FERNY COMBES. 
87 
It is a very difficult fern either to preserve in 
the Herbarium or to cultivate. We once lost the 
collection of a season by placing a number of its 
fronds to dry with other plants. Its destructive 
qualities are to be attributed to the salt or soda 
with which it abounds, as we have had specimens 
covered with crystals; and in damp weather, unless 
most thoroughly dry, they are sure to be covered 
with moisture, and in that state spread destruc¬ 
tion to all that comes within their reach. .Very 
often they lose all their brilliant green flesh, and 
become mere white skeletons with the brown seed 
adhering. 
For cultivation they do best in a warm green¬ 
house, and should be liberally supplied with water. 
They will not grow in the open air, though only 
removed a mile from their native cliffs. 
Asplenium Trichomanes. Common Maiden-hair. 
Frond once divided; pinnules stalked, nearly 
round or irregularly egg-shaped. Stem black and 
very brittle. 
Var. ramosim; point of the frond repeatedly 
divided. 
Var. lobatvm; pinnules deeply cleft. This is a 
very handsome plant, larger and more robust than 
the ordinary form. We found it on the outskirts 
