DAVALLIA. 



117 



require no syringing overhead, but derive much benefit from being kept near 

 the glass, where good light is obtainable. 



In the case of the species without rhizomes, the propagation is entirely 

 dependent on the spores, which are abundantly produced, and which, if sown 

 in heat, germinate freely and soon form Httle plants ; while species provided 

 with rhizomes may be increased by the division of these organs in the early 

 spring. Where DavalHas of the dissecta^ hullata^ and Mariesii types are 

 required in quantities, it is much more satisfactory to raise seedlings ; and 

 if, as soon as they have produced a small rhizome 2in. long, repeated pruning 

 of that organ is resorted to, they produce, in a remarkably short time, pretty, 

 bushy little plants, through the branching of the rhizomes, which is the 

 result of the above-named operation. 



Principal Species and Varieties. 



D. (Stenoloma) aculeata — Sten-ol-o'-ma ; ac-u-le-a'-ta (prickly), Swartz. 



This very handsome, stove species, native of the West Indies, where it is 

 said to be very common, is remarkable on account of its climbing habit, which 

 resembles that of a bramble, according to Lowe, covering whole fields, and 

 investing the largest " forest trees if growing near them." Its elegantly - 

 divided fronds possess the singular property of lengthening at the points very 

 much in the way of Lygodiums and Gleichenias ; they grow to an indefinite 

 length, and their stalks and rachis (stalk of the leafy portion), measuring 

 sometimes 6ft. long, are covered with sharp thorns curved doAvnwards ; they 

 are tripinnatifid (three times divided half-way to the midrib), and their lower 

 leaflets, 1ft. to IJft. long, 4in. to 6in. broad, and somewhat spear-shaped, 

 are divided into pinnules (leafits), which .in their turn are cut into cuneate 

 (wedge-shaped) segments, twice to four times lobed and bright green in 

 colour. The small and cup-shaped sori (spore masses) are terminal. The 

 plant is rendered very attractive by the slender stalks and the fresh growths 

 being of a pale claret hue : these issue from a short, underground, creeping 

 rhizome (prostrate stem), and make a beautiful pot specimen. This species 

 may also be used with great advantage for covering a rustic pillar, or for 

 chmbing over rockwork, and should be either planted or potted in a more 

 sandy or gritty compost than is used for most Davallias. — Hooker^ SiJecies 



