THE BUCKLER PERNS. 
109 
L. p.-m. ramo-cristata (crested-branched), Fitt (14). Fi-onds 
branch several times, beginning at tlie base ; divisions crested 
neatly ; forms consequently a compact bush of very ornamental 
character. 
L. p.-m. ramosissima (much-branched) (2), The fronds of 
this splendid variety branch also repeatedly, but as it has 
longer stalks, and the crests are branched and heavy, it acquires 
the appearance rather of a round-headed tree, and is deservedly 
considered one of the handsomest variations of the species. It 
appears to be very doubtfully fertile, the spores appearing 
either to stop short of full development, or, as some growers 
believe, to produce inferior forms. Hence it is very rare, 
being propagated only by division. 
L. p.-m. ramnlosissima (much-branched) (4). A very dwarf 
form, only lin. or 2in. high, and a dense mass of cresting. 
This was raised from a spore of 
L. p.-m. Schoiieldii (Schofield’s), an equally dwarf variety 
with merely forked fronds. 
L. p.-m. revolvens (turning over) (8). A lovely form, with 
peculiarly neat, smooth-edged pinnules, and the pinnse curled 
backwards semi-circularly, forming the fronds in graceful, 
arching tubes. 
The Soft Male Fern 
{Lastrea Filix-mas). 
Fronds and pinnse convex; pinnules saw-toothed, or doubly 
so; colour shiny pale green; texture papery. Deciduous. 
This section, not being evergreen, loses in comparison with 
the previous one, so far as winter decoration is concerned. It 
has not been so prolific in varieties, but what exist include 
some good ones. 
L. F.-m. Baruesii (Barnes’). Wild find. A very neat, 
uncrested form, with narrow fronds, the pinnse being shorter 
and compacter than the normal. 
L. F.-m. Bollaudise (Bolland’s) (6). The nearest approach 
to the plumose form yet found in this family. When grown 
under glass, it fully justifies the term of plumose, all the 
divisions being very beautifully and delicately developed. Out 
