174 HABDY FEBNS. 



Hue Fern are examples. These must be taken up and divided 

 into as many pieces as will give a fair share of roots to each 

 pot ; put each division into a small pot, and shade them till 

 fresh fronds and roots are produced. All these operations are 

 pleasant and recreative, giving useful and innocent amusement 

 to many persons in every rank of life. 



It should be kept in mind that although the number of 

 species of Ferns which are truly hardy is rather limited, yet 

 the varieties are almost without number, and in many cases 

 these are as distinct in appearance as though they belonged to 

 different species. As an instance of this, look at Asplenium 

 JFilix-fcemina Frizellice and A. Filix -fcemina plumosa ; two 

 plants could not be less alike. In the following pages we 

 have mentioned the most striking varieties of each species; 

 but in most cases there are a number of others which 

 resemble more or less one of those named. Where it is 

 wished to make the collection as large as possible, of course 

 the grower will obtain these; but where space is not too 

 plentiful, those kinds mentioned will be found to give a great 

 variety of form and habit. 



ADIAOTUM. 



ADIANTUM PEDATUM (Divided like a Bird's T?ooi)Adiantum 

 contains many beautiful species, but this is the only species 

 that is decidedly hardy. Sir Oswald Mosely, at Eolleston 

 Hall, near Derby, has a very fine collection of hardy Ferns, 

 planted in a rather open part of a plantation, on a raised bank, 

 and there this Adiantum has lived for several years, protected 

 by a slight covering of decaying leaves. The last time we 

 were there, we saw it producing fronds 18 inches high, and 

 spreading nearly a foot across. Let any one possessing a 

 plant try a similar situation, and he will find it thrive equally 

 well. The Adiantum capillus-Veneris, though a native of 

 Britain, is not so hardy. 



