288 
Choice Ferns for Amateurs. 
OSyiXJf^DA—contimied. 
O. recalls. 
Though generally considered las la British Fern, this 
stately and deservedly popular species may well be classed 
among the most useful and most decorative of the exotics 
of strong growth. Not by any means common in all 
parts of the United Kingdom, in places congenial to its 
growth 0, regalis is found plentifully, and in such positions 
forms huge_ masses. 0. regalis is the typical Flowering 
Fern, and in this country varies little in general appear- 
ance. Its rootstock is so covered with overlapping stalk- 
bases of former growths and by i-nterlacing roots that the 
whole forms a massive, spongy clump of great thickness; 
and a peculiarity of this species resides in its sending out 
strong, blackish rootlets in great abundance, some of which 
creep in an upward direction between the scales, while 
others pierce directly through them, thus binding the whole 
together and giving it great strength and solidity. Most 
of the fronds, which are borne on firm, erect, naked stalks 
1ft. to l^ft. long, and are of variable length and more or 
fess graceful habit, according to the position in which the 
plants grow, are barren and strictly bipinnate. When 
fertile they have their upper part transformed into a bipin- 
nate, panicled mass of fructification formed of cylindrical 
leafits. The barren leaflets. Gin. to 12in. long and 2in. to 
4in. broad, are furnished with stalkless or short-stalked 
leafits lin. to 2in. long, ^in. to fin. broad, of a soft, papery 
texture, and of a full, herbaceous green colour. If grown 
in pots, the Royal Fern must have good drainage and an 
abundant and continuous supply of water. It is easy of 
cultivation, and may be readily propagated from spores, 
which germinate freely. 0. r. cristata is a form differing 
essentially from the type in its totally distinct habit, in the 
size of its tasselled thick-textured fronds, and crested leaflets. 
O. r. japonica corymbifera. 
This very distinct and beautiful, Japanese Fern, of 
dwarf habit, is unquestionably the best Osmunda for decora- 
tive purposes, and especially for pot culture, yet introduced. 
The compact, dwarf habit of the plant, the distinct crista- 
tion of the leaflets, and the peculiar soft colour of the 
fronds, which makes a pleasing contrast to every other 
Fern, combine to give this Osmunda a unique character. 
This variety reproduces itself true from spores ; although 
usually deciduous, it retains its foliage all the year when 
kept in a warm greenhouse. 
O. Vachellii. 
This is identical with 0. javanica. 
