f f Pa THE BRITISH PRERIDOLOGICAL SOCIETY NEWSLETTER NO 1 NOVEMBER 1963 In the past the Gazette has been used to keep members informed about the various activities of the Society, but as it is issued only once a year and its space is-valuable, we have decided to make more use of Newsletters in future, and to nunber then. Several members have written expressing their: approval of the recent issue of the Gazette (Volume 9 part 4), and we are glad to know that it has given satisfaction to both botanist and horticulturalist. ‘his has only been achieved because our “ditor has been provided with ample suitable material, and so long as this continues to come forward from members, the standard can be maintained. ‘the removal of all matter more suited for inclusion in the Newsletters will make more space available for articles of interest, and we invite our pspena writers to make sure of their share. Secretary's Report: ‘the year 1962/63 hes been another one of expansion and progress. Our membership increased by over 20, and we now have more than 150 members. ‘he Society is much more alive and active, with an interesting annual programme of meetings, both out- door and indoor, catering for the needs of an increasing number of our members. With increasing membership income increases, but costs also rise and we are unable to do all we would like to. If we can get the membership up to and over 200, however, there should be sufficient margin of income to give us some freedom from financial worry, and we ask everyone to keep this in mind and, whenever possible, recruit new members. it is suggested that local public libraries can be approached, inviting them to consider subscribing to the british s‘erm Gazette which will thus be brought before a larger public and possible new members. University members can also help by making a similar approach to their University Libraries. Financial Statements: “ the “tatement for 1961/62 was not included in e Gazette, it is appended to this Newsletter followed by the akan. tii tab Additions to Membership List: Miss Anne Ashberry, Chessins, Chignal-Smealey, Chelmsford, Essex. P J Ellison, 7 Tudor Walk, Watford, Herts Miss N Creina Glegg, Chessins, Chitenel adnaley. Chelmsford, Essex. Mrs M B May, 58 Bouverie Avenue, Salisbury, Wilts. P J M Nethercott, 44 Upper Cranbrook oad, wedland, Bristol 6. R C Olby, School: of Botany, South Parks Road, Oxford. Miss P A Sims, 151 Ruskin Park House, Champion Hill, London SE 5. B A Thomas BSc, Lepartment of Botany, The tiniverei ty, teading, Berks. Mrs G Trew, Corbar Cottage, Church Street, Matlock, Yerbyshire. Annual General ‘eeting and Committee Meeting “eports: ‘the A.G.M. was held this year during the Annual Fxcursion, centred at Builth Wells in Wales, and wes attended by 15 members. In deference to the wishes of Professor i E Holttum who has been our President tae * a three years, he was not asked to stand again and Mr “eginald Kaye w nominated and elected unanimously to the Office. iain Holttum becomes once more @ Vice-President of the Society. All the other officers and committee were re-elected en bloc. Of particular interest was the election of Mr P Greenfield as an Honorary Member. He is also the holder of the Society's Stansfield Medal which is awarded to members who do outstanding work for the Society. with these two honours, the highest the Society can award, we have tried to show our appreciation of Mr Greenfield's great services over many years of membership. A neeting of the Committee was held at the British Museum (Natural History) in London on the 19th atOvers the chief business on the Agenda being the planning of next year's programme which is appended. The American Fern Journal: In spite of notices in the Gazette, very few members seem to be aware that we subscribe to the American Fern Society, and their quarterly Journal is available for circulation among those interested. Miss M I Tetley has been organising this and has been sending it to the very few who have applied and sent her stamped addressed envelopes. Perhaps it is the method employed which has discouraged members from applying, and we have decided to adopt a "Reading Circle" method of circulating it whereby "A" passes it on t "BY, "BY to "C" and so on. Will members wishing to participate please inform the Secretary, and the scheme will be put into operation as soon as possible. Fern Nursery Closing: We are very sorry to learn that Taylors Nursery, Bracknell, berks which belongs to our members Mr and Mrs F J Healey is closing down as the land is being swallowed up in the Bracknell New Town. Mr and Mrs Healey are retiring from nursery business and their stocks are being sold. ‘they have a large stock of ferns for disposal, and members should not delay placing orders as everything has to be cleared before sarly summer. Northern Horticultural Society, Harlow Car Gardens: We learn that the Superintendent of Earlow Car Gardens, ifr Geoffrey Smith, is interested in forming a collection of British fern varieties. Members with good varieties to spare are invited to send Spee snen ; correctly named and with any known history, to Mr Geoffrey Smith, N HS Gardens, Harlow Car, Harrogate. Professor 8 E Holttum: We are pleased to record thet Professor Holttum has been honoured by the Fourth World Orchid Conference held in Singapore this Autumn. In recognition of his services to Orchidology he was presented with the Gold Medals of the American Orchid Society and the Malayan Orchid Society, and was given a standing ovation lasting several minutes by the delegates to the Conference. 4 To commemorate his eure cane ae services in pases ae and creating Malayan orchid hybrids, the Malayan Orchid Society is to coin a new medal, the Eric Holttum Orchid Medal, to be presented to the exhibitor of the local Malayan orchid hybrid which gains most points, while achieving an award. Professor Holttum was formerly Director of the Singepore Botanic Gardens, and the honour of winning the Medal will be great. (We are indebted to the Orchid Review for this information) Professor Holttum left for the East in July and has only recently returned after travelling in Malaysia, Australia, China and India. He was also able to spend a month in New Guinea ae in the tropical and mountain forests. The late W ¢ Buchanan: We regret to announce the death of our member, W C oo of Bearsden, Dunbartonshire. In addition: to his‘ interest rns he was 4 noted alpine gardener, and some of his fine soiient lias have gone to Edinburgh Botanic Gardens. An obituary will appear in the next issue of the Gazette. FINANCIAL: STATEMENT AT 30th JUNE 1962 1961 7 : : i 30 £824 eo 8 June ‘To Balance ; 10 5 5 Subscriptions aoe REHS oe Subscriptions TSA Ss Comes) for Donations 12-70 ature 1 O O American Sale of Gazettes 18 6 ee and Books 33.18 8 Fern Socy 18 _G 4 Cost of aarti dedi advertisements rg aoe 6) Due on advertise- ments in Gazette Secretarial Vol 9 part 3 51 OO Expenses ee Sundry Creditors - Due to the Courier for Gazette Vol 9 part 3105 15 0 Separates — 76 Constitution leaflets * 226 109-15 0 BALANCE 30 June 1962 be a Say £135 6 9 £135 6 9 FINANCIAL STATEMENT AT 30th JUNE 1963 1962 30 June To Balance Subscriptions Donations | Sales - Gazettes | & Books 8 9 7 Census 6 Sundry Debtors - Sale incomplete of Plan savertisers in Gazette e se Lists 5.16 11 ro ES % Bid 10 13.7 120 16 6 1872.76 JL 19 0 179 10 4 25th November 1963 €. Subscriptions 2 0 Council for Nature 2 0 O American Fern Socy - 18 6 5 0 Printing Leaflets T42 Advertising - Secretarial Expenses 8 9 Transfer to Special Fund pd Bee Sundry Creditors - The Courier for Gazette Vol 9 vt 4 (estimated) jae 8 Bee BALANCE at 30.6.63 18 <8 = 179 10 J W Dyce, Hon Secretary. > —~ MEETINGS PROGRAMME FOR 1964 THE ANNUAL EXCURSION * 12-19 September INDOOR MEETINGS vaturday, 14th March Saturday, 24th October The centre will be "Brantwoed", Conisten, the Ceuncil fer ature holiday and study centre in the lake District. As we are unlikely to fill the available accommed- ation which takes 55 adults, it se been agreed to effer a course to nen-members whe will pay a fee of 10/- te the "Basletys The ceurse will,hewever, be run virtually on the nermal lines of an Annual Excursien with the addition es sene lectures and demenstrations given by members. Competent members will also be asked to take in hand a couple of nen-members during the eutings. ‘the inclusive charge to members will be <&-15-0 for the week. in erder to estimate the number of places we can offer te non-members, those members whe are interested and anticipate attending are asked to netify the Meetings Secretary without delay. BOOKINGS MUST BE CONFIRMED TO HIM, ACCOMPANIED BY A DEPOSIT OF £1 BSFORE 30th JUNE, after which date any places still available will be offered to non-members. NOTE - No cerrespondence should be addressed to "Brentweed" as all the arrangements for members are in the hands of the Meetings Secretary. A Talk by Mr Clive Jermy on his recent fern expeditien te the West Indies, followed by & conversazione and members exhibits in the ‘Lecture Theatre, Botany Vept, Imperial Cellege, Prince Consort Xoad, Lenden SW 7 at 2.30 pm. Bus te Albert Hall, or 10 minute walk frem Seuth Kensington Underground Station. British Museum (Natural Histery), Cromwell Koad, London SW-7 at 2.30 pm. Visit to the Herhariun. DAY MEETINGS Saturday, 16th May Visit te the xeyal Botanic Geraens, Kew. Meet att 11 am at Main Gate en Kew Green | fer Reck Garden and lunch at Cafeteria. Assemble at 2.30 pm at west door of frepical Fern House when late-comers may Me jein for visit to Fern Houses. Saturday, 25th July | Visit te Chelsea Physic Garden at 2.30 pm. Enter by gate in Swan Walk (between Chelsea Embankment and teyal Hespital Road). Bus 39 er 49 te Cheyne Walk, or 10 minutes walk frem Sleane Square Undergreund Station. Sunday, 23rd August * - Timbridge Wells District. Meet Eridge ‘ se he Railway Statien at 10.52 am. (frain from Victeria 9.54, East Creyden 10.12 - times sheuld be verified). 