106 



STOVE FEBNS. 



PTERIS ABGYB.EA (Silvery). This was the first variegated 

 Fern which was introduced into our gardens. It was im- 

 ported by Mr. Veitch, of the Exotic Nursery, Chelsea, from 

 central India. It is a remarkably beautiful and striking plant. 



Its fronds grow to a height 

 of 4 feet or more, but to our 

 taste the plants look more 

 beautiful when only a foot or 

 18 inches high. As it can 

 easily be increased by spores, 

 there is no difficulty in raising 

 young ones occasionally to 

 replace the larger specimens. 

 The fronds are twice-divided, 

 and each division has a 

 distinct silvery-grey stripe 

 down the centre, which con- 

 trasts well with the green 

 margins. 



P. ASPEEICAULIS (EoUgll- 



stemmed). A small-growing 

 East-Indian, rather difficult 

 to grow well. So far as we 

 have seen, the plant grows 

 best in a hot, damp house, 

 but without ever wetting the 

 fronds ; they turn brown if 

 allowed to get wet. The 

 fronds have a beautiful crim- 

 son colour, and a tinge of 

 the same remains after they 

 Fig. 53. Pteris felosma. (Pinna medium have attained their full size. 



line, and twice -divided, about 



They are triangular in out- 

 ^ foot high, including the 



rough wiry stems upon which they are supported. 



