30 PACIFIC STATES FLOHAL COXCiliESS. 



obtainable, to stuff pillows, cushions, and mattresses, is no longer used, 

 it being an unsatisfactory substitute for leathers. 



Gleichenia dichotoma is used by the negroes of Brazil for making 

 pipe-stems. Angiopteris and Polypodium phymatodes are used by the 

 natives of the South Sea Islands in the preparation of coconut-oil. 

 The rhizomes of several species of ferns furnish food to the natives 

 of Australia. 



The medicinal qualities of some of the Adiantums have been highly 

 extolled and recommended for the relief of persons suffering from pul- 

 monary diseases, and in Mexico a tea made from the Adi an turn trieo- 

 lepis is prescribed for chills and fever, under the name of "Silantrillo 

 de pozo." 



Woodwardia radicans was used by the Indians of California for the 

 treatment of bruises; it was used as an infusion taken internally; they 

 called it "Golpe." The Spaniards learned its uses from the Indians, and 

 called it "Yerba Golpe." In southern California the aborigines used 

 our Aspidium rigidum argutum for medicinal purposes, and the stipes 

 of the Adiantum in their basket-work. 



In Europe and other countries ferns are more generally utilized for 

 various purposes than they are in the United States. 



The true ferns of North America, north of Mexico, number about 

 one hundred and fifty. Of these fifty are found in California. Among 

 them are eight Pellseas,, eight Aspidiums, five Polypodiums, five or more 

 Notholsenas, three Adiantums, and eight or more Oheilanth.es, besides 

 Cryptogramme, Lomaria, Woodwardia, Aspleniums, Phegopteris, Cystop- 

 teris woodsia, together with numerous varieties of the species of the 

 genera above named, and species of the genera Ophioglossum and 

 Botrichium, belonging to the Ophioglossacca?. 



In Oregon and the regions further north there are perhaps fewer 

 species. Those are more prolific, and consequently their presence is 

 more noticeable. The real number of species can not be determined 

 with certainty until the flora of those regions has been more thoroughly 

 studied. 



DAN(!KK OF EXTINCTION". 



It is much to be regretted that many of our choicest ferns are in 

 eminent danger of extermination from the recklessness or thoughtless- 

 ness of persons who seem to have an insatiable desire to pull up or 

 estroy everything that is beautiful or rare. Picnic and camping 

 parties will load up their vehicles with the delicate ferns and flowering 

 plants, to be thrown away as soon as they begin to fade. 



Our school-children should be taught to preserve, instead of destroy- 

 ing, our ferns, flowers, and birds. 



Santa Barbara. Cal. 



