169 



as embracing the finest tasselled and branched varieties, 

 all are handsome and bold growing. 



The finest plumose or feathery forms are P. v. caiiihricjim, 

 Prestonij a denser and finer form of same, Bavvowii, 

 Hadwinii, and pidchervinmm. The more divided or finely 

 cut are P. v. cornubiense, Fowleri, and trichomanoides, while 

 Mr. Clapham by a successful cross, obtained Claphami, a 

 tasselled form of cornubiense. 



There is a distinct series of very robust-growing forms, 

 with deeply cut divisions. Among these we may cite 

 semilacevum grande, a most extraordinary form, with almost 

 round fronds, so much are the side divisions expanded, 

 omnilaceYitm and semilacerum. 



As already indicated, the culture of this fern is easy 

 enough. All it needs is plenty of loose leaf-mould in 

 which to wander. We have found it easy to produce 

 ornamental specimens by attaching the rhizomes to the 

 surface of large suspended blocks of brown fibrous peat 

 (not the close black stuff), into which they speedily root, 

 provided, of course, that they are kept moist, especially 

 until the roots have penetrated the block, and the plants 

 are well established. Suspended thus, the plants seem at 

 home, and very soon push out a number of fronds, and 

 form a pretty enough object even if the common fern be 

 used, while if P. v. camhvicum or a few of the other varieties 

 named be installed instead, so much the more is the 

 eventual result enhanced. 



It is not an easy fern to raise from spores, but we have 

 succeeded by sowing them upon little lumps of scalded 

 peat. Perfect drainage is very essential in all stages of 

 culture. If planted in pots, the rhizome must be only just 

 covered, and that with loose leaf-mould, through which the 

 rising fronds can easily push their w^ay. In a rockery a 

 special station must be made, as the least stiffness in the 

 soil is inimical to it. In these cases, as in all others, if we 

 only keep well in our minds the positions and conditions 



