154 
OF THE FERNS AND FLOWERING PLANTS, 
CHAPTER XV. 
OF THE FERNS AND FLOWERING PLANTS. 
I have thought it as well to unite these two classes, not 
only on account of the external resemblance which they 
bear to each other (as compared with the preceding- 
families), but because, speaking generally, the same method, 
of preparation are applicable to both. As a rule, Ferns, 
especially the commoner sorts, are far better known to the 
botanical student, than any of the Cryptogamic orders, not 
excepting the Algae. Their bright green colouring and the 
graceful outline of their fronds invite the attention of the 
passer-by ; and many a beginner glories in a collection of 
dried Ferns, who has never troubled himself about their 
specific or even generic differences. These depend almost 
exclusively upon the fructification, the absence or presence 
of an indusium, the form of the spore-case and its ring, and 
the shape of the sorus or collected spore-cases. It would be 
beside the object of this Handy -book to enter into this 
subject, nevertheless the accompanying plates (xxv. and 
xxvi.) will assist the student in discriminating some of the 
genera more commonly met with ; the glossy Hartstongue 
(xxv. 110), and scaly Ceterach (111), the glorious flower- 
ing Fern (xxvi. 112), and its humble relative theAdders- 
tongue (113). 
For a more intimate knowledge of the structural differences 
in this interesting family I must refer the reader to John 
Smith’s ‘ Ferns, British and Foreign,’ and to the works of 
Newman, Moore, and other well-known Pteridologists. 
If it were necessary to warn the student to secure perfect 
examples of the more lowly organised plants — the Algae, 
Fungi, Lichens, and Mosses — still more needful is it to 
