467 



" 0. deniata ; fronds oblong-lanceolate; pinnules ovate-obtuse 

 bluntly toothed or rarely pinnatifid ; sori marginal often 

 crowded sometimes confluent. 

 " y. vulgaris ; fronds lanceolate ; pinnules ovate-acute pinnatifid, 

 cut or serrated ; sori becoming confluent more central than 

 in 0." 

 In Asplenium marinum we have two named varieties, but the name 

 is the only addition made, the forms of frond being figured by New- 

 man. 



" (3. acutum ; fronds elongate ; pinnae elongated acute. 

 " y. lobatum ; fronds elongate ; pinnae auricled and deeply lobed." 

 In Pteris Aquilina we have two named varieties. 

 " a. vera ; pinnules inferior pinnatifid (sometimes only sinuate) 



the segments oblong obtuse ; superior undivided. 

 " /3. integerrima ; pinnules throughout entire, except occasion- 

 ally one or two of the lowest on the basal secondary pinnae 

 slightly lobed." 

 Our readers will see how easy it would be to multiply names ad 

 infinitum on this plan ; but to what good purpose does it tend ? — is 

 our knowledge advanced one iota by such name-giving? — is the study 

 of ferns rendered more easy ? Is not this nomenclature of fronds 

 carrying varieties to an extreme never intended ? Can a variety be a 

 portion of an individual ? Can it be less than an entire individual ? 

 We leave our readers to frame their own replies. Still we like the 

 little book : it is well calculated to coax the idler into an agreeable 

 improving occupation, the study of Nature in one of her most agree- 

 able moods. And whatever does this has our cordial approbation. 

 No one can stop with this " hand-book." No one can rest satisfied 

 with the information it conveys. It must create a thirst for more sa- 

 tisfactory, more perfect knowledge. 



After these gentle criticisms (we would not break a fly upon the 

 wheel), we have great pleasure in turning to that portion of his sub- 

 ject which the author evidently understands, and in citing the results 

 of his practical experience. 



Polypodium vulgare. This fern we have always considered a tick- 

 lish one under cultivation, but our author says it "is exceedingly 

 well adapted for planting on artificial rock-work, and among rustic 

 work formed of the stumps of old trees. A compost of turfy peat, 

 decayed wood, porous broken bricks and rough charcoal, will be a 

 proper medium for its roots under pot-culture. It is readily increased 

 by dividing the creeping caudex." — p. 21. 



