LOMARIA. 



391 



alternate (Fig. 95), the lower ones being more distant. These leaflets, 

 of a peculiarly soft, papery texture and dull green colour, are ciliated 

 (fringed) all round their edges, and covered on both sides with a profusion 

 of reddish, chaiFy hairs. The fertile fronds, also simply pinnate, are of 

 a thoroughly upright habit and furnished with 

 narrow, blunt leaflets, distantly placed, the lower 

 ones with more than their own length between 

 their bases. — Hooker^ Species Filicum, ii., p. 34. 

 Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, ii., p. 29-1. 



The barren fronds, being of a drooping 

 character, render the plant suitable for growing 

 in hanging baskets of small dimensions. Cultivated 

 in that way, it shows itself to greater perfection ; 

 the method is also more beneficial to the plant, 

 for if the fronds are allowed to lie on the ground 

 they get damaged by constant contact with a 

 body naturally moist, and consequently soon become 

 deteriorated. 



L. Fraseri — Fra'-ser-i (Fraser's), Cunningham. 



This greenhouse species, native of New Zealand, 

 is dissimilar in habit to any of the other members 

 of the genus, being much more finely divided 

 than any other, and combining a frond like one 

 of our common Lastreas with the fructification of 

 a Lomaria. Although a few years ago it could 

 be found in most of the good collections, and 

 was always considered a favourite on account of 

 the feathery appearance of its fronds, which some- 

 what resemble those of Onoclea {Struthiopteris) 

 germaniea, it is now very seldom met with in 

 cultivation ; yet, when grown successfully, hardly 

 any Fern can compete with it for elegance, 

 fronds, Ift. to IJft. long, 4in. to 6in. broad, and borne on strong, erect, 

 scaly stalks 4in. to 6in. long, are produced from a tough, wiry crown 



Fii. 95. (7) Fertile and (2) Barren 

 Fronds of Lomaria. puviatilis 

 (i nat. size). 



Its handsome barren 



