haet's tongues. 



85 



cultivated, and probably is the only genuine species 

 known. 



HAET'S TONGUE.^ 



The tufts of glossy, green, smooth and undivided fronds 

 of this common fern, always renders it a favourite and 

 indispensable companion of the lobed and feathery species 

 in a fernery. The long, narrow, and almost strap-shaped 

 fronds have acquired for this species in some localities 

 the name of Seaweed Eern. 



Sometimes 16 or 18 inches in length, but more com- 

 monly from 10 to 12, and from 1| to 2 inches in breadth. 

 Stiff, and rather leathery in texture, with a rigid mid-rib, 

 and a strong tough stipe or leaf-stalk. The very appear- 

 ance of the fern indicates its hardy nature, and its capa- 

 city for maintaining its verdure through any ordinary 

 winter. The under surface of the fronds bear the fructi- 

 fication in long rusty lines, proceeding in an obb'que 

 direction, on either side of the mid-rib, towards the 

 margin. (Fig. 16.) Each of these lines consist of a double 

 series of spore-cases, which are at first covered with a 

 thin membrane ; but which ruptures down the centre, 

 between the twin clusters, and exposes the spore-cases 

 as they attain towards maturity. 



Eound everywhere — on hedge banks, bid walls, on the 

 sides of wells, and in a variety of situations, accommo- 

 dating itself to the various conditions in which it may be 

 placed. Easily grown, and indispensable both to the 

 outdoor fernery and the greenhouse. Small plants may 

 be grown with effect in a closed case. 



There are a great number of varieties of this fern, all 

 of which are rare in the uncultivated state. A list ot 

 eighty-five named varieties lies before us, of which an 

 enumeration could serve no useful purpose. 



The crisped variety {crispum) has large crisped and 

 waved fronds, resembling green frills. It is a well-known 

 form under cultivation, but is said to be always barren. 



* Bcolopendrum vulgar 



