Select ferns and lycopods: British and exotic : comprising descriptions of nine hundred and fifty choice species and varieties, accompanied by directions for their management in the tropical, temperate, and hardy fernery

Front matter

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SELECT FERNS AND LYCOPODS.

Preface To Second Edition

The rapid circulation of the former large issue of this work, fully proves that it has met the wants of Amateurs, and the continued demand necessitates the publication of a Second Edition, in this my readers will find added such of the newly introduced species and varieties of these charming plants that have proved to be worthy a place in every choice collection.

Moreover, the text has been revised, and such corrections and additions have been made which a further acquaintance with the subject and the requirements of my readers have suggested : some few more illustrations have also been added, and we earnestly trust the present Edition may be as favourably received by Amateur Fern Growers as the preceding.

B. S. WILLIAMS.

Victoria and Paradise Nursery, Upper Holloway, London, N.

May, 1873.

preface to first edition.

Since the publication of my “ Hints on the Cultivation of Ferns/’ the taste tor these plants has been rapidly acquired, not only by those of high estate, who possess ample means and space tor maintaining an extensive collection, but also by those having no other accommodation than a Fern Case, or a small space in the open air. Most important additions have also been made to the number ot kinds in cultivation, both by importations from foreign countries, and by the discovery of extraordinary and beautiful variations amongst our native species. These circumstances, together with the vast increase of cultivators of this family, has rendered my former work obsolete as a book of reference, and the present volume is the result of an attempt to supply its place.

The earliest mention of Ferns with which I am acquainted is that by the immortal Shakespeare, our nations pride, but we have no means of ascertaining if our indigenous species were known to him in detail, though it is evident he was quite aware of the minuteness of the spores, and of the manner in which they were distributed, for in Henry IV., Gadshill exclaims, when being advised to take heed lest he should be caught, “ W e have the receipt of Fern seed, we walk invisible.” This would almost lead us to infer that Ferns and their peculiarities

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