A Dictionary of Choice Ferns. 
525 
Hymenophyllums. When not otlierwise stated, the 
species described may be considered as thriving 
under the cool treatment recommended for Filmy 
Ferns generally. Whereas we do not advocate 
for either Hymenophyllums or Todeas the use of 
stone, this material is essential to the well-being of 
certain Trichomanes. Many of the plants are pro- 
vided with rhizomes, having a very strongly-marked 
power of adhesion : it is for species like T. javanicum 
(Fig. 122) and 2\ m^iica^i^ especially that the stone 
is necessary. It may be well to note here that 
whenever stone is used it is necessary that a little 
peat of sandy-fibrous nature should be placed at its 
base to establish the plant. 
The propagation of Trichomanes is usually 
effected by division of the rhizomes, although it also 
sometimes takes place by means of proliferous buds. 
Trichomanes may also be propagated by means of 
spores, but it is a slow process. 
T. alatum. 
This beautiful Fern, native of the West Indies and 
Brazil, is very variable in dimensions and hairiness. Its 
more or less broadly spear-shaped fronds, 3in. to 12in. long, 
lin. to 4 in. broad, and borne on tufted stalks 2in. to 4in. 
long and winged above, are two or three times cleft nearly 
to the midrib, with leaflets cut in the same way and lobes 
often again sharply toothed; they are of a delicately mem- 
branous texture, and of a very transparent pale green 
colour, which produces a charming effect when the fronds 
are laden with moisture. This species, also known as 
T. attenuatum, thrives best on a piece of Tree-Fern stem. 
T. attenuatum. 
Synonymous with T. alatum. 
T. auriculatum. 
One of the loveliest of Ferns; it is found in Japan, 
Formosa, Northern Hindostan, the Philippines, Java, and 
Guiana. Its fronds, which are almost stalkless, 6in. to 12in. 
long, l^in. to 2in. broad, and twice divided nearly to the 
midrib, are produced from strong, wide-creeping rhizomes, 
and have their rachis very slightly winged throughout or 
above only. They are composed of shortly-stalked leaflets, 
obliquely wedge-shaped at the base, and exquisitely trans- 
parent. This plant is also known in gardens under the 
name of T. dissectum. 
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