124 AMERICAN FERN JOURNAL 
has occurred to me that some interesting articles might 
be written for the Am. Fern JourNnau giving short 
biographical accounts of some of the fern sharps whose 
names so often appear in the botanies. Pursh, Nuttall, 
Scott and many others, amateurs like myself (and I 
imagine most of the members of the Fern Society are 
not professionals) would like to know something about. 
“Again, the specific names of ferns might afford an 
instructive. article, as many of us would like to know 
what they mean. 
Another member writes that, in her opinion, some- 
thing in the nature of a “primary department” would 
be desirable in the Journau. ‘‘A paper, clear and plain, 
on some familiar fern and intended for novices in fern 
study, bringing out some points almost forgotten by 
advanced students, such as the change in form from 
the newly uncurled frond, or the wonderful choice of 
habitat—bringing out the uselessness of hunting for 
certain ferns where they are unwilling to grow—and 
other noticeable points—it seems to that such help 
would be useful to beginners and would be appreciated 
by them.” 
The editors are very glad to receive such criticisms 
and suggestions; we wish more of them were sent in 
to us. We propose to act on these in future numbers 
so far as we can. But our available time and our 
ability are not unlimited; we shall greatly appreciate 
help in the form of articles along the lines suggested 
from members who are in a position to write them. 
While in Westmore, Vt., last August I found an 
abundant growth of Equisetum pratense and collected 
enough for about 25 sheets. These specimens show the 
plant in good midsummer condition without fruit 
except the unexpanded next year’s fruiting branch 
