PREFACE. 
Yl 
I have only farther to say that I shall be obliged to any one 
who will favour me by either pointing out possible errors or 
giving me information as to new varieties or habitats. 
W. J. LINTON. 
BRA'N'TWOOI), Coniston, 
SJBPT., 1865* 
THE SECOND EDITION. 
In the absence from this country of the talented author 
of this volume, when the second edition was required, it be¬ 
came necessary to enquire for a competent editor. Mr. Barnes 
of Levens, (to whose fame as a fernist nothing can be added 
here) rendered great help to Mr. Linton in 1865, and now 
has, by the introduction of his elaborate and most valuable 
Tables of Varieties, put a finishing touch to the book which 
perhaps no other hand could have supplied. It will be 
appreciated by all concerned, and from me unbounded thanks 
are due. Not a little trouble has devolved upon collectors who 
have supplied Mr. Barnes with the results of their labours; 
and to all of them I am under great obligation. 
J. G. 
Windermere, 
13th APRIL, 1878. 
THE THIRD EDITION. 
Mr. Geo. Whitwell, of Kendal, has now made consider¬ 
able additions to the Tables of Varieties, for which I record 
my best thanks. 
J. G. 
Windermere, 
6th Feb., 1893. 
