620 [Proc B.N.F.C. 



on " Polystichum Augulare Proliferum, Past, Present and 

 Future ;" in 1899 a paper on " Lastrea Filix Mas, its Past and 

 Present Divisions." 



When the business meeting is over we often visit the col- 

 lections of ferns at Windermere and Kendal, belonging to 

 members, and if the weather permits, on following day, we 

 have a charabanc and make an excursion to some of the 

 mountains and valleys where ferns abound. In this way I have 

 acquired a good knowledge of Westmoreland and added some 

 good ferns to my collection. 



The counties of Ulster cannot be surpassed for places for 

 hunting ferns and alpine plants, and for the finest scenery, will 

 compare favourably with any other part in the United 

 Kingdom. As to ferns, out of the 46 species of ferns in- 

 digenous to Britain and Ireland, Ireland yields 33 species, and 

 the province of Ulster 32 species, only one less than the whole 

 number, the missing species being Irichomanes Radicans 

 The varieties recorded number 150 of which Polystichum Angu- 

 lar a is credited with 55, and Athyrium with 30. 



Lord Lytton says that the face of Nature is the only face 

 that as we grow old never changes to us. Friends grow old, 

 change and pass away, but the old oak of our youth is the old 

 •tree still. The hill has still the same shadows, the valley the 

 same musical river. 



One of our poet bishops, since gone to his rest, wrote as 

 follows to a clergyman of his diocese who had promised to go 

 with him to Connemara, but was prevented by engagements 

 The description is very humorous, and would almost describe 

 some of our Ulster scenes, say Newcastle : — 



DERADDA LODGE, CONNEMARA. 



Dear Fowler, I think, on the whole, you'll agree with me, 

 This p.ace is delicious (1 wish you could be with me) ; 

 liut especially charming to one who has got any 

 Fancy for fishing, conjuintly with botany. 

 Just think, when on land from your boat you get out, 

 Having captured a salmon, or ten or twelve trout, 

 ^s you lounge on the margin, enjoying your lunch, 

 You suddenly find that your cushion's a bunch 



