FERNS OF THE AXE AND ITS TRIBUTARIES; ALSO OF LYME, CHARMOUTH, UPLYME, AND MONKTON WYLD, WITH AN ACCOUNT OF THE FLOWER LOBELIA URENS, FOUND WILD NEAR AXMINSTER, AND NOWHERE ELSE IN GREAT BRITAIN. BY THE REV. Z. I. EDWARDS, M. A., RECTOR OF COMBPYNE, AND LATE FELLOW OF WADHAM COLLEGE, OXFORD. ILLUSTRATED. LONDON: HAMILTON, ADAMS, AND CO., 33, PATERNOSTER ROW. 1862. 100.6.-54. 191. c. 183 PREFACE. The intention of this little work, is not to supply the public with any new information on the subject of Ferns, but rather to present in an intelligible and interesting form, what has been gathered from personal observation, and other sources, respecting these beautiful plants of the neighbourhood. Some may recognise a portion of what is written as having already appeared in a local newspaper. An endeavour is now made to express the matter more fully. The most simple language is used, with a view that not merely the scientific, but those who are in any way observant, may easily discover and admire some of nature's productions on our walls, woods, and hedge-banks. To make it locally interesting, the places are named where the rarer Ferns are found. Not every spot is mentioned, neither is it attempted to describe all the varieties. Sufficient, it is hoped, is said, to give an impetus for making fresh discoveries. The author cannot refrain from giving his best thanks to the many kind friends who have helped him in procuring illustrations and specimens, and in various other ways; wherever he has visited, he has met with a kindly feeling and a friendly reception; whether strangers or acquaintances, rich or poor, all have endeavoured to facilitate his labours, and he sincerely hopes that they will be amused, if not instructed, by the volume now presented to their notice. |
