94 THE BOOK OF FERN CULTURE 



vicinity of Beech trees. This is also deciduous, and 

 may be treated in the same manner as the foregoing. 

 It may be added that they must not be allowed to get 

 very dry while dormant. 



Polystichum (Shield Fern). Of these, P. angulare (the 

 Soft-shield Fern) is the most useful. Of this Fern there 

 are numerous varieties, and in their natural habitats great 

 variation is found, both in size and substance of the 

 fronds. All are evergreen, with pinnate fronds, the 

 pinnae being serrated and the stipes clothed with brown 

 scales. The plumose varieties are the most remarkable, 

 and it would be difficult to find anything more beautiful 

 than P. ang. plumosum and its closely allied varieties ; the 

 fronds are broad towards the base and gradually taper 

 off; the elongated segments overlap each other. Some 

 varieties are proliferous. The ordinary form of P. a. 

 proliferum is very pretty, but pulcherrimum is a further 

 advance. In addition to those termed plumose there are 

 many beautiful crested varieties. Culture makes a great 

 difference, especially with the plumose and crested forms. 

 If liberally treated when one set of fronds are nearly 

 developed and before others are ready to start, the 

 segments and tufted crests will further develop. Good 

 loamy soil should be used and some manure added. The 

 most luxuriant plants I have seen ; have been growing in 

 deep ditches between two hedges, but they also succeed 

 well in more exposed positions, and when undisturbed 

 they make quite large specimens. 



Polystichum aculeatum differs but little from the above, 

 except that the fronds have more substance and a bright 

 surface, and the pinnae are more acutely pointed. The 

 variety P. ac. pulcherrimum is one of the most beautiful 

 Ferns we have ; the curved pinnules overlap each other. 

 This is another which has failed to produce spores. 

 There are also a few good crested varieties, but these 

 are not so numerous as in angulare. 



