POLYPODIUM. 



239 



Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, hi., p. 195. Druery, Choice British 

 Ferns, p. 120. 



The Welsh Polypody is no new or modern form, for it was known as 

 a British variety as far back as 1686, when we find it mentioned in the 

 " Historia Plantarum " of Ray, who says that he received it from Sir Hans 

 Sloane, and that it was first discovered near Dennis Powis Castle, near Cardiff. 

 Since then it has been gathered in various places, notably at Chepstow, in 

 Monmouthshire, near Dundry Church, in the neighbourhood of Bristol, and 

 also at Braid Hall, near Edinburgh ; and Moore, in his " Nature-printed 

 Ferns," states that he has received it from Mr. E. J. Lowe, who found it in 

 a wood near Macclesfield, and that Mr. E. T. Bennett also sent him specimens 

 from the neighbourhood of Ross, in Herefordshire, which were almost identical 

 in structure with the Welsh plant. On account of its thoroughly sterile 

 character, it is difficult to imagine how this beautiful Fern has managed to 

 spread to localities so far apart ; for, although it has always proved constant 

 under cultivation like other plumose forms of Ferns, it has never been known 

 to produce any fertile fronds either in cultivation or in a wild state. 



Although quite hardy, P. v. cambricum makes a splendid pot plant when 

 grown in the cold frame or in the greenhouse, the pleasing pale green colour 

 of its foliage being particularly attractive among other Ferns. 



P. Y. COriaceo-bifldum — cor-i-a'-ce-o-bif'-id-um (leathery and forked), 

 Monhnan. 



This variety, originally discovered at Low Hutton, near Malton, is 

 a short-fronded, upright-growing plant of a remarkably leathery texture. The 

 leaflets, particularly the lower pairs, are forked (as is also the frond occa- 

 sionally), and their margins are frequently saw-toothed. The fructification is 

 particularly large, the spore masses almost joining, and in the autumn the 

 vivid yellow colour of the spore masses gives the whole plant quite a golden 

 appearance. Mr. Monkman, who, in 1857 or 1858, found this variety growing 

 on a dry wall, states that, though quite constant in a wild state, it is not 

 so permanently bifid as could be desired under cultivation until well established, 

 having been left undisturbed at the roots. He therefore advises plunging the 

 pot, when full, into a larger one rather than repotting the plant when 

 apparently needed.— Lowe, Our Native Ferns, L, fig. 15. 



