SCOLOPENDRIUM. 161 



all over Europe. The varieties are rare in a wild state, 

 and are better known as cultivated plants ; they admit of 

 propagation, and are mostly permanent. 



Being an evergreen, and a plant of free growth, the 

 Hartstongue is one of the most desirable hardy Ferns 

 we possess for open rockwork. Its simple fronds contrast 

 well with the more compound forms ; and its varieties all 

 have a different aspect, combined with the same good quali- 

 ties of hardiness and endurance. Shady and rather humid 

 places are those in which this plant most delights, although, 

 as is evident from its sometimes growing on walls, it will 

 live in more exposed and arid situations. The plants, 

 however, never acquire much vigour under such circum- 

 stances, and have mostly a starved and stunted aspect. 

 They are not particular as to soil, sandy loam, containing 

 fibrous or half-decayed vegetable matter, or the damp 

 surface of some porous stone, is much preferable to soil 

 which is much spent and comminuted ; as indeed is the 

 case with respect to all Ferns. 



The Hartstongue is sometimes called Scolopendrium 

 officinarum, and has been named Scolopendrmm Phyl- 

 litidls, Asplenium Scolopendriwn, or Fhyllitis Scolo^ 

 pendrium. 



M 



