6 STOVE FBENS. 



growing 2 feet high, with the fronds four times pinnated or 

 branched ; each leaflet is rhomboidal, and a beautiful bright 

 green. 



A. TBAPEZIFOEME (Trapezium-leaved) . A native of the West 

 Indies. When this Fern is well grown we know of none 

 more ornamental. To effect this it should be frequently 

 potted ; and if some small charcoal is mixed with the com- 

 post it will thrive much better. It may be increased by 

 division as well as by spores. Its fronds are large, and the 

 spore-masses are beautifully arranged on the edges. Stalks 

 black and shining. It ought to be in every collection however 

 small. 



A. WILSONI (Wilson's). A native of Jamaica. Fronds 

 ternate or pinnate, with five pinnae, which are leathery and 

 dark green. It is a difficult plant to grow. From the veins 

 being somewhat anastomosed, it has by some botanists been 

 placed in another genus called Hewardia. 



There are several other species of Adiantum in cultivation 

 besides those enumerated, as A. betulinum, A.flexuosum (called 

 also A. Feei), A. obliquum, A. patens, A. pulverulentum, 

 A. Wilesianum, and others ; and there is not one of them but 

 is well deserving of cultivation. 



ALSOPHILA. 



A genus of large tree Ferns. Where there is plenty of room 

 they are well worthy of cultivation ; but in small collections 

 their culture should not be attempted. They may be distin- 

 guished by their sori or spore-masses being round, and placed 

 regularly about halfway between the edge of the pinnae and 

 the midrib, generally, but not always, at the end of the veins 

 which branch out at regular intervals from the midrib. In 

 cultivation they require plenty of pot room, and must never 

 become dry. 



There is great confusion among the names of tree Ferns, 



