PREFACE 



It almost goes without saying that this modest 

 volume is not expected to meet the demands of the 

 experienced and systematic botanist. It is de- 

 signed merely to aid those who, having the love of 

 Nature in their hearts, desire a more intimate ac- 

 quaintance with those beautiful and interesting 

 plants, the ferns ; and if in the perusal of its pages 

 it leads one to hitherto unknown fields, to discover 

 for himself the new delights and hidden beauties 

 that exist on every hand, thereby contributing a lit- 

 tle more to the sum of human happiness, its mission 

 will be fulfilled. 



W. I. B. 



Boston, October 30, 1909- 



Xlll 



