2 HISTORY OF BRITISH FEENS. 



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

 vated, and of all others perhaps the best adapted to parlour 

 or window culture ; and hence, besides the interest they may 

 excite 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 culti- 

 vation, and the opportunities thus afforded of studying and 

 admiring them in the living state. 



Those who desire a thorough knowledge of the species 

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

 study just indicated, as it reveals many curious and in- 

 teresting features which are not to be learned from the 

 investigations though patiently and assiduously prose- 

 cuted which are aided only by dried portions of the 

 plants. All the essential points necessary for the recogni- 

 tion 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 

 outline and disposition of parts, which is so common among 

 the Perns as to have become associated in idea with this 



