By Frances Theodora Parsons (Mrs. Dana) 



HOW TO KNOW THE FERNS 



A Guide to the Names, Haunts, and Habits of our Native 

 Ferns. By Frances Theodora Parsons (Mrs. 

 Dana). With 144 full-page illustrations, and 6 full- 

 page illustrations from photographs. Crown 8vo, 

 ^1.50 net. 



" Since the publication, six years ago, of ' How to Know the Wild 

 Flowers,' I have received such convincing testimony of the eagerness of 

 nature-lovers of all ages and conditions to familiarize themselves with 

 the inhabitants of our woods and fields, and so many assurances of the 

 joy which such a familiarity affords, that I have prepared this companion 

 volume on ' How to Know the Ferns.' It has been my experience that the 

 world of delight which opens before us when we are admitted into some sort 

 of intimacy with our companions other than human, is enlarged with each 

 new society into which we win our way."— /^r£7»^ the Author's Preface. 



" Of the ferns, as the flowers, she writes as one who not only knows but 

 loves them. The charm of her fern-book is as irresistible and pervading as 

 is the charm of nature itself. This gifted and enthusiastic naturalist knows 

 the ferns literally Mike a book,' and her book makes the first lesson of the 

 novice in the lore of fern-life an easy and a delightful task." 



—New York Mail and Express. 



"This is a notably thorough liule volume. The text is not voluminous, 

 and even with its many full-page illustrations the book is small ; but brevity, 

 as we are glad to see so many writers on nature learning, is the first of virtues 

 in this field. . . . The author of ' How to Know the Ferns ' has mastered 

 her subject, and she treats of it with authority."— 7Vi?zw York Tribune. 



"The inspiration that entered into and made ' How to Know the Wild 

 Flowers' so deservedly popular has not been lost in 'How to Know the 

 Ferns.' '"—New York Times. 



•'After a delightful introductory chapter on 'Ferns as a Hobby,' the 

 author goes on to the explanation of terms, to the fertilization, development, 

 and fructification of ferns, the notable fern families, and the description of 

 individual ferns. The illustrations, by camera and pencil, are numerous and 

 exceedingly fine, completing a book that must prove a lasting delight to all 

 nature-lovers."— ^cJi-Z^w Evening^ Transcript. 



A SELECTION OF FIFTY PLATES 



From ''How to Know the Wild Flowers." Printed on 

 Special Paper suitable for Coloring by Hand. The 

 set, in a portfolio, $1.00 net. 



