AUSTRALIAN FERNS. 37 



are probably rare or unknown in another ; so that persons re- 

 siding in different parts of the Australian colonies may derive 

 much information by exchanging the specimens of one district 

 for those of another. By comparing such specimens they will be 

 induced to take an extended view of the order, and avoid some of 

 the errors into which they might fall from a limited consideration 

 of the subject, particularly the unnecessary multiplication of 

 species, and inaccuracy arising from inattention to local pecu- 

 liarities. Sir William Hooker remarks, " that there is perhaps 

 no family of plants where more false species have been made than 

 among Ferns" ; and hence that distinguished writer has rendered 

 incalculable service to the cause of science by proving the identity 

 of many so-called species found in portions of the globe remote 

 from each other, and by reducing the number of genera wherever 

 practicable. In reviewing the descriptions of our Australian 

 Ferns, as given in the Species Mlicum, it is highly probable that 

 many of our pteridophilists may be disposed to question the con- 

 clusions of the venerable author, especially in the consideration 

 of those species with which he seemed but imperfectly acquainted ; 

 but whether the views of Sir William are received or not, it must 

 be admitted that he possessed more favourable opportunities for 

 comparing specimens from all parts of the world, and of 

 ascertaining the distribution of species, than perhaps any botanist 

 now living. If the comparison of specimens from different dis- 

 tricts in the same country is calculated to prevent mistakes, and 

 to show the identity of species previously supposed to be distinct, 

 the advantages arising from the examination of Ferns from all 

 parts of the world, are manifestly of still greater importance. 

 We have seen, in the volumes of the Flora Australiensis, already 

 published, the great utility of comparing specimens from all parts 

 of the same continent, for by so doing, the learned authors have 

 not merely demonstrated the identity of many so-called species, 

 but they have shown the probability of even more extensive 

 amalgamation, by finding, as it were, the connecting links between 

 forms apparently of different origin. Sir William Hooker has 

 rendered a similar service to cryptogamic botany, and he remarks 

 that the further his investigation proceeded, the more he was 

 convinced, that the system of curtailment ought to be, and will 

 be, carried to a still greater length. The great difficulty in the 



