FERNS FOR SPECIAL PURPOSES I47 



NOTES ON UNDESIRABLE SPECIES FOR 

 NATURALISING IN HOME GROUNDS 



Lack of dense shade and constant moisture 

 exclude the beautiful Clinton's wood fern 

 (Dryopteris crlstata, var. Clintoniana) and 

 both woodwardias from ordinary cultural 

 lists. This is to be regretted. The first 

 named will grow readily anywhere, attaining 

 good size and colour; but the fronds are so 

 articulated to the rootstock that they are 

 prostrated apparently "without rhyme or 

 reason," in the prime of life when grown in 

 the open. This fern is a distinguished 

 feature of wooded swamps; an aristocrat in 

 the "Garden of the Gods," but, alas, a victim 

 of environment. The type cristata is more 

 adaptable, and usually grows satisfactorily, 

 but to my mind it is the least graceful of all 

 known ferns. 



The net-veined chain fern (Woodwardia 

 areolata) would be a striking feature in any 

 border if it would adapt itself. 



The Massachusetts fern {Dryopteris sim- 



