782 



THE BOOK OF GARDENING. 



most distinct variety, with a white band centreing each leaflet 

 (Fig. 522). Pteris quadriia argyrea {P. argyrea of some) 



is another very deco- 

 rative variegated Fern, 

 having a broader band 

 of white than that in 

 the species previously 

 noted. Pteris serrulata 

 is a favourite species, 

 though very variable. 

 It is quite one of the 

 most robust, and is 

 therefore largely grown 

 for market purposes. 

 The crested forms of 

 it are even more highly 

 esteemed than the 

 typical plant. 



To the genus 

 Aspleiihim we are 

 indebted for three or 

 four species right in 

 the front rank of 

 foliage plants for 

 Fig. 522. — Pteris cretica albo-lineata. rooms. These are 



A. hulbiferum^ A. b. 



Fabianum^ and A. b. laxiiin. These all droop gracefully, 

 and this, together with their habit of bearing young plants 

 upon the fronds, renders them very distinctive. Though looking 

 at its best when grown as a basket-plant, A. flaccidum makes a 

 very pretty pot subject for a shady window. Pellcea i^Platyloma) 

 rotundifolia is a greenhouse species which succeeds well by 

 reason of the leathery texture of its fronds. The most robust 

 of all Ferns for rooms are Cyrtomium falcatmn and its 

 varieties Fortimei and caryoiideiim. Several native Ferns might 

 be used with advantage : Scolopendrium vulgare (Common Harts- 

 tongue), Lomaria Spica?if, Asplenium Tricho??iajies, and Polypodiiim 

 vulgare cambricum. In the Chapter " On Ferns " further 

 enumeration of suitable kinds for rooms will be found, while 

 under " Basket Plants," in the present chapter, is enumerated 

 a number of kinds especially suitable for that phase of culture. 



Basket= Plants. 



These call for special notice, as when properly used they lend 

 pleasing variety to the plants grown about the house. Ivy- 

 leaved Pelargoniums have much to recommend them ; but there 

 are a number of other plants quite as suitable though not so 

 well known. Take the Campanulas ; these are a host in 



