—42— 



the first reading of the articles threw me completely off the track, 

 until the reference to habitats and other pointers enabled me to 

 recognize what ferns were alluded to. 



May I therefore suggest for the serious consideration of the 

 Fern Chapter the adoption either of Xephrodium or Lastrea, and 

 the recognition of the difference between them as buckler ferns 

 and the Polystichums as shield ferns, coupled with the dropping 

 altogether of the new introduction, Dryopteris?" I say new 

 introduction advisedly, because whatever the reason may be of 

 its adoption, whether priority or patriotism, it is quite certain to 

 appear as new in its application to the great majority of fern 

 student, scientific or amateur, 

 ii Shaa Road, Acton, London, W. 



[It must be admitted that Mr. Druery voices the sentiments 

 of many students on this side m reference to Dryopteris Those 

 who have adopted the name have done so in the hope that this 

 last was to be the final change, but present indications are that it 

 is as unsatisfactory to a large number as any of the others. As 

 to " shield fern," " buckler fern," etc , it seems principally a case 

 of different words to express the same idea. — Ed.] 



OUR MISCELLANY. 



I was pleased last Autumn, when transplanting some native 

 ferns, to find elaborate preparation for the first genial days of 

 Spring. Osmiinda Claytoniana proved particularly well de- 

 veloped, its tiny fronds presenting as complete a study in circina- 

 tion as could be desired, while the mission of the furry cloak in 

 which they were enveloped was at once apparent. — Bessie L. 

 Putnam. 



Mr. Gilbert's description of the abnormality in Dryopteris 

 Goldieana so strongly recalls to my mind some insect's damages, 

 that I would suggest a re examination. The truncate pinna? with 

 an occasional enlarged terminal one, and especially the "little 

 rosettes of pinnules," are all characteristic of a damage originating 

 in the circinate unrolled tips of fronds and subsequently develop- 

 ing as described, while the scales in such cases look peculiarly 

 like bulbilloid ones. I am sure Mr. Gilbert will pardon the doubt 

 his description engenders in my mind. Lastrea Montana here 

 frequently presents this appearance, imitating L. Montana 

 truncata to a nicety, though the wound is always visible under a 

 lens as a brown speck. — Chas. T. Druery. 



