A Dictionary of Choice Ferns. 
225 
GYMNOGRAMMK—contimied, 
Q. decomposita. 
This finely-divided, strong-growing, stove species, native 
of Soutjh. America, regarded by some las a natural hybrid 
between G, Pearcei and G. calomelanos chrysophylla, and 
by others as a species, is a remiarkably handsome and totally 
distinot Fern, with somewhat the habit of G. pulchella, but 
when in a young state much more finely divided and scantily 
furnished with powder : this powder is white, or nearly so^ 
but as the plant gets older it becomes of a bright yellow 
and covers the stalks, but seldom extends to the leafy 
portion of the fronds, in this respect resembling the finely- 
cut 6r. Pearcei. Its fronds are quadripinnatifid, and their 
closely-set and triangular leaflets are longest at the base of 
the frond ; these leaiflets have a peculiarly elegant aspect 
(Fig. 92), being divided into small leaflets, that in turn are 
sub-divided into several minute, finger-like lobes. The 
slender and conspicuous sori are confluent where the lobes 
join, running up into them. The plant reproduces itself 
freely from spores. 
G. japonica. 
This interesting and highly-decoTative, greenhouse 
species, usually known under the name of Dictyogramme 
japonica, is, as its name implies, a native of Japan, though 
hardly distinct in general appearance from G. javanica (Fig. 
94). When first introduced, it was expected to become a 
good evergreen Fern for outdoor culture. As a matter of 
fact, it will only bear a few degrees of frost, and can hardly 
be called an evergreen, as the old fronds, although dying 
down gradually, have all disappeared by the time the new 
ones make their appearance. The general aspect of the 
plant is that of a broad-leaved Pteris cretica of a very dark 
colour and stiff habit. It is a great lover of moisture, and 
to do well requires a quantity of water at the roots all the 
year round. The soil which suits it best is a mixture of 
about equal quantities of peat and fibrous loam. The plant 
has a great antipathy to being potted hard, and particularly 
dislikes water on the fronds, which turn black in a very 
short time if subjected to frequent sy ringings. 
Q. Muelleri. 
An interesting species, from Northern Australia, suited 
for either a cool or a warm house. When young it 
resembles Asplenium Ceterach, but very different therefrom 
when old. Its fronds, 4in. to lOin. long, and lin. to S^in. 
broad, borne on wiry stalks Sin. to 4in. long, are thick 
and leathery, and the under-surface, like the stalks, is 
thickly clothed with rusty-brown scales. 
