22 ASPLENIUM PALMATUM. 



the Aspleiiium palmatum with the most distinct and beautiful 

 of the Fern tribe. Amongst dried fronds in the "Hortus Siccus," 

 none shews off to greater advantage than the A. palmatum. 

 Whilst mentioning dried Ferns, it will perhaps prove of service 

 to those who wish to possess a collection of dried fronds, if 

 a few hints are given by way of advice. Fronds are often 

 seen imperfectly pressed, often bad in colour, and, indeed, 

 frequently spoiled by mildew. By placing the frond in a press 

 immediately after it is gathered, all the pinnules can be properly 

 expanded, and, by using blotting-paper between each specimen, 

 and changing it every week until the Ferns are perfectly dry, 

 that vivid colour, so beautiful when in a living state, may, in 

 most instances, be retained. 



An evergreen greenhouse Fern, introduced into England in 

 1816. 



A native of the South of Europe and North Africa, Madeira, 

 Canary Islands, Azores, TenerifFe, Lusitania, Barba'fy, and Spain. 



Simple fronds, which are glabrous, brilliant green, coriaceous; 

 fronds five-lobed, which are acute, the middle lobe being the 

 longest, cordate at the base, margin entire, terminal. 



The fronds, usually ten inches high, are attached to a 

 thick creeping rhizoma. The sori profuse, giving the frond the 

 appearance of being striped in long lines all over its under 

 surface. 



I am indebted to Mr. Sim, of the Foot's Cray Nursery, 

 for plants of this species; and to Miss Kingston, of Colwick; 

 Mr. Norman, of Hull; and to Mr. Henderson, of Wentworth, 

 for fructified fronds. 



It is in the Fern Catalogues of Messrs. A. Henderson, of 

 Pine-apple Place; Rollisson, of Tooting; Booth, of Hamburg; 

 Mr. Sim, of Foot's Cray; Mr. Veitch, Jun., of the Exotic 

 Nursery, Chelsea; and of Mr. Parker, of Holloway. 



The illustration is from a frond given to the author by 

 Mr. Henderson, of Wentworth. 



