We give here an illustration of a class of ferns known as the hare's-foot, or the rabbit's-foot fern, from the thick creeping rhizomes, which push over the surface, often hanging over the sides, and from which spring the fronds, as the folial organs in ferns are called. It is an interesting illustration of the close relationship between parts often wholly beneath the ground, and the stems of plants or the trunks of trees. If these rhizomes were to become erect we should have a tree fern; and really there is no other difference between a tree fern and this Davallia except the erect stems are bent and lie on the surface of the ground. In many ferns the stems grow wholly under the ground, and then they are what are known as the creeping-rooted ferns. We may see the analogy between the rhizome and many other parts of plants although with separate names. A potato has no great difference from a rhizome. It is shorter and thicker, that is about all. We call it a tuber but it is essentially a rhizome.

The thread-like "root" of the couch-grass, or the stolon of a strawberry is essentially the same, and even the flower stalk of a strawberry is but the stolon or runner which has become erect and floriferous, instead of lying on the ground and making a new plant instead of a crop of flowers at the apex.

Davallia Fijiensis plumosa.

Studies such as these give a great deal of interest to the cultivation of flowers, besides the mere beauty involved. So far in this respect the beautiful fern figured, introduced by Mr. Bull, has great beauty. It is certainly one of the most charming in the whole range of evergreen stove ferns - one of the most lovely forms of a remarkably ornamental family. It has creeping whitey-brown rhizomes, and from these spring up at intervals the gracefully-drooping, feathery, plumose fronds, which grow on stalks a foot or more in length, supporting a broad triangular lamina, which curves over in the most elegant manner. It will be a grand subject for all decorative purposes, especially useful for cutting, and a noble fern for exhibition specimens. As its name implies, it is a native of the Fiji Islands. In speaking of the best novelties, the Gardeners Chronicle (Jan. 7th, 1882, page 10), remarks: "The Davallia Fijiensis plumosa is, perhaps, one of the most elegant of all known ferns." It has received a first-class certificate from the Floral Committee of the Royal Horticultural Society.