87 



except on the lower pinnules, differs from the typical plant by having its 

 pinnse and pinnules crowded and crisped. It is noteworthy that these 

 varieties are vigorous growers, and that, as regards size, they come very near 

 the original species. 



We have in Polypodium refractum (deflexum) another strong-growing 

 Fern, producing on the stalk and at the axils of the pinnse little bulbils similar 

 to those of Woodwardias. 



Among the exotic kinds of small dimensions, there is the pretty little 

 Asplenium monanthemum ; its simply pinnate fronds, about 10in. long, are 

 provided at their base with one or a pair of bulbils, which generally develop 

 themselves even when left on the plants undisturbed. This form of pro- 

 liferousness seems, however, to affect our British species more extensively. 

 In Aspidium (Polystichum), for instance, there are several kinds which partake 

 of that proliferous character to an almost indefinite degree. Such is the case 

 with A. (P.) angular e proliferum, and its numerous and handsome forms 

 Crawfordianum, Footii, Wollastoni, &c. ; each of these produces, all along its 

 stalks, and at the base of its fronds, small bulbils, which, in a remarkably 

 short space of time, develop into plants in every respect resembling the 

 parents. 



Adventive buds are equally existent in the stalks, or at the base of the 

 fronds, of nearly all Scolopendriums, and of most Nephrodiums belonging to 

 the Filix-mas section ; and although proliferation in Ferns is now treated as if 

 it were quite a recent discovery, practical men have for a very long time been 

 perfectly cognisant of it, and aware of its advantages, as may be gathered 

 from the fact that, some twenty years ago, when trade in British Ferns was 

 at its best, crested varieties of Nephrodium Filix-mas, and crested, muricated, 

 crimped, and other forms of Scolopendrium, were likewise extensively pro- 

 pagated by means of these adventive buds. If not separated in good time 

 from the mother plant, while in a latent state, the buds become abortive ; 

 but it must be borne in mind that, unlike the proliferous buds or bulbils 

 found on the stalks of Aspidium (Polystichum) angulare proliferum and its 

 sub- varieties, these are not perceptible, and only develop themselves when 

 the stalk, accompanied by a small piece of the caudex, is detached from the 

 plant which bears them — an operation which is best performed when the 

 plants are still at rest, and just before starting into growth again. 



