62 THE BOOK OF FERN CULTURE 



FERNS FOR HOUSE DECORATION 



At one time those considered suitable for this purpose 

 were limited to a very few sorts. The Cyrtomums (in the 

 markets often called the Holly Fern) : this is undoubtedly 

 one of the most serviceable. There are several varieties 

 offa/catum, that known as Fensomi being one of the best. 

 Pteris serrulata (the Ribbon Fern) is another one, and of 

 this we have a great many varieties. The crested forms 

 are not so popular as they were formerly, but it is quite 

 a matter of individual taste ; they all do well. Pteris 

 cretica is another, and of this we have some good varie- 

 gated varieties ; of which, Alexandra is one of the best, 

 but the ordinary cretica albo-lineata remains a favourite. 

 Of the green forms, major is the best large-fronded 

 variety ; in crested sorts, Wimsetti is one of the best. 

 Pteris tremula is another old favourite ; there are several 

 slight variations ; they all are useful. 



The Nephrolepis are among those which have become 

 popular more recently : exaltata is the best type, and 

 all the varieties with multifid growths do equally well. 

 If taken from a hot, moist position they would go off 

 quickly, but as grown for market they last well. Other 

 sorts do equally well ; for this purpose it is only when 

 they are grown in a light, airy position that they are 

 likely to be of service. In Aspleniums we have several that 

 last well : biforme is an old favourite, and within the 

 last few years nidus (the Bird's-nest Fern) has become 

 a popular variety. Polypodium (Phledodium) aureum is 

 another that may be grown for the purpose, but this 

 will not stand a very low temperature so well as those 

 referred to above. 



I did not intend to include any Adiantums in this 

 chapter, but those who want more variety may try 

 them : tenerum, or the variety scutum, are good ; 

 elegans is much hardier than the ordinary cuneatum 



