LEPTOGBAMMA LEUCOSTEGIA. 



73 



LEPTOGEAMMA. 



A lovely genus of Ferns, separated by Mr. Smith, of Kew, 

 from Gymnogramma. Name derived from leptos, slender, and 

 gramma, writing; the spore-masses being long and slender, 

 like fine writing. 



LEPTOGEAMMA VILLOSA (Hairy), Fig. 35. A Brazilian Fern, 

 of the neatest habit and most regular form, in respect of 

 fronds, veins, and spore-masses, of any Fern known. Fronds 

 hairy, twice-divided or bipinnated, grow- 

 ing 2 feet long ; the pinnae are regularly 

 and oppositely disposed on each side of 

 the stalk, and the veins are arranged on 

 each side of the midrib, like the bones 

 from the back-bone in a herring. Then 

 the sori or spore-masses are regularly 

 disposed on the veins towards the lower 

 part of each pinna. Such an elegant 

 Fern ought to be in every collection. It 

 is the only species grown in this country, 

 and is exceedingly rare, though it may 

 be increased by dividing the creeping 

 rhizome or rootstock. 



LEUCOSTEGIA. 



The plants known by this name were 

 divided by Presl from the well-known 

 genus Davallia. We have seen L. immersa 

 do pretty well in a greenhouse, but as 

 they certainly succeed better in the stove, 

 it was thought advisable to introduce 

 them here. They are very readily increased by division. They 

 lose their fronds in winter, and the pots may then be turned 

 on their sides, or placed on a shelf and kept dry until they 



Fig. 35. Leptogramma 

 villosa. (Top of pinna 

 medium size.) 



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