CYATHEA CYCLOPEITIS. 33 



the upright caudex. Stems covered with scales. Requires a 

 roomy stove or warm conservatory, and is increased by spores. 



C. ELEGANS (Elegant), Fig. 14. A tree Fern from Jamaica, 

 and perhaps the handsomest in cultivation. The Kew plant 

 is 8 feet high in the stem, with some fronds 10 feet long. They 

 are thrice-pinnated, the lowest pinnae spreading considerably, 

 and gradually growing less upwards. The frondstalks are 

 densely covered with almost white scales, which add greatly to 

 its beauty. .Requires plenty of space to show itself, and can 

 only be increased by spores. 



C. MEDULLAEIS (Pithy). One of the most magnificent of 

 tree Ferns. A native of the warmer parts of New Zealand, 

 the Fiji Islands, &c. Full grown the fronds are 14 or 15 feet 

 in length ; the stipes of a beautiful purple colour. This 

 plant grows very rapidly, and is only fit for cultivation where 

 there is plenty of room. There are some magnificent speci- 

 mens in the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew. 



C. PATENS (Spreading). A Jamaica Fern of great attrac- 

 tions. The fronds are slender, gracefully spreading out and 

 drooping. They are, like the whole genus, thrice-cut or pin- 

 nated, and are of a beautiful yellowish-green. The stem is 

 somewhat slender, and 3 or 4 feet high. Upon it the fronds 

 are placed, spreading out to 6 or 8 feet long. The stalks are 

 light brown, covered with prickly scales. This fine Fern is 

 well worthy of cultivation where there is room for it to 

 expand. There are several other species of this fine tribe of 

 Ferns described. 



CYCLOPELTIS. 



This name is derived from the Greek TcyTdos, a circle, and 

 pelte, a shield, referring to the round industuRiji The genus 

 is represented by one species only. It was , fformbrly included 

 in the genus Lastrea. The new name was given it by 

 Mr. J. Smith, of Kew, a gentleman possessing an extraordinary 

 knowledge of the family of Ferns. 



