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THE FLOWER GARDEN. 
of 3ft. and a depth of 2ft., and fill up with peat and loam. 
Plant in spring. Increased by division. Nat. Ord. Scitamiacse. 
Typha (Reed Mace). — Two species of this genus are cul- 
tivated on the margins of lakes and water-courses for the sake 
of their graceful glaucous leaves and dark purple spikes of 
flowers borne in late summer. They are T. latifolia, 3 to 6ft., 
and T. angustifolia, 4 to 5ft. The flower spikes of both 
species are highly prized for cutting and drying for outdoor 
decoration. Plant in the muddy margins of water in spring. 
Increased by division. Both are natives of Britain, and belong 
to the Nat. Ord. Typhaceae. 
HARDY FERNS AND MOSSES. 
Adfantum (Maidenhair). — The Maidenhair Ferns are w'ell 
known, but though the species are so numerous, only one can 
be recommended as quite hardy and suitable for the outdoor 
fernery. This is the American Maidenhair (Adiantum peda- 
tum). It is, however, a very distinct and strong-growing fern, 
its fronds ranging from 12 to 30m. in length. They are bird’s- 
foot shaped, that is, the main stem divides into two divisions 
which bend round in scroll-like form and give off on the uppei 
side other long divisions bearing the oblong pinnae on either 
side of their length. The divisions range from five to ten 01 
twelve, resulting in magnificent fan-like fronds. The plant 
is deciduous and quite hardy, though it is advisable to apply 
a good covering of leaves, etc., in November to protect the 
roots, which lie near the surface, from severe frost, and thrives 
in a mixture of loam and leaf-mould in equal parts. Our native 
Maidenhair (A. Capillus-Veneris) is too tender for outdoor 
culture, except in very sheltered and warm localities, severe 
frosts always killing it, while slight ones damage its other- 
wise evergreen fronds. If its culture be attempted outdoors, it 
should be grown in a moist, shady position at the foot of a 
wall or in some sheltered nook. A compost of peat, leaf-mould 
and loam will suit its requirements best. 
Aspidium (Buckler or Shield Ferns). — A genus of strong- 
growing ferns of a shuttle-cock habit of growth, easily 
managed, and thriving in ordinary soil and situations, and 