1 WEEXEND MEETING Friday te Sunday * The New Ferest, Hants. Centre is Ye Olde 19-21 June Tea Heuse, Brockenhurst, Hants. Boekings sheuld be made in good time direct with the Proprietor. THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Wednesday, At "Brantwoed", Conisten, at & 16th September THIS IS A PRELIMINARY NOTICE ONLY. MEETINGS IN THE NORTH Members interested in day and weekend mestings in the North are asked te contact the Northern Meetings Secretary, Mr N Robinson, 27 Yewlands Drive, Fulweod, Presten, Lancs. NOTE 1 With the exception of the A.G.M. no further information will be circulated concerning the above Meetings, and interested members must advise the Meetings Secretary, Flt Lt Peter Halligey, whe will keep them infermed. the attached ferm can be used for this purpose. NOTE 2 . For the “eetings marked with an * it is hoped that private car transport will be available for all who require it. ‘to enable the necessary arrangements to be made, will members please mark "X" where applicable on the. questionnaire and in the case of car owners the number of spare seats available. Flt Lt P ee Meetings Secretary, British Ptersielerion? Seciety, r Office Officers Mess, Londen SE 18 I hope to attend the Meetings marked "X" Please keep me informed. Travelling | No. of | iiequest | Making ewn ar spare seats|lift travel available j|by car | arrangements the Annual Excursion 12-19 September. Eridge (funbridge Wells) 23 August Weekend Meeting The New Ferest, Hants 19-21 June DO is < ci ks ah ws a OE CR wea ees eS AGAGVORG ss 64 ieee a ee Fs As oe se Be ws ee ek esee@eeeveevper eee eewreveeeeweee ov eevee eaeeaeeveeeveee oe ‘ THE BRITISH PTERIDOLOGICAL SOCIETY KEWSLETTER NO 2 JANUARY 1965 the festive season is behind us again, and we ge ferward wendering what the New Year has in stere fer us. We hope it will bring centinued progress and expansion - these we all welceme, fer they mean added power fer eur Seciety, but in their wake comes inevitably something else which net all ef us welceme - change. Our beginning was based en the interest in fern varieties; all eur members were variety hunters er grewers, varieties were legion easily acquired in the wild and frem nurseries, books poured frem the printing presses dealing exhaustively with all aspects ef the cult, and everyene was happy. But times change and the incidence ef change increases more and more sharply. ‘eday eur membership is nearing the 200 mark, made up of reughly equal numbers ef botanists and growers. ‘The scientific interest in ferns is a rapidly grewing one and eur Editers are faced with the preblem of trying te keep a balance in the Gazette between the betanist whese researches must be put en paper, and the herticulturalist unable er unwilling te commit anything to paper. Is this because everything has been written which can be written about fern variation? Is there nething new to add te eur knewledge of varieties? Change we must accept, but we refuse te accept that it means the end of the Seciety's interest in varieties, and we wait te see from ameng the 80 - 90 horticulturalists ,in our ranks — practical preof thst they still have plenty te contribute. Incidentally, recent correspendence with America indicates a growing interest in, an demand fer fern varieties there. Much has happened during the past year, and the first thing te nete is an increase in membership of ever 30. ‘fhe Seciety is well advertised threugheut the world in many ways and our foreigt membership is growing. We have even penetrated the Iren Curtain, and alse the Dambeo Curtain! the last issue ef the Gazette was a specially large ene, with the 10th International Betanical Congress in Edinburgh chiefly in mind. We had it on display at the Congress where its high standard attracted much attentien, ‘The favourable impression created is new bearing fruit in the increased number ef applications fer membership received. The Financial Statement, appended, shews hew the genereus support ef a few members in donating the sum ef £105 made this issue possible, for its cost was far abeve what could be paid from eur annual inceme. ‘he high cest of printing is a serious preblem fer the smaller secieties and our present membership is insufficient to adequately suppert the cost of preducing the high standard Gazette which is essential for the continued success of the Seciety. Our extensive advertising dees net bring in newcomers fast eneugh, and we appeal to members te de more active recruiting. We are very pleased te announce that we have made a successful application to the Xoyal Seciety, and are receiving from then the sum ef £75 as a grant-in-aid towards the cest of eur next Gazette. This will be a great help, but we must stress that such aid is only 2 given to help societies over difficult periods, te allew them time te get better erganised te help themselves. tn eur case the grant-in-aid will enable us to preduce anether Gazette of high standard which will attract more new mesbers. We feel there is ne reasen why this plus personal recruiting should net bring in up te 100 additiens to eur membership. ‘The question of again raising the subscription rate has been mooted, and this we want to avoid fer as long as pessible. It appears we must raise either the membership or the subscription - I am sure we shall all faveur the fermer ceurse. Some enquiries regarding membership have come from small lecal horticultural secieties. Possibly the fine fern exhibits at Southport Flewer Show have awakened this interest in ferns which we are glad te do all in eur pewer to foster. At the request of ene seciety we supplied a certificate for award te the best fern exhibit in their annual shew. A supply ef these certificates has been printed and we hope to have further requests for them. Our meetings programme was most successful, culminating in the Annual Excursien at Brantwood, near Conisten in the lake District. As is custemary, this Meeting will be reported in the next Gazette. During the Excursion we held our A.G.M. and Mr Reginald Kaye was again elected President of the Seciety, and Mr J A Crabbe was appointed Assistant Editor te Mr AC Jermy - this appointment will entail a small change in our Constitution. Dr Frances M Jarrett was elected te fill Mr Crabbe's place on the Committee. Very much on our minds these days is the propesed Excursion to Austria this year. Our Meetings Secretary has put in a tremendous amount of werk plenning this, and a circular cevering it is sent with this Newsletter. Some members whom we knew are definitely interested will have already received this circular. We earnestly ask all these who are considering joining the Excursion to let Mr Halligey know immediately. A great deal of work has to be done and it is essential we knew the members likely to attend as seon as possible. It is intended te publish a full membership list in the next issue of the Gazette, and it is therefore considered unnecessary to take up space in this Newsletter with a list of recent additions. Altheugh rather belated, we are very pleased to record that eur member Mr H J Bruty was awarded the British Empire Medal in the 1964 New Year's Honours List. Mr Bruty is in charge of the Fern Houses in Kew Gardens, and the award is a recegnitien of his very valuable werk there, coping successfully with the multitude of fern plants and speres which come from all corners of the earth, many of them new te cultivation. It is proposed to form a Central Library of slides, coleur or black- and-white, of ferns and their allies as an aid te lecturers and ethers whe may find it useful to have such a cellectien available fer their use. Those who de net wish to donate slides may be prepared to submit lists of slides which they will be willing te lean, All members whe are phetegraphers are invited te send slides of ferns in pets, gardens or in their natural habitats, to start the Library. Mr R F Cartwright has kindly widertaken te act as Slide ot ne og end contributions and letters shevld be sent te him direct - It KF Cartwright, 143 Pittmans Field, Harlow, Essex. Our Editer, Mr AC Jermy, will be returning in April frem New Guinea where he is at present fern-hunting with an expedition which is studying the plant and animal life there. He will have much of interest to tell us on his return, and we look forward to talks and articles en the fern riches of New Guinea. May we remind members ence again that we have a leading Circle fer circulating the American Fern Journal. Anyone interested whe is not already in the Circle sheuld apply to the -ecretary A letter has been received frem Prefesser William Adams, The Biolegy Department, Muskingum Cellege, New Cencerd, Vhie, U.S.A. asking te be put in touch with members interested in the exchange of herbarium specimens ef the ferns and fern allies of *ritain and Europe, for species from the North American Continent. Correspondence should be addressed direct to Prefessor Adams, The Secretary has received frem the American Fern Society Spore Exchange their list ef 1964 spores available. Cspies can be sent te interested members en application. ‘he University of Hull Betanic Garden alse issues a list of seeds and spores offered fer exchange. The