252 
Choice Ferns for Amateurs. 
M AR A T TI A — continued. 
wrinkled appearance^ singularly contrasting with the smooth 
or shiny appear^ince of the leafy portion of the fronds. These 
fronds lare bipininate in young specimens, but in plants that 
have attained their full development they are distinctly 
tripinnate and furnished with oblong leiafits, that are 
pointed at the extremity, deeply but irregularly toothed oin 
the margins, of a leathery texture and dark green colour. 
The isynangia, disposed in close rows near the margin of the 
leafits, have their sides vertical, and show from six to twelve 
capsules on each side. Of all the Marattias in cultivation, 
it is perhaps the one most subject to the ravages of thrips 
and scale ; but it may ea\sily be kept clean, as it will endure 
fumigation without suffering in the least. 
MENISCIUM. 
Although the genus Meniscium contains but a 
comparatively small number of species, these are 
sufficiently distinct to render it interesting; the 
majority of them are strong-growing, handsome 
plants, but one at least amongst them (i)/. simplex) 
is of such small dimensions that it is frequently used 
in Fern-cases, a purpose for which it appears particu- 
larly well adapted. Nearly all Menisciums have a 
beautiful veining quite peculiar to them. Being 
swamp-loving subjects, they are useful for planting 
in Ferneries near the margin of water, a place where 
few Ferns grow very satisfactorily. They thrive 
luxuriantly in a mixture of half loam and half 
fibrous peat, with a few pieces of crocks or charcoal 
intermixed. Though their roots, which are of a 
fleshy and brittle nature, are fond of moisture, they 
have a great dislike to stagnant water. 
Menisciums are usually propagated by division 
of their crowns, but they may also be easily and more 
rapidly increased by means of their spores, which 
germinate freely when sown in a warm and moist 
position. 
M, palustre. 
Synonymous with ill. serratum. 
M. serratum. 
M. palustre is another name for this very decorative 
species, native of Mexico, the West Indies, Brazil, and Peru. 
Its simply-pinnate fronds, 3ft. to 4ft. long, and 1ft. orrnor© 
