142 GEEENHOUSE FEXNS. 



known by distinct names. They have all got wiry stalks, and 

 can be increased only by spores, or, with some difficulty, by 

 division. See what is said of them in the Stove division. 

 They are all natives of Australia. 



GLEICHENIA DICARPA (Two-fruited, so called because there 

 are frequently, but not always, two spore-cases in each little 

 pouch in which the spore-masses are seated). The branches 

 divide always into two equal divisions i.e., dichotomously, and 

 the little fronds are once-divided, the pinnae looking like strings 

 of green beads. This is rather a small-growing plant, attaining 

 only a height of about 18 inches, and making a dense bush in 

 old plants. In mature specimens the old stems require now 

 and then to be cut out ; but it must be done carefully, as the 

 young ones are rather brittle. 



G. FLABELLATA (Fan-shaped). The name in this case refers 

 to the manner in which the fronds are divided. The stems 

 rise to the height of about 4 feet, and are rather thicker than 

 in most Grleickenias. The divisions of the fronds are from 

 6 to 9 inches in length, drooping, deeply- divided. One of the 

 most distinct and beautiful kinds often seen in our exhibitions. 

 Mr. R. Sim, of Foot's Cray, the well-known nurseryman, 

 who pays such especial attention to Ferns, pointed out to 

 us, a short time ago, that there is a very distinct and good 

 variety of this species which he calls Lcetevirens. It may 

 easily be distinguished from the true species by the rhizomes 

 being always buried beneath the surface, while in G . fldbellata 

 they are always on the top. It is a free-growing and very 

 useful variety. 



G. HECISTOPHYLLA (Smallest-leaved). This is somewhat 

 similar to G. dicarpa, but is a taller grower. Like it the spore- 

 masses are contained in little cup-like cavities on the under sur- 

 face of the frond. In this point it differs from the next species. 



G. MICSOPHYLLA (Small-leaved). The same kind of habit 

 and appearance characterises this species as that last named; 

 but it grows to a greater height, and will attain as much as 



