four to a segment, distinguish this plant from all the other
species of the group by their greater size, as they frequently measure two
or two and a-half lines im breadth.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 474.

A. cornubiense—cor-nu-bi-en’-sé (Cornish). This is merely a form of
A. Capillus-Veneris,

ADIANTUM. 267

A. crenatum—cre-na’-tum (bluntly toothed), Willdenow.
This handsome, stove species, native of Mexico and the West Indian
Islands and popularly known under the appellation of A. Wilesianum,

eS No! y
j a, Ce

Fig. 85, Adiantum concinnum latum

G nat. size).

is very closely allied to A. tetraphyllum. The fronds are from Ift. to
2ft. high, quadripinnate (four times divided to the midrib), and furnished

268 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

with several large pinne (leaflets) on each side, the lowest of which are
branched again, and with a terminal central pinna Gin. to 9in. long. These
leaflets are again divided into numerous segments in. long by iin. broad,
slightly crenate (indented) on their upper margin, and of a dark green colour.
The fronds are borne on upright stipes (stalks) of a dark brown colour,
shining and smooth, produced from an underground creeping stem; whereas
the rachises (stalks of the leaflets) are slightly hairy. The sori (spore masses)
in this species—about five, sometimes six, on each leafit—are roundish and
situated in the sinus (depression) of the lobes, on the upper and sometimes
the outer edge.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 120. Nicholson, Dictionary of
Gardening, 1., p. 25. Lowe, New and Rare Ferns, t. 29.

A. crispulum—cris’-pul-um (slightly crisped). A form of A. Capillus-
Veneris.

A. cristatum—cris-ta’-tum (crested), Linneus.

A stove species, native of the West Indies, Venezuela, Cuba, Caracas, and
most abundant in Jamaica. It is difficult to say how this plant came to receive
such a specific name, as it has never been seen crested in cultivation: it is
also known as A. Kunzeanwm. The fronds are borne on strong, upright,
somewhat woolly stipes (stalks) 6in. to 12in. long, are from 2ft. to 3ft. long,
9in. to 12in. broad, and furnished with a terminal central pinna (leaflet) fully
Jin. long and 1din. broad. Besides this there are numerous rather distant
lateral ones on each side: these are lanceolate (spear-shaped), the lowest pair
mostly bipartite (deeply divided or branched again). The pinnules (leafits)
are din. to 3in. long and jin. broad, horizontal and approximate (close together),
somewhat falcate (sickle-shaped), and blunt at the point; they are of a very
leathery texture, dark green, smooth, very shiny, and gradually become
smaller as they approach the summit of the pinne. The semi-oval sori
(spore masses) are generally confined to the superior margin, where they
are disposed in several oblong patches.—Hooker, Species Filicum, ii., p. 46.
Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, 1, p. 25. Lowe, Ferns British and
Haxotic, ii., t. 22.

This species, which is seldom seen in perfection, requires less water at
the roots than the majority of Adiantums. It is very partial to lime rubbish
and should be grown in a somewhat dry part of the house. eB

ADIANTUM. 269

A. cubense—cub-en’-sé (Cuban), Hooker.

This very distinct, stove species, native of Jamaica and Cuba, though not
of much decorative value, is interesting on account of its fronds, about 10in.
long, being simply pinnate (only once divided to the midrib) or with a single
pair of short branches, and furnished with pinne (leaflets) of a deep green
colour. The disposition of the sori (spore masses) is also peculiar, as these,
not more than five or six in number, are placed in the centre of distinct
hollows along the upper and outer edge.—Hooker, Species Filicum, i, p. 8,
t. 73a. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, 1., p. 25.

A. cultratum—cul-tra’-tum (knife-like). A variety of A. traneziforme.
Ni (pease

A. cuneatum—cun-é-a’-tum (wedge-shaped), Langsdorff and Fischer.

This very old favourite, native of Brazil, is perhaps better known and
more generally cultivated than any other Maidenhair Fern, probably because
it is one of the most graceful and the most useful of all known species.
Indeed, nothing can surpass the elegance of its foliage for bouquets; and
this excellent quality is so fully appreciated by growers in general that
hundreds of thousands of it pass through our flower markets every year,
besides the enormous quantities grown in private places, where it is always
in demand for the same purpose. The fact. of its being evergreen, and con-
sequently very useful in winter, greatly adds to its value. The fronds are
from lft. to 13ft. long, 6in. to 9in. broad, of a more or less upright habit,
and borne on erect, slender stalks 6in. to 9in. long: they are triangular in
shape, three or four times divided to the midrib, and furnished with numerous
pinnules (leafits) din. or a little more broad, cuneate (wedge-shaped) at the
base, with their upper edge deeply lobed. ‘The sori (spore masses), which are
of moderate size and from four to six to each pinnule, are disposed all round
the upper edge.—Hooker, Species Kilicum, ii., p. 39. Nicholson, Dictionary
of Gardening, i., p. 25. Lowe, Ferns British and Exotic, iii., t. 5.

A. cuneatum is of easy culture, requiring less attention than almost any
other Fern, and thrives in almost any soil, although it prefers a compost of
a rich, light nature. It is not very particular as to temperature, and, pro-
vided regular moisture at the roots be kept up, it will produce all through
the year an immense quantity of its useful fronds from a tufted crown. It
is so readily propagated from spores that wherever it is grown a stock of

270 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

young plants is soon obtained: even without any special care being bestowed
upon them they spring up in pots standing around.

This species has produced under cultivation more forms or variations
(some call them -monstrosities) which have received distinctive names than
any other exotic Fern. Indeed, these have within the last ten years been
brought out in such numbers that a very interesting collection may without
much trouble be made of A. cwneatwm varieties exclusively. But although most
of them are very deserving of attention, we must confine ourselves to a
selection of fourteen of the best and most distinct forms.

A. c. Bournei—Bour’-né-i (Bourne’s), Moore.
A variety with dense, triangular fronds, borne on long, black, shining
stalks.— Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, iv., p. 484.

A. c. deflexum—de-flex’-um (deflexed), Moore.

This very distinct form, of garden origin, with its triangular fronds,
three or four times divided to the midrib, furnished with lobed and deflexed
pinnules (segments), attracted the late Mr. Thomas Moore’s attention to
such an extent that in his description of this supposed hybrid in the
‘Gardeners’ Chronicle” for 8th December, 1883, he says: “ This goes far to
support the ideas of those who believe in the crossing of Ferns, whether the
process is truly described by the term hybridisation or not. It was raised
between A. cuneatum and A. Bausei, the latter also a so-called hybrid Fern.
The characteristics of the two sorts are unmistakably blended in the new form,
which has the densely-fronded, stocky growth of A. cumeatum, with its
spreading fronds and cuneate (wedge-shaped) pinnules (leafits or segments),
with the singularly-deflexed pinnules of A. Bausei: this hanging position
of the pinnules gives the plant a very distinct appearance. The plants are
dense and compact in growth, on which account they are well adapted for
grouping in small baskets and jardinettes. Their bright and cheerful green
colour adds much to its value as a decorative Fern.” To these remarks we
may add that from personal observation we are convinced that this singular
variety, like both its supposed parents, reproduces itself perfectly true from
spores. See Plate (for which we are indebted to Messrs. J. Veitch and Sons).
—Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, iv., p. 484.

ADIANTUM. 271

A. c. dissectum—dis-sec’-tum (dissected), Moore.

A very pretty variety, of garden origin, with fronds shorter and more
triangular than those of A. cuneatum, and furnished with pinnules (leafits)
more deeply cut than in that species. It is also of more compact habit, but
does not reproduce itself true from spores, and can only be propagated by
the division of the crowns.—Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, 1., p. 26.

Fig. 86. Adiantum cuneatum gracillimum
(& nat. size).

A. c. elegans—e’-leg-ans (elegant), Moore.

The fronds of this pretty variety, of garden origin, are of a particularly
slender nature; they are triangular and about 9in. long, besides the glossy
stalks, about 6in. long, on which they are borne, and are furnished with
numerous cuneate (wedge-shaped) leafits of a very light green colour
whose dimensions are intermediate between those of the typical species and
those of the popular A. c. gracillimum. Its habit is more erect than that of
the typical species; it is also of quicker growth and reproduces itself freely
from spores.—Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, iv., p. 484.

272 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

A. ec. gracillimum—grac-il’lim-um (very slender), Moore.

This beautiful Fern, of garden origin, is one of the first really distinct
variations observed in the popular A. cwneatum, and one which has very few
rivals. The fronds—which, like those of the typical species, are produced in
profusion from a densely-tufted crown and measure from 14#ft. to 2ft. in length
and about 9in. across—are decompound (many times divided), thin and fragile
in spite of their massive appearance, and furnished with minute pinnules
(leafits) of a rich green, which are distinctly stalked and two- or three-
lobed, the sterile lobes blunt. It is a most elegant Fern, with light and
graceful fronds. The multiplicity of the minute pinnules and the almost
invisible ramification of the rachis (stalk) give to a well-grown plant a
particularly charming appearance. The sori (spore masses), slightly kidney-
shaped, are solitary on the entire pinnules and two to three on the larger
lobed ones. This variety reproduces itself true from spores, although the
young seedlings do not show their characters until they have attained a
certain size. See Fig. 36 (for which we are indebted to Mr. B. S. Williams).
—WNicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 26.

A. c. grandiceps—gran’-dic-eps (large-headed), Moore.

One of the most distinct and by far the most attractive of the numerous
home-raised forms of the popular species, from which it differs in several
striking particulars. It is more robust in habit; its fronds, produced in
great numbers from a densely-tufted crown, are more elongated and
terminate in a dense tassel of finger-like growths; the pinne (leaflets) also
terminate in similar, but smaller, branched tassels, which by their weight
give the fronds a very elegant, arching habit, rendering the plant one of the
most suitable Ferns for suspended baskets, in which position it thrives apace
and soon makes a very handsome object. This highly decorative variety
reproduces itself freely and true from spores. See Plate—Nicholson, Dictionary
of Gardening, iv., p. 484.

A. c. Lawsonianum—Law-so-ni-a’-num (Lawson’s), Moore.

This very abnormal form, of garden origin, is very distinct, inasmuch
as its fronds—which, as in the typical species, are produced from a densely-
tufted crown—are more rigid, yet not too much so to prevent its being a

Acrostichum scandens

(greatly reduced).

(A)

ADIANTUM. 273
very elegant Fern. They frequently attain 14ft. in height, and are abundantly
furnished with curiously and finely cut pinnules (leafits) of a very dark green
colour and of a peculiarly narrow wedge-shape; these, being set farther
apart than in the species and borne on short, thread-like stalks, give the
whole of the plant a very light and decorative appearance. This extremely
curious form unfortunately does not reproduce itself true from spores, and
consequently remains comparatively scarce.—Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening,
ie pn 20:

A. c. Legrandi—Leg-rand’-i (Legrand’s), ddoore.

A very curious and pretty form, of garden origin, having all the appear-
ance of a natural hybrid between A. ¢. gracillimum and the equally popular
A. ¢. Pacottii, which it resembles in habit, size, and mode of growth,
Its densely though very minutely
foliaged fronds seldom exceed
9in. in length, but the pin-
nules (leafits), with which they
are most abundantly furnished,
are as fine as, if not even finer
than, those of A. ¢. gracillimum,
and partake of the same colour,
being in their young state of a
lively rosy tint, when they form
a pretty mass of bead-like pinkish
foliage, producing a most striking
and pleasing contrast with the

more mature fronds, which are of

the dark green colour peculiar to
those of A. cuneatum. This very
pretty form reproduces itself freely

Fig, 87. Adiantum cuneatum Luddemannianum

from spores.—Nicholson, Diction- CE)
ary of Gardening, 1., p. 27.

A. c. Luddemannianum—Lud-dem-an-ni-a’-num (Luddemann’s), Moore.

This curious and very striking variety, of garden origin, is quite

different from any other Maidenhair in cultivation. The peculiarity which
aN

274 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

distinguishes this Adiantum from all others consists in its pinnules (leafits)
being crested, usually clustered at the extremities of the erect fronds, which
are produced from a tufted crown and branch about a third of the way
up. These pinnules, which are much curled and borne on short stalks, are
generally fan-shaped and of a deep green colour. It is a very elegant variety,
of small dimensions, rarely exceeding 10in. in height, and completely sterile.
Its parentage as a hybrid would be difficult to trace, as it is the first crested
form on record, a character which it cannot have inherited from any known
source. See Fig. 37.—Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 27.

A. c. mundulum—mun’-dul-um (neat), Moore.

This charmingly pretty and compact-growing variety, of garden origin,
may reasonably be termed a perfect miniature and quite a gem among
Adiantums. It forms a very elegant little subject, seldom more than 8in.
high. Its fronds, which are produced in profusion from a densely-tufted
crown, are tripinnate (three times divided to the midrib), triangular in shape,
and furnished with numerous pinnules (leafits), which are narrowly wedge-
shaped, a few of the larger ones among them being three-lobed. The sori
(spore masses) in this case are roundish and disposed one in each notch of
the lobes. The fronds are remarkably stiff, of good substance, and particularly
well adapted for mixing with small flowers; while the plants themselves are
of great value for edging in the Fernery. It is not generally known that
this form reproduces itself true from spores. — Nicholson, Dictionary of
Gardening, i., p. 26.

A. ce. Pacottii—Pac-ot’-ti-i (Pacotto’s), Moore.

This very peculiar garden variety, which is likely to prove one of the
most useful of all Maidenhair Ferns grown, was, along with A. c. mundulum
and several other intermediate forms, raised by a market grower of the name
of Pacotto, at Montreuil, near Paris, from one batch of A. cuneatum. How
all these variations occurred at one and the same time it is difficult to
conceive and impossible to explain, there being no other Adiantum than
the plain A. cuneatum grown on the place: the raiser had no pretensions
to producing hybrids, and had no notion of the fertilisation of Ferns.
The general appearance of the plant is that of A. c. Legrandi, so far as the

ADIANTUM. 275

production of the fronds from a thick crown is concerned; but these are
furnished with pinnules (leafits) as large as those of a good-sized A. cuneatum,
of the same peculiar deep green colour, and imbricated (overlapping each
other) to such an extent as to warrant the significant popular appellation
of “double Maidenhair,” under which this variety is generally known.
Like A. ¢. mundulum, it seldom grows more than Sin. high, and is useful for
cutting and for edging in Ferneries; it also possesses the property of
reproducing itself true from spores.—WNicholson, Dictionary of Gardening,

aide Daur

&. c. schizophyllum—schiz-oph-yl’-lum (cut-leaved), Moore.

Although it is stated that this form appeared in a batch of seedlings
of A. ewmulum, there is little doubt that it is a variety of A. cuneatum.
Its mode of growth, the production of its fronds from a densely-tufted crown,
the shape of its segments, even their peculiar dark green colour, all seem to
point to the origin of this plant, of very graceful habit and good constitution.
Although dense and stocky in growth, all its parts are small and slender ;
its fronds, about Ift. in length, are furnished with pinnules (leafits) in all
eases small but commonly minute, the majority of them being cut into
very narrow lobes. The branched character of the fronds is the chief
peculiarity of this elegant variety: it causes an irregular development of the
leaflets, which are occasionally placed at some distance apart. The sori (spore
masses), of a crescent-shape, are situated in the notch at the summit of the
pinnule ; but they are sparingly produced in a perfect state, and the variety
is usually increased by division of the crown.—WNicholson, Dictionary of

Gardening, iv., p. 485.

A. c. strictum—stric’-tum (upright), Moore.

A garden variety, of little decorative value, but very interesting through
the pinne (leaflets) with which its thrice-divided fronds are furnished being
ascending and arranged somewhat spirally.—Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening,
iv., p. 484.

A. c. versaillense—ver-sail-len’-sé (from Versailles), Truffaut.
This exceedingly pretty form, which in size as well as in habit is so
equally intermediate between A. ¢. grandiceps and A. c. Luddemannianum as

276 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

to suggest its being an offspring produced by the fertilisation of these two
varieties, is undoubtedly one of the most interesting of all known garden
hybrids. The cristation of its fronds, which seldom exceed 10in. in height,
somewhat resembles that of the first-named of these varieties, although it is
more uniform and much denser, but it is composed of pinnules (leafits) of
the same shape and pleasing light green colour. The erect habit, however,
the branching of the stipes (stalks) for about two-thirds of their length,
and the circular disposition of the terminal crests, forcibly remind one
of the latter-named variety, which until now has never been recorded as
fertile even to the smallest degree. Its dense yet elegant habit renders
versaillense valuable as a pot-plant, while for cutting purposes and decoration
it may at once be classed among the most useful, its delicate yet substantial
fronds being particularly well adapted for mounting with flowers. The
propagation of this interesting variety is effected exclusively by the division
of the crown, as it has until now, although apparently fertile, proved
absolutely barren.—B. S. Williams’ New Plant Catalogue, 1889.

A. Cunninghamii—Cun-ning-ham’-i-i (Cunningham’s). Synonymous with
A. affine.

A. curyatum—cur-va’-tum (curved), Kaulfuss.

A beautiful and entirely distinct, stove species, native of Brazil, where it
is principally found in the dry woods of Sierra de Santa Brida. Its handsome
fronds, which rise from a short-creeping rhizome (prostrate stem), are borne
on stipes (stalks) of a black, shining nature, Sin. to 12in. long, and are
dichotomous (the main divisions being again once or twice forked). Their
pinne (leaflets), 8in. to 12in. long and about 3in. broad, are furnished with
pinnules (leafits) nearly 13in. long, curved, imbricated (overlapping), with
their superior margin and point finely toothed: these pinnules are of a light
green colour and are attached to the midrib by a very short footstalk. The
sori (spore masses) are oblong and disposed singly, about seven of them
on a pinnule. This is a Fern which specially requires shade and a very
moderate amount of moisture.—Hooker, Species Filicum, ii., p. 29, t. 84c.
Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i, p. 26. Lowe, Ferns British and
Exotic, ui., t. 6.

ADIANTUM. 277

A. c. brasiliense—bras-il-i-en’-sé (Brazilian), Raddi.

This is a very distinct variety ; it differs from the type principally
through its more gigantic dimensions and the pubescent (downy) character
of its fronds, which are produced from a stout and very slowly-creeping
rhizome (underground stem) and frequently attain 3ft. in height. Their stipes
(stalks) are hairy and brown, whereas their leaflets, of a dark green colour,
are smooth, shorter, broader, blunter, and not so closely set as those of the
species. The disposition of the sori (spore masses) in this variety is similar

to that observed in the type.

A. cyclosorum—cy-clos-o’-rum (having circular spore masses), Moore.
This grand, well-marked, evergreen, stove species, from New Guinea, is
very effective. Its fronds, which are borne on upright, stout, glossy-black
stipes (stalks), 8in. to 12in. long, are triangular in shape, tripinnate (three
times divided to the midrib), and furnished with spreading pinne (leaflets).
They possess a very plumose (feathery) appearance through their pinnules
(leafits), rhomboid (of four unequal sides) and about Hin. long, being borne on
short stalks and set far apart. These pinnules are gracefully arched, and of a
beautiful bronzy pink when in a young state, whereas when matured their
colour is of a particularly pleasing light green. The sori (spore masses) in
this species are circular and disposed eight to ten round the margin of each
pinnule—WMicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, iv., p. 484.

A. Daddsii—Dadd’-si-i (Dadds’), Moore.

This supposed hybrid, of garden origin, which has all the appearance of
being the produce of a natural cross between A. cuneatum and A. Moorei
(A. amabile of commerce), is of gigantic growth and highly decorative. Its
very elegant fronds, which by their pendulous habit resemble those of the
latter-named species, are, like those of A. cwneatum, produced from a densely-
tufted crown and borne on stipes (stalks) 10im. long, of a glossy and
slender nature. Their leafy portion, fully 13ft. long when fully developed, is
deltoid (in form of the Greek delta, A), many times divided, and smooth. The
pinne (leaflets) themselves are as large as a fair-sized whole frond of the
common Maidenhair Fern, being fully 12in. long by Qin. across, and borne on
stalks 3in. to 3}in. long. These pinne are furnished with pinnules (leafits)

278 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

of a pale green colour, which, although numerous, are not crowded, for they
are all distinctly borne on short, hair-like stalks and are of a peculiar
rhomboid (unequally four-sided) and cuneate (wedge-shaped) form, quite
intermediate between those of the two supposed parents. The intermediate
sub-divisions are all more or less deeply lobed on the anterior or outer side,
while the terminal ones are simply wedge-shaped, with two or three lobes at
their summit, and the basal ones are roundish or oval and narrowed into the
stalks. The kidney-shaped sori (spore masses), which are freely produced all
over the fronds, are disposed one in each of the notches situated at the
summit of the marginal lobes. Notwithstanding its apparently prolific
character, this form has not been known to reproduce itself: its propagation
is effected exclusively by the division of the crown.—WNicholson, Dictionary of
Gardening, iv., p. 484.

A. daphnites—daph-ni’-tes (glistening). A variety of A. Capillus-Veneris.

A. decorum—dec-o’-rum (decorous), Moore.

This popular name is the one under which this plant is, and has been for
the last twenty years, most extensively known. It is, however, synonymous
with A. Wagner?.

A. deflexum—de-flex’-um (deflexed). A variety of A. cwneatum.

A. deltoideum—del-toid’-é-um (in form resembling the Greek delta, A),
Swartz.

A very distinct, stove species, native of the West Indian Islands, differing
from all other known species by the singular shape of its pinne (leaflets),
which resemble an Ivy-leaf in miniature: without, however, having a clearly-
defined central midrib. Its fronds, 4in. to 6in. long and about 3in. broad,
are borne on wiry, polished, upright, dark chestnut-brown stipes (stalks)
3in. to din. long. They are composed of a terminal lobe and numerous pairs
of pinne that are distinctly stalked, hastate-deltoid (that is to say, between
the shape of a halbert and that of a Greek A), and either heart-shaped or
wedge-shaped at the base. The sori (spore masses) in this singular species
are disposed in interrupted lines along the sides of the pinnez, the rounded
extremity of which they do not reach.—Hooker, Species Filicum, ii., p. 9.

ADIANTUM. 279

A. depauperatum—de-pau-per-a’-tum (poor). This is a variety of our
native A. Capillus-Veneris.

A. diaphanum—di-aph’-an-um (transparent), Blume.

This lovely species, of dwarf dimensions, which thrives equally well under
either greenhouse or stove treatment, being a native of Java, Fiji, New
Caledonia, Norfolk Island, New South Wales, and New Zealand alike, is
much better known and extensively grown under the name of A. setulosum.
In general habit it shows a ten-
dency towards the pedate (foot-
shaped) group, for its fronds,
which seldom attain more than
10in. in height, are simply pinnate
(once divided to the midrib) or
provided with one to three branches
at the base. These leaflets or
branches are furnished with pin-
nules (leafits) of a thin texture,
din. long and Hin. broad, the
lower line rather decurved (bent
round), the upper line nearly
parallel with it, crenate (notched),
like the blunt outer edge. The
sori (spore masses) are numerous,

kidney-shaped, and disposed singly,

five to seven on each pinnule.

See Fig. 38.—Hooker, Species Pilt-

. ; Fig. 38. Adiantum diaphanum
cum, l., p. 11, t. 80c. Nicholson, @ nat. size).

Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 26.

This pretty little species is of easy culture and very useful for cutting,
its bright green fronds lasting a long time when severed from the plant. It
is also of great value as an edging Fern for the conservatory, for not only are
the fronds produced in abundance, but the slender rhizomes (underground
stems) possess the peculiarity of forming young plants on all their parts,
thus making compact little specimens of great interest and utility.

280 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

A. digitatum—dig-it-a’-tum (finger-leaved), Presi.

This distinct and robust-growing, stove species, native of New Granada
and Peru, is usually cultivated under the name of A. speciosum. In general
appearance it reminds one but very little of a Maidenhair Fern, as it is
of semi-scandent (half-climbing) habit, and its large fronds, which ‘are
tripmnate (three times divided to the midrib) and of a soft, fleshy texture,
are of a deciduous nature; they are borne on thick, fleshy stipes (stalks) of
a pale green colour, woolly and transparent, from Ift. to 14ft. long; their
foliaged portion, which frequently attains 3ft. in length and 20im. in width
at the lower part, gradually shortens upwards. The pinnules (leafits) vary
in shape from deflexed (bent back) to cuneate (wedge-shaped) at the base ;
they are very symmetrically set, borne on short stalks, often measure
1jin, across, have their upper edge rounded and deeply cut, and are densely
covered with short hairs, which give the foliage a woolly feeling when
touched. The sori (spore masses) are disposed in lines along the edge of
the lobes. This is a very distinct and ornamental Fern, as will be seen
from the Plate (for which we are indebted to Messrs. Veitch and Sons).—
Hooker, Species Filicum, it., pp. 39 and 45, t. 85c. Nicholson, Dictionary of
Gardening, 1., p. 26,

A. dissectum—dis-sec’-tum (cut up). A variety of A. cuneatum.

A. dolabriforme—dol-a’-brif-or’-mé (axe-shaped). An evergreen form of

the deciduous A. lunulatum.

A. (Mewardia) dolosum—Hew-ar’-di-a ; dol-o’-sum (deceiving), Kunze.

This stove species, native of Jamaica, Granada, and Brazil, is better
known perhaps under the names of A. Wilsoni of Hooker and A. macrop-
terum of Miguel: it belongs to the small group which comprises the only
plants of the genus having anastomosing (intermixed) veins, but in general
aspect it much resembles A. lucidum. Its fronds, 9in. to 12in. long and
6in. to 12in. broad, of a dark green colour above, paler below, are borne
on upright stipes (stalks) Gin. to 12in. long, adherent to a creeping rhizome
(prostrate stem). They are simply pinnate (only once divided to the
midrib) and formed of a large terminal pinna (leaflet) and from two to six
lateral ones on each side; these are of a sub-coriaceous (almost leathery )

ADIANTUM. 281

texture and sub-sessile (almost stalkless), 4in. to 6in, long, lin. to 2in. broad,
egg-shaped and nearly entire (undivided). The sori (spore masses) are
continuous on both margins nearly to the extremity. This singular species
requires a porous, stony soil.—Hooker, Species Filicum, ii., p. 6, t. 79z.
Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, 1., p. 29. Lowe, Ferns British and
Exotic, iii., t. 16.

A. Edgeworthii—Edge-worth’-i-i (Edgeworth’s). <A variety of A. caudatum.
A. elegans—e’-leg-ans (elegant). A form of A. cuncatum.

A. emarginatum—e-mar-gin-a’-tum (notched at the end), Hooker, not
of Bory. A North American form of A. @thiopicum.

A. excisum—ex-ci’-sum (bluntly cut), Kunze.

This pretty, greenhouse species, native of Chili, though of smaller growth
and of slenderer habit, is closely allied to A. ethiopicum, and like that species
has also produced several distinct varieties. In the typical form the fronds,
6in. to 12in. long and 3in. to 4in. broad, are borne on stalks 2in. to 38in.
long, of a wiry nature and chestnut-brown colour, rising from a tufted
crown. They are furnished on each side with numerous flexuose (zigzag),
short leaflets, the lowest of which are slightly branched again ; their pinnules
(leafits) are about three lines broad, wedge-shaped at the base, while their
upper edge is rounded and bluntly lobed. The sori (spore masses) are large
for the size, of the plant, reniform (kidney-shaped), and situated in distinct
hollows on the lobes.—Hooker, Species Filicum, ii., p. 41. Nicholson, Dictionary
of Gardening, i., p. 26.

A. e. Leyi—Ley’-i (Ley’s), Moore.
In this variety, of garden origin, the fronds, seldom more than 4in. long,
are very densely crested.—Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 26.

A. e. multifidum—mul-tif’-id-um (much cut), Moore.
This handsome, garden variety partakes somewhat of the character of
A. concinnum, both as regards the way in which its fronds are. produced and
by the peculiar manner in which their stalk is covered by deeply-cut pinnules
(leafits) closely pressed against it. The fronds, of a drooping habit, are
quadripinnate (four times divided to the midrib), and their deeply-cut
20

282 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

sub-divisions give the plant a very graceful appearance: these fronds grow
from lft. to 1dft. im length, and are usually divided at their summit into
several branches, which very often are again divided, forming a beautiful tassel
Zin. to 3in. long.— Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 26.

A. e. nanum—na’-num (dwarf), Moore.

This variety, also of garden origin, is very useful where dwarf Ferns
are required for edging or for pot culture, or where small fronds for mixing
with flowers are-in demand. Its rigid fronds, which are produced in great
abundance from a densely-tufted crown, are tripinnate (three times divided
to the midrib), and furnished with wedge-shaped and closely-set pinnules
(leafits) : they seldom attain more than 8in. in height.

A. faleatum—fal-ca’-tum (sickle-shaped). A synonym of A. villosum.

A. Farleyense
This truly magnificent Adiantum, native of Farley Hill, Barbados, by

Far-ley-en’-sé (from Farley), Moore.

far the most beautiful of the whole genus, and not inappropriately called the
“Queen of Maidenhair Ferns,” has attained such a degree of popularity and
is so extensively known under the above name that, although classed in the
“Synopsis Filicum” and other botanical works as simply a form of A. tenerum,
it has been thought advisable to retain here the popular appellation. It is
too well known to require an elaborate description, which, however good
and complete, would most likely fail to do it full justice. It has been
given at different times as a natural sport or accidental seedling of
A. Ghiesbreghti (A. scutum of commerce), or as a plumose (feathery) form
of A. tenerum. Be it what it may, this evergreen Fern is nevertheless
unrivalled for exhibition purposes: it always attracts a deal of attention and
shows the gardener’s skill to great advantage, with its broad, massive, yet
eracefully-drooping fronds, quadripinnate (four times divided to the midrib),
from 2}ft. to 3dft. in length and frequently 2ft. broad. When grown
near the glass and under the influence of abundant light, the pinnules (leafits ),
often 13in. broad, deeply fringed, and with almost crispy lobes (Fig. 39),
are very prettily edged with a delicate pale crimson tint, which turns to
a pleasing rich light green colour when quite mature—-Hooker, Synopsis
Filicum, p. 124. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 26.

ADIANTUM. 288

Some growers consider A. Farleyense difficult to manage, but the
difficulty is more imaginary than real. Heat and moisture are the essential
requirements of this plant, and it will not succeed where these, or either of
these, are deficient, though it may be safely wintered in a house with a
temperature of 60deg., occasionally falling to 55deg. In structures where

this minimum temperature cannot be maintained in winter, the plants do not

AN

Ss
i;

iz, 4 j
ce IN

ay

Fig, 89. Portion of Frond of Adiantum Farleyense

(nearly nat size)

die off altogether, but they suffer so severely that several months of careful
nursing are required to restore them to their former strength. As regards
soil, this Adiantum is not so difficult to please as is supposed, for we have
seen equally good specimens grown in materials of totally different nature.
Two parts of good fibrous peat and one of fibry loam and coarse silver sand
together form a compost in which it will succeed; but plants in no way
inferior have been grown entirely in pure, light fibrous loam, commonly

284, THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

§

known as “yellow loam.” On _ the Continent, where such loam as_ that
which is used in this country is not procurable, plants of this noble Fern,
in every respect equal to ours, may be seen in sandy peat or in partly-
decayed leaf-mould.

Though various statements have appeared with reference to spores being
produced by A. Farleyense, we have never had the good fortune to detect
any, although we have many times had the opportunity of examining the
mock sori (spore masses) produced by the revolute (bent back) part
of the pinnules, which had all the appearance of being fertile. Consequently,
the division of the crowns is the only means by which this handsome
Fern can be increased.

A. Féei—Fe’-é-i (Fée’s), Moore.

This greenhouse species, which is also known as A. flexuosum, is a
native of Mexico and Guatemala, and is entirely different from any other
Adiantum known in cultivation. It is the only one that is really of
a semi-scandent (half-climbing) habit. Its singular fronds, which in this
country attain 23ft. in length and 1ft. or more in breadth, are borne on stipes
(stalks) 1ft. to 1}ft. long, of a most peculiar climbing nature and rising
from a central crown. They are tripinnate (three times divided to the midrib),
while their main and secondary rachises (stems) are bent in a flexuose or
zigzag manner, with all their branches or sub-divisions firm, standing at right
angles, and densely covered with ferruginous (rusty), short hairs. The leaflets
of which the fronds are composed vary in length according to the position
they occupy: thus the lower ones are from Gin. to Yin. long and 3in. to 4in.
broad, whereas the others grow gradually shorter as they are situated more
towards the summit of the frond. They are distant (set far apart) and
furnished with pinnules (leafits) of a sub-coriaceous (almost leathery) texture,
lin. to 2in. long and*fully }in. broad, consisting of a terminal segment and
several lateral ones, all of which are set far apart, borne on short stalks,
and of a peculiar half-round and wedge-shaped form. The sori (spore
masses) in this very curious species are roundish and disposed along the
margin of the pinnules, where they form an edging more than half a
line deep.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 125. Nicholson, Dictionary of
Gardening, i., p. 26,

ADIANTUM. 285

A. Fergusoni—Fer-gus-o’-ni (Ferguson’s), Baker.
An elegant, stove species, native of Ceylon, with fronds stiffly erect,
2ft. to 24ft. high, including the glossy purplish-black stalks. They are

SONS

Fig. 40. Adiantum Fergusoni

(¥ nat. size).

tripinnate (three times divided to the midrib) and furnished with long-
stalked leaflets, which in their turn are subdivided into large, overlapping
pinnules (leafits), variable in form, but where sterile neatly toothed and

286 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

notched along the outer margin: the terminal one is generally three-lobed
(Fig. 40). On account of the light colour of its foliage, the aspect of this
Fern is particularly pleasing. The sori (spore masses), of oblong form,
are situated at the top of the lobes of the pinnules.—Micholson, Dictionary
of Gardening, iv., p. 484.

A. festum—tes’-tum (pleasant), Moore.

A supposed garden hybrid, requiring greenhouse treatment. ~ Its fronds,
borne on stalks 8in. to 9in. long and of a purplish-ebeneous colour, are pro-
duced from a densely-tufted crown. They are about lft. long, triangular in
shape, decompound (many times divided), of a drooping habit, and having
pinnules (leafits) that are small, crowded, cuneate (wedge-shaped), and larger
towards their extremities; the terminal ones are either symmetrically or
unequally cuneate and bipartite (deeply divided into two parts), the others being
lobed on their anterior or outward edge. The kidney-shaped sori (spore
masses) are disposed in a sinus (notch) of the lobe—WMicholson, Dictionary
of Gardening, iv., p. 484.

A. fissum—fis’-sum (deeply cut). A variety of A. Capillus-Veneris.

A. flabellulatum—fia-bel-lul-a’-tum (small fan-leaved), Linnwus.

A stove species, of medium dimensions, native of Hindostan from the
Himalayas to Ceylon, also of Japan, South China, and the Malay Islands.
Tt is also known as A. amenum. Its peculiar fronds, borne on strong,
upright stipes (stalks), are dichotomously branched (divided into two parts,
which are in their turn divided into two again) and furnished with a central
pinna (leaflet) 4in. to 8in. long and 3in. broad. The pinnules (leafits),
about 4in. broad and deep, are dimidiate (fully developed on one side of the
midrib and scarcely at all on the other) ; their lower edge is nearly straight,
the upper one rounded, the otter one blunt, both entire or only slightly
notched. The sori (spore masses) are disposed in several oblong patches round
the upper and outer edge.—Hooker, Species Filicum, ii., p. 30. Nicholson,
Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 26. Beddome, Ferns of Southern India, t. 218.

A. flexuosum—flex-u-o’-sum (zigzag). Synonymous with A. Féei.

A. Footi—Foot’-i (Foot’s), A variety of A. Capillus-Veneris.

ADIANTUM. 287

A. formosum—for-mo’-sum (beautiful), R. Brown.

This very handsome, strong-growing, greenhouse species, which under
proper cultivation attains very large dimensions, is one of the most ornamental
Ferns in existence, and is on that account grown in immense quantities. It
is a native of Australia, beg very common in the neighbourhood of Port
Jackson, but is never found wild elsewhere, with the solitary exception of
Mangatainoka, New Zealand, where it was discovered by Mr. Colenso. Its

ES <S
>
AG
=\|

Fig. 41. Adiantum formosum

(much reduced).

fronds, which are produced abundantly from slender, underground, creeping
thizomes (prostrate stems), are branching and quadripinnate (four times
divided to the midrib). They are erect or nearly so, and from 1}ft. to 3ft.
in height, one-half of which, the stipes (stalk), is naked. The foliaged
part, triangular in outline, is copiously furnished with small pinnules (leafits),
whose lower edge is straight, whereas the upper and outer are rather rounded
and deeply lobed, the lower ones being distinctly stalked (Fig. 41). These

288 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

sub-divisions are pale green, the barren ones being finely dented. The spore
masses, nearly kidney-shaped, are usually disposed six to eight to each fertile
pinnule.—Hooker, Species Filicum, ii., p. 51, t. 868. Nicholson, Dictionary of
Gardening, i., p. 26. Lowe, Ferns British and Evotic, iii., t. 11.

This species is of very easy culture, and succeeds admirably in a green-
house ; yet, when cultivated in stove heat, the sub-divisions of the fronds
become larger, and the plant forms in all respects a handsomer specimen.
It is very readily propagated by spores, and also by the division of the
creeping rhizome. No particular care is required with regard to its propa-
gation, as one is almost certain to find seedlings of it coming up amongst
the different plants in the house in which it is cultivated.

A. fovearum—fov-é-a’/-rum (pitted). Synonymous with A. intermedium.

A. fragile—frag’-il-é (fragile), Swartz.

A species of dwarf habit, native of the West Indian Islands. Its fronds
are 6in. to 12in. long and 3in. to 6in. broad; they bear numerous pinne
(leaflets), the lowest of which are branched again. The pinnules (leafits),
which are articulated (jointed) at the base, much resemble those of the
common A. cuneatum, being cuneate (wedge-shaped), but they are smaller
and less deeply lobed. These pinnules are of such a deciduous nature that
they have entirely fallen from nearly all the specimens in the Hookerian
Herbarium, so that nothing remains but a dense tuft of rigid stems, with
numerous slender, glossy branches. The sori (spore masses), nearly kidney-
shaped in this species, are placed in distinct hollows in the lobes of the
upper edge.—Hooker, Species Filicum, ii., p. 41.

A. fragrantissimum—fra-eran-tis’-sim-um (very sweet-scented), Henderson.

This handsome Fern is quite distinct from anything previously known
in cultivation. “It is of garden origin, and is possibly a natural hybrid
from <A. cuneatum and A. Moore’ (A. amabile of commerce). Its fronds,
which last much longer than those of any other Adiantum with wedge-
shaped pinnules (leafits), are produced from a central tufted crown and are
borne on glossy and somewhat upright stalks 5in. to 6in. long; the leafy
portion of the fronds is from Ift. to 14ft. long by about lft. broad at the
base: they are quadripinnate (four times divided to the midrib), furnished

Adiantum Birkenheadii

@ nat. size).

ADIANTUM. 289

with spreading leaflets, the basal ones of which are borne on long stalks.
The characteristic feature of this variety is the large size of the ultimate
divisions, which at once appears peculiar, presenting as it does a novel
aspect among the forms with wedge-shaped pinnules. The terminal ones
are the longest, measuring eight lines in length and five or six lines
across their broadest part; while the lateral ones are seven lines long and
three lines broad, with an elongated, wedge-shaped base, and are lobed at
their summit. The sori (spore masses), of a roundish kidney-shape, are
disposed in a sinus (depression) at the summit of the lobes. Although fully
described by Mr. Moore in the “ Gardeners’ Chronicle,” he disclaims all
participation in the naming of this Fern. Messrs. HE. G. Henderson and
Sons gave the name to the plant, and distributed it under that name,
for which there appears to be no reason, as the fronds, whether in a fresh
or in a dry state, are scentless.— Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening,
iv., p. 484.

A. fulyum—ful’-vum (tawny), Raoul.

This pretty and very compact-growing, greenhouse species, native of
New Zealand, Norfolk Island, New South Wales, and Fiji, is of great value -
as a pot-plant, also where Ferns are required for edging, as its habit is
very symmetrical. Its elegant fronds, borne on stiff yet slender stalks of
a scabrous (rough) nature and produced from a central tufted crown in
great abundance, are from 8in. to 12in. long and 6in. to $in. broad; they are
formed of a terminal pinna (leaflet) 4in. to 6in. long and about 14in. broad,
and of several branches, the lower of which are branched again and furnished
with pinnules (leafits) of a chartaceous (parchment-like) texture, about {in.
long and jin. broad, dimidiate (fully developed on one side of the midrib and
scarcely at all on the other), the lower edge nearly straight, the upper almost
parallel, sharply toothed like the outer edge, of a bright bronzy or metallic
hue when in a young state and dark green when fully developed. The sori
(spore masses) are large and numerous, roundish, almost heart-shaped, and
disposed from eight to twelve round a pinnule——Hooker, Species Filicum,
ii, p. 52, t. 85a. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 26. Lowe, Ferns
British and EHaxotic, i., t. 19.

A. Funkii—Funk’-i-i (Funk’s). <A variety of A. trapeziforme.
. 2P

290 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

A. Galeottianum—Gal-é-ot-ti-a’num (Galeotti’s), Hooker.

This very distinct, Mexican, stove species, of medium dimensions, native
of the province of Oaxcaca, where it is found at an elevation of 3000ft., is
easily recognised by its large, sub-orbicular (nearly round), equal-sided pinne
(leaflets). These organs, of a coriaceous (leathery) texture, nearly entire,
and borne on short footstalks, are disposed in opposite pairs along the fronds,
which are simply pinnate (only once divided to the midrib), but occasionally
branched at the base. The stipes (stalks) on which these fronds are borne
are erect, of a wiry nature, dark chestnut-brown in colour, and polished,
measuring from 3in. to 4in. in length. The venation in this species is very
clearly marked on the under-side of the frond, but it is quite flabellate
(fan-shaped), every vein being forked and forked again, and there is no
central rib stronger than the others. The reniform (kidney-shaped) sori
(spore masses), about one line across, are disposed in shallow sinuses
(depressions) all round the edge of the fertile pinne.—Hooker, Species
Filicum, u., p. 10, t. 808.

A. Ghiesbreghtii—Ghies-breght’-i-i (Ghiesbreght’s), Moore.

This very handsome, stove plant, which is much more extensively known
under the name of A. scutwm, originated in Mr. B. 8. Williams’s nursery,
where it sprang up without anyone being able to say whence it came,
or if it were merely an altered and improved form—a sport—of some
species already in cultivation. Anyhow, it possesses the power of repro-
ducing itself true from spores, as may be seen by the immense quantities
of it which yearly find their way into our flower markets. It is a very
fine Fern, of remarkably good constitution, with the habit of A. Marleyense,
but less dense, and undoubtedly a variety of A. tenerwm: it also makes one
of the finest known Maidenhairs for decoration or for exhibition purposes.
Its beautiful fronds, which are produced from a short-creeping, underground
rhizome (prostrate stem), are from I}ft. to 23ft. long and fully 13ft. broad
at the base: they are tripinnate (three times divided to the midrib),
furnished with numerous pinnules (leafits) that are large, slightly crenate
(dented) on the margins, and of a bright green colour. The sori (spore
masses), of oblong shape, are interrupted or disposed singly six or eight
round each fertile pinnule—Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 26.

ADIANTUM. 291

A. glaucescens—glau-ces’-cens (somewhat greyish), Klotzsch.

A stove species, native of Ecuador, Guiana, and North Brazil. Its fronds,
borne on slender, upright, polished stalks 6in. to Yin. long, are about 1ft. each
way ; they are formed of a terminal pinna (leaflet) and of several loosely-
spreading ones on each side, which are furnished with numerous pinnules
(leafits) of a thin, papery texture and about lin. long by 4in. broad. Their
lower border is nearly straight, the upper one nearly parallel with it; their
outer margin is bluntly rounded, and the lowest of these pinnules are borne
on short stalks. The sori (spore masses) are disposed in numerous patches
a line and a-half broad, with a space between them, and are situated round
the upper and outer edge.—Hooker, Species Filicum, ii., p. 26.

A. glaucophyllum—glau-coph-yl’-lum (grey-fronded), Hooker.

. This greenhouse species, of dwarf habit, and known in gardens as
A. andicolum and <A. mexicanum, is closely allied to A. cuneatum, and is
a native of Mexico and Guatemala. Its pretty little, upright fronds, which
are abundantly produced from a slender rhizome (prostrate stem), are
seldom more than lft. long and Qin. to 12in. broad, quadripinnate (four
times divided to the midrib), and furnished with numerous segments
zin. broad, deep green above and glaucous (greyish) beneath, wedge-shaped
at the base, their upper edge irregularly rounded and more or less lobed.
The reniform (kidney-shaped) sori (spore masses) are disposed in distinct
hollows in the summit of the upper edge—AHooker, Species Filicum, ii.,

p.. 40. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 26.
A. gracillimum—grac-il’-lim-um (very slender). A variety of A. cuneatum.
A. grande—gran’-dé (large). A variety of A. Capillus-Veneris.

A. grandiceps — gran’-dic-eps (large-headed). A crested variety of
A, cuneatum.

A. grossum—gros’-sum (large), Mettenius.

In this stove species, native of the Andes of Granada, the fronds, borne
on black, glossy stalks 8in. to 12in. long, are lanceolate (spear-shaped), 1ft.
to 1}ft. long, 3in. to 4in. broad, and simply pinnate (only once divided to
the midrib); the pinne (leaflets), of a leathery texture, disposed on each

292 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

side, are of peculiar form, the upper ones being nearly square, lin. long, and
almost stalkless. The inferior pinne are longer, and have their lower side
more developed and their inner side imbricated (overlapping) over the midrib.
The sori (spore masses) are numerous, straight, and sometimes din. in length.
—FHooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 472. |

A. Mendersonii—Hen-der-so/-ni-i (Henderson’s). A variety of A. tetra-
phyllum.

A. Menslovianum—Hen-slo-vi-a/-num (Henslow’s), Hooker.

This beautiful and most distinct, stove species, also known as A. letum,
A. Reichenbachii, and A. sessilifolium, is a native of Columbia and Peru,
and is of quite a different aspect from all other Adiantums, as the stipes
(stalks), instead of being as usual thin, black, and polished, are thick,
green, and gradually become of a dark chestnut-brown colour and slightly
hairy. The fronds, which are produced from a creeping rhizome (prostrate
stem), are from Ift. to 14ft. long, Gin. to Qin. broad, and of a peculiarly
arching (half-drooping) character. They are tripinnate (three times divided to
the midrib), with the lower pinne (leaflets) slightly branched and having
numerous pinnules (leafits) of a delicate texture and light green in colour:
the lower line of the pinnules is nearly straight, while the upper margin is
somewhat rounded and lobed, and the point bluntly rounded. The reniform
(kidney-shaped) sori (spore masses) are abundantly produced in the hollows
of the lobes. This species is also readily distinguished from most others
by the peculiarity possessed by its pinnules, the inner edge of which
usually overlaps the midrib. See Plate (for which we are indebted to
Messrs. J. Veitch and Sons).—Hooker, Species Filicum, ii., p. 43. Nicholson,
Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 26.

A. Henslovianum is of very easy culture, but, being entirely deciduous,
requires a period of rest from November to February, when it is almost,

if not entirely, leafless.

A. Mewardia—Hew-ard’-i-a (Heward’s), Kunze.

This stove species, of small dimensions, also known under the name of
Hewardia adiantoides, is a native of Jamaica. Its fronds, pinnate or bipinnate
(once or twice divided to the midrib), borne on erect, black, glossy stalks

ADIANTUM. 293

6in. to Yin. long, are composed of a terminal pinna (leaflet) and of two to
four lateral ones on each side, the lowest pair of which sometimes bear two
to four pinnules (leafits) each. The pinnules are from 3in. to 4in. long, about
lin. broad, nearly equal-sided except at the base, and almost entire. The
sori (spore masses) are disposed in continuous lines along both edges of
the pinnules. This is one of the few Adiantums with veins anastomosing
(intermixing), and the texture of the fronds being thin and paper-like, these
veins distinctly show a sort of network which is almost unique in the genus.
—Hooker, Species Filicum, u., p. 7. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening,
1G Pree Oy

A. hians—hi’-ans (gaping), Moore.

An ornamental, stove Maidenhair, native of the South Pacific Islands,
with triangular fronds about 10in. long and tripinnate (three times divided to
the midrib). The upper pinne (leaflets), which are egg-shaped and borne
on short stalks, and the almost stalkless lower ones, are both furnished with
pinnules (leafits) of variable form, but mostly roundish or balloon-shaped,
bearing at their rounded summit one or two large, broadly-gaping sori

(spore masses).—Micholson, Dictionary of Gardening, iv., p. 484.

A. hirtum—hir’-tum (shaggy), Klotzsch.

A very handsome, though little-known, tropical American, stove species,
whose habitat ranges from Panama and Guiana southward as far as Peru
and Brazil. Its fronds, closely and regularly branched like those of the
popular A. formosum, are borne on wiry, upright, polished stalks of a dark
chestnut-brown colour. They are composed of a terminal pinna (leaflet)
and of several pairs of erecto-patent (upright and spreading) lateral ones,
all of which are furnished with numerous pinnules (leafits) of sub-coriaceous
(almost leathery) texture and whose upper margin is bluntly rounded and
finely toothed. These pinnules are closely set together: the lower ones are
slightly stalked and the others quite sessile (stalkless) ; their under-surface
is slightly, and their stalks densely, hairy. The venation, though fine, is
prominent. The sori (spore masses) are small, numerous, oblong, and very
close: they are disposed in small lobes on the upper and outer margin.—
Hooker, Species Filicum, ii., p. 20, t. 82a.

294, THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

A. hispidulum—his-pid/-ul-um (slightly hairy), Swartz.

This is a very handsome, greenhouse species, native of Australia and
New Zealand; it is extensively known and cultivated under the name of
A. pubescens. Its fronds, borne on slender yet stiff, erect, hairy stipes
(stalks) Sin. to 15in. long, are of a peculiar dichotomous form, their main
divisions being branched and forked again; they consist of a terminal
pinna (leaflet) Gin. to Qin. long, 3in. to lin. broad, and of others that
gradually become smaller, all of which are furnished with very small pinnules
(leafits) only Hin. to }in. broad, almost stalkless, and of a peculiar leathery
texture. These pinnules, which have their outer edge bluntly rounded and
their upper or outer margin finely toothed, are when mature hairy and of a
dark green colour, but of a bright metallic or coppery tint when only partly
developed. The sori (spore masses) are roundish and abundantly produced,
being disposed from six to eight on each pinnule, where they are so closely
set as to form an uninterrupted line-—Hooker, Species Filicum, I pe ceil,
Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 27. Lowe, Ferns British and
Exotic, iii., t. 184.

A. Mookeri—Hook’-er-i (Hooker’s). A variety of A. Capillus-Veneris.

A. imbricatum—im-bric-a’/-tum (overlapping). Perhaps the most distinct
of all the varieties of A. Capillus-Veneris.

A. incisum—in-ci’-sum (cut), Presi.

This stove species, native of the West of Mexico and Columbia, is very
closely related to the better-known A. pulverulentum ; but its fronds, which
are borne on wiry, almost black, polished stipes (stalks) 4in. to Gin.
long, are smaller in all their parts and less branched, being only once
divided to the midrib, with occasionally one or two pairs of short,
spreading branches at their base. The pinnules (leafits), which are of a
sub-coriaceous (almost leathery) texture, are of the same shape, the lower
line nearly straight, the upper one almost parallel, and, like the outer edge,
finely toothed ; but they are of larger dimensions and more deeply toothed
than those of A. pulverulentwm. The sori (spore masses) are disposed in a
continuous, marginal line on the edge of the lower two-thirds of the upper
margins.—Hooker, Species Filicum, ii., p. 16.

ADIANTUM. 295

A. intermedium—in-ter-med’-i-um (intermediate), Swartz.

This very handsome, evergreen, stove species, also known under the
names of A. fovearum and A. triangulatwm, has a very extensive range
of habitat, for it is found from Mexico and the West Indies southwards to
Peru and Rio Janeiro. Its fronds, which consist of a terminal pinna
(leaflet) 6in. to 9in. long and 2in. to 3in. broad and of one to three small,
spreading lateral ones on each side, are borne on strong, erect, polished but
somewhat tomentose (downy) stalks 6in. to 12in. long, attached to a creeping
rhizome (prostrate stem). The pinnules (leafits) are wedge-shaped at the
base, .the upper part being parallel with the stalk; they are of almost
leathery texture, of a deep green colour, and conspicuously dented. The
oblong sori (spore masses) are numerous and disposed in interrupted,
marginal patches one to two lines across, placed round the upper edge and
outer two-thirds of the lower one. If only on account of the effect pro-
duced by its bold, prominent sori and hirsute (hairy) stalks, this interesting
Fern, which somewhat resembles the better-known A. tetraphyllum in general
appearance, deserves a place in every collection—Hooker, Species Filicum,
i, p. 25. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, 1, p. 27. Lowe, Ferns British
and Hote, 11., t. 20.

A. Kalon—Kal’-on (Kalon). A variety of A. Capillus-Veneris.

A. Kaulfussii—Kaul-fus’-si-i (Kaulfuss’s), Awnze.

A stove species, of medium size, native of the West Indies, Brazil, and
Peru, having fronds 6in. to 12in. long and 38in. to 4in. broad, borne on
wiry, upright, polished, blackish stipes (stalks) 6in. to 9in. long. These
fronds consist of a large, coriaceous (leathery) terminal lobe and of eight to
ten pinne (leaflets) on each side of the midrib; the lowest, 2in. to 3in. long
and about lin. broad, are cordate (heart-shaped) and auricled (eared) at the
base, and are borne on short stalks; those of the barren fronds are slightly
toothed. The sori (spore masses) are disposed in interrupted lines on the
margin of the leaflets—AHooker, Species Filicum, i., p. 7.

A. Kunzeanum—Kaunz-é-a'’-num (Kunze’s). This is synonymous with
A. cristatum. —

A. leetum—tle’-tum (joyful). Synonymous with A. Henslovianum.

296 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

A. Lathomi—La/-thom-i (Lathom’s), Moore.

A beautiful, garden variety, possibly a natural sport from A. (rhiesbreghtii
(A. scutum of commerce), which it somewhat resembles, though it differs
from that species in having a gracefully-drooping instead of a semi-erect
habit. Its pendulous and massive fronds, which are produced from a tufted
crown, measure, when fully developed, 2Ht. to 3ft. in length, including
the smooth, black, shining stipes (stalks) on which they are borne. They
are pentangular (having five angles) in shape, from the enlargement of the
basal pinnules (leafits) of the lowest pair of pinne (leaflets), are quadripinnate
(four times divided to the midrib), and furnished with very large, imbricated
(overlapping) pinnules. The roundish or kidney-shaped sori (spore masses)
are disposed in the lobes of the upper margin of the pinnules. This is
one of the most ornamental of the large-growing Maidenhairs in cultivation,
and quite as useful in its way as the smaller A. cuneatwm and varieties.—

Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 27.

A. Lawsonianum — Law-so-ni-a/-num (Lawson’s). This is a variety
of A. cuneatum.

A. Legrandi—Leg-rand’-i (Legrand’s). A variety of A. cuneatwm.

A. Leprieurii—Lep-rieur’-i-i (Leprieur’s), Hooker.

A stove species, of no great decorative value, but interesting on account
of the anastomosing (intermixed) veins of its foliage. It grows to a height
of about 13ft., and is a native of British Guiana.—Hooker, Species Filicum,
itp: wouleetenoe By

A. Lindeni—Lin’-den-i (Linden’s), Moore.

This is a magnificent, stove species, native of the Amazon Valley. Its |
large, erect (upright) fronds, borne on black stives (stalks) 9in. to 12in. long,
are tripinnate (three times divided to the midrib) and furnished with falcate
(sickle-shaped) pinnules (leafits) 1Jin. long, having their outer margins closely
but bluntly lobed: these pinnules are of a peculiarly deep green colour
and their lobes are toothed. The oblong or kidney-shaped sori (spore
masses) are disposed in interrupted lines along the superior margin of |
the pinnules.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 473. Nicholson, Dictionary of
Gardening, i., p. 27.

ADIANTUM. 297

A. lucidum—tlu’-cid-um (shiny), Swartz.

A distinct, stove species, of medium growth, native of the West Indian
Islands, Panama, and Brazil. The fronds, 9in. to 15in. long and 4in. to 8in.
broad, are produced from a creeping rhizome (prostrate stem) and borne on
strong, upright stipes (stalks) 6in. to 9in. long, which are densely covered
with short hairs of a ferruginous (rusty) colour: they. are simply pinnate
(only once divided to the midrib) and consist of a large terminal pinna
(leaflet) and six to ten lateral ones on each side. These pinne are 3in. to
4in. long and about lin. broad, nearly equal-sided, slightly dented towards
the point, wedge-shaped at the base, of a bright olive-green colour, and
shining on both sides. The lower leaflets are sometimes slightly branched.
The oblong sori (spore masses) are disposed in a continuous row along
each side.—Hooker, Species Pilicum, ii., p. 4, t. 79c. Nicholson, Dictionary
of Gardening, 1, p. 27. Lowe, Ferns British and Exotic, iii., t. 4A.

A. Luddemannianum — Lud-dem-an-ni-a’-num (Luddemann’s). A
specially striking crested variety of A. cuneatum.

A. lunulatum—tu-nul-a’-tum (crescent-leaved), Burmann.

This is a very distinct and handsome, stove species, of exceptionally
widespread habitat, for it is found in Hong-Kong, in Cochin China, on
‘the Himalayas at an elevation of 4000ft., southward to the Polynesian Islands
and ‘Tropical Australia, Madagascar, Angola, Guinea, in Tropical America
from Mexico southward to the Organ Mountains in Brazil, &c. It is
an easily-recognised species, of deciduous habit, losing its fronds about
December and starting into growth again about the beginning of March.
It has a peculiarly slender, pendulous habit, and is proliferous at the end
of its fronds—so much so, that it is not rare to see produced from their
apices three generations of plants. The fronds, which spring from a tufted
crown and are borne on wiry, flexible stipes (stalks) 6in. to 12in. long,
are simply pinnate (only once divided to the midrib), from 10in. to 1din.
long and about 2in. broad. The pinne (leaflets), which are about lin.
broad and lin. deep, are of a bright green colour, sub-dimidiate (nearly
fully developed on one side and scarcely at all on the other), their lower
edge being nearly in a line with the short stalks on which they are borne;

their upper edge is rounded and, like the sides, usually more or less lobed.
2Q

298 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

The sori (spore masses), which are numerous, are disposed in a continuous
line along the edge. When the fronds are mature, the stalks are of
a beautiful shining black colour, while those in course of development are of
a deep pink, and then of a light brown tint, quite different to those of all
other species.—Hooker, Species Filicum, ii., p. 15. Nicholson, Dictionary of
Gardening, i., p. 27. Lowe, Ferns British and Exotic, iii., t. 8x.

Qn account of its pendulous habit and of its rapid growth, this is
considered one of the best basket Ferns by all who grow it. The fact of its
being deciduous accounts for its disappearance in many cases, as care must .
be taken during the winter that it does not become thoroughly dry, or it
will never start into growth again. We have always found it do much
better if kept moderately moist at the roots all the year round. Although
under such treatment it does not get so much rest as if treated as
a deciduous plant, we have frequently noticed that it starts much stronger
into growth in the spring.

A. 1. dolabriforme—dol-a’-brif-or’-mé (axe-shaped), Hooker.

This is merely an Hast Indian variety of the species just described,
from which it differs principally by its evergreen character, as it remains in
full foliage all through the year. It is also distinguishable by the slenderer
nature of its fronds, which, like those of the species, are repeatedly
proliferous. See Plate (for which we are indebted to Mr. B. S. Williams).

A. macrocladum—mac-roc’-lad-um (long-branched). Synonymous with
A. polyphyllum.

A. macrophyllum—mac-roph-yl’-lum (long-leaved), Swartz.

This elegant, stove species, native of Mexico, the West Indian Islands,
Brazil, and Ecuador, is one of the most distinct Ferns in cultivation.
Its large, equal-sided leaflets, which in the young and partly-developed
fronds are beautifully tinged with red, change with age to a most pleasing
bright green colour. The handsome fronds, borne on erect, nearly black
stalks 6in. to 12in. long, are produced in great abundance from an under-
ground rhizome (prostrate stem) ; they are of a particularly upright habit,
Jin. to 1din. long and 4in. to Sin. broad, and simply pinnate (only once
divided to the midrib). The pinne (leaflets) are very large and some-

ADIANTUM. 299

what irregular in form, the lower ones being 3in. to 4in. long and 2in.
broad, so large at the base that the opposite ones frequently overlap : some-
times their margin is deeply dented, at other times their edges are nearly

Fig, 42. Adiantum macrophyllum

(& nat. size),

smooth, both forms being generally found on the same plant. The fertile
pinne, of the same shape, are narrower than the barren ones, and the sori
(spore masses) are disposed in continuous or slightly interrupted marginal

300 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

lines. See Fig. 42.—Hooker, Species Filicum, ii., p. 3. Nicholson, Dictionary
of Gardening, i., p. 27. Lowe, Ferns British and Exotic, iii., t. 43.

This species, which is one of the most decorative of our stove Ferns,
requires a liberal supply of water and a shady situation, or it has a
wretched appearance, its fronds becoming rapidly spotted.

A. m. bipinnatum—bip-in-na’-tum (twice pinnate), Moore.

A handsome variety, native of Jamaica, differing from the typical plant
through having its fronds bipinnate (twice divided to the midrib) in the lower
part. The pinnules (leafits) and the pinne (leaflets) of the upper part of
the frond partake of the same bright pink colour peculiar to the species when
in a young state, although they are of much smaller dimensions.—WVicholson,
Dictionary of Gardening, iv., p. 484.

A. m. striatum—stri-a’-tum (striped), Schneider.

This remarkable variety, which originated among some seedlings raised
by Mons. Chartier, at Montmorency, near Paris, is one of the prettiest of all
known variegated Ferns. It is as vigorous as the typical A. macrophyllum,
the upright habit of which it also possesses. The fronds are simply pinnate
(only once divided to the midrib) and furnished with pinne (leaflets) of
dimensions equal to those of the type, but they are irregularly though
abundantly splashed and striped with white, which variegation produces a
charming effect at all times, more especially when a batch of young, half-
developed fronds are on the plant. The mixture of the bright pink, pale
green, and white, of the pinne, and the dark chestnut-brown, almost black
colour, of the polished stalks, form a most agreeable contrast with the tint
of the mature fronds, on which the variegation remains conspicuous as long
as they last. Until now this pretty variety has not been known to reproduce
itself true from spores ; but considering that all, or nearly all, other variegated
Ferns are propagated from their own spores, it may reasonably be anticipated
that this pretty form will be increased in the same way.

A. macropterum—mac-rop’-ter-um (long-winged). Synonymous with
A. dolosum.

A. magnificum—mag-nif’-ic-um (magnificent). A variety of A. Capillus-
Veneris.

ADIANTUM. 301

A. Mairisii—Mair-is’-i-i (Mairis’). A variety of A. Capillus-Veneris.

A. mexicanum—mex-ic-a’-num (Mexican). Synonymous with A. glauco-
phyllum.

A. microphyllum—ni-croph-yl’-lum (short-leaved), Aaulfuss.

This stove species, native of the West Indies, is very closely related to
the better-known A. pulverulentum, which it resembles in general appearance.
Its fronds, borne on strong, upright, tomentose (downy) stalks Gin. to 9in.
long, consist of a terminal pinna 6in. to 9in. long and several erecto-
patent (upright-spreading) ones on each side, the lowest of which are branched
again. Their pinnules (leafits), }in. to $in. long and about jin. broad, of
a coriaceous (leathery) texture, are unequal-sided, falcate (sickle-shaped), and
narrowed to a sharp point. The sori (spore masses) are disposed in a few
elongated patches along the upper edge, where they form a slightly-interrupted
line of fructification Hooker, Species Filicum, 1., p. 47.

A. monochlamys—mon-och’-lam-ys (once covered), Haton.

This exceedingly pretty and entirely distinct, dwarf, greenhouse species,
native of Japan, though closely related to the Himalayan A. venustwm, is
clearly distinct through its compact habit and glaucous (bluish-green)
foliage. Its fronds, 6in. to 12in. long and 4in. to 6in. broad, are borne on
wiry, upright, dark chestnut-brown stipes (stalks) 6in. to 9in. long and
are tripinnate (three times divided to the midrib). The pinne (leaflets) are
rather distantly placed, while the pinnules (leafits) are closely set, less than
din. broad, cuneate (wedge-shaped) at the base, the upper edge rounded and
slightly toothed; the latter are of a firm texture, of a light pea-green colour
above and silvery beneath. In the fertile pinnules there is a decided
notch in the upper edge, in the hollow of which is placed a single sorus
(spore mass). The pleasing aspect of this plant renders it a most valuable
Adiantum, the more so that it requires but little or no artificial heat for
its cultivation, On that account it ranks as one of the best dwarf Ferns
for the cool conservatory and the greenhouse. It has proved perfectly hardy
in Cornwall and Devonshire, where it has withstood two consecutive winters
without artificial shelter. See Fig. 43.—Hovker, Synopsis Kilicum, p. 125.
Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 27.

302 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

A. Monosorum—mon-os-o/-rum (having one spore mass to a pinnule),
Baker.

A pretty, stove species, native of the Solomon Islands, with fronds 9in.

in length and about the same in breadth, borne on very slender, black,

polished stalks, and furnished with short-stalked pinnex (leaflets) 4in. to 5in..

Fig. 48, Adiantum monochlamys

( nat. size).

long, the lowest of which are forked at the base. The pinnules (leafits) are
short-stalked, closely set, and of a chartaceous (parchment-like) texture ;
both their surfaces are smooth. The sori (spore masses) are large and round ;
one is disposed in the centre of the upper edge of each pinnule. This
species certainly deserves a place in our gardens.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum,
p. 472. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 27.

ADIANTUM. 303

A. Moorei—Moor’-é-i (Moore’s), Baker.

This is a remarkably elegant, stove species, native of Peru. It is much
more generally known in gardens as A. amabile, under which name it was
described by Moore in the “ Gardeners’ Chronicle” of 1868, p. 1090, when
imported alive, and afterwards distributed by Messrs. J. Veitch and Sons,
who had received it from their collector, Pearce. This name was allowed
to remain unchallenged until 1873, and that sufficiently accounts for the
firm hold which it had taken of the general public. It was only in the
‘Gardeners’ Chronicle” of 1873, p. 811, that Mr. Baker observed that
the name amabile had already been applied in the genus by Liebmann to
a Mexican plant, fully described under that name in ‘“ Mexicos Bregner,”
No. 118, published in 1849, a fact which had been totally overlooked by
Mr. Moore, to whom Mr. Baker then dedicated the new-comer. Liebmann’s
A. amabile, according to his own specimens in the Kew Herbarium, is not
thought specifically distinct from A. glawcophyllum of Hooker or A. mexicanum
of Presl, but the one of which the following is a complete description is
totally distinct, though still known in commerce as A. amabile. Its handsome
fronds, which frequently attain 2ft. in length by lft. or more in breadth, are
borne on slender, black, shining stalks 6in. to 9in. long, They are deltoid
(in the form of the Greek delta, A), bi- or tripinnate (twice or three times
_ divided to the midrib), and are furnished with numerous pinnules (leafits)
borne on short footstalks and set somewhat far apart, which gives the fronds
a peculiarly light and feathery appearance, the more so that they are deeply
lobed on their outer margin, where the sori (spore masses), round or
nearly so, are situated at the extremity of the lobes. Mr. Moore, in his
description, says that the appearance of this plant suggests a relationship to
A. concinnum and A. cuneatwm through its pendulous habit and the shape
of its pinnules, and adds that ‘there is no doubt it is allied to both of them
and also to A. colpodes.” He further says, “A peculiar and distinctive aspect
is given to A. amabile by the deep forked lobes of the pinnules generally,
and especially by that of the enlarged pinnule which terminates the primary
and frequently the secondary pinne.” Whatever the value of Moore’s con-
jectures and suppositions as regards the origin of this Fern may be, it must
be admitted that it has proved very variable under cultivation, and that its
influence as a possible parent may safely be traced in the production of

304 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

various handsome garden forms, such as A. Daddsii, A. fragrantissimum,
A. Owent, A. Waltoni, &c., all of which partake more or less of its elegant
habit and mode of growth. A. Moorei also possesses the peculiarity of
reproducing itself freely by means of the little bulbils borne on its fine,
fibrous roots.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 474. Nicholson, Dictionary of
Gardening, 1., p. 27. Moore, Gardeners’ Chronicle, 1868, p. 1090.

A. Moritzianum—Mor-itz-i-a’-num (Moritz’s). A variety of A. Capillus-
Veneris, having long, pendulous fronds.

A. mundulum—mun’-dul-um (neat). A dwarf variety of A. cuneatum.

A. neoguineense—né-6-guin-e-en’-sé (New Guinea), Moore.

A very pretty, stove species, native of New Guinea, with fronds rather
sparsely produced from a short, creeping rhizome (prostrate stem) and borne
on upright stipes (stalks) 6in. to 8in. long and of a bright chestnut-brown
colour. These fronds, of an elegant, arching habit, are tri-quadripinnate
(three or four times divided to the midrib) and furnished with pinnules
about 4in. long, which are lobed and dented and set rather far apart. The
pinnules (leafits) are of a dark olive-green colour, with a bluish tint on both
surfaces, and being loosely set they give the plant a very elegant appearance.
The sori (spore masses) are small, round, six to eight to each pinnule, in
the closed depressions of the marginal lobes of which they are entirely sunk. ©
—Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 27.

A. nigrescens—nig-res’-cens (blackish), /ée. |

A stove species, from Guadeloupe. Its fronds, borne on upright, blackish
stipes (stalks) 6in. to 12in. long, consist of a terminal pinna (leaflet) and
several lateral ones on each side, the lowest of which are again branched.
The pinnules (leafits) are about din. long and din. broad; they are of
a leathery texture and have their point bluntly rounded and their upper
and outer edges finely toothed. The sori (spore masses) are disposed in
oblong patches along the upper edge. In general habit this plant comes
somewhat near A. cristatum. It may be readily distinguished from all
other species having any affinity with it by its pinnules, which are smaller
than those of any other and also of a more leathery texture.—Hooker,
Synopsis Filicum, p. 117.

Adiantum concinnum

G nat. size).

ADIANTUM. 305

A. novee-caledoniae—nov’-x—cal-e-don’-i-x» (from New Caledonia), Moore.

This handsome, stove species, native of New Caledonia, is entirely distinct
from any other Adiantum in cultivation. Its fronds, which are borne on
slender stipes (stalks) 6in. to Yin. long, of a blackish-purple colour and
densely clothed with dark brown hair-like scales, are of a peculiar shape:
they are pedately pentagonal (in the form of a bird’s foot with five
distinct sides) in outline, tripinnate (three times divided to the midrib) in
their basal part, and only twice pinnate above. The pinne (leaflets) are
narrow-lanceolate (narrowly spear-shaped), the larger ones being caudate
(ending in a tail); they are abundantly furnished with equally distinct
pinnules (leafits), coarsely toothed and irregular in size and in form, the
largest frequently measuring 13in. long. The colour of the pinnules is a
peculiar greyish-green when mature, but they are of a lovely metallic tint
when partly developed, and the way in which they are deeply dented and
overlap each other renders the plant most interesting and gives it a very
decorative appearance. See Plate (for which we are indebted to Messrs.
W. and J. Birkenhead).—Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, iv., p. 485,

When subjected to the influence of a very moist stove atmosphere, the
fronds of this beautiful species are liable to become of a blackish colour,
but this may easily be avoided by allowing a little more air than is given
to Maidenhairs in general.

A. oblique-truncatum—ob-li’ -qué—trun-ca! -tum (obliquely and suddenly
cut off). A synonym of A. villoswm.

A. obliquum—ob-li’-qt-um (oblique), Willdenow.

A very interesting, stove species, of compact habit, native of the West
Indian Islands, British Guiana, and Guadeloupe. It is much in the way of
A. Kaulfussti, and differs from that species principally through its fronds being
of thinner texture and mostly fertile, dark green above but glaucous (bluish-
green) on their under-surface; they are 9in. to 12in. long and 2in. to 4in,
broad, produced from a creeping rhizome (prostrate stem), and borne on wiry
but slightly hairy stalks. The plant is also quite distinct from A. Kaulfussii
by the disposition of its sori (spore masses), which are numerous, from
fourteen to sixteen on a pinnule (leafit), oblong, and situated along
both the upper and the lower margin, where they form almost continuous

2k

306 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

lines.—Hooker, Species Filicum, ii, p. 8, t. 79a. Nicholson, Dictionary of
Gardening, i., p. 27. Lowe, Ferns British and Exotic, iii., t. 138.

A. O. mMinus—min’-us (lesser), Moore.

This plant, native of Columbia, has all the appearance of being but
a form of the species just described. It differs from the type in its smaller
dimensions ; the fronds, borne on black stalks, are pimnate (once divided to
the midrib) ; the pinne (leaflets), disposed on each. side of the midrib, are
faleate (sickle-shaped) and terminate in a point, the barren ones being toothed,
while the fertile ones have their edges covered with sori (spore masses) of
oblong shape, and their extremity, instead of being pointed, is conspicuously
lobed.— Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, iv., p. 485.

A. obtusum—ob-tu’-sum (blunt), Desvauz.

This stove species, which appears to be identical with A. serratodentatum
of Willdenow, is a native of the West Indian Islands; it is also found in
countries extending from Panama southwards to Peru and Rio Janeiro. Its
distinct fronds, which are borne on wiry, blackish, slightly downy stipes
(stalks) 6in. to 12in. long, consist of a terminal pinna and several pairs of
lateral pinne (leaflets), all of which are abundantly furnished with pinnules
(leafits) of a leathery texture, dark green in colour, and of a particularly
glossy nature: these pinnules are of a peculiar shape, the lower line being
nearly straight, while the upper one is bluntly rounded. The sori (spore
masses) are numerous, and form oblong patches round the upper and outer
edges of the pinnules, the lower edge never bearing any.—Hooker, Species
filicum, i, p. 19.

A. Oweni—O’-wen-i (Owen’s), Moore.

This supposed stove hybrid, of garden origin, is one of the most graceful
among all the Adiantums in cultivation. It belongs to the series of plants
which Mr. Moore regards as probably resulting from natural hybridisation
between A. Moorei (A. amabile of commerce) and A. cuneatum, and the
general appearance of the plant certainly warrants his assumption. In habit
it is as elegant as A. Moorei, the pleasing pale green colour of which it also
possesses ; whereas its fronds, which are about 14ft. long and borne on

ADIANTUM. 307

black, slender stipes (stalks) about 8in. in length, are produced from a
tufted crown in the same way as those of A. cuneatum. The leafy portion
of the fronds is also of the same triangular shape as in that popular
species, but the pinne (leaflets) are disposed further apart and borne on

Fig. 44, Adiantum palmatum

(& nat. size).

distinct stalks, the lower ones being about lin. long and the others becoming
gradually shorter as they approach the summit of the frond, which is usually
terminated by a large cuneate (wedge-shaped), two- or. three-lobed pinnule
(leafit). The other pinnules are very small, rhomboid (with four equal sides),

308 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

borne on short footstalks, and slightly lobed. The sori (spore masses) are
sometimes kidney-shaped and sometimes almost round, and are disposed two
to four to a pinnule and placed in a sinus (depression) of the marginal
lobes.—Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, iv., p. 485.

A. Pacottii

Pac-ot’-ti-i (Pacotto’s). A variety of 4. cuneatum.

A. palmatum—pal-ma/-tum (palmate or hand-shaped), Moore.

A very beautiful and graceful Fern, native of Peru, which thrives
equally well under either greenhouse or stove treatment. Its handsome and
particularly light fronds, produced from a stout, underground, prostrate stem,
are borne on very slender stipes (stalks) 9in. to 12in. long, shining black, but
rather downy at the base; they are tripinnate (three times divided to the
midrib), often reaching 34ft. in length by 10in. in breadth. The pinnules
(leafits), which are distinctly stipitate (stalked), are of comparatively large
dimensions, being lin. to 1%in. broad ; they are of a thin texture, smooth,
set far apart, and vary in shape. from obovate-cuneate (between ego-shaped
and wedge-shaped) to semi-orbicular (half-circular) in outline, but all are
deeply cut down into from three to five large lobes, which are again more
or less divided (Fig. 44). The sori (spore masses), oblong in shape and
of variable length, are disposed at the tips of the lobes, usually one to
each.— Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 27.

A very noticeable feature is the flexuose (zigzag) character of the rachis
(stalk), most marked towards the terminal end of the frond, and on that
account this species is particularly well adapted for basket culture. Grown
in that way it soon makes a very handsome plant, specially attractive
through the pale-green colour of its foliage. It is deciduous, losing its
fronds about November and starting into fresh growth about March, but
should not at any time be allowed to get quite dry at the roots.

A. Parishii—Par-ish’-i-i (Rev. C. 8. Parish’s), Hooker.

This extremely pretty and curious, stove species, native of Moulmein—
where, according to Beddome, it is found growing wild on a limestone rock
called Twa-Cabin, at an elevation of 2000ft.—has never, to our knowledge,
been brought into Europe in a living state. It may be hoped that its
introduction to our collections will soon take place, for it is entirely distinct

ADIANTUM. 309

from any other known Fern. Its peculiar sub-orbicular (nearly circular) and
slightly undulated fronds, about lin. each way and cuneate (wedge-shaped)
at the base, are produced from small crowns furnished with only a few
fibrous roots of a peculiar downy or hairy nature, and are borne on tufted,
slender, polished stalks of a dark brown colour and about 4in. in length.

These fronds are of a membranous-pellucid (papery-transparent) texture ; the

Fig, 45. Adiantum Parishii, showing Habit and detached Frond

(Habit, nearly nat. size; Frond, slightly enlarged).

barren ones are crenato-dentate (notched and toothed) all round, while
the fertile ones have from three to five lobes separated by deep sinuses
(depressions); in which the sparingly-produced spore masses are disposed.
See Fig. 45 (reduced -from Col. Beddome’s “Ferns of British India,” by the
kind permission of the author).—//ooker, Species Filicum, ii., p. 237, and
v., 3, t. 142a.

A. patens—pat’-ens (spreading), Willdenow.

A stove species, native of Brazil and Mexico, readily distinguished from
all other species belonging to the Pedatum group through the large, horny,
sub-orbicular involucres (nearly circular coverings of the spore masses), which
are nearly gin. in breadth and almost as deep. The fronds, borne on upright
stalks of a chestnut-brown colour, polished but slightly downy, are dicho-

tomously divided (their main divisions being branched once or twice again) :

310 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

the central pinne (leaflets) are from Gin. to Sin. long and about l4in.
broad; the pinnules (leafits) are din. to #in. long by dn. deep, dimidiate
(fully developed on one side and scarcely at all on the other), with the two
sides nearly parallel, the upper and outer ones broadly and bluntly lobed.
The roundish or kidney-shaped sori (spore masses) are disposed round the
upper and outer edges of the pinnules.—Hooker, Species Filicum, ii., p- 29,
t. 87a. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 27. |

A. pectinatum—pec-tin-a’-tum (comb-like), Awnze.

This very fine, robust, stove species, native of Brazil and Eastern Peru,
is distinctly characterised by its habit, as also by the large size of its fronds,
which are borne on strong, upright, scabrous (rough), and nearly black
stalks. These fronds, from 8ft. to 6ft. long and from 2ft. to 3ft. broad, are
tri- or quadripinnate (three or four times divided to the midrib) ; the lower
pinne (leaflets), 1ft. to lift. long and Gin. to 9in, broad, have their lower
branches formed of a long terminal pinnule (leafit) and several erecto-patent
(upright and spreading) lateral ones, the lowest of which are sometimes also
branched again. The pinnules, in. broad and less than 4in. deep, are
dimidiate (one side being fully developed and the other searcely at all) ;
their lower line is straight, their upper one slightly rounded, and their
point not very blunt. The numerous spore masses are sub-orbicular (nearly
round) and disposed round the upper and outer edge.—Hooker, Synopsis
filicum, p. 120.

A. pedatum—ped-a’-tum (bird’s-foot-shaped), Linneus.

This thoroughly distinct and magnificent species, although given as
a native of British India by Beddome—who figures it from a specimen gathered
at Dalhousie, adding that, in the Himalayas, it grows at 2500ft. to 3000ft.
elevation—of North Hindostan, where it is said to grow at an elevation
varying between 7ft. and 9000ft.; of Japan, &e., is essentially a Fern from
North: America, where it is extensively distributed, being met with in
abundance from New Brunswick and Canada to Alabama: it is also found
plentitully in Utah, Oregon, California, British Columbia, Wisconsin, Arkansas,
&c. North American Ferns are mostly valued for their hardiness and use-
fulness, producing as they do in the outdoor Fernery a contrast which could

ADIANTUM. 311

not possibly be obtained by planting British species and varieties alone. Some
of them, too, are individually interesting, and foremost among these is
A. pedatum, on account of its unique appearance, robust growth, and
distinctive character. North America, although exceedingly rich in Ferns,
produces but three Adiantums—viz., A. wthiopicum emarginatum, A. Capillus-
Veneris, and A. pedatum. The first two are not hardy

at least, no more so
than our native species ;
but the last-named, in its
native country, will bear
over 30deg. of frost. There,
it is true, it is naturally
protected by a thick layer
of leaves, which annually
covers its crowns when at
rest ; it is also protected
each year by a covering of
snow. But we have it on
the authority of E. J. Lowe,
who considers it a useful
and ornamental Fern, that
‘being equally at home in
the open Fernery or in the
stove or greenhouse, it is
the most hardy of all Adi-
antums ;” and that “‘it can,

under this climate, with-

stand a cold that would be ne 1 eA aes

certain death to the British

A. Capillus-Veneris.” Mr.

Lowe states that “in January, 1854, plants of A. pedatwm lived out of
doors with the temperature of 6deg. below zero of Fahrenheit’s thermometer,
whilst near them the same cold killed all the plants of A. Capillus-Veneris.”
In Canada this Fern grows abundantly in moist woods, especially among
rocks: in such places it forms, under the shelter of trees, patches often

covering several acres at a stretch. It is very peculiar in growth: its

312 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

singularly pedate fronds are borne on upright, dark purplish, shining stipes
(stalks) of a fragile nature; these are produced from the extremity of long,
underground rhizomes (prostrate stems), which, through the annual fall of
leaves and their accumulations, often lie buried Gin. deep, or even more, in
decayed vegetable matter, the fronds having to get through this before they
can reach the surface of the soil. According to eye-witnesses, such masses
of A. pedatum, with its light pea-green coloured foliage, are a grand sight.
The fronds are dichotomous (with main divisions repeatedly forked) and
are borne on stalks 9in. to 2ft. long, their central pinne (leaflets), 6in. to
12in. long and lin. to 14in. broad and the lateral ones gradually shorter,
having shortly-stalked pinnules (leafits) of very thin, papery texture, din.
to gin. long and 4in. deep, fully developed on the side nearest the
stem, and with their upper and outer margins distinctly lobed (Fig. 46).
The sori (spore masses) are roundish, one to two lines broad, and
are abundantly produced and disposed on the tips of the lobes of the
fertile pinnules—Hooker, Species Filicum, ii., p- 28. Nicholson, Dictionary
of Gardening, i., p. 27. Eaton, Ferns of North America, i., t. 18.
Beddome, Ferns of British India, t. 167. Lowe, Ferns British and Lxotic,
li., t. 14,

If in some places in England failure has attended the attempt at
acclimatising this species outside, it is due to the fact that the underground
rhizomes are generally kept too close to the surface of the ground, and that
they are not protected in winter by either leaves or snow, and thus feel more
keenly the effects of cold, though less severe than that of its own country.
Although it is a perfectly hardy Fern, still, like the other so-called hardy
Adiantums, it never grows so luxuriantly out of doors as it does in the
greenhouse. Some of the Continental growers yearly produce remarkably
handsome plants of this species in large quantities by inserting in early
spring, round the edges of their rhododendron beds, small specimens of it,
which form good clumps during the summer season. These are lifted from
the ground about January, put in Sin. or 6in. pots, and placed.in houses or
frames in which the temperature is kept up to between 40deg. and 60deg.
Under the influence of such temperature the crowns soon start into growth,
and in a remarkably short space of time produce a crop of foliage which, on
account of its pleasing light-green colour and elegant shape, makes the

ADIANTUM. 313

plant one of the most telling Ferns for the conservatory, as it is later on

for the rockery and shaded nook outside.

A. pentadactylon—pent-ad-ac’-tyl-on (five-fingered). A variety of the
well-known A. trapeziforme.

A. peruvianum—per-u-vi-a’-num (Peruvian), Klotesch.

This very fine and well-marked, Peruvian, stove species, which by
the size and shape of its pinnules (leafits) is readily distinguished from all
others, is undoubtedly one of the most ornamental of all the known large-
growing Maidenhairs. Its ample and gracefully-pendent fronds, which are
produced from a thick, underground, running rhizome (prostrate stem), are
borne on stout, upright, black, polished stipes (stalks) 9in. to 18in. long and
of a very wiry nature. Their leafy portion grows to a length of from 2ft. to
3ft., and is almost triangular in outline and elegantly arched. These fronds
are simply pinnate (once divided to the midrib) on two-thirds of their total
length, but they usually have at the base from one to three branches,
some of which are occasionally again slightly divided. The pinnules are
2in. or more broad, lin. deep, unequally ovate (irregularly egg-shaped) in
form, wedge-shaped at the base, and finely toothed and lobed round the
upper and outer edges. When mature, these pinnules, which are borne on
short though perfectly distinct footstalks, are of a beautiful dark green colour,
contrasting most agreeably with the soft metallic hue of the fronds in course
of development and the pale green tint of those newly expanded. The sori
(spore masses), somewhat varying in length but usually oblong in form,
are disposed in interrupted patches along the whole of the anterior margins
of the fertile pinnules. See Plate (for which we are indebted to Messrs.
J. Veitch and Sons).—Hooker, Species Filicum, i., p. 35, t. 81c. Nécholson,
Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 27.

A. Phyllitidis—Phyl-li’-tid-is (Phyllitis-like), J. Smuth. ,

This stove species, native of Guiana and Tastern Peru, somewhat
resembles A. lucidum, but the pinne (leaflets) are fewer in number, broader, and
of a thicker and more leathery texture. Its fronds, borne on upright, nearly
black, polished, strong stalks 6in. to 12in. long, are about ft. long and

3in. to 6in. broad, simply pinnate (only once divided to the midrib), furnished
2s

314 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

with a large terminal lobe and from one to six pinne on each side,
or the lower pair again branched below. These pinne are very nearly
entire (uncut), about 3in. long and 14in. broad, egg-shaped, rounded and
stalked at their base. The sori (spore masses) are, as in A. lucidum, disposed
in a continuous line along both margins of the fertile pinne.—Hooker,
Species Filicum, it., p. 5, t. 72x.

A. polyphyllum—pol-yph-yl’-lum (many-leaved), Willdenow.

This noble, stove Fern is a native of Columbia and Peru; it is
equally well adapted for planting in the tropical F ernery or for growing
as a pot plant for decoration or exhibition, and is certainly one of the finest of
its tribe. Unfortunately, besides the above specific name, it is also known
as A. macrocladum of Klotzsch and A. cardtochlena. of Kunze; and it is
generally under the latter appellation that one meets with it in the trade as
well as in private collections. Under whatever name it may be grown, it well
deserves special attention. Its robust fronds, which frequently attain 4ft.
in length and 1ft. to 1ft. in breadth, are borne on strong, upright, stiff,
blackish stalks, rather scabrous (rough) in their lower part, polished above,
and lft. to 1}ft. long. These fronds, which are produced from a very thick,
underground, creeping rhizome (prostrate stem), are copiously branched,
being three or more times divided; their upper part is simply pinnate (only
once divided to the midrib), while their lower pinne (leaflets), sometimes
lft. long and 6in. broad, are furnished with a long terminal pinna and very
humerous pinnules (leafits), sometimes as many as fifty being counted on
a single pinna: these leafits are closely set, sub-sessile (almost stalkless),
about lin. long and 4in. deep, dimidiate (fully developed on one side and
scarcely at all on the other), with nearly parallel edges, their upper point
blunt, and their upper edge sharply toothed. The numerous kidney-shaped
spore masses in this, probably the most gigantic species of the whole genus,
are disposed in sub-orbicular (nearly circular) patches placed in hollows in
lobes along the upper edge of the fertile pinnules. The plant is equally
attractive through the colour of its foliage, which is distinct from most, if
not from all, Adiantums; for while in a young state, and when only partly
developed, the pinnules are of a most delicate pinkish tint: they gradually
become of a metallic colour, which they retain for a long time, and even

ADIANTUM. 315

when fully developed they assume a peculiarly pale, fresh green, uncommon
among Ferns in general and among Adiantums in particular.—Hooker, Species

Filicum, ti., p. 49. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i, p. 27.

A. populifolium—po-pul-if-ol’-i-um (Poplar-leaved). Synonymous with
A. Seemannit.

A. princeps—prin’-ceps (princely), Moore.

A magnificent, stove species, native of New Granada, with fronds lft. to
2ft. long and Qin. to 18in. across the base, rising from a central tufted crown
and borne on stout, black, shining, nearly upright stalks 9in. to 12in. long
and very wiry. These fronds are quadripinnate (four times divided to the
midrib), and oceupy on the plant a horizontal position which distinguishes
this species from all-others in cultivation, Their lower pinnex (leaflets) are
triangular in shape, and have their posterior side three times divided to the
midrib, while their anterior side is only bipimnate (twice divided to the midrib).
The pinnules (leafits) are lin. long and #in. broad, roundish and _ shortly
stalked ; the one at the end of the pinne is larger, wedge-shaped at the
base, and fan-shaped at the summit: all of them have their basal margin
entire (uncut), slightly concave, the anterior margins and apex (point)
divided into broad and shallow lobes, minutely serrulate (finely dented) in
the sterile parts, and where fertile bearing each a sorus (spore mass) at
their extremity, which gives the lobes a two-horned appearance. Not only
does this plant possess an unusual degree of boldness of character on account
of the size of the fronds and of their pinnules, but it is also remarkably
graceful from its fulness of development and from the pendent, or at least
horizontal, position which its pale, ereyish-green fronds assume when fully
developed. It is a species whose roots are of a remarkably brittle nature,
and one cannot be too careful, when repotting it, in touching the roots no

more than is strictly necessary.—Wicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, 1., p. 28.

A. prionophyllum — pri-o-noph-yl’-lum (saw-leaved). A synonym of
A. tetraphyllum.

A. pubescens—pu-bes’-cens (downy), Schkuhr.
This greenhouse Fern, native of New Zealand and Australia, though

given in the ‘‘Synopsis Filicum”’ as simply synonymous with A. hispidulum,

516 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

is, from a decorative point of view, sufficiently distinct to be separated from
it. Lowe, who gives an excellent illustration of J. pubescens, as well as one
of A. hispidulum showing a most distinct form of growth and habit, rightly
says, “This Fern has been correctly named pubescens: indeed it is as pubescent
as it is possible for a Fern to be, the stem being quite rough with the vast
number of short brown hairs with which it is entirely covered.” A. pubescens
is of much larger dimensions than A. hispidulum as usually seen, the pinnules
(leafits) being much larger, deep green, bluntly oblong, wedge-shaped at the
base, with their margin slightly dented. The fronds are nearly all fertile,
from ft. to 14ft. long, produced from a tufted central crown, and are very
persistent. The kidney-shaped and hairy sori (spore masses) are small,
and are disposed from twelve to sixteen to a pinnule, along the upper and
outer edges only.—Lowe, Ferns British and Exotic, iti., t. 9.

A. pulehellum—pul-chel/-lum (neat), Blume.

A stove species, also known under the name of A. Lobhianum, native of
Java. It somewhat resembles A. fulvum in habit and texture of the foliage,
which, however, attains larger dimensions and is of a more hairy nature.
The fronds, borne on upright, nearly black, hairy stalks 6in. to 12in. long,
are 1ft. or more each way and consist of a terminal central leaflet Gin. to
9in. long and 1din. broad, and a few large, spreading lateral ones on each
side, the lower ones being branched again with two to four spreading
branches. The pinnules (leafits) are similar in shape to those of the popular
A. fulvum, and the numerous small, roundish sori (spore masses) are

disposed on their upper edge.—Hooker, Species Filicwm, ii, p. 38.

A. pulverulentum—pul-ver-ul-en’-tum (dusty), Linneus.

A stove species, native of the West Indian Islands, of robust constitution
and easy culture. Its fronds, which are borne on stiff, upright, blackish
stipes (stalks) 6in. to 12in. long and so covered with short hairs of a rusty
colour as to be quite rough, are produced from a thick, slowly-creeping,
underground rhizome (prostrate stem). They consist of a central terminal
pinna (leaflet) and several spreading lateral ones on each side, all of which,
except those at the base of the fronds, are 4in. to 8in. long and lin. broad.

The numerous pinnules (leafits), of a brilliant metallic hue when in a young

ADIANTUM. 317

state but of a dull green colour when mature, are set close together and
become gradually smaller as they approach the point of the frond. They
are of a sub-coriaceous (almost leathery) texture, and have their upper and
outer edges finely toothed. The sori (spore masses) are disposed in a narrow,
continuous line, which generally occupies only about two-thirds of the
upper margin.—Hooker, Species Lilicum, i. p. 17. Nicholson, Dictionary
of Gardening, i., p. 28. Lowe, Ferns British and Evotie, iii., t. 17.

A. pumilum—pvw’-mil-um (dwarfish), Swartz.
A stove species, hardly 3in. high, and of no decorative value. It is a
native of Jamaica.—Hooker, Species Hilicum, u., p. 15.

A. ramulosum—ra-mul-o’-sum (full of small branches). A variety of
A. Capillus-Veneris.

A. reginee—re-gi/-ne (queenly), Moore.

This is one of the most distinct, and undoubtedly the most decorative,
of a series of seedlings or supposed hybrids of garden origin, comprising the
better-known A. rhodophyllum, A. Victoria, &c. The general appearance of
all these warrants the assumption that they are issue from A. (thiesbreghtii
(A. scutwm of commerce) ; but they essentially differ in the colour of their
young growths and in their habit, which latter in all cases is dwarfer and
much more compact. In the case of A. reginew, the fronds, though much
shorter and borne on slender, black, shining stalks, are broader and of a
much more leathery texture: the plant is characterised by its dense habit,
its elegant contour, and its large, remarkably firm pinnules (leafits), which
are of a most pleasing, soft green colour. The sori (spore masses) are
sparingly produced, of oblong shape, and disposed in an interrupted row
around the outer margin, one or sometimes two to each lobe.

