1870.] TREE-FERNS. 121 



gardener so fine an appetite for his rolls and coffee as the turning-up 

 of the surface of mother earth. This work done, as fast as time will 

 admit of its accomplishment, the soil will then be ready for the recep- 

 tion of the various spring crops, respecting which so much was so ably 

 said by "M. T." last month, the pleasure of sowing and planting 

 of which is only eclipsed by the pleasure of watching and tending their 

 growth and maturation. An amateur's flower-garden should be to 

 him emphatically a source of high pleasure ; but his kitchen-garden 

 should not only be this also, but even a source of profit ; and this 

 latter gain will mainly depend upon the labour he expends upon it, 

 and the judgment he displays in directing it. I cannot advise him 

 to do better than to constantly study the pages of the * Gardener.' 



Southron. 



TREE-FERNS. 



No one doubts that fine-foliaged plants have wonderfully progressed in public 

 estimation during the past few years, and it may be fairly interpreted as a certain 

 sign of the increase of good taste in this country. Of these plants, the Tree- 

 ferns form a grand tribe, and with noble proportions of growth there is always 

 found in happy combination — elegance and grace. Their fine graceful habit and 

 singular distinct appearance render them peculiarly adapted for conservatory 

 decoration or other purposes. As many as twenty-four, at least, fine forms of 

 these Tree-ferns are in cultivation, from the magnificent Tree-fern of New Zealand 

 (Dicksonia Antarctica), with its immense spreading fronds and gigantic stem of 

 from 4 to 10 feet in height, down to smaller forms, on stems from 1 to 2 feet in 

 height. Of the genus Alsophila there are some ten fine species. Of these the 

 most ornamental are A. aculeata, or ferox ; A. australis, A. Capensis (remarkable 

 for having abnormal growth, and clothing the upper part of the stem in a curious 

 manner), A. excelsa, and A. Latebrosa. Another grand and noble Tree-fern is 

 Cibotium princeps, with its noble spreading arched fronds. Perhaps nobler still 

 are the grand species of Cyatheas, such as C. arborea, C. medullaris, C. serra, and 

 C. Smithii. 



Keference has already been made to Dicksonia Antarctica ; and equally remark- 

 able, and of similar noble proportions, are D. arborescens, D squarrosa, and D. 

 Youngii. Another most distinct and curiously grand Tree-fern is Hemitelia 

 Horrida, possessing a truly graceful appearance, from the slender head supporting 

 spreading heads of immense light-green fronds of smaller growth. But not the 

 less elegant are the Lomarias, particularly L. discolor, L. Gibba (a most beautiful 

 and graceful Tree-fern, of small but handsome growth), and L. zamsefolia, a very 

 interesting form. Lastly may be enumerated the beautiful Todeas ; Frazerii, and 

 Pellucida, requiring a moist, close atmosphere, but very beautiful when well 

 managed. 



For conservatory decoration the Tree-ferns are peculiarly adapted ; and as 

 they can be had of such varying proportions as to suit alike the most spacious as 

 well as the most unpretentious of buildings, their value is greatly enhanced. For 

 small conservatories the beautiful forms of the Lomaria are specially adapted. 



