86 The Fern Garden. 



place. It is one of the best ferns in the world for a 

 ledge of rock in the cool fernery, or to grow in a large 

 shallow pan as a specimen. 



P. phegopteris, the beech fern ; distinct and pretty, 

 growing freely out of doors with the help of shade and 

 moisture. A fine fern for pots and to plant near a 

 fountain, as it attains its fullest beauty only in an 

 atmosphere heavily charged with moisture. It must, 

 however, be perfectly drained at the roots. 



P. Robertianum, or P- calcareum, the limestone poly- 

 pody, a pretty and peculiarly greyish- coloured plant 

 which loves chalk or limestone rock, but will grow in 

 almost any soil, and will endure the sunshine as patiently 

 as P. vulgare. 



Polystichum. — P. angulare, the soft, prickly shield 

 fern, is the choicest of this section, a truly fine plant, 

 sporting much and good in every form. It is so 

 common that it will occur amongst the earliest " finds" 

 of the fern hunter. It loves shade and a sandy, loamy 

 soil, or leaf soil, but is not particular. 



The following varieties are invaluable for pot culture, 

 and the smallest of them well adapted for cases, — 

 concinnum, cristatum, grandiceps, grandidens, latipes, 

 plumosum, proliferum. The last named is a charming 

 fern for pot culture, and thrives alike in frame, green- 

 house, or stove. 



P. aculeatum, the prickly shield fern, is at once 

 distinct, bold, and handsome. Plant it in a shady spot 

 and leave it alone for several years if you wish to see it 

 thrive. A fine pot fern. 



P. lonchitis, the holly fern, a handsome military- 



