22 THE BOOK OF FERN CULTURE 



bullata is quite deciduous, and remains dormant until late 

 in the spring ; but while destitute of fronds, the rhizomes, 

 which are densely covered with chestnut-brown scales, are 

 attractive. The Japanese form " Mariesi," though con- 

 sidered a variety of the above, is quite distinct. The 

 slender rhizomes have grey scales and silvery tips, and 

 will start again into active growth almost before the old 

 fronds have ripened off. This is well known, from 

 being extensively imported from Japan, made up in 

 various designs, such as Monkeys, Frogs, Birds, etc,, but 

 it is only the round balls that can be grown successfully. 

 Davallia immersa, generally known as Leucostegia, is a 

 most desirable Fern for baskets. The slender rhizomes 

 spread through the soil and produce fronds as soon as 

 they peep through to daylight, and form perfect balls 

 of soft, almost straw-coloured fronds, with a bronzy 

 tint. D. pulchra is another belonging to the same sub- 

 genus ; this does not spread so freely, and the fronds 

 are of a deep green. All of these may be kept fairly 

 dry during the dormant period. 



Nephrolepis. — Of this genus there is only one distinct 

 species that is deciduous ; this is pluma and its variety 

 Bausei. The latter is often given as a species, but it 

 was originally raised from a single pinnae of pluma which 

 had produced the extended side lobes. After these are 

 thoroughly ripened off, they may be turned out of the 

 pots, and small tubers (as in N. tuberosa) will be found. 

 These put in sphagnum moss and sand will start early 

 in the spring, and may then be potted, either singly or 

 about three in each pot, and grown on in the stove. 

 Lygodium Japonicum (frequently named scandens) is semi- 

 deciduous, and it may be cut down when the new fronds 

 begin to show at the base. If the old fronds are left, 

 they will die off later, and will be difficult to separate 

 from the young ones. Other species may be treated 

 similarly. Athyrium gorringeanum pictum is a pretty 



