HISTORY OP INTRODUCTION OF EXOTIC FERNS. 29 
Jalap a, Cordova, and Oxaca, while the little tufted 
Schaff'neria nigripes, found between Yera Cruz and 
Orizaba, would be an interesting acquisition to growers 
whose space is limited, being only three or four inches 
high, and having intensely black glossy stipes, and 
broadly obovate-cuneate fronds. There are also 
many very pretty species of Gheilanthes, — the GJiei- 
■lanthes speciosissima, with broad lanceolate multifid 
coriaceous fronds, measuring as much as two feet 
in length ; and several very desirable species of 
•Gleichenia, Trichomanes, and Hymenophyllum ; of the 
latter genera, in particular, there are still many beau- 
tiful western species yet to be introduced. From the 
more northern countries of the American continent 
our hardy fern growers might obtain many additions. 
For example, it would be interesting to have the 
American Cryptogramme acrostichoides side by side 
with our British C. crispa ; and if to these the Hima- 
layan G. Brunoniana were added, we might then be 
■able to ascertain whether they be really distinct 
species or merely forms of one and the same plant. 
The closely allied Pellce.a gracilis, found in many 
■parts of North America and also in Northern India, 
would be worth having on account of its remarkable 
resemblance to our C. crispa. Polysticlium munitum, a 
Fern distributed overWestern America, from California 
to as far north as Nutka, and, therefore, probably 
hardy, would be a fit companion for our own Polysti- 
■chum Loncliites, though considerably larger. Lovers 
of golden Ferns would be glad of the Gymno- 
gramme triangularis, a species resembling Pellcea 
argentea in appearance, but much larger and covered 
with golden farina on the under-side ; and as this i? 
