298 



THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS. 



The sori (spore masses), which are numerous, are disposed in a continuous 

 line along the edge. When the fronds are mature, the stalks are of 

 a beautiful shining black colour, while those in course of development are of 

 a deep pink, and then of a light brown tint, quite different to those of all 

 other species— Booker, Species Filicum, ii, p. 15. Nicholson, Dictionary of 

 Gardening, i., p. 27. Lowe, Ferns British and Exotic, iii., t. 8b. 



On account of its pendulous habit and of its rapid growth, this is 

 considered one of the best basket Ferns by all who grow it. The fact of its 

 being deciduous accounts for its disappearance in many cases, as care must 

 be taken during the winter that it does not become thoroughly dry, or it 

 will never start into growth again. We have always found it do much 

 better if kept moderately moist at the roots all the year round. Although 

 under such treatment it does not get so much rest as if treated as 

 a deciduous plant, we have frequently noticed that it starts much stronger 

 into growth in the spring. 



A. 1. dolabriforme— dol-a'-brif-or'-me (axe-shaped), Hooker. 



This is merely an East Indian variety of the species just described, 

 from which it differs principally by its evergreen character, as it remains in 

 full foliage all through the year. It is also distinguishable by the slenderer 

 nature of its fronds, which, like those of the species, are repeatedly 

 proliferous. See Plate (for which we are indebted to Mr. B. S. Williams). 



A. macroeladum— mac-roc'-lad-um (long-branched). Synonymous with 

 A. ptolyphyllum. 



A. macrophyllum— mac-roph-yF-lum (long-leaved), Swartz. 



This elegant, stove species, native of Mexico, the West Indian Islands, 

 Brazil, and Ecuador, is one of the most distinct Ferns in cultivation. 

 Its large, equal-sided leaflets, which in the young and partly-developed 

 fronds are beautifully tinged with red, change with age to a most pleasing 

 bright green colour. The handsome fronds, borne on erect, nearly black 

 stalks 6in. to 12in. long, are produced in great abundance from an under- 

 ground rhizome (prostrate stem) ; they are of a particularly upright habit, 

 9in. to loin, long and 4in. to Sin. broad, and simply pinnate (only once 

 divided to the midrib). The pinna) (leaflets) are very large and some- 



