HARDY FERNS 95 



Polystichum lonchitis (the Holly Fern). — This is a distinct 

 species, which is found growing in elevated positions ; 

 the fronds are of great substance, and the pinnae have 

 sharp, spiny points. This requires careful treatment; 

 too much warmth when it should remain dormant or 

 over-watering may prove fatal. 



Cystopteris fragilis (the Bladder Fern). — A deciduous 

 Fern, with slender, finely-cut fronds, which are freely 

 produced from spreading rhizomes. There are several 

 slight variations, including a good crested form. They 

 are not of much value for pot culture, but on the 

 rockery they make pretty patches of green in any nook 

 where most plants would fail. 



Lastreafilix mas. (the Male Fern). — This is one of the 

 best known British Ferns we have. In many town and 

 suburban gardens it may be seen growing luxuriantly. 

 Though quite deciduous the fronds do not die off until 

 quite late in the Autumn, and new ones come up again 

 early in the Spring. Its great recommendation is that 

 it will grow in almost any position, forming masses of 

 bright green under the shade of a house where few 

 other things would grow ; yet it is by no means par- 

 ticular, for it will succeed almost as well where it is 

 fully exposed to the sun. There are several pretty 

 crested forms, and considerable variation is found among 

 plants in their natural habitats. When replanting, they 

 should be put down deep, leaving only just the crown 

 showing. 



Lastrea pseudo-mas. — This, which is a sub-division of 

 the above, has the distinction of being evergreen, except 

 where very much exposed, but the old fronds usually die 

 off soon after new ones are developed in the spring. 

 There are some remarkably pretty crested forms of this 

 which are worthy of a place in any hardy or greenhouse 

 collection. 



L.p.-m. cristata fimbriata has very narrow fimbriated 



