38 THE FLORAL WORLD AND GARDEN GUIDE. 



well-drained position; but if exposed, or in a spot that is very wet 

 in wiater, is pretty sure to perish. As it is a cheap fern, it is well 

 for every possessor of a good fernery to give it a trial. 



AsPLENiuM EBENEUM. — Less in stature than the preceding, this 

 is still worth a place in the hardy fernery. In favoured spots it will 

 last until an extra severe winter occurs, and probably would outlast 

 the keenest frosts we have if protected. 



AxHYRiUM ASPLENioiDEs. — A fiue fcm, rising two to three feet 

 high, the fronds elegantly divided and a rich colour, purplish-black 

 mingled with dark green. It is deciduous, grows freely, and appears 

 to be quite hardy. For the rockery under glass this is one of the 

 choicest ferns known ; when seen against a dark background, it has 

 a beauty not surpassed by that of Pteris scaberula. I very strongly 

 recommend this for the sheltered parts of a rockery ; it needs shade, 

 and will bear a considerable degree of moisture without injury. 



Ctrtomium falcatum. — This is the "laurel fern," so called 

 on account of its dark-green leaf-like divisions of a hard leathery 

 texture. It is a most noble object in the fernery, being as distinct 

 in its way as a Scolopendrium, but far more majestic. It will grow 

 in almost any soil, will bear more sun, more drought, and more 

 moisture than almost any other fern we have, but it is not quite 

 hardy. Therefore it must either be protected by heaping a cone of 

 coal-ashes over the crown, or, better still, it must be taken up and 

 potted for the winter. 



CYETOiiiUii CAEYOTiDETJM. — This grows to ouly half the height 

 of the preceding ; it is an interesting species, and requires protection 

 in the same manner. 



Lastrea Goldiea^^a. — This fine fern (which by the w^ay is not 

 very distinct in character) has been very fairly tried, again and 

 again, as a hardy fern, and here has always failed. Moreover, its 

 growth is unsatisfactory if it is left in any respect to shift for itself; 

 so, while admitting that it is a noble species, I am quite prepared to 

 strike it out of the list of desirable species for those who cannot 

 bestow pains upon it, and give it the shelter of glass. 



Lastrea MARaiT^ALis. — This is one of the most beautiful of this 

 great family, very distinct, robust, and cheerful. The fronds are 

 twice-divided, with entire pinnules, the colour bluish-green, the 

 fructification light orange-yellow. When strong it rises two feet 

 high, and forms a noble tuft. This is quite hardy if in a sheltered 

 spot, and is one of the most useful exotic ferns known. 



Lastrea yovEBORACENSis. — This is by no means eminent for 

 beauty, though it would be a gross libel to say it has no beauty. 

 It grows fifteen inches at the utmost, and is as hardy as any British 

 Lastrea. 



Lastrea Sieboldii {Pycnopteris Sieholdii). — A glorious fern is 

 this, and very " tropical looking" ; we must surely have a picture of 

 it in these pages some day. The fronds are divided into three 

 primary divisions of great size; these are more or less lobed, some- 

 times nearly to the extent of being petiolated, though never quite 

 so. The texture is stiff and stout like parchment, and the colour a 

 fine dark rich green. It is not quite hardy, therefore should either 



