THE FERX BULLETIN 



27 



to mind the early works of botany and the impression 

 is deepened by a peep into the pages of the book where 

 the typography and treatment of the subject is, whether 

 intentional or not very similar to the usages in the old 

 herbals. The author is no trader in plant names but 

 goes back to the beginning for his names. In conse- 

 quence we have Poly podium Virginianum for our well 

 known polypody and Phegopteris connect His for the 

 long beech fern, which, by the way is spelled beach 

 fern in the book. Athyrium pyenocarpon is another 

 new name given to the narrow-leaved spleenwort. 

 The ferns, fern allies and conifers found in Maryland 

 and Virginia are the species included in the book. 

 Each of these is described in technical language and 

 its full synonomy given including references to all re- 

 cent works. Especial attention is given to the origin 

 of generic names, and there is a good key to the 

 genera. These matters take up 96 pages after which 

 come 12 photographs of the specimens discussed. 

 While little if anything is added to our knowledge of 

 plants, the unique form of the book and the learning 

 displayed in tracing the old names will make the book 

 of interest to botanists. 



For fifteen years or more, one of our members, Mrs. 

 M. A. Xoble. of Iverness. Fla.. has been building up a 

 collection of ferns for Rollins College, at Winter Park, 

 Fla. Recently this was destroyed by fire. Not dis- 

 couraged by this ill luck Mrs. Noble has gone to work 

 to build up a new herbarium. Her request for ferns in 

 exchange appears elsewhere. Members have here a 

 chance to show their interest in a worthy undertaking. 