Secretary has ne cepies fer distribution snd application should be made to Miss J K Frodin, Assistant Curator, Betanic Yarden, whe Department of Botany, University of Hull, Yerkshire. We regret to announce the death of Mr Gerald Perry, a member of the well-knewn nursery firm Perrys Hardy Plant Farm. He had a great interest in hardy ferns which have always been one of the Firm's specialities. Anether eld member whese passing we mourn is Ernest Wiper, the son of one ef the Seciety's founders. ‘the family emigrated tc Canada in the early years of the century, and took with them an intense interest in ferns which has continued unabated througt.eut the years. ‘tight to the end of his long life Mr Wiper was an enthusiastic grower of eur british ferns. FINANCIAL STATEMENT AS AT 30th JUNE 1964 15 19 1963 : ie, e. £. June 30 To Balance 18 8 O Subscriptions paid ae A Pe eae ; to RHS G Subscriptions 122 -2°:6 = aE | Donations a a0 oe Nature 0 O ; American Special Donations , towards cost of rn eee eS Gazette Gazette Vol 9 pt 4 Vol 9 part 5 105 0 0 Actual cost pe ee. Se | a. Separates A 8G Gazettes a tee 80. Books Less estimate Census Lists 4 310 allotted 1962/3 110 6 0., : : id Advertisement © : . Gazette | in Gazette 4240: 0 Vol 9 pt 5 210 Stationer 1 Secretarial expenses 13 By Balance 9 £253 19 7 £253 1964 June 30 To Balance £9 18 11 20th Jamary 1965 : J W Dyce, Hon Secretary, THE BRITISH PTERIDOLOGICAL SOCIETY Saturday 13 february *Sunday 30 May Saturday 3 July *Friday/Sunday 23/25 July : OR FOR FOLLOWING WEEK TILL Saturday 31 July Saturday/Sunday 21 Aug/ 5 Sept. Saturday 18 September PROGRAMME FOR 1965 Indoor Meeting - Conversazione at British Museum (Natural History, Cromwell Road, London SW7 at 2.30 pm, Visit to Dr Wacher at Canterbury, to see his Fern Collection, (SEE NOTES BELOW) Kew Gardens and the Fern Houses, Meet 11.30 am at Main Entrance on Kew Green; at 2.30 pm at West Entrance to Tropical Fern House, Weekend Meeting in Ashdown Forest. MEMBERS NOT ATTENDING THE ANNUAL EXCURSION IN AUSTRIA MAY WISH TO TAKE THE OPPORTUNITY TO SPEND A WEEK IN ASHDOWN FOREST WHICH CAN PROVIDE GOCD HUNTING. (SEE NOTES BELOW) Annual Excursion — 2 weeks in Austria, (SEE SEPARATE CIRCULAR) Annual General Meeting at British Museum (Natural History), Cromwell Road, London SW7 at 2,30 pm. Saturday Indoor Meeting — Details will be sent out with 23 october the A,G.M, Notice. NOTE 1 With the exception of the A,G.M., further necessary information regarding the above meetings, in particular those marked with *, will be advised only to members who complete the attached form and return it to the Meetings Secretary. NOTE 2 For the meetings marked with * private car transport will be used, Will members please mark the questionnaire accordingly, NOTE 3 It is hoped to find suitable hotel accommodation in the vicinity of East Grinstead for the Ashdown Forest Meeting, and it is necessary for members attending this meeting to advise Mr Halligey as soon as possible, and to state for how long the accommodation will be required, PLEASE RETURN AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, AND NOT LATER THAN END OF FEBRUARY To: Mr Peter Halligey, Garnett College, Minstead Gardens, London SW15 I hope to attend the Meetings marked "X" Please keep me informed Mark | Travell- | No. of Request | Making own “2h. (ange by spare seats | lift by | travel car available car arrange— ments Visit to Dr Wacher Sunday 30 May Kew Gardens Saturday 3 July A we we ME Ashdown Forest weekend — 23/25 July week — 23/31 July part of week from “est @eeoeeeeeeaeeee RES AE a EAS \ NEWSLETTER NO, 2 THE BRITISH PTERIDOLOGICAL SOCIETY. APPENDIX No. 1 PROPOSED 1965 EXCURSION TO AUSTRIA. It has been suggested that the Anmal Excursion be held on the Continent next year, Enquiries from Continental botanists have indicated that the Niedere Tauern region of Austria offers interesting fern cbuntry including some rartties. Travel agents who have been consulted state that this is off the main tourist beat and that accommodation costs there would be reasonable, It is not possible to make an exact estimate of cost until it is known how many are likely to come. When this is known the best method of travel can be decided and a detailed itinerary drawn up for costing. However, for an excursion leaving London and returning there 14 days later, travel agents have indicated that, provided there are sufficient mumbers, it could be done at between £35 and £40 per head, It is thought that by holding the excursion in the latter part of August, perhaps into early September, a maximum number of members will be able to come, and that some may consider making this their annual family holiday, If there is sufficient demand alternative sightseeing tours and other activities would be arranged for those not wishing merely to see ferns, It is advised, however, that except for train travel no reductions for children are likely, and that there would be difficulties in including children under the age of eight. Members who are interested are asked to complete the proforma below and send it to the Meetings Secretary without delay, This will involve no obligation, but provided there is sufficient response it is hoped to provide fuller details and cost by about the end of september, Firm bookings will be required before the end of the year in order to secure the hotel accommodation, To: P Halligey, Garnett College Hostel, Minstead Gardens, London SW 15. I am interested in the proposed excursion to Austria in 1965 and wish to receive further details, I shall probably/possibly come I -_ probably/possibly be accompanied by .... adults is eben Sy children (state age(s 2. Remarks. meet if you have any preferred dates and what length of excursion you favour mene an addvean:: 3.23. Ce. eehie eae ts aes Cee sss NEWSLETTER NO. 2 THE BRITISH PTERIDOLOGICAL SOCIETY ae APPENDIX No, 2 EXCURSION TO AUSTRIA 1965 A circular with reply proforma was sent out at the end of August with details of a proposed excursion to Austria in 1965. The response to this was poor, but at a meeting held at Brantwood on 18 September it was evident that a small mumber of active members were very keen on the idea, It was agreed that the journey would hardly be justified for a period of less than a fortnight and the dates 28 August - 12 September were proposed, but it is now apparent that a number of members will not be able to come unless the dates are put forward to 21 August — 5 September. As this will be an unique opportunity for many members it is planned to travel widely and visit as many representative sites in Austria as time allows, The time will be evenly divided between Steiermark (Styria) with specialised serpentine and limestone sites for rare Aspleniums etc., and the Tyrol with a lusher fern vegetation and its renowned scenery, As the first week will be strenuous an alternative arrangement will be made for those who may like to leave the main party at Salzburg, and spend a week at this very attractive town from which many excursions may be made; they will rejoin the main party for the second week in the Tyrol where the programme can be made flexible and can include alternative strenuous and less strenuous excursions. The last day will be spent in Innsbruck for shopping and a little sightseeing, Travel will be mainly by 2nd Class train, the round trip being booked at party rates to and from London, but it may be possible for a limited number of individuals to return independently from the main party without extra cost, Passages on cross-Channel steamers will be lst Class, the extra cost of £1 being advised. Couchettes or sleeping berths are available at extra cost on the continental trains in both directions, Accommodation will be booked at inexpensive hotels or gasthofs which as far as possible have been personally recommended, Normally double rooms will be booked unless individuals request single rooms and are prepared to pay a little more, There will be opportunities for those who wish to spend nights in alpine huts. It is recommended that we normally make an early start to the day, rising at 6,00am and doing most of the climbing before the sun gets hot. Outline of proposed itinerary The train departs from London (Victoria) at 3.00pm on Saturday 21 August via Dover-Ostend and the Tauern Express, It arrives at Salzburg at about 11,.30am next day, but the main party continues to Graz and then takes a local train to Deutschlandsberg, arriving about 7.30pm, We stay at the Burg Hotel which is a converted castle, complete with ghost, in pleasant surroundings and well recommended, From the hotel a footpath leads straight to the wooded valley of the River Lassnitz which is a Nature Reserve. This abounds in Dryopteris species, including D, X tavelii, but is especially noted for Polystichums, including P, setiferum which is rare in Austria, P, braunii, P, lobatum and several hybrids. APPENDIX No. After two days we move to Kirchdorf, about 35 km, north of Graz, and stay there three days. The nearby serpentine areas are noted for Aspleniums, including the European species A, adulterinum, A, cuneifolium and the two common sub-species of A, trichomanes, By contrast, there are limestone areas with A, ruta-muraria, A, viride, the glandular A, lepidum and the recently published A, trichbmanes ssp. inexpectans, and possibly Cystopteris regia, We then move to Kraubath, 15 km, S.W. of Leoben, for two nights stay and a day on the very rich serpentine area which should add Notholaena marantae to the aforementioned serpentine species, Sunday will be a travelling day and we will rejoin the Salzburg party