A. Reichenbachii—Reich-en-bach’-i-i (Reichenbach’s). Synonymous with
A. Henslovianum.

A. reniforme—tre-nif-or’-mé (kidney-shaped), Linneus.

This very interesting and exceedingly distinct, greenhouse species, which
in the shape of its fronds differs from all other Ferns contained in the genus,
has a very limited geographical range, for it is not known to have been

318 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

gathered in a wild state in any other places than Madeira, Teneriffe, and
the Azores. It is an evergreen Fern of comparatively small dimensions,
having as little as possible the appearance of an Adiantum; but its oreat
distinctness alone is sufficient to make it indispensable in any collection. Its
singular, leathery fronds, which are abundantly produced from a close, tufted
crown and borne on slender, shining stipes (stalks) of a particularly bright
chestnut-brown colour, 4in. to Gin. long, are essentially reniform (kidney-
shaped) ; they are of a brilliant shining-green colour, smooth, when fully

Fig, 47, Adiantum reniforme

(% nat. size).

developed frequently 13in. across, and their leafy portion is, at the point of
junction with the stalk, provided with a broad, shallow depression (Fig. 47).
The venation of the fronds is very delicate, conspicuous, and interesting,
the main veins which start from the basal depression being dichotomous
(repeatedly forked) until they reach the outer margin, by which time they
have been four times forked. The oblong sori (spore masses) are produced
abundantly, and are disposed in a continuous row all around the margin.—
Hooker, Species Filicum, it., p. 2, t. 714. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening,
1, p. 28. Lowe, Ferns British and Exotic, iii., t. 28.

ADIANTUM. 319

This lovely species is by most growers considered difficult to manage,
but it is generally when kept in too warm a house or when potted in too
loamy a soil that it gives any trouble. To be grown successfully it only
requires greenhouse treatment, and it thrives best in a mixture of two parts
peat, one part fibrous loam, and one part coarse silver sand (or, when
procurable, one part of old lime rubbish, of which its roots are very fond).

A. r. asarifolium
Although some authorities consider this Fern, which is very scarce, as

identical with A. reniforme, and make simply a variety of it, the distinguishing

as-ar-if-ol’-i-um (Asarum-leaved), Willdenow.

characters which it possesses are apparently of sufficient consequence to entitle
it to the rank of species. Sir William Hooker, for instance, thinks that it is
a different plant, and he justly remarks that “A. reniforme is more slender,
has long, flexible stipes (stalks), is less scaly; its fronds are smaller, and of
thinner texture, and they have less densely approximated involucres,” which
means that the indusia (coverings of their spore masses) are not set so closely
together. For the same reasons Willdenow also considers the two plants as
distinct species. These reasons, however, have not proved sufficient to the
authors of the “Synopsis Filicum,” who have retained asarifolium as a
variety of A. reniforme. A. r. asarifolium has an equally restricted geographical
range, as it is only known to occur in a wild state in the Mauritius and
Bourbon Islands. Whether species or variety, the general appearance of the
plant is somewhat near that of the species from which it 1s supposed to have
originated, but it is always stouter and coarser, and its fronds, instead of
being truly kidney-shaped, are orbicular (quite round) and of a much thicker
texture: they usually measure 2}in. across and are produced from a stout,
single crown, the stalks and the base of the frond itself being very woolly.
Lowe, in his splendid work, “Ferns British and Exotic,” vol. ii., p. 8,
says that ‘‘ Petiver describes a third very similar plant, said to have been
found in the Philippine Islands, and which he has called A. philippinense”;
but other botanists having failed in their search for Petiver’s plant, and
the numerous plant collectors who have searched for new plants all over
these Islands having equally failed, its existence may be considered as very
doubtful.—Hooker, Species Filicum, u., p. 2, t. 718. Nicholson, Dictionary of
Gardening, 1., p. 28.

320 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

A. rhodophyllum—rhod-oph-yl’-lum (vose-fronded), Moore.

This beautiful, stove Fern, of dwarf and compact habit, is a supposed
hybrid of garden origin: it has the appearance of having issued from
A. Ghiesbreghtii (A. scutum of commerce), to which it is far superior in its
ornamental qualities. The fronds, which are abundantly produced from a
densely-tufted crown and borne on very slender, black, shining stipes (stalks),
have their leafy portion about 1ft. long, triangular in shape, tripinnate (three
times divided to the midrib), and elegantly spreading. The pinnules (leafits),
borne on short, hair-like, black footstalks, are nearly fan-shaped, lin. to 1iin.
across, truncate (terminating abruptly) on the basal side, very finely dentate
and split on the outer margin: when first developed they are of a beautiful
rosy-purple tint; this gradually changes to a soft, pale green colour, which
they assume when mature. The sori (spore masses) are sparingly produced,
oblong in form, and disposed singly at the extremities of the lobes on the
outer or superior margin only. The remarkable diversity of colours presented
by the pinnules at different stages of their growth, and which are all to be
seen on the plant at the same time, renders this Adiantum one of the most
effective decorative Ferns in cultivation. To this striking characteristic must
also be added its compact habit and the elegant contour of its tufted fronds.
All these characters are faithfully reproduced in young plants obtained from
spores. For the Plate illustrating this plant and A. deflecum, we are
indebted to Messrs. J. Veitch and Sons.—Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening,
iv., p. 485,

A. rhomboideum —rhom-boid’-8-um (rhomboid). A South American
Fern identical with the West Indian A. villosum.

A. rigidulum—rig-id’-ul-um (somewhat stiff), Mettenius.

A stove species, of small dimensions and of little decorative value, with
fronds of a glaucous (bluish-green) or whitish colour on both surfaces ; native
of the West Indies.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 474.

A. roseum—ros’-é-um (rosy), Backhouse.
A greenhouse Fern, of dwarf habit, whose fronds, scarcely 5in. long, are
of a lovely pmkish tint when young. It is of garden origin.— Nicholson,

Dictionary of Gardening, iv., p. 485.

Adiantum cuneatum grandicenvs " -

a

ADIANTUM. 321

A. rotundatum—rot-un-da’-tum (rounded). A variety of A. Capzillus-
Venervs.

A. rubellum—rub-el’-lum (reddish), Moore.

This very pretty, stove species, closely allied to and iemnedaae between
A. Wagneri (A. decorum of commerce) and A. tinctwm, is a native of the
Andes of Bolivia: it is of dwarf but elegant habit. The fronds, which are
abundantly produced from a close, tufted crown, and borne on exceedingly
slender, bla¢k, shining stipes (stalks) 4in. to 6in. long, have their leafy
portion of similar length ; they are deltoid (in form of the Greek delta, A)
and bipinnate (twice divided to the midrib). The numerous pinnules (leafits)
are fan-shaped at their summit, wedge-shaped at their base, and their outer
margin is lobed and finely toothed: they are sub-sessile (almost stalkless),
and when young are of a beautiful purplish-crimson, changing with age to
a light glaucous (bluish-green) tint, but even then tinged with pink; so that
a good specimen is always more or less enlivened by a roseate hue. The
sori (spore masses) are round or slightly kidney-shaped, and are disposed
singly in the tips of the lobes. See Plate (for which we are indebted to
Messrs. J. Veitch and Sons).—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 474. Nicholson,
Dictionary of Gardening, 1., p. 28.

A. Sanctee-Catherinze—Sanc’-te—Cath-er-i/-ne (from Santa Catherina).
A variety of A. trapeziforme.

A. scabrum—scab’-rum (rough). A variety of A. wthiopicum.

A. schizophyllum — schiz-oph-yl’-lum (cut-leaved). A variety of A.

cuneatum.
A. scutum—scu’-tum (shield). A popular name for A. Ghiesbreghtit.

A. Seemannii—See-mann’-i-i (Seemann’s), Hooker.

This very handsome and totally distinct, stove species, also known under
the names of A. populifoliwm and A. Zahnii, is a native of Guatemala and
Brazil; it is of very peculiar growth, inasmuch as while in a young state the
plant only produces simple (undivided) fronds of extraordinary dimensions,
which are then heart-shaped, with an elongated point, and often measure as

much as 3in. in breadth: they are produced from a thick, underground
27

322 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

rhizome (prostrate stem), and are borne on upright, black, shining stipes
(stalks) 6in. to Yin. long. With maturity the fronds become pinnate (once
divided to the midrib), the lower pair of pinne (leaflets) being occasionally
divided again; their pinne, which are larger than even those of the popular
A. macrophyllum and have black, polished footstalks often lin. long, are
then ovate (egg-shaped), acuminate (terminating in a sharp point), unequal-
sided, and drooping at right angles from the stalk. The barren pinne are
usually finely dented, while the fertile ones show on their outer margin an
uninterrupted line of oblong sori (spore masses). The foliage, of a particularly
leathery texture, is, when only partly developed, of a bronzy or metallic hue,
turning with age to a deep glossy-green above, while the under-surface
assumes a very pretty glaucous (bluish-green) or bluish colour, which is
retained as long as the fronds last. See Plate (for which we are indebted
to Messrs. J. Veitch and Sons).—AHooker, Species Filicum, ii., p. 5, t. 81a.
Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 28.

A. sericeum—se-ric’-é-um (silky), Eaton.

A stove species, native of Cuba, of little decorative value, but interesting
on account of the stalks which support its spear-shaped, bipinnate (twice
divided) fronds, being densely clothed with fine, spreading hairs of a light
brown colour.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 473.

A. serratodentatum—-ser-ra’-to-den-ta’-tum (saw-toothed). Apparently
synonymous with A. obtwsum.

A. sessilifolium — ses-sil-if-ol’-i-um (stalkless). This is synonymous
with A. Henslovianum.

A. setulosum—se-tul-o’-sum (bristly). A synonym of A. diaphanum.

A. Shepherdi—shep-herd’-i (Shepherd’s), Hooker.

This very curious, stove species, native of Mexico, is somewhat similar
to A. Galeottianum, but the stalk is quite simple, the form of the pinne
(leaflets) quite different, and the habit peculiar. The fronds are Gin. to
12in. long and simply pinnate (only once divided to the midrib), and are
borne on black, shining, upright stalks 3in. to 4in. long. The pinnex, 3in.
broad and 4in. deep, are dimidiate (fully developed on one side of the midrib

ADIANTUM. 323

and scarcely at all on the other); their lower line is nearly straight, the
upper line is rounded, and, like the two bluntly-rounded sides, broadly lobed ;
they are stalkless, and usually reflexed, so that the pinne of the opposite
sides of the stalk are brought face to face, the inner quarter of the blade
being imbricated (overlapping the stalk). The foliage is of a sub-coriaceous
(almost leathery) texture, and the sori (spore masses), which are kidney-
shaped and as deep as broad, are situated in distinct hollows around the

outer edge.—Hooker, Species Filicum, u., p. 9, t. 78B.

A. sinuosum—sin-u-o’-sum (wavy), Gardner.

This stove species, native of Brazil, although existing in herbaria, is
unknown in Huropean gardens, where its introduction would be most welcome
on account of the peculiar shape of its pinnules (leafits): these are about
half-way between those of the flabellato-cuneate (fan- and wedge-shaped) type,
of which A. Capillus-Veneris is a good illustration, and those of form that
is truly dimidiate (fully developed on one side of the midrib and scarcely at
all on the other), as in A. trapeziforme, so that its position may be said to
be intermediate between these two species. The fronds, borne on upright,
nearly black, shining stalks 4in. to 8in. long, consist of a long, terminal,
central pinna (leaflet) 2in. to 3in. broad and one or two pairs of spreading
branches at the base. The pinnules, besides being peculiarly shaped, have
their upper margin deeply lobed, the lobes being again crenate (notched).
The obreniform (reversed kidney-shaped) spore masses are disposed in rounded
sinuses (depressions) on the notches of the lobes.——Hooker, Species Filicum,

iL, p. 30.
A. speciosum—spec-i-o’-sum (showy). Synonymous with A. digitatum.
A. strictum—stric’-tum (upright). A variety of A. cuneatwm.

A. subcordatum—sub-cor-da’-tum (almost heart-shaped), Swartz.

This stove species, native of Guiana and Brazil, resembles the popular
A. trapeziforme as regards general habit and dimensions, for its fronds, borne
on upright, stout, blackish, shining stipes (stalks) 6in. to 12in. long, are fully
2ft. long and I1ft. broad, tripinnate (thrice divided to the midrib), with their
lower pinne (leaflets) 1ft. long and Gin. to 9in. broad. But A. subcordatum
differs essentially from the species above mentioned through the shape

O24 LHE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

of its soft, papery pinnules (leafits), which are 2in. long and lin. broad,
ovate-acuminate (ege-shaped, but terminating in a sharp point), and slightly
oblique at the base on the lower side: they are borne on slender footstalks
4in. to Zin. long, and are also slightly lobed on their lower side. The sori
(spore masses) in this species are disposed in roundish or oblong patches
along both sides of the pinnules—Hooker, Species Milicum, ii., p. 84.

A. subvolubile—sub-vol-u’-bil-é (nearly twining), Mcttenius.

This singular, stove species, of sub-scandent (almost climbing) habit, is
a native of the Andes of East Peru. Its curious fronds, borne on slender,
shining stalks, which when they reach the leafy portion assume a peculiar
zigzag habit, consist of central lanceolate (spear-shaped) pinne (leaflets) and
a few short, spreading pinnules (leafits) of a membranous (thin and filmy)
texture and bright green colour. The lateral or side pinnules have their
lower edge in a line with their footstalk, their inner edge touching or
wrapped over the stalk, and their outer edge showing shallow lobes: the lowest
pinnules are much wrapped over the stalk. The spore masses are small,
round, and disposed from six to twelve to each fertile pinnule.— Hooker,
Synopsis Filicum, p. 473.

A. sulphureum — sul-phur’-é-um (sulphur-yellow). This is a variety
of A. wthiopicum.

A. tenerum—ten’-er-um (tender), Swartz.
This very fine, evergreen, stove species, of large dimensions and elegant
habit, has a very wide geographical range of habitat, for, while in the

’ it is given as a native of Mexico and the West Indian

‘Synopsis Filicum ’
Islands southward to Juan Fernandez and Peru, Eaton, in his splendid
work on the “Ferns of North America,” states that A. tenerum, or “ Brittle
Maidenhair” as it is commonly called in America, grows on the banks of
Halifax River, Florida, and also near Ocala, Florida, where it is found wild
in abundance on sides of “sinks” in limestone; and adds that it is
a common Fern in the West Indies, Bermuda, Mexico, Venezuela, and some
parts of South America. Under cultivation this species is a general favourite
wherever Ferns are in requisition for decorative purposes: its beautiful

fronds, which are abundantly produced from a slowly-creeping, underground

ADIANTUM. 325

rhizome (prostrate stem) about as thick as a goose-quill and covered with
dark brown hairs and dented scales of the same colour, grow from 3ft.
to 4ft. in length, nearly one-third of which is naked. These fronds, of
a very elegant character, are tri- or quadripinnate (three or four times
divided to the midrib) and 1ft. to 14ft. broad. The ebeneous-black and
glossy character of the stipes (stalks) extends to the footstalks of the
numerous pinnules (leafits), and this produces a great and pleasing con-
trast to the brilliant green of the latter. These leafits are all borne
on short footstalks, from which they readily fall when dry: their upper
edge is rounded, broadly and often also deeply lobed; the barren lobes
are finely dented, and the fertile ones are entire. The sori (spore masses)
are kidney-shaped, and disposed from ten to thirteen in roundish or
transversely-oblong patches in the lobes of the upper margin of each fertile
pinnule. This species makes a grand specimen for exhibition purposes
where sufficient room is allowed to it—Hooker, Species Filicum, u., p. 49.
Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 28. Lowe, Ferns British and
Exotic, iii., t. 10. Haton, Ferns of North America, i., t. 77.

A. t. Farleyense—Far-ley-en’-sé (from Farley).
For reasons previously stated, this magnificent Adiantum, although

; te ace : Pe ee
given in the Synopsis Filicum” as a variety of the foregoing species, has
been described under the name of A. Farleyense, by which it is nearly

always known.

A. tetragonum—tet-rag-o’-num (having four angles), Schrader.

A stove species, native of Brazil, with fronds pedato-tripinnate (three
times divided to the midrib, but of bird’s-foot form), Ift. long and 1}ft.
broad, which are borne on slightly hairy stipes (stalks) 1ft. or more long.
The terminal pinne (leaflets) are spear-shaped, 6in. to 9in. long and
5in. to Gin. broad; while their pinnules (leafits), of a deep green colour
and equally spear-shaped, 24in. to 3in. long, are slightly lobed, rounded on
their upper side, and cuneate-truncate (terminating abruptly in a wedge-
shape) on their lower side at the base. The sori (spore masses) are short,
very narrow, and disposed at the tips of the lobes all down both sides.—
Hooker, Synopsis Lilicum, p. 478.

326 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

A. tetraphyllum—tet-raph-yl/-lum (four-leaved), Willdenow.

This handsome, but very variable, stove species, also known under the
name of A. prionophyllum, is a native of Tropical America, where it is
found from Mexico and the West Indies southward to Brazil. Its massive
yet elegant fronds, borne on strong, upright, downy stalks rising from a
slowly-creeping, underground rhizome (prostrate stem), are of a very
peculiar shape. They consist of a long terminal pinna (leaflet) 6in. to 9in.
long and lin. to 14in. broad, and of numerous spreading lateral ones nearly
as large on both sides ; consequently, the leafy portion of the frond is
frequently 13ft. long and almost as much broad. The pinnules (leafits) are
of a leathery texture, din. to #in. broad and iin. deep, sub-dimidiate (being
nearly fully developed on one side of the midrib and not at all on the
other), their lower line straight or somewhat decurved, the upper line
nearly parallel, finely toothed, and the outer edge very oblique. The sori
(spore masses), usually of oblong form, sometimes kidney-shaped, are disposed
in broken lines round the upper and outer margin.—Hooker, Species Filicum,
i, p. 21. Micholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 28.

A. t. acuminatum—ac-u’-min-a’-tum (taper-pointed), JJoore.

The long, narrow-pointed shape of the pinne (leaflets), peculiar to this
garden variety, distinguishes it from the species to which it undoubtedly
belongs. The pale green colour of the mature foliage is remarkably pretty,
and the tapering termination of the fronds and of their pinne gives the
plant a particularly elegant appearance. It is of similar dimensions to,
and has the same habit of growth as, the original A. tetraphyllum. See
Coloured Plate.

A. t. gracile—erac’-il-é (slender), Moore.

A close-growing variety, introduced from Tropical America, having
fronds similarly produced from an underground, slowly-creeping rhizome
(prostrate stem) and borne on slender black stalks of a downy nature ;
but these fronds are much shorter than those of the species itself, are
elegantly arching, bipinnate (twice divided to the midrib), and furnished
with numerous pinnules (leafits) of the same shape as those of the typical
plant but of smaller dimensions. See Plate (for which we are indebted to

ADIANTUM. 327

Messrs. W. and J. Birkenhead). This is a very distinct and specially striking
Fern, remarkable for the beautiful reddish hue assumed by its fronds when

first developed, and which they retain until they are fully expanded.

A. t. Mendersonii—Hen-der-so’-ni-i (Henderson’s), Linden.

This variety, which is of much stronger constitution than A. ¢. gracile,
differs from the typical plant principally through the blunt character
of the small pinnules (leafits) with which its fronds, 13ft. to 2ft. long, are
abundantly furnished. It also differs from the variety gracile in the rich
bronzy or metallic colour of its foliage and in its robust growth, the
fronds being of a semi-drooping character, which gives the plant a very
graceful appearance.—Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 28. Landen,
Illustration Horticole, xx., t. 127.

A. tinctum—tinc’-tum (tinted), Moore.

This pretty, dwarf species, which thrives equally well in greenhouse or
in stove temperature, is a native of the Andes of Peru. It is intermediate
between A. rubellum and A. Wagnert (A. decorum of commerce), but its
elegant fronds, 6in. to 9in. long, borne on slender, black stalks 4in. to 6in.
long, and produced in profusion from a central, tufted crown, are less
divided than those of the latter species. They are also much narrower,
bipinnate (twice divided to the midrib), and their lower pinnules (leafits )
are closely wrapped over the stalk. When in a young state the pinnules are
of a delicate rosy-red tint, and they change with age to a bright green
colour. This species is also the smallest of the known Adiantums with
coloured foliage.—Hooker, Synopsis Lilicum, p. 474. Nicholson, Dictionary
of Gardening, 1., p. 28. .

A. trapeziforme—trap-e-zif-or’-mé (rhomb-shaped), Linnaeus.

This well-known, delicate-looking, yet bold-growing, stove species, much
appreciated by the floral decorator as well as by the collector, is a native
of Tropical America, and its geographical range extends from Mexico and
the West Indies southward to Brazil. Its handsome fronds, which are
produced from a slowly-creeping, underground rhizome (prostrate stem) and
borne on firm, upright, black, shining stipes (stalks) 6in. to 12in. long

328 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

and furnished near their base with a few narrow scales, vary in length from
1}ft. to 23ft. They consist of a central pinna (leaflet) 6in. to 9in. long
and 2in. to 3in. broad, and three or four large, spreading ones on each side,
the lowest of which are frequently branched again. The pinnules (leafits)
are of papery texture and of a brilliant green colour, 14in. to 2in. long,
gin. to jin. broad, dimidiate (having one side of the midrib fully developed
and the other scarcely developed at all), and have their sides nearly parallel,
the outer and the upper edges being bluntly lobed. The sori (spore masses)
are oblong in form, large, prominent, and numerous, and are disposed close
together round the upper and outer edges of the fertile pinnules. This Fern
is readily distinguished from all others by its peculiar-shaped pinnules (see
Plate) ; it is also a free grower, which quality no doubt accounts for its
popularity. Like A. tetraphyllum, A. trapeziforme is very variable, and several
handsome varieties of it are known to be in cultivation.—Hooker, Species
Filicum, ., p. 33. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 28. Lowe,
Ferns British and Exotic, iii., t. 3.

A. t. cultratum—cul-tra’-tum (knife-like), J. Smith.

In this variety, of Brazilian origin, the leafy portion of the fronds, which
attain dimensions similar to those of the species, has a much less dense
appearance owing to the peculiar character of the pinnules (leafits), which
have their outer edge bluntly rounded. It also materially differs from the
type in the colour of its foliage, which when young is of a metallic hue,
turning with age to a dark green colour.—Hooker, Species Filicum, ii., p. 34.
Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 28.

When planted in the warm rockery and sufficient space is allowed for
its development, this Fern makes a noble specimen, as its foliage is very
persistent.

A. t. pentadactylon—pent-ad-ac’-tyl-on (five-fingered), Langsdorf’ and
fischer.

This variety, also of Brazilian origin, differs from the species by its more

bushy habit and by the colour of its foliage, which is of a peculiar dark

green when mature, but when only partly developed is of a fine metallic or

bronzy hue. It differs from the foregoing variety in the shape of its pinnules

ADIANTUM. 329

(leafits), which have their lower margin somewhat obliquely decurved from
the stalks. — Hooker, Synopsis ilicwum, p. 118. Nicholson, Dictionary
of Gardening, i., p. 28.

This variety also makes a very handsome specimen when planted out.
Tt requires all the year round a particularly liberal supply of water at
the roots.

A. t. Sanctee-Catherinze—Sane’-tw—Cath-er-i/-nz (from Santa Catherina).
This is a garden name—having no responsible author—for another very

ornamental Brazilian form of much dwarfer and more compact habit than the

\ SSS EM LAA
IN SS KIER W
Naas

\ WS \ iN NN

Mf

MW r

we

Fig, 48, Adiantum trapeziforme Sancte-Catherine

(4 nat. size).

species. Its deeply-cut fronds, which seldom exceed 2ft. in height including
the wiry, black, shining stalks upon which they are borne, are very freely
produced from an underground, creeping - rhizome (prostrate stem), which
possesses the property of producing numerous ramifications. The pinnules

(leafits) are set rather far apart, coarsely toothed (Fig. 48), of a dark green
2U

330 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

colour when mature, and of a metallic tint when in a young state.—
Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 28.

A place with a smaller amount of light than is required by other
varieties of the same species, suits this plant admirably.

A. t. S.-C. Funckii—Funck’-i-i (Funck’s).

A garden sub-variety of Sanctw-Catherine, from which it differs only
in the more drooping habit of its fronds, the pinnules (leafits) of which ave
more deeply lobed.—Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 28.

A. triangulatum—tri-ang-ul-a/-tum (triangular-leaved). Synonymous
with A. intermedium.

A. undulatum—un-dul-a’-tum (wavy). <A variety of A. Capillus-Veneris.

A. Varium

var’-i-um (variable). Probably identical with A. villosum.

A. Veitchianum—Veitch-i-a’-num (Veitch’s), Moore.

This very distinct and elegant, stove species, no doubt the most highly-
coloured as well as the largest-foliaged of the known tinted Adiantums (with
the exception of A. macrophyllum), is a native of the Andes of Peru. Its
very attractive fronds, abundantly produced from a slender, underground
rhizome (prostrate stem), and borne on thin, wiry, black, shining stalks 4in.
to 6in. long, are from 8in. to 12in. long, deltoid (in the shape of the Greek
delta, A), and bipinnate (twice divided to the midrib) in their lower
half. . They are particularly upright, and are furnished with numerous
pinnules (leafits) about din. broad, semicircular on their. upper margin,
where they are also shallowly lobed. The.xround and small sori (spore
masses) are disposed about eight along the upper margin of the fertile
pinnules. The pinnules are of a remarkably bright red tint in their young
state, and with age change to a soft pale green: they are also of a thicker
texture than most Adiantums of the same section.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum,
p. 478. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 28.

A. yvelutinum—vel-u-ti/-num (velvety), Moore.

This tall, bold-growing, stove species, native of the Andes of Columbia,
is readily distinguished by its stipes (stalks), 1ft. to 14ft. long, which are
of a velvety nature. The fronds are 1}ft. to 2ft. long, deltoid (in form like

ADIANTUM. 331

the Greek delta, A), and almost erect; their pinne (leaflets), 6in. to Yin.
long, are copiously furnished with almost stalkless pinnules (leafits) lin. long
and din. broad, the lower margin of which is decurved and the upper one
straight and bluntly lobed: these pinnules are of a dark green colour on
both surfaces. The sori (spore masses) are straight, one to one and a-half
lines long, and are situated at the tips of the lobes of the upper edge, from
four to six to a pinnule—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 472. Nicholson,

Dictionary of Gardening, 1., p. 28.

A. venustum—yven-us’-tum (charming), Don.

This very distinct species, of dwarf habit, which thrives best in the cool
greenhouse or frame, and is nearly hardy in sheltered places, remains rare
in cultivation. Although discovered many years ago by Dr. Hooker on the
Himalayas, where it grows at an elevation of 8000ft., it has never been
plentiful. According to Beddome, it is found in Simla, Nepaul, Meerut,
and Khasya, at an elevation of 6500ft. Its comparative scarcity is no doubt
due to the fact that there is another and a totally different plant which is
generally and extensively grown as A. venustum, and found in most
collections as well as in many trade catalogues under that name, but which is
only a dwarf form of A. ethiopicum, with slender, brittle, straw-coloured stalks
and roundish pinnules (leafits) of a very soft light green: this variety is
very proliferous, being provided with numerous slender, underground, creeping
rhizomes (prostrate stems), from which the young growth springs in profusion.
The true A. venustum also produces its elegant fronds from a creeping rhizome,
but in this latter organ the power of ramification is not much developed :
consequently the fronds are produced more sparingly than in the variety just
mentioned. The more rigid texture, the numerous small, scarcely-lobed
segments (leafits), and the few large sori (spore masses), clearly distinguish
the true species from the spurious form, as also from its nearest allies—
A. fragile, A. glaucophyllum, and A. monochlamys. Its fronds, 6in. to 12in,
long and 4in. to Sin. broad, are borne on wiry, ebony-black, shining stalks
Gin. to 9in. long, slender but not brittle: they are deltoid Gn form of the
Greek delta, A) and tri- or quadripinnate (three or four times divided to
the midrib). The numerous pinnules, about jin. across, are of two
very different shapes, the fertile ones being wedge-shaped, with their nearly

302 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

smooth margins broadly lobed; whereas in the barren ones the cuneate
(wedge-shaped) form is not so clearly shown, their upper edge being much
more rounded and usually finely dented. The whole of the foliage is of
a coriaceous (leathery) texture, and the colour of the upper surface of the
fronds is of a bright green, while their under-surface is quite glaucous
(bluish-green)—characters which further distinguish it from the spurious
form. The large and roundish sori (spore masses) are disposed from one to
three in distinct hollows of the upper margin.—Hooker, Species Filicum, ii, -
p- 40, t. 968. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, 1, p. 29. Beddome,
Ferns of British India, t. 20.

A. versaillense—ver-sail-len’-sé (from Versailles). A variety of A. cuneatum.

A. Victorize—Vic-to’-ri-z (Victoria’s), Moore.

In this pretty, dwarf Maidenhair, of garden origin, and which has all
the appearance of a very dwarf form of A. Farleyense, the fronds, abundantly
produced from a central, tufted crown, are crowded, bipinnate (twice divided
to the midrib), and form close, low tufts, 4in. to 6in. high, of rich, bright
green. foliage. The rather large pinnules (leafits) are peculiarly crisped or
undulated, deeply lobed around the upper and outer margins, and the oblong
sori (spore masses) are disposed one on the tip of each lobe of the fertile
pinnules.—Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, 1., p. 29.

A. villosissimum—vil-lo-sis’-sim-um (very hairy), Mettenius.

A very singular, stove species, of medium growth, native of Panama.
The fronds are lft. long, bipinnate (twice divided to the midrib), and
furnished with pinnules (leafits) of a parchment-like texture, the surfaces
of which are of a dark green colour and densely covered with closely-pressed,
slender, reddish hairs: the hairs are also found abundantly on the stalks
and on the indusium (covering of the long and narrow spore masses) on
the superior margin.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 473.

A. villosum—vil-lo’-sum (hairy-stalked), Linnaeus.

This is a remarkably distinct, stove species, native of the West Indies,
Panama, and Brazil. It is easily recognisable by the line of fructification,
which is continued all along the upper and then usually down the oblique

ana i
AY | Wy)
\

a
y)
2
ees

Adiantum digitatum (speciosum), showing Habit and detached Pinna

(Habit, 2 nat. size; Pinna, nat. size).

ADIANTUM. 338

outer edge: yet, under the names of A. falcatwm of Swarts, A. oblique-
truncatum of Fée, and A. varium of Willdenow, as also under the garden
appellation of A. rhomboideum, several plants in every respect identical with
this species are found in collections. A. villosum is a robust grower and a
very ornamental Fern, whose massive fronds rise from a slowly-creeping,
underground rhizome (prostrate stem) of the thickness of a goose-quill and
of a decidedly woody nature. They are borne on upright, blackish stalks
Qin. to 12in. long and of a downy nature, and consist of a terminal central
pinna (leaflet) and several spreading pinnex on each side Gin. to 12in. long
and ldin. to 2in. broad; these are furnished with pinnules (leafits) of a
coriaceous (leathery) texture and of a bright green colour, dimidiate (fully
developed on one side of the midrib and scarcely at all on the other), about
lin. long and din. broad, their lower line nearly straight, the upper line
nearly parallel with it but considerably larger, slightly toothed, and the
outer edge auricled (eared) at the base. The rachis (stalk of the leafy
portion of the frond) is conspicuously clothed with light brown down.—
Hooker, Species Filicum, ii., p. 18. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening,
i, p. 29. Lowe, Ferns British and Exotic, i., t. 18.

A. Wagneri—Wag’-ner-i (Wagner’s), Mettenius. .

As a purely decorative Fern, this greenhouse species, native of the
Andes of Peru and more extensively known as A. decorwm (under which
name it has been described by Moore), may be considered as one of the most
valuable species in cultivation. In general appearance it may be said to
rank midway between A. cuneatum and A. concinnum. The fronds, larger
in all their parts than those of the first-named species, are produced in the
same way from a close, tufted crown: they are from 9in. to 15in. long,
tripinnate (three times divided to the midrib), and borne on black, shining
stipes (stalks) 4in. to 6in. long. The pinnules (leafits) have their lower
border straight in a line with the stalk, the inner border overlapping the
rachis (stalk of the leafy portion of the frond), and their outer border
distinctly lobed. The round or slightly kidney-shaped sori (spore masses)
are disposed at the extremity of the lobes, from four to six being found on
each pinnule.—LHovker, Synopsis Hilicum, p. 473. Nicholson, Dictionary of
Gardening, 1., p. 26.

304 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

A. Waltoni—Wal’-ton-i (Walton’s), Moore.

This is one of the several supposed hybrids of garden origin which
apparently owe their existence to the influence of A. wmulum. Its fronds,
produced from a close, tufted crown, and borne on black, shining stalks
Gin. to 9in. long, are nearly 12ft. long, broadly ovate (egg-shaped), upright,
and quadripinnate (four times divided to the midrib). Their pinne (leaflets
or first divisions) are equally ovate in form and occupy an ascending position ;
the lower ones are borne on comparatively long, slender stalks, while the
upper ones have their pinnules (leafits) next to the rachis (stalk of the leafy

Fig, 49. Adiantum Weigandii

( nat. size).

portion of the frond) elongated and compound (lengthened and joined
together). The leafits, all attached to short, very slender footstalks, are more
or less cuneiform (wedge-shaped), and the round and abundant sori (spore
masses) are disposed in a sinus (depression) of the marginal lobes, four to
six to a fertile pinnule—Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, iv., p. 485.

A. Weigandii—Wei-gand’-i-1 (Weigand’s).
This very pretty, stove Fern, of particularly neat habit and pleasing
colour, originated in American gardens, whence it was brought to Europe

ADIANTUM. 335

under the stated name, but without any authority for it. Mr. Moore,
however, retained the name, and published an extensive description, from
which the following are the most important passages: ““We regard this as
a very distinct plant, one of pleasing character likely to be used for decorative
purposes. The fronds have about the same size and outline of the useful
A, decorum, and the habit is similar, but the pinnules are quite different.
These organs have a peculiar aspect, being very freely and conspicuously
lobate at the edge, and yet appearing to be but little divided, on account of
the very narrow sinuses (depressions) between the lobes. The lobes are
large and few, and in consequence the pinnules in some instances have very
much the cutting to be observed in the leaves of the Hawthorn. The apical
portions of the fronds and of the pinne (leaflets) are crowded.” To the
foregoing description we may add that the fronds, triangular in shape and
tripinnate (three times divided to the midrib), are about 1ft. long, and being
produced from a close crown they form a neat tufted mass of foliage
(Fig. 49); also that the numerous large, nearly circular sori (spore masses)
are disposed one or two on each lobe, at the tip of which they are situated.
—WNicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, iv., p. 486.

A. Wilesianum—Wiles-i-a’-num (Wiles’). Synonymous with A. crenatum.

A. Williamsii—Will-iams’-i-i (Williams’), Moore.

One of the most beautiful of all known Maidenhair Ferns, and one which
thrives well under cool treatment, as it is a native of the mountains of Peru,
where it is found at a great elevation. It may possibly be a form of the
very variable A. ethiopicum, and has somewhat the general aspect of
A. @. chilense, although its growth is not so dense: it is also of a free and
more vigorous constitution. The beautiful fronds, which are borne on slender,
black stipes (stalks) 6in. to 12in. long, are tripinnate (three times divided
to the midrib), triangular in shape, and elegantly arched. The pinne
(leaflets) are set a little distance apart, and the pinnules (leafits), nearly
circular in shape, have their margin entire, slightly undulated, or divided
into three or four lobes notched between the sori (spore masses), the sterile
or barren portions with an erose (gnawed), diaphanous (transparent) margin.
These pinnules, about din. broad, are attached to the rachis (stalk of
the leafy portion of the frond) by very slender footstalks about in. long, so

336 LIEGE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

that the parts of the frond are nowhere crowded. When in a young state
the stalks as well as the fronds are dusted with a bright yellow powder, which
gradually disappears as the fronds become mature. The sori, from eight
to ten to each pinnule, are of a lengthened kidney-shape, and are disposed all
round the semicircular outer edge. See Plate (for which we are indebted
to Mr. B. 8. Williams).—Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 29.

A. Williamsii is essentially a basket plant, and it is especially for that
purpose that it is most valuable, the more so that it is one among the very
few Adiantums which really make a good, effective basket for the greenhouse.

A. Wilsoni—Wil’-son-i (Wilson’s). Synonymous with A. dolosum.

A. Zahnii—Zahn’-i-i (Zahn’s). A garden appellation synonymous with
A. Seemannit. |

ADIANTOPSIS—Ad-i-ant-op’-sis. See Cheilanthes.
AGLAOMORPMA—Ag-la-om-orph’-a. See Polypodium.
ALEURITOPTERIS—Al-eu-ri-top’-ter-is. See Cheilanthes.

ALLOSORUS—All-os-o’-rus. See Cheilanthes, Cryptogramme,
and Pellea.

Cine Tithy AAL

ALLANTODIA, Waillich.

(All-an-to’-di-a. )

A)IHE name of this genus, which in the “Synopsis Filicum” is
given as Genus 39 and is included in the tribe Aspleniea,
is derived from allas, allantos, a sausage, in allusion to
the cylindrical form of the indusium (covering of the spore

masses). Up to the present, Allantodia comprises but one
known species, with thin, ample pinne (leaflets), and closely allied to the
extensive genus Aspleniuwm, from which it differs by the dehiscence (mode
of opening) of the involucre or indusium. The sori (spore masses) are
dorsal (situated at the back), linear-oblong (cylinder-shaped), and are
attached to the principal veins. The involucre is of the same shape as the
sorus, and quite encloses it: when the spores are ripe it bursts in an

irregular line down to the centre.

Culture.

Like the Aspleniums, or at least the strong-growing kinds among them,
the Allantodia requires a substantial yet light soil, in which its fleshy roots
delight to run: a mixture in equal parts of fibrous peat, leaf mould, turfy
loam, and silver sand, is that which suits it best. The plant has a great
objection to being potted hard, and in potting it care must be taken that

the drainage should be as perfect as possible, for if there is stagnation of |
2x

338 DLE BOOK (Ol SOVHO RGIS WER St

water about the roots the foliage soon becomes flabby and begins to show
unmistakable signs of ill-health. The Allantodia is also averse to strong
light, and to preserve the bright green colour peculiar to its fronds it is
necessary to protect them from the strong rays of the sun. The waterings
must be copious during the summer, and gradually lessened until in winter
the roots are kept only sufficiently moist to prevent the plant from shrivelling.
The propagation of this species is effected exclusively from spores, which
are produced in abundance and germinate freely.

A. Brunoniana—Bru-no’-ni-a’-na (Brown’s), Waillich.

This solitary species, also known as Asplenium javanicum of Blume,
which grows freely under either greenhouse or stove treatment, is a native
of Tahiti, Java, and Ceylon, and is found on the Himalaya Mountains at an
elevation of 6000ft. Its fronds, often 2ft. long and about lft. broad, are
furnished on each side of their rachis (stalk of the leafy portion of the
frond) with undivided pinne (leaflets) 4in. to Gin. long and lin. broad.
Their veins, forked near the midrib, show two rows of hexagonal areole
(six-sided cells) occupying the outer half of the space between the midrib
and the edge, and are bounded by an intramarginal line. The sori (spore
masses) are confined to the anterior vein of the first fork—Hooker, Species
Filacum, i., p. 275. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 48. Beddome,
Ferns of Southern India, t. 159.

ALLOSORUS—All-os-o’-rus. See Cheilanthes, Cryptogramme,
and Pelleea.

CHAPTER: AXIT.

ALSOPMILA, Srown.

( Al-soph’-il-a.)

HIS genus, which in Hooker and Baker’s “Synopsis Filicum”
A is given as Genus 6 and forms the largest division of the
Cyatheew, derives its name from alsos, a grove, and _ philos,
loving, in allusion to the habitats in which the species are
found in their natural state. It comprises several highly-
decorative and deservedly-popular Tree Ferns, and numerous species which,
though very handsome, are unfortunately known to us as herbarium specimens
only, besides other kinds which, no doubt on account of their gigantic

proportions, are seldom seen outside botanical gardens and a very few private
collections.

The genus Alsophila is composed exclusively of exotic species from either
tropical or temperate quarters of the globe, the majority of them being
natives of Australia, New Zealand, South America, India, Ceylon, Malay,
and the West Indian Islands, and a few Tropical African. With the
exception of A. blechnoides, no other simply-pinnate species has, until now,
been recorded :as belonging to this genus, which comprises plants with fronds
bipinnate (twice divided to the midrib), and other and more numerous kinds
in which the fronds are three or four times pinnate. The distinguishing
characters of Alsophila reside in the globose (nearly spherical) form of their
sori (spore masses), which are dorsal (situated at the back of the fronds),

and disposed on a vein or in the forking of a vein. These sori mostly stand

340 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

conspicuously out from the leafy portion of the fronds, and are frequently
villous (downy) and destitute of involucres or covering. All the species
are Tree Ferns.

Culture.

Nearly all the species comprised in the genus Alsophila, which are found
inhabiting permanently moist glens and which naturally produce large heads
of fronds of great magnificence, have a tendency to attain great dimensions.
Some of them, such as A. australis, A. conjugata, A. contaminans, A. Coopert,
A, Leichardtiana, A. pycnocarpa, &c., are frequently seen in their native
habitats with stems varying between 20ft. and 30ft. in height; while
A. excelsa, perhaps the most rapid grower of all, is said to have a trunk or
stem between 60ft. and 80ft. high. To induce them to make good growth
under artificial conditions, it is necessary that the Alsophilas, as well as all
other Tree Ferns, should have an abundant supply of water, which will
produce more efficacious results by its being distributed over the stems with
a syringe, liberally during the summer, but taking care to moderate the
sprinklings during the winter—without, however, suspending them altogether
in any case. The plants also require a good quantity of moisture at the
roots, and occasional waterings with weak liquid manure are beneficial to
them, especially in the spring when unfolding their new fronds. Although
Alsophilas grow well in a light conservatory, where they produce fronds of
a hardier and more substantial texture, it is under the combined influences
of shade and moisture that their most vigorous growth is produced: they
should therefore be sufficiently shaded to prevent the sun from burning the
fronds as they unfold, as also to keep them from being discoloured when
fully developed. Like all other arborescent Ferns, very little pot room will
‘be found sufficient for Alsophilas. They should be potted, tubbed, or, better
still, planted out in the houses, in a compost of three parts of peat, one part
of fibrous loam, and one part of sand as coarse as procurable: in this they
will grow luxuriantly for years without ‘requiring further attention than
constant moistening. A. capensis, A. Van Geertii, and perhaps a few other
kinds, produce on their stems young growths, from which they can be
propagated ; but Alsophilas are usually increased from spores, which are
abundantly produced and germinate freely under warm treatment.

ALSOPAILA. 341

Principal Species and Varieties.

A. aculeata—ac-u-lé-a’-ta (prickly), J. Smith.

This very effective, stove species, which is also known under the name
of A. feroz, is found widely distributed through the whole of Tropical
America and the West Indian Islands. Though somewhat coarse-looking,
it is an elegant Fern, remarkable for the lengthy, sharp thorns with which
its trunk is profusely armed, and which extend in a lesser degree to the

Fig. 50, Alsophila aculeata

(much reduced).

entire length of the stipes (stalks) of its fronds, which frequently attain from
oft. to 7ft. in length. These fronds are tripinnate (three times divided to
the midrib) and have their rachis (stalk of the leafy portion) of a brown
colour. The pinnew (leaflets) are ovate-lanceolate (between egg- and _spear-
shaped), 1ft. to 14ft. long, and furnished with stalkless pinnules (leafits) of
thin texture, of a dark green colour, deeply pinnatifid (divided half-way to
their midrib) and dented (Fig. 50), and the small and abundant sori (spore

342 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

masses) are situated on their inferior midvein.—Hooker, Species Filicum,
i, p. 41. Micholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 54. Lowe, Ferns British
and Exotic, viil., t. 65.

A. seethiopica—eth-i-op’-ic-a (Ethiopian), Welwitsch.

A very peculiar and well-marked, African, stove species, also known as
A. Currori, native of Angola and Golungo alto, where it is found at various
elevations between 1000ft. and 2400ft. Its trunk, 3ft. to 6ft. high, has a
strange appearance, produced by large tubercles, which are the scars left by
the fallen fronds. The fronds are of a firm texture and dark green: they
measure 4ft. or more in length, are broadly spear-shaped, and are of a smooth
nature, except on the ribs, which are hairy .on both sides. The pinne (leaflets)
are 8in. to 10in. long and sub-sessile (nearly stalkless) ; the lowest are
again pinnate, while the others are deeply pinnatifid (divided half-way to
their midrib), with lobes #in. long and more or less coarsely serrated
(toothed like a saw). The veins in the pinnules (leafits) are forked, and
the round and numerous sori (spore masses) are situated at the forks
nearer the rib than the margin of the fertile pinnules.—Hooker, Synopsis
Filicum, p. 44.

A. alternans—al-tern’-ans (alternated), Hooker.

A stove species, native of Penang, with ample, sub-coriaceous (almost
leathery), sub-tripinnate (nearly three times divided) fronds of a » smooth
nature, the rachis (stalk of the leafy portion) of which, equally smooth, is of
a tawny-brown colour. Their principal pinne (leaflets), set somewhat far
apart and borne on short footstalks, are from 10in. to 14in. long and 2in. to
3in. broad, oblong in shape, terminating in a sharp point, and deeply pinnatifid
(divided half-way to their midrib), except those at the base, which are again
pinnate. The pinnules (leafits) are lin. to 1}in. long, oblong, pointed,
undivided, stalkless, and serrated (dented like a saw) at the margin. The
nearly round, compact sori (spore masses) are mixed with numerous jointed
hairs, and are sub-biseriate (disposed on nearly two rows on each fertile
pinnule).—Hooker, Species Filicum, i., p. 29. Beddome, Ferns of British
India, t. 236.

A. alutacea—al-ut-a/-cé-a (resembling soft leather). A form of A. infesia.

ALSOPHILA. 343

A. Andersoni—An-der-so’-ni (Anderson’s), Scott.

A distinct, stove species, native of Sikkim, where, according to
Beddome, it was discovered by Dr. Anderson in the tropical valleys about
the Government Cinchona plantations, at elevations varying between 1000ft.
and 2500ft., and where it is called ‘“ Pulai Nock” by the Lepchas. Its fronds,
large and tripinnatifid (three times divided half-way to their midrib), have
their rachis (stalk of the leafy portion) of a dark chestnut colour and
rough on their under-side. The pinne (leaflets) are oblong-lanceolate
(oblong-spear-shaped), 14ft. to 2ft. long, and are furnished with numerous
almost stalkless pinnules (leafits) that are cut down to a narrow wing
4in. to 6in. long and nearly lin. broad; their segments or sub-divisions are
closely set, spear-shaped, bluntish, about two lines broad and distinctly
toothed on the margins, thin but firm in texture, green on both sides, their
ribs, especially below, being densely bristly, not scaly. The very small sori
(spore masses) are inframedial (situated below the middle vein of the fertile
seoments).—Hooker, Synopsis Lilicum, p. 459. Beddome, Ferns of British
India, t. 310.

A. armata
This very distinct, free-growing, stove species (see Plate), the trunk of

ar-ma’-ta (armed), Presi.

which is comparatively slender and covered with whitish, pointed spines, is
found throughout the.whole of Tropical America, where it is considered one of
the commonest species. Its large fronds, of a very graceful appearance and of
a pleasing light green colour, 6ft. or more long, and tripinnate (three times
divided to the midrib), have their rachis (stalk of the leafy portion) straw-
coloured and densely hairy ; the stalks and rachises are also densely clothed
with whitish spines, similar to those observed on the trunks, although ot
smaller dimensions. The pinne (leaflets) are oblong-spear-shaped, 14ft. to
2ft. long, and furnished with numerous pinnules (leafits), which are equally
spear-shaped, sessile (stalkless), 3in. to 5in. long, and about lin. broad.
The pinnules, in their turn, are sub-divided into falcate (sickle-shaped),
blunt, nearly entire, and toothed segments, both sides of which are
densely hairy on the ribs. The round and abundant sori (spore masses) are
sub-costular (situated near the midrib of the fertile pinnules). When only
partly developed the young fronds are covered with long, white and light

344, THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

brown, chaffy hairs.—Hooker, Species Filicum, i., p. 40. Nicholson, Dictionary
of Gardening, i., p. 55.

A. aspera—as’-per-a (rough), Brown.

A very handsome, stove species, also known as A. nitens, native of the
West Indies, and readily identified through the large, glossy, lanceolate (spear-
shaped) scales, lin. or more in length, which are found at the base of the

SARAY?
AN
Bs
al)

i

Fig. 51. Alsophila aspera

(much reduced).

stalks. The trunk is 10ft. to 30ft. high, slender, and covered with short,
stout spines, which also extend to the stalk and rachis (stalk of the leafy
portion) of the fronds. These fronds, which reach some 10ft. to 12ft. in length
and are gracefully arched (Fig. 51) and of a very light and pleasing green
colour, are bipinnate (twice divided to the midrib). The pinnules (leafits),
of oblong shape, are borne on short footstalks: they are pinnatifid (cut

ALSOPHILA. 345

down half or two-thirds of the way to their midrib); their lobes are
oblong-ege-shaped, often acutely serrulate (sharply toothed), and_ their
midrib shows on the under-surface some scales of a bullate (blistered)
appearance. The sori (spore masses), of a very deciduous nature, are
situated half-way between the costa (midrib) and the margin of the fertile
pinnules.—Hooker, Species Filicum, 1., p. 39, t. 193. Nicholson, Dictionary
of Gardening, 1., p. 55.

Fig. 52. Alsophila atrovirens

(much reduced).

A. aterrima—a-ter’-rim-a (very black), Hooker.
This Hast Peruvian, stove species, native of Tarapota, is stated by Hooker
and Baker to be the blackest-looking species, when dry, with which these

authorities are acquainted. Its stalks are copiously aculeate (very prickly),
ai MY

346 PE BOOK OT (CfOLGE LLIGRIMS:

and at the base shaggy with rust-coloured scales, 1din. long, and fine hairs ;
the leafy portion of the fronds is large, thick, black above, chocolate-coloured
beneath, and clothed with tawny hairs of a woolly nature. Their pinne
(leaflets), 1ft. or more long, are furnished with pinnules (leafits) 2in. to 24in.
long and din. broad, whose oblong and very obtuse lobes are entire. The
rust-coloured sori (spore masses) are disposed chiefly on the lower half of

the lobes close to their midrib.—Hooker and Baker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 38.

A. atrovirens
A gigantic-growing species, native of South Brazil. Its large fronds,

a’-tro-vir’-ens (dark green), Presi.

tripinnatifid (three times divided half-way to the midrib), are borne on stipes
(stalks) about equal in length to their leafy portion (Fig. 52), stout and
slightly scaly. Their rachis (stalk of the leafy portion), of a dark straw-
colour, sometimes perfectly smooth, at other times slightly muricated (rough,
with short, hard excrescences), is furnished with spear-shaped pinne (leaflets)
Jin. to 1d5in. long and 3in. to 4in. broad; the pinnules (leafits), cut about
half-way down to the midrib, are nearly stalkless, of a sub-coriaceous (almost
leathery) texture, dark green on both sides, and without scales; their
ascending and entire segments are jin. broad, and blunt. The small and
numerous sori (spore masses) are medial (set on the forking of the veins,
but close to the midrib)—Hooker, Species Filicum, i., p. 46.

A. australis—aus-tra’-lis (Southern), Brown.

This noble, greenhouse species, native of Tasmania and Australia,
especially in the South, is undoubtedly one of the handsomest Alsophilas
in cultivation. It is also probably one of the best-known arborescent kinds,
forming generally a very straight stem or trunk of great height and well
proportioned—neither too slender nor too bulky in appearance. A trunk of
15ft. or 18ft. high generally measures from 2ft. to 24ft. in circumference,
and produces a somewhat flat or spreading head of numerous fronds, 8ft. to
13ft. long and borne on naked stipes (stalks) about I4ft. long. Their
primary pinne (principal leaflets), spear-shaped, about 14ft. long and Gin.
to 10in. broad, are furnished with numerous pinnules (leafits), light green
above and glaucous (bluish) below, 3in. to 4in. long, acuminate (sharply
pointed), and deeply pinnatifid (divided nearly to their midrib), or towards

ALSOPHILA. B47

s

the base even sometimes pinnate. The stalk and rachis (stalk of the leafy
portion of the frond), although in this species not exactly spiny, are very
rough to the touch and are covered at their base with dark brown, chatty
scales ; the foliage is also altogether of a more leathery texture than that of
most other Tree Ferns. The small, round sori (spore masses) are disposed
from one to four at the basal portion of the fertile pinnules.—/Hooker, Species
Filicum, i., p. 50, t 19a. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 55.
Lowe, Ferns British and Exotic, viii., t. 63.

A. bipinnatifida—bip-in-na-tif’-id-a (twice divided half-way to the midrib),
Baker.

A stove species, native of British Guiana, with fronds 2ft. to 3ft. long,
bipinnatifid and of a peculiar form, being gradually narrowed from the middle
to both ends. They are borne on short, slender, chestnut-coloured, quite
smooth stipes (stalks). The central pinne (leaflets), provided with short
footstalks, are ligulate (strap-shaped), 4in. to Sin. long and in. broad, cut
down to a narrow wing into close, blunt, strap-shaped, nearly entire lobes
two lines broad and 2in. to 3in. long. These segments, of a thin, papery
texture, have both sides green, especially the upper; they are bristly on the
ribs, and the small sori (spore masses) are situated at the forking of the
veins, nearer the midrib than the margin of the fertile pinnules (leafits).—
Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 456.

A. blechnoides—bléch-n6-i’-des (Blechnum-like), Hooker.

This singular, stove species, remarkable for its large, nearly entire
' (undivided) pinne, is a native of the West Indies and Tropical America.
It is the only species with simply-pinnate fronds known. The pinnz (leaflets)
are of a thin yet leathery texture, glossy, 6in. to 12in. long, spear-shaped,
suddenly terminating in a point and serrate (dented like a saw) at their
summit. The sori (spore masses), mixed with copious long hairs, are
scattered in very irregular lines near the midrib and sometimes extending
towards the margin.—Hooker, Species Filicum, i., p. 35.

A. Boivini—Boi-vi’-ni (Boivin’s), Mettenius.
A stove species, native of the Isle of Mayotte, with fronds ample and
tripinnate (three times divided to the midrib). The pinne (leaflets) are

348 THE BOOK Of CHOICE FERNS.

1}ft. to 2ft. long, oblong-lanceolate (oblong-spear-shaped), and furnished with
spear-shaped pinnules (leafits), which are 3in. to 4in. long and about lin,
broad, borne on short stalks, and divided into oblong, obtuse segments of
various natures, the lowest borne on short stalks and the central ones cuneate
(wedge-shaped) at their base. The segments are of a thin, papery texture,
green on both sides, the lower ones bearing a few scales on the ribs. The
very small sori (spore masses) are sub-costular (disposed nearly on the midrib
of the fertile segments).—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 460.

A. Bongardiana—Bon-gar-di-a’-na (Bongard’s). A form of A. lunulata.

A. capensis—ca-pen’-sis (native of the Cape of Good Hope), J. Smith.
The plant thus named by J. Smith, and extensively known in commerce

and in private collections under that name, and also as Amphicosmia capensis

of Moore, is really Hemitelia capensis of Brown, which is described further on.

A. caracasana—car-ac’-as-a/-na (from Caracas), AVotzsch.

A stove species, native of the Andes of Columbia, with fronds ample,
tripinnatifid (divided three times half-way to the midrib), with strap-shaped
pinne (leaflets) 14ft. to 2ft. long. The pinnules (leafits) are nearly stalkless,
din, to 4in. long, lin. broad, of a thick but not leathery texture, and bright
green on both sides; they are again divided into blunt, close, toothed
segments only two to three lines broad, on which the sori (spore masses) are
disposed nearly on the midrib.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 457.

A. caudata—cau-da’-ta (tailed), J. Smith.

This stove species, native of Luzon Island, has a certain affinity with
A. contaninans, and, as J. Smith thinks, with A. lunulata. It is, however,
readily distinguished from these species, as indeed from all others, by the
extremely peculiar character of its pinnules (leafits), which are sessile
(stalkless), oblong-lanceolate (oblong-spear-shaped), broadest at the base, and
have their apex (extremity) suddenly contracted into a long, narrow, serrated
(toothed like a saw), tail-like, tapering point. The lobes, equally serrated, are
somewhat sickle-shaped, and the sori (spore masses) are situated close to the
midrib on their lower half. This species is not spiny.—/Hooker, Species
Filicum, 1., p. 52, t. 20B.

ALS OPHILA. 349

A. chimborazensis—chim-bor-az-en’-sis (from Chimborazo), Hooker.

This very distinct, gigantic, stove species, native of Chimborazo, where
it is found at between 3000ft. and 4000ft. elevation, has, hke A. melanopus,
the general aspect of Cyathea divergens, but the sori (spore masses) are
clearly those of Alsophila. Its trunk, which is strongly aculeate (prickly),
is remarkably slender, for—according to Spruce, who discovered the plant—
although 15ft. in height, it only measures 4in. in diameter. The fronds—
or rather their leafy portion—of a sub-coriaceous (almost leathery) texture,
9ft. to 10ft. in length and 5ft. in breadth, are borne on very stout stipes
(stalks) 38ft. to 4ft. long, of a dirty brown colour and very rough nature,
thickly furnished with very sharp, strong spines, and chaffy with large, dark
brown, glossy scales. The primary pinne (principal leaflets), 23ft. long and
lft. broad, have their pinnules (leafits), which are provided with distinct foot-
stalks, rather distant, horizontal, and deeply pinnatifid (divided almost to the
midrib). The nearly sickle-shaped, entire lobes have their margins a little
recurved, and the sori (spore masses) are situated at the forking of the veins
and close to the midrib.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 387.

A. Colensoi—Col-en’-s5-i (Colenso’s), Hooker.

A greenhouse species, of comparatively small dimensions, native of New
Zealand and Otago. Contrary to the majority of Alsophilas, its trunk, only
4ft. to dft. high, is totally devoid of spines, and the fronds, slightly hairy,
2ft. to 4ft. long and lft. or more broad, are borne on short stalks densely
clothed with silvery-white scales lin. long, and with copious dark brown ones
of smaller dimensions. The primary pinne (principal leaflets) are 12in. to
14in. long, oblong, and acuminate (terminating in a long, tapering point); their
pinnules (leafits) are 2in. long and 4in. to Sin. broad, deeply pinnatifid,
being divided nearly to the midrib. The lobes, only two to three lines long,
are strongly serrated (toothed like a saw), and the small and round sori
(spore masses) are disposed nearer the midrib than the margin of the
fertile segments.—Hooker, Flora of New Zealand, ii., p. 8, t. 73.

A. comosa—com-o’-sa (furnished with hair), Hooker.
A spineless, stove species, known also as A. squamulata, native of
Singapore and the Malay Islands. Its fronds are of soft texture, yellowish-

350 REE LOOK FOE GOTFOLG PRES:

green, borne on stipes (stalks) of a shaggy nature on account of their
being densely clothed with long, narrow, hair-like scales of a pale brown
colour, which also extend all over the rachis (stalk of the leafy portion
of the frond); the pinnules (leafits) are oblong, acuminate (terminating in
a tapering point), and their lobes, deeply serrated (toothed like a saw), are
closely set. The orange-coloured sori (spore masses) are placed a little
distance apart, between the costule (midrib) and the margin of the fertile

lobes.— Hooker, Species Filicum, p. 58, t. 20a.

A. conecinna—con-cin’-na (neat), Baker.

A stove species, which in cutting and texture has a close resemblance
to the American A. aculeata: it is a native of the Louisiade Archipelago.
The ample fronds are tripinnate (three times divided to the midrib), with
spear-shaped pinne (leaflets). The pinnules (leafits) are short-stalked, ligulate
(strap-shaped), 24in. to 3in. long and din. to 3in. broad; they are again
subdivided into segments of the same shape, blunt-toothed, and about one
line broad, of moderately firm texture, bright green on both sides, and
smooth, although the lower side is slightly rough on the main ribs. The
abundant sori (spore masses) fill up the whole of the fertile seements except
their extremity.— Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 459.

A. conjugata—con-jug-a’-ta (coupled together), Spruce.

This greenhouse species, of gigantic dimensions, native of Chimborazo,
where it is found at elevations varying between 3000ft. and 4000ft., is very
remarkable for the exactly opposite primary pinne (principal leaflets), the
secondary ones being alternate (not disposed face to face). Its trunk or
stem, 40ft. high and 38ft. in circumference, is prickly, but destitute of scales.
The fronds are 9ft. long, of a coriaceous (leathery) texture, and borne on
stipes (stalks) 5ft. long, lin. or more thick, and furnished with short, stout,
and not very sharp spines; they consist of twenty-three pairs of primary
pinne 2ft. to 3ft. long, all of which are disposed exactly opposite, except at
the very point; the pinnules (leafits) are quite sessile (stalkless), 4in. to
in. long, 6in. to 7in. broad, and deeply pinnatifid (divided nearly to the
midrib), thus forming thread-like, pointed lobes, toothed like a saw at the
margin, which is slightly recurved. The rather small sori (spore masses)

ALSOPHILA. 301

are disposed close to the midrib, one to each serrature (tooth) of the fertile
seoments.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 87.

A. contaminans—con-ta’-min-ans (contaminating), Wadllich.

This very robust-growing, stove species, known also as A. glauca, is
a native of Java and the Malay Islands, also of Sylhet and Cachar, near
Assam, in India. It forms a slender trunk or stem which is said to attain
in its native habitat from 20ft. to 50ft. in height, but which to our know-
ledge has never reached more than 5ft. or 6ft. in cultivation. The fronds,
8ft. to 12ft. long and bipinnate (twice divided to the midrib), are borne on
stipes (stalks) which, like the rachis (stalk of the leafy portion of the
frond), are of a purplish-brown colour, glossy and aculeate (prickly). The
primary pinne (principal leaflets) are 2ft. or more in length and set rather
far apart; they are furnished with sessile pinnules (stalkless leafits) 4in. to
5in. long, 4in. to lin. broad, somewhat sickle-shaped and deeply pinnatifid
(cut nearly to the midrib), of a glaucous (bluish-green) colour underneath,
and of a bright glossy green above. Livery part of the frond is very brittle.
The base of these gigantic fronds—-that is, their junction with the trunk or
stem—is of a peculiar purple colour, and the stalks, as well as the crown
itself from which. they are produced, are densely clothed with long, white,
chaffy scales. The sori (spore masses) are disposed in the forking of a vein,
and nearer the midrib than the margin.—Hooker, Species Pilicum, i., p. 52,
t. 188. Micholson, Dictionary of Gardening, 1, p. 55. Beddome, Ferns
of british India, t. 85.

A. Cooperi—Coo’-per-i (Cooper’s), Hooker.

A very handsome species, native of Queensland, in the way of the better-
known A. excelsa, but of smaller dimensions: it thrives equally well under
either stove or greenhouse treatment. The ample fronds are tripinnate
(three times divided to the midrib), and have their rachis (stalk of the leafy
portion) densely clothed at the base with large scales of a pale brown colour.
Their somewhat spear-shaped pinne (leaflets) are 1}ft. to 2ft. long, and are
furnished with strap-shaped pinnules (leafits) 4in. to 5in. long and 3in. to
lin. broad, the segments (sub-divisions) of which, equally strap-shaped, are
gin. to gin. broad and bright green on both sides. The small sori (spore
masses) are sub-costular (disposed almost on the midrib or costa of the

352 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

fertile segments).—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 459. Nicholson, Dictionary
of Gardening, i., p. 55.

A. crenulata—cre-nu-la’-ta (having small round notches), Mettenius.

A stove species, native of Java, with fronds bipinnate (twice divided to
the midrib) and pinnules (leafits) spear-shaped, terminating in a long, tapering
point, and deeply pinnatifid (divided almost to the midrib). The segments
(sub-divisions) are narrow and dented, and the sori (spore masses) are
disposed from one to four near the base of the midveins.—Hooker, Synopsis
Filicum, p. 44.

A. crinita—cri-ni’-ta (hairy), Hooker.

This singular and very shaggy-looking, stove species, is a native of Java,
Ceylon, and the Neilgherries, where, Beddome says, it is found growing in
a ravine on the road from Ootacamund to the Davie Shola; it is also
common on the Sisparah Ghat and on the higher ranges of the Anamallay
Mountains. The fronds, which when young are densely covered with long,
chaffy hairs of a light colour, are borne on stipes (stalks) strongly muricate
(furnished with short spines having the appearance of tubercular excrescences)
and of a peculiar brown colour. The primary pinne (principal leaflets) are
2ft. long and 10in. broad, furnished with sessile (stalkless) pinnules (leafits)
cut down nearly to their midrib; the lobes thus produced are sickle-shaped
and narrow, and have their margins recurved (bent backwards) and toothed.
The sori (spore masses) cover the whole of the under-side of the lobes,
where they are mixed with finely-dented scales——Hooker, Species Filicum,
1, p. 54. Beddome, Ferns of Southern India, p. 20, t. 59.

A. Currori—Cur-ror’-i (Curror’s). Synonymous with A. cethiopica.

A. decipiens—de-cip’-i-ens (deceiving). This is identical with Hemitelia
decipiens of Scott.

A. decomposita — de-com-pos’-it-a (much divided). A synonym of
A. oligocarpa.

A. decurrens—de-cur’-rens (running down), Hooker.
A stove species, native of Aneitum, the Samoan Islands, and New
Caledonia; it is very distinct, and not likely to be confounded with any

‘(ezIs “yeu “euUTg fezts “yeu ¥ “q1qezz)

DUUI payovjap pun jigoyH sulmoys ‘(lwni/ofijissas) WnudiAo/suay WhjUubIpY

vi

lhe Ad

if

as

i

ALSOPHILA. 353

other. The trunk and stalks are spineless, and the fronds, of a thin texture,
bipinnate (twice divided to the midrib) above and three times divided in
their other parts, are sparingly covered with long, white hairs on both sides,
chiefly on the costules (small ribs) and veins. The primary pinne (principal
leaflets), oblong and terminating in a long, tapering point, are from lft.
to 14ft. long and 6in. broad, and are subdivided into secondary pinnae of
the same shape, 2in. to 3in. long; these are in their turn divided into
pinnules (leafits) 4in. to Hin. long and fin. broad. The lobes thus produced
are egg-shaped, and either with entire margins or with one or two teeth.
The sori (spore masses) are disposed one to each lobe in few lax capsules,

—Hooker, Species Hilicum, 1., p. 51.

A. elegans—e’-leg-ans (elegant), Martius.

This stove species, native of Brazil, is apparently rare. Its fronds, of
a thick yet leathery texture and bipinnate (twice divided to the midrib), are
borne on strong and conspicuously spiny stipes (stalks); the pinnules
(leafits), disposed far apart and borne on short footstalks, are 2in. to 24in.
long, narrowly spear-shaped, obtuse at their base, and slightly covered on
their under-surface with a woolly substance of a rusty colour. The sori
(spore masses) form a more or less interrupted series nearer the midrib than
the margin of the fertile lobes—Hooker, Species Filicum, i., p. 36.

The variety crenata of Kunze is distinguished from the type by having

its pinnules distinctly notched.

A. elongata—e-long-a’-ta (elongated), Hooker.

A very robust species, native of Columbia and Central America, peculiar
through the sharply-spiny nature of the stalks of its fronds, which are
bipinnate (twice divided to the midrib), and whose primary pinne (principal
leaflets), 2ft. to 3ft. long and only 8in. broad, are furnished with spear-shaped
and much-lengthened pinnules (leafits) 6in. or more long, terminating in
a leng, narrow, serrated (dented like a saw), caudate (tail-like) process.
The lobes, five to six lines long, are somewhat pointed, stiff, and have their
margins recurved (turned back) and serrated. The sori (spore masses)
are’ numerous, and cover the entire segments with the exception of their

extremity.—Hooker, Species Lilicum, 1., p. 43.
/ 2%

B04 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

A. excelsa—ex-cel’/-sa (tall), Brown.

This splendid, greenhouse species, native of Norfolk Island, and which,
according to Nicholson, proves nearly hardy in the neighbourhood of Cornwall,
is a very rapid grower, and is said to form, in its native habitat, trunks from
60ft. to 80ft. high. Its ample fronds, of a dark green above and _ paler
green beneath, are borne on stipes (stalks) of a rough nature, and their
primary pinne (principal leaflets), 14ft. to 2ft. long and Gin. to 10in. broad,
are, when young, densely clothed with rusty-coloured hairs intermixed with
small scales of a darker colour. The numerous pinnules (leafits) are set
close together, oblong-spear-shaped, acuminate (ending in a tapering point),
and so deeply pinnatifid that they are frequently cut down to their midrib ;
the segments which are thus formed are narrow, sickle-shaped, and have their
margins recurved (bent inwards) and toothed like a saw, those of the barren
fronds being larger and of a paler green than those of the fertile ones, which
are also of a more leathery texture. The sori (spore masses) are plentifully
disposed close to the midrib of the fertile segments.—Hooker, Species Filicum,
i, p. 49, t. 18a. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 56.

A. excelsa is essentially a decorative Fern, growing larger and quicker
than A. australis: young plants of it are every year sacrificed in enormous
quantities for indoor decoration, as very little time is required from the
seedling state to get them sufficiently strong to be useful for that purpose ;
but those home-raised seedlings which are kept and grown on, soon form
short stems or trunks, producing fine heads of massive yet gracefully-arching
fronds, often reaching 4ft. in length. When in that state A. ercelsa is
a most effective plant for sub-tropical gardening, for which purpose it

is extensively used.

A. faleata—tal-ca’-ta (sickle-shaped), Metienius.

A very little-known, stove species, native of the Island of Gorgona,
where it was discovered by Dr. Seemann. Its ample fronds, borne on smooth,
grey-coloured stalks, are tripinnatifid (three times divided half-way to the
midrib), of a moderately firm texture, and have both surfaces perfectly
smooth. The primary pinne (principal leaflets) are spear-shaped, 1+ft. to
2ft. long and 3in, to 34in. broad; they are furnished with stalkless, sickle-
shaped pinnules (leafits) din. broad, cut about half-way down into close,

ALSOPHILA. 355

denticulate (toothed), blunt segments scarcely fin. broad. The very minute
sori (spore masses) are situated just above the midrib of the fertile
seements.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum,-p. 458.

A. ferox—fer’-ox (fierce, in reference to the thorny character of the plant).
Synonymous with A. aculeata.

A. frigida—tfri’-gid-a (cold), Karsten.

This greenhouse species, which was discovered by Karsten at 15,300ft.
elevation on the Andes of Bogota, forms but a very short stem or trunk.
Its fronds, tripinnate (three times divided to the midrib) and of a leathery
texture, are borne on stipes (stalks) which are sparingly clothed with light
hairs of a woolly nature and conspicuously muricated (rendered rough by
the presence of short, hard, tubercular excrescences), especially at their base.
The pinne (leaflets), which from a broad base grow gradually narrower, and
terminate in a long, tapering point, are furnished with pinnules (leafits) }in.
long,
base, and densely covered with small scales underneath. The lobes are sickle-

oblong, more or less adnate (attached on their whole width) at their

shaped, obtuse, and notched, and are separated from each other by a very
harrow sinus (depression): their margins are revolute (rolled back). The
" sori (spore masses) are disposed on the forking of the middle vein of the
fertile lobes.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 38.

A. Gardneri—Gard’-ner-i (Gardner’s). Synonymous with A. paleolata.

A. gibbosa—gib-bo’-sa (swollen), Klotzsch.

A stove species, native of British Guiana and East Peru. Its large
fronds are tripinnatifid (divided three times half-way down to the midrib),
and the spear-shaped pinne (leaflets) are 14ft. to 2ft. long. The pinnules
(leafits) are borne on long stalks, articulated (jointed) at the base, strap-
shaped, 4in. to 5in. long and lin. broad, and cut down to a broad wing.
The segments (sub-divisions) thus produced are of a rigidly leathery texture
and dull green colour, falcate (sickle-shaped), finely dented, and set close
together. The small and numerous sori (spore masses) are disposed on the
midvein of the fertile segments.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 457.

A. gigantea—gig-ant-e’-a (gigantic). Synonymous with A. glabra.

306 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

A. glabra—glab’-ra (smooth), Hooker.

This stove species, also known as A. gigantea, is found in Java, the
Malay Islands, Ceylon, China, and throughout India, in the southern part
of which, according to Beddome, it is found on the Anamallay Mountains,
Coorg, at an elevation of 4000ft.: it is a very robust-crowing kind. The
stem or trunk is from 20ft. to 40ft. high, and the fronds, of a sub-coriaceous
(almost leathery) texture, are borne on stipes (stalks) that are scaly at their
base, but, like the main rachis (stalk of their leafy portion), of an ebeneous-
purple colour. The primary pinne (principal leaflets), 2ft. or more long,
are in their upper portion furnished with pinnules (leafits) which are stalkless,
whereas those of their lower part are borne on short footstalks: they are
din. to Gin. long, 5in. to Sin. broad, and pinnatifid, being divided half-way to
the midrib, rarely more. The lobes or sub-divisions thus formed are either
triangular or rounded, rarely egg-shaped, and toothed on their edge like a saw.
The sori (spore masses), which are found on most of the lobes, are generally
disposed in the shape of an inverted V, which, however, does not extend to
the apex (point) of the lobe-——AHooker, Species Filicum, 1., p. 51. Beddome,
Ferns of Southern India, p. 20, t. 60. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening,
i, p. 56 (as A. gigantea).

A. Glasiovii—Glas-i-o’-vi-i (Glaziou’s), Baker.

A handsome, stove, Brazilian species, native of Rio Janeiro, with ample
fronds that are bipinnate (twice divided to the midrib). The pinnz (leaflets)
are from lft. to 14ft. long and somewhat spear-shaped; they are furnished
with from twelve to fifteen pairs of distinctly-stalked pinnules (leafits), strap-
shaped, 2in. to 2din. long, six to seven lines broad, of a sub-coriaceous
(almost leathery) texture, and crenulated (regularly jagged, with rounded
teeth) on their edges. The sori (spore masses) are disposed in a single
row a short distance from the midrib of the fertile segments.—/ooker,

Synopsis Lilicum, p. 456.
A. glauca—glau’-ca (bluish-green). Synonymous with A. contaminans.

A. Godmani—God’-man-i (Godman’s), Hooker.
This very distinct, stove species, native of Guatemala, is particularly

elegant, especially when in a small state. Its fronds are bipinnate (twice

ALSOPHILA. 357

divided to the midrib), bright green, more or less densely clothed on both
surfaces with longish white hairs. Their primary pinnx (principal leaflets)
are 16in. to 18in. long and 4in. to 6in. broad, oblong, terminating in a long,
tapering point, furnished with sessile pinnules (stalkless leafits) that are set
closely together, 23in. to 3in. long, five to six lines broad, and deeply
pinnatifid (divided so nearly to their midrib as to be almost pinnate). The
lobes thus formed, also deeply pinnatifid, are equally set so close together
that the space between them can scarcely be seen except when a frond is
held between the eye and the light. A peculiarity of this species is the
shape of the lowest pair of pinnules, which are exactly square and adnate
(attached through their whole length on two sides) to the costule (midrib).
The small sori (spore masses) are composed of a few capsules, and are
peculiar on account of their hairy nature—AHooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 36.

A. infesta—in-fes’-ta (troublesome), Awnze.

This stove species is a native of Tropical America, where it is widely
spread. Its fronds are large and tripinnatifid (three times divided nearly to
the midrib), and are borne on long stalks of a peculiarly rough nature ; their
rachis (stalk of the leafy portion) is slightly covered with short, brown
scales of a soft, downy character. Their pinne (leaflets) are 1ft. to 14ft, long
and oblong-spear-shaped. The pinnules (leafits) are strap-shaped, 3in. long,
zin. to din. broad, of almost leathery texture, dark green on both sides, and
cut down to a narrow wing; their segments (sub-divisions) are equally
strap-shaped, $in. broad, blunt, nearly entire. The sori (spore masses) are
medial (disposed on the central vein of the fertile segments).—Hooker, Species
Filicum, i, p. 42. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 56.

This species is extremely variable, numerous forms of it, differing in size,
shape, or disposition of the pinnules, being recorded. Among these we note
A, alutacea of Kunze, A. lasiosora of Mettenius, A. phaleratu of Martius, c&e.
The most distinct, however, of all the known forms of A. infesta, and the

one most extensively found in cultivation, is the following :

A. i. Van-Geertii—Van-Geert’-i-i (Van Geert’s). A ‘commercial name
for which we can find no authority.
The plant so called is a distinct and highly-ornamental Tree Fern, whose

stem or trunk never attains a great height ; it is slender, tortuous, of a bright

308 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

brown colour, and possesses the peculiarity—very rare in Alsophilas—of

producing on its surface lateral growths or young plants, which, when
sufficiently furnished with roots, can be safely detached and soon form
independent subjects. Although the trunk is of comparatively short stature,
it produces very fine, broad, lanceolate (spear-shaped) fronds 5ft. to 6ft.
long, including the stalk, which are bipinnate (twice divided to the midrib).
The pinne (leaflets), also spear-shaped, are lft. to 13ft. long and Sin. to Gin.
broad, and are furnished with pinnules (leafits) of a dark, shining green
colour and deeply toothed. The stipes (stalks), of a light brown colour
similar to that of the trunk, are covered all over with numerous short,
black spines. The whole plant is of a particularly elegant habit, its fronds
being conspicuously arched in a very graceful manner.

A. intermedia—in-ter-med’-i-a (intermediate). A form of A. lunulata.

A. khasyana—khas-y-a’-na (native of Khasya). This is probably identical
with A. latebrosa Oldhami.

A. lasiosora—las-i-os-o’-ra (having woolly spore masses). A form of A. infesta.

A. latebrosa—lat-eb-ro’-sa (dark, shady), Hooker.

A stove species, native of Formosa, the Malay Islands, &c., and, according
to Beddome, the commonest Tree Fern almost throughout India proper,
notably on the Neilgherries, Pulnies, Shevaroys, Anamallay Mountains, &e.
The fronds are bipinnate (twice divided to the midrib); they are borne on
stipes (stalks) that are prickly at their base, muricated (rough with short,
hard, tubercular excrescences) upwards, and of a dark mahogany-brown
colour. Their primary pinne (principal leaflets) are 1ft. to 2ft. lone and
6in. to Sin. broad, and terminate in a tapering point; the pinnules (leafits)
are spear-shaped and also taper-pointed, 3in. to 4in. long, din. broad, cut
down nearly to the rachis (stalk of the leafy portion of the frond) into
numerous narrow, blunt, slightly-toothed lobes on each side: these lobes are
of soft, papery texture, dark green and smooth on their upper surface, while
their lower surface is slightly hairy and scaly. The sori (spore masses),
which are elevated and conspicuous, often occupy the lower two-thirds of
the fertile segments.—Hooker, Species Milicum, i, p. 37. Beddome, Ferns
of Southern India, p. 19, t. 58.

ALSOPHILA. 309

A. 1. Oldhami—Old’-ham-i (Oldham’s), Beddome.

Like A. khasyana of Moore, with which it is probably identical, this
plant may safely be given as a form of the above-described species. According
to Beddome, it was discovered on the Khasya Hills by Mr. Oldham, to whom
he dedicated it. Its fronds are ample and tripinnate (three times divided to
the midrib) ; their primary pinne (principal leaflets) are 2ft. long, 8in. to Yin.
broad, oblong in shape, and terminate in a tapering point; the pinnules
(leafits), with which the pinne are densely furnished, are of a thin, papery
texture, 4in. to din. long and barely lin. broad, and their costa (midrib) is
very scaly underneath and slightly hairy on the upper surface.—Beddome,
Ferns of British India, t. 3438.

A. Leichardtiana—Leich-ardt-i-a’-na (Leichardt’s), F. Mueller.

This greenhouse species, allied to A. australis—from which, however, it
is undoubtedly distinct—is one of the finest of all known Australian Ferns.
Its beauty has, in fact, been so well appreciated that the same plant has been
dedicated to Sir William McArthur by Hooker, who named it A. Macarthurii,
and to Mr. Charles Moore, of Sydney, by J. Smith, who named it A. Moorei.
It is the ‘“ Whip-stick Fern” of the Colonists, and is found in the woods
near Sydney, on the Hastings and Marlony Rivers, in Illawara, &e. Its stem
or trunk is of a comparatively slender nature, for while it is said to attain
20ft. to 25ft. im height, it measures only 9in. in diameter. The handsome
fronds, which, notwithstanding the size of the trunk, are produced in
abundance, are from 6ft. to 10ft. in length, of a firm texture, dark green
above, more or less glaucous (bluish-green) beneath, glabrous (smooth) or
nearly so, devoid of scales, and tripinnate (three times divided to the midrib),
Their stipes (stalks) are peculiarly articulated (jointed) upon the trunk, and
the rachis (stalk of the leafy portion of the frond), of an ebeneous-
purple colour, is deciduously powdery and spiny. The primary pinne
(principal leaflets) are lift. to 2ft. long and 8in. broad, oblong-spear-shaped,
and terminate in a tapering point; the secondary pinnex (divisions of the
primary ones) are sessile (stalkless), and pinnatifid (divided half-way to their
midrib) only at their point, while the ultimate pinnules (sub-divisions) are
long, narrow, pointed, and have their margins toothed like a saw and
slightly recurved. The copious small sori (spore masses) are disposed

360 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

close to the costa (midrib) of the fertile segments.— Hooker, Synopsis
Filicum, p. 40. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 56.

A. leucolepis—leu-col’-ep-is (having white scales), Martius.

A stove species, native of Brazil and Columbia. Its fronds are large
and tripinnate (three times divided to the midrib); the pinne (leaflets) are
oblong-spear-shaped, 1ft. to 1}ft. long, and furnished with sub-sessile pinnules |
(almost stalkless leafits) 3in. to 4in. long and nearly lin. broad. Their
ultimate segments (sub-divisions) are strap-shaped, blunt, set somewhat far
apart, about gin. broad, and denticulated (furnished with small teeth) ; they
are of a membranous texture and have both surfaces green, but the lower is
densely provided with broad white scales on the ribs. The small sori (spore
masses) are medial (disposed on the midvein of the fertile segments)—
Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 34.

A. Loddigesii—Lod-dig-e’-si-i (Loddiges’), Kunze.

This handsome, greenhouse species, native of Cape Byron, New South
Wales, somewhat resembles the popular A. australis, from which, however, it
differs essentially by its shorter fronds, its broader segments, and the dis-
position of its sori (spore masses). Its fronds, ample and tripinnatifid (three
times divided half-way to their midrib), have their rachises (stalks of the
leafy portions) of a pale brown colour, glossy or muricated (rough with short,
hard, tubercular excrescences). The oblong-spear-shaped pinnx (leaflets)
seldom attain 1ft. in length; they are furnished with stalkless, spear-shaped
pinnules (leafits) 24in. to 3in. long and din. to in. broad, cut down to a
narrow wing. The segments thus formed are of a moderately firm texture,
two lines broad, oblong and entire; both surfaces are green and smooth,
although the ribs below are furnished with a few small, spear-shaped scales.
The small and numerous sori (spore masses) are medial (disposed on the
midrib of the fertile segments).—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 459.

A. lunulata—lu-nul-a’-ta (having moon-shaped pinnules), &. Brown.

A stove species, native of Polynesia, whose stem or trunk attains from
20ft. to 25ft. in height. Its large fronds are tripinnate (three times divided
to the midrib), and borne on stalks of a particularly rough nature. The

ALSOPHAILA. 361

pinne (leaflets) are oblong-spear-shaped, 14ft. to 2ft. long, furnished with
strap-shaped, stalkless pinnules (leafits) 4in. to 5in. long and #in. broad, the
segments (sub-divisions) of which are closely set, somewhat sickle-shaped,
blunt, slightly notched, of a sub-coriaceous (almost leathery) texture, bright
ereen and smooth on both sides. The small and abundant sori (spore masses)
are sub-costular (disposed close to the midrib of the fertile segments).—
Hooker, Species Filicum, i., p. 51.

This species is very variable. The following are the most striking
amongst its known forms: A. bongardiana of Mettenius, easily recognised
through its broader, entire (uncut) segments, which are rather glaucous
(bluish-green) underneath and furnished with scales; A. intermedia, also
of Mettenius, with very broad segments and sori disposed farther apart ;
A. Veitchit of Baker, very distinct through its narrow, nearly pointed segments,
which are densely scaly on their midribs beneath, and which are also of
a much thinner, softer texture; and A. wittensis of Carruthers, distinguishable
from the species or common. Viti plant above described through its more
rigid texture, as also through its sori being more crowded, and _ the
midribs of its segments being densely scaly underneath.—Hooker, Synopsis
Filicum, p. 41.

A. lurida—tlu’-rid-a (lurid, dismal), Hooker.

A stove species, native of Java, with fronds broadly spear-shaped, borne
on stipes (stalks) perfectly smooth, but with the rachis (stalk of their leafy
portion) rough and scaly below, very downy and scaly above. Their principal
leaflets are 1ft. long, furnished with pinnules (leafits) more than 2in. long,
Zin. broad, cut down to the rachis into numerous narrow segments of almost
leathery texture, dark green above, and densely scaly on the ribs underneath.
—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 43.

A. Macarthurii — Mac-arth’-ur-i-i (MacArthur’s). Synonymous with
A. Leichardtiana.

A. Macgillivrayi—Mac-gil’-liv-ray-i (Macgillivray’s), Baker.
A stove species from the Louisiade Archipelago. Its large fronds are
- tripinnatifid (divided three times nearly to the midrib) and of a sub-coriaceous

(almost leathery) texture. Their pinne (leaflets) are oblong-spear-shaped and
3A

362 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

Ift. long; the pinnules (leafits) are equally spear-shaped, distinctly stalked,
23in. to 3in. long, din. broad, and cut down to a narrow wing, smooth, green
on both sides, the lower side showing a few broad, pale scales on the ribs.
The small and abundant sori (spore masses) are disposed on the midvein of
the fertile segments.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 458.

A. marginalis—mar-gin-a/-lis (marginal, in allusion to the disposition of
the sori), Klotzsch.

This well-marked and very distinct, stove species is a native of British
Guiana, where it was discovered by R. Schomburgk. Its fronds are large,
of a somewhat leathery texture, and bipinnate (twice divided to the midrib),
and their primary pinne (principal leaflets), borne on stalks of a very chafty
nature, are Ift. to 14ft. long, 4in. broad, oblong, and terminate in a tapering
point. The pinnules (leafits) are closely set, stalkless, truncated (abruptly
terminated) at the base, entire, and slightly sinuated on the edges. The
sori (spore masses), disposed in a single line, form a continuous line a little
within the margin of the fertile pinnules—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 32.

A. melanopus—mel-an’-op-us (having a black foot or stalk), Hooker.

A stove species, native of Chimborazo, where, according to Spruce, it is
found growing at an elevation of 3000ft., and forming stems or trunks 3ft.
to 15ft. high, 1ft. in diameter, devoid of spines, but furnished with ramenta
(thin scales like wood-shavings). Its remarkably broad fronds are borne on
stipes (stalks) 3ft. long, lin. thick, intense ebony-black, slightly tuberculate
at the base, and there covered with long, narrow scales. Their primary
pinne (principal leaflets), 5ft. long, are divided into twelve pairs of secondary
pinne 3ft. or nearly so in length and I1ft. broad; the pinnules (leafits) are
distinctly stalked, about 6in. long, terminate in a toothed point, and are deeply
pinnatifid (cut down nearly to their midrib). The sori (spore masses) are
disposed at the forking of each vein, nearer to the rib than to the margin of
the fertile segments.—Hooker, Species Filicum, p. 37.

A. mexicana—mex-ic-a’-na (Mexican), Martius.
A stove species, native of Mexico, only known from dried specimens.
—Hooker, Species Filicum, p. 47.

ALSOPHILA. 368

A. microphylla—mi-croph-yl’-la (having small leaves), AJotzsch.

A stove species, native of Caracas, with fronds 14ft. long and bipinnate
(twice divided to the midrib); their rachis (stalk of the leafy portion)
is semi-terete (half-cylindrical), being convex on the back, plane upwards,

and closely hairy. The pinne (leaflets) are 4in. to 8in. long, of thin texture,

Ss
spear-shaped, and spreading ; whilst their pinnules (leafits), about lin. long
and jin. broad, are sessile (stalkless), pinnatifid (divided nearly to their
midrib), oblong, bluntish, smooth above and slightly hairy underneath,
especially below the middle, their costa (midrib) being clothed with ege-
shaped scales of a bright golden colour. The nearly round, small, whitish
sori (spore masses) are inserted on the middle of the back of the veins of

the fertile lobes.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 36.

A. Miersii—Mi-ers’-i-i (Miers’s), Hooker.

This handsome, greenhouse species, native of the Organ Mountains,
Brazil, is of a particularly spiny nature. Its smooth fronds, of a somewhat
firm texture and bipinnate (twice divided to the midrib), are borne on stipes
(stalks) furnished with short but strong spines, which extend to the rachis
(stalk of the leafy portion of the frond). The primary pinne (principal
leaflets) are. pinnate (divided to the midrib) to their summit; and the
pinnules (leafits) thus formed are distinctly stalked, 5in. to 6in. long, din.
broad, spreading, narrow spear-shaped, pinnatifid (divided half-way to their
midrib), terminating in a fine tapering point. The lobes formed by this sub-
division are egg-shaped and entire (uncut), and the rather copious sori (spore
masses) occupy their lower portion, being disposed half-way between the
midrib and the margin.—Hooker, Species Filicum, i., p. 38.

A. Moorei—Moor’-é-i (Moore’s). Synonymous with A. Leichardtiana.

A. myosuroides—my-os-uw’-r6-1/-dés (Myosurus-like), Liebmann.

This species—discovered by Dr. Liebmann on the Mexican mountains
at 2400ft. elevation—is only known from dried specimens and from his
descriptions, from which we gather that the stem or trunk, 10ft. to 16ft.
high and 3in, to 4in. in diameter, produces large fronds with distinctly-stalked
leaflets 13ft. to 2ft. long, and pinnules (leafits) 3in. to 34in. long and in.
broad.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 38.

364 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

A. nigra—nig’-ra (black), Martius.

This stove species, native of Rio Negro, Brazil, is one of the most
distinct, and one of the easiest to identify, among all the known South
American Alsophilas. Its ample fronds, of a peculiarly deep green colour,
slightly hairy on all the ribs and rarely showing a few scales on their under-
side, are borne on rather slender, ebony-black spiny stipes (stalks). The
principal rachis (stalk of the leafy portion of the frond) is also ebony-
black, and the pinne (leaflets), 12in. to 14in. long and 4in. to 5in.
broad, are furnished with oblong pinnules (leafits) 22in. long, 4in. broad,
and divided two-thirds of the way down to their midrib: the lobes thus
formed are oblong, bluntish, and notched at their edges. The sori (spore
masses) are disposed half-way between the midrib and the margin of the
fertile lobes—Hooker, Species Filicum, i., p. 45.

A. nitens—nit’-ens (bright). Synonymous with A. aspera.

A. nove-caledonize—nov’-e-—cal-e-don’-i-2 (native of New Caledonia),
Mettenius.

A stove species, from New Caledonia. Mettenius compares it with
A. truncata of Brackenridge, which, no doubt, is the nearest species, but from
which it is, however, perfectly distinct. The fronds are tripinnate (three
times divided to the midrib), of a leathery texture, glossy as if varnished, and
wholly covered underneath with fructification ; they are borne on stipes
(stalks) of the same rough nature as the rachis (stalk of the leafy portion
of the frond). Their primary pinne (principal leaflets), 14ft. long and 6in.
broad, are furnished with secondary ones that are sessile (stalkless), very
narrow-oblong, jin. broad, and pinnate (cut down to their midrib), except
at their long, tapering summit, where they are toothed like a saw. The
pinnules (leafits) thus formed are two and a-half lines long, less than one
line broad, bluntish and stalkless, their recurved margins being furnished
with small, roundish teeth. The copious small sori (spore masses) occupy
the whole of the space between the midrib and the margin of the fertile
pinnules.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 39.

A. oblonga—ob-lon’-ga (oblong), Klotzsch.
In this stove species, native of British Guiana, the fronds, ample and
tripinnatifid (three times divided half-way to the midrib), have spear-shaped

ALSOPAILA. 365

pinne (leaflets) 1ft. to 1}ft. long, and their stalkless, strap-shaped pinnules
(leafits) are set closely together, about 2in. long and din. broad, and cut down
to a distinct wing. The segments thus formed, of a somewhat leathery
texture, smooth except on the ribs above and green on both sides, are also
strap-shaped, closely set, blunt, entire, and jin. broad. The minute and
sparingly-produced sori (spore masses) are situated on the midvein of

these fertile segments.—Hooker, Synopsis [ilicum, p. 458.
A. obtusiloba—ob-tu-sil’-ob-a (having blunt lobes), Hooker.

This is one of the very few known species from Tropical Africa ; it is
a native of Sierra del Crystal. Its fronds, of a firm texture and particularly
black-green colour, scarcely paler underneath, are borne on short stipes
(stalks) scarcely 4in. long, thicker than a swan’s quill, and which, like the
rachis (stalk of the leafy portion of the frond), are rough and of a dark,
glossy, purple colour. These fronds, 4ft. or more long, are pinnate (cut
down to the midrib) throughout, and though three or four of the lowest pairs
of pinne (leaflets) are much dwarfed, the majority of them are from 9in. to
10in. long, borne on short stalks, oblong, and deeply pinnatifid (cut nearly
down to the midrib in their lowest portion, but less deeply upwards). The
lobes thus produced are five to seven lines long, somewhat sickle-shaped,
perfectly entire (uncut), and very blunt. The copious small sori (spore
masses) are situated nearer the midrib than the margin of the fertile lobes,
and are peculiarly prominent.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 45.

A. Oldhami—Old’-ham-i (Oldham’s). A variety of A. latebrosa.

A. oligocarpa—ol-ig-oc-ar’-pa (having few fruits), Le.

This stove species, native of the Andes of Columbia, which is also known
as A. decomposita of Karsten, has the largest and most compound pinne
(leaflets) of all known species. Its very ample fronds are qvadripinnatifid
(four times divided half-way to the midrib); their oblong pinne are 14ft.
to 2ft. long, and are furnished with stalked pinnules (leafits) 5in. to Gin.
long and lin. broad ; the segments of the pinnules, ligulate (strap-shaped),
4in. broad, of a moderately firm texture, and with both surfaces green and
smooth, are deeply pinnatifid, with oblong, blunt lobes, on the midveins
of which the sori (spore masses) are disposed four to six to each fertile
lobe.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 39.

366 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

A. ornata—or-na’-ta (adorned), Scott.

A greenhouse species, native of Sikkim, where, according to Beddome,
it is found growing on the banks of the Rungbee at an elevation of 2500ft.,
and is called “Dang Pashin” and “Poschok” by the Lepchas. Its large
fronds are tripinnate (three times divided to the midrib), and their oblong-
spear-shaped pinne (leaflets), 1ift. to 2ft. long, are furnished with sessile
(stalkless), spear-shaped pinnules (leafits) 3in. to 4in. long, 2in. broad, of
a moderately firm texture, green on both sides, and free from either hairs or
scales. Their segments (sub-divisions) are strap-shaped, blunt, toothed, and
set closely together, and the numerous small sori (spore masses) are disposed
close to their costa (midrib).—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 460. Beddome,
ferns of British India, t. 342.

