648 FLOWERS OF GARDEN AND GREENHOUSE 
to 4 inches long, toothed and spiny, partly overlapping. Sori in two 
rows. California. Hardy. 
A. TRIANGULUM (triangular). Stipes tufted, scaly based, 2 to 6 
inches long. Fronds 1 foot long, 1} to 2 inches across, pinnate. Pinne 
somewhat triangular, with a firm point at apex, margin almost entire or 
slightly lobed and toothed, eared at base. Sori in two rows near margin. 
Native of West Indies. Stove or greenhouse. 
In common with most Ferns, Aspidiwms require a 
well-drained, light, porous soil, which will admit of copious 
waterings without danger of getting sour. A compost that shall be pretty 
generally suitable for Ferns is arranged thus: to two parts of good loam 
add one part each peat and leaf-mould, or two parts leaf-mould. To this 
should be added small quantities of silver sand, broken crocks, charcoal, 
and bits of porous sandstone—or such of them as may be available. 
Give special attention to the drainage, for Ferns quickly succumb to 
stagnating moisture at their roots. The hardy species may be grown in 
a partially shady position outside, or in pots in a cool house. They are 
propagated by dividing the crowns, or by the long and tedious process of 
raising them from spores sown in pans of peat, kept moist and shaded, 
until the first fronds are formed on the prothallus. These young plants 
are exceedingly fragile, and must be very delicately picked out from the 
less advanced individuals by means of a fine-pointed little stick, and as 
carefully transferred to other pans, and put in an inch apart; to be 
again transplanted into small pots when there is a danger of their 
becoming crowded in the pans. The only manure that should be given 
to Ferns should be in a weak liquid form, or well-rotted cow-manure 
should be incorporated with the compost. 
Description of Plate 3044. Aspidiwm aculeatum, the Prickly Shield 
Plate 30¢and 305.Hern. B, The var. subtripinnatum. The separate figure 
is the under side of a pinnule (enlarged), showing the sori and their 
coverings. 
Plate 305. Aspidiwm falcatum. Fig. 1 is a small portion of a 
pinna enlarged, showing the sorus, covered and uncovered. 
Cultivation. 
SPLEENWORTS 
Natural Order Fitices. Genus Aspleniwm 
ASPLENIUM (Greek, a, not, and splen, the spleen: in allusion to their 
ancient reputation as medicines for the spleen). A genus of about two 
