233 



character, although undoubtedly present, is less pronounced 

 than is the case with the other types. It is curious to note 

 that the more pronounced the kalothrix strain, the 

 vigorous the constitution and vice versa. 



Another seedling appearing in the same batch is a so it 

 of a folioso- kalothrix, but is better than the first seedlings 

 of that name, being of more robust and compact habit, with 

 fronds more lucent and sheeny even than true kalothrix, 

 although perhaps less hair-like. Only very slight traces of 

 reversion are as yet noticeable and no spores, but these 

 latter will probably appear next season. The best position 

 for the cultivation of kalothrix appears to be a cool position 

 under glass, on the floor of the house and about two inches 

 above the water-line. In such a position it retains its true 

 character better than in a drier situation. The less hard- 

 ship the plant is called upon to endure, the greater is the 

 proportion of true fronds produced. A low temperature 

 is no hardship, in fact, a low winter temperature is a distinct 

 advantage to many hardy ferns, the rest being more 

 thorough, and the start in spring more vigorous and con- 

 centrated. I never knew an Athyrium killed or injured by 

 frost in winter. It is the late spring frosts that are so 

 destructive. 



Kalothrix is often driven in self-defence by slight dryness 

 either of the soil or atmosphere to partially drop the pro- 

 duction of best type fronds, and reluctantly to adopt the 

 coarser garb. Just as though self respect were maintained 

 at some considerable effort, and, being once lost, it becomes 

 a case of il facilis descensus Averni," a sort of t; rake's 

 progress," which is seldom checked. 



Your readers will perhaps have noticed that spores from 

 reverted kalothrix (plants reverted 30 years ago and appa- 

 rently hopeless renegades) can be depended upon to produce 



