.443 Bibliographical Notices. 



^' In conclusion, we beg leave most cordially to recommend this book 

 ,; to all of our readers, assuring them that, even if very slightly, or not 

 n at all acquainted with botany, they will find much to amuse, interest 

 and instruct them. 



The Handbook of British Ferns, comprising scientific and popular 

 Descriptions with Engravings of all the Indigenous Species and 

 Varieties, with Instructions for their Cultivation. By T. Moore, 

 F.L.S. &c. Second edition. London, 1853. 



This new edition of Mr. Moore's nice little Handbook is one-half 

 larger than its predecessor, and in many other respects much im- 

 proved. The introductory remarks upon the structure of Ferns have 

 been very much extended, and a clear statement of the views of 

 Suminski and others on the obscure subject of their reproduction is 

 included amongst them. Then follows an account of the geogra- 

 phical distribution of our native species ; directions for their culture ; 

 and their classification. In the latter no material change is made 

 from the mode of arrangement that is now most generally adopted, 

 but an account is given of the recent schemes of Mr. J. Smith of Kew, 

 and Mr. Newman, and reasons pointed out which militate against 

 their acceptance. In not adopting'the views of those distinguished 

 students of, and writers concerning. Ferns, we think that Mr. Moore 

 has done wisely. It seems to us that the new arrangement derived 

 from the mode in which the fronds are developed from the caudex, 

 and their articulation to it, would lead to the separation of groups far 

 more natural than those which it would form. 



With the chapter headed Classification the introductory part of 

 this book may be said to conclude ; the remainder of it being occupied 

 by a detailed account of the several genera and species ; this part of 

 the work is a very great improvement upon the corresponding part 

 of the former edition. 



The Polypodium alpestre is placed in that genus, as we think cor- 

 rectly, and we concur with the author in not being as yet convinced 

 that the Pseudathyrium flexile of Newman is distinct from it. We 

 believe that our friend Mr. Backhouse does consider that they are 

 diflFerent species, and as he has had the opportunity of studying the 

 two plants in their native wilds, and his opinion would otherwise have 

 had considerable weight with us, we think it right to suspend our 

 judgement on the matter, which will doubtless be fully discussed in 

 Mr. Newman's long-delayed new edition of the History of British 

 Ferns. 



A very nice figure of the Gymnogramma leptophyUa is added to 

 this edition. We may hope that now that it has been determined to be 

 certainly a native of Jersey, it will soon be detected in Cornwall or the 

 warm southern part of Devonshire. The botanists of those districts 

 will do well to search carefully for it in spring upon moist banks 

 having a southern aspect. 



Mr. Moore has joined the Lastrea spinulosa to the L. cristata, 

 considering that Mr. Newman's L. uliginosa connects them. Doubt- 

 less there is much difficulty in determining the true place of L. 



