20 STOVE FERNS. 



species. The fronds grow 2 feet long ; they are pinnate, with 

 a fleshy saw-like margin to each leaflet or pinna, the pinnae 

 being jointed where they are attached to the rachis. In 

 this it differs from all the other species. The rhizome is 

 peculiarly lengthened-out, and by dividing it the plant may be 

 increased easily. It is a very elegant Fern, but rather scarce. 



The Blechnums above mentioned are those most worthy 

 of cultivation ; but there are others which deserve mention. 

 B. cartilagineum, a large-growing kind from the warm parts of 

 Australia, rare ; B. hastatum, from the west coast of South 

 America; B. punctulatum, a distinct species, but rare at 

 present; B. attenuatum, recently introduced from the con- 

 tinental nurseries, we have never yet seen the fertile fronds. 

 . 



BBA1NEA. 



BRAINEA INSIGNIS (Remarkable). This plant was originally 

 introduced from Hong Kong about ten years ago (1852), and 

 there were only a few specimens in the country until just 

 recently, when some of the continental nurserymen succeeded 

 in raising a stock of it from spores. The fronds are pinnate, 

 about 2 feet in length, and thrown out from the apex of a 

 short, thick stem, which is densely covered with dark brown, 

 or black chaffy scales. It presents the appearance of a 

 Cycad if seen from a little distance ; it is extremely distinct 

 and striking. 



CALLIPTEEIS. 



Derived from Tcalos, beautiful, and pteris, a Fern. A small 

 genus, separated from Diplazium ; its small veins, or venules, 

 being regularly pinnated, or branched-off from the large vein 

 or midrib like a herring-bone. It is one of Mr. J. Smith's 

 new genera. 9 



CALLIPTEEIS PEOLIFEEA (Proliferous). This ornamental 

 Ceylon Fern was introduced in 1845, and is a strong-growing 



