HARDY FERNS 91 



very numerous, and included very handsome plumose, 

 and also crested forms. Of the varieties, some of the 

 best types are, Kalothrix, plumosum, divaricatum, pulcher- 

 rimum, frizeUix, and Victoria ; of this there are numerous 

 variartions. Vermmm cristata also varies much. All are 

 entirely deciduous ; they grow freely in any good loamy 

 compost. The only time they require any special atten- 

 tion is in the Spring ; when young, the fronds are very 

 tender, and are liable to suffer if we get a frost. After 

 they have starteil into growth, a slight protection when 

 there is any appearance of frost, may save them from 

 being disfigured for the season. When grown in pots 

 they should not be allowed to get very dry, even though 

 they have no fronds, and avoid giving any warmth until 

 all danger of frost is past, for if started early and then 

 exposed they are sure to suffer. 



Blechnum spicant (the Hard Fern). This is also known 

 as Lomaria spicant, but that given first is the most 

 familiar. It has pinnate fronds of a thick leathery 

 texture and is evergreen, the barren fronds spread and 

 the fertile fronds are longer and stand erect. There are 

 several varieties, including some pretty crested forms. 

 It grows most luxuriantly in shady dells where the 

 surface is annually covered with leaves, but the roots 

 will penetrate into the loam beneath. It is not such a 

 useful Fern for pot culture as many, but if desirable to 

 grow it, good loam and leaf-mould with sand added, and 

 the plants may be potted fairly firm. There are several 

 small growing varieties, also some with terminal crests, 

 and some with branching fronds. 



Scolopendrium vulgar e(\ht Heart's-tongue Fern). In this 

 we have a very large number of varieties. The true 

 type has rather long strap-shaped fronds of a thick 

 leathery texture, with a bright green surface. This and 

 all its varieties are evergreen. They are found growing 

 under various conditions, and in a wild state a good 



