Mr. Druery on Fern Nomenclature and on the Collection of Ferns for Herbarium Purposes

Abstract

fern nomenclature. He speaks of adopted by AMERICAN FERN JOURNAL. This should be expressed the nomenclature adopted by writers in AMERICAN FERN JOURNAL, since first principle of JOURNAL has always been that contributors are always free use any nomenclature they may perfer as long as they adopt one consistently. As a matter of fact, editor is partial name Dryopteris, but managing editor and elected officers would probably all favor Aspidium, and undoubtedly votes would still be cast for Nephrodium if matter were submitted vote of Society. Mr. Druery favors Nephrodium because this name bears directly on kidney shaped indusia characteristic of most of species of this genus, but he notes Lastraea as accepted name in England. Is not this itself an illustration of practice which he makes objection, use of superfluous names to puzzlement of fernists? The use of scientific names which have direct application genus in question, however ideal it might seem, is unfortunately a counsel of perfection. If it were be followed its logical conclusion in realm of nomenclature, it would mean so wholesale a revision of existing names that changes incident adoption of modern rules based on priority would fade in insignificance. Besides his reference present difference of opinion as regards proper name for shield ferns in England, Mr. Druery affords another illuminating hint as one of principal reasons for development of