66 FEKNS. 



SECTION YI. 



FERNS. 



This is the most graceful section of cultivated plants, and 

 always forms a highly interesting class at horticultural exhi- 

 bitions, never failing to attract the attention and excite the 

 admiration of all classes of the people. It comprises numerous 

 genera and a multitude of species and varieties of lovely aspect, 

 some of which are to be found in every habitable part of the 

 world, from the stately wide-spreading tree-fern of the tropics 

 to the lowly spleenwort of the northern Highland glen. As a 

 rule, they are shade-loving plants, and delight to I'ear their 

 fragile forms under the protection of taller and more robust 

 subjects. There they are safe from the blast and the scorching 

 rays of the siin, and enjoy the requisite calm and moisture to 

 build up their delicate structure without interruption. 



Following the usual practice at flower-shows, we will divide 

 this Section into five Sub- Sections, namely : 



(1.) Exotic Ferns. 



(2.) Hardy or British Ferns. 



(3.) Filmy Ferns. 



(4.) Tree Ferns. 



(5.) Selaginellas. 



1. EXOTIC FEENS. 



Among the best for exhibition of the numerous, hand- 

 some, graceful, and useful ferns in this Sub- Section are the 

 following : — • 



ADIANTUJI. 



This is one of the best known and probably the most exten- 

 sively grown genus of the whole family. Among the best for 

 exhibition are A. cardiochlcena, A. cuneatum, A. Farley ense, 

 A. Fleniingii, A. formosum, A. gracillimum, A. Snndce Catha- 

 rines, and A. tenerum. These are all strong growers, and 



