PIERIDQLOGICAL

Be Mh a

ili 3 NUMBER 1

1984

is Se ee ee ee ee ee ee ay ee Eee nT eae ee

MISSOURI BOTANICAL
MAR 1 » 1985

Edited by A.R. Busby

THE BRITISH PTERIDOLOGICAL SOCIETY

Officers and Committee for 1984
President: A. C. Jermy

Vice-Presidents J. W. Dyce, Dr R.E. Holttum, F. Jackson, R. Kaye,
Prof |. Manton, Dr S. Walker

Honorary General Secretary and A. R. Busby, University of Warwick,
Editor of the Bulletin Science Education, Westwood, Coventry CV4 7AL
Treasurer Dr B. A. Thomas, Biological Sciences Department, Goldsmiths’ College,
Rachael McMillan Building, Creek Road, London SE8 3BU

Meetings Secretary K. Kavanagh, 2 Bury Cottage, Offchurch Bury,
Offchurch, Leamington Spa, Warwicks

Editors of the Fern Gazette Dr M. Gibby, Dr C. N. Page, Dr B. S. Parris

Material for publication should be sent to Dr M. Gibby, British Museum
(Natural History), Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD

Editor of the Pteridologist M. H. Rickard, The ey Rectory, Leinthall Starkes,
Ludlow, Shropshire SY8 2HP

Committee M. Barker, J. M. Camus, J. K. Cramp, P. J. Edwards, R. P. H. Lamb,
A. Pigot, R. Rush, G. Tonge, Dr A. Willmot, J. R. Woodhams

Membership Secretary All communications re Membership & Subscriptions to:
BPS, c/o Department of Botany, British Museum (Natural History),

Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD

Fern Distribution Recorder A. J. Worland, 102 Queens Close, Harston,
Cambs CB2 50N

Spore Exchange Organiser R. F. Cartwright, 13 Perry Mill Road, Peopleton,
Pershore, Worcestershire

Archivist N. A. Hall, 15 Mostyn Road, Hazel Grove, Stockport, Cheshire SK7 5HL

The BRITISH Pheri a eee was founded i mi 1891 and today continues as a focus for
fern enthusiasts. wide ra information about ferns through the medium of its
pu and available literature. | ital also organises formal talks, informal discussions, field
meetings, garden visits, plant exchanges and a spore e: exchange scheme. The Society h has a wide
membership which includes gardeners, Peridlopiat and botanists, both a amateur and ——

Gazette publishes matter chiefly of specialist interest on international pteridology, the Pteridologist
topics of more general appeal, and rey pails Society business and meetings

Membership is oen to all interested in fern and fern-allies. peacetime rates (due on 1st January
each year) are Full Personal Members £7; Personal Members not receiving the Fern Gazette £5;
Student vers £5; Subscribing Institutions £8. Applications for membership should be sent to
the Membership Secretary (address above) from whom further details can be obtained. (Remittances
made in currencies ohers than Sterling are £0.50 extra to cover bank conversion charges).

mbers of the Gazette, Pteridologist and Bulletin are available for purchase from the
sane aeee (address above), from whom further details can be obtained. r

THE
BULLETIN

OF THE
BRITISH PTERIDOLOGICAL SOCIETY

Vol. 3 1984 No. 1

SECRETARIAL NOTES

MEETINGS CARDS — Meetings cards for 1985 are enclosed with this Bulletin to all
inland members. Overseas members visiting Britain can obtain them on application to
the Meetings Secretary.

PUBLICATIONS BY AIRMAIL — Our journals can be sent by airmail to overseas
members, provided they advise the Membership Secretary and pay an additional
subscription to cover airmail postage. Please note that due to the introduction of our
new journal — ‘PTERIDOLOGIST’, the cost of airmailing the journals must be increased
to £3.50 for those receiving all journals and £2.50 for those receiving only the
‘Pteridologist’ and the ‘Bulletin’. The amounts should be sent with the annual dues.

COMMITTEES VACANCIES — In accordance with paragraph 3, section 3 of the Society's
Constitution, two vacancies will occur due to the retirement of the longest serving
Committee members. Nominations are invited from members of the Society to fill these
vacancies at the Annual General Meeting in February 1985. The names of the
nominees, proposers and seconders, together with a letter from the nominee indicating
their willingness to serve, should reach the General Secretary by the 14 February 1985.

SUBSCRIFTIONS 1985 — Members are reminded that subscriptions for 1985 are due
on the 1st January 1985 and should be paid to the Membership Secretary, British
Pteridological Society, c/o Dept of Botany, British Museum (Natural History), Cromwell
Road, London, SW7 5BD. Cheques should be made payable to ‘The British Pteridological
Society’.

AFFILIATION TO THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY — Our Society is affiliated to
the RHS, enabling a limited number of members to enjoy certain privileges in
connection with RHS Shows, competitions and services. A small number of tickets are
available for the Chelsea Show and the Great Autumn Show. These tickets will be
allocated to members on a first-come-first-served basis. There are also two transferable
tickets available for all other RHS Shows. Applications for tickets or further details,
enclosing a stamped, addressed envelope, should be made to the BPS General
Secretary.

READING CIRCLE — The American Fern Journal, a quarterly containing much

information for those seriously interested in ferns, is circulated to Reading Circle
members. To join, apply to the General Secretary.

THE GREENFIELD FUND — This fund, set up as a memorial to one of our Society's great
fern growers — Percy Greenfield, is used to finance approved research projects, helping
with the cost of necessary equipment, books and travel expenses. Awards for meritorius
achievements such as the introduction of a new fern variety or plant, or some of the
Society publicity projects would be considered as worthy of help from the fund. Percy
Greenfield's interest leaned very much towards the non-scientific side of our activities
and it is felt that he would want this taken into consideration when decisions are made.
Workers eligible for university or college grants and similar support will not therefore be
eligible for help from the fund. Members with projects wishing to benefit from this
memorial fund should apply to the trustees via the General Secretary.

CHANGE OF RECORDER — Members please note that from February 1984, A R Busby
retired from the post of British Fern Distribution Recorder. All enquiries and additions
and corrections to the ‘Atlas of Ferns of the British Isles’ should be sent to the new
recorder — A J Worland, 102 Queens Close, Harston, Cambridge, CB2 5QN.

HONORARY GENERAL SECRETARY — CHANGE OF ADDRESS —Will members kindly
note that with immediate effect, all correspondence to A R Busby should be addressed
to him c/o University of Warwick, Dept of Science Education, Westwood, Coventry
CV4 7AL.

NEW BINDERS for the BPS BULLETIN — Binders for volumes of the BPS BULLETIN are
available from the General Secretary. Attractively produced with red hardboard covers
and gold blocked lettering on the spine: only £3.50 each, postage & packing included.
This applies to inland members only. Prices for overseas members on application. Cash
with order, please make cheques payable to A R Busby. Please note, a few binders
remaining for the British Fern Gazette at £2.50 each.

REGIONAL MEETINGS IN NORTH BUCKS AND OXFORDSHIRE — Mrs Gwladys Tonge is
anxious to start a regional meetings group in this area. Any members interested in
supporting Mrs Tonge’s idea should contact her at 32 Horn Street, Winslow, Bucks
MK18 3AW.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 1984

MINUTES of the ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING held at the British Museum (Natural
History), Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD, on Saturday, 25th February 1984 at
2.30 pm, the President, A C Jermy, in the chair.

PRESENT — P J Acock, Miss J Barker, Miss M Barker, R F Brown, A R Busby,

Miss J Camus, R F Cartwright, J K Cramp, C Creary, L Dugdale, J W Dyce, Miss R Elks,
Dr M Gibby, Dr N Hards, Miss M Harris, Mrs R Hibbs, A Hoare, Mrs D Holly,

Prof R E Holttum, Miss J Ide, Mrs A Jermy, Mrs A Johnstone, Miss K Kavanagh, Mrs E Koh,
Miss M Ladell, R P H Lamb, Mr & Mrs B J Mitchell, Mrs M Nimmo-Smith, A Ogden,

Dr C N Page, Miss S Peterson, W Pierozynski, Mrs A Piggott, A Piggott, M H Rickard,

C Rogers, R J Rush, Dr A Sleep, Mr & Mrs R Smith, Dr & Mrs B A Thomas,

Mr & Mrs F Tingey, Mrs G Tonge, Miss J P Westfold, S L Williams, Dr A Willmot,

J R Woodhams, A J Worland.

ITEM 1 — APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE — Mr F Bayford, J A Crabbe, P J Edwards, NA
Hall, Dr B Parris.

ITEM 2 — MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING held on 19 February 1983
were read and approved.

2

ITEM 3 — REPORT ON THE BALLOT concerning the proposed change of name of the
Society, and consequences — The Honorary General Secretary reported that at the
closing date for returning the ballot papers, 98 votes were returned for changing the
name of the Society to The British Fern Society, 220 votes were returned in favour of
retaining the Society’s present name, plus 2 spoilt papers. The President said that he
was well pleased with the percentage return estimated at just over 50% and that the
result which is so clear cut. The result is without consequence.

ITEM 4 — REPORT OF THE HONORARY GENERAL SECRETARY FOR 1983 —
Membership numbers have shown a distinct upturn this year in spite of losing 46
members due to lapses, resignations and deaths. The membership totals standing at 1st
of December 1983: Full members 397, Subscribers 97, Student members 15, Honorary
members 9 and members not receiving the ‘Fern Gazette’ 70, giving a total of 558. An
apparent increase of 35.

| am pleased to report another busy and successful year with meetings well attended.
The high point of the national meetings programme was the Edinburgh Symposium on
the Biology of Pteridophytes providing five days of meetings jointly sponsored by the
Royal Society of Edinburgh, The Linnean Society, The International Association of
Pteridologists and our own Society, held on the 12-16 September. During the week
before, our Meetings Secretary organised an excursion beginning in London and ending
in Edinburgh when some 15 overseas visitors saw fern sites of interest and met more
members along the route. (See pp 21-27 for report).

Regional meetings have continued to prove popular and it is particularly pleasing to
report the formation of active groups in the Leeds area and in the south-east of
England.

ITEM 5 — REPORT OF THE HONORARY TREASURER — Dr B A Thomas circulated
copies of the Society's balance sheet up to 31 December 1983 and explained that the
Society's finances remain strong. The report and balance sheet were approved and
adopted.

ITEM 6 — REPORTS OF THE EDITORS — Dr C N Page (Fern Gazette) reported that the
number and standard of papers being submitted for publication have shown a very
general increase over the last few years, reflecting the high international standards and
reputation that our publication has. By far the greater numbers of papers are from
overseas members with ‘home’ members being relatively quiet. This trend has certainly
continued in 1983 and we have some excellent articles for publication, and enough for
either the next two issues or for one much enlarged one. All this has meant a much
greater load of work falling on the editor, at a time when | have also many other heavy
commitments. It has now become essential to get help in the editorial duties and to this
end, Dr Mary Gibby and Barbara Parris have volunteered to act as co-editors beginning
with the current (1984) issue.

M H Rickard (Pteridologist) reported that the first issue of this new Society journal was
now virtually complete and would be with the printers very shortly.

The President thanked the Secretary, Treasurer and Dr Page and Mr Rickard for their
efforts.

ITEM 7 — ELECTION OF OFFICERS AND COMMITTEE
The Honorary General Secretary, A R Busby, the Honorary Treasurer Dr B A Thomas

FINANCIAL STATEMENT AS AT 31 DECEMBER 1983

ORDINARY ACCOUNT

Income
(1982)
£4405.60 Subscriptions £4462.15
10.99 Sundries 42.15
Sales —
150.00 Booksales £324.20
Offprints 45.60
Leaflets 51.60 421.40
Interest on Deposit Accounts 210.20
£4453.89 £5135.90
Expenditure
870.00 Metloc A/C Bulletin Vol 2No 5 863.00
1190.00 Metloc A/C Gazette Vol 12 Pt 5 1476.00
202.07 ‘Printing and Stationery 502.93
767.23 Administrative Costs & Postage 923.78
32.05 Subscriptions to Societies 31.05
26.00 Meeting Costs 92.29
Display Screens 244.18
Edinburgh Reception (Int Symposium) 100.00
£3087.35 £4233.23
1366.54 Excess of Income over Expenditure 902.67
2019.70 Balance carried forward from 1982 3385.25
Balance carried forward to 1984 £4287.92

PUBLICATIONS ACCOUNT

Balance carried forward from 1982 £526.86
Sales —
Gazettes and Bulletins £92.50
Hardy Ferns 98.00 190.50
£717.36
Less reprinting Gazettes £352.00
Balance carried forward to 1984 £365.00

GREENFIELD FUND

Balance carried forward from 1982 £1588.42
Interest from Deposit Account 127.57

£1715.57
Less Grant 50.00

Balance carried forward £1665.99

and the Meetings Secretary, Miss Kathryn Kavanagh have agreed to stand for another
year and were duly elected.

Three nominations had been received for the three vacancies occurring on the
Committee: Dr Alan Willmot of Derby, (prop. A R Busby, seconded A C Jermy), Mr
Anthony Pigott of Hertford, (prop. Miss J Camus, seconded Dr M Gibby), Mr Richard
Lamb of Daventry (prop. A R Busby, seconded N A Hall) had accepted their nomination
and with the rest of the Committee were elected.

Due to the introduction of the Society’s new journal this year, Mr M H Rickard was
elected as Editor of the new journal and Mr Busby has agreed to fill the post of editor of
the ‘Bulletin’ as part of his duties as Honorary General Secretary.

The Editors of the ‘Fern Gazette’. The Committee proposed that Drs Mary Gibby and
Barbara Parris be elected joint assistant Editors of the ‘Fern Gazette’ with Dr Page as
Chief Editor. They were duly elected.

ITEM 8 — ELECTION OF MR J A CRABBE TO HONORARY MEMBER

The President conveyed to the meeting the apologies of Mr Crabbe for not attending the
meeting due to ill health and outlined Mr Crabbe’s long service to the Society. Jim
Crabbe’s main contribution to the Society was in helping edit its journals and his
wisdom had helped to guide the Society in many ways over the past twenty years.

ITEM 9 — ANY OTHER BUSINESS — As these appeared to be no further business the
President thanked the members for attending and closed the meeting at 14.59 hrs..

LECTURE MEETINGS AND VISITS

The Spring Indoor Meeting was held on the 25 February at the British Museum
(Natural History), Cromwell Road, London, immediately after the AGM.

