1873.] ABOUT ADIANTUMS. 563 



plete : however, it may be of use to some whose experience is not so 

 large as our own. 



Farleyense, when well grown, holds first place in its class. It 

 requires a very strong moist heat to do it well, and to be shaded from the 

 sun ; treated thus, with liberal pottings, it is a fast grower, and de- 

 velops large fronds and beautiful pinnae. Cuneatum is the com- 

 monest of all, and is one of the most useful plants in cultivation. It 

 succeeds in any temperature, from that of a greenhouse to that of a 

 very hot stove, which latter is best for getting up plants for exhibition. 

 Tenerum is an exceedingly graceful species, and very fine for table 

 decoration. Tenerum scutum, when well grown, produces very large 

 fronds. Both these species require a moderate stove temperature. 

 Colpodes is a remarkably delicately-fronded species, the young fronds 

 being delicately tinted ; too much damp, combined with a temperature 

 as low as 60°, is injurious to it in winter. Decora, a congener of 

 cuneatum, is a most useful sort for cutting from, and of the easiest 

 cultivation. Amabile, in general appearance, resembles the old 

 assimile, and is one of the prettiest and most graceful of Terns, The 

 drooping character of the fronds, the delicate black rachis, the 

 almost transparent pinnte, light green in colour, and its obliging 

 behaviour under cultivation, all combine to make this a first- 

 class species. Capillus-veneris, indigenous to Great Britain, though 

 very rare, requires a place under glass, and is suitable for exhibition 

 purposes. Capillus-veneris Daphnitis we cannot say much about, as 

 our plant is very small as yet ; so far, it looks more curious than 

 beautiful. Sulphureum has the under sides of the pinnae covered 

 with a golden-coloured powder; it likes plenty of heat. Excisum 

 multifidum is one of these crested abnormalities which have become so 

 common amongst Ferns of late years. It thrives best in a strong heat. 

 Excisum Leyii is one after the same style, though rather more 

 divided. Macrophyllum is a most distinct species ; the young fronds 

 are tinted : requires a strong heat, and to be shaded well from the 

 sun. Concinnum is another distinct species, and most beautiful ; 

 the fronds are arched as compared to drooping, and have a character 

 entirely their own. It is seldom seen in good condition, though it is 

 not difficult to manage. Concinnum latum is broader in the fronds, 

 stronger and more erect in growth, though not nejily i-o attractive as 

 the last j it makes a good plant for exhibition. Trapeziforme is one 

 of the finest for exhibition purposes. It does not require a strong 

 heat, but it must have liberal treatment at the root to induce it to 

 throw up large fronds. Sanctae Catherina3 is another fine thing for 

 exhibition, throwing its fronds up thickly, and in great numbers. 

 Formosum is one of the very freest growing and useful of Adiantums : 



