54 THE BOOK OF FERN CULTURE 



which does well; many of the Davallias do well; D. 

 dissecta is one of the best for the purpose ; D. Tyermanni, 

 which has long silvery rhizomes and small dark green 

 fronds ; and Mariesi do well in an intermediate tempera- 

 ture. For the warmer house, GriffttJHana spreads freely, 

 and the rhizomes, with silvery gray scales, are very con- 

 spicuous. D. Assamica is another. The numerous varieties 

 of D. Fijiensis are all useful ; they vary much in size, 

 and with some the rhizomes are shorter. D. ornata makes 

 larger fronds, and has spreading rhizomes. Others might 

 also be selected. The Platyceriums are referred to else- 

 where, but it may be mentioned here that they should 

 always be used when it is desired to cover a wall attrac- 

 tively. For larger pockets, Stenochltena scandens is a fine 

 Fern. Asplenium longissimum makes very long, drooping 

 fronds, and does well when hanging against a wall. 

 Asplenium caudatutn is similar in growth, but has rather 

 broader fronds, and the pinnse are deeply serrated. 

 Nephrolepis davallioides is another which makes very long 

 drooping fronds. Most of the other species may also be 

 recommended. Goniophlebunn subauriculatum, when sus- 

 pended, does well. In the Fernery at the Royal Gardens, 

 Kew, some years ago there was a plant hanging against a 

 wall which had fronds fully six feet long, but it is not 

 often that such specimens are seen. Any of the Ferns 

 mentioned among those recommended for suspended 

 baskets will succeed in the pockets. 



When filling the pockets, fresh, healthy young plants 

 should be selected rather than large plants, which, 

 though giving an immediate effect, do not succeed so 

 well later. With those having a tufted crown, two or 

 more plants may be used for each pocket. Sphagnum 

 moss should be used to fill up any crevices where the 

 cork does not fit close ; and it may be mentioned that it 

 is an advantage to have some openings for those which 

 produce young plants from the root bulbils. 



