FERXS. 67 



form excellent specimens when well managed. They thrive 

 best in a shady place in the stove, with a strong heat and 

 moist atmosphere. They should l;e grown in loam and sand, 

 with some charcoal and pieces of brick broken small. The}' 

 should receive plenty of water while growing, with weak 

 liquid manure once a week when the pots are full of roots. 

 When cutting out the old fronds in spring, some of the 

 freshest should be left to support the young ones, and to 

 assist in promoting stronger growth. 



ASPLEXIU.M. 



This is one of the most interesting genera of ferns, com- 

 prising a host of species and varieties, which are spread over 

 most of the habitable globe. Among so many it is not easy 

 to select the best, but the following suit admirably for exhi- 

 bition : — A. Belangerii, A. dimoi-plmm, A. formosum, A. feru- 

 laceum, and A. vii-ipariim. Both the stove and greenhouse 

 species thrive well in a compost of loam and peat in equal 

 parts, with a liberal addition of silver .sand. When the plants 

 have attained to specimen size, they should not be potted 

 every j'ear, but top-dressed with lich mould, and liberally fed 

 with weak liquid manure when they ai'e in active growth. 

 This practice should commend itself to all growers of ferns 

 for exhibition, because the plant in all its parts must be 

 grown to the fullest possible dimensions, which cannot be 

 done if the roots are stai'ved ; and, with the exception of one 

 or two genera, the whole family are much benefited by the 

 judicious apj)lication of liquid manure while they are growing. 



BLECIIXUM. 



The species of this genus are found, although in limited 

 numbers, in all parts of the world. They naturally grow 

 about the sides of streams and in crevices of rocks, wheie 

 they get plenty of shade and moisture. The length of their 

 fronds range from six inches to as many feet, and are generally 

 of graceful shape. Among the best for exhibition are B. 



