HISTOEY OF INTRODUCTION OF EXOTIC FEENS. 43 



an early predilection for Ferns, which has led to 

 the gradual increase of the fine collection at Kew; 

 and, although I am now* incapacitated, by failing 

 sight, from doing more in support of this collection, 

 still, happily, it remains under the direction of Sir 

 W. J. Hooker, who, doubtless, will not allow it to 

 deteriorate, either in number of species or other- 

 wise. One great means towards assisting in their 

 preservation is continuing to view them as a scienti- 

 fic collection. Scientifically-arranged collections are 

 presumed to be the leading features of all Botanic 

 Gardens. Unfortunately it is not the most showy or 

 attractive. My long experience has shown me that as 

 soon as a scientific arrangement in any family of 

 plants is lost sight of, and showy cultivation made 

 the first consideration, a rapid loss of species is the 

 sure consequence. For their proper maintenance it 

 is most essential that the cultivator should view 

 even the most humble species with a scientific 

 and conservative eye. It is also much to be desired 

 that an official rule should be made, requiring an in- 

 ventory of the collections to be taken every few years, 

 and the publication of a general catalogue; or, in 

 order to meet the various tastes of the public, separate 

 catalogues of special families, like the one I now 

 publish of the Ferns, might be issued. 



* May, 1864. 



