FERNS. 57 



uaturall}^ among rocks. The smaller kinds are commonly grown in 

 sphagnum moss, confined to the sides of the fern house by wire 

 netting, but large plants must have more room, and do better in the 

 ground. Our native ferns, such as AcUantiim pedatum, Lygodium 

 palmatum., and Aspidiuvis, are very beautiful. Those which as 

 Mr. Robinson has stated, like Gynmogramme Peruviana and 

 Cheilantlies liirta Ellisiana, do not flourish in the damp which 

 suits others, but require a dryer atmosphere, may be grown with 

 due care in dwelling houses. All the Adiantums repel water from 

 the foliage, but still flourish in a moist atmosphere, set on wet 

 moss. He thought the crested and other varieties of ferns worthy 

 of cultivation for their curiosity. A young beginner often finds it 

 difficult to name his plants correctly. From an article in " The 

 Garden" (vol. vii., p. 60,) it appeared probable that the}^ can be 

 fertilized with a camel's hair pencil before they grow. Many 

 kinds, among which is the Adiantum Fmieyense, do not produce 

 spores, but appear to be mules, and can be propagated only by 

 division of the roots. 



Mr. Robinson said that he had not seen the article mentioned 

 by Mr. Hovey, but would dislike exceedingly to undertake the job 

 of fertilizing with a camel's hair pencil, as every prothallus may 

 contain a dozen each of archegonia and antheridia, so small as to 

 be difficult to see with a quarter-inch objective. 



E. W. Buswell said that as librarian he had an opportunity to 

 judge of the interest felt in the subject under discussion. For the 

 last two 3'ears the books on Cryptogamia had been more used than 

 ever before. He wished to hear of the localities of our native 

 ferns, and of the danger of exterminating certain species, such as 

 the Lygodium imlmatmii. 



Mr. Davenport said that Mr. Buswell's inquir}^ had opened up a 

 subject that ought to interest all who care for the preservation of 

 our native plants. The climbing fern {Lygodium palmatum) , alluded 

 to, is hawked about our streets every year in great quantities, and 

 is in danger of being extirpated through the greed of traffickers. 

 He had so great a repugnance to encouraging a traffic that is de- 

 stroying this very beautiful fern that he had never purchased any, 

 though frequently needing specimens for botanical exchanges. 

 With proper restrictions the traffic might be rescued from this dan- 

 ger, and made subservient to refinement and beauty without di- 

 minishing the number of plants, but as at present conducted it is 

 8 



