390 



MY GARDEN. 



these we grow D. Barometz (fig. 892), from Assam, which is also 

 exiled the Tartarian Lamb ; this forms fine fronds, and is a splendid 



fern. A fraud was practised by taking 

 the caudex of this fern and cutting 

 away all the fronds but four, which 

 were also cut a short distance from 

 their point of junction with the caudex. 

 When this was turned up, its shape re- 

 sembled that of a lamb. It was then 

 reported to be a half vegetal and a half 



Flo. 892. Dicksonia Earometz, 



FIG. 893. Tartarian Lamb. 



animal production, which ate grass. It is well pictured in Evelyn's 

 "Sylva," and specimens of the "lamb" exist in the British Museum, 

 from one of which my illustration (fig. 893) is taken. We have also 

 D. fibrosa, which is considered to be a variety of D. antarctica. 



We have attempted the culture of some of the Filmy ferns, but only 

 to a moderate extent, from the great difficulty of procuring specimens. 

 They require for their culture shade from the sun, ample light, arid 

 a moist atmosphere, and they will not bear any change in the hygro- 

 metric state of the atmosphere. The temperature they require depends 

 on the country from which they come, but all which require artificial 

 heat ought to be covered with glass to ensure the equal hygrometric 

 state of the air. The Hymenophyllum demissum (fig. 86 1), from New 

 Zealand, is perhaps the most readily cultivated, especially if covered 

 with a bell-glass. We have also the H.javanicum under the names of 

 H. flexuosum and H. crispatum ; H. ciliatum from tropical America ; 

 and also H. asplenioides, likewise from tropical America. 



We grow two English Hymcnophyllums, //. Tunbridgcnsc (fig. 863) 



