A Dictionary of Choice Ferns. 
165 
' ASPL,KNl\JM— continued. 
extremity or on their upper surface, the fronds of this species 
possess the peculiarity of producing little bulbils at the axils 
of the basal pair of leaflets only, being in that respect 
different from most other Aspleniums in cultivation. The 
very conspicuous sori are mostly solitary, being disposed 
parallel with the lower edge of the leaflet ; occasionally, 
however, there are two or even moer to a leaflet. Fig. 75. 
A. Nidus. 
This singular and very interesting stove species, popu- 
larly known as the Bird's-nest Fern, has a very exten- 
sive range of habitat, being a native of Mauritius, the 
Seychelles, Japan, Bonin, and Chusan, westward to the 
Society Islands, southward to Queensland, Norfolk Island, 
and Lord Howe's Island ; it is also found in the Peninsula of 
India. The undivided fronds, 2ft. to 4ft. long, 4in. to Sin. 
broad, of a leathery texture and shining nature, rise symme- 
trically from a single succulent crown, leaving quite a hollow 
centre at the base; they are of nearly the same breadth 
throughout, sharp-pointed at their extremity, and gradually 
taper below into a very short stalk. The sori, which occupy 
the upper half of the frond, are disposed in oblique lines 
about half-way between the midrib and the margin. It is a 
Fern which thrives best in a mixture of about equal parts 
of rough, fibrous peat and chopped sphagnum, for it requires 
veiy little soil, most of its nourishment being derived from 
aerial roots, which are produced freely on the surface of the 
pot and at the base of the fronds, if the atmosphere is kept 
in proper condition. Fig. 2. 
A. N. australasicum. 
This variety differs from the typical plant in its fronds 
being less pointed and having their midrib strongly keeled 
on the back, also in its habit, as the fronds grow horizontally 
before taking their upright course, thus forming a circular, 
deep, vase-shaped hollow. 
A. N. muscefolium. 
This most distinct form is also so handsome that Sir 
W. J. Hooker says " it is unquestionably the most noble of 
all the genus Asplenium.^^ It differs essentially from the 
species by its larger fronds, which do not grow horizontially, 
but are disposed, symmetrically all round the succulent 
crown, and take an upright direction from the start, so a^ 
to leave the crown less elevated and less exposed, thus 
making the hollow centre more funnel-shaped. The sori 
extend nearly to the edge. This variety is remarkably well 
adapted for decoration in vases, in which it makes a very 
pretty object. 