The members assembled to hear a talk by Dr C N Page on his fern-hunting experiences
in the Pacific and Australasia. It became quickly obvious that Dr Page had set himself
an enormous task in condensing a vast amount of experience in the ecology and
geology of the area into the short period available that afternoon, however, he did so in
a most lucid way and it was interesting to note how those present could only gaze
spellbound at the screen as slide after slide illustrated exotic ferns and fern allies of
great beauty against lovely, sun-drenched back-cloths of rain-forests, mountain ranges
and fern-tree groves.

The Autumn Indoor Meeting was held on Saturday, 20 October at Aston University,
where 36 members and guests assembled to hear a talk by Martin Rickard on ‘Hardy
Polypodiums’.

Martin’s talk mainly centred around those varieties that are still in cultivation and it
became quickly evident that much confusion exists largely through carelessness and
because, to a smaller degree, the fact that Po/ypodium cultivars tend to change slightly
over the years or even revert to the normal shape.

He gave the impression that no other genus with cultivars is in such disarray with their
nomenclature, and that Martin has set himself a real task in trying to sort them out. The
membership itself can help Martin in this task by sending him any good fronds of
unknown Polypodium cultivars in their collections or from their own wild finds or any
forms they might ‘discover’ in public collections.

Kew Gardens — 5 May — Forty members and guests gathered in the Fern section
potting shed to hear a talk by John Woodhams on the propagation and cultivation of
Platyceriums (Stags-horn ferns) at Kew.

John began by emphasising the epiphytic nature of stags-horn ferns and their
requirements for good drainage, and pointed out that they prefer hanging baskets to
being pot grown. The compost best used for them is a peat-based compost with perlite
and grit added to ensure that it is free-draining. Stags-horn ferns can suffer from
. overwatering, John explained that a symptom of overwatering is black patches occurring
on the nest fronds, it is best to water them only when they really need it.

Although stags-horn ferns can be grown from spores, they are rather slow to germinate
and achieve fertilisation. Fortunately one or two species readily produce daughter-plants
which can be carefully prized away from the parent plant and potted up in the usual
way. Stags-horn ferns have few pests but brown scale can be a persistent problem and
John recommended a weak solution of Malathion at the rate of ¥, fl oz to 2 gallons.

After his talk, John lead the members around the fern houses, the filmy fern house and
the fern propagation unit.

Hidcote Gardens, Gloucestershire — 9 September. Some 30 members and guests
assembled in the car park of the National Trust gardens at Hidcote Manor.

Although Hidcote is not a garden noted for its ferns, several species and varieties were
to be found. Some, such as the shuttlecock fern, Matteucia struthiopteris, in large
groups. Throughout the gardens, the usual plantings of Male-fern, Lady-fern, Harts-
tongue and Shield-ferns were noted and one particularly fine Po/ystichum setiferum
‘Plumosum-cruciatum’, which, unfortunately, had been planted close to the paths edge
where visitors could inadvertently tread upon it.

Inevitably, such a large party fragmented and small groups of members could be found
throughout the gardens all afternoon, each one dallying in their own favourite spot. The
weather which had been a mixture of sunshine and showers quickly broke down to
more heavy persistent rain and sent the visitors to seek shelter in the tea-rooms or to
consider their return home.

A R Busby
REGIONAL MEETINGS 1984
WEST MIDLANDS Matt Busby

“Welcome to Spring’ Flower Show — 22-23 April — Once again, by the kind
invitation of the Solihull Horticultural Society, our Society was able to exhibit a selection
of hardy and indoor ferns together with a display of spore germination and Society
literature. Entries for the competitive class for a potted fern was down on last year,
amounting to only four entries. Results of class 142, one pot fern were; 1st prize, Miss
M Smith Adiantum raddianum ‘Lady Geneva’, 2nd prize, Mr R Smith, A. reniforme and
3rd prize, Mrs B Smith, A. raddianum cultivar. Richard and Jenny Lamb and Ray Smith
brought along a number of hardy and indoor ferns which we were able to offer for sale
to the public and these realised £8. This money goes towards financing local meetings.
A special thank you is due to Ray Smith for helping to man the stand again this year.

Flora of industry — Sunday, 29 July — Nineteen members and guests embarked on
the narrow-boat ‘ANSON’ for a lazy journey along the Birmingham Canal Navigations

6

from Gas Street to Smethwick. The party were able to observe how ferns and other
plants have taken advantage of the canal tow-paths, bridges and waste places providing
the West Midland conurbation with a pleasing green oasis. At Smethwick, the party left
the boat and, armed with a picnic lunch, ventured forth to explore the recently
designated ‘Galton Valley Canal Park’. Matt Busby, who has recently completed a
species list of the plant life to be found there, led the way pointing out various treasures
of ferns and flowering plants. On grassy banks, shady corners, neglected brickwork and
damp ditches were Male-fern, Lady-fern, Bracken, Hart-tongue, Lemon-scented and Soft
Shield-fern. After some 21, miles of walking and talking, the party returned to the x
‘ANSON’ where the bar did brisk business before returning a somewhat weary party
back to their cars at Gas Street.

' Spetchley Gardens, Worcestershire — Saturday, 8 September, Thirteen members and
guests assembled at Spetchley Hall near Pershore, for a private visit to the gardens.
This large garden has a wealth of plants for gardeners interested in herbaceous plants
and shrubs and it is encircled by a wide selection of mature trees providing plenty of
shade. Unfortunately, many of the shrubs, particularly Rhododendrons, were suffering
from the effects of the prolonged dry summer. There is plenty of evidence of recent
plantings of both British fern varieties and foreign hardy ferns, as well as evidence that
many years ago, Spetchley Garden possessed a hardy fern collection. Amongst the large
herbaceous borders on the west side of the walled garden, a number of old fern
varieties are found, notably a Dryopteris filix-mas ‘Grandiceps’ and a delightful
miniature variety of the Soft Shield-fern, Po/ystichum setiferum the fronds of which are
never larger than 30 x 8 cm (12 x 3 inches) and always sterile.

Thanks are due to the Estate Manager and his staff for a very enjoyable afternoon.

Matt and Margaret's illustrated wine and cheese party — 18 October — Twenty
members and guests attended an autumn get-together at the University of Aston in
Birmingham. Clive Brotherton and Richard Lamb kindly brought along a selection of
their surplus ferns, both hardy and indoor, and many of us took home new acquisitions
to add to our collections. Colour slides shown during the evening covered a wide range
of topics including this season's trips to the Lake District and the Pyrenees by John and
Margaret Collins, a selection of local fungi by Miss Jacqui Ogden, a few slides by
Richard Lamb of his garden at Daventry, a visual report of the July canal trip by Alan
Ogden and Ray and Brenda Smith's slides of their visit to Orkney and Shetlands.

Thanks are due to John, Margaret and Clare Collins, Janet Lowe and Margaret Busby
for their kind help with the refreshments.

LEEDS AND DISTRICT Jack Bouckley

The inaugural meeting of the Leeds and District Group — Wednesday 18 January
was held at Leeds Polytechnic, Headingly. In spite of icy, snowy conditions, nine keen
members turned up to make the meeting very interesting and quite successful. There
were six apologies for absence, all from members who are very keen to see the
formation of this group. Those present were a very representative group including
professional and amateur botanists, gardeners and conservationists. It was quickly
decided that we should endeavour to further the course of the Society by holding field
and indoor meetings with lectures and garden visits.

To ensure the smooth running of the group we decided that two members should form
a small administrative committee, therefore, Jack Bouckley agreed to act as chairman

7

with Major Richard Unett as group secretary. Finally, we got down to the pleasant task
of trying to arrange a programme of visits for 1984.

The meeting thanked Mr Paul McGrath for arranging the pre-meeting printing, booking
the room and for laying on the coffee which we all enjoyed at the end of the meeting.

Harlow Car Gardens, Harrogate — 13 June — It was on the wettest evening for many
weeks that ten members of the Group met for their first get together since their
formation. The venue was the headquarters of the Northern Horticultural Society, and
we were very privileged to have Philip Swindells as leader as we looked round the
various fern species and their variations. Most were British hardy ferns and it is hoped
that our group will be able to introduce some of the missing ones such as the Woodsias,
the rarer Cystopteris and, if a suitable place can be found, a few filmies. Everyone
present was pleasantly surprised to see so many ferns in the 60 acre garden. The Royal
fern, Osmunda regalis, with its crown of fertile fronds, looked magnificent as it towered
above the smaller, but equally beautiful Adjantum, Onoclea, and Polypodiums. \n spite
of the rain, everyone enjoyed the walk around and we finished off the evening by selling
a few plants and having a chat over a cup of tea and biscuits. Richard Unett thanked
everyone for attending and he also proposed a vote of thanks to Phillip Swindells and to
Mrs Eleanor Fisher for providing the refreshments.

CASTLE HOWARD — 14 July — Eleven members led by Jim Russell, met at Castle
Howard and were taken for a memorable walk through the woods in some of the Castle
grounds where we saw many unusual ferns growing including such varieties as
Polystichum setiferum ‘Pulcherrimum’, Dryopteris filix-mas ‘Linearis’, and a very fine
Athyrium filix-femina ‘Victoriae’ with most of the fronds normal Victoriae but as an
added bonus there were dotted here and there, fronds which were ramose and some
which were also cristate. A very beautiful fern indeed. At the end of the morning
session we all went back to the home of Mr Russell, who supplied us with a very
delightful meal with ample liquid refreshment.

After lunch we were shown around the fern house with such plants as Cyc/osorus
dentatus, Pteris Childsii and Stenaloma decompostitum among many other ferns and
also a beautiful variegated variety of the clubmoss, Se/aginella martensii.

Richard Unett thanked Jim Russell and his sister for everything they had done to make
our day a day to remember for a very long time. Then, to finish off, we were all given at
least one plant to take to our respective homes.

Jack and Ruth Bouckley At Home — 23 August — Fourteen members of the group
met at the home of Jack Bouckley in Harrogate to see around his collection of ferns,
alpines and dwarf conifers. Some of the plants were suffering from drought and a lot
were still confined to pots as everything was too dry for planting out into more suitable
and permanent positions. Some of the members had travelled from as far away as
Hartlepool and we were very pleased to see Nigel and June Hall from the other side of

the Pennines. Ruth Bouckley really enjoyed herself as she provided refreshments for the
group.

Hack Fall, N. Yorkshire — Saturday 8 September — Twelve of us plus our leader, Dr
W A Sledge of Leeds University Botany Department, turned up at Hack Fall in an area of
mixed woodland and part of the Nidd Gorge with various streams draining down into
the main river. There are acid and alkaline conditions. We had not been walking very
long before we were surrounded with stands of Dryopteris dilatata and Dr Sledge
explained the difference between that and the usual D. filix-mas. One of our younger

8

members, Bob Adams, then spotted a Polystichum setiferum, a fern which later on
became much more plentiful. This was followed with Athyrium filix-femina and the first
of quite a few stands of Equisetum te/mateia. Dotted about among the ferns and Horse-
tails were the occasional clumps of Carex pendula standing up to 5'6” and dancing
about in the light breeze. This is a very impressive sedge in its natural sites but can
become quite a pest if introduced to a garden.

Three of us followed a stream uphill for a hundred or so yards and it was there that we
found our first Blechnum spicant and Asplenium scolopendrium. Both types of the
fronds of 8. spicant were taken back to the main party so that they could see the
difference between the fertile and barren fronds. Dr Sledge then found another of the
Dryopteris species, D. affinis, and he pointed out how to identify this particular plant.

We had lunch sitting on boulders which had been washed down-stream by the Nidd
over the past centuries. Then off again to follow another stream which ran along a
steep sided gorge. On the opposite side of the gorge we could see a large stand of
thousands of Asp/enium scolopendrium stretching along the top of a tufa cliff as far as
you could see and nestling among them Dr Sledge saw something which we had not
found before. After closer investigation we were in no doubt that it was an area of
about thirty square yards of Phegopteris connectilis and also it was seen that among the
‘scollies’ were a number of A. sco/opendrium ‘Crispa’, perhaps not so wavy edged as
some we see in captivity but even so, they were quite crisped.

A little further on was a rotting tree trunk, jutting out at an angle of about 45 degrees
and leaning over the stream in a not too accessible place and on this old piece of rotting
vegetation was a colony of Po/ypodium vulgare which as far as we know had not been
recorded in this area before. Bob wandered off along another path where he found
Polystichum aculeatum growing near a limestone cliff.

We arrived back at our cars and we expressed our appreciation for the way Dr Sledge
had led the party and then we were asked by Mrs Ramsden, a member of the group
who lived fairly locally if we would like to go back to her home for refreshments and for
a look round her garden. This was very much appreciated by all. It certainly was a very
enjoyable and profitable day, but unfortunately we did not get a sight of Dryopteris
aemula which, according to local records, had been seen in the area many years ago,
but, on the other hand, there must have been thousands of ferns there which we had
not seen, so we are determined to look again ... and again.

SOUTH WEST REGION Mary Potts

Tamar Wood, Devon — 24 June — The first meeting this summer was held at Tamar
Wood. On a fine windy day, eleven members and friends, (slightly more lichen than fern
enthusiasts) were led through an excellent itinerary by Dr Dougal Swinscow, with the
help of the warden of Yarner Wood during the morning.

An ancient wood, one of the first to become under the care of the Nature Conservancy
Council, Yarner Wood is predominantly oak with birch and some fine specimen Holly
trees. The soil is acid and Blechnum spicant, Dryopteris affinis and Dryopteris aemula
were growing well along the floor and sides of the valley. A patch of Hymenophylium
tunbrigense was of great interest growing on a bank beside the main track, well above
the stream and no visible reason — such as extra moisture — for its presence in that
particular spot. A good stand of Osmunda regalis was growing in the lower marshy
Sphagnum bog; we were able to see the large well-formed ‘flowering heads’ of spores
turning colour from brown/umber to green as they ripened.

The party then travelled to Henchford Reservoir to see large expanses of the fern ally
Isoetes echinospora. This extraordinary plant looked just like thick fleshy grass and was
growing well above the receding water-line. Dougal told us he had first noticed it
because of the residue of broken brittle leaves washed up against the dam of the
reservoir.

We then visited a lane close by to see a particularly good form of Asp/enium adiantum-
nigrum growing on the bank along with the first limestone ferns of the day, Polystichum
setiferum and Asplenium scolopendrium.

The day finished with a sumptuous tea kindly provided by Mrs Swinscow and a look
around Dougal’s garden, which, in correspondence, he had described as ‘small and
select’. The description was quite apt and ‘exceedingly’ select would describe the fine
specimens of ferns growing in the garden. A very large plant of Asp/enium
scolopendrium ‘Bolton's Nobile’, Dryopteris filix-mas ‘lineare polydactyla’, and some
select Athyiums and Polystichums caught our attention amongst a host of carefully
tended and interesting plants.

