50 STOVE FEBNS. 



like a piece of elaborate lacework. Like the other species of 

 this family, it can be increased by division without much 

 trouble. 



D. PEOPINQUA (Allied). This Fern, which, like many of its 

 allies, comes from the East Indies, is deciduous that is, it 

 loses its fronds in winter. The dark green fronds, some 

 18 inches high, are divided nearly to the midrib into tapering 

 segments. It also produces the oak-like sterile fronds along 

 its creeping rhizome. 



D. QTJERCIFOLIA (Oak-leaved). This fine Fern has a wide 

 geographical distribution. It is found in all the hottest parts 

 of the East. This species, like several others, has both sterile 

 and fertile fronds on the same plant. The sterile fronds have 

 no stalk, are heart-shaped, and jagged or waved at the edges ; 

 in form like the leaf of the oak, whence the name- Ihe fertile 

 fronds have a short stalk, are pinnate with narrow segments, 

 each segment having a thick binding or edge. The spore- 

 masses are circular, and are placed in groups over the under 

 surface of the leaves. It is well worthy of cultivation. We 

 have grown the species on a low shelf, far from the light, 

 with the pots plunged in moss, into which the roots ran freely, 

 and by this moist steady treatment they grew very satisfac- 

 torily. We found it easy to increase by division. 



ELAPHOGLOSSUM. 



A genus formed from Acrostickum. Distinguished from 

 that and other allied genera by its simple fronds, with forked 

 distinct veins. 



ELAPHOGLOSSUM CALLJEFOLIUM (Calla-ieaved). An undi- 

 vided-leaved Fern from Java. It has barren and fertile fronds, 

 the former rather broadly acuminate, or sharp-pointed, shining 

 deep green, with wavy edges; the stalks are of dark colour 

 underneath. The fertile fronds are narrower and more erect. 

 33oth fronds grow about a foot high, and are jointed at the base. 



