ASP ID I UM. 



449 



On account of their rapid growth and of the firm texture of their fronds, 

 they are indeed the best Ferns for use in the least-favoured places — in rooms 

 and on staircases— where their leathery foliage of distinct and handsome 

 appearance seems to defy the deadly influences of draughts, and some, of 

 even gas, better than that of any other Ferns with which we are acquainted. 

 Their bold foliage makes a striking contrast with that of the more finely- 

 cut species when planted out in the cold Fernery, in which place, and under 

 which treatment, they develop into handsome specimens in an incredibly short 

 space of time, and show themselves off to great advantage. For that special 

 purpose they all are of great value, as by the use of them we are enabled 



Fig. 66 Frond of Aspidium falcatum 

 (J nat. size). 



to give additional charm to the rockery not heated artificially, but simply 

 covered with glass ; there, being evergreen, they retain their beauty during 

 the whole of the winter months. 



The culture of A. falcatum and its allies is very simple, and their 

 requirements are limited. The soil which suits them best is a compost 

 of about equal parts of loam, peat, and silver sand, but care must be taken 

 that they are not potted hard, or, if planted out in the Fernery, that the soil 

 immediately around them is kept moderately loose. They require a good 

 supply of water at the roots in the growing season, and during that time 



3 m 



