REVIEWS. 
15 
We must dispose of the genus Cemiostoma in six lines. Six species only 
are as yet known, half being indigenous to Britain, and contained in this 
volume. The genus is recognisable by the smooth head and face and the 
absence of palpi, one species, C. scitalla, having a few erect scales at the 
back of the head. In other respects they exhibit no very remarkable 
peculiarities, but their colours are beautiful, and the designs on the wings 
very neat. We esteem and admire them highly, but at present it must 
be in silence. And now, once more, rejoicing in this volume, in eager anti¬ 
cipation of those to follow, we say, Blessed are they who have much 
patience, for they shall be richly rewarded. 
The Fern Allies ; a Supplement to The Ferns of Great Britain. Illus¬ 
trated by John E. Sowerby, Proprietor of Sowerby’s English Botany. 
The Descriptions, Synonyms, &c., by Charles Johnson, Botanical Lec¬ 
turer at Guy’s Hospital. Published by the Proprietor, 3, Mead Place, 
Lambeth. 8vo., Parts 1 & 2. Five Plates each. Full coloured, 3s.; 
half coloured, Is. 6d. 
We do not like, as a general rule, introducing to our readers’ notice works 
which, however attractive, are published in a periodical form, and should 
much prefer waiting until the author’s labours had been brought to a close, 
and then give him our opinion as to their result. The first few parts might 
be 4 too good a specimen of the work as a whole; or the plates in the last 
few numbers might not be so carefully coloured ; or the work might never 
be completed. But in introducing the above supplement to the British 
Ferns to our readers, we do so under the impression that the name of 
Sowerby is quite a sufficient guarantee against any such contingencies; 
and though we now merely draw their attention to this very beautiful 
work, purposing to return to it when complete, yet we feel confident that 
every part that is issued from the press will sustain the character for accu-. 
racy and beauty that attaches itself to the name of Sowerby. We give the 
Prospectus in full: 
44 The success that has attended the ‘ Ferns of Great Britain,’ added to the 
expressed wishes of many of the subscribers to that work, has induced the proprietor 
to issue the present supplement, containing figures and descriptions of the so-called 
* Fern Allies.’ In thus doing, he trusts to deserve a continuance of the high 
opinion and support already accorded to the 4 Ferns.’ 
44 Though greatly differing in habit, the present plants are no less worthy of our 
admiration as natural objects; while the majority of them, especially the Equise- 
turns and Lycopodiums, are ornamental, and amenable to cultivation under cor¬ 
responding circumstances. 
44 The figures will be executed with equal care and accuracy, and the descrip¬ 
tions will include details of whatever of interest may attach to their individual 
history, as well as to their successful cultivation. 
44 The work will be completed in about six parts.’’ 
