Mrj M, 1887. ] 
JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 
421 
already represented by some comparatively small-prowing kinds, such as 
N. pectinata, phillippinense, Duffi, &c., all eminently suitable for small 
rockeries or for growing in brackets against a wall ; whereas of quite 
another appearance are the strong-growing kinds, which are best adapted 
for the decoration of the warm conservatory, and especially for the 
filling up of hanging baskets, in which position they form very con¬ 
spicuous and attractive objects, as it is there that they show themselves 
to the greatest advantage. 
Among the Kerns belonging to this latter section tho subject of our 
illustration, Nephrolepis rufescens tripinnatifida, which is the first 
plumose form recorded in the genus, holds a prominent place, as it is 
both massive and elegant; its handsome fronds, which have a particularly 
plumose appearance, attain the length of 4 feet, and measure, about 
their middle, quite 9 inches across. The relation of this new Fern to 
the species from which it has issued is similar to that of Lomaria dis¬ 
color bipinnatifida towards L. discolor ; or it may be said to bear the 
same comparison as that which exists between two more popular and 
country already reached the length of 4 feet, which is given as their 
full dimensions, none has as yet shown any inclination to produce spore). 
But like most, if not indeed all, Nephrolepis, this new variety is very 
freely propagated by the young plants produced on its stolons or aerial 
rhizomes, which are produced plentifully, and which, when they are 
pegged to the ground, emit them in great abundance. Its culture, like- 
that of all other Nephrolepis, is very simple, and consists in allowing it 
an abundant supply of water at the roots at all times of the year, but 
especially during its growing season, which may be said to last from the 
beginning of April to the end of October ; after which time the plant is- 
comparatively at rest. Its roots delight to run into a light compost of a 
peculiarly open nature, the best for the purpose being a mixture of one 
part of chopped sphagnum, one part of fibrous peat roughly broken, and 
a third part made up of silver sand, charcoal, or crocks, and a little 
loam. Being a native of the Fiji Islands, from whence it was imported 
by Messrs. J. Vcitch & Sons, to whom we are indebted for this illustra¬ 
tion, it requires stove temperature to develope its beautiful fronds to their 
Fig. 73.—NEPHROLEPIS RUFESCENS TRIPINNATIFIDA. 
better known Ferns, the Folypodium vulgare and its Welsh variety, 
P. cambrioum. As is the case with these and other plumose forms, the 
fronds of th e new Nephrolepis have their peculiarly leafy and full 
appearance produced through the overlapping of the pinnules or 
secondary divisions which are deeply cut and divided into segments in 
endless va r j e ty as regards shape and size, as also through their toothing, 
which is quite peculiar. Another source of attraction is also found in 
the colour of the fronds, which in their young state are of a peculiarly 
ffesh light tint, turning’with age to a very deep green, which contrasts 
8 ' n gularly but pleasingly with the reddish brown colour of the 
f c rruginous woollv matter or tomentum with which their stems and 
m idribs are densely covered. On account of its plumose appearance, as 
a lso in reason of the many various ways in which it can be employed 
with advantage, Nephrolepis rufescens tripinnatifida is likely to become 
a good companion plant for that other grand variety called N. davallioides 
furcans, which, although it has been in commerce for many years, is 
always in demand ; indeed, where the latter is so appreciated the new 
form is sure to become equally a favourite. 
Like all other plumose forms of various species, the new comer lias 
until now proved entirely barren ; and although its fronds have in this 
full extent, although the heat of the intermediate house, or 55° in tha¬ 
w-inter, is sufficient to keep it in good health. 
REVIEW OF BOOK. 
Handy-book of tho Flown- Garden. Fourth Edition. By D. THOMSON^ 
London and Edinburgh : W. Blackwood & Sons. 
Mr. Thomson's book has taken its place as a standard work on tli e 
subject of which it treats so exhaustively and well, and the fact that a 
fourth edition has been called for indicates the jxjpular demand for 
reliable information. The work is issued in a cheaper form than hitherto* 
some alterations having been made in the textbut it still comprises 
287 pages of closely printed matter, bearing on all subjects connected 
with the flower garden. The formation of the garden, the different 
styles, the numerous plants suitable for various positions, w-ith their 
culture and propagation, are treated fully and clearly, a number of 
plans and some illustrations adding considerably to the value of the 
book. As an example of the style adopted we extract the following: 
introduction to the chapter on Spring Flowers. ’ 