on the way to Krimml where we stay one night, The nexb day we explore the noted valley and waterfall of the Krimml Ache, and depart the same evening by bus which takes the new and scenic High Alpine Road over the Gerlos Pass to Mayrhofen, then 10 km, south to Ginzling. This is a quiet but excellent centre lying at the foot of three wooded valleys with endless excursion possibilities, It is proposed to stay here for four days with a free programme, There is a wide choice of alpine huts within walking reach for those who wish to try them, On the last Saturday we depart for Innsbruck for a morning's shopping, and it is proposed to have a short sightseeing tour with a guide before departing on the Arlsberg Express at 5.43 pm, We travel via Calais and Folkestone, arriving in London (Victoria) at 3,50 pm. on Sunday 5 sept, Details of cost Note: The present rate of exchange for Austrian Schillings is 72 to £l, Inclusive train fare from and to London 2nd Class (1st Class on boat) about £21, less for those stopping at Salzburg. Medical insurance at party rate 14/-, Average gasthof price per night at half double rate about A.S.30 in Steirmark, or A.S,4G in Salzburg or Tyrol, Thus one can live for about £1 per day, The total cost should not exceed £40 from and to London, Extras: 2nd Class sleeper Ostend-Salzburg £3: 4:0 ss couchette " r £1: 1:0 2nd Class sleeper Innsbruck—Calais £4:19:6 . couchette " . £1: 8:3 There will be some reduction in train fares for children aged 14 or less, depending on age, but no reduction for accommodation is anticipated, y APPENDIX No, 2 ossible, and not later than end of February, Please return as soon as To: Mr P Halligey Garnett College Minstead Gardens London SW 15. I intend to join the proposed Austrian Excursion in 1965, My party will be comprised as follows (state names): To Steirmark and Tyrol: To Salzburg and Tyrol: (State age if less than 15 at time of travel) Please reserve: 2nd Class couchettes 2nd Class sleeping berths Ostend-Salzburg orev eevee eene enor eereeeeev eee Innsbruck—Calais RE EE MS ac ay ee a oo Name: Address: Telephone: NEWSLETTER NO, 2 THE BRITISH PTERIDOLOGICAL SOCIETY APPENDIX No. 3 EXCURSION TO AUSTRIA 1965 The party for the Excursion to Austria now comprises 22 members and friends, and we shall be joined by others in Austria for part of the time. We are therefore eligible for cheaper travel costs, The arrangements for the journeys to and from Austria have been put into the hands of Thomas Cook and Sons who now require a deposit of £1 p head, plus a non-returnable deposit of 16/— from those who are booking sleeping berths (NOT couchettes), These deposits should be sent without delay to Mr Peter Halligey, Garnett College, Minstead Gardens, London SW 15, and cheques should be made payable to Mr Halligey personally, and NOT to the Society. The full cost of the railwag fare amounting to about £20 must be paid before 24 July and the exact amount, when known, will be claimed from members before tiis date, Members are reminded that valid Passports or British Visitors Passports will be required, We are informed that it will be unnecessary to obtain Plant Import Licences beforehand, and members wishing tc bring back plants will be advised during the Excursion on the procedure to be adopted, Books recommended for the Excursion are — Central European Ferns: "“Farne im Herzen Europas" by Georg Eberle, obtainable from Dillons Bookshop, 1 Malet Street, London WC 1, Price 16/6. (postage 1/-) See review in British Fern Gazette Vol. $9, part 2, page 53, Alpine Flowers (excluding Ferns): "Alpenflora" by Gustav Hegi, revised by Hermann Merxmuller, 18th edition, Reviewed in Proc, B.S.B.I, Vol. 5, page 412 (October 1964), It is now realised that the Salzburg Festival is being held in August, and this information has been passed on to those who elected to stay there during the first week, They have all expressed the wish to travel with the main party and stay at Deutschlandsberg for tie first two days, During the following three stremuous days they may elect to remain at Deutschlandsberg, or stay at another nearby centre such as Graz. It will be unnecessary to make advance bookings for this accommodation, PLEASE NOTE CAREFULLY: - It is confirmed that the following arrangements are being made on your behalf - (a) Railway travel at party rate leaving London 21 August and returning there 5 September, 2nd Class on train, lst Class on Channel boats, $e Sleeping berths on outward and return overnight journeys. c) Accommodation at tie Excursion centres throughout the pericd, Any enquiries or problems concerning the Excursion should be addressed to Mr Halligey who will endeavour to assist in any way he can, NEWSLETTER NO, 2 THE BRITISH PTERIDOLOGICAL socreTy = “?*ENDIX No. 4 EXCURSION TO AUSTRIA 1965 This is the final circular regarding the Austrian Excursion, You are reminded that the train leaves Victoria Station, London, at 3.00 pm on Saturday 21 August. Seats will be booked for the party. You should bring with you your passport and sufficient money for food and accommodation. About £1 per day should be sufficient in Austria, but consider the meals to be taken on two long train journeys, Transport from centre to centre will be by train or bus, but you are recommended to travel light. Do not omit suitable clothing for hot weather, and footwear for walking, Please notify me if you are contemplating collecting any live plants, Insurance You are strongly advised to take out an insurance covering loss of baggage, personal accident, and medical expenses, Mr Dyce can arrange a suitable cover through the Yorkshire Insurance Company on favourable terms at a premium of £1. If you wish to avail yourself of this, make out a cheque for £]1 payable to Mr J W Dyce personally. The chegue may be sent to me together with your cheque for Thomas Cook (see below), but any queries on this matter should be addressed to Mr Dyce, “"Alpenflora" by Hegi/Merxmuller This is also available from Dillons Bookshop at 28/6. Change of address Please note that after 2 July my address will be: "Territet" 5 Ravenscourt Road LYMINGTON, Hants, Phone: 3982 (STD Code OLY.07) P, Halligey Meetings Secretary, A NEWSLETTER NO, APPENDIX No, 5 THE BRITISH PTERIDOLOGICAL SOCIETY Itinerary for Austrian Excursion 1965 Sat 21/8 Sun 22/8 Mon 23/8 Tue 24/8 Wed 25/8 Thu 26/8 Fri 27/8 Sat 28/8 Sun 29/8 1500 17 Dep. London (Victoria) Dep. Dover Marine ioe Batend lst Class Dep, Ostend - Tauern ogg - Brasiehe ~- Koln - Munich Bischofshofen — Bruck s.d, Arr, Graz Hbf. Meal at ick? da restaurant Dep. Graz - Lieboch - (19c). Note: Figures in brackets refer to Timetables in OBB Kursbuck, Arr, Deutschlandsberg, Stay at Burg Hotel. Late rise, Day in Lassnitzklause, Rise (henceforth at this time unless siitatee stated) Another day in Lassnitzklause, Dep. Deutschlandsberg - Lieboch (19c Arr, Graz Hbf. Dinner at Station restaurant. Dep. Graz (15) Arr, Pernegg. Stay at Maria Hiebaum Gusthot, Kirchdorf, Local excursion Kirchdorf/Trafoss, Dep, Pernegg Arr, Mixnitz, excursion up hicbte chbuliens. Dep. Mixnitz (15) Arr, Pernegg Dep. Pernegg with logeaes (15) Arr, Mixnitz., Leave luggage at station, Excursion to tw Drachenhohle Teterinedy Alt atively more serpentine, Dep. Mixnitz (15) Arr, Leoben —- change, Dep. Leoben, Arr, Kraubath. Stay at gasthofs, possibly at Leising, Excursion on In der Gulsing, Dep. Kraubath (20) Arr, St Michael - change, Dep. St Michael (11) Note: Sheuld it prove possible to hire a self-drive minibus at Graz the above programme may be modified, Arr, Bischhofshofen - change, Dep. Bischhofshofen (1) Arr, Schwarzach St Veit. Dep. Schwarzach St Veit (1). Arr, Zell-am—Zee - change, Dep. Zell-am-Zee (40a) Arr, Kriml. Gasthof Klockerhaus, Mon 30/8 Tue 31/8 - 7 Fri 3/9 Sat 4/9 0720 0800 Sun 5/9 1056 APPENDIX No, 5 Excursion to Krimmler Ache Waterfalls, Dep. Arr, Dep, Arr, Krimml (bus 1146) up High Alpine Road and over Gerloss Pass, Mayrhofen - change, Mayrhofen (bus 1148). Ginzling. Gasthof Maria Eberhartier. Excursions from Ginzling, Flexible programme. Several possibilities for parties to stay at alpine huts, Ginzling ye 1148) Mayrhofen — change, Mayrhofen (train 40b). Innsbruck, Shops open till 1300, After lunch sightseeing with guide, Innsbruck - Arlberg Express (Calais Branch) - Basle - Hirson — Lille - Calais Maritime, Calais Folkestone Harbour Folkestone London (Victoria), Ist Class. N THE BRITISH PTERIDOLOGICAL SOCIETY NEWSLETTER NO, 3, DECEMBER 1965 The Society continues to grow, and the past year has brought in a record number of nearly 50 new members, About half of these come from abroad, a gratifying proof that our Gazette is circulating far and wide, and is making its contribution in the fern world. The last issue published in July upholds the high standard which we have set, but this has been achieved at a high cost, and one which the Society cannot maintain on its present financial resources, The Financial Statement which is appended shows how our funds were utilised during the year, One item needs explanation - the Special Account balance of £70. This has been built up from the sale of back numbers of the gazette and will be used for reprinting early issues which are completely or almost out of stock, and for which there is an increasing demand. It will be noted how essential was the Royal Society grant-in-aid for £75 towards the cost of the Gazette and we are approaching them again this year for a contribution towards the next issue, SUBSCRIPTION RATES It will be obvious to all that the time has come for us to do something ourselves about our finances, and as the membership