DIPLAZIUM DOODIA. 45 



2 feet high. The stalks are channelled, or winged : hence 

 the specific name. It is a remarkable, distinct, handsome 

 Fern, requiring a large stove to grow it well. Increased by 

 spores only. 



D. SYLVATICUM (Wood). A Fern from Ceylon of great 

 beauty. The fronds are pinnate ; the lower pinnae being long 

 and spreading, and gradually shorter as they approach the 

 end of the frond; they grow from 2 to 3 feet long. Leaflets 

 almost round, and cut at the edges. The stem is covered with 

 dark brown scales, and the rhizome has several heads of fronds 

 upon it. By these it may be increased. 



D. TIIWAITESI (Thwaites'). This is a native of Ceylon, 

 whence the spores were sent to this country by the gentleman 

 whose name it bears. It is hardly so desirable a species as 

 most of the others, because the fronds being covered with 

 hairs, they are very liable to become dirty. The once-divided 

 fronds grow about 6 inches in height. Its creeping rhizomes 

 increase rapidly. It is also called D. lasiopteris. 



DOODIA. 



A commemorative name in honour of Mr. S. Doody, an 

 early student of Ferns and Mosses. It is a genus of small- 

 growing Ferns, with the fronds very rough to the touch. Allied 

 to Wbodwardia. 



DOODIA ASPERA (File-like, or Bough). A very neat, hand- 

 some Fern from New Holland. It will live in a good green- 

 house, but thrives much better in a moderate stove. The 

 fronds grow upright, very rigid, from 8 to 10 inches high, and 

 are of a dark green. Leaflets sickle-shaped, the edge sharply 

 cut, so as almost to be like spines. A suitable species for 

 small collections, and easily increased by division. 



D. CAUDATA (Tailed). This plant needs no description, it is 

 the commonest Fern in cultivation : perhaps it is not too much 

 to say that there is not a fernery in the country where it is 



