xiv PREFACE. 



out good reason, of the many names given to the same- 

 plant; to assist in correcting this, I have drawn up a. 

 complete Index of the species and synonymes noticed 

 in this work ; therefore, by turning to the page referred 

 to in the Index, the name will be found either with a 

 number before it showing it to be the adopted name, or 

 following the same as a synonyme, or what it has been 

 and is still called by some writers and cultivators. 

 Although this Index contains nearly three thousand 

 names, yet, it must be understood, I have only taken 

 up the synonymes that I consider most essential; 

 those who desire to enter more fully into this subject, 

 may consult the " Index Filicum" of Mr. T. Moore — 

 a work which, when completed, will be a treasure to- 

 pteridologists. 



With regard to vhe wood-cuts, I have to explain: 

 that about half of the number were not specially pre- 

 pared for this work; these, in general, represent a 

 portion of the fronds of their natural size, in some 

 cases without fructification, the venation only being 

 given. The drawings for the other half have been made- 

 principally from specimens in my herbarium or from 

 living plants. In many of them a magnified portion 

 of the frond ia given, showing the character of the- 

 genus more distinctly. 



As a companion to the scientific enumeration, I 

 have given a treatise on their cultivation, which occu- 

 pies a considerable space in this book, and it is hoped 

 will be of service to the Fern-growing public. 



