236 BOTANICAL NEWS. 
and fructification peculiar to it, and a list with synonyms of the species 
under cultivation is given. The first chapter is devoted to a history of 
the introduction of exotic Ferns ; and as the author has, for nearly fifty 
years, been engaged in their cultivation, and has carefully observed the 
novelties as they appeared, he gives a very interesting and, to culti- 
‘vators, a very instructive narrative. He estimates the species now 
cultivated as somewhat over 900. His remarks on classification will 
repay careful study; and while we cannot aecept of all the author's 
views, as we desiderate a more extensive basis for a permanent natural 
classification of this tribe of plants, yet these opinions, here clearly 
put, must be admitted into, and form a component part of any system 
that will be satisfactory. 
The care bestowed to make the volume easy of consultation and 
complete is obvious. Indeed it will be found to be a necessary hand- 
book to every one who tries to cultivate and desires to be ee 
acquainted with this exquisitely charming z group of plants. 
BOTANICAL NEWS. 
Our obituary of this month contains the names of dead eminent British AI- 
gologists, Professor Harvey, Dr. Greville, and Miss Cutle 
Wittiam Henry Harvey was born near Limerick c on Lits 5th February, 
1811, and educated at Ballitore school, county Kildare. He early exhibited a 
great liking for natural history studies, and the summer ‘Ville of his parents to 
the coast introduced him, while _yet a schoolboy, to those plants in the ex- 
office, and though he acquired here the accurate business habits which adhered 
to him to the last, his heart was in his favourite studies. His spare hours and 
holidays were devoted to collecting, mer in addition to a considerable herbarium 
of native plants both phanerogamie d cryptogamic, he formed collections of 
the mollusea and insects of the dnd of Ireland. At this time he added 
settled in the colony when the elder brother's health suddenly gave way, and 
compelled them to return home. On arrivin g in England Haryey heard that 
