A Dictionary of Choice Ferns, 
271 
NKPHROLKPIS— continued. 
N. exaltata. 
One of the commonest of the genus, this stove species . 
is also one of the most populiar. From Lowe's description 
and particulars, we gather that it was introduced by Mr. 
Anderson to the Royal Gardens, Kew, in the year 1793. 
Itis habitat includes the Neilgherries, South Florida, Mexico, 
the West Indies, Central land South America, South Asia, &c. 
Its fronds, 2ft. or more long and Sin. to Gin. broad, are 
borne on tufted, firm stalks 4in. to 6in. long, of a naked 
or slightly scaly nature. The somewhat leathery leaflets 
are l^in. to 3in. long, Jin. to ^in. broad, and usually sharp- 
pointed, with the edge entire or slightly toothed, the upper 
side eared, and the lower rounded at the base. The sori, 
disposed near the margin of the leaflets, are covered with 
a firm and distinctly kidney-shaped involucre. Being of 
a particularly accommodating nature, N. exaltata thrives 
well under other Ferns in places which possibly would other- 
vvise remain bare. It is also well adapted for planting on a 
cool rockery, either in out-of-the-way corners or on rocks 
near water; but, wherever it is planted, care should be 
taken to give it plenty of room, so as to ensure the full 
development of its beautiful fronds. N, exaltata is a 
rapid grower, and soon forms very ornamental masses when 
planted out; but when left alone it has a tendency to 
overrun any more delicate Ferns near it. 
N. e. Piersoni. 
An interesting and beautiful variety raised by Mr. 
F. R. Pierson, of Tarrytown, New Jersey. Instead of pos- 
sessing comparatively narrow fronds, as in the type, this 
form bears them 7in. in width. Moreover, they are fur- 
nished with secondary divisions some 2in. wide that go to 
make it even more interesting than the plumose form of 
N. Tufescens. 
N. imbricata. 
Synonymous with N. cor di folia. 
N. obtusifoHa. 
Synonymous with N. cordlfolia. 
N. philippinensis. 
Of comparatively small dimensions and compact habit, 
this lovely species succeeds equally well under either stove 
or greenhouse treatment. Its narrow fronds, seldom exceed- 
ing Ift. in length, are quite erect and produced from 
thickly-tufted crowns. On each side of the midrib, which is 
of a iDright shining brown colour, are the leflets, set very 
closely together, and affecting a deflexed pgaition ; they ar^ 