A. paleolata—pal-é-ol-a’-ta (scaly), Martius.

This strong-growing, stove species, also known as A. Gardneri of Hooker
and A. senilis of Klotzsch, is a native of Columbia and Brazil, where its
slender stem or trunk attains a height of 20ft. Its ample fronds are tri-
pinnatifid (three times divided half-way to the midrib), have their rachis
(stalk of the leafy portion) straw-coloured, smooth, and finely-downy below.
Their pinne (leaflets) are oblong-spear-shaped, 14ft. to 2ft. long, furnished
with strap-shaped, stalkless pinnules (leafits) 3in. to 4in. long, din. to 3in.
broad, cut down to a narrow wing: the segments thus produced, of moderately
firm texture and densely hairy on both sides, are ligulate (strap-shaped),
blunt, nearly entire, and about in. broad. The unusually large sori (spore
masses) are medial (disposed on the midvein of the fertile segments).—
Hooker, Species Hilicum, i, p. 41. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening,
Bn, Te MSOF

A. paucifolia—pau-cif-ol/-i-a (having few leaves); Baker.

A stove species, native of the Andes of Ecuador, of comparatively dwarf
stature, its slender stem or trunk seldom attaining more than 3ft. in height
and lin. in thickness. Its fronds, 2ft. to 3ft. long, are oblong in shape and
bipinnate (twice divided to the midrib); they are borne on remarkably black
stipes (stalks) about 6in. long: like the stipes, the rachis (stalk of the
leafy portion) is black and naked on the under-side, and the scales observed

ALSOPHILA. 367

at the base, equally black but edged with brown, are spear-shaped and very
glossy. The pinne (leaflets) are stalkless and cut down to the rachis, the
central ones 6in. to 7in. long and lin. broad, the lower ones of smaller
dimensions. The pinnules (leafits) are of an almost leathery texture, ereen
on both sides, ligulate (strap-shaped), somewhat pointed, toothed, about Hin.
broad, and attached to the rachis on the whole length of their base. The
sparingly-produced sori (spore masses) are costular (disposed on the midrib
or costa of the fertile pinnules).—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 457.

A. phalerata—phal-er-a’-ta (ornamented). A form of A. infesta.

A. phegopteroides—phe-gop’ -ter-5-i/-dés (Phegopteris-like), Hooker.

This stove species, native of Tarapota, Hastern Peru, is very peculiar on
account of the shortness of its stipes (stalks), the character of its fronds—
which in outline resemble those of some Lastrea or Phegopteris—and their
hairy clothing, brown and shaggy beneath. It is of comparatively dwarf
dimensions, its stem or trunk seldom attaining more than 3ft. in height. Its
fronds are bipinnate (twice cut down to the midrib), borne on unarmed
stipes (stalks) only 3in. to din. long and clothed with large, spear-shaped,
glossy, black scales having a pale margin: they are of almost leathery
texture, black-green above, paler beneath, hairy on both sides, especially
underneath, broadly spear-shaped and pinnatifid (cut half-way down to their
midrib). The pinne (leaflets) are 3in. to din. long and 4in. broad, stalkless,
oblong, shortly and bluntly pointed, and cut down very close to their midrib:
the lobes thus formed are oblong, very blunt and entire, and have their
margins slightly recurved. The sori (spore masses), situated at the forking
of the veins, are disposed in a line between the midrib and the margin of
the fertile segments.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 32.

A. podophylla — pod-oph-yl’-la (having fronds provided with a foot or
stalk), Hooker.

A greenhouse species, native of Chusan and Hong-Kong, where it is said
to be plentiful. It is a very variable species, somewhat resembling A. glabra
of Hooker, though quite distinct from that species. Its ample fronds, of a
somewhat leathery texture, are borne on stipes (stalks) of a peculiarly
aculeate (spiny) nature, and, like the rachis (stalk of the leafy portion

368 THE BOOK OF WCHOLCE. PIGRNS:

of the frond), are of a purple-brown colour. The primary pinne (principal
leaflets) are 2ft. or more long, and pinnatifid (cut half-way to the midrib)
at their summit; the pinnules (leafits) are distinctly stalked, 4in. to 8in.
long, 3in. to lin. broad, and extremely variable in form, their base being
either sub-hastate (nearly halbert-shaped), heart-shaped, or truncate (terminating
abruptly), while sometimes they are either toothed towards their summit,
entire (undivided), or slightly lobed, or more or less deeply cut to their
midrib. The sori (spore masses) are disposed in a single row running
parallel with the primary vein of the fertile pinnules—Hooker, Synopsis
Filicum, p. 438.

A. Poppigii—Pep-pig’-i-i (Peppig’s), Hooker.

This stove species, native of Peru, is somewhat allied to A. paleolata,
from which it essentially differs through its closely-pinnate principal leaflets :
these are abundantly furnished with stalkless, elongated, spear-shaped pinnules
(leafits), suddenly terminating in a tapering point, and divided nearly to
their costa (midrib). The sub-divisions of these pinnules—thick, leathery,
and crowded—are narrow-oblong, sickle-shaped, and very blunt: they have
their margins slightly curved in and densely clothed to their very point with
sori (spore masses), which are freely intermixed with short hairs of a light
brown colour.—Hooker, Species Filicum, i., p. 48.

A. precincta—pree-cine’-ta (girded), Kunze.

In this stove species, native of Bahia, the fronds are tripinnatifid (three
times divided half-way to the midrib) ; they have oblong-spear-shaped leaflets
1ft. to 14ft. long, furnished with distinctly-stalked, spear-shaped pinnules
(leafits) 3in. to 4in. long and about lin. broad, cut down to a broad wing.
The sub-divisions thus produced are of a somewhat leathery texture, bright
green on both sides, blunt, closely and finely toothed, and the very small sori
(spore masses) are disposed along their margin.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum,
p. 458.

A. procera—pro-ce’-ra (tall), Kaulfuss.
A stove species, native of Tropical America, where it is very abundant.
Its fronds are of a somewhat leathery texture, and bipinnate (twice divided

.

=
é
is

Hn

oy

: TON 4

TUM eee tt

MANALI vane (AED A
Hib Miqivoerose™

‘fil

es

AMTMITT Mceetesr er TAM es
ANSI : Weta aia neta cig

(AMA
BUD (Ali

ALSOPHILA., 369

to the midrib), except at their extremity, where they are divided only half-
way to the midrib: they are borne on robust stipes (stalks) of a prickly
nature, and covered on their lower part with very large and exceedingly
glossy scales of a dark brown colour. The primary pinn (principal leaflets)
are lft. long or more, furnished with pinnules (leafits) 2in. to 3in. long,
#in. broad, bluntish, and cut half-way down to their midrib. The lobes
thus produced are mostly entire and often pointed: all of them are provided
with sori (spore masses), which are abundant, and disposed between ‘their
midrib and their margin.—Hooker, Species Filicum, i., p. 38. Nicholson,
Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 56.

A. pruinata— pri-i-na’-ta (like hoar-frost, in reference to the glaucous
nature of the under-side of the fronds), Aavulfuss.

This remarkably handsome species, which thrives equally well under
either stove or greenhouse treatment, is a native of Tropical America and
the West Indian Islands. Sir W. J. Hooker remarks that it is an
abundant Jamaica Fern, that it has a stem from 3ft. to 8ft. in height,
with stipes perfectly smooth, and that Mr. Douglas compares it to a small
pine tree, leafy at the top. Its fronds, from 5ft. to 6ft. long and bipinnate
(twice divided to the midrib), are borne on stalks devoid of prickles, but
densely woolly at their base. The primary pinne (principal leaflets) are
distinctly stalked, lanceolate in shape, and ft. to 14ft. long; their pinnules
(leafits) are also stalked, 3in. to 4in. long, cut more than half-way to their
midrib, and sometimes perfectly pinnate (divided to the midrib). The very
numerous sub-divisions thus formed are spear-shaped, sharply pointed, finely
and conspicuously toothed, about gin. long, coriaceous (leathery), shining
bright green above and glaucous (bluish-green) underneath. The sori (spore
masses) are disposed singly near the midvein, one to each of the fertile
lobes.—Hooker, Species Filicum, i., p. 47. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening,
1, p. 56. Lowe, Ferns British and Exotic, viii, t. 66.

Although very scarce in cultivation, this beautiful species deserves every
attention, if only on account of its distinctive and ornamental characters, for
its fronds, of a particularly elegant habit, are quite as silvery underneath as
those of the better-known Cyathea dealbata; while the stem or trunk from
which they are produced, and which under cultivation seldom attains great

3 B

370 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS,

dimensions, usually produces several crowns or heads, and by the division
of these the plant can be increased.

A. pterorachis—pter-or’-ach-is (having a winged stalk), Baker.

A stove species, from Tarapota, East Peru, with fronds 3ft. long,
bipinnate (twice divided to the midrib), rendered conspicuous by the peculiar
grey colour of their smooth stalk and rachis (stalk of their leafy portion ),
both of which are covered with spear-shaped scales of a dark brown colour,
with a distinet pale border. The upper pinnz (leaflets) are stalkless, but
the lower ones are distinctly stalked, spear-shaped, Sin. to 6in. long and
gin. to 2in. broad, and furnished with numerous strap-shaped and _ closely-
set pinnules (leafits) of a thin, papery texture, smooth, and bright green on
both sides. The very small sori (spore masses) are set in either one or
two irregular rows midway between the edge and the midrib of the fertile
pinnules.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 456.

A. pubescens—pu-bes’-cens (downy), Baker.

This stove species, native of Peru and New Granada, is of very decorative
habit. Its stem or trunk, of a slender and flexuose (undulating) nature and
conspicuously marked with oval scars, attains about 10ft. in height. The
ample fronds are oblong in form, 3ft. to 4ft. lone, bipinnatifid (twice divided
half-way to the midrib), borne on robust, smooth, brown stipes (stalks)
about Ift. long; the rachis (stalk of the leafy portion), instead of being
scaly as in most species, is densely covered with fine, spreading, grey hairs.
The pinne (leaflets) are shortly stalked, strap-shaped, Sin. to 6in. long and
lin. broad, cut down to a narrow wing into close, entire, blunt lobes of
a moderately firm texture, and finely downy all over both sides. The sori
(spore masses) are situated at the forking of the veins, near the midrib of
the fertile pinnules.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 32.

A. pungens—pun’-gens (very sharp-pointed), Kaulfuss.

A stove species, native of British Guiana. Its ample fronds are tripin-
natifid (three times divided half-way to the midrib), and furnished with
oblong-spear-shaped leaflets Ift. to 14ft. long, which are divided into stalkless,
spear-shaped, pointed pinnules (leafits) 3in. long and din. broad, cut down

ALSOPHILA. 371

to a distinct wing. The sub-divisions thus produced are of a somewhat
leathery texture, bright green on both sides, sickle-shaped, blunt, and entire
(uncut). The very small sori (spore masses) are medial (disposed on the
midvein of the fertile segments).—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 457.

A. pyenocarpa—pyc-noc-ar’-pa (havine dense fruit), Kunze.
A very peculiar-looking, stove species (Fig. 53), native of Peru, with
a thorny stem or trunk seldom more than 6ft. in height, and ample

Fig. 68, Alsophila pycnocarpa
(greatly reduced).

fronds of a leathery texture and bipinnate (twice divided to the midrib).
The primary pinne (principal leaflets) are borne on short, articulated
(jointed) stalks, and furnished with nearly stalkless pinnules (leafits) dented
at the base and bluntish at their summit, of a dark green colour on both

372 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

sides. The sori (spore masses) are set so closely together in two rows as to be
almost contiguous on the fertile pinnules.—/ooker, Species Filicum, i., p. 46.

A. radens

ra’-dens (rasping), Aaulfuss.

This stove species, native of Brazil, is of comparatively short stature :
its stem or trunk seldom exceeds 3ft. in height and is only about 3in. in
diameter. Its ample fronds, 4ft. to 6ft. long, brilliant green, and of a thin,
papery texture, are borne on stipes (stalks) 2ft. to 3ft. long, clothed with
ege-shaped scales of a pale brown colour and strongly aculeate (prickly).
The primary pinne (principal leaflets) are 12 ft. long, acuminate (terminating
in a tapering point), divided into narrow-spear-shaped pinnules (leafits) 2in.
to 3in. long, which, in their turn, are subdivided into oblong, copiously-
toothed segments. The sori (spore masses) are disposed between the midrib
and the margin, from four to six on each side of the midrib of the fertile
segments. — flooker, Species Filicum, i., p. 46. Nicholson, Dictionary of
Gardening, i., p. 56. Lowe, Ferns British and Eaotic, viil., t. 64.

A. Rebeceze—Reb-ec’-cxe (Rebecca’s), F. Mueller. )

This greenhouse species, native of Queensland, is, through its habit,
totally distinct from all other known species. Its stem or trunk, which
reaches about 8ft. in height, is of a peculiar smooth nature and comparatively
slender, yet it is well furnished with broad fronds 2ft. to 3f¢. in length and
of a particularly elegant, arching habit. These fronds are of an almost
leathery texture, bipinnate (twice divided to the midrib), and their stipes
(stalks) being nearly black, form a striking contrast to the glossy, deep
green colour of their upper surface. The lower pinn (leaflets) are ft. to
17ft. long and 4in. to 5in. broad: they are furnished on each side with
from twenty to thirty pinnules (leafits), the lower ones of which are
distinctly stalked, Qin. to 8in. long and about din. broad, terminating
in a tapering point, while their base, rounded on both sides, is slightly
auricled (eared) above. .The small and numerous sori (spore masses) are
disposed in two rows situated half-way between the midrib and the edge
of the fertile pinnules. For the accompanying Plate we are indebted to
Mr. William Bull.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 40. Nicholson, Dictionary
of Gardening, i., p. 56.

ALSOPHILA. 373

A. Robertsiana—Rhob-erts-i-a’-na (Roberts’), /. dweller. ,

A very distinct, greenhouse species, native of (Queensland. Its ample
fronds are quadripinnatifid (four times divided half-way to the midrib) ; their
pinne (leaflets) are oblong-spear-shaped, 1ft. to 14ft. long, 4in. to 6in. broad,
and of a particularly light and feathery nature. The pinnules (leafits) are
Zin. to 3in. long, fin. to #in. broad, spear-shaped, closely set, sessile (stalkless)
and show a very narrow yet distinct wing all down the rachis (stalk of their
leafy portion): their seements are of a soft texture, strap-shaped, close, and
deeply cut. The small sori (spore masses) fill up nearly the whole of the
fertile divisions.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 459.

A. sagittifolia—sag-it-tif-ol’-i-a (having arrow-shaped leaves), Hooker.

This very handsome and distinct, stove species, native of Trinidad, has
- fronds of very leathery texture, 4ft. to 6ft. long, and bipinnate (twice divided
to the midrib). The pinne (leaflets) are 9in. to 12in. long, spear-shaped,
the lower ones being shorter and deflexed (bent downwards). The stalkless
pinnules (leafits) are about I4in. long, strap-shaped, dented, rounded on both
sides at the base, green and smooth on both surfaces, though a few broad,
white scales may be noticed on the ribs of the lower ones. The sori (spore
masses) are large, and arranged in one irregular row, disposed half-way
between the edge and the midrib of the fertile pinnules—Aooker, Synopsis
Filicum, p. 456. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 56.

A. Salvinii—Sal-vi’-ni-i (Salvin’s), Hooker.

A very distinct and peculiar, stove species, native of Chilasco, Guatemala.
Its fronds are 3ft. long, of a firm—almost leathery—texture, dark green above
and pale beneath; their rachis (stalk of the leafy portion) is jin. thick,
glossy ebeneous-black, and nearly smooth. These fronds are almost spear-
shaped, but terminate in a tapering point, and are tripinnate (three times
divided to the midrib). The pinne (leaflets), oblong in form but termi-
nating in a point, are furnished with closely-set pinnules (leafits) in.
long, borne on short footstalks, cut down half-way to their midrib, and
toothed at the summit. The sori (spore masses) are disposed in a series
nearer the midrib than the margin of the fertile pinnules—Hooker, Synopsis
Filicum, p. 36.

374 Title BOOK (OL (COTE PINS:

A. samoensis—sam-o-en’-sis (from Samoa), Brackenridge.

In this stove species, native of the Samoan Islands, the stem or trunk ig
devoid of spines. The fronds are smooth, of a thin, papery texture, and
bipinnate (twice divided to the midrib). The long, spear-shaped pinnules
(leafits) are again divided half-way to their midrib, and the lobes thus pro-
duced are oblong, blunt, and toothed like a saw. The sori (spore masses)
are disposed nearer the midrib than the margin of the fertile lobes.—Hooker,
Synopsis Filicum, p. 389.

A. Schiedeana—Schie-dé-a’-na (Schiede’s), Presi.

A Mexican, stove species, known only from dried specimens. Its ample
fronds are of thin texture; the pinne and pinnules (leaflets and leafits) are
alternate (not opposite), almost stalkless, and cut down more than half-way
to the midrib: their sickle-shaped segments are blunt at the summit.—
Hooker, Species Filicum, i, p. 48.

A. Schlimii—Schlim’-i-i (Schlim’s), Mettenius.

This handsome, stove species, which through its habit may be said to
be intermediate between A. elongata and A. paleolata, is a native of the
Andes of Columbia. Its ample fronds are tripinnate (three times divided
to the midrib), and are conspicuous through their rachis (stalk of the
leafy portion), of a pale brown colour, being very hairy and also covered
with large brown scales. The primary pinne (principal leaflets) are oblong-
spear-shaped, 14ft. to 2ft. long, furnished with stalkless, strap-shaped pinnules
(leafits) 3in. to 4in. long by #in. broad and cut down to a narrow wing.
The sub-divisions thus formed are of an almost leathery texture, falcate (sickle-
shaped), toothed and closely set; their ribs on both sides are very hairy,
and the rest of the surface is slightly so. The sori (spore masses) are
situated on the midvein, and cover nearly the whole of the fertile segments

except the tip.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 458.

A. Scottiana—Scot-ti-a’-na (Scott's), Baker.

A greenhouse species, native of the Eastern Himalayas, and having the
habit of A. latebrosa. The large fronds are tripinnatifid (three times divided
half-way to the midrib), of a moderately firm texture, green on both sides,
and without hairs or scales. Their oblong-spear-shaped pinne (leaflets) are

ALSOPHILA. 370

14ft. to 2ft. long; the sessile (stalkless) pinnules (leafits) are 3in. to 4in.
long, 3in. broad, strap-shaped, and cut down to a narrow wing or to the
rachis (stalk of the leafy portion), which is chestnut-coloured and smooth.
The segments thus formed are ligulate (strap-shaped), blunt, toothed, nearly
sickle-shaped, and barely }in. broad, and the sori (spore masses) are disposed

on or close to their midrib.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 460.
A. senilis—sen-i’-lis (aged). Synonymous with A. paleolata.

A. Sprucei—Spru’-cé-i (Spruce’s), Hooker.

This very handsome, stove Fern, native of Chimborazo, where it 1s found
at an elevation of 2500ft., although not really arborescent, is nevertheless of
large dimensions. Its fronds, of an almost leathery texture and smooth, are
fully 4ft. long: they are produced from a stem or trunk which is reduced
-to a nearly globular rhizome (prostrate stem), and are borne on stout stipes
(stalks) equally 4ft. long, very spiny at the base, and densely clothed on
their whole length with scales of a rusty colour and of two different kinds—
some long, very slender and hair-like, and others large and lanceolate (spear-
shaped). The primary pinne (principal leaflets), 1ft. or more long, are
furnished with oblong pinnules (leafits) 23in. to 3in. long and din. broad,
terminating in a tapering point, and deeply cut nearly to the midrib. The
lobes thus produced are sickle-shaped, pointed, entire, and have their margins
slightly reflexed (bent back). The sori (spore masses) occupy the entire
space between the midrib and the margin of the lobes—AHooker, Synopsis
Filicum, p. 37.

A. squamulata — squa-mul-a’-ta (slightly scaly). Synonymous with
A. comosa.

A. subglandulosa—sub-glan-dul-o’-sa (somewhat glandular), Hance.
This stove species, native of Formosa, has fronds tripinnate (three times
divided to the midrib), and borne on stout stipes (stalks) densely clothed
at the base with long, flaccid, narrow scales of a light brown colour. The
lower pinne (leaflets) are Ift. long, and are furnished with spear-shaped
pinnules (leafits) which have their segments deeply pinnatifid (cut down
nearly to the midrib), and ciliated at the edge with glandular hairs. The
rachis (stalk of the leafy portion of the frond) is densely clothed with

376 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

small, narrow, dark-coloured scales. The copious sori (spore masses) are
disposed between the midrib and the margin of the fertile pinnules.—Hooker,
Synopsis Filicum, p. 44.

A. Tenitis—Ten-i’-tis (Tenitis-like), Hooker.

This elegant, stove species, native of Brazil, has fronds 3ft. to 6ft. long
and bipinnate (twice divided to the midrib). Their pinnz (leaflets), 1ft. to
1jft. long, are furnished with distantly-set pinnules (leafits) borne on short
footstalks, which are peculiarly jointed on to the rachis (stalk of the leafy
portion of the frond). These pinnules, of a smooth nature and of a somewhat
leathery texture, are lanceolate (spear-shaped), but terminate in a tapering
point and measure 3in. to Sin. in length. The sori (spore masses), which
are mixed with long, copious hairs, are disposed in a single row midway
between the costa (midrib) and the margin of the fertile pinnules.—Hooker,
Species Filicum, i., p. 85. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 56.

A. tomentosa—to-men-to’-sa (woolly), Hooker.

A stove species, native of Java and Formosa, somewhat resembling the
Indian A. crinita, but scarcely anywhere hairy. The stipes (stalks) and main
rachis (stalk of the leafy portion of the frond), of a palish brown colour,
are strongly muricated (rendered very rough by the presence of numerous
short spines tipped with a black gland). The fronds, with pinne (leaflets)
2ft. long by about 10in. broad, are of a leathery texture and of a_blackish-
green colour above; their stalkless pinnules (leafits), divided nearly to the
midrib into narrow-oblong lobes, are of a very peculiar nature, inasmuch as
their under-side is conspicuously cobwebby with small, white, ragged scales of
a woolly nature. The scales fill up all the interstices of the sori (spore
masses), with which the whole under-surface of the frond is covered.—

Hooker, Species Filicum, 1., p. 5d.

A. tristis—tris’-tis (sad, referring to the dull colour of its foliage), Blume.

This very remarkable, stove Fern, native of Java, is distinct not only
through the peculiar tint of its fronds, but also through their form, which is
intermediate between ege-shape and spear-shape. They are of a_blackish-
brown colour, 3ft. or more in length, tripinnate (three times divided to the
midrib), and borne on stipes (stalks) 2ft. or more long, as thick as a goose-

ALSOPHILA. 377

quill, dark- purple, glossy, and, like the main rachis (stalk of the leafy portion),
of a somewhat rough nature. Their primary pinne (principal leaflets), 1ft.
long and often 4in. broad, are disposed about 4in. apart: they are subdivided
into sessile pinnules (stalkless leafits) Jin. long and cut down half-way to
their midrib. The sori (spore masses) are rather larger than usual, and are
disposed one to each lobule or sub-division when fertile—Hooker, Synopsis
Filicum, p. 44.

A. truncata—trun-ca’-ta (maimed, or terminating abruptly), Brackenridge.

This is a very distinct and peculiar, stove species, native of the Fiji and
Samoan Islands. Its ample fronds are tripinnate (three times divided to the
midrib) ; the primary pinne (principal leaflets) are 10in. to 15in. long, 4in.
to 5in. broad, oblong in form, but terminating in a tapering point. The very
small, stalkless pinnules (leafits) are set at a little distance apart, and are
truncated (maimed) at the base; their margin, slightly lobed, is recurved
(bent in a backward direction): they are of a firm, leathery texture, bright
green above and paler beneath, which tints are shown to great advantage by
the dark purple colour of the glossy rachis (stalk of the leafy portion of
the frond) and by the dark orange tint of the small sori (spore masses),
which are disposed close to the midrib of the fertile pinnules.—Hooker,
Synopsis Filicum, p. 39.

A. Van-Geertii—Van-Geert’-i-i (Van Geert’s). A variety of A. infesta.
A. Veitehii—Veitch’-i-i (Veitch’s). A form of A. lunulata.

A. yvernicosa—ver-nic-o’-sa (varnished), Mettenius.

A stove species, of comparatively small dimensions, native of Venezuela.
The fronds are tripinnatifid (three times divided half-way to the midrib) and
of a somewhat leathery texture. The oblong-spear-shaped pinne (leaflets)
are Gin. to 12in. long, and are furnished with almost stalkless, ligulate
pinnules (strap-shaped leafits) 1din. to 24in. long: these pinnules- are cut
down to a broad wing into oblong, ascending, close, blunt, entire segments
about two lines broad, of a nearly smooth nature, and green on both sides ;
their ribs underneath are sparingly clothed with a few broad, whitish scales.
The moderately large sori (spore masses) are disposed above the midvein
of the fertile segments.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 37.

oo
Q

378 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

A. villosa—vil-lo’-sa (covered with long, weak hair), Presi.

This very beautiful, stove species, native of New Granada, Brazil,
Venezuela, and other parts of Tropical America, is of somewhat gigantic
dimensions, for its stem or trunk reaches 12ft. in height, and its handsome
fronds, 6ft. to 8ft. long, are borne on smooth stipes (stalks) 1ft. or more long,
densely clothed at their base with glossy scales of a rusty colour and 1#in.
long. These fronds are bi- or tripinnate (twice or three times divided to the -
midrib), broadly spear-shaped in outline, and furnished with oblong-spear-
shaped pinnules (leafits) of a leathery texture, smooth above, but covered on
both sides, when in a young state, with a woolly substance, which oradually
disappears as the fronds become mature. These pinnules are 2in. to 3in.
long, more or less deeply pinnatifid, sometimes divided almost to their midrib
into oblong, blunt, entire or coarsely-toothed lobes, on which the sori (spore
masses) occupy nearly the whole space between the midrib and the margin.
—Hooker, Species Filicum, i., p. 44. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening,
ivy Pw:

A. vitiensis—vi-ti-en’-sis (mative of Viti). A form of A. lunulata.

A. Wallacei—Wal-la’-cé-i (Wallace’s), Mettenius.

A stove species, native of Borneo, with large fronds tripinnatifid (three
times divided half-way to the midrib), and borne on stout stipes (stalks) of
a very downy nature. The pinne (leaflets) are oblong-spear-shaped, lft.
to 14ft. long, furnished with ligulate (strap-shaped) and distinetly-stalked
pinnules (leafits) 1din. to 2in. long and 4in. broad, cut down to a narrow
wing. The sub-divisions thus formed are closely set, equally strap-shaped,
blunt, slightly toothed on the margins, of a somewhat leathery texture, and
green on both sides, the lower one being very hairy, and furnished on the
ribs with a few scales, intermixed with the sori (spore masses).—Hooker,
Synopsis Lilicum, p. 459.

A. Wendlandii—Wend-land’-i-i (Wendland’s), Mettenius.

In this handsome species, native of Costa Rica, the fronds are tripinnatifid
(three times divided half-way to the midrib), and their rachis (stalk of the
leafy portion) is smooth and of a dull brown colour. The oblong-spear-
shaped pinnx (leaflets) are furnished with stalkless or short-stalked, ligulate

HAGE, OME GEG A 379

(strap-shaped) leafits, which are cut down to a narrow wing. The segments
thus produced are of a somewhat leathery texture, closely set, blunt, and
dented round the edges. The sori (spore masses), disposed near the midrib,
are singularly mixed with dense and much-branched, jointed filaments.—

Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 457.

AMPMIBLESTRA—An-phib-le’-stra. See Pteris.
AMPMICOSMIA—Awm-phic-os’-mi-a. See Memitelia.
ANAPELTIS—An-ap-el’-tis. See Polypodium.
ANCHMISTEA—Anch-is’-té-a. See Woodwardia.

CHAE Ti Soe

ANEMIA, Swartz.
(An-e’-mi-a. )

lowering Fern.

= HIS well-marked genus, which derives its name from aneimon,
|| naked, in reference to the peculiar nature of the panicles
of sporangia (spore cases), which are popularly, although
erroneously, termed inflorescences, is almost confined to

Tropical America. It forms Genus 65 in Hooker and
Baker’s “Synopsis Filicum,” and is exclusively composed of Ferns of com-
paratively dwarf habit, distinguished from nearly all others by having, like
our native Osmunda, their fructification disposed in a conspicuous ‘“ panicle ”
standing well above the leafy portion of the frond. Through their fertile
segments being always wholly contracted, a peculiarity which gives them the
appearance of flowering spikes, these interesting plants are popularly known
as ‘‘ Flowering Ferns.”

As a distinguishing character, it may be noted that in all the
species comprised in the genus the small and very abundant capsules form
a copiously-branched panicle quite distinct from the leafy portion of the frond.
Several authors have attempted to separate from the genus Anemia the few
species in which the veins are anastomosing (intermixed), and have made of
them the genus Anemidictyon (from aneimon, naked, and diktuon, a net, in
reference to the reticulated venation). In like manner some authorities have
placed the few species which have the fertile fronds destitute of a foliaceous

ANEMTA., 381

or leafy portion, into a separate genus, under the name of Coptophyllum (from
kopto, to cut, and phyllum, a leaf, in allusion to the invariably divided
character of the fertile frond). It seems, however, more natural to keep all
the species together, and to use the characters of venation and of the com-
bination or separation of fertile and sterile fronds for making only sectional
divisions.

The genus as it now stands, thus comprises the three following
sections :

Kuanemi1a (Hu-an-e’-mi-a), Hooker.—In this section the fertile panicle
and the leafy barren segments, entire or nearly so, are united in the same
frond, which is usually pinnate (only once divided to the midrib), never
bipinnate (twice divided to the midrib), but sometimes bipinnatifid or even
tripinnatifid (twice or even three times divided half-way to the midrib),
with their veins free, but repeatedly forked, so that there is no distinct
midvein.

ANEMIDICTYON (An-e’-mid-ic’-ty-on), J. Smith—The fertile panicle and
the barren leafy portion in this section are united in the same frond, which
is invariably pinnate, but in which the veins, instead of being free, are
anastomosing (running into each other).

CopropuyLium (Copt-oph-yl’-lum), Gardner.—In this division the barren
fronds, which are either twice or thrice pinnate, and the fertile panicle are
totally distinct, and borne on separate stipes (stalks).

Most of, if not all, the known Anemias are possessed of a certain
decorative value, and their peculiar mode of fructification gives them an
additional power of attraction, and entitles them to general cultivation.

Culture.

Although many very interesting species have at different times been
introduced from tropical countries, comparatively few have survived the ordeal
of acclimatisation, or the effects of the treatment first received after their
importation: yet, provided heat and plenty of light are at the disposal of
the cultivator, they are not difficult to manage. Anemias will be found to
thrive best in a mixture of two parts of good fibrous peat, one part of leaf
mould, and one part of sharp, coarse silver sand, the plants being kept

382 LAE BOOK OFF SG OLCE. LEEsRNASS

on a shelf if in a spacious house, or near the glass if in a warm pit or low
house. Watering overhead is very injurious to all of them. They prefer
being grown in small pots to being planted out in the Fernery, and although
they are not what may be thought the ideal of decorative Ferns, as they
cannot be used for general purposes on account of their vegetation being too
slow, still, when grouped together or in conjunction with other Ferns of
dwarf habit or of medium dimensions, they present a very striking appearance. .

Anemias are usually propagated from their spores, which germinate very
freely, though some species of a naturally tufted habit may be increased by
the division of their crowns, an operation which, to be successful, should be
performed between the middle of March and the end of April.

Principal Species and Varieties.

A. adiantifolia—ad-i-ant-if-ol’-i-a (Maidenhair-leaved), Swartz.

This very handsome, evergreen, stove species, which is perhaps the best-
known of the whole genus, is a native of the West Indies, being found
abundantly in Jamaica, Cuba, the Bahamas, St. Domingo, Guadeloupe, also
in Central and South America, Southern Florida, Biscayene Bay, Guatemala,
and Mexico, where, according to Schott, it is found growing in pine woods
and on old ruins. Its fronds, which seldom exceed 14ft. in height, including
the very slender and very hairy stipes (stalks) on which they are borne, are
produced from a creeping rhizome (prostrate stem), and have their veins
repeatedly forked but not intermixed. They are bipinnate (twice divided to
the midrib), except at the base, where they are thrice pinnate: their
barren portion is shortly stalked, 6in. to 9in. long, 4in. to 6in. broad, deltoid
(in shape like the Greek delta, A), and furnished with lanceolate (spear-
shaped) pinne (leaflets), the lower pair of which are opposite and the others
alternate (not opposite). Their pinnules (leafits) are of a leathery texture,
dark green on both sides, cuneate (wedge-shaped) at the base, and sharply
toothed on the margin, the basal ones being again divided to the midrib.
The fertile panicle, situated at the base of the leafy or barren portion of the
frond, consists of two upright, contracted segments 3in. to 4in. long, and
borne on slender stalks 2in. to 3m. long: they are flattened, and bear two

rows of acorn-shaped sporangia (spore cases), provided with a terminal,

ANEMTA. 5383

transverse ring

a character which is shared by all the species belonging to
the same section—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 434. Nicholson, Dictionary
of Gardening, 1., p. 73. Lowe, New and Rare Ferns, t. 32. Eaton, Ferns
of North America, t. 14, fig. 2, p. 108.

A. affinis—af-fi’-nis (related), Baker.
A stove species, native of North Mexico. Its fronds are of a thin,

papery texture, and smooth on both sides: they are borne on naked stipes
(stalks) Gin. to 10in. long ; their barren portion is lanceolate (spear-shaped),
Gin. to 8in. long, 1din. to 2in. broad, composed of eight or nine pairs of
spear-shaped or oblong pinne (leaflets) din. broad, blunt, cuneate (wedge-
shaped) on the lower side at the base, nearly square on the upper side, finely
and irregularly toothed on the margins. The fertile portion consists of con-
_tracted segments 3in. to 4in. long, borne on stalks fully 6in. long— Hooker,

Synopsis Filicum, p. 525.

A. (Coptophyllum) aurita—Copt-oph-yl/-lum ; au-ri’-ta (eared), Swartz.

In this stove species, native of Jamaica, the barren and the fertile fronds,
borne on separate stipes (stalks), are entirely distinct. The barren ones, on
firm, upright, slightly hairy stalks 2in. to 3in. long, are deltoid (in shape like
the Greek delta, A), 3in. to 6in. long, 14in. to Qin. broad, and bipinnate
(twice divided to the midrib); their lowest pinne (leaflets), which are the
largest, are disposed on short footstalks, and are simple or occasionally
furnished with two roundish, sessile (stalkless), entire or slightly-toothed
pinnules (leafits) on each side: these are of a coriaceous (leathery) texture,
and have a glossy surface. The fertile fronds, borne on stalks 6in. to Sin.
long, form an interrupted panicle of contracted segments 2in. to 3in. long,
the lower branches of which are shorter than the others.—Hooker, Synopsis
Llicum, p. 435.

A. (Coptophyllum) bipinnata—Copt-oph-yl/-lum ; bip-in-na/-ta (twice
pinnate), Moore.

A stove species, native of the West Indies. Its barren fronds are 2in. to

3in. long, fin. broad, and borne on slender, naked stipes (stalks) lin. to Qin.

long: they are tripinnatifid (three times divided half-way to the midrib),

384 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

and their pinne (leaflets), the lowest of which are the largest, are furnished
with wedge-shaped, pinnatifid pinnules (leafits) of an almost coriaceous
(leathery) texture, and with both surfaces slightly hairy. The fertile fronds,
which are totally distinct from the barren ones, consist of contracted segments
disposed in a close, elongated panicle borne on a slender stalk Qin. to 3in.
long.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 435.

A. Breuteliana—Breu-tel-i-a’-na’ (Breutel’s), Presi. |
This well-marked, stove species, with which A. hirta and A. jiltformis,
both of Swartz, are identical, is widely distributed, for its habitat extends
from Mexico and the West Indies to Brazil and Peru. Its singular fronds,
borne on slightly hairy stipes (stalks) 6in. to 10in. long, are composed of
from six to nine pairs of barren pinne (leaflets), 4in. to 9in. long, 1}in. to
Zin. broad, of almost leathery texture, and nearly smooth on both surfaces :
these pinne are stalkless, oblong in form, blunt, rather unequal-sided,
entire or slightly cut down in the lower part, and grow smaller gradually
upwards. The fertile panicle is composed of contracted segments, disposed at
the base of the barren or leafy portion of the frond, 2in. to 4in. long, and
borne on footstalks 3in. to 6in. long.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 432.

A. caudata—cau-da’-ta (tailed), Kaulfuss.

This stove species, native of Brazil, also known under the name of
A. radicans, is with A. rotundifolia the only species of a proliferous character
at present known. Its most singular fronds, borne on slightly hairy stipes
(stalks) 6in. to 9in. long, have their barren portion 8in. to 12in. long, often
prolonged and rooting at its apex: it is about 2in. broad at the base, very
gradually narrowed upwards, and is composed of twenty or more pairs of
sessile pine (stalkless leaflets), fully developed on one side of the midrib
and scarcely at all on the other, about lin. long and Hn. broad, with a blunt
point and finely toothed margins. The pinne are of a somewhat leathery
texture, and both their surfaces, as well as their rachis (stalk of the leafy
portion), are slightly hairy. Their fertile portion, situated at the base of
the barren one, and borne on a footstalk 3in. to Yin. long, is composed of
contracted segments disposed in a loose panicle 2in, to 3in. long.—Hooker,
Synopsis Filicum, p. 432.

Adiantum lunulatum dolabriforme
(4 nat. size).

ANEMTA. 385

A. cheilanthoides—cheil-anth-é-i’-dés (Cheilanthes-like).
A popular appellation for A. tomentosa, and one for which no authority
appears to be responsible.

A. ciliata—cil-i-a’-ta (fringed with hairs). Synonymous with A. hirsuta.

A. collina—col-li’-na (from the hills), Raddi.

This yery rare, stove species, also known as A. hirta of J. Smith, is
a native of Brazil. It is quite distinct from most other known species owing
to the ferruginous (rusty) colour of the spreading hairs which densely clothe
the firm, upright stipes (stalks) 8in. to 12in. long. The fronds have their
barren portion 6in. to 12in. long, 2in. to 38in. broad, and are composed of
about twelve pairs of sessile pinne (stalkless leaflets), which are about 14in.
long by din. broad, unequal-sided, blunt, and nearly entire: these pinne are
of an almost leathery texture, set further apart than in most other species,
and their rachis (stalk of the leafy portion) is, like the stipes, covered with
spreading hairs of a rusty colour. The fertile portion, disposed at the base
of the barren one, consists of contracted segments 2in. to 3in. long, disposed
in a panicle, and borne on slightly hairy footstalks 4in. to Gin. long. See
Plate-—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 432. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening,
Tey Ws vt:

A. cuneata—cun-é-a’-ta (wedge-shaped), Mwnze.

This very pretty, stove Fern, native of Cuba, may perhaps be but
a small, finely-cut form of A. adiantifolia, to which it appears related through
the nature of the creeping rhizome (prostrate stem) from which its prettily-
divided fronds are produced. The fronds are borne on slender, naked stipes
(stalks) 3in. to 4in. long: they are of an almost leathery texture, and have
their surfaces as well as the rachis (stalk of their leafy portion) quite smooth.
The barren segments are long-stalked, 3in. to 4in. long, and tripinnatifid
(divided three times half-way to the midrib) : they are furnished with
pinnules (leafits), the sub-divisions of which are linear-cuneate (narrow-wedge-
shaped) and cleft at their summit. The fertile segments are disposed in
a slender, loose panicle, with its lower branches elongated, and are borne on
slender footstalks 1jin. long.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 434.
A. deltoidea—del-toid’-é-a (delta-like). Synonymous with A. tomentosa.

Qa

v D

386 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

A. dentata—den-ta’-ta (toothed). Synonymous with A. filiformis.

A. (Coptophyllum) dichotoma — Copt-oph-yl’-lum ; dich-ot/-om-a
(dichotomous or divided in twos), Gardner.

In this stove species, native of Brazil, the barren and the fertile fronds
are quite distinct. The barren ones are borne on firm, upright, densely-tufted
stipes (stalks) of a peculiarly slender nature; their leafy portion is only
about 2in. long and lin. broad, oblong in shape, and tripinnate (three times
divided to the midrib); their segments or sub-divisions, two to three lines
long and of almost leathery texture, are filiform (thread-like) and repeatedly
forked. The fertile fronds, borne on stalks 3in. to 4in. long, consist of
contracted segments forming a panicle 2in. to 3in. long, with the lower
branches elongated.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 435.

A. Dregeana—Dre-gé-a’-na (Drege’s), Kunze.

A stove species, native of Natal. Its fronds are borne on firm, slightly
hairy stipes (stalks) 8in. to 12in. long; their barren portion, 8in. to 19in.
long and 2in. to 3in. broad, is formed of from eight to twelve pairs of pinne
(leaflets), which are lin. to lin. long, din. to in. broad, unequal at the
base, with their upper side somewhat heart-shaped, and their margin con-
spicuously toothed. These leaflets are of almost leathery texture, and their
surfaces and rachis (stalk of the leafy portion) are covered with fine hairs:
they show a distinct midrib often half-way to their summit. The fertile
portion, situated at the base of the barren one, is composed of contracted
segments, disposed in a panicle 3in. to 4in. long, with lower branches
stretched out, and is borne on a stalk 3in. to din. long. See Fig. 54.—
Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 431. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening,
ig OS. ela

A. filiformis—fi-lif-or’-mis (thread-like), Presl.

A stove species, native of the West Indies and Brazil, also known in
gardens as A. dentata. Its fronds are of a very thin, papery texture, finely
hairy on both surfaces, borne on peculiarly slender stipes (stalks) 2in. to 3in.
long, which are also of a slightly hairy nature. The barren portion, 3in.
to 4in. long and lin. to I4in. broad, is formed of from six to eight pairs of
pinne (leaflets), only two to three lines broad, with nearly their own breadth

ANEMTA. 387

between them, and with the edge deeply toothed. The fertile portion, which
consists of contracted segments, is disposed in a panicle 2in. to 3in. long

Fig. 54, Anemia Dregeana

(& nat. size).

composed of short branches, and is borne on a footstalk Sin. to 10in. long,
A. filiformis of Swartz is regarded by Hooker and Baker as synonymous with-
A. Breuteliana—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 431.

388 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

A. flexuosa—flex-ti-o’-sa (wavy). Synonymous with A. tomentosa.
A. fraxinifolia

A. Gardneri—Gard’-ner-i (Gardner’s), Hooker.

This pretty, stove species, native of South Brazil, and also known in
gardens -as A. Glaziovii, must not be confounded with A. Gardneriana of
Presl (synonymous with A. glareosa of Gardner), also from South Brazil,
but from which it is totally different. Its fronds, ‘of a leathery texture, and
with rachis (stalk of the leafy portion) and both surfaces naked, are borne
on firm, upright, and equally naked stipes (stems) 3in. to 4in. long. Their
barren portion, 4in. long by 2gin. broad, is formed of four pairs of imbricated
pinne (overlapping leaflets), the lowest of which are about lin. broad: they
are all borne on short footstalks, and have their veins quite flabellate (fan-
shaped), and their edge conspicuously notched with little, roundish teeth.

frax-in-if-ol/-i-a (Ash-leaved). A variety of A. Phyllitidis.

The fertile portion of the frond, which is situated at the base of the barren
one, consists of contracted segments disposed in a panicle about 2in.
long, and is borne on a stalk of about equal length —Hooker, Synopsis
Filicum, p. 431.

A. Gardneriana—Gard-ner-i-a’-na (Gardner’s). This is identical with
A. glareosa.

A. glareosa—gla-ré-o’-sa (growing in gravelly places), Gardner.

This stove species, native of South Brazil, is remarkable owing to
its barren portion being truly pinnate (once divided to the midrib) only at
the base, as also by the rusty-coloured hairs with which the firm, upright
stipes (stalks) are densely clothed. It is also known as A. Gardneriana.
The fronds, of a leathery texture and with both surfaces finely hairy, have
their barren portion formed of a terminal lobe and of three or four pairs of
oblong, blunt pinne (leaflets), only the lowest pair, which are occasionally |
lobed on the lower side at the base, being divided to the midrib. The fertile
portion, formed of dense, short, somewhat upright branches of contracted
segments disposed in a panicle 3in. to 4in. long, is borne on a footstalk
seldom exceeding lin. in length—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 432.

A. Glaziovii—%laz-i-o’-vi-i (Glaziou’s). Synonymous with A. Gardneri.

ANEMIA. 389

A. hirsuta—hir-su’-ta (hairy), Swartz.

This very handsome, stove species, native of Jamaica and South Brazil,
and also popularly known under the names of A. repens and A. ciliata, is of
comparatively robust habit. Its fronds are bipinnatifid (twice divided half-
way to the midrib), and are borne on slender, upright, naked stipes (stalks)
Gin. to 12in. lone: their barren portion, 2in. to 6in. long and lin. to 3in.
broad, is composed of from six to eight pairs of pinne (leaflets) lin. to 1}in.
long, din. to 2in. broad, varying from oblong, blunt, nearly entire, or even
truncate (terminating abruptly) at the base on the lower side, to deeply
pinnatifid, and- with narrow divisions which are of almost leathery texture
and have their surfaces slightly hairy. The fertile portion, situated at the
base of the barren one, is composed of contracted segments closely set in
‘a panicle 2in. long, and borne on a slender stalk 2in. to 6in. in length.—
_ Hooker, Synopsis Pilicum, p. 433. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 73.

A. hirta—hir’-ta (hairy), J. Smith. Synonymous with A. collina.

A. hirta—hir’-ta (hairy), Swartz. Synonymous with A. Breuteliana.

A. Langsdorfiiana—Langs-dorff’-i-a’-na (Langsdorff’s), Pres.

This stove species, native of South Brazil and Venezuela, has somewhat
the general appearance of the popular A. Phillitidis, from which it differs in
several respects, notably in having its veins free instead of intermixed.
Its fronds, of almost leathery texture, have their rachis (stalk of the leafy
portion) finely hairy, and show a distinct midrib extending nearly to the
point of the barren segments. The barren portion, about 6in. long and
nearly as broad, consists of six pairs of sessile pinne (stalkless leaflets), the
lowest the largest, 24in. long and nearly lin. broad, the two sides nearly
equal at the base, their extremity acuminate (terminating in a tapering
point), and serrulate (finely toothed) at the edge. The fertile portion,
situated at the base of the barren one, is composed of short branches of
contracted segments disposed in a panicle 2in. to 3in. long, and borne on
a footstalk of about equal length—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 483.

A. mandioccana—man-di-oc-ca’-na (Mandiocean), Raddt.
This very beautiful and distinct, stove species, native of Brazil, is one of
the strongest-growing Anemias known in cultivation, for its handsome fronds,

390 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

borne on strong, upright, hairy stalks 6in. to 12in. long, have their barren
portion Ift. or more long and 2in. to 4in. broad. This portion is oblong-
spear-shaped, and its lower half is about of equal breadth throughout: it
consists of twenty or more pairs of pinne (leaflets), the extremity of which
is narrowed, but scarcely pointed ; their edge is finely serrulate (toothed like
a saw), and the base of their upper side runs parallel with the stalk, while
their lower base is obliquely truncate (terminating abruptly in an oblique
direction), or sometimes auriculate (eared), 1din. long, and entire. The leaflets
are of almost leathery texture, and their rachis (stalk of the leafy portion)
and both their surfaces are finely hairy. The fertile portion of the frond,
situated at the base of the barren one, is composed of contracted segments
disposed in a panicle of a very compound (closely-set) nature, 3in. to 4in.
long, and borne on a footstalk 5in. to 6in. long.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum,
p. 432. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 73.

A. mexicana—mex-ic-a/-na (Mexican), Klotzsch.

This truly Mexican, stove species, found on shady river cliffs near
New Braunfels, Texas, at Medina, in Western Texas, and, according to
Eaton, in a rocky “arroyo” at the mouth of the River Pecos, is a compara-
tively robust grower. In general aspect, it much resembles the popular
A. Fhyllitidis, though its fronds, borne on firm, naked, slender, and straw-
coloured stipes (stalks) 6in. to 12in. long, instead of being produced from
a single crown, arise from a slowly-creeping rhizome (prostrate stem) covered
with narrow, curled, blackish-brown hairs. Their barren portion, 6in. to 9in.
long and 4in. to Gin. broad, between triangular and egg-shaped, consists of
a large terminal leaflet and from four to six pairs of lateral ones, the lowest
the largest, all distinctly stalked, 2in. to 3in. long and Hin. to 3in. broad.
The lowest leaflets are distinctly cordate (heart-shaped) at the base, the others
are rounded on both sides at the base, and all have their edge slightly toothed.
These leaflets are of a coriaceous (leathery) texture, light green aboye,
paler beneath, and their surfaces are quite naked: their general shape is
between ovate and lanceolate (egg-shaped and spear-shaped), and the well-
marked midvein, distinct to their extremity, as well as the closely-placed,
forking veins on each side of it, which give the surface a striated appearance,

make this Anemia one of the most conspicuous of all the known species.

ANEMIA. 391

The fertile portion of the frond, situated at the base of the barren one,
is composed of dense, short branches of contracted segments disposed in
a particularly narrow panicle 3in. to 4in. long, and borne on a stalk 2in.
to 4in. long.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 4383. Haton, Ferns of . North
America, i., t. 14, p. 99.

A. (Coptophyllum) millefolia—Copt-oph-yl’-lum ; mil-lef-ol/-i-a (having
barren fronds like the leaves of Achillea millefolia), Gardner.

A thoroughly distinct, stove species, native of South Brazil, with fertile
and barren fronds separate. The barren ones in shape and cutting much
resemble leaves of Achillea millefolia: they are 2in. to 3in. long, 3in. to
lin. broad, oblong in shape, tripinnate (three times divided to the midrib),
and are borne on dense, upright, hairy stipes (stalks) lin. to ldin. long,
The oblong pinne (leaflets) are of an almost leathery nature, and are
divided into flattened segments less than one line broad. The fertile frond,
which is a panicle 2in. to 3in. long, composed of short branches of contracted
segments, is borne on a separate stalk 3in. to 4in. long and slightly hairy.
—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 436.

A. oblongifolia—ob-lon-gif-ol’-i-a (having oblong leaves), Swartz.

This stove species, also known as A. Seemann, is a native of Brazil and
Peru. Its fronds, borne on firm, upright, slightly hairy stipes (stalks) 2in.
to 4in. long, have their barren portion 2in. to 4in. long, 1din. broad, and
formed of from six to eight pairs of sessile pinne (stalkless leaflets), which
are oblong, blunt, and almost entire, the base on the upper side being parallel
with the stem. They are of a leathery texture, and have their surfaces
finely hairy and their veins flabellate (fan-shaped). The fertile portion,
situated at the base of the barren one, consists of a panicle lin. to 2in. long,
formed of numerous short, contracted segments, and is borne on a stalk 5in.
to 6in. long.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 431.

A. (Anemidictyon) Phillitidis — An-e’-mid-ic’-t¥-on ; Phyl-li/-tid-is
(Phyllitis-like), Swartz.

This species, native of Cuba, Peru, and South Brazil, thrives equally

well under either greenhouse or stove treatment. It is of much stronger

392 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

constitution than most other species, for it produces from a single crown
fronds frequently reaching 2dft. in height, including the naked, light green
stipes (stalks), lft. to 14ft. long, on which they are borne. Their barren
portion, 8in. to 12in. long and 4in. to 8in. broad, consists of a terminal leaflet
and from four to twelve pairs of lateral ones, all stalkless, the lowest the
largest, 2in. to 6in. long, lin. to Qin. broad, pointed at their extremity, their
base rounded or heart-shaped: they are bright green and of a tolerably tough
texture, and have a distinct midvein extending to their extremity. The
fertile portion, borne on a stalk 3in. to Sin. long, is composed of short, con-
tracted segments, disposed in a dense panicle 4in. to 9in. long. See Coloured
Plate-—Hooker, Synopsis Hilicum, p. 435. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening,
1. p: @3.

Several varieties of this species are in cultivation, the most striking of
which are here described :

A. P. foetida—tet’-id-a (fetid), Baker.

A variety distinguished from the species only by its smaller dimensions
and by the disagreeable smell that is emitted by its foliage at all times, but
principally during the development of the young fronds.

A. P. fraxinifolia—tfrax-in-if-ol’-i-a (Ash-leaved), Raddi.

A variety with fronds seldom exceeding 14ft. in length, including the
somewhat hairy stipes (stalks) on which they are borne. Their barren part
consists of a terminal leaflet and of eight or nine pairs of lateral ones ; these
are entire, egg-shaped, 24in. long, lin. broad, and closely set together. The
fertile portion, composed of short, contracted segments produced in pairs
from the base of the lower pinne (leaflets), forms a very dense panicle
about 9in. high, light green in its young stage, but turning with age to a

peculiar light brown colour.

A. P. lineata—li-né-a/-ta (lined), Moore.

This singular variety differs from the species only through the yellowish-
green central stripe extending to the end of the pinne (leaflets) in all the
fronds.—Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 73.

A. P. plumbea—plum’-bé-a (leaden-grey). A synonym of A. P. tessellata.

ANEMIA, 393

A. P. tessellata—tes-sel-la’-ta (tessellated), Moore.

This peculiar and handsome variety, also known as A. P. plumbea, is
distinct from all others on account of its fronds, which grow about 20in.
high, including their upright, slightly hairy stalks. The pinne (leaflets)
are dark green, with a bright green centre and a leaden-grey border ; they
are further ornamented with mottled, transparent, greenish-yellow blotches
and veins on the upper surface, which markings and nettings give the fronds
the appearance of a charmingly attractive piece of mosaic. As in the parent
plant, the pinne number from four to twelve pairs, besides the terminal one ;
but they are of smaller dimensions, measuring only 2in. to 3in. long by
scarcely lin. broad. Another peculiarity of this variety is the tendency which
it often has to produce from the base of the lower pair of pinne three fertile
segments instead of a pair.—Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 73.

A. radicans—ra-di’-cans (rooting). Synonymous with A. caudata.
A. repens—re’-pens (creeping). Synonymous with A. hirsuta.

A. rotundifolia—rot-un-dif-ol’-i-a (round-leaved), Schrader.

A stove species, native of South Brazil, having fronds borne on upright,
slender stipes (stalks) which are 6in. to 9in. long and hairy in their young
state. It is also distinct from nearly all other known species through the
barren portion of the frond, 8in. to 12in. long and lin. to 2in. broad, being
frequently prolonged and rooting at its extremity. This barren portion
consists of from eight to twelve pairs of distantly-placed, almost leathery
pinne (leaflets) lin. long, #in. broad, very blunt, with their lower side
obliquely truncate (terminating abruptly) at the base, their outer edge finely
toothed, and their surfaces and rachis (stalk of the leafy portion) finely
hairy. The fertile portion is composed of short, contracted segments, disposed
in a panicle 2in. to 3in. long, borne on a slender stalk 3in. to 4in. long.
—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 432.

A. rutefolia—ru-te-fol’-i-a (Rue-leaved), Martius.

This stove species, native of South Brazil, which somewhat re embles
A. adiantifolia in general appearance, has its fronds, equally producec from
a slowly-creeping rhizome (prostrate stem), borne on firm, naked stalks

6in. to 9in. long. Their barren portion is bi- or tripinnatifid (twice or three
38

394 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

times divided half-way to the midrib), 2in. to 3in. long, and lin. to 14in.
broad: it is composed of pinne (leaflets) of almost leathery texture, slightly
hairy, somewhat distantly placed, spear-shaped, and cut down nearly to the
rachis (stalk of the leafy portion) into narrow, toothed or slightly pinnatifid
divisions. This species is distinguished from all others by the sub-segsile
(almost stalkless) nature of its fertile portion, which ig situated at the base of
the barren one, and formed of short, contracted seements disposed in a close.
panicle seldom more than 14in. long.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 434.

A. (Anemidictyon) Schraderiana—An-e’-mid-ic’-t¥-on ; Schra-der-
i-a’-na (Schrader’s) Martius.

A stove species, native of South Brazil, with fronds borne on stipes
(stalks) 6in. to 9in. long and hairy at their base. The barren portion, 3in.
to din. long and broad, is composed of two or three pairs of pinn (leaflets) .
Zin. to 24in. long, lin. broad, with a wedge-shaped base, and of a terminal
pinna, showing two lanceolate (spear-shaped) lobes, which are of a some-
what leathery texture, and have a midvein extending to their extremity.
Their fertile portion is formed of contracted, short segments, disposed in
a panicle lin. to 2in. long, and borne on a stalk lin. to 4in. long.—

Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 434,
A. Seemanni—See-man’-ni (Seemann’s). Synonymous with A. oblongifolia.

A. tomentosa—to-men-to’-sa (woolly), Swartz.

This handsome species, which is also known in gardens under the names
of A. cheilanthoides, A. deltoidea, A. flewuosa, and A. villosa, and which thrives
equally well under either greenhouse or stove treatment, has a wide range of
habitat, extending from Mexico and the West Indies to Peru and Monte
Video. It has a very singular appearance, produced by the rusty-coloured
hairs with which its strong, upright stipes (stalks), 6in. to 12in. long, are
densely clothed. The barren portion of the frond is 6in. to 12in. long,
and about half as broad, sometimes bipinnatifid (twice divided half-way to the
midrib), or bipinnate (divided twice quite to the midrib), and furnished
with pinne (leaflets) of almost leathery texture and densely hairy on both
surfaces, a character which is also shared by their rachis (stalk of the leafy
portion). The lowest pinne (leaflets) are the largest, and show blunt lobes

ANEMIA. 39

or

often #in. lone and jin. broad, nearly uncut. The fertile portion is
composed of contracted segments disposed in a loose panicle 4in. to 9in. long,
and borne on a stalk only lin. to 2in. in length. See Plate—-/Hooker,
Synopsis Filicum, p. 433. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 74.

A. trichorhiza—trich-6-rhi’-za (having hair-like roots), Gardner.

A very distinct, stove species, native of Brazil. Its fronds, produced from
a crown covered with a dense tuft of bright red-brown scales of a particularly
fibrillose (hair-like) nature, are borne on stipes (stalks) lin. to 2in, long,
densely covered on their whole length with a white substance of a woolly
nature. Their barren portion, 2in. to 3in. long, lin. to 14in. broad, and
bipinnate (twice divided to the midrib), is furnished with spreading, spear-
_shaped, closely-set pinne (leaflets), subdivided into several close, roundish or
oblong pinnules (leafits) of a leathery texture, both sides of which when
young are completely enveloped in dense, wool-like material. The nearly
stalkless fertile portion is disposed at the base of the barren one.—Hooker,
Synopsis Filicum, p. 484.

A. (Anemidictyon) Tweediana—An-e’-mid-ic’-ty-on ; Tweed-i-a’-na
(Tweed’s), Hooker.

This stove species, of particularly small dimensions, is a native of
Uruguay and South Brazil. Its short fronds, borne on naked or very slightly
hairy stipes (stalks), have their barren portion 1jin. to 2in. long by lin.
broad, and simply pinnate (once only divided to the midrib): they are
furnished with two or three pairs of sessile pinne (stalkless leaflets) of
almost leathery texture, oblong in shape, #in. long, 3in. broad, with rounded
base, blunt point, and edge conspicuous through its round notches. The
fertile portion is composed of contracted, short segments disposed in a panicle
lin. to 2in. only in length, with lower branches very short, and borne
on a stalk not more than 2in. high, generally shorter—AHooker, Synopsis
Filicum, p. 434.

A. villosa—vil-lo’-sa (hairy). Synonymous with A. tomentosa.

A. (Coptophyllum) Wrightii—Copt-oph-yl’-lum ; Wright’-1-1, Baker.
This stove species, which in general habit is somewhat like A. cuneata,
or like a small, slender form of A. adiantifolia, is a native of Cuba. It has

396 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

barren and fertile fronds totally distinct, and borne on separate stipes (stalks).
The former, borne on slender, naked, straw-coloured stalks lin. to din. long,
are tripinnatifid (three times divided half-way to the midrib), and Qin. to 3in.
long by 1hin. to 2in. broad; their few leaflets are disposed some little
distance apart, and subdivided into pinnules (leafits), the upper ones wedge-
shaped, simple, in. broad, the lower ones deeply cleft from the circumference
inwards. The texture of the pinnules is almost leathery, and their surfaces,
like their rachis (stalk of the leafy portion), are quite naked. The fertile
frond, produced separately, is composed of contracted segments disposed in
a panicle 2in. to 3in. long, very loose and few-branched, borne on a stalk
8in. to 12in. long.—/ooker, Synopsis Filicwm, p. 435.

ANEMIDICT YON— An-e’-mid-ic/-t¥-on. See Anemia.
ANETIU M—An-e’-ti-um. See Memionitis.

CHAPTER: XXIV.

ANGIOPTERIS, JAofimann.
(An-gi-op’-ter-is. )

~X\|LTHOUGH above sixty kinds of Angiopteris are enumerated
by Moore in his “Index Filicum,” only one of these has
been recognised by Hooker and Baker as possessing suffi-
ciently defined characters to rank as a species: all others

usually known in gardens as distinct species are simply
varieties of it. This genus, which derives its name from aggeion, a vessel,
and pteris, a wing, and forms in the “Synopsis Filicum” Genus 69,
belongs to the Sub-order Maratiacew, which is composed of <Angiopteris,
Danea, Gymnotheca, Kaulfussia, and Marattia. It is formed exclusively of
Ferns with fronds of large dimensions, and rismg in a peculiar manner
from between two fleshy appendages. Their veins, either simple or forked,
are free (not running into one another). The fructification consists
of sessile (stalkless) capsules, opening by a slit on the inner side; they
are iseriate (disposed in two rows), eight to fifteen to each pinna
(leaflet), set very close to one another, but not concrete, and arranged in
linear-oblong sori (boat-shaped spore masses) near the edge of the frond,
almost hiding the inferior fringed involucre or covering.

Culture.

All the known forms of Angiopteris are of particularly robust habit,
and are found growing. naturally in swampy places, most of them all over

398 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

Ceylon, Java, and the Pacific Islands. They are therefore exceedingly useful
for adorning the warm Fernery all the year round, and the cool Fernery
during the summer months. Whether grown in pots or planted out, they
should be kept in a mixture of two parts fibrous loam, two parts rough
peat, one part chopped sphagnum, and one part coarse sand: in this
compost they thrive luxuriantly, provided that at all times they receive
a liberal supply of water at the roots and are allowed plenty of room to
fully expand their gigantic foliage. When they are grown in pots, the same
mixture should be used, but it is a good plan to keep the pots partly
in water to the depth of 2in. or 3in.

Although spores of Angiopteris are frequently and freely produced, there
is no record of any seedlings of these noble Ferns having ever been raised
in England, or indeed in any other country in Europe. The propagation
of these plants is usually left to their natural disposition of frequently
producing at the base of their fronds, young plants, which, when sufficiently
developed, may be detached without trouble. The most expeditious way
of increasing Angiopteris, however, is by means of the scaly appendages
with which the base of each frond is surrounded. Hach of these fleshy
scales contains at least two dormant buds, which, under the influence of heat
and constant moisture, soon develop into subjects in all respects similar to
the parent plant. The scales should be detached in their entirety and not
cut up, then laid in silver sand, covered over with chopped sphagnum, and
kept in a close propagating case. Though this may be done at almost any
season of the year, the months of February and March are the time most
appropriate to such a mode of propagation, which always proves all the more
rapid when done early in the spring. According to the season in which this
operation is performed, it is known that from three to five months usually
elapse before the first indications of growth may be noticed; but after
they have made a decided start, these young bulbils rapidly gain in
strength, and may soon be considered as so many independent subjects.

A. evecta—e-vec’-ta (exalted), Hoffmann.

This, the only recognised species, which is found all over the tropics of
the Old World, in Madagascar, in New Caledonia, in Queensland, and from
Japan to Ceylon, is also, according to Beddome, very common in most

ANGIOPTERTS. 599

sub-alpine jungles on the western side of the Madras Presidency, up to
4000ft. and even 5000ft. elevation, It has very handsome fronds, which
impart to a Fernery of sufficient size to accommodate them, a noble and
tropical appearance, but it is very unlike a Fern in general aspect.
The fronds reach, with their stipes (stalks), 18ft. in length by 10ft. in
breadth ; they are produced from a thick, fleshy crown, forming in time
a sort of caudex (stem) 24ft. high and I}ft. to 2ft. thick, and are borne on
stout, blackish, fleshy stalks. The base of the stalk is swollen, often

Fig. 55, Angiopteris evecta

(much reduced),

measuring 8in. in circumference, and articulated (jointed), and is furnished
with two large, leathery auricles (ear-like flaps), which remain attached to the
stem after the fronds have fallen. The fronds are bipinnate (twice divided to
the midrib), with spreading pinne (leaflets) Ift. to 3ft. long, the lowest the
largest, and have their rachis (stalk of the leafy portion) swollen at the base.
The pinnules (leafits) are of a leathery texture, bright shining green on
both sides, from 4in. to 12in. long and from lin. to I4in. broad, boat-
shaped, and either stalkless or very short-stalked (Fig. 55); their edge

400 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

is entire or slightly toothed, and they terminate in a tapering point. The
sori (spore masses) are oblong in form, and consist of from eight to fifteen
capsules to each pinnule: they are disposed near the edge, where they form
a broad, marginal, and laterally continuous row.—Hooker, Synopsis F. ilicum,
p. 440. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i. p. 78. Lowe, Ferns British
and Exotic, viil., t. 75. Beddome, Ferns of Southern India, t. 78.

The considerable range of variation existing in the texture of the fronds
of Angiopteris, and also of the more or less close disposition of the veins and
of the sori (spore masses), as well as the variable number of the capsules of
which the latter are composed, are so many characters which have induced
some authors to determine numerous forms as distinct species. It is thus
that, besides Miquel’s A. angustata, from Java; A. Arnottiana, from India ;
Brackenridge’s A. attenuata, from the Society Islands; Wallich’s A. crassipes,
from India; Desvaux’s A. indica, also from India; Hooker’s A. longifolia, from
the Society Islands ; A. magnifica, from Ceylon ; Kunze’s A. pruinosa, from Java,
and A. Willink, from Java, Presl defines as distinct species the following :

. latefolia, India.

. macrocephala, India.
. muricata, Borneo.

. sumilis, Java.

. Wallichiana, India.

. angustifolia, Philippine Islands.
. commutata, Society Islands.

. distans, India.

. Helfertana, India.

. Hugeliana, India.

RRR A&R
bb & ik bh

De Vriese also defines sixty species, the most striking of which are
the following :

. cuspidata, Java.

. Dregeana, Java.

. D Urvilleana, Society Islands.
Godichaudiana, India.
Groffithiana, Mergui.
Hartingeana, Java.
Hookertana, India.

hypoleuca, Java.

. laciniata, India.

Lasegueana, Huachine.

. Leschenaultiana, Ceylon.

. macrophylla, India.
madagascariensis, Madagascar.
. marginata, Ceylon.

. acrocarpa, Society Islands.

. amboinensis, Amboyna.

. ankolana, Sumatra.
aphanosorus, Sumatra.

. approximata, Sumatra.

. assamica, Assam.

aurata, New Zealand.
Beecheyana, Caroline Islands.
Brongniartiana, Tahiti.

. camptophlebia, India.

. caudata, Philippine Islands.
. cochinchinensis, Cochin China.
. crassifolia, Java.

. cupreata, Society Islands.

BRR RRR RRR BR RB ph
eS

‘(ezts “yeu $)

wnudiAnsad wnjuvip yf

ANGIOPTERIS. AOL

. repandula, India.

. salicifolia, India.

. suboppositifolia, Ceylon.
. sylhetensis, India,
Teyesmaniana, Java.

. uncinata, Amboyna.

. Wightiana, India.

. microsporangia, Sumatra.
. Miqueliana, Java.

. pallescens, Sumatra.

. plagiocarpa, Ceylon.

. polysporangia, Ceylon.

. Preshiana, Java.

. punctata, Ceylon.

Po hh fe
Bh RB

The characters which have led to the classification by their respective
authors of the foregoing kinds as distinct species, as well as the free veinlet
of variable length and distinctness which in many of these forms is observed
to begin at the edge of the frond, and is situated in the interspace between
the veins proper, are of too superficial a nature and far too variable to
be of any value in giving these plants rank as distinct species, and they
must all be considered as simply forms of A. evecta of Hoffmann.

ANISOCAMPIUM—An-is-oc-amp’-i-um. See Nephrodium.
ANISOGONIU M—An.-is-og-o’-ni-um. See Asplenium.
ANOGRAMME—An-og-ram’-me. See Gymnogramme.
ANTIGRAMME—An-tig-ram’-me. See Scolopendrium.

CHAPTER AXV,

ANTROPMYUM, <Kaulfuss.

(An-troph’-¥-um. )

=N)|HIS genus, which derives its name from antron, a cavern, and
vd phuo, to grow, in allusion to the places of growth or natural
habitats of the species contained in it, forms Genus 55 in
Hooker and Baker’s ‘Synopsis Filicum,” and is a sub-division
of Tribe 12, Grammitidece, which, besides the genera Gymno-
gramme and Nothochlena, is composed of mostly strange-looking Ferns, such
as Brainea, Hemionitis, Tenitis, Vittaria, &c. Antrophyum is formed of
closely-allied species, almost restricted to the tropics, all with simple
(undivided) fronds of various forms, but of a firm, yet fleshy texture.

The distinguishing characters of Antrophywm consist in the presence on
the fronds of numerous uniform, hexagonal areole (six-sided, distinctly
marked-out spaces), and also in the disposition of the sori (spore masses),
which are carried along the veins, and imperfectly reticulated (forming an
irregular and imperfect network). In some species these sori are sunk in
a totally distinct groove: in others they are superficial or slightly immersed
(embedded) in the fronds.

Culture.

Although most Antrophyums are very interesting in themselves, only
a few of them can be considered as really decorative Ferns when grown in
pots ; though when planted out in the warm Fernery they make very distinct

ANTROPHYUM. 403

objects, and are especially valuable for growing in comparatively dark places.
All are of small, or at the most of medium dimensions, and not rapid
growers by any means, but their fronds possess very lasting qualities, and
consequently the plants are at all times well furnished with foliage. Their
propagation may be effected by means of the spores, which are produced in
abundance; but this being a very slow process, they are usually increased
by the division of their crowns, an operation which proves most satisfactory

when done in March or April.

Principal Species and Varieties.

A. Boryanum—Bo-ry-a’-num (Bory’s), Kaulfuss.

A very distinct, stove species, also known as A. obtuswm, native of the
Mauritius, Bourbon, and Johanna Islands. The stout, compressed stipes
(stalks), lin. to 4in. long, gradually merge into the fronds, which are 6in. to
12in. long, 2in. to 4in. broad, and show no distinct midrib. These fronds
are broadest half or one-third of the way down, their edge is entire, and
while their extremity is sometimes pointed and sometimes blunt, their lower
part is very gradually narrowed. The areolw (distinctly marked-out spaces
on their surface) are vertical, }in. long, and fin. broad, and the slender sori
(spore masses) are often united—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 394.

A. Brookei—Broo’-ké-i (Brooke’s). Synonymous with A. subfaleatum.

A. calleefolium—cal-le-fol’-i-um (Calla-leaved). This is synonymous with
A. Cumingit.

A. cayennense—cay-en-nen’-sé (from Cayenne), Kaulfuss.

A stove species, native of Guiana and the Amazon Valley, and readily
distinguished from most other species through the distinct and prominent
midrib, which extends from the base to the extremity of its rather firm fronds.
These, borne on stipes (stalks) lin. to 4in. long, are Gin. to 9in. long, hn.
to 1din. broad, oblong-spear-shaped, being narrowed at both ends, with their
edge entire and thickened. The areole are oblique, half as broad as long, and
the nearly superficial sori (spore masses) are often forked—Hooker, Species
Filicum, v., p. 172. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 89.

40+ . LEE BOOK OL) CHOC. TEER)

A. coriaceum—cor-i-a’-cé-um (leathery), Wadllich.

A stove species, native of the Himalayas, and the Philippine and the
Malayan Islands. Its fronds, 6in. to 8in. long and din. to #in. broad, are
of very thick texture and show no distinct midrib: they are gradually
narrowed from the centre to the base, and are very pointed at their extremity.
The long and narrow areolxw are distinctly raised on the upper surface
of the fronds, and the sori (spore masses), which are quite immersed
(embedded) in it, are sometimes confluent or gradually united.—Hooker,
Species Hilicum, v., p. 163. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 89.

A. ec. nanum—na’-num (dwarf), (ée.

In this variety the fronds are quite as leathery in texture as in the
type, but much smaller and spathulate (spoon-shaped).—Hooker, Synopsis
Filicum, p. 393.

A. Cumingii—Cum-ing’-i-i (Cuming’s), Fed.

The fronds of this stove species (also known as A. callefolium), native
of the Philippine Islands, are about 14ft. long, a little more than lin. broad,
and of a somewhat soft texture: they are ligulate (strap-shaped), though
narrowed very gradually to the base, and show a distinct, black midrib in the
lower quarter of their length. The central areole are of a singular shape,
being several inches long and not more than one line broad, and the very
slender and deeply-sunk sori (spore masses) are often united, while the edge
of the furrow is rather raised.i—Hooker, Species Filicum, v., p. 167.

A. ensiforme—en-sif-or’-mé (sword-shaped), Hooker.

A stove species, native of Mexico and Guatemala, whose fronds, 6in. to
12in. long and 4in. to lin. broad, are strap-shaped, but sharply pointed
at their extremity, and very gradually narrowed from half-way down to
their base; the midrib, which is broad at the base, becomes gradually
invisible upwards, and the veins, sunk in the texture of the fronds, form three
or four rows of irregular areole (distinctly-marked spaces on their surface)
situated between the midrib and the edge. The sori (spore masses) are
linear-vermiform (worm-shaped), raised above the surface of the fronds, and
often forked.—Hooker, Species Filicum, v., p. 174.

ANTROPHYUM. 405

A. giganteum—gig-ant-e’-um (gigantic), Bory.

The fronds of this robust-growing, stove species, native of the Mauritius
and Bourbon Islands, which frequently attain 14ft. in length, are 3in. to 4in.
broad, broadest one-third of the way down, and narrowed gradually to
a short, very stout stem. They are of a very thick texture, and their edge
is furnished with an entire border of a cartilaginous (gristly) nature ; their
surface is covered with close and fine areole affecting a vertical position,
din. long and one line broad. The sori (spore masses) are slender and often
united.mHooker, Species Hilicum, v., p. 174.

A. immersum—im-mer’-sum (embedded), Mettenrus.

A small-growing, stove species, native of the Mauritius, Bourbon, and
Malay Islands, and also known as A. pumilum. Its fronds, of a thick
texture and seldom more than 4in. long by #in. broad, are narrowed gradually
upwards to a sharp poimt and to a short stem at their base; they show no
distinct midrib, and their veins are conspicuously raised on the upper surface,
where they form long and narrow areolw, the central one of which affects
a vertical position. The sori (spore masses), often forked in this species, are
quite immersed (embedded in the texture of the fronds).—Hooker, Species
Filicum, v., p. 170.

A. lanceolatum—lan-cé-ol-a’-tum (spear-shaped), Kaulfuss.

The habitat of this distinct, stove species extends from the West Indies
and Mexico southwards to New Granada. The fronds, of a papery texture,
and furnished with a slender, yet distinct, raised midrib throughout, are lft.
or more long, in. broad, sharply pointed at their extremity, but very
gradually narrowed towards their base from the lower half. The areola,
which occupy a vertical position, are twice or three times as long as broad,
and are disposed in about three rows between the midrib and the edge of
the fronds. ‘The slender and superficial sori (spore masses) are often united.
—Hooker, Species Filicum, v., p. 176. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening,
ess our

A. latifolium—la-tif-ol’-i-um (broad-leaved), Blume.
A stove species, native of Jaya and Bhotan, of a singular appearance,
produced by the stout, compressed stipes (stalks), 3in. to 6in. long, widening

406 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

gradually into the fronds, the leafy portion of which, 4in. to 6in. long by
din. to 4in. broad, has its extremity cuspidate (gradually tapering into
a sharp, stiff point), and is very gradually narrowed towards the base. The
edge is entire, and there is no distinct midrib, while the areola, though 2in.
to din. long, are only gin. broad. The stout and copious sori (spore masses)
are rarely united.—Hooker, Species Filicum, v., p. 172.

A. latipes

la‘-tip-es (large-footed). A synonym of A. semicostatum.
A. Lessonii—Les-so’-ni-i (Lesson’s). Synonymous with A. plantagineum.

A. lineatum—li-né-a’-tum (lined), Kaulfuss.

This singular, stove species, with which A. Polytwnium is identical, is
a native of Cuba, Mexico, and Brazil, and is one of the most distinct of all
those known or described. Its fronds, 6in. to 12in. long and only Hn. to
Zin. broad, are abundantly produced, and form a mass of ribbon-like foliage.
They have their edge entire and their summit sharply pointed, but their
lower half is gradually narrowed to the base; they possess the habit of
Vittaria, and show a distinct, slender, raised midrib throughout. The areolx
are very long and narrow, and the sori (spore masses), sunk in deep furrows
with raised edges, are disposed in two or three almost continuous lines on
each side of the midrib, with which they run parallel—AHooker, Species
ilicum, v., p. 175.

A. Mannianum—Man-ni-a’-num (Mann’s), Hooker.

A stove species, native of the Guinea Coast, and particularly distinct
through the thin texture of its peculiarly egg-shaped or roundish fronds,
6in. to 9in. long and nearly as broad: these are borne on slender, blackish,
curved stipes (stalks) Gin. to Qin. long; they are cuspidate (gradually
tapering to a very sharp point) at their extremity, but broadly wedge-shaped
at their base, and their edge is entire or sometimes slightly uneven. There
is no indication of any distinct midrib, and the areole on the surface
of the fronds, lin. to 2in. long by #in. broad, show a peculiar disposition
as they radiate from the base to the circumference. The slender and
copious sori (spore masses) are often united.—Hooker, Species ilicum,
ey doe detk

ANTROPHYUM. 407

A. niphoboloides—uniph-ob’-ol-6-1’-dés (Niphobolus-like), Hooker.
This singular, stove Fern, native of Northern India, the Philippines, and

the Malaccas, though described under that name by Hooker in his “ Species

Filicum,” vol. v., p. 94, is synonymous with Mphobolus jfloccigerum of

Mettenius, equally described in the same volume at page 45.—Hooker, Synopsis

Filicum, p. 351.

A. obtusum—ob-tu’-sum (blunt).

A. parvulum—par’-vul-um (rather small).

Synonymous with A. Loryanum.

A variety of A. plantagineum.

A. plantagineum—plan-ta-gin’-¢é-um (resembling Plantago or hib Grass),

Kaulfuss.

This stove species, with which
A, Lessonit is identical, has a wider
range of habitat than most others,
as it is found in Ceylon, the
Himalayas, and Malay, also in the
Philippine and Polynesian Islands.
Its fronds, 6in. to 9in. long and
1din. to 2in. broad, are of a thick
and coriaceous (leathery) texture,
broadest one-third of the way down,
and while their extremity is sharply
pointed, their lower part is gradu-
ally narrowed into a stem lin. to
4in. long. There is no midrib
apparent, and the areole, though
sometimes 3in. long, are only Jin.
broad. The copious sori (spore
masses) are deeply immersed (em-
bedded) in the texture of the
fronds, and are frequently uniting.
See Hig. 56 (reduced from Col.
Beddome’s ‘Ferns of Southern

Lae

LLLP
Zo

BEEZ

IIS

[aaa

Fig, 56. Antrophyum plantagineum

G@ nat. size),

India,” by the kind permission of the author)—Hooker, Species Filicum,
v., p- 170, Beddome, Ferns of Southern India, t. 52.

408 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

A. p. angustatum—an-gus-ta’-tum (narrow), Brackenridge.

The fronds of this variety are of thinner texture, ligulate (strap-shaped),
about 1ft. long by {in. broad, and borne on stipes (stalks) 6in. long.—
Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 393.

A. p. paryulum—par’-vul-um (rather small), Blume.

This only differs from the foregoing species, of which it no doubt is
a variety, through its fronds being shorter and also narrower.—AHooker,
Synopsis Hilicum, p. 393.

A. Polytenium—Pol-yt-e’-ni-um (having many ribbons). Synonymous
with A. lineatum.

A. pumilum—puw’-mil-um (small). A synonym of A. immersum.

A. reticulatum—tre-tic-ul-a’-tum (netted), Kaulfuss.

A stove species, native of the Himalayas, Ceylon, and the Malaccas,
extending to Aneitum and Queensland. Its fronds, 6in. to 15in. long, 1din.
to 2in. broad, and showing scarcely any midrib, are broadest about one-third
of the way down; their extremity is sometimes blunt and at other times
sharply pointed, but their lower part is very gradually narrowed to the base,
where it terminates in a short, compressed stem. The areole (distinctly
marked-out spaces on the surface of the fronds), although several inches
long, are only yin. to jin. broad; they are very distinctly raised on the
upper surface. The sori (spore masses), equally raised above the surface of
the fronds, are copious and often united.—Hooker, Species FPilicum, v., p. 169.
Beddome, Ferns of Southern India, t. 231.

A. semicostatum—se-mic-os-ta’-tum (half-ribbed), Llume.

This somewhat strong-growing, stove species, also known as A. latipes,
is a native of Ceylon, the Malacca, Philippine, and Polynesian Islands. It
produces fronds fully 14ft. long and 3in. to 4in. broad, broadest about one-
third of the way down, narrowed to a sharp point at their extremity, and
very gradually narrowed to the base into a short stem; their edge is entire,
and they are provided in their lower half with a distinct, blackish midrib.
Their central areola, often 3in. long, are seldom more than }in. broad, and
the sori (spore masses), often united and copious, are raised well above the
surface of the fronds.—Hooker, Species Filicum, v., p. 168.

ANTROPHYUM. 409

A. subfaleatum—sub-fal-ca’-tum (nearly sickle-shaped), Brackenridge.

A stove species, native of Borneo, Fiji, and the Samoan Islands, also
known as A. Brookei. Its fronds are 6in. to 12in. long, in. to din. broad,
and terminate in a sharp point, but are very gradually narrowed to the base
on their lower half, which is also provided with a somewhat indistinct midrib,
The areole are vertical, and disposed about two on each side of the midrib,
and are several times longer than broad. The sori (spore masses) are
moderately immersed (embedded) in the texture of the fronds, and hardly
unite; they are disposed in two or four long, interrupted lines.—Hooker,

Species Filicum, v., p. 175.

A. subsessile—sub-ses’-sil-€ (nearly stalkless), Awnze.

This stove species, whose habitat extends from Cuba and Guatemala to
Peru, produces fronds 6in. to 12in. long, lin. to I4in. broad, of a firm
texture, and with a conspicuously-raised midrib, distinct from the base to the
extremity. They are broadest one-third of the way down, and are narrowed
gradually to the base and to the summit, which is sharp-pointed. The areole
shown on their surface are oblique, and about twice as long as broad. The
sori (spore masses) are often forked, and nearly superficial—Hooker, Species

I NCUO, Yo ie MAE

ARTMROPTERIS — Arth-rop’-ter-is. See Nephrodium and
Nephrolepis.

CAS? Eee eke I,

ASPIDIUM, Swartz.
(As-pid’-i-um. )

Buckler or Shield Ferns.

N)|| HE name of this popular genus is derived from aspidion, a little
\) buckler or shield, in allusion to the form of the indusium or
covering of its sori (spore masses). Aspidium is Genus 43

of Hooker and Baker’s “Synopsis Filicum,” and it forms

a very interesting portion of the tribe Aspidiew. It is a genus
of a particularly cosmopolitan nature, comprising, as it does, several British
as well as numerous exotic species, and showing a very extensive variation as
regards size, texture, cutting, and venation. Thus we have in the same
genus some species, such as A. (Polystichwm) lachenense and A. (P.) Thomsoni,
of small, and others, such as A. (P.) anomalum and A. (P.) ascendens, of
gigantic, dimensions ; and though the majority of Aspidiums are, like all the
known Cyrtomiums, of a particularly coriaceous (leathery) texture, some
kinds, such as A. (Polystichum) glandulosum, A. (Cyclopeltis) semicordatum,
A. (Polystichum) sikkimense, and others, are nevertheless remarkable for the
softness of their foliage. Again, a great contrast exists between species like
A. (Polystichum) feeniculaceum, A. (P.) laserpitiifolium, and A. (P.) multifidum,
with finely-divided, and others with broad, fronds, such as A. (Huaspidium)
platanifolium, A. (E.) trifoliatum, &c.; and while their veins in certain
groups are all free, in others they are either pinnate (divided to the midrib)

or united, and even anastomosing (intermixed).

ASPIDIUM. AL1

The distinguishing characters of the genus Aspidiwm reside partly in the
disposition of the sori (spore masses), which are sub-globose (almost spherical),
dorsal (attached to the back), and terminal on the veinlets, and partly in
the presence of an orbicular inyolucre (covering) common to all the species
alike, and which is fixed to the frond by the centre.

The following are the groups of which the genus Aspidiwm is composed :

1.—Cycropium (Cy-clo’-di-um), Presl. The fronds of the plants belong-
ing to this small group have their veins pinnate (divided to the midrib), the
opposite veinlets usually joining.

2.—Cyrromium (Cyr-tom’-i-um), Presi. The veins in the plants of this
group sometimes, but not invariably, unite slightly towards the edge.

3.—Hvaspipium (Hu-as-pid’-i-um), Schott. Plants with veins copiously
anastomosing (freely intermixed).

4.—PoxtysticHuMm (Pol-ys’-tich-um), Roth. This group, by far the most
important in the genus, consists of plants readily distinguished by their veins,
which are all free, as also by the more or less leathery texture of the fronds
of nearly all the species, and by the peculiar character of their teeth, which
are usually awned (terminating in a stiff, bristle-like appendage, which is
evidently a prolongation of the midnerve). This group is, for botanical
purposes, divided into four sections as follows :

Section [.—Species whose fronds are only pinnatifid (divided only
half-way to the midrib).

Section [7.—Species with fronds once pinnate (divided to the midrib),
the lower pinne (leaflets) being either entire (undivided) or pinnatifid
only below. |

Section [[[.—Species having their lower pinne once pinnate.

Section [V.—Species in which the lower pinne are more than once
pinnate.

The geographical distribution of the Buckler or Shield Ferns is very
extensive, for many of them are found in Japan, others in the Hast and in
the West Indies, while Tropical and also North America supply us with
some of the most distinct kinds belonging to the group Polystichum. Even
New Zealand comes in for its share of Aspidiwm, and the genus is handsomely
represented at home by the common Prickly Shield Fern, A. (P.) aculeatum,
and its remarkable form, lobatwm; the latter is so thoroughly distinct that

412 THE BOOT MAOLNGH OLOG Eh S

it has by several authorities been elevated to the rank of species, for its
consistency has never been noted anywhere to have assumed under cultivation
the form of A. aculcatum. A. (P.) angulare, or as it is commonly called,
the “Soft Prickly Shield Fern,” which, from a botanical point of view,
should be considered as only a form of the Prickly Shield Fern, has produced
numberless varieties, all of which also help to represent with great advantage
the genus Aspidiwm in these Islands.

The common Prickly Shield Fern is one of the oldest known British
kinds, for mention of it is made by Johnson in his edition of Gerard’s
“Herbal,” in which not only the name of the discoverer of this Fern, but
even the very day of its discovery, is given. There it is described as “ Filix
mas non ramosap innulis latis, auriculatis, spinosis” (Male Fern, not branched,
with broad ears and prickly leaflets). To the above description Johnson
adds: “This I take to be Miliw mas aculeata major Bauhini (Bauhin’s larger
Prickly Male Fern), neither have I seen any figure resembling this plant:
it groweth abundantly on the shadowy, moist rocks by Maple Durham, near
Petersfield, in Hampshire. John Goodyer, July 4th, 1633.”

There is very little doubt that the Soft Prickly Shield Fern, which,
though evidently only a form of the preceding one, is by the cultivator
considered sufficiently distinct to rank as a species, was known to Ray in
1696, when he published the second edition of his ‘Synopsis Stirpium
Britannicarum.” After particularising the Fern previously described as
A. (P.) aculeatum, Ray next mentions “ Milix Lonchitidi affinis” (Fern
related to Lonchitis), adding: ‘‘ Under this title was sent to me, by Mr. Lloyd,
a plant lke to the preceding, but with rounder leafits, and covered all over
with longer scales. He collected it in the mountain parts of Wales.”

The popular Holly Fern, Aspidium (P.) Lonchitis, is another Fern which
for generations past has been known as a representative of the genus
Aspidium in England. . We find that it was unknown as a British plant
when, in 1670, Ray published his ‘Catalogus Plantarum Angliz,” or when
his “ Historia Plantarum” was issued from the press, in 1686; but it had
been discovered by Mr. Lloyd between the latter year and 1696, when Ray
mentions it in the second edition of his “ Synopsis Stirpium Britannicarum.”
He then adopted the name of Lonchitis aspera major (larger, rough Spleen-
wort, with indented leaves). He says: ‘It issues from clefts in the rocks on

ASPIDIUM. 413

the tops of the mountains of Wales, as at Clogwyn-y-Garnedh-y-Grib-Goch-
Trigvylchan (D. Lhwyd).” The foregoing quotations abundantly prove the
acknowledged existence, some two centuries ago, of representatives of the

genus Aspidiwm in the British Isles.

Culture.

Very few, if any, of the Ferns belonging to this extensive genus are
fastidious in their habits. The exotic species found in the group Polystichum
are of particularly robust constitution; and whether adapted to stove or to
greenhouse treatment, all thrive in a mixture of three parts sandy peat and
one part fibrous loam. They also succeed admirably in places where light
is not abundant, and where few other Ferns would hold their own.

The British portion of the Polystichum group is represented by the
- Prickly Shield Fern and its numerous varieties, all of which are free-growing,
easily-managed, and very desirable Ferns either for the outdoor rockery, for
the indoor Fernery, or for pot culture, as all are evergreen, delighting in
a mixture of sandy loam and fibrous peat in equal parts, resting on.a sound
drainage. Although, when once established, the influence of strong light
is not injurious to them, they produce much finer foliage when placed in
a shady situation during the growing season. They require to be freely
supplied with water at the roots: they must also be kept constantly moist
during the winter. british Aspidiums are also excellent Ferns for pot
culture, as they bear indoor treatment much better than most native Ferns.
Their propagation, except in cases of rare varieties, which are only increased
by division of the crowns, is usually effected by means of spores, which
are produced in great abundance, and which, if sown as they ripen, at the
end of the summer, germinate rapidly, and make, during the following
summer, young plants which are very valuable for the decoration of the
ereenhouse and of the conservatory during the ensuing winters.

The deservedly popular Ferns commonly known under the name of
Cyrtomium are amongst the most useful known decorative plants, on account
of their rapid growth and their firm, leathery texture, besides being all very
distinet and particularly handsome. They are indeed the best Ferns to use
in the least favoured places—in rooms and on staircases, where their leathery
foliage seems to defy the deadly influences of draughts, smoke, and even gas,

414 THE BOOK *OF CHOICE, FERNS.

better than any other Ferns with which we are acquainted. Their bold and
shining foliage forms a striking contrast to that of finer-cut species when
planted out in the cool Fernery, under which treatment they develop into
handsome specimens in an incredibly short time, and show themselves to
great advantage. For that special purpose Aspidiums of the Cyrtomium
group are of the greatest value, as by the use of them we are enabled to
give additional charm to the rockery not heated artificially, but simply
protected by glass, where they, being of an evergreen nature, retain their
beauty during the whole of the winter months. Their culture is very simple,
and their requirements are particularly limited. The soil which suits them
best is a compost of about equal parts of fibrous loam, peat, and _ silver
sand; but care must be taken that they are not potted hard, or, if planted
out in the Fernery, that the soil round them is kept moderately loose. They
require an abundant supply of water at the roots during the growing season,
and frequent syringings overhead are beneficial during that time, but they
should be watered sparingly during the winter months. The propagation
of plants of this section, like that of most other Aspidiums, is best effected
by means of spores, which are abundantly produced, and which germinate

very freely if sown as soon as gathered.

Principal Species and Varieties.

A. (Cyrtomium) abbreviatum — Cyr-tom’-i-um ; ab-brev-i-a’-tum
(shortened), Schrader.

A stove species, native of the West Indies, with fronds simply pinnate
(once divided to the midrib), lft. to 2ft. long and 6in. to 9in. broad, borne
on stipes (stalks) Ift. or more long, smooth and glossy. The pinnz (leaflets),
of a sub-coriaceous (nearly leathery) texture and slightly stalked, are
din. to 6in. long, #in. broad, narrow-spear-shaped, tapering to a sharp
point, and with their edge bluntly lobed. The sori (spore masses) are
disposed in two irregular rows situated between the principal veins.—Hooker,

Species Filicum, iv., p. 38, t. 234.

A. acrocladon—ac-roc’-lad-on (summit-branched). A name applied to

varieties of A. aculeatum and A. angulare.

ASPIDIUM. ALS

A. (Polystichum) acrostichoides—Pol-ys’-tich-um ; ac-ros’-tich-6-i’-des
(Acrostichum-like), Swartz.

This hardy, exotic. Fern, very dissimilar from all other known species,
is a native of North America, where it is found on the hillsides, most
generally in rocky places, from New Brunswick and Canada westward to
Wisconsin, and southward to Arkansas and Central Alabama. According
to Eaton, this handsome species has not been found wild anywhere except
in North America, where it is one of the most abundant Ferns known. The
popular name of “Christmas Fern,” under which it is known all through
the United States, originates from the extensive use of its fine, glossy fronds

for the decoration of houses and churches at Christmas-time. From the end

Fig. 57, Frond of Aspidium acrostichoides

G nat. size).

of the rootstock or rhizome, which creeps just beneath the surface of the
soil for a distance of several inches, the fronds, which usually make their
appearance in early spring and remain fresh and green until the new growth
appears the next season, rise in a graceful crown. They are borne on
stipes (stalks) 6in. to 8in. long and nearly terete (cylindrical), being
slightly flattened on the anterior or upper side, of a bright green colour
on their upper part, becoming brownish towards the base; these stalks are
also densely covered with large and small intermixed scales, of an equally
light brown colour. The leafy portion of the fronds, when fully developed,
is 1ft. to 2ft. long, and rarely as much as din. broad; they are furnished

416 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

on each side of the midrib with from twenty-four to thirty pinne (leaflets),
the uppermost of which become gradually smaller (Fig. 57), the frond
ending in a short, serrated point. The largest of the barren pinne are 2in.
to din. long, din. broad in the middle, oblong or oblong-spear-shaped from
a very unequal base, being suddenly narrowed to a short stalk on the lower
side of the base, but furnished on their upper side with a well-developed,
triangular, bristle-tipped ear; their margin is finely serrulate (dented) with
ineurved, bristle-tipped teeth. They are of a sub-coriaceous (almost leathery)
texture, of a deep green colour, very smooth and shining on their upper
surface, while their under-part is somewhat paler and minutely chaffy. In
the fertile fronds, which are usually taller, or at least more erect, than the
sterile ones, the upper third part is suddenly contracted, so that the lowest
fertile leaflet is not more than two-thirds as long or as broad as the barren
one next below it. The sori (spore masses), which are covered by an

indusium of orbicular form and. attached at the centre, occupy the

whole under-side of the fertile pinne.—Hooker, Species Filicum, iA e ewes
Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i.. p. 125. Eaton, Ferns of North
America, i., t. 34. Lowe, Ferns British and Exotic, vi., t. 19.

