BLECHNUM. 



11 



B. (Eublechnum) OCCidentale — Eu-blech'-num ; oc-cid-en-ta'-le (from 

 the West), Linnoeus. 

 One of the best-known and most-appreciated among Ferns of dwarf habit 

 is this West Indian, stove species, probably on account of its easy cultivation, 

 as also of the lasting quahties of its elegant fronds, which remain fresh a very 

 long time in water, when used for mixing with cut flowers. Besides, it has 



Fi^, 4, Blechnum occidentale 



(i nat. siiie). 



for years been used in many private establishments for growing amongst 

 orchids, to ■ which it forms a very effective background or undergrowth, the 

 more so that it is a plant never infested by insects of any sort, and that it 

 grows as well in coarse sand, gravel, or moss as in the best compost. The 

 fronds, 9in. to 15in. long and 4in. to Sin. broad, are borne on upright but 

 flexible stalks Gin. to 12in. long and scaly below ; they are furnished on each 



