PEEFACE. xv 



In drawing up this treatise I have been greatly 

 assisted by Mr. Henry Prestoe and Mr. William Gower 

 (both recently foremen in the Fern department at 

 Kew), two highly scientific and nature-observing 

 practical cultivators. 



In conclusion, I have to thank Dr. Berthold Seemann 

 and R. Heward, Esq., for looking over the proofs as 

 they passed through the press. Several causes have 

 occurred to delay the publication of this work; the 

 principal one being a partial failure of my sight, 

 incapacitating me from much use of the pen and 

 examination of new garden Ferns, which I trust will 

 be accepted as my excuse for any errors or omissions 

 that may be found in the following pages. 



J. SMITH, 



Ex-Curator, Royal Botanic Gardens, 



K?.w, 

 JVEW, May, 18(56. 



