390 PLANT CULTURE 



There are numerous varieties; .4. C.-V. imbricatum has very large 

 pinnules; it is shy in producing spores, but is easily increased by 

 division of the rhizomes in the latter part of March. A. tenerum 

 makes beautiful specimens in 5-inch pots, but it is a little tender for 

 decorative work. Adiantum fronds wiU keep a much longer time 

 after they are cut, if they be submerged in water for a few hours, 

 than if used direct from the plant. 



Among the tall growing species yl. trapeziforme is one of the most 

 ornamental. It may frequently be met with in collections, and has 

 fronds 3 to 4 feet long. A. t. penladactylon is a well marked variety 

 and should always be included in large collections; it stands well 

 as a decorative plant. A. i. Sanctm-CalherincB is a dwarf variety, 

 with the segments deeply cut. This species and its varieties are 

 best increased by division of the crowns before starting into growth. 

 Success in growing the important commercial fern A. Farleyense 

 depends to a great extent on making a proper start with the small 

 plants. It is labor lost in trying to make a healthy plant out of an 

 unhealthy one, or from one which has got a setback from some 

 cause, unless they be knocked out of the pots and split up into 

 small pieces — the smaller the better, provided there are a few amaU 

 fronds attached to each piece and a probability of their making 

 new roots. A variety, no doubt a sport or hybrid, which is attract- 

 ing the attention of many florists is California. It produces a great 

 number of fronds which stand up nicely when cut. 



Propagation — Spores. .-1. cuneatum, A. pubescens and many 

 other species vegetate very quickly from spores. The principal 

 points to be observed are to have the soil free from the lower forms 

 of plant life, such as mosses and liverworts. Sow the spores very 

 thinly. Keep the pans in which they are sown shaded from the sun, 

 and the pans covered with glass until the first fronds appear. Dur- 

 ing the process of germination the soil should not be watered from 

 above, but by sinking the pans up to the rims in a pail of water. 

 The spores will germinate in almost any kind of soil, but it should 

 be somewhat porous and well drained. Sow in early Spring. The 

 small heart shaped growth which comes from the spore is known 

 as the prothallus or the sexual stage. The male and female organs 

 are on the under surface. After fertilization takes place the young 

 fern develops. 



Propagation by Division. A. cuneatum and its varieties are 

 the IMaidenhair ferns most largely grown. These and their alHed 

 species- which have become unsightly through cutting the fronds. 



