PREFACE 



The study of ferns has been considered very 

 difficult ; indeed, almost too puzzling for the 

 person of average ability to undertake. Hence 

 many lovers of nature remain unacquainted with 

 these beautiful plant forms, so far as knowing 

 their names, habits, and haunts is concerned. It 

 is surprising how the difficulties vanish when 

 one is thoroughly intent on overcoming them ; 

 and the task is a fascinating one. 



In recent years there has been a manifest and 

 growing desire on the part of many to gain some 

 knowledge of the subject. With the increase of 

 interest, arises a demand for an illustrated field- 

 book that shall be concise, inexpensive, and 

 adapted to the needs of the beginner. It is with 

 a view to supplying this demand that the fol- 

 lowing pages have been prepared. 



No minutely detailed description has been 

 given of any of the plants, but sufficient will 

 be found, with the aid of the illustrations, to 

 enable one easily to identify the different spe- 

 cies. 



Whenever two species resemble each other. 



