PLATYCERIUM. 99 



of bark with the plant closely adhering to it to a flat piece of 

 elm wood, about 1^ foot square, and then hung it up against 

 a damp wall in the Orchid-house. It was syringed two or 

 three times every day, and quickly threw out a large, barren, 

 flat, kidney-shaped frond, which gradually crept over and 

 destroyed the one that was on the plant when we received it. 

 The same liberal appliance of moisture was followed-up, and 

 soon after a third frond began to show itself just at the heart 

 of the other. This also advanced, creeping over the last-made 

 one, until it covered it over, and, of course, destroyed it ; but 

 this third frond began to spread its wings, as we may say, 

 upwards, and continued growing till the autumn. The plant 

 produced no more fresh fronds that season ; but in the spring, 

 as the warmth and moisture gradually increased, the last-made 

 frond spread still higher, so that it seemed to have taken 

 possession of its position, and was determined to keep it. It 

 continued to expand till it was fully a foot high, and continued 

 to advance in size, year by year, till at last a fertile frond was 

 produced. As soon as the spores were perfected this dropped 

 off, and the barren one again advanced in growth, till it was 

 really magnificent, and was parted with for a large price. 



Now, any one receiving a small plant of this truly noble 

 Fern should follow exactly the same mode of growing it. It 

 should, however, be affixed to the block or board whilst in a 

 young state, otherwise it would be a difficult matter to fasten 

 it without injuring it. After it is once fixed, its roots, which 

 are produced freely under the spreading barren frond, will 

 cling to the wood, and hold it in its position as firm as a sponge- 

 plant on a rock. It is increased by spores sown on small stones: 

 mixed with earth, and covered with a bell-glass. The seed-pot 

 should stand in water. Everybody possessing a warm stove 

 ought to grow this most curious and singular of all Ferns. 



P. STEMAEIA (Garlanded). This is a West- African Fern, and 

 is so common in the lower levels in the Island of Fernando Po, 

 that it is scarcely possible to find a tree which has not got 



