MAIDENHAIR FERNS 657 
recent introductions we may mention A. cwrvatum, from Tropical 
America, in 1841. In the year 1865 some Ferns were received for exhibition 
from Mr. T. G. Briggs, of Farley Hill, Barbados, and among them was a 
magnificent variety, which for some years caused Fern-growers to have 
doubts and perplexities regarding its origin and status. It was pro- 
visionally called Farleyense, in honour of its place of origin, and it was 
variously thought to be a sport of A. tenerum, a hybrid between that 
species and A. trapeziforme, and a distinct species. It is now given 
rank as a variety of A. teneruwm,and is acknowledged as one of the most 
magnificent of the genus. A. rubellum was introduced from Bolivia in 
1868; and A. Williamsii, from the Andes of Peru, in 1877. 
ADIANTUM £THIOPICUM (Ethiopian). Stipes slender, 
erect, 6 to 9 inches long. Fronds triangular, three or four 
times pinnate; pinne triangular; pinnules half-round, the upper part 
broadly lobed. Sori in roundish patches. There are several geographical 
varieties of this widely-distributed species. Stove. 
A. CapPILLus-VENERIS (Venus Hair). Rootstock creeping. Stipes 
slender, half-erect, black, polished, 4 to 9 inches long. Frond 4 to 12 
inches long, oval, with many spreading, hair-like branches. Pinnules 
thin, fan-shaped, but varying considerably ; the upper edge deeply lobed, 
and segments round-toothed. Sori between the round teeth, covered by 
a somewhat kidney-shaped involucre. Greenhouse. There are numerous 
varieties. 
A. CAUDATUM (tailed). Stipes 2 to 4 inches long, wiry, tufted. 
Fronds 6 to 12 inches long, pinnate, rachis often extended beyond pinne, 
and the tip rooting. Pinne oblique; the upper edge rounded and cut; 
hairy on both sides. Sori roundish or oblong. Native of the Tropics 
generally. Stove or warm greenhouse. 
A. CUNEATUM (wedge-shaped). Stipes 6 to 9 inches long, slender, 
erect. Fronds 9 to 18 inches long, wedge-shaped, three or four times 
pinnate. Lower pinne 4 to 6 inches long; pinnules wedge-shaped, 
deeply-lobed at top. Sori four to six, kidney-shaped. Greenhouse or 
stove. The most popular of the Maidenhair Ferns. Plate 310. There 
are a great number of garden varieties, among the more important being 
dissectum, mundulum, Legrandi, and Pacotti. 
A. Epe@wortut (Edgworth’s). This is very similar to A. caudatum, 
from which it differs by reason of its thinner, more membranous texture, 
its surfaces devoid of hairs, and its upper margin being scarcely lobed. 
Native of China and Himalaya. Stove. 
A. FORMOsUM (beautiful). Stipes 12 to 18 inches long, erect. 
Fronds 1} to 2 feet long, 1 to 14 foot across, two, three, or four times 
1V.—41 
Principal Species. 
