4 BRITISH FERNS 



be ungrateful to the tribe if we failed to remember that in point of 

 fact the greatness of our Empire is largely based upon the post- 

 humous wealth bequeathed to us by its ancient ancestors in the shape 

 of our coal deposits. Finally, it may be as well to mention that a 

 comparison of our lists with those published in the Native Ferns 

 of Mr. E. J. Lowe will show many omissions. This, however, is 

 due to the fact that many of the forms described and figured are 

 now regarded as mere sub-varieties, or forms too irregular and 

 defective to be worthy of cultivation. All such have been omitted 

 to make room for a very large number of additions selected on 

 far stricter lines, so that this work may be fairly considered as 

 representing all the best known forms extant. Cultural remarks 

 are made where needed in connection with the various species, 

 and a chapter has been devoted to culture, treatment, and pro- 

 pagation for the more general guidance of our readers. 



How far the beautiful varieties we treat of are worthy of places 

 of honour in cool conservatories may be judged by our illustration 

 (Fig. i) of a collection by the writer, the whole of which, with the 

 single exception of a Woodwardia radicans in the background, are 

 of British origin. 



