CHEILANTHES 69 



useful for greenhouse culture. The hardy species and 

 varieties are referred to, with other hardy Ferns. In the 

 Lastreas we have many useful species. L. aristata 

 variegata has long been one of the most popular Ferns 

 for the greenhouse, or for decorations. Its only fault is 

 that it is rather slow in a young state, and two or three 

 plants should be grown together in each pot. The 

 fronds are of good substance, with a bright green surface, 

 and a distinct lineal marking of creamy white. It is of 

 dwarf habit, but most useful, as it stands so well when 

 used for decorations. The ordinary green form, which 

 grows rather taller, is also a useful Fern. Lastrea patens 

 is another favourite ; this has pinnate fronds, of a grace- 

 ful drooping habit. L. lepida, of similar habit, with very 

 narrow pinna, makes a handsome plant. Lastrea ery- 

 throsora, referred to in another chapter. L. Standishi, L. 

 opaca, and L. varia are all useful species, which succeed 

 well in the greenhouse or cool Fernery. All may be 

 raised from spores, but they are slow to germinate com- 

 pared with most other Ferns, and they do not make 

 rapid progress during the early stages, but once 

 established they last well. They all like a good loamy 

 compost, and rather cool treatment ; in much warmth 

 thrips are sure to be troublesome. 



Cheilanthes 



Several of these are referred to in the notes on small- 

 growing Ferns, yet there are a few, though not of large 

 growth, could not be included. Of these, C. hirta 

 Ellisiana is a most desirable Fern ; it has pinnate fronds 

 from one to one and a half feet longf with a woolly 

 surface, and the stipes covered with brown scales or 

 hairs. C. elegans (the Lace-Fern) is a most elegant species ; 

 this seems to do equally well in the stove as the green- 

 house; the very finely cut fronds have a soft silvery 



