1'iEBis. 107 



The magnificent P. tricolor, which was introduced by 

 M. Linden, of Brussels, is in all probability a variety of the 

 species just named. The fronds are of the same triangular 

 form, twice-divided ; and when young they are of a deep 

 crimson colour, with a stripe of bright rosy pink up the centre 

 of each division. After the fronds have attained their normal 

 size they gradually change to deep olive green, with silvery 

 stripes where the rose-coloured were originally, the veins still 

 remaining red. No collection of Ferns, however small, should 

 be without this most lovely species. Both it and P. argyrcea 

 come quite true from spores. 



P. FELOSMA (Heavy- smelling), Fig. 53. Native of Jamaica. 

 Evergreen, large and coarse. Fronds 4 feet high, glabrous ; 

 pinnee deeply pinnatifid. 



P. HETEEOPHYLLA (Yarious-leaved). A beautiful Jamaica 

 Fern. Fronds doubly thrice-cut ; the lowest leaflet the longest, 

 and gradually shortening upwards, forming an almost trian- 

 gular shape. Sterile or barren fronds have the leaflets of an 

 oval shape ; but in the fertile ones they are bluntly oblong, 

 giving the appearance of two or various kinds of fronds on 

 the same plant: hence its specific name. As it only grows 

 about a foot high, it is a desirable species for small collections. 



P. HIBSUTA (Hairy). Another desirable Fern, native of 

 that island prolific in Ferns Jamaica. Fronds bipinnate, 

 growing in a triangular form from 3 to 4 feet high, a peculiar 

 light green, and hairy in every part. The stems, as well as the 

 rhizomes, are thick and fleshy. Spore-masses narrow, con- 

 tinued on the margin of the leaflet, a character which is 

 prevalent through the whole genus. 



P. LATA (Broad). A Brazilian Fern, of great beauty, 

 growing 2 feet high. Fronds triangular, and thrice-branched ; 

 branches pinnated, and drooping. Leaflets deeply cut, and of a 

 narrow lance-shape. A handsome, broadly-formed Fern, easily 

 increased by dividing the creeping rhizome. 



P. LONGIFOLIA (Long-leaved). A Fern widely spread over 



