150 



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 kidney 

 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 single 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. Croweanum has very large fronds. A. c. gra- 

 cillimum has the segments much smaller than in those of the type. A. 

 c. mundulum is a dwarf garden form, well suited for ut>ing in fern dishes. 

 A. c. variesratum 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-icch pots 

 raised from spores have a very different appearance from those which 

 have reached the adult stage. A. caudatum 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 distribu- 

 tion. 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 it 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 col- 

 lections, 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. Sanctae Catherine 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. 

 m^rcial 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 