Though perfectly hardy in most parts of this country, this highly
decorative Fern proves most useful when grown all the year round in either
the cold house or the conservatory, where its handsome fronds last much
longer than outside: these, being of good substance, are very useful for
cutting, and are admirably adapted for mixing with flowers. It is a species
which thrives best in sandy peat and leaf-mould, with an abundance of water
at the roots all the year round.

A. acrostichoides has produced several distinct varieties, such as :

A. a. grandiceps—gran’-dic-eps (large-crested), Moore.

This very handsome variety, of garden origin, is the only crested
North American Fern with which we are at present acquainted. It is smaller
and altogether more compact in habit than the type, from which it also differs
by the large crests formed at the end of the fronds, and the crests of
smaller dimensions with which their pinne (leaflets) are also ornamented.
Like the species, it is equally desirable for the hardy Fernery or for the
conservatory.—Wicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 126.

aN

Ll) Dis ~~]
ws Giek
Ai ea

SINS ES/

| mS i

\

lj

S WY \ AZ, | INS fay |
: = = wolf 4 RING wae 7 ( Gl N'Y m~

4 TOE .
NS

ZA de val ; A q\ My NN iN PRY j
yt NN Uh Ny KK ee il CAIN
NEGA; NSERC AU) INS INNS
: iy y Hh i a Wn
i Pl CUI
i

HSS \
Y i iat ide o °
VATS MAREN Uy
Vata

UK| \ IN
| | ay

a A NIN
ms
a me

I i: : Ns La
Yi Za

Z]

Portions of Fronds of Adiantum rhodophyllum and Entire Frond of Adiantum cuneatum deflexum
(@ nat. size).

ASPIDIUM. 417

A. a. ineisum—in-ci’-sum (incised), Gray.

A pretty form, having broader fronds than the type; the leaflets also
are wider, deeply cut, and sharply pointed. Haton, who mentions it in his
work on the “Ferns of North America,” vol. i, p. 258, says that ‘ the
pinne (leaflets) are incisely toothed, those of the fertile fronds bearing sori
(spore masses) at the tips, clear to the base of the fronds.”—Micholson,

Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 126.

A. a. Schweinitzii—Schwein-itz’-i-i (Schweinitz’s), Beck.

A form found in North Virginia; it differs from the typical species
only in the shape of its pinnew (leaflets), which are lobed (eared) at the
base. — Haton, Ferns of North America, 1., p. 258.- Hooker, Synopsis
Filicum, p. 250.

A. (Polystichum) aculeatum—Pol-ys’-tich-um ; ac-u-lé-a’-tum (Prickly
Shield Fern), Swartz.

This very interesting and highly decorative, hardy species, of handsome
growth, and whose brilliant, shining fronds are of quite an evergreen nature,
is a Fern of the most cosmopolitan character known, for it is recognised as
a native of North America and India alike, also of all parts of Europe, where
it is found in situations varying from the sea-level to an altitude of above
3000ft. Mr. E. J. Lowe, who has made Ferns a special study, states, in his
excellent work, ‘Our Native Ferns,” vol. i., p. 197, that “it is a native
of Scandinavia, Switzerland, Germany, Holland, France, Belgium, Spain,
Portugal, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Austria, Russia, Africa, Madeira, and the
United States of America.” As an illustration of the wide distribution of
this Fern in Europe, he also adds: “In 1860, whilst travelling amongst the
Spanish mountains, along the spurs of the Pyrenees, I found Polystichum
aculeatum repeatedly. On the Villa Kscusa, a mountain a few miles south
of Reinoso, this Fern was growing luxuriantly amidst the street-like rocks,
so much so as to be a shelter to the numerous wolves and foxes that
inhabit this mountain. Whilst the Asphodel, Rock Rose, Iris, Linum,
and many other splendid alpine plants were richly strewn over the open
land, this Fern occupied every available space where there was shelter and

moisture. It was seen peeping out of the Horodada, in the Congosto Pass,
3 H

4.18 LTE BOOK OL “Off OFC TE RINGS:

amongst the trees in the Hoz de Barcena, on the Pena Castilla at Fuento
del Mar, and where lashed by the waves of the Bay of Biscay at Santander.
In the Highlands of Scotland it ascends upwards of 2000ft. above the sea,
and in Northern Spain I have seen it most common above the height of
3000ft.”’

According to Beddome, A. acuwleatwm, as an Indian Fern, “is very common
about Otocamund and the higher elevations of the Pulney and Anamallay
Mountains.” The same authority, in his splendid book on the “Ferns of
Southern India,” in which he gives two illustrations, also makes the following
statement: “It is a very variable species, with numerous forms which have
received different names, but they all run into one another. Polystichum
rufo-barbatum, Wallich, is a very beautiful form, common about Otocamund :
it is densely clothed with reddish hairs. Polystichwm angulare, which has
been united with P. aculeatwm by Sir W. Hooker, is a very common form at
Otocamund, &e.”

Eaton, speaking of A. aculeatum as a native of North America, says:
“Tt is found in deep, rocky ravines in mountainous districts in North
America, where several very distinct forms occur in wild state, some
of which, strange to say, are also found in natural state in England.
For instance, the varieties lobatwm and angulare, found in various parts of
the British Isles, have equally been found in the cafions of the coast ranges
of California, especially in Santa Cruz and Mendocino Counties, which
have also produced the variety californicum, of Eaton. The variety Braunii,
of Doell, has been found amongst the mountains of North Vermont and
New Hampshire, on the Catskill Mountains of New York, in Oswego
County, &e.”

It is as a British species, however, that A. aculeatum is best known,
and the fact of its being widely distributed all over the country, where it is
generally found to luxuriate on damp, shady banks, along hedgerows, or in
woods, and usually in somewhat stiff, loamy soil, greatly adds to its value
as a decorative plant for the outdoor Fernery. As an instance of the
exceptionally wide distribution of the Prickly Shield Fern, it may be stated
here that, while it formerly was plentiful in Osterley Park, Hampton Lane,
and Sion Lane, near Brentford; near Hastings and other places in Sussex,
as well as about Tunbridge Wells and near Gurnet Bay, in the Isle of Wight,

ASPIDIUM. 419

it is to this day frequently met with near Halifax, and in the neighbourhood
of Richmond, in Yorkshire; in Leigh, St. Anne’s, and Stapleton Woods,
near Bristol; in the Isle of Man; near Bromsgrove, in Worcestershire ; in
Warwickshire ; in Shapscombe Wood, near Painswick, in Gloucestershire ;
in Burton Wood, near Warrington, in Lancashire; in Charmwood Forest ;
at Kingsteignton, in Devon, and in many other places in England. It is
also found in quantities in Wales, near Bangor and Carnarvon; at Cicle,
near Beaumaris, and at Llemiog Castle, Anglesey; and near Wrexham, in
Denbighshire. In Ireland the common Prickly Shield Fern is found near
Clonmel, at Colin Glen, Belfast, and at
Hedge Bank, near Carrickfergus ; while
in Scotland, where it is still abundant,
one meets with it about Drumlanrig, in
Nithsdale, at Peasebridge, and.on Cart-
land Rocks, near Lanark.

A. aculeatum is a particularly strong,
bold-growing Fern (Fig. 58), with
numerous ovate-lanceolate (egg-spear-
shaped) fronds, attaining a height of
24ft. to 3ft, including the stipes
(stalks), which vary from 6in. to 10in.
in length. They are 8in. to 10in.
broad at their widest part, produced

from a stout, tufted caudex (stem), and
disposed in such a way as to give

Fig, 58, Aspidium aculeatum
the plant the appearance of a gigantic (much reduced).

shuttlecock. The fronds, of a coriaceous

(leathery) texture, are of a shining dark green colour on their upper side,
while their under-side is of a paler tint; the stalks, as well as the crown
of the plant, are densely covered with large, blackish-brown scales. The
inferior pinne (lower leaflets), 4in. to 6in. long and din. to #in. broad,
are closely set, and their unequal-sided pinnules (leafits) are auricled (eared )
on the upper side at the base. The rachis (stalk of the leafy portion) is
straw-coloured, and more or less covered with scales similar in colour to
those clothing the crown and stalks. The fructification of this truly

420 LIFE OOK “OP, WCHOlCE. VEER:

handsome species presents a peculiarity of special note, inasmuch as, instead
of the frond being fertile throughout, the spores are almost exclusively
confined to the upper portion, where the sori (spore masses) are disposed
in parallel lines, situated nearer the midrib than the edge, and form, so to
speak, two rows of circles gradually diminishing in size from the base of
the pinne to their point on each side of the midvein.—Hooker, Species
Filicum, iv., p. 18. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 126. Lowe,
Our Native Ferns, i, t. 20. Eaton, Ferns of North America, ii., t. 62.
Beddome, Ferns of Southern India, t. 121.

A. aculeatum has produced comparatively few striking varieties, although
in a list published in March, 1865, by Mr. P. Neill Fraser, of Canonmills
Lodge, Edinburgh, we find that no less
than twenty-three of them are enumerated.
But this was at a time when British Ferns
were at the height of their popularity, and
it is doubtful if half that quantity have
survived, and could now be found in

collections.
SEA cogil .
Ry Vath Je
woe A. a. acrocladon — ac-roc’-lad-on
pape uegeee
mesma! (branched at the summit), Lowe.
PIP AIN? = ; f
SARE? This remarkably handsome form, which
pe idaeecee*
soe was originally found in the neighbourhood
07 os?

of Exeter, is undoubtedly the most ex-
quisite of the several crested, forked, or
branched forms of A. aculeatum known.
The greater portion of the fronds,
which attain 14ft. in length and are

Fig. 59. Frond of Aspidium aculeatum acrocladon : j
Gnugh reduced), of a rich green colour, is narrow. They

are furnished with pinne (leaflets) which,
on their lower portion, are again divided to the midrib, while the upper
portion is dilated and slightly crested. The summit of the fronds is three-
branched: the branches again forking, and their branches forking again, form
a head of dense, multifid (many-cleft) segments (Hig. 59) sometimes three —
times the width of the lower portion of the frond. In general appearance, this

ASPIDIUM. 421

splendid form may be said to correspond with the better-known variety
grandiceps in the section of A. angulare—Lowe, Our Native ferns,
Teoepoeees OU: se lO.

A. a. argutum—ar-eu’-tum (sharply-notched), Moore.

A variety with broad, spear-shaped fronds, differing from the normal
form through its pinnules (leafits) being narrowed and elongated, and
terminating in an acute spine, as also in having long spines to the marginal
teeth and a conspicuous auricle (ear) at the base of each pinnule. It has
been found wild in Buckinghamshire and in South Devonshire.—Lowe,
Our Native Ferns, 1., p. 204, fig. 163.

A. a. crassum—cras’-sum (thick), Moore.

This variety, found in the neighbourhood of Basingstoke, is distinguished
from all others by its short, broad, overlapping pinnules (leafits), which are
biserrate (the serratures or teeth themselves serrated or dented again) and
of a particularly thick texture—Lowe, Our Native Ferns, 1., p. 199.

A. a. cristato-gracile—cris-ta’-to-grac’-il-é (slender-crested), Moore.
A very elegant and beautiful variety, of slenderer habit than the type,
and finely crested. It was found wild in the neighbourhood of Exeter.

A. a. cristatum—cris-ta’-tum (crested), JMoore.

In this pretty variety, found at Barnstaple, the pinne (leaflets) are
pinnate (divided to the midrib) on their lower half, but only pinnatifid
(divided half-way to the midrib) in their apical (upper) portion. Their
oblong, acute lobes become more confluent as they advance towards the
extremity of the frond, which is somewhat widened and crispy. The
pinnules (leafits), oblong in form and sharp-pointed, have their base cuneate
(wedge-shaped), with a small anterior auricle (ear)—JLowe, Our Native
Ferns, i., p. 208.

A. a. densum—den’-sum (dense), AMoore.
This very handsome, bold, and distinct variety, originally found wild
in Devonshire, is remarkable through its lanceolate (spear-shaped) fronds,

422 THE, BOOK “OF SOMO) GE FRINS:

10in. to 15in. long and 38in. to din. broad, being furnished with ample
and somewhat crowded pinnules (leafits), which, by their disposition, give
the plant an imbricated (overlapping) appearance.

A. a. fureatum—tfur-ca’-tum (forked), Lowe.

This variety, which was found wild in Devonshire, is of robust habit,
and differs from the typical species through its fronds, 24ft. long, being
invariably forked at their extremity.—Lowe, Our Native Ferns, i, p. 202,
fig. 160.

A. a. interruptum—in-ter-rup’-tum (interrupted), Lowe.

In this extremely curious variety, found wild in North Devonshire, the
fronds, 2ft. long by about 5in. broad in their widest part, have a particularly
depauperated (impoverished) appearance. The pinne (leaflets) are alternate
(not opposite), and normal at the base, where there are four or five pairs
of fully-developed pinnules (leafits) ; then there are about half-a-dozen pairs
of pimnules reduced to mere lines, or footstalks, above which the extremity
of the pinnz again becomes normal.—Lowe, Our Native Ferns, i., p. 203,
fio. 161.

A. a. lobatum—lob-a’-tum (lobed), Deakin.

This variety, which is undoubtedly the most striking of all those at
present in cultivation, is exactly intermediate in size between A. aculeatum
and A. Lonchits, its fronds being from 1ft. to 1}ft. long. In his “ Synopsis
Stirpium Britannicarum,” Ray, who gives it as a distinct species, describes it
as “Ihe aculeata major pinnulis auriculatis crebioribus, foliis integris
angustioribus”’ (larger Prickly Fern with closer and eared pinne, and with
the whole frond narrower). Siw J. HE. Smith, who acknowledges that Ray
has well marked the differences between A. aculeatum and A. lobatum, also
rightly observes that the latter is always distinguished by its much shorter,
more crowded, and less scaly pinne (leaflets). Its pinnules (leafits) are also
more nearly entire, being but slightly auriculate (eared), very convex, thick,
and of a glaucous (bluish-green) colour. Like the typical species, A, a. lobatum,
which is even hardier than either A. aculeatum or A. angulare, is generally
found growing wild on shady hedge-banks in nearly all parts of the United

ASPIDIUM. 423

Kingdom, In his “Analysis of British Ferns,’ Mr. Francis states that
‘it is extremely common in Scotland and in the North of England,
eradually losing itself towards the South and becoming more and more
intermingled with Aspidiwm (Polystichum) aculeatum, which, in its turn,
is superseded still more southerly by Aspidiwm (Polystichum) angulare.
In the middle and South of England its recorded habitats are Leicestershire ;
Pottery Car, near Doncaster; Matlock, Derbyshire; Studley, Lambourne,
Overley, and Weatherly, in Warwickshire ; a lane leading to the Vache
from Chalfont, Bucks; near Bristol; near Dorking, Surrey; in Hants,
&e.; near Yarmouth; in Sussex and Kent; in Wales, near Wrexham,
Denbighshire; and in Ireland, at Colin Glen, near Belfast ; Hermitage,
County Wicklow ; County of Derry; Glen Fee, Clova Mountains; as also
in Braid Woods, near Edinburgh.” The sori (spore masses) are more
confined to the upper part of the frond, and larger than in A. aculeatum.
—Lowe, Our Native Ferns, 1., p. 198, fig. 157.

A. a. 1. acutum—ac-u’-tum (sharp-pointed), Jervis.

This form, found wild in Staffordshire and in Somersetshire, differs from
the foregoing plant principally through having the extremity of its attenuated
fronds narrowed out into a long point; their pinne (leaflets), nearly tapering
to a point, have their sub-divisions crowded, small, and very spiny-toothed.
—TLowe, Our Native Ferns, 1., p. 199.

A. a. multifidum—mul-tif’-id-um (much-cleft), Wollaston.

A very pretty and distinct variety, with fronds of dimensions equal
to those of the typical form, from which it essentially differs through their
extremity being divided into a spreading tuft of numerous deeply-laciniated
branches. It was found wild in Suffolk and also in Somersetshire.—Lowe,
Our Native Ferns, i., p. 199.

A. a. plumosum—plu-mo’-sum (feathery), Lowe.

This feathery-looking variety, which was found wild near Marwood,
is of normal size and outline, but it differs from the typical form in the
close and elegant character of its long, feathery fronds.—Lowe, Our Native
Ferns, i., p. 206, fig. 165.

424 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

A. a. proliferum—pro-lif’-er-um (plant-bearing), Wollaston.
This is a very elegant variety, and, like the better-known A. angulare
proliferum, has finely-divided fronds, which are somewhat sparingly proliferous.

A. a. puleherrimum—pul-cher’-rim-um (very beautiful).

This is described by Druery as a remarkably handsome and extremely
rare, uncrested form (Fig. 60), quite barren, and with the pinnules (leafits)
elongated and curved sickle-fashion, im-
parting a peculiar beauty to the frond.

A. a. pulehrum — pul’-chrum (fair),
Lowe.

The fronds of this very handsome

variety, which was found wild in North

Devonshire, and which under cultivation

has proved perfectly constant, are of

normal dimensions and furnished with
Fig, 60. Pinna and Tip of Frond of Aspidium
aculeatum pulcherrimum

(much reduced). and deeply-cleft pinnules (leafits), Hach

pinne (leaflets) with somewhat narrow

of the pinne is slightly yet distinctly
forked, and the frond itself terminates in a spreading head of elegantly-
laciniated and repeatedly-forked divisions.—Lowe, Our Native Ferns, i., p. 204,
fie, 164.

Several distinct Ferns, from various and distant habitats, commercially
considered and accepted amongst amateurs as so many species, are merely
forms more or less closely related to A. aculeatum. With the exception,
however, of A. angulare, which for reasons already stated (p. 412), and though
botanically a form of the common Prickly Shield Fern, is treated separately
here, none possess sufficiently distinctive characters to retain the rank of
species. The question is of so serious a nature that we consider it
necessary to reproduce here in full the following note, which is extracted
from the ‘Synopsis Filicum,” and which bears exclusively on this most
important subject : |

“A. squarrosum, Don (rufo-barbatum, Wallich), has the rachis densely
clothed with reddish-brown, fibrillose scales; A. proliferum, Brown, is a

ASPIDIUM, 4.25

proliferous Australian form; A. vestitwm, Swartz, has the rachis densely
clothed to the point both with reddish-brown fibrillose and large lanceolate
dark brown scales; A. biaristatum, Blume, has the frond narrowed suddenly
upwards, and large rhomboidal pinnules, aristate principally at the point and
auricle ; the Cape A. luctuoswm, Kunze, has the scales of the rachis fibrillose
and nearly black; A. Tsws-Simense, Hooker, is probably a slender form ; and
A. ordinatum and Moritzianum, Kunze, and Polypodiwm muricatum, 'Linneus,
are luxuriant forms from South America. We have non-indusiate forms
from New Zealand (Polypodiwm sylvaticum, Colenso), Britain (var. plumosum,
Moore) ; and there is a wide range of forms in South America included
under Polypodium rigidum (Hooker, ‘Species Filicum,’ iv., p. 246) which
correspond to the various forms of this species, differing only by the want
of an involucre.”

All the above-named Ferns, and many others besides, are usually treated
as species by nurserymen and amateurs, whereas they are but variations

of A. aculeatum.
A. acutum—ac-u’-tum (sharp-pointed). A variety of A. angulare.
A. alatum—al-a’-tum (winged). <A variety of A. angulare.

A. (Polystichum) amabile—Pol-ys’-tich-um ; am-a/-bil-é (lovely), Blume.

This remarkably pretty species, which thrives equally well in the inter-
mediate or in the warm house, is a native of Nepaul, Ceylon, the Malaccas,
Formosa, and Japan. It is of medium growth, for its lanceolate (spear-
shaped) fronds, lft. or more long and 6in. to 9in. broad, are borne on
slender, polished stipes (stalks) slightly scaly below. The rachis (leafy
portion) is composed of a long terminal pinna (leaflet) and from six to nine
lateral ones, disposed on each side of the midrib ; these are of a sub-coriaceous
(almost leathery) texture, of a pleasing soft green colour, 6in. to 8in. long
and lin. to 1din. broad; sometimes the lowest are slightly compound at the
base. The sub-divisions of the pinne, din. to #in. long, are of a peculiar
shape, having at least half their lower side cut away, the upper side and the
outer part of the lower one being lobed and sharply serrated (toothed like
a saw). The sori (spore masses) are sub-marginal (disposed close to the

margin of the fertile leaflets)—Hooker, Species Filicum, iv., p. 25, t. 225.
31

426 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

A. (Polystichum) angulare—Pol-ys’-tich-um ; ang-ul-a’-ré (angular),
Presi.

This very handsome Fern, popularly known as the Soft Prickly Shield
Fern, which botanically is but a form of A. aculeatum, but which -to the
cultivator is abundantly distinct, is, like that species, of an evergreen nature,
its elegant foliage remaining green and in perfect condition until long after
the new growth is developed. In habit, however, it is more pendulous, and
its fronds, which frequently attain 3ft. in length and Gin. to 9in. in width,
are usually lax, lanceolate (spear-shaped), and bipinnate (twice divided to the
midrib): they are produced from a stout, tufted caudex (short stem), are
numerous, spreading, and arched, and, like the stalks and the crown itself,
are covered with reddish-brown, chaffy scales. The pinne (leaflets) are
abundant, and greatly vary in length: sometimes the basal ones are longest,
but usually they taper towards the base and also towards the summit. The
pinnules (leafits), of a dark green colour, are also of smaller dimensions,
more equal in size, and the lower ones are distinctly stalked ; they are usually
deeply divided, each segment thus produced ending in a slender but rigid
bristle ; they are also of a softer and more delicate texture than those of
A. aculeatum: consequently, being more flexible and drooping, they give the
whole plant a more graceful general appearance. The fructification is usually
spread over the upper two-thirds of the under-side of the fronds, and consists
of sori (spore masses) of circular shape and of diminutive dimensions, covered
by an indusium that is nearly round and of a soft, paper-like texture,
and disposed in two rows on each side of the midyein of each fertile
pinnule.

Like A. aculeatum, the Soft Prickly Shield Fern is very widely
distributed, for it is found in Sweden, Norway, France, Spain, and Italy
alike in Europe; in various parts of India, Abyssinia, and Natal; also in
Madeira, the Canary Islands, and the Azores; while in North America it is
plentiful, and it is even found in abundance in Mexico, Guatemala, Caracas,
Java, New Granada, and Singapore.

Considered only as a British species, this lovely and most interesting
Fern has an extended, though somewhat local, range over England and
Wales, being most plentiful in the South and South-West. It is common
in Cornwall and Devonshire, also in Hampshire, Surrey, Sussex, and Kent,

ASPIDIUM. 42:7

while at Chaigeley, in Lancashire, it is, or formerly was, very abundant.
Although it is found wild on the Pyrenees, at elevations varying between
2000ft. and 3000ft., in England, as well as in Ireland, where it is frequently
met with, this plant prefers lowland shady woods or hedge-banks where
the soil is naturally and constantly moist. Indeed, it may be said to
affect exactly the same situations as A. aculeatum. Its presence in Scotland
is only recorded from Argyleshire and Berwickshire.

With regard to variation, this species differs essentially from A. aculeatum,
which is, or appears to be, singularly constant in its character when
compared with the Soft Prickly Shield Fern, remarkable varieties of which
have been either found wild or raised artificially from spores in such
quantities that the forms affected by the fronds are very extensive, and
many of them are remarkably handsome and decorative. Thus we have
forms of much larger size than the species from which they spring, and
others very dwarf; some with very broad fronds, as we also have particularly
narrow-fronded varieties. Among them we notice some with almost entire
pinne and pinnules (undivided leaflets and leafits) and others in which
these organs are extensively and deeply divided. In some varieties, again,
the pinnules are large and more or less circular, while in others they are
so small as to be almost linear. The variability in cristation is also
particularly noticeable in A. angulare, and this singular character is well
illustrated by varieties whose fronds are branching from the base, by others
which are crested at their apex or summit, while the tips of the fronds and
also of the pinne of numerous varieties are multifid or crested; some are
even proliferous (furnished with young plants) on the greater part of their
midrib, thus showing a distinct departure from the typical species to which
they owe their origin.

These varieties are now so numerous that, although many others not
found in the following list may possibly be considered of equal decorative
value, we feel bound to limit ourselves to the descriptions of the most
distinct forms only.

A. a. acrocladon
This splendid form, native of Devonshire, is of comparatively dwarf

ac-roc’-lad-on (summit-branched), JJoore.

habit and one of the most striking of all known varieties. Its fronds,

428 THE BOOK OF CHOICE, VEER S.

about 10in. long, are repeatedly branched at their extremity (Fig. 61) ;
the pinne (leaflets) of their lower part are opposite, but those of the upper
portion are alternate (not opposite). The rachis (stalk of the leafy portion)
is densely clothed with scales of a very
light brown colour ; these are disposed
even on the under-side of the pinnules
(leafits), and extend beyond the edges,
giving them the appearance of being
fringed with spines, especially in the
upper half of the fronds.—Lowe, Our
Native Ferns, 1., p. 129, fig. 105.

A. a. acutilobum—ac-u-til’-ob-um
(with acute lobes), Wollaston.

A very pretty and distinct variety,
originally found near Barnstaple. Its
fronds, 2ft. to 23ft. long and about
6in. broad, have lanceolate pinne

Fig. 6!. Frond of Aspidium angulare acrocladon F :
@ nat. size). (spear-shaped leaflets) about 3in. wide

and of nearly even breadth to near
the tapering point. These are furnished with acute-lobate pinnules (lobed
and sharp-pointed leafits), those on the lower side being longer and more
developed than those on the upper side of the pinne; they are slender-
stalked and very spiny, the spines curling round in all directions.—Lowe,
Our Native Ferns, 1., p. 126, fig. 102.

A. a. acutum—ac-u’-tum (sharp-pointed), Wollaston.

This interesting and distinct variety was found in a wild state in
Devonshire, in Hampshire, and in Sussex. It is of robust habit and rather
large, somewhat resembling A. acwleatum in general appearance. Its fronds,
2ft. to 24ft. long, are spreading and borne on comparatively long stipes
(stalks) which are thickly covered with large scales of a dark brown colour.
Their pinne (leaflets), about din. wide, are somewhat tapering and distant
(not closely set, as is usually the case), and furnished with pinnules (leafits)
borne on distinct though short footstalks; these pinnules are conspicuously

ASPIDIUM. 429

auricled (eared) and sharply dented all round, ending in a very sharp point.
—Lowe, Our Native Ferns, i, p. 77, fig. 45.

A. a. alatum—al-a’-tum (winged), Moore.

This extraordinary variety, which was originally found in Somersetshire,
and also in Devonshire, is of comparatively small dimensions, for its fronds
seldom exceed lift. long and 6in. wide. These are borne on scaly, short
stipes (stalks) ; they are lanceolate (spear-shaped), and their pinne (leaflets),
deeply cut nearly to the midrib, are furnished with pinnules (leafits) more
pointed and tapering than in the normal form, the anterior or lower side
being most developed; their margin is cut into rounded teeth, which
terminate in a bristle-like point. This variety is remarkable on account of
its pinnules being all joined together by a well-developed wing, or continuous
leafy attachment, on either side of the rachides (midribs) of the secondary
divisions.—Lowe, Our Native Ferns, 1., p. 119, t. 19b.

A. a. aristatum—ar-is-ta’-tum (awned), Wollaston and Moore.

This distinct and pretty variety was found wild in Sussex, also near
Burnley, in Lancashire, and later on in Shebden Dale, near Halifax, and
near Marwood, in Devonshire. It is of slender habit, and its chief distinc-
tion from the typical A. angulare consists in the bristly points of the
divisions being much more developed than usual, and turning upwards.
These long, hair-like points, which greatly resemble the beard of the corn,
give the plant a peculiar and bristly appearance. It is also remarkable
for the proliferous character of the stalks of its fronds.—Lowe, Our Native
Ferns, i, p. 80, fig. 48.

A. a. Baylize—Bayl’-i-e (Miss Bayly’s).
The plant commonly known under this name in the trade is one of
the numerous forms of A. a. grandidens—A. a. g. Baileyanum of Lowe.

A. a. biserratum—bis-er-ra/-tum (twice saw-toothed), Moore.

This remarkable form, which is common in Jersey, has also been found
in Devonshire, Somersetshire, and other parts of England, as well as near
Dublin. It bears a great resemblance to 4. aculeatwm. The large, spreading
fronds, which are borne on very long stipes (stalks), measure from 14ft.

430 THE BOOK OF. CHOICE FERNS.

to 23ft. in length and Gin. in width; they are remarkable for their thick
texture as also for the large size of their pinnules (leafits), which are more
or less twin spiny-toothed: from this unusual character its varietal name
was derived.—Lowe, Our Native Ferns, i., p. 77, fig. 46.

A. a. brachiatum—brach-i-a’-tum (brachiate, or having successive opposite
pairs of branches disposed at right angles to each other), Moore.

A remarkable variety, native of Devonshire. Its singular appearance is
produced by the lowest pair of pinne (leaflets) being sometimes so large as
to appear lke branches. This curious character gives the fronds, which are
lft. to 2ft. in leneth, quite a pyramidal
form, being much the broadest at the
base ; they are also stiff-habited and
densely leafy, of a yellowish-green
colour above and rusty-coloured be-
neath, The narrow and sharp-pointed
pinne vary in length in different por-
tions of the frond, and are usually
shorter in the centre than at the
base. Their pinnules (leafits), much
overlapping at the base, broad and
cut into many small, shallow, stiff-
spined teeth, are distinctly stalked and
lobed ; each pinnule next the midrib

of the frond is so deeply cut that
at that point the frond becomes tri-
pinnate (thrice divided).—Lowe, Our

Fig, 62. Frond of Aspidium angulare . Bsr ; =,
hep aa atin es Native Ferns, 1., p. 106, fig. 77.
(nabs -Biz6) Gray's A. a. brachiato-cristatum

(Fig. 62) is only a form of A. a.
brachiatum, in which the ends of each branching part of the fronds terminate
in a tuft, giving the plant a most peculiar appearance.

A. a. concinnum—con-cin/-num (neat), Moore.
This exceedingly pretty form of a more or less plumose nature, which
was originally found near Nettlecombe, is remarkable for the rich green colour

ASPIDIUM. — 431

and the very graceful habit of its fronds: they are 2ft. long and about Gin.
wide in the centre, gradually narrowed to a tapering, slender-spined point,
and furnished with pinne (leaflets) disposed is an ascending manner. The
pinnules (leafits), which are closely set and much cut, though not deeply,
have their basal lobe and that immediately above it ending in a spine, or
rather in a double spine, so that each pinnule is furnished with from twelve

to twenty spines or bristles——Lowe, Our Native Kerns, i., p. 173, fig. 151.
A. a. confluens—con’-fiu-ens (joined). A synonym of A. a. lineare.

A. a. cornutum—cor-nu’-tum (horned).
This curious form, which in commerce is known under the name of
Polystichum angulare cornutum, is simply one of the numerous varieties of

A. a. grandidens.

A. a. cristatum—cris-ta’-tum (crested), Moore.

An exceedingly beautiful Fern, represented by several forms which have
originally been found near Bristol, in Somersetshire, or in Devonshire, but
all of which appear to retain the normal
dimensions of the species, from which they
differ by their crested character. In general
outline it greatly resembles the normal form,
but the point of each frond, as also that of
each pinna, ends in short, densely-tufted
and crispy crests or tassels (Fig. 63), those

of the pinne bemg much less developed
than the terminal one, the whole forming
- s a Fig. 63, Crest of Aspidium angulare cristatum
a tasselled-margined frond, such as is noticed Giiapttsy

in the much commoner crested forms of the

Male and Lady Ferns.—Lowe, Our Native Ferns, i., p. 81, t. 16.

A. a. cruciatum—cruc-i-a’-tum (having pinne disposed in the form of
a cross). Synonymous with A. a. Hlworthit.

A. a. Elworthii—El-wor’-thi-i (Hlworthy’s), Moore.
This singularly striking variety, also known as Polystichum angulare
cruciatum, and originally found wild near Nettlecombe, is totally different

432, THE BOOK OF CHOICE LUEARIN SS

from all other forms at present known. Its curious fronds, which are from —
lift. to 2ft. long, 2m. to din. broad, and of a deep green colour, have each
of their pinne (leaflets) usually forking, nearly at their base, into two short,
spreading parts, each cut into overlapping, spiny-toothed pinnules (leafits).
These pinne are somewhat distant, but owing to half of them being ascending
and the other half descending, they cross each other at right angles and give
the frond a crowded appearance. The stalks in this singular variety are
throughout very scaly, and the sori (spore masses) are confined to the upper
portion of the frond only.—Lowe, Our Native Ferns, i., p. 153, fig. 181.

A. a. grandiceps—gran’-dic-eps (large-headed), Wollaston.

This really superb variety, which is by far the best crested form of
A. angulare yet discovered, is in general appearance very like a largely crested
and lobed form of A. aculeatum.
Unfortunately, no record of its
habitat can be found, and whether
it is a natural seedling or a plant
raised in cultivation cannot be
gathered from any work on the
subject. This, however, does not
detract from its beauty. Its
fronds, of a deep green colour, are
only about 1ft. in length and 1}in.
to 2in. wide, except at the summit,
where they end in a large and
rather flat crest 3in. to 5in. wide:
this is produced by the repeated
forking of the rachis, as each

Fig, 64, Aspidium angulare grandiceps
(4 nat. size). frond, at about three-fourths of

its length, divides into two or
three branches, each of which is pinnate (divided to the midrib) and spiny-
toothed. The primary divisions branch again to the third or fourth
degree, each ultimate branchlet ending in a short-forked, spiny-toothed and
tufted crest (Fig. 64). Fifty or more of these crestings usually form the
termination of the very large, spreading, densely leafy head of each frond.

Upper Half of Frond of Adiantum Seemannit

(nat. size).

ASPIDIUM. 433

The midribs of the fronds, and all their divisions and branches, are of
a yellowish colour, and of a thick, fleshy, and semi-transparent nature.—Lowe
Our Native Ferns, i, p. 151, fig. 128. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening,
1, p. 126.

A. a. grandidens—eran’-did-ens (strongly toothed), JMoore.

This singular variety, with the various forms which have been found
wild in so many different habitats—in Devonshire, in Somersetshire, near
Whitby, at Weston-super-Mare, at Linaskea, in Ireland, &c.—may be said
to form a perfectly distinct group in the classification of the varieties of
A. angulare. The original A. a. grandidens was found in Devonshire, and
may be described as a rather dwarf form of what is popularly called
Polystichum angulare, with narrow, spear-shaped fronds. These are from
1}ft. to 2ft. in length, 2in. to 3in. wide, of a thick texture and dark green
colour, and in most instances are truncate (terminating abruptly). Their
pinne (leaflets), which are equally truncate, are of various lengths, and the
small and obliquely wedge-shaped pinnules (leafits) are copiously and deeply
toothed or cut into two or three sharp, gaping teeth.—Lowe, Our Native
Ferns, i., p. 85, fig. 52.

This curious variety, even when reproduced from spores, is comparatively
constant. Among the several forms which, however, have by competent authori-
ties been considered as sub-varieties, the following are the most striking :

A. a. g. angustatum—an-eus-ta’-tum (narrow), Lowe.

In this sub-variety the fronds, lft. long, scarcely 3in. broad at the base,
and only 2in. in their widest part, are provided with basal leaflets which
consist of a pair of stalked, diminutive, cup-shaped leafits. The next few
pinne have two or three pairs of stalked, rather larger pinnules, and an
undivided upper portion. The sori (spore masses) are, in this form, confined
to the extremity of the frond and situated on the edge of the pinnules, which
are thus almost suprasoriferous (bearing spores on their upper surface).—
Lowe, Our Native Ferns, i.,, p. 187.

A. a. g. Baileyanum—Bail-ey-a’-num (Bailey’s), Lowe.
A very elegant form, of dwarf habit, and very pleasing in shape. Its

fronds have their pinnules (leafits) variously cut and show a few large,
3K

43.4, THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS:

angular teeth. They are of a remarkably bright shining green colour. This
beautiful sub-variety reproduces itself true from spores, which occupy the
greater part of the fertile fronds. It is generally, though erroneously, called
A. a. Baylie.—Lowe, Our Native Ferns, i., p. 186.

A. a. g. cornutum—cor-nu’-tum (horned), Lowe.

This very singular Fern is of slender and dwarf habit. Its curious fronds
vary in breadth from less than lin. to 33in., and seldom exceed Gin. in
height, inclusive of the stalks, which are quite 2in. lone; their extremity
terminates in a cornute (horn-shaped) appendage, which has all the appear-

ances of an abortive pinnule (leafit)—ZLowe, Our Native Ferns, i., p. 187.

A. a. g. Grayii—Gray’-i-i (Gray’s).

This Fern, which is perhaps the prettiest of all those in cultivation, was
originally discovered in Devonshire. It is dwarf in habit and nearly normal
in outline, although the leaflets are somewhat unequal in length; instead
of terminating abruptly like those of the ordinary A. a. grandidens, they
gradually taper to the apex, where they are very sharp.—Lowe, Our Native
Ferns, 1., p. 187.

A. a. imbricatum—im-bric-a’-tum (overlapping), Moore.

This thoroughly handsome and distinct variety, which in habit somewhat
resembles A. aculeatum lobatum, was originally found wild in Somersetshire.
Its rich green, bipinnate ‘(twice-divided) fronds, 2ft. long and only about
Zin. broad, are borne on very short stalks, and are of a narrow spear-head
shape. Their leaflets are blunt, short, and linear-oblong, while their blunt
and crowded pinnules (leafits) are conspicuously imbricated (overlapping), and
more markedly so on the fronds of the young plants. The stipes (stalks) and
the basal portion of the rachis (stalk of the leafy portion) are proliferous,
a bulbil being usually found on the larger fronds touching the soil.—Lowe,
Our Native Ferns, i., p. 84, t. 17x.

A. a. indivisum—in-di-vi’-sum (undivided), Wollaston.
A robust-growing form, originally found in Somersetshire. Its handsome,
spreading, very leafy, deep green fronds, 1}ft. to 2ft. long and about 6in. wide,

ASPIDIUM. 435

are borne on long stipes (stalks). Their pinne (leaflets) are spear-head-
shaped, close, and suddenly taper near the point. The pinnules (leafits) are
broad, coarse, more or less overlapping, undivided, slightly toothed, and
distinctly stalked; the midrib of each terminating in a prominent spine and
the outer base being more or less distinctly lobed—Lowe, Our Native Ferns,
1, p. 169, fig. 147.

A. a. interruptum—in-ter-rup’-tum (interrupted).

The fronds of this very handsome, constant, and singular form, which
was originally found wild at Oldstead, Yorkshire, are from lft. to 14ft. in
length, narrow, and somewhat spear-shaped. Although very variable in width,
they are always very narrow in their parts, owing to the presence of series
of shortened primary divisions, which vary in length to an extraordinary
degree and are provided with pinnules (leafits) of an auricled (eared) character,
and variously interrupted, especially near the stalk—Zowe, Our Native Ferns,
1, p. 108, fig. 80.

A. a. latipes—la’-ti-pes (broad-footed), Moore.

This very robust variety, originally found at Nettlecombe, in Somerset-
shire, is remarkable on account of the extraordinary breadth of its fronds,
which attain 33ft. to 4ft. in length and are 10in. or more broad at
their base. The pinne (leaflets), especially the basal ones, are exceed-
ingly large; they are somewhat distant and taper to a sharp-toothed, long
point. The pinnules (leafits) are conspicuously stalked, spiny, small-
toothed, and have at their outer base a very prominent, ear-like lobe or
auricle. The general outline of the fronds is a very broad lance shape ;
they are of a very deep green colour, and the stipes (stalks) are profusely
covered with pale brown scales about 4in. wide-—Lowe, Our Native Ferns,

i., p. 100, fig. 70.

A. a. lineare—li-né-a’/-ré (narrow), Moore.

This remarkable variety, also known under the name of A. a. confluens,
is probably the most curious of all the known forms of A. (Polystichum)
anguare. It was found wild in Jersey, and also in Ireland, and the Irish
plant, though partaking of the same character as the other, is of a much

436 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

more dwarf and compact habit. The Jersey plant has fronds 2ft. to 3ft.
long, and these are rendered very curious through the extreme contraction
of the deeply-cut pinnules (leafits), which are much depauperated and of
a greyish-green colour. The singular character of these pinnules gives the
frond a skeleton-like appearance. The upper part of each pinna (leaflet),
to about one-third of its length, is formed by the pinnules merging
into one another and forming a saw-edge-like, spiny-toothed, broadish
termination, imparting a heavy border to the outline of each frond, which
is thus rendered particularly elegant. The sori (spore masses) are situated
on the edge of the frond, where they form prominent little dots; these
being seen from above add to the interest attached to this extraordinary
plant.—Lowe, Our Native Ferns, i., p. 93, t. 18.

A. a. oxyphyllum—ox-yph-yl’-lum (having sharp-pointed leaves).

An exceedingly fine and elegant variety, of slender, graceful habit, yet
of large dimensions, as its fronds, 13ft. to 2ft. long and 6in. to 9in. wide,
are very spreading and partake in their general outline of the feathery
character of the better-known A. a. plumosum, together with the sharply-
pointed and narrow character of the pinnules (leafits) of A. a. acutum.
The fronds, thrice divided, are of a very scaly nature, and their pinne
(leaflets) are all more or less overlapping ; while the pinnules are profoundly
cut in a lobed and attenuated manner, like those of the popular
A, a. proliferum, which it somewhat resembles, though it is not in any way
proliferous.—Lowe, Our Native Ferns, i., p. 116, fig. 89.

A. a. parvissimum—par-vis’-sim-um (very small), Gray.

This very distinct variety, which originated as a seedling in the collection
of Mr. R. J. Gray, of St. Thomas’, Exeter, is unique in general appearance ;
for its fronds, which seldom exceed Ift. in length, are closely congested
and taper sharply to a point. The whole plant is of a somewhat rigid,
though elegant habit; its numerous and closely-set pinne (leaflets) are
furnished with very minute, dark green, blunt pinnules (leafits), of
a somewhat leathery texture and overlapping each other. This form is
a comparatively slow grower, but it possesses the advantage of holding its

foliage for a great length of time.

ASPIDIUM. 437

A. a. plumosum—plu-mo’-sum (feathery), Wollaston.

This rare, very handsome, and remarkably graceful variety was found
wild at Nettlecombe, in Somersetshire; near Barnstaple, and near Ottery
St. Mary, in Devonshire, about the same time by as many different collectors.
It is a most lovely Fern, of strong dimensions, yet very elegant in habit
on account of its spreading fronds, 2ft. to 3ft. long and 6in. to Qin.
broad, being of a very feathery nature. They are of a pale green colour
and thin texture, bipinnate (twice divided to the midrib), and almost three
times divided in .the most developed parts. Their general outline is
broadly spear-shaped, and their pinne (leaflets), more than lin. wide,
slightly decrease in width towards the point. The pinnules (leafits), with
which they are abundantly furnished, are conspicuously stalked, curving
outward, deeply and symmetrically cut into narrow, spiny-toothed lobes,
_ the larger of which are also often slightly cut. This gives an elegant
feathery appearance to the graceful arching fronds, which are produced in
great abundance from a short, upright stem.—lLowe, Our Native Ferns,
iene Per LNB, tie So:

A. a. polydactylum—pol-yd-ac’-tyl-um (many-fingered), Moore.

A constant, distinct, and exceedingly elegant variety, originally found
wild in Tipperary. Its slender, narrow, lanceolate (spear-shaped) fronds,
Jin. to 12in. long and 2in. to 3in. broad, are furnished with somewhat
irregular, stiff pinne (leaflets), usually ending in two or three spreading
forkings or short branches, from about half their length. Their pinnules
(leafits), which show a very distinct stalk and lobe, are proportionately small,
and here and there are only rudimentary.—-Lowe, Our Native Ferns, i
p. 114, fig. 86.

at

A. a premorsum—pre-mor’-sum (bitten off), Allchin.

A distinct and very curious variety, found wild in Ireland, also in
Hampshire and in Devonshire. It is of dwarf and compact habit, its
rather tapering fronds, often irregular in outline, seldom exceeding 14ft.
in length by 3in. in breadth; they are furnished with shortened or
abruptly-terminating leaflets, which, like the pinnules (leafits), appear as if
bitten off—Lowe, Our Native Ferns, i, p. 88, figs. 55 and 56.

438 THE BOOK, VOL" (CHOT CIE IE RIN St

A. a. proliferum—pro-lif’-er-um (proliferous), JMoore.

This singular plant, although simply a variety of A. angulare, may
be said to form, with the sub-varieties related to it, quite a distinct
group of Ferns, distinguished from all others belonging to the same genus
through the peculiar habit they possess of producing on their rachis (stalk
of the leafy portion), by means of small bulbils, a crop of young plants, by
which these forms are most readily propagated. The typical A. a. pro-
liferum was discovered at Ide. It is a Fern with narrow fronds of graceful
habit, three times divided to the midrib, and viviparous (bud-bearing) in the
axils of the lower pinne (leaflets), and even occasionally in the axils of the
pinnules (leaflets). Other forms more or less distinct, but scarcely deserving
varietal names, have been found in a wild state at Whitby and near Brighton,
while one which was never named or described shows a peculiar appearance
through the dense mass of long red scales which covers the rachis, and
which is strikingly effective in the lower half of the frond: it was found
at Monk Leigh, in North Devonshire. A. a. proliferum was found by
Dr. Kinahan, as long ago as August, 1849, growing on slate rocks by the
side of a stream which, running through Friarstown House demesne, falls
into the Dodder, just above Bohernabreena, County Dublin.—Lowe, Our
Native Ferns, 1., p. 80, fig. 48.

The most distinct of the several known forms of A. a. proliferum are
the following :—

A. a. p. angustatum—an-gus-ta’-tum (narrow), Stansfield.

This variety, raised from spores at Todmorden, near Manchester, differs
from the typical A. a. proliferum in having its fronds, lft. to 2ft. long,
much narrower, seldom attaining 2in. in breadth. They are bipinnate (twice
divided to the midrib), and furnished with short, blunt pinne (leaflets) ;
their pinnules (leafits) are slightly eared at the base. This variety is
proliferous only at the base of the rachis (stalk of the leafy portion).—
Lowe, Our Native Ferns, 1., p. 176.

A. a. p. Footii—Foot’-1-i (Foot’s), Moore.
A most elegant and finely-divided variety, found wild in County Clare,
Ireland. ‘Its fronds are more triangular than those of the typical form, and

ASPIDIUM., 439

are also distinctly tripinnate (three times divided to the midrib); they are
very broad when compared with their length, which seldom exceeds 1#ft.,
and are of a dark green colour; the rachis (stalk of the leafy portion)
is thickly covered with brown scales, and abundantly proliferous on nearly
its whole length. The habit of this handsome variety is also peculiar, as,
instead of growing upright, its plumose fronds spread out horizontally, or, at
the most, only slant upwards.—Lowe, Our Native Ferns, i., p. 104, fig. 75.

A. a. p. Padleyanum—Pad-ley-
a’-num (Padley’s), Lovwe.

A very handsome form, normal in
outline, originally found at Monkleich,
North Devon. Its fronds, 14ft. lone,
are twice divided to the midrib ; their
pinne (leaflets) are opposite on the
lower half of the frond and alternate
above; they are narrow-lance-shaped,
crowded, and strongly auriculate
(having a distinctly-marked ear) at
the base. This is further distinct from
most known varieties by the abundance
of long spines noticeable along the
margins and at the extremity of each
pinnule (leafit)—Lowe, Our Native
Berns wate, spaulooy fee ao. |

A. a. p. Wollastoni—Wol’-las-ton-i
(Wollaston’s), Joore.

This is undoubtedly one of the most Fig. 65. Portion of Frond of Aspidium angulare
; mae . A site roliferum Wollastoni
beautiful British kinds of Aspidium. pratt

(& nat. size).

_ It was originally found near Ottery
St. Mary, in Devonshire, also at Barnstaple and in some parts of North
Devon. Though a strong grower, it is very elegant, for its beautiful fronds,

23ft. to 33ft. long and 6in. to Yin. broad, are of a somewhat loose habit,
very spreading, almost pendent, and of a tapering lance-shaped outline ; they

44.0 LTTE BOOKS OR -MCHOLCTIA UN SIERINS:

are distinctly tripinnate (thrice divided to the midrib), haying rather distant,
tapering leaflets (Fig. 65), with narrowed, contracted, but not distorted
pinnules (leafits), distantly lobed, deeply cut, and conspicuously stalked. The
fronds are of a particularly dark green colour and very proliferous (bud-
bearing) on the lower half of the stalk of their leafy portion—Lowe, Our
Native Ferns, 1., p. 128, fig. 104.

A. a. pumilum—pu’-mil-um (small), Moore.

A very pretty, constant form, of dwarf habit, originally found near
Nettlecombe. Its fronds, which have the same bitten-off character as those
of A. a. premorsum, are smaller in all their parts, as they seldom attain
Jin. in length and 2in. in breadth; they are bipinnate (twice divided), of
a deep green colour, and rather wavy or crispy. The fructification is limited
to the extremity of the fronds, where only two or three pairs of sori
(spore masses) are found at the tips of the leaflets—Lowe, Our Native
Ferns, 1., p. Lid; figs, 87,

A. a. ramosissimum—ra-mo-sis’-sim-um (much branched), Lowe.

A singularly crested and branched form, originally found wild near
Exeter. Its fronds, 14ft. to 13ft. long and 8in. to 12in. broad across the
ramose (branched) portion; are very variable; yet they usually branch
about 4in. above the base, these branches dividing again about 2in. higher
and having a third division from 2in. to 3in. beyond that; further, they
are frequently more or less branched again near the summit of the frond.
—Lowe, Our Native Ferns, 1., p. 144, fig. 122.

A. a. rotundatum—rot-un-da/-tum (rounded), Moore.

This most distinct, comparatively small-fronded, and remarkable Fern,
different in general aspect from all other known kinds, was originally found
in a wild state near Nettlecombe, in Somersetshire. Its remarkably pretty
fronds, lft. to 14ft. long and 3in. to 4in. broad, are narrow spear-shaped,
rather spreading, and terminate in a blunt, rounded lobe; they are strictly
bipinnate (twice divided to the midrib) and of a deep green colour. The
pinne (leaflets), closely set and l14in. to 2in. long, are of nearly even
breadth throughout, gradually diminishing in size to less than 3in. long

ASPIDIUM. 441

next to the densely scaly stalk at the base of the frond. The pinnules
(leafits) are frequently almost circular, except near the stalked attachment,
where they are more or less wedge-shaped; their margin is short-toothed,
but not spiny, as in nearly all other forms of A. angulare. The terminal
lobe of each pinna is larger, and either shallow fan-shaped or nearly short-
triangular and blunt-toothed on the upper margin.— Lowe, Our Native
HEPWS, Tt Pe 99, He. 6S,

A. a. setaceum—se-ta’-cé-um (bristly), Sim.

A very interesting, dwarf-growing form, raised from spores at Foot’s
Cray. Its short, nearly erect fronds, 6in. to Qin. long, are short-stalked,
spear-shaped, and bipinnate (twice divided). The pinnules (leafits) are
conspicuously stalked, excepting near the margin of the fronds, where
they are confluent (merging into a very broad and toothed terminal one).
Some of these leafits are sharply lobed, all are deeply toothed, and each
tooth bears one long and very prominent, awl-like spine or bristle.

A. a. tripinnatum—trip-in-na’-tum (thrice divided to the midrib),
Moore.

This beautiful variety, originally found in a wild state in Cornwall, is so
distinct in general appearance that, since its discovery, nearly every writer
on British Ferns specially mentions it. It is described in Moore’s “ Nature
Printed Ferns,’ and figured on t. 138, also in his “ Handbook of British
Ferns,” p. 90. Lowe, in his splendid work on “Our Native Ferns,” not
only describes it, but gives a coloured illustration of it; he also illus-
trates it in his “Natural History of British and Exotic Ferns,” vi., t. 24,
p. 70. The handsome fronds, of a vivid green colour and long-triangular
shape, are from Ift. to 1}ft. long, 4in. to 6in. broad, and have their stipes
(stalks) and rachis (stalk of the leafy portion) densely covered with scales
of a light brown colour. Their habit is also peculiar, as they rise
perpendicularly, thus forming a plant of a narrow “shuttlecock ” appearance.
The pinne (leaflets), 2in. to 3in. long, incline or twist a little out of the
flat surface of the frond, and lie nearly horizontally one above another, like
so many steps of a ladder; and, being crowded together, when a frond

is pressed flat for preservation, the pinne overlap each other. The pinnules
31

449, THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

(leafits) are crowded, rather overlapping, and each superior or upward one
next the midrib of the frond is very much lengthened and deeply cut into
stalked third divisions, thus making the frond tripinnate-—Lowe, Our Native
Ferns, 1., p. 78, t. 14.

A. a. truncatum—trun-ca’-tum (maimed), Lowe.

This remarkable variety, very distinct in general appearance, possesses
the property of reproducing itself very true from spores: it was originally
found in Ireland, and its distinguishing features are the truncated form of
the fronds and of their leaflets. The fronds, of a deep green colour above
and paler beneath, are of a very leathery texture, Jin. to 1din. long by
2in. to din. broad, and terminate abruptly; they are borne on very stiff
and scaly, short stalks, and their pinnew (leaflets) are furnished with three
or four pairs of pinnules (leafits), peculiarly fan-shaped and deeply toothed.
The sori (spore masses) in this singular variety being situated on the
extreme margin, appear almost as if disposed on the upper surface of the
frond. The combination of the above-mentioned distinctive characters renders
this singular Fern very interesting. —Lowe, Our Native Ferns, i., p. 82, t. 17.

A. a. varians—var’-i-ans (variable), Wollaston.

An exceedingly curious variety, with fronds lft. to 2ft. long, of
a particularly soft texture, and light green in colour. The pinne (leaflets),
opposite in the lower part of the frond and alternate in the upper portion,
affect all sorts of shapes, being variously interrupted, mostly short and
blunt, frequently forked, sometimes only rudimentary, or even wanting
altogether. The pinnules (leafits) also vary in size, shape, and quantities
accordingly, sometimes numbering ten pairs, while the next pinna only bears
one pair, or is even reduced to a single pinnule. There also exist a dwarf
form found at Littleham in Devonshire, and another, altogether distinct in
habit, its fronds bemg 2ft. to 24{t. long, found near Ixeter, in which,
however, the same variable character is observable, and which only differ in
their size, no two pinne being alike—ZLowe, Our Native Kerns, 1., p. 105,

fig. 76.

A. a. Wollastoni (Wollaston’s). The plant popularly designated under
this name is one of the several known forms of A. a. proliferum.

ASPIDIUM. 443

A. (Euaspidium) angulatum—Eu-as-pid’-i-um ; ang-ul-a’-tum (angular),
John Smith (not Hooker).

A stove species, native of the Malayan Islands, with fronds of a soft,
papery texture, Ift. to 2ft. long, sometimes simple (undivided), usually with
one large, heart-shaped, entire terminal pinna (leaflet) and one or two lateral
ones on each side of the midrib. The lowest of these, 6in. to 10in. long
and 2in. to 4in. broad, are often forked at the base. The stipes (stalks) on
which the fronds are borne are Ift. to 2ft. long, ebeneous, glossy above and
scaly below ; the rachis (stalk of the leafy portion) is of similar nature, and
the very abundant sori (spore masses) are small and scattered over the whole
of the under-side of the frond.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 258.

A. (Polystichum) anomalum—Pol-ys’-tich-um ; an-o’-mal-um (ano-
malous), Hooker and Arnott.

A very robust, greenhouse species, native of Ceylon, where, according to
Beddome, it grows at from 5000ft. to 6000ft. elevation. It produces fronds
2ft. to 3ft. long and lft. or more broad, borne on stout, upright stalks, 1ft.
to 2ft. long, that are densely clothed, especially in their lower part, with large,
spear-shaped scales of a peculiarly light brown colour. The lower pinne
(leaflets) are 6in. to 9in. long and 2in. to 3in. broad, and the leathery leafits,
with blunt or slightly pointed teeth, are spear-shaped in the upper part
of the pinne, but cut down below into oblong segments. Both surfaces
are naked, and the sori (spore masses) are often borne on the upper surface
and sometimes quite destitute of an involucre (covering). Of this curious plant
Beddome says: “xcept in the extraordinary fact of its bearing its
sori on the upper side of the frond, it hardly differs from some form of
the variable A. aculeatum, and is probably an abnormal form of that species.”
—Hooker, Species Filicum, iv., p. 27. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening,
i, p. 126. Beddome, Ferns of British India, t. 219.

A. argutum—ar-gu’-tum (sharply-toothed). A variety of A. acwleatum.

A. (Polystichum) aristatum—Pol-ys’-tich-um ; ar-is-ta’-tum (awned),
Swartz. .

This handsome and robust, greenhouse species, better known perhaps

under the name of Lastrea aristata, is a native of Japan, the Himalayas,

444, THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

Norfolk Island, New South Wales, &c. Its very lasting fronds, of a
leathery texture, are produced from a thick, creeping rhizome (underground
stem), and borne on stiff, upright stalks that are 1ft. to lift. long, and
clothed on all their length, but principally in their lower part, with very
narrow scales of a dark brown colour. The leafy portion of these fronds is
tri- or quadripinnatifid (three or four times divided half-way to the midrib);
their lower pinne (leaflets), which are the largest and sub-deltoid (nearly
like the Greek delta, A), are 6in. to 9in. long and 3in. to 4in. broad.
The lowest pinnules, which are also the largest, are of similar shape, from
Zin. to 4in. long, and copiously furnished around their margin with
aristate (awned) teeth. The sori (spore masses) are small, and disposed
principally in two rows near the midrib, which is very nearly naked. —
Hooker, Species Filicum, iv., p. 27. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i.,
p. 126. A. arisiatum of Wollaston and Moore is a variety of A. angulare.

A. a. coniifolium—co-ni’-if-ol’-i-um (Hemlock-leaved), Wallich.

A, aristatum has produced several varieties: of these coniifolium is
usually considered as a species, and has been illustrated as such in Lowe’s
excellent work under the name of A. coniifolium. It is an evergreen and
very beautiful, stove Fern, native of Ceylon and the Philippine Islands.
It differs from A. aristatum principally through having its handsome fronds,
which are adherent to a small, creeping rhizome, more finely divided. These
fronds, of a deep shining green, about 24ft. long by Ift. broad at the base,
are borne on stipes (stalks) quite 14ft. long, and covered with brown
hairs which are considerably longer near the base. The basal pinnules
(leafits) are very large, and the sub-divisions are throughout copiously
toothed. The very abundant sori (spore masses) eventually merge into one
another, cover the whole under-side of the frond, and very nearly touch
each other before shedding the kidney-shaped indusium (covering): though
white when only partly developed, they are of a reddish-brown colour
when mature.—Lowe, Ferns British and Exotic, vi., t. 89. Hooker, Synopsis
Filicum, p. 255. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, 1., p. 126.

A. a. variegatum—var-i-eo-a’-tum (variegated), Moore.
This very handsome Fern, of Japanese origin and of great decorative
value, is much better known under the name of Lastrea aristata variegata ;

“tor Saw
a eee
tae ie ee

Shee
asta!

=
ty
S
a
ish}
=
Se)
a
~~
a.
3
=)
S
=
ao
wo
=
we
oS

Fernery

Cool-house

ASPIDIUM. 445

it needs no further proof of its excellence than the great esteem in which
it is held by the public as a plant of first-class quality for indoor
decoration. It is quite as hardy and quite as free a grower as the species
from which it has issued, although of smaller dimensions, as its fronds,
which are also tripinnatifid (three times divided to the midrib) and of an
equally leathery texture, seldom attain more than 14ft. in length; their
leafy portion, nearly trapeziform, is of a dark, glossy green, with a whitish
band running all along the centre of each leaflet (Plate, for which we are
indebted to Messrs. W. and J. Birkenhead). The pinnules (leafits) are
very sharply toothed on their edges, and the fronds, as in the original
species, are produced from thick, underground rhizomes (creeping stems ),—
Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 126.

It is worthy of special notice that this variety reproduces itself freely
and quite true from spores, and also that, although the contrast between
the colours of the centre and of the sides of the pinne is much more
marked in specimens which have been subjected to a little heat, this plant
succeeds admirably in the greenhouse, and is even perfectly hardy in several
favoured counties, such as Cornwall, Devonshire, and Somersetshire: it has
withstood 20deg. of frost in the East of France.

A. (Polystichum) auriculatum — Pol-ys’-tich-um ; aur-ic-ul-a/-tum
(eared), Swartz.

This vigorous-growing, greenhouse Fern, of medium dimensions, has
a very extensive range of habitat, for it is found throughout India and
Ceylon ; on the Himalayas it has been collected up to 9,000ft. high, and,
according to Beddome, it is also very common on the higher ranges of the
Neilgherries and other lofty mountains on the Western side of the Madras
Presidency. Its leathery fronds, ft. to 14ft. long and Qin. to 4in. broad,
are borne on tufted stipes (stalks) din. to 6in. long, and are scaly below
and sometimes throughout. The numerous pinne (leaflets), sub-sessile
(almost stalkless) and closely set, are 1#in. long and about din. broad ;
they are somewhat falcate (sickle-shaped) and very sharp-pointed, their
edges not being lobed, but simply finely toothed: the upper one shows
a prominent auricle (ear), while the lower one is truncate in a horizontal
line at the base. The sori (spore masses) are disposed in two distinct

4.4.6 THE BOOK OL WCHOl CEP ERINS.,

rows. — Hooker, Species Filicum, iv., p. 11. Nicholson, Dictionary of
Gardening, i., p. 126. Beddome, Ferns of Southern India, t. 120.

This species is very variable: according to Beddome, the normal form,
which has fronds simply pinnate (once divided to the midrib), is the only
one found in Southern India, while in some of the forms found in Northern
India the fronds are frequently twice pinnate. The following are the most

distinct varieties of A. auriculatum :

A. a. lentum—lent’-um (pliant), Don.

This variety. differs from the species through its pinne (leaflets) being
cut into oblong, mucronate (pointed) lobes about half-way down to the rachis
(stalk of the leafy portion), the auricle (ear) being sometimes quite free.—
Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 251. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening,
ligt ss 20:

A. a marginatum—mar-gin-a’-tum (margined), Wallich.

A variety with fronds of a more leathery texture than those of the type,
the upper edge of the pinne (leaflets) being also slightly lobed—AHooker,
Synopsis Filicum, p. 251. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 126.

A. a. obliquum—ob-li’-qu-um (oblique), Don.

This variety, native of the Himalayas, is of smaller habit than the type,
being seldom more than 6in. in height. It is also simply pinnate (once
divided to the midrib), and its leaflets, shorter and broader than those
of A. auriculatum, are narrowed more suddenly to an often bluntish point,

and are more bluntly toothed.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 493.

A. biaristatum—hi-ar-is-ta’-tum (twice awned), Blume.
This is a mere form of A. aculeatum, with large pinnules (leafits)
aristate (awn-like) at their point and at their auricle or base.

A. brachiatum—brach-i-a’-tum (brachiate). A variety of A. angulare.

A. (Cyrtomium) caducum—Cyr-tom’-i-um ; cad-u’-cum (deciduous, or
ready to fall), Wallich.

A very handsome species, native of the Himalayas, where it is found at

7000ft. elevation, also, according to Beddome, of the Khasya Hills, where the

ASPIDIUM. 447

plant used for his illustration was gathered in a wild state. The fronds, of
a coriaceous (leathery) texture, lift. to 2ft. long and 6in. to 9in. broad,
are borne on firm, erect stipes (stalks) I1ft. long, stramineous (straw-
coloured) and scaly in the lower portion. They are simply pinnate (only
once divided to the midrib), and furnished on each side with numerous
stalked, spear-shaped leaflets 4in. to 6in. long and 1l4in. broad, which
terminate in a long, tapering point. The edges are almost entire or more
or less deeply lobed, sometimes down to the rachis (stalk of the leafy
portion) below. The midrib is often covered beneath with small scales. The
particularly large sori (spore masses) are disposed in one or two rows
on each side of the midvein of the pinne (leaflets). — Hooker, Species
filicum, iv., p. 89. Beddome, Ferns of British India, t. 45.

A. (Euaspidium) cespitosum — Eu-as-pid’i-um; cmxs-pit-o/-sum
(tufted), Wadllich.

A greenhouse species, plentiful in North India, especially on the
Himalayas, where it is found at various elevations between 4000ft. and
10,000ft. ; also in Nepaul, Simla, &c. It is of comparatively dwarf habit, as
its fronds, seldom more than 8in. long, are borne on stems 4in. to Gin. long,
smooth, except at their base, which, like the short, thick rhizome (prostrate
stem) from which they are produced, is clothed with ciliated (fringed)
scales of a light brown colour.—Beddome, Ferns of British India, t. 33.

A. (Euaspidium) caleareum — Eu-as-pid’-i-um ; cal-ca/-ré-um (cal-
careous or limy), Pres.

This stove species, native of the Philippine Islands, is of medium
dimensions, its fronds, 1ft. long and Gin. to Yin. broad, being borne on tufted,
naked stalks 4in. to 6in. long only; their upper portion is pinnatifid (divided
half-way to the midrib), but their lower portion is furnished with four to six
stalked pinne (leaflets) on each side of the midrib. The lowest leaflets are
cut down to the rachis (stalk of the leafy portion) into stalked, spear-shaped,
pointed, deeply and bluntly-lobed pinnules (leafits) of a somewhat leathery
texture. The sori (spore masses), disposed in two rows on each side of the
midvein, are provided with an orbicular involucre (globular covering),—
Hooker, Species Lilicum, iv., p: 46.

448 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

A. (Polystichum) capense — Pol-ys’-tich-um ; ca-pen’-sé (from the
Cape), Willdenow.

Although its specific name seems to indicate that this handsome and
very useful, greenhouse species is a native of the Cape of Good Hope, it
is, or has been, found in a wild state in various other places: thus
it is found in America from Cuba to Patagonia, in the Polynesian Islands,
in New Zealand and Australia, as well as in Cape Colony, Natal, and the
Mascarene Islands. Its handsome fronds, of a very leathery texture and
of a shining nature, have both surfaces naked; their leafy portion, sub-
deltoid (in form almost like the Greek delta, A), tripinnate (three times
divided to the midrib), 1ft. to 3ft. long and Ift. to 14ft. broad, is borne
on a firm, erect, greyish stalk, densely scaly below. The lowest pinne
(leaflets), which are the largest, frequently measure 6in. to 10in. long
by 3in. to 4in. broad ; they are oblong-spear-shaped, sharp-pointed, wedge-
shaped at the base, and have bluntly-lobed segments. The large and
abundant sori (spore masses) are disposed in two rows nearly filling the
space ‘between the midrib and the edge. In gardens this species is also
known as A. coriaceum.—Hooker, Species Filicum, iv., p. 32. Nicholson,
Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 126. Lowe, Ferns British and Exotic, vi., t. 40.

A. caryotideum—car-y-o-tid’-é-um (Caryota-like). This is a variety
of A. falcatum. |

A. confertum — con-fer’-tum (compressed), Hooker and Greville.
Synonymous with A. meniscioides.

A. coriaceum—cor-i-a’/-cé-um (leathery), Swartz. A garden name for
A. capense.

A. cristatum—cris-ta’-tum (crested). A name applied to varieties of
A. aculeatum and A. angulare.

A. (Cyrtomium) faleatum — Cyr-tom’-i-um ; fal-ca’-tum (hooked or
sickle-shaped), Swartz.

The Ferns belonging to the Cyrtomium section form a small group

of most useful subjects in the genus Aspidiwm, but this species and its

several varieties surpass all others in being best adapted for indoor decoration.

ASPIDIUM., 449

On account of their rapid growth and of the firm texture of their fronds,
they are indeed the best Ferns for use in the least-fayvoured places—in rooms
and on staircases—where their leathery foliage of distinct and handsome
appearance seems to defy the deadly influences of draughts, and some, of
even gas, better than that of any other Ferns with which we are acquainted.
Their bold foliage makes a striking contrast with that of the more finely-
cut species when planted out in the cold Fernery, in which place, and under
which treatment, they develop into handsome specimens in an incredibly short
space of time, and show themselves off to great advantage. For that special
purpose they all are of great value, as by the use of them we are enabled

Fig, 66, Frond of Aspidium falcatum

G nat. size).

to give additional charm to the rockery not heated artificially, but simply
covered with glass ; there, being evergreen, they retain their beauty during
the whole of the winter months.

The culture of A. falcatum and its allies is very simple, and their
requirements are limited. The soil which suits them best is a compost
of about equal parts of loam, peat, and silver sand, but care must be taken
that they are not potted hard, or, if planted out in the Fernery, that the soil
immediately around them is kept moderately loose. They require a good

supply of water at the roots in the growing season, and during that time
3M

450 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

frequent syringings are also beneficial, but they should be watered sparingly
during the winter, when the foliage should also be kept dry. It must also
be borne in mind that, although subject to thrips, Cyrtomiums will not get
infested with them when not grown in heat. All are readily propagated from
spores, which are produced abundantly and germinate very freely. |

Although all known forms of Cyrtomium falcatum are, in commerce,
considered as so many species, they are simply varieties of A. falcatum, a
species with a very wide range of habitat, being known as a native of Japan,
China, the Himalayas, Neilgherries, &c. Its handsome fronds, 14ft. to 24ft.
long and 6in. to 9in. broad, are borne on stout stalks Gin. to 10in. long,
and densely clothed, especially at the base, with large scales of a light
brown colour. They are produced from a very stout crown of a particularly
scaly nature, and are spear-shaped, simply pinnate (once divided to the
midrib), and of a shining dark green colour, approaching that of the
Portugal Laurel, but paler underneath. The numerous pinne (leaflets) are
stalked at the base of the frond, but sessile (stalkless) in its upper half
(Fig. 66); they are sickle-shaped, 4in. to 6in. long, lin. to 2in. broad, some-
times auricled (eared), the lower side rounded or obliquely truncate at the
base. The sori (spore masses) are bold and pretty, being thickly scattered
over the whole under-surface of the frond. Although generally considered
as a greenhouse Fern, this species has proved perfectly hardy and stood
several consecutive winters out of doors, in various parts of England,
Ireland, and Wales, without artificial protection, and yet remained uninjured.
In these cases, however, it became deciduous, the fronds being annually cut
off by the frost; but the vigour of the plants did not suffer through this
loss of foliage, which corresponds with a similar treatment natural to our
common Prickly Shield Fern.—Hooker, Species Filicum, iv., p. 40. Nicholson,
Dictionary of Gardening, i, p. 126. Lowe, Ferns British and Exotic,
Vile suet

A. f. caryotideum—car-y-o-tid’-é-um (Caryota-like), Wadllich.

This variety, of Japanese origin, which, in commerce, is erroneously
known as Cyrtomiwm Fortunet, is totally distinct from the species in its
drooping habit and also in the colour and shape of its fronds, which, instead
of being dark green, are of a most conspicuous light: green tint. They

ASPIDIUM. 451

are produced from a thick, fleshy crown, and are simply pinnate (only
once divided to the midrib); but their pinne (leaflets) are much larger,
sharply toothed, slightly lobed, and of quite a peculiar and distinct shape,
through their being strongly auricled on both sides at the base. This form
has quite a different aspect from all other Ferns in cultivation, and requires
very little care in its management, being quite as hardy as the species.—
Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 257. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening,
L, p. 126.

A. f. Fortunei—For-tu’-né-i (Fortune’s), John Smith.

This variety, native of Japan, and known in commerce as Cyrtomium
Anomophyllum, differs from the type in having the pinne (leaflets) narrower
and more opaque. The fronds, which are produced in greater quantities,
are also of a more upright habit, 2ft. to 23ft. long, and their pinne (leaflets),
slightly auricled at the base, are of a rather thin texture, and of a dull dark
green colour when matured, but prettily mottled with lighter green in
their young state. ortunei is quite as hardy as the species, and reproduces
itself true from spores.—Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 126.

A. f. pendulum—pen’-dul-um (hanging down), Schneider.

This garden variety, raised by Mr. J. Naylor, of Harrow, appears to
partake in about equal degrees of the characters of those previously
described, from which, however, it is totally distinct.- Its elegant fronds,
lft. to 14ft. long and about 6in. broad, are borne on stipes (stalks) 5in.
to 6in. long and of a slightly scaly nature, except at the base, where the
scales, of a light brown colour, are both large and numerous. The pinne
(leaflets), in shape like those of A. f. Fortune’, but wedge-shaped at the
base instead of being partly stalkless, are short-stalked on the whole length
of the frond; they are of a leathery texture, yet shining like those of the
typical A. falcatum. The distinguishing character of this variety, however,
resides in the general habit of the plant, which is gracefully pendulous
(see Plate), and becomes still more so as it attains a greater development ;
the rachis (stalk of the leafy portion) of the fertile fronds being of
a peculiarly zigzag nature and more gracefully arching than ‘that of the
barren ones. This remarkable variety, like the preceding ones, reproduces
itself quite true from spores, which are plentiful and germinate very freely.

452 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

A. falcinellum—fal-cin-el’-lum (finely hooked), Swartz.

This pretty, greenhouse species, of medium growth, native of Madeira,
has oblong-spear-shaped fronds of a very leathery texture, 1ft. to 1#{t. long
and 4in. to 6in. broad, borne on somewhat slender stipes (stalks) 4in. to
Sin. long, densely clothed, especially below, with spear-shaped scales of
a blackish-brown colour. The central pinne (leaflets) are about 3in. lone
and jin. broad, but they gradually become smaller towards the base and
summit of the frond; they are all short-stalked, their upper side is bluntly
eared and their lower one obliquely truncate at the base, and their edge is
finely toothed like a saw. The bright green colour of the fronds, and the
bold nature of their large sori (spore masses), which are disposed in two long
rows, covered by conspicuous indusia, render this Fern one of the most
attractive of the whole genus.—Hooker, Species Filicum, iv., p. 10. Nicholson,
Dictionary of Gardening, 1., p. 126. Lowe, Ferns British and Exotic, vi., t. 7.

A. (Polystichum) flexum—Pol-ys’-tich-um ; flex’-um (bending), Kunze.

A noble, evergreen, stove species, native of Juan Fernandez Island, and
somewhat resembling A. capense in general aspect, though quite different in
details. Its fronds, 2ft. to 3ft. long and 9in. to 12in. broad, are borne on
scaly stalks about Ift. long; they are triangular in shape, erect, stout,
of a dull green colour, and tripinnate (three times divided to the midrib).
Their lower pinne (leaflets), 6in. to 9in. long and 4in. to Gin. broad, are
spear-shaped, and their pinnules (leafits), of similar shape and of a leathery
texture, are cut down to the rachis (stalk of the leafy portion) below. into
oblong, bluntly-lobed segments 4in. long, in. broad, and slightly recurved.
The sori (spore masses) are disposed in two rows, and occupy nearly the
whole of the space between the edge and the midrib. The stipes (stalks)
and the rachis are everywhere hairy; they are also provided with broad,
dark scales scattered here and there, darker and larger near the base—
Hooker, Species Filicum, iv., p. 33, t. 229. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening,
i, p. 126. Lowe, Kerns British and Exotic, vi., t. 36.

A. (Polystichum) foeniculaceum—Pol-ys’-tich-um ; foe-nic-ul-a’-cé-um
(Fennel-leaved), Hooker.

This greenhouse species, native of Sikkim, where it is found growing wild

at various elevations between 700O0ft. and 10,000ft., has fronds lft. to 2ft.

ASPIDIUM. 453

long and about Lft. broad, spear-shaped, and simply pinnate (once only
divided to the midrib) ; they are borne on stalks 6in. to 10in. long, densely
clothed below with spear-shaped scales of a reddish-brown colour, and proceed
from an underground, creeping rhizome (prostrate stem). The lower pinnz
(leaflets), 6in. to 8in. long and 3in. to 4in. broad, are divided into leafits
which sometimes are again pinnatifid. They are of a sub-coriaceous (almost
leathery) texture, have both surfaces glossy, and the sori (spore masses) are
disposed singly on their under-surface.—Hooker, Species Pilicum, iv., p. 36,
t. 237. Micholson, Dictionary of Gardening, 1., p. 126.

A. Footii—Foot’-i-i (Foot’s). A variety of A. angulare proliferum.

A. (Polystichum) frondosum—Pol-ys’-tich-um ; fron-do’-sum (leafy),
| Lowe.

A beautiful, evergreen species, native of Madeira. Its fronds, lft. to 2ft.
long and 9in. to 12in. broad, are of a rich, shining green colour; they are
borne on strong, straw-coloured or pale brown stipes (stalks) Ift. to 2ft. long,
of a polished nature in general, but densely scaly below. The lowest pinnx
(leaflets), which are by far the largest, measure from 6in. to 12in. in length
and in. to 4in. in breadth, and are borne on comparatively long footstalks.
Their pinnules (leafits), of a somewhat leathery texture, are spear-shaped,
very unequal-sided, pinnatifid (divided only half-way to the midrib), with
rounded lobes terminating in sharp-pointed teeth, and obliquely truncate at
the base below. The sori (spore masses) are plentifully produced, and are
disposed principally in two rows close to the midrib.—Hooker, Species
Filicum, iv., p. 31. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, 1., p. 126. Lowe,
Ferns British and Exotic, vi., t. 438.

A. (Polystichum) glandulosum — Pol-ys’-tich-um; glan-dul-o’-sum
(furnished with glands), Hooker and Greville.

This small, stove species, native of Cuba and Jamaica, is very distinct
from all others on account of its fronds, about 6in. long by lin. broad, being
covered on both surfaces with fine glands of a hairy nature; they are borne
on very short stalks, are oblong-spear-shaped, tapering at both ends, and are
cut down nearly to the midrib into bluntly-undulated, oblong lobes of soft

texture and bright green colour. The sori (spore masses), of which there are

THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

454:

from two to eight to each pinna, are disposed midway between the midrib

and the edge.—Hooker, Species Filicum, iv., p. 6.

A name applied to varieties

A. grandiceps—sgran’-dic-eps (large-headed).

of A. acrostichoides and A. angulare.

A variety

A. heracleifolium—he-rac-le-if-ol’/-i-um (Heracleum-leaved).

QW = : a
IZ Kees

=| | WV) ” ieee eee

ber UO
= ie?
<n

~— e Z ns SS dee
= tills ol ae areal
>

of A. trifoliatum.

Fig. 67. Frond of Aspidium Hookeri

(4 nat. size),

A. (Cyclodium) Mookeri—Cy-clo’-di-um ; Hook’-er-i (Hooker's), Baker.

This evergreen, stove Fern, native of the Malay Archipelago,. has entirely

the habit of an ordinary Nephrodium, and is of a similarly soft texture; but it

is essentially different therefrom through the involucre (covering of the spore

ASPIDIUM., 455

masses) being quite that of an Aspidium. Its fronds, 2ft. to 3ft. long and
about lft. broad, soft and of a light green colour, are borne on upright, naked
stalks about Ift. long. Their pinne (leaflets), which at the base of the fronds
are diminutive and deflexed (bent downwards), gradually increase in length
towards the middle of the frond, where they measure from 6in. to 8in.
From that point and all along the upper portion of the frond they are auricled
and pinnatifid (eared and cut nearly to the midrib), and become gradually
smaller as they reach the summit of the frond (Fig. 67). The sori (spore
masses), covered by an orbicular involucre, reddish in the centre, are scattered
over the whole under-side of the upper half of the fronds. A. Hookeri
is also known as A. nephrodioides.—Hooker, Species Filicum, iv., p. 42,
t. 285. Lowe, Kerns British and Exotic, vi., t. 48. Nicholson, Dictionary of
Gardening, i., p. 126.

A. (Polystichum) ilicifolium—Pol-ys’-tich-um ; i/-lic-if-ol/-1-um (Holly-
leaved), Don.

A greenhouse species, native of various parts of Northern India

Nepaul,

Kumaon, Simla, &c.—where, according to Beddome, it is found at an elevation
of 9000ft. Although of comparatively small dimensions, this Fern greatly
resembles some of the forms of A. aculeatum and A. auriculatum. Its fronds,
of a particularly leathery texture, 6in. to 9in. lone and lin. to 2in. broad, are
borne on slender, densely-tufted stalks 2in. to 4in. long only, and clothed
throughout with large scales of a light brown colour. Their pinne (leaflets),
somewhat spear-shaped and about jin. long, are sharply pointed and cut
into spear-shaped and pointed lobes. The sori (spore masses) are principally
disposed in two rows near their midrib.—Hooker, Species Filicum, iv., p. 12,
t. 214. Beddome, Ferns of British India, t. 31.

A. interruptum —in-ter-rup’-tum (interrupted). A name applied to
varieties of A. aculeatum and A. angulare.

A. (Cyrtomium) juglandifolium—Cyr-tom’-i-um ; ju-glan-dif-ol/-i-um
(Walnut-leaved), Kunze.

This stove species, of singular appearance, has a wide range of habitat, as

it is found wild from Mexico to Venezuela. According to Eaton, it is very

common in Western Texas, at Van Horn’s Wells, and at the Huecco Tanks.

456 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

Its fronds, which sometimes attain 3ft. in length and lft. in breadth, are
borne on stipes (stalks) Ift. long, and clothed below with large, egg-shaped
scales, which, like those of the upright and somewhat woody rootstock,
are of a dark brown colour, marked by a peculiar darker colour still in
their central spot, and gradually wear off as the fronds get mature ; they
are simply pinnate (only once divided to the midrib), of a coriaceous
(leathery) texture, and everywhere bordered by a narrow, cartilaginous
(gristly) edgé, which is extended into sharp teeth, especially towards the
ends of the pinne (leaflets) ; both surfaces are smooth and shiny.
These pinne, short-stalked at the base and stalkless towards the summit of
the frond, are narrow-spear-shaped, 4in. to 6in. long and about lin. broad,
and disposed from six to twelve on each side of the midrib, besides a
terminal one, which is longer and a little larger than the others. The sori
(spore masses) are usually disposed in a row on each side of the midrib and
at a little distance from it; but there is frequently outside of each of these
rows a second and less complete one of more or less scattered sori: these sori
are covered by an orbicular indusium, which is quite peltate (attached to the
frond by its centre). In its natural habitats this Fern is of very variable
dimensions ; thus, while in Venezuela it attains the height of 3ft., it is
commonly of lower stature in Mexico, and the Texas plant is seldom above
lft. high, stalk included.imHooker, Species Filicum, iv., p. 38. Haton, Ferns
of North America, ii., t. 75.

A. (Polystichum) lachenense— Pol-ys’-tich-um ; lach-en-en’/-sé (from
Lachen), Hooker.

A greenhouse species, of small dimensions, native of the Sikkim and
Himalayan Mountains, where it is found wild at elevations varying between
13,000ft. and 16,000ft. Its pretty little fronds, of a leathery texture, 4in. to
8in. long and about #in. broad, are borne on stout, black stems 2in. to 4in.
long, clothed below with large, spear-shaped scales; these fronds are pinnate
(once only divided to the midrib), and the pinne (leaflets), fin. to gin. long,
have their sides equal, their point bluntish, and their edge serrated (toothed
like a saw). The sori (spore masses) are produced in great abundance, often
covering the whole under-surface of the pinnee.—Hooker, Species Pilicum, iv.,
p- 8, t. 212.

Adiantum trapeziforme
( nat. size).

ASPIDIUM. 4.57

A. (Polystichum) laserpitiifolium — Pol-ys’-tich-um ; _la-ser-pi/-ti-
if-ol’-i-um (Laserpitium-leaved), Mettenius.

This very handsome, greenhouse Fern, much better known under the
popular name of Lastrea Standishii, is a native of Japan, and has proved
perfectly hardy in several favoured parts of England and Ireland. It is
a species of robust growth and very elegant habit, producing from a slowly-
creeping rootstock of a woody nature, roughly scaly, and remaining on the
surface of the ground, fronds which frequently measure 23ft. in length by
13ft. in breadth at their widest part, and which are borne on stout, fleshy
stipes (stalks) quite Ift. long and of a light green colour. The leafy part
of the frond, of a somewhat broad-spear-shaped form, is tripinnate (three
times divided to the midrib), being abundantly furnished with spear-shaped
pinne (leaflets), which are in their turn subdivided into pinnules (leafits)
of the same shape and of leathery texture, so closely set as to be imbricated
(overlapping), and these being very numerous and bluntly lobed, give the
whole plant a very massive, though feathery and beautiful, appearance.
Although this is a strong-growing and a very easily-cultivated Fern, there
is nothing rigid or coarse about its foliage: on the contrary, the fronds,
especially those produced under cool greenhouse treatment, have a most
elegant habit, and being of a pleasing light green colour, it is not surprising
to find that, under the common name Lastrea Standishii, it is a general
favourite wherever an attempt is made at securing first-rate Ferns for the
decoration of the greenhouse, the cool rockery, or the conservatory.—Hooker,
Synopsis Hilicum, p. 254. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 126.

A. lentum—len’-tum (pliant). A variety of A. auriculatum.

A. (Polystichum) lepidocaulon — Pol-ys’-tich-um ;_ lep-id-oc-au/-lon
(scaly-stemmed), Hooker.

A very interesting, greenhouse species, native of Japan and Tsus-Sima,
with fronds of a dark green and shiny nature and of a leathery texture, like
those of the popular A. (Cyrtomium) falcatwm, but usually much longer,
drooping, and rooting at their extremity. These fronds, 13ft. to 2ft. long
and 4in. to 6in. broad, borne on weak or flexible stipes (stalks) 6in. to Qin.
long and densely clothed with large, heart-shaped scales of a brown colour,

are simply pinnate (only once divided to their midrib). The pinne (leaflets),
3.N

458 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

Zin. to 3in. long and 4in. broad, are sickle-shaped, with their two sides
unequal, the upper side being conspicuously auricled (eared) at the base.
The sori (spore masses) are disposed in two rows at a short space from the
midrib. The most remarkable peculiarity of this Fern is that the upper
part of its fronds is totally unprovided with leaflets, and terminates in a long-
tailed process, producing at the extreme end a solitary bulbil, which later on
develops into a perfect plant. It is particularly well adapted for growing in
a basket or on a bracket, or for suspension of any kind, in which position
it thrives well and shows itself off to great advantage.— Hooker, Species
Filicum, iv., p. 12, t. 217. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 126.

A. lineare—li-né-a’-ré (narrow). <A variety of A. angulare.
MF |

A. (Polystichum) Lonchitis—Pol-ys’-tich-um ; Lonch-i’-tis (spear-like),
Swartz.

This very handsome species, generally known under the popular name of
‘Holly Fern,” but which sometimes is also called the ‘Alpine Shield Fern,”
is of very cosmopolitan character. Though usually accepted as a plant of true
British origin, it is so extensively distributed as to be considered native of
almost all parts of the globe. In Europe it also occurs in Iceland, Lapland,
Sweden, Denmark, Russia, Germany, Hungary, France, Switzerland, Italy,
and Spain. In India it is abundant on the Himalayas. In North America,
where it is also known under the name of Holly Fern, A. Lonchitis, according
to Eaton, is found in rocky places from the vicinity of Georgian Bay, Lake
Huron, Canada, to the southern shore of Lake Superior, and westward to
the Cascade Mountains of British Columbia.

Considered as a native species, the Holly Fern is found in mountainous
districts in the north of the British Islands, where its favourite haunts are
the clefts of rocks near the mountain-tops. It was not known as a British
plant when, in 1670, Ray published his “ Catalogus Plantarum Anglie,” nor

even when his ‘ Historia Plantarum”

issued from the press in 1686; but we
find it mentioned in the second edition of his “Synopsis Stirpium Britanni-
carum’”’ as having been discovered by Mr. Lloyd. As we have before stated,
he adopted the name of Lonchitis aspera major (larger, rough Spleenwort,
with indented leaves), and says that “it issues from clefts in the rocks on

the tops of the mountains of Wales, as at Clogwyn-y-Garnedh-y-Grib-Goch-

ASPIDIUM. 459

Trigvylehan (D. Lhwyd).” It has been found in England, near Settle, in
Yorkshire ; on Swarth Fell, near Ulleswater, and in other parts of Cumber-
land; on Snowdon and also on Glyder, near Llanberis, in Wales; in
Treland on Bandon Mountains, in a glen east of Lough Eske, Donegal, and
on Glenade Mountain, Leitrim. It is in Scotland, however, that the plant
is most abundant, being common in the Highland valleys and on exposed
mountain sides—on the Breadalbane Mountains, Perthshire, at an elevation
of about 3000ft.; on Clova Mountains and in Glen Isla, Forfarshire ; on Ben
Lawers and Falcon Clints, near Chaldron Spout, Teesdale; also on Ben
Lomond, in Sutherland, in Aberdeenshire, &e.

A. Lonchitis, as found in
all the above-mentioned places,
has a thick and almost woody
rootstock densely covered with
the imbricated (overlapping)
bases of former stalks. The
newer portion is of a very
chaffy nature, being thickly
clothed with large, egg-shaped
scales of a peculiar rusty-brown
colour. Its fronds, which are
stiff and of a leathery texture,
of a smooth and shiny nature,

and very dark green in colour,

are disposed in a_ regular,
shuttlecock fashion at the top

] Fig. 68, Aspidium Lonchitis
of the rootstock (Fig. 68), are Guiteoae

borne on scaly stalks lin. to

din. long, vary in length from a few inches to 14ft., and are from
lin. to 2in. broad; they are narrowly spear-shaped, their greatest width
being above their middle, so that they are gradually narrowed downwards
for more than half their length. The pinnae (leaflets), about Jin. long
by fin. broad, are closely set, and so ‘numerous that on a frond of
average size as many as forty of them may be found on each side of the
midrib. The lower ones are triangular, having the upper and lower sides

460 THE BOOK OF CHOLCE PRINS:

nearly equal and slightly eared. Higher up the frond the leaflets become
longer, the inferior ear disappears, and the pinne curve strongly upwards.
Their edges are provided with large, pointed teeth. The sori (spore masses),
which are confined to the upper part of the frond, are usually disposed in
a single row on each side of the midvein, and half-way between it and
the margin.—Hooker, Species Filicum, iv., p. 8. Nicholson, Dictionary of
Gardening, i, p. 126. aton, Ferns of North America, 1., t. 22. Lowe,
Ferns British and Exotic, vi., t. 22. Beddome, Ferns of British India,
t. 128. .

The Holly Fern is somewhat capricious under cultivation, although when
established it will thrive in the greenhouse and luxuriate for a time in stove
temperature. The best mode of treatment, however, is that advocated by
Mr. W. Reeve. He has grown it most successfully in the cool house, where
it was constantly shaded and standing upon a cool, damp bottom. He
employed a compost of sandy loam and peat in equal parts, with a liberal
admixture of sharp sand. It may be cultivated upon the outdoor rockery,
but great care is necessary, as it is a very shy plant to establish itself in
dry, exposed situations. Mr. Reeve remarks that ‘“‘a shady part of the
rockery must be selected, where it can be kept constantly damp without
ever being wet,” and that it will not stand stagnant moisture ; also that it
must be planted firmly in the above-mentioned compost as early in the
spring as possible, and that if a hand- or bell-glass can be kept over it for
a short time it is all the better, as this will keep the soil moist about it
for some time without the application of much water, after which it should
be gradually inured to more air. It is usually increased by means of its
spores, which should be sown as soon as ripe, for the division of its
crowns, when several are produced, is at all times, and even under the most
favourable conditions, considered a very risky operation.

Although so widely distributed, A. Lonchitis is remarkably free from
variations ; and, with the exception of Wollaston’s variety meltifidwm—in
which the extremity of the frond is occasionally divided—and also of his
variety proliferum, of normal form, but producing small bulbils in the axils
of the lowest pinne, it may be said that only one really distinct form of
this handsome species, viz., confertum, is known either in a wild state or

under cultivation.

ASPIDIUM. 461

A. L. confertum—con-fer’-tum (full, crowded), Lowe.

This variety is known as the Irish form of A. Lonchitis, and differs
essentially from the species through the smaller size of its equally rigid and
upright fronds, which are furnished with more numerous and narrower
pinne (leaflets), so crowded together that they conspicuously overlap each
other. In this form the auricle (ear) existing at the base of each leaflet
is hidden by the leaflet immediately above and overlapping it—Lowe, Our
Native ferns, 1., fig. 43.

A. marginatum—nmar-gin-a’-tum (margined). This is a variety of
A. auriculatum.

A. (Polystichum) melanochlamys — Pol-ys’-tich-um ; mel-an-och/-
lam-ys (having a black covering), Fée.

A stove species, native of Cuba, with fronds lift. to 2ft. long and
9in. to 12in. broad, borne on tufted, erect stipes (stalks) 6in. to 12in. long
and densely covered, especially below, with dark brown scales of a hairy
nature. The pinne (leaflets), 4in. to 6in. long and l4in. to 2in. broad, are
of a dark green colour, and divided into pinnules (leafits) somewhat. sickle-
shaped and cut down to the rachis (stalk of the leafy portion of the frond) ;
they are of a soft, papery texture, and have both surfaces naked. The sori
(spore masses), which are disposed at the base of the pinnules, principally
in the lower ones, are provided with a peltate involucre (covering
attached to the frond by its centre), which is black in the middle, and has
its edge ciliated (furnished with short hairs)—Hooker, Species Filicum, iv.,
p. 35, t. 233a.

&. (Polystichum) melanostictum—Pol-ys’-tich-um ; mel-an-os-tie’-tum
(having a black dot), Kunze.

A stove species, native of Mexico, in general appearance very similar to
A. melanochlamys, its fronds being of the same dimensions, texture, and
colour. The sori (spore masses) show the same peltate involucre (covering
fixed to the frond by its centre), which is also quite black ; but in this case
they are disposed in two rows extending the full leneth of the pinnules
(leafits) and filling up nearly the whole space between the midrib and
the edge.—AHooker, Species Filicum, iv., p. 34, t. 2338z.

4.62 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

A. (Euaspidium) membranaceum—Eu-as-pid/-i-um ; mem-bra-na’-
cé-um (parchment-like), Hooker.

This fair representative of the true Aspidium, of rather large dimensions,
is a native of Ceylon, Java, the Philippine Islands, Western China, and
Formosa. Its fronds, of a thin, papery texture and pale green colour, 14ft.
to 2ft. long and lft. broad, are borne on tufted stipes (stalks) 1ft. long and
furnished with only a few spreading, narrow scales below. The lowest pinnex
(leaflets), which are much the largest, are Gin. to 8in. long by 3in. to 4in.
broad, and are subdivided into pinnules (leafits) having the appearance of
small, oblong, sinuated (uneven) lobes. The copious sori (spore masses),
which are covered by an involucre that is peltate (attached to the frond by
its centre), are disposed principally on the margins of the lobes.—Hooker,
Species Filicum, v., p. 105.

A. (Cyclodium) meniscioides — Cy-clo’-di-um ; me-nis-ci-d-i/-des
(Menisicum-like), Willdenow.

A stove species, native of the West Indies, Brazil, and Peru. Its fronds
are simply pinnate (once only divided to their midrib), 2ft. to 3ft. long and
lft. or more broad, and are borne on stipes (stalks) 1ft. to 2ft. long and scaly
below. The barren leaflets, which are sessile (stalkless), measure from 6in. to
Jin. in length and 1din. to 2in. in breadth, while the fertile ones are much
smaller. Both are of a coriaceous (leathery) texture and naked on both
surfaces. The sori (spore masses) are disposed in two close rows between
the main veins. This species is also known as A. confertum.—Hooker, Species
Filicum, iv., p. 36. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 127.

