POLYPODIUM. 



235 



on both sides. The sori (spore masses), usually disposed on the upper portion 

 of the fertile fronds, are at first much depressed and hardly noticeable ; but 

 when the fronds approach maturity, they become very attractive through 

 the orange-tawny colour and the shining nature of the little knobs disposed 

 in two regular rows on each leaflet (Fig. 66). P. (Drynaria) vulgar e is 

 a synonym of P. Phymatodes. — Hooker, Species Filicum, v., p. 205 ; British 

 Ferns, t. 22. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, hi., p. 195. Lowe, Our 

 Native Ferns, i., t. 6 ; Ferns British and Exotic, i., t. 38. Eaton, Ferns of 

 North America, i., t. 31. Correvon, Les Fougeres rustiques, p. 142. Druery, 

 Choice British Ferns, p. 119. 



P. vulgar e is found most useful for adorning the hardy rockery, where 

 it proves very effective when growing in a mass, and the ease with which it 

 can be managed, coupled with its evergreen nature, greatly adds to its value 

 as a hardy decorative plant. In the culture of this species it is well to 

 imitate nature as closely as possible. To that effect it is necessary that the 

 spot selected should be shady, cool, and damp, yet without stagnant moisture. 

 The soil which best suits this species is one composed of leaf-mould, or a 

 vegetable compost, interspersed with a cool but not too moist clay or garden 

 mould. Following nature, the rhizomes should not be buried in the ground, 

 but fastened close down to it, the roots alone being covered. Another very 

 important point in connection with the cultivation of the Common Polypody 

 is that it must be planted where its rhizomes can take undisturbed possession 

 of the place selected, as it is only when the plants are well established that 

 they produce really beautiful foliage. 



Besides being so highly useful for cultivation out of doors, the Common 

 Polypody and its several varieties are well adapted for the ornamentation 

 of the cool Fernery under glass, where they may be used with great 

 advantage and effect. Nearly every position is adapted to their requirements, 

 although the more elevated parts of the rockwork are preferable, and the 

 shady parts of the Fernery are also more suitable than those which are 

 exposed to strong light. 



The only position in which these plants do not thrive is one in which 

 they are continually exposed to the dripping of water, for even occasional 

 thorough dryness at the roots does not cause the immediate destruction of 

 the fronds. In fact, as Mr. Stansfield, who makes a speciality of hardy 



