| ) NCOURAGED by the kind wishes of friends, as well as
the opinions of less partial advisers, I have ventured to
publish my Album of Indian Ferns. In doing so I have simply
given them their names, believing that any attempt at fuller de¬
scription would not add to their value in the eyes of those merely
seeking some idea of their natural beauty on their native hills:
while it would be unneeded by those already specially interested in
the Fern Family, and who will regard them only as renewing or
augmenting their acquaintance with it. I would gladly think that .
some who may glance at the results of my careful study, whether
botanists or not, may experience some of the pleasure I enjoyed
while pursuing it in my mountain abode on the Shevaroys.