BOOK REVIEWS 

 Guide to eastern ferns* 



Arthur H. Graves 



A handy little book which one can carry in his pocket is the 

 "Guide to Eastern Ferns," by Dr. Edgar T. Wherry, Associate 

 Professor of Botany at the University of Pennsylvania. An 

 interesting feature is the nomenclatural history which prefaces 

 the description of each species. For example, under Polystichum 

 acrostichoides, the common Christmas Fern, it is stated: 

 "Michaux observed this fern during his explorations in Penn- 

 sylvania, Carolina and Tennessee, and named it Nephr odium 

 acrostichoides in 1803. It was transferred to Polystichum by 

 Schott in 1834." Another feature, which is helpful to those who 

 have, or would like to have a "fern garden," is the information 

 as to the soil requirement for each species — whether acid-loving, 

 lime-loving, or indifferent. Fern gardeners will find also, at the 

 end of the book, general directions for the cultivation of ferns, 

 including the method of growing them by starting with the 

 spores. In addition, lists of species are grouped here according 

 to their soil requirements. 



The book covers not only ferns but also fern allies. Each of 

 the hundred species is illustrated by a clear line drawing, with 

 one or more smaller insets showing the position or nature of the 

 sori, or other important characters. (Except that in the case of 

 8 species of Isoetes, only the spore characters are figured, since 

 these species are very similar in general appearance.) An un- 

 usually full glossary of technical terms preceding the main 

 body of the text will prove helpful to beginners. Instead of 

 technical "keys," short statements about the systematic ar- 

 rangement and the phylogenetic position of each group of the 

 ferns and fern allies are given. 



It is well known that Dr. Wherry has devoted considerable 

 attention to the cultivation of wild plants. At the same time he 

 is recognized as an authority on the group of the ferns. It is 

 therefore fortunate that he has combined these fields in this 

 little book, which will be very useful to fern lovers and fern 

 gardeners. 



* Guide to Eastern Ferns. Edgar T. Wherry. Science Press, Lancaster, 

 Pa. 1937, 220 pages. $1.00. 



14 



