254 
Choice Ferns for Amateurs. 
MK^lSClVM—ccmtimird. 
in the barren ones. Both kinds, of fronds are simple, 
oblong-spear-shaped in general outline ,(Fig. 103), heart- 
shaped and sometimes eared at the base, and somewhat 
undulated at the margin ; the barren ones are 6in. to 9in. 
long and 2in. to Sin. broad, the fertile ones are smaller, 
and both are of a somewhat leathery texture and dull green 
colour. The reddish sori, disposed eight to twelve between 
the midrib and the edge, frequently beeome confluent and 
completely cover the under-surface of the fertile fronds. 
This species^ is well adapted for growing in a Fern-case, 
where it thrives remarkably well, and makes a pleasing 
contrast with other Ferns of a lighter or more finely-divided 
character. 
MICROLEPIA, See Davallia. 
MICROSORIUM, The plants formerly classed under this name are 
now divided between Nephrodium and Polypodium. 
MOHRIA, 
A monotypic genus, the species being the pretty 
Frankincense Fern, which is of very easy culture. 
All that it requires in the way of soil is a mixture of 
about equal parts peat, leaf mould, and sand, with 
the addition of small pieces of sandstone or soft 
brick-dust. Syringing overhead must be carefully 
avoided, or it will cause the fronds to turn brown 
and decay in a short time. The plant is essentially 
a greenhouse subject, and should receive all the light 
possible. 
Propagation is readily effected from spores, 
which are abundantly produced, and which germi- 
nate very freely, producing young subjects in a 
remarkably short space of time. 
M. caffrorum. 
This handsome Fern, popularly known as M. ihuri- 
fraga, is a native ox South Africa, Madagascar, and the 
Mauritius and Bourbon Islands. Being of a gracefully 
pendulous habit, and esseaitially distinct from any other 
drooping Fern, it is very useful for growing in hanging 
baskets of small or medium size, as its elegant fronds, pro- 
duced from a close, tufted crown, and borne on stalks 3in. 
to 4in. long, more or less densely clothed with scales of a 
reddish-brown colour, sometimes attain l^ft. in length and 
4in. in breadth. The barren ones are tripinnatifid, being 
funiished with oblong-spear-shaped leaflets, cut down to a 
