GENERAL REMARKS. 



593 



Have they any definite arrangement; and, are the fronds 

 axillary to them in any way ? 



If ramenta are leaves, Ferns become beautifully interme- 

 diate between strictly foliaceous, and the strictly frond ose 

 vegetables, two structures otherwise too much isolated unless 

 some of the apparently foliaceous forms, such as those of 

 certain Jungerrnannias, are really frondose. 



If I succeed in directing attention to the early and minute 

 study of Ferns in association with that of other Acrogens, 

 we may soon expect to become acquainted with their primary, 

 but at present hidden types of formation, of which we as 

 yet know definitely, only two. What has been done within the 

 last few years in isolated cases, is an earnest of what may be 

 expected in comprehensive cases. At present the whole class 

 may be termed without presumption a reproach to Botanists, 

 more especially as many have limited themselves to its parti- 

 cular study. A few years ago, and the essential parts of the 

 sexual organs of the more perfect vegetables, in all their 

 stages of development, were sealed books. 



No body noticed them, or if they did do so, noticed them 

 only in their perfect and most tangible form. Similar studies, 

 prosecuted similarly to those that have now placed our know- 

 ledge of corresponding points in Phaenogams, in so forward 

 a position, will I am sure be attended with the desired effect 

 in these divisions. 



It appears to me that hitherto the only properly conducted 

 investigations into these vegetables, are those of Mosses by 

 Mr. Valentine, and of Merchantia by Mirbel— both of these 

 are however in a certain degree isolated. 



Affganisthan Filices. — The number contained in the col- 

 lection is 17. 



But of this number, no less than 12, are from Otipore and 

 the forests of Bharowul, and are to be considered as belong- 



4 b 



