—2 9 — 



doubt the statement that the study of botany strengthens the 

 power to observe. 



v 



If we were not sorry for these well-intentioned but misguided 

 people without the pale, and desirous of contributing to their 

 future well being, we would not waste the time to make this long 

 and circumstantial explanation,, but now that we have made it, 

 we do not expect any great increase in the subscription list, for 

 we feel sure we have nearly all the American fern students on the 

 books as it is. 



V 



In fact, this is not an appeal for subscriptions — it isn't an 

 appeal for anything. We are in much the position of the old 

 gentleman, who in the midst of a lively discussion exclaimed. 

 "I'm not arguing with ye, I'm jest a telling ye." We are just a 

 telling the writing public that if they wish to reach the fern stu- 

 dent they can do it best through The Fern Bulletin. An article 

 on ferns published in a magazine devoted to general botany will 

 be seen by from 300 to 800 people, but these people are not fern 

 students. It is true that the pressure on our columns is often so 

 great that good articles have to be held over and poor ones de- 

 clined, yet the advantage of reaching all the students of ferns 

 makes publication in its columns worth striving for. A new fact 

 about a common fern is as welcome at this office as the descrip- 

 tion of a new species. Novice, amateur and professional have an 

 equal chance to present the results of their work and are cordially 

 invited to do so. 



BOOK NEWS. 



Among recently issued volumes in the "'Hand Books of 

 Practical Gardening" series, is found "The Book of the Honey 

 Bee,"* written by a British writer from the British view-point. 

 This is a very complete treatise not only on rearing and caring 

 for bees, but on making hives, marketing honey, making mead, 

 sources of honey, and allied subjects. Gardening and bee- 



*The Book of the Honey Bee. By C. Harrison. New York. John 

 Lane. 1903- 12 mo. 130 pp. $1.00 net. 



