FERNS. ( o 



a moist atmosphere during growth ; but they should be kept 

 moderately dry during winter, and protected from extreme 

 frost, if possible, without using artificial heat. A long period 

 of undisturbed rest is a sure preliminary to a vigorous start 

 and luxuriant growth. 



ADI.A^'TUil {Maidenhair). 



The beautiful •■ ^laidenhair fern," A. capiUus-Veneris, is 

 the only British species of this genus. The fronds grow from 

 S to 12 inches in length, and when it is started and grown 

 for a time in a warm moist place, it forms a splendid dwarf 

 exhibition specimen. 



ALLOSOKUS {Parsley Fern). 



A very pretty little fern is A. crispus, the only species of 

 the genus indigenous to Britain. It grows naturally in rocky 

 places on mountain-sides, well out of the reach of water, 

 which it seems to avoid ; and when cultivated in a pot it 

 should be well drained, and the plant never watered overhead, 

 nor kept in an atmosphere over-charged with moisture. It 

 makes a first-rate dwarf exhibition specimen when in its best 

 condition. 



ASPLEXiril {Spleen wort). 



There are several species of this genus natives of the British 

 Isles, some of which are rare, while others are quite common. 

 Some of the best for pot culture and exhibition are A. Adiantum- 

 jiigrum, A. lanceolatum, A. marinum, A. TricJwmanes criatala, 

 and A. viride. These are all dwarf ferns, but with good treat- 

 ment some of them will attain dimensions to qualify them for 

 the large specimen class. 



ATHYEIU.M {Lady Fern). 



A. Filix-fcemina is the only species of this genus which is a 

 native of Britain. It is a very common plant in every part 

 of the United Kingdom, generally growing in damp sheltered 

 situations, where it often attains a height of five feet or more, 



