230 



or less crested, as well as distinct and beautiful. Densiim 

 is another fine foliose form, while hyhvidum acideato-crjiciatum 

 is one of the late Mr. Lowe's remarkable crosses between 

 P. ang. Wahleyaimm and P. ac. densuni, which ought to go a 

 long way towards the argument in favour of unity of species. 

 This plant, however, is more curious than beautiful — hence 

 one might reason per contra and vote for purity of species. 



The third species of Polystichum — or well-defined garden 

 form — is P. angiilave. Having already commented on the 

 disagreement of botanists in the relation of this with 

 acideatum, I will merely add that, in normal specimens, 

 their distinctive characters are sufficiently clear for our 

 purpose. Apart from technical differences, however, 

 angulare is more soft and delicate in texture and more 

 pendant and elegant in habit. 



As to the varieties, they are so numerous that I cannot 

 pretend to deal with a tithe of them. In E. J. Lowe's little 

 book 394 varieties are recorded ; in " The Book of British 

 Ferns," by Mr. Druery, about i8o forms receive attention; 

 while in the latest publication — " British Ferns and their 

 Varieties " — also by Mr. Druery, the author has endea- 

 voured to slightly curtail this number — to choose, in fact, 

 only the very best. As, however, there are still too many 

 for me to manipulate, I will content myself by dealing only 

 with those that I can recommend. Out of so large a 

 number, even of good things, one has perforce to be 

 eclectic — to pick and choose to suit one's own accommoda- 

 tion and requirements. 



At the outset one is confronted with some good things 

 in the acutilobuin section. Here the fronds are much divided 

 and the lobes acutely pointed. There are forms of Gray, 

 Hartley and Phillips, and many more of bulbiferous 

 character. These are perhaps better known outside the 

 cult on account of this proliferous habit. They are pro- 

 pagated by the trade, and seem to find a ready sale, for one 

 often comes across them. This proliferous peculiarity, 

 however, is not confined to this section, as all Fern-growers 



