CLASSIFICATION. 31 
A binary arrangement, by which it is proposed to 
classify ferns according to the mode in which their fronds 
are developed from the caudex, has lately been suggested 
by Mr. Smith of Kew. The facts upon which this 
arrangement is founded have been already explained 
(pp. 3 6). Those ferns whose caudex produces fronds 
laterally, that is to say from their sides, not their apex, 
form one division, which it is proposed to name Ere- 
mobrya. Those which have terminal fronds, that is 
fronds from their apex, not their sides, constitute the 
other division, which is to be named Desmobrya. The 
application of this principle has not yet been explained in 
detail. Its adoption, however, would lead to the entire 
breaking up of the groups and genera now recognised. 
As, therefore, the habit and manner of growth cannot be 
admitted to form characters of greater value than those 
derived from the parts of fructification in ferns any more 
than in flowering plants ; and moreover as the adoption 
of such a principle of classification would introduce 
another element of confusion into the already difficult 
and involved nomenclature of this race of plants, it 
seems better to regard the suggestion rather as an in- 
genious proposition than as the foundation of a system 
of classification for practical use. Such radical changes 
indeed, in the case of plants already so well classified as 
the ferns, and all other unnecessary alterations in 
the grouping or naming of genera or species, ought, 
we think, to be deprecated, as tending more to bring their 
study into disrepute than as affording any real or prac- 
tical advantages. At the same time, it must be admitted 
that the systems now in use, do here and there present diffi- 
culties and objections, but not more important ones than 
would be likely to arise in the application of any other 
system by the light of our present limited and ever- 
varying knowledge. Mr. Smith's original suggestion, 
moreover, has something very natural about it, being 
somewhat tantamount to the divisions of exogens and 
endogens among flowering plants; so that were we 
