TO 



WlLLIAil HOPKINS, ESQ., MA, LLD, FES, ETC. 



My Dear Sir. 



You are aware that during the past 

 few years a more systematic search throughout Great Britain 

 and Ireland has resulted in the discovery of so many varieties 

 of Ferns, (departures from the normal form of the parent from 

 which they have sprung,) that they now count by hundreds 

 instead of units. 



"Our Xative Ferns," which, by youi* kind permission, has 

 been dedicated to you, has been Avritten for the purpose of 

 making these many varieties familiar to the public. 



Knowing the interest you take in any endeavour to collect 

 facts that may be useful, and that you will excuse the short- 

 comings of these volumes, they have been dedicated to you as 

 a slight token of my respect and esteem. 



Believe me. My Dear Sir, 



Yours very truly, 

 EDWARD JOSEPH LOWE. 



