56 BEECH FERN, 



The lateral veins of the pinnules are few in number, alter- 

 nate, almost invariably undivided, and extend to the margin, 

 each bearing a circular cluster of capsules near its extremity ; 

 these clusters consequently form a submarginal series : they are 

 of a brown colour. In one of the detached pinnules in the cut 

 at page 49 (fig. b), will be seen the position of the veins and 

 the attachment of the cajDSules ; in the other (fig. c), the clus- 

 ters of capsules are represented in their natural situation. 



€ulkxt 



The beech fern, to succeed thoroughly in pots, should be 

 cultivated on the following plan. Fill a large flower-pot to the 

 height of three inches with charcoal broken into small lumps ; 

 on this arrange some Sphagnum, and cover it with peat-earth 

 having a slight admixture of well-decayed leaf-mould and sand ; 

 on this arrange the rhizomes of the ferns, and cover them with 

 the same mixture. The pot should stand in a large feeder, 

 kept constantly full of water. Planted on rock-work and ex- 

 posed to wind and sun, it soon looks shabby and unsightlj'', but 

 is very hardy, and will endure for many years if the soil be 

 appropriate, as recommended above, and the supply of water 

 liberal. 