increase is insufficient to raise our income enough to meet rising costs, and as the Royal Society will not continue its grant-in-aid indefinitely, we have with great reluctance to face the fact that the subscription rate must be raised. This was discussed at the Annual General Meeting, when it was agreed that we cannot manage on a subscription rate of less than 25/-, but as the matter was not included in the circulated agenda, the Meeting was not empowered to give the necessary approval for the increase, and an Extraordinary General Meeting is being held on the 19th February 1966 to deal with this so that the new rates can come into force on the Ist July 1966, The suggested rates are — members 25/-, family, junior and student members 15/-, and subscribers 25/-, This step is being taken with the greatest regret, and we hope that all our members will appreciate the great difficulties under which we and other societies are labouring these days, and continue to give us their loyal support, And may we again appeal to everyone to help recruit new members, at the moment we are about 220 strong, and if we can raise this figure to over 300 we shall be in a much stronger position, ELECTION OF OFFICERS At the 62nd Annual General Meeting of the Society held on the 20th September 1965 Mr Reginald Kaye was again elected President for a third term of office. The other officers and committee members were re-elected with the exception of the Meetings Secretary, Mr Peter Halligey, who has moved away from London to take up a new post which leaves him with no time to organise our meetings, This office was created a few years ago to remove from the Secretary some of his ever- increasing duties and Mr Halligey has done a magnificent job, culminating in his brilliant organisation of the Austrian Excursion, We accepted his resignation with the utmost regret and extend to him our grateful thanks for his services to the Society, together with our good wishes for success and happiness in his future life, Messrs RF Cartwright and P Temple were appointed by the Committee to the Office as Joint Meetings Secretaries, and are already hard at work on the 1966 Programme, FERN DISPLAY There has been talk for several years among some of our members about the possibility of putting up a fern display at one of the R.H.S. Fortnightly Shows, and at last something is going to be done, Mr cartwright has undertaken to arrange a table display at the R.H.S. Show which is to be held on Tuesday and Wednesday, the 14th and 15th of June 1966, Help of course will be required, and members living within reasonable distance of London who grow pot ferns are asked to consider lending plants for the display, Enquiries and offers of help should be addressed direct to Mr R F Cartwright, 143 Pittmans Field, Harlow, Essex, and please contact him as soon as possible so that he can plan ahead, Ferns of exhibition standard are not necessary but would be very welcome, The aim is to make a representative display of ferns to attract and interest possible recruits among the large mumber of people who visit these shows, SLIDE LIBRARY And while Mr Cartwright's name is before us, please do not forget that he is the custodian of the Society's Slide Library. Very few members have so far made any contributions to this, and we would like to see it built up so that selections of slides will be available for lending, to illustrate fern talks and for identification purposes, SOUTHPORT FLOWER SHOW At Southport Flower Show in August the Society again had a stand in the Societies Tent. This was staffed by a few of our northern members who were kept busy answering the questions of many interested callers, Several members called and we wish it to be known that there is an open invitation to all members and friends visiting the Flower Show to call at our Stand and make themselves known to our representatives who will be pleased tc welcome them for a chat on ferns, UPPER TEESDALE DEFENCE FUND Everyone with an interest in the British flora will be aware of the threat to Upper Teesdale, an area of out- standing botanical importance, by the plans sponsored by I.C,I. to build a reservoir which would flood the area, The Botanical Society of the British Isles and the Northumberland and Durham Naturalists Trust launched an appeal for £50600 to oppose the scheme at a public enquiry, However, certain common rights have been discovered over the land which it is proposed to flood, and these can only be overridden by Act of Parliament. The cost of opposing the scheme is therefore going to be much greater than at first anticipated, and although over £7500 has already been donated, much more is needed, At our A.G.M, the Secretary was authorised to send a contribution on behalf of the Society, and together with a collection made from the members present at the Meeting, the sum of £3-3-0 was sent, Other members may care to contribute to this very worthy cause, and the Secretary will be pleased to receive contributions, or they may be sent direct to the Upper Teesdale Defence Fund, c/o The British Museum (Natural History), Cromwell Road, London. An excellent illustrated booklet of 70 pages "The Natural History of Upper Teesdale" is published by the Northumberland and Durham Naturalists Trust. This contains a variety of articles dealing with Mankind, Geology, Flora and Vegetation, Insects and Vertebrates, and concludes with a chapter on Conservation, This booklet is recommended to those wishing to understand the background of this most controversial issue in conservation, and can be obtained for 5/6 post free from the General Secretary, Northumberland and Durham Naturalists Trust Ltd, Hancock Museum, Barras’ Bridge, Newcastle-on-Tyne 2. FERN NURSERIES There would appear to be very few nurseries in Britain stocking ferns, although the possible answer is that not many advertise the fact, The Secretary receives many appeals from members and also from non-members asking where certain ferns can be obtained, Enquirers are always referred to the few nurseries we know, but their stocks do not always include the ferns which are asked for, and it occurs to us that with our membership well scattered throughout the country, some members may know of local nurseries which are interested in ferns, either hardy or greenhouse, If so, please let the Secretary know, so that their names can be added to the fern nursery list, FERN HUNTING IN NEW GUINEA Our Editor, Mr A C Jermy, returned in the early summer from a fern-collecting eterddsian in New Guinea sponsored by the British Museum (Natural History) and Newcastle-on- Tyne University. Dr T G Walker from the University joined him in this venture. Many interesting ferns were discovered, and collections of plants and herbarium specimens sent home, At our first meeting in 1966, on Saturday the 19th February, Mr Jermy is to talk about the Expedition, and we look forward to an interesting meeting at which we hope to welcome a large gathering of members and friends, SPORE EXCHANGES We would remind mewbers that the American Fern Society has a Spore Exchange, organised by Mr Neill D Hall, 1225 N.E, 95th Street, Seattle 15, Washington, U.S.A., who sends out annually lists of the species held, and is glad to receive gifts of spores. The latest list has recently been received by the Secretary, and copies can be obtained either from him or direct from Mr Hall, Three of our overseas members - Mrs E S Bayley, Danbury Park, Postbox 21 MR, Marlborough, Salisbury, hodesia, G Kunkel, Camino Viejo 9, Tafira Alta, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary tetinde. Mrs G E Tierney, 593 Buchanan Street, Hillside, New Jersey 07205, USA. have recently offered to exchange fern spores, and interested members should write to them direct, READING CIRCLE Tha American Fern Journal is available to members who join our Reading Circle, Requests to join should be sent to the Secretary. For all those who are seriously interested in ferns, the annual subscription to the American Fern Society (U.S.$4.00) is very well worth while, The American Fern Journal is issued in four parts each year, NEW MEMBERS The British Fern Gazette, Volume 9 part 6, contains a complete membership list, Members who have joined since the list was published are - Mrs Edith S Bayley, Danbury Park, Postbox 21 MR, Marlborough, Salisbury, Rhodesia, Botanical Institute, Laboratory of Morphclogy and Systematics, ; Ledeganckstraat 39, Ghent, Belgium, Fredrick C Boutin, 6055 West Duarte Road, Monrovia, Califcernia, USA, British Council, 59 New Oxford Street, London WC 1, J B Cranston, Gardeners Cottage, The Abbey, Old Abbey Road, North Berwick, East Lothian, John Drinkall, Hallgill, Catshaw, Over Wyresdale, Lancaster, TW Drury, St Mary's House, 255 Blackbull Lane, Fulwood, Preston, Lancs. Mrs M E Dunn, 145 Victoria Aveme, Dalkeith, Western Australia,. Miss P Insall, 8 Alders Road, Edgware, Middlesex, Miss GM Jiggle, 7 Cedar Road, Tottenham, London N 17, Gunther Kunkel, Camino Viejo 9, Tafira Alta, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Stewart Mitchell, 1 Muirfield Crescent, Dundee, Angus, Newcastle-upon-Tyne University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne 1. New York Botanical Garden, Bronx, New York 10458, USA, CN Page, BSc, Department of Botany, The University, Newcastle-uponTyne 1, Royal Botanic Gardens, Edinburgh 3, Dr WA Sledge, BSc, PhD, Department of Botany, The University, Leeds 2, Gordon Stowell, 17 St James Avemue, Hampton Hill, Middlesex, OBITUARIES We announce with regret the deaths of two members, Mr G W B Barltrop and Mrs M B May, Mr Barltrop