CHAPTER XVI 



GYMNOGRAMMAS 



IN this genus we have many distinct species, of which 

 the silver and the gold Ferns are the most remarkable. 

 At one time these were all that were included, but now 

 the Dictyogrammas, which have thick fleshy fronds and 

 are destitute of the powder (or farina) on their surface, 

 and of quite a distinct appearance, have been added. 

 All of the chrysophylla and Peruviana argyrophylla type 

 succeed best in a compost of fibrous loam, peat, leaf 

 mould, and coarse sand. A little manure may be added. 

 All of those with the powder on the fronds should be 

 placed in such a position that in watering the fronds do 

 not get wetted. It not only spoils the appearance of the 

 plants, but also covers others with the powder. Elevated 

 on pedestals or inverted pots they show the gold or silver 

 under surface better, and also succeed more satisfactorily 

 under such conditions. There are very few Ferns which 

 suffer so soon if allowed to get too dry ; at the same time 

 over- watering is equally injurious. Taking the varieties, 

 G. chrysophylla is the best type of the golden Ferns, but the 

 garden varieties are now numerous. Alstonia has the 

 pinnules curled inwards, showing the under surface to 

 advantage ; chrysophylla grandiceps superba, the best crested 

 form ; in this both the under and the upper surface of 

 the fronds are covered with the golden-yellow farina, and 

 it is one of the prettiest we have. 



In the silver varieties there is nothing better than the 

 best type of Peruviana argyrophylla, which is covered on 



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