CHAPTER XVI. 



SELAGINELLAS. 



|MONG the Selaginellas are plants of very 

 different type, from the solid, carpet-like 

 5. densa, to the extensively climbing . 

 Iczvigata. Between these extremes are such as 

 6*. Martensii, one of the commonest in cultivation, 

 which rises six or eight inches, dropping roots 

 from the stem to support itself as it grows ; and 

 the frond-like species, which have a very fern-like 

 aspect, and are perhaps more delicately cut than 

 any fern. Among these last are 5. viticulosa and 

 vS. pubcsccns. The fern-like Selaginellas increase 

 by underground stems, and are, therefore, more 

 difficult to propagate. 



Selaginellas all thrive in the tropical, and many 

 species do well in the temperate house. They 

 endure, in fact like, deep shade. Hence they are 

 invaluable for in-door ferneries. The low-growing 

 species, as 5. denticulate the commonest of all, 

 make in a wonderfully short time a green carpet 



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