DAVALLIAS 73 



When potting, the soil should be kept well above the 

 rims, and raised in the centre so that the rhizomes can 

 spread over; many of them will soon cover the outer 

 surface of the pots. After potting, a surfacing of 

 sphagnum moss worked among the rhizomes will be an 

 advantage, but is not absolutely necessary. 



Taking the sorts, all that are found enumerated in any 

 catalogue are pretty, but I should make the following 

 selection for a limited collection, viz. : Canariensis (the 

 true Hare's-foot Fern), dissecta (for covering baskets), 

 Fijiensis and its numerous varieties are all most elegant for 

 pots. D. bullata : this is deciduous, but the nut-brown 

 rhizomes are pretty even when there are no fronds. The 

 Japanese variety of this, D. Mariesi, has more slender 

 rhizomes, and silver-grey scales, and a great variation is 

 seen among seedlings. D. epiphylla: this is a distinct 

 Fern, the rhizomes growing nearly erect, and has rather 

 large spreading fronds. In D.foenkulacea we have a very 

 distinct Fern. It has a tufted caudex, and more the 

 appearance of an Asplenium in general habit. Then in 

 D. aculeata we have a climbing Fern ; this is rare, but 

 where well grown it is very pretty. Among the sorts 

 most conspicuous for the silvery rhizomes are Tyermani 

 and Grijffithiana. These both make very long rhizomes, 

 and if grown in suspended pots or baskets will soon 

 cover the whole surface. 



D. tenuifolia does not spread, but has erect fronds. 

 The variety tenuifolia Veitchii is one of the prettiest 

 slender - fronded Ferns we have. D. Mooreana (or 

 pallida) is another with a tufted caudex, and makes a 

 fine specimen for exhibition. 



Other distinct species are now added to this genus. 

 Leucostegia immersa is one. This is deciduous, and the 

 rhizomes spread freely ; for baskets it is one of the best 

 we have. 



