Ferns 223 



spread over the surface of the fertile ones. Two of the most interesting 

 species are: A. crinitum (fig. 310), from the West Indies, which has large 

 simple fronds, the sterile ones being 12-18 in. long, and covered with long 

 black hairs; and A. peltatum, from Tropical America, a species having 

 fronds only about 3 in. long, divided into numerous narrow segments 

 There are several other species, all requiring stove treatment. They are 

 of no value for market work. 



Aetiniopteris. The best-known member of this genus is A. radiata, a 

 distinct and pretty little Tropical Fern easily recognized by its fan-shaped 

 fronds being cut into numerous radiating narrow segments. The variety 

 australis is stronger in growth, and has fewer and more pointed segments. 

 Requires stove treatment. It is a native of the East Indies and Abyssinia, 

 and other parts of Africa. 



Adiantum (MAIDENHAIR FERN). A very popular genus recognized by 

 roundish or linear sori (i.e. clusters of spores) arranged on the edges of the 

 pinnules or leaflets, forked veins with free veinlets, and usually black 

 shining stems (stipes) and rachis. A peculiarity of the genus is that it is 

 impossible to wet the fresh fronds even by dipping them in water, hence 

 the generic name, which means " dry ". 



Maidenhair Ferns flourish in a compost of equal parts of loam, leaf 

 mould, and silver sand, but they must not be potted too hard. Established 

 plants like plenty of diffused light but not direct sunshine, and they do 

 not like being watered or sprayed overhead. The best market kind is 

 A. cuneatum elegans, which is always in demand and sells in all sizes from 

 2i-in. pots upwards. Other good varieties are Collisi, macrophyllum, 

 Victories, rhodophyllum, scutum, Pacotti, Legrandi, tinctum, and fulvum. 

 These are compact in growth, and have for the most part deeply tinted 

 fronds. 



A . Farleyense, the " Queen of Maidenhairs ", is a sterile or almost 

 sterile form of A. tenerum, and is most valuable for its cut fronds. A form 

 of it has recently appeared under the name of the "Glory Fern". Such 

 Adiantums as elegantissimum, trapeziforme, and Williamsi are taller- 

 growing kinds mostly grown in 5-in. pots; while ciliatum, dolabriforme, 

 caudatum, assimile, and Moorei are seen to the best advantage grown in 

 baskets. A. Mariesi is a very useful Maidenhair Fern. It grows quickly, 

 and soon makes strong bushy plants for 3-in. or 5-in. pots. A. fragrantis- 

 simum is another strong-growing form; and A. decorum, with its slightly 

 tinted fronds, is worthy of greater attention for market, as it stands well 

 and is good for cutting. 



There is still a good market trade done in cut fronds of A. cuneatum, 

 but not nearly so much as in former years. Asparagus Sprengeri, as well 

 as A. plumosus and its variety nanus, has interfered a good deal with 

 the cut Maidenhair trade, which some twenty years ago was very lucrative. 

 Bunches containing three dozen or four dozen fronds then realized as much 

 as 8cZ. or 9d., but now half the price is considered good. 



Alsophila. A genus of ornamental tree Ferns from temperate and 



