— ii7— 



July, 1893. the first number of an exceedingly modest little 

 pamphlet was published, bearing the inscription : "The Lin- 

 naean Fern Bulletin, No. 1. Published by The Linnaean Fern 

 Chapter. Price Five Cents. Binghamton, N. Y.. 1893." This 

 contained a paper cover within which were twelve pages of print 

 including the title page. The size of the brochure was only 

 3/^x5>2 inches. In 1896 it was enlarged to 4^x6^ inches, and 

 in 1897 it was again enlarged to its present size. 



The publication of this little quarterly at once began to 

 stimulate interest in the study of ferns and to bring in new mem- 

 bers. Observation was quickened, the spirit of discovery was 

 aroused and the range of many species was greatly enlarged. 

 From Maine to Florida, to California and Washington there 

 came accessions to the ranks of the Chapter, until at the present 

 time it contains a larger number of members than the British 

 Pteridological Society, which was organized two years earlier. 



The first president of the Chapter was Mr. YVillard N. Clute, 

 who was retained in the office nearly four years. Owing to the 

 pressure of other duties, Mr. Clute resigned in July, 1896, and 

 Mrs. T. D. Dershimer. then vice-president, acted as president 

 through the remainder of that term. Mr. C. E. Waters was 

 elected president in the fall of 1896 and served during the years 

 1897 and 1898. Our third president was Mr. Alvah A. Eaton, 

 whose term expired with the close of 1899. and who declined a 

 re-election. Mr. W. R. Maxon. connected with the botanical 

 section of the Department of Agriculture at Washington, suc- 

 ceeded Mr. Eaton and served during the years 1900 and 1901. 

 And in the fall of 1901 the present writer was chosen to suc- 

 ceed Mr. Maxon. 



In the responsible position of treasurer, Mr. Reuben M. 

 Strong, of Oberlin. Ohio, served during the first year of the 

 Chapter's existence. At the second election Mr. James A. 

 Graves, of Susquehanna. Pa., was chosen treasurer and by the 

 unanimous wishes of the members he has continued to serve ever 

 since. Our secretaries have been Mrs. T. D. Dershimer, Mr. C. 

 E. Waters, Mr. A. A. Eaton, Miss Margaret Slosson and Mr. 

 H. D. House. 



