EXTRACTS FROM THE PEOCEEDINGS 



OF THE 



ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



FERN CONFERENCE AND EXHIBITION. 



July 24, 1890 * 



The collection of Ferns, both British and exotic, brought 

 together on this occasion was very extensive, and one of the 

 finest ever seen under one roof, not only in the Gardens at 

 Chiswick, but probably in this or any other country. 



For the better examination and comparison of the exhibits, 

 they were divided into six principal classes, viz. : 



(1) British Ferns, 



(2) Hardy Exotic Ferns and varieties, 



(3) Stove and Greenhouse Ferns, 



(4) Selaginellas and Lycopodiums, 



(5) Ferns best adapted for cultivation in rooms, and 



(6) Ferns best adapted for growing in baskets. 



The British Ferns, which were subdivided into ten groups, 

 were remarkable for the great variation which existed among 

 the different species and varieties. In this class, E. J. Lowe, 

 Esq., F.R.S., of Shirenewton Hall, Chepstow, exhibited no less 

 than 200 distinct forms, many of them quite new, which had 

 been obtained by hybridisation, a process in connection with 

 the reproduction of Ferns so well described by Mr. Lowe in his 

 paper at p. 505. 



C. T. Druery, Esq., F.L.S., Fernholme, 25 Windsor Road, 

 Forest Gate, E., staged about 100 remarkable forms, including 

 some charming feathery-looking Athyria, which he had obtained 



* The Editors regret that the Fern Conference Awards do not follow in 

 strict order of date. They should have followed page cxi, but were acci- 

 dentally misplaced. 



M 



