112 
FERNS AND FERNERIES. 
yHE j^ERNS AND j^EI\NERIES 
IN 
MESSRS, W. & J. BIRKENHEAD'S NURSERIES, 
From “THE GARDE JfER’S MAGAZIME.” 
-:o:- 
It is now well known to the majority of those who take an interest in ferns that the collection in the 
nurseries of Messrs. W. and J. Birkenhead, at Sale, is one of the largest and most complete in com- 
mercial establishments. But to fully appreciate the extent and comprehensiveness of the collection 
is wellnigh impossible by those who have not had the pleasure of visiting the nurseries. Some 
assistance may perhaps be afforded by stating that the collection comprises upwards of fourteen hundred 
species and varieties, and that many of the more popular kinds are represented by thousands of 
examples, ranging from baby plants in thumbs to full-grown specimens requiring pots ranging from 
twelve to twenty inches in diameter for the accommodation of their roots. How many structures the 
firm devote to the ferns we cannot say ; but to make the tour of the houses involves a rather long 
journey, and there are in addition great lengths of pits occupied with kinds requiring very little 
artificial heat. The collection has a distinguishing characteristic not less important than its magni- 
tude, and that is the healthy condition of the plants on all sides. Not only are the kinds requiring 
but little more than shade and moisture to maintain them in health growing vigorously, but kinds 
that tax the skill of the cultivator are in the most luxuriant condition, and show that their peculi- 
arities are well understood and receive careful attention. 
Gkeenhotjse Ferns evidently receive a large share of attention, for there is not a kind worth 
growing that is not represented, and the space devoted to them is very large. Among the large 
number of kinds that arrest attention by reason of their beauty and distinctness are two comparatively 
new maidenhairs, which have been distributed by the firm. These are Adiantum Neo-Caledonise, a 
distinct and handsome species, remarkable for its attenuated pinnules, and the length of time the 
fronds retain their freshness when cut ; and A. Mairiesi, a handsome form, intermediate in character 
between A. cuneatum and A. capillus veneris, between which it was supposed by the late Mr. T. 
Moore to be a cross. Gleichenias abound, and as so few are grown, except for exhibition, it may be 
mentioned as a point of some importance to cultivators, that they are equally as beautiful in a small 
state as in specimen form. G. dicarpa, G. flabellata, and G. rupestris glaucescens may be mentioned 
as comprising the best of the group, the last mentioned being perhaps the most beautiful. Lastrea 
fragrans, a small-growing and elegant species, is distinguished by the strong perfume, resembling that 
of the violet, it emits when the fronds are touched or have water poured over them, L. Eichardsii 
multifida, one of the most beautiful of the greenhouse ferns with crested fronds, is of rapid growth, 
and admirably adapted for specimen culture. Osmunda Japonica corymbifera is another beautifully 
crested fern, specially adapted for the greenhouse, and valuable for its distinct character. Pteris 
serrulata cristata fastigiata will not fail to find favour with those who are partial to crested ferns, for 
it is free in growth, compact in habit, and the fronds are beautifully crested ; it may indeed be 
described as one of the very best of the crested varieties of this well-known species. Note was also made 
of Asplenium ebenoides, a new and very pretty species ; A. Seelosi, a rare and handsome form ; 
several new Nothochlsenas of exquisite beauty, not yet in commerce, among them being N. Candida, N. 
chilense, N. dealbata, N. Hookeri, and N. Lemmoni. With these were associated several new Pellseas, 
of great beauty, notably P. aspera, P. involuta, and P. pulchella. Both the Nothochlsenas and Pelleeas 
are so distinct from the ferns usually grown in the cool fernery, that they will merit special attention, 
more especially as they are so small in growth that they occupy but little space. Especially interest- 
ing among the filmy ferns, which are grown in immense quantities and with singular success, are 
Trichomanes auriculatum, T. Luschnathianum, T. radicans Andrews!, T. reniforme, and T. venosum. 
The beautiful Todea superba has a long range of pits devoted to it, and as the plants are growing with 
great vigour, they present a delightfully cool and refreshing appearance at the present time. These 
pits are unheated, and it is a quite common occurrence for the plants to be frozen and covered with 
ice during the winter. That the frost is in no way injurious to this species is evident from the 
vigorous growth the plants are now making, and it is moreover reasonable to infer that the firm would 
not expose a stock comprising several hundred specimens to any risk. 
Stove Ferns include numerous rare and beautiful species that are seldom seen in either trade 
or private collections, as well as all the kinds enjoying so high a degree of popularity as to be met 
with on all sides. One of the first to attract attention is the comparatively rare Adiantopsis radiata, 
a dwarf fern remarkable alike for its beauty and distinctness, not perhaps so easy to have in perfection 
