A Dictionary of Choice Ferns^ 
285 
ONYCHWyi-contimied. 
The lower leaflets of the barren ones are 4in. to Gin. long, 
spear - shaped^ and furnished with numerous, usually 
triangular, leafits and segments. Unlike those of 
0. ojuratuin, the segments in this species, both fertile and 
barren, lare uniform, being all marrow-linear, a little taper- 
ing below, and. gradually sharp-pointed. The fronds are 
produced from a short-creeping rhizome, and borne on 
slender, erect, naked, straw-coloured or pale brown stalks 
6in. to 12in. long; they are of a somewhat leathery texture 
and of a bright, shining green colour on both sides — hence 
the common garden name of lusidum. This useful species 
is a native of Japan, China, and Northern India. The sori, 
of a bright brown colour, are covered w^ith a pale involucre 
of a parchment-like texture, and occupy nearly the whole 
under-surface of the segments. Fig. 111. 
O. lucidum. 
A garden name for 0. japonicum. 
OSMUNDA. 
Though not extensive, this highly interesting 
genus comprises some species which are very orna- 
mental in a cool house; while some make beautiful 
objects for the hardy Fernery. Osmundas are com- 
monly called Flowering Ferns, and are on that 
account regarded with more than usual interest. 
Most of them are deciduous, and, with the exception 
of 0. javanica, whose general appearance is much 
nearer that of a glossy, thick-foliaged Lomaria than 
anything else, they all more or less resemble one 
another. 
Osmundas are easily cultivated, even in common 
garden soil; but if planted out, a spot should be 
selected for them by the^ side of water, so that, while 
the heads of the plants are in the open and fully 
exposed to the air, the roots rnay be kept constantly 
wet. If anyone will take the trouble to prepare for 
these magnificent Ferns a mixture of swamp mud 
and good loam, and will keep their roots supplied 
with abundant moisture, the result will be all that 
can be desired. If, however, there is any difficulty 
in procuring the materials just named, a mixture of 
turfy loam and fibrous peat will suit them very well, 
and the addition of a portion of river sand will 