We would like to thank Dr and Mrs Swinscow for a well-guided day and generous tea.

Greencombe Open Day — 1 July — On a fine hot afternoon twenty two members
met at Greencombe, Joan Loraine’s garden at Porlock in Somerset. We were able to
combine this local event with the weekend meeting led by Peter Edwards and so give
members from further afield an opportunity to see Joan's garden and fern collection.

We last visited Joan’s garden four years ago and while able to eulogise on its
attractions then, we now found ourselves quite overwhelmed by its tranquil beauty,
enhanced by the perfect summer afternoon. The recently acquired woodland was still
comparatively naked with an underplanting of young shrubs and sedges. The older
areas of woodland garden were well furnished with mature shrubs and some large
stands of superbly grown ferns. We all admired Blechnum chilense and Dryopteris
aemula (though sorry to see a large Dicksonia antarctica had disappeared since our
previous visit) as well as many good selected forms of Dryopteris and Athyrium
including Athyrium filix-femina ‘Plumosum Druery’ and Dryopteris dilatata ‘Cristata
Grandiceps’.

The drought had been of some weeks’ duration but very little sign of dryness was
apparent in this shaded maritime garden which also enjoys equable and mild winters. A
fern which survives outdoors at Greencombe is Pteris cretica — that ubiquitous house
fern — and shows quite a different habit with handsome fronds eighteen inches high.
This plant has proved reasonably hardy, over a number of years, along with other
shrubs and plants which give this garden its unique luxurient flavour.

We enjoyed an excellent tea and returned home pleased and enlightened.

Philip Coke’s Open Day, Stinchcombe — 15 July — However hot and dry the summer
Robin Hill’s Gloucestershire weather always seems to be cool and overcast and so it
proved this year when eighteen members and friends met at Philip Coke’s house on the
15 July. Though no rain had fallen at Stinchcombe for many weeks the fern collection
was well tended; many specimens increased in stature and beauty since last year,
particularly Dryopteris erythrosora and D. wallichiana.

Philip had a fine mixture of Polypodiums in variety planted amongst decorative ivies;
these two genera are stalwart companions, forming a rich green cover in July with the

10

newly arisen Polypody fronds, and continuing into winter with their hardy mixture of
texture and variegation.

Philip's small collection of tender ferns was an interesting as usual, as diverse a
selection of species and varieties as that in botanical collection. Members brought along
plants for exchange and Philip, with customary generosity, dug up a number of plants
for grateful recipients. The day finished with an excellent tea provided by Philip, to
whom we are all grateful.

A short obituary of Mary Coke, Philip’s wife, is included elsewhere in this Bulletin. At
the time of writing, October ‘84, Philip is in the process of moving to Hampshire and his
fern collection is to be broken up. | should like to take this opportunity of thanking Philip
for a series of open days over the last nine years.

| have always felt, when arranging the South West programme each year, that the day
spent at Robin Hill would form the fulcrum of local events, and | could rely on Philip and
Mary to provide the atmosphere of enthusiasm and ambience so necessary for the
welcome of newer members. Though | know that we shall miss that annual treat at
Robin Hill | look forward to seeing Philip at future South West meetings and wish him
well in moving and establishing the pride of his collection in a new and smaller garden.

Black Rock, Cheddar — 19 August — Eleven members and friends met at the Potts’
home for lunch and a quick look around our rather dried-up and dilapidated garden. Like
the rest of the country we had, by this date suffered from three months of drought and
though our continuously watered garden was an oasis in a parched landscape many of
the plants were showing signs of thirst. Some polypodies of the austra/e group had yet
to come into growth and the Polystichums, though withstanding the dry weather
surprisingly well, were beginning to show foreshortening of the newer fronds. The local
Asplenium ceterach had been tightly curled for many months and must surely this year
succumb to the drought. (They didn’t — what a miraculous fern).

During the afternoon the party visited Black Rock Drove, a wooded valley situated at the
top of Cheddar Gorge. The upper regions of the gorge, where the tree canopy shaded
the road, were noticeable for their verdant growth and in places the grass was still
damp with morning dew. The ferns were growing luxuriently in these ideal conditions;
twelve species were seen, large stands of Gymnocarpium robertianum and fine
specimens of Polystichum aculeatum along with a few plants of P. setiferum with
rounded pinnules.

We returned to Webbington for tea and a number of plants were exchanged, amongst
them some coveted bits for greenfingered plantsmen.

SOUTH EAST REGION Paul Ripley

Visit to Nap Wood and Rocks Wood, Sussex — 8 July 1984. On one of the hottest
days of the year, twelve members and guests under the leadership of Clive Jermy,
explored two classic fern localities in the Tunbridge Wells sandstone of the Sussex
Weald.

The first of these, Nap Wood, is an example of a Wealden oak wood, owned by the
National Trust and is administered by the Sussex Naturalists Trust whose Honorary
Warden, David Harvey, had shown us the site a few days earlier. Apart from a small
chestnut coppice and some wetter areas, the ground was almost entirely covered with
Bracken, (Pteridium aquilinum) but along the paths was a surprising variety of species
— Sweet Mountain Fern (Oreopteris limbosperma), Hard Fern (B/echnum spicant), Broad

11

Buckler Fern (Oryopteris dilatata), Narrow Buckler Fern (Dryopteris carthusiana), Golden-
scaled Male-Fern (Oryopteris affinis subsp. affinis) and the Male-Fern (Dryopteris filix-
mas), the latter, remarkably uncommon, were found on the floor of the wood and along
the paths.

The Lady Fern (Athyrium filix-femina) was commoner and larger in the boggy areas near
streams, but the gem of the wood, for us, was bank containing the Hay-scented Buckler
Fern (Dryopteris aemula). This, together with the other Dryopteris species, was
examined and discussed in order to understand the characters of each. For the record, a
plant of a Polypod (Po/ypodium spp) was found on this bank but remained undetermined.

In the afternoon, Rocks Wood in Eridge Park was explored, mainly in order to see one of
the locations (the most easterly?) of the Tunbridge Filmy Fern (Hymenophyllum
tunbrigense). This colony looked a bit dry but it was surrounded by a glorious array of
Hay-scented Buckler Fern, obviously happy in this location, and looking very beautiful
with its lime-green foliage dappled with afternoon sun.

Just by this rocky site lay a spring feeding a flush remarkably rich in fern species. With
the exception of Polypodium (not found here) and the Hard Fern (common elsewhere in
this wood) all the species found in the morning, were growing in this site. The hybrids
Dryopteris x tavelii and Dryopteris x deweveri, were also clearly seen.

We were most grateful to Clive Jermy imparting some of his boundless knowledge and
enthusiasm. | am also grateful to my wife, Linda for providing tea for the majority of the
party who happily were able to call in at Tonbridge before returning home, and to Ron
King who generously let many of us have some very well grown Royal Fern (Osmunda
regalis).

Great Dixter Meeting — 16 September — Seventeen members and guests met near
Northiam, on the Kent/Sussex border for a visit which combined fern hunting with a
visit to a famous garden. We were once again fortunate to have Clive Jermy’s expert
guidance.

In the morning, we visited Watts Hill Wood, a narrow valley cut by a small stream,
South-west of Northiam (804228). On banks near the road Polypodium vulgare and
Dryopteris filix-mas were common, but further in the wood, especially where shade was
not too deep, Dryopteris dilatata and D. carthusiana were found, together with
Dryopteris affinis subsp. borreri. Blechnum spicant was common and a few fine
plumose, but often sterile plants of Athyrium filix-femina were found near the stream
itself.

Nearby, a recently-coppiced chestnut plantation was also visited (812239). Two or three
small springs had prevented coppicing in a number of areas and an interesting variety
of ferns was found in the spring hollows, often in surprisingly exposed situations.
Dryopteris carthusiana was common, together with D. di/atata and the hybrid D. x
deweveri. Dryopteris affinis subsp. affinis was also seen together with D. subsp. borreri.
Blechnum spicant and Athyrium filix-femina completed the record.

In the afternoon, the gardens of Great Dixter were seen. We were most fortunate to be
shown round the gardens by Christopher Lloyd, one of the sons of Nathaniel Lloyd, who
with Sir Edward Lutyens created the gardens between 1910 and 1914, and who is 4
well-known author of books on gardens and gardening. At least 30 fern species or
cultivars were seen in the gardens and another 4 (including Asp/enium marinum) in the
nursery — although plants are propagated vegetatively only. Highlights for me were 4

12

fine Asp/. scolopendrium ‘Crispum Cristatum’, Blechnum chilense - happiest in an
exposed sunny site, and Davallia mariesii, apparently quite hardy. Apart from
Polypodium interjectum and P. australe on walls, Asplenium ceterach, A. ruta-muraria,
A. adiantum-nigrum and A. trichomanes were among the many ‘uninvited guests’
enhancing the beauty of these lovely gardens.

Rosemary Hibbs and her family very kindly entertained the majority of the party to tea
at her home in Hailsham after the meeting. Evidence of Rosemary's talent for raising
ferns from spores was abundant and the fascinating variety of ferns provided a feast of
another kind.

NATIONAL FIELD MEETINGS 1984

PORLOCK — 29 June/1 July — A total of twenty people attended this meeting
which was centred on the Oaklands Hotel, Porlock. Local member, Joan Loraine very
kindly worked out an itinerary of places for us to visit on the Saturday.

We started the day in the cool, wooded Hawwkcombe, along the route to which we
found a number of interesting walls bearing abundantly Asp/enium trichomanes ssp.
quadrivalens, A. adiantum-nigrum, A. ruta-muararia, A ceterach and Polypodium
interjectum. As elsewhere in the village, the latter often had fronds almost as wide as
long. (It was confirmed as this species later at Kew.) .

On the hedge banks Polystichum setiferum was abundant (and a few forked pinnule tips
to boot!), with a little Dryopteris affinis ssp. borreri and D. ssp. affinis, Athyrium filix-
femina, and Asplenium scolopendrium. The dryness of the past months meant that most
plants in these open habitats looked the worse for wear.

Despite the long diligent searching by Joan and some others, the Hymenophyllum
formerly known from the ground (sic!) below large boulders in Hawkcombe was not
refound. Some members stayed on in the pleasant coolness of the combe while Joan
took some of us on to Worthy Wood just west of Porlock. Here, amongst old sessile oak
coppice with sparse “woodland form” of Pteridium aquilinum. Blechnum spicant and a
superb colony of Dryopteris aemula. There were hundreds of large plants over an area
of about a third of an acre of damp, humus-rich woodland floor.

After lunch in a Porlock public house, we drove up the famous 1 in 4 Porlock Hill and
onto Exmoor, making for Downscombe and the chance of refinding Eqguisetum
sylvaticum, a rare plant in south west England. Firstly we admired a huge colony of
some 400 or so plants of Asp/enium ceterach on the east end of an old south-facing
wall. The colony graded rapidly westwards into A. trichomanes ssp. quadrivalens.

The Equisetum was eventually found on a shady bank just above the River Exe (which
at this point was a small brook). Just north of a camping field and its bank, and east of
a fine old hay meadow bristling with Rhinanthus minor seemed to us a fairly secure
sort of a place. The colony covered a linear strip of about 14 metres and held about 100
stems. Also found there were Athyrium filix-femina and nearby a little Equisetum
arvense. On the opposite bank was a small deciduous wood.

in continuing brilliant cloudless sunshine we move further west to a splendidly isolated
spot near Warren Farm, on route negotiating a rough narrow track perched on a steep
open valley side. A small area below a north-facing flush yielded Oreopteris
limbosperma (which was also abundant on tracksides of the moors nearby), B/lechnum
spicamt and Dryopteris filix-mas. This \atter species had many dark almost black,

blotches about 2-3mm diameter on its pinnules. These were later identified by Brian
Spooner at the Kew Herbarium as the uncommon ascomycete fungus Japhrina
verstergenii Giesenhagen. In the main seepage a few metres above this site was a
20sq.m. patch of Sphagnum spp. with three very dense patches of the south-west rarity
Phegopteris connectilis. They were extremely healthy and many more times more dense
than when occurring on a characteristic woodland bank. It proved to be a magical spot
and we were reluctant to leave.

A slow drive back via Horner Wood gave us a chance to see more of the beauty of the
area. It was noted that, as in Hawkcombe, Horner Wood suffered in places from sheep-
grazing on a scale which may be seriously affecting the vegetation structure. A sheep in
Horner Wood was even seen to eat a fern frondl, in this case Oreopteris limbosperma.

On Sunday morning, with the excuse of some old records of Asp/enium septentrionale,
we set off to Yenworthy. Despite some searching we did not find it but enjoyed
ourselves walking directly north into the steadily deepening narrow combe of Embelle
Wood, leading down to the coast. Here were dense carpets of Polystichum setiferum,
with Dryopteris affinis ssp. borreri and D. ssp. affinis, Dryopteris dilatata, Pteridium
aquilinum, a \ittle Oreopteris limbosperma and Asplenium scolopendrium. A few plants
of Dryopteris aemula were also found near the stream. Much of this stream’s length
was searched for possible Hymenophylium, but we had to be satisfied with the golden-
green moss Hookeria lucens on the spray-soaked rocks. On the deserted pebbly beach
were remains of some old works with some large Asp/enium scolopendrium plants
lurking inside. A few 100m to the east were found a few rather tatty plants of
Asplenium marinum, at about 5 metres up in horizontal fissures of the sandstone cliffs.
Time did not allow a more extensive search.

By mid-afternoon we had all assembled at Joan Loraine’s garden in West Porlock. Here
we were joined by Mary and Chris Potts and the south-west region members. Joan
guided us around her immense garden rich in hardy ferns, including three immensely
healthy looking plants of Athyrium niponicum ‘Pictum’. These had strong colour contrast
and pattern. The drought had not helped the growth of many plants, but the
Polystichum setiferum congested cultivars still managed to look smart.

The non-woodland part of the garden was as Joan’s mother said “like a set from ‘Les
Syiphides’ *’ — a superb abundance of well-placed herbaceous and small woody plants
set off by a very green lawn. For the garden as a whole an estimate of 1600 flowering
plants, ferns and Bryophytes would probably be an underestimate. As if this feast was
not enough we partook of an exciting array of homemade summer foods, including a
simple but delicious dish of eggs and sorrel.

