417 



of opinion, that Fig. 1, 2. seemed to be a Pteris; Fig. 5. could not 

 be safely referred to any known species but was most like a 

 Dicksonia. Of Fig 6. he observed, it might be an Osmunda ; but ac- 

 knowledgd that he knew nothing like it. Fig. 7- he observed, had 

 the habit of a Polypodium. Of the Figures in PL V. he was of opi- 

 nion, that Fig. 2. was probably an Adiantum ; and that Fig. 6. and 

 Fig. 9- were species of Polypodium. he also conjectured that they 

 were all foreign, and productions of a warm climate. 



I cannot thus pass this kind communication, without more parti- 

 cularly pointing out to you, that the paucity of the information 

 thus gained results, not from want of kind exertions of those powers 

 of investigation, which this distinguished botanist possesses; but 

 from the absolute impossibility, at present, of further removing the 

 veil of mystery which time has placed over these substances. In 

 confirmation of this opinion it must be mentioned to you, that 

 Dr. Woodward joined to his own, the judgment of four gentlemen, 

 eminent for their knowledge in botany, Dr. Plukenet, Mr. Stone- 

 street, Mr. Buddie, and Mr. Doody, for the purpose of examining 

 that class of his specimens, which contained the leaves of plants. 

 The result of this examination appears to have been, that of 138 

 specimens they were only able td point out the eleven following 

 plants to which some of the specimens bore a decided resemblance. 



1. Filix mas pinnulis angustis non dentatis. 



2. Osmunda regalis. 



3. Filix foem. vulg. 



4. Filix mas vulg. 



5. Filix minor palustris. Raii, p. 48, No. 6. 



6. Adianthum alb. vulg. Taberm. S. Ruta Muraria, C. B. Raii 



Synopsis, p. 48, No. 1. 



7. Filix mas non ramosa pinnulis angustis raris profunde den- 

 tatis. Ger. Raii Synopsis, p. 48, No. 5. 



VOL.I. 3 H 



