OSMUNDA REGALIS 167 
the contained spores being a bright green. This form of fructifi- 
cation, having some resemblance to faded spirea flowers, has given 
the popular name of the Flowering Fern to this species, though we 
need hardly say it is a misnomer. The character of its habitats 
must be remembered in its culture ; the soil should be spongy peat, 
and kept constantly moist. Given such a supply of root moisture, 
the fronds stand exposure to sun and wind with impunity. The 
young fronds are covered with a brownish wool, which, however, 
is detached as they rise. It is perfectly deciduous, despite its 
tough texture. It has afforded several varieties. 


Fig. 188. O. regalis cristata. 
CRISTATA (Figs. 188, 189).— A very beautiful crested form 
which was accidentally acquired from a hawker in the winter, 
when dormant, by Messrs. Osborn & Sons, of Fulham, and dis- 
covered in their nurseries, when it developed, by Mr. G. B. Wollas- 
ton, who at once offered a good round sum for it, but failed to 
acquire it, a rather tantalizing fact under the circumstances. 

