86 



A FERN BOOK FOR EVERYBODY. 



The crested variety (cristatum) has the frond divided 

 near the top, and each division again and again subdivided 

 ?o as to form a bushy tuft. 



Another interesting crested variety is called digitatum 

 — for there really are no English names by which these 

 varieties are known amongst cultivators — has branched 

 and repeatedly forked fronds, which are flat and fan- 

 shaped. 



A number of other varieties are characterized chiefly 

 by variations in the branching of the fronds. 



A proliferous variety (viviparum) bears on the surface 

 of the fronds numerous little miniature plants, which 

 continue adhering to the skeleton as the frond decays. 

 Three or four other varieties are proliferous, and one of 

 these is called jpi^oliferum. These are rather striking 

 forms for cultivation under glass, but rarely succeed well 

 in open air. 



The endive-leaved variety {laceratuui) has the fronds 

 somewhat crested at the top, and the edge deeply cut into 

 irregular lobes, the lowest pair of lobes being large and 

 spreading. 



The variety riigosim is a strange-looking stunted form, 

 with short ragged-edged fronds. 



The broad branched form called ramosum majus is quite 

 a curiosity, with its broad forked fronds, which are again 

 divided near the extremity, and the points curved towards 

 each other like a crab's claw. 



The kidney-shaped or oval fronds of the form dbruptum 

 are sufficient to recommend this as a pleasing variety 

 for those who desire to cultivate distinct and imposing 

 varieties. 



Minute diflerences in the manner of toothing at the 

 edges of the fronds, of dividing or branching, of expanding 

 or modifying the lobes at the base, of cresting at the 

 summit, of diminishing or increasing the length of the 

 frond, all give rise to varieties, better appreciated and 

 understood by the professional cultivator than cared for 

 by the amateur. 



