FERNS AS DECOEATIYE OBJECTS. 103 



pot Fern. The fronds of this also perish, and are renewed annu- 

 ally. It should be grown in a frame. 



ASPIDIE^. 



65. Lastrea decurrens. — An elegant plant, with lance-shaped 

 fronds growing in a tuft ; they are a foot and upwards in length, 

 and have alternate decurrent pinnae, which are pinnatifid with 

 rounded lobes. It is a native of China, and does well in a 

 warm greenhouse climate. 



66. Lastrea rigida. — Tiie fronds of this species are 2 feet 

 long when well grown, and are twice pinnate, and of a lanceo- 

 late figure ; the pinnules are very elegantly cut, and the whole 

 plant is ornamental. It is hardy, being a native species, oc- 

 curring on limestone mountains in the north of England. If 

 grown for ornamental purposes, it should be kept in a frame. 

 The fronds are annual. 



67. Polystichum Lonchitis. — The Holly Fern : it is remark- 

 able among the indigenous species of Ferns for its narrow pinnate 

 fronds of rigid texture, having the subfalcate pinnee fringed 

 with spiny serratures. It is a rare native species, requiring 

 plenty of drainage in a cultivated state. Besides the elegant 

 appearance of the entire plant, small fronds of this kind may be 

 used in bouquets. 



68. Polystichum angularc, and a variety named P. a. an- 

 gustatum* are exceedingly beautiful pot-plants of the larger 

 class. The fronds grow from 2 to 3 feet long, and are bipinnate, 

 gracefully drooping, and having a feathery lightness of appear- 

 ance. They are perfectly hardy, and, under protection, become 

 almost evergreen. They require large pots, and to have space 

 to spread their fronds. A frame is sufficient protection, but 

 they do well fully exposed. 



69. Nephrolejns exaltata. — This forms a very elegant pot- 

 plant, the extremely long, narrow, pinnate fronds drooping in 

 most graceful curves when sufficient space is allowed them. 

 The fronds, which form a tuft, are from 2 to 3 feet long, the 

 pinnae lance-shaped, an inclt or two in length. They assume a 

 somewhat more graceful aspect when in some degree checked 

 than when allowed to become very luxuriant, which, being a 

 free-growing plant, they have a tendency to do. It is a native 

 of Jamaica, and requires a tropical climate. 



* Handbook of British Ferns, intended as a Guide and Companion in 

 Fern Culture ; with engravings of all the species, and the principal varieties. 

 By Thomas Moore, F.B.S. E. and L. London, Groorabridge. 



r 2 



