28 THE BOOK OF FERN CULTURE 



Doodia aspera multifield will succeed in the warmest part 

 of the house but does not like a cold draught or a dry 

 atmosphere. Lastrea fragrans is a very delicate little Fern, 

 but where it can be grown it is much appreciated for it 

 is pretty and has a pleasant scent. L. glabella, and 

 L. lepida may be included. Lomaria alpina, and several 

 other slight variations make neat compact little plants. 



Nothochlanas. — These should be grouped together in a 

 fairly dry open position. N. Eckloniana, though often 

 grouped with the stove Ferns does equally well in the 

 greenhouse. N. sinuata, N. maranta, and any other 

 species procurable are of interest, some have rather 

 longer fronds but are slender, and never get too dense. 



The Pelleas include some delicate and pretty Ferns. 

 Like the preceding none make big plants. P. ternifolia 

 is remarkable for the peculiar growth and bluish metallic 

 shade on the stipes and the pinnse which are arranged in 

 circles instead of having a flat surface. 



P. atropurpurea is another of a peculiar dark shade, 

 P. marginata, and any others of the same genus, for 

 none grow large. 



Pteris. — There are several of these which belong to 

 the sub-genus Doryopteris ; of these geranifolia is a little 

 gem, pedata grows rather larger, and palmata is still more 

 vigorous, but this rarely attains to more than six or 

 eight inches high. These will also succeed well in a 

 higher temperature. Pteris scaberula is one of the most 

 beautiful Ferns we have, and more resembles a Davallia 

 until the spores appear. It "spreads freely, having slender, 

 wiry rhizomes, though rather difficult to establish, once 

 it finds a congenial home it will grow freely, but rarely 

 produces spores. 



There are several small growing Polypodiums, these 

 are referred to among those recommended for tree 

 stems. 



