26 



August, 1910, will entitle them to all four of the quarterly 

 issues. 



A copy of the " Gazette " will be willingly sent to any 

 one likely to become a member. All communications, 

 MSS., etc., concerning the " Gazette" should be addressed 

 direct to the Editor, 11, Shaa Road, Acton, London, W. 



Editor. 



OUR FRONTISPIECE. 



This represents a very beautiful plumose form of Lastvea 

 montana, respecting which the finder. Dr. F. W. Stansfield, 

 furnishes the following note : — 



On July 27th, igo8, I found near Nevin, Carnarvonshire, 

 a first-rate plumose Lastvea montana, which appears to be 

 quite distinct from other plumose forms of this species. It 

 is perfectly symmetrical and thoroughbred in character, 

 and, although perhaps less finely dissected than Mr. 

 Whitwell's find, is probably more foliose than any other 

 plumose form yet known. The pinnules are deeply incised, 

 but the lobes are broad and rounded, which causes them to 

 overlap each other very much, and are, moreover, curved 

 forward and undulated at their margins, so as to produce 

 a very charming, crispy effect in the fresh frond, which is 

 quite lost in a pressed one. The plant is, so far, quite 

 barren, and has only a single crown, so that it will be 

 some time before it can be propagated to any extent. It 

 has not yet attained full development, and will probably 

 show yet finer character when mature. 



F. W. Stansfield. 



Reading, Nov. 5th, 1909. 



SPORE PROPAGATION. 



Naturally, the first desire of a successful fern hunter is 

 not merely to secure the individual existence of his find, 

 but to multiply it, and, if possible, improve its particular 

 character by virtue of that general tendency to vary in 

 the offspring, which is inherent in all abnormal sports. 

 Although thoroughbred types breed true as a rule, their 



