the specimens on these with gummed strips, and then group them, placing
those of the same genus together. Such an extemporized herbarium, though
crude, will serve for a beginning, while stimulating his interest, and
advancing his knowledge of the ferns. Let him collect, press, and mount
as many varieties as possible, giving the name with date and place of
collecting, etc. Such a first attempt may be kept as a reminder of pleasant
hours spent in learning the rudiments of a delightful study.

We cannot insist too strongly upon the necessity of handling and studying
the living plant. Every student needs to observe for himself the haunts,
habits, and structure of real ferns. We would say to the young student,
while familiarizing yourself with the English names of the ferns, do not
neglect the scientific names, which often hold the key to their meaning.
Repeat over and over the name of each genus in soliloquy and in
conversation until your mind instantly associates each fern with its family
name--"_Adiantum_," "_Polystichum_," "_Asplenium_," and all the rest. Fix
them in the memory for a permanent asset. With hard study and growing
knowledge will come growing attachment. How our great expert, Mr.
Davenport, loved the ferns! He would handle them with gentle touch, fondly
stroke their leaves, and devoutly study their structure, as if inspired by
the All-wise Interpreter.

"Move along these shades
In gentleness of heart: with gentle hand
Touch--for there is a spirit in the woods."




KEY TO THE GENERA