AUTHOR'S PREFACE. 
THE scope of the present volume is confined to the 
Thallophyta, Charophyta, Bryophyta, and Pteridophyta repre- 
sented in the British Museum collections of English 
Wealden plants. A general review and more critical 
discussion of the Wealden flora, as a whole, will be 
attempted in the second volume after the remaining 
classes of plants have been fully examined. 
I desire to express my obligation to Dr. Woodward, 
Mr. R. Bullen Newton, and other members of the 
Geological Department for the facilities and help which 
have been afforded me during my vacation visits to 
the Museum. My thanks are also due to Mr. Carruthers, 
who has always been ready to place at my disposal 
his wide knowledge of fossil and recent ferns; to my 
friend Mr. Geo. Murray I am indebted for generous 
help; also to other members of the Botanical Depart- 
ment, who have assisted me in various ways. 
For information on certain points connected with recent 
ferns I have availed myself of the exceptional advantages 
afforded by the Royal Gardens, Kew. 
