LASTR.EA OKEOrTERIS. 171 
and then proceeds to describe it, and to state that it had 
been mentioned by Plukenet. 
Mr. Eeeve observes, in a letter with which he has 
favoured us, that this is a very elegant and useful Fern 
for growing in pots, or on rocks and other scenery, when 
successfully cultivated. Although rather shy of being 
removed, yet, with a little care, it may be successfully 
treated. We find with this, as with many other plants 
or Ferns that are rather impatient of moisture remain¬ 
ing about their roots, that they do not like to have the 
roots disturbed; therefore those who would like to culti¬ 
vate this Fern should obtain it either in a young state 
from its native place, or a well-established plant in a 
pot from a nurseryman, to be planted or potted in a 
compost of two-thirds fibry peat and one of leaf-mould 
and sandy loam in equal parts, with a free admixture of 
silver sand. The pots must be carefully and well drained. 
Place one large crock or oyster-shell over the hole at the 
bottom of the pot; then place over this, according to the 
size of pot to be usod, a quantity of small crocks, and 
above this place a littlo sphagnum, just sufficient to 
cover the crocks. The potting may thon be carried out 
in the usual manner, potting rather firmly. Afterwards 
great care must be taken to see that the Fern does not 
have too much water, for it is very impatient of ex¬ 
cessive moisture. For the rockery or shrubbery it must 
also have a well-drained situation, or it will not succeed; 
and also a shady place will be required. The same 
compost will do for this as for pot-culture, and, whether 
in the rockery or in pots, a slight sprinkling with the 
