976 



riuu), it was resolved " that Edwin Lees, Esq., F.L.S., the Rev. J. H. 

 Thompson, and T. Westcombe, Esq., be invited to become Honorary 

 Members." The commencement of a library was proposed ; and a 

 few books were presented for this object. Mr. J. S. Walker, Mr. 

 Baxter, and Mr. T. W. Gissing were appointed the Committee ; Mr. 

 Walker to be Chairman; and Mr. Gissing, Secretary. 



Uses of Ferns. 



The Secretary read a letter from E. Newman, Esq., F.L.S., &c., 

 asking information upon the uses of ferns throughout the country, for 

 the forthcoming edition of his ' British Ferns.' 



Mr. Newman inquires : — 



" 1st. Are there any species of British ferns used in medicine } 



" 2nd. Which species, and under what names ? On this subject, 

 three provincial chemists have assured me that Polypodium vulgare of 

 botanists is the P. Filix-rnas of pharmacy ; and I have verified this 

 nomenclature in one instance. 



" 3rd. Whether the use of ferns in medicine is founded on their 

 ascertained properties, or on ancient predilections ? 



" 4lh. Whether the use is increasing or decreasing ? 



" This and all other information connected with British ferns will 

 be most thankfully received by yours, most truly, 



" Edward Newman." 



The President hoped that the queries just read would elicit the 

 response they deserved. A wide field of usefulness lay open to the 

 Club, in collecting statistics of the popular employment of native 

 plants in different parts of the country. Mr. Newman's second query 

 showed that confusion of species had in some instances occurred. 

 However, the true Lastrea Filix-mas was certainly in use. 



Two or three members spoke of the employment of Ophioglossum 

 vulgatum for the preparation of a very popular ointment, in the coun- 

 ties of Essex, Herts, and Devon, from their personal knowledge. 



A letter was also read from Dr. William Lauder Lindsay, F.B.S.E., 

 &c., of Edinburgh, who wished to obtain co-operatiou in an investi- 

 gation of the lichens, which he had undertaken. The letter was 

 accompanied by a resume of the points upon which information was 

 desired. 