of Nelson in New Zealand was a member of our Society for many years, and was also a founder member of the Nelson Fern Society. He resigned a few years ago because of ill- health and advancing years but kept in touch with the Secretary. Mrs May of Salisbury joined us only a few years ago, and in spite of her age was an active participant in many of our field meetings, She planned to join the Excursion to Austria this past summer, but was prevented by the December 1965 J W Dyce, Hon Secretary, FINANCIAL STATEMENT AS AT 30 JUNE 1965 ORDINARY ACCOUNT 1964 F 8s. d, ‘. Ss. d. June 30 To Balance 91811 By Subscriptions - ae Royal Hort, Society » 2 @ Subscriptions 185 11 10 See) for Nature 2 9 0 Donations 9 0 4 American Fern Society a. 5 8 ‘hm 8s Grant-in-aid from Gazette Vol 9 part 5 — part Royal Society 75 0 O cost blocks and offprints 10 3 9 Sales — Gazettes 49 7 10 Gazette Vol 9 part 6 207 14 0 Census lists te 3 Blocks and offprints 20° @ 6 227 is: 6 Diptribution Printing - Application Cards 2 6 Se Mowbershiv F 614 9 peheeneys, trom DEERintion Cobds | goa-4 1998 1 Gazette V.0-6 60 0 5619 5 — hoary Creditors ~ Deposit on Austrian bookings Ss 2°06 Deposit on Secretarial and Editorial Expenses 31 U0 0 anaes roxi aes ae” % Transfer to Special Account 40 0 0 Balance at JO June 1965 918 6 £341 12 6 £341 12 6 1965 June 30 To Balance & 9 486 SPECIAL ACCOUNT 1964 June 30 - To Balance £30 0 O 1965 June 30 - Transfer from Ord, A/C - Sale Gazettes 40 0 0 By Balance 30 June 1965 & mw 8 6 £70 0 0 £70 0 0 == SSS TS SSS SSS 1965 June 30 - To Balance £70 0 Saturday 19 February Saturday 11 June Tuesday/Wednesday 14/15 June Friday /Sunday 15/17 July Saturday 6 August Saturday/Saturday 10/17 September Wednesday 14 September Saturday 8 October NORTHERN MEETINGS NOTE 1, THE BRITISH PTERIDOLOGICAL SOCIETY * * ok * PROVIDED THERE IS SUFFICIENT SUPPORT. PROGRAMME FOR 1966 Indoor Meeting, preceded by short Extraordinar General Meeting, (SEE SEPARATE NOTICE) at the British Museum Olaturk) History), Cromwell Road, London SW 7, at 2,30 Mr Jermy will talk on his fern collecting expedition to New Guinea, Field Meeting in Chiddingfold-Dunsfold area of Surrey. Meet at Godalming Railway Station at 1l am. (SEE NOTES 1 & 2). Fern Display at the Fortnightly Show of the R.H.S, in their Halls at Westminster, London, ‘ (SEE NOTE 4). Weekend Meeting at North Walsham, Norfolk, (SEE NOTES 1 & 2). Visit to Mr G S Thomas's Garden, at Briar Cottage, Fairfield yane, West End, Woking, Surrey, in the afternoon at 2,50 pm, (SEE NOTES 1 & 3) Anmuel Excursion, centred at the Edgemoor Hotel, Bovey Tracey, South Devon, (SEE NOTE 3), Annual General Meeting, to be held at the Edgemoor Hotel, Bovey Tracey, South Devon, Indoor Meeting -— Exhibition and Conversazione, at the British Museum (Natural Historg), Cromwell Road, London SW 7 at 2.30 pm, Mr N Robinson hopes to arrange weekend meetings at Moffat in Dumfriesshire in June, and at Settle in West Yorks, in early July or early September, Will interested members ;lease write to Mr Robinson direct at 27 Yewlands Drive, Fulwood, Preston, Lancs, AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, so that he will have ample time in which to make arrangements and book accommodation, With the exception of the Anmal General Meeting, further necessary information regarding the Meetings, in particular those marked with an asterisk, will be advised only to members who complete and return the attached form to the Meetings secretaries, NOTE 2, For the Meetings marked with an asterisk, private car trans} ort will be used. Will members please mark the form accordingly, NOTE 3. NOTE 4, Members hoping to join the Anmual Excursion should advise the Meetings Secretaries, BUT MUST MAKE THEIR OWN ARRANGEMENTS WITH THE EDGEMOOR HOTEL, STATING THEY ARE MEMBERS OF THE BRITISH PTERIDOLOGICAL SOCIETY. Accommodation for 20 members is being held for us until Easter 1966, and it is essential that bockings be made before this date, Weekly terms are £15-15/- in the Main Building and £12~12/— in the attached Annexe, packed lunches extra, Only a few single rooms are available, the others are twin-bedded, Arrangements have been made for any overflow to be accommodated in the nearby Prestbury Country House Hotel, terms £13-13/- to £14-14/~, and it will be assumed that applieants are prepared to accept these arrangements unless they instruct otherwise, Members wishing to remain an extra day may book their rooms up to Sunday, 18 September, A mumber of hotel brochures are available and will be sent with any other information to these who advise the Meetings Secretaries that they hope to attend, Members within reasonable distance of London who are willing to lend pot ferns for the Display are asked to advise Mr Cartwright who is making all the arrangements, PLEASE RETURN AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, AND NOT LATER THAN THE END OF FEBRUARY, To: Mr R F Cartwright, 143 Pittmans Field, Harlow, Essex, I hope to attend the Meetings marked "X", Please keep me informed, (Mark /Travel- (Spare -—s_ | Request | Making own 3 a“ ling seats : lift travel by car | available by car arrangements © — . at Chiddingfold/ unsfold Sat 11 June Norfolk Weekend Visit to Sat 6 August Annual Excursion Week 10-17/18 Sept. Re ge GS OS as Address * . . . . . . . . . * ° . . 15/17 July | ee | : ee semen eee ~ _ THE BRITISH PTERIDOLOGICAL SOCIETY NEWSLETTER NO, 4 NOVEMBER 1966 The Newsletter is now fulfilling a more important role in the life of the Society, At one time printing costs were so low that we could include in the Gazette much information of minor importance and what the Editor calls "chit-chat", but this is no longer possible, and so the Newsletter comes into its own, It has this advantage that it forms a more informal medium through which we can reach our members, to give you the "family" news, so if you have any mews items of general interest please send them to me and we shall be pleased to include them, SECRETARIAL CHI¥-CHAT The Society has fared well during the past year, and with a continuing fast increase in size - membership is up again this snd able to make a mark in the world of ferns, But all this means more work for your Secretary/Treasurer, and I am now finding it almost a full- time job to keep the machine running smoothly, I hope therefore that you will bear with me if I am sometimes rather dilatory in answering letters, but also I hope you will give me that little extra consideration which relieves me of much unnecessary work, such as the old, old problem of unpaid subscriptions! Why not pay yours by bankers order? It saves both you and me a lot of work which is passed on to your bankers, But we can- not rely even on our bankers these days - I am one, so I know, and as your Treasurer this knowledge has recently been driven home hard! Some banl.s have failed to give effect to their customers! instructions to increase their subscription payments to 25/-, others have made sure by paying both 17/6 and 25/_., BUT, I am sorry to say, some members have also transgressed and have failed even to this day to inform their banks about the increase, I tried my best to make it as easy as possible for every- one, and even supplied new bankers order forms, A “heart—re nding" circular appeal sent to the transgressors has not rendered them any more sympathetic to my tribulations, so if you are one of them, I would ask you once again in all earnestness to send me that 7/6 you owe to the Society, end make sure you instruct your bank to pay the correst amount next year, Having had my moan, can I ask if there are any good typists among our members , within reasonable distance from me, who would be prepared to do odd typing jobs, such as addressing envelopes and cutting stencils for the Newsletter and other circulars which have to be sent out from time to time, This would relieve me of some routine tasks, and allow me to give more time to my other duties on behalf of the Society. THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING was held this year at Bovey Tracey in South Devon during the Annual Excursion, and several things of note happened, The most important was the election of a new President, In accordance with our established practice, Mr neginald Kaye resigned after holding the Office for a period of three years, and Dr James pavidsen of West Linton in Peebles-shire was elected in his place, Mr Kaye has been a popular President and we thank him for all he has done for us during his term of office, He now becomes a Vice-President again, Dr Davidson, like Mr Kaye, is a keen grower of ferns and alpines, and is also President of the Scottish Rock Garden Club, His father was an early member of our Society, and the Doctor has grown up in an atmosphere of ferns, We welceme him to our highest Office and look forward to a happy association with him during his Presidency. We are proud also to welcome as a new Vice-President, Professor Irene Manton of Leeds University, one of our most eminent research workers in the fern world today, It is a great honour for the Society to include her name among our Vice-Presidents, There have been changes also in the Committee. Three members, Mr B Hayhurst, Mrs J R Healey and Mr R M Payne have resigned and we have to thank them for all their past labours on our behalf. New Committee members are Dr John D Lovis of Leeds University and Mr W Wright to whom we extend a warm welcome. THE FINANCIAL STATEMENT for our year ended 30 June 1966 is appended, You will note from this that our finances are much stronger and we hope that this improvement will contime, We acknowledge