EXOTIC FEENS. 



119 



fronds are upwards of a foot in length, the leafy portion 

 is divided into a number of branches spreading like the 

 fingers of a hand, and bearing the angular leaflets in 

 rows on opposite sides. It is a New Zealand species. 



Plumed Maidenhair {Adiantum formosuiii) , This beau- 

 tiful fern requires but little skill in its cultivation, and 

 will succeed in a greenhouse. The much- divided fronds 

 are upwards of 18 inches in length, and evergreen. It 

 is a native of New Holland, but has been known in 

 this country for upwards of forty years, and is de- 

 servedly a favourite. 



Cunningham's Maidenhair (Adiantum Cunninghami) 

 is an evergreen fern of easy cultivation in a greenhouse. 

 The fronds are 12 or 14 inches in length, and branching 

 in the upper portion. This is also a New Zealand 

 species, and in a large-sized Wardian case would be an 

 acquisition. 



American Diplazium {Biplazium tlielypteroides). In 

 habit this fern resembles our Marsh Eern, but belongs 

 to a different group. It is quite hardy, easy of culti- 

 vation, and no outdoor fernery should be without it. 

 The fronds are about 2 feet in length. 



American Onoclea {Onoclea sensibilis). This is a 

 common hardy fern from North America, with fronds 

 nearly 2 feet in length, suitable for an outdoor fernery. 

 The spore-cases are borne on a separate frond. 



Decurrent Boss Fern {Lastrea decurrens), A hardy 

 deciduous fern, having somewhat the character of the 

 Marsh Tern. It is a native of China, and will gene- 

 rally stand the winter out of doors. The pale green 

 fronds are upwards of a foot in length. 



White-coyered Boss Tern {Lastrea marginalis). Thia 

 is another hardy fern, desirable for cultivation in an out- 

 door fernery. The covers of the spore-cases are white. 

 It is a North American species. 



Sickle-leaved Shield Fern {Polysticlium falcinelluni) 

 A very ornamental fern from the Island of Madeira 



