PREFACE ix 



Ferns could not be crossed. In doing this, many other facts 

 have been discovered, culminating in multiple parentage, the 

 discussion and authentication of which is the object of the 

 present volume. 



In giving a history of the marvels of Fern-life and of the 

 new discoveries, I think it will be of interest to Fern cultivators 

 to have connected with this work short memoirs of those who 

 assisted in those discoveries. These labours date back to the 

 time when the crossing of Ferns was discredited, for although 

 described to the British Association as early as 1867, it was 

 not an acknowledged fact until a dozen years ago. 



It is only an act of justice to include this help, and in doing 

 so the author cannot forget the great assistance rendered by 

 Professor Morris of Bath in the preparation of this work. 



Shirenewton Hall, 

 February 1895. 



