This small genus of about a half a dozen species is one of the most extraordinary among plants that are cultivated for the attractions of their foliage alone. They have been called the grandest among ferns. They are distinct epiphytal ferns or those that grow upon trees, and, as may be expected, best develop their beauties when their natural conditions are successfully imitated. They are usually classed among what gardeners call stove ferns, from the heat and treatment they require. They are readily distinguished by their two regu-larly branching fertile fronds. They thrive in baskets or shallow pans, or when fastened on good-sized blocks of wood, with a little peat and spag-oum around their roots and suspended in a warm greenhouse; but they never appear to such advantage as when attached to the trunk of a tree or wall of a conservatory surrounded by vines and other plants. The popularity of ferns is ever increasing, and ideas concerning their culture and the amount of heat necessary have of late been considerably modified, many being found to do even better in places once considered too cool to be suitable. Although all ferns from the tropics require more or less heat, the idea that they require great heat at all times with heavy shading is altogether a mistake.

Although ferns delight essentially in shade and moisture, both may be carried to excess. They should grow and rest as well as flowering plants. We know of stag's-horn ferns doing perfectly well during their resting period, which should be winter, in a conservatory connection with a house where a temperature of only 500 or 6o° was maintained, and where they were readily seen by all who cared to enjoy them. A drier atmosphere can also be maintained. When growth • commences a higher temperature and more water will suit them. Our picture is from a specimen in Philadelphia, and shows the large barren fronds erect, and the fertile ones pendent in pairs. These sometimes is vigorous plants reach a length of six feet. Although the sort (Platycerium grande) was introduced into cultivation from North Australia in 1828, it is by no means familiar.