154 OF THE FERNS AND FLOWERING PLANTS. 



CHAPTER XV. 



OF THE FERNS AND FLOWERING PLANTS. 



I have thought it as well to unite these two classes, not 

 only on account of the external resemblance which they 

 bear to each other (as compared with the preceding 

 families), but because, speaking generally, the same methods 

 of preparation are applicable to both. As a rule, Ferns, 

 especially the commoner sorts, are far better known to the 

 botanical student, than any of the Cryptogamic orders, not 

 excepting the Algse. Their bright green colouring and the 

 graceful outline of their fronds invite the attention of the 

 passer-by ; and many a beginner glories in a collection of 

 dried Ferns, who has never troubled himself about their 

 specific or even generic differences. These depend almost 

 exclusively upon the fructification, the absence or presence 

 of an indusium, the form of the spore-case and its ring, and 

 the shape of the sorus or collected spore-cases. It would be 

 beside the object of this Handy-book to enter into this 

 subject, nevertheless the accompanying plates (xxv. and 

 xxvi.) will assist the student in discriminating some of the 

 genera more commonly met with ; the glossy Hartstongue 

 (xxv. 110), and scaly Ceterach (111), the glorious flower- 

 ing Fern (xxvi.J.12), and its humble relative the Adders- 

 tongue (113). 



For a more intimate knowledge of the structural differences 

 in this interesting family I must refer the reader to John 

 Smith's ' Ferns, British and Foreign, 7 and to the works of 

 Newman, Moore, and other well-known Pteridologists. 



If it were necessary to warn the student to secure perfect 

 examples of the more lowly organised plants — the Algas, 

 Fungi, Lichens, and Mosses — still more needful is it to 



