FERTILISATION AND PROPAGATION. 



143 



These, so far as is at present known, constitute the whole series of means 

 of reproduction in Ferns, some of which, as has been pointed out, are more 

 applicable to certain sorts than to others, but all of which yield satisfactory 

 results if properly carried out. 



To those persons who are anxious to raise varieties distinct from kinds 

 already known in cultivation, we would point out that, so far as the 

 production, either accidentally or methodically, of new forms is concerned, the 

 sowing of spores is the only means which can be depended upon ; for it 

 will be seen from what has been said regarding the other modes of 

 propagation, that these constitute means of reproduction only, the subjects 

 thus obtained being in all respects, and without any recorded exception, 

 similar to the plants (either species or varieties) to which they owe their 

 existence. 