A. (Polystichum) mohrioides—Pol-ys’-tich-um ; moh-ri-3-i/-des (Mohria-
like), Bory.

This singular and pretty, greenhouse Fern, which has the appearance
of a stout but reduced form of A. aculeatwm lobatum, less the sharp-pointed,
spiny teeth of its leaflets, has a very wide range of habitat, for it was first
known as a native of Patagonia and the Cordilleras of Chili; later on it was
gathered on Marion Island by Mr. Moseley, the botanist attached to the
“Challenger”? expedition. In North America, where it is commonly called
the “Falkland Islands Shield Fern,’ A. mohrioides is found on the mountains

ASPIDIUM., 463

of Northern California at an elevation of 8000ft., in which locality it was
first discovered by the botanists of the “Duperry’s” voyage, and later on by
Darwin, J. D. Hooker, and others. We have it on the authority of Eaton
that in North America this Fern grows in loose and moist granitic soil; the
rootstocks, which are very chaffy with dark brown scales, are hidden under
rocks, and a great many plants are found in one cluster. Mr. J. G. Lemmon,
from whom Haton derives his information, says: “It is very abundant on
the side of a little valley at the headwaters of the South Fork of the Sacramento,
and along the southern sloping side of Mount Eddy, which rises on the
northern side of the valley.” Its fronds, of a thick, leathery texture,
oblong-spear-shaped in form, 6in. to 12in. long and Qin. to 3in. broad, are
borne on stout stipes (stalks) 2in. to 6in. long, more or less densely clothed
with spear-shaped scales of a dark brown colour ; they are furnished with
numerous lanceolate pinnw (spear-shaped leaflets), bluntly toothed or slightly
three-lobed in small plants, but cut down to the midrib into slightly-toothed
leafits in full-grown plants. The sori (spore masses) are abundant on
the superior pinne, and are placed mostly near the midveins of the lobes ;
they are covered by round involucres centrally affixed in the middle of
each sorus to the back of the fertile vein.—Haton, Ferns of North America,
i, t. 80. Hooker, Species Filicum, iv., p. 26. Nicholson, Nctionary of
Gardening, i., p. 127.

A. (Polystichum) mucronatum — Pol-ys’-tich-um ; mu-cro-na/-tum
(sharp-pointed), Swartz.

This lovely, dwarf, close-growing, evergreen, easily-cultivated, stove
species is a native of Jamaica, and through the coriaceous (leathery) texture
of its fronds, their dark colour, and their stiff habit, somewhat resembles our
Holly Fern (A. Lonchitis), though more graceful in habit (Fig. 69). Its
elegantly-cut fronds, 1ft. to 14ft. long and liin. to Qin. broad, are borne
on erect stalks 2in. to 4in. long, densely clothed with large, spear-shaped
scales of a reddish-brown colour. They are simply pinnate (once only
divided to the midrib), and furnished with numerous shortly petiolate
(stalked), unequal-sided, sharp-pointed pinne (leaflets), the edges of which
are either entire or slightly lobed, according to the vigour of the plant.
These pinne, which are distinctly auricled (eared) at the base on the

464 | THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

¥

upper side and wedge-shaped at their inferior base, are so closely set as
to be frequently imbricated (overlapping). The bold and prominent sori
(spore masses) are disposed in a long row on each side of the midrib.

Fig. 69. Aspidium mucronatum
(& nat. size).

—FHooker, Species Filicum, iv., p. 9, t. 216. Lowe, Ferns British and
ixotic, vi., t. 31. Micholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 127.

ASPIDIUM. 465

A. (Polystichum) multifidum — Pol-ys’-tich-um ; mul-tif/-id-um
(many times cleft), Mettenius.

A greenhouse species, native of Chili, with fronds lft. to 2ft. long,
Gin. to Yin. broad, borne on slender stalks Gin. to 12in. long and densely
clothed with large, egg-shaped, nearly black scales. The close and spreading
pinne (leaflets) are from 3in. to 4in. long and about lin. broad ; they are
divided into unequal-sided pinnules (leafits) of a somewhat leathery texture,
which in their turn are subdivided into ovate (egg-shaped) or spathulate
(spoon-shaped) segments, the lower ones being again deeply pinnatifid (cut
down nearly to their midrib), but with blunt teeth. The small and numerous
sori (spore masses) are scattered over the whole of the under-surface of the
fertile pinnules.—Hooker, Species Filicum, iv., p. 85.

A. (Polystichum) munitum—Pol-ys’-tich-um; mu-ni/-tum (armed),
Kaulfuss.

This very handsome, greenhouse species is, when well grown and fully
developed, one of the finest Ferns native of North America, where it is
popularly known under the name of “ Chamisso’s Shield Fern.” It is found
amongst rocks and in forests, sometimes very abundantly, from Guadalupe
Island and San Diego, California, northward to British Columbia, but is
unknown east of the Sierra. The finest specimens, according to Eaton,
are found in Mendocino County, California, and in Southern Oregon. The
handsome, spear-shaped fronds (Fig. 70), of evergreen nature and leathery
texture, bright shining green above and paler beneath, according to the same
authority, measure in a wild state from Ift. to 5ft. in length, varying
with the strength of the plant and the nature of the climate and soil where
it occurs. Under cultivation, however, they seldom exceed 2ft. in length
and 8in. in breadth, and are borne on tufted, straw-coloured stipes (stalks)
4in. to 9in. long, densely clothed, especially below, with large, glossy, spear-
shaped scales of a light brown colour, ciliated (hairy) all round, and growing
gradually smaller upwards. The pinne (leaflets), which are very numerous
(from thirty to forty on each side of the midrib), are from 3in. to 4in, long,
gin. broad, and closely set; they are nearly straight, and their margin is
finely but sharply serrated (dented like a saw) with oblique or incurved
teeth, The large and conspicuous sori (spore masses) are disposed in two

30

466 THE BOOK SOP WCHOLEH TERING.

rows near the edge, and are provided with an orbicular indusium (round
covering), which, as usual, is attached to the frond by its centre——AHooker,
Species Filicum, iv., p. 10, t. 219. Haton, Ferns of North America, i., t. 25.
Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, 1., p. 127.

Fig, 70. Aspidium munitum
(reduced).

A. nephrodioides—neph-ro-di-6-i’-des (Nephrodium-like). Synonymous
with A. Hookert.

A. (Euaspidium) nicaraguense — Eu-as-pid’-i-um ; ni-ca-ra-guen’-sé
(from Nicaragua), Baker.

This singular, stove species, of comparatively small dimensions, is of
dimorphous nature ; that is to say, its fronds assume different shapes according
to their being sterile or fertile. The sterile ones are oblong-spear-shaped,
entire (undivided), 6in. to 9in. long and 2}in. to 3m. broad, and end in
a long, tapering point, but are rounded or heart-shaped at the base; they are
of a firm, parchment-like texture and bright green on both surfaces, and
are borne on stipes (stalks) 4in. to 6in. long and furnished with a few

ASPIDIUM., 467

spear-shaped scales at the base. The fertile fronds are smaller, and are
borne on longer stalks. The sori (spore masses) are disposed in rows close
to the main veins, six to ten between the midrib and the edge.—Hooker,
Synopsis Filicum, p. 493.

A. obliquum—ob-li’-qti-um (oblique). A variety of A. awriculatum.

A. (Polystichum) obtusum — Pol-ys’-tich-um ; ob-tu’-sum (blunt),
Mettenius.

A stove species, native of Luzon, and one which in general appearance
somewhat resembles a diminutive form of A. aculeatum. Its fronds, 1ft. or
more long and 4in. to 6in. broad, are borne on stalks din. to Gin. long and
densely clothed with large, bright brown scales ; they are spear-shaped and
furnished with numerous pinne (leaflets) of a leathery texture. The lower
leaflets are 3in. to 4in. long and in. broad, and are divided into distinct
pinnules (leafits) furnished with blunt teeth. The sori (spore masses) are
disposed in two rows half-way between the midrib and the edge.—Hooker,
Species Filicum, iv., p. 24, t. 221.

A. ocellatum—cc-el-la’-tum (spotted). Synonymous with A. awriculatum.

A. (Polystichum) oculatum — Pol-ys’-tich-um ; oc-ul-a/-tum (having
eyes), Hooker.

This greenhouse species, of medium dimensions, is a native of New
Zealand. Its fronds, 1ft. or more long and 4in. to Gin. broad, are borne
on firm, straw-coloured stalks about Ift. long, clothed throughout with
lanceolate (spear-shaped) scales of a dark brown colour. The pinne
(leaflets) on each side of the midrib are numerous, 3in. to 4in. long by
Ijin. broad, and of a leathery texture; they are subdivided into spear-
shaped pinnules (leafits), cut down nearly to the rachis (midrib) into
oblong segments. The sori (spore masses) are disposed in two rows near
the midrib.—Hooker, Species Filicum, iv., p. 24, t. 228.

A. Padleyanum—Pad-ley-a’-num (Padley’s). A variety of A. angulare
proliferum.

A. parvissimum—par-vis’-sim-um (very small). A variety of A. anqulare.

468 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FEENS.

A. (Polystichum) Plaschnikianum—Pol-ys’-tich-um ; Plasch-nik-i-
a’-num (Plaschnik’s), Awnze.

A stove species, of small dimensions, native of Jamaica. Its fronds are
nearly entire or slightly lobed at the base, and are seldom more than 6in. in
length and #in. in breadth; they are borne on tufted, slender stipes (stalks),
scaly below, are of a coriaceous (leathery) texture, slightly scaly on both
surfaces, and possess the peculiarity of rooting at the point. The numerous
sori (spore masses) are scattered over the whole of the under-surface of the
frond.—Hooker, Species Filicum, iv., p. 7, t. 211.

A. (Euaspidium) platanifolium—Eu-as-pid’-i-um ; plat-an-if-ol’-i-um
(Platanus- or Plane-tree-leaved), Mettenius.

This stove species, of very singular appearance, native of the Malayan
Islands, is essentially distinct through the shape of its fronds, which are
borne on dark, glossy, smooth stalks 6in. to 10in. long. Their leafy portion,
Gin. to Yin. each way, is heart-shaped, but palmately divided into three or five
lobes ; the terminal division ends in a long, tapering point ; the lateral lobes
are of similar shape but of smaller dimensions, the basal ones frequently being
blunt; they are of a thin, papery texture. The small and very abundant
sori (spore masses) are scattered over the whole of the under-surface of the

frond.—Hooker, Species Filicum, iv., p. 44.

A. plumosum—plu-mo’-sum (feathery). A name applied to varieties of
A. aculeatum and A. angulare.

A. (Polystichum) Prescottianum—Pol-ys’-tich-um ; Pres-cot-ti-a’-num
(Prescott’s), Hooker.

This greenhouse species, native of Northern India, Kumaon, and Bhotan
—where, according to Beddome, it is found at an elevation varying between
10,000ft. and 12,000ft—is easily distinguished from all the other known
Himalayan forms by its long, narrow, finely-cut, flaccid fronds, borne on
tufted stipes (stalks) lin. to 4in. long and clothed with large, spear-shaped
scales of a light brown colour, These fronds, 1ft. to 13ft. long by 3in. broad,
of a somewhat leathery texture and pale green colour, are furnished with
numerous spreading pinnz (leaflets) 1din. long and 3in. broad, cut down to
the rachis (stalk of the leafy portion) into several somewhat oblong pinnules

ASPIDIUM. 469

(leafits) provided with aristate (awned) teeth. The weak, straw-coloured
rachis (stalk of the leafy portion of the frond) is densely scaly throughout.
The sori (spore masses) fill up nearly the whole breadth of the pinnules
between the edge and the midrib. Fig. 71 is reduced from Col. Beddome’s
“Ferns of British India,” by the kind permission of the author.—Hooker,
Species Hilicum, iv., p. 22, t. 223. Beddome, Ferns of British India, t. 34.

A. proliferum—pro-lif’-er-um (bulbil-bearing),
Brown.

An Australian form of A. aculeatum, bearing
one or sometimes two young plants at the end
of its fronds. This name is also applied to
a variety of A. angulare.

A. pumilum—pu’-mil-um (small). A variety
of A. angulare.

A. (Polystichum) pungens—Pol-ys’-tich-
um; pun’-gens (pricking), Kaulfuss.

This very pretty, greenhouse species, native

of the Cape Colony and Natal, is distinguished

from all other kinds closely allied to A. aculeatum
principally by the wide-creeping nature of the Fig, 71.

Aspidium Prescottianum

underground rhizome (prostrate stem), from which ( nat. size).

its somewhat leathery fronds, 2ft. to 3ft. long by

din. to 10in. broad, and borne on slightly scaly stalks 1ft. long, are abundantly
produced. The fronds are spear-shaped, bipinnate (twice divided to the
midrib), and furnished with numerous pinne (leaflets) set somewhat far apart
and subdivided into pinnules (leafits) that are deeply toothed and show on
their edge numerous teeth of a stiff, awned nature. The sori (spore masses)
are disposed principally in two rows and nearer the midrib than. the edge.
This species is proliferous, being usually provided at the end of its fronds
with a solitary bulbil that develops into a perfect plant.—Hooker, Synopsis
Filicum, p. 252. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 127. Lowe,
Ferns British and Exotic, vi., t. 8.

470 THE BOOK OF VWHOIGE VEETINS:

A. (Euaspidium) repandum—tLEu-as-pid’-i-um ; rep-an’-dum (wavy-
leaved), Walldenow.

A strong-growing, stove species, native of the Philippine Islands. The
fronds are 2ft. or more long and Ift. to 14ft. broad, and are borne on stipes
(stalks) ft. to 2ft. long; they are deeply pinnatifid (cut down nearly to
the midrib) at their summit and show slightly sinuated (wavy) lobes; below
this there are four to eight pinne (leaflets) on each side, and these are 6in.
to 8in. long and about Idin. broad, terminating in a tapering point and
narrowed below, with their edge bluntly waved. The sori (spore masses) are
disposed in two distinct rows near the main vein—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum,
p. 259. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 127.

A. (Polystichum) rhizophyllum — Pol-ys’-tich-um ; rhi-zoph-yl’-lum
(frond-rooting), Swartz.

A very small-growing species, native of Jamaica and Cuba. Its little
fronds, 2in. to Gin. long and #in. broad, and borne on slender, tufted stalks
lin. to 2in. long, have their narrow upper half lengthened out and usually
rooting at the extremity; their lower half is cut down to the flattened
rachis (stalk of the leafy portion) into nearly entire lobes of a somewhat
leathery texture. The sori (spore masses) are scattered over the whole
under-surface of the fertile leaflets.— Hooker, Species FHilicum, iv., p. 7.
Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, 1., p. 127.

A. (Polystichum) Bichardi—Pol-ys’-tich-um ; Rich-ard’i (Richard’s),
Hooker.

A greenhouse species, native of New Zealand, of medium dimensions and
differing from A. aculeatwm by its more rigid texture and shorter teeth,
and by its lower pinne (leaflets) being of the same size as those of the
centre of the frond. Its fronds are of a coriaceous (leathery) texture, 9in.
to 18in. long and Gin. to Yin. broad, and are borne on stout, erect stalks
Gin. to 12in. long and scaly throughout. The sori (spore masses) are
disposed in two rows midway between the midrib and the edge. — Hooker,

Species Hilicum, iv., p. 23, t. 222.

A. rotundatum—rot-un-da’-tum (rounded). A variety of A. angulare.

ASPIDIUM. 47]

A. (Polystichum) Seemanni—Pol-ys’-tich-um ; See-man/-ni (Seemann’s),
Hooker. |

This stove species, native of Panama, has fronds 13ft. to 2ft. long by
1ft. broad, borne on stout, upright stipes (stalks) that are scaly only at their
base. The pinne (leaflets), of a leathery texture, Gin. to 8in. long and Qin.
to 23in. broad, are subdivided into unequal-sided pinnules (leafits), bluntly
lobed and nearly naked on both surfaces. The lower lobes reach down
nearly to the rachis (stalk of the leafy portion); their midrib is very
prominent, and the sori (spore masses) are disposed from four to six to
each lobe.—Hooker, Species Filicum, iv., p. 34, t. 230.

A. (Cyclopeltis) semicordatum — Cy-clop-el’-tis ; se-mic-or-da/-tum
(half-heart-shaped), Svvartz.

This very uncommon and equally interesting, stove species is a native
of Tropical America, where it has a very wide range of habitat, being found
in a wild state from Cuba and Panama to Brazil and Peru ; also in Moulmein,
where, according to Beddome, it was found by the Rev. ©. S. Parish. Its
fronds, which are produced from a short, stout, and scaly rhizome (prostrate
stem), are 2ft. to 3ft. long, Sin. to 12in. broad, and simply pinnate (once
only divided to the midrib) ; they are borne on stalks Gin. to 10in. long,
and are furnished with spreading pinne (leaflets) which are nearly entire,
stalkless, and almost heart-shaped or auricled (eared) at the base, where
they are jointed to the rachis (stalk of the leafy portion); the pinne are
of a soft, papery texture and bright green colour. The sori (spore masses)
are disposed in one, two, or three rows on each side of the midvein, the
inner one, the most constant and regular, close to it.—Hooker, Species
Filicum, iv., p. 16. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 127. Lowe,
Ferns British and Exotic, vi, t. 8. Beddome, Ferns of British India, t. 35.

A. (Lastrea) setosum—lLas’-tre-a ; se-to’-sum (bristly), Blume. A stove
species, native of Java, and now classed under Nephrodium.

A. (Polystichum) setosum — Pol-ys’-tich-um ; se-to’-sum (bristly), of
commerce.

Although we fail to find any authority answerable for its name, this

splendid greenhouse Fern, of Japanese origin, has, through its lasting qualities,

472 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

become one of the most popular kinds grown for decorative purposes. Its
general aspect is somewhat similar to that of our A. (Polystichum) angulare,
but its evergreen fronds, 14ft. to 14ft. long and 4in. to Gin. broad, are borne
on stiff stalks 8in. to 10in. long
and of a very scaly nature (Fig.
72). These fronds are densely
furnished with leaflets of a leathery
texture and dark shining green
colour, and are subdivided into
pinnules (leafits) that are some-
what heart-shaped but terminate
in a sharp seta (bristle), and so
closely set as to be in some cases
quite overlapping. The abundant
sori (spore masses) are scattered
over the whole of the under-

surface of the pinnules. This

plant proves perfectly hardy in

Fig. 72. Aspidium setosum sheltered positions in the West
eviibae' and South of England.

A. (Polystichum) sikkimense—Pol-ys’-tich-um ; sik-kim-en’-sé (from
Sikkim), Baker.

A greenhouse species, native of Mon-Lepcha, where it is found at an
elevation of 10,000ft. to 11,000ft. Its fronds, 2ft. to 8ft. long and about
lft. broad, of soft texture and smooth on both sides, are borne on stout
stalks 1ft. to 14ft. long, and are clothed throughout with egg-shaped scales of
a dark brown colour. The spear-shaped and spreading pinne (leaflets), of
a thin, papery texture, are closely set, and the lowest are 6in. to 8in.
long and 2in. broad; they are subdivided into unequal-sided pinnules (leafits),
cut down nearly to the rachis (stalk of the leafy portion) which is slightly
scaly throughout, into oblong lobes that are pinnatifid (divided half-way to
the midrib) and furnished with sharp teeth. The sori (spore masses) are
usually disposed one on the base of each lobe—AHooker, Synopsis Filicum,
p. 256. Beddome, Ferns of British India, t. 127.

wats % eg

Oe
th
FCN

\

Alsophila armata

(much reduced).

ASPIDIUM, 473

A. squarrosum—squar-ro’-sum (rough), Don.

This plant, also known as A. rufo-barbatum of Wallich, is a form of
A. aculeatum, having the rachis (stalk of the leafy portion) densely covered
with reddish-brown scales.

A. (Polystichum) Thomsoni—Pol-ys’-tich-um ; Thom’-s-oni (Thomson’s),
Hooker.

A greenhouse species, of small dimensions, native of the Himalayas,
where it is found at elevations varying between 7000ft. and 13,000ft. Its
fronds, 6in. to 8in. long and barely lin. broad, are borne on slender, straw-
coloured stalks 2in. to 4in. long and scaly. The pinne (leaflets) are +in.
long, din. broad, and unequal-sided, the lower side the smaller, and obliquely
truncate at the base; they are of a somewhat leathery texture, and their
lobes are furnished with sharp teeth. The sori (spore masses) are mostly
disposed one to each lobe.—Hooker, Species Filicum, iv., p. 7. Beddome,
Ferns of British India, t. 126.

A. trapezioides — trap-e-zi-5-i/-des (trapezium-like). Synonymous with

A, viviparum.

A. triangulare laxum—tri-ang-ul-a’-ré lax’-um (triangular, loose).

A garden name for a Fern with elegant, long, and very narrow
fronds of a particularly drooping character, possibly a pendulous form of
A. ilicifolium ; it is useful for decoration on account of its leathery texture
and of the lasting quality of its foliage-—Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening,
is ps. WZ ie

A. (Polystichum) triangulum — Pol-ys’-tich-um ; tri-ang’-ul-um (tri-
angular), Swartz.

A stove species, native of the West Indies. Its fronds are Ift. or more
long and 13in. to 2in. broad, and are borne on stalks 2in. to 6in. long, with
large, dark brown scales at the base. The numerous pinne (leaflets), of
a leathery texture, are sessile (stalkless) and sharply pointed, and _ their
edges, which are nearly entire or slightly lobed, are furnished with blunt
teeth ; the base is auricled (eared) on one or sometimes both sides. The
spore masses are principally disposed in two rows near the edge.—Hooker,

Species Filicum, iv., p. 14. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, 1., p. 127.
3 P

4.7 4, THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

A. t. ilicifolium—i-lic-if-ol’-i-um (Holly-leaved), Don.
A greenhouse variety, native of Northern India, where it is found at

Fig. 78. Aspidium triangulum ilicifolium
G nat. size).

an elevation of about 9000ft. Its fronds, Gin. to 9in. long and lin. to 2in.
broad, are borne on slender stalks lin. to 2in. long, clothed throughout

ASPIDIUM. 475

with large scales of a light brown colour. The pinne (leaflets) are about
lin. long, mucronate (abruptly pointed) at their extremity (Fig. 73), and
cut down below to the stalk into spear-shaped or sharp-pointed, narrow
lobes of a leathery texture. The sori (spore masses) are disposed principally
in two rows near the midrib.—Hooker, Species Filicum, iv., p. 12, t. 214.

A. (Euaspidium) trifoliatum—Lu-as-pid’-i-um ; trif-ol-i-a’-tum (three-
leaved), Swartz.

This stove species, native of the West Indies and Tropical America,
is, when well grown, one of the most conspicuous of all cultivated Ferns. Its
bold-looking fronds, lft. to 14ft. long and Gin. to 12in. broad, with a large
terminal pinna (leaflet) narrowed or forked at the base, are borne on tufted,
brownish, stout stalks Ift. or more long and scaly only at the base. They
also usually have on each side one or two lateral leaflets of a nearly triangular
shape, the lowest of which are mostly forked; these leaflets are of a soft,
papery texture and bright green colour; they are also fertile throughout.
The abundant sori (spore masses), disposed in rows near the main veins,
are gigantic and conspicuously black.—Hooker, Species Filicum, iv., p. 46.
Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i. p. 127. Lowe, Ferns British and
Exotic, vi., t. 29.

A. t. heracleifolium—he-rac-le-if-ol’/-i-um (Heracleum-leaved), Willdenow.

A. trifoliatum is very variable, but this form appears to be the only
constant and distinct one known in cultivation. It differs from the species
in having its leaflets pinnatifid (divided half-way to the midrib) on both
sides at the base.

A. (Polystichum) tripteron — Pol-ys’-tich-um; trip’-ter-on (three-
winged), Kunze.

This greenhouse, or nearly hardy, species, which is one of great elegance
and not likely to be confounded with any other, is a native of Japan and
Tsus-Sima, where it is found wild on rocky places on sandy hills. It is of
medium growth and of a deciduous nature. Its singular fronds (Fig. 74),
lft. to 13ft. long, are borne on stipes (stalks) Gin. to 9in. long and densely
clothed at the base with large, dark brown scales; they consist of a large

476 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

terminal pinna (leaflet) and two lateral ones at their base; these pinne are
from 4in. to Gin. long, and, like the much longer central or terminal
ones, are furnished with closely-set pinnules (leafits) which are very
unequal-sided, sharp-pointed at the end, and deeply toothed on the edges.
The texture is soft and the colour light green. The very abundant. sori
(spore masses) are disposed principally in two rows half-way between the —
midrib and the edge of the fertile pinnules——Hooker, Species Filicwm, iv.,
p. 15. Micholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 127.

Fig. 74, Frond of Aspidium tripteron

(4 nat. size).

A. tsus-simense—tsus-sim-en’-sé (from Tsus-Sima), Hooker.

This is probably only a slender form of A. aculeatwm, of a particularly
compact habit and dark green colour.

A. (Polystichum) varium—Pol-ys’-tich-um; var’-i-um (variable), Swartz.

A greenhouse species, hardy in some favoured localities ; it is a native
of Japan, and its habit is intermediate between that of a Lastrea and that
of a typical Polystichum. The thick, leathery fronds, lft. to 14ft. long and
Qin. to 12in. broad, borne on stalks 6in. to 7in. long and densely scaly

ASPIDIUM. 477

below, are produced from a decumbent rhizome (prostrate stem) and are of
a peculiar metallic tint when young, though when fully developed they are
of a rich dark green colour; they are nearly triangular in outline, the
lower pinne (leaflets) being much the longest. The pinnules (leafits) in
all the pinnz are lanceolate and imbricated (spear-shaped and overlapping),
the lowest one on the under-side being much larger than the others; their
segments (sub-divisions) are oblong in shape, blunt, and very slightly
toothed. The sori (spore masses) are disposed principally in two rows
near the midrib.—Hooker, Species Filicum, iv., p. 30, t. 226. Nicholson,
Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 126.

A. (Polystichum) vestitum—Pol-ys’-tich-um ; ves-ti/-tum (clothed),
Swartz.

This very handsome, evergreen, greenhouse species, native of New
Zealand, Tasmania, and Chili, is of smaller and more compact habit than
most of the species belonging to the section Polystichum, and it makes
a very pretty specimen plant. It must not be confounded with the Lastrea
vestita of J. Smith, nor with the Polystichum proliferum of Presl, the latter
of which it somewhat resembles except in being more rigid, in having its
fronds much denser, and in not being viviparous (producing young plants)
at their extremity. The fronds, which are produced from a tufted rhizome
(prostrate stem), are of a particularly dark green colour; they are from
gin. to 12in. long and are borne on stipes (stalks) of similar length,
which are densely clothed with bright-coloured scales. These fronds are
almost spear-head-shaped and bipinnate (twice divided to the midrib); their
oblong, pointed pinne (leaflets) are furnished with pinnules (leafits) some
of which are auriculate (eared) at the base, while the majority of them
are wedge-shaped, with a sharp tooth at their point. The very distinct
and conspicuous sori (spore masses) are disposed in one row on each side
of the midvein of the fertile pinnules.—Lowe, Ferns British and Euvotic,
Wiltes bow es

A. (Polystichum) viviparum—Pol-ys’-tich-um ; vi-vip’-ar-um (pro-
ducing buds), /ée.

This stove species, better known under the names of Polystichum vivi-

parum and P. trapezioides, is a native of the West Indies, and is distinct

478 LHE BOOK ROL CEOLCE TIETINSs:

from nearly all other species on account of its producing at the extremity
of the fronds a solitary bud or bulbil from which the plant may be easily
propagated. Its very handsome fronds, lft. to 13ft. long and 4in. to 6in.
broad, are borne on stipes (stalks) 4in. to 6in. long, covered with large,
spear-shaped scales at their base, the lower ones nearly black in the centre.
The numerous pinne (leaflets) are of a very leathery texture and dark
shining green in colour, nearly spear-shaped, the central ones 2in. long
and 4in. broad; their edge is more or less deeply lobed. The sori (spore
masses) are disposed in two or four rows. For the accompanying Plate we
are indebted to Mr. Wm. Bull.—Hooker, Species Filicum, iv., p. 15. Nicholson,
Dictionary of Gardening, 1., p. 127.

A. Wollastoni—Wol’-las-ton-i (Wollaston’s). A variety of A. angulare
proliferum.

Coe ale Weigel, |,

ASPLENIUM, Linneus.
(As-ple’-ni-um.)

Spleenwort.

=—~\\\;HE name Asplenium is derived from a, without, and splen—
| the spleen, on account of the supposed property of curing
affections of the spleen, with which these plants were for-
merly credited. The Ferns known as Aspleniums, which in

Hooker and Baker’s “Synopsis Filicum” are comprised in
Genus 38, and which form by far the largest portion of Tribe 8, Asplenie,
are so well marked that it would not be easy to mistake the great majority
of them. They differ from most other Ferns by the disposition of their sori
(spore masses), which are attached to the veins, and which, instead of being
parallel with either the midrib or the margin of the frond, are oblique to
the midrib, and are of a peculiar linear-oblong shape. The involucre
(covering), which is of the same shape as the sorus, is sometimes single,
sometimes double: when single, it opens towards the midrib. It is generally
straight, occasionally curved, flat, or tumid, and bursts along its outer edge.
The veins are free in a large proportion of the species. The stipes (stalks)
of most Aspleniums are of a succulent nature and black, especially on their
under-surface, while the leafy portion of the greater part of them is of
a soft, fleshy texture.

Asplenium is the second in extent of the genera known to contain
British species, including plants from all parts of the world where

4.30 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

Ferns grow, and the variety in shape, size, texture, and cutting of
their fronds is very great. In some cases these are simple (undivided),
pinnate (once divided to the midrib), bi- or tripinnate (twice or three
times divided to the midrib), and as regards size they vary quite as
much, for this genus, which is composed mostly of evergreen species,
nearly all of easy culture, is represented in all parts of the globe by
numerous subjects varying from a few inches in height, as in A. alternans
and our well-known British A. Ruta-muraria and A. Trichomanes, to several
feet in length, like A. dimorphum and A. longissimum. The genus is very
rich in highly-ornamental plants suitable for decoration, and while some are
very distinct and really interesting from a botanical as well as from a com-
mercial point of view, the majority of them make grand specimens for
exhibition, and those with long, drooping fronds are, on account of their
leathery texture, particularly well adapted for growing in hanging baskets.

The numerous Ferns forming the genus Aspleniwm have been split into
many divisions by various authorities, but those retained at present are the
following :

Anisocontum (An-is-og-o/-ni-um), Presi, and Caturprerts (Cal-lip’-ter-is),
Bory. Veins anastomosing (running into one another), the sori and their
involucres extending to both sides of some of them.

Aruyrium (Ath-yr’-i-um), Roth. In this section, which contains all the
species of deciduous (not evergreen) habit comprised in the genus, the veins
are free, and the sori and thei coverings are more or less curved, and
sometimes even horseshoe-shaped.

Cetrracu (Ce’-ter-ach), Willdenow, and Hemipicryum (He-mid-ic’-ty-um),
Presi. The plants belonging to this small section have their veins anas-
tomosing towards the margin, and the sori single.

CmNopreris (Caxn-op’-ter-is), Bory, and Darga (Da/-ré-a), Jussieu. A
section composed of plants with either small, lanceolate (spear-shaped), or
ample and finely-divided fronds. In either case the veins are simple and
the ultimate divisions of the fronds narrowly linear; the sori, also linear
or linear-oblong, are marginal or submarginal (situated upon, or close to,
the edge of the fertile pinnules).

Dirtazium (Dip-laz’-i-um), Swartz. In this section, which is extensive,
some plants have their fronds simple and entire (undivided), or nearly so ;

= s

)

*

, aghiieh

PY ER ES CEM TCA MANET

ASPLENIUM. . 481

others have theirs linear-spear-shaped, and cut down to the rachis (stalk
of the leafy portion) at the base; while the greatest portion of them have
their fronds -bi- or tripinnate. All have their veins free, and in some of
them the sori and involucres extend to both sides.

Kuasrientum (Hu-as-ple’-ni-um), Moore. The plants belonging to this
section have their veins free, simple, or branched, and the linear or linear-
oblong sori are either straight or discoidal (round or disk-like). This being
a very extensive section, it is necessary to enumerate the various groups of
which it is composed ; all of them are distinct from each other through the
divisions of the fronds only.

I.—A group of plants having fronds quite entire, such as A. ensiforme
of Wallich. |

II.—A group with fronds lobed or pinnatifid (cut half-way down
to the midrib), as seen in the curious A. atienuatwm of R. Brown and
A. Hemionitis of Linnaeus.

III.—A group whose fronds are simply pinnate (only once divided
to the midrib). This group embraces numerous species, and shows
several sub-divisions as follow :

A.—Plants with pinne fin. to din. long, blunt, in most species
nearly as broad as long. These are best represented by A. viride
of Hudson and A. Trichomanes of Linneeus.

B.—A small group of plants with few long and narrow pinne
(leaflets), such as A. septentrionale of Hoffmann. |

C.—An extensive group of species, with pinne numerous,
linear or linear-oblong, usually ample, and terminating in a blunt
point, such as in A. caudatum of Forster and A. marinum of
Linneus. |
IV.—A group of plants having their fronds bi- to quadripinnate

(twice to four times divided to the midrib), such as may be noticed in

A. Ruta-muraria of Linneus and A. cicutarium of Swartz. It contains

most of the species with fronds proliferous on their upper surface.

Taamyopteris (Tham-nop’-ter-is), Presl, and Neorropreris (Né-ot-top/-
ter-is), J. Smith. A small section, composed of plants with fronds ample
and entire, showing their veins connected at their apex (summit) by

a transverse line situated just inside the margin.
3Q

482 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

Culture.

Aspleniums, as a rule, are not fastidious in their habits; most of them
succeed best in a mixture of fibrous loam, peat, and sand, in equal proportions.
In potting them, great care should be taken that the drainage is as perfect
as possible, as, if it is at all defective, the plants will soon become flabby
and begin to show evident symptoms of ill-health. With the exception of
a few dwarf species, which grow naturally in walls or in fissures of rocks,
Aspleniums, above all, dislike being potted hard. Certainly many of them
will stand the full rays of the sun under glass, but although we have seen
that mode of culture advocated, and have been able to appreciate its
results at their full value, we have failed to find it beneficial in any way
to the plants, which, instead of being of a healthy, bright, shining green
colour, as nearly all of them are when in good condition, have a yellowish
tint, although they may perhaps be hardier than those grown in partial
shade. The Aspleniums being native of countries. very distant from one
another, and being found wild under totally different conditions, it will be
easily understood that they require varied treatment, and, on that account,
while some kinds really need stove temperature to develop their foliage to
perfection, others do well in a greenhouse temperature, while a few of
them may even be used with advantage for the ornamentation of the
hardy Fernery. Although the majority of the hardier kinds—even our own
A. marinum—grow very well for a time under the influence of strong artificial
heat, it must be borne in mind that it is only a fictitious growth, as those
species native of New Zealand, as well as our British kinds, are much more
robust, although of slower growth, when kept in a lower temperature.

A considerable number of exotic Aspleniums are either viviparous (with
the upper surface of their fronds studded all over with young plants) or at
least proliferous at their apex (that is to say, they produce at the extremity
of each of their mature fronds either one or a couple of bulbils, which later
on develop into young plants). In either case, if there is any desire to
increase the stock of any particular viviparous or proliferous species, the
portion of the fronds bearing the rudiments of young plants should be fastened
down to the soil by means of wooden pegs, and be kept moderately moist,
when they will soon root and make plants partaking of all the characters

ASPLENIUM. 483

of the specimens from which they were obtained. When these have to be
produced in large quantities—such, for instance, as the kinds belonging to the
bulbiferum group, which for decorative purposes are raised by the thousand—
our market growers find it more expeditious to detach the little bulbils
when furnished with two or three tiny fronds, and to prick them in close
together in shallow boxes filled with a loose compost of three parts of peat
or leaf mould, one of loam, and one of sand: in this mixture they produce
roots very freely, and rapidly form young plants, which may be potted in
single pots as soon as they have from six to eight fronds. None of the
British Aspleniums are known to possess these viviparous or proliferous
characters, and their propagation is usually effected through the division of
their crowns, although they may with advantage be increased from their
spores, which mostly ripen in the autumn and germinate freely during the
following spring.

It is worthy of special note that all Aspleniums are particularly free
from the attacks of such pests as thrips, green fly, and mealy bug, and are
naturally clean plants, their worst enemies being woodlice and slugs, which
are fond of their succulent stalks.

Principal Species and Varieties.

A. (Euasplenium) abscissum—Lu-as-ple’-ni-um ; ab-sciss’-um (clipped),
Willdenow. .

A stove species, of medium dimensions, found from Cuba and Guatemala
to Peru and South Brazil. Its fronds, simply pinnate (only once divided
to the midrib), 6in. to 12in. long, 3in. to 4in. broad, and borne on stipes
(stalks) 4in. to 8in. long and of a greyish colour, are sometimes proliferous
(bearing young plants) at their extremity. They are furnished on each side
of their midrib with from twelve to twenty sessile pinne (stalkless leaflets) ;
these are of a thin, papery texture and bright green colour, from lin.
to Zin. long, and bluntish at their extremity, and their edge is slightly
but regularly dented or toothed (Fig. 75). The short sori (spore masses) are
abundantly produced, and are disposed in two regular rows, extending neither
to the midrib nor to the edge of the pinne.—Hooker, Species Filicum,
iL, p. 134, t. 174. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 127.

484, THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

A. (Athyrium) achillezefolium — Ath-yr’-i-um ; ach-ill-e/-2e-fol/-i-um
(Achillea-leaved), Liebmann.

A greenhouse species, of medium growth, native of Mexico, and remarkable
on account of the regularity of the broad wing of the midrib of its pinne
(leaflets). The fronds, about 2ft. long including the stalks, which are grey
and scaly below, are somewhat lanceolate (spear-shaped), and are furnished on
each side of the midrib with numerous pinne of a peculiarly soft texture ;
these are 4in. to Gin. long, lin. broad, and cut throughout to the midrib into
numerous bluntly-toothed pinnules (leafits) din. long and not more than
sin. broad. The sori (spore masses), oblong in shape, are frequently disposed
one to each lobe of the pinnules.—Hooker, Species Filicum, iii., p. 230.

et

y

Fig. 75, Frond of Asplenium abscissum

G nat. size).

(Euasplenium) acuminatum—LEv-as-ple’-ni-um ; ac-u’/-min-a/-tum
(ending in a long taper-point), Hooker and Arnott.

This stove species, which in appearance is intermediate between the
popular A. bulbiferwm and the less-known A. cuneatum, is a native of the
Sandwich Islands. Its fronds, 14ft. to 2ft. long and about Ift. broad, are
borne on strong, erect stalks of a peculiar greyish colour. They are provided
on each side of their midrib with very numerous and closely-set pinnex

ASPLENIUM. 485

(leaflets), which are oblong-spear-shaped and of a leathery texture, din. to
6in. long, ldin. to 2in. broad, and divided into numerous unequal-sided
pinnules (leafits), which end in a long, tapering point. The sori (spore
masses) are disposed in two rows in the upper part of the pinnules.—Hooker,

Species Filicum, iii., p. 183, t. 206. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening,
Pepe

A. acutum—ac-u’-tum (acute). A very distinct form of A. Adiantum-

nigrum.

A. (Euasplenium) adiantoides — Eu-as-ple’-ni-um ; ad-i-ant-6-i/-des
(Adiantum-like), Raddi.

A stove species, of somewhat large dimensions, native of Jamaica and
Brazil, and distinguished in the group of bulbiferum, to which it belongs, by
its distant and long-stalked pinne and pinnules (leaflets and leafits). Its
handsome fronds, 14ft. to 2ft. in length and 8in. to 15in. broad, are borne
on firm, naked stalks of a grey colour. They are deltoid (in the shape of
the Greek delta, A) and quadripinnate (four times divided to the midrib). The
lower pinne, 6in. to Yin. long and 4in. to 6in. broad, are distant, and are
furnished on each side with pinnules borne on comparatively long stalks ;
these. are in their turn subdivided into numerous cuneate (wedge-shaped)
divisions. The texture is herbaceous (very soft and succulent), and the
abundant sori (spore masses) are linear (disposed in a long and narrow slit).
—Hooker, Species Filicum, iii., p. 186.

A. (Euasplenium) Adiantum-nigrum—Ew-as-ple’-ni-um ; Ad-i-ant’-
um—nig’-rum (Black Maidenhair Spleenwort), Linneus.

This hardy, evergreen species is of quite a cosmopolitan character, for
while it is well known as a native Fern in most parts of the British
Islands, where it occurs on rocks and on old walls as well as on sandy
banks from the sea-level to the altitude of nearly 2000ft., it is also found
in quantities almost all over the world. It is plentiful in Northern Europe,
in Scandinavia, Russia, and Denmark, as well as in France, Belgium,
Germany, and Switzerland, while it is known to grow most luxuriantly
under warmer conditions in Spain and Portugal, in Corsica, Madeira, and
other places. In Asia it is known to occur in Siberia, Arabia, and Armenia,

486 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

while at Kashmir, Simla, Java, &c., it is considered as one of the commonest
of Indian Ferns.

A. Adiantum-nigrum is one of the British Ferns which first attracted the
attention of our botanists, for Ray, in the first volume of his “ Historia

y)

Plantarum, ’

published in the latter half of the seventeenth century, gives
an accurate description of the plant,
at the same time stating that “it is
found in shadowy places at the
roots of trees and shrubs, in shaded
fields, and on old walls generally.”
In those days this Fern was believed
to be medicinally valuable in coughs,
asthma, and some other diseases, but
it is no longer employed even by
herbalists.

The fronds of A. Adzantum-nigrum,
6in. to 12in. long and 4in. to 6in.

broad, are borne on chestnut-brown,
nearly black, polished stipes (stalks)
usually 6in. to 9in. long, but some-
times longer than the leafy portion
of the fronds; they usually taper
to a long, narrow point, and are of
a deep shining green colour above
and paler beneath. These fronds
are furnished on each side with
numerous pinne (leaflets) 2in. to

3in. long and l1din. to 2in. broad,

Fig. 76. Asplenium Adiantum-nigrum, showing Rootstock cut down to a compressed, winged
and back of Fertile Frond

G nat. size).

rachis (stalk) into numerous pinnules
(leafits) which frequently are in
their turn cut down into oblong segments sharply toothed round the outer
edge, so that according to their state of development or to their size the
fronds may be said to be bipinnate, tripinnate, or even subquadripinnate
(twice, thrice, or almost four times divided to the midrib). The copious

ASPLENIUM. 487

sori (spore masses) appear first in whitish lines varying in number from
three to seven on the under-surface of the pinnules (Fig. 76). The white-
ness is due to the presence of the thin indusium (covering), which bursts
with a smooth edge on the side next the midvein of the pinnule. The
covering finally peels off, and then the sori, which are brown, become

confluent; that is to say, they spread until they cover the entire back
of the pinnule with the exception of the extreme edge all round.—
Hooker, Species Filicum, iii., p. 187. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening,
1, p. 128. Beddome, Ferns of British India, t. 62. Lowe, Our Native Ferns,
He, spe aval, te AS,

The Aspleniums, or, as they are popularly called, Spleenworts, form
a most interesting genus among the Ferns of British origin, and are par-
ticularly useful on account of the evergreen nature of their fronds, which
characteristic they all possess. The coriaceous (leathery) texture of their
foliage also greatly adds to their value as decorative plants; while the ease
with which the strongest-growing kinds may be cultivated also tends to
make these species particularly popular. Some of the very dwarf-growing
sorts are somewhat difficult to preserve, especially in smoky localities, but
these, besides succeeding fairly well in Fern-cases, are rendered specially
attractive through their constitution and mode of growth, and they may
safely be termed the gems among our native Ferns.

On account of the lasting qualities of its foliage, the Black Maidenhair
Spleenwort has, within these last few years, taken a prominent position,
which it most likely will retain for a long time to come, as its dark, shining
fronds, when cut and mixed with flowers, retain their freshness for an almost
unlimited time; they are of elegant outline and are produced in great
abundance. For some years past, fronds of this plant have been extensively
sold and used under the popular denomination of “ French Fern,” which name
has no doubt been erroneously given to it on account of the enormous
quantities brought weekly to our markets from the western parts of France,
principally from Brittany, where it grows abundantly. It is also found very
plentifully in Cornwall, Devonshire, Somerset, Hampshire, and in some other
counties, in shady places at the foot of trees and shrubs, as also along the
hedges, in meadows, on old walls, and in disused quarries. These are the
positions in which the fronds of the Black Maidenhair Spleenwort attain

488 ‘THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

their greatest size, but it will also bear continued exposure to sunshine, and
when growing thus it is very dwarf and of a yellowish colour. It is also
very useful for pot culture, as it thrives under glass in the cool-house, even
better than it does in the outdoor Fernery. The soil in which this Fern
grows most luxuriantly is a mixture of leaf mould, sandy loam, lime rubbish,
and fibrous peat in about equal parts. Propagation may be effected by
means of seedlings, spores being ripe about September ; or by the divisions
of the crowns in early spring, during March and April.

This useful species has, in its wild state, produced several variations, the

most distinct of which are the following :

A. A.-n. acutum—ac-u’-tum (acute), Bory.

This is such a distinct form that Mr. E. J. Lowe, who in 1860 found
it in great abundance in Spain, especially near Santander, Las Caldas, and at
Fuente del Mar, where a long bank under a hedge was completely clothed
with it, suggests that it may even be a distinct species. Its fronds, of very
fine texture, are from 6in. to 18in. long and 3in. to 8in. broad at the base ;
they are borne on stipes (stalks) sometimes 9in. long, and are of a more
eraceful habit than those of the typical plant, from which this variety differs
principally through its being more subdivided, as also through its thinner
and more papery texture, and through the presence throughout the frond
of lmear-acute (narrow and pointed), erect segments and teeth. The sori
(spore masses) are linear (very narrow), and are situated near the centre of
the pinnules (leafits). The same plant has also been found in a wild state
by Dr. Allchin and others at the Turk Waterfall, Killarney ; at the foot of
Cromaglaun, and Glouin Caragh, Inveragh; at Cahir Conree, near Tralee,
and in other parts of Ireland, as well as in Jersey, and at Combe Royal,
in South Devon.—Lowe, Our Native Ferns, ii., p. 173, fig. 514. Nicholson,
Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 128.

A. A.-n. decompositum — de-com-pos’-it-um (decompound or many
times divided), Moore.

This variety, originally found at Manaton, in Devonshire, differs from

A. A.-n. acutum in having the segments (sub-divisions) of the pinnules

(leafits) less pointed and less rigid, and in having its fronds nearly quadri-

ASPLENIUM., 489

pinnate (four times divided to the midrib). The absence of the linear
(very narrow) segments and the blunt character of the teeth cause the form
to be distinct.—Lowe, Our Native Ferns, ii., p. 183.

A. A.-n. grandiceps—gran’-dic-eps (large-crested), Lowe.

A most remarkable form, originally found growing wild in an old wall
at Tramore, County of Waterford, Ireland, and one which seldom, if ever,
attains the dimensions of the typical species. Its fronds, Sin. to 12in. long,
including the stipes (stalks), have a depauperated (impoverished) appearance ;
they are only lin. to 1Jin. broad, on account of the pinne (leaflets) being
short and slightly crested; even
these leaflets—which are variously
cut, differ much from- each other
in form, and are much serrated on
the margins—are produced sparingly
(Fig. 77), only three or four of
them being found on a stalk, the
greater portion of which is naked.
The most distinguishing character
of this variety, however, resides in
the apex (terminal portion) of the
frond, the stalk of which dilates
and becomes flat, then branching

Fig. 77. Asplenium Adiantum-nigrum grandiceps
and dividing many times expands (4 nat. size),

into a broad crest, wedge-shaped

at the base, and which gives the frond a very graceful outline; whereas
the smaller tassels at the ends of the pinnex render it very effective. This
singular form has not been known to reproduce itself true from spores, and
it is propagated exclusively by the division of the crowns.—Lowe, Our Native
Ferns, ii., p. 177, fig. 520. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 128.

A. A.-n. incisum—in-ci’-sum (cut), Clapham.
This very singular variety was originally found growing wild between
Whitby and Scarborough. It is of smaller dimensions than most other forms,

for its dwarf, ovate (egg-shaped) or ovate-triangular fronds, three times ”
3 8

490 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

divided to the midrib, are seldom more than 8in. long. The pinne
(leaflets), with which they are furnished on each side, are about as broad
as long, and are cut into three secondary pinnules (leafits), the low
lateral ones of which are wedge-shaped; all are cut into numerous long-
pointed teeth, the central ones being the largest. The ultimate segments in
some fronds are linear (thread-like).—Lowe, Our Native Ferns, ii., p. 181,
fig, 526.

A. A.-n. leptorache—lep-tor-ach’-& (having slender rachises or stalks),
Moore.

This curious form, originally found in Glen Urquhart, in the Highlands,
is remarkable for the length and the peculiarly slender nature of its stalks
compared with the small dimensions of the leafy portions of the fronds ; for
while their stalks are quite 7in. long, the leafy parts of the fronds are
barely 3in. long, ovate (egg-shaped), tripinnate (three times divided to the
rachis), and shortly acuminate (terminating in a tapering point). The
pinne (leaflets) are alternate (not opposite) and divided into small,
wedge-shaped pinnules (leafits), which are themselves pinnatifid (divided
half-way to the stalk) in the upper half. Each lobe is tipped with two
small, very sharp teeth. This variety produces spores in great abundance,
—Lowe, Our Native Ferns, ii., p. 179.

A. A.-n. microdon—mi’-crod-on (furnished with small teeth), Moore.

This very distinct variety, of medium size, originally found in a wild
state in Guernsey and near Barnstaple, has fronds 6in. to Sin. long, including
the stipes (stalks) ; they are broadest at the base, where they measure nearly
in. across, and, compared with the fronds of either the original species or
its other known varieties, are very little divided. The pinne (leaflets) are
distinctly pinnate (cut down to the stalk) at the base, and are only pinnatifid
(cut down partly to the stalk) above and in the upper part of the frond :
they terminate in a broad, irregular apex cut only half-way to the midrib.
These pinne have all the appearance of being entire (undivided), but their
margin is everywhere minutely and sharply toothed. The sori (spore
masses) in this curious form are placed near the costa (midrib) of the fertile
leaflets.—Lowe, Our Native Ferns, ii., p. 174, fig. 515.

ASPLENIUM, A91

A. A.-n. obtusatum—ob-tu-sa/-tum (blunt), Moore.

A comparatively dwarf form, found wild in various and distant places
in Hngland—in Kent, at Torquay, and near Nottingham; also in Scotland,
near Stifling and Ardrishaig, Argyleshire; in Ireland, in Antrim and at
Newtown Castle; and in Guernsey. Its fronds, which in the smaller speci-
mens are bipinnate (twice divided to the midrib), are from 2in. to 8in. long
and ovate-acuminate (egg-shaped, with a tapering point) in form. Their
pinne (leaflets) are somewhat short and bluntly triangular, and are furnished
with pinnules (leafits) not very distinctly toothed. The larger specimens
are tripinnate (three times divided to the midrib) ; otherwise the pinne and
pinnules are the same as those of the smaller plants.—Lowe, Our Native
HONS, Neg ps ho; Hg O17.

A. A.-n. oxyphyllum—ox-yph-yl’-lum (sharp-leaved), Moore.

This very pretty little variety, originally found in Dunoon, in Argyle-
shire, and also near Stirling, is of medium dimensions. Its fronds, 4in. to
6in. long and ovate-lanceolate (egg-spear-shaped), are furnished with some-
what short pinne (leaflets), which, on account of the increased size of the
anterior pinnule (leafit) at the base, occupy a very oblique position. The
ultimate segments are narrow, and, like their teeth, sharp - pointed. —
Lowe, Our Native Ferns, ii, p. 176, fig. 519. Nicholson, Dictionary of
Gardening, i., p. 128.

A. A.-n. ramosum—ra-mo’-sum (branched), Love.

This very interesting form, found wild near Plymouth, differs from all
other known varieties through its fronds, only 6in. long, having their main
stalk branching about lin. below their summit, where they branch again two
or three times. Its pinnules (leafits) are but little divided, and they are of
a very bright green colour and very smooth.—Lowe, Our Native Ferns, ii.,
pe Who, fig. oll7:

A. A.-n. variegatum—var-i-ee-a’-tum (variegated), Wollaston.

In this plant we have a very rare variety, originally found growing in
the wall on the church of Shottisbrook, in Berkshire, in 1847, and subsequently
also in Guernsey. It is a very handsome form ; its fronds, normal in outline

A92 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

and of dimensions equal to those of the typical plant, being irregularly streaked '
and blotched with creamy-white. This variegation must not be confounded
with the discoloration produced by the ravages of a green insect having all
the appearances of a diminutive grasshopper, which frequently attacks hardy
Ferns even in their wild state, and proves a dangerous introduction into
any Fern collection, the more so that fumigation appears ineffectual for its
destruction.—Lowe, Our Native Ferns, ii., p. 180, fig. 524.

In his excellent work on British Ferns, Lowe describes twenty varieties
of A. Adiantum-nigrum, and Mr. P. Neill Fraser, of Edinburgh, in a list of
his collection, published in 1865, enumerates no less than twenty-six forms
of the same species; but it is doubtful whether more than those above
described are in existence in any collection at the present day.

A. (Euasplenium) affine—Eu-as-ple’-ni-um; af-fi’-né (related), Swartz.

A stove species, native of Ceylon, Borneo, Fiji, and the Philippine Islands,
and one which is closely related to the more popular A. cwneatum, but of
more robust habit and having fronds frequently furnished with ten to fifteen
pinnules (leafits) to the lower pinne (leaflets). These fronds, lft. to 1ft.
long and Qin. to 12in. broad, have their numerous leathery pinne cut down
to the rachis (stalk of the leafy portion) into many distinct pinnules 4in. to
Gin. long, which in their turn are also deeply lobed. The abundant sori
(spore masses), are linear (long and very narrow).—Hooker, Species Filicum,
ii., p. 170, t. 202. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, 1., p. 28. Beddome,
Ferns of Southern India, t. 226.

A. (Euasplenium) alatum — Eu-as-ple’-ni-um; al-a/-tum (winged),

Hooker and Greville.

This stove plant, native of the West Indies, Peru, Brazil, &c., may be. dis-
tinguished at first sight from all other species through the broad and nearly
transparent wings which may be observed on either side of the stipes (stalks)
and between the pinne (leaflets) on the stalk, with a break where each pinna
is attached (Fig. 78). The fronds, which are lft. to 14ft. long, 3in. to 4in.
broad, and borne on stalks 4in. to 6in. long, are simply pinnate (only once
divided to the midrib). The pinnz, which are numerous and disposed hori-
zontally, are equal in size, except near the point of the frond, where they are

ASPLENIUM. 493

smaller and closer; most of them are 13in. to 2in. long, almost. sessile
(stalkless), bluntish at the point, shortly wedge-shaped at the base, toothed
on the margin, bright green, and of a thin, papery texture. ach frond,
when fully developed, bears at its extreme end a solitary small bulbil, from
which this species may readily be increased. The sori (spore masses) are
distant, linear (long and very narrow), situate near the costa (midrib),
which they do not reach, any more than they do the edge of the pinne.—
Hooker, Species Filicum, ii., p. 121. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i.,
p- 128. Lowe, New and Rare Ferns, p. 27, t. 128.

SS
OES oma

Lis -

At

‘
Sy

G yi Yt
f be pipe fi
yt yp fi
TW WAZ
: Ges
| oe g

Fig. 78 Frond of Asplenium alatum

(3 nat. size).

A. (Anisogonium) alismezefolium — An-is-og-o/-ni-um ; al-is-me-fol/-
i-um (Alisma-leaved), Hooker.

A stove species, native of the Isle of Luzon, with fronds Gin. to Qin.
long, 2in. to din. broad, and of a leathery texture. These fronds, which vary
in shape from simple (undivided) and oblong-spear-shaped to ternate (arranged
by three) or even pinnate (divided to the midrib), are borne on firm,
erect stipes (stalks) that are scaly throughout; their edges are smooth and
their extremity terminates in a tapering point. When the plants are strong

494, THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

and the fronds are fully developed the latter usually show a large terminal
pinna leaflet and three pairs of lateral ones, each of which is like the entire
frond of the simple form. The sori (spore masses), disposed on each side of
the midveins, reach from these to the edge of the pinne.—/Tooker, Species
Filicum, ti., p. 267. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 128.

A. (Euasplenium) alternans—Ev-as-ple/-ni-um; al-tern’-ans (alternated),
Wallich.

This distinct and interesting, dwarf-growing, greenhouse species, native of
Kumaon, Simla, and which, according to Beddome, grows wild on the Himalaya
Mountains at an elevation of. 6000ft., at first sight very much resembles our
own British Scale Fern, A. Ceterach (Ceterach officinarum), of which’ it
possesses all the outward appearance, cutting, &c., with the exception, how-
ever, of the dense scaly covering of the under-side that is quite characteristic
of the species above named. Its fronds, 6in. to 8in. long and lin. to 1Hn.
broad, are borne on tufted stipes (stalks) lin. to Yin. long and clothed with
linear (long and narrow) scales; they are densely produced from a central
crown, and are oblong-spear-shaped and simply pinnatifid (once only divided
almost to the midrib). Their pinne (leaflets), bluntly lobed and of a very
pleasing light green colour and almost leathery texture, reach down nearly
to the lower part of the stalks, the lower ones growing smaller gradually
and sometimes quite distinct. The sori (spore masses) are abundantly pro-
duced and of a nearly black colour.—Hooker, Species Filicum, iti., p. 92.
Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 128. Beddome, Ferns of British
India, t. 59.

The most suitable places for this curious species are in the crevices of
rocks in the Fernery, but it must be situated where it is not brought into
immediate contact with drip or constant moisture; it will be found to thrive
most luxuriantly when planted on stone with a little peat only.

A. (Euasplenium) alternifolium—Eu-as-ple’-ni-um ; al-tern-if-ol/-i-um
(alternate-leaved). Synonymous with A. germanicum.

A. (Diplazium) ambiguum—Dip-laz’-i-um ; am-big’-t-um (ambiguous).
A synonym of the better-known A. Shepherdit. |

ASPLENIUM. 495

A. (Euasplenium) angolense—Eu-as-ple’-ni-um ; an-go’-len-sé (from
Angola), Baker.

A stove species, of medium growth and very singular appearance on
account of its fronds, which are oblong-deltoid (in shape of a Greek delta, A),
din. to 6in. long, being borne on tufted stalks 6in. to 12in. long, of a dull
green colour, and furnished with a few minute, spreading, long and narrow
scales. These fronds, which are gemmiparous (bearing small lewf-buds on
their: outer surface) and of an almost leathery texture, have their stalk
continuously winged in the upper half and below the pinne (leaflets), which
are three or four times divided, and of a particularly dark green colour.
The abundant sori (spore masses) are regular, parallel, and reach from near
the midrib to within a very short distance of the edge—Hovker, Synopsis
Filicum, p. 485.

A. (Euasplenium) angustatum — Eu-as-ple’-ni-um ; an-gus-ta/-tum
(narrow), Presi.

This stove species, of Brazilian origin, is the nearest to A. adiantoides,
but much less divided, with blunt, sessile, sub-spathulate pinnules (stalkless,
nearly spoon-shaped leafits). Its fronds, 6in. to 12in. long and 4in. to Gin.
broad, borne on naked, greyish stalks 6in. to 12in. long, are furnished on
each side of their midrib with numerous pinne (leaflets) 2in. to 4in. long,
13in. to 2in. broad, and of a thin, papery texture, showing its long and
narrow sori (spore masses), which fall considerably short of the edge.—
Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 217.

A. (Euasplenium) angustifolium—Ev-as-ple’-ni-um; an-gus-tif-ol/-i-um
(narrow-leaved), Michauz.

This is a very distinct and elegant, greenhouse Fern, native of North
America, where, according to Eaton, it is found in Ontario and New England,
extending westward to Wisconsin and southward to Kentucky, Virginia, and
probably the mountains of Northern Georgia; in these habitats it luxuriates
in damp, rich woods, especially in the mountainous districts, and it is com-
moner in the states bordering on the Ohio than in New England. Unlike
most of the known Aspleniums, the barren and fertile fronds are so different
in appearance as to give the plant a character quite distinct from other species

496 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

of the same genus. The barren fronds, slender and spear-shaped, smooth, of
a delicate pale green colour and soft texture, are 14ft. to 2ft. long, 4in. to
6in. broad, and simply pinnate (only once divided to the midrib); the
pinne (leaflets) of these fronds are slightly wedge-shaped at the base, where
they are about Hin. broad; from the middle they taper to a long and
slender point, and their margin is finely dented. These pinne are very
numerous, sometimes as many as forty each side of the midrib; the middle
ones are the longest, the lower ones being gradually shorter, more distant,

Fig. 79. (a) Barren and (b) Fertile Fronds of Asplenium angustifolium

(4 nat, size),

and slightly deflexed, so that the lowest are often mere auricles (ears) a few
lines long. The leaflets of the fertile fronds are narrower and more distant
than those of the barren ones (F ig. 79). Both kinds of fronds arise from
a rootstock which creeps just beneath the surface of the ground and attains
a length of about 6in.; they are borne on stalks of a somewhat brittle
nature, smooth and green, except at the very base, where they are black,
like the rootstock itself, The abundant sori (spore masses) are disposed

ASPLENIUM. 497

very closely and regularly in a single oblique row extending from the
midrib nearly to the edge of each fertile pinna, where they eventually become
confluent.—Hooker, Species Iilicum, iii, p. 115. Nicholson, Dictionary of
Gardening, 1., p. 128. Haton, Ferns of North America, i, p. 73, t. 56.
Lowe, Ferns British and Exotic, v., t. 24.

A. (Euasplenium) angustum—Huw-as-ple’-ni-um ; an-gus’ -tum (narrow),
Swartz.

Although the name of this species is somewhat similar to that of the
two just described, the plant is totally different, for its fronds are quite
entire (undivided); they are of a somewhat leathery texture, lft. to 2ft.
long, 1din. broad, and borne on short, tufted, erect stipes (stalks) of a greyish
colour; their extremity is much acuminated (ending in a long, tapering
point) and their margin nearly smooth. The rather distant sori (spore
masses) reach from the midrib nearly to the edge, in an oblique direction.
This plant, being a native of Brazil and Guiana, requires stove treatment.

—Hooker, Species Filicum, iii., p. 89.

A. (Euasplenium) anisophyllum—Eu-as-ple’-ni-um ; an-is-oph-yl’-lum
(unequal-leaved), Aunze.

A greenhouse species, of large Aieenetone native of Cape Colony and
Brazil, and one which is easily recognised by the tumid involucres (swollen
coverings) of its spore masses. Its fronds, oblong-spear-shaped, lft. to 2ft.
long and 6in. to 9in. broad, are borne on tufted, firm, erect stipes (stalks)
6in. to 12in. lone and scaly below; they are only once divided to the
midrib, which is furnished on each side with from ten to sixteen sub-sessile
pinne (almost stalkless leaflets). The pinne are nearly horizontal, 3in. to
din. long, barely lin. broad, and terminate in a tapering point; they are of
a soft, papery texture. The short and regular sori (spore masses) are
distant, elliptical, and do not reach more than half-way from the edge to
the margin of the fertile pinnee.—Hooker, Species Filicum, ii., p. 111, t. 166.
Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 128.

A. (Euasplenium) apicidens—HEu-as-ple’-ni-um ; ap-ic’-id-ens (toothed
at the apex). A variety of A. Viedllardit.
38

498 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

A. (Darea) appendiculatum—Da’-ré-a ; ap-pen-dic-ul-a/-tum (having
an appendage), Presi.

This greenhouse species, native of Australia and Tasmania, is closely
related to the popular A. bulbiferum. Its fronds, of a dull, heavy green
colour, are from Ift. to 14ft. long, lanceolate (spear-shaped), sub-tripinnate
(nearly three times divided to the midrib), and furnished with oblong,
pointed pinne (leaflets), the extremity of which is usually proliferous. The
stalk and its ramifications are winged and clothed with scales, which round
the rhizome (prostrate stem) are very dark. The bold and oblong sori
(spore masses) are disposed one on each pinnule (leafit) ; they eventually
become confluent, and cover the whole under-surface of the pinnules, Lowe,
Ferns British and Exotic, v., t. 18.

A. (Diplazium) arborescens—Dip-laz’-i-um ; ar-bor-es’-cens (tree-like),
Mettenius.

This is a gigantic, stove species, native of the Mauritius, Bourbon, and
Madagascar Islands. Its large and comparatively finely-divided fronds, 3ft. to
4ft. long and 2ft. to 3ft. broad, are borne on strong, erect, smooth stipes
(stalks), which are produced from a caudex (stem) growing in an oblique
direction. They are furnished with numerous pinne (leaflets), the lower ones
usually being from lft. to 14ft. in length and from 4in. to 6in. broad ;
these in their turn are subdivided into pinnules (leafits) fully 3in. long and
#in. broad, and terminating in a tapering point. The leafits are of a soft,
papery texture, and have their edge cut down two-thirds of the way to the
stalk into nearly entire lobes }in. deep and in. broad. The lower sori
(spore masses) are fully fin. in length—AHovker, Species Filicum, iti., p. 256.
Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 128.

(Euasplenium) arcuatum— Ew-as-ple/-ni-um ; ar-cii-a/-tum (bent

like a bow), Liebmann.

A very pretty, greenhouse species, native of Mexico, and closely related
to the better-known A. monanthemum, of which it has all the appearance of
being a smaller form, for its fronds are simply pinnate (once divided to the
midrib) and are furnished with leaflets of the same shape as those of that

species, and the stalks on which they are borne, though of much smaller

ASPLENIUM. 499

dimensions, are equally tufted and of a blackish colour. The sori (spore
masses), also, are short and parallel with the lower edge of the pinne
(leaflets).—Hooker, Species Filicum, iii., p. 142, t. 189.

A. (Diplazium) Arnottii—Dip-laz’-i-um ; Ar-nott’-i-i (Arnott’s), Baker.

A stove species, of gigantic dimensions, native of the Sandwich Islands,
where it is said to be very abundant. Its fronds, borne on smooth, angular
stalks of a brownish colour, are from 3ft. to 4ft. long; their lower pinnx
(leaflets), Qin. to 12in. long and 4in. to 6in. broad, are furnished with
pinnules (leafits) 3in. to 4in. long, lin. or more broad, and of a soft, papery
texture. The leafits are in their turn cut down to a distinctly-winged stalk
into blunt, oblong lobes }in. deep and 4in. broad, with a space between
them. The sori (spore masses), when mature, fill up nearly the whole
surface of the lobes—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 240. Nicholson, Dictionary
of Gardening, 1., p. 128.

A. (Athyrium) aspidioides—Ath-yr’-i-um ; as-pid-1-0-1’-des (Aspidium-
like), Schlechtendal.

This very variable, greenhouse species possesses an extensive range of
habitat, for it is found in the Sandwich Islands and in Madagascar, in the
Cape Colony and at Fernando Po; while Beddome tells us that on the
Neilgherries, and especially about Otocamund, it is very abundant, principally
along banks of streams and by roadsides. In the typical plant the fronds,
borne on tufted, slender, straw-coloured stalks, naked except at the base, are
from lft. to 2ft. long and from 8in. to 12in. broad; they are tripinnatifid
(cut three times half-way down to the stalk); their lower pinnx (leaflets),
spear-shaped, of a very soft, papery texture, and from Gin. to 9in. long, are
in their turn divided into spear-shaped pinnules (leafits) cut down below
nearly to the stalk into pinnatifid segments about jin. broad. The colour of
the leafy portion of the fronds is dark green, and both surfaces are naked.
The copious sori (spore masses) are of oblong form and the lower ones are
curved. In the variety scandicinwm of Presl, the fronds are larger and more
finely cut, and their deeply-pinnatifid segments look like so many linear
(long and narrow) divisions, the whole breadth of which the spore masses

sometimes occupy; whereas Beddome says that a dwarf form with incurved

500 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

pinnules has been found in quantities in all the Sholas, Although the
extreme forms differ very widely, some of the American examples quite
correspond with the Cape and East Indian plants.— Hooker, Species Filicum,
i., p. 223. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 128. Beddome, Ferns
of Southern India, t. 157.

A. (Euasplenium) atrovirens—Eu-as-ple’-ni-um ; a/-tro-vir’-ens (dark
green), Baker.

This stove species, native of the Solomon Islands, is very distinct. Its
fronds, oblong-spear-shaped, 14ft. to 2ft. long, and bearing a proliferous bud
at their extremity, are borne on dull, blackish stalks, on which may be
found a few scattered scales. The pinne (leaflets), ten to fifteen on each
side of the midrib, are 5in. to 6in. long by about Lin. broad, and end in
a tapering point slightly toothed towards the tip; their texture is thin, but
firm, and their surfaces are both naked and of a dark green colour. The
sori, (spore masses) are regular, parallel, and disposed about equidistant
between the edge and the midvein.—Hooker, Species Filicum, Ul. «p. LOG:

A. (Euasplenium) attenuatum — Eu-as-ple’-ni-um ; at-ten-i-a/-tum
(attenuated), Robert Brown.

This singular, dwarf, rigid Fern, native of New South Wales and
Queensland, requires stove temperature. Its dark green fronds, their fleshy.
texture, and their narrow, ragged outline (Fig. 80), contrast singularly with
other species. They are scarcely divided, becoming pinnatifid (divided half-
way to the stalk) only at the base; they rise from a short, erect crown,
and are borne on short stalks covered with narrow, blackish scales; their
length varies between Gin. and 12in., and they are usually proliferous at their
extremity. The lowest lobes, which are oblong or roundish, reach down
nearly or quite to the crown. The large and comparatively few sori (spore
masses) occupy much of the lower surface, where they reach nearly to the
edge.—Hooker, Species Filicum, iii., p. 92. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening,
i, p. 128. Lowe, Ferns British and Exotic, v., t. 35x.

A. (Ceterach) aureum—Ce’-ter-ach ; au’-ré-um (golden). A variety of
A. Ceterach, popularly known as Ceterach officinarum.

ASPLENIUM. | 501

A. (Euasplenium) auriculatum—Eu-as-ple’-ni-um ; aur-ic-ul-a/-tum
(auriculated or eared), Swartz. | |

A stove species, native of South America, where it is found abundantly

from Mexico and the West Indies southward to Brazil and Peru. Its

Fig, 80. Asplenium attenuatum
(4 nat. size).

fronds, lft. to 13ft. long, 4in. to 6in. broad, and borne on firm, erect, nearly
naked stalks 4in. to 8in. long, are furnished on each side of their rachis

502 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

(stalk of the leafy portion) with from ten to twenty pinne (leaflets) Qin.
to din. long and about lin. broad. The pinnx occupy a nearly horizontal
position and are attached to the midrib by short stalks ; they are subfalcate
(somewhat ' sickle-shaped), have their edge crenate (deeply toothed), and
their two sides unequal, the upper one showing at the upper half of the
pinna a distinctly cordate (heart-shaped) auricle, which is the most
distinguishing character of this plant. The sori (spore masses) are distant,
and are situated close to the midvein, which they do not reach, any more
than they do the edge.—Hooker, Species Filicum, iti, p. 118, t. 171.
Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 128.

A. (Euasplenium) auritum—Ev-as-ple’-ni-um ; au-ri/-tum (eared),
Swartz.

This stove species, though common in Tropical America, is also found
in the Bourbon Islands and in Madagascar, and, according to Beddome, it
is plentiful on the Neilgherries and Anamallays, where it grows principally
on rocks in the bed of the Toracaddoo River, at an elevation of 4500ft. Its
fronds, produced from a thick, decumbent rhizome, are borne on firm, erect,
naked stalks 4in. to 8in. long and of a greyish colour. They are from 9in.
to 12in. long, 2in. to 4in. broad, and furnished on each side of their stalk
with ten to fifteen distinctly-stalked pinne (leaflets) about 2in. long ; the
extremity of these pinne is somewhat blunt, and the edge sharply toothed
or often lobed, especially towards the base, which is distinctly auricled (eared)
and suddenly narrowed. The whole of the plant is of a bright green
colour, and the sori (spore masses) are disposed in two broad and rather
oblique rows.—Hooker, Species Filicum, iti., p. 179. Nicholson, Dictionary
of Gardening, 1. p. 128. Lowe, Ferns British and Exotic, v., t. 32.
Beddome, Ferns of Southern India, t. 137.

A. (Thamnopteris) australasicum—Tham-nop’-ter-is; aus-tra-las’-
ic-um (Australian). <A variety of A. Nidus.

A. (Athyrium) axillare—Ath-yr’-i-um; ax-il-la/-ré (axillary), John
Smith.

This interesting, large-growing, yet elegant, greenhouse species is a native

of Madeira and the Azores. The fronds, which are 2ft. to 3ft. long, are

ASPLENIUM. 508

borne on stipes (stalks) about Ift. long and scaly at the base; they are
smooth, nearly spear-shaped, and of a pendulous habit. The pinnules (leafits)
being narrow, distant, falcate (sickle-shaped), and drooping, the fronds have
a particularly elegant outline, which is enhanced by the finely-toothed nature
of the segments (sub-divisions) of the pinnules. The oblong sori (spore
masses) are disposed sometimes two on the same vein.—Lowe, Merns British
and Exotic, v., t. 39.

A. (Diplazium) bantamense—Dip-laz’-i-um ; ban-tam-en’-sé (native of
Bantam), Baker.

A stove species, of little decorative value, native of Hong-Kong and
Borneo, and, according to Beddome, also of the Khasya Hills, Penang, and
Assam.—Hooker, Species Filicum, iii., p. 240. Beddome, Ferns of British
India, t. 69.

A. (Euasplenium) Baptistii—Eu-as-ple’-ni-um ; Bap-tis’-ti-i (Baptist’s),
Moore.

This very handsome, stove species, of medium growth, is a native of
the South Sea Islands, the habitat of many good Ferns known in cultivation.
It is a perfectly distinct plant, producing from a stout, decumbeng caudex
(stem) broadly ovate (egg-shaped) fronds about Ift. long, borne on stipes
(stalks) 6in. to 8in. long; they are bipinnate (twice divided to the midrib).
The pinne (leaflets), about Sin. long, are borne on short stalks; each of
them is provided with four narrow pinnules (leafits) 2in. long, equally
disposed on short, slender stalks, and a terminal lobe, 33in. long and 4in.
broad, furnished ~ with distinct marginal teeth pointing forwards, and
terminating in a long-attenuated point, which is toothed nearly to the end.
The slender stalks of both pinne and pinnules give a very open appearance
to the centre of the fronds, which are of a thick and leathery texture, and
dark green in colour. The long,
parallel with, and close to, the midrib.— Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening,
lip Oe UzXCy,

narrow, and straight sori (spore masses) are

A. (Euasplenium) Beddomei—Eu-as-ple’-ni-um ; Bed-do’-mé-i (Col.
Beddome’s). Synonymous with A. crinicaule. —

504: THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

A. (Darea) Belangeri—Da/-ré-a; Bel-an’-ger-i (Belanger’s), Kunze.

This handsome and deservedly popular, stove species, native of Java,
Sumatra, and Borneo, is one of the most elegant plants of the genus,
forming a graceful plume of finely-divided fronds, spreading on all sides
(see Plate). It is perhaps more extensively known as A. Vettchianum, but
whichever name may receive the preference, no collection, large or small,
should be without it, on account of its distinctive characters, its compact and
even growth, and the elegance of its general appearance. ‘The fronds, lft. to
1}ft. long, 2in. to 3in. broad, and bipinnate (twice divided to the midrib),
are borne on firm, erect, smooth stipes (stalks) of a greenish colour and
from din. to 8in. long. The numerous and closely-set pinnx (leaflets) are
almost horizontal, lin. to 14in. long, 4in. broad, and prolferous on their
entire length; they are rounded at the point, truncate at the base on the
lower side, and regularly cut down throughout to a broadly-winged rachis
(stalk) into blunt, linear lobes or pinnules (leafits); the latter are all simple
except the basal one on the upper side of the pinnae, which is always bifid
(once forked) and frequently trifid (twice forked). The spore masses, produced
over the whole under-surface of the frond, are long and narrow; one is
disposed on each segment or lobe, where it is situated on the exterior side,
and as is characteristic of plants belonging to the sub-genus Darea, these
spore masses open on the outward side—that is, on the side turned away from
the rachis. A. Belangeri is a beautiful, evergreen plant, which does not
require any special care in its cultivation, but it must be borne in mind that
slugs and woodlice, the latter especially, have a particular liking for it when
within their reach.—Hooker, Species Filicum, iii., p. 209. Nicholson, Dic-
tionary of Gardening, i., p. 128. Lowe, Ferns British and Exotic, v., t. 5.
Beddome, Ferns of British India, t. 287. .

A. (Darea) bifidum—bDa/-ré-a; bif’-id-um (divided about half-way in two).
A puzzling and variable plant, from the fact that it runs gradually into

forms with the leaflets again pinnate, with small narrow pinnules, or with

these again deeply bifid or pinnatifid. It is identical with A. lineatum.

A. biforme—bif-or’-mé (having two forms). A garden appellation for
A. dimorphum.

Aspidium falcatum pendulum

@ nat. size).

=
ay

fs

“e

ASPLENIUM. 505

A. (Euasplenium) bipartitum—Eu-as-ple’-ni-um; bip-ar-ti’-tum (divided
into two, nearly to the base), Bory.

A stove species from the Mascaren Islands, closely related to A. auritum,
but of less rigid habit. Its fronds, seldom more than 8in. long and from
2in. to 3in. broad, are borne on firm, yet slender, naked stalks of a greyish
colour and from 3in. to 4in. long; they are composed of twelve to fifteen
pairs of conspicuously-stalked pinne (leaflets), bluntish at the point and cut
down at the base on the upper side into distinctly-stalked, cuneate pinnules
(wedge-shaped leafits) of a soft, papery texture. The sori (spore masses) are
disposed in two regular rows, which reach nearly to the edge of the pinnules.
—Flooker, Species Filicwm, ii., p. 178, t. 208. Nicholson, Dictionary of
Gardening i., p. 128.

A. (Darea) bipinnatum—Da’-ré-a ; bip-in-na/-tum (twice divided to the
midrib), Brackenridge.

A very pretty, stove species, native of Fiji. Its fronds, seldom more
than Sin. long, lin. to 14in. broad, and borne on naked, wiry stipes (stalks)
of a slender nature, are very elegantly cut; there are on each side of the
rachis (stalk of the leafy portion) from twelve to twenty closely-set pinne
(leaflets) ; these are cut down to their rachis into linear (long and narrow),
slightly flattened, somewhat leathery pinnules (leafits), the lowest of which
are pinnatifid (divided half-way to the midrib). The small and solitary sori
(spore masses) are situated on the margins of the pinnules.—Hooker,

Synopsis Filicum, p. 221.

A. (Euasplenium) bisectum—Hu-as-ple’-ni-um ; bis-ec’-tum (bisected),
Swartz.

A stove species, native of the West Indies and Ecuador, with fronds
from lft. to 14ft. long, 4in. to 6in. broad, and borne on firm, erect, nearly
naked stalks of chestnut-brown colour and 4in. to 6in. long; they are
composed of twenty to thirty pairs of horizontal pinne (leaflets) 2in. to 3in.
long, with a very long, narrow, and deeply-pinnatifid upper-portion. These
pinne, of a somewhat leathery texture, show the sori (spore masses) disposed
in two parallel rows close to the midrib—Hooker, Species Iilicum, iii.,

p. 152, t. 192. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, 1., p. 128.
3.7

506 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

A. (Darea) borbonicum — Da’-ré-a; bor-bo/-ni-cum (from Bourbon),
Hooker.

A very pretty, stove species, native of Mauritius and the Bourbon
Islands; it is very similar to the better-known A. rutefolium, from which
it is distinguished only by the greater breadth of its fronds, which are not
quite so finely divided as those of that popular species.—Hooker, Species
Filicum, iii., p. 207.

A. (Euasplenium) borneense—Ev-as-ple’-ni-um ; bor-ne-en/-sé (from
Borneo), Hooker. .

This stove species, native of Borneo, is somewhat near A. cultrfolium,
but it is a stronger plant, with blunter and more unequal-sided pinne
(leaflets) dwindling downwards very gradually: Its fronds, fully 3ft. long,
24in. broad, and borne on stout, greyish stipes (stalks) 3in. to 4in. long,
are furnished with numerous sessile (stalkless) pinne of a thin, papery
texture, the lower ones growing smaller very gradually, the central ones
1}in. long, with their point bluntly rounded, their upper edge auricled
(eared) inwards and distantly toothed. The sori (spore masses), which in
this singular species are sparingly produced, are disposed in almost parallel
rows.—Hooker, Species Filicum, iii., p. 135, t. 186.

A. (Darea) brachypteron—Da’-ré-a ; brach-yp’-ter-on (broadly-winged),
Kunze.

This. exceedingly interesting, greenhouse species, native of Madagascar and
Fernando Po, where it is found at a great elevation, is of dwarf habit and
delicate texture. Although of remote introduction, it has not been so widely
distributed as it really deserves. Perhaps the fact of its being a native of
countries reputed warm has caused it to be kept in a higher temperature
than it requires, and it has consequently been, in many instances, lost after
a short trial. The warmest end of a greenhouse, or the coolest end of the
stove, suits it best. Its pretty fronds (Fig. 81), 4in. to 6in. long and
lin. to 1din. broad, borne on wiry, naked stalks 2in. to 4in. long, are
smooth, horizontal, and bipinnate (twice divided to the midrib). The pinnz
(leaflets), which number from twenty to twenty-four on each side of the
rachis (stalk of the leafy portion), are of very peculiar yet pretty shape,

ASPLENIUM. 507

inasmuch as from half to nearly the whole of the lower side is cut away ;
the largest of them are cut down to the rachis into simple or forked, long
and narrow pinnules (leafits), the inferior one being the largest. The oblong
and solitary sori (spore masses) are often quite marginal. In this pretty Fern
the finely-cut fronds, of a bright green colour, are abundantly produced from
a short, upright stem ; they also possess the peculiarity of growing perfectly
horizontal, and of producing a young plant at their extremity, on which
account the plant is very useful for hanging baskets of small dimensions.—
Hooker, Filices Exotice, t. 14. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 128.
Lowe, Ferns British and Ewotic, v., t. 15x.

Fig 81. Frond of Asplenium brachypteron

(nat. size),

A. (Diplazium) Brackenridgei—Dip-laz’-i-um ; Brack-en-ridg’-é-1
(Brackenridge’s), Baker.

A stove species, of medium dimensions, native of the Fiji and Philippine
Islands, greatly resembling the better-known A. sylvaticwm, from which it
differs by its pinne (leaflets), which are broader, distinctly stalked, of a firm
texture, and often produce bulbils from their axils— Hooker, Synopsis Filicum,
p. 234.

A. (Euasplenium) Bradleyi—Eu-as-ple’-ni-um ; Brad-ley’-i (Bradley’s),
Laton.

This pretty little, greenhouse species is a native of Hast Tennessee,
where it was discovered growing on shaded sand-rocks on the top of the
Walden Ridge, in the Cumberland Mountains; it has also been found in
Morgan, Roane, Edmonson, Estill, and Rockcastle Counties, and in Arkansas,

508 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

near the White River, in North America, According to Maton, it is very
variable in the shape of its fronds as well as in the degree of incision of their
pinne (leaflets) ; the narrower and less-divided forms have some resemblance
to the better-known A. ebenum, while the larger forms have so much of the
appearance of A. lanceolatum as to suggest its being a hybrid between these
two species. The fronds are abundantly produced, and are borne on stalks
Zin. to 3in. long, polished, and nearly black, which colour continues up to
the middle part of the frond, except in the smaller specimens ; they are
usually pinnate, but in fully-developed specimens are frequently pinnatifid
(cut down part of the way to the midrib) and even bipinnate (twice divided
to the midrib); they are from 5in. to Tin, long, oblong-spear-shaped, and
furnished with eight to twelve pairs of pinne, the lower ones the largest, and
all of them short-stalked and more or less deeply toothed. The sori (spore
masses) are short and subcostular (placed close to the midvein of the fertile
pinne).—Haton, Ferns of North America, ii., p. 89, t. 51. Hooker, Synopsis
Iilicum, p. 487.

A. (Euasplenium) brasiliense — Eu-as-ple’-ni-um; _ bras-il-i-en’-s&
(from Brazil), Moore and Houlston.

A stove species, native of Brazil and other parts of South America,
with simple (undivided) fronds, like those of the popular Bird’s-nest Fern,
A, Nidus, and produced from an erect crown; they are from Ift. to 3ft.
long, of a deep green colour, smooth, leathery, slightly undulated, and their
leafy portion extends nearly to the crown itself, as the somewhat scaly stipes
(stalks) are seldom more than lin. long. The form of the fronds is that of
an elongated spear-head; they are smooth on the margins and proliferous
at their extremity. The sori (spore masses) are situated on the lateral veins,
and extend from near the midrib half-way to the edge of the frond, and this
fructification, being prettily shown on the thick, fleshy, green fronds, renders
the plant particularly attractive——Lowe, Ferns British and Exotic, v., t. 15.

A. (Athyrium) brevisorum — Ath-yr’-i-um ; _ brey-is-o/-rum (having
sori disposed in short patches), Wallich.

A stove species, from Ava, Mishmee, and the Sandwich Islands,

somewhat like A. achillewfolium, but much larger and more divided. Its

ASPLENIUM. 509

fronds, 2ft. to 3ft. long and 9in. to 18in. broad, are borne on erect, slender,
naked stalks of a grey colour and from Ift. to 14ft. long. The pmne
(leaflets) are longest at the base of the frond, where they measure Ift. or
more, and are divided into lanceolate pinnules (spear-shaped leafits) 2in. to
3in. long, which in their turn are subdivided into segments of the same
shape as the pinnules, but deeply and sharply toothed, and of a soft, papery
texture. The abundant sori (spore masses) are usually disposed from six to
twelve to a segment in two rows near the midrib, the lower ones curved,
often double.-—Hooker, Species Filicum, iii., p. 229. Nicholson, Dictionary of
Gardening, i., p. 128. Beddome, Ferns of British India, t. 241.

A. Brownii—Brown’-i-i (Brown’s). Synonymous with A. umbrosum.

A. (Euasplenium) bulbiferum — Eu-as-ple’-ni-um ;_ bul-bit’-er-um
(bulbil-bearing), Yorster.

This very handsome, greenhouse species, native of New Zealand, Australia,
New Caledonia, &e., is a universal favourite with Fern cultivators, and is
perhaps the best-known and most universally grown of all the Aspleniums.
Its popularity is no doubt due to its rapid growth, its robustness, and
its easy cultivation; while its being viviparous (bud-bearing) in the highest
degree is certainly the cause of its being so widely distributed as to be met
with in almost every collection. It possesses another claim to the attention
of the cultivator inasmuch as it is one of the best of all known Ferns to
withstand the atmosphere of the dwelling-room. Its fronds, 1ft. to 2ft. long
and Sin. to 12in. broad, are borne on stipes (stalks) Gin. to 10in. long,
green on the upper side and brown below; they are lanceolate (spear-shaped),
bearing numerous pinne (leaflets) that are oblong in shape, 4in. to 8in. long
and ldin. to 2in. broad, cut down to a compressed, winged stalk into
numerous somewhat egg-shaped pinnules (leafits), the largest of which are
usually situated near the midrib and wedge-shaped at the base. These
pinnules, of a soft texture and pale green colour, are again cut into slightly-
toothed, long, narrow segments, the whole breadth of which is eventually
occupied by the sori (spore masses), which are oblong in shape and mostly
disposed in a double row, gradually becoming confluent. Though of
a naturally erect and somewhat stiff habit, the fronds are usually rendered
quite pendulous by the great quantities of young plants with which their

510 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

entire surface is covered at some time of the year, and these young plants
may frequently be seen with half-a-dozen fronds of their own. See Coloured
Plate.—Hooker, Species Filicum, iii., p. 196. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gar-
dening, i., p. 129. Lowe, Ferns British and Exotic, v., t. 11. Beddome, Ferns
of British India, t. 65. |

Besides A. Martensianum and A. Shuttleworthianum, both of Kunze,
which appear to be large, quadripinnatifid (four times divided half-way
to the midrib) forms of this Species bearing their sori on the edge of the
Segments, several distinct and well-marked forms are recognised, the principal
of which are the two following : |

A. b. Fabianum—Fab-i-a/-num (Fabia’s), Humboldt and Jacquin.

This is a very ornamental form, of robust constitution, with fronds
13ft. to 2ft. long, of a dark, shining green colour, and rendered much
lighter in appearance than those of the species through their lower segments
being much narrower and deeply cleft; when fully developed they also
possess a more graceful and arching appearance, produced by the quantity
of young plants, the weight of which renders the fronds beautifully pendulous.
—Hooker, Synopsis Filicwm, p. 218. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening,
iby Oke, IETS).

This Fern is admirably adapted for table-decoration, for vases, &c.,
as it is perfectly evergreen, and as very good-sized plants with a quantity
of foliage can be grown in pots of comparatively small dimensions. Although
it thrives in the mixture recommended for Aspleniums in general, this
variety grows most luxuriantly in peat and sand alone, in which soil it
will be found to produce fronds of larger dimensions and especially of
a much brighter green colour.

A. b. laxum—lax’-um (loose), R. Brown.

Commonly known in commerce under the name ot A. lawn pumilum,
probably on account of its compact habit, this is perhaps the handsomest
form known of the variations of A. bulbiferum. The fronds, which are
produced from a thick, fleshy crown, are plentiful, and of a peculiarly dark,
shining green colour; they are barely 14ft. long and about 8in. broad when
the plant has attained its full development, but they are remarkably elegant

ASPLENIUM. 511

on account of their being tripinnatifid (three times divided half-way to the
midrib) and of a slender nature, with pinne (leaflets) as finely cut as in
A. b. Fabianwm, and segments (sub-divisions) of the pinnules (leafits) so
narrow that the sori (spore masses) often appear as if marginal (situate on
their very edge). The most distinctive character of this variety, however,
resides in the closeness of the crown, which, instead of forming a sort
of shuttlecock as in all other Aspleniums, is always well filled up with
fronds falling outwardly, forming a most compact and symmetrical plant.—
Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 218. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening,
Hee Pe 29s

A. canariensis—can-a’-ri-en’-sis (from the Canaries). Synonymous with
A. Ceterach aureum.

A. (Euasplenium) Carruthersii— Hu-as-ple’-ni-um ; Car-ruth’-ers-i-i
(Carruthers’), Baker.

A very distinct, stove species, native of Viti, whose oblong-spear-shaped
fronds, from Gin. to 15in. long and borne upon short grey stipes (stalks)
bordered upwards with a few closely-pressed, small, brown scales, are furnished
with only four or five pairs of pinne (leaflets). These pinnae, of a pale
grey-green colour and coriaceous (leathery) texture, are set a little distance
apart, distinctly stalked, 4in. to 5in. long, and more or less toothed, according
to the age and state of development of the subject. The sori (spore masses),
about 41m. long and regular, are subcostular (disposed close to the midvein,

falling far short of the edge).—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 488.

A. (Euasplenium) caudatum—LEu-as-ple’-ni-um ; cau-da’-tum (tailed),
Forster.

This is a very interesting and highly-decorative, stove species, native ot
India, Polynesia, Java, Brazil, Ecuador, &c., so that its range of habitat is
very extensive. Its handsome fronds, 1ft. to 2ft. long, 4in. to 8in. broad,
and borne on firm stalks 4in. to 6in. long, densely clothed with fine, small,
brown scales, are composed of from twenty to thirty pairs of pinne (leaflets)
3in. to 4in. long and comparatively narrow, seldom lin. broad, elongated,
spear-shaped, usually opposite, and pinnatifid (divided half-way to the midrib) ;
these pinne are broadest at the base and attenuated at their extremity,

512 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

with their edge deeply toothed and their two sides unequal, the upper one
being auricled and narrowed suddenly, and the lower one very obliquely
truncate at the base. The fronds are of nearly the same breadth throughout,
except near the apex, where they suddenly become narrower and terminate
in a tail-like appendage, usually bearing one solitary bulbil, or sometimes two,
from which the plant may be readily propagated. This species is peculiar
also through the boldness of its sori (spore masses), of a bright reddish-

SSS
ee
~ SS

a)

IAS Ss

AS
=
NS .

NY

IHN
=

RARAS
W\

»

Gal

Ss
LE
ZO ze
A y,
cy SY,
SY

id
i) = = SESS -

=>
KE

=—S

Fig, 82, Partially-developed, Barren Frond of Asplenium caudatum

(& nat, size).

brown colour when mature, disposed on either side of and parallel to the

midvein, along the whole length of which they form a close double row;

besides these, one or more, usually not so bold, are found running

longitudinally along the segments and at a shght angle to those near the
midvein. The frond illustrated (Fig. 82) is only a partially-developed, barren
one ; it does not show the tailed appendage which has given this plant its
specific name.—Hooker, Species Hilicum, iii., p. 152. Nicholson, Dictionary of

‘(peonpar A[7e018)
mooaqgay bllydosyy

}

|
i

Mt)

eh
nh)

ASPLENIUM. 513

Gardening, i. p. 129. Lowe, Ferns British and Kaotic, v., t. 44. Beddome,
Ferns of Southern India, t. 143 (this plate was drawn from a specimen gathered
in Ceylon).

A. caudatum is an easily-grown Fern, and on account of the gracefully-
pendulous character of its fronds, which are abundantly produced from
a succulent and slightly-creeping rhizome (prostrate stem), is very well
adapted for growing in hanging baskets of large dimensions. The whole
plant is of a beautiful dark, glossy green, which contrasts agreeably with the
colour of the conspicuous fructification, and the fronds, being of a coriaceous
(leathery) texture, possess the advantage of remaining a long time on the
plant. This is one of the few species which prefer a mixture of peat and

sand only, without any loam whatever.

