8 FERNS OF KENTUCKY. 
Ferns are numerous everywhere in Kentucky. It is a 
well-known fact that every wild flower has its special habi- 
tat. Some are found on the highest knobs, some in the 
valleys, and others along the banks of streams. Calcare- 
ous cliffs are preferred by some species, while others grow 
more luxuriantly where sandstone is the prevailing forma- 
tion. Ferns have a similar distribution. There are a few, 
however, which are widely diffused, and seem to be con- 
tent with any situation. The Maiden-hair Fern (Adiantum 
pedatum) is one of the commonest as well as the loveliest 
of the fern tribe. What could be more charming, on a 
summer morning, than the sight of a patch of the Maiden- 
hair Fern with its stems of polished jet, and its delicate 
foliage sparkling with dew-drops? 
The geographical position of Kentucky, as well as its 
peculiar topography, traversed by sub-mountainous chains, 
serves to make it a splendid field for the fern-collector. 
About forty species are described as indigenous to the 
State. It is possible that if a careful search were made a 
few others could be added to the list. The region along 
the Rockcastle River and its tributaries furnishes a great 
number of species, especially the rarer forms peculiar to 
certain geological formations. The Asplenium Bradleyi 
and Trichomanes radicans are both exceedingly rare, and 
are indigenous to Kentucky. They are not reported as 
found elsewhere in the United States, except in Alabama 
and Tennessee; but I have no doubt that they will be dis- 
covered in other localities. The vast region embracing 
the Appalachian chain of mountains, with its numerous 
spurs and deeply-shaded defiles, is peculiarly the home of 
ferns preferring shade and moisture. We are happy to be 
able to include among the Kentucky ferns the beautiful 
Climbing Fern (Zygodium palmatum), found in Laurel and 