At this point Chris Fraser-Jenkins, his father and his fiancee arrived to swell the
numbers and finish off the food. Chris kindly determined some Dryopteris fronds
collected that day, and with Anthony Piggot we were able to see clearly some of the
differences between our (apparently) three entities. They were D. spp. affinis with the
Squared-off pinnule apices, very glossy upper surfaces to the lamina, and D. spp.
borreri, both as smallish fronds and as large (1 .7-2m) fronded plants. The latter has
been referred to as D. ssp. robusta but this was sunken into synonymy under D. ssp.
borreri by Chris two years previously. Joan remarked how, depending on the season,
the same individual of D. ssp. borreri in her garden could take on a medium stature (dry)
or large stature (wet season) look, the latter would have been named D. ssp. robusta by
most folk and the former D. ssp. borreri! \t goes to show how important the detailed
knowledge gained by growers is.

14

Some of us were still lingering in the garden at 7.30 pm, but with such a setting, the
sea as a backcloth and calm warm summer air, who could blame us!

P J Edwards

NORTH-WEST IRELAND — 21-28 July — This week-long meeting, for which we were
blessed with warm dry weather was centred on Sligo with the headquarters at the
Bective Hotel. From here we ranged into Donegal, Leitrim, Cavan and Fermanagh and
were given much hospitality and guidance from leading local naturalists. Throughout
the planning and during the early part of the meeting | received help in every
conceivable form from Maura Scannell, Keeper of the Herbarium at Glasnevin Botanic
Garden; she was in effect joint leader. During our excursions to Fermanagh the expert
guidance of Dr Ralph Forbes of Queens University, Belfast and Robert Northridge of
Enniskillen was also at my disposal. The first two days were organised as a joint
meeting with the Irish branch of the Botanic Society of the British Isles, with Ralph
Forbes as co-leader. It was encouraging that interest in ferns was such that several
BSBI members stayed on for extra days, giving us the benefit of their local knowledge.
On Friday, 20 July, members of both Societies were invited to a delicious buffet supper
hosted by Joan and Alec Crighton, to meet leading members of the Sligo Field Club, an
occasion which set the tone of friendship for the ensuing week.

From the outset | think it should be said that no botanical trip to Ireland is complete
without R L Praeger’s The Botanist in Ireland (1913, reprinted 1977; ISBN 0 85409 955
7) in one’s pocket and the same author's The way that / want (1969; Figgis, Dublin) as
bedside reading.

On the 21st we went six miles north of Sligo to Glenade, where that striking flat-topped
mountain, Ben Bulben, which rises from sea-level at its western end in impressive
1500 ft cliffs, is broken by a valley running south-east in the Carboniferous limestone.
Here on the escarpment called Peakadaw (actually in Co. Leitrim) are tower blocks of
limestone, broken off the main massif by glacier action in the last Ice Age and which,
on slipping down the hillside as the ice melted, have formed deep rifts between them
and the original mountain side. Here in shade and moisture, at some 360m (1200 ft)
altitude, is a ferny glen, almost impossible to see from the road on the southern flank.
Asplenium scolopendrium, A. trichomanes subsp. quadrivalens and A. viride abound,
with Cystopteris fragilis \uxuriant in deeper clefts and Polystichum /onchitis a common
plant. P. acu/eatum is also here and more surprising is P. setiferum. The potential of the
site to contain hybrids of Po/ystichum was drawn to the attention of botanists in 1972
(Sleep & Synott, Brit. Fern Gaz. 10:281-2) when the latter author discovered in the
Dublin National herbarium a specimen which agreed with the description of P. x
illyricum. He contacted Anne Sleep who confirmed the identification and who pointed
out that as P. setiferum was also there the possibility of the hybrid of that species with
P. lonchitis (P. x lonchitiforme) being present was high. In 1977 Maura Scannell, Anne
Sleep and Tadeus Reichstein, of Basel, visited Glenade and found more hybrid plants.
Morphologically these two hybrids are very difficult to tell apart but when their
chromosomes are counted identities can be confirmed, as the former is triploid and the
latter diploid; both hybrids were confirmed as present in 1977 by Anne Sleep. We did
not see typical P. acu/eatum but did find the other two species in quantity and plants
intermediate between them (?P. x /onchitiforme) — a very distinct and attractive plant.
Bearing in mind this is the progenitor of P. acu/eatum itself it is not surprising that it
looks similar to that species. The sporangia on one such plant contain large spores
amongst the aborted ones (possibly with twice the normal number of chromosomes)
which if they germinate would give rise to tetraploid plants. Anne Sleep has shown this

15

can happen in the botanic garden and presumably it could also happen in the wild, in
Glenade. It would take more than the morning allowed in our schedule to survey this
area fully and it would need to be earlier in the year if one was to fix chromosome
material. The obvious thing to do was to leave all plants in situ — which we did, for
here was evolution in action.

After lunch we stopped above Glenade Lake on the roadside on the flanks of Ben
Bulben to search for possible hybrids of Dryopteris aemula = dilatata in vain; but the D.
dilatata was distinctly glandular. Both Phegopteris connectilis and Oreopteris
limbosperma were here on the bank, where water flushed off the fields above.

We diverted south to search along the S. side of Doon Lough for /soetes but there was
none to be seen. We did see an abundance of Equisetum (E. arvense, E. fluviatile, the
hybrid £. x /itorale and the hybrid of the latter species with £. pa/ustre (E. x dycei)
confirmed on site by Chris Page as the first record for Ireland. We saw more during the
week and | am convinced that many of the previous records for E. x /itorale should in
fact be £. x dycei; it is a characteristic plant of lake shores. Chris Page also found the
putative hybrid £. x rothmaleri (E. arvense x palustre), making the hat-trick. Although E.
telmateia was locally abundant and near to E. pa/ustre we did not find E. = font-queri,
so far not recorded in Ireland.

Saturday was brought to a close with a visit to Knocknarea an outlier of the Ben Bulben
limestone plateau lying to the west of Sligo. The Glen, a rift running across, not parallel
to the slope, is renowned for its ferny herbaceous flora. My recollection of the site, last
seen in 1961, was that of abundant Asp/enium scolopendrium with fronds over one
metre high. This year the ash canopy seems more open and the ferns less abundant
and smaller but still a good sight. Po/ystichum setiferum was in quantity but P. /onchitis
is not present at this low altitude (c. 250m). Polypodies are in some quantity and P.
australe was epiphytic, high on an ash trunk.

Sunday took us eastwards to Eniskillen where under the leadership of Ralph Forbes and
Robert Northridge we visited first Tully Bay on Lower Lough Erne where Equisetum *
trachyodon was in some quantity along ditches running into the lough; £. variegatum
was scarce on the lough shore with putative £. x dycei growing with its parents. Our
second stop at Spectacle Lough, was to see a typical mire of Carex acutiformis, C.
paniculata and Phalaris arundinacea with co-dominant Equisetum variegatum, 70-80cm
high. Our next stop was Correl Glen in the hill country to the west of Lower L. Erne, cut
into the Yoredale Sandstone that tops the limestone on the edges of its Hee Here we
found a good assemblage of Dryopteris (D. aemula, D. affinis ssp. affinis, D.a.

borreri, D. dilatata) and in some quantity E. hiemale growing in rocky woodland re holly,
and hazel with a ground flora of Vaccinium species and Sphagnum moss. The E.
hiemale was stout, branches often 10mm wide, up to one metre tall on the steep rocky
shelves of the stream side, spreading up and into the woodland floor.

After lunch at the picnic site we went into the Lough Naver Forest Park where on a dry
northfacing sandstone cliff, (some 10 miles from the sea) the unusual sight of
Asplenium marinum growing (as big plants to 20cms) high in fissures with A. ruta-
muraria, and A. trichomanes ssp. quadrivalens. The potential hybrids was great but
none found. Obviously although the rock was a definite sandstone there must have
been traces of calcium or magnesium. Further, although facing north, the valley below
was planted with conifers and the area must have been for the most part very clement
as the sea spleenwort is frost-sensitive. On other similar sandstone outcrops S. of L.
Achork we were shown Asplenium adiantum-nigrum, A. viride and Polystichum

16

lonchitis again suggesting the chemical content of the course-grained sandstone was
base-rich. The orange filamentous alga (7rentapohiia) was plentiful also on this rock.
Both Hymenophyliums were present here as was A. scolopendrium; Athyrium and
Blechnum was common along the wetter runnels and path banks respectively.

Monday took us to Donegal where local botanist Ralph Sheppard showed us an
interesting wooded (Oak-Hazel) valley at Ardnamona on the west side of L. Eske, where
again Equisetum hiemale was seen as a woodland plant but always with its roots in or
near the water-table. The usual woodland species with A. scolopendrium, Athyrium,
Blechnum spicant, D. aemula, D. affinis agg., D. carthusiana, D. dilatata (and the hybrid
D. x deweveri), Hymenophyllum tunbrigense, H. wilsonii, Oreopteris, Osmunda regalis,
Phegopteris, Polypodium interjectum, P. vulgare, Polystichum aculeatum and P.
setiferum. Near a derelict house Blechnum chilense had escaped and was forming a
substantial thicket by the overgrown trackway. It was at an “unlocalised spot’’ near L.
Eske that Praeger records 7richomanes speciosum but in spite of diligent searching no
plants were found.

Later in the afternoon we walked up a narrow but open limestone valley of the Coraber
river north of L. Eske, into the Croaghgorm or Bluestack Mountains. On the open sides
was D. filix-mas, not seen before that day, and D. affinis subsp. affinis was a frequent
plant. H. wil/sonii was also frequent but not its sister species. On ledges Huperzia selago
was occasional and in runnels or flushes Se/aginella selaginoides common.

Tuesday saw us nearer our base and the morning was spent on the south side of L. Gill
at Slish Wood. Although still natural oakwood by the lake the hillside has been long
planted with conifers. As is often the case this does not impair the value of the site as a
habitat for ferns and much good hunting was had looking for Dryopteris species of the
affinis group. On the whole this species complex is straight forward in NW Ireland there
being so far no ssp. stillupensis recorded and D. oreades absent, there is only D. filix-
mas with which it may hybridise. The two subspecies found are the diploid affinis (very
scaley, pinnules with few blunt teeth usually at the flattened apex, and indusium thick,
remaining firm and partly inflex at maturity when splitting if pressure of developing
sporangia too great) and the triploid borreri (= D. pseudomas) (less scaley, pinnules often
more pointed with occasional sharp teeth both at apex and along the sides, and
indusium thinner rolling back on maturity as developing sporangia push out from
beneath).

The afternoon was spent in wetter woods (alder-ash-oak and birch) to the west of the
Bonet river, the county border with Leitrim, as the river enters L. Gill. Dryopteris again
abounded and the commonest fern was D. x deweveri. On our homeward journey we
searched for Polypodium Cv. ‘Cambricum’ recorded at Doones Rock; only P. australe s.s.
was found.

Wednesday saw us back in Fermanagh when we walked up Marble Arch Glen to see
Equisetum pratense on moist flushed hillsides under hazel, holly and ash. The stand
was extensive covering, albeit sparsely, over 50 sq. metres. All the expected woodland
ferns abounded and at the caves we found Cystopteris fragilis abundant and luxuriant
being highly compound in leaf-cutting.

After lunch we drove up onto the moor to see limestone pavement and sinkholes
scattered in heather moorland with Asplenium adiantum-nigrum, scolopendrium,
trichomanes and viride, more Cystopteris, and Polystichum aculeatum and P. setiferum.
Gymnocarpium robertianum, that rarest of Irish ferns was not found (nor has ever been

|

in this County). At the head of a limestone valley a similar flora was found and on wet
rocks both species of Hymenophy/lium.

Thursday the party divided in the morning, some latecomers to the meeting who had
missed the limestone cliffs at Peakadaw, Glenade, went back to sce the Polystichum
hybrids whilst the remainder looked for an old record of Symnocarpium dryopteris on
the slopes of Benbo, without success. (Both species of Gymnocarpium are on the Irish
Protected List and one can realise why. Their absence is not easily explained).

The afternoon, with all assembled, saw us searching along narrow roads and small
loughs in Cavan for Equiseta and /soetes. /. Jacustris was found in L. Carricknacrannog.
On one road bank an extensive and dense population typical of E. = /itorale. E. arvense
was also on the bank and the other parent in a ditch of a nearby field. This plant
contrasts so vividly with the hybrid of the same (?) parentage seen so frequently along
lake margins. Can they really have the same genetic make-up?

Friday, our last day, we again joined the Crighton family and explored the Ox mountains
in west Sligo. In 1929 a Miss L.E. Crofton found 7richomanes speciosum under a
boulder near L. Acree. It has not been seen in this site for over 20 years and was
refound on this excursion. About 20-25 fronds exist and the chasm in which it grows is
unlikely to be disturbed by natural means. Some of the party climbed a high gully to find
Dryopteris affinis (both ssp.) D. dilatata, D. filix-mas, Hymenophyllum wilsonii, Huperzia
selago, Phegopteris, Polystichum aculeatum and Selaginella.

Later that afternoon we searched in vain for Adiantum capillus-veneris in a limestone
gorge at Dromore West. After we left Joan Crighton went back and found a substantial
colony on tufa on the Dunniel River nearby.

The party broke up on Saturday morning, but three of us not crossing the Irish Sea until
late in the day explored the remote areas north of Slieve League in Donegal to see
Pilularia in Kiltyfannad Lough. In a nearby lake we found more of what appeared to be
that common riparian Equisetum - x dycei.

Without any doubt the BPS meeting in Ireland was successful. We made new friends
and saw many interesting ferns and beautiful sites. Like in Britain water was scarce
and pollution from fertilizer and pig farming a threat. So was the plastic garbage so
frequently tipped into the local river. Afforestation of conifers may well be changing the
native deciduous woodland but as a habitat for ferns the mature forest is fine whatever
the species of tree, provided there is a source of spores when the forest is well

established. The close-set younger plantations being dark and dry are however veritable
fern-deserts.

My thanks particularly goes to the local botanists — Ralph Forbes and Robert Northridge
in Fermanagh, Ralph Sheppard in Donegal and Daniel Kelly (sec. Irish Branch BSBI) and
Jim White of Dublin. To Joan and Alec Crighton we owe much for their generous
hospitality and local guidance. Maura Scannell gave help in so many inconspicuous
ways that few will realise her real contribution. It would not have been so successful
without her. We must go back.

A C Jermy

BAMPTON GRANGE — 10-11 August — When Kathy Kavanagh asked me run a
meet in the Lake District she suggested we should explore a new area rather than
revisit known delights. | chose the Eastern fells, which are on a smaller scale than the

18

central fells, less visited but no less beautiful. | was rather apprehensive for all that: it is
the dry side of the Lake District and our visit was preceded by a long drought.
Haweswater has never been so low and several members went to see the ruins of the
drowned village of Mardale fully exposed for the first time. | had also been a little
concerned that we would be all indians and no chiefs and was relieved and delighted to
welcome the good company and expertise of Jimmy Dyce and Clive Jermy and Martin
Rickard.

