62 THE BOOK OF FERN CULTURE 



Ferns for House Decoration 



At one time those considered suitable for this purpose 

 were limited to a very few sorts. The Cyrtomums (in the 

 markets often called the Holly Fern) : this is undoubtedly 

 one of the most serviceable. There are several varieties 

 of falcatum, that known as Fensomi being one of the best. 

 Pteris serrulata (the Ribbon Fern) is another one, and of 

 this we have a great many varieties. The crested forms 

 are not so popular as they were formerly, but it is quite 

 a matter of individual taste ; they all do well. Pteris 

 cretica is another, and of this we have some good varie- 

 gated varieties ; of which, Alexandra is one of the best, 

 but the ordinary cretica albo-lineata remains a favourite. 

 Of the green forms, major is the best large-fronded 

 variety ; in crested sorts, Wimsetti is one of the best. 

 Pteris tremula is another old favourite ; there are several 

 slight variations ; they all are useful. 



The Nephrolepis are among those which have become 

 popular more recently : exaltata is the best type, and 

 all the varieties with multifid growths do equally well. 

 If taken from a hot, moist position they would go off 

 quickly, but as grown for market they last well. Other 

 sorts do equally well ; for this purpose it is only when 

 they are grown in a light, airy position that they are 

 likely to be of service. In Aspleniums we have several that 

 last well : bifbrme is an old favourite, and within the 

 last few years nidus (the Bird's-nest Fern) has become 

 a popular variety. Polypodium {Phledodium) aureum is 

 another that may be grown for the purpose, but this 

 will not stand a very low temperature so well as those 

 referred to above. 



I did not intend to include any Adiantums in this 

 chapter, but those who want more variety may try 

 them : tenerum, or the variety scutum, are good ; 

 elegans is much hardier than the ordinary cuneatum 



