86 
The Fern Garden . 
place. It is one of the best ferns in the world for a 
ledge of rock in the cool fernery, or to grow in a large 
shallow pan as a specimen. 
P. phegopteris, the beech fern; distinct and pretty, 
growing freely out of doors with the help of shade and 
moisture. A fine fern for pots and to plant near a 
fountain, as it attains its fullest beauty only in an 
atmosphere heavily charged with moisture. It must, 
however, be perfectly drained at the roots. 
P. Robertianum , or P. calcareum, the limestone poly¬ 
pody, a pretty and peculiarly greyish-coloured plant 
which loves chalk or limestone rock, but will grow in 
almost any soil, and will endure the sunshine as patiently 
as P. vulgare . 
Polystichum.—P. angulare , the soft, prickly shield 
fern, is the choicest of this section, a truly fine plant, 
sporting much and good in every form. It is so 
common that it will occur amongst the earliest “ finds” 
of the fern hunter. It loves shade and a sandy, loamy 
soil, or leaf soil, but is not particular. 
The following varieties are invaluable for pot culture, 
and the smallest of them well adapted for cases,— 
concinnum, cristatum , grandiceps, grandidens , latipes, 
plumosum, proliferum . The last named is a charming 
fern for pot culture, and thrives alike in frame, green¬ 
house, or stove. 
P. aculeatum , the prickly shield fern, is at once 
distinct, bold, and handsome. Plant it in a shady spot 
and leave it alone for several years if you wish to see it 
thrive. A fine pot fern. 
P. lonchitis , the holly fern, a handsome military- 