On Friday morning about 15 of us walked up the Naddle Valley. The sides of the valley
are wooded but heavily grazed and show few ferns but Pteridium aquilinum, Oreopteris
limbosperma and polypodies on the trees. The beck in the valley bottom and a north
facing gulley down the side of the valley were more rewarding and we found Athyrium
filix-femina, Blechnum spicant, Cryptogramma crispa (a frond or two only on this site)
Dryopteris dilatata and D. filix-mas, Gymnocarpium dryopteris and Phegopteris
connectilis in large drifts up the side of the gulley, Po/ystichum aculeatum, Polypodium
vulgare and possible P. interjectum. Most of the party then walked on over the hill and
dropped down to Haweswater for a pub lunch. A few went further to a deep narrow
gulley and reported some fine clumps of Dryopteris oreades as well as Asplenium
trichomanes and Hymenophyllum wilsonii.

In the afternoon we went on an energetic and glorious walk up Measand Beck on the
northern side of Haweswater to explore Fordingdale Force. We passed a herd of fell
ponies on the way including several mares with foals at foot. Fordingdale Force is
another north facing gulley and the flora were predictably similar. The parsley fern was
very abundant in the screes and we added Cystopteris fragilis and Selaginella
selaginoides to our list.

On the top of the ridge we looked across Haweswater at the range of crags on its
southern side, where Clive Jermy speculated Asp/enium septentrionale might grow —
we must go back. Harter Fell to the west carries Polystichum lonchitis, and | was once
told that Woodsia ilvensis had been found there.

On Saturday we visited Swindale. We had barely stepped from the cars when we saw a
mink (evil but beautiful) working up the stream. It was a blazing hot day and there were
some excellent reasons for not climbing to the highest crag. The head of the valley is a
very complex area of steep rocks and gullies and the party spread out to explore it
thoroughly. It is extremely rich. We saw again all the ferns we had seen the previous
day(the Dryopteris oreades was notably plentiful and spectacular) and added to them
Dryopteris affinis subsp. affinis and borreri. Clive made a bee-line for a likely spot and
found sure enough Dryopteris affinis x oreades. There is a deep gulley carrying a
waterfall — where we found Hymenophylium wilsonii again — a particular pleasure for
me because | had failed to find it there years ago when | had looked, not knowing quite
what | was looking for.

There must be some alkaline rock in the crags because we found there too Asplenium
viride, A. trichomanes, A. ruta-muraria, quite a lot of Cystopteris fragilis and
Polystichum aculeatum. Those in the valley who heard a great cheer thought we must
have found a Woodsia at least: in fact it acclaimed the rescue of Clive’s bag containing
vital fronds of that interesting hybrid.

We had lunch by Mosedale beck. A few frivolous members swam. Rather more, idly
watched. Nick Hards found Selaginella selaginoides and Huperzia selago and narrowly
failed to drop his camera lens in the stream..

Martin Rickard (who else?) proved us wrong: Oreopteris limbosperma can yield varieties
— “Revolvens” (what else?)

Again we walked over the fell and down a gulley, Gowther Crag Gill. We saw nothing
new but it was a delightful scramble with plenty of ferns. Dryopteris affinis x oreades
was there again and plenty of Hymenophyllum although | fear much of it was dried
beyond recovery in the drought.

We all assembled at the Crown and Mitre in Bampton Grange that evening for an
excellent dinner in good company (the inaugural meeting of the Jimmy Dyce Dining
Club). A productive visit to the local churchyard allowed us to put Equisetum arvense in
the flower (well fern mostly) arrangements on the tables. On Sunday morning we went
east to the limestone pavements of Great Asby Scar with the sun still shining
relentlessly. We did not, as we hoped we might, see Polystichum lonchitis but P.
aculeatum was there and the othor familiar limestone ferns, Asplenium viride, A.
trichomanes, A. scolopendrium (some fine plants but dry), Cystopteris fragilis, and
Gymnocarpium robertianum and Drvopteris submontena (=villarii) both in abundance.
Unexpectedly there was some Blechnum spicant in the sides of swallet holes and in
some quantities other familiars of the previous two days — Athyrium filix-femina
(including a nice crested form) Dryopteris affinis subsp. affinis and borreri, D. filix-mas,
and the universal Pteridium aquilinum.

After a pub lunch in Great Asby some of the party with long journeys ahead set off, but
Russell Smith from Sedbergh kindly took a few diehards to a small marshy nature
reserve of the Cumbria Naturalists’ Trust at Tarn Syke. There grew Equisetum arvense,
E. fluviatile and E. palustre. \t was a hot day, and our party was already diminished and
it was time to go home — | confess we did not search for hybrids with the enthusiasm
the site deserved, but it was a delightful bonne bouche to round off the weekend.

R Sykes
BANGOR, NORTH WALES, 25-27 August, Joint BSBI/BPS Meeting

Twenty members from as far afield as Kent and Sutherland spent an enjoyable three
days botanizing in the vice counties of Anglesey and Caernarfonshire, two areas which
display stark contrasts in their physical, biological and cultural fabric. The first day was
spent on Anglesey where we visited four coastal sites and one site inland. Six species
of horsetails were found, including both E. x /itora/e and E. variegatum in quantity at
Newborough Warren National Nature Reserve, where the abundance and vigour of
Selaginella selaginoides in the dune slacks was also notable. Ophioglossum vulgatum
was showing no ill effects from the prolonged drought when we stopped off at another
coastal site, Tywyn Fferam, 7 miles further north, and neither was Pilularia globulifera,
still happily partially submerged in a shallow pool inland at Mynydd Bodafon. Thelypteris
palustris was seen at the valley lakes 4 miles SE of Holyhead where it grows more
abundantly then anywhere else in Wales. Our final tally of ferns and fern allies was
increased to 23 when we visited Red Wharf Bay on the east coast of Anglesey where
Polypodium australe flourishes in a shaded exposure of chlorite-schist and hedgerow
pteridophytes include Polystichum setiferum and E. quisetum telmateia. Flowering plant
highlights on the first day included Pyrola rotundifolia ssp. maritima and Dianthus
deltoides on the dunes at Newborough, Ranunculus lingua at Tywyn Fferam, Butomus
umbellatus at the Valley Lakes and Hypericum elodes at Mynydd Bodafon.

The remaining two days were spent in Snowdonia where we saw 20 additional taxa of
ferns and fern allies and a selection of montane flowering plants. Three sites, a few
20

miles north-west of Betws-y-coed, proved very rewarding. At the first, 10 acres of bog
and heath known as Cors Bodgynydd and managed by the North Wales Naturalists’
Trust as a nature reserve, we admired one of Wales’ last surviving colonies of
Lycopodiella inundata and discussed its unusual semi-aquatic ecology. It was interesting
to see Selaginella selaginoides growing nearby, probably influenced by water draining
from an old copper mine adit. In another part of the reserve Utricularia minor still
flowered profusely amidst tufts of Rhynchospora alba. A crested form of Blechnum
spicant was another good find.

Half a mile downstream we were well pleased to count over 30 Osmunda regalis, a
scarcity in Snowdonia, and to renew our acquaintance with Parnassia palustris and
Hypericum elodes. On a third site nearby we were impressed by the luxuriance and
quantity of Asp/enium septentrionale growing on the spoil heaps of an old lead mine. A
few plants of Asp/enium trichomanes spp. trichomanes were also recorded here but a
search for the hybrid A. x a/ternifolium proved fruitless.

Seven miles westwards the Ogwen Valley supplied the interest for the remainder of the
weekend. Beneath the northern cliffs of Tryfan’s 3000ft peak we were able to compare
Hymenophyllum wilsonii and H. tunbrigense and observe the mighty megaspores of
/soetes lacustris in nearby Llyn Ogwen. Nant Ffrancon’s scree slopes provided us with a
few talking points mainly in the shape and form of Dryopteris spp., which included D.
filix-mas, D. dilatata, D. affinis ssp. borreri, D. affinis ssp. affinis and D. oreades. A
possible hybrid between the last two mentioned taxa was carefully examined. It was
interesting to note just how fertile D. oreades can be — many of the specimens had just
as many sori per pinnule as D. filix-mas or D. affinis. Cryptogramma crispa was
widespread even to the extent of thickly colonising the garden wall of a farmhouse.
Further up the valley a vertical stream bank shaded by oak and birch and dripping with
large fronded Phegopteris connectilis was an especially fine sight.

Finally, Cwm Idwal, which proved to be the richest site visited with 20 taxa of ferns and
fern allies to its credit including several new ones for our list — Lycopdium clavatum,
Diphasiastrum alpinum, Asplenium viride, Gymnocarpium dryopteris and Cystopteris
fragilis. The great block scree below Twil Du, the Devil’s Kitchen, proved the richest
hunting ground particularly where it consisted of debris derived from calcareous pumice
tuffs in the cliffs above. There were some choice flowering plants associated with such
blocks — Saxifraga oppositifolia, Minuartia verna, Silene acaulis, Sedum rosea, Oxyria
digyna, Festuca vivipara and Selaginella selaginoides. Finally to remind us of our first
day's excursion again we found Pilu/aria globulifera at the southern end of Llyn Idwal.

N. Brown

SYMPOSIUM FIELD MEETING 1983*

The nine day field excursion was organized by A C Jermy and K P Kavanagh, and led by
them plus C N Page and M A Barker, each for part of the week. We met in London,
travelled across England, the length of Wales, and through the English Lake District to
Edinburgh. There were, aside from the leaders, twelve participants from five countries.
In addition, at various points in the trip, additional members of the British Pteridological
Society added their local pteridological expertise. During the week, a total of 58 taxa of
pteridophytes were seen, including 12 fern allies and 7 fern hybrids. This represents
56% of the 104 British pteridophytes, and includes virtually all of the widespread taxa,
plus several of the more local ones.
*Printed here as lack of funds p 1 publication in Symposi Proceedings as originally intended.
21

SITES OF PTERIDOLOGICAL INTEREST EXAMINED

ASHAM WOOD, Leigh-on-Mendip, 5 km SW of Frome, Somerset (v.-c. 6. NGR
31/705445. Altitude c.175m)

Fraxinus excelsior - Quercus robur - Uimus glabra woodland over limestone. Under-
storey of Corylus avellana, Crataegus monogyna, Prunus spinosa. Herbs: Allium
ursinum, Circaea lutetiana, Fragaria vesca, Geranium robertianum, Hedera helix, Holcus
lanatus, Lactuca muralis, Lysimachia nemorum, Mercurialis perennis, Oxalis acetosella,
Primula vulgaris, Veronica chamaedrys. This site privately owned by quarrying company
and presently under threat provided a valuable introduction to the more common British
pteridophytes, and especially to those of more lime-rich woodland. Among boulders
were seen abundant Asp/enium scolopendrium, A. trichomanes subsp. quadrivalens,
Dryopteris filix-mas, D. affinis subsp. borreri, D. dilatata, Polystichum aculeatum and
Polypodium interjectum. Also recorded from this site amongst limestone boulders or
rock faces are Asplenium adiantum-nigrum, Cystopteris fragilis, Polypodium vulgare and
P. x mantoniae.

BLACK CLIFF Forest Park, 2 km S of Tintern Parva, Monmouth (v.-c. 35. NGR
31/532984. Altitude 100-200m)

A Carboniferous Limestone outcrop, covered in mature woodland of Fraxinus, Quercus,
Ulmus, Fagus sylvatica and Taxus baccata with Clematis vita/ba \iane. Herb layer
includes Brachypodium sylvaticum, Carex digitata, Deschampsia cespitosa, Galeobdolon
luteum, Gernaium robertianum, Hedera helix, Oxalis acetosella, Prunella vulgaris,
Rubus fruticosus, Silene dioica; the moss Thuidium tamariscinum covers much rock.
The topography of tall cliffs with sink-holes and collapsed caverns is different from the
Asham Wood site. Cool air escaping from underground caves markedly affects the
temperature. There are numerous outcrops of limestone in the form of cliffs and
tumbled boulder slopes. The habitat is a sheltered and relatively undisturbed one, and
ferns form a particularly high component of the herbaceous vegetation. Ferns present
include Asplenium trichomanes subsp. quadrivalens, A. scolopendrium, Cystopteris
fragilis, Dryopteris affinis, D. dilatata, D. filix-mas, and Polypodium interjectum.
Asplenium trichomanes was probably abundant on most shaded rocks around sink-
holes, A. scolopendrium and Dryopteris affinis on the forest floor, and Polypodium
interjectum on tumbled boulder-tops. Some hybrid Po/ypodium would also be expected
here.

RAVENSNEST WOOD, Tintern, 3 km W of Chapel Hill, Monmouth. (v.-c. 35. NGR
31/503999. Altitude 150m)

A site with damp woodland beside a small stream. Soil is a rich peaty loam over Old
Red Sandstones. Trees in this area are A/nus glutinosa, Corylus avellana, Salix
atrocinerea; herbs include Cardamine pratensis, Chrysosplenium alternifolium, Rubus
fruticosus and Urtica dioica.

Ferns present include Athyrium filix-femina, Blechnum spicant, Dryopteris carthusian4,
D. x deweveri (?) and D. dilatata. By woodland paths (‘rides’) nearby, these and D. affinis
are also abundant, and Oreopteris limbosperma may be seen in its woodland setting.
Polypodium x mantoniae occurs on roadside banks, together with P. vu/gare.

CLEDDON NATURE RESERVE, Lliandogo, Trelleck United, Monmouth. (v.-c. 35. NGR
32/521041. Altitude 80-150m)

A steep wooded hillside with an attractive stream falling over sandstone and
intermittent harder conglomerates. Trees here are Fagus sy/vatica, Fraximus excelsior,
Ulmus glabra with Corylus avellana and much introduced Laurus. Herbs in the wetter
areas include Angelica sy/vestris, Galeobdolon luteum, Geranium robertianum,
Glechoma hederacea, Holcus lanatus, Lapsana muralis, Luzula sylvatica, Melica
uniflora, Mentha aquatica, Mercurialis perennis, Milium effusum, Ranunculus repens,
Stellaria nemorum subsp. glochidosperma. The many bryophytes include Conocephalum,
Mnium punctatum and M. undulatum. The valley has abundant ferns, including
Dryopteris affinis, D. dilata, D. filix-mas, D. x tavelii, Polystichum aculeatum, P.
setiferum and Athyrium filix-femina. Large clumps of the two Polystichum afforded a
good chance to compare these, as well as to contrast the differences in the subspecies
of D. affinis, subsp. affinis and subsp. borreri, which were both present in abundance.
Extensive prothallial recolonisation was noted on eroding slopes of wet clay, with young
plants of Polystichum setiferum and Asplenium scolopendrium.

