ACROSTIC HUM

(from akros, top, and stichos, order; meaning very obscure). O RD. Filices. This genus includes A coni opter is, Chrysodium, Egenolfia, Elaphoglo um, Gymnopteris, Olfersia, Phot in opter is, Pœcilipteris, Polybotrya, Rhipidopteris, Soromanes, Stenochlæna, Steno semi a. A large and almost entirely tropical genus; it includes groups with a wide range in venation and cutting. Sori spread over the whole surface of the frond or upper pinnæ, or occasionally over both surfaces. The species having long fronds, are admirably suited for growing in suspended baskets, and the dwarfer sorts do well in Wardian cases. A compost of peat, chopped sphagnum, and sand, is most suitable. For general culture, see Ferns.