DICKSONIAS 663 
resembling a lamb, with feet, head, and tail distinctly formed, and its 
skin covered with soft down. This little lamb grows upon a stem, from 
which it bends down to crop the grass around it. Specimens were 
brought to this country testifying to the truth of this story, and one of 
these is still to be seen in the British Museum, where it has been for 
more than a hundred years. As a matter of fact, it is part of the creep- 
ing rhizome, with the basal portions of four stipes cut to equal length to 
serve as legs, and, when inverted, this has a very lamb-like aspect. It 
was not until the year 1725 that the story was “blown upon” by Dr. 
Breyne, of Dantzig, who published a true account of it. D. Barometz, 
in the living state, was introduced from China in 1824. D. antarctica, 
a Tree Fern, was also introduced in 1824 from Australia. 
DICKSONIA ANTARCTICA (Antarctic). Trunk 30 feet 
high, 1 to 2 feet diameter. Stipes 1 foot long, scaly. 
Fronds 6 to 9 feet long, rhomb-shaped, thrice pinnate. Pinne 1 to 2 
feet long; pinnules narrow, $ inch wide, divided into oblong segments. 
Greenhouse. 
D. sQUARROSA (rough). Stem erect and slender, rough, with the 
bases of stipes of the fallen fronds. Stipes 6 to 12 inches long, rough, 
with dense scales. Fronds oblong-triangular, thrice pinnate, spreading. 
Pinne lance-shaped. Pinnules slender, with lance-shaped segments. 
Native of New Zealand. Greenhouse. 
A mixture of two parts peat to one of loam, and 
sufficient sand to keep the whole open, will be found most 
suitable for these plants. A liberal supply of water should be given, 
not only to the roots, but the stem should be syringed frequently. 
They should be grown in pots or tubs, and may be placed outside 
during the warm summer months. 
Principal Species. 
Cultivation, 
THE END. 
