FERNY COMBES. 
CHAPTER I. 
On my very first page I must disclaim any inten¬ 
tion of attempting to supersede those scientific and 
necessary works already published on the Study of 
Perns. My object is merely to give a short ac¬ 
count of those that may he found in Devon, in such 
a manner as may render them readily recognized 
by the novice in botany, and to describe some few 
of the beauties of the beautiful districts of the 
West. 
Mr. G-osse, in his ‘ Naturalist’s Rambles on the 
Devonshire Coast,’ has called attention to many of 
its charms and wonders, both scenic and marine. 
He has done a good deed, as every one does who 
presents new objects of interest and research to 
those who, living habitually in romantic scenes, 
forget to notice them, and, surrounded by many of 
B 
