101 



Ferns and Lycopods. 



ADIANTUM (Maidenhair) is one of the most important genera of 

 ferns, as it contains several of our most popular decorative plants. 

 There are nearly a hundred known species; many of these are in cultiva- 

 tion, besides numerous varieties and forms. There is great diversity of 

 form in the fronds of different species. A. reniforme is simple and liidney 

 shaped. Among others A. macrophyllum and A. peruvianum have the 

 fronds simply pinnate. In the greater number of species the fronds are 

 much branched. Where large collections of ferns are grown it would be 

 a difficult task to select the most beautiful and interesting kinds, as this 

 genus above all others does not possess a simple species but what is 

 worthy of a place in the fernery. For decorative purposes A. cuneatum 

 is more extensively grown than any other species. There are several 

 well marked forms. A. c. gracillimum has the segments much smaller 

 than in those of the type. A. c. mundulum is a dwarf garden form, well 

 suited for using in fern dishes. A. c. variegatum has the pinnules faintly 

 marked with creamy white. A. hispidulum (pubescens) is a species much 

 used in a young state, as it can be got up in quantity very readily. 

 Plants in 2 and 3-inch pots raised from spores have a very different 

 appearance from those which have reached the adult stage. A. cauda- 

 tum and A. lunulatum are well suited for planting in hanging baskets. 

 Young plants are produced at the ends of the fronds, and when planted 

 out among rocks in a greenhouse they soon cover a large space. A. 

 Capillus- Veneris is one of the hardiest of the genus, but it has a very 

 wide geographical distribution. It is the most useful of all ferns for 

 growing on damp greenhouse walls. There are numerous varieties, A. 

 C.-V. imbricatum has very large pinnules; it is shy in producing spores, 

 but is easily increased by division of the rhizomes in the latter part of 

 March. A. tenerum makes beautiful specimens in 5-inch pots, but is a 

 little tender for decorative work. Adiantum fronds will keep a much 

 longer time after they are cut, if they be submerged in water for a few 

 hours, than if used direct from the plant. Among the tall growing 

 species A. trapeziforme is one of the most ornamental. It may frequently 

 be met with in collections, and has fronds 3 to 4 feet long. A. t. 

 pentadactylon is a well marked variety and should always be included 

 in large collections; it stands well as a decorative plant. A. t. 

 Sanctse Catherinse is a dwarf variety, with the segments deeply cut. 

 This species and its varieties are best increased by division of the 

 crowns before starting into growth. 



Adiantum Farleyense — Success in growing this important com. 

 mercial fern depends to a great extent on making a proper start with 

 the small plants. It is labor lost in trying to make a healthy plant out 

 of an unhealthy one, or from one which has got a set-back from some 



