FERNS AND FERN CULTURE. 



CHAPTER I. 



INTRODUCTION. 



HESE pages are not intended for 

 scientific readers. Oar object is to 

 create a universal love for the 

 beautiful Ferns ; and as yet only 

 such general descriptions of Ferns 

 and ferny scenery have been given as might 

 suffice for the purpose which we have set before 

 us. But to give to the volume a utility beyond 

 what it would possess by a too strict adherence 

 to mere generalization, some descriptions will now 

 be given of each species of such of the graceful 

 Fern family as have chosen to make these islands 

 their home. 



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