202 



less than sixty-eight crested Lady Ferns being gathered in 

 a comparatively short time, plus the Blechnums. This 

 being the case, we naturally refrain from ranking these as 

 wild finds proper, but with regard to the others, the 

 attached notes and particulars and general character of 

 the fronds, put their value as such beyond all doubt. 



Chas. T. Druery, V.M.H., F.L.S. 



FERN SPORE SOWING. 



As I have been asked to write with regard to the relative 

 length of time required for the germination of fern spores, 

 and the subsequent development of the fern from the 

 prothallus, I may say that so much depends upon season, 

 temperature, and treatment, that it is not easy to give 

 definite data. One fact is certain, and that is that different 

 species vary greatly in the relative rapidity or slowness of 

 the process, as they do in the subsequent development into 

 established specimen plants. Undoubtedly the best results 

 are obtained when the spores are sown so soon as they are 

 ripe, that is, about July with most of the species. By 

 sowing freshly gathered spores of Hartstongues, Lady Ferns 

 and Lastreas at that season, pvothalli are usually visible 

 in two or three weeks, and the young plants may be visible 

 in five or six weeks later, always provided that the culture 

 be kept thoroughly moist, free from sunshine, but otherwise 

 well exposed to light. Polystichums, however, are much 

 slower in development, and spores sown in July, though 

 they produce prothalH in the early autumn, may quite 

 possibly refuse to produce plants until the next growing 

 season. Osmuiida regalis spores must be gathered as soon as 

 the fertile spores complete their growth, they are then quite 

 green in colour, and if the brown stage, usually indicating 

 ripeness, be waited for, all the capsules will be withered 

 and the spores shed. Germination in this species is rapid, 

 a week or ten days sufficing to show green pvothalli^ though 

 of course it is some weeks later before these grow to full 

 size, and effect their reproductive functions. 



