ian OF KENTUCKY. 

INTRODUCTION. 
O the student of Nature the order of Filices, or Ferns, 
is exceedingly interesting. On account of their grace- 
ful forms and curious organs of reproduction, they occupy 
a unique place among the families of the vegetable king- 
dom. ‘Their wide distribution renders them general favor- 
ites. It is only within a few years, however, that the study 
of ferns has become popular; but, to the botanist they 
have always been objects of rare interest. It is difficult 
to imagine why they should be considered more attractive 
than flowering plants, unless it be on account of the great 
profusion of their bright and delicately-tinted green fronds, 
the gracefulness of their foliage, and their happy adapta- 
tion, when dried, to the purposes of winter decoration. 
Who would think now of going to the country to spenda 
few days, or even one day, without first inquiring whether 
ferns are to be found in the locality? If the answer is in 
the affirmative, the party is soon formed. All the appli- 
ances for collecting and preserving the specimens are pro- 
cured; and, on arriving at the journey’s end, what a bustle 
there is to get down to the ravine, under the dripping 
rocks, where grow the delicate and almost transparent 
Trichomanes and feathery Lady Fern! 
(7) 
