136 



DWARF BRITISH FERNS. {Continued.) 



The Hart's-tongue (Scolopendvium vulgave) has yielded a 

 number of forms fitted for culture in limited space, S. v, 

 spivale, muricatum, gloineratum, Kelwayii, with its half-dozen 

 synonyms, Baxfcni, Coolingii, etc., and a host of new forms 

 obtained by Mr. E. J. Lowe by crossing form a little crowd 

 of Tom Thumbs in this species, which, from its known 

 habit of adaptation to wall-growing, as well as free growth 

 in the soil, is obviously fitted also for small specimens in 

 pots. Among the small species all the Asplenia may be 

 reckoned, and if their natural habitats be imitated by 

 planting them in rocky chinks contrived with bits of porous- 

 stone and sandy leaf-mould, they will do as well in pots as 

 out of them. The lightest position suits them best. 

 Asplenium marimun benefits by brackish water. Aspleniinn 

 vivide is the better for a glass over it, as it vv^ants a damp 

 atmosphere. The several varieties of Maidenhair, Adian- 

 ium CapiUus-veneris, take up scanty room as a rule. 



The Bladder Ferns {Cystopteris) are all dwarf, but are 

 scarcely to be recommended for the purpose, nearly all 

 having a nasty knack of turning brown as soon as the- 

 fronds mature under cnlture. The common Polypody 

 (Polypodiiun vulgare) has yielded only one dwarf form, P. v.. 

 pavvissimnnt, which is very chary of growth. The whole of 

 the varieties are, however, of medium size under ordinary 

 culture, and, being evergreen, are well worth growing. 



We have now indicated a very fair collection, and 

 cannot too strongly recommend the culture of these pretty 

 plants to our lady friends who may have windows facini< 

 north, where flowers can scarcely thrive, owing to lack of 

 sunshine. In such a spot all the Ferns named would thrive 

 apace, and amply repay the little care required in watering, 

 which is their chief desideyatuiii. The pots must be well 

 drained, and should not stand in water. A very good plan 

 is to invert a small saucer in a larger one, and stand the 

 pot upon it ; a little water standing in the lower one will 



