NIPHOBOLTJS NOTHOCHL^NA. 89 



in the stove, and grown them in rustic baskets, vases, &c., 

 with the happiest effect. It is a very distinct genus, and 

 may be known at once by its simple fronds and star-like 

 clusters of short hairs. 



NIPHOBOLUS ANGUSTATUS (Narrow). This is the N. spkaro- 

 ceplialus of some gardens. Like the rest of the species of 

 this genus, the fronds are entire or undivided. They are 

 very thick and leathery. They are stalkless, and about a 

 foot in length, having a width of about \\ inch in the 

 middle. 



IN". LINGUA (Tongue-shaped), Fig. 46. AIL evergreen, pretty 

 species, native of China and Japan. Barren fronds averaging 

 8 inches in height, dull green on upper surface, and whitish 

 beneath. Fertile fronds narrower, but same size. Sori 

 brownish-red, in parallel rows. 



1ST. PEETUSUS (Bored). An East-Indian dwarf Fern, 

 creeping very fast on rockwork. Fronds simple, 6 inches 

 long, very thick and leathery. Fertile fronds narrow. Spore- 

 masses thickly placed on the upper half of the frond, giving 

 it the appearance of a piece of new leather. The rest of the 

 species are N. Gardnerii (Dr. Gardner's) ; N. nummularifolius 

 (Nummularia-leaved), a very small Fern ; N. rupestris (Rock) ; 

 and N. varius (Variable). 



We have now arrived at a genus of Ferns possessing as 

 much delicate beauty as any already noticed. The only 

 drawback on their general cultivation is the difficulty of 

 keeping them in a state of health amongst other Ferns that 

 require a moist atmosphere. The fronds of most of the species 

 are covered with a fine down, or woblly scales. These retain 

 moisture, and, in long-continued dark weather, in consequence 

 of the wet being retained on the fronds, they perish, and the 

 plants perish also. To guard against this evil, it is necessary 



