XV TRICHOMAXES. 203 
the better) large enough to fit the mouth of the pot or pan, 
which should be a good sized one, as the plants should be 
seldom disturbed ; and after filling the latter so full of 
broken crocks for drainage, as to admit of the sandstone 
lying firmly on a level with, or rather above the rim, 
strew a little silver sand over the stone, and with incorro- 
sive wire, fix the caudex of the plant firmly on the surface, 
then a little-more sand, followed by a good watering. If 
necessary, the plant must be supported in a firm position 
by means of some small stakes, judiciously placed, with 
great care, for neither the plant nor the sand should be 
disturbed when it is once fixed. After planting, place a 
bell glass over the plant, and remove it to a shady place, 
either in a stove or greenhouse, or sitting room. After 
this, all that is required is careful and rather abundant 
watering, sufficient at least to maintain a constant damp- 
ness about the plant. Mr. Andrews, of Dublin, in Sep- 
tember 1841, formed a case purposely for cultivating this 
fern ; he lined the bottom with zinc, and covered the frame- 
work with oiled lawn, and then planted the specimens in 
well drained pots in a compost of loam and coarse sand, 
interspersed with pieces of turf. He also suspended the 
stems across the roof of the case, attached to rods, covered 
with moss. The plants were kept cool, and were well moist- 
ened daily. In October, 1843, the entire case was filled with 
fronds of large and strong growth. Mr. Ward has for 
many years cultivated this species with entire success, 
even amidst the smoke of London, in his close cases : and 
fine examples of cultivated Trichomanes are now not rare. 
The most entire success, however, of which any record has 
been made public, is that obtained by R. Calwell, Esq., of 
Dublin, as stated in Mr. Ward's excellent book already 
quoted, from which the following is also borrowed. Mr. 
Calwell writes: 
' In the spring of 1843, 1 received a small portion of rhi- 
zome, about five or six inches long, with one frond partially 
developed, and one other just appearing, which I placed in a 
bell-glass about fifteen inches diameter. In December 1 846, 