WIMBERRY SLADE, Forest of Dean, 2 km NW of Coleford, W. Gloucestershire. (v.-c. 34.
NGR 32/593122. Altitude c.150m)

Situated on the west side of the Forest of Dean, an ancient hunting forest now long
depleted of its forest cover but gradually being replanted by the Forestry Commission.
The Forest of Dean, once all of the triangular plateau between Ross-on-Wye, Gloucester
and Chepstow, was a rich source of timber for the royal dockyards in the time of
Elizabeth | and Lord Nelson. Nearby, Symonds Yat Rock c.150m, stands at the neck of a
particularly large meander of the River Wye round Huntsham Hill and offers panoramic
views of the surrounding country.

Wimbery Slade is a short narrow valley with old sandstone quarries which give ideal
habitats for ferns. Tree species are Betu/a pubescens, Fagus sylvatica, Quercus petraea,
Sorbus aucuparia, and Pinus, Abies and Larix have been planted. In the herb layer,
Deschampsia flexuosa, Galium saxatile, Oxalis acetosella, Viola riviana occur. Ferns
here include, besides the common Pteridium aquilinum, Athyrium filix-femina,
Blechnum spicant, Dryopteris affinis agg. D. dilatata and Gymnocarpium dryopteris (rare
and on the southern edge of its range) and Po/ypodium vulgare agg.

BEGWN HILLS, Llandewifach, c.8 km N of Glasbury-on-Wye, Radnorshire (v.-c. 43. NGR
32/162435. Altitude 326m)

A pond fed by a spring around the edge of which is Pilu/aria globulifera, a not
uncommon plant in such ponds in this part of Wales. With it is Juncus kochii and
Sphagnum angustifolium. The pond is situated in a Ulex europaea - Pteridium -Agrostis
tenuis heathy grassland, which is grazed by sheep and cattle. The surrounding country
from here on into North Wales included frequent and particularly extensive patches of
bracken in awesome amounts to visitors from overseas!

LLYN PENDAM, c.2km ENE of Aberystwyth, Cardiganshire (v.-c. 46. NGR 22/708838.
Altitude 350m)

An interesting lake with an abundance of submerged Litore//a uniflora and /soetes
echinospora and at its western end large areas of these species are emergent in times

of low water, in about 25cm of soft mud with Sphagnum auriculatum. Around the lake
is typical Carex rostrate, Eleocharis palustris, Juncus kochii and Sparganium erectum. A
Molinia caerulea-Carex spp. mire drains into the lake.

The frequency of /soetes can be judged not only by the numerous plants visible from the
surface through the particularly clear water, but also by the very considerable strand-
line density of washed-up quills.

CWYMSYMLOG, Trefeirig, 11km. ENE of Aberystwyth, Cardiganshire. (v.-c. 46. NGR
22/698837. Altitude c.280m)

This is a one-time active silver-lead mine, now disused, with extensive areas of tailings,
mine adits and mortered walls of former buildings remaining. There is an interesting
juxtaposition of species: Cystopteris fragilis in the wheel-pit, Asp/enium septentrionale
on the acid dry-stone walls, Botrychium lunaria in rough Agrostis/Festuca grassland
with Campanula rotundifolia, Galium saxatile, Jasione montana. A large cave mouth
provides suitable ground for gametophyte/young sporophyte establishment, and
Asplenium ceterach occurs with locally abundant A. adiantum-nigrum, A. septentrionale
and A. trichomanes on old walls.

TAN Y FOEL, 3 km SSE of Llanfachreth, Merioneth (v.-c. 48. NGR 23/766206. Altitude c.75m)

This is a site of shady roadside retention walls, some with mortar others without, in
which Asplenium trichomanes subsp. trichomanes (2x) (the calcifuge) and A.
trichomanes subsp. quadrivalens (4x) (the calcicole) grow close together. It is a classic
site for the 3x hybrid of the two subspecies of A. trichomanes, first found here by Peter
Beroit, who joined us in researching for this plant. Other wall ferns including Asplenium
ceterach and Dryopteris affinis, are abundant. Near Barmouth, the party stopped to
briefly examine Asp/enium billotii, Polypodium vulgare, P. interjectum and the hybrid P.
x Mantoniae, growing on sunny exposed walls at low altitude. At a stone bridge at
Torrent Walk, 3km east of Dolgellau, Cystopteris fragilis occurred in abundance, and
Dryopteris x deweveri grows in nearby woods.

COED GANLLWYD, c.5km N of Llanelityd, Merioneth. (v.-c. 48. NGR 23/724245.
Altitude 150m)

The Afon Gamlan runs through a typical west Wales sessile oak wood (Quercus
petraea) with Betula spp., Fagus, Fraxinus and Sorbus aucuparia and by the stream
Alnus glutinosa and Frangula ainus. Undershrubs include Corylus and //ex aquifolium.
Herbs on the wet banks where water seeps through include Agrostis stolonifera, Holcus
mollis, Juncus acutiflorus and on the drier banks Deschampsia flexuosa, Lonicera
periclymenum, Rubus fruticosus and Vaccinium myrtillus. The woodland was
particularly rich in ferns. Species present include Athyrium filix-femina, Blechnum
spicant, Gymnocarpium dryopteris, Phegopteris connectilis and an assemblage of
Dryopteris (aemula, affinis, carthusiana, dilatata, x deweveri, and filix-mas. This is also
an impressive waterfall and on the wetter rocks Hymenophylium tunbrigense and H.
wilsonii may be found. Mosses are abundant and Leucobryum and Dicranum scoparium
dominant. The lower part of the valley is a National Nature Reserve.

LLYNNAU BODGYNYDD, Aberconwy, 4km N of Betws y Coed, Caernarvon (v.-c. 49. NGR
23/767595. Altitude 250m)

This site managed under lease by the North Wales Naturalist Trust, is the only site for

24

Lycopodiella inundata in Wales. Here it grows on bare peat beside pools in bog area
around the lake. The mire association is dominated by Molinia caerulea with Erica
tetralix, Narthecium ossifragum and Myrica gale, and Selaginella selaginoides and
Dryopteris carthusiana were also present. The site is fragile and over-trampling could
radically change the hydrology.

CWM IDWAL, north side of Glyder Fawr, 7km SSE of Bethesda, Caernarvon (v.-c. 49.
NGR 23/642590. Altitude 400-600m)

Cwm Idwal was established as a nature reserve in 1954 and leased by the National
Trust to the Nature Conservancy Council, and is noted for its arctic-alpine plants and
varied geology. There is a mixture of rock—schists and gneisses with intrusive igneous
rocks of a more basic nature interspersed with acid Silurian grits. The cwm (corrie)
shows many signs of glaciation such as hanging valleys and rocks scored by the ice.
Llyn Idwal now fills much of the cwm which is overhung by the precipice of Glyder
Fawr, to the right of which is the dark cleft of Twil Du, the Devil's Kitchen. The
geological strata marking the base of the Snowdon syncline are exposed on these cliffs.

The large block scree of Twill Du of the Devil’s Kitchen has much Hymenophylium
wilsonii with Asplenium viride, Cystopteris fragilis, Gymnocarpium dryopteris and
Phegopteris connectilis. On more acid screes Cryptogramma crispa is common with
Alchemilla alpina, Calluna, Erica cinerea and Vaccinium myrtillus. On ledges Huperzia
selago is found and on the more basic slopes Lycopodium clavatum and Diphasiastrum
alpinum. \n the wetter flushes is Se/aginella selaginoides.

In Llyn Idwal, the lake in the base of the corrie, /soetes echinospora grows with
Equisetum fluviatile, Litorella uniflora, Lobelia dortmaniana and Menyanthes trifoliata.

CWM GRAIANOG, Nant Ffrancon, c.3km NW of Llyn Ogwen, Caernarvon (v.-c. 49. NGR
23/630625. Altitude 200-600m)

Much of the Snowdonia National Park is a wild, mountainous region with many sheer
crags and knife-edge ridges, between which are ice-gouged corries and valleys. The
Nant Ffrancon pass begins to the south of Bethesda. It is a glaciated valley with classic
U-shaped profile and was carved by a large glacier from Cwm Idwal and smaller flows
from other cwms or hollows on the western side, such as Cwm Graianog. To the east
are views of the Carneddau Mountains, the highest in Wales after Snowdon. Welsh
mountain sheep graze the uplands.

The rugged precipitous mountains of Snowdonia are Ordovician in origin and largely
igneous andesitic or rhyolitic lava, tufa and agglomerates, relatively resistant to
denudation. Cwm Graianog is a mountain side of scree on otherwise acid grassland of
Agrostis canina, A tenuis, Molinia caerulea and Nardus stricta with Calluna vulgaris,
Erica cinerea and in the wetter flushes an assortment of Carex spp., Juncus effusus,
the moss Polytrichum commune and several Sphagnum spp. The lower screes contain
a wealth of Dryopteris species (D. affinis (3 sub-species), D. filix-mas, D. oreades and
various hybrids) and Cryptogramma crispa. \n the upper block scree is D. dilatata, D.
expansa and possible hybrids. Hymenophyllum wilsonii is also in the deeper clefts as
are Gymnocarpium dryopteris and Phegopteris connectilis and Asplenium trichomanes
subsp. trichomanes. Much pteridological discussion centred around the possible
identities of the various large, abundant, and differing clumps of the parents and
suspected hybrids in the Dryopteris filix-mas group at this site.

PENTRAETH, road between village and coast, 6km NNE of Menai Bridge, Anglesey (v.-c.
52. NGR 23/530790. Altitude 30m)

Anglesey, ‘Isle of the Straits’ (Norse ‘ongull’ = strait) is called in Welsh Ynys Mé6n. It is a
complex of geological strata from Carboniferous Limestone through to Pre-Cambrian in

the western extremity, and at South Stack grits, grey-wackes and sandstones meet the

lrish Sea in 120m cliffs. The undulating agricultural landscape is scattered with stone-

walled villages amongst cornfields.

The roadside banks in this area have a profusion of ferns — Dryopteris affinis, D. filix-
mas, Polystichum aculeatum and P. setiferum. Polypodium is also abundant. R H
Roberts, who has studied Po/ypodium in this area for many years, was able to show the
party all three species: P. australe, P. interjectum and P. vu/gare, and the three hybrids:
P. x font-queri, P. x mantoniae and P. x shivasiae. The first and last of these, involving
P. australe in their parentage are rare in Britain.

PLAS LLIGWY, Penrhos Lligwy, c.6km SE of Amlwch, Anglesey. (c.-c. 52. NGR
23/493862. Altitude 50m)

This is a Fraxinus excelsior - Illex aquifolium wood with Fagus sylvatica, Prunus padus,
Taxus baccata and U/mus glabra over Carboniferous Limestone karst topography. In the
wet climate, ferns abound over this base-rich substrate. Asp/enium scolopendrium,
Polystichum aculeatum, P. setiferum, Dryopteris affinis subsp. borreri, D. affinis subsp.
robusta, and D. filix-mas, are all present in large numbers, whilst all these species of
Polypodium are present, with P. australe and P. interjectum in particular abundance.
Polypodium at this site has been studied for many years by R H Roberts. One cliff face
carries a colony of Po/ypodium * shivasiae of quite exceptional size.

HOLYHEAD MOUNTAIN, 3km W of Holyhead, between South and North Stacks,
Anglesey (v.-c. 52. NGR 23/213892. Altitude 150m)

The cliffs on the western edge of Holy Island are grits, greywackes and sandstones and
are for the most part precipitous. Cliff top vegetation is U/ex gallica with Erica cinerea,
Pteridium aquilinum. Around the South Stack Lighthouse built in 1808 is spectacular
cliff scenery and the home of razor-bills, cormorants, guillemots and gulls.

In occasional gullies of softer shaley rocks Pteridium - Anthoxanthum odoratum
grassland may be underlain with Dryopteris aemula and D. dilatata, with Rubus and
Ulex. In one gully, D. aemu/a forms almost a pure stand with D. di/latata and Blechnum
spicant and the possibility of Dryopteris hybrids exists. Sea mists roll into these gullies
and no doubt create the particularly suitable local environment for fern growth.

On the lower cliffs at Cytlau’r Gwyddelod, Asplenium marinum is present a few yards
from the surf.

LAKES AT LLANFAIR-YN-NEUBWLL, c.7km SE of Holyhead, Anglesey. (v.-c. 52. NGR
23/309770. Altitude c.5m)

A lake system over shales, quartzites and pillow lavas receiving nutrients from salt
laden winds as much as from ground water and derived from soil. Mire communities of
Phragmites australia - Phalaris arundinacea with Cyperaceae and Thelypteris palustris.
The latter is not common in Wales, and this locality is one of its several, local Anglesey
sites.

26

NEWBOROUGH WARREN, SE Anglesey (v.-c. 52. NGR 23/427648. Altitude c. sea level)

Newborough is in the SW corner of the island. The Warren is an extensive sand dune
system with ridges covered with Ammophila arenaria and Salix repens and dune
‘slacks’ with varying freshwater mire communities which include Equisetum variegatum
and Ophioglossum vulgatum. At Llyn Rhos-ddu Equisetum arvense, E. fluviatile and the
hybrid £. = /itorale and E. palustre occur. On the rocky headland of Ynys Llanddwyn, a
varied sequence of lavas, jasper, shales and limestones occur, and Ophioglossum
vulgatum and Botrychium /unaria occur in herb-rich Agrostis - Festuca grassland
amongst the rocky outcrops. The area is a National Nature Reserve.

HUTTON ROOF CRAGGS, 8km NE of Carnforth, Westmorland (v.-c. 69. NGR
34/551786. Altitude c.200m)

Hutton Roof is a limestone pavement high above the surrounding farm valley. It is an
outstanding area of Carboniferous Limestone karst with extensive development of pillars
(‘clints’) and fissures (‘grykes’). The surface is often covered with a low form of Prunus
spinosus and Rubus spp. The grassland is Anthoxanthum odoratum, Cynosurus
cristatus, Festuca ovina and Sessleria caerulea with a species-rich herb component. In
the grykes Asp/enium scolopendrium, A. trichomanes subsp. guadrivalens and A. viride
are to be found. Dryopteris affinis agg., D. dilatata, D. filix-mas, D. submontana (a
tetraploid form of the European D. villarii complex), and Gymnocarpium robertianum are
also here. In acid peat hollows G. dryopteris may also be present but hybrids have not
been found in Britain. Po/ystichum aculeatum is present and the more alpine P.
lonchitis has been recorded but not seen recently.

