at from forty to fifty, according as some of the more doubtful
forms are ranked as species or varieties. In a botanical
point of view the lowest estimate is probably the most correct,
as the experience we have of some of the so-called
species leads to the notion that they are insensibly united
by intermediate forms. As, however, affecting their cultivation,
or when the Ferns are taken up as a “ fancy,” the
higher number is too low ; for we hold that in all such
cases, if one plant is palpably different from another, it
forms a legitimate object for culture or for study as a distinct
object, though the differences may be of such a character
as would lead the rigid botanist to brand it as not
“ specifically distinct.”
There is a good deal of pedantry abroad on this question
of the limits of the species of plants, with which, happily,
in this popular sketch of the British Ferns, we shall have
no occasion to intermeddle.
The literature of the British Ferns is tolerably extensive,
viewed in connection with the comparative numerical insignificance
of the plants themselves,— a mere fraction of the
three thousand species of Ferns which are known to botanists,
and a mere fraction, also, of our indigenous vegetation.
Passing by the ancient writers, whose works are both
for the most part inaccessible, and not of much value to
the casual student, we shall enumerate the several English
publications of the present day, which are exclusively occupied
in the description of the British Ferns and their
allies; as we hope some at least of our readers may be so
far led on by the sketch we shaU endeavour to offer in the
following pages, as to seek the further assistance to be
derived from the more varied sources indicated below. We
shall arrange them in the order of their original publication,
and mention the most recent editions:—
1. An Analysis o f the British Ferns and their allies. By
G. W. Francis, F.L.S. Fourth Edition (same as the
Third, excepting the date on the title). 8vo, pp. 88,
with 9 plates, containing reduced figures of the species
described.
2. A History o f British Ferns, and allied plants. By
Edward Newman, E.L.S., &c. Enlarged Edition of a
former work. 8vo, pp. 224, with beautiful woodcut
illustrations.
3. Florigraphia Britannica, Yol. TV.; The Ferns o f Britain
and their allies. By Eichard Deakin, M.D. 8vo,
pp. 136, with 31 plates and numerous woodcuts,
4. A Handbook o f British Ferns. By Thomas Moore,