FERXS 375 



Anaectochilus regalis (Terr.). " Wana-raja," S. Beautiful velvety brownish leaves, 

 with coloured veins. Among leaves in moist shaded forests. 



Cirrhopetalum grandiflorum (Ep.). See Montane Zoin- Orchids. 



Cottonia macrostachya (Ep.). Fl's yellowish-green, veined with pink, resembling 

 an insect. Rare. 



Geodorum dilatatum (Terr.). Fl's white, lip suffused with yellow and pink. 



Habenaria pterocarpa (Terr.). Fl's white, with the spur green. Endemic. 



Zeuxine regia (Terr.). " Iru-raja," S. Handsome leaves, with longitudinal white 

 veins. Moist forests. 



DRY (OR INTERMEDIATELY-DRY) REGION: 



Eulophia virens (Terr.). Fl's yellowish-green, lip white, with crimson lines. 

 Habenaria plantaginea (Terr.). " Pigeon Orchid." Fl's large, pure white. 

 Saccolabium guttatum ( Ep.). " Fox-tail Orchid." Fl's in brush-like pendulous 



raceme ; white, dotted with violet-pink, very handsome. 

 Vanda Roxburghii (Ep.). Fl's pale buff or grey, streaked with brown lines. 



Scented. 

 V. spathulata (Ep.). Fl's bright yellow, in long erect racemes. Showy. 



FERNS 



These comprise an extensive family of plants, and are espe- 

 cially popular on account of the beauty and gracefulness of their 

 foliage. Mixed with other plants in the embellishment of verandahs 

 and plant-houses, ferns are always effective, while in floral 

 decorations their cut fronds are often indispensable. Contrary to 

 general opinion, ferns, with few exceptions, are not difficult to 

 cultivate ; they may easily be grown in pots, boxes, etc., provided 

 the proper conditions of soil, moisture and temperature are 

 afforded. By observing the conditions under which the plants 

 grow and flourish in their natural state, an accurate idea may be 

 formed of their requirements ; it will thus be seen that they are 

 usually found luxuriating on humous fibrous soil and limestone rock, 

 occupying shady banks or gullies, by the side of streams or water 

 courses. Therefore, it may be accepted as a general rule that three 

 essential conditions in their requirements are shade, moisture and 

 perfect drainage at the root. Though ferns generally are regarded 

 as shade -loving plants, a striking exception is found in the case of 

 the ''Gold fern," Gyinnogranniie chrysophylla, which thrives to per- 

 fection in Colombo in the full glare of the tropical sun, attaining a 

 large size when grown in tubs along paths or drives. Potting 

 mixtures for ferns should consist mainly of fibrous loam and leaf- 

 mould in equal proportions, to which should be added a small 

 proportion of lime rubble or old mortar, and a similar quantity of 