JOHNNY’S WOOD, Longthwaite, Borrowdale, Cumberland (v.-c. 70. NGR 35/255142.
Altitude 125m)

The majority of peaks in the Keswick area are of Ordovician Skiddaw slates, dark
greyish blue or black fine mudstone with no lime in them. The rocks of the central
massif, however, are Borrowdale volcanics, also dating from the Ordovician era. The
present landscape of lava crags, green hard slates and porphyries with occasional tufa
and andesites is the result of several periods of folding and denudation by water and ice
which carved out the steep ravines and corries. These rugged fells are a sharp contrast
to the smoother slopes of Skiddaw to the north. Only on the periphery, as round Hutton
Roof, remain any of the Carboniferous sediments which once covered the whole of the
Lake District.

Much of the woodland in the Borrowdale valley is owned and managed by the National
Trust. It is typical ‘English’ oak wood which on these acid slates and grits is dominated
by Quercus petraea although Q. robur and hybrids will be present. The ground flora of
mixed herbs and grasses, of which Agrostis spp., Festuca and Anthoxanthum are
common, contains Vaccinium myrtillus and Pteridium in quantity.

In one coombe Dryopteris species abound, with hybrids, in a habitat with abundant
mosses. Here are D. dilatata and D. expansa with the hybrid D. x ambroseae and several
forms of D. affinis, D. filix-mas and Oreopteris limbosperma form large plants, whilst
much of the surrounding hillsides carry extensive patches of Pteridium aquilinum.
Polypodium vulgare occurs epiphytically and on rocks.

THORNEYTHWAITE FELL, Borrowdale, Cumberland (v.-c. 70. NGR 35/247128. Altitude
150m)

An area of acid Molinia - Nardus stricta grassland with large block scree, containing an
assemblage of ferns in crevices and beneath boulders. Cryptogramma crispa is
abundant and in areas where water drains down the steeper slopes Oreopteris
limbosperma. ‘

ASHNESS GILL, 3km S of Keswick, Cumberland. (v.-c. 70. NGR 35/272196. Altitude
200-Altitude 200-400m)

Ashness Bridge lies in a small valley between Derwentwater and Thirlmere. Ashness
Gill has spectacular waterfalls. Above it is High Seat, 608m, a stony summit on a
notoriously boggy, swampy ridge. The Gill is a typical Lakeland stream and gully with
Asplenium trichomanes (both subspecies) and A. viride, Cystopteris fragilis,
Gymnocarpium dryopteris, Oreopteris limbosperma and Phegopteris connectilis. Nearby
Watendlath Tarn (NGR 35/275162) has /soetes /acustris, |. echinospora has been found
in only one of the several hundred lakes of this district.

GREY MARE’S TAIL AND LOCH SKEEN, 15km NE of Moffat, Dumfriesshire (v.-c. 72.
NGR 36/170165. Altitude c.500m)

The Scottish Southern Uplands on Silurian greywacke, flagstones and shales, are
mostly covered by mineral-poor grasslands. Moffat is the centre of a sheep-farming
area. North of Moffat the hills and moorland are spectacular. Hart Fell, 796m, contains
remnants of an arctic alpine flora and has Dryopteris expansa, Polystichum lonchitis,
and an old record for Lycopodium annotinum and a number of high-level sedges.
Woodsia ilvensis was also once common in this area. The Grey Mare’s Tail is one of
Scotland's highest waterfalls, where the Tail Burn drops 60m over a hanging valley as it
flows from Loch Skeen to join Moffat Water. White Coomb, 808m, lies to the west. The
rounded well-glaciated and now grazed hills on the base-poor, well-greywacke and grits
with Cryptogramma crispa contrast with the wetter areas where Oreopteris
limbosperma covers steep hillside. Above the loch a dwarf shrub community of Ca//una,
Erica cinerea, Vaccinium myrtillus and V. vitis-idaea has an interesting community of
Cryptogramma interspersed with Crystopteris fragilis and Dryopteris dilatata.

A C Jermy, K P Kavanagh, J D Montgomery & F S Wagner

28

THE INTERNATIONAL GARDEN FESTIVAL, LIVERPOOL 1984

Between July 20—29, the Society exhibited a wide range of ferns together with an
interesting centre feature of display boards that explained our Society and its activities
at the International Garden Festival in Liverpool. Nigel Hall, as project director, had the
difficult task of arranging for good quality plant material to be available to dress the
exhibit and provide the information for the design of the centre boards. The latter was
accomplished in a most attractive way by Miss Julie Ormston, a final year student on an
Educational Design Course, supervised by Nigel Hall at Manchester Polytechnic. Society
members in various parts of the country kindly donated both hardy and indoor potted
ferns and were assembled before the Festival at the University of Liverpool Botanic
Garden, Ness.

On my visit to the stand on July 20, | was extremely pleased to accept from the Festival
organisers the award of a Silver Medal on behalf of the Society. | consider it a just
reward to Nigel Hall and Julie Ormston and all those who worked so hard to make it
such a success. Thanks are due to the President, A C Jermy, for providing all the
transport at all hours of the day and night to get the ferns to and from the Festival, to
Nigel Hall and Julie Ormston for presenting the Society to the public in such an
interesting and attractive way, to Les and Joan Dugdale for manning the stand for five
days and to all those members who gave their time to assist them.

A R Busby

Photo: Nigel Hall

SOUTHPORT FLOWER SHOW; 16—18 AUGUST 1984 A R Busby

In spite of the financial problems reported by me in last year’s flower show report, the
show goes on, for the time-being anyway. | know that the organisers were hoping for
an attendance of some 90,000 but at the time of going to press, | had not heard any
details of how this year’s show had succeeded.

To those of us on the Society's stand, and in spite of good weather, the attendance did
not seem particularly good. Ferns exhibited in the competitive classes were generally in
very good condition in spite of this year’s long dry summer. Mrs Hazel Key, the judge for
fern classes, commented that the presentation of the ferns had improved tremendously.
It is with great regret that | report that this year there were no entries for the Class 7.
This class is for a large group of hardy British ferns arranged naturally in an area not
exceeding 100 square feet. There are few growers today who can assemble such a
quantity of large, well grown ferns and be able to afford to transport them to Southport.
Are we ever to see an entry in this class again?

The prize winners of the other classes are listed in order of winning, as follows:

Class 8 Six hardy British ferns (Dissimilar) — Brian Russ (one entry)

Class 9 Six greenhouse ferns (Dissimilar) — J R White, Brian Russ (two entries)

Class 10 Three hardy British ferns — W Kirby, D J Kershaw, H C Shepherd, Brian Russ
(five entries)

Class 11. Three foreign ferns (hardy in Great Britain) — Brian Russ, H C Shepherd, D J
Kershaw (four entries)

Class 12. Three Phyllitis (Scolopendriums, now Asplenium scolopendrium) - Brian Russ,
J R White, Alan Shellard (three entries).

Class 13. Three Polystichums - Brian Russ, J R White (two entries).

Class 15 Three Athyriums - J R White (one entry)

Class 16 Three Dryopteris - J R White, Brian Russ (two entries)

Class 17. Three Asp/eniums (excluding A. scolopendrium) — Brian Russ (one entry)

Class 18 One British fern — A R Busby, H C Shepherd, W Kirby (seven entries)

Class 19 One greenhouse fern — Mrs H E White, Mrs E A Gibbs, J R White (seven entries)

The Society stand exhibited the usual display of potted ferns both hardy and
indoor, together with Society literature and a spore germination display. Thanks are due
to Les and Joan Dugdale who spent the entire three days on the stand and to Nigel Hall
for his support on the Friday and Saturday.

FERN WINS NOTABLE AWARD IN HOLLAND A R Busby

In the autumn of 1980, two Dutchmen who have a large fern nursery at Alsmeer, called
to see me and asked if they could collect some spores. They took a good selection away
with them.

In the autumn of 1982, | had a letter from Mr Z K Sahin who is one of the partners, to
tell me that a one year old plant of Dryopteris affinis ‘Crispa Congesta’ was entered as 4
novelty in the 1982 International Floriade Exhibition in Amsterdam and had won the
coveted “Floriade Certificate” for an outstanding new plant.

It was planted in an original ,sapanese Bonsai pot which gave it a ‘superb setting’.
Obviously he was delighted but so was |, as the spores came from my own plant which
originated from Mr Askew who had the fern nursery at Grange in Borrowdale.

30

OBITUARIES

HERBERT JOHN BRUTY, 1910—1983
Herbert John Bruty, Bert Bruty to his friends and colleagues at Kew, died on December
December 29, 1983.

Bert was born on 6th April 1910 at Stoke by Clare in Suffolk and commenced his
horticultural career in May 1924 in private service near to where he was born and
brought up. He was working as Propagator Gardener for Dowager Lady Loch at Stoke
College at the time he was called up for war service in September 1939. Bert served in
D Company 5th Battalion Suffolk Regiment and saw service in S E Asia where he was
taken Prisoner of War by the Japanese and worked in forced labour camps. This was, of
course, a period of great difficulties and hardship but the experience of tropical
conditions and plant life was of great benefit in Bert’s work with the collection at Kew.

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Bert came out of the army in April 1946 and entered R.B.G. Kew that same year. He
was awarded the British Empire Medal in the New Year Honours List in 1964. The
medal was presented to Bert on April 29 at a ceremony in the Duke’s Garden at Kew by
the Lord Lieutenant of Surrey, Lord Munster. The citation says much about Bert's
character and dedicated efforts with the collections at Kew. Parts of the citation read as
follows: ‘Mr Bruty was so keen to work at Kew that despite his considerable gardening
experience he joined the staff in the only available vacancy in 1946 as a Labourer. After
a year in that grade he became a Grade || Gardener and a year later in 1948 he was
promoted to Gardener Grade |. Three months later Mr Bruty became a Temporary
Foreman and was established in that grade in 1951. This was rapid promotion even for
31

someone as well qualified as him’. The text goes on to say he was ‘one of the foremost
specialists in fern cultivation in the country, a fact widely known in horticultural circles.
He has beer responsible for developing the collection at Kew by intensive propagation
and under his care there has been a tremendous increase in the range and variety of
the collection. This has been achieved by his special skill in propagating material from
spores’.

t is also of interest tnat Bert Bruty made it possible for Professor Manton to carry out a
great deal of cytological work on tropical ferns by his efforts to keep them in cultivation
at Kew. He managed to grow on ferns collected by her in Sri Lanka, Ceylon, along with
other consignments from Professor Holttum from Malaya and from C.D. Adams who
was then collecting in the Ghana (Gold Coast). The renewed activity in fern phylogeny
and classification was increasing apace, with cytology providing of particular help and
significance.

Bert retired from Kew on 30 September 1970 but continued to ‘look in’ on the fern
collection on the annual British Pteridological Society visits each spring. To his wife
Doris and his daughter we offer our kindest thoughts.

John Woodhams
MARK CHRISTOPHER CAIGER SMITH, 1933—1984

We were much grieved to learn of the sudden death of Dr Mark Smith in February this
year. Mark had been a member of the Society since 1972 and had been active in its
affairs over the last ten years. He was instrumental in expanding and maintaining a fine
collection of both hardy and exotic ferns at Bristol University Botanic Gardens.

Most of the west country members will best remember spending summer afternoons at
the Botanic Gardens, happy recipients of Mark’s encyclopaedic knowledge, wit and
erudition, and, not least of all, recipients of plants and ferns generously bestowed on all
who expressed interest in the vegetable kingdom. We extend our sympathy to Mark's
wife and children.

Mary Potts
MARY COKE (—1984)

West country members were saddened to learn of the illness and death of Mary Coke in
June this year. Mary always gave a warm welcome to fern enthusiasts visiting Robin
Hill to see Philip’s wonderful collection of ferns. On garden open days, though
confessing to no gardening knowledge, Mary was well able to hold her own amidst @
sea of Pteridologists’ small talk and in later years constructed and tended an attractive
rock garden.

We shall all miss her wit and hospitality and extend our sympathy to Philip and his
family.

Mary Potts
MARION BOLTON (—1983)

We learned a short time ago of the death, on July 9th 1983, of Marion Bolton, the
widow of Tom Bolton who was President of our Society in 1958/60. The Bolton family
have been closely linked with us since 1891 when they took a very active part in
founding the Society, and the link still continues in Robert Bolton, their son, the present
head of the well-known family nursery specialising in sweetpeas. To him and his family
we convey our belated sympathy.

J W Dyce

BRITISH FERNS AND THEIR CULTIVARS
A very comprehensive collection is stocked by
REGINALD KAYE LTD
SILVERDALE, LANCASHIRE
CATALOGUE ON REQUEST

FIBREX NURSERIES LTD
Harvey Road, Evesham, Worcestershire
ardy and tender ferns
Begonias, Gloxinias, Hederas, Hydrangeas, Primroses, Arum Lilies
and Plants for the cool greenhouse
Catalogue on request

JOIN THE EXPERTS
Los Angeles International Fern Society
28 page colour, illustrated journal plus fern lesson monthly
international spore store, educational materials and books.
$10 domestic, $12 foreign annual dues.

LAIFS, 14895 Gardenhill Dr., LaMirada, CA 90638, USA

THE NIPPON FERNIST CLUB
There exists in Japan this large and active Society devoted
to the study of ferns which welcomes contact with foreign pteridologists,
both amateur and professional.
For further information write to:
Dept. of Forest Botany,
Faculty of Agriculture, Tokyo University, Hongo,
Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan 113.

1985 SOUTHPORT FLOWER SHOW
The Organisers extend all good wishes for a successful 1985
Classes for your Society's special interests are available
Total Horticultural Prizes awarded for 1984 - Value over £120,000.
22nd, 23rd, 24th AUGUST 1985

Schedules and further information from:
e Flower Show Secretary
Dept. 11, Town Hall, Lord Street, Southport, Merseyside PR8 1DA

FERNS FOR AFRICA
Offer African indigenous ferns by mail order.
Price lists available.
Overseas orders welcome.
D. Turner, Box 815, George 6530, South Africa.

