THE FLORAL WORLD AND GARDEN GUIDE. 



53 



are seventeen. The most distinct of 

 these are the following : — 



Aeutum, tips of the segments nar- 

 rowed to a tapering point. 



Auritum, an ear-like process on 

 the upper edi,'e of each lobe, near the 

 rachis of each. 



Bifidum, lobes two-cleft some- 

 times three or four cleft, and all the 

 lobes differing from 

 each other throughout. 

 This is a very bold 

 variation from the type, 

 and being both hand- 

 some and curious, well 

 deserves admission to 

 the choicest collections. 

 It is an excellent fern '^^ 

 for culture in glass <^CS 

 cases. 



Cambricum. — This 

 is otherwise known as 

 the " Welsh Poly- 

 pody," and is one of 

 the handsomest of all 

 British ferns. It is of 

 dense growth, the frond 

 usually taking the 

 form of a nearly regu- 

 lar triangle, and in 

 all cases being con- 

 siderably blunter and 

 broader than the type. 

 It is bipinnatitid 

 throughout, the lobes 

 much widened in the 

 centre and overlap- 

 ping, and except at 

 the base and apex, cut 

 into narrow serrated 

 lobules. This fern has 

 a lively light green 

 hue, a rich leafy ap- 

 pearance ; it grows 

 with great vigour, and 

 is always barren. Like 

 the type and the rest of the varieties, 

 it may be increased by divisions of 

 the rhizome ; but the process of 

 division may be carried so far with 

 the Welsh polypody, that every sepa- 

 rate frond may be made to form a 

 plant. The process of multipli- 

 cation is performed as follows : — 

 Take a fine plant, and cut the rhizome 

 into as many pieces as there are 

 fronds, and with a perfect frond to 

 each piece. These cuttings are to be 



carefully potted in small pots, the 

 soil chopped peat or decayed cocoa- 

 nut refuse, and each must be fixed 

 firmly in its place by means of a 

 wooden peg. Plunge all the pots in 

 some moist material, such as cocoa- 

 nut dust, and shut them up in a 

 shady frame. Keep them moderately 

 moist by occasional sprinkling, but 



never allow them to get very wet 

 and give but little air. In the course 

 of about six weeks they will begin 

 to throw up new fronds ; and as soon 

 as that occurs it may be concluded 

 that they have acquired the character 

 of independent plants, and may be 

 treated accordingly. To grow Cam- 

 bricum to perfection, keep it close 

 and skaded, frequently sprinkled, 

 allow sufficient pot room, and for soil 

 take the best peat that can be had. 



