188 HARDY FEBNS. 



Mr. Newman, however, thinks it quite distinct. Fronds 2 feet 

 high, bipinnate at the base, pinnate on the upper part ; pinna? 

 triangular, deeply cut. Stalks scaly. Eootstock creeping. 

 Increased by division. 



LOMABIA. 



Most of the species of this genus of Ferns were formerly 

 arranged under that of Blechnum, a genus that had become 

 quite unwieldy. The Lomarias are easily distinguished by 

 their contracted fertile fronds, of which our L. spicant is a 

 familiar example. None of the SlecJmums as now arranged 

 are hardy. 



LOMAEIA ALPINA (Alpine). This is a pretty dwarf Fern 

 from the hills of Van Diemen's Land. It is generally kept iu 

 a frame ; but it will live through the winter if covered in 

 severe frost with dry Fern-fronds or a hand-glass. We have 

 had it live through severe weather close to a wall without any 

 protection. Spore-bearing fronds contracted, and distantly- 

 pinnate, growing 6 inches high, Barren fronds lance-shaped, 

 erect, 4 inches high, pinnated, and bright green ; pinnae oblong 

 and round at the top, with the edges quite entire. Increased 

 readily by dividing the creeping rhizome. 



L. CEENULATA (Notched). This Fern has recently been 

 introduced from Chili by Mr. J. Veitch ; and by him it is 

 stated to be quite hardy. The fronds are narrow, lanceolate, 

 with acute divisions. The plant makes a dense tuft about 

 6 inches high, with the fertile fronds on their reddish stalks 

 standing rather taller. 



L. SPICANT (Spiked). This is a common Fern throughout 

 Great Britain. We have found it very finely grown at the 

 foot of rocks in Derbyshire : hence in culture it should be 

 planted in a moist place. Fertile or spore-bearing fronds 

 a foot high, distantly-pinnate, contracted ; pinnae curved. 

 Barren fronds lance-shaped, a foot long, spreading, deeply cut 



