OSMUNDA REGALIS 



167 



the contained spores being a bright green. This form of fructifi- 

 cation, having some resemblance to faded spircea flowers, has given 

 the popular name of the Flowering Fern to this species, though we 

 need hardly say it is a misnomer. The character of its habitats 

 must be remembered in its culture ; the soil should be spongy peat, 

 and kept constantly moist. Given such a supply of root moisture, 

 the fronds stand exposure to sun and wind with impunity. The 

 young fronds are covered with a brownish wool, which, however, 

 is detached as they rise. It is perfectly deciduous, despite its 

 tough texture. It has afforded several varieties. 



Kig. 1 88. O. regalis crislata. 



Crist ata (Figs. 188, 189). — A very beautiful crested form 

 which was accidentally acquired from a hawker in the winter, 

 when dormant, by Messrs. Osborn & Sons, of Fulham, and dis- 

 covered in their nurseries, when it developed, by Mr. G. B. Wollas- 

 ton, who at once offered a good round sum for it, but failed to 

 acquire it, a rather tantalizing fact under the circumstances. 



