88 FERN GROWING 



EXPERIMENT NO. VII. 



Aspidiuvz angulare, vars. decompositum splendens, acutilobum, 

 polydactylum, and plumosum superbum, were sown together, 

 with the idea of increasing the plumose character. These 

 spores were sown in 1887, and have been seven years 

 developing into their varietal characters. There are forty- 

 two seedlings, and amongst them are perhaps some of the 

 best British Ferns yet raised. The fronds vary in form 

 from triangular to almost strap-shaped ; the following are 

 distinct : — 



This list might be extended, as there are other interesting 

 varieties. 



EXPERIMENT NO. VIII. 



In 1890 Asplenium FiUx-fcemina vars. Howardce, Frizellts, 

 HarriscB, and brackiatum were sown together. Howardce has 

 a normal outline, but with the pinnae branching irregularly ; 

 Frizellce is linear, with lunulate pinnae ; Harrisce, lax, slightly 

 crested, and pinnules revolved ; and brackiatum has brachiate 

 pinnules. A large number of distinct forms resulted from this 

 sowing, four of which have been selected, and two are illustrated 

 — i.e., Ariel, which is irregularly branched and depauperate, 

 with here and there brachiate pinnules ; Carita, depauperate, 

 junulate, pinnae dependent, some of the basal pinnules brachiate, 