gratefully the help of the Royal Society which has put us in this very satisfactory position, The have enabled us to establish ourselves more securely, and with the increase in the subscription rate and a continuing rise in our membership, we shall now be much better placed to become self-supporting, I again apjeal to all members to contime recruiting new members, At the moment we are about 250 strong, and we would like to see the figure exceeding the 300 mark during the coming year, Another transfer has been made to the Special Account, and this fund built up during the past few years from the sale of back issues of the Gazette, now stands at £166. Many of the early numbers are out of stock, and to satisfy the demand for them we have to consider reprinting by one of the cheap modern photographic processes, It is there- fore meet that sale proceeds of back numbers should be diverted for this purpose, We are finding it extremely difficult to get the necessary copying done at a price within our means, and if any members can help in any way or make helpful suggestions we shall be grateful. MEETINGS Reports on meetings with the exception of the Annual Excursion, will no longer appear in the Gazette, and in future will be included in the Newsletter, Our two indoor meetings, held at the British Museum (Natural History), were well attended, and at the spring one held on 19 February Mr Jermy gave a most interesting talk accompanied by slides on his fern collecting expedition to New Guinea, The autumn meeting held on 8 October took the form of an exhibition and conversazione, Fern plants were shown by Mr R F Cartwright, Mr A C Jermy and the Secretary, herbarium specimens by Dr F M Jarrett, and books and slides by the Editors, The Secretary gave a brief account of the Annual Excursion, The meeting held on 11 June in the Chiddingfold/Dunsfold area in Surrey was poorly attended; only three members turned up but they had a good day, The weekend meeting on 15-17 July in Norfolk was centred at Coltishall, and the eight members who attended had an active time, We ranged widely over the Broads, finding many ferns, but the chief object of the visit, Dryopteris cristata, eluded us although we searched assiduously in places where it is known to grow, On the 6 August we visited our member Mr G S Thomas to see his garden at West_End near Woking in Surrey. In spite of heavy rain during the whole bs afternoon we contrived from beneath the shelter of coats and umbrellas lovely garden, We appreciated his hospitality and thank him for extend- ing an invitation to visit him again in 1967 when we hope the weather will be kinder, and allow us to linger longer over his treasures, A success-— ful weekend meeting was held in June by our northern members at Moffat in Dumfries—shire where they hoped to find that rare fern Woodsia ilvensis which is recorded from the area, Their hope was a vain one, FERN EXHIBIT At the Fortnightly Show held by the Royal Horticultural Society on 14/15 June we arranged an exhibit of ferns. Several members provided plants which enabled us to stage a very interesting and varied exhibit. This was most successful and earned for us the award of a Lindley Medal, Our display attracted a lot of attention and the many enguiries and discussions we had would seem to indicate that most people find ferns fascinating plants. Several new members have been gained, making the venture a worthwhile one which we hope to repeat in 1967, and I take this opportunity to ask those of you who live within reach of London to give us your support by loaning plants for the occasion, Mr R F Cartwright, 143 Pittmans Field, Harlow, Essex will be organising the exhibit, so please contact him, We want to aim for a higher award this time, which means that the plants shown will have to approach exhibition standard, and be in clean pots, SHOWING AT SOUTHPORT FLOWER SHOW The report on the Southport Flower Show will appear as usual in the Gazette, but I would mention here that we are considering making Society entries in some of the fern classes at this Show, Of course, entries will have to be fully uj; to exhibition standard, It will be difficult to transport such plants in good condition from the south or from the far north although some members may be prepared to make the effort, The main sup); ort must come from those living within a reasonable distance fron Southport, and we do hope this will be forthcoming, Please let Mr N Robinson, 27 Yewlands Drive, Fulwood, Preston, Lanes know if you can help, THE MEETINGS PROGRAMME FOR 1967 is enclosed, Please do try to attend some of the meetings which are planned te interest members of all kinds, botanists, gardeners and hunters, the expert and the beginner, We extend a special invitation to beginners who are always welcomed warmly and given every facility to learn more about ferns, READING CIRCLE May I remind you again about our Reading Circle which circulates the American Fern Journal among interested members, This is issued in four parts anmally, and for those seriously interested in ferns contains much valuable information, If you wish to join please advise me, so that I can add your name to the list, SLIDE LIBRARY Our Slide Library is growing very slowly. Several members have donated slides during the past year, but we need a lot more before the Library can begin to be of service. When photographing those prized ferns in your borders or in pots please take an extra shot for the Library, Mr R F Cartwright, 143 Pittmans Field, Harlow, Essex will gratefully receive all contributions which should include the names of the ferns (if known , and any relevant information, A list of the slides already held is appended, NURSERIES We are building up a list of all murseries which hold * stocks of ferns, This is proving most useful in answering the many requests I get for such information, A list is appended and if you know of other nurseries please let me know, AND PLANT EXCHANGE Members wishing to exchange spores and plants will find the Newsletter a useful medium for this purpose, and we gladly print all offers and requests which should be sent to me for inclusion in the next issue, Subsequent correspondence should be between the interested parties direct, and not routed through me, The American Fern Society organises a Spore Exchange, run by Mr Neill D Hall, 1225 N E 95th Street, Seattle 15, Washington, US A. He is glad to receive spores of ferns and can supply a list of spores available from hin, The University of Hull Botanic Garden also issues a list of seeds and spores offered for exchange, This may be obtained from the Assistant Curator, Botanic Garden, Department of Botany, University of Hull, Yorkshire. The following overseas members are interested in the exchange of spores:- Mrs E S Bayley, Danbury Park, Postbox 21 MR, Marlborough, Salisbury, Rhodesia, G Kunkel, Camino Viejo 9, Tafira Alta, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Mrs G E Tierney, 593 Buchanan Street, Hillside, New Jersey 07205, US A, Wishing to exchange spores and fern plants are:- Mrs Sylvia Leatherman, of the Los Angeles International Fern Society, 2637 North Lee Avenue, South el Monte, California 91733, US A, Ronald J Poff, 4936 S E 108th Avenue, Portland, Oregon $7266, US A, Mr R M Lloyd, Vepartment of Botany, University of California, Berkeley, California, US A has asked me to announce that he is interested in getting living rhizomes of Matteuccia struthiopteris (L) Todaro from Europe with field data for his research, He will be happy to refund postage, FLORA OF MULL The British Museum (Natural History) is actively engaged in collecting data for a Flora of the Island of Mull, including Iona, Ulva, Gometra and the Treshnish Islands, Argyllshire. The survey aims to include all groups of plants, and A C Jermy or J A Crabbe, Department of Botany, British Museum (Natural History), Cromvell Road, London SW 7 would welcome any records of ferns or fern allies, preferably accompanied by a specimen, from the area, Material of interest will be incorporated in the Naticnal Collections, and all assistance will be gratefully acknowledged in the final publicaticn, THE UPPER TEESDALE DEFENCE FUND {The threat to Teesdale is very much in the minds of all right-thinking men and women these days, but it is not enough only to condemn the insensate folly which would flood the valley and forever destroy this ancient and botanically unique habitat in Upper Teesdale, The Tees Valley and Cleveland Water Bill has had its third reading in the House of Commons, and has been referred by the House of Lords to a Select Committee which will consider alternative sites, The Teesdale Defence Committee is continuing the fight against the Bill, but more funds are necessary, The first appeal raised over £9000, and a further £7000 is required to ensure that the case against the reservoir is properly presented, If this Bill succeeds, the flooding of the valley will mean irreparable loss to our members in common with all who are interested in plant life, and we ask you to send a donation - if you have already done so please send a second one - to the following address: The Hon Treasurer (B.S.B.1.), Upper Teesdale Defence Fund, c/o British Museum (Natural History), Cromwell Road, London SW 7, THE NATIONAL GARDENS SCHEME, organised by the Queen's Institute of District Nursing, have asked me to bring to your notice their new film "In Search of an English Garden", made and presented by Fisons Horticul- ture Ltd. It is a 16mm film in colour running for 20 minutes, and is available on hire for 30/- to all interested