A. (Memidictyum) Ceterach—He-mid-ic’-ty-um ; Ce’-ter-ach (Ceterach),
Lainneus.

This species, of dwarf habit, generally known as Ceterach officinarum,
and popularly called Sealy Ceterach, Sealy Spleenwort, or Scale Fern, is of
a very cosmopolitan character, for, besides being essentially a British Fern,
it is also known to be indigenous throughout Hurope, Northern Asia, British
India, &e. In the various popular appellations under which, according to
the localities, it is known, its distinguishing name of “scaly” is strictly
adhered to, on account of the silvery and brown scales with which the
under-surface of its leathery, smooth fronds is thickly clothed ; these scales,
which in young fronds have a peculiarly silvery appearance, are permanent
and singularly tenacious, but they are limited to the under-surface. The upper
surface, which is totally devoid of such scales, is, in the young state, of
a glaucous (bluish-green) colour, and shows around the pinne (leaflets)
a narrow, white edge, forming a pleasing contrast to the dark tint which they
assume when mature. The Scale Fern (Fig. 83) is of dwarf growth; its
fronds, 4in. to 6in. long and lin. or less broad, are cut down nearly or quite
to the rachis (stalk of the leafy portion) into alternate (not opposite), blunt,
nearly entire, roundish lobes, with a rounded sinus (depression) between
them. These fronds are produced in great abundance from a close, central
crown, and, although they frequently shrivel up completely during the dry

weather, as also during the winter, they spread out afresh as soon as the
3.U

514 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

plant is exposed to a certain degree of moisture. As an example of its
extreme tenacity of life, we may here quote a statement made more than
a quarter of a century ago by Dr. Daubeny, then Professor of Agriculture at
Oxford, and which we find reproduced in “Les F ougeres rustiques,” the
excellent work of Mons. H. Correvon, who says: “ A lady in Ireland
found among her dry specimens one of Grammitis Ceterach (Ceterach
officinarum), which had been two
years in a portfolio in a dry, warm
room, and after planting it in a pot
and covering it close, she had the
satisfaction of seeing it come to life
again; first a fresh young frond
coming up, after which the plant
grew and continued to flourish and

develop.” —Hooker, Species Filicum,

Liles Ps 2260s Acholson, Dictionary
of Gardening, i., p. 129. Lowe, Our

Fig. 88, Asplenium Ceterach
( nat. size). Native Ferns, ii., t. 57. Beddome,

Ferns of Southern India, t. 143.
As a native Fern, A. Ceterach is found growing on walls and ruins from
the sea-level to an altitude of 600ft. In the first part of his ‘“ Herbal,”
published in 1551, Turner, the first writer who describes it as an English

plant, says: “It groweth muche in Germanye, in old moiste walles and in
rockes ; it groweth also in England about Bristowe (Bristol).” He adds:
“I have heard no English name of this herbe, but it maye well be called in
English Ceteracke, or Miltwaste, or Finger Ferne, because it is no longer
than a manne’s finger, or Scale Ferne, because it is all full of scales on the
innersyde. It has leaves lyke in figure unto Scolopendra, the beste, which,
also called Centipes, is not unlyke a great and rough palmer’s worme.”
Although found in a wild state in most parts of the British Islands, the Scale
Fern occurs less frequently in Scotland, where, however, it has been found on
Drumlaurig Castle, in Dumfries-shire ; on the ruins of Iona, and at Kinnoul
Hill, near Perth. In England it has been gathered in counties situated
far apart, and in localities which, so far as climate and situation are concerned,
have no similarity—such as Settle, in Yorkshire, where it used to erow

ASPLENIUM. 515

abundantly ; on limestone rocks in Lath Hill Dale and in Dove Dale, in
Derbyshire; on walls in quarries at Ludlow, in Shropshire; at Cheddar,
Malvern Abbey, and Bath ; at Topsham and other places in Devonshire; on the
tower of old Arlesford Church, in Hampshire; on an old wall near Cowley,
in Oxfordshire; and in many places in Norfolk, Suffolk, Gloucestershire,
and Hertfordshire. In fact, it is abundant in the West and North-west of
England ; whereas in the East it is comparatively rare. It is to this day
met with on the walls of a ruin at Treborth, near Bangor ; but in Denbigh-
shire and some other parts of Wales, where it was formerly very plentiful,
the Scale Fern has become nearly extinct, for, although abandoned as
a medicinal plant—its wonderful liver-healing properties being now entirely
discarded—it has been largely used as a bait for rock-cod fishing on the coast
of Wales. The Rev. Hugh Davies states that, owing to its consumption
for that purpose, it has become very scarce about Holyhead, where it once
flourished and was found in great abundance. In Ireland, where it is most
plentiful, and where it is seen growing most luxuriantly, it has been collected
on stone walls, which it completely covers, near Cork and Kilkenny; on
the ruins of Saggard Church, on Cave Hill, and at Headford, in Galway. It
is also indigenous in Jersey and in the Isle of Wight.

The success in the cultivation of this, one of the prettiest and most
interesting of all our native Ferns, depends mostly on the situation in which
it is placed. Some sound advice as to its culture, given more than twenty-
five years ago, being now as good as it was then, we cannot refrain from
quoting therefrom. Mr. Charles Johnson, speaking of A. Ceterach, says: “It
is not at all easy to cultivate this Fern successfully ; it is too impatient of
confinement to live long in a greenhouse, and the cold frame, so useful for
the protection of other half-hardy species, is almost certain death to this.
The metropolitan cultivator is told that London air disagrees with it, and
yet the only plant of it I possessed in my early career lived in a nook of an
old wall in a back area in Hatton Garden for several years, and may be there
still, unless eradicated by repair. Sun never reached it, and ancient mortar,
which, through being constantly moist, had somewhat the consistence of paste,
probably agreed with its constitution—a very important point to be studied
in planting, as when left to its own selection, or in the wild state, it seems
universally to prefer a calcareous habitat. Whether planted- in the open

516 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

Fernery or grown in pots, great care must be exercised as to the drainage,
and in the latter case especially to avoid wetting the fronds in watering.”

As will be seen by the above quotation, the Scale Fern, which is a true
limestone plant, was then thought as difficult of cultivation as it now is. There
are exceptions to all rules, and the experience of Mr. C. Johnson as regards
his plant growing:in Hatton Garden was confirmed later on by no less an
authority than Mr. E. J. Lowe, who, in his excellent work “Our Native Ferns,”
vol. i, p. 378, says: “The finest plants I have seen have been left to take
care of themselves in a damp situation and a close, heavy, clayey soil, where
the sun never shines, but exposed to the north. Growing wild they are
seldom found except on the south or sunny side of a wall.” The plants
referred to were then in conditions totally the reverse of those in which the
plant is found in its wild state; yet its natural mode of growth should be
imitated as far as practicable. It should be planted in a wall among some
old mortar; or, if grown in pots, it should be put in a mixture of sandy
loam, old lime or mortar rubbish, and limestone, in equal parts, and it will
be found to thrive better if the pots, instead of standing in the usual upright
position, are kept in a horizontal one, and well above the ground, where no
superfluous moisture can collect and remain around the plants.

Several distinct and pretty forms of the Scale Fern have been gathered
in a wild state, but few only have retained their distinctive characters under
cultivation. The following are the only varieties which have remained °
distinct when artificially grown :

A. C. aureum

This charming Fern, also known as Ceterach canariensis of Willdenow,
and native of Madeira and the Canary Islands, although usually termed
a species, is undoubtedly only a large variety of A. Ceterach; it differs in its
much more vigorous habit and also in the disposition of its beautiful fronds,

au’-ré-um (golden), Link.

which are usually produced from a single crown. As is the case in the
species, these fronds are pinnatifid (cut nearly to the midrib) and often pinnate
at the base ; but instead of being from 4in. to Gin. long, they often measure
from Ift. to 1gft. under cultivation, their pinnew (leaflets) being deeply lobed
and sometimes auriculate (eared) at the base; they are leathery, smooth, and
dark green on their upper surface, while their under-side is densely clothed

ASPLENIUM. 517

with brown, imbricated (overlapping) scales— Hooker, Synopsis Filicum,
p-. 245. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, 1., p. 129.

Although requiring warmer treatment than the species, A. C. aurewm
is more amenable to cultivation, and will be found to do well in a mixture
of three parts sandy peat and one of loam and sand, with small pieces of
limestone. When potted in such light material it requires a pretty liberal
supply of water at the roots, but the drainage must be perfect.

A. C. crenatum—cre-na’-tum (notched), Moore.

A robust variety, known also as sinuatum of Kinahan; it is abundantly
found in two localities near Clitheroe, namely, Pendle Hill and Browsholme
Hall ; also in Devonshire ; in County Clare, in Blackhead, and in Galway, in
Ireland ; and at Kinnoul Hill, near Perth, in Scotland. Its fronds, otherwise
normal, are larger than those of the species, from which it also differs in
having the margins of its round-toothed lobes deeply crenate and often
appearing as though slightly twisted towards the back of the frond. A form
of this Fern called crenatwm minor differs only in being smaller than the
normal form, with a margin equally notched.—Lowe, Our Native Lerns,
i, p. 373.

A. C. depauperatum—de-pau-per-a’-tum (impoverished), Wollaston.

A variety more curious than beautiful, found growing wild at Kilkenny.
Its fronds, of normal size, are extremely variable in shape, some being
bifureate (twice forked) at their extremity, others acuminate (taper-pointed),
while in some other cases they are quite cornute (ending in a short horn-like
projection). But whatever their form may be, the segments are so
depauperated as to be almost wanting, the fronds having all the appearance
of a sinuately-winged rachis (stalk).—Lowe, Our Native Ferns, ii., p. 374.

A. C. Kalon—Kal’-on (Kalon), Lowe.

This, no doubt, is the handsomest known form of British origin, and the
one which, in point of size and beauty, approaches nearest to A. C. aurewm
of Link. Its fronds, 8in. or more in length and fully 1din. broad in their
widest part, are furnished with large pinne (leaflets), which are rounded

at their summit, and show conspicuous, projecting, crenate lobes.—Lowe, Our
Native Kerns, u., p. 374, fig. 782.

518 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

A. C, ramoso~-cristatum—ra-mo’-go-cris-ta/-tum (branched and crested),
Lowe.

This most extraordinary form, of larger dimensions than the typical
species, was originally found wild in Ireland, and transplanted in a rockery
at Woodcote, near Warwick, where it grows luxuriantly. Its fronds (Fig.
84), which, including the stalks, are 8in. or more long, are branching and
much divided at their extremity, and occa-
sionally crested as well ; the leaflets are variable
in size and form, being divided nearly or quite
to the midrib.—Lowe, Our Native ferns, ii.,
p. 375, figs. 783 and 784.

A. C. ramosum —ra-mo’-sum (branched),
Moore.

A dwarf form, with fronds only about 2in.
long, divided in two about half-way up, when
each branch resembles a small normal frond,
occasionally spread upwards and with the margin

scarcely divided. It was found growing wild at
Ifracombe.—Lowe, Our Native Ferns, ii., p. 3/3,

A. C. variabile — yar-i-a’-bil-é (variable),
Lowe.

This very singular, lax form was originally
found at Browsholme Hall, Lancashire. Its
Fig. 84. Fronds of Asplenium Ceterach fronds, about 5in. long, are furnished with very

RaMDOB OSH Stabs variable pinne (leaflets): some are entire

ie (uncut), others are distinctly, though irregularly,

toothed, while others again are variously shaped.—Lowe, Our Native Ferns,
ii, p. 874, fig. 781. |

A. (Anisogonium) chimborazense—chim-bor-az-en’/-sé (a native of
Chimborazo), Spruce.

This stove Fern, native of Chimborazo, where it is found wild at

elevations of between 3000ft. and 4000ft., is one of the strongest-growing kinds

ASPLENIUM. 519

known in the whole genus. Its fronds, fully 6ft. long and 24ft. broad, are
borne on brown, angular stalks 3ft. long and din. thick at the base, where
they are densely clothed with large, spear-shaped, brown scales; they are
furnished with fifteen or sixteen pairs of pinne (leaflets), the lowest of which
are quite lift. long by 2hin. broad, their extremity suddenly terminating
in a sharp point, and their edge being slightly undulated. All the portions
of the frond are of a thin yet sub-coriaceous (almost leathery) texture, and
the sori (spore masses) are disposed in slender lines reaching about two-thirds

of the way to the edge of the fertile pinne.
p-. 244.

Hooker, Synopsis Filicum,

A. (Diplazium) chinense— Dip-laz’-i-um; chi-nen’-sé (from China),
Baker.

A greenhouse species, native of Shanghai, China, with fronds Ift. to 14ft.
long and nearly as broad, borne on slender, nearly naked stalks about Ift.
long and of a greyish colour. These fronds are bipinnate (twice divided to
the midrib) all the way through, except just at their summit, where
they are only pinnatifid (cut part of the way to the midrib). The pinne
(leaflets), of a thin, papery texture and long-stalked, are 3in. to din. long
and 23in. broad, and are divided into close, lanceolate pinnules (spear-
shaped leafits), which in their turn are subdivided into deeply-toothed,
oblong segments about Idin. long. The long and narrow sori (spore
masses) do not reach the edges of the pinnules—Hooker, Synopsis Pilicum,
Weezore

A. (Euasplenium) cicutarium — Eu-as-ple’-ni-um ; _ cic-u-ta’-ri-um
(Cicuta-leaved), Swartz.

This very pretty, delicate-looking, stove Fern, common in the West
Indies, Mexico, and South America, is also, according to Haton, a native of
Florida, where it is found in a wild state on calcareous rocks, near Lake
Panasofkee, in Sumter County, where it is known under the name of the
Hemlock Spleenwort. Its lovely fronds, 6in. to 15in. long and 4in. to Gin.
broad, are borne on firm, smooth, greenish stipes (stalks) 4in. to Sin. long,
provided on each side with a narrow, paper-like wing, which is continued
all along the stalk of the leafy portion to the tips of the fronds.

520 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

These fronds are disposed shuttlecock-fashion on the summit of a short
caudex (stem), which Plumier, who found this plant in almost every place
he visited in the American Islands, in describing it in his “ Traité des
Fougeres de l’Amérique,” p. 14, says: “La racine de cette Fougére est toute
chevelue, par quantité de petites fibres grisAtres et longues de deux A trois
pouces, d’ot sortent quatre ou cing pédicules ou costes menues, rondes, d’un

Fig. 85, Asplenium Colensoi

(4 nat, size).

vert sale et d’environ un pied” (the root of this Fern is entirely hairy on
account of a quantity of small greyish fibres 2in. to 3in. long, from among
which emerge four or five pedicles or fine round stalks, of a dirty green
colour and about 1ft. long). The “racine” which he mentions is evidently
the rootstock or caudex, and the “greyish fibres” are undoubtedly rootlets

ASPLENIUM. 521

forming it. The fronds are smooth, of a bright green colour and thin, papery
texture, lanceolate (spear-head-shaped), and composed of from ten to fifteen
pairs of pinne (leaflets) 2in. to 3in. long at the middle part of the frond,
whence they gradually decrease in size to the usually acuminate (tapering)
extremity. These leaflets are closely placed ; they are generally oblong-spear-
shaped and tripinnatifid (three times divided half-way to the midrib), but
more commonly only twice divided in that way, thus forming segments
once or twice cleft at their summit. The sori (spore masses) are elongated
and disposed principally in two rows on the upper side of each fertile pinnule
(leafit)—Hooker, Species Filicum, iti, p. 191. Micholson, Dictionary of
Gardening, i, p. 129. Lowe, Ferns British and Exotic, v., t. 20. Eaton,
Ferns of North America, i., t. 56.

A. (Euasplenium) Colensoi— Hu-as-ple’-ni-um ; Col-en’-s6-1 (Bishop
Colenso’s), Hooker.

This very useful and elegant, greenhouse species (Fig. 85), native of
New Zealand, is also frequently found in the trade under the erroneous name
of A. Hookerianum, which is properly applied to a plant of entirely different
appearance. The species dedicated to Bishop Colenso is much in the
way of the well-known A. bulbiferum, but of more compact habit and of
much smaller dimensions in all its parts. As in that popular species, the
fronds, 6in. to Yin. long, 2in. to 4in. broad, and borne on stalks din. to 4in.
long and clothed throughout with small scales, are produced in abundance
from a thick, fleshy crown; they are of a bright pale green colour and soft
texture. The numerous pinne (leaflets) are divided into spreading and deeply-
cut pinnules (leafits); these in their turn are subdivided into narrow
segments, each of which bears a solitary sorus (spore mass). When fully
developed, the fronds are literally studded all over with young plants, by
which means this species is usually propagated.—Hooker, Synopsis filicum,
aeados Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 129.

A. (Euasplenium) PRS eae aa com-pres’-sum
(compressed), Swartz.
This greenhouse species, native of the iia of St. Helena, is a thick,

fleshy-looking Fern, very different in appearance to any other known
3x

522 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

Asplenium. It is the same plant which, in Continental collections, is to be
found under the name of A. fwcundum, and it is well worth growing for the
diversity of its foliage. The thick fronds, 2ft. to 3ft. long and 8in. to 12in.

2 Sw RI

\\

\
K

SENN )/-—

NY Yep,

Sg WELZ

SAS N\) | ZZ
ae 25 %oR

Fig. 86 Frond and Pinna of Asplenium compressum

(Frond, } nat. size; Pinna, nearly nat. size).

broad, are borne on stout, erect, green stipes (stalks) 6in. to Sin. long and
clothed in the lower part with dark brown scales; the crown from which
they are produced is also entirely covered with similar scales, These fronds

ASPLENIUM. 523

are simply pinnate (only once divided to the midrib), oblong-spear-shaped,
and composed of from ten to twenty pairs of sessile pinne (stalkless leaflets)
4in. to 6in. long, lin. broad, bluntish at the point, slightly toothed, and often
proliferous (bud-bearing) all over their upper surface; the upper pinne are
decurrent (running down) upon the stout, compressed, fleshy stalk, the
upper side being narrowed suddenly at about a right angle and the lower
one obliquely truncate (Fig. 86). The broad and distant sori (spore masses)
do not reach either the midrib or the edge.—Hooker, Species Pilicum, iii.
p- 121. Micholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 129. Lowe, Ferns British
and Exotic, v., t. 16. ;

A. (Euasplenium) contiguum—Eu-as-ple’-ni-um ; con-tig’-ti-um (con-
tiguous), Kaulfuss.

A greenhouse species, in the way of A. falcatum, native of the Sandwich
and Philippine Islands, also of the Anamallay Hills and the Neilgherries,
where, according to Beddome, it grows at elevations of 3000ft. and 7000ft.
It is a distinct and very interesting Fern, with fronds Ift. to 1)ft. long, 4in.
to 6in. broad, borne on firm, erect, smooth stalks of a peculiar chestnut-
brown colour and Gin. to 9in. long. The pinne (leaflets), from twenty
to thirty on each side of the rachis, are sub-falcate (almost sickle-shaped),
terminating in a long, tapering point, and with the edge more or less, some-
times deeply, cut and slightly lobed, the base being narrowed suddenly and
sometimes auricled (eared) on their upper side; they are of a sub-coriaceous
(almost leathery) texture, and their basal lobes are wedge-shaped and
unequally toothed at their extremity. The closely-set and abundant sori
(spore masses) fall considerably short of the margin; in fact, they are
contiguous and disposed parallel with the midrib.—Hooker, Species Filicum,
iii, p. 156, t. 194. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 129. Lowe,
New and Rare Ferns, t. 16. Beddome, Ferns of Southern India, t. 140.

A. (Anisogonium) cordifolium—An-is-og-o’-ni-um ; cor-dif-ol’-i-um
(having heart-shaped fronds), Mettencus.

A stove species, of small dimensions, native of the Philippine and Malay

Islands, with fronds Sin. to 12in. long, 3in. to 4in. broad, and of a singular

shape for an Asplenium: they are entire (uncut) and heart-shaped at
3x2

524 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

the base, and their apex ends in a long, tapering point. They are of
a coriaceous (leathery) texture and borne on firm, erect stalks Gin. to 12in.
long and scaly below. The sori (spore masses) extend from the midrib to
the edge—Hooker, Species Filicum, iii., p. 267.

A. (Euasplenium) coriaceum — Eu-as-ple’-ni-um; cor-i-a/-c8-um
(leathery), Baker. .

A stove species, of small dimensions, native of the Cameroon Mountains.
Its fronds, 9in. to 12in. long and 14in. broad, have a firm, compressed,
winged rachis (stalk of the leafy portion) 2in. to 3in. long and gradually
narrowed below into the winged stalk; their texture is very coriaceous
(leathery) and their edge is nearly entire or smooth. The sori (spore
masses) are generally din. long, are situated a little apart from one another,
and occupy a very oblique position.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 192.

A. (Athyrium) crenatum—Ath-yr’-i-um ; cre-na/-tum (having convex,
flat teeth), Ruprecht.

This is a greenhouse species, native of Scandinavia, Siberia, and Japan.
Its fronds, 9in. to 15in. long and of about equal breadth, are borne on firm,
erect, straw-colouréd stipes (stalks) Gin. to 12in. long and clothed towards
the base with large, ovate (egg-shaped) scales of a peculiar dark brown
colour. The leafy portion is deltoid (in form of the Greek delta, A), tri- or
quadripinnatifid (three or four times divided half-way to the midrib), and
provided with from nine to twelve leaflets on each side of the stalk, the
lowest of which are much the largest; these leaflets are divided into
lanceolate pinnules (spear-shaped leafits), which in their turn are cut down
nearly to the rachis (stalk of the leafy portion), except towards the point,
on each side into four to six blunt, oblong segments, of a soft, papery
texture and bluntly toothed. The sori (spore masses), two to six to each
fertile segment, are oblong, usually nearly straight, and often double.— Hooker,
Species Filicum, iti., p. 226. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 129.

A. (Diplazium) crenulatum—Dip-laz’-i-um ; cre-nu-la/-tum (having
small, convex teeth), Baker.

A strong-growing, stove species, of nearly arborescent habit, native of

Cuba, Mexico, Brazil, and Ecuador. The fronds, which are produced from

ASPLENIUM.

or
bo
Ou

an erect caudex (stem) and borne on firm, erect stipes (stalks) lft. to 14ft.
long and hardly scaly below, are from 2ft. to 3ft. long and 9in. to din.
broad, and are provided on each side of the central stalk, below the pinnatifid
point, with fifteen to twenty pinne (leaflets) Gin. to 8in. long and Itin.
broad, which are cut half or two-thirds of the distance to the rachis (stalk
of the leafy portion) into slightly-toothed, oblong lobes or segments. The
sori (spore masses) are about din. long and disposed close to the midvein of
each fertile segment.—AHooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 236.

A. (Euasplenium) crinicaule—Eu-as-ple/-ni-um ; eri-nic-au’-lé (having
hairy stalks), Hance.

This stove species, native of China, Sikkim, and the Neilgherries, is the

plant described by Beddome in his “Ferns of Southern India,” t. 141, as

= Ne) ——s
xy
AN} WWYLZ
$F Sy =
7) ALN. —— Wh =
; i ly
|) BAS Wika

ares
a ASS) TS US
i fd i, (i

it “iN

Fig, 87. Frond of Asplenium crinicaule

@ nat, size).

A. falcatum ; but it is totally different from the true A. faleatwm of Lambert.
It is also called A. Beddomet. The fronds of A. crinicaule, 6in. to
9in. long and 14in. broad, are borne on erect stalks 3in. to 4in. long and
slightly covered with dark brown hairs. There are on each side of the stalk
fifteen or more horizontal, sub-coriaceous pinne (almost leathery leaflets),
with bluntish points and edges irregularly crenated (notched), the upper side
narrowed suddenly and sometimes auricled at the base, the lower obliquely
truncate (Fig. 87). The sparingly-produced sori (spore masses) are linear
(long and narrow) and very oblique.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 208.

526 LHE WOOK (OF CHOLGIN TD RINS:

A. (Euasplenium) cultrifolium — Eu-as-ple’-ni-um ; cul-trif-ol/-4-um
(hook-leaved), Linnwus.

This stove species, which is commonly, though erroneously, called
Diplazium cultrifolium, is a native of the West Indies, where it appears to be
very abundant. Its fronds, 6in. to 12in. long and 4in. to 6in. broad, are
borne on naked, greyish stipes (stalks) 4in. to Gin. long ; they have on each
side of the rachis (stalk of the leafy portion) six to ten leaflets, which
are 3in. to 4in. long, with a sharp point, broadly toothed, and of a thin,
papery texture. The sori (spore masses) fall short of both the edge and
the midrib.—Hooker, Species Filicum, iti., p. 110. Nicholson, Dictionary of
Gardening, i., p. 129.

A. (Euasplenium) cuneatum—Eu-as-ple’-ni-um ; cun-8-a/-tum (wedge-
shaped), Lamarck.

This is a very handsome, stove species, of wide distribution, for it is
found in a wild state in Tropical America, in the West Indies, in the
Polynesian Islands, in China, in Cape Colony, &e. Its fronds, Gin. to 15in.
long and Gin. to 9in. broad, are borne on firm, erect, naked stipes (stalks)
bin. to 9in. long; they are provided on each side of the rachis (stalk of
the leafy portion) with numerous pinne (leaflets) of a somewhat coriaceous
(leathery) texture, the lower ones 3in. to 4in. long, 1din. broad, cut down
to the midrib imto several distinctly wedge-shaped pinnules (leafits), which
are toothed and cut down in the lower part nearly or quite to the -
rachis (stalk of the leafy portion). The sori (spore masses) are linear (long
and very narrow).—Hooker, Species Filicum, iii., p. 168. Nicholson, Nictionary
of Gardening, i., p. 129.

A. (Euasplenium) Currori— Ev-as-ple’-ni-um ; Cur-ror’-i (Curror’s),
Tooker.

A stove species, native of the Guinea Coast, with quite entire (undivided)
fronds of a coriaceous (leathery) texture, lft. to 14ft. long, 1din. broad at
their widest part, narrowed gradually to a tapering point, but suddenly
at the base, and with the margin slightly undulated. The sori (spore
masses) do not reach either the midrib or the margin.—Hooker, Species
filicum, ui., p. 82.

ASPLENIUM. 527

A. (Diplazium) cyathezefolium — Dip-laz’-i-um ; cy-ath’-¢-a-fol’-1-um
(Cyathea-leaved), Bory. |

A stove species, native of Luzon and New Guinea, producing’ from
a somewhat arborescent caudex (stem) fronds 14ft. to 2ft. long and lft. to
14ft. broad ; these are borne on firm, erect, dark brown, nearly naked stipes
(stalks), and are furnished with numerous pinne (leaflets), the lowest of
which are fully 9in. long by 3in. broad. The leaflets are divided into
numerous pinnules (leafits), the lower ones being again cut down one-third
of the distance to the rachis (stalk of the leafy portion) into oblong, falcate
(sickle-shaped), sharply-toothed lobes, of a thin, papery texture. The sori
(spore masses), situated near the midvein, fall considerably short of the edge.

—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 238.

A. (Euasplenium) Dalhousiz—Eu-as-ple’-ni-um ; Dal-hou’-si-x (Lady
Dalhousie’s). Synonymous with A. alternans.

A. (Darea) davallioides — Da’-ré-a ; dav-al’-li-6-i/-dés (Davallia-like),
Hooker.

This greenhouse species, native of Japan, Tsus-Sima, and Hong-Kong,
is, of all known Aspleniums, that which comes nearest to the genus Davatlia.
It is a very pretty little plant, of small dimensions, its fronds, borne on
firm, naked stipes (stalks) from 3in. to 4in. long, seldom attaining’ more
than 6in. in length and 3in. in breadth. They are quadripinnate (four times
divided to the midrib) and bear on each side of the rachis (stalk) from six to
nine leaflets of a thick, leathery texture, the lowest of which are much the
largest, 2in. to 3in. long and lin. to 1}in. broad. Like the bright green
pinnules (leafits) into which these pinnew are subdivided, they are deltoid
(in shape of the Greek delta, A) and are provided with a broadly-winged
rachis. The abundant sori (spore masses) occupy a lateral position; they
are oblong in form, and often cover the whole upper side of the ultimate
divisions.—Hooker, Species Filicum, i., p. 212.

A. (Euasplenium) decurrens—Eu-as-ple’-ni-um ; de-cur’-rens (decur-
rent), Baker.

A stove species, native of Samoa and Ceylon, with fronds 1}ft. to 1}ft.

long, borne on short, grey, naked stalks; they are oblong-spear-shaped and

528 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

furnished with five or six pairs of pinne (leaflets), of a firm, parchment-like
texture, dark green on both surfaces, and proliferous (bud-bearing) at their
extremity. These pinne affect a singular and unusual disposition, inasmuch
as they are adnate (attached to the stalk through the whole length of their
lower base), nearly or quite free and rounded on the upper side at their base,
and crenulate (dented) in the upper half of their length. The sori (spore
masses), situated close to the midvein or rarely prolonged on either side
of it, are disposed in two rows running parallel all the way.—Hooker,
Synopsis Hilicum, p. 484. Beddome, Ferns of Southern India, t. 229.

A. (Athyrium) decurtatum—Ath-yr’-i-um ; de-cur-ta’-tum (shortened),
Link.

An evergreen, stove species, native of Brazil, having very much the
appearance of a deciduous Lady Fern. Its fronds, of a soft, papery texture,
2ft. to 3ft. long and Qin. to 12in. broad, are borne on erect, whitish or pale
straw-coloured stipes (stalks) 1ft. or more long and scaly at the base; they
are bipinnate (twice divided to the midrib), spear-shaped, and furnished with
numerous closely-set, spreading leaflets 4in. to 6in. long and lin. broad, cut
down nearly to the rachis (stalk of the leafy portion) into blunt, entire
lobes, pubescent (slightly hairy) on both surfaces. The oblong sori (spore
masses) fall short of both the edge and the midrib, and the lower ones are
curved.—Hooker, Species Filicum, iti, p. 226. Lowe, Ferns British and
Huxotic, v., t. 45.

A. (Anisogonium) decussatum — An-is-og-o/-ni-um ; dec-us-sa/-tum
(decussate or cut crosswise), Swartz.

A stove species, of somewhat gigantic dimensions, found in the Poly-
nesian and Malayan Islands, also in Queensland and on the Guinea Coast.
Beddome says that it is also a native of Ceylon, as well as of the
Tinnevelly Hills, Himalayas. Its fronds, from 2ft. to 4ft. long, are borne
on strong, erect stipes (stalks) 1ft. to 2ft. long and often muricated (rough
with short tubular excrescences); the midrib is furnished with numerous
pinne (leaflets) on each side (Fig. 88), which are from 6in. to 12in. long,
lin. to 2in. broad, often proliferous (bud-bearing) in the axils, and with their
edge nearly entire or slightly lobed. The sori (spore masses) reach nearly

- PHYLLITIDES.

ANEMIA’

ASPLENIUM. 529

to the edge and are copiously double—AHooker, Species Filicum, iii., p. 270.
Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 129. Beddome, Ferns of British
India, t. 292.

Fig. 88. Frond of Asplenium decussatum

(much reduced).

A. (Euasplenium) dentatum—Eu-as-ple’-ni-um ; den-ta’-tum (toothed),
Linneus.

This stove species, native of the West Indies and Tropical America, is
also very common in some parts of North America, where Haton says it is
called the Toothed Spleenwort, and is found in holes and crevices of lime-rock
in a hummock at Miami, Florida, and also in Carolina in similar situations.
Dr. Garber, who first discovered it there, says: ‘Like the other small
species of the genus, it grows out of the crevices of lime-rock, and sometimes
by the close grouping of the little tufts covers the entire face of shaded

530 © THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

rocks; but instead of being found on the sides of rocky ledges like the
Northern species, it is restricted to rocky sides of depressions of rock-holes
lower than the surrounding surfaces.” The fertile and the barren fronds,
though of similar shape, are very distinct in size, as the barren ones are
much smaller and borne on shorter stalks than the fertile ones. These
latter, 2in. to 3in. long and lin. broad, are borne on stalks 2in. to Gin. long,
of a slender nature, smooth and blackish below, and the upper part of which -
is flattened and green, much as in A. viride; they are composed of from
six to eight pairs of stalked leaflets and a terminal one, obtuse, but often as
large as any other. The leaflets are roundish in the barren fronds and
oblong-ovate (egg-shaped) in the fertile ones, and have their outer edge
irregularly notched. The sori (spore masses), copiously produced and oblong
in shape, are disposed four to eight to each pinna in two parallel rows
nearer the midvein than the margin; the basal superior one is often double.
—Hooker, Species Filicum, ii., p. 180. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening,
1, p- 129. Haton, Ferns of North America, u., t. 80.

A. (Darea) dichotomum — Da/-ré-a; dich-ot’/-om-um (dichotomous or
repeatedly divided in two), Hooker.

A. stove species, of small dimensions, native of Borneo, with fronds 3in.
to 4in. long and 14in. broad, oblong, and borne on firm, erect, greenish
stalks only about lin. long. They have from eight to twelve pairs of leaflets,
of a soft, papery texture, which are cut down to a compressed, narrow stalk ;
the lower pinnules (leafits) are again divided into two segments, each of
which when fertile bears a solitary sorus (spore mass), long and very narrow,
and situated quite on the margin.—LHooker, Species Hilicum, iii., p. 210.

A. (Euasplenium) dimidiatum — Eu-as-ple’-ni-um ; di-mid-i-a/-tum
(unequal-sided), Swartz.

This very pretty, stove species, of medium growth, is a native of Cuba
and Peru. Its fronds, 6in. to 15in. long and 4in. to 6in. broad, are borne
on firm, erect, blackish stalks of a somewhat scaly nature. They are composed
of from six to eight pairs of simple pinnew (undivided leaflets), of a leathery
texture, oblong in shape, slightly imbricated (overlapping), sharply toothed,
and attached to the stem by a short footstalk situated at their base, which

ASPLENIUM. 531

is wedge-shaped. ‘The long and very narrow sori (spore masses) are disposed
-in an oblique line on each side of the midvein.—Hooker, Species LPilicum,
i, p. 159. Micholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i. p. 129. Lowe, Kerns
British and Exotic, v., t. 138. j

ST VEX

eo
a ISIN

NY =e
as

\\

Fay

a=
SS =

Fig. 89, Pinne of two Fronds of Asplenium dimorphum, showing different forms

(a, $ nat. size; b, nat. size),

A. (Darea) dimorphum—Da’-ré-a ; dim-orph’-um (two-formed), Kunze.

This very handsome, greenhouse Fern, native of Norfolk Island, is
undoubtedly one of the most elegant of the whole genus, and is also known
in commerce under the names of A. biforme and A. diversifolium. These

532 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

significant synonyms are very applicable to a species whose barren and
fertile fronds or portions of fronds are so entirely different that, unless seen
growing upon the plant, it is difficult to reconcile the two as belonging to
the same subject, the one having the pinnules (leafits) narrow and thread-
like, while in the other they are broad and not unlike the leaf of a celery-
plant on a small scale (Fig. 89). The gracefully-arching fronds of this
noble-growing kind, 2ft. to 3ft. long and quite Ift. broad, are borne on firm
yet flexible stalks Gin. to 12in. long, green above and blackish below; they
are produced very abundantly from a fleshy, slowly-creeping rhizome, which
invariably keeps on the surface of the ground, are of a shining bright green
colour, and bipinnate (twice divided to the midrib). The lower leaflets,
somewhat egg-shaped, 6in. to 8in. long and 2in. broad, are furnished with
pinnules which, when barren, are lin. or more long and fully iin. broad,
bluntly toothed, and having the base on the lower side obliquely truncate.

Both barren and fertile fronds are of the same size, but the latter are cut _

down to the rachis into narrow, simple or forked segments. A. dimorphum
is a remarkably variable species, having its fronds sometimes all fertile,
sometimes all barren, while it is not at all unusual to find that the lower
portion of a frond is barren while the upper part of it is fertile. It is
a plant of exceptionally good constitution and very proliferous, producing on
the upper surface of its fronds numerous small bulbils, by which means it is
usually propagated. The sori (spore masses), single on each pinnule, are
situated on the inner edge and very long, occupying generally three-fourths
of the length of the pinnule—AHooker, Species Filicum, iii., p. 213. Nicholson,
Dictionary of Gardening, i, p. 129. Lowe, Ferns British and Exotic,
Diary gia be

A. diplazioides — dip-laz-i-6-i/-des (Diplazium-like). Synonymous with
A, Arnotiit.

A. (Euasplenium) divaricatum — Eu-as-ple’-ni-um ; di-va-ric-a’-tum
(divaricate, branching off at an obtuse angle), Kunze.

A. stove species, of small dimensions, native of Chili and Peru, with
fronds seldom more than 6in. long, 2in. broad, and borne on very short
stalks ; they are furnished with numerous closely-set, almost overlapping
pinne (leaflets), which are in their turn cut into numerous pinnules (leafits)

ASPLENIUM. 538

of a parchment-like texture, not more than one line broad and with smooth
edges. The sori (spore masses) are solitary at the base of each pimnule.—

Hooker, Species Pilicum, ii., p. 204,

A. (Euasplenium) divergens—Eu-as-ple’-ni-um ; di-ver’-gens (divergent),
Mettenius.

This is a stove species, native of Brazil and Ecuador, which, though
attaining medium dimensions, is of very little decorative value, its very
leathery fronds possessing no particularly distinctive characters.— Hooker,
Species Filicum, ii., p. 183.

A. diversifolium—di-ver-sif-ol/-i-um (having fronds of different forms).
A garden synonym of A. dimorphum.

A. (Darea) Dregeanum—Da’-ré-a ; Dre-gé-a’-num (Drege’s), Kunze.

This stove species, native of Natal, is one of the few Aspleniums that
root at the extremity of the fronds. It has the same flaccid character and
habit as A. brachypteron, with which it is regarded by Mettenius as synony-
mous.—Hooker, Species Filicum, i., p. 214.

A. (Euasplenium) ebenoides—Eu-as-ple’-ni-um ; eb-en-5-i’-des (ebenuwm-
like), R. A. Scott.

This most singular, greenhouse Fern, of truly North American origin,
was first discovered on the limestone cliffs of the Schuylkill River, near
Philadelphia ; it was eventually gathered near Havana, Central Alabama, and
on limestone rocks in Canaan, Connecticut. Haton, in his excellent work
devoted to North American Ferns, says (vol. i., p. 26): “It is singular that,
although found in several and widely-distant localities, this Fern has always
been met with in the immediate company of the ‘Walking Leaf’ (Camptosorus
rhizophyllus) and of A. ebenum. While it differs from the first by its dark
and shining stalk and rachis and its free veins, as also by its pinnatifid or
sub-pinnate frond, it resembles it strongly in the prolonged and slender apex,
in the irregular sori, and especially in its proliferous habit; and, in the
very respects in which it differs from this, it resembles the other. For these
reasons, the Rev. M. J. Berkely, in his notice in the ‘Journal of the Royal
Horticultural Society,’ 1866, p. 87, is strongly inclined to suspect that it is

534 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

a true natural hybrid of the two. That this view is correct certainly appears
probable, but it can only be established by a successful attempt to produce
the present plant by artificial hybridising.” The fronds, of a soft and papery
texture, produced from a short, slowly-creeping rhizome, and borne on very
short stalks, are composed, for about one-third of their whole length, of
a terminal pinna (leaflet), which ends in a long, slender point about 3in. long
and simply notched ; their inferior part shows a number of flattened, sessile
pinne (stalkless leaflets), disposed on each side of the stalk, the upper ones
closely placed and connected with it by a broad wing along the midrib, and
the lower ones becoming gradually more distinct as they approach the base
of the fronds, where the lowest segments are often a little auricled above and
below. It is most remarkable that in this singular plant the apex of the
frond is often proliferous, as are also a few of the longest seoments. The
spore masses are disposed in a single row on each side of the midrib of the
terminal prolongation, and similarly on the lateral segments or leaflets.—
Eaton, Ferns of North America, i., t. 4. Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 198.

A. (Euasplenium) ebenum — Eu-as-ple’-ni-um ; eb/-en-um (ebony-
stalked), Acton.

This charming, greenhouse species, although given as from Ecuador and
Cape Colony, is a small-growing Fern essentially indigenous in North America.
From Eaton we gather that it grows abundantly in Canada and New England,
whence it spreads southward to Florida and westward to the Indian Territory
and Louisiana ; the same authority adds that it is found commonly on sunny
or partially-shaded, rocky hillsides, but that it also occurs frequently in
moister places. Its pretty fronds, 1ft. to 14ft. long and 2in. to 3in. broad,
are erect, and borne on remarkably short stipites (stalks) of a reddish-brown
or nearly black colour and polished; they are simply pinnate (only once
divided to the midrib), being furnished with from twenty to forty pairs of
leaflets of a papery texture, sessile (stalkless), and placed closely together,
so much so that they often overlap each other a little at the enlarged and
somewhat auricled bases (Fig. 90). These leaflets are sub-faleate (nearly
sickle-shaped), and have, on very small plants, their margins slightly
toothed, but in luxuriant specimens these are deeply cut and furnished with
toothed lobes. Hach leaflet shows a well-marked costa (midvein), close to

ASPLENIUM. 535

which the oblong, short sori (spore masses) are disposed at the rate of from

ten to twelve on each side, but always in such a way as to leave uncovered

the green margin of the pinna. The general appearance of the plant is that

Fig, 90, Asplenium ebenum
(& nat. size).

of an erect-growing, elongated form of our own A. 7) richomanes.—Hooker,
Species Filicum, iii., p. 188. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 129.
Eaton, Ferns of North America, i., t. 4.

A. elegantulum — e-leg-an’-tul-um (rather elegant). Synonymous with
A. incisum,

536 _ THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

A. (Euasplenium) ensiforme—Eu-as-ple’-ni-um ; en-sif-or’-mé (sword-
shaped), Wallich.

A greenhouse species which, although growing also in Ceylon, is found
wild on the Himalayas at 10,000ft. elevation. It is also to be found on
the Anamallay Mountains, on the
banks of the Toracadoo River, at
4500ft., and in the Sholas of the
Kudra Mukh (5500ft.), near Man-
galore. Its fronds, which are
lft. to 14ft. long and about 3in.
broad, are borne on firm, erect
stalks lin. to 3in. long and scaly
below ; they taper gradually to-
wards their lengthened point,
have their edge nearly entire, and

their lower part very gradually
narrowed into the stalk, and are
of a coriaceous (leathery) tex-
ture. The comparatively broad
sori (spore masses) reach nearly
to both midrib and margin. See
Fig. 91 (reproduced from Col.
Beddome’s “ Ferns of Southern
India,” by the kind permission
of the author).—Hooker, Species
Filicum, i., p. 90. Beddome,
Ferns of Southern India, t. 125.

A. erectum—e-rec’-tum (up-
Fig. 91. Asplenium ensiforme ri ght).

(¢ nat. size)

Synonymous. with
A. lunulatum.

A. (Euasplenium) erosum — Hu-as-ple’-ni-um ; e-ro’-sum (bitten),
Linneus.

A stove species, native of the West Indies, with fronds Gin. to 12in.

long, 4in. to 8in. broad, and borne on firm, erect stalks 6in. to Qin. long

‘
yh
aS ©
= > _ hi, YS SS

mS

USS

Adiantum rubellum

(4 nat. size).

ASPLENIUM. 537

and. nearly naked. The fronds are simply pinnate (divided only once to
the midrib) and furnished with from nine to fifteen pairs of leaflets 3in. to
4in. long, #in. broad, of a sub-coriaceous (almost leathery) texture, and with
their edges slightly lobed and notched. The sori (spore masses) radiate from
the midvein and fall short of the edge.—Hooker, Species Filicum, iii., p. 162.
Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 129. Lowe, Ferns British and
Exotic, V., p. 20.

A. (Anisogonium) esculentum — An-is-og-o/-ni-um ;_ es-cul-en/-tum
(edible), Presl.

This robust-growing, stove species, native of Hong-Kong, Formosa, the
Malay Islands, &c., is one of the few known Aspleniums with an arborescent
caudex (upright stem) forming a sort of miniature Tree Fern. Its gigantic
fronds, 4ft. to 6ft. long and fully 3ft. broad at the base, are borne on strong,
erect stipites (stalks) Ift. to 2ft. long; they are occasionally simply pinnate
(only once divided to the midrib), but are usually bipinnate (twice divided
to the midrib). The pinne (leaflets) are very large, the lower ones
measuring from Ift. to 14ft. in length and from 6in. to 8in. in breadth.
When the frond is bipimnate these leaflets are divided into pinnules (leafits)
of a sub-coriaceous (almost leathery) texture, 3in. to 6in. long and lin. or
more broad, with a long, tapering point, their edge being more or less deeply
lobed and their base suddenly narrowed and often auricled (eared). The
sori (spore masses) are usually disposed on lines situated on all the lateral
veinlets, which unite at a short distance from the midvein, there being
usually from six to ten veinlets on each lobe-—Hooker, Species Pilicum, iii.,
p. 268. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 129.

A. (Euasplenium) extensum — [u-as-ple’-ni-um ;_— ex-ten’-sum
(extended), Fe.

This rare and very pretty, greenhouse species, allied to our A. Tricho-
manes, is a native of the Andes of Columbia and Peru. Its very elegant
fronds are simply pinnate (only once divided to the midrib), Ift. to 2ft. long
and about lin. broad, and are borne on blackish, polished stipites (stalks )
4in. to 6in. long; they are composed of from twenty to forty pairs of sessile

pinnee (stalkless leaflets), which differ from those of A. Trichomanes, inasmuch
3 .Y

538 THE BOOK (OF CHOTCE (FRBRNS:

as they are very blunt, sometimes nearly round. These pinne, of a coriaceous
(leathery) texture and dark green colour, have their upper side often cordate
(heart-shaped), whilst their lower side is merely rounded, at the base. The
sori (spore masses), which are linear-oblong in shape and very abundantly
produced, are disposed two or three on each side of the midrib.—
Hooker, Species Filicum, iii, p. 142. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening,
my Obed

A. Fabianum—Fab-i-a’-num (Fabia’s), Jacquin. An essentially distinct
form of the popular A. bulbiferum.

A. (Euasplenium) Fadyeni—Eu-as-ple’-ni-um ; Fad’-yen-i (McFadyen’s),
Hooker.

A stove species, native of Jamaica, and of very little decorative value ;
it appears to be simply a feebler plant than the less-cut forms of A. rhizo-
phyllum, with fewer and more distant leaflets and leafits—Hooker, Species
Filicum, ii., p. 192.

A. (Euasplenium) faleatum—Eu-as-ple’-ni-um ; fal-ca/-tum (hooked),
Lamarck.

A very widely-distributed, greenhouse species, of particularly elegant
habit, native of the Polynesian Islands, Australia, Ceylon, and, according to
Beddome, of the Anamallay Mountains, where it is found growing on rocks
at an elevation of 3,500ft. Its fronds, 6in. to 18in. long and 4in. to 6in.
broad, are borne on firm, erect, nearly naked stipites (stalks) 6in. to Qin.
long and of a greyish colour; they are furnished with from twelve to twenty
pairs of pinnz (leaflets) placed in a nearly horizontal position. These leaflets
are from 2in. to din. long, about lin. broad, and terminate in a long, tapering
point, their edges being lobed often one-third of the way down and the
lobes sharply toothed ; they are of a coriaceous (leathery) texture and dark
' green colour, and the sori (spore masses) are disposed in long, irregular lines,
which extend from the wmidvein nearly to the edge of the leaflets.
A. faleatum of Beddome is a synonym of A. crinicaule—Hooker, Species
filicum, i., p. 160. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 180.
Beddome, Ferns of Southern India, t. 141.

ASPLENIUM. 539

A. (Euasplenium) fejeense—Eu-as-ple’-ni-um ; fe-je-en’-se (Fijian),
Brackenridge.

This stove species, native of Fiji, Samoa, and Aneitum, is of singular
habit, for its entire (undivided) fronds, 14ft. to 2ft. long and about 1din.
broad, are produced from a wide-climbing rhizome (underground stem) and
borne on stalks Gin. long and scaly below. These curious fronds are of
a sub-coriaceous (almost leathery) texture, and are caudate or acuminate
(ending in a tail-like process) and often proliferous at the extremity. The
sori (spore masses) reach from the midrib nearly to the edges of the fronds,
which are smooth—Hooker, Species Filicum, iii., p. 87. Nicholson, Dictionary

of Gardening, 1., p. 130.

A. Fernandesianum—Fer-nand-e-si-a’-num (from Juan Fernandez). One

of the most distinct varieties of A. lunulatum.

A. (Darea) ferulaceum — Da’-ré-a; fer-ul-a’-cé-um (Fennel-leaved),
Moore.

This beautiful, stove Fern, native of the Andes of Ecuador and New
Granada, is undoubtedly the most finely-divided species belonging to the
genus and possesses very little of the general appearance of an Asplenium.
Its fronds, which are of a dark yet pleasing colour, are minutely divided
(Fig. 92) and resemble much more those of the rare and beautiful Gymno-
gramme Pearce’, or those of the well-known Pteris scaberula, than of any
other Asplenium. These fronds, which spring from the crown of a short,
upright caudex (stem), thus making a miniature Tree Fern, are from Ift. to
2ft. long and Yin. to 12in. broad; they are borne on erect, naked, pale green
stalks 6in. to 12in. long, and are somewhat egg-shaped, most of the pinne
(leaflets) decreasing gradually upwards, the lowest ones being horizontal, or
even deflexed, and from Gin. to 9in. long and 3in, to Sin. broad. The
leaflets are divided into pinnules (leafits) which in their turn are sub-
divided into linear, slightly-flattened segments about lin. long, of a very
delicate and fine texture, and again pinnatifid (cut half-way to the midrib).
The ultimate lobes are reduced to mere thread-like organs }in. long, and
the lateral and abundantly-produced sori (spore masses) are very small.—
- Hooker, Species Filicum, iii., p. 216.

540 | LILLE BOOTS | OL GEL OOS WER INAS.

A. ferulaceum dislikes loam, and grows more luxuriantly in peat and
sand; its stem should be kept constantly moist, which state is best attained

Fig, 92 Asplenium ferulaceum

(¢ nat. size).

by the introduction of a little sphagnum amongst the abundant aérial roots,
which are of a fleshy nature, and on which the plant is mainly dependent.

ASPLENIUM. 541

Indeed, to grow it to perfection this Fern requires a close and naturally moist
position in the stove, or a place where the stem may easily be kept damp
without, however, interfering with the foliage, which when wetted over
soon turns a blackish-brown colour.

A. (Athyrium) Filix-foemina—Ath-yr’-i-um ; Fil’-ix—foe’-min-a (the
Lady Fern), Bernhardi.

In point of numbers, Athyrium forms the most extensive section, as
also the one containing the most varied subjects as regards forms and _ sizes,
in the whole of the genus Aspleniwum. So distinct are they in botanical
characters that for many years they have been considered by some of our
leading authorities as forming a separate genus, holding a place midway
between the true Aspleniums and the Nephrodiums or Lastreas; for the
sori (spore masses) are in all cases more or less curved and sometimes even
quite horse-shoe-shaped. . The plants belonging to the sub-division Athyrium
are mostly indigenous in Japan, on the Himalayas, and in North America.
The only species which is of very cosmopolitan character, though generally
termed British, is Athyrium Filia-faamina of Bernhardi and of Roth, or, as
it is popularly called, the “ Lady Fern.”

According to Beddome, A. Pilix-femina grows in many parts of India,
and is very abundant in the forests of the north bank of the Godavery-
Camptee; on the Himalayas, up to 12,000ft., and also in Japan. It is
found wild from the northern part of Europe to Madeira and the Canaries—
in Lapland, Russia, and Scandinavia, as well as in France, Italy, Spain,
Portugal, &c.—while in Africa it has been reported as a native of Abyssinia,
Natal, and the Cameroon Mountains, where it grows up to an elevation of
7000ft. ; and it has a wide distribution in America, extending from Sitka
and Labrador to Cuba, Caraccas, and Venezuela. Eaton, in his splendid
work on the “Ferns of North America” (vol. ii., p. 225), says that A. Milix-
jfemina is common in most parts of the United States and British America
and extends nearly throughout the temperate zone, and that, though growing
sometimes in sunny places—as along roadsides and under walls, in which
situations it becomes dwarf and more rigid—it is usually found in moist,
shady woods and hillsides. This corroborates the innate love of moisture
which is peculiar to this Fern and which is so well expressed in the

542 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

following lines written by Sir Walter Scott, who correctly described the
situation it most delights in:

Hie away, hie away,

Over bank and over brae,

Where the copse wood is the greenest,

Where the fountains glisten sheenest,

Where the Lady Fern.grows strongest,

Where the morning dew lies longest,

Where the black-cock sweetest sips it,

Where the fairy latest trips it;

Hie to haunts right seldom seen,

Lovely, lonesome, cool, and green.

Over bank and over brae

Hie away, hie away!
—Waverley, vol. i., chap. xii.

The typical North American form is identical in habit and size with the
European one, and although various attempts have been made to separate
them specifically, the opinion of Hooker, Mettenius, and Milde, that they
belong to one common species, is undoubtedly correct.

As a British plant, the Lady Fern is first mentioned by Johnson in his
edition of Gerard’s “Herbal,” where, besides giving a description of it and
publishing the date of its discovery to the very day, he adds: “It groweth
abundantly on the shadowy moist rocks by Mapledurham, near Petersfield,
in Hampshire. John Goodyer, July 4th, 1633.” The localities where the
Lady Fern is to be found in a wild state in the United Kingdom are too
numerous to be mentioned here. It is sufficient to say that, although common
in the South and in the Midland Counties of England, where it occurs at
all elevations up to 3000ft., it is still more abundant in Ireland; indeed,
upon the Irish bogs it is so plentiful that it is used for packing purposes,
as the common Bracken is in England. [It is rarer in the northern parts
of Wales and England, and in Scotland.

This species, which, whether planted in the outdoor Fernery or grown
in pots, is very impatient of water at the roots, is one of the easiest-grown
and most decorative of all the British Ferns. Nothing published on the
subject up to this day can give better information as regards its requirements
and its general use than the statement by Mr. T. Moore contained in his
‘British Ferns,” from which we extract the following: ‘ When placed about

: ASPLENIUM. 543

rockwork it should occupy a low, boggy situation at the base of the rock,
being planted amongst turfy soil, kept thoroughly moistened, either naturally
or artificially. It is far less beautiful if planted in dry, exposed situations.
Few hardy plants which can be introduced among rockwork are so thoroughly
lovely as a vigorous Lady Fern, placed just within the mouth of a cavernous
recess large enough to admit of its development and just open enough that
the light of day may gleam across the dark background sufficient to reveal
the drooping, feathery fronds; and, what is more, it will delight to grow
in such a situation if freely supplied with moisture to its roots. In wood-
land walks, or on the shady margin of ornamental water, no Fern can be
more appropriately introduced. When grown in a pot, it requires one of
rather a larger size, and should be planted in turfy soil intermixed with

fragments of charcoal, sandstone, and potsherds. To attain anything like
a fair degree of its ladylike gracefulness, this Fern must under all circum-
stances be well supplied with water.”

The fronds, Ift. to 3ft. long and 6in. to 12in. broad, are borne on firm,
erect, straw-coloured or brownish stipes (stalks) scaly below and 6in. to 12in.
long; they are remarkably light in form, plume-like and graceful, and are
disposed in a crown situated at the summit of a rootstock which in old plants
is often very large and stem-like, but which, even then, remains lying upon
the surface of the ground. The leafy portion of the fronds is oblong-spear-
shaped, with numerous pinne (leaflets), the lower ones of which are
spreading, spear-shaped, 3in. to 6in. long and lin. to lin. broad, cut down
to a compressed, winged rachis (stalk) into leafits which in their turn are
again deeply incised. The texture is soft and papery. The sori (spore
masses) are usually linear-oblong, though the lower ones are often curved.—
Hooker, Species Filicum, iti, p. 217. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening,
i, p- 180. Lowe, Our Native Ferns, u., p. 4.

No Fern native of the British Islands is so variable in its forms and in
its dimensions as this one, for its varieties, though they all pass into one
another by various gradations, are innumerable; so much so that we have
it on the authority of B. 8. Williams that “when gathering examples of
this Fern on the Yorkshire hills, where it is prevalent, it is almost an
impossibility to find the normal state,” but that “any quantities of fantastic
shapes can be found.’ Several hundred more or less striking varieties, very

544 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

graceful and distinct from one another, are, or have been, known in English
collections (Mr. P. Neill Fraser, of Edinburgh, in his list published March,
1865, enumerates 243 forms of the Lady Fern). The scope of the present
work not allowing for the full description of all of them, we have limited
ourselves to the most distinct and constant of these forms, which rightly
or wrongly are by some people termed simple monstrosities. These, which
for some unknown reason are naturally produced much more abundantly in
the British Islands than in any other country, should for safety be propagated
exclusively by the division of the crowns, an operation which is best
performed in February or March, before vegetation commences.

A. F.-f. acrocladon—ac-roc’-lad-on (summit-branched), Moore.

This is one of the most beautiful, if not indeed the most remarkably-
crested, of all known forms of the Lady Fern. It was originally found in
a wild state growing by a roadside on the moor-track between Byland and
Rivaulx Abbeys, in Yorkshire. One plant of it only was discovered there,
and no other has since been found wild anywhere else. The most singular
thing in connection with this find is that it happened in a locality where
some other Lady Ferns were growing, all of which, however, were quite
normal; and although various botanists have searched the station many times,
no second plant of acrocladon has been discovered, nor has even a slight
divergence from the normal form of Athyrium been found in that locality.
Although it is usually known as a variety of small dimensions, seldom
exceeding 14ft. in height, Mr. A. Clapham, to whom it was presented by the
discoverer, could boast in 1863 of having a specimen (the original plant)
fully 2ft. high and as much in diameter, a mass of exquisite foliage somewhat
resembling that of the more widely-distributed A. F.-f. crispum, but more
vigorous and much more erect in growth. The fronds, of no really definite
form, are borne on stalks stout at the base, where they divide near the crown,
the divisions becoming repeatedly forked without any regularity whatever
(Fig. 93) and forming a densely-ramified mass of foliage of a peculiarly
light green colour. The lower part of the frond is very narrow, and the
extremities of the divisions and those of the irregular pinne (leaflets) are
all densely tasselled or crested; in the upper portion of the frond, which
is freely branched, the pinne and pinnules (leafits) are unsymmetrically

Adiantum Williamsii
(} nat. size),

ASPLENIUM, 545

notched and toothed, and form a broad head almost round in shape. If not
entirely barren, it is but very seldom that this variety has been known to
produce spores, and its propagation invariably takes place by means of the
division of its crowns.—Lowe, Our Native Ferns, ti., p. 74, t. 38. Nicholson,
Dictionary of Gardening, 1., p. 130.

Skin Mie SN ASS
SI Ree IS SS
FA at SSeS ee

f <<

: x
QwY. =p AZ,
(RG Ae ‘ NS

—

Ane Vee ane
BAGS Alas TIDE =
SW

fe = SSSR
ab WS SS NES
*) ie

Fig, 93. Frond of Asplenium Filix-foemina acrocladon
G nat. size).
A. F.-f. acuminatum—ac-u’-min-a’-tum (taper-pointed), Moore.

A very singular and interesting variety, of dwarf habit, originally found
on Snowdon. Its fronds, broadly spear-shaped and about Ift. in length, have
their pinne (leaflets) crowded, short, deflexed below, the longest of them
terminating in a serrated, tapering point. The dentation of the pinnules
(leafits) and lobes is also sharp and long. The abundant sori (spore
masses) are situated in lines near the costa (midvein).—Lowe, Our Native
Ferns, ii., p. 12, fig. 286. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 130.

A. F.-f. apiculatum—ap-ic-ul-a’-tum (apiculate), Lyall.
A lovely, delicate, slender form, native of Fifeshire, with fronds 9in. to

15in. long and about 3in. broad, furnished with narrow and caudate (tailed)
3 Z

546 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

leaflets, which are closely set with small, roundish, obtuse, serrated pinnules
(toothed leafits). The point of the frond is very slender and two or three
times finely forked.—Lowe, Our Native Ferns, ii., p. 128, fig. 467. Nicholson,
Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 130.

A. F.-f. Applebyanum—Applé-by-a’-num (Appleby’s), Moore.

This is one of the most distinct and one of the prettiest of the known
varieties artificially raised. Its fronds, 1ft. to 2ft. long, are very narrow and
for about 10in. nearest to the base are furnished with short, blunt pinnz
(leaflets) less than lin. in diameter. At about 5in. from its summit the frond
becomes branched and branched again, until it becomes dilated into a broad,
forked crest, formed of numerous leaflets twice or thrice divided. This crest
is very striking upon such a narrow frond, on the basal half of which the
pinne resemble those of A. /.-/. Frisellie ; in the upper half of the frond
they more nearly resemble those of A. F.-f. Fieldiw, being abruptly branched
and lying along the rachis (stalk of the leafy portion), which, through their
peculiar mode of wrapping over, they entirely hide. Though fertile, this
beautiful form seldom reproduces itself from spores.—Lowe, Our Native Ferns,
i, p. 27, fig. 308. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 130.

A. F.-f. Barnesii—Barnes’-i-i (Barnes’s), Lowe.

The fronds of this singular variety, found in Levens Park, are about 8in.
long and only about lin. broad. ‘The pinnx (leaflets), as organs usually
understood, are wanting, and their place is taken by wide, remarkably ragged
or laciniated pinnules (leafits) and a terminal one much larger but equally
irregular. These pinnules, which vary in size and form, are sharply dented
and of a very membranous texture—Lowe, Our Native Ferns, ii., p. 29,
fig. 310. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 130.

A. F.-f. calothrix—cal-oth’-rix (beautiful hair), Moore.

This remarkably fine and elegant variety, by far the most finely-divided
of all those in cultivation, was raised amongst a batch of A. F.-f. plumosum.
Its fronds, of a pale green colour and somewhat spear-shaped, seldom attain
more than 1}ft. in length and Gin. in breadth at their widest part; they are
copiously divided into exquisitely fine segments, so that they present a very

ASPLENIUM. 54.7

light and delicate appearance. For several years it was thought that this
variety was barren, but latterly several batches of young seedlings partaking
of the distinctive characters peculiar to the parent have been raised by various
cultivators.—Mcholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 1380.

A. F.-f. capitatum—cap-it-a’-tum (having a head), Moore.

This variety, originally found in a wild state at Ilfracombe, Devonshire,
is distinguished from most others by its large size as well as by the peculiar
form of its pinne (leaflets). Its fronds, 1}ft. to 2ft. long and fully Gin.
broad, are furnished with pinne rather distantly set, broadest at the base,
tapering somewhat irregularly and much narrowed at their extremity. Three
or four full-sized pinnules (leafits) situated at the extremity of the pinne
form a terminal tuft. The upper half of the frond is more irregular and
more deeply laciniated. A distinctive character of this variety is the claret-
red colour of the stalks, which are very stiff-—Lowe, Our Native Ferns,
i, p. 120.

A. F.-f. Clarissimum — Cla-ris’-sim-um (named in compliment to
Clara, his wife, by Col. Jones).

This remarkable Fern, which ranks as one of the most distinct and
beautiful forms of A, /ilix-femina, and which was found wild in North
Devon, has been the means of illustrating a newly-discovered mode of
reproduction called “ Apospory,” by which means any Ferns partaking of
this character are propagated without the help of the spore. This singular
phenomenon, which affects several varieties of the Lady Fern, was first
observed by Mr. G. B. Wollaston, then by Mr. C. T. Druery, Mr. Mapplebeck,
and Col. Jones; it is fully described and illustrated at page 141 of the
present work.

The fronds of A. F.-f. Clarissimum, fully 2ft. long, 1ft. broad, and of
an elegant arching habit, are of a very light green colour and as finely
divided (Fig. 94) as those of A. F.-f. plumosum. Until now this variety
has failed to produce spores, though peculiar growths taking the place of the
sori are produced in abundance: these, however, have never been found to
contain any well-developed ordinary spores. Consequently, this variety is

increased exclusively by means of its pinne (leaflets) being, in autumn, when
32% 2

Nan

548 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

the fronds are fully developed, imbedded edgewise half-way in light, prepared
soil, the singular bud-growths being thus brought into immediate contact
with it. The pan or pot containing them being placed in gentle heat, these
pseudo-bulbils soon begin to increase in size, and, under favourable conditions,
the first fronds are produced through the process above. described in the
course of six months or less; afterwards the young plants require to be
subjected to a treatment similar to that usually given to Fern seedlings.

IF

Fig, 94. Pinna of Asplenium Filix-feemina Clarissimum
(nat, size).

A. F.-f. conioides—co-ni’-6-i/-des (resembling Conium or Hemlock),
Appleby.

One of the handsomest of all the cultivated forms with plain fronds.
These, quite 2ft. in length and borne on pale-coloured stalks furnished with
light brown scales, are broadly spear-shaped. The name of this variety is
derived from a resemblance to Hemlock-leaves in the outline and divisions of

ASPLENIUM. 549

the fronds, which are very spreading, 6in. to 9in. broad and furnished with
pinne (leaflets) irregular in outline, somewhat distant, and acuminate (ending
in a long taper-point). The pinnules (leafits) are mostly ovate (egg-shaped),
sometimes oblong, very broad, crowded and overlapping, crispy, and here and
there short-forked into distant lobes notched almost to the point, these again
being notched with short, minute teeth. In the fertile fronds the pinnules
taper to an acute point and the lobes are narrower and more distant. The
sori (spore masses) in this beautiful variety are situated near the base of the
lobes.—Lowe, Our Native Ferns, i., p. 7, fig. 279.

A. F.-f. contortum—con-tor’-tum (twisted), Stans/ied.

This variety is really more curious than beautiful; it was raised from
spores at Todmorden and has proved quite constant. The fronds, of a slender
habit, 12in. to 14in. long and about 3in. broad, are provided with pinne
(leaflets) and especially with pinnules (leafits) that are much contorted
(twisted back) and very variable in form and size——Lowe, Our Native
Ferns, ii., p. 33, fig. 316. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 180.

A. F.-f. coronatum—cor-o-na’-tum (crowned), Moore.

A very beautiful variety, of dwarf dimensions, well named on account of
its crowded apex. Its fronds, 6in. to 12in. long, 2in. broad, except the
terminal crown, which is at least 34in. to 4in. across, are provided with
distinctly-forked pinne sometimes slightly crested at their extremity. The
rachis (stalk of the leafy portion) is dilated from the centre of the frond and
throws out a number of branches, which cross each other and thus produce
a large, compact, much-divided tassel. Instead of being pale green, as is
mostly the case, the rachis is of a light red colour, which greatly adds to the
decorative value of the plant.—Lowe, Our Native Ferns, u., p. 30, fig. 319.
Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 180.

A. F.-f. corymbiferum—cor-ymb-if’-er-um (corymb-bearing), Moore.
This is a very handsome, robust-growing, tasselled variety, originally
found wild in Guernsey, but latterly abundantly raised from spores, by which
means it reproduces itself pretty freely. Its handsome fronds, lft. to 1%ft.
long by din. to 8in. broad, are broadly spear-shaped. The pinnae (leaflets) are

550 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

closely set, usually forked and crested at their extremity. The corymbose
(clustered) termination of the frond consists of dilated, spreading ramifications
bearing pinnules (leafits) throughout and forming a crest, or rather a corymb,
nearly or quite as wide as the broadest portion of the frond. This variety
differs from all other crested forms of the Lady Fern in the great breadth
of its pinnules as also in the larger size of its tasselled extremities and the
red colour of its stalks. From home-raised seedlings several striking sub-
varieties have been produced, the principal ones being corymbifero-depauperatum
of Wollaston and Lowei and strictum of Lowe.—Lowe, Our Native Ferns, ii.,
p. 37, t. 87. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardéning, i., p. 130.

A. F.-f. Craigii—Craig’-i-i (Craig’s), Moore.

A very elegant variety, of small dimensions, raised from spores at
Levens Hall, Milnthorpe. Its fronds, seldom more than 8in. long and about
lin. broad, are borne on red stalks; their pinne (leaflets), variable in shape
and very leafy, are crested throughout, except the two at the base of the
frond, which are smaller, descending, and not crested. The extremity of
the fronds is branched and forms a crest fully 2in. across. This variety

reproduces itself very freely from spores.—Lowe, Our Native ferns, ii.,
p- 112, fig. 445.

A. F.-f. crispum—cris’-pum (crispy or curled), Moore.

This slender variety, of comparatively dwarf habit, originally found on
Orah, a hill in County Antrim, Ireland, and subsequently at ‘Todmorden,
Lancashire, and in Corymulzie Lynn, Braemar, Scotland, more closely
resembles a tuft of fine curled parsley than a Fern. Its fronds, which
branch in every possible manner, each ramification terminating in close,
obtuse tassels, are seldom more than 8in. high, densely set with very finely-
divided pinnee (leaflets ), and present a peculiar, crispy appearance——Love,
Our Native Ferns, ii., p. 34, figs. 317 and 318. Micholson, Dictionary of
Gardening, i., p. 130.

A. F.-f. cristatum—cris-ta’-tum (crested), Monkman.

Many are the forms of the Lady Fern which can only be described as
“crested,” bearing more or less dense tassels at the extremity of their fronds
and pinne. Among the most striking are those which in commerce are

ASPLENIUM. ool

known as cristulatum of Wollaston, a beautiful dwarf form raised from
spores, having the extremity of its fronds multifid (much-cleft) and
many of the pinnules (leafits) minutely crested; and cristato-polydactylum
of Stansfield, another home-raised form which may be described as a splendid
improvement on A. F.-7. multifidum, with short fronds ending, as well as its
pinne, in massive crown-like crests, rendering the plant very distinet.—
Lowe, Our Native Ferns, u., p. 14, figs. 454 and 290.

A. F.-f. dareoides—da’-ré--i’-dés (Darea-like), Moore.

A very singular and quite distinct variety, originally found near Castle
Kelly, County Dublin. Its fronds, 14ft. long and about 8in. broad, are
furnished with pinne (leaflets) that overlap each other and taper to a point ;
their pinnules (leafits) are distinct and deeply pinnatifid (cut nearly to the
midrib), thus forming narrow lobes toothed only at the end, the indentations
being entire at their edges. The sori (spore masses) are most singularly
disposed in the angles of the segments, thus projecting beyond the margin
of the frond, and forming a single row on either side of and near to the
costa (midvein); the pinnules also bulge forward.—Lowe, Our Native Perns,
IL, p. 38, fig. 322.

A. F.-f. depauperatum—de-pau-per-a’-tum (impoverished, starved),
Wollaston.

This remarkable variety, with tasselled fronds of unsymmetrical develop-
ment, 8in. to 12in. long and 2in. broad, was originally found near Ben Bulgen,
in Sligo, Ireland. The fronds terminate in a many-branched, flattish, some-
what fishtail-shaped head 3m. or 4in. wide, while the point of each of the
pinne (leaflets), which are depauperated and irregularly laciniated, ends in from
three to six feathery little crests.—Lowe, Our Native Merns, ii., p. 42, fig. 328.

A. F.-f. dissectum—dis-sec’-tum (dissected), Wollaston.

A variety with very lax foliage, of elegant habit, originally found in
Ireland. Its fronds, although only 1ft. in length, are usually 9in. in breadth
and irregular in appearance; their pinne (leaflets) are crowded, not quite
equal in length, and suddenly acuminate at the apex ; their pinnules (leafits),
irregular in shape and size, mostly blunt egg-shaped and cut into unequally-

The stalk

and rachis are sparingly furnished with light brown scales, so conspicuous as

THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

552

toothed lobes, are separated by wide, open sinuses (depressions).

=SSQag
ao
SHE,

hd
san PEDO
CA)

VATICAN
ha | S
s\ WAS \ SS
VEST RSVR AIS Us
= t “ Hy
i Si, Ss
A ‘ =f =] / 4)

TY Ns faa

=>

ay

S

x y S IN S
ISS OAS
\

Nae
Sa j S
SSA y

L
1

i., p. 44, figs. 831 and 332. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, 1., p. 130.

to have the appearance of prickly processes (Fig. 95).—Lowe, Our Native Ferns,

Its fronds, about 13ft. long and Gin.

(& nat. size).

Fig, 95. Frond of Asplenium Filix-feemina dissectum
This exceedingly distinct and beautiful variety, originally found wild in

A. F.-f. doodioides—doo-di-v-i/-dés (Doodia-like), Lowe.

Sussex, appears to be quite constant.

~

ASPLENIUM. 553

broad, are furnished with pinne (leaflets) which in form resemble the frond
of a Doodia; the short and irregular pinnules (leafits) make the pinne
very narrow, whilst their segments are conspicuously toothed at the extremity.
—Lowe, Our Native Ferns, ti., p. 115, fig. 449.

A. F.-f. Edwardsii—Ed-ward’-si-i (Edwards’s), Love.

This remarkably dwarf variety is as distinct and pretty as it is
singular. Its fronds, seldom more than 8in. long and 24in. broad, have
a peculiarly overlapping and crisped appearance owing to the disposition of
their pinne (leaflets), which are crowded, imbricated, and taper towards both
the base and the extremity. The sori (spore massés) in this form are placed
in a single row near the costa (midvein). It reproduces itself very freely
from spores.—Lowe, Our Native Ferns, ii., p. 103, fig. 432.

A. F.-f. Elworthii—El-wor’-thi-i (Elworthy’s), Moore.

A magnificent form, originally found wild near Nettlecombe. Its fronds,
fully 2ft. long, 7in. broad, and of stout substance, are more profusely crested
than those of any other known large-growing variety; they are tripinnate
(three times divided to the midrib) and bear at their summit a densely
crispy, flattish crest 4in. to 6in. across. The pinne (leaflets) arch gracefully,
as if bent by the weight of the heavy, fan-shaped tassels produced at their
extremity. All the lesser divisions, even to the third degree, are more or less
flat or dilated at their point and fimbriated (fringed) with many minute teeth
on the extreme end. The lobes, which are deeply cut, form a row of coarse
teeth along the edges of the pinnules (leafits)—JZowe, Our Native Ferns, i..,
p-. 46, figs. 335 and 336. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 1380.

A. F.-f. Fieldize—Field’-i-z (Miss Field’s), Moore.

This remarkable and distinct form, originally found wild in the neigh-
bourhood of Tunbridge Wells, is unlike any other form of the Lady Fern. Its
singular fronds, 2ft. or more in length and only lin. broad, except immediately
below the apex, where they are about 1iin. broad, are short-stalked, only
about 6in. of their basal part being destitute of pinne (leaflets). The leaflets
are short and narrow, approximate (set close together but not united) and
divided at the base into two short, equal-sized pinnules, one part ascending

554 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

and the other descending, thus giving the frond a singular cruciform appear-
ance. Near the top the pinne merge into alternate (not opposite) pairs of
gradually diminishing, crowded, deeply-cut, and toothed divisions. The fronds
terminate in a narrow, normal, unbranched, truncate extremity. See Fig. 96.

—Lowe, Our Native Ferns, ii., p. 50, fig. 342. Micholson, Dictionary of
Gardening, i., p. 130.

Fig, 96. Upper Portion of Frond of Asplenium Filix-foemina Fieldiw, with Lower Portion
showing arrangement of Pinne

(2 nat. size).

This extraordinary form has, under cultivation, produced numerous sub-
varieties, the most distinct of which are the following:

A. F.-f. F. compositum—com-pos’-it-um (compound or aggregate), Jvery.

This is a strong-growing form, whose fronds frequently attain 3ft. in
length and 7in. in width at the base, contracting from 2in. from the middle
of the frond. Their pinne (leaflets) are more or less horizontal on the lower
half of the frond. In the upper half they branch at the base in the way of
A, F-f. Fieldie, but are more horizontal, crowded, and irregular in length.
The sori (spore masses) are large and abundant.—Lowe, Our Native Ferns,
., p. 120, fig. 455.

A. F.-f. F. ec. multifidum—nmul-tif’-id-um (much-cleft), Jvery.
A singular and pretty form, which differs from the preceding one mainly
in having the basal pinne furcate and in having the apex of the frond

ASPLENIUM. 555

branched and the tips of each branch forked, forming a tassel about 3in.
wide.—Lowe, Our Native Ferns, ii., p. 121, fig. 456.

A. F.-f. F. imbricatum—im-bric-a’-tum (imbricated), /very.

An exceedingly interesting form, differing from A. /.-f, Mieldie in having
the pinne (leaflets) of its fronds conspicuously imbricated (overlapping). It
was raised from spores by Mr. Ivery, of Dorking, and is tolerably constant.
—Lowe, Our Native Ferns, u1., p. 148, fig. 492.

A. F.-f. F. pumilum—pu’-mil-um (small), Moore.

| This very pretty sub-variety, of small dimensions, is particularly striking,
for its elegant fronds, seldom above lft. in length and 4in. broad from
their base to their point, have their extremity rounded. The leaflets are
crowded, and some of their pinnules (leafits) occupy an ascending, while
others occupy a descending, position, much in the same way as those of
A. F.-f. Fieldie, of which the present plant appears to be quite a miniature
form.—Lowe, Our Native Ferns, u., p. 51, fig. 348.

A. F.-f. flexuosum—flex-t-o’-sum (having pinne disposed in a zigzag
manner), Joore.

A singular and pretty form, of medium growth, found wild at Winder-
mere. It differs from all other known forms by the flexuose character of
its rachis (stalk of the leafy portion) and in the grotesque way in which the
pinne (leaflets) are twisted. The fronds, 14ft. long, are quite Gin. wide
throughout.—Lowe, Our Native Ferns, ii., p. 49, fig. 341.

A. F.-f. Fraserii—Fra’-ser-i-i (Fraser’s), Lowe.

This variety, probably the handsomest of all the broad-fronded ones
known, was originally found wild in Larrington Glen, Lanarkshire. Its
fronds, 3ft. or more long and 10in. broad, are of a deep green colour. They
are furnished with pinne (leaflets) 5in. long and about ldin. wide. The
pinnules (leafits), about #in. long and jin. broad, are blunt-pointed, entire,
and fringed on the sides with short teeth, which give the whole frond the
appearance of being imbricated, for each pinna fairly overlaps the preceding
one.—Lowe, Our Native Ferns, i1., p. 52, fig. 345.

556 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

A. F.-f. Friselliee—Fris-el’-li-e (Frizell’s), Bain.

This very distinct and elegant form, which, like the preceding variety, has
few rivals among the numerous forms of the Lady Fern, was originally a wild
find, although we cannot discover any record of its habitat. Its fronds, of an
arching or pendulous character, attain 2ft. in length and are of equal width
throughout, rarely exceeding lin. Their curious pinne (leaflets), which are
attached closely to the stalk, are so many short, rounded or solid, leafy, semi-
circular, flabellate (fan-shaped) organs, disposed in two overlapping parts deeply
fimbriated or toothed all round their edges; these pinne in the lower part of
the frond are opposite, but from the middle upwards they are alternate, and
the frond ends in a larger terminal pinna (1, Fig. 97).—Lowe, Our Native
Ferns, i, p. 53, fig. 3846. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 130.

Fig. 97, Forms of Asplenium Filix-foemina Frisellize

1, Frond of Normal Form (much reduced); 2, Top Half of Frond of var. cristatwm G nat. size) ;
3, Crest of var. ramoswm (3 nat. size).

Among the prettiest and most distinct sub-varieties known in commerce
may be mentioned nanum (Lowe, ii., fig. 347), a dwarf form having fronds
only Sin. long, with pinne nearly opposite throughout and rather larger than
those of A. F.-f. Frisellie. The sub-variety cristatum (2, Fig. 97; Lowe, u.,
fig. 490), also a dwarf form, raised from spores, has fronds only about 8in.
long and about jin. broad on the whole of their length, except at the
extremity, where they become branched and crested and measure about 3in.
in breadth; their pinne (leaflets) are of the same fan-shaped form and
disposition as those of A. /.-/. Friselliw, and the plant is of a particularly
pleasing and compact habit. In the sub-variety ramosum (3, Fig. 97) we
have a form in which the tip of the frond branches out into a broad,

ASPLENIUM. 557

irregular, flat crest, sometimes 5in. broad, all the- divisions bearing the
contracted pinnz peculiar to the typical plant.

A. F.-f. grandiceps—gran’-dic-eps (large-headed), Moore.

This exceedingly handsome and distinct variety, of medium size, was
originally found wild near Nettlecombe, Somersetshire, and at Huish-
Campflower, near Wiveliscombe. Its fronds, 1}ft. to 14ft. long and 3in. to
4in. broad, are lanceolate (spear-shaped) and furnished with somewhat distant
pinne (leaflets) ending in small, very crispy crests. The chief characteristic

aa

LEEE

Zs

S
S
S

<
NZ

Won

t
Ye \) Video
HNN S
NES An Pye
s f Lyi»

Fig. 98. Frond of Asplenium Filix-foemina grandiceps

G@ nat. size),

is the very large, globose crest, 4in. to 5in. across and composed of a dense
mass of narrow segments, which is found at the extremity of each frond, and
the weight of which cives it a beautifully arched appearance-—Lowe, Our
Native Ferns, ii., p. 57. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, 1., p. 130.

A. F.-f. Grantiee—Gran’-ti- (Grant’s), Moore.
A very pretty and distinct, dwarf variety, found wild at Dale Abbey,
and also near Sweden Bridge, Ambleside. Its pretty fronds, 9in. to 12in.

558 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

long and about 4in. broad, borne on short, stout stalks, are broadly oval in
form and furnished with closely-set pinnae, the divisions of which are
imbricated (overlapping), thus forming densely leafy and crispy-looking
fronds. A most pleasing character is also furnished by the margins of
the leaflets being undulated and their points turned upwards, producing
a prettily crimped and bristly appearance.—Lowe, Our Native Ferns, ii.,
p. 57, fig. 853. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 130.

A. F.-f. incisum—in-ci’-sum (incised, cut), Hoffmann.

This large-growing and handsome variety, which we also find described
under the same name by Sowerby, Moore, and Newman, is a widely-spread
and not uncommon form, found wild at Penryn, in Cornwall; at Marwood
and Bittadon, in Devonshire; at Nettlecombe, Somersetshire; at Bath; at.
Mayford, in Surrey; at Castle Malgwyn, in Pembrokeshire ; at Chaigeley
Manor, near Clitheroe, Lancashire; near Ambleside; in Teesdale; at Corby
Castle, near Carlisle; in County Donegal, County Mayo, and County Dublin,
at Killarney, and in other parts of Ireland. Its gigantic fronds, 4ft. to 5ft.
long and when fully developed ft. broad, are broadly lanceolate (spear-
shaped) and have a drooping and feathery appearance; they are furnished
with ascending pinne (leaflets) 9in. to 10in. long, broad-oblong, tapering to
a slender point, and the pinne in their turn are subdivided into pinnules
(leafits) 1gin. long, din. broad at the base, and frequently so profoundly
divided as to render the fronds almost tripinnate (three times divided to the
midrib) and thoroughly distinct. The ultimate lobes are separated by sinuses
(well-marked depressions) and toothed at the margin and at the point.—Lovwe,
Our Native Ferns, ii., p. 58, fig. 354.

A. F.-f. Jonesii—Jones’-i-i (Jones’s), Moore.

A very singular form, raised from spores, differmg from nearly all, if not
even all, other crested forms by having the crests of the pinne (leaflets)
larger than the one at the extremity of the fronds. The fronds are 1ft. to
13ft. long, oblong-spear-shaped in outline, twice divided to the midrib, and
furnished at their summit with a small crest. The pinne, which are forked
and heavily crested at their point, are subdivided into numerous narrow,
toothed and slightly-crested pinnules (leafits). — Nicholson, Dictionary of
Gardening, i., p. 180.

ASPLENIUM. 559

A. F.-f. laciniatum—lac-in-i-a’-tum (fringed), Moore.

This interesting form, of dwarf habit, which was originally found at
Nettlecombe, is, on account of the variable character of its fronds, a difficult
plant to describe. These fronds, when perfect in outline, are somewhat spear-
shaped, but they are usually furnished with very irregular pinne (leaflets),
some being short, others tapering into a point, while a quantity of them are
quite premorse (bitten off) and terminate abruptly. The pinnules (leafits)
are equally irregular, varying much in size and form, and are profoundly
cut into sharp teeth. -The sori (spore masses) are very abundant, and the
_ plant reproduces itself pretty fairly from spores.—Lowe, Our Native Ferns,
i, p- 141, t. 39a.

A number of variations which somewhat differ from A. /.-/. laciniatum
have been referred to that variety by T. Moore, the following being the most
distinct and those best known in commerce :

A. F.-f. 1. dissectum—dis-sec’-tum (deeply cut), doore.

This exceedingly beautiful sub-variety, of dwarf habit, originally found
in Newton Dale, near Whitby, Yorkshire, and .subsequently near Levens,
has, like A. F'.-f. laciniatum, fronds rugged in outline and irregular, owing
to the uneven lengths of the leaflets, which are subdivided into leafits that
are less abbreviated and more regularly toothed, their teeth being bold,
long, and narrow.—Lowe, Our Native Ferns, ii., p. 66, fig. 366.

A. F.-f. 1. majus—ma’-jus (large) and A. F.-f. 1. minus—min’-us
(small), Moore.

These differ from A. F.-/. laciniatum through their dimensions. The
former, originally found at Tunbridge Wells, has fronds 2ft. in length and
comparatively very broad, depauperated (impoverished) in their upper half
and more normal in the basal half. The latter, found at Ilfracombe, in
Devonshire, is simply a dwarf A. F-f. laciniatwm; its fronds, deeply toothed
and fringed, seldom exceeding 8in. in length.—Lowe, Our Native Ferns,
-il., p. 65.

A. F.-f. 1. Padleyi—Pad’-ley-i (Padley’s), Lowe.
This charming form, originally found at Exeter, has fronds about 14ft.
long and 6in. broad in their widest part, furnished with pinne (leaflets)

560 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

descending to the centre of the frond and then slightly ascending to the
apex, the upper ones being irregular in size and alternate (not opposite)
from the base to the tip of the frond. The pinnules (leafits) are usually
large and much cut, variable in shape and size, especially in the upper half
of the frond, where they are extraordinarily laciniated. The sori (spore
masses) are very irregular, and are sparingly distributed over the wnder-
surface of the frond.—Lowe, Our Native Ferns, ii., p. 70, fig. 375.

A. F.-f. latifolium—tia-tif-ol’-i-um (broad-leaved), Babington.

This very handsome, vigorous-growing, though peculiar-looking variety was
originally found near Keswick, Cumberland: it possesses the power of repro-
ducing itself from spores. The fronds, of a peculiar dark green colour, attain
8tt. or more in length and are remarkable principally for the irregular outline
of their leaflets, for the manner in which the pinnules (leafits) are crowded
together, and for the peculiar disposition of the spore masses, which are small
and curved and placed in two distinct lines half-way between the margin and
the midvem. The pinnules are usually oblong-ege-shaped, overlapping, flat,
and have their anterior side by far the longer; and their peculiarly-toothed
margins give the entire frond a fimbriated (fringed) appearance.—Lowe, Our
Native Ferns, i., p. 6, fig. 278.

A. F.-f. minimum—nmnin’-im-um (smallest).

A very dwarf variety, originally found at Ilfracombe. Its short fronds,
4in. to 6m. long and about lin. broad, are bipinnate (twice divided to the
midrib), spear-head-shaped, and furnished with somewhat irregular pinne
(leaflets) that are oblong in form, with toothed lobes below and slightly
dented above; the teeth being narrow and sharp, the dentation produces
a fringed appearance. The short and irregular sori (spore masses) are mostly
situated at the base of the pinnules—JLowe, Our Native Ferns, ii, p. 31.
Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 30.

A. F.-f. Monkmanii—Monk-man’-i-i (Monkman’s), Moore.

This crested form, of irregular aspect, which makes a very handsome plant
of somewhat erect habit and with pinne of a particularly expanded nature, was
originally found growing on a bank near a well in Troutbeck village, near

iY |
S
7 Mss
S ; 4
SHITE
oe . t, iy ; |
\ SN = ze
) ——
\

Sy
— ESBSA eas
OT
i Sy SA
ee
A} | SS
: Vay as

vy

wah
Ss) ~
Yl
(
|

YZ,

Fig, 99. Frond of Asplenium Filix feemina incisum (p. 158)

( nat. size).

562 THE BOOK OF “CHOIGE WEERNS:

Ambleside. Its fronds, normal in outline but haying their pimnules (leafits)
_ broad, much crowded, and nearly overlapping, are all crested, but not regularly,
some being massive and others more repeatedly forked. The pinne (leaflets)
are also generally crested, but they vary in size and regularity— Lowe, Our
Native Ferns, u., p. 10, figs. 282 and 283.

A. F.-f. Moorei—Moor’-é-i (Moore’s), Lowe.

A very pretty, multifid (much-cleft) variety, of dwarf habit, originally
found in the Channel Islands, with fronds about 8mm. long and 23in. broad.
The pinne (leaflets) are exceedingly irregular in size, varying from }in. to
13in. in length; the extremities of the larger ones are compactly miultifid,
while those of the smaller ones are only dilated. The summit of the frond
is divided into four multifid branches, forming a wide, corymbiferous
(clustered) head.—Lowe, Our Native Ferns, u., p. 76, fig. 888. Nicholson,
Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 130.

A. F.-f. multifidum—mul-tif’-id-um (much-cleft), Moore.

This is one of the most beautiful, symmetrical, and graceful of the
numerous crested forms known. Strange to say, it was found wild near Seven
Churches, County Wicklow ; in County Clare; in Killarney; also in the Lake
District of Westmoreland, and in Scotland at the base of Ben Lawers. Its
handsome fronds, which are from 23ft. to 38ft. long and 10in. broad, are
normal in habit, broadly spear-shaped, and somewhat lax. This variety is
distinguished from all others by the extremities of all its leaflets being
beautifully and regularly tasselled or repeatedly divided into narrow segments,
and by the pale green colour of its fronds——JLowe, Our Native Ferns, i..,
p. 17, t. 36. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 130.

A. F.-f. orbiculatum—orb-ic-ul-a’-tum (round like a ball), Lowe.
Perhaps the finest and most interesting among the numerous varieties
artificially raised from spores. It may be summarily described as a depau-
perated (impoverished) form, about lft. high, having all the appearance of
a much-branched, rounded ball of green foliage about 4in. in width and
almost as much in depth. The pimne (leaflets) are nearly opposite, some

lin., others not din. in length; in many instances these organs are

ASPLENIUM. 563

totally wanting. The pinnules (leafits) at their base are diminutive, in many
cases only rudimentary, widening considerably as they advance towards the
extremity of the frond, when they become branched. The frond _ itself
terminates in a large, compact crest, repeatedly branching in an extraordinary
manner, each branch or head terminating in a number of very narrow
segments, giving to this conspicuous vegetable tassel a very delicate
appearance.—Lowe, Our Native Ferns, ii., p. 127, fig. 465.

A. F.-f. plumosum—plu-mo’-sum (feathery), JJoore.

This, undoubtedly the handsomest of the large-erowing, non-crested forms
of the Lady Fern, was found wild near Skipworth, in Yorkshire. Its beautiful
fronds, 23ft. long and Ift. broad, are broadly spear-shaped and distinctly tri-
pinnate (three times divided to the midrib) ; they are most exquisitely divided
and have a very feathery appearance. The leaflets in the centre of the frond
are din. to Gin. long and 23in. broad; they are subdivided into overlapping
pinnules (leafits), which are in their turn divided into distinct secondary
pinnules din. long and very narrow, having sharp teeth. It is remarkable
that in this variety the sori (spore masses) are destitute of the ordinary
covering. Several sub-varieties are known in commerce, but none are so
exceedingly light and elegant as the typical plumosum.—Lowe, Our Native
Ferns, ti., p. 135. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 130.

A. F.-f. polyclados—pol-ye-la’-dos (many-branched), Moore.

This most curious and handsome variety was found near Ilfracombe and
near Barnstaple, in Devonshire, also in Guernsey, and at Eccleston, in Lan-
cashire. It is distinct from all other forms, for its large, spreading fronds,
usually twin- or ramo-furcate (branched and then forked), have their leaflets
more or less triangularly forked, but without any tendency to cresting. Some
of the fronds are not branched, but show a peculiar warty contraction of the
midrib, which causes the leaflets to crowd into masses on either side.—Lowe,
Our Native Ferns, ii, pa chor aioe 20ile

A. F.-f. Pritchardii—Pritch-ar’-di-i (Pritchard’s), Stansjield.
A very elegant as well as curious form, originally found wild near

Ruthin, in North Wales, It somewhat resembles A, F.-/. Fieldiew as regards
4a 2

564 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

the cruciate (cross-like) character of its leaflets, but is totally distinct from
that variety in the shape of its fronds, which, instead of being conspicuously
truncate, form gracefully-curved lines as they taper gradually towards the
extremity. These fronds attain a leneth of over 3ft., though little more than
lin. broad, and the habit of the plant is vigorous. The leaflets are cross-
shaped and, for at least three-fourths of the length of the fronds, present the
appearance of being knotted into small bows about fin. in width.—Lovwe,
Our Native Ferns, ii., p. 114, fig. 448. Micholson, Dictionary of Gardening,
(ne Oy, Tai O

There is a sub-variety named cristatwm, which is finely crested at the
extremities of the leaflets and bears a heavy, spreading crest at the summit
of the fronds: it is very striking.

A. F.-f. ramosum

A very pretty variety, of small dimensions, its erect fronds seldom
exceeding 9in. in length ; their lower portion is furnished with small, irregular
leaflets, sharply cut into finely-toothed leafits, each of them bearing at the
end a small crest, which, unlike the terminal one, is not branched. The
upper part of the frond is divided into two main branches, which are variously
forked, and these sub-divisions are again multifid (much-cleft) and sharply
toothed all round their edges.——Lowe, Our Native Ferns, u., p. 86, fig. 401.
Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, 1., p. 130.

ra-mo’-sum (branched), Wollaston.

A. F.-f. scopze—sco’-pe (broom-like), Lowe.

This very handsome form was raised from spores of A. /-/. grandiceps,
to which it bears a slight resemblance, though quite distinct from that and
indeed from any other crested variety. Its fronds, seldom more than 10in.
long, are composed of a rachis (stalk) that is all but naked, for there are but
a few scattered, irregular leaflets disposed from the base to the lower branching
part of the frond ; in some cases these leaflets are almost obsolete, whereas in
others they are about lin. long, with oblong, dentate pinnules (toothed leafits)
and a heavy terminal crest. The upper portion of the frond is made up of
repeated ramifications heavily crested, the whole forming a close, compact head
about 4in. in diameter with a cuneate (wedge-shaped) base. The habit of
the plant is almost perpendicular.— Lowe, Our Native ferns, u., p. 182,
fig. 473. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, 1., p. 130.

ASPLENIUM., 565

A. F.-f. stipatum—sti-pa’-tum (stalked), Synonymous with A. F.-/f.
Grantic.

A. F.-f. subcruciforme — sub-cruc-if-or’-mé (nearly cross- shaped),
Wollaston. |
A large-growing variety, more singular than beautiful; it is remarkable
only for the almost cruciform shape of a portion of its pinne (leaflets), which
are so variable as to be sometimes branching, forked, or more or less
depauperated (impoverished). It was originally found at Whitbarrow.—
Lowe, Our Native Ferns, ii., p. 88, fig. 405.

A. F.-f. sublunatum—sub-lu-na’-tum (nearly crescent-shaped).

A very curious and pretty, dwarf variety, with short, upright fronds 9in.
to 12m. long and less than lin. broad, furnished on their entire length with
much-contracted, sparingly-divided, nearly crescent-shaped leaflets.— Nicholson,
Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 130.

A. F.-f. tridentato-multifidum—trid-en-ta’-to—mul-tif’-id-um (three-
toothed and much-cleft), Lowe.
This exceedingly handsome variety, which was raised from spores, is very
distinct in appearance. Its massive fronds, 13f6. long and about 8in. broad
in their widest part, are borne on stout stipes (stalks) of a purplish colour
and slightly scaly; they are regular in outline, being widest in the middle
and narrowing rapidly to their summit and more gradually toward their
base. The pinnae (leaflets), linear-oblong in shape, are of thin texture and
have their extremity forked more or less according to the position they
occupy on the frond, the lower ones being more conspicuously forked than
those on the upper portion of the frond. These pmne are divided into broad
and deeply-cut pinnules (leafits) spreading at their extremity, thus forming
numerous lobes, mostly tridentate, though only bidentate (twice toothed)
when near the summit of the frond, which is repeatedly forked. The fructifi-
cation is very abundant, every lobe from the base to the apex of the frond
beimg soriferous (spore-bearing) ; the sori (spore masses) are crescent-shaped
and provided with the usual covering, and are situated close to the midvein
at the base of each lobe, mostly six or seven on each side-—Lowe, Our Native
Ferns, u., p. 90, fig. 409.

