THE HARDY FERN GARDEN. 187 



crested forms, all of larger dimensions than the species from 

 which they are issue. The common Hart's-tongue supplies us 

 with many forms giving fine effect and free growth. 



As regards strong-growing evergreen hardy Ferns, however, none 

 can compare with the Prickly Shield Fern and the soft Prickly 

 Shield Fern, and its beautiful varieties which produce massive 

 fronds 18 inches to 24 inches long. Then there is an extensive 

 section of varieties in which the fronds in many instances are 

 as finely cut as those of the Lace Fern, and infinitely finer in effect. 

 The soft Prickly Shield Fern has also produced some remark- 

 ably crested forms, all of which are equal in vigour and in 

 dimensions to the typical species. The Holly Fern is also hardy, 

 and is one of those plants which are usually killed with kindness, 

 through being grown in a temperature higher than is required. 



North America supplies the greatest part of those hardy in Eng- 

 land. The larger-growing kinds from that country are Aspidium 

 cristatum Clintonianum, A. floridanum, Asplenium 

 Exotic evergreen angustifolium, Lastrea marginalis, Polystichum 

 kinds. munitum and P. acrostichoides, all of which sorts 



attain from 18 inches to 24 inches in height. 



Not less effective and quite as interesting as the above though 

 of smaller dimensions are the North American Asplenium ebenum, 

 Phegopteris alpestris, Pellaea atropurpurea, Woodsia alpina and W. 

 glabella, varying in height from 6 inches to 12 inches. There are also 

 some remarkably handsome strong-growing sorts, native of Japan, the 

 most decorative as also the most distinct among these being Lastrea 

 Standishi, with fronds 24 inches to 30 inches long, and of a lovely 

 and cheerful green colour ; Lastrea erythrosora, with fronds 18 inches 

 to 24 inches long, of a beautiful bronzy red colour when young, and 

 of a deep dark green hue when mature. Lastrea opaca is another 

 handsome Japanese form, broad and massive, of a fine metallic colour 

 when young, and of a deep velvety green when mature. In Lastrea 

 Sieboldi we have a totally distinct plant, having the general aspect of 

 a somewhat dwarf Polypodium aureum and of the same bluish colour. 

 This and Dictyogramma japonica, which have somewhat bold and 

 broad fronds, are also quite hardy, and so are the Japanese Lastrea 

 prolifica, a species with finely-cut fronds, bearing numerous small 

 plants ; the handsome Polystichum setosum, with beautiful dark 

 green, shining foliage ; Polystichum tsus-simense, Lastrea corusca 

 and L. aristata. Lomaria chilensis is a large-growing Fern with 

 fronds 24 inches to 30 inches long and of a particularly deep green 

 colour. Niphobolus Lingua is a very distinct Fern with entire fronds 

 of a very leathery nature, dark green above and silvery beneath, 

 having somewhat the general appearance of our common Hart's- 



