INTRODUCTION. 
^ J^HESE pages, it has already been intimated, 
are not intended for scientific readers. Our 
object is to create a universal love for the beautiful 
ferns ; and as yet only such general descriptions 
of ferns and ferny scenery have been given as 
might suffice for the purpose which we have 
set before us. But to give to the little volume 
a utility beyond what it would possess by a too 
strict adherence to mere generalization, some de- 
scriptions will be now given of each species of 
such of the exquisite and graceful fern family 
as have chosen to make these islands their 
home. 
Too much, however, will not, with this object, 
be attempted. The little book is not intended 
to compete with botanical treatises. It makes 
