INTHODUCTION. 
5 
The literature of the British Ferns is tolerably exten- 
sive, viewed in connection with the comparative numerical 
insignificance of the plants themselves, — a mere fraction 
of the three thousand or more species of Perns which are 
known to botanists, and a mere fraction, also, of our 
indigenous vegetation. 
Passing by the ancient writers, whose works are both, 
for the most part, inaccessible, and not of much value to 
the casual student, we shall enumerate the several English 
publications of the present day which are exclusively 
occupied in the description of the British Ferns and their 
allies ; for we hope that some at least of our readers may 
be so far led on by the sketch we shall endeavour to oifer 
in the following pages, as to seek the further assistance to 
be derived from the more varied sources thus indicated. We 
shall arrange them in the order of their original publication, 
and mention the most recent editions : — 
1. An Analysis of the British Ferns and their allies. By 
G. W. Francis, F.L.S. Fifth Edition, revised by Pro- 
fessor Henfrey. 1855. 8vo, pp. 92, with 10 plates. — 
Containing reduced figures of the species, which are 
briefly described. 
