572 



THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS. 



grown with most complete success, for it takes possession of the most ragged 

 parts of them in a remarkably short time. Indeed, this is by far the most 

 effective way of dealing with this little gem, which, when grown in pots or 

 even trailing on the ground in a Fern-case, has a weedy and unprepossessing 

 appearance. Yet this species is so thoroughly distinct that no collection should 

 be without it. 



A. f. majus — ma'-jus (large). 



This is equally a greenhouse Fern, of Australian origin, but with fronds 

 larger and furnished with broader leaflets than the one just described, of which 

 it appears to be simply a larger form. — Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, 

 i., p. 130. 



A. (Darea) flaccidum — Da'-re-a ; flac'-cid-um (relaxed), Forster. 



This very variable, greenhouse, evergreen species, native of Australia, 

 Tasmania, and New Zealand, is very justly one of the most appreciated of all 

 the basket Ferns adapted to cool treatment, for which purpose it is admirably 

 suited through the naturally pendulous habit of its fronds, Avhich are produced 

 in great abundance from one central crown. The fronds are from 2ft. to 3ft. 

 in length, 4in. to Sin. broad, and are borne on stout, though flexible, greenish, 

 naked stipes (stalks) 4in. to Sin. long ; these are furnished with numerous 

 close or distant, lanceolate pinnae (spear-shaped leaflets), of a thick, leathery 

 texture and deep green colour, 4in. to Sin. long, Jin. to fin. broad, sometimes 

 rather rigid and recurved, sometimes quite flaccid and drooping like the main 

 stalk, occasionally deeply pinnatifid (cut down nearly to the midrib), but 

 oftener cut down to the thick midrib into oblique or nearly sickle -shaped, 

 narrow-linear lobes, upon which the sori (spore masses) are quite marginal. — 

 Hooker, Species Filicum, hi., p. 205. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, 

 i., p. 130. Lowe, Ferns British and Exotic, v., t. 19. 



Like A. flabellifolium, this is a Fern which should find a place in every 

 collection. It is elegant in form and gains additional beauty and interest 

 from its pendulous habit as well as through the numerous young plants with 

 which the whole of the upper surface of its fronds is studded. A good 

 specimen is an attractive object, the fronds hanging all round the plant 

 so as to completely hide the pot in which it grows. This species prefers 

 light peaty soil and is very averse to strong light. 



