FERNS AND MOSSES 119 
appearance of the shield-like fruit-spots on the back of the 
leaves, are firmer in texture and will do well with little care. 
The best are: A. faleatum, with long pinnate fronds of a glossy 
deep-green appearance. <A. amabile, with broader, twice pin- 
nate leaves almost triangular in outlines. Lastrea aristata varie- 
gata has finely variegated foliage, and is one of the best ferns 
for a dwelling-room. 
Spleen-wort ; Asplenium. This is the name of a large family 
of ferns. A. bulbiferum, as also A. flaccidum, has large finely 
Aspidium (Cyrtomium) falcatum. 
divided leaves. Small plants are produced in abundance on 
the fronds, giving the plant a peculiar appearance. ‘These are 
very beautiful and well adapted for room culture. So is also 
the more hardy A. lucidum, with pinnate shining leaves. 
Davallias, or Hare’s-foot ferns, have creeping stems clothed 
with gray hair-like scales. Ample, mostly triangular fronds 
spring at irregular intervals from these. They are of a firm 
texture and will therefore stand a dry atmosphere. Some of 
