INTRODUCTION. 9 



very wide leaves the lower pinnae on one side may be cut away to prevent 

 the too great massing of foliage when the leaf is doubled on itself to make 

 a manageable specimen. 



(3) In tree ferns the basal portion of the petiole should always be 

 secured, if possible, attached to the lower pinnules. Where possible the 

 top of the caudex should also be taken. Notes on the character of the leaf 

 scars should always be made. 



(4) If the specimen taken does not show whether the leaves are scattered 

 or cespitose this should always be included in the notes. 



(5) In ferns, of whatever size, invariably secure some portion of the 

 rootstock, for it nearly always possesses diagnostic characters. 



(6) In large leaves note whether the lowermost pinnae are larger than 

 the others or are reduced in size and if their laminae stand in the same 

 plane as the rest of the leaf or are set obliquely. 



