New Zealand Ferns 
13 
viduals for so distinguished an honour a cosmopolitan 
taste has been shown. Two were Scotchmen, two Ger- 
mans, one Italian, and one Englishman — Mr. Doody, a 
London apothecary. 
I understand that some of the names will be altered 
in the forthcoming revised edition of Mr. Cheese- 
man’s Manual. But as it may be two or three years 
before this is out, I think it wiser not to attempt any 
alterations. This changing of names is a source of 
irritation to the public, who would prefer something 
fixed and immutable. They are only concerned in 
a designation by which they may know the fern; 
advertising the name of the finder does not interest 
the general public. 
ARRANGEMENT OF THE BOOK 
As a photographic picture of the plant itself will give 
a more accurate representation than the most laboured 
description, and in a fraction of the time, I have ob- 
tained an illustration of practically each known species 
and variety of fern in New Zealand, and have confined 
the description to those points beyond the power of a 
photograph to portray. First of all the characteristic 
feature of the plant is set down, so that the reader may 
at once grasp the clue. Then comes a short description 
of the size, colour, habitat, etc., generally taken from 
Mr. T. F. Cheeseman’s Manual, which, for clearness 
of expression, terseness, and accuracy, leaves nothing 
to be desired. (Of course, Mr. Cheeseman is in no way 
responsible for my translation of botanical terms, or for 
additions and omissions). Then come observations on 
the growth, and other particulars that may interest the 
reader. The size of the picture from which the photo- 
graph was taken is noted at the top of each illustration. 
I have followed the order and classification of Mr. 
Cheeseman’s Manual, entering as authentic only the 
species and varieties therein contained. In the illustra- 
tions I have endeavoured to follow his example by keep- 
