618 



THE BOOK OF CHOICE FERNS. 



the central pinnae (leaflets), lfih. long, having their lower pinnules (leaiitsj 

 cut down into several simple or forked, linear segments. The somewhat 

 elongated sori (spore masses) are disposed one on the vein of each lobe or 

 segment.— Hooker, Synopsis PiMc/um, p. 220. Eaton, Ferns of North America, 

 ii., t. 51. 



A. (Thamnopteris) Nidus— Tham-nop'-ter-is • Ni'-dus (nest), Mmms. 



This singular and very interesting, stove species, which, on account of 

 the peculiar mode of its growth (Fig. 118), is popularly known as the Bir d's - 

 nest Fern, has a very extensive range of habitat, being a native of Mauritius, 



the Seychelles, Japan, Bonin, and Chusan, 

 westward to the Society Islands, south- 

 ward to Queensland, Norfolk Island, and 

 Lord Howe's Island ; it is also found in 

 the Peninsula of India, and Beddome, in 

 his excellent books on Indian Ferns, says 

 that it is very abundant in moist woods 

 on the Anamallays at an elevation of 

 3000ft. to 4:000ft. It has also been gathered 

 in Burmah, in Assam, and on the Hima- 

 layas. The entire (undivided) fronds, 2ft. 

 to 4ft. long, 4in. to 8in. broad, of a leathery 

 texture and shining nature, rise symme- 

 trically from a single succulent croAvn, 

 leaving quite a hollow centre at the base ; 

 they are of nearly the same breadth 

 throughout, sharp-pointed at their extremity, and gradually taper below into 

 a very short stalk. The sori (spore masses), which occupy the upper half of 

 the frond, are disposed in oblique lines about half-way between the midrib 

 and the margin.— Booker^ Species Filicum, in., p. 77. Nicholson, Dictionary 

 of Gardening, i., p. 132. Lowe, New and Rare Ferns, t. 36. Beddome, 

 Ferns of Southern India, t. 123 ; Ferns of British India, t. 197. 



A. Nidus is a Fern which thrives best in a mixture of about equal parts 

 of rough, fibrous peat and chopped sphagnum, for it requires very little soil, 

 most of its nourishment being derived from aerial roots, which are produced 



Fig. 118. Asplenium Nidus 

 (much reduced). 



