EXTRACTS OF PROCEEDINGS. 



cxxxv 



than any other class of Ferns, were much admired by the visitors. 

 The forms of A. cuneatum were extremely numerous, and many 

 -of them were remarkable for their clusters of delicate fronds. 

 The Hare's-foot Ferns (Davallias) were well represented. These 

 Ferns, which have, for the most part, fronds very finely cut and 

 gracefully drooping, are very ornamental when suspended in 

 baskets or trained up the stems of such Tree Ferns as Dicksonia 

 or Cyathea. Gymnogrammes — popularly known as Gold and 

 Silver Ferns — were a source of. considerable attraction, [and 

 were extensively staged, not only by Messrs. Veitch, but also 

 by Messrs. Birkenhead and Mr. H. B. May. Gymnogramme 

 schizophylla var. gloriosa is a remarkably pretty Fern, and is of 

 great value for basket decoration, in which class it was placed, 

 with many others, according to the schedule. 



H. J. Whittard, Esq., exhibited a grand bank of plants, 

 principally greenhouse varieties, the most striking amongst them 

 being Platycerium grande, P. alcicorne, and P. Hillii, commonly 

 known as Stag's-horn Ferns, the specimens shown being the 

 iinest we ever remember to have seen. 



Mention should also be made of those delicate Cryptogams 

 known as Filmy Ferns, represented by the genera Trichomanes, 

 Hymenophyllum, and Todea. Messrs. Birkenhad had a splendid 

 collection of these, of which indeed they make a speciality. 

 Among the many varieties noticeable were good specimens of 

 the " Killarney Fern " (Trichomanes radicans), and several 

 strong-growing varieties of it ; T. reniforme, having great clusters 

 of fronds, which, as the specific name implies, are kidney-shaped 

 in outline ; T. alatum, crispum, pinnatum, pyxidiferum, tenerum, 

 trichoideum, venosum, &c; the Tunbridge Fern (Hymenophyllum 

 iunbridgense), Todea superba, T.pellucida, T. grandipinnula, &c. 



Awards Recommended :— 



The Silver Challenge Gup presented to the Society by N. N. 

 Sherwood, Esq., was awarded to E. J. Lowe, Esq., F.R.S., Shire- 

 newton Hall, Chepstow, for the best collection of Hardy Ferns. 



.Gold Knighiian Medal. 

 To Messrs. W. & J. Birkenhead, Sale, Manchester, for a 

 group of Ferns. 



To Messrs. J. Veitch &f Sons, Chelsea, for a group of Ferns. 



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