4 BRITISH FERNS 
be ungrateful to the tribe if we failed to remember that in point of 
fact the greatness of our Empire is largely based upon the post- 
humous wealth bequeathed to us by its ancient ancestors in the shape 
of our coal deposits. Finally, it may be as well to mention that a 
comparison of our lists with those published in the Native Ferns 
of Mr. E. J. Lowe will show many omissions. This, however, is 
due to the fact that many of the forms described and figured are 
now regarded as mere sub-varieties, or forms too irregular and 
defective to be worthy of cultivation. All such have been omitted 
to make room for a very large number of additions selected on 
far stricter lines, so that this work may be fairly considered as 
representing all the best known forms extant. Cultural remarks 
are made where needed in connection with the various species, 
and a chapter has been devoted to culture, treatment, and pro- 
pagation for the more general guidance of our readers. 
How far the beautiful varieties we treat of are worthy of places 
of honour in cool conservatories may be judged by our illustration 
(Fig. т) of a collection by the writer, the whole of which, with the 
single exception of a Woodwardia radicans in the background, are 
of British origin. 

