PREFACE. 
XV 
In drawing up this treatise I have been greatly 
assisted by Mr. Henry Prestoe and Mr. William Gower 
(both recently foremen in the Fern department at 
Kew), two highly scientific and nature-observing 
practical cultivators. 
In conclusion, I have to thank Dr. Berthold Seemann 
and R. Heward, Esq., for looking over the proofs as 
they passed through the press. Several causes have 
occurred to delay the publication of this work; the 
principal one being a partial failure of my sight, 
incapacitating me from much use of the pen and 
examination of new garden Ferns, which I trust will 
be accepted as my excuse for any errors or omissions 
that may be found in the following pages. 
J. SMITH, 
Ex -Curator, Royal Botanic Gardens, 
Km. 
Kew, May, 1»66. 
