70 FERNS. 



LYGODIUM. 

 A genus of climbing ferns which grow rapidly, and can be 

 trained into any form. Two excellent species are L palma- 

 tum and L. scandens: The first is a native of North America, 

 and grows well in a greenhouse : the last belongs to the East 

 Indies, and requires to be grown in the cool end of the stove. 

 Light loam, leaf-mould, and silver sand suits them admirably, 

 and weak liquid manure given once a week when the soil is 

 full of roots is beneficial. The long stems are best shown 

 when trained in a spiral manner round a balloon wire trellis, 

 being careful not to break off the points of the shoots till the 

 top is reached. Large specimens trained in this fashion, with 

 strong healthy fronds, are among the finest exhibition ferns. 



NEPHEODIUM. 

 A very numerous and useful genus of ferns, natives of many 

 parts of the world, some of flhich form handsome specimens 

 for exhibition. A few of the best are N. cuspidatum, N. del- 

 toideum, N. molle corymbiferum, N. patens cristafa, and N. vil- 

 losum. These thrive well in an intermediate temperature, and 

 should be grown in fibry loam, leaf-mould, and sand, with plenty 

 of moi.sture at the roots, and a little liquid manure once a week 

 in the growing season. 



NEPHROLEPIS. 

 This is a genus of graceful and ornamental ferns, well 

 adapted for exhibition. The species are all stove plants, but 

 a few thrive well in a warm greenhouse. Some of the best are 

 N. cordata, N. davallioides furcans, N. peeUnata, and N. plama. 

 They grow well and form fine specimens with the same treat- 

 ment as recommended for Lomaria. 



NOTHOCHL^NA. 

 A beautiful and interesting genus of stove ferns, having the 

 same characteristics as the gold and silver Gymnogrammas, 

 and thrive well under the same treatment. Some of the best 

 for exhibition are N. chrtjsopliylla, N. lanuginosa, N. nivea, 

 N. sinuata, and N. trichomanoides. 



