PREFACE. 
SSS 
In the Preface to the folio edition of this work, it was remarked 
that “everyone who has attempted to ascertain the name of a plant 
by comparing it with mere descriptions, is aware of the difficulty 
m 3 of effecting the object, unless he is more familiar with the tech- : 
Pa 4 nical language of science than those commonly are who, although 
admirers of delicate texture, beautiful colour, or graceful form, do 
可 not profess to be skilful Botanists. Even with the aid of drawings, 
- investigation often leads to no satisfactory result, in consequence. of 
" the inability of art to represent faithfully the minute peculiarities 
" by which natural objects are often best distinguished. If this is 
so with plants in general, it is most especially true of Ferns, the 
complicated forms and tender organisation of which baffle the 
most skilful and patient artist, who can only give at the best an 
imperfect sketch of what he supposes to be their more important 
features. And herein lies the great defect of all pictorial represen- 
tations. The draughtsman can do no more than delineate a part 
- of what he sees; and whether he sees correctly what he delineates 
will at all times be a matter of doubt, especially where, as in 
- natural history, minute accuracy is indispensable. But if minute 
accuracy is of more vital importance in one than another race of 
De " d plants, it is most especially so among Ferns, in the distinctions of 
> which the form of indentations, general outline, the exact manner 


