PREFACE. 
The study of Ferns has now become such a 
favourite subject, (especially amongst the Ladies,) that 
I think a short guide, to the best localities of those 
growing in this District, may not be unacceptable to 
the Inhabitants and frequenters of this beautiful 
neighbourhood. I shall mention the best places for a 
collector to visit, who is in search of these interesting 
plants, with a few remarks upon their adaptability for 
rock-work or pot culture, and leave to abler pens than 
mine, the task of describing their specific characters, 
which information may be readily acquired in the many 
books written upon the subject by Mr. Moore. 
With the guide to the Ferns, is also one to 
several of the rarer Plants, kindly furnished me by a 
friend, who thoroughly understands them. If this 
imperfect sketch, shall cause others to search, and dis¬ 
cover new species or varieties, I shall be more than 
rewarded for any trouble I have taken. 
In conclusion, let me beg that those who may 
collect, will shew a little mercy, and not take more 
than they actually require, as too often the localities of 
rare plants, are entirely destroyed by over eagerness to 
possess all that are seen growing. 
Bull Ring, Ludlow, 1870. 
