PREFACE vii 



The order of arrangement of the species has 

 been made to suit the plates, which in a work of 

 this kind must necessarily be limited in number. 

 Sometimes two species which do not come in 

 the usual botanical order have been grouped 

 on the same plate. 



While the present work is limited in its treat- 

 ment, it is hoped that by its aid many who have 

 hitherto looked upon our ferns and evergreens 

 with simply an admiring eye, may be able to 

 recognize their different forms by name, learn 

 their favorite haunts and the manner and time 

 of fruiting, and thus become somewhat familiar 

 with these common and beautiful plant forms 

 which play such a conspicuous part in com- 

 pleting the attractions of natural scenery. 



With the exception of a few of the illustra- 

 tions, the photographs for the plates have been 

 produced by an entirely original process by 

 Wilbur Eastman and the author. 



Gray's nomenclature has been used as being 

 the one most popular, but Britton and Brown's 

 has been included in parentheses when it 

 differs. 



While the author has had access to modern 

 fern literature, the book is not a mere compila- 

 tion, but comprises the results of years of per- 

 sonal observation and study of the distinguish- 

 ing characteristics of the species. 



