246 
Choice Ferns for Amateurs. 
LOMARIOPSIS. See Lomaria. 
LYGODICTYON. See Lygodium. 
LYGODIUM. 
In this comparatively small yet widely-difEused 
genus of Climbing Ferns, most of the species require 
stove temperature. The fronds of all are totally 
different from those of any other Ferns ; consisting 
as they do of a stalk or shoot possessing the power of 
almost indefinite elongation, and sometimes attain- 
ing under cultivation 20ft. to 30ft. in length. They 
are also of a different structure : though of various 
forms, their leaflets are never directly disposed on 
the stalk or shoot, but are connected with it through 
" primary and " secondary petioles. Primary 
petioles are the short (sometimes very short) stalks 
that bring the climbing or twining stem into contact 
with the secondary petioles, the latter being a con- 
necting link between the primary petioles and the 
leafy portions. The genus includes Hydroglossum 
and Lygodictyon, the latter of which often finds a 
place in nurserymen's lists. 
All Lygodiums luxuriate in rich, spongy soil of 
an open nature; that which suits them best being 
a mixture of peat or good leaf mould, loam, and 
chopped sphagnum, in about equal proportions. 
They require an abundance of water at the roots, 
and are greatly benefited by frequent and copious 
syringings during their most active season, from 
May to October. It is only when planted out that 
these singular Ferns show themselves to advantage 
and attain their full development, and in that condi- 
tion they are also less liable to the attacks of pests 
than when restricted to pots. 
Propagation is effected by means of spores, when 
the plants are required in quantities, and such is the 
method usually adopted for producing ^ strong, 
healthy plants of L. japonicum, which species is the 
most generally grown. Most of the other species are 
increased by the division of the crowns, which 
operation may be safely performed at any time 
between March and September. 
