^^*-'] Lucas, Ferns Groiun in the Open. 



95 



It spreads with great rapidity. I have only one plant of A . 

 capense, which has grown well in a zone of the central eminence. 

 In nature it grows on rocks or stumps, and as long as the roots 

 obtain the moisture they need the fronds will stand any 

 amount of exposure, as the hairy rhizomes are well equipped 

 to withstand drought. 



Another Hare's Foot Fern, Davallia pyxidata, does extremely 

 well in the open, spreading quickly as its rhizomes creep over 

 the rockery. D. diihia, common everywhere on the hillsides, 

 stands exposure as far as the roots are concerned, but it soon 

 looks shabby after heat and drought. It is at its best in the 

 spring. 



The Polypodiums have had varying fortunes. P. aiutrale 

 died out early. P. pustidatum settled down slowly. Then some 

 insect or other pest took to cutting through the petioles of one 

 of the plants, which was thriving, and bright green fronds lay 

 on the ground thus cruelly amputated. The plant has 

 recovered, but I am afraid of the same secret enemy, whom I 

 have not yet unmasked. Another plant, among much stone 

 (my supplied rocks), is quite vigorous. P. scandens is alive, 

 but suffered badly. P. repens has been just holding its own 

 in a shaded place, but has made no progress in the summer. 

 P. tenelliim is just alive, and no more can be said about it. AU 

 the above are forest plants growing often on rocks, and they 

 do not readily accept the new surroundings, though I have 

 tried to reproduce as many of the natural conditions as possible. 

 P. punctatum and the giant form separated as a distinct species 

 by Labillardiere, P. rugostdum (sic), on the other hand, have 

 simply ramped ; the two keep their characters and habit, and 

 are easily distinguished. 



I had two plants of Schizcea bifida very well established. It 

 grows in this district. One plant has disappeared entirely, 

 and the other has but two undivided green fronds left. S. 

 rupestris went right off when the summer came. Gleichenia 

 circinata requires special care. Very young plants moved in 

 the autumn will expand and thrive. The heat is very trying 

 to them, but I have preserved at least one plant. On the 

 other hand, I have had perfect success with G. flabellata. It 

 has increased laterally and vertically, growing consistently 

 throughout the summer. 



I grew a few of the British ferns for the sake of " Auld Lang 

 Syne." The Royal Fern, Osmunda regalis, has produced fertile 

 fronds freely at a height of not much more than a foot. The 

 Hart's Tongue, Scolopendrium vulgare, burned at first, but has 

 quite recovered. The fronds, a tasselled variety, are of rather 

 a paler green than I remember in the English fern. The Lady 

 Fern, Athyrinm filex-fcemina, has most tender and delicate 



