SPECIAL WAYS OF GROWING FERNS. 121 



after the fashion of our common English ivy to 

 the bark, walls, &c., with which they may come in 

 contact. Yet this name has generally been restrict- 

 ed to the species of Lygodium, which twine around a 

 support like the smilax (Myrsiphyllum asparagoides) 

 or the morning-glory (Ipomced). One of the finest 

 examples of Lygodium ever exhibited in Boston 

 was a plant of L. scandens, from the collection of 

 Mrs. Duran-t of Wellesley, Mass. It was in a pot 

 nearly twenty inches in diameter ; and had evi- 

 dently been produced by previously starting several 

 plants in small pots, and then planting them out 

 around the circumference of the larger one. The 

 whole mass of fronds covered a balloon-frame six 

 feet in height. Although with care fine specimens 

 of this genus may be produced, it not unfrequent- 

 ly happens that beginners find the Climbing-Ferns 

 difficult to manage. As for other plants requiring 

 special care, good drainage is the first requisite. 

 The Japanese " Climbing-Fern " (L. scandens) is 

 now frequently cultivated in rows by the larger 

 dealers, to be cut and sold fresh for decorative 

 purposes, instead of smilax; but it wilts sooner 

 than the latter, and can never satisfactorily re- 

 place it. 



The following are some of the climbing species 

 which have been cultivated : 



Lygodium palmatum, Swartz (Eaton's Ferns of N.A., PI. 

 i). From Massachusetts to Florida. Hardy; needs loose 

 soil ; naturally climbs over bushes and weeds. 