566 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

A. F.-f. uneum—un’-cum (hooked), Moore.

A most interesting variety, of slender habit and somewhat small dimen-
sions, originally found wild in Levens Park. Its delicate fronds, about 10in.
long and 3in. broad at their widest part, are furnished with about fifteen pairs
of narrow leaflets divided into pinnules (leafits) that are cut down to the
midrib and stand out prominently in various directions, being frequently bent
back like a hook. The sori (spore masses) being situated near the midvein.
at the base of the denticulations, and therefore on the edge, give the plant
the appearance of being suprasoriferous (bearing its spores on the upper
surface).—Lowe, Our Native Ferns, ii., p. 91, fig. 411.

There is a sub-variety of the above called wncwm ramosum, and differing
from uncum only in its fronds being of larger dimensions and in their leaflets

as well as their summit being branched.

A. F.-f. velutinum—vel-u-ti’-num (velvety), Moore.

This beautiful, densely-branched variety, raised from spores of A, F.-f.
acrocladon, is of dwarfer habit than its parent. It is also more compact-
growing, and this, coupled with the finely-divided character of the extremities
of the leaflets, gives the plant the appearance of a ball of green velvet. The
crested summit of each frond, when fully developed, is about 34in. across.—
Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, iv., p. 496.

A. F.-f. Wernonize—Ver-non’-i-z (Mrs. Vernon’s), Jervis.

One of the most interesting, most distinct, and prettiest varieties known
among non-crested forms of the Lady Fern, on account of its broad, semi-
pinnatifid pinnules (leafits divided half-way to the rachis), which, like those of
A, I’.-f. conioides and A If-f. latifolium, partake of a frilled character peculiar
to few varieties only. This very decorative plant, which was originally found
wild in, Staffordshire, bears fronds 24ft. or more in length and 4in. to Gin.
broad; these are furnished with spear-shaped pinne (leaflets) somewhat
closely set, especially in the upper portion of the frond, where they frequently
overlap. The pinnules into which they are subdivided are egg-shaped, short-
stalked, deeply-toothed, broad, leafy, and so deeply cut as to be nearly
pinnatifid. When in a young state and only partially developed, this form

somewhat resembles condozdes; but in addition to the great difference in point

ASPLENIUM. 567

of dimensions, as well as in other respects, of the two varieties when mature,
ther habits are altogether dissimilar, that of Vernonie being erect, whilst that
of conioides is lax and spreading.—Lowe, Our Native Herne Wey, Pe 98
fig. 416,

A. F.-f. Victoriz—Vic-to’-ri-x (Victoria’s), Moore.

This is not only the most extraordinary and the most curious, but also
the most beautiful, of all the known forms of A. Filix-faemina, for Moore, who
named it and considered it worthy of that high distinction, made a remark
which was very significative of the high opinion in which he held the plant.
Dried fronds of it having been forwarded to him by Mr. J. Sadler, of
Edinburgh (who himself had received them from various sources, all originating
from the same plant), Mr. Moore, in answer, wrote him as follows: “ The
variety of Filix-femina is quite new, so far as I know, and is a very beautiful
one. As a queen amongst Lady Ferns it would well bear to be called
Victorie.” Accordingly, it was published under that name in a list issued
in March, 1865 (four years after its discovery), by Mr. P. Neill Fraser, of
Cannonmills Lodge, Edinburgh, and later on in various catalogues, notably
those of Messrs. A. Stansfield and Son, of Todmorden, Lancashire, and of
Mr. R. Sim, of Foot’s Cray, Kent. It was described in May, 1864, by the
Editor of the West of Scotland Horticultural Magazine; but even the best of
descriptions gives but a faint idea of the beauty of this plant, which was
found accidentally—a large-sized and full-grown specimen—in 1861 by the
side of a byway which runs along the margin of a wood on the Buchanan
Kstate, Stirlingshire, the property of the Duke of Montrose. Its lovely fronds,
lanceolate (spear-shaped) in outline, about 14ft. long and 5in. broad in their
widest part, are furnished with pinne (leaflets) averaging -24in. in length.
The leaflets are most peculiarly formed, as their rachis (stalk of the leafy
portion) divides close to the junction with the main stalk into twin leaflets,
one of which ascends and the other descends at an angle of about 50deg. ;
each ascending leaflet therefore crosses the next two descending ones and
vice versd, thus forming a number of diamond-shaped spaces (Fig. 100): These
leaflets are very narrow, and about lin. below their extremity divide into
three or four very narrow branches, which, like the summit of the frond
itself, are several times forked and crested; they are subdivided into small

568 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

pinnules (leafits) cut down to the midrib for half the length of the pinne
and then decurrent to the apex (running down to their point), being there
merely a row of small teeth on either side of the midrib.—Zowe, Our
Native Ferns, ti., p. 97, fig. 423. Micholson, Dictionary of Gardening,
i, p. 130.

It is worthy of notice that this particular form has never been found
wild again either in the above-mentioned or in any other locality, and

Fig, 100. Frond of Asplenium Filix-foemina Victoriz

(4 nat. size).

also that, although it produces spores most abundantly, no seedlings yet
raised from it have been known to reproduce the typical form. In many
instances the seedlings partake of some of the distinctive characters, but they
all differ more or less, and it is through these repeated sowings that the
variations gracilis and lineare haye been obtained. The former of these two
sub-yarieties is distinguished by its more compact habit and by its narrower
fronds, which are more heavily crested. The latter has very small but
heavily-crested fronds and is extremely elegant.

ASPLENIUM. 569

A. F.-f. Willisonii—Will-is-on’-i-i (Willison’s), Willison.

Although not so elegant as Victoriw and some of the other varieties, this
peculiar dwarf, distorted form, originally found wild near Whitby, is very
interesting as illustrating a most singular mode of formation. Its fronds,
about 103in. long, are composed of stipes (stalks) 7in. long, covered with
large reddish-brown scales at the base, and of a leafy portion about 3in.
long by as much in width. Immediately below the basal leaflets the stalk
becomes flattened out and distorted to an extraordinary degree, and this
distortion continues to the extremity of the frond; the pinne (leaflets) and
even the pinnules (leafits) branch in various ways, no two being alike ; their
lobes are narrow and deeply toothed.—Lowe, Our Native Ferns, ii., p. 95,
figs. 419 and 420.

The varieties of the Lady Fern described in this book may appear
very numerous, although comparatively. they are but a few of the huge
number of forms and variations described and figured in works devoted
exclusively to the subject of British Ferns. They are, however, a selection
of the most important and most distinct kinds, and are quite sufficient to
give an idea of the extremely variable nature of such a species as A. Filix-
jemina, which is not known to produce, either spontaneously or artificially,
such quantities of varieties in any of the other numerous countries where
it is equally indigenous. Even America, according to Eaton (‘Ferns of
North America,” ii., p. 76), only boasts of having the varieties angustum,
commune, cyclosorum, exile, and latifolium, the last two of which are
equally of British origin.

A. (Athyrium) fimbriatum—Ath-yr’-i-um ; fim-bri-a/-tum (fringed),
Hooker.

A strong-growing, deciduous, greenhouse species, native of the Himalayas,
where it is found at elevations of from 8000ft. to 9000ft. Its large fronds,
aft. to 4ft. long and Ift. to 14ft. broad, are borne on firm, erect stipes
(stalks) 1ft. or more long and clothed at their base with scales of a dark
brown colour. The lower leaflets, of a soft, papery texture and about 9in.
long and 3in. broad, are furnished with lanceolate (spear-shaped) leafits which
in their turn are divided into distinctly-stalked, deeply- and sharply-cut

570 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

segments provided with sharp teeth. The very numerous sori (spore masses)
are closely set, broadly oblong in shape, and covered by a nearly kidney-
shaped involucre.—Hooker, Species LHilicum, iu., p. 234. Beddome, Ferns of
British India, t. 295. .

A. (Memidictyum) Finlaysonianum — He-mid-ic’-ty-um ; Fin’-lay-
son-i-a/-num (Finlayson’s), Wallach.

A greenhouse species, native of the Himalayas and the Khasya Hills,
where, according to Beddome, it was discovered by Dr. Thomson. Its fronds,
of a coriaceous (leathery) texture and Ift. to 14ft. long, are borne on stipes
(stalks) 6in. to 9in. long, green, and nearly naked; they are simply pinnate
(only once divided to the midrib), being furnished with from two to six pairs
of lateral leaflets, which terminate in a long, tapering point, but are very
oradually narrowed towards the base to a distinct petiole (footstalk) and
have their edge smooth. The sori (spore masses) are frequently 14in. to
2in. long.—Hooker, Species Filicum, wi., p. 271. Beddome, Ferns of British
India, t. 72.

A. (Euasplenium) firmum—Eu-as-ple’-ni-um ; fir’-mum (firm-textured).

Synonymous with A. abscissum.

A. (Euasplenium) fissum-—Et-as-ple/-ni-um ; fis’-sum (cleft or split),
Kitson. ;

This is a very pretty and well-marked species, of dwarf dimensions, native
of the South of Europe ; it luxuriates in either frame or greenhouse tem-
perature. The little fronds, of a thin, papery texture and seldom more than
din. long by 2in. broad, are borne on slender, naked stipes (stalks) 2in. to
6in. long, ebeneous (blackish) below, but of a bright green colour above ;
they are furnished on each side of the midrib with distant pinne (leaflets)
divided into flabellato-cuneate (between fan-shaped and wedge-shaped) leafits,
which are again pinnatifid (cut half-way down to the midrib). The linear-
oblong sori (spore masses) occupy, when mature, the whole breadth of the
segments of the pinnules, which are less than half-a-line in breadth. —
Hooker, Species Filicum, iii., p. 177. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening,
nips EO:

ASPLENIUM, ; 571

A. (Euasplenium) flabellifolium—Eu-as-ple’-ni-um ; fla-bel-lif-ol/-i-um
(having fan-shaped leaflets), Cavanilles.

This extremely pretty, slender-growing, greenhouse species, which is
of an evergreen nature, native of Temperate Australia, Tasmania, and New
Zealand, is generally, though very wrongly, put aside by amateurs, its
decorative merits being usually underrated by most Fern-cultivators. Yet
it is well adapted for growing in baskets of small dimensions. It may
also be used for covering the surface of the soil in small Fern-cases, as
its fronds, of a brilhant green colour, borne on slender, flexuose (bending)
stalks of a green and chestnut-brown colour and 3in. to 6in. long, are
proliferous (bud-bearing) at their extremity, where they root very freely

when in immediate contact with the soil; they are only once divided to the

Fig. 101. Frond of Asplenium flabellifolium

(4 nat. size).

«

midrib (Fig. 101) and have on each side from ten to fifteen sessile, flabellate
pinne (stalkless, fan-shaped leaflets) about din. each way, of a thin papery
texture, broadly lobed and sharply toothed on the edges, and with their base
cut away on the lower side. The abundant spore masses are disposed close
together, and when mature they become confluent (run into one another).
—Hooker, Species Filicum, iii., p. 146. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening,
1, p. 130. Lowe, Kerns British and Exotic, v., t. 18.

A. flabellifolium is a handsome plant when grown in a suspended basket ;
its delicate and curious-looking fronds hanging round the sides have

a very graceful, “weeping” appearance. In rustic cork baskets it is

572 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

grown with most complete success, for it takes possession of the most ragged
parts of them in a remarkably short time. Indeed, this is by far the most
effective way of dealing with this little gem, which, when grown in pots or
even trailing on the ground in a Fern-case, has a weedy and unprepossessing
appearance. Yet this species is so thoroughly distinct that no collection should
be without it.

A. f. majus—ma’-jus (large).

This is equally a greenhouse Fern, of Australian origin, but with fronds
larger and furnished with broader leaflets than the one just described, of which
it appears to be simply a larger form.—Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening,
1, p. 130.

A. (Darea) flaccidum—Da’-ré-a ; flac’-cid-um (relaxed), Forster.

This very variable, greenhouse, evergreen species, native of Australia,
Tasmania, and New Zealand, is very justly one of the most appreciated of all
the basket Ferns adapted to cool treatment, for which purpose it is admirably
suited through the naturally pendulous habit of its fronds, which are produced
in great abundance from one central crown. The fronds are from 2ft. to 2ft.
in length, 4in. to Sin. broad, and are borne on stout, though flexible, greenish,
naked stipes (stalks) 4in. to 8in. long ; these are furnished with numerous
close or distant, lanceolate pinnae (spear-shaped leaflets), of a thick, leathery
texture and deep green colour, 4in. to 8in. long, #in. to $in. broad, sometimes
rather rigid and recurved, sometimes quite flaccid and drooping like the main
stalk, occasionally deeply pimnatifid (cut down nearly to the midrib), but
oftener cut down to the thick midrib into oblique or nearly sickle-shaped,
narrow-linear lobes, upon which the sori (spore masses) are quite marginal.—
Hooker, Species Filicum, iii., p. 205. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening,
i, p. 130. Lowe, Ferns British and Exotic, v., t. 19.

Like A. flabellifolium, this is a Fern which should find a place in every
collection. It is elegant in form and gains additional beauty and interest
from its pendulous habit as well as through the numerous young plants with
which the whole of the upper surface of its fronds 1s studded. A good
specimen is an attractive object, the fronds hanging all round the plant
so as to completely hide the pot in which it grows. This species prefers

light peaty soil and is very averse to strong light.

ASPLENIUM. 573

A. (Diplazium) flavescens—Dip-laz’-i-um ;_ fla-ves’-cens (yellowish),
Mettenius.

A stove species, native of Cuba and Peru, distinguished from most other
kinds by its nearly arborescent caudex (stem). Its fronds, of a bright green
colour and 2ft. to 3ft. long by lft. to 14ft. broad, are borne on firm, erect
stipes (stalks) 1ft. or more long, of a brownish colour and nearly naked ;
they are composed of a large terminal leaflet and ten to fifteen lateral ones
of a somewhat coriaceous (leathery) texture, with the edges nearly entire or
very slightly toothed and the base narrowed or rounded equally on both sides.
The lower leaflets, which are stalkless or slightly stalked, 4in. to 8in. long
and lin. to 2in. broad, terminate in a sharp point. The sori (spore masses)
fall short of both the edge and the margin—AHooker, Species Filicum,
i., p. 242.

A. (Diplazium) flexuosum— Dip-laz’-i-um; flex-u-o’-sum (flexuose,
bending in a zigzag manner), Presl.

This stove species, native of Peru, is of very singular habit, through
its ample fronds, borne on firm, naked stalks of a brownish colour, being
composed of leaflets with a very flexuose rachis and with pinnules (leafits)
deflexed first and then curved upwards. The lower leaflets, of a sub-coriaceous
(somewhat leathery) texture, are from 1ft. to 1}ft. long, 6in. to 9in. broad,
and furnished with stalked pinnules 3in. to din. long, lin. to 2in. broad,
lobed in their upper part but cut down in their lower part quite to the
stalk into oblong lobes. The long and very narrow sori (spore masses): are
disposed in regular rows not reaching quite to the edge.—Hooker, Species
Filicum, ii., p. 263. .

A. foecundum—te-cun’-dum (prolific). A popular name, synonymous |
with A. compressum.

A. foeniculaceum—fe-nic-ul-a’-cé-um (Fennel-like). A variety of
A. fragrans.

A. (Athyrium) foliolosum—Ath-yr’-i-um; fol-i-ol-o’-sum (leafy),
Wallich.

This distinct, stove, evergreen species, native of the East Indies, Java,

and Ceylon, has fronds Ift. to 14ft. long, 6in. broad, and almost pendulous ;

574 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

they are lanceolate (spear-shaped) and bipimnate (twice divided to the midrib) ;
the numerous leaflets are somewhat leathery, rather closely set, about 3in.
long, shining and smooth, and their stalkless pinnules (leafits) are deeply
cleft.—Lowe, New and Rare Ferns, t. 44.

A. (Euasplenium) fontanum—LHEu-as-ple’-ni-um ; fon-ta’-num (fountain-
loving), Bernhardt.

This is undoubtedly one of the prettiest of the dwarf, compact-growing
species contained in the genus. It is of very cosmopolitan habitat, as it is
known to grow wild in various parts of France, Switzerland, Italy, Spain,
Germany, and Siberia; according to Beddome it is also a native of the
Himalayas; and it is now accepted as a British Fern (Moore’s ‘“ Handbook
of British Ferns,” p. 150), for it has
been found in a wild state in various
and very distant localities, and it would
be strange if in all these places it had
been accidentally introduced by spores
brought from the Continent. The first
to announce it as a British Fern was
Mr. Hudson, who, in the first edition
of his “Flora Anglica,” published in

Fea earl en 1762, states that it grew “upon rocky
( nat. size) places near Wybourn, Westmoreland.”
Then Bolton, in his “ Filices Brit-
tanice, or History of. British Proper Ferns,” published in 1786, states that
this Fern was found on the walls of Ag@mondesham (Amersham) Church,
in Buckinghamshire. Later on it was found on rocks in Wharneliffe Woods,
Yorkshire ; on an old wall on Tooting Common; on a wall at Ashford, near
Petersfield, Hampshire ; at Matlock, in Derbyshire; at Cavehill, near Belfast ;
on rocks near Stonehaven, in Kincardineshire ; and in other localities. The
comparative rarity of this species in England is accounted for by its bemg
unable to withstand our climate except in sheltered and suitable situations.
The fronds, 3in. to 6in. long including the slender, wiry, naked, greenish
stalks on which they are borne, and about 13in. broad, are oblong-spear-
shaped, broadest above their middle, and tapering towards the base and the

ASPLENIUM. ‘ 575

extremity (Mig. 102); they are furnished with numerous pinne (leaflets) of
a dark green colour, about 4in. lone, and cut down to the midrib into several
pinnules (leafits) which are again pinnatifid (cut half-way down to their
midrib). The margin of each lobe is deeply notched with from three to
seven angular teeth. The plentiful sori (spore masses) are disposed from two
to four on each pinnule, but when mature they become confluent and then
cover nearly the whole of the under-surface of the frond.—Hooker, Species
Filicum, i, p. 193. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 131. Lowe,
Ferns British and EHaotic, v., t. 218. Beddome, Ferns of: British India,
t. 146.

To grow A, fontanum to perfection and to preserve it evergreen it must
be treated as an ordinary greenhouse Fern, have glass protection all the year
round, and be shaded from the direct rays of the sun during the summer
months. Like most of the close, dwarf-growing species, it is readily
propagated by careful division of the plants during the spring months, when
the portions thus obtained should be potted or planted in a mixture of sandy
peat and broken bricks, or old mortar, or both; and particular attention
should be paid to the drainage, which is best formed of freshly-broken bricks.

This pretty species has produced several varieties, such as A. exiguum of
Beddome, found on the Neileherries, which seems a less-divided form with
narrow fronds and black stalks; and A. Bowrgai of Boissier, similar to
A, refractum of Moore, with oblong, blunt leaflets cut down about half-way
to the stalk into sharply-toothed lobes, most of them somewhat decurved ;
this latter is only known in cultivation, there being no record of its having

been found in a wild state.

A. (Euasplenium) formosum—Eu-as-ple’-ni-um ; for-mo’-sum (beautiful),
Willdenow.

This elegant, delicate-looking, small-erowing, evergreen, stove species,
which, by the wiry, polished nature of its dark-coloured stalks, approaches the
Trichomanes group, is a native of Tropical America, from Cuba and Mexico
southward to Brazil and Peru; it is also found in Ceylon, and we have it
on the authority of Beddome that it occurs in abundance in moist woods at
high elevations on the Neilgherries. Leibmann, on the other hand, remarks

that it 1s common in the temperate region on the east side of Mexico, growing

576 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

in the forest on dry cliffs in cracks, or on dry, hard, clay earth in woods.
Leibmann found it at Tepitongo, in the department of Oajaca, at an altitude
of 5000ft. ; also at Mirador, at Trapiche de la Concepcion, in the same depart-
ment, at 3000ft. elevation, as well as in Potrero de Consoquitla, where it
was growing at an altitude of 2500ft. Its lovely fronds, which are produced
abundantly from a very short, upright stem, are of a papery texture and

LEY y
SIS AY Py
AeA
WA

== — = =
———

Say
4 Hi

SSeS = Pepe Fee
= \ ae
= 1 A a

Hl Y 1s ——S

cana nt C0 eS SS
—— NT etd

7 yy) Ak pees
aa WON aCe

ET?

OO LNT SA REGS
” pig aad ALO)
LL, i iy 1

Fig. 103. Asplenium formosum
( nat. size).

of a particularly light green colour; they are borne on very short, tufted,
polished stalks, of a chestnut-brown colour, and measure from Ift. to 14ft.
in length and about lin. in breadth, The fronds are furnished with from
twenty to thirty pairs of horizontal, sessile pinne (stalkless leaflets) in. long,
deeply divided almost to the midrib on their upper edge, while their lower
edge is cuneate (wedge-shaped) and forms a straight line. The short, narrow-
oblong sori (spore masses) are disposed from one to four on each side of the

‘(ems “eu #)

WNAOCIAIA UNI

pids y

+

|
il

a

|

al

ah Pi. Foe he
Mayes. i dae
ie a ee
ns
4

ASPLENIUM. 577

midrib. See Fig. 103.—Hooker, Species Filicum, ii., p. 1438. Nicholson,
Dictionary of Gardening, i, p. 1381. Lowe, Ferns British and Exotic,
y., t. 433. Beddome, Ferns of Southern India, t. 136.

A. formosum soon becomes a favourite with the Fern-lover. It is
a species which does not like loam, but which is greatly benefited by a little
erock-dust being added to the mixture of peat and sand.

“ eat A

Fig, 104. Asplenium fragrans foeniculaceum

G nat. size).

A. (Euasplenium) fragile—frag’-il-é (tender), Pres/.

A dwarf, greenhouse species, native of Mexico and Peru, and very closely
resembling A. wiride in habit and texture, but with fronds sometimes pro-
liferous at their extremity.—Hooker, Species Filicum, ti., p. 145.

A. (Euasplenium) fragrans—tra’-grans (fragrant), Swartz.

. A very handsome, stove species, native of Tropical America, from Mexico

and the West Indies to Peru and Brazil. Its fronds, of a leathery texture
4 B

578 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

and bright green colour, 6in. to 9in. long and 3in. to 4in. broad, are borne
on firm, naked, tufted stalks 4in. to 8in. long and of a brownish colour
below; they are tripinnate (three times divided to the midrib), being
furnished on each side with numerous closely-set pinne (leaflets), the lowest
din, long and divided into spear-shaped pinnules (leafits) and then into
segments only one line broad and toothed round the outer edge. The sori
(spore masses) are very abundantly produced and so closely set as to cover
the whole surface of the segments when mature.—Hooker, Species Filicum,
iii., p. 181. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 131.

A. f. foeniculaceum—fe-nic-ul-a’-cé-um (Fennel-like).

This is the garden or popular name, for which we can find no authority,
of a variety of the preceding species, from which it differs by having its
fronds 10in. to 15in. long including stalks, only twice divided to the midrib
(Fig. 104) and their ultimate segments much more finely divided.

A. (Diplazium) Franconis — Dip-laz’-i-um ; Fran-co/-nis (Franconis),
Mettenius.

This stove species, native of Mexico, Guatemala, and Ecuador, is of some-
what large dimensions, its fronds, lft. to 2ft. long and 9in. to 1din. broad,
being borne on firm, erect, greyish stalks Lft. long and scaly below. The
fronds are furnished with numerous leaflets, the lower ones about 6in. long,
tapering to a point, and cut down in the lower half into distinct pinnules
(leafits) of a peculiar shape owing to the midvein being much nearer their
lower edge, which, like the upper one, is cut half-way down into sharply-
toothed lobes (Fig. 105). They are of a papery yet firm texture and of
a bright green colour. The sori (spore masses), disposed in parallel rows
on the pinnules, do not quite reach the edge.— Hooker, Species Filicum,
i, p. 261. Mcholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 181.

A. (Euasplenium) furcatum—Eu-as-ple’-ni-um ; fur-ca/-tum (forked),
Thunberg.

This extremely elegant, greenhouse species, of medium size, possesses

a wide range of habitat, for it is found in Tropical America, from Mexico

and the West Indies to Peru; in the Polynesian Islands and also in Australia,

northwards to Tsus-Sima; and, according to Beddome, it is very abundant

ASPLENIUM. 579

about Ootocamund, in the Neilgherries, and on the higher ranges of other
lofty mountains on the western side of the Madras Presidency. Its fronds,
lft. to 13ft. long and 4in. to 6in. broad, are borne on firm, erect stalks Gin.
to 8in. long and clothed with deciduous woolly hairs; they are furnished
with from twelve to twenty pairs of leaflets 2in. to 3in. long, of a coriaceous
(leathery) texture, and cut down throughout nearly or quite to the midrib

a

Sn yh

Beem
a)

Fig. 105. Two Pinne of Asplenium Franconis
@ nat. size).

into narrow-wedge-shaped pinnules (leafits), which are sharply toothed on
their outer edge. The sori (spore masses) are very narrow and radiate from
a common centre.—Hooker, Species Filicwm, iii, p. 165. Nicholson, Dictionary
of Gardening, 1., p. 181. Beddome, Ferns of Southern India, t. 144.

A. Gardneri—Gard’-ner-i (Gardner’s), Baker.
A stove species, from Ceylon, producing from a short-creeping rhizome

(prostrate stem) lanceolate (spear-shaped) fronds 8in. to 12in. long, 3in. to
4 3B 2

580 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

Sin. broad, and often proliferous (bulbil-bearing) at their extremity ; they are
furnished with from six to ten pairs of ascending, spear-shaped leaflets of
a thin but firm texture, with both surfaces of a bright green colour, the
central ones 2in. to din, long and gin. broad, toothed, square on the upper
side and wedge-shaped on their lower side at the base. The sori (spore
masses), 4in. to Zin. long, are disposed im five or six pairs of parallel rows
nearer the midrib than the edge.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 485. :

A. (Euasplenium) Gautieri—Eu-as-ple’-ni-um ; Gau-ti-e/-ri (Gautier’s),
Hooker.

This stove species, native of the Island of Nissobe, near Madagascar, is
the smallest and most delicate of the group composed of plants with entire
(undivided) fronds. Its fronds are oblong-spear-shaped, only about 3in. long
and lin. broad in their widest part, and have their base suddenly narrowed to
a wing which narrows very gradually into the stalk; the base is sometimes
furnished with a pair of small, oblong, blunt lobes. The small and distant
sori (spore masses) do not reach either the edge or the midrib.—Hooker,
Species Filicum, iii., p. 88, t. 184.

A. (Euasplenium) gemmiferum—Lu-as-ple’-ni-um ; gem-mif/-er-um
(provided with leaf-buds), Schrader.

A stove species, of medium size, native of Cape Colony, Bourbon,
Mauritius, and Madagascar, and closely resembling the popular A. obtusatum
in general appearance, but with fronds of a more papery texture and generally
proliferous (bulbil-bearing) at their extremity. The copious sori (spore
masses) are broad and fall short of both edge and midrib.—Hooker, Species
Filicwm, ii., p. 100.

A. (Euasplenium) germanicum—Ew-as-ple’-ni-uwm ;_ ger-ma/-nic-um
(German), Weiss. .

This species, of small dimensions, which approaches nearest the better-
known Wall Rue (A. Ruta-muraria) and is even considered by some authors
as merely a variety of that common British Fern, is a native of Hungary,
Sweden, Germany, France, Italy, and other parts of the Continent, where,
however, it is always found in comparatively small quantities. It was not

ASPLENIUM. 581

until about 1792, when it was discovered on some rocks in the South of
Scotland by a Mr. Dickson, who published the fact in the second volume of
the Linnean Society’s ‘‘ Transactions,” that A. germanicum was acknowledged
as a British plant. It has been found also on rocks on the River Tweed,
near Kelso, Roxburghshire ; on the Stenton Mocks, near Dunkeld, in

Perthshire; and near Dunfermline, in Fifeshire. In England it has been

Fig, 106, Asplenium germanicum
(@ nat. size),

collected at. Borrowdale, in Cumberland; on Kyloe Crags, Northumberland ;
and in Carnarvonshire, North Wales. Sowerby, in his work on the “Ferns of
Great Britain,” says that in 1854 two plants were found by a Mr. W, Hawker
on a precipice near Scawfell, and that it had also been collected near
Llanrwst and in the Pass of Llanberis. In all the above-named localities
this singular Fern was, as on the Continent, only found in small quantities,

582 ' THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS,

-and generally in company with A. Ruta-muraria. Its fronds, 2in. to 3in.
long and borne on naked, slender, and densely-tufted stalks 2in. to 4in. long,
are very variable and simply pinnate (only once divided to the midrib). The
pinne are alternate (not opposite), of a leathery texture, and once or twice
forked at their extremity (Fig. 106); the lowest of them are deeply cleft
and also slightly notched towards the point. The spore masses are linear,
when mature covering the whole breadth, but falling short of the point,
of the pinne. A. alternifoliwum is another name for this species.—Hooker,
Species Hilicum, iii., p. 175. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 131.
Lowe, Ferns British and Exotic, v., t. 3x. _

A. germanicum is perfectly hardy ; in a wild state its fronds die down
during the winter, but when cultivated in a greenhouse from which frost is
excluded, it remains evergreen. It requires a very light, poor soil, and
it has been found to thrive best and most permanently when grown in
a mixture of equal proportions of sharp river sand, sandy peat, and lime
rubbish, with thorough drainage, subjected to moderate waterings, and
protected from bright sunshine during the summer.

A. (Memidictyum) Ghiesbreghtii—He-mid-ic’-t¥-um ; Ghies-bregh’-ti-i
(Ghiesbreght’s), Kournier.

A stove species, native of Mexico, with leathery, pale green fronds
14ft. long and 1din, broad at the middle, spear-shaped, entire (undivided),
gradually narrowed upwards from the middle to a sharp point and down-
wards to a short stalk, The narrow sori (spore masses) are about lin. long
and form an angle of 10deg. with the midrib, near which they are situated.
—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 492.

A. (Euasplenium) Gibertianum—Ev-as-ple’-ni-um ; Gib-ert-i-a/-num
(Gibert’s), Hooker.

A strong and regular-growing, stove species, native of Paraguay, with
fronds about 8in. long, caudate (tailed) at their extremity, and furnished with
numerous closely-set leaflets of a thin, papery texture, broadest on the upper
side and cut down to the midrib into simple, sharp-pointed pinnules (leafits).
The sori (spore masses) are disposed one at the base of each pinnule.
—Hooker, Species Filicum, iii., p. 199.

ASPLENIUM. 583

A. (Diplazium) giganteum—Dip-laz’-i-um; gig-ant-e/-um (gigantic).
Synonymous with A. radicans.

A. (Diplazium) Glasiovii — Glas-i-o’-vi-i (Glaziou’s). A synonym of
A, herbaceum.

A. (Euasplenium) Glenniei—Glen’-nie-i (Glennie’s), Baker.

A greenhouse species, of dwarf dimensions, native of Mexico. Its
fronds are bipinnate (twice divided to the midrib), 3in. to 4in. long, bearing
from twenty to twenty-five pairs of spear-shaped, blunt leaflets somewhat
resembling those of A. fontanwm in their sub-divisions, which are of a slightly
leathery texture and green colour. The oblong sori (spore masses) are disposed
one at the base of each pinnule (leafit)—AHooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 488.

A. (Diplazium) Godichaudii — Dip-laz’-i-um ; God-i-chaud’-i-i (Godi-
chaud’s), JMettentus.

A stove species, of arborescent habit, native of the Island of Rawak. Its
ample fronds are tripinnatifid (three times divided half-way to the midrib),
being furnished with oblong, spear-shaped leaflets 1ft. long, and _ sessile
pinnules (stalkless leafits) 24in. long, 3in. broad, strap-shaped, cut down to
a narrow wing into bluntly-toothed segments, upon which the more than
usually thick sori (spore masses) are conspicuously disposed.—Hooker, Synopsis
Filicum, p. 491.

A. (Athyrium) Goringianum pictum—Ath-yr’-i-um ; Gor-in’-gi-a’-num
pic’-tum (Goringe’s painted), Mettenius. ,

This remarkably pretty, greenhouse species, popularly known as Athyrium
Goringianum tricolor, is a native of Japan, and is said to be quite hardy in
sheltered positions ; but to have it in perfection, so that none of its beautifully-
coloured foliage shall be damaged by late frosts, cold winds, &e., it is necessary
to give it at least the protection of a cold frame. It is distinguished from all
other members of the genus by the bright colour of its fronds, which are
entirely deciduous; they are from 10in. to 1din. long, spear-shaped, and
pendulous. The numerous leaflets are divided into sharply-toothed pinnules
(leafits), on which the oblong or sometimes kidney-shaped sori (spore masses)
are abundantly disposed in two rows parallel to the costa (midvein). The

584 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

stalks on which they are borne, claret-coloured in their entire length, form
a pleasing and striking contrast to the bright grey colour of the pinne
next on each side, which disposition forms a central grey band running
through the whole length of the frond, and is as effective as in the better-
known Pieris quadriaurita tricolor—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 227.
Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 181.

The soil which best suits this species is a compost of two parts of leaf
mould, one of fibrous loam, and one of silver sand. Although spores are

produced in abundance, the plant is usually propagated by division.

A. (Diplazium) gracilescens— Dip-laz’-i-um;_ grac-il-es’-cens (very
graceful), Mettenius.

A stove species of large dimensions and very ornamental, native of
Venezuela. Its large yet elegant fronds, 3ft. to 4ft. long, 2ft. to 3ft. broad,
and fully tripinnate (three times divided to the midrib), are borne on
slender but firm, straw-coloured stalks of a polished nature. The lower
leaflets, 1ft. to 14ft. long and 6in. broad, are divided into close, short-
stalked leafits 2in. to 3in. long and lin. broad, which are in their turn
subdivided into oblong, unequal-sided, pinnatifid, segments, each bearing only
one sorus (spore mass) about one line long—AHooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 242.

A. (Diplazium) grammitoides — Dip-laz’-i-um; gram-mi-td-i-dés
(Grammitis-like), “Hooker.

A dwarf-growing, stove species, from the Philippine and Malay Islands,
with fronds only about 6in. long, lanceolate (spear-shaped), and bipinnatifid
(twice divided half-way to the midrib). The oblong sori (spore masses) are
mostly disposed in an oblique row close to the midrib of the leaflets.—Hooker,
Species Lilicum, iii., p. 228.

A. (Diplazium) grandifolium—Dip-laz’-i-um ; gran-dif-ol/-i-um (large-
leaved), Swartz.

This is a strong-growing, stove species, found from Cuba to Ecuador and
Brazil. Its ample fronds, 2ft. to 3ft. long and Yin. to 12in. broad, are borne
on firm, erect, naked or slightly scaly stalks 1ft. or more long and of an
ebeneous (blackish) colour; they are simply pinnate (only once divided to
the midrib), being furnished with from twelve to twenty pairs of leaflets, the

ASPLENIUM. 585

lower ones 2in. or more apart. The leaflets are din. to 6in. long, 14in. broad,
distinctly stalked, and while they terminate in a sharp point, they are some-
times broadly lobed below, their base being equally rounded on both sides
and their edge slightly toothed. Near their point the fronds, which are of
papery texture and of a deep green colour, are generally pinnatifid (divided
only half-way to the midrib). The irregular sori (spore masses) fall shghtly
short of both midrib and edge.—Hooker, Species ilicum, ii., p. 241.
Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, 1., p. 131.

A. (Thamnopteris) Grevillei—Tham-nop’-ter-is ; Grev-il’-Ié-i (Greville’s),
Wallich.

A greenhouse species, of medium dimen-
sions, native of Tavoy and Mishmee, in India,
and one of the few kinds belonging to the
section with simple fronds, of which the Bird’s-
Nest Fern (A. Nidus) is a good and popular
representative. Its fronds, lft. to I4ft. Iong

A

and 2in. to 3in. broad, of a leathery texture,
are of an elongated spear-head shape being
narrowed to a sharp extremity and gradually
below to a broad wing to the stalks, which
become very gradually narrower downwards.
The sori (spore masses) In most cases extend to
within a short distance of the edge. See Fig.
107 (reduced from Col. Beddome’s ‘“ Ferns of
British India,” by the kind permission of
the author).— Hooker, Species Filicum, ii.,
p- 80. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening,

1, p. 181. Beddome, Ferns of British India,
Dace Fig. 107. Asplenium Grevillei

(; nat. size).

A. (Euasplenium) Griffithianum—Ev-as-ple’-ni-um ; Grif-fith-i-a/-num
(Griffith’s), Hooker.
This cool-greenhouse species, native of Assam and Sikkim, where it is

found up to 4000ft. elevation, is easily recognised in the group of simple-

586 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

fronded species to which it belongs by the distinctly crenated (notched)
character of the margins of its spear-shaped, leathery fronds. These fronds
are 6in. to 9in. long and about lin. broad, sharp-pointed at their summit
but very gradually narrowed below. The abundant sori (spore masses) reach
from the midrib two-thirds of the way to the edge.—Hooker, Species Filicum,
lil., p. 87, t. 928. Beddome, Ferns of British India, t. 58.

A. Mallerii— Hal-le’-ri-i (Haller’s). A common garden appellation for
A. fontanum.

A. (Euasplenium) Mallii—Eu-as-ple’-ni-um ; Hal/-li-i (Hall’s), Hooker.

A very pretty, stove species, native of Ecuador and the Amazon Valley,
and one of the few which are proliferous (bulbil-bearing) at the extremity
of their fronds only. These fronds, Gin. to 12in. long and at most Qin. broad,
are furnished with numerous horizontal leaflets, the lower ones of which are
deflexed, lin. long, and peculiar in having their point bluntly rounded. They
are of a papery texture and dark green colour. The sori (spore masses) are
disposed in two rows.—Hooker, Species Filicum, iii., p. 202.

A. Mancei—Han’-cé-i (Hance’s). Synonymous with A. crinicaule.

A. (Euasplenium) hastatum—Eu-as-ple/-ni-um ; has-ta’-tum (halbert-
shaped), Klotzsch.

A greenhouse species, of small dimensions, native of Columbia and
Ecuador, and one which somewhat resembles A. abscissum and A. auriculatum.
Its fronds, 6in. to 12in. long and 3in. to 4in. broad, are borne on stalks 4in.
to 6in. long, firm, erect, greyish, and scaly below ; they are oblong-spear-shaped
and are furnished with eight to twelve pairs of subsessile pinne (almost
stalkless leaflets) 1gin. to 2in. long, about 3in. broad, sharply pointed, with —
their edge deeply toothed throughout and the two sides unequal; the texture
is somewhat leathery. The distant sori (spore masses) fall short of both edge
and midrib.—Hooker, Species Filicum, iii., p. 116, t. 172.

A. (Euasplenium) Memionitis — Eu-as-ple’-ni-um ; He-mi-on-1’-tis
(Hemionitis), Linneus.

This very distinct, greenhouse species, perhaps the most striking of all

the known species with lobed fronds, is a native of Madeira, the Canaries,

ASPLENIUM. 587

the Azores, and Teneriffe ; it is much more commonly known by the name
of A. palmatum on account of the peculiar shape of its fronds, which are
borne on firm, naked, dark-coloured stipites (stalks) 4in. to 8in. long.
These fronds, 4in. to 6in. each way, usually 10in. high, and of a papery
texture, are composed of a triangular, sharp terminal lobe and of two large,
cordate (heart-shaped), poimted lateral ones, which are again sometimes
bluntly, sometimes acutely, lobed at the base, and these basal lobes on each
side overlap one another and the stalk. The very abundant sori (spore
masses) affect the form of a narrow line about 13in. long, disposed on each
vein, giving the fronds the appearance of being striped in long lines all
over their under-surface. This plant must not be mistaken for the West
Indian Hemionitis palmata, for, while there is a great similarity in names,
which has caused a certain amount of confusion, there does not exist
the shghtest analogy between the two subjects, unless it is simply in the
ivy-leaved shape of their fronds. — Hooker, Species Filicum, iti., p. 91.
Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 131. Lowe, Ferns British and
Exotic, v., t. 6.

This singular Fern, as pretty as it is curious, has produced two quite
distinct varieties: A. H. cristatum, in every respect resembling the species,
with the addition of a large crest at the extremity of each frond; and
A. H. multifidum (see Plate), the fronds of which are quite as broad as they
are long and have their main divisions again freely divided or deeply cut,
which gives them quite a fringed outline.

A. (Diplazium) herbaceum — Dip-laz’-i-um ; her-ba/-cé-um (soft),
Baker.

An arborescent, stove species, native of Rio Janeiro. Its ample fronds
are four times pinnatifid (cut down half-way to the midrib) and are furnished
with pinne (leaflets) of a soft texture and from 1#t. to 2ft. long, The
pimne are divided into distinctly-stalked, spear-shaped, bright green pinnules
(leafits) 4in. to 6in. long and lin. to 2in. broad; and the latter are again
cut into stalkless pinnatifid segments with close, blunt lobes. The sori
(spore masses), about one-and-a-half lines long, touch the midrib but fall
short of the edge. This species is also known as A. Glasiovii.— Hooker,
Synopsis Filicum, p. 492.

588 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

A. (Euasplenium) heterocarpum—Eu-as-ple’-ni-um ; het-er-oc-ar’-pum
(various-fruited), Wallich,

This very distinct and well-marked, stove species, which in habit
resembles a dimidiate Adiantum, is a native of the Malayan Peninsula, Borneo,
and Ceylon, and is also, according to Beddome, found wild on the Travancore
Hills, on the Neilgherries. Its fronds, Gin. to 1din. long and I4in. to Qin.
broad, are borne on firm, erect stalks 4in. to 9in. long, of a chestnut-brown,
colour and polished; they are furnished with numerous closely-set, dimidiate
pinne ‘(leaflets fully developed on one side of the midrib and scarcely at all

on the other) about lin. long and jin. broad. The lower edge of the

f ee
Sa eee
KY
me

¥\

KAN

AAI
ane

SS

So
G7}

Fig. 108. Frond of Asplenium heterocarpum

(nat. size).

pinne is quite entire, while their upper edge, broadest towards the base, is
deeply cleft throughout (Fig. 108). The sori (spore masses) are disposed one,
rarely two together, on each tooth or lobe—AHooker, Species Filicum, iii,
p- 132, t. 175. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 181. Beddome,
Ferns of Southern India, t. 1281.

A. heterodon — het’-er-od-on (variously toothed). Synonymous with
A. vulcanicum. |

A. (Diplazium) hians—Dip-laz’-i-um ; hi’-ans (gaping), Kunze.

This strong-growing, almost arborescent, stove species is a native of the
West Indies and Heuador. Its gigantic fronds, 3ft. to 4ft. long and 2ft. to
3ft. broad, borne on stalks Ift. to 14ft. long and slightly scaly, are furnished
with leaflets of a thin, papery texture and dark green colour; the lower

ASPLENIUM, 589

leaflets, 1ft. or more in length and 4in. to 6in, broad, are divided into
numerous spear-shaped pinnules (leafits) with blunt lobes, reaching nearly
down to the stalks. The sori (spore masses) are short, oblong in shape, the

lower ones only being double—Hooker, Species Filicum, i1., p. 233.

A. (Euasplenium) hirtum—Eu-as-ple’-ni-um ; hir’-tum (hairy), Kaul/uss,
A stove species, of medium growth, native of Madagascar, Mauritius, the
Philippine and the Solomon Islands, and, according to Beddome, also found
in Burmah, Penang, and Java. Its fronds, 14ft. to 2ft. long, 4in. to 8in,
broad, and borne on strong, erect, brownish stalks 2mm. to 4in, long and very
hairy, are furnished with numerous horizontal, leathery pimne 2in. to Bin. long
and about din. broad, sharply pointed, broadly but not deeply toothed on
their edge, and conspicuously auricled (eared) at their base on the upper side.
The sori (spore masses) are disposed in two regular rows, which fall
considerably short of the edge—Hooker, Species Filicum, ii, p. nie t. TOL,
Beddome, Ferns of British India, t. 194. =

(Athyrium) Mohenackerianum— Ath-yr’-i-um ; Ho-hen’-ack-er-

1-a’/-num (Hohenacker’s), Kunze.

A very distinct, greenhouse species, native of Ceylon and Scinde, and,
according to Beddome, not uncommon on the Neilgherries and Anamallays,
and very abundant from the plains up to 4000ft. elevation in Coorg and
South Canara. Its fronds, borne on firm, erect stalks 2mm. to 4in. long and
clothed throughout with linear scales, are about 9in. long, 3in. broad, and
furnished with numerous spear-shaped pinne (leaflets) of a papery texture
and light green colour, cut down to the midrib into toothed pimnules
(leafits). The oblong sori (spore masses) are plentifully produced.— Hooker,
Species Filicum, iii., p. 220. Beddome, Ferns of Southern India, t. 150.

A. (Euasplenium) Mookerianum—Ew-as-ple’-ni-um ; Hook-er-i-a’-num
(Hooker’s), Colenso.

This pretty, small-growing, greenhouse species, native of New Zealand,
has much the appearance of our native A. Ruta-muraria, at least so far as the
shape of the pinne and pinnules (leaflets and leafits) is concerned, but their
texture 1s thimner and their stipites (stalks) are terete (long and round) and
not flattened. Its fronds, seldom more than 8in. long and 4in. broad, are

590 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

borne on slender, greenish stalks 2in. to 3in. long; they are provided with
several pairs of distinctly-stalked leaflets sometimes 1din. to 2in. long, with
several stalked pinnules fin. each way, of a papery texture and each bearing
from three to five sori (spore masses).—Hooker, Species Filicum, iii., p. 194.

A. Hookerianum (Hooker's), of gardens. A name applied to the popular
A. Colensoi, a totally different plant to that just described.

= Sm ae ZB Fea = G,

Fig. 109. Portion of Frond of Asplenium horridum

(nat, size),

A. (Euasplenium) horridum—Eu-as-ple’-ni-um ; _hor’-rid-um (horrid),
Kaulfuss.

This is a strong-growing, distinct, and, notwithstanding its name, very
decorative, stove species, native of Java, Samoa, and the Sandwich Islands,
Its robust fronds, 2ft. to 3ft. long and 8in. to 12in. broad, are simply pinnate
(only once divided to the midrib). The leaflets, 4in, to 6in. long and 3in.
broad at the base, gradually taper to a sharp point and are cut down
throughout more than half-way to the midrib into nearly uniform lobes that
are heart-shaped or broadly rounded at the base on the upper side, forming
a broad curve on their lower side (Fig. 109). The texture is leathery and
the sori (spore masses) are disposed in two nearly parallel lines close to the
midrib; a few are also scattered on the disk of the lobes. The most

ASPLENIUM. 59]

distinctive character of this curious species resides in the rusty-brown colour
of the hairs densely covering the footstalks on which the fronds are borne.—
Hooker, Species Filicum, iii, p. 1538, t. 193.

Nicholson, Dictionary of
Gardening, iv., p. 496.

Fig. 110. Asplenium incisum

G nat. size).

A. (Euasplenium) incisum— Ev-as-ple’-ni-un ; _in-ci’-sum (incised),
Thunberg.

This greenhouse species (Fig. 110), somewhat resembling the British
A. lanceolatum, is a native of Japan, where it is common; also of Tsus-

'

592 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

Sima, Chusan, and Western China. Its fronds, 8in. to 12in. long and 1din.
to 2in. broad, are borne on tufted, polished stalks of a chestnut-brown colour
and 2in. to 3in. long. The numerous leaflets, of a particularly thin, papery
texture, are blunt in the lower part of the frond, whereas the central ones,
lin. long and spear-shaped, are cut down to the midrib into numerous
egg-shaped pinnules (leafits) conspicuously truncated (appearing as if bitten
off) at their base on the lower side and deeply pinnatifid. The linear-oblong
sorl (spore masses) are disposed one to each vein. This species is also
known as A. elegantulum.—Hooker, Species Filicum, iti., p. 190. Nicholson,
Dictionary of Gardening, 1., p. 131.

A. (Darea) irregulare—Da’-ré-a ; ir-reg-ul-a’-ré (irregular), Baker.

A stove species, of small dimensions, native of the Sierra del Crystal,
Guinea Coast. Its fronds, of a sub-coriaceous (almost leathery) texture, 6in.
to 8in. long and 2in. to 3in. wide, are borne on naked, firm, erect, pale green
stalks 2in. to 4in. long. The numerous leaflets vary considerably in shape :
while the upper ones are simple, about din. wide, and narrow-sickle-shaped,
those next to it are dichotomously (repeatedly) forked, and the lowest, which
are regularly pinnate, show a prolonged simple point and several distant
pinnules (leafits) 4in. to din. long. The sori (spore masses), which are
covered with very narrow involucres, are sometimes Hin. long.— Hooker,
Synopsis Filicum, p. 222.

A. (Euasplenium) Jamesoni—Eu-as-ple’-ni-um ; Jame-so’-ni (Jameson’s),
Hooker. |

This stove species, of medium dimensions, native of the Andes of
Keuador, is distinguishable at first sight by the firm, erect nature of its
stalks, the lower part of which is densely clothed with large, brown. scales.
The fronds which they support, of a thin, papery texture, are Ift. to 2ft.
long, 9in. to 12in. broad, and furnished with numerous leaflets cut down to
a broadly-winged stalk into pinnules (leafits) which are again deeply cleft, thus
forming segments of a peculiar spathulate (spoon-shaped) form. The main stalk
of the leafy portion is compressed and winged upwards. The large, oblong
sorl (spore masses) are disposed in two lines close to and nearly parallel
with the midrib.—Hooker, Species Filicum, iii., p. 184, t. 205.

Asplenium Hemtonitis multifidum

a 7 : ».; — al : a Rh at, sine), _- . \ ; ri

ASPLENIUM. 593

(Diplazium) japonicum—Dip-laz’/-i-um ; jap-on/-ic-um (Japanese),
Thunberg.

A greenhouse species, of small dimensions, native of Japan, China, and
the Himalayas ; distinct from most others through the creeping nature of the
slender rhizome from which its fronds, 9in. to 15in. long and 4in. to 6in.
broad, are produced. The peculiar straw-colour of the stipites (stalks) is also
a distinguishing character of these fronds, which are furnished with eight to
ten leaflets cut down in the lower part into close, oblong, slightly-toothed
lobes of papery texture and bright green on both surfaces. The sori (spore
masses) reach two-thirds of the way to the edge on both margins. This plant
is i Hooker’s “Species Filicum,” iii, p. 251, described as A. Schkuhrit,
under which name it is frequently met with in private collections.

ava). Synonymous with Allantodia

A. javanicu
Brunoniana.

(Diplazium) Klotzschii—Dip-laz’-i-um ; Klotzsch’-i-i (Klotzsch’s),
Mettenius.

This stove species, of very large dimensions, is a native of Columbia and
Venezuela. It is of an almost arborescent nature, and its ample fronds, 3ft.
to dft. long and 9in. to 18in. broad, are borne on strong, upright stalks of
a dark brown colour and scaly at their base; they are furnished with leaflets
6in. to 9m. long, 3m. to din. broad, deep green, and of a papery texture.
The leaflets are divided into leafits 2in. to 3in. long, which are subdivided
into shghtly-toothed lobes. The lnear-oblong spore masses fall short of the
edge of the lobes—AHooker, Species Filicum, iii., p. 263.

A. (Euasplenium) Kraussii—lu-as-ple’-ni-um ; Kraus/-si-i (Krauss’s),
Moore.

A small-growing, greenhouse plant, native of Natal, and so closely related
to A. viride as to look like a form of that species. The fronds, 3in. to
4in. long and #in. broad, are furnished with about twelve pairs of sessile
~pinne (stalkless leaflets), which have their upper edge sharply toothed, while
their lower one is smooth. The lnear-oblong sori (spore masses) are disposed
from one to three to each leaflet and occupy an oblique position. a BEE

Species Filicum, ii., p. 147, t. 180a. ,
4 ¢

594, LAE BOCK OF \CHOIGE GEERNS

A. (Anisogonium) Kunzei—An-is-og-o’-ni-um ; Kunz/-é-i (Kunze’s),
Mettenius.

A stove species, of small or medium dimensions, native of Ecuador and
Peru. Its coriaceous (leathery) fronds, Yin. to 18in. long and 2in. to 6in.
broad, are spathulate (spoon-shaped) and pinnate (divided to the midrib)
only at their base, where they are distinctly lobed; their upper part is
deeply cleft imto small, lanceolate (spear-shaped) lobes. The sori (spore
masses) are disposed in slender lines extending from the midrib to the
edge of the fronds.—Hooker, Species Filicum, iti., p. 266.

A. (Euasplenium) laciniatum—Eu-as-ple’-ni-um ; lac-in-i-a/-tum (torn,
fringed), Don. |

This pretty, greenhouse species, native of Japan and the temperate regions
of the Himalayas, somewhat resembles the better-known A. planicaule. Its
fronds, however, are of a much thinner texture, larger, and more deeply
divided ; they are borne on erect, firm stalks 4in. to 8in. long, of a greyish
colour and often scaly, usually measure Ift. to 14ft. in length and about 3in.
in breadth, and are furnished with from twelve to twenty pairs of stalked,
horizontal, sharply-poimted pinne (leaflets). The leaflets have their edge cut
down nearly or quite to the midrib into small, stalked, egg-shaped lobes, which
are also deeply toothed round their outer edge. The sori (spore masses) fall
short of the edge.—Hooker, Species Filicum, iti., p. 164, t. 200a. Beddome,
Ferns of Southern India, t. 145.

A. (Euasplenium) letum — Eu-as-ple’-ni-um ; le/-tum (cheering),
Swarts.

A stove species, whose habitat extends from Mexico and Cuba southwards
to the Amazon. Its fronds, 6in. to 12in. long and 38in. broad, are borne on
stalks 4in. to 6in. long and of a brownish colour; they are furnished on each
side of the midrib with from sixteen to twenty-four sessile pinne (stalkless
leaflets) of a thin, papery texture, sharply pointed and irregularly toothed at
the edge; the upper side of the pimne is suddenly narrowed at the base,
while the lower one, partly cut away, forms a broad, truncate (broken-off
curve. The sori (spore masses) are disposed in two unequal rows falling

short of both edge and midrib.—Hooker, Species Filicum, iii., p. 133, t. 173.

- ASPLENIUM. 595

A. (Euasplenium) lanceolatum—HEu-as-ple’-ni-um ; lan-cé-ol-a’-tum
(spear-shaped), Hudson.

Though found wild in Algiers, Madeira, and the Azores, this pretty, hardy
Fern, of small dimensions, is principally a native of South-Western Europe
and is found as an indigenous plant in countries extending from England to
Greece. The Spear-shaped Spleenwort, as it is commonly called, is an
exceedingly interesting species ; its distribution is particularly local, and,
although undoubtedly a British Fern, it is of a comparatively delicate habit,

growing naturally only in peculiarly sheltered, well-drained, yet moist

Fig, 111. Frond of Asplenium lanceolatum

(2 nat. size).

situations. It is im the second edition of Ray’s “Synopsis Methodica
Stirpium Britannicarum,” published in 1696, that we find this interesting
plant first given as a native of the British Islands, and it is there stated
that Dr. Sherard had found it ‘on the rocks on the north side of the Isle
of Jersey.” Some thirty years later, in the third edition of the same work, its
discovery in England was first noticed, ‘Mr. Bobart haying found it in the
north porch of the church at Adderbury, in Oxfordshire. Dr. Woodward also
found it in England.” In the crevices of rocks and old walls in the South
and West of England, and especially about St. Ives, in Cornwall, it appears

to grow freely. It has also been met with in Devonshire, Somerset, Sussex,
4c 2

596 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

and Gloucestershire; in and around Tunbridge Wells ; in Oldbury Court
Woods and in the lanes in the neighbourhood of Stapleton, where, Mr. Sweet
(in his “Bristol Flora”) says, “the area of this plant is no more than
half a mile, occurring on the Old Red Sandstone.” Tt has also been found
in Carnarvonshire, Denbighshire, Glamorganshire, Merionethshire, and Pem-
brokeshire, but always in comparatively small quantities.

The fronds of A. Janceolatum, 9im. long and 2in. to 4in. broad, are
abundantly produced from a central crown and are borne on naked, glossy
stalks 3in. to 4in. long and of a peculiar chestnut-brown colour ; they are
bipinnate (twice divided to the midrib) and spear-shaped in outline, and are
furnished on each side of the midrib with numerous pinne (leaflets). The
lower leaflets are distant and cut down to the midrib into numerous oblong
pinnules (leafits), which are truncate at their lower side, sharply toothed and
often broadly lobed below (Fig. 111). The fructification covers the whole of
the under-surface of the fronds, for the oblong sori (spore masses) are so
abundantly produced that when mature they become confluent in irregular
masses.—Hooker, Species Filicum, ii., p. 190. Nicholson, Dictionary of
Gardening, i., p. 131. Lowe, Ferns British and Exotic, v., t. 26.

Like most of its congeners of small dimensions, A. lanceolatum grows
well in a greenhouse, shaded from the hot sun. Under such treatment, and
provided it be kept moderately moist, the stature of this plant is much
increased, and its fronds then attain a length of from 10in. to 12in. and are
of a beautiful dark green. The soil which suits this species best is a mixture
of peat, lime-rubbish, bricks broken small, and leaf mould, in about equal
proportions. In planting or potting, the crown requires to be kept well above
the surface of the soil. This species is usually propagated by division of the
crowns in early spring, but the operation is a delicate one, requiring a little
more attention than it is usual to bestow on British Ferns.

A. lanceolatum, whether in the wild state or under cultivation, has produced
very few varieties worthy of record; the following are the most distinct :

A. 1. bifidum—tif’-id-um (forked), Lowe.

A dwarf form, found in Devonshire. Its fronds, only about 4in. long,
differ from those of the species in having their extremity divided in two
instead of tapering to a point—Lowe, Our Native Ferns, ii., p. 156, fig. 498.

ASPLENIUM. 597

A. |. crispatum—cris-pa’-tum (curled), Moore.

A very pretty and very distinct form, found in Guernsey. Its broadly-
spear-shaped and distinctly bipimnate fronds, 4in. to 8in. long, differ from
all others by their curly appearance ; this is produced by the margins of the
lobes of the pinnules (leafits) being curled under so as to have a crispy
character, the thickened teeth thus becoming very conspicuous.-—Nicholson,
Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 131. Lowe, Our Native Ferns, ii., p. 158.

A. |. excisum—ex-ci’-sum (bitten-off), Zowe.

In this dwarf form, originally found at Shawbridge, South Devon, the
extremity of the fronds appears as if bitten off, and the pinnules in their
upper half are variable in form and much contracted.—Lowe, Our Native
Hermnswdie.. py let, Mo. Ol,

A. 1. incisum—in-ci’-sum (cut), Lowe.

This is a robust form, with fronds lft. or more in length, found in
Jersey. The pinne (leaflets) are alternate (not opposite) and the pinnules.
(leafits), which are deeply cut and show conspicuous sharp-pointed teeth,
are occasionally depauperated (impoverished) or even wanting.—Lowe, Our
Native Ferns, u., p. 157, fig. 500.

A. 1. Kitsonize—lKit-so’-ni-e (Kitson’s), Lowe.

This large-growing, lax form, originally found in Devonshire, is probably
the strongest one known, for its fronds usually measure about 14in. in length.
The pinne (leaflets), everywhere lax, are very remote, the distance between
the basal pair and the next one being 24in.; the others are about din. apart
throughout the fronds, which are widest in the centre, very gradually tapering
towards the extremity. The pinnules (leafits), also lax, are toothed, the basal
ones being larger and more divided, the others wedge-shaped at their base
and flattened and toothed at their upper margins.—Lowe, Our Native Ferns,
i, p. 156, fig. 499.

A. 1. miecrodon—mi’-crod-on (small-toothed), Moore.
This variety, which was originally found in Guernsey and subsequently
near Penzance, is undoubtedly the most striking of all the known forms of

the Spear-shaped Spleenwort; in fact, it is so distinct that when first

598 THE BOOK OF “CHOICE, PERNS,

discovered it was thought to be a variety of A. marinum and was described
as such by T. Moore, owing to its bemg so little divided. The larger and
more fully-developed fronds, however, have shown it to be an undivided form
of A. lanceolatum. Its fronds, 9in. to 12im. long and about 14in. broad, are
simply pinnate (only once divided to the midrib); they are irregularly linear
and terminate in a tapering point. The leaflets are very distinct, being
shortly stalked and deeply lobed; the lowest ones are triangular, oblique,
deflexed (thrown back), and taper to a blunt pomt; the upper ones are
shorter, but are equally lobed and undulated at the margin, which is finely
toothed. The basal lobes are rounded, divided nearly to the midrib, and
overlapping, the divisions becoming shallower upwards. The small and oblong
sorl (spore masses) are situated near the margin.—Lowe, Our Native Ferns,
i, p. 154, t. 398; also New and Rare ferns, i., t. 1lz. Nicholson,

Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 131.

A. (Diplazium) lanceum— Dip-laz’-i-um; lan’-cé-um (lance-shaped),
Thunberg.

A greenhouse species, of small dimensions, native of the Himalayas,
Ceylon, China, and Japan. The fronds are of a leathery nature, entire, Gin.
to 9in. long, about 4in. broad, and attenuated gradually upwards and
downwards, the edge being entire or slightly undulated. The sori (spore
masses) are narrow and long, reaching nearly to the edge but not to the
midrib.— Hooker, Species Filicum, iii., p. 235. Nicholson, Dictionary of
Gardening, i., p. 1381. Beddome, Ferns of Southern India, t. 227.

A. (Euasplenium) laserpitiifolium—Hu-as-ple’-ni-um ;_ la-ser-pi/-ti-if-
ol/-i-um (Laserpitium-leaved), Lamarck.

This very handsome and deservedly popular, greenhouse species, native
of the Polynesian Islands and North Australia, is remarkable on account of
the elegance of its much-divided fronds, which usually measure from 2ft. to
4ft. in length and 6m. to 18in. in breadth, and are borne on firm, erect,
greyish stalks 6in. to 12im. long. The numerous leaflets are of a papery texture
and vivid green colour ; the lowest are from Gin. to 9in. long and 4in. to
Gin. broad, and are cut down to the midrib into numerous distinct pinnules

leafits) which are again cut half-way or quite to the midrib (Fie. 112). The
s y | S

ASPLENIUM.

or
(Jo)
leo)

Sori (spore masses) are short, linear-oblong, irregular, and disposed from
two to four on each segment or pinnule-—Hooker, Species Filicum, iii,
p- 171, t. 203. Micholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 131. Lowe, New

and Rare Ferns, t. 13. Beddome, Ferns of Southern India, t. 225.

Fig. 112, Pinna and Portion of Pinna of Asplenium laserpitiifolium

(2 nat. size),

A. (Diplazium) latifolium—Dip-laz’-i-um ; la-tif-ol/-i-uam (having broad
leaves), Don.

A robust-growing, greenhouse species, of nearly arborescent habit, native
of Ceylon, the Neilgherries, and South China. The fronds, 3ft. to 4ft. long
and 1ft. to 14ft. broad, are borne on strong, erect, smooth stalks lft. or more
long, clothed towards the base with linear, crisped, dark brown scales ; they
are furnished on each side of the midrib with about twelve leaflets, the
largest of which are fully 12in. in length by 4in. in breadth. The pinnules

(leafits), which are numerous and of a somewhat leathery texture, 2in. long

600 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

and gin. broad at the base, have their edge slightly toothed and the base
truncate (terminating abruptly) on both sides. The sori (spore masses) are
lmear and about two lines long.—Hooker, Species Filicum, iii., p. 258.

A. laxum pumilum —lax’-um pu’-mil-um (loose and small),

Under this popular name, for which we can find no authority, one of
the handsomest forms of the New Zealand A. bulbiferum is very extensively
grown, being one of the Ferns best adapted for indoor decoration. The most
distinctive character lies in the closeness of the crown, which is always well
filled up with fronds falling outwardly, yet forming a most compact and
symmetrical plant. It is of slender habit, dark green in colour, and the
segments or sub-divisions of the frond are so narrow that the spore masses
frequently appear as if marginal—ZHooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 218.

A. (Diplazium) Lechleri—Dip-laz’-i-um ; Lech-le’-ri (Lechler’s), Mettenius.

This is a very strong-growing, stove species, of somewhat coarse habit,
but well adapted for planting on the warm rockery. Its fronds, 3ft. long
and 2ft. broad at the base, are borne on stout, upright stalks 2ft. to 3ft. long
and scaly towards the base. The pinnew (leaflets), of a very coriaceous
(leathery) texture and about Ift. long by 3in. broad, taper to a sharp point
at their extremity, while their base is equally rounded on both sides and
their edge is slightly toothed towards the point. The sori (spore masses)
begin at the midrib but fall short of the edge—Hooker, Species Filicum,
i, p. 244.

A. (Euasplenium) Linckii— Eu-as-ple’-ni-um ; Linck’-i-i (Linck’s),
Kuhn.

A greenhouse species, of small dimensions, native of Mount Kilimanjaro,
Kast Tropical Africa, where it is found at elevations varying between 5000ft.
and 8000ft. Its fronds, seldom more than 8in. long, are borne on short,
straw-coloured stalks and are quadripinnatifid (four times divided half-way
to the midrib); their leaflets, of a somewhat leathery texture and ten or
twelve on each side, are deltoid (in shape of the Greek delta, A), and have
their wedge-shaped lobes shortly stalked and furnished with sharp, narrow,
unequal teeth. The sori (spore masses) are only about two lines long.—
Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 487. |

ASPLENIUM., 601

A. (Euasplenium) lineatum—LHu-as-ple’-ni-um ; li-né-a/-tum (streaked),
Swartz.

This singular, stove species, native of the Mauritius and Bourbon
Islands, is a very puzzling plant on account of its gradually running into
forms with leaflets again pinnate, which have either small, narrow-linear
pimnules (leafits) such as in Darea inequalis of Willdenow and D. bifida of
Kaulfuss, or even these latter again deeply bifid (twice-cleft) or pinnatifid
(cut half-way to the midrib) as in D. bifida and D. violescens of Bory. Its
fronds, 1ft. to 2ft. in length, 4in. to Gin. in breadth, and borne on firm,
erect stalks 6in. to 9m. long and more or less scaly, are, however, usually
simply pinnate (once divided to the midrib); the twenty or thirty sessile
pinne (stalkless leaflets) on each side of their midrib are of a thin texture,
of a dark green colour, and toothed throughout. The sori (spore masses)
are disposed in very regular rows reaching from the midrib nearly to the
edge. — Hooker, Species Filicum, iti, p. 104. Micholson, Dictionary of
Gardening, 1., p. 131.

A. (Anisogonium) lineolatum — An-is-og-o’-ni-um ;_ li-né-ol-a’/-tum
(shghtly streaked), Mettenius. |

A stove species, native of the Philippines and the Malayan Peninsula and
Islands. The fronds are occasionally simple (undivided), but are usually
composed of a terminal leaflet and from three to six pais of lateral ones
Gin. to 12in, long and 2in. or more broad, equally entire, and of a leathery
texture. ‘The sori (spore masses) are disposed in slender lines extending from
the midrib to the edge-——Hooker, Species Filicum, iii., p. 268. Beddome,
Ferns of British India, t. 330.

A. (Euasplenium) longicauda—Ku-as-ple’-ni-um ; long-ic-au’-da (having
a long tail), Hooker.

A very singular, stove species, from the Cameroon Mountains and
Fernando Po, with fronds 1ft. to 14ft. long and Gin. to 9in. broad, borne on
firm, erect, brownish stalks 6in. to 12m. long and nearly naked. The fronds
are composed of a large, oblong, terminal leaflet 6in. to 8in. long and lin. to

din. broad, which is often elongated and proliferous, and of lateral leaflets
similar in shape to the terminal one but usually smaller, with the margin

602 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

shghtly undulated. The texture is thin and papery and the colour deep
green. The broad and distant sori (spore masses) do not reach either
the edge or the midrib. In some fully-developed specimens the terminal
leaflet is Itt. long, considerably sinuated (wavy) upwards and proliferous (bud-
bearmg) at the extremity; the lateral leaflets are also often proliferous at the
pomt.—Hooker, Second Century of Ferns, t. 69.

Fig, 113, Frond of Asplenium longissimum
(& nat. size).

A. (Euasplenium) longissimum — Eu-as-ple’-ni-um; long-is’-sim-um
(longest), Blume.

This beautiful, pendulous, stove species, native of Java, Borneo, Malacca,
and the Mauritius, is, of all the known Aspleniums, the one best adapted for
growing in a basket of large dimensions. Its very elegant fronds (Fig. 113),
2ft. to 3ft. long and din. to 6in. broad, are borne on strong, blackish stalks
din, to 12im. long and very flexible; they are furnished on each side of the
midrib with numerous pinne (leaflets) of a somewhat leathery texture and

dark green in colour. The leaflets are stalkless and have their two sides

ASPLENIUM. 608

nearly equal, with a distinct midrib, their edge slightly toothed, and their
base often auricled (eared) on both sides. The fronds are abundantly produced
from a thick and slightly-creeping rhizome (prostrate stem), so that, being an
evergreen species, the plant is well furnished at all seasons with fronds which
last a very long time. The numerous sori (spore masses) are disposed in two
regular rows on each side of the midrib and reach nearly to the edge.—
Hooker, Species Filicum, iti, p. 149, t. 190. Nicholson, Dictionary of
Gardening, i., p. 131. Beddome, Ferns of British India, t. 63.

A. lucidum—lu’-cid-um (shining), Morster.
The plant which is extensively grown under this name for decoration
is really a form of A. obtusatum. It is equally indigenous in Australia and

in New Zealand.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 207.

A. (Euasplenium) lunulatum — Ev-as-ple’-ni-um ; lu-nul-a’-tum
(crescent-shaped), Szwartz.

This pretty, stove species, also known as A. erectum, is very widely
distributed throughout the Tropics, from Cuba to Rio Janeiro and Juan
Fernandez, in the Sandwich Islands, Indian and Malayan Peninsulas, Ceylon,
Cape Colony, northward to Bourbon, St. Helena, Ascension Islands, and on the
Guinea Coast. It is of medium dimensions, and its narrow-spear-shaped fronds,
Gin, to 18in. long and only about 1}in. broad, borne on nearly naked, grey
stalks 2in. to 4in. long, are furnished with from twenty to twenty-five pairs
of pinne (leaflets) about lin. long, 4in. broad, bluntish at the point, and
more or less deeply notched throughout. These fronds are of a thin, papery
texture, dark green in colour, and the lower pinne are often deflexed (thrown
back), whereas the others are all horizontal. The sori (spore masses), disposed
on each side of the midrib, form oblique lines falling short of both edge
and midrib.—Hooker, Species Filicum, iti., p. 127. Nicholson, Dictionary of
Gardening, i., p. 131.

Several pretty and distinct forms of A. lunulatum are cultivated as
decorative Ferns, the principal ones being A. 1. ernandesianum of Kunze and
A. 1. reclinatum of Houlston (Gvhich is the same. plant as A. tenellum of
commerce and so named by Roxburgh). The former is distinguished from

the typical plant by its more rigid habit and also by the more coriaceous

604 THE BOOK (OF (CHOICE LiERINS,

(leathery) texture of its leaflets, while the latter is a form with wide-spreading
fronds of equally dark green colour but copiously proliferous (bud-bearing) at
their extremity.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 202.

A. (Athyrium) macrocarpum—Ath-yr’-i-um ; mac-roc-ar’-pum (large-
fruited), Blume.

A greenhouse species, in general habit somewhat resembling our common
Nephrodium (Lastrea) spinulosum and a native of Ceylon, North China, and
the Himalayas, where it is found at an elevation of 6000f. According to
Beddome, it is also found on the Neilgherries and the Anamallays, and is
abundant near Neddiwattan. Its fronds, lft. to 2ft. long and 6in. to 9in. broad,
are borne on firm, upright, straw-coloured stalks 6in. to 9in. long and scaly
below. The pinne (leaflets), of a thin, papery texture, 3in. to din. long and
1din. broad, are spear-shaped and cut down to the midrib into numerous
oblong pinnules (leafits) which are deeply notched and on the under-side of
which the conspicuously large sori (spore masses) are abundantly disposed.
The sori are covered by involucres so nearly reniform (kidney-shaped) and
of such a transparent texture that Moore places this species under Lastrea.—
Hooker, Species Lilicum, i., p. 222. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening,
i, p- 132. Beddome, Ferns of Southern India, t. 152.

A. (Euasplenium) macrophyllum—Ev-as-ple’-ni-um ; mac-roph-yl’/-lum
(large-leaved), Swartz.

A greenhouse species, native of Polynesia, the Malayan Peninsula and
Islands, Hong-Kong, and the Himalayas, and which, Beddome says, is also
found on the Neilgherries and in the Anamallay forests growing on rocks and
trees at various elevations between 2000ft. and 4000ft. Its ample fronds, 6in.
to 18in. long and 6in. to 12in. broad, borne on stout, upright, brownish stalks
of similar length, are furnished with from six to twelve pairs of stalked
leaflets horizontally placed and opposite. These leaflets are of a somewhat
leathery texture, 3in. to Gin. long, lin. to 3in. broad, sharp-pointed, and have
their edges sharply serrated (saw-toothed). The sori (spore masses) are
disposed in close, long, parallel lines reaching from the midrib nearly to the
edge.—Hooker, Species Filicum, ii, p. 158, t. 196. Beddome, Ferns of
Southern India, t. 142. ;

ASPLENIUM. 605

A. (Euasplenium) magellanicum—Eu-as-ple’-ni-um ; mag-el-lan/-ic-um
(from Magellan), Kaulfuss.

A greenhouse species, of small dimensions, much resembling our common
Wall-Rue (A. Ruta-muraria), but with fronds more compound ; their second
divisions or pinnules are again cut down into spathulate (spoon-shaped)
segments shghtly dented round the edges, and the sori (spore masses) are so

copiously disposed as to entirely cover the under-surface of the pinnules. It

is a native of Temperate South America.—Hooker, Species Filicum, iii., p. 177.
A. (Darea) Mannii—Da’-ré-a ; Man’-ni-i (Mann’s), Hooker.

A greenhouse species, of very diminutive dimensions, seldom exceeding

S I ; , Ss

2in, in height. It is a native of the Cameroon Mountains, Fernando Po, and

Zambesi Land.—Hooker, Second Century of Ferns, t. 60.

A. (Memidictyum) marginatum—He-mid-ic’-t¥-um ; mar-gin-a/-tum
(margined), Linneus.

This stove species, one of the most gigantic of the whole genus, is
a native of Tropical America, its habitat extending from Cuba and Venezuela
to Peru and Brazil. Its robust fronds, 4ft. to 6ft. long and 2ft. to 4ft. broad,
are borne on strong, erect, woody stalks 2ft. to 3ft. long and sometimes 4in.
thick at the base, and are simply pinnate (only once divided to the midrib),
their leaflets being disposed in several opposite pairs. The lowest of these
leaflets are from Ift. to 2ft. long and 3in. to 4in. broad, have their edge
entire and their base often heart-shaped, and are of a thin, papery texture.
The long and narrow sori are disposed on the free veins only.—Hooker,
Species Hilicum, ii., p. 271. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 132..

A. (Euasplenium) marinum — Ev-as-ple’-ni-um; mar-i/-num (Sea
Spleenwort), Linneus.

This greenhouse species, which, as its name implies, grows naturally by
the seaside, is of a very cosmopolitan character, as besides being a native of
the British Islands it is also indigenous in the South of France, Spain,. the
Canary Islands, Madeira, Teneriffe, the Azores, and the Northern parts of
Africa, in all of which places it is tolerably abundant. It is, however, as
a British plant that it is most interesting, and it is sad to have to record

606 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

that in many localities where it formerly erew in abundance scarcely a plant
of it 1s to: be found now: all have been wantonly destroyed by the tourist

and the Fern-hawker in their endeavours to distribute it among town

Fig, 114, Asplenium marinum
(4 nat, size).

gardens. The Sea Spleenwort generally grows in chinks of rocks, to the
sides of which it clings so firmly that it is very difficult to remove the
plants without injurmg them. Fortunately it is a free-growing Fern which,
even when detached with only a few roots, readily starts into growth under

ASPLENIUM. 607

good treatment. Its firm, leathery foliage, of a pleasing dark green colour
and most peculiarly glossy nature, renders it one of the most distinct of our
native Ferns.

The Sea Spleenwort has for a very long time been known as a British
plant, for Johnson, Gerarde’s editor, in 1633 wrote: “It grows in the chinks
of the rocks by the seaside in Cornwall ;” whereas Gerarde himself, as far
back as 1597, stated that “it groweth under shadowy rocks and craggy
mountains in most places,’ which remark is rather too general for useful
information. Ray found it “on the rocks about Prestholm Island, near
Beaumaris, and at Llandwyn, in the Isle of Anglesey; about the Castle of
Hastings, in Sussex, and elsewhere on the rocks of the Southern Coast.” It
has also been found on Marsden Rocks, Durham; in the Isle of Man and
the Isle of Staffa, in Berwickshire, Aberdeenshire, Fifeshire, and on the
Hastern Coast of Scotland. In Ireland it has been gathered on the Sutton
side of Howth Mountain, at Underwood Killiney Hill, and in other places
near Derrinane, in Kerry, and frequently on the Western and Southern
Coasts ; also in the Isle of Orkney, the Channel Islands, and up the Bristol
Channel as far as Clevedon.

The fronds of the Sea Spleenwort, which in favourable situations and
under generous cultivation sometimes attain 20in. in length, are produced
from a single succulent crown almost entirely covered with black, chatty
scales, which, however, do not extend along the stalk; they usually are
oblong-spear-shaped, from 6in. to 12in. long and 2in. to 3in. broad, and are
borne on tufted, polished stalks 3in. to 6in. long and of a chestnut-brown or
nearly black colour, The abundant leaflets are of a leathery texture and
bright shining green in colour; those of the lower half of the frond are
quite distinct (Fig. 114), spreading horizontally, lin. or more long, in. broad,
with their point sometimes sharp but more usually blunt and their margin
notched and toothed, slightly truncate (terminating abruptly) below and often
auricled (eared) above. The broad sori (spore masses) fall short of the edge.
—Flooker, Species Filicum, iti., p. 95. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening,
1, p. 132. Lowe, Ferns British and Exotic, v., t. 23.

Although really a British Fern, the Sea Spleenwort does not succeed
well in the open in many parts of Great Britain; whereas it certainly
luxuriates in warmth and readily adapts itself to the treatment allowed even

608 TEE BOOKS OF, CHOICE Wiens:

to our stove plants, though it grows very well and forms splendid specimens
in the cool and intermediate houses, pits, vineries, &e. A. marinum proves
one of the handsomest Ferns in cultivation when planted in the temperate
Fernery, where its shining and durable fronds, of a particularly leathery
texture, show to great advantage, and are rendered still more striking by the
purplish-black colour of their stalks, which, on account of their robust nature,
entirely differ from all others of our native Ferns. Although in its natural ~
state the Sea Spleenwort appears to require very little nourishment for its
maintenance, and although when cultivated its young seedlings will often
make their appearance and, if left undisturbed, grow luxuriantly in places
where scarcely a particle of soil is to be found, yet it is more satisfactory to
plant it in a compost of three parts fibrous peat and one of sand, with
thorough drainage.

The various situations in which this species is found in its wild state
naturally account for the slight variations in the general appearance of some
of the specimens. Some very distinct varieties, mostly, if not all, of natural
production, are in cultivation; the following are the most distinct and at the
same time those which remain most constant :

A. M. coronans—cor-o’-nans (crowned), Moore.

This is a very pretty, dwarf form, with fronds seldom more than Gin.
long and simply pinnate. For about two-thirds of the way the leaflets,
irregularly lobed and cut, are variable in form; the upper third is freely
branched, with numerous overlapping, curled, and slightly-crested divisions,
forming a dense head 2in. or more in diameter.—Nicholson, Dictionary of
Gardening, i., p. 132.

A. m. crenatum—cre-na’-tum (notched), Moore.

A pretty variety, with fronds 6in. to Sin. long, broadly spear-shaped, and
furnished with blunt leaflets that are nearly trapeziform and deeply notched
on their margins.—Micholson, Dictionary of Gardening, 1., p. 182. |

A. m. imbricatum—im-bric-a/-tum (imbricated or overlapping), Lowe.
This very distinct, dwarf form was raised from spores in the neighbour-
hood of Birmingham. Its fronds, seldom more than Gin. long, are distinct

(O2IS ‘Feu | ‘puory Jo uo, ‘omy “yeu Yt QrqeT)

puos4s payonjap Jo uoysog pun jigoy #ulmoys ‘wnjposalson wn}n}

iplds y

S140 WHI

AI

ASPLENIUM., 609

from those of all other known kinds through the disposition of their leaflets,
These are placed so close to each other that they overlap fully one-half of
their width and are consequently much imbricated ; they are auricled (eared)
at the base and minutely dented on their margins. The frond is of equal
breadth nearly to the summit, where it rapidly contracts into a blunt, lobed
leaflet (Fig. 115).—Lowe, Our Native Ferns, ii, p. 194, fig. 543.

A\ ; S\\ N)

N IG \

SS

BE
SS
LB

>

Zo
Z

Fig, 118, Frond of Asplenium marinum imbricatum

@ nat. size).

A. m. ineisum—in-ci’-sum (cut), Moore.

A small, pretty form, found wild at Great Orme’s Head and near
Llangollen. Its fronds, 6in. to 9in. long, are furnished with leaflets only fin.
long, having their anterior base auricled (eared) and usually showing three
deep incisions along the anterior margin. The few sori (spore masses) are
large and are mostly situated at the anterior edge of the lobes—Lowe, Our
Native Ferns, ii., p. 189, fig. 533.

A. m. interruptum—in-ter-rup’-tum (interrupted), Moore.

A form that is more curious than beautiful, for it differs from the typical
species only by its interrupted and irregular character, the pinne (leaflets)
being variable in size and shape; some of them are long and triangular, |
others ege-shaped, one pinna being frequently four times as long as the next.
—Lowe, Our Native Ferns, ii., p. 193, t. 45a.

4D

610 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

A. m. laxum
This is a very singular form, found wild in the Burrow, County Clare.

lax’-um (loose), Lowe.

Its fronds, 2ft. to 8ft. long and borne on long, ebeneous (blackish) stalks,
are furnished with pinnae (leaflets) set far apart, especially in the lower
portion of the frond, where they are over lin. distant and are also the
smallest, gradually becoming larger to about 5in. below the summit and then
slightly narrowing. The leaflets are simple, with a shallow-dented margin.—
Lowe, Our Native Ferns, u., p. 192, figs. 538 and 539.

A. m. mirabile—mi-ra’-bil-é (wonderful), Moore.

In this very strange variety, the fronds, which are about 8in. long
including the stalks, have their midrib cleft about half-way down from
the top into two nearly equal divisions, which are again freely forked and
furnished with bluntly-lobed leaflets and segments. The whole of the leafy
portion is expanded, but not crested, into a breadth equal to the length of
the frond, and the lower leaflets, more or less abnormal, are also bluntly.
lobed.—Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, 1., p. 182.

A. m. multifido-irregulare—mul-tif’-id-o—-ir-reg-ul-a’-ré (irregular and
much-cleft), Love.

A variety having fronds of medium size, with leaflets very irregular in

size and form, some of them no larger than the lobes of others which. are

deeply divided, while others are simply toothed. The extremity of each

od

frond is regularly forked.—Lowe, Our Native Ferns, t., p. 197, fig. 547.

A. m. parallelum
This is a very strong-growing variety, originally found in Guernsey,

par-al-le’-lum (parallel), Moore.

and the fronds of which attain 3ft. in length. The distinctive character
resides in the shape of its leaflets, which are somewhat distantly placed,
measure from 2in. to 2}in. in length and barely in. in breadth, and are
parallel-sided, with their base wedge-shaped and their margin coarsely though
not deeply toothed.—Lowe, Our Native Ferns, ii., p. 188, fig. 531.

A. m. plumosum—plu-mo’-sum (feathery), Moore.
Perhaps the handsomest form of A. marinum, for its fronds, which

have a very elegant appearance and are from 6in. to 1din, long, are

ASPLEN/IUM. 611

broadly spear-shaped and bi- or tripinnatifid (twice or three times divided
half-way to the midrib). The leaflets, which are so closely set as to
occasionally overlap one another, are cut nearly to the midrib into oblong
divisions which are again more or less deeply cut and lobed.— Nicholson,
Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 182.

A. m. ramo-plumosum—ra/-mo-plu-mo/-sum (branched and feathery),
Moore. .

A very handsome variety, with fronds divided nearly to the top of the
stalks into two main branches which are distinctly pinnate (once divided
to the midrib) and furnished below with distantly-set leaflets, whereas those
of the upper part are imbricated (overlapping) and cut nearly to the
midrib into egg-shaped or oblong lobes, the margins of which are slightly
dentate (toothed).—WNicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 132.

Fig. 116, Frond of Asplenium marinum ramosum
(nat. size).

A. m. ramosum—ra-mo’-sum (branched), Wollaston.

This pretty, dwarf, and very distinct form, originally found in Dorsetshire,
is conspicuous by the branching of its fronds, 4in. to Sin. long, and also by
the broad, short leaflets with which they are furnished. The basal leaflets
are triangular and nearly as broad as they are long, wedge-shaped at the
base, and remarkable for their irregular undulate and broadly-toothed margins.

The plant is very free-growing, and produces abundantly its fronds, which are
4p 2

612 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

singularly and very irregularly divided, some being forked from about the
middle of their leafy portion, while a few are borne on stalks divided near
the base, but by far the greatest portion of them are more or less branched
near their summit only, as illustrated in Fig. 116.—Lowe, Our Native Ferns,
i, t. 458. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 132.

A. m. ramo-trapeziforme—ra’/-mo-trap-e-zif-or’-mé (branched and
rhomb-shaped), Clapham.

In this pretty, dwarf, much-divided variety, originally found at Burniston,
near Scarborough, the fronds, which are furnished with small, roundish-
trapeziform, and usually sharply-toothed leaflets, branch at the top of the
stalks or half-way up the leafy portion of the fronds, and these branches are

again forked once or twice.—Lowe, Our Native Ferns, ii., 195, fig. 544.

A. m. subbipinnatum—sub’-bip-in-na’-tum (twice divided nearly to the
midrib), Moore.

This very pretty variety, which was originally found in a cave at Petit
Bot Bay, Guernsey, and later on in Cornwall, is equal in size to the typical
species, but its fronds, 7in. long and 24in. broad, are so much divided and so
deeply lobed as to become quite bipinnate; the leaflets are wedge-shaped at
the base, and slightly toothed on the margin. Lowe gives it as his opinion
that this variety is never fertile—Lowe, Our Native Ferns, ii, p. 188,
fig. 532. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 1382.

A. m. Thompsonize—Thomp-so’-ni-z2 (Mrs. Thompson’s), Lowe.

An exceedingly distinct and very beautiful form, originally found wild
in Devonshire, and haying fronds 14in. long, widest at their base, and very
gradually narrowing to the point. The leaflets are alternate (not opposite),
narrow and long, and conspicuously auricled (eared), the basal ones especially
so; their superior margin is notched and toothed, yet not deeply divided ;
the lower margin, on the contrary, is very deeply cut into narrow segments,
some of the basal ones being even shortly stalked, and as these segments
are disposed more or less at right angles with the midrib, the plant has
a much lacimiated (torn) appearance. — Lowe, Our Native Ferns, ii., p. 196,
figs. 545 and 546. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 132.

ASPLENIUM. 613

A. m. trapeziforme—trap-e-zif-or’-mé (rhomb-shaped), Clapham.

A rather dwarf variety, of robust habit, found in several localities,
originally at Cloughton Bay, near Scarborough; later on at Saleombe, near
Kingsbridge, Devonshire, and at Torquay; at St. Just, Cornwall, and in
County Down. Its fronds, of very leathery texture and deep green in colour,
are furnished with short leaflets that are rounded but hardly eared, the lower
ones being deflexed (thrown back), trapeziform, the others often overlapping.
—Lowe, Our Native Ferns, 1., p. 193, figs. 540 and 541.

A. m. variabile
This very singular form, originally found amongst a batch of seedlings

var-i-a’-bil-é (variable), Monkman.

in the neighbourhood of Scarborough, and later on high up among the rocks
above the caves of Kynance Cove, near the Lizard, on the Cornish coast, is
of erect habit and dwarf dimensions. Its fronds, which are all more or less
different in form and seldom more than 6in. long, are very dark shining-
green ; they have about one-third of their length ramose, sometimes branching
several times, and are usually furnished with irregularly-shortened leaflets,
though these are sometimes totally wanting.—Lowe, Our Native Ferns, ti
p. 191, fig. 537.

a7,

A. Martensianum—Mar-ten-si-a’-num (Martens’). A form of A. bulbiferum.

A. (Diplazium) maximum—Dip-laz’-i-um ; max’-im-um (largest), Don.

This gigantic-growing, stove species, native of North India, is remarkable
for its ample fronds, several feet lone, 2ft. to 3ft. broad, and borne on firm,
erect stalks 2ft. long or more and scaly only at the base. The numerous
leaflets are from 9in. to 18in. long, 4in. to 8in. broad, divided into numerous
distinct, sub-sessile (nearly stalkless) pinnules 2in. to 4in. long, of a_ soft,
papery texture, with their edge more or less lobed. The sori (spore masses),
disposed close to the midvein, are about two lines long.—Hooker, Synopsis
Filicum, p. 239. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 182.

A. (Diplazium) melanocaulon—Dip-laz’-i-um; mel-an-oc-au’-lon (black-
stalked), Baker.

A stove species, from Fiji and Aneitum, somewhat resembling in its

mode of growth A. arborescens, from which it differs by the more leathery

614. THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

texture of its ample fronds, by their black stalks, and by the shorter
spore masses.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 240. Nicholson, Dictionary of
Gardening, 1., p. 1382.

A. (Athyrium) Michauxii— Ath-yr’-i-um; Mich-aux’-i-i (Michaux’s),
Sprengel.

This very handsome, hardy species is a native of North America.
Its fronds, which are deciduous (die down in the winter), are from
Ift. to 2ft. long, 3in. to 9in. broad, and borne on stalks 4in. to Sin. long
and of a hight claret-colour; they are of erect habit and twice or three times
pinnate. The leaflets, of a thin, papery texture and deep green colour, are
spear-shaped and divided into oblong, sharply-pointed leafits that are again
cleft into deeply-toothed segments. The abundant sori (spore masses) are
sub-lunate (half-moon-shaped) and their indusium (covering) is fringed on the
free margin.—WNicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 1382. -Lowe, Ferns
British and Exotic, v., t. 37.

A. (Euasplenium) monanthemum — Eu-as-ple/-ni-um ; mon-anth/-
em-um (one-flowered), Linneus.

This exceedingly pretty, greenhouse species is a native of the temperate
regions of both hemispheres, being found abundantly in Madeira, the Azores,
Cape Colony, and also along the Andes of Chili. Its simply-pinnate fronds,
lft. to 14ft. lone and barely lin. broad, borne on polished, chestnut-brown
stalks seldom more than 2in. long, are of erect habit and furnished with
twenty to thirty pairs of stalkless leaflets of a leathery texture, of
a brilliant green colour, and disposed horizontally. These leaflets, about Hin.
long and 4in. deep, are of a peculiar dimidiate form, being fully developed
on one side of the midvein and scarcely at all on the other ; they are
rounded at their extremity (which, like their upper side, is notched), suddenly
narrowed at the base, and often eared; their lower side is more or less cut
away in a straight or, in the lower ones, decurved line, and they are so
closely placed as to be in some cases almost overlapping. Instead of being
prohferous at their extremity or on their upper surface, the fronds of this
species possess the peculiarity of producing little bulbils at the axils of the
basal pair of leaflets only (Fig. 117), being in that respect different from most

615

ASPLENIUM.
The narrow-oblong and very conspicuous

other Aspleniums in cultivation.
sorl (spore masses) are mostly solitary, being disposed parallel with the

lp

>

SWE LNA f
Bese Al

‘ -
¥ v
we
SY,
BRS
:

wo VP

i
SSx— 7 \\F
eal

P

Fig, 117, Asplenium monanthemum—a, Portion of Frond showing the mode of Proliferation usually
found on the Basal Pair of Leaflets in Fully-developed Specimens

(Plant, 4 nat. size; Leaflets with Bulbil, 4 nat. size).

lower edge of the leaflet; occasionally, however, there are two or even more
to a pinna.—looker, Species Filicum, ii., p. 140. Nicholson, Dictionary of

Gardening, i., p. 132. Lowe, Ferns British and Exotic, v., t. 1A.

616 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

A. (Euasplenium) montanum—tEu-as-ple’-ni-um ; mon-ta/-num (found
on mountains), Willdenow.

This pretty, small-growing, greenhouse species is a native of North
America, where it is called the Mountain Spleenwort, and, according to
Eaton, is found in crevices of rocks in mountainous districts from Ulster
County, New York, southward along the Alleghanies, and west of them to
Kentucky, Tennessee, and Alabama. In these places it grows in dense tufts, the
rootstocks being so matted and fastened together by interlacing that a single
plant is not easily separated from the mass. The fronds, only 2in. to 3in,
long and decidedly triangular-ovate in shape, are borne on wiry, naked stalks
of similar length, polished and of a dark brown colour in their lower part,
but becoming green and herbaceous below the base of the leafy portion of
the fronds. The leaflets are of a leathery texture, gradually smaller and
simpler towards the extremity of the frond, the lowest ones being distinctly
stalked and divided to the midrib into spoon-shaped segments sharply toothed
round the outer edge. The rather short and copious sori (spore masses) are
placed near the midveins of the segments. This little Fern bears a certain
resemblance to the small varieties of the European A. Adiantum-nigrum; while
very small forms of it, or plants growing in very exposed situations, are
somewhat like A. Ruta-muraria, and the authors of the “ Synopsis Filicum ”
remark that it is intermediate between the two.—Hooker, Species F wlicum,
iu, p. 177. Eaton, Ferns of North America, ii., t. 51. Nicholson, DMctionary
of Gardening, i., p. 182.

A. (Euasplenium) mucronatum—Eu-as-ple’-ni-um ; mu-cro-na/-tum
(sharp-pointed), Presi.

This is a delicate and well-marked, stove species, native of Brazil. Its
fronds are Ift. or more long, barely lin. broad, and borne on slender, naked,
polished stipites (stalks) lin. to Yin. long; they are very: flaccid in habit and
are furnished with numerous pairs of pinne (leaflets) of parchment-like texture
and bright green in colour. The leaflets, which are 14in. long and 4in. broad,
are stalkless, deflexed (thrown back), and deeply cut on both sides of the
midrib into mucronate (sharp-pointed) lobes the base of which is heart- shaped
on both sides. The sori (spore masses) are narrow-oblong and fe
Species Filicum, iii., p. 128.

