24 STOVE FEBNS. 



nate and tripinnate towards the base. The pinnae are saw- 

 toothed on the edges. The stems are slender and dark brown. 

 G. PEDATA (Bird's-footed). A West-Indian of dwarf habit, 

 and very beautiful. The fronds are divided into five parts, 

 something in the way of the claws of a bird. Each division is 

 pinnated, and droops gracefully downwards. It is rather a 

 delicate species, and thrives better if a little charcoal be mixed 

 with the soil. It grows about 8 or 10 inches in height. 



CEKATODACTYLIS. 



This name is derived from two words which signify 

 " leathery-fingered," and refers to the form and appearance 

 of the fertile portions of the fronds. There is only one species 

 known ; it is a native of Mexico, and was introduced a few 

 years ago by M. Linden, of Brussels. 



CEEATODACTYLIS OSMUNDOIDES (Boyal-Fern-like). The 

 lower portions of the frond are in form very like those of the 

 Osmunda, but of a grey green colour. The upper portions 

 of the fronds are fertile, and contracted, with the margins 

 rolled-in. The stipes are covered with scales of a silvery 

 colour. We have never yet seen the fronds more than 2 feet 

 in length ; but older plants may attain a larger size. It is 

 one of the most beautiful Ferns in cultivation ; it is also called 

 Llavea cordifolia. 



CERATOPTEKIS. 



Keras, a horn, and pteris, a Fern that is, a Fern bearing 

 a horn. A stag's horn we suppose is meant, because the fertile 

 fronds are divided and twisted, something like the branching 

 horns of an old stag. These fertile fronds are very curious. 

 The spore-masses are distributed, at regular distances, on the 

 under side, and the edges of the pinna3 are reflexed, or turned 

 inwards, on the under side partially covering the spore-cases. 



