HISTORY OP INTRODUCTION OF EXOTIC FERNS. 29 



Jalapa, Cordova,, and Oxaca, while the little tufted 

 Schaffneria nigripes, found between Vera Cruz and 

 Orizaba, would be an interesting acquisition to growers 

 whose space is limited, being only three or four inches 

 high, and having intensely black glossy stipes, and 

 broadly obovate-cuneate fronds. There are also 

 many very pretty species of Cheilanthes , the Chei- 

 lanthes speciosissima, with broad lanceolate multifid 

 coriaceous fronds, measuring as much as two feet 

 in length; and several very desirable species of 

 Gleichenia, Trichomanes, and Hymenopliyllum ; of the 

 latter genera, in particular, there are still many beau- 

 tiful western species yet to be introduced. From the 

 more northern countries of the American continent 

 our hardy fern growers might obtain many additions. 

 For example, it would be interesting to have the 

 American Cryptogramme acrostichoides side by side 

 with our British C. crispa ; and if to these the Hima- 

 layan C. Brunoniana were added, we might then be 

 able to ascertain whether they be really distinct 

 species or merely forms of one and the same plant. 

 The closely allied Pellwa gracilis, found in many 

 parts of North America and also in Northern India, 

 would be worth having on account of its remarkable 

 resemblance to our C. crispa. Polystichum munitum, a 

 Fern distributed over Western America, from California 

 to as far north as Nutka, and, therefore, probably 

 hardy, would be a fit companion for our own Polysti- 

 chum Lonchites, though considerably larger. Lovers 

 of golden Ferns would be glad of the Gymno- 

 gramme triangularis, a species resembling Pellcea 

 argentea in appearance, but much larger and covered 

 with golden farina on the under- side ; and as this is 



