ASPIDIUM. 



413 



the tops of the mountains of Wales, as at Clogwyn-y-Garnedh-y-Grib-G-och- 

 Trigvylchan (D. Lhwyd)." The foregoing quotations abundantly prove the 

 acknowledged existence, some two centuries ago, of representatives of the 

 genus Aspidium in the British Isles. 



Culture. 



Very few, if any, of the Ferns belonging to this extensive genus are 

 fastidious in their habits. The exotic species found in the group Polystichum 

 are of particularly robust constitution ; and whether adapted to stove or to 

 greenhouse treatment, all thrive in a mixture of three parts sandy peat and 

 one part fibrous loam. They also succeed admirably in places where light 

 is not abundant, and where few other Ferns would hold their own. 



The British portion of the Polystichum group is represented by the 

 Prickly Shield Fern and its numerous varieties, all of which are free-growing, 

 easily-managed, and very desirable Ferns either for the outdoor rockery, for 

 the indoor Fernery, or for pot culture, as all are evergreen, delighting in 

 a mixture of sandy loam and fibrous peat in equal parts, resting on a sound 

 drainage. Although, when once established, the influence of strong light 

 is not injurious to them, they produce much finer foliage when placed in 

 a shady situation during the growing season. They require to be freely 

 supplied with water at the roots : they must also be kept constantly moist 

 during the winter. British Aspidiums are also excellent Ferns for pot 

 culture, as they bear indoor treatment much better than most native Ferns. 

 Their propagation, except in cases of rare varieties, which are only increased 

 by division of the crowns, is usually effected by means of spores, which 

 are produced in great abundance, and which, if sown as they ripen, at the 

 end of the summer, germinate rapidly, and make, during the following 

 summer, young plants which are very valuable for the decoration of the 

 greenhouse and of the conservatory during the ensuing winters. 



The deservedly popular Ferns commonly known under the name of 

 Cyrtomium are amongst the most useful known decorative plants, on account 

 of their rapid growth and their firm, leathery texture, besides being all very 

 distinct and particularly handsome. They are indeed the best Ferns to use 

 in the least favoured places — in rooms and on staircases, where their leathery 

 foliage seems to defy the deadly influences of draughts, smoke, and even gas, 



