XIV 
PREFACE. 
out good reason, of the many names given to the same 
plant ; to assist in correcting this, I have drawn up a 
complete Index of the species and synonymes noticed 
in this work ; therefore, by turning to the page referred 
to in the Index, the name will be found either with a 
number before it showing it to be the adopted name, or 
following the same as a synonyme, or what it has been 
and is still called by some writers and cultivators. 
Although this Index coutains nearly three thousand 
names, yet, it must be understood, I have only taken 
up the synonymes that I consider most essential; 
those who desire to enter more fully into this subject, 
may consult the “ Index Filicum” of Mr. T. Moore — 
a work -which, when completed, will be a treasure to 
pteridologists. 
With regard to the wood-cuts, I have to explain 
that about half of the number were not specially pre- 
pared for this work ; these, in general, represent a 
portion of the fronds of their natural size, in some 
cases without fructification, the venation only being 
given. The drawings for the other half have been made 
principally from specimens in my herbarium or from 
living plants. In many of them a magnified portion 
of the frond is given, showing the character of the 
genus more distinctly. 
As a companion to the scientific enumeration, I 
have given a treatise on their cultivation, which occu- 
pies a considerable space in this book, and it is hoped 
will be of service to the Fern-growing public. 
