CULTIVATION. t$67 



much, inhabit, chiefly as regards the nature of the roots, 

 which are thickened and fleshy, and generally pene- 

 trating deeply into firm soil. In their general character 

 they present much resemblance to the roots of 

 Cycadece, Cyclanthcce, and other allied endogens; also in 

 venation the remarkable genus Stangeria connects them 

 through Dancea with Cycadece- ; and their compound 

 fronds are represented in the same family through the 

 new genus Boweuia. The species of Marattia and 

 Angiopteris grow freely in a loamy soil, requiring 

 plenty of water. Some species of Angio'pteris require 

 .much space, for although the caudex does not rise 

 much above the ground, yet a "plant at Kew produced 

 fronds that reached the height of twelve feet, spreading 

 outwards, forming a diameter of thirty-four feet. The 

 species of Dancea and Kaulfussii are, however, not 

 such free growers ; they require a moist and high 

 temperature. 



I have now gone through a few of the principal genera 

 requiring special kinds of treatment ; the next consider- 

 ation is good management as regards temperature, 

 watering, airing, and keeping free from insects. Much 

 depends on the size and nature of the house ; the larger 

 it is, the less fluctuations of temperature take place, 

 especially in a house of the ordinary construction of 

 glass roof and sides, whether lean-to or span. The 

 maintenance of a proper condition of the air in plant- 

 houses depends much on the nature of the interior 

 fittings. White or polished, reflecting and radiating 

 ■ surfaces, should be avoided as much as possible, such 

 as iron pillars, rafters, spandrels, polished slate or 

 smooth stone, iron or stone floors, &c. These kinds of 

 material are often introduced in superabundance, for 



