268 fERNS. 



very rich appearance, and its agreeable scent makes it still more a 

 desirable species. It would probably be rather shy of cultivation, but 

 might be treated in the same manner as the Rock Spleenworts. 



Trailing Fern — Cystopteris bulhifcra, (Bernh.) 



No collection of Canadian Ferns would be complete without this 

 common, but charming species. It is undoubtedly one of our most 

 elegant ferns ; the slender, elongated fronds of light-green, with their 

 ruddy, semi-transparent stipes, render it most valuable for contrast. It 

 is very ea^ of culture, and will flourish luxuriantly if planted on a wet 

 wall, or near a waterfall. It grows easily in a flower-pot in a conserva- 

 tory, but cannot bear sunlight. It should have a light peaty soil, and 

 plenty of moisture, both in the atmosphere and at its roots. It would 

 probably grow better it small pieces of rock were placed among and 

 about its roots. 



Oak-Leaved Fern — Onoclea sensibilis, (L.) 



There are few of our ferns which are greater favourites in Europe 

 than this common species. It has long been known there as a green- 

 house plant, where it is prized as well for its graceful foliage as for the 

 •ease with which it can be cultivated. With light soil, shade and moisture 

 it grows well in Europe and increases rapidly, but seldom produces 

 the fertile fronds so abundant here. It is always acceptable. 



Osirich-Feather Fern^ — Onoclea Sirutliioptens, (L.) 



This stately plant is valuable for the back of a rockery. If supplied 

 with a good depth of leaf mould it grows easily and throws up its lofty 

 ])lumes to the height of three or four feet or even more. There is no 

 fern which resembles it in Grent Britain. It bears transplantation well, 

 and will grow vigourously in a flower-pot in the house, when it becomes 

 ^ useful and graceful ornament for a drawing room. 



Northern \\'ooi)Sia — ll'oodsia hypci/'orea, (R. Br.) 



All Woodsias are welcome additions to a European collection. 

 Unluckily, however, all of our species with the exception of JV. Ilvensis 

 are very rare. W. hyperborea is only found on high cliffs and near 

 waterfalls. The culture should be the same as for the Rock Spleenworts, 

 the chief essential being jjerfect drainage, together with plenty of moisture 

 ^nd light soil. 



Smooih \V()01>sia — IVoodsia i:;Iob(-//(i, (R. Br.) 



This species is fovmd in similar localities with the above, and should 

 he ( ultivated under the same conditions. 



