EXOTIC EEENS. 



IIB 



Cape Hal beet Peen" (JPlatyloma hastata) may be cul- 

 tivated in a greenliouse. The evergreen fronds are 

 upwards of a foot in length, with a jasmine-like appear- 

 ance, and of a pale green. It is not an uncommon 

 species, and is easily propagated from spores. 



AusTEALiAis" Beacken (Fteris umbrosa). The fronds 

 are cut into long, narrow-pointed leaflets, which have 

 a drooping habit, and render this one of the prettiest 

 of Brackens. The fronds are from 2 to 3 feet in 

 length, hence this fern is only suitable for greenhouse 

 cultivation. 



Saw-leaeed Beacken {Fteris serrulatd) is one of the 

 commonest foreign ferns in cultivation, and though 

 generally called a stove fern, it grows well either in a 

 greenhouse or a Wardian case. Having stood the 

 winter of 1866-7 in such a situation with us, we can 

 confidently recommend it as one of the most useful of 

 exotic species. Although a native of the East Indies 

 and China, it by no means requires artificial heat to 

 cause it to flourish, and is very easy to manage. 



Shaep-toothed Beacken {Fteris argutd). This is a 

 large and commonly cultivated greenhouse fern, with 

 fronds upwards of 3 feet in length. It is a native of 

 Madeira and other neighbouring islands 



Bat-whstged Beackei?" {Fteris vespertilionis). Another 

 large and elegant evergreen greenhouse fern, with 

 much divided fronds, 3 feet long. This requires room 

 as well as the last, from which it difiers greatly in 

 appearance, though both are equally handsome. Na- 

 tive of New Zealand. 



Teembltng Beacken {Fteris tremiiJd) also has fronds 

 3 feet in length, is elegant in habit, and besides being 

 an evergreen, is easy of cultivation. So freely does 

 this species grow from spores, that it may easily be- 

 come a pest in a greenhouse, unless the seedlings are 

 kept in check. It is an Australian species, but not 

 hardy enough for the outdoor fernery. 



