INTRODUCTION. UI 



the Ferns, have contented themselves with making a collection 

 of fronds. 



For elegance of form, and brilliancy and diversity of colour, 

 no plants can vie with the Ferns of the world. In a small 

 island like Great Britain, there is not that difference in climate 

 that will enable any but a limited number to grow in the open 

 air. We are thus deprived of the effect that might be 

 produced by the gold and silver-powdered Ferns, the climbing 

 species, the stately tree Ferns, or the many exquisite parasites, 

 and the tribes of Hymenophyllum and Trichomanes. If England 

 has not these gems, she can boast of many very beautifid 

 species and varieties, perhaps more sombre in colour, but 

 nevertheless quite as distinct and lovely in form. 



English Ferns are all comprised in the order Polypodtaceee, 

 and consist of the following genera: — 



1. — Polypodium, LinncBUs. Polvpody. 



2. — Allosorus, Bernhardi. Rock Brakes. 



3. — Gymnogramma, Desvaux. Gymnogramma. 



4. — Polystichum, Roth. Shield Fern. 



5. — Lastrea, Bory. Buckler Fern. 



6. — Athyrium, Roth. Lady Fern. 



7. — Asplenium, Linnceus. Spleenwort. 



8. — Scolopendrium, Smith. Hart's-tongue Fern. 



9. — Ceterach, IVilldenow. Scale Fern. 

 10. — Blechnum, Linnesus. Hard Fern. 

 11. — Pteris, Linnceus. Bracken. 

 12. — Adiantum, Litmesiis. Maiden-hair Fern. 

 13. — Cystopteris, Bernhardi. Bladder Fern. 

 14. — AVoodsia, R. Broicn. The Woodsia. 

 15. — Trichomanes, Linnceus. Bristle Fern. 

 16. — Hymenophyllum, Smith. Film Fern. 

 IT, — Osmunda, Linnceus. Royal Fern. 

 18. — Botrychium, Swartz. Moonwort. 

 19. — Ophioglossum, Linnceus. Adder's Tongue. 



