84 
The Fern Garden . 
Ophxoglossum. — O. vulgatum and 0. lusitanicum are 
the only two kinds of AdderVtongue fern in Britain. 
These should be kept in pots in a frame and con¬ 
spicuously labelled, as their fronds disappear early in 
the season, and the plants are likely to be thrown away 
as dead. Scarcely worth growing. 
Osmtjnda. — 0 . regalis, the royal fern, is a most noble 
plant for the garden, but not well adapted for pots or 
the fern-house. Plant in moist spongy peat or strong 
loam. The variety cristata makes a handsome pot plant. 
Polypodium. —P. vulgare , the common polypody, 
may be grown anywhere and almost anyhow, but pre¬ 
fers a spongy or leafy soil, an elevated position and 
some amount of shade. It will thrive on the top of an 
old wall in the full sun if planted small in the first 
instance, and make a beautiful object on old tree stumps 
in the fernery. None of our native ferns endure 
drought so well as this. 
The best varieties are cambricum , crenatum , cristatum , 
omnilacerum , and semilacerum. The first of these five 
is the “ Welsh polypody,” the last is the “ Irish poly¬ 
pody;” five charming plants for cool house, pot, or case 
culture. 
P. alpestre , the alpine polypody, closely resembles 
the lady fern. It will thrive in the hardy fernery if 
in a well-drained position. Scarcely good enough for 
pots. 
P. dryopteris , the oak fern, a lovely species, the 
colour of which is a sure cure for bad temper; it is so 
extravagantly cheerful and so pleasingly delicate. If 
planted out it must have a very shady, sheltered, moist 
