417 
Fig. 1, 2, seemed to be Q.Pteris ; Fig. 5 could not be safely referred 
to any known species, but was most like a Dicksonia. Of Fig. 6, be 
observed, it might be an Osmunda ; but acknowledged that he knew 
nothing like it. Fig. 7, he observed, had the habit of a Polypodium. 
Of the Figures in Plate V. he was of opinion, that Fig. 2 was pro- 
bably an Adianthum ; and that Fig. 6 and Fig. 9 were species of 
Polypodium : he also conjectured that they were all foreign, and 
productions of a warm climate. 
I cannot thus pass this kind communication, without more parti- 
cularly pointing out to you, that the paucity of the information 
thus gained results, not from want of kind exertions of those powers 
of investigation, which this distinguished botanist possesses; but 
from the absolute impossibility, at present, of further removing the 
veil of mystery which time has placed over these substances. In 
confirmation of this opinion it must be mentioned to you, that 
Dr. Woodward joined to his own', the judgment of four gentlemen, 
eminent for their knowledge in botany. Dr. Plukenet, Mr. Stone- 
street, Mr. Buddie, and Mr. Doody, for the purpose of examining 
that class of his specimens, which contained the leaves of plants. 
The result of this examination appears to have been, that of 138 spe- 
cimens they were only able to point out the eleven following plants 
to which some of the specimens bore a decided resemblance. 
1. Filix mas pinnulis angustis non dentatis. 
2. Osmunda regalis. 
3. Filix foem. vulg. 
4. Filix mas vulg. 
5. Filix minor palustris. Raii, p. 48, No. 6. ^ ^ 
6. Adianthum alb. vulg. Taberm. S. Ruta Muraria, C. B. 
Synopsis, p. 48, No. 1. • j 4 
7 . Filix mas non ramosa pinnulis angustis raris profun e en 
tatis. Ger. Raii Synopsis, p. 48, No. 5. 
3 H 
VOL. I. 
