138 



GBEENHOUSE FEENS. 



be got. A variety called putchella was introduced some time 

 ago, and at first it was a very dwarf form, but it would not 



keep this character un- 

 der cultivation, though 

 it still remains some- 

 what distinct. 



D. PYXIDATA (Shin- 

 ing), Fig. 64 Native of 

 New Holland. Shrubby 

 and deciduous. Requires 

 a warm greenhouse. 

 Fronds 18 inches high, 

 smooth, dark green, 

 three-times-divided. The 

 rhizomes are as thick as 

 one's finger, and as they 

 stand erect they give a 

 shrubby character to the 

 plant. 



DICXSONIA. 



This genus com- 

 memorates James Dick- 

 son, a British crypto- 

 gamist. It contains some 

 of the best greenhouse 

 tree Ferns. They re- 

 quire a good deal of room to exhibit their proportions to 

 advantage, but where they can be accommodated they make 

 truly noble objects. 



DICKSONIA ANTABCTICA (Antarctic), Fig. 65. A tree Fern, 

 requiring a warm greenhouse. Native of Yan Piemen's Land. 

 Fronds about 5 feet high, dark green, lanceolate, several- 

 times-divided ; pinnae linear-lanceolate. Pinnules same, deeply 



Fig. 64. Davallia pyxidata. (Part of barren and 

 fertile fronds full size and portion of fertile 

 magnified.) 



