164 
The new genera Ctenopteris, Eupteris, and Gymnocarpium, became 
necessary in consequence of the primary division of the Filicales 
above set forth: Hemestheum, Phyllitis and Notolepeum have re- 
ceived names in order that the Linnean names Thelypteris, Scolopen- 
drium and Phyllitis might be restored to the species; these three 
genera were previously established: Blechnum spicant is a restoration 
of a Linnean name; Dryopteris Filix-mas is adopted from Schott ; 
no other British fern has the complete reniform involucre of this 
species: Lophodium is new, and instituted because the species have 
been placed indifferently in either of the overwhelming genera Poly- 
podium, Polystichum, Aspidium, Nephrodium or Lastrea, and, as we 
think, with increasing impropriety as we advance chronologically from 
the first to the last. Polypodium is least objectionable because it is 
only too comprehensive; Lastrea is most objectionable, because in- 
stituted by its learned author PURPOSELY TO EXCLUDE THEM: and he 
has framed his character with such skill and care that this object is 
effectually accomplisbed: Amesium is a mere division of Asplenium ; 
whether it be desirable to divide that huge genus by a clear and 
unmistakeable character we leave others to judge. 
In specific names we have many changes: Britain is a powerful 
nation, and perhaps withal a little self-satisfied, and there are those 
of its scientific sons who regard it as somewhat dignified to maintain 
a nomenclature of our own, and to be very indifferent as to its 
agreeing with that of our continental neighbours. If the name of 
a worthy man has been attached to a species, or if any name has been 
attached by a worthy man, it matters nothing at all that that species 
had a prior name universally received. All our authors are aware 
that the names unilaterale, Robertianum, and several others are thus 
situated, and yet they preserve the insular names from a feeling of 
nationality ; Wilsoni, because Mr. Wilson is a worthy man, and be- 
cause it was given by Hooker, another worthy man; calcareum 
because it was given by Smith, and so on with the rest. Alas! shall 
we never admit the catholicity of science ! 