organisations from Sound- Services Film Library, Wilton Crescent, London SW 19. The film explores the many aspects which go to the making of an English garden, and its technical achievement and instructive qualities are high, The commentary too is intelligent and informative , yet thoroughly "digestible", NEW BOOK We congratulate our member Mr F H Brightman on his newly published book "The Oxford Book of Flowerless Plants", (See enclosed leaflet). A review will appear in the next issue of the Gazette, S Members who have joined since the last list was published in Newsletter No 3 are:- : Mrs E M Bean, Taw Cross, Newman's Road, Sudbury, Suffolk. Bibliotheca Bogoriensis, Djalan Ir, H, Djuanda 20, Bogor, Indonesia, Birmingham University, Edgbaston, Birmingham 15, Bletchley Grammar School, Biology Department, Sherwood Drive, Bletchley, Bucks. A E Bobrov, Botanical Institute of the Academy of Sciences of the U.S.S.R., . Prof. Popov Street .2, Leningrad 22, U.S.S.R. Professor Albert L M Bonnet, Institut de Botanique, 5 Rue A Broussonet, 34 Montpellier, France, Botanical Library, 0 Vallgatan 18, Lund, Sweden, Dr D M Britton, Department of Botany, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada, California University, Biomedical Library, The Center for the Health Sciences, Los Angeles, California 90024, U.S.A, R Dadd, 21 Embrook Road, Wokingham, Berkshire, J R Davies, 16 Welbourne Road, Childwall, Liverjool 16, Duke University Library, Durham, North Carolina 27706, U.S.A, Mrs E Elengorn, 43 Queen Anne's Place, Enfield, Middlesex, Dr P J Godin, ARCS, DIC, PhD, 53 Colborne Way, Worcester Park, Surrey, Goteborgs Universitetsbibliotek, Institutionstjansten, Gamla biblioteket, Hegaplan, Goteborg C, Sweden, Mrs Dinah P Gover, 74 Station Road, Bow Bricihill, Bletchley, Bucks, - Greig, Royston Nursery, Royston, V.I., B.C,., Canada, H.M, Stationery Office, I.T.W. (Books), Cornwall House, Stamford Street, London, D A Harris, 21 Hamboro Gardens, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, Miss Clara S Hires, Mistaire Laboratories, 152 Glen Aveme, Millburn, Nig, 07041, U.S.A, Mrs H J Holshuh, 611 Ardleigh Drive, Akron, Ohio 44303, U.S.A. Hunt Botanical Library, Carnegie Institute of Technology, Pittsburgh, Penn, 15213, U.S.A. Dr Hiroshi Ito, Botanical Institute, Faculty of Science, Tokyo Kyoiku Daigaku, Ohtsuka, Daakvsclinn, Tokyo, Found C R Fraser Jenkins, Newcastle House, Bridgend, Glamorgan, A G Kenneth, Stronachullin, Avdvishidg: Argyll, Manchester Wuiveraisy: Manchester 13, Larry McDougald, 275 Crescent Road, San Anselmo, California, U.S.A, Miss B Mead, 11 Cranley Gardens, Muawslt Hill, London N 10 Michigan State University, etic Dept, East ‘banalex: iichigan, U.S.A, Missouri Botanical Garden, 2315 Tower Grove Avemue, St Louis 10, MO 63110, U.S.A. Maj Gen D M Murray-Lyon, DSO, MC, Ardcuil, Pitlochry, Perthshire, National Lending Library for Science and Technology, Boston Spa, Yorks, Mrs M T Petch, New Bungalow, 12B Syring Lane, Mapyerley Plains, Nottingham, Mrs Stephen Player, Ednaston Manor, Brailsford, Derbyshire, Reading University Library, Whiteknights Park, Reading, Berks, Baxi M B Sinha, Botany Department, The University, Patna 5, India, P Swindells, Ratehaven, Caldscote; Cambridge R Trippitt, 329 Whitehall Road, Westfield, ee Bradford, Yorks, Turku University, Department of Botany, Tarke 2, Finlan Dr W Van Cotthem, Laboratorium Morfologie en SURE ER Plenthusde. Ledeganckstr, 39, Ghent, Belzium D E Watling, BSc Hons (Hort), 52 Frans Road Windsor: Berks, P L Watson, Church House, Norton, Presteigne, "Hadaae® Martin G C Wilson, 57 weaker Road, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, Leonard Woolf, Monks House, Rodmelt, Lewes, Bdenex: OBITUARIES It is my sad duty to announce the deaths of three members — RALPH € BENEDICT who died in August 1965 (obituary in Amer. Fern J, 56:1-3), He first joined our Society for a period of about seven years after the First World War and rejoined in 1954, GARETH B EVANS who died in October this year. EDMUND F WARBURG who died in June this year, Obituaries of Evans and Warburg will aj} ear in the fortncoming Gazette, 25 November 1966 ' J W Dyce Hon Secretary, FINANCIAL STATEMENT AS AT 30 JUNE 1966 ORDINARY ACCOUNT 1965 Mm 6. a, S, &. 4, June 30 To Balance 918 6 By Subscriptions - : Royal Hort. Society 323 © Subscriptions ime 8 8 Council for Nature a. @Q Donations At 64: 9 American Fern Society 3 7 Upper Teesdale Grant-in-aid from : Royal Society 150 0 0 Appeal Pune 220 WMT Retea< E,C,Freeman Ltd - cost Gazettes 95 13 1 — Vol Se eh ‘ Census lists £13 8 96 6 9 Hamisetting Advertisement 1.2 6 Display Type &§.0 6° 236 13 6 Printing and Stationery m + © Secretarial and Editoréal Expenses 20 7 3 Transfer to Special Account 9 O O Balance at JO June 1966 714 9 £472 17 1 {A7T2 17 1 1966. June 30 To Balance £7614 9 s ACC : 1965 aie we 4. o. 8, ¢, June 30 To Balance £70 0 O Transfer from Ordinary d ' Account - Sale Gazettes 96 © OQ By Balance at 30 June 1966 166 O 0 £166 O 0 £166 0 Q 1966 June 30 To Balance £166 0 0 Saturday 18 February 23/25 June Saturday 15 July Friday/Sunday /25 3 Saturday 5 August Saturday/Saturday 2/9 September Wednesday 6 September Saturday during October FERN DISPLAY NORTHERN MEETINGS THE BRITISH PTERIDOLOGICAL SOCIETY PROGRAMME FOR 1967 Indoor Meeting at the British Museum (Natural History) , Cromweil‘Road, Lendon SW 7 at 4.30.pm, Lecture by Dr John D Lovis in the Lecture Hall, to be followed by a conversazione, Weekend yeeting in Ashdown Forest, Sussex, Leader : A C Jermy, (SEE NOTES 1 AND 2), Meeting centred on Oxford, to visit the University Botanic Gardens, and one or two private gardens in the area specialising in ferns, (SEE NOTES 1 AND 23. Visit to the Fern Houses, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Surrey, Meet at 2,30 pm outside the Fern Houses, Annual Excursion in the Ingleborough/Penyghent area, Yorkshire, (SEE NOTES 1, 2 AND 3), Annual General Meeting at the Annual Excursion centre. (NOTICE TO BE SENT LATER), Indoor Meeting, Date and details to be advised later with the next issue of the British Fern Gazette, It is hoped to arrange an Exhibit of Ferns at one of the R.H.S, Fortnightly Shows during July. Date and details to be advised with the next issue of the British Fern Gazette, Mr N Robinson hojes to arrange a weekend meeting in the Eskdale/Wasdale area in June, provisional date the second weekend, PROVIDED THERE IS SUFFICIENT SUPPORT, Will interested members j lease write to Mr Robinson DIRECT, at 27 Yewlands Drive, Fulwood, Preston, Lancs, as soon as possible, so that he will have ample time to make all necessary arrangements, Ne will welcome suggestions for other places and/or dates in addition to the above Meeting, NOTE 1, With the exception of the Anmal General Meeting, further necessary information regarding the meetings, in particular those marked with an asterisk, will be advised only to members who complete and return the attached form to the Meetings Secretartes, NOTE 2. For the weetings marked with an asterisk, private car transport will be used. Will members please mark the form accordingly, NOTE 3. Members hoping to join the Anmal Excursion, WHO HAVE ADVISED THE MEETINGS SECRETARIES, will be given inforwation regarding the Centre and hotels, as soon as this is available, THE BRITISH PTERIDOLOGICAL SOCIETY PLEASE RETURN AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, AND NOT LATER THAN THE END OF FEBRUARY, To: Mr R F Cartwright, 143 Pittmans Field, Harlow, Essex, I hope to attend the Meetings marked "X", Please keep me informed, 1 Mark ‘ Travel- Spare |Request | Making own © Ee ling seats ; lift | travel by car available | by car arrangements AP iie MRS Ce ERIN RR $ | wet ' Ashdown Forest Weekend 23/25 June Oxford Saturday 15 July Fern Houses, Kew Saturday 5 August Annual Excursion : Week 2/9 September | | | i a AUDRESS Bc Ge eek oe ee APPENDIX NO 1. NEWSLETTER NO 4 List of Slides held in Slide Library. . Adiantum capillus-veneris Close-up pinnule and sori, ok e Habitat. . pedatum 'Klondyke' Pinnules. . venustum In pot. " " pot, Asplenium Species Habitat Yugoslavia, 7 bulbiferum Pinnule, " Pinnule, me trichomanes On old Roman wall, . r sub-sp inexjectans Habitat. Blechnum occidentale Close-up sori. 2 ad Close-up pinnule ti). Cyrtomium falcatum Seri, Humata tyermannii Pinna " Pinmle, “if es Close-up sori, 7 “4 Close-up indusium, Lycopodium annotinum Habitat. Microlepia platyphylla Pinnule, : 7 Pinnule, 6 strigosa Close-up sori, 85 ° Pinnule, Polystichum setiferum 'Proliferun' Bulbils, Selaginella helvetica Habitat. Wocdwardia fimbriata Pinnule, " " Pinnule tip. ALSO - Sundry other slides of general interest or poor quality. _ APPENDIX NO 2. List of Fern Nurseries, NOEL BROOKFIELD, 102 Stamford Road, Birkdlae, Southport, Lancs, THOMAS BUTCHER, Wickham Road Nursery, Shirley, Croydon, Surrey, EBFORD NURSERIES, Tupsham, Exeter, Devon, EDRO@M NURSERIES, Coldingham, Berwickshire. HAZELDENE NURSERY, Upper Moors Road, Brambrisdge, Eastleigh, liants. HIGHLANDS WATER GARDENS, Rickmansworth, Herts, HILLIER AND SONS, Winchester, Hants, W E TH INGWERSEN LTD, Birch Farm Nursery, Gravetye, East Grinstead, Sussex, REGINALD KAYE LTD, Waithman Nurseries, Silverdale, Carnforth, Lancs, NEWLAKE GARDENS, New Chapel Road, Crawley, Sussex, PERRY'S HARDY PLANT FARM, Theobalds Park Road, Crews Hill, Enfield, Middlesex, MAURICE PRITCHARD AND SONS LTD, Riverslea Nuresetan: Cirvatehorch; Hants, ROPHELL (HORTICULTURE), P R Wiindelle, shares Caldecote, Siabridcs. SUNNINGDALE NURSERIES, Windlesham, Surre G THOMPSON AND SONS (NURSERIES) LTD, spied SOS Commom Road, Sutton, Surrey.