An analysis of the British ferns and their allies / [George William Francis].

  • George William Francis
Date:
1850
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: An analysis of the British ferns and their allies / [George William Francis]. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    source which was attainable by me; a vast number will be found which have not been recorded before, and those few which are con- tained in previous publications have most of them been lately authenticated. Information of this varied and local kind cannot, of course, be expected from any one’s unassisted labours. I have therefore had recourse in the latter part to the assistance of friends, and I cannot speak too highly of the kindness and warmth with which my advances have been received, and without which indeed very much interesting matter must of necessity have been omitted. I hope that I have acknowledged in every instance the remarks thus received. My obligations are particularly due to H. C. Watson, Esq., who lent me the numerous lists, and manuscript localities, the results of his own observations, or communicated by botanical correspondents whilst he was preparing the ‘New Botanist’s Guide;’ also for the valuable remarks of Mr. W. Wilson, Mr. W. Leighton, Dr. Murray, Rev. W. Bree, Mr. W. Pamplin, Mr. Bevis, and Mr. Castle. And now, kind reader, I leave the work in your hands, concluding with the words of Linnaeus to Haller: “ If you have remarked errors in me, your superior wisdom must pardon them. Who errs not while perambulating the domains of Nature ? Who can observe everything with accuracy ? Correct me as a friend, and I as a friend will requite the kindness.” March 1, 1837. The above remarks formed the preface to the First Edition. The alterations introduced into the present are such as my own further study of this tribe, or the remarks of various kind friends have sug- gested. The plates have been all re-engraved, and of a larger size, consequently they are more numerous ; and the plants, which it was almost impossible to express in the former very minute sketches, are more clearly defined. The general character of the plates are, how- ever, similar ; those of both editions having been drawn from, almost in every instance, the very same specimens. The woodcuts, now for the first time introduced, will, it is believed, be found useful.
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