146 GREENHOUSE FERNS. 



grow 6 inches high; the barren only 4 inches: hence the 

 fertile ones are very conspicuous. They are of a lively green, 

 and both pinnated. It is a desirable species, and easily 

 increased by dividing the rhizome. We have grown this 

 neat little Fern well in a Wardian case, and also in a cold 

 frame. 



L. ATTENUATA (Attenuated, or Thin). A rather tender 

 greenhouse species, from the Mauritius. It should have but 

 little vrater in winter, or it will perish. Fronds of both kinds 

 pinnated ; fertile ones a foot high, barren ones 6 inches taller, 

 both slender-growing or attenuated. The rhizome sometimes 

 grows erect, with branches at the foot that creep. By this the 

 species may be easily known. It is increased by cutting off 

 one of the creeping rhizomes. 



L. AURICULATA (Eared). This is a remarkable Fern from 

 the Cape of Good Hope. We saw a few years ago three or 

 four fine specimens in the Birmingham Botanic Gardens, 

 placed behind a north wall, as a summer habitation. The 

 fronds on them were, in some instances, nearly 2 feet long. 

 We know that most of our hardiest greenhouse Ferns would 

 be much benefited if set out of doors in a shady place during 

 the summer. Fronds of both kinds pinnate ; the barren ones 

 are lance-shaped, and of a pleasing green, the others broader 

 at the base, with the pinnae long, narrow, and terminating 

 with a sharp point. Very slow of increase. The rootstock 

 does not creep, but sometimes sends out a branch at the 

 base, which, when rooted, may be taken off, potted, and 

 placed under a hand-glass for a week or two, till it makes 

 fresh roots and new fronds. 



L. CAPENSIS (Cape of Good Hope). Undoubtedly this is 

 the giant of the genus, growing 3 feet or more high. Sterile 

 fronds coarse and strong, dark green, pinnated ; pinnae 6 inches 

 long, wavy-edged, and heart-shaped at the base, with notched 

 edges. Fertile fronds pinnate; pinnae long and narrow, 

 and entire at the edges, though contracted. Stalks scaly. 



