74 FEEXS. 



and forms one of the noblast specimens of Biitish ferns. Some 

 of the best varieties of it are A. F.-f. Frizellice, A. F.-f. latifolia, 

 A. F.-f. nmltifidum, and A. F.-f. Vidorice. 



BLECHNUM (Hard Fern). 



The hardy erect-habited B. spicant is the only British 

 species of this genus, and is found on heaths and in woods 

 all over the country. Three of the most suitable varieties for 

 exhibition are B. s. multifidum, B. s. ramosum, and B. s. triner- 

 vtim. They are all dwarf ferns, and make very pretty plants 

 when well grown. 



CETEKACH (Scale Fern). 



The somewhat rare British fern C. officlnarum is found 

 generally in rocky places and on old ruins. It is rather 

 difficult to cultivate, and should be grown in well-drained pots 

 in a mixture of fibrous loam, pieces of sandstone, charcoal, 

 and old mortar, and set in a shady corner of the house, where 

 it should be carefully watered and the crown kept thoroughly 

 dry. It is one of the smallest of ferns, but its peculiar appear- 

 ance makes it very interesting and unique as an exhibition 

 specimen. 



LASTEEA (Buckler Fern). 



This genus contains several British species, with numerous 

 varieties, which are widely scattered over the country. Among 

 the best for large specimens are L. cristata, L. dilatata lepi- 

 dota, L. Fili.v-ma.s cristata, and L. spinulosa. These are all 

 easily grown, and produce fronds varying from two to five feet 

 in length — the crested varieties in particular forming grand 

 specimens. 



OSMUXDA (Rorjal Fern). 



This genus has one native species only, from which has been 

 obtained a handsome crested variety. 0. regalis and 0. regalis 

 cristata are two of the finest for exhibition among British 

 ferns. The former attains to a height of four or five feet, 

 and when well furnished has few rivals, while the latter fills 

 a prominent place in the most choice collections. 



