A SPLENIUM . 



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freely on tke surface of the pot and at the base of the fronds, if the 

 atmosphere is kept in proper condition. This singular species has produced 

 several varieties ; the following, however, are the most distinct and the only 

 two generally found in commerce : 



A. N. australasicum — aus-tra-las'-ic-um (Australian), Hooker. 



This variety differs from the typical plant in its fronds being less pointed 

 and having their midrib strongly keeled on the back, also in its habit, 

 as the fronds grow horizontally before taking their upright course, thus 

 forming a circular, deep, vase-shaped hollow. — Hooker, Synopsis Filicum, 

 p. 191. Nicholson, Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 132. Lowe, Ferns Britisli 

 and Exotic, v., t. 15b. 



A. N. musaefolium — mu-sffi-fol'-i-um (Musa-leaved), Mettenius. 



This most distinct form is also so handsome that Sir W. J. Hooker says 

 " it is unquestionably the most noble of all the genus Aspleniumr It differs 

 essentially from the species by its much larger fronds, sometimes 6ft. long 

 and 1ft. broad, which, instead of being of nearly uniform breadth throughout, 

 are of an elliptic-spear-shape, gradually tapering to a narrow wing at the base 

 of their stalks. Besides the above-named characters there is another point 

 essentially distinct : the fronds, instead of growing horizontally at first, are 

 disposed symmetrically all round the succulent crown, and take an upright 

 direction from the start, so as to leave the crown less elevated and less 

 exposed, thus making the hollow centre more funnel-shaped. The sori (spore 

 masses) extend nearly to the edge. This variety is remarkably well adapted 

 for decoration in vases, in which it makes a very pretty object. — Hooker, 

 Synopsis Filicum, p. 190. Lowe, New and Rare Ferns, p. 90. Nicholson, 

 Dictionary of Gardening, i., p. 132. 



Although requiring stove heat to grow and develop their handsome 

 fronds properly during the greater part of the year, A. Nidus and its varieties 

 stand well out of doors in the summer if not exposed to the full sun, 

 and they prove exceedingly effective when used in the sub -tropical garden. 

 Great care must be taken to keep away slugs and woodlice, which are 

 particularly fond of the young succulent fronds : the most effectual way of 

 preventing these pests from getting at the plants consists in placing the 



