CULTIVATION. 367 



much, in habit, chiefly as regards the nature of the roots, 

 which are thickened and fleshy, and generally pene- 

 trating deeply into firm soil. In their general character 

 they present much resemblance to the roots of 

 CycadecGj Cyclanthece ) &n& other allied endogens; also in 

 venation the remarkable genus Stangeria connects them 

 through Dancea with Cycadece- ; and their compound 

 fronds are represented in the same family through the 

 new genus Bowenia. The species of Marattia and 

 Angiopteris grow freely in a loamy soil, requiring 

 plenty of water. Some species of Angiopteris require 

 much space, for although the caudex does not rise 

 much above the ground, yet a plant at Kew produced 

 fronds that reached the height of twelve feet, spreading 

 outwards, forming a diameter of thirty-four feet. The 

 species of Dancea and Kaulfussii are, however, not 

 such free growers; they require a moist and high 

 temperature. 



I have now gone through a few of the principal genera 

 requiring special kinds of treatment ; the next consider- 

 ation is good management as regards temperature, 

 watering, airing, and keeping free from insects. Much 

 depends on the size and nature of the house ; the larger 

 it is, the less fluctuations of temperature take place, 

 especially in a house of the ordinary construction of 

 glass roof and sides, whether lean-to or span. The 

 maintenance of a proper condition of the air in plant- 

 houses depends much on the nature of the interior 

 fittings. White or polished, reflecting and radiating 

 surfaces, should be avoided as much as possible, such 

 as iron pillars, rafters, spandrels, polished slate or 

 smooth stone, iron or stone floors, &c. These kinds of 

 material are often introduced in superabundance, for 



