32 THE BOOK OF FERN CULTURE 



darker hue. These two should not be included in the 

 same collection when exhibiting. A. Scutum and A. 

 tenerum make fine specimens. Also A. Williamsi, which is 

 decidedly a greenhouse Fern. Others may be grown 

 into large specimens, but all should be started with 

 fresh, healthy young plants. Good specimens cannot be 

 made of those with a number of small crowns. Acro- 

 stichum scandens, better known perhaps as Stenochlena s., 

 makes a fine specimen, the rhizomes run over the pots 

 and the broad pinnate fronds of a bright green, with a 

 bronzy tint when young, are very effective. 



Of Aspleniums, nidus should always be included, the 

 broad erect fronds have a bright shining surface. 



This produces serial roots round the base, and some 

 fresh sphagnum with a little artificial manure sprinkled 

 over it will materially assist the plants while making 

 growth. This Fern does not root deep, and good 

 drainage should be given or it will do better in shallow 

 pots. The best form of A. biforme makes a fine plant, and 

 if all the bulbils have been left on the older fronds they 

 form a great attraction. A. laxum pumilum when grown on 

 freely, makes a fine plant, but once it gets stunted it 

 rarely recovers. 



Blechnum Corcovadense is very pretty at its best but is 

 not, usually, considered of so much value in a collection 

 for exhibition as many other Ferns are. Cibotium 

 Scheidei makes a grand plant, the fronds of large size are 

 of a soft pale green above and glancous beneath, it is 

 of rapid growth and soon makes a good specimen. The 

 beauty of this Fern is shown off to advantage when 

 elevated, the under side of the fronds having a pleasant 

 hue. In Davallias we now have so many of hybrid 

 origin that it is difficult to make a selection. D. Mooreana 

 is one of the oldest and still a general favourite, being 

 equally beautiful in all sizes, but for growing on for 

 large specimens strong rhizomes must be selected to start 



