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yet lacking among students of the mosses and that is an organiza- 

 tion for mutual help, similar in scope to the Fern Chapter. Here 

 is a chance for some energetic Bryologist to bring all these inter- 

 ests together into one strong society that will help the individual 

 more than he can help himself. This journal will gladly do all it 

 can to assist such a movement. 



# 



Although the Fern Chapter has a page of its own, some men- 

 tion of this active society, just finishing its fifth year of work, may be 

 made here. In 1893 there were four persons who suggested a soci- 

 ety for giving particular attention to the study of ferns. Before this 

 had been organized the number of persons interested had increased 

 to a dozen, and from that time to the present the Chapter has 

 steadily increased in strength and influence. It has nearly reached, 

 if not passed, the hundred mark in membership and the increase 

 continues. The society has been of immense benefit to beginners 

 in giving helps over hard places, and to older students in placing 

 them in communication with others, leading to an exchange of 

 specimens, the interchange of thought and the formation of last- 

 ing friendships. What was begun tentatively has proven by flour- 

 ishing vigorously that there is a broad field for it in the realms of 

 science. 



# * 

 * 



The time at which the American Association for the Advance- 

 ment of Science meets in Boston next summer, has been fixed 

 upon as the date for a meeting of fern lovers. There are upwards 

 of a hundred persons interested in ferns in that city and the knowl- 

 edge that we are to have a meeting there, will, it is expected, 

 bring as many more. Several instructive and valuable papers 

 will be presented and other topics tor discussion announced. Mr. 

 George E. Davenport assures us that the Bostonians will take 

 pleasure in welcoming students from other sections and an enjoy- 

 able time is anticipated. Committees and program will be pub 

 lished in our April issue. 



* # • • ., 

 * 



The thanks of the Editor are due to some unknown friend 

 in England for copies of the British Pteridological Society's re- 

 ports for the years 1894-7. This society was founded in 1891 and 

 has a membership of about fifty. One meeting is held each year 

 for the discussion of matters pertaining to ferns and the reading of 

 papers upon various subjects of interest to fern students. The 

 titles of some of the papers that have thus far been presented are: 