ASPLENIUM. 617

A. (Darea) multifidum—Da’-ré-a ; mul-tif’-id-um (much-cleft), Bracken-
ridge.

A strong-growing, stove species, native of Tahiti and the Fiji and Society
Islands. Its ample fronds, 2ft. to 3ft. long and lft. to 14ft. broad, are borne
on stout, erect, grey, naked stalks 1ft. to 14ft. long, slightly scaly at their
base only. The fronds, although remarkably large, have a very light
appearance owing to their being quadripinnatifid (four times divided nearly
to the midrib) ; they are of a leathery texture and are cut into spear-shaped
pinnules (leafits) which in their turn are subdivided into segments; the
lowest segments are again cut down nearly to the stalk into close, spoon-
shaped, bluntly-toothed divisions, upon the margins of which the very small
sori (spore masses) are disposed, only one to each division—Hooker, Species
Filicum, 11 p. 212.

A. multisectum — mul-tis-ec’-tum (much-cut). This is identical with
A. aspidioides.

A. musefolium—mu-se-fol’-i-um (Musa-leaved). A variety of A. Nidus.

A. (Euasplenium) myriophyllum—Eu-as-ple’-ni-um ; my-ri-oph-yl’-
lum (myriad-leaved), Presi.

This remarkably elegant and pretty Fern, native of North America,
where it is popularly known as the Milfoil Spleenwort, is, by Hooker and
Baker, classified as a variety of A. rhizophyllum of Kunze. Eaton, however,
in his splendid work “Ferns of North America,” retains it as a species,
saying that “it is the most delicate and finely-divided of all our Aspleniums,
and need not be confounded with any other native species.” In general
appearance it is much more like the popular A. cicwtariuwm, also from
Florida, than A. rhizophylluwm, the proliferous and distinctive character of this
latter species not being reproduced in A. myriophyllum. According to Eaton,
it is found wild on the walls of a limestone cave at Schurlock’s Spring,
Jackson County, Florida, and near Ocala, also in Florida, where it grows in
tufts at the bottom of pocket-like holes in cavernous lime-rocks, its fronds
spreading flat around the orifice. The fronds, 1ft. to 14ft. long, are borne on
slender, dark brown stalks lin. to 3in. long; they are produced from a very

short, upright rootstock and are tripinnate (three times divided to the midrib),

618 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

the central pinne (leaflets), I4in. long, having their lower pinnules (leatits )
cut down into several simple or forked, linear segments. The somewhat
elongated sori (spore masses) are disposed one on the vein of each lobe or
segment.—Hooker, Synopsis Hilicum, p. 220. Eaton, Ferns of North America,

ii, t 51.

A. (Thamnopteris) Nidus—Tham-nop’-ter-is ; Ni/-dus (nest), Linneus.
This singular and very interesting, stove species, which, on account of
the peculiar mode of its growth (Fig. 118), is popularly known as the Bird’s-
nest Tern, has a very extensive range of habitat, beg a native of Mauritius,
the Seychelles, Japan, Bonin, and Chusan,
westward to the Society Islands, south-
ward to Queensland, Norfolk Island, and
Lord Howe’s Island; it is also found in
the Peninsula of India, and Beddome, in
his excellent books on Indian Ferns, says
that it is very abundant in moist woods
on the Anamallays at an elevation of
3000ft. to 4000ft. It has also been gathered
in Burmah, in Assam, and on the Hima-
layas. The entire (undivided) fronds, 2ft.

to 4ft. long, 4in. to 8in. broad, of a leathery

texture and shining nature, rise symme-

trically from a single succulent crown
sy: 2 ;

Fig. 118. Asplenium Nidus ’ ;
furuaneteaucady leaving quite a hollow centre at the base ;

they are of nearly the same _ breadth

throughout, sharp-pointed at their extremity, and gradually taper below into

a very short stalk. The sori (spore masses), which occupy the upper half of

the frond, are disposed in oblique lines about half-way between the midrib

and the margin.—Hooker, Species Filicum, ii., p. 77. Nicholson, Dictionary

of Gardening, i, p. 132. Lowe, New and Rare Ferns, t. 36. Beddome,
Ferns of Southern India, t. 123; Ferns of British India, t. 197.

A, Nidus is a Fern which thrives best in a mixture of about equal parts

of rough, fibrous peat and chopped sphagnum, for it requires very little soul,

most of its nourishment being derived from aérial roots, which are produced

ASPLENIUM. 619

freely on the surface of the pot and at the base of the fronds, if the
atmosphere is kept in proper condition, This singular species has produced
several varieties ; the following, however, are the most distinct and the only
two generally found in commerce :

A. N. australasicum

This variety differs from the typical plant in its fronds being less pointed

aus-tra-las’-ic-um (Australian), Hooker.

and having their midrib strongly keeled on the back, also in its habit
(=) co) } )
as the fronds grow horizontally before taking their upright course, thus
forming a circular, deep, vase-shaped hollow.—/ooker, Synopsis Filicum,
p. 191. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, 1., p. 182. Lowe, Ferns British
’ Js %,
and Hxotic, v., t. 15x.

A. N. museefolium—mu-see-fol’-i-um (Musa-leaved), MJettenius.

This most distinct form is also so handsome that Sir W. J. Hooker says
“it is unquestionably the most noble of all the genus Aspleniwm.” It difters
essentially from the species by its much larger fronds, sometimes 6ft. long
and lft. broad, which, instead of being of nearly uniform breadth throughout,
are of an elliptic-spear-shape, gradually tapering to a narrow wing at the base
of thew stalks. Besides the above-named characters there is another point
essentially distinct: the fronds, instead of growing horizontally at first, are
disposed symmetrically all round the succulent crown, and take an upright
direction from the start, so as to leave the crown less elevated and less
exposed, thus making the hollow centre more funnel-shaped. The sori (spore
masses) extend nearly to the edge. This variety is remarkably well adapted
for decoration m vases, in which it makes a very pretty object—Hooker,
Synopsis Filicum, p. 190. Lowe, New and Rare Ferns, p. 90. Nicholson,
Dictionary of Gardening, 1., p. 1382.

Although requiring stove heat .to grow and develop their handsome
fronds properly during the greater part of the year, A. Nidus and its varieties
stand well out of doors in the summer if not exposed to the full sun,
and they prove exceedingly effective when used in the sub-tropical garden.
Great care must be taken to keep away slugs and woodlice, which are
particularly fond of the young succulent fronds: the most effectual way of

preventing these pests from getting at the plants consists in placing the

620 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

pot over a pan of water, on three inverted pots, so as to prevent its bottom
from touching the water, but at the same time leaving a liquid barrier of
a couple of inches all round to keep off intruders.

A. (Athyrium) nigripes—Ath-yr’-i-um ; nig’-rip-és (having a black foot
or stalk), Blume.

A greenhouse species, of medium dimensions, much resembling in general
habit A. macrocarpum, from which, however, it entirely differs by its
fructification—its sori (spore masses), linear-oblong in shape and often curved,
being disposed principally in two parallel rows close to the midrib of the
pinnules (leafits). It is a native of Japan, the Neilgherries, Ceylon, and
the Himalayas, where it is found at 10,000ft. elevationHooker, Species
Filicum, iii., p. 227. Beddome, Ferns of Southern India, t. 157.

A. (Euasplenium) nitens—Eu-as-ple’-ni-um ; nit/-ens (shining), Swartz.

A very pretty, stove species, native of the Mauritius and Bourbon
Islands. Its fronds are 1}ft. to 2ft. long, Gin. to 9im. broad, and are
borne on firm, erect, naked and polished stalks 6in. to 9in. long and_ of
a chestnut-brown colour ; they are furnished with from fifteen to twenty pairs
of ascending and nearly sickle-shaped leaflets of a leathery texture, which
are din. to 6im. long, about lin. broad, terminating in a sharp point, the
edge being finely toothed, the base broadly rounded on the upper, and
truncate in a curve on the lower, side. The sori (spore masses) are
disposed closely and in regular rows which do not extend more than
half-way from the midrib to the edge—Hooker, Species Filicum, iti., p. 157,
t. 195. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 132.

A. (Euasplenium) nitidum—Eu-as-ple’-ni-um ; nit’-id-um (shining),
Swarts.

A pretty and decorative, stove species, native of the Malayan Peninsula
and Islands, also of British India, where, according to Beddome, it is
found in the Sisparah Ghat, on the Neilgherries, at 4000ft. elevation. Its
fronds, 2ft. to 3ft. long and Ift. broad, are borne on firm, erect, greyish
stalks about Ift. long: they are bipinnate (Fig. 119). The numerous leaflets,
of a leathery texture and paler in colour on the under-side, the lowest

ASPLENIUM, 621

6in. to 9in. long and 2in. to 3in. broad, are divided to the rachis (stalk
of the leafy portion) imto numerous stalked pinnules (leafits); the leafits
are again cut into broad, flabellate (fan-shaped) segments, which are rounded
at their base and have their outer edge deeply toothed. The sori (spore
masses) are disposed near the midrib and nearly straight.— Hooker, Species
Filicum, iii., p. 172. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 182. Lowe,
New and Rare Ferns, t. 18. Beddome, Ferns of Southern. India, t. 148.

i WE
a\ YZ

Fig. 119. Frond of Asplenium nitidum

G nat. size).

A. nobile—no’-bil-é (noble). A garden name for a variety of A. viviparum.

A. (Euasplenium) normale—Eu-as-ple’-ni-um ; nor-ma/-lé (normal), Don.

A very pretty, stove species, of dwarf dimensions, native of the
Himalayas, the Anamallays, and the Neilgherries, where, according to
Beddome, it is common on higher elevations. Its fronds, about 8in. long
and 13in. broad, are borne on wiry, blackish stalks 4in. to 6in. long, and
are furnished with numerous closely-placed leaflets of a leathery texture,

622 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

the lower ones deflexed (thrown back), blunt-pointed, and notched at their
edges, the upper side auricled (eared) and suddenly narrowed at the base,
the lower one truncate in a straight line. The sori (spore masses) are
disposed in two unequal, parallel rows.—Hooker, Species Filicum, iti., p. 139,
t. 188. Beddome, Ferns of Southern India, t. 133.

A. (Darea) novee-caledoniee — Da’-ré-a ; nov’/-«-cal-ed-on!-1-x (native
of New Caledonia), Hooker.

This pretty greenhouse species is of medium dimensions ; it produces
tripimnate fronds’ Yin. to 12in. long, 6in. to Qin. broad, borne on firm,
upright, naked stalks 6in. to 12in. long. The lower leaflets, of leathery
texture and deltoid (in shape of the Greek delta, A), are divided into
pinnules (leafits) of the same shape, which are in their turn cut into
segments of a rigid nature, scarcely flattened, about din. long, and distantly
placed. The long and narrow sori (spore masses) are disposed on the margin
of the segments, which are of a peculiarly dark, shining-green colour,—Hooker,
Species Filicum, iii., p. 218. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 132.

A. obliquum—ob-li-qi-wm (oblique). A variety of A. obtusatum; it is of
little horticultural value.

A. (Euasplenium) oblongatum — Eu-as-ple’-ni-um ; ob-lon-ga/-tum
(oblong), Mettenius.

This very distinct, stove species, native of Panama, appears to occupy
a position intermediate between A. alatum and A. rhizophorum. Like those of
these two species, its fronds are proliferous at their extremity ; they are
spear-shaped, about 14ft. long, borne on dark brown and distinctly-winged
stalks, and furnished with numerous gessile (stalkless), blunt leaflets of
a parchment-like texture and of light green colour. The Spore masses are
disposed close to the midvein.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 484.

A. (Euasplenium) obtusatum—Eu-as-ple’-ni-um ; ob-tu-sa/-tum (obtuse),
Forster.

This is a very free-growing and perfectly evergreen, greenhouse species,

native of New Zealand and Australia, and somewhat resembling our Sea

Spleenwort (A. ‘marinum). Its fronds, of a thick and fleshy nature, produced

>
bo
(os)

ASPLENIUM.

from a slowly-creeping rhizome, average about 10in. in height, and are
borne on firm, upright stalks 3in. to Gin. long, densely clothed at the
base with large, thin, grey, spear-shaped scales. They are oblong m shape
and composed of a terminal leaflet of about equal dimensions to the five
or six pairs of lateral ones, which are lin. to 2in. long, somewhat wedge-
shaped at the base and obtuse at their extremity, their margins being
deeply toothed. The abundant and conspicuous sori (spore masses) are
broad and fall short of the edge.—Hooker, Species Milicum, in., p. 96.
Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i, p. 182. Lowe, Herns British and
HGOLC, Va, Ue OB:

Several variations, which in commerce are usually considered as species,

are largely grown for decoration, the most distinct being the following :

A. o. difforme—dif-for’-mé (deformed), A. Brown.

This differs from the typical plant in its fronds being of a leathery
texture and in having their leaflets cut down to a narrow-winged stalk in
the lower part into distinctly-separated, roundish or oblong, sinuated leafits.—
Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 207. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, 1., p. 182.

A. o. lucidum—lu’-cid-um (shining), Morster.

This, the common A. Jucidum of commerce, is a very decorative, free-
crowing form, whose fronds, of a graceful habit and beautiful shining-
ereen colour, often measure 2ft. in leneth and lft. in breadth. The leaflets,
which vary from fifteen to twenty on each side of the stalk, are oblong,
leathery, Gin. long, I4in. broad, and narrowed gradually to a long, tapering
point; their edge is also more deeply toothed. The long lines of sori
(spore masses) are placed so near together that when mature they become
confluent, and when in that state the dark brown fructification forms
a very pleasing contrast to the vivid colour of the frond. This New
Zealand variety is an easily-cultivated plant; although doing well in the
mixture recommended for Aspleniums in general, it will be found of a brighter
colour and will produce fronds of a more pendulous nature if potted or
planted in a mixture of fibrous peat and sand only.—Hooker, Species
Filicum, iii., p. 99. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 132. Lowe,
Ferns British and Exotic, v., t. 4.

624 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

A. o. Lyallii—bLy-all’-i-i (Lyall’s), Moore.

A sub-variety of the preceding, equally native of New Zealand, with
fronds 13ft. long, 9in. broad, furnished with spear-shaped leaflets 6in. long,
din. broad, and of a thin, papery texture. In the extreme form, the
leaflets are cut down into deeply-toothed pinnules (leafits), which are wedge-
shaped at the base and distinctly stalked.—Hooker, Flora of New Zealand,
t. 77; Synopsis Filicum, p. 207.

A. (Euasplenium) obtusifolium—Eu-as-ple’-ni-um ; ob-tu-sif-ol/-i-um
(obtuse-leaved), Jinneus. |

A stove species, of medium growth, having a wide range of habitat,
as it is found from Mexico and the West Indies to South Brazil. Its
simply-pinnate fronds, Ift. to 14ft. long and 4in. to 6in. broad, borne on
erect, naked stalks 6in. to 9in. long and of a dark green colour, are
furnished with from twelve to twenty pairs of stalked, horizontal leaflets
2in. to 3in. long, 41m. broad, of a thin, papery texture and dark green in
colour; these leaflets have their edge slightly undulated and their upper
side distinctly’ eared at the base and then suddenly narrowed. The
distant sori (spore masses) are disposed in two regular rows and fall short
of the edge.—Hooker, Species Filicum, iii, p. 119, t. 169. Nicholson,
Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 182.

A. (Darea) obtusilobum — Da’-ré-a ; ob-tu-sil’-ob-um (obtusely-lobed),
Hooker.

This is a very pretty, stove species, of dwarf dimensions, native of the
New Hebrides, and one which, on account of its very peculiar mode of
growth, is readily distinguished from all other known Aspleniums. In this
case, instead of the proliferation being, as is usual in many Aspleniums,
located at the extremity of the fronds, it only shows itself on the slender,
flagelliform (whip-shaped) growths which start from amongst the fronds at
the base of the plant (Fig. 120), These runners, which have all the
appearance of undeveloped fronds and which extend to fully 1ft. long, bear
at a distance of about every 3in., where they appear as if articulated,
a proliferous bud: this, even without its being brought into immediate contact
with the soil, produces a young plant, from the base of which several runners

Fig. 120. Asplenium obtusilobum

(4 nat. size).

626 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

like the one above described will eventually start and produce young plants
in their turn, The fronds of A. obtusilobum, about 6in. long and 2in. broad,
are borne on greenish, naked, tufted stalks about 2in. long. They are
furnished with from nine to twelve pairs of leaflets of a papery texture and
bright shining-green colour; the largest leaflets are about lin. long and
#in. broad, divided into pinnules (leafits), the lowest of which are flabellately
cut into three to five linear lobes. The sori (spore masses) are regularly
disposed on the margin of the leaflets—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 221.
Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, 1., p. 183.

A. odontites—od-on-ti’-tés (toothed), A common garden appellation for
A. flaccidum.

A. (Athyrium) oxyphyllum — Ath-yr’-i-um ; ox-yph-yl/-lum (sharp-
leaved), Hooker.

This variable, greenhouse species has a very wide range of habitat, being
a native of Java and Japan, also of Nepaul, Assam, Bhotan, and the Eastern
Himalayas, where it is found up to 7000ft. elevation. Its spear-shaped
fronds, 1ft. to 2ft. long and 6in. to 12in. broad, are borne on firm, erect,
straw-coloured stalks 6in. to 12in. long, clothed at the base with large,
spear-shaped, sharp-pointed, reddish-brown scales. They are furnished with
distant leaflets, of a leathery texture, 4in. to 8in. long, lin. to 2in. broad,
divided into spear-shaped pinnules (leafits) which are sometimes auricled
(eared) on their upper side and deeply notched. The sori (spore masses),
Which are provided with an involucre (covering) of oblong-kidney shape,
are disposed in two rows on the leaflets, midway between the midrib and
the edge—Hooker, Species Filicum, iii., p. 221. Nicholson, Dictionary of
Gardening, i., p. 183. Beddome, Ferns of British India, t. 67.

A. (Euasplenium) paleaceum—Eu-as-ple’-ni-um ; pal-8-a/-c8-um (scaly),
R. Brown.

A pretty little, stove species, native of Tropical Australia, with fronds
Gin. to 9in. long, 1din. to Zin. broad, and borne on spreading, densely scaly
stipes (stalks) lin. to 3in. long. These fronds, which have a somewhat
drooping habit and are frequently proliferous at their extremity, are furnished
on each side of their midrib with from twelve to twenty sub-sessile pinne

ASPLENIUM. 627

(almost stalkless leaflets) lin. long, in. broad, of a somewhat leathery texture,
and dull green in colour; their point is bluntish and their edge irregularly
toothed. The sori (spore masses), abundantly produced on the under-side
of the leaflets, are linear (long and narrow) and extend nearly to the edge.
—Hooker, Species Filicum, wti., p. 162, t. 199. Nicholson, Dictionary of
Gardening, i., p. 183.

A. (Darea) pallidum—Da’-ré-a ; pal’-lid-um (of a pale, undecided colour),
Blume.

A stove species, of medium dimensions, native of the Philippine and
Malayan Islands, also of Luzon, Java, and Moulmein. Its fronds, lft. to
2ft. long, 6in. to 12im. broad, and. borne on firm, erect, naked stalks 6in.
to 12in. long, are furnished with numerous horizontal leaflets the lowest
of which are distinctly stalked, 3in. to 6in. long, 4in. broad, and of a some-
what leathery texture. These leaflets terminate in a sharp point, whereas
they are rounded at the base, especially on the upper side, and their edge
is often sharply toothed. The sori (spore masses) are disposed in regular
Imes from the midrib very nearly to the edge—AHooker, Species Filicum,
li., p. 238. Beddome, Ferns of British India, t. 196.

A. palmatum—pal-ma’-tum (palmate, resembling the palm of the hand).
The most popular name for A. Hemionitis.

A. parvulum—par’-vul-um (small). A synonym for A. trilobum.

A. (Euasplenium) persicifolium—Eu-as-ple’-ni-um ; per-sic-if-ol/-i-um
(Peach-leaved), J. Smith.

A stove species, native of the Philippine and Sandwich Islands, also
found, according to Beddome, on the Neilgherries, in Sholas on Dodabell and
behind the Avalanche Bungalow. Its oblong-spear-shaped fronds, 2ft. to 3ft.
long, are often proliferous at their extremity. The distant and almost
stalkless leaflets are of a thin but firm texture, of a dark green colour on
both surfaces, 4in. to 5in. long, din. to fin. broad, distinctly notched
throughout, and more wedge-shaped on the upper than on the lower side at

the base. The sori (spore masses), about }in. long, are regular, parallel, and
4 E2

628 LTE BOOK VOL IOHOLGE WERING:

reach nearly to the midrib and edge—AHooker, Species Filicum, iii., p. 109.
Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening). , p. 1838. Beddome, Ferns of Southern
India, t. 128.

A. (Euasplenium) Petrarche — Eu-as-ple/-ni-um; Pet-rarch’-x
(Petrarch’s), De Candolle.

This little gem, native of the South of France, Spain, and Italy,
succeeds best when cultivated in the cold greenhouse. It is readily distin-
guished from A. Trichomanes by the
glandular character of its fronds, 4in.
to 6in. long, and by their more deeply-
cut leaflets of a pale green colour.
The sori (spore masses), oblong in shape
and very short, are disposed from four
to six on each side of the midrib.—
Hooker, Species Filicum, ii., p. 188.
Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening,
1, p. 183. Lowe, Ferns British and
Exotic, v., t. 38.

A. (Euasplenium) pinnatifidum
—THu-as-ple’-ni-um ; pin-na-tif/-id-um
(pinnately-cleft), Nuttall.

This is essentially a greenhouse

species, native of North America, having
been first discovered in creyices of
rocks along the Schuylkill River, near
Philadelphia ; then along the Wissa-
hickon Creek, in the same vicinity ; on

Fig. 121, Asplenium pinnatifidum

(§ nat. size).

moist cliffs of sandstone in the Cum-
berland Mountains, Hast Tennessee, also
in Alabama and at Mine-la-Motte, Southern Missouri. Its singular fronds,
of a thin, papery texture, borne on stipites (stalks) 2in. to din. long, brown,
shining at the base but green higher up, and slightly chaffy when young, are
from 3in, to Gin. long, 13in. broad at the base, from which the general

ASPLENIUM. 629

outline tapers to a slender pomt (Fig. 121), not so long as that of the
Walking Leaf of North America, Scolopendrium (Camptosorus) rhizophyllum,
to which it bears a certain resemblance, but very rarely if ever rooting
at the point. They are of a peculiarly erect habit, somewhat leathery in
texture, smooth above, slightly scaly beneath, deeply pinnatifid (divided
nearly to the midrib) in the lower and middle portion and sinuately lobed
above, the long terminal portion being undulated on the margins. The sori
(spore masses) are mostly simple, and very commonly the lower one is situated
on the superior side of the lobe; when ripe they nearly cover the back of the
frond—even the narrow lobes bear a sorus at each undulation of the margin.
—Hlooker, Species Filicum, i., p. 91. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening,
L, p. 183. Haton, Kerns of North America, i., t. 8. Lowe, New and Rare
Ferns, t. 48.

A. (Euasplenium) planicaule—Enu-as-ple’-ni-um ;_pla-nic-au’-lé .(flat-
stalked), Wadllech.

A. very distinct, ereenhouse species, native of the Himalayas, where it. is
found up to 6000ft. elevation ; it is also indigenous in Ceylon and on the
Neilgherries, and, according to Beddome, is very common in most mountainous
tracts on the western side of the Madras Presidency, especially on Myhendra
Mill, near Berkhampore. Its fronds, 6in. to 12in. long, 2in. to 3in. broad,
and borne on erect, greyish, nearly naked stalks 3in. to 6in. long, are
furnished with fifteen to twenty pairs of distinctly-stalked, horizontal leaflets,
about din. long and only Hin. broad, of a leathery texture and sharply
pointed, while their edge is often deeply lobed more than half-way down
and deeply notched. The sori (spore masses) are abundantly produced and
reach nearly to the edge—Hooker, Species Filicum, iii., p. 163, t. 200z.
Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, 1., p. 133. Beddome, Ferns of Southern
India, t. 189. Lowe, Ferns British and Exotic, v., t. 10.

A. (Diplazium) plantagineum — Dip-laz’-i-um ; plan-ta-gin’-8-um
(Plantain-like), Linneus.

A stove species, of small dimensions, found wild from Mexico and the

West Indies southward to Brazil. Its fronds, of a leathery texture, 6in. to

9in. long and 2in. to 3in. broad, are borne on firm, erect stalks about Gin.

630 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

long ; they are simple (undivided), terminating in a sharp point, but rounded
at the base, and their edge is slightly undulated and toothed upwards ;
occasionally they are lobed at the base. The linear sori (spore masses)
sometimes extend from the midrib to the edge.—Hooker, Species Filicum,
l., p. 237. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i, p. 133.

A. (Euasplenium) polyodon—Euw-as-ple/-ni-um ; pol’-¥-od-on (many-
toothed), Forster.

This very handsome, greenhouse species, native of New Zealand, is
rendered particularly attractive through the vivid green colour of its fronds,
2ft. long, produced from a creeping rhizome, and the conspicuous . nature
of its spore masses. The leaflets, fully 2in. long and of a leathery texture,
are broadly wedge-shaped at the base, deeply toothed on the margin, and
hairy. The sori (spore masses) are oblique, commencing at the midvein of
each leaflet and extending nearly to the edge, eventually becoming more
or less confluent.—Lowe, Ferns British and Exotic, v., t. 338.

A. polyphyllum — pol-yph-yl/-lum (many-leaved). Synonymous with

A. acuminatum.

A. (Diplazium) polypodioides — Dip-laz/-i-um ; _ pol-yp-od-i-3-i/-des
(Polypod-like), Mettenius.

A very robust-growing, greenhouse species, native of Southern and
British India and found on the Himalayas up to an elevation of 8000ft. Its
ample fronds, fully 4ft. long and 2ft. broad, are produced from an erect, nearly
arborescent stem and borne on stout, green stalks 1ft. long or more. The
eight or nine leaflets with which they are furnished on each side of the
midrib are about 1ft. long and 6in. broad, of a thin, papery texture and
bright green colour ; they are divided into numerous pinnules (leafits) which
in their turn are cut into narrow-oblong and slightly-toothed lobes. The sori
(spore masses) fall distinctly short of the edge.— Hooker, Species Filicum,
lil., p. 257. Beddome, Ferns of British India, t. 293.

A. (Darea) Powellii—Da’-ré-a ; Pow-ell/-i-i (Powell’s), Baker.
A very finely-divided, strong-growing, stove species, native of Samoa.
Its fronds are 2ft. to 3ft. long, lft. to 14ft. broad, five times pinnatifid (cut

ASPLENIUM. 631

nearly to the midrib), and furnished with numerous imbricated pinne
(overlapping leaflets), the lowest of which are quite 1ft. long and 4in. broad,
of a thin, papery texture and bright green in colour. The pinne are divided
and subdivided, their ultimate segments being linear (long and narrow), #in.
to gin. long, and gyin. broad. The solitary sori (spore masses) are small,
linear-oblong, and disposed very close to the margin of the segments.—
Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 224.

A. (Euasplenium) premorsum — Eu-as-ple’-ni-um ;_ pre-mor’-sum
(bitten), Swartz.

This is a very variable, greenhouse species, found wild in the West
Indies, Australia, Teneriffe, and the Canary Islands. From its good
constitution and also on account of its general appearance it is a popular
favourite, for its beautifully-arching fronds, sometimes 3ft. long, are among
the most decorative of the genus; they are produced from a slightly-creeping
rhizome, bipinnate (twice divided to the midrib), and furnished with
elongated leaflets of a leathery texture and dark green in colour, narrowing
to a point and divided into pinnules (leafits) with a sharply-toothed margin.
The sori (spore masses) are disposed in narrow, oblique lines extending
from the midvein to very near the edge of the pinnules.—Lowe, Ferns
British and Exotic, xe, tees

A. prolongatum—pro:lon-ga’-tum (prolonged), Hooker.

This is a variety of A. rutefoliwum, from which ‘it essentially differs
through its fronds terminating in a long, tail-like process bearing a solitary
bulbil at its extremity.

A. (Euasplenium) pulchellum—Enu-as-ple’-ni-um ; pul-chel’-lum (pretty),
Raddi.

A very elegant, stove species, of small dimensions, native of Tropical
America, from Columbia to Peru and Rio Janeiro, Its fronds, 4in. to 6in.
long, lin. to 14in. broad, and borne on slender, naked, greenish stalks lin.
to 2in. long, are furnished with twelve to eighteen pairs of leaflets, of thin,
papery texture, about din. long, bluntish at their extremity and narrowed
suddenly at their base. The sori (spore masses), of a bright reddish-brown

632 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

colour, narrow and oblique, fall short of the edge ; sometimes one or two may
be seen almost parallel with the midrib on the lower side of it—Z ooker,
Species Filicum, iii., p. 129. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 133.
Lowe, Ferns British and Exotic, v., t. 31a.

A. (Euasplenium) pumilum — Eu-as-ple’-ni-um ;_ pu’-mil-um (small),
Swartz.

This rare and very pretty, stove species, native of the West Indies, is
thoroughly distinct through the semi-transparency of its triangular fronds,
4in. to 6in, each way; their upper part is only sinuated, while the lower
part is cut down to the midrib into distinct leaflets, of which the lowest
pur are much the largest, being sometimes 2in. long. The sori (spore masses )
are small, covered with red
hairs, and occasionally be-
come confluent (joining one
another). — Hooker, Species
Filicum, ti., p. 174. Nichol-
son, Dictionary of Gardening,
1., p. 133. Lowe, Ferns British
and Exotic, v., t. 318.

A. rachirhizon-rach-irh-
1/-zon (rachis-rooting), A

variety of A. rhizophorum.

A. (Diplazium) radi-
cans—Dip-laz’-i-um ; ra-
di’-cans (rooting), Schkuhr.

A gigantic, stove species,

Fig, 122, Asplenium radicans

Gnuch reduced).

native of South America,
with fronds 3ft. to 5ft. long
and 2ft. to 3ft. broad, borne on strong, erect stipes (stalks) 1ft. to 2ft.
long and sealy below, produced from an erect caudex forming quite an
arborescent stem (Fig. 122). The lower leaflets are from Ift. to 14ft.
long, 6in. to 8in. broad, and divided into numerous spear-shaped, sessile
pinnules (stalkless leafits) of a papery texture: the upper leafits are entire ;

ASPLENIUM. 633

the lower ones are $in. to 4in. long, lin. broad, with broad, blunt lobes
reaching half-way down to the midrib. The sori (spore masses) are prominent,
the lower ones being sometimes jin. long. This species is also known as
A. giganteum.—Hooker, Species Filicum, ii., p. 261. Nicholson, Dictionary
of Gardening, i., p. 133.

A. (Euasplenium) Rawsoni—Eu-as-ple’-ni-um ; Raw’-son-i (Rawson’s),
Baker.

A pretty little, greenhouse species, indigenous in the Muizenberg Mountain,
Cape Colony, with fronds only 3in. or 4in. long, of a somewhat leathery
texture, dull green in colour, and bipinnate (twice divided to the midrib).
The sori (spore masses), situated on the midvein, become confluent in an
irregular mass filling up the centre of the pinnule (leafit)—Hooker, Synopsis
Filicum, p. 487.

A. reclinatum—trec-li-na’-tum (reclining). A variety of A. dunulatum with

fronds copiously proliferous at their extremity.

A. refractum—ref-rac’-tum (abruptly bent back), Moore.

This singular Fern, which is given by Moore in his ‘“ Nature-printed
Ferns” as a species, was originally found in Scotland by a gardener, who
gathered it for A. viride. Hooker and Baker, however, recognise it only as
a variety of A. fontanum, from which it differs by its fronds being longer and
narrower in proportion and by their leaflets being refracted (suddenly thrown
back) in a remarkable degree and less divided. It is also distinct from that
species in its spreading habit of growth and in its proliferous fronds, the
small bulbils being mostly formed at the base of the leaflets. The short and
oblong sori (spore masses) are disposed in a line on each side near the midvein
of the leaflets—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 216. Lowe, Ferns British and
Heotic, v., t. 335A.

A. (Euasplenium) repens — Euw-as-ple’-ni-um ;_ re’-pens (creeping),
Hooker.

A stove species, of small dimensions, native of the Andes of Ecuador,

having fronds only 2in. long, bipimnatifid (twice cut nearly to the midrib),

furnished with horizontal leaflets of thin texture, divided into wedge-shaped

j
Hy

634 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS. : 328355

pinnules (leafits) sharply toothed on the outer edge and sometimes deeply cleft,
on which the sori (spore masses), oblong in shape, are solitary.—Hooker,
Species Filicum, ii., p. 194.

A. (Euasplenium) resectum— Eu-as-ple’-ni-um ; res-ec/-tum (cut or
pared), Smith.

This greenhouse species, of Indian origin, is widely distributed. On the
Himalayas it is found up to 8000ft. elevation, and, according to Beddome,
it is also found on the Neilgherries, Anamallays, and Pulnies, where it is very
common at elevations of 3000ft. to 5000ft. Its fronds, 6in. to 1din. long,
Zin. to 4in. broad, and lanceolate-oblong in shape, have a very peculiar
appearance through the almost stalkless, horizontal leaflets with which they are
furnished being almost dimidiate (two-thirds of the lower side being entirely
cut away). They have their point bluntish and are of a thin, papery texture.
The sori (spore masses) do not reach either the midrib or the edge—AHooker,
Species Filicum, iii., p. 1380. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 183.
Beddome, Ferns of Southern India, t. 182.

A. (Euasplenium) rhizophorum — Ev-as-ple’-ni-um ; rhi-zoph’-or-um
(root-bearing), Linneus.

This very handsome, stove species, native of Tropical America, where it
is found from Mexico and the West Indies southward to Peru, is exceedingly
variable in cutting, and may be best recognised by its elongated rachis bearing
a solitary bulbil at its extremity. The typical species is a plant with fronds
lft. to 2ft. long, 4in. to 6in. broad, borne on naked, firm, erect stipes (stalks)
4in. to 8in. long and of a chestnut-brown colour. These are furnished with
from twelve to thirty pairs of simple pinne (undivided leaflets) 14in. to 2in.
long, about 4in. broad, spreading horizontally, of a papery texture, and with
the two sides unequal, the upper side eared and narrowed, the lower one
obliquely wedge-shaped (Fig. 123). The sori (spore masses) do not reach
either the midrib or the edge—AHooker, Species Filicum, ii., p. 122, t. 187.
Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 133. |

As an illustration of the variability of this species, we may here note
that the varieties A. cyriopteron and A. flabellatum of Kunze haye their
leaflets deeply lobed and pinnatifid (cut nearly to the midrib), especially

' ASPLENIUM. 635

in the lower half, while the plant called A. rhizophorum by Swartz is

conspicuously twice divided to the midrib. The most elegant and distinct
form in cultivation is the following:

A. r. rachirhizon

rach-irh-i/-zon (rachis-rooting), Raddz.
This is a very delicate-looking and extremely handsome Fern, native of
Brazil and the West Indies. On account of its gracefully-pendulous habit

Mi

i}

E— A

QZ
Z

L$ WALA

S—
aly) =
ZN

SSS
TLE Sag fi, ii

EZ —
ESSE OR a
Viti Ii} ‘AN

SS
=

Fig, 128. Frond of Asplenium rhizophorum

(nat. size),

it is well adapted for growing in a hanging basket, in which position it
shows to great advantage the beauty of its fronds: these are 14ft. to ft.
long, smooth, and of a deep green colour, and they are borne on black,
polished, flexible, slightly-winged stipes (stalks); their leaflets are cut into
pinnules (leafits) that are distinctly separated and again cut into narrow
segments. The fronds terminate in a long, tail-like process, bearing at its

extreme end a bulbil which roots very freely when brought into contact with

636 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

either the soil or the moss of the basket: even the pinne are frequently
proliterous at their extremity.—Lowe, Ferns British and Exotic, v., t. 34.
Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 205.

A. (Euasplenium) rhizophyllum—Eu-as-ple’-ni-um ; rhi-zoph-yl’-lum
(leaf-rooting), Kunze.

A very handsome, greenhouse species, native of Tropical America and
the Polynesian Islands, with fronds 6in. to 12in. long, 14in. to Qin. broad,
borne on greyish, naked stalks 2in. to Gin. long, and cut down into numerous
horizontal leaflets of a thin, papery texture. These leaflets are closely set,
cut down throughout nearly to the midrib into simple or forked pinnules
(leafits), and are about lin. long and jin. broad. The sori (spore masses)
are disposed one only to each pinnule and close to its margin —AHooker,
Species Filicum, ui, p. 200. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 133.
A. rhizophyllum of Linneus, better known as Camptosorus rhizophyllus, is
now classified under Scolopendrium.

A. (Darea) Bichardi—Da’-ré-a ; Rich-ard’-i (Richard’s), Hooker.

A greenhouse species, of small dimensions, its leathery fronds seldom
exceeding 10in. in height including their stalks. It is a native of New
Zealand, and one which seems near some of the dwarf tripinnatifid forms
of the popular A. flaccidum.—Hooker, Species Filicum, iii., p. 197.

A. (Darea) rutzefolium—Da’-ré-a ; ru-te-fol/-i-um (Rue-leaved), Kunze.

This is a beautiful, greenhouse species (see Plate), native of Cape Colony,
Natal, Zambesi Land, the Himalayas, Ceylon, and Japan. Its fronds, 6in. to
ldin. long, 2in. to 3in. broad, and borne on compressed, greenish, naked
stipes (stalks) 6in. to 9in. long, are of a somewhat erect habit and furnished
with from twelve to twenty pairs of leaflets, of a leathery texture and bright
shining-green colour, 2in. or more long and cut down to the rachis (stalk
of the leafy portion) into numerous distant pinnules (leafits) ; the lowest of
the leafits on the upper side are again cut into linear segments, on the
margin of which the small and abundant sori (spore masses) are usually
disposed.—Hooker, Species Filicum, iii., p. 206. Nicholson, Dictionary of
Gardening, i., p. 183.

ASPLENIUM. 637

A. r. prolongatum—pro-lon-ga’-tum (prolonged), Hooker.

This is a variety which, on account of the drooping habit of its fronds
and of their highly proliferous nature, is very distinct from the original
species. It is indigenous in Southern India, and, according to Beddome, is
abundant on the Shevagherry Hills, although rare in other localities. Its
fronds, 4in. to 6in. long, of the same leathery texture as those of the species,
suddenly terminate in a caudate (tail-like), naked extension of the rachis, lin,
to 2in. long, having at its extremity a proliferous bulbil. The leaflets are
divided and subdivided much in the same way as those of A. rutefoliwm,
but they are less closely placed, and the spore masses are’ disposed on the
margin of the pinnules as is the case in the species—Hooker, Species Filicum,
i., p. 209. Beddome, Ferns of Southern India, t. 138.

A. (Euasplenium) Ruta=-muraria — Hu-as-ple’-ni-um ; Ru’-ta—mu-
ra‘-ri-a (Wall-Rue), Linneus.

This singular little Fern, which derives its name from the great re-
semblance of its fronds to the leaves of the common Rue and also from
its most natural position, as it is rarely found growing wild anywhere but
in the mortar on old walls, is of a particularly cosmopolitan character. In
Continental Hurope it is found from France to Italy, Spain, and Portugal,
and from Belgium to Germany, Russia, and Norway. It is equally found wild
in Algeria, in Cashmere, Tibet, and Siberia; while as a North American Fern,
Eaton tells us that “the Wall-Rue is found in clefts of calcareous rocks from
Vermont to North Carolina and westward to Indiana and Tennessee,” but
that ‘“‘it is,not seen on walls in America.” Yet this is the situation in which
this curious and interesting Fern, of a peculiar bluish colour and distinct from
all other British species, is usually found in Kngland, where it mostly inhabits
the Southern and Midland Counties, on either brick or stone walls, more
especially on the northern side, and preferring to mount up the walls as high
as possible. It is in such positions that we have gathered it on the walls
of Ragley Hall, im Warwickshire, where it grows in company with the
Maidenhair Spleenwort (A. Trichomanes); in drier situations it dwells
alone, whereas in moister localities it generally has as its companions
Cystopteris fragilis and A. Ceterach (or, as it is most commonly called,
Ceterach officinarum). It is found principally in the Isle of Wight and

638 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

North and South Wales; in Ireland; in the islands of Anglesey, Orkney,
Jersey, &e. |
From the following quotation from Gerarde it will be seen that the Wall-
Rue was known as one of our native Ferns by some of our earliest botanists :
“The Stone-Rue groweth upon old walls near unto waters, wells, and
fountains. I have found it upon the walls of Dartford Church, in Kent, hard
by the water-side, where the people ride through ; also wpon the walls of the
churchyard of Sittingbourne, in the same county, in the middle of the town,
hard by a great lake of water; and also upon church walls of Rayleigh, in
Essex, and in divers other places.” Matthiolus was the first to call it Ruta-
muraria, or rather Ruta-muralis, and Gerarde names it after him “ Wall-Rue
or Rue Maidenhair” as well as ‘“ Stone-Rue.”
The little fronds of A. Ruta-muraria,
fy lin. to 2in. long, lin. broad, and borne

hy regs) on slender, wiry stalks 2in. to 4in. long
HO_ VF « and black towards the base, are provided
WEN v with a- few, leaflets, the lower ones of

which are again cut into spoon- or wedge-

shaped pinnules (leafits) finely toothed
round the edges. The sori (spore masses)
are linear (much longer than broad), and
vary in number according to the size
and shape of the pinnules, which they
entirely cover when fully developed (Fig.
124).—Hooker, Species Filicum, iii., p. 176.
Lowe, Our Native Ferns, ii., t. 48; Ferns
British and Exotic, v., t. 27. Beddome,
Ferns of British India, t. 61. Eaton,
Ferns of North America, i., t. 15.

The Wall-Rue is a somewhat difficult plant to manage under artificial

oh

Y
LAR EA Hie NG
WH apa

ass

UE a

By fines
sin > GY
Gr

Fig, 124, Asplenium Ruta-muraria
(nat. size).

treatment, its removal from its native place being seldom attended with success,
The best time to uproot it is in April, as it only starts into growth about
May, when it produces young fronds which retain their freshness all through
the winter. This Fern requires free exposure to air, and a soil composed
of rough lime-rubbish, sand, and leaf-mould, with thorough drainage and

ASPLENIUM. 639

Ie a

a position naturally moist and shady. Whether grown in pots or planted in
the Fernery, it is very important that the crowns should be kept well above
the surface of the soil, so as to prevent water from resting on them.

Several forms of the Wall-Rue are known in cultivation, but on account
of their small dimensions even the most distinct are not very conspicuous.
The following, however, are the most worthy of notice and are figured in
Lowe’s “Our Native Ferns” :

A. R.-m. attenuatum—at-ten-t-a’-tum (diminished), Lowe.

An unusually large-growing form, found at Athlone, and one which
produces fronds din. to 6in. long, borne on stalks about 4in. long, and
furnished with large leaflets that are laciniate (torn) at the summit.—Lowe,
Our Native Ferns, i., p. 223, fig. 587.

A. R.-m. cristatum—cris-ta’-tum (crested), Wollaston.

A very variable form, having some of its fronds tasselled at their
extremity, others with apical lobes folded on each other, pinnules (leafits)
narrowish, those towards the point of the frond or leaflets enlarged at their
tips and somewhat crispy. It was originally discovered near Ruthin Castle,
Denbighshire, and has also been found near Guildford and near Tunbridge
Wells.—Lowe, Our Native Ferns, i1., p. 225, fig. 592.

A. R.-m. cuneatum—cun-é-a’-tum (wedge-shaped), Moore.

A form with fronds simply pinnate, originally discovered at Stenton Rock,
near Dunkeld, Perthshire; it has also been found near Bristol.—Lowe, Our
Native Ferns, u., p. 224, fig. 590.

A. R.-m. proliferum—pro-lif’-er-um (bulbil-bearing), Wollaston.

A proliferous form, originally found near Guildford, and characterised
by young plants being situated in the axils of the leaflets—Lowe, Our
Native Ferns, i, p. 226.

A. R.-m. ramo-depauperatum —ra’-mo-de-pau-per-a’-tum (branched
and impoverished), Clapham.

A form with branched and depauperated fronds borne on exceedingly

long stalks and furnished with leaflets variable in size and form. It was

640 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

found growing wild at Settle by Mr. A. Clapham, of Ramsdale Bank,
Scarborough.— Lowe, Our Native Ferns, ii., p. 228, fig. 586.

A. R.-m. ramosum—ra-mo’-sum (branched), Moore.

A variety with fronds branching in the stalk among and below the
leafits. Found at Arnside and also at Settle—Lowe, Our Native Ferns,
ll, p. 224, fio. 589.

A. R.-m. trifoliatum—trif-ol-i-a’-tum (three-leaved), Lowe.

A dwarf variety, with small, nearly round, leafits, three on each branch,
all shortly stalked. Found at Bittadon, near Barnstaple, Devonshire.— Lowe,
Our Native Ferns, ii., p. 224, fig. 588.

A. (Euasplenium) salicifolium — Eu-as-ple/-ni-um ; _ sal-ic-if-ol/-i-um -
(Willow-leaved), Linneus.

A stove species, of medium dimensions, native of the West Indies, with
fronds Ift. to 14ft. long, 6in. to Yin. broad, borne on stalks 6in. to 12in. long,
and furnished with numerous distinctly-stalked and often horizontal leaflets
of a thin texture, on which the sori (spore masses) fall short of both edge
and midrib.—Hooker, Species Filicwm, iii., p. 112. Nicholson, Dictionary of
Gardening, i., p. 184.

A. (Euasplenium) Sandersoni — Ku-as-ple’-ni-um ; — San-der-so/-ni
(Sanderson’s), Hooker.

This pretty and very distinct, greenhouse species (Fig. 125) is a native
of Natal, Zambesi Land, and Johanna Island. Its slender, graceful fronds, 6in.
to Jin. long, gin. broad, and usually proliferous (bud-bearing) at their extremity,
are borne on green stalks lin. to 2in. long and slightly scaly. They are
furnished with from twelve to twenty pairs of horizontal pinne (leaflets) about
gin. long, shortly stalked, of a peculiar dimidiate form (fully developed
on one side of the midrib and scarcely at all on the other), and deeply
toothed on the upper edge, the lower one being nearly straight, quite entire,
and curved backwards. The texture is thin and papery, and the oblong sori
(spore masses) are disposed from one to three to each leaflet. The small
size of the fronds and the well-defined characters of its pinne give this Fern
a very elegant aspect and render it most interesting and useful for small

ASPLENIUM. 641

baskets.— Hooker, Species Filicum, i., p. 147, t. 179. Nicholson, Dictionary
” of Gardening, i., p. 134. |

Fig. 125. Asplenium Sandersoni

(} nat. size).

A. (Diplazium) sandwichianum — Dip-laz’-i-um ;_ sand-wich-i-a/-num
(from the Sandwich Islands), Mettenius.
The fronds of this robust-growing, stove species, 2ft. to 8ft. long and

1}ft. to 2ft. broad, are borne on dark brown, woolly stalks fully 2ft. long
4 FP

642 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

and furnished at the base with egg-shaped scales of a peculiar nature, being
dark brown and fleshy in the centre and furnished with a broad, suddenly
thin, dry, and membranous margin. The pinne (leaflets), of a thin, papery
texture and dark green colour, vary between Qin. and 15in. in length, and
are divided into spreading pinnules (leafits) 3in. long: these are further
cut into oblong segments, the lower ones of which are cut down so close
to the stalk as to appear only as mere blunt lobes. The abundant. sori
(spore masses) are disposed in regular rows not reaching the edee—Hooker,
Species Filicum, iti., p. 225

A. (Darea) scandens—Da’-ré-a ; scan’-dens (climbing), J. Smith.

A very interesting and totally distinct, stove species, native of New
Guinea and the Philippine Islands, with fronds lft. to 2ft. long, Gin. to 12in.
broad, produced from a stout, short, and peculiarly woody, creeping rhizome.
The numerous horizontal leaflets, 4in. to Gin. long and 1din. broad, are cut
down to a distinetly-winged stalk into numerous pinnules (leafits) that are
divided to the rachis (stalk of the leafy portion) throughout the plant into
narrow-linear divisions, each of which bears on its margin one solitary
sorus (spore mass).—Hooker, Species Filicum, iii., p. 216. Nicholson, Dictionary
of Gardening, iv., p. 496. . |

A. schizodon—schiz/-od-on (cut-toothed). Synonymous with A. Vieillardit.

(Diplazium) Schkuhrii— Dip-laz’-i-um; Schkuhr’-i-i (Schkuhr’s),
Thwaites.

A stove species, native of Ceylon, with fronds 14ft. to 2ft. long, borne
on naked stipites (stalks) Ift. to 14ft. lone and of a peculiar grey-green
colour. The leaflets, oblong-spear-shaped, cut into stalkless pinnules (leafits)
that are divided again into shallow, close, blunt lobes, are of moderately firm |
texture and bright green colour. The sori (spore masses), about Hin. long,
are disposed in a single row near the midvein of the pinnules. In general
habit this species somewhat resembles a form of A. erenulatum of Baker.
A. Schkuhrit of Hooker is synonymous with A. japonicum.—Hooker, Synopsis
filicum, p. 491. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i. p. 134. Beddome,
Lerns. of Southern India, t. 230.

ASPLENIUM. 6438

A. (Euasplenium) scolopendrioides—Eu-as-ple’-ni-um ; — szol-op-en-
dri-6-1/-des (Scolopendrium-like), J. Smzth.

A strange-looking, stove species, from the Philippines, with entire fronds
of a somewhat leathery texture, spear-shaped, nearly lft. long, 14in. broad,
narrowed suddenly above to a long, tailed point, and very gradually into the
stem below. The sori (spore masses) reach from the midrib to within din.

of the margin——Hooker, Species I’ilicum, iii., p. 84.

A. (Euasplenium) Seelosii—Ku-as-ple’-ni-um ; See-lo’-si-i | (Seelose’s),
Leybold. |

This very curious and equally rare little species, although a native of
cold parts of the Tyrol and Carinthia, requires, under artificial cultivation, the
shelter of the greenhouse, or at least of the cold frame, to properly develop
its singular little fronds. These are of a leathery texture and pale green
colour, seldom more than #in. long, hairy, borne on slender, wiry stalks ‘lin.
to 2in. long, and palmately cleft, usually into three nearly equal forks, and
the edge of which is. slightly toothed. The abundant sori (spore masses)
occupy, When mature, the whole surface of the fronds.—Looker, Species
Filicum, iii., p. 175. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 134.) .

‘This little species is somewhat difficult to manage: it should he firmly
potted between pieces of sandstone, in loam, leaf-mould, rock-chippings, and

sand, with good drainage.
b)

A. (Diplazium) Seemannii—Dip-laz/-i-um ; See-man/-ni-i (Scemann’s),
Baker.

A stove species, from Darien, with spear-shaped fronds 9in. to 1din. long,
4in. broad, and furnished with twelve to twenty pairs of horizontal leaflets
of a texture and pellucid venation similar to those of A. grandifolium, but
with the sori (spore masses) extending from the midrib quite to the edee.—

Hooker, Synopsis Ivlicum, p. 231.

A. (Euasplenium) septentrionale—Iu-as-ple’-ni-um ; sep-ten-tri-o-
na’-lé (Northern), Hoffmann. .

This species, popularly known as the Forked Spleenwert, is of a very

cosmopolitan character, for, according to Peddome, it is found abundantly im

{nee

644, THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

Northern India, growing in Cashmere at 9,000ft., and in Gurhwal at
11,000ft., elevation ; it is also a native of the Rocky Mountains and Mexico,
while in Europe it is found in Norway, Sweden, and Denmark, as well as
in France, Germany, Russia, Spain, and Italy. It is, however, as a British
plant that it possesses the greatest interest, for it is a pretty, yet curious-
looking, very local species, growing in the crevices of rocks or in the
interstices of loose stone walls, and is by no
means common in any part of the British
Islands. Its specific name is, no doubt, an
indication of its being most frequently found
in the northern districts of Great Britain, where

it is now considered a very rare Fern. Such,

however, was not the case a quarter of a century
ago, for although its home then was limited to
the extreme northern and western districts of
this country (whence it has been nearly
eradicated by enthusiastic Fern-gatherers and
tourists), yet wherever it did grow, there
it was pretty abundant. The places where

the Forked Spleenwort is now commonly

found growing wild are Craig Dhu, Carnedd
Llewellyn, and Snowdon, in Wales; Ingle-
borough, m Yorkshire; and Patterdale, Kes-

wick, and above Ambleside, in Westmoreland ;

and it is also to be found in Forfarshire, Rox-

burghshire, Perthshire, and on the rocks on

eee See ae se eee the southern side of Blackford Hill, near

Edinburgh.

This singular Fern was first noticed by Gerarde, who mistook it for

a moss, calling it Muscus corniculatus, Horned or Knagged Moss. The drawing

he published of it, however, corresponds exactly with our A. septentrionale.

Parkinson recognises it as a Fern, and describes it as the Naked Stone

Fern, Milix saxatilis Tragi. Ray writes of it also under the same Latin
name, but calls it the Horned or Forked Maidenhair.

A. septentrionale is of particularly small dimensions, its fronds seldom

ASPLENIUM. 645

attaining more than 2in. in length; they are of erect habit, somewhat. stiff
in texture, of a bright green colour, and are borne on slender, erect, naked
stalks 3in. to 4in. long: they are either simple or cleft from the summit into
two or three wedge-shaped divisions with a few sharp lateral and terminal
teeth (Fig. 126). The copious and elongated sori (spore masses) often hide
the whole under-surface of the fronds when mature-—Hooker, Species Filicum,
iii, p. 174. Micholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 134. Haton, Ferns
of North America, i., t. 15. Lowe, Ferns British and Exotic, v., t. 88; Our
Native Ferns, u., t. 418.

As is the case with all other species of delicate constitution and slow
growth, it is necessary that the tufted crowns of the Forked Spleenwort should
be kept above the surface of the soil, and in potting it the essential point is to
secure perfect drainage. Use a mixture of peat, loam, and old mortar, in about
equal parts. Water sparingly, taking care to avoid any superfluous moisture.
The cold frame, where it may be equally sheltered from the frost and protected
from the direct rays of the sun, is the best place in which to keep the

plant in good order. A. septentrionale is not given to producing varieties.

A. (Euasplenium) serra — Eu-as-ple’-ni-um ;_ ser’-ra_ (saw-edged),
Langsdorff and Fischer.

This strikingly-beautiful, stove species, native of Brazil and Peru, also
found on the Cameroon Mountains and at Fernando Po, is remarkable for the
great size of its fronds, which frequently attain 4ft. m length and Ift. in
breadth, for their vivid green colour, for their prominent fructification,
and for their elegantly-arching nature. These fronds, which rise from a stout,
creeping rhizome, are furnished with fifteen to twenty pairs of spreading
leaflets 4in. to 8in. long, about lin. broad, sharply toothed on their edges,
rounded at their base on the upper side, and wedge-shaped on the lower side.
The sori are disposed mostly in two parallel rows close to the midrib.—
Hooker, Species Filicum, ii., p. 154. Lowe, Ferns British and Exotic, v., t. 8.

A. (Diplazium) Shepherdii—Dip-laz’-i-um ; Shep-herd’-i-i (Shepherd’s),
Sprengel.

A very distinct, stove species, native of Mexico, Peru, and Brazil, with

fronds lft. to 14ft. long, 6in. to 9in. broad, borne on erect, greenish stalks

646 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

1ft. long, and furnished with numerous leaflets of a thin, papery texture and
light green colour. These leaflets are 4in. to Gin. long and lin. to 14in,
broad, terminating in a sharp point, with the edge lobed and somewhat
toothed. A. ambiguum is synonymous with this species.—Hooker, Species
Ilicum, it., p. 245. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 134.

A. S. inzequilaterum—in-wx-quil-at/-er-um (unequal-sided), Mettenius.

This variety differs from the preceding species by the firm texture and
the dull colour of its fronds, also by their leaflets being provided with deeper -
and more uniform lobes, somewhat sickle-shaped, with their two sides unequal,
the lower one being unequally truncate at the base—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum,
p. 233. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, he p. 134.

A. Shuttleworthianum — Shut-tle-worth-i-a/-num (Shuttleworth’s). A
form of A. bulbiferum. .

A. (Thamnopteris) Simonsianum—Tham-nop’-ter-is ; Sim-ons-i-a/-num
(Simons’s), Hooker. |

A stove species, with entire (undivided) fronds of a leathery texture,
1ft. to 14ft. long, 13in. broad, tapering above into a sharp point and very
gradually below into a short stem; the midrib, flat on the upper surface, is
rounded and prominent below. The abundant sori (spore masses) reach from
the midrib to within a short distance of the edge. This species is a native
of Southern India, and is found in Khasia and on the Unker Hills.—Hooker,
Species Hilicum, iii., p. 81. Beddome, Ferns of British India, t. 248,

A. (Euasplenium) simplicifrons—Eu-as-ple’-ni-um ; sim-plic’-if-rons
(with simple fronds), J”. Mueller.

A greenhouse species, native of Bockingham Bay, Australia. Its fronds
are entire, somewhat leathery in texture, lft. to 14ft. long, in. broad,
narrowed gradually towards both ends, and have their edge entire or shehtly
undulated. The sori (spore masses) fall short of both midrib and edge,—

Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 198.

A. (Athyrium) Skinneri—Ath-yr’-i-um; Skin/-ner-i (Skinner's), Baker.
A stove species, native of Guatemala, much resembline the Mexican
A. achilleefolium, but with pinnw and- pinnules (leaflets and -leafits) less

ASPLENIUM. O47

deeply cut, and the latter so broad that they are often overlapping.—
Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 226.

A. (Anisogonium) Smithianum—An-is-og-o’-ni-um ; | Smith-i-a’-num
(Smith’s), Baker.
A stove species, native of Ceylon, and one very closely related to
A. latifolium, from which it differs only through its anastomosing (inter-
mixed) venation and the roughness of its stalks.— Hooker, Synopsis Lilicum,
p. 244.

A. spathulinum — spath-ul-i’-num (spoon-shaped). Synonymous with
A. affine.

Fig. 127, Entire Frond and Pinna of Asplenium speciosum

(Frond, } nat. size; Pinna, nat. size).

A. (Diplazium) speciosum — Dip-laz’-i-um ; spec-i-o’-sum (showy),
- Mettenius.

A stove species, of bold appearance, native of the Philippine and Malayan
Islands, Java, and Hong-Kong, with fronds lft. to 2ft. long, 8in. to 12in. broad,
borne on straw-coloured, erect stalks 1ft. or more long, and produced from
a wide-creeping rhizome. The leaflets, of a thin but firm texture, 4in. to 6in.
long and #in. to lin. broad, have thew edge conspicuously lobed and slightly

648 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

toothed, and their base somewhat wedge-shaped (Fig. 127). The slender sori
(spore masses) reach nearly to the edge.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 235.
Beddome, Ferns of British India, t. 290.

A. (Athyrium) spinulosum—Ath-yr’-i-um ; spi-nul-o/-sum (slightly
spiny), Baker.

This greenhouse species, native of Amurland, has fronds deltoid (in
shape of the Greek delta, A), 9in. to 12in. each way, borne on firm, erect,
straw-coloured stalks 6in. to. 12in. long and more or less clothed throughout
with spear-shaped scales of a pale brown colour. These fronds, tri- or quadri-
pinnatifid (three or four times divided nearly to the midrib), are provided
with nine to twelve pairs of leaflets of a thin, papery texture, the lowest
much the largest: all are spear-shaped and cut down into oblong, sharp-
pointed segments, which are sharply toothed. The sori (spore masses) are
usually round and covered with an egg-shaped involucre, and are disposed
from two to ten to a segment.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 225. Nicholson,
Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 134.

A. (Euasplenium) splendens—Eu-as-ple’-ni-um ; splen’-dens (splendid),
Kunze.

A very rare, greenhouse species, native of Cape Colony. Its fronds, 6in.
to 12mm. long, are borne on greenish stalks 6in. to Yin. long, furnished with
a few scales below ; they are bi- or tripinnate (twice or three times divided to
the midrib), the lower leaflets especially being cut into wedge-shaped segments
that are slightly lobed and sharply toothed round their outer edge. The
copious sori (spore masses), slender and irregular in shape, reach nearly from
the base to the tip of the segments —Hooker, Species Lilicum, wi., p. 168.
Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, 1., p. 134.

A. (Diplazium) Sprucei—Dip-laz’-i-um ; Spru’-cé-i (Spruce’s), Baker.

A well-marked and distinct, stove species, native of the Andes of
Ecuador, and one which, from the very dark green colour of its fronds and
their papery texture, evidently grows in very damp places. Its fronds, 9in.
to 1din. long, lin. to 3in. broad, and borne on firm, erect stalks 6in. to 9in.
long, of a dark brown colour, are furnished with fifteen to twenty pairs of

afesews

Anemia tomentosa

(@ nat. size).

ASPLENIUM. 649

spreading leaflets, with the point somewhat blunt, the edge lobed in the
lower part half-way down to the stalk, and the base narrowed suddenly on
both sides. The sori (spore masses) reach from the midrib nearly to the
edge.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 234.

A. (Euasplenium) stenophyllum—Eu-as-ple’-ni-um ; sten-oph-yl/-lum
(narrow-leaved), Beddome.

A greenhouse species, native of the Himalayas, where it is found growing
at an elevation of 6000ft. EH is allied to A. ensiforme of Wallich, but has
very narrow, simple fronds like those of a Vittaria, of a leathery texture,
1}ft. to 14ft. long, barely din. broad, of a drooping habit, perfectly smooth,
gradually attenuated into short stalks furnished with long and narrow, black,
smooth scales, like those with which the creeping rhizome (prostrate stem),
from which they are produced, is densely clothed. The sori (spore masses)
are broad, and reach nearly to both midrib and margin.—Beddome, Ferns of
British India, t. 147.

A. subsinuatum—sub-sin-u-a’/-tum (somewhat wavy). Synonymous with
A. lanceum.

A. sundense—sund-en’-sé (Soudanese). A synonym of A. vitteforme.

A. (Diplazium) sylvaticum—Dip-laz’-i-um ; syl-va/-tic-um (from the
woods), Presi.

This is a distinct, stove species, native of the Mauritius, Java, Borneo,
and the Neilgherries, where, according to Beddome, it is abundant down the
Sisparah Ghat. Its fronds, 1ft. to 2ft. long, 4in. to 8in. broad, and somewhat
spear-shaped, are borne on firm, erect, brownish stalks lft. long, scaly at the
base, and produced from a decumbent rhizome. They are furnished with
numerous spreading leaflets of a thin, papery texture, 3in. to 4in. long,
sharply pointed, with the edge broadly lobed and narrowed suddenly on both
sides at the base. The sori (spore masses) are disposed in long, slender lines
reaching nearly to the edge——Hooker, Species Filicum, iii., p. 248. Beddome,
Ferns of Southern India, t. 161. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 134.

A. tenellum—ten-el/-lum (delicate). This is identical with A. lunulatuwm
reclinatum.

650 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

A. (Euasplenium) tenuifolium — Eu-as-ple’-ni-um ; ten-w-if-ol/-i-um
(small-leaved), Don.

A pretty, greenhouse species, native of the Himalayas and the Neilgherries,
and, according to Beddome, common in Sholas on the banks of streams at
Ootacamund and at the Avalanche Bungalow on the Anamallay Mountains.
Its oblong-spear-shaped fronds, 6in. to 12in. long, 3in. to 5in. broad, and
borne on slender, naked stalks 3in. to 6in. long, are furnished with numerous
leaflets of a thin, papery texture, divided into pinnules (leafits) which in their
turn are cut down to a narrowly-winged stalk into spoon-shaped segments
sharply cleft on the outer edge. The sori (spore masses) are disposed one
or two to each segment and placed on each side of the midvein.—AHooker,
Species Iilicum, iii., p. 193. Beddome, Ferns of Southern India, t. 130.

A. (Athyrium) thelypteroides — Ath-yr’-i-um ;_ the-lyp-ter-3-i/-des
(Thelypteris-like), Michauz.

This handsome, greenhouse species, which is easily distinguished by its
long sori (spore masses) disposed in regular rows, is a native of Sikkim and
the Himalayas, where it is found up to 10,000ft. elevation. It also grows
in a wild state in North America, where, according to Haton, it is one of the
most conspicuous Ferns in the forests of the Northern States, and is most
frequently found where a rivulet trickles through deep forests on the lower
slopes of a mountain, keeping the earth at all times moist. It occurs princi-
pally in such positions from North Brunswick and Canada to Central Alabama
and westward to Wisconsin. Its fronds, lft. to 2ft. long and 6in. to 12in.
broad, are spear-shaped and borne on upright stalks, 6in. long, that are chaffy
when very young but nearly smooth when mature (the stalk shown in Fig. 128
is rather shorter than usual). The numerous spreading leaflets are 4in. to
Gin. long, and are cut down to a broadly-winged stalk into small pinnules
(leafits) of a thin, papery texture. The oblong sori are disposed in close,
regular rows reaching nearly from the midrib to the edge, slightly curved,
the lower ones often double.— Hooker, Species Filicum, i., p. 226. Haton,
Lerns of North America, ii., t. 50. Beddome, Ferns of British India, t. 68.

A. (Darea (Thunbergii—Da’-ré-a ; Thun-berg’-i-i (Thunberg’s). This

1s synonymous with A. auriculatum.

ASPLENIUM. 651

A. (Diplazium) Thwaitesii—Dip-laz/i-um ; Thwaites’-i-i (Thwyaites’s),
Hooker.

This very fine, stove species, native of Ceylon, appears to be intermediate
between the popular A, japonicum and A. decussatum. Its fronds, 1ft. long,
4in. broad, and borne on slender, green stalks Gin, long and densely clothed
with strong, white, woolly hairs, are produced from a wide-creeping rhizome.

They are furnished with eight to ten pairs of distant leaflets besides the

SQWYy = {rE
= Z Z
= = Zs B
S Zs S ZS .
S Zs S ZS ZS /
SS S ZlS 4s VAN,
S Zs S Z& Zs : Nw
S SS S GS ZS gS G
= Zz S S AIS VAT WA fe
AS S ZS & OWS G
; ass S ZN As AN
NN Ni 2 5 8 aS aN Gk G
SDKRe4y + ‘ . ASS * y t
eS RIS 1S) = IN We S 4 } i
aN

Fig. 128. Frond of Asplenium thelypteroides

(& nat. size).

terminal one, which is only pinnatifid (cut half-way down to the midrib).
The largest of these leaflets, 2in. long and Jin. broad, are cut down two-thirds
of the way to the stalk into notched lobes about 4in. deep ; they are of
a soft, papery texture, pale green in colour, and hairy on both surfaces. The
sori (spore masses) reach half-way to the edge—Hovker, Species Filicum, iii.,
p. 250. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 134. Beddome, Ferns of
British India, t. 291.

652 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

A. (Euasplenium) Trichomanes— Euv-as-ple’-ni-um ; Trich-om/-an-és
(Maidenhair Spleenwort), Linnaeus.

This pretty, dwarf species is of all known Ferns the one which perhaps
possesses the most cosmopolitan character, for its geographical distribution
is so great that, besides being found throughout LHurope, it is, according
to Beddome, very common in most parts of India, especially at Kallutty, on
the Neilgherries, where it grows in abundance at elevations of 5000ft. or
6000ft. On the other hand, Eaton, in his excellent work on “Ferns of North
America,” says that it is common in North America from Canada to British
Columbia, and throughout the United States to Alabama, Texas, Colorado,
California, and Oregon, where it grows in crevices of shady rocks and also
sometimes on old walls. It is found wild in nearly every part of Hngland,
being rarest in the Hastern Counties and most abundant in the Western ones,
where it is so generally distributed that it is needless to enumerate the localities.
It is usually found from the sea-level up to 2000ft., and its favourite habitats
are ruins, rocks, and old walls, though it is frequently met with on
hedge-banks. The shady side of an old wall is undoubtedly the situation
the Maidenhair Spleenwort prefers, and that in which it is most commonly
found ; but once, in the eastern part of France, we came across a very long
and yery high wall facing due south that was literally covered and completely
hidden by this pretty species, which formed a perfectly dense and most lovely
green carpet. Yet, although many hours were spent in close examination of
these plants, we were unable to discover among them any deviation from the
type. All the specimens were alike in appearance and in growth, which was
unusually long for plants exposed to the full action of the sun. This, no
doubt, was attributable to the fact that the wall on which the Ferns grew
measured over 8ft. in thickness and was a remnant of fortifications, with
abundance of soil at the back, so that a great quantity of moisture was
always present.

The Maidenhair Spleenwort was known as one of our native plants to
the earliest of our herbalists, for in the “Seconde Parte of William Turner’s
Herball,” published in 1568, he calls it ‘English Mayden’s Heare,” and the
woodcut leaves no doubt that the plant referred to was our A. Trichomanes.
Gerarde is the first English writer who mentions any place in England where
it was native. He says: “I found it growing in a shadowy, sandy lane in

ASPLENIUM. 653

Betsome, in the parish of Southfleet, in Kent. It groweth likewise upon
stone walls at Her Majesty’s (Queen Elizabeth’s) Palace of Richmond, and
on most stone walls of the west and north parts of England.”

According to the situation which A. Trichomanes occupies, its fronds,
linear (long and narrow) and only once divided to the midrib (Fig. 129),
vary from 6in. to 12in. in length; they are borne on slender, glossy stalks
2in. to 4in. long and of a peculiar
chestnut-brown colour, and are
furnished with from fifteen to

as
G

thirty pairs of dark green leaflets,

Ay f) yp

ae
i

scarcely stalked and of a some-

BS

what leathery texture. These are
usually roundish-oblong, obliquely
wedge-shaped at the base, and
toothed all round, yet variable in
form. The fructification is dis-
tributed over the frond, and the

sori (spore masses), disposed in

Fig, 129, Asplenium Trichomanes
linear, oblique lines of three to ( nat. size).

six on each side of the midrib,

become confluent when fully developed and entirely cover the under-side of
the leaflets—Hooker, Species Filicum, iii., p. 136. Beddome, Ferns of Southern
India, t. 147. Haton, Ferns of North America, 1., t. 36. Lowe, Ferns
British and Exotic, v., t. 22; Our Native Ferns, ., t. 46.

The Maidenhair Spleenwort may be propagated either by means of its
spores, which are generally ripe in August and germinate freely, or, as is most
commonly the case, by the division of its crowns. In the latter case it is
best to select, as far as practicable, plants growing on hedge-banks, as it
is somewhat difficult to safely remove those which grow amongst bricks and
stones, and the operation, to be successful, should be performed during March
and April. Hardy as it is, the Maidenhair Spleenwort prefers an exposed
situation to a close or very shady one, in which the constant moisture, by
collecting on the fronds, soon causes them to blacken and decay. If the
plants are grown in pots it is essential that these should be well drained,
and frequent watering over the fronds must be avoided. The compost best

654 LEE BOOK VOR "CLO LG. IER,

suited for this species is a mixture of porous, loamy soil, lumps of sandstone,
and old lime rubbish. A. Zrichomanes is particularly adapted for the
formation, m the hardy outdoor Fernery, of a neat and pleasant edging
where it can take its natural position; but in this case it should be planted
between stones, and the crowns should be kept slightly above the surface of
the soil. It is in such a position that its graceful, slender fronds are shown
to perfection.

The Maidenhaw Spleenwort has produced several very interesting and
pretty varieties, some of which are more or less crested, forked, or branched,
while others differ from the typical species by having their pinne (leaflets)
variously cut or disposed in different ways. Amongst the former section, all

of which are of about normal dimensions, the most distinct are:

A. T. acrocladon—ac-roc’-lad-on (branched at the summit), Lowe.
A distinct variety, originally found in Owsnip Gill, Swaledale, Yorkshire,
Lowe, Our Native

and having fronds repeatedly branched at their apex.
Ferns, ii., p. 204, fig. 553.

A. T. biceps—hic’-eps (two-headed), Lowe.

A variety artificially raised from spores by Mr. Mapplebeck, late of
Woodfield, Moseley, near Birmingham, and said to be quite constant.—Love,
Our Native Ferns, t., p. 210, fig. 566.

A. T. bifurceum—tbif-ur’-cum (twice-forked), Wollaston.

Originally found near Maidstone, and subsequently on the wall of
Hoddam Kirkyard, in Dumfries-shire, and in Owsnip Gill, Swaledale-—Lowe,
Our Native Ferns, ui., p. 203, fig. 550.

A. T. cornuto-ramosum — cor-nu’-to-ra-mo’-sum (having horn-like
branches), Lowe.

A singular variety, originally found near the Clifton Suspension Bridge,
and distinct from all other known forms by the presence of a cornute (horn-
like) projection disposed in the centre of the forking of the fronds, which
are regularly divided into two branches.—Lowe, Our Native Ferns, ii,
p.. 209, fig. 563.

ASPLENIUM. 655

A. T. corymbiferum—cor-ymb-if’-er-um (corymb-bearing), Lowe.

A normal and coarsely-crenated form, with a large branching tuft at the
end of each frond. Originally found at Owsnip Gill, in Swaledale.—Lowe,
Our Native Ferns, ii., p. 205, fig. 554.

A. T. cristatum—cris-ta’-tum (crested), Wollaston.

This pretty, crested variety (Fig. 130), of vigorous growth and _ freely
reproduced by spores, was first noticed and distributed by Mrs. Delves, of
Tunbridge Wells, who found it
erowing in a mass of Hymeno-
phyllum unilaterale (Wilsont) which
she had received from the Glasgow
Botanic Gardens.—Lowe, Our Native
Ferns, u., p. 208, fig. 561.

A. T. multifidum — mul-tif’-
id-um (much-cleft), Moore.
This is another free-growing,

crested form reproducing itself freely

Fig. 180, Asplenium Trichomanes cristatum

from spores, and indigenous in Scot- Flee hy
land, as it was originally found

‘growing wild at St. Mary’s Isle, Kirkcudbright, and distributed by the late
Mr. J. McNab, of the Edinburgh Botanic Gardens. It has, however, been
since found wild near Capel Curig, in North Wales.—Lowe, Our Native

Ferns, ., p. 208, fig. 562.

A. T. ramo-depauperatum
poverished branches), Clapham.

ra’-mo-—de-pau-per-a’-tum (having im-

A pretty variety, with impoverished fronds terminating in a tuft of from
six to twelve most depauperated branchlets. It was raised from spores by
Mrs. A. Clapham, of Scarborough.—Lowe, Our Native Ferns, ii., p. 210, fig. 565.

A. T. ramo-lobatum
A large-growing form, with the lobes of the leaflets deeply cut and

ra’-mo—lob-a’-tum (having branched lobes), Moore.

coarsely toothed on their margin. Originally found near Nettlecombe.—Love,
Our Native Ferns, u., p. 213, fig. 573.

656 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

A. T. ramosum—ra-mo’-sum (branched), Wollaston.

This much-branched variety, with the stalks twice or three times forked
and the terminal lobes often enlarged and multifid (much-cleft), was originally
found at Newte’s Hill, near Tiverton, and somewhat abundantly near IIfra-
combe, in Devonshire, and subsequently on Quin Abbey, County Clare ; near
Windermere, near Keswick, and in Owsnip Gill, in Swaledale, Yorkshire.—
Lowe, Our Native Ferns, ii., p. 202, fig. 549.

The foregoing are all crested, branched, or forked forms, and, with the
exception of A. 7. cristatum and A. T. ramosum, which reproduce themselves
freely from spores, they can only be increased by the division of the crowns.
Of the non-crested forms of A. Trichomanes, some are really very pretty and
interesting : the following are among the most distinct :

A. T. confluens—con’-flti-ens (joining), Moore.

This strikingly-distinet form, of somewhat smaller dimensions than the
typical plant, is remarkable for its crowded, overlapping leaflets and the
conspicuously-confluent extremity of its fronds, seldom more than 3in. long.
It was originally found at Levens, Milnthorp.—Lowe, Our Native Ferns, ii
p- 207, fig. 560.

ze

A. T. imbricatum—im-bric-a’-tum (overlapping), Clapham.

A curious and very pretty variety, of particularly dwarf habit, its
fronds seldom exceeding 3in. in length. The leaflets are distinctly but
minutely stalked, the edges are prettily toothed, and they are disposed
so close together as to overlap each other. It was originally discovered at
Knaresborough, Yorkshire, and has not been found in any other locality.—
Lowe, Our Native Ferns, ui., p. 212, fig. 570.

A. T. incisum—in-ci’-sum (cut), Moore.

This, the most beautiful form of the Maidenhair Spleenwort and a perfect
little gem in itself, has been found wild in various localities far apart from
one another. It was originally discovered in Devonshire, then at Kent
Clough, near Burley, Lancashire; in Burrowdale, Cumberland; in Jersey ; in
County Clare, Ireland; and near Pyle, in Glamorganshire. The most singular
statement on record respecting this pretty little Fern, however, comes from

ASPLENIUM. 657

Katon, who, in his excellent work, “Ferns of North America,” says that,
besides having been found near Brattleboro, Vermont, it is frequently
collected near San Diego, California, where the typical plant does not seem
to occur. Its somewhat triangular and generally sharp-pointed leaflets are
deeply cleft into narrow-oblong, irregularly and profoundly serrated segments,
the larger of them often being lobed. See Fig. 1381.—ZLowe, Our Native
Ferns, U., p. 201, fig. 548. Haton, Ferns of North America, i., t. 36.

>

Fig. 131. Frond of Asplenium Trichomanes incisum

(3 nat. size).

A. T. i. Claphami—Clap’-ham-i (Clapham’s), Lowe.

Undoubtedly the finest form of the variety incisum. Its fronds are Gin.
to Vin. long and are furnished with upwards of thirty pairs of leaflets, which
sometimes measure #in. in length and #in. across the base, the basal lobes
right and left being cut down nearly to the midrib and themselves again
lobed and having segments toothed and more or less deeply cleft. Unfor-
tunately, this lovely form, which was originally found at Smeerset, near Settle,
Yorkshire, is entirely barren, and consequently very scarce—ZLowe, Our
Nate ferns, ., p. 212, fig. 572.

A. T. i. laciniatum
A distinct sub-variety, of small dimensions, originally found in County

lac-in-i-a/-tum (torn), Moore.

Clare, Ireland. Its fronds, seldom more than 38in. long, have their leaflets
narrow and finely laciniated—Lowe, Our Native Ferns, ii., p. 206, 12d aso) Cg

A. T. lobatum—lob-a’-tum (lobed), Moore.

In this large-growing variety, originally found at Shaw Bridge, in
Devonshire, the fronds, upwards of 1ft. in length, have their leaflets, especially
in the centre of the frond, deeply divided at their base into two broadly
egg-shaped lobes, the lowest one sometimes separated almost to the midrib.
—Lowe, Our Native Ferns, ii., p. 206, fig. 558.

4 ¢@

658 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

A. T. majus—ma’-jus (greater).

A garden name for a very strong-growing form, found in Devonshire,
County Clare, and other places. It is of normal form, and its only difference
from the typical plant lies in the great size of its fronds, which measure from
lft. to 13ft. in length—Lowe, Our Native Ferns, ii., p. 214.

A. T. serratum major—ser-ra’-tum ma/-jor (greater saw-edged), Lowe.
This variety, originally found at Shaw Bridge, in Devonshire, differs from
the typical species by the length of its fronds, which are frequently 1ft. long
and 14in. broad, and from the foregoing variety by its loose and unusually
large leaflets being coarsely toothed and occasionally dilated and forked at the
extreme tip of the frond.—Lowe, Our Native Ferns, ii., p. 205, fig. 556.

A. T. subeequale—sub-ex-qua’-lé (nearly equal), Moore.

This is a handsome form, with fronds sometimes narrowed and elongated
and with leaflets distinct, sometimes broad and shorter, with large, crowded
leaflets. It was originally found on the banks of the Wye, and later on at
KXnaresborough, Yorkshire ; at Whitbarrow, in Westmoreland ; at Nettlecombe,
Somerset ; and at or near Tunbridge Wells. This variety differs in a remark-
able degree from all others in haying the leaflets equal-sided at the base, the
upper ones being oblong, the lower ones more frequently obtuse-deltoid (in
form of the Greek delta, A, with a blunt point); ther margins are some-
times shghtly sinuated and form a gently-waving line, while at other times
they are deeply dented and frequently even elegantly notched.—Lowe, Our
Native Ferns, u., p. 206, fig. 559.

A. (Euasplenium) trilobum—LHu-as-ple’-ni-um ; tril’-ob-um (three-lobed),
Cavanilles.

A very rare little, stove species, native of Chili and South Brazil, with
curious little fronds 1din. long and lin. broad, borne on firm, erect stalks
2in. to 3in. long and scaly below. These fronds are very singular in shape,
being wedge-shaped at the base, entire, with their margin undulated and
notched, on the lower part deeply lobed with broadly-notched divisions. They
are of a leathery texture, and the sori (spore masses) are broad and_ short.
—Hooker, Species Filicum, iii., p. 90. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening,
L, p. 134.

ASPLENIUM. 659

A. (Athyrium) umbrosum — Ath-yr’-i-um ; um-bro’-sum (found in
shady places), J. Smith.

This very handsome, greenhouse species, of large dimensions, which is also
known as A. Browni and Allantodia australe, has a very wide geographical
distribution, for it is recorded as indigenous in Madeira, the Canaries, the
Azores, Java, Ceylon, Australia, New Zealand, and Tasmania, while on the
Himalayas it is found growing at various elevations from 6000ft. to 8000ft.
Its fronds, from 3ft. to 5ft. long and 1ft. to 14ft. broad, are borne on strong,
erect stalks 1ft. or more long, of a brownish colour, and clothed below with
dark scales. The pinne (leaflets), of a thin, papery texture and light green
colour, are somewhat ovate (egg-shaped) and are divided into closely-set,
spear-shaped pinnules (leafits) ; these leafits are again cut into numerous
inear-oblong segments which are deeply cleft.
The abundant sori (spore masses) are oblong
in shape and closely set—Hooker, Species
Filicum, tii., p. 232. Nicholson, Dictionary of
Gardening, 1., p. 1384. Lowe, Ferns British
and Haotic, v., t. 41.

A. (Euasplenium) varians — var’-i-ans
(variable), Hooker and Greville.

A very variable and widely-distributed,
greenhouse species, of small dimensions, native
of the Himalayas, Ceylon, Cape Colony, and
the Neilgherries, where, according to Beddome,
it is very common about Ootocamund. Its
fronds, 4in. to 6in. long, lin. broad, and borne
on slender, greenish stalks lin. to 3in. long, pete lsaliginn cere
are oblong-spear-shaped, and furnished with @ nat. size).
from eight to twelve pairs of leaflets of a soft,
papery texture, mostly cut to the midrib into a few wedge-shaped pinnules
(leafits) that are sharply toothed on the outer edge. The abundant. sori
(spore masses), when mature, cover nearly the whole under-surface of the
pinnules. Fig. 132 is reduced from Col. Beddome’s “Ferns of Southern
India,” by the kind permission of the author.— Hooker, Species Filicum, iti

4 @ 2

se)

660 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

p. 192. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 1384. Beddome, Ferns of
Southern India, t. 129.

A. Veitchianum — Veitch-i-a/-num (Veitch’s). This is identical with
A. Belangert.

A. (Euasplenium) Vieillardii—Ku-as-ple’-ni-um ; Vieil-lard’-i-i (Vieil-
lard’s), Mettenius.

A very graceful, greenhouse species, native of New Caledonia, with fronds
6in. to 9in. long, Gin. broad, formed of a large terminal leaflet lengthened out
at the pomt and deeply toothed, and three or four pairs of similar lateral ones
4in. long and 3in. broad, of a thin, papery texture and dark green colour.
The distantly-placed sori (spore masses) fall short of both edge and midrib.
A. schizodon is another name for this species—AHooker, Synopsis Filicum,
p. 200. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 135.

A. WV. apicidens—ap-ic’-id-ens (toothed at the apex). A variety of
A. Vieillardii, with more obtuse venation and shortened sori.

A. (Euasplenium) viride—Eu-as-ple’-ni-um ; vir’-id-é (green), Hudson.

This hardy species, which somewhat resembles A. Trichomanes, is a
native of the whole of North and Central Hurope, also of the Himalayas
and Kumaon, where, according to Beddome, it is found at an elevation of
12,000ft. Haton also tells us that it is found growing on shaded rocks from
New Brunswick and Northern New England to the Rocky Mountains and
British Columbia.

As a British species the Green Spleenwort is particularly mteresting.
Its light green colour, more especially in the case of the stalks, is a most
distinguishing character in a plant which, as regards size and habit, is
very similar to the Maidenhair Spleenwort (A. Trichomanes), from which it
differs also by its less erect and more graceful habit. Like that species, it
is particularly fond of moist rocks and old walls in cool districts, for,
although it has been gathered: in Northumberland; on the Mazebeck Scars,
in Westmoreland; at Gordale, Settle, near Halifax, and at Black Bank,
near Leeds, in Yorkshire, it has not been found in England further south
than Derbyshire. The principal places where the Green Spleenwort has been
found in Ireland are on Turk Mountain, Killarney; on Ben Bulben, Sligo ;

ASPLENIUM. 661

and near Lough Eske, on the Donegal Mountains. It has also been gathered
on Cader Idris, Crib-y-Ddeseil, and Snowdon, in Wales ; and in Ross-shire, in
Cawdor Woods, near Nairn; at the foot of Benmore, Sutherlandshire, and
all over the Highlands. Fine masses of this species, with fronds upwards of

6in. long, are said to have been gathered in Perthshire by Mr. B. 5. Wilhams,

Fig, 138. Asplenium viride, showing Habit, and (a) Barren and (b) Fertile Pinne

(Habit, nat. size; Pinne, enlarged)

but this is a size very unusual with the plant, whose fronds generally

average about 4in. in length. Removal from its natural nooks is generally

attended with some difficulty, but when once it is established it succeeds

very well under the treatment recommended for the Maidenhair Spleenwort
(A. Trichomanes).

4 @ 3

662 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

The first botanist recognising the Green Spleenwort as a distinct species
was Cordus, who, in 1561, published it in his “ Historia Stirpium” under the
name of Adiantum album, though he gives the same woodcut of it as he
does for Asplenium Trichomanes. The first to name it Asplenium viride
was, we believe, Hudson, in his “ Flora Anglica,” published during 1762.

A. viride has narrow-linear fronds 4in. to 6in. long and less than
in. broad, borne on very short, green, slender stalks, and furnished
with twenty to thirty pairs of stalkless leaflets (Fig. 133) less than Hin. each
way ; these leaflets are cuneate-flabellate (wedge- and fan-shaped), the upper
edge is suddenly narrowed at the base, the lower one is obliquely truncate
(broken off), and the outer part is deeply notched. The abundant sori (spore
masses) are linear-oblong in shape and are disposed in an oblique position.-—
Hooker, Species Hilicum, ii., p. 144. Lowe, Our Native Ferns, ti., t. 47;
Ferns British and Exotic, v.,t. 28. Eaton, Ferns of North America, i., t. 36.
Beddome, Ferns of British India, t. 64.

Several variations are described and figured by Lowe in “Our Native
Ferns,” but it is very questionable whether any of these can now be found
in any collection or procured anywhere, and the form mudtifidum, which is
frequently found amongst plants of the typical species and which has fronds
more or less forked at their extremity, can scarcely be termed a permanent

variety.

A. (Euasplenium) vitteeforme — LHu-as-ple’-ni-um ; vit-te-for’-mé
(ribbon-fronded), Cavanilles.

A singular and pretty, stove species, native of Java and the Philippine
and Fiji Islands, with leathery, entire (undivided), spear-shaped fronds 1ft. to
14ft. long, narrowed to an acute point and very gradually into the stalk
below, their margins being slightly toothed. The abundant and conspicuous
sori (spore masses) reach from the midrib nearly to the edge. A. sundense
is another name for this species.—Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, p. 192. Nicholson,
Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 135.

A. (Darea) viviparum—Da’-ré-a ; vi-vip’-ar-um (plant-bearing), Pres.
This exceedingly elegant, stove species, native of the Mauritius and
Bourbon Islands, is greatly admired on account of the exquisitely fine nature

ASPLENI/IUM. 663

of its dark green fronds, Ift. to 2ft. long, Gin. to 8in. broad, borne on firm,
erect, greenish stipites (stalks) Gin. to Qin, long. The many closely-placed
leaflets, din. to Gin. long, 14in. to Qin. broad, are cut down to numerous
pinnatifid pinnules, the lower segments of which are again forked and hardly
thicker than a thread: these being of a somewhat erect nature give the
plant a very feathery, light appearance (Fig. 134), which is enhanced
by the presence of young plants,
with which the upper surface of
its fronds is entirely covered, and
which, when pegged down to the
soil, root very freely. The abundant
sori (spore masses) are solitary and
disposed on the margins of the
segments. This is one of the few
Aspleniums which do best in a

mixture of peat and sand without fais
0s,
NINE,

any addition of loam.— Hooker,
Species Pilicum, iii., p. 215. Nichol-

son, Dictionary of Gardening, i., V Veni.
MNgs

or s be dost

p. 1385. Lowe, Ferns British and Fig. 134. Asplentum viviparum

Exotic, V., ‘Has (much reduced),

A. v. nobile—no’-bil-é (noble), Henderson.

This varietal name, for which we cannot find any authority, is used in
gardens for what appears to be a beautiful and more vigorous form of the
foregoing species, and it also requires stove treatment. It was accidentally
imported from New Guinea by Messrs. E. G. Henderson, who distributed it
simply as A. nobile. It is a much easier plant to cultivate than A. viviparum,
and it beautifully-feathery fronds, of a much more open and flat nature,
about 13ft. long, are of a bright, shining green and produced from a thick,
fleshy rhizome (prostrate stem). They are quadripinnate (four times divided
to the midrib), and are furnished with broad leaflets which are subdivided
into narrow pinnules (leafits) and thread-like segments three times as long
as those of A. viviparum and elegantly pendulous. These fronds are of
a pleasing, arching habit; their feathery appearance, as is the case with the

664 THE BOOK OF -CHOIGE FERNS:

typical species, is rendered still more striking by the presence of numerous
young plants covering the upper surface of the mature fronds; and as the
rudimentary or first fronds of these young plants are very broad and entire
(undivided), the contrast is very effective, The abundant sori (spore masses)
are linear (long and narrow) and disposed one on the margin of each

segment.

A. (Euasplenium) vuleanicum — Ev-as-ple’-ni-um ; vul-ca’-nic-um
(voleanic), Blume.

A very distinct, stove species, native of the Malay Islands, with fronds
lft. to 2ft. long, 4in. to 8in. broad, and borne on firm, naked stalks 6im. to
9in. long and of a peculiar grey colour. They are oblong-spear-shaped and
composed of a linear terminal leaflet, usually proliferous at its extremity, and
of from six to twelve lateral ones on each side of the midrib. These leaflets
are of a thin, papery texture and distinctly stalked, 4in. to 6in. long, barely
lin. broad, sharp-pointed, and have their edge slightly notched or toothed.
The sori (spore masses), very regular and parallel in their disposition, fall
short of the edge. A. heterodon is synonymous with this species: it is said to
differ by its stouter habit, broader leaflets, and fewer spore masses.—Hooker,
Species Filicum, iii., p. 102. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 135.

A. (Euasplenium) Wightianum — Eu-as-ple’-ni-um ; Wight-i-a’-num
(Wight’s), Wallich.

This very distinct, stove species, with barren and fertile fronds totally
dissimilar, is a native of India, where, according to Beddome, it is found on
the Anamallay and Pulney Mountains and in the Bolamputty Valley, in the
Coimbatore Hills, growing on rocks and trees in moist forests on the banks
of rivers at elevations varying between 2000ft. and 4000ft. Its fertile fronds,
1ft. to 1}ft. long, are furnished with distinctly-stalked leaflets of a leathery
texture, 4in. to Gin. long, coarsely but not deeply toothed. Im the case of
the barren fronds, the leaflets are much larger, deeply and irregularly pinnatifid
(cut half-way to the midrib), with the segments toothed. The sori (spore
masses) are linear (long and narrow), distant, and extend from the midrib
nearly to the margin of the seements.—Hooker, Species Filicum, in., p. 105.
Beddome, Ferns of Southern India, t. 126.

ASPLENIUM. 665

A. (Athyrium) woodwardioides — Ath-yr’-i-um ; wood-ward-i-0-i/-dés
(Woodwardia-like), Baker.

A stove species, native of Java and the Philippine Islands, and somewhat
like A. polypodioides in general habit. Its handsome, ample fronds, 2ft. to
att. long and Ift. or more broad, are borne on firm, erect stalks of a peculiar
dark-chestnut colour; their leaflets, 6in. to 9in. long and 3in. broad, are
cut into spear-shaped, slightly-stalked pinnules (leafits) 1in. long that are
again divided into somewhat sickle-shaped lobes of a soft, papery texture.
The oblong sori (spore masses) are confined to the lower lobes close to the
midrib and do not reach more than half-way to the edge.—Hooker, Synopsis
Filicum, p. 229.

A. (Euasplenium) zamioides — Eu-as-ple’-ni-um; za-mi-d-i/-dés (like
a Zamia), Hooker.

A thoroughly distinct and somewhat coarse-growing, stove species, native
of Java, Sumatra, and Penang, with fronds lft. to 2ft. long and 6in. to 9in.
broad, borne on stout, fleshy stalks of a somewhat scaly nature. These fronds
are composed of a terminal broadly-oblong leaflet and of ten or twelve lateral
ones of leathery texture on each side of the midrib, the lowest of which are
din, to 6in. long, 13in. broad, with a sharp point and slightly toothed, the
lower part wedge-shaped at the base, and the two sides unequal, the upper
one narrowed suddenly almost to a right angle, and the lower one obliquely
cuneate. The sori (spore masses), elongated and sometimes lin. long, are
almost parallel with the midvem and reach nearly to the margin.—
Hooker, Species Filicum, iii, p. 114, t. 170. Beddome, Ferns of British
India, t. 198.

A. (Diplazium) zeylanicum— Dip-laz’-i-um ;_ zey-lan’-ic-um (Cingalese),
Hooker.

A very distinct, stove species, native of Ceylon, with fronds 6in. to 12in,
long and lin. to 2in. broad, which are slightly lobed at the summit, the lower
two-thirds or middle being deeply pinnatifid, and quite pinnate (divided to the
midrib) at the base, where the divisions thus formed are blunt, about din.
to Zin. across, and horizontal. These fronds, of a thin, papery texture and pale

green colour, are borne on firm, upright stalks 4in, to Sin. long, of a somewhat

666 THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS.

succulent or fleshy nature and scaly throughout. In young subjects they
have an almost erect yet elegant habit, as shown in Fig. 135; but when the
plant gets older its outward fronds, of a more flaccid nature, hang all around

the pot in a very graceful manner. The sori (spore “masses) are very narrow

Fig. 1385, Asplenium zeylanicum
(much reduced).

and about in. long, and are disposed on a lateral vein half-way between
the costa (midvein) and the margin of the lobe-—Hooker, Species Pilicum,
p. 237. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, 1., p. 135. Beddome, Ferns of
Southern India, t. 228.

ATMYRIUM—Ath-yr’-i-um. See Asplenium.

END OF VOLUME I.

%

<ely.

et

ih

*,

apace
sa

a5.)

Dae oh

AOTC AIC

3 9088 01246 4202