FERNS AND LYCOPODS 401 



SELAGINELLA. Although not related to Ferns, some of the 

 species have a striking resemblance to these plants. Low growing 

 species commonly grown to cover the soil under benches or grown in 

 flat pans are S. denliculata, S. Kraussiana, S. Emmeliana and S. 

 Marlensii. S. Kraussiana is a dense growing moss like species, 

 much used for covering the soil in pots in which other plants are 

 growing, in Fern dishes, and for the borders of conservatory beds. 

 5. K. aurea has yellow foliage. 5. K. variegata is green and white. 

 In propagating this species and its forms it should not be broken 

 up into little tufts and potted, as is usually the case. Take single 

 growths and put, say three of them, in a 3-inch pot; in a short time 

 they will develop enough growth to cover the soil. 5. Emmeliana, 

 one of the best for supplying small plants for mixing with Ferns, is 

 increased by breaking up the mature fronds into small pieces, and 

 scattering these on the surface of a box or bed of sandy soil, which 

 should be kept moist and shaded from the sun. Every small piece 

 will make a plant. 5. Marlensii, a Mexican species, is one of those 

 most frequently grown. It is exceedingly easy to propagate, as long 

 serial roots are made from the stems. Cuttings, say about 4 inches 

 in length, will root well if put in small pots and kept close; or to fill 

 large pans, and have them present a well furnished appearance in 

 a short time, root the pieces in sand, afterward putting directly in 

 the pans. An interesting species, S. hpidophylla, is the well known 

 "Resurrection Plant," which, when dry, curls up into a ball, and 

 which uncurls when placed in water. S. casia arhorea is a climbing 

 species very suitable for rambling over rustic work in a moist con- 

 servatory. Where its serial roots are allowed to fasten themselves 

 to suitable material it grows into a dense, irregular mass of lovely 

 bluish green foliage. S. viliculosa grows about 8 inches high, is al- 

 ways bright green. An easily divided plant and useful in a small 

 state. 5. erylhropus is a useful species with reddish stems reaching 

 a height of about 9 inches. 



Culture. Theii cultural requirements are almost similar to those 

 of the Ferns. They do best in shade, and with a few exceptions they 

 need a rather warm atmosphere, especially while making their new 

 growth. 



Propagation. They may be propagated from spores, division 

 of the crowns, or from cuttings. Propagation by spores is seldom 

 attempted, as dividing the plants and rooting from cuttings will 

 give an abundant supply. 



