INTEODUCTION. O 



The literature of the British Ferns is tolerably exten- 

 sive, viewed in connection with the comparative numerical 

 insignificance of the plants themselves, — a mere fraction 

 of the tliree thousand or more species of Ferns which are 

 known to botanists, and a mere fraction, also, of our 

 indi2;enous vcfretation. 



Passing by the ancient writers, whose works are both, 

 for the most part, inaccessible, and not of much value to 

 the casual student, we shall enumerate the several English 

 publications of the present day which are exclusively 

 occupied in the description of the British Ferns and their 

 allies ; for we hope that some at least of our readers may 

 be so far led on by the sketch we shall endeavour to offer 

 in the following pages, as to seek the further assistance to 

 be derived from the more varied sources thus indicated. Wc 

 shall arrange them in the order of their original pubUcation, 

 and mention the most recent editions : — 



1. An Annhish of the British Ferns and their allies. By 

 G. W. Francis, F.L.S. Fifth Edition, revised by Pro- 

 fessor Henfrey. 1855. 8vo, pp. 92, with 10 plates. — 

 Containing reduced figures of the species, which are 

 briefly described. 



