26 



THE CANADIAN HORTICULTURIST. 



Fig. 2225. Nephrolepis Bostoniensis. 



Pteris serrulata or the crested varieties, as 

 being- less liable to attacks of fern thrip and 

 red spider, the two latter being the greatest 

 insect foes of fern life. 



Another variety, Pteris hastata or Spear 

 fern, specially commends itself to the indoor 

 fern grower not only from the fact that it is 

 quite as easy of culture and as capable of 

 resisting insect attacks as the other varieties 

 mentioned, but the pleasing variation in its 

 habit of growth makes it particularly ac- 

 ceptable either as a pot plant, or in the 

 make-up of a fern pan or fern dish. 



The variegated type of Pteris cretica, viz. : 

 P. cretica alba lineata, that takes its specific 

 name (alba lineata) from the broad line of 

 white that runs through the centre of each 

 segment of its otherwise green fronds, is 

 another variety that shows up splendidly 

 amongst the plainer types of Pteris. In 

 fact, in a well grown specimen, the white 

 markings referred to often predominate 

 sufficiently to make a plant of this variety 



quite a conspicuous object amongst a collec- 

 tion of ferns. The fronds of this fern are 

 quite hard when matured, making it quite 

 an easy task to sponge them occasionally 

 to assist their growth, as well as to prevent 

 attacks of insect pests. 



All of the varieties of Pteris mentioned 

 are of a comparatively dwarf habit, the 

 tough leathery texture, as well as the 

 glossy surface of their fronds making 

 them specially suited for house or window 

 culture. 



Pteris longifolia succeeds well in a house, 

 and retains its freshness for a long time, its 

 stronger growing habit however making it 

 more suitable for large collections of ferns, 

 or for use in large jardinieres than for ordin- 

 ary house or window culture. 



The beautiful Pteris argyrea (Silver Pteris) 

 is unfortunately of a very delicate nature 

 and does not as a rule succeed well in a 

 dwelling house or window. As a green- 

 house or conservatory fern it cannot be ex- 



Fu;. 2226. AsPIDIUM CORIACEUM. 



