FERNS WITH COLOURED OR TINTED FRONDS. 31 



habit, is nevertheless one of the handsomest coloured Ferns in cultivation, 

 and always commands attention on account of its erect, deeply -pinnatifid, 

 slightly- waved, and very glaucous fronds. 



The genus Adiantum, is undoubtedly the richest in species with tinted 

 fronds, and, as regards brightness of colours and variety of forms, it surpasses 

 all other genera. Although small-growing kinds certainly predominate among 

 coloured Maidenhairs, several strong growers are to be noted among them, 

 particularly the gigantic A, polyphyllum (cardiochlama), whose handsome 

 fronds, averaging between 4ft. and 5ft in height when fully developed, are of 

 a pale green when mature, but of a truly beautiful semi-transparent rosy 

 colour in their young stage. The foliage of the strong -growing A. trapeziforme 

 is of a uniform green colour, but some lovely pink, red, and bronzy tints are 

 to be noticed among its varieties cultratum, Sanctce-Catharince, and penta- 

 dactylon, all of which attain equally large dimensions. These colours are also 

 characteristic of the elegantly-pendulous A. peruvianum, and of the more rigid 

 A. Seema?inii, both of which have broad pinnules of a delightful metallic hue 

 when in a young state. Again, the bright red colour of the young growth 

 of A. Veitchianum and A. cyclosorum is intense, especially when these species 

 happen to be grown in close proximity to the glass, and in a genial 

 temperature, with a good deal of atmospheric moisture surrounding them. 

 For colours and elegance none of the above-mentioned species, however, can 

 compete with that Queen of the Maidenhairs, A. tenerum Farley ense. Where 

 is there any other foliage plant approaching the subtle and delightful tints 

 found in a well-grown plant of that deservedly-popular variety ? When it 

 has been kept near the light, in a temperature varying from 65deg. to 75deg., 

 and enjoying an abundance of moisture, its broad, elegantly -fringed pinnules, 

 instead of having the sickly, yellowish appearance which is so detrimental to 

 the well-being of the plant, are of a pale but bright green colour relieved by 

 a wonderfully pretty purplish border, which greatly adds to the numerous 

 charms of the Fern. Quite as attractive as most of the foregoing, although 

 lacking the bright colours of many of them, is the beautiful A. Williamsii, 

 most distinct and conspicuous above all others by the pale green, almost 

 yellow, tint of its long, hanging fronds ; when young, these are covered with 

 a bright yellow powder, which gradually disappears as the fronds reach 

 maturity. Being of a somewhat straggling habit, this species, like many 



