62 STOVE FEBNS. 



house ; but the more sure way is to scatter the spores on some 

 sandstones, laid on a bed of moss, kept moist, and covered 

 with a hand-light, or large bell-glass. The very young fronds 

 of great numbers of Gymnogramma are beautifully cut into 

 linear strips, and form almost a circle. By these they may be 

 known from weedy common Ferns. When they have made 

 the third leaf they should be transplanted into very small pots, 

 replaced under the glass, and remain there till fresh roots are 

 emitted. After that, place them in a shady place, and treat 

 them like their congeners. 



G. JAVANICA (From Java). This strong-growing Fern is 

 hardly worth cultivating except in large collections. Its 

 fronds are supported upon long bare stems, sometimes 3 feet 

 long ; the upper part is twice or three times divided, the 

 ultimate divisions being light green in colour, and lanceolate 

 in form. It is also known as Coniogramma. 



G. PEEUVIANA AEGYBOPHYLLA (Silver-leaved variety of the 

 Peruvian). This is the best Silver Fern in cultivation. The 

 fronds, which are about a foot in length, are completely 

 covered with pure white powder on the lower side ; the 

 upper surface is also powdered, but not to such an extent. 



Gr. PULCHELLA (Pretty). Like all the rest of the G-ymno- 

 grammce, this is a native of tropical America. The fronds rise 

 to about l foot above the soil ; they are very finely divided, 

 and usually covered with white powder below, though the 

 waxy dust is sometimes of a pale sulphur colour. The fronds 

 of this Fern have a great tendency to divide into two equal 

 parts, making it appear as if two fronds were joined together. 

 A variety, in which this tendency to divide the stem is carried 

 still further, has recently been sent out. under the name of 

 G-. pulchella ramosa. 



G. SULPHUEEA (Sulphur-coloured).- This is one of the 

 smallest, and, at the same time, the prettiest of the genus. 

 The fronds seldom grow more than 6 or 8 inches long. The 

 tinder side of the fronds and stems supporting them densely 



