INTRODUCTORY REMARKS. 
A. Stansfield & Son in submitting to their many patrons and friends their 
Fern Catalogue No. 8, beg to remark that the present edition has been 
thoroughly revised, the nomenclature corrected, all uncertain, inconstant, or 
inferior varieties struck out, and only those of real merit retained. 
The large stock they hold has enabled them to reduce the price of many rare 
varieties more than fifty per cent. 
In this edition the British section has been enriched by the addition of nearly 
one hundred new or extremely rare varieties : these, in many instances, are offered 
for the first time, and are all deserving of cultivation, even in the most limited 
collections. 
About an equal number of species and varieties have been added to the Stove, 
Greenhouse, and Hardy Exotic Ferns. These have been selected with much care, 
and cannot fail to meet with the approval of customers. 
A. S. & Son think it as well to state that, though the extent of their stock 
enables them, in some instances, to offer plants by the dozen or hundred, yet in 
others, it is so limited that early applicants can alone secure good examples. 
It is unnecessary here to enlarge on the advantages of the study and cultiva- 
tion of Ferns. It may be considered, however, as one of the highest and purest of 
pleasures; and, whether we are in winter enjoying the genial warmth of the stove, 
so necessary for the cultivation of some of the more tender of the Exotic species — 
or enjoying the delicious coolness and shade of an atmosphere adapted to our 
British and Hardy Exotic ones in summer, the feeling is alike delightful and 
pleasurable, and is only to be realized by actual experience. 
Among the Fern allies the beautiful genus Selaginella has now obtained a 
deservedly high estimation, as well as a tolerably extensive cultivation. It is well 
known, however, that the utmost confusion prevails so far as regards the nomen- 
clature. By taking advantage of the careful investigations of such men as Dr. 
W. R. McNab, of Edinburgh, Mr. J. G. Baker, of Kew, and especially of Professor 
A. Braun — who, in his “ Revisio Selaginellarum Hortensium,” has done much to 
elucidate this hitherto perplexing genus — A. S. & Son are enabled to submit to 
their customers a list which, they trust, is as complete and correct as any previously 
published. They have also made such a modification in the prices as cannot fail 
to extend still more the cultivation of these really charming plants. 
The cultural notes in this catalogue are reprinted in almost their original 
entirety: they were compiled with much thought and care in the first instance, 
and are therefore capable of little improvement. Those cultivators whose ex- 
perience is limited will be greatly benefitted by their perusal. 
As regards descriptions, much has not been attempted. The number of 
species and varieties is now so considerable, that to describe them individually 
would require space far beyond the limits of a catalogue. 
The subscribers tender their best thanks to those persons who have already 
honoured them with their commands, and they hope to merit a continuance of that 
patronage which has hitherto been so liberally bestowed. 
A. STANSFIELD SON. 
Tod/morden, 1869. 
