72 



well do so by using the common names of the species when 

 giving their orders. 



I may say, on behalf of the society with which I am 

 associated, that it is our earnest desire to simplify names, 

 as far as possible, but we cannot see our way to the 

 adoption of the daffodil style of nomenclature, which 

 conveys usually nothing but compliments to those whose 

 personal names are given to the plants, and thus loses all 

 scientific interest. Another point is that the term " garden 

 varieties" is most inappropriately applied to the large 

 number of our native fern forms which have originated as 

 perfectly wild "sports," and form the foundation of the 

 cult ; in daffodils and other flowers this peculiar factor is 

 non-existent, and no true fern-lover could agree to rechristen 

 such " sports " with commonplace names of persons, places, 

 etc. We have inherited them, and must retain them as the 

 basis of our nomenclature. 



One point which the society has adopted nowadays is to 

 refuse to name any but such forms as are distinct improve- 

 ments and perfect in make. In old days the most imper- 

 fect, irregular, and inconstant types were christened, 

 regardless of merit ; these are now ignored. 



Chas. T. Druery, V.M.H., F.L.S. 



SOME OBSERVATIONS 



AS TO THE CONTRIBU TORY CAUSES OF VARIATION 



IN OUR NATIVE FERNS. 



As yet no one has succeeded in offering any explanation 

 which goes to the root of the variation in our ferns. It is, 

 of course, open to us to say that there is inherent in them 

 this remarkable power of developing into new varieties; 

 but in so saying we only smother in words a mystery which 

 stands outside our ken. But while this is so it seems to me 

 not impossible to ascertain causes which may contribute to 

 varietal forms. \\ hen the fruit tree is trained as a Pyramid 

 or as an Espalier, we know little about the powers which 



