102 Ferns for Window Gardeners. 



height. The stipes and rachis of the fronds are blacl 

 and shining; the fronds themselves of an irregular ovatf 

 form, much divided, rising from a short creeping sten 

 clothed with small black scales. The entire plant has 

 a delicate feathery appearance, from the much divided 

 state of the fronds. The ultimate pinnse or leaflets are 

 small, roundish, or wedge-shaped, of a thin delicate 

 texture, and pretty pea-green colour. 



This is a lovely fern for the miniature greenhouse 

 or a Wardian case, and a favorite with every one. It 

 requires shelter, being too tender to stand outside oi 

 exposed. 



Blechnum spicant, or common Hard Fern, is a very 

 common one, occurring in almost aU situations, very 

 plentiful on heaths and commons, but flourishing best 

 in damp woods. It well deserves the name of common 

 Hard Fern, being of a hard rigid texture. It is one ol 

 the prettiest and most distinct of wild Ferns, having 

 like the preceding both barren and fertile fronds. 

 The fertile fronds rise straight from the centre, varying 

 from six inches to two feet in length, supported on 

 thinly scaled dark brown stipes, towering rigidly 

 above the barren fronds which cluster around them 

 with a drooping, rigid gracefulness, supported by 

 short dark-coloured stipes. The fronds are narrow 

 and lance-shaped, the barren ones being broader and 

 about half the length of the fertile ones, and both 

 divided to the midrib, having a comb-like appearance. 

 The entire plant has a peculiar graceful foliage. 



It is a very suitable Fern for rockwork, growing freely 

 without much trouble, and does very well in pots. 



