2 
HISTORY OF BRITISH FERNS. 
3. They are plants for the most part very easily culti¬ 
vated ; and they are, of all others, perhaps, the best 
adapted to parlour or window culture. Hence, besides the 
interest that may arise in the collection and preservation 
of them in the herbarium, and in the study of them in 
the dried state, there is to be added the pleasure to 
be derived from their cultivation, and the opportunities 
thereby afforded of studying and admiring them in the 
living state. 
Those who desire a thorough knowledge of the species 
of Ferns, should certainly, if possible, adopt the method 
of study just indicated, as it reveals many curious and 
interesting features which are not to be learned from the 
investigations — though patiently and assiduously pro¬ 
secuted—which are aided only by dried portions of the 
plants. 
All the essential points necessary for the recognition of 
the species, may, nevertheless, be availably present in 
well-selected herbarium specimens ; so that those who have 
not convenience for cultivating them, may yet store up in 
their cabinets ample materials for their amusement and 
instruction in detached and leisure hours. 
There is something peculiarly fascinating in the graceful 
