PREFACE 



Among tlie numerous works on Perns that liave Mtlierto 

 appeared, there is none giving the great geographical 

 divisions where every known species of that beautiful 

 order has been recognised. This catalogue has ac- 

 cordingly been drawn up, with the hope that it may 

 prove useful to those visiting various countries, as well 

 as affording at a glance some idea of the genera of 

 Ferns which prevail in certain areas. My text-book 

 has been the ' Synopsis Filicum,' Sir WiUiam Hooker's 

 latest work, completed by Mr. Baker ; and constant 

 reference has been given to the more detailed localities 

 in Hooker's 'Species Filicum,' as well as to various 

 other works noted below. 



I am under great obligation to Dr. Hooker, the 

 Director of the Eoyal Gardens, Kew, and to Sir 

 Charles Bimbury, for much kind assistance ; also to 

 Mr. M. P. Edgeworth, and Mr. J. H. Eedfield of Phila- 

 delphia, the last of whom has furnished me with a 

 valuable series of maps of North America, coloured by 

 himself to illustrate all the localities of Perns through- 

 out that continent. 



