Z HISTORY OP BRITISH TERNS. 



o. They are plants for the most part very easily culti- 

 vated ; and they are, of all others, perhaps, the best 

 adapted to parlour or ^vindow culture. Hence, besides the 

 interest that may arise in the collection and preservation 

 of them in the herbarium, and in the study of them in 

 the dried state, there is to be added the pleasure to 

 be derived from their cultivation, and the opportunities 

 thereby afforded of studyini^ and admiring them in the 

 livinc; state. 



Those Avho desire a thorough knowledge of the species 

 of Ferns, should certainly, if possible, adopt the method 

 of study just indicated, as it reveals many curious and 

 interesting features which are not to be learned from the 

 investigations — though patiently and assiduoiisly pro- 

 secuted — which are aided only by dried portions of the 

 plants. 



All the essential points necessary for the recognition of 

 the species, may, nevertheless, be availably present in 

 "well-selected herbarium specimens ; so that those who have 

 not convenience for cultivating them, may yet store up in 

 their cabinets ample materials for their amusement and 

 instruction in detached and leisure hours. 



There is something peculiarly fascinating in the graceful 