The British Pteridological Society

BULLETIN 4
- CONTENTS - j
Secretarial Notes 1
Annual General Meeting 1984 a - . ‘: Se S 23
Lecture Meetings and Visits 1984 = ca = i . AR Busby 5
Spring Indoor Meeting 5 4
Autumn Indoor Meeting 5
Kew Gardens — 5 May 6
Hidcote Gardens — 9 September 6 :
Regional Meetings 1984 se = = S a Sg Pog Z 6
West Midlands _.. ‘ mi x = .. Matt Busby 6
Leeds and District ve = ss me a - Jack Bouckley 7
South West Region * < aa a a s .. Mary Potts 9
South East Region aa = i a - 5 .. Paul Ripley 11
National Field Meetings 1984 __.. ‘ = a = 5 a me $i 13 ;
Porlock — 29 June/1 July... : S . « PJ Edwards 13 :
North-West Ireland — 21-28 July _.. ma < is . ACJermy 15 ©
Bampton Grange — 10-11 August... is = R Sykes 18 —
Bangor, North Wales — 25-27 August, Joint t BSBI/BPS Meeting NBrown 20 — 3
Symposium Field Meeting Ss Pe - WR AC Jermy, K P Kavanagh, =
JD Montgomery & F S Wagner 21 3
The International Garden Festival, Liverpool 1984 2 a . ARBusby 29 :
Southport Flower Show — 16-18 August 1984... ~—S. ~S.-)S AR Busby 30 ©
Obituaries 31
The Bulletin, Volume 2 Number 5, was published on 14 December 1983.
Published by the British Pteridological Society.
ISSN 0301-9195.

Printed by Metloc Printers Ltd., Caxton House, Old Station Road, Loughton, Essex. eS

THE
BRITISH

wr

VOLUME 3

PTERIDOLOGICAL
SOC

1985

BULLETIN 4
b| am

HYMENOPHYLLUM TUNBRIDGENSE
@ (The Tunbridge Filmy Fern)

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=r

#

Edited by A.R. Busby

THE BRITISH PTERIDOLOGICAL SOCIETY
Officers and Committee for 1985

President: G. Tonge
President Emeritus: J. W. Dyce

Vice-Presidents: Dr R. E. Holttum, F. Jackson, R. Kaye,
Prof. |. Manton

Honorary General Secretary and A. R. Busby, ‘Croziers’,
Editor of the Bulletin _ 16 Kirby Corner Road, Canley, Coventry, CV4 8GD
(Tel: Coventry 715690)

Assistant Secretary (Membership): A. M. Paul,

Department of Botany, British Museum (Natural History),
Cromwell Road, London, SW7 5BD

Treasurer: Dr B. A. Thomas, Botany Department, National Museum of Wales,
Cathays Park, Cardiff, CF1 3NP

Meetings Secretary: K. Kavanagh, 2 Bury Cottage, Offchurch Bury,
Offchurch, Leamington Spa, Warwicks.

Editors of the Fern Gazette: Dr M. Gibby, Dr B. S. Parris

Material for publication should be sent to Dr M. Gibby,
British Museum (Natural History), Cromwell Road, London, SW7 5BD

Editor of the Pteridologist: M. H. Rickard, The Old Rectory, Leinthall Starkes,
Ludiow, Shropshire, SY8 2HP

Committee: M. Barker, J. M. Camus, P. J. Edwards, Dr N. Hards, R. P. H. Lamb,
A. Pigott, P. Ripley, R. Rush, Dr A. Willmot, J. R. Woodhams

Fern Distribution Recorder: A. J. Worland, 102 Queens Close, Harston,
Cambs., CB2 50N

Spores Exchange Organiser: R. F. Cartwright, 13 Perry Mill Road, Peopleton,
Pershore, Worcestershire

Archivist: N. A. Hall, 15 Mostyn Road, Hazel Grove, Stockport, Cheshire

The BRITISH tegen airy SOCIETY was founded in 1891 and today continues as a focus for
fern enthusiasts. It provides a wide range of information about ferns through the medium of its

meetings, garden visits, plant exchanges anda —e exchange — The Soci i
membership which includes gardeners, nurseryme i mateur and professional
The Society's journals the Fern Gazette, Pteridologist ‘and Bulletin are published sue, The Fer
Gazette publishes matter chiefly he Pteridologist
‘topics of more general appeal, and the Bulletin Society business and | meetings anor

Membership is open to all interested in fern and oo Subscription rates (due on ist January
each seul 9 are Full Personal Members £7; Person not receiving the Fern Gazette £5;
Student Members £5; Subscribing co £8. oe for membership should _ eat to
the Assistant Secr ess

Back numbers of the Gazette, Pteridologist and Bulletin are available for purchase from the
Treasurer (address above), from whom further details can be obtained. r

THE
BULLETIN

OF THE
BRITISH PTERIDOLOGICAL SOCIETY

Vol. 3 1985 No. 2
SECRETARIAL NOTES

MEETINGS CARDS — Meetings cards for 1986 are enclosed with this Bulletin to all
inland members. Overseas members visiting Britain can obtain them on application to
the Meetings Secretary.

PUBLICATIONS BY AIRMAIL — Our journals can be sent by airmail to overseas members,
provided they advise the Membership Secretary and pay an additional subscription to
cover airmail postage. Please note that due to the introduction of our new journal —
‘PTERIDOLOGIST’, the cost of airmailing the journals must be increased to £3.50 for
those receiving all journals and £2.50 for those receiving only the ‘Pteridologist’ and the
‘Bulletin’. The amounts should be sent with the annual dues.

COMMITTEE VACANCIES — In accordance with paragraph 3, section 3 of the Society's
Constitution, three vacancies will occur due to the retirement of the longest serving
Committee members. Nominations are invited from members of the Society to fill these
vacancies at the Annual General Meeting in 1986. The names of the nominees,
proposers and seconders, together with a letter from the nominee indicating their
willingness to serve, should reach the General Secretary by 1 March 1986.

SUBSCRIPTIONS 1986 — Members are reminded that subscriptions for 1986 are due
on the 1st January 1986 and should be paid to the Membership Secretary, British
Pteridological Society, c/o Dept of Botany, British Museum (Natural History), Cromwell
Road, London, SW7 5BD. Cheques should be made payable to ‘The British Pteridological
Society’.

AFFILIATION TO THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY — Our Society is affiliated to
the RHS, enabling a limited number of members to enjoy certain privileges in
connection with RHS Shows, competitions and services. A small number of tickets are
available for the Chelsea Show and the Great Autumn Show. These tickets will be
allocated to members on a first-come-first-served basis. There are also two transferable
tickets available for all other RHS Shows. Applications for tickets or further details,
enclosing a stamped, addressed envelope, should be made to the BPS General
Secretary.

READING CIRCLE — The American Fern Journal, a quarterly containing much
information for those seriously interested in ferns, is circulated to Reading Circle
members. To join, apply to the General Secretary.

THE GREENFIELD FUND — This fund, set up as a memorial to one of our Society's great
fern growers — Percy Greenfield, is used to finance approved research projects, helping
with the cost of necessary equipment, books and travel expenses. Awards for meritorius
achievements such as the introduction of a new fern variety or plant, or some of the
Society publicity projects would be considered as worthy of help from the fund. Percy
Greenfield's interest leaned very much towards the non-scientific side of our activities
and it is felt that he would want this taken into consideration when decisions are made.
Workers eligible for university or college grants and similar support will not therefore be
eligible for help from the fund. Members with projects wishing to benefit from this
memorial fund should apply to the trustees via the General Secretary.

HONORARY GENERAL SECRETARY — CHANGE OF ADDRESS — Will members kindly
note that with immediate affect, all correspondence to A R Busby should be addressed
to him at ‘Croziers’, 16 Kirby Corner Road, Canley, Coventry CV4 8GD, Phone: 715690.

NEW BINDERS for the BPS BULLETIN — Binders for volumes of the BPS BULLETIN are
available from the General Secretary. Attractively produced with red hardboard covers
and gold blocked lettering on the spine: only £3.50 each, postage & packing included.
This applies to inland members only. Prices for overseas members on application. Cash
with order, please make cheques payable to A R Busby.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 1985

MINUTES of the 82nd ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING held at the City of Bristol Museum
and Art Gallery, Queens Road, Bristol on Saturday, 16 February 1985 at 14.15 hours.

IN THE CHAIR: The President, A C Jermy.

PRESENT: P J Acock, Miss J Barker, D H Brown, A R Busby, Miss J Camus, J A Crabbe,
M D Crane, L Dugdale, J W Dyce, D Gaunt, Dr M Gibby, J Hather, Mrs A Hill, G Hoare,
Mrs D Holly, G Hutchinson, Mrs A Jermy, R King, Miss M Ladell, P Nethercott,

A Ogden, A Pigott, C Potts, N Quansah, M H Rickard, Dr A Sleep, Dr B A Thomas,

Mrs D Thomas, Mrs G Tonge, Dr A Willmot.

ITEM 1 — APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE — Mrs W Baines, Miss M Barker, F Bayford, J Cramp,
Mrs M Castellan, Lt Col P G Coke, Mrs BS Croxall, P J Edwards, Dr N Hards, Miss M Kingston,
R P H Lamb, B S Mitchell, Dr C N Page, P Ripley, R J Rush, J R Woodhams.

ITEM 2 — MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING held on 25 February 1984
were read and approved.

ITEM 3 — MATTERS ARISING from those minutes — None.

ITEM 4 — REPORT OF THE HONORARY GENERAL SECRETARY — 1984 has seen much
in the development of our Society. During the past few weeks the membership list has
been put onto a computer file which should make for easier work for the Society's
officers and we must thank Anthony Pigott and Margo Ladell for their hard work
organising and completing this task.

The Spore Exchange List has also been put onto a computer file and thanks are due to
Miss Jennifer Ide for this. The Spore Exchange continues to be very popular with
members and outside institutions. This year’s list offers over 400 species and varieties.
Again we thank Richard Cartwright for organising this service.

The Committee is now considering Richard Lamb's idea for a Plant Exchange Scheme
and we hope to see this scheme implemented during the coming year.

The computerisation of the membership list coincides with the retirement of Lt Col P G
Coke as Membership Secretary and the Committee thanks Mr Coke for all his unstinting
hard work for the Society in that post.

Mr Coke’s last duty was to advise me of the state of membership in 1984. He advises
me that at the 31 December 1984 the Society comprises of 398 full members, 99
subscribers, 22 students, 73 no fern gazette members and 10 honorary members. Total
membership 602, an apparent increase of 13 during 1984.

Throughout 1984, the Society has enjoyed another busy year with both field and indoor
meetings well attended. Two particularly successful meetings were the meetings held
jointly with the Botanical Society of the British Isles. These were the weekend meeting
in County Sligo and Fermanagh and the long weekend in North Wales. In addition, the
week excursion in Ireland proved very successful and was greatly appreciated by Irish
Botanists.

Another high point of last year’s meetings was the Society's stand at the International
Garden Festival at Liverpool. From the outset, the project organiser, Nigel Hall, was
determined that the Society should display its interests and activities to the visiting
public and all his hard work and the excellent artwork provided by his final year student
Miss Julie Ormston, was rewarded by the award of a Silver Medal to the Society by the
Festival organisers. The Committee thanks Mr Hall, Miss Ormston and all our members
who supplied plants for the stand, or gave freely of their time to man the stand.

Local groups continue to thrive in the Leeds area, South-West England and the West
Midlands. The Committee is very pleased to see the formation of a regional group in
south-east England. It is sad that we have not seen any group activities in north-west
England and that the Scottish group has folded due to the lack of an organising
secretary. Mrs Gwladys Tonge is hoping to organise a local group in the Buckingham
area.

The past year has seen the introduction of our new journal the ‘Pteridologist’. | am sure
you will agree that it is an important event in the life of our Society and we
congratulate its Editor, Martin Rickard, for so carefully attending its birth and giving us
such an interesting and informative journal. ‘The Fern Gazette’ sees changes in its
editorship with the retirement of Dr C N Page and the Committee thanks him for all his
hard work over the last ten years.

The function of our third journal, the ‘Bulletin’, is to report the Society's business and
activities and with the help and guidance of the Committee | shall try to maintain the
high standard set by its previous editors.

Mr Busby’s report was approved and adopted by the meeting and the President thanked
Mr Busby.

ITEM 5 — REPORT OF THE HONORARY TREASURER — Dr B AThomas presented his report
verbally and circulated to the meeting copies of his balance sheet for 1984. Dr Thomas
drew the meeting's attention to the fact that the Society’s fund are now approaching
the point where our current balance will begin to run into the red. He made out the
case for increasing the subscriptions of the Society in 1987.

Dr Thomas's report and balance sheet were approved and adopted by the meeting and
the President thanked Dr Thomas.

ITEM 6 — REPORT OF THE EDITORS:

‘The Fern Gazette’: Dr Mary Gibby — At the last AGM Dr Barbara Parris and Dr Mary
Gibby were elected as joint editors with Dr Chris Page as the latter was heavily involved
in editing the proceedings of the Edinburgh symposium on the biology of Pteridophytes.
Drs Parris and Gibby took over the finalising of the 1984 ‘Fern Gazette’ and, with the
invaluable help of James Crabbe, have since then been involved in the preparation of
Volume 13, part 1 and we hope to have this ready for the publisher in April, so that it
will be completed for late summer. Articles for this issue have been sent from Nepal,
East Germany, China, India and The Netherlands as well as Britain and Ireland and we
already have some copy for Vol.13, Part 2. Dr Chris Page is now retiring as Editor and
we are grateful for all his work over the past ten years.

‘The Pteridologist’: Martin Rickard — The first issue of the Society’s new journal was
published on time last year to meet the annual re-awakening of fern interest in the
early spring. It seems to have been well received and will hopefully help to boost the
public image of the Society.

As a new venture it incorporated several novel features, notably the introduction of a
third annual mailing to members, more illustrations, black and white photographs on
glossy art paper. Collection of papers all aimed at the amateur pteridologist. The term
amateur is often misunderstood as meaning grower, but the target readership is much
wider than that. All members will hopefully find something to their taste, albeit not
normally at a technical level.

We were fortunate in that many members contributed good quality items for this initial
issue. | hope in future more offers of articles will be forthcoming now that the style of
contents has been set.

In future the last date for accepting copy will be 31 December. If items are received
later than this the chances of making the next issue are greatly reduced and the
opportunity for authors checking their proofs is non-existant.

Part 2 is currently on target and will be of a similar size to Part 1.

‘The Bulletin’: A R Busby — Now that the new journal has been launched so
successfully, the ‘Bulletin’ will report the business and activities of the Society. It is
important that its size and therefore its costs, are kept within bounds. So | urge
members reporting meetings to keep them reasonably short and to the point. Prompt
dispatch of reports to me will be appreciated as the date of publication of the ‘Bulletin’
is rather critical at the end of the year.

The reports were approved and adopted by the meeting and the President thanked the
Editors for all their work over the past year.

ITEM 7 — FAMILY MEMBERSHIP — The Secretary, AR Busby, outlined to the meeting a new
category of membership that will involve the whole family.

For an extra £2 paid in addition to the £5 or £7 subscription, both spouses or partners
will be registered as Family Members. This will entitle both partners to full voting rights

36

in Society matters and children up to the age of seventeen will be able to be involved in
all Society activities. Families wili still only receive one set of journals per year and
members of families aged 18 years and over must take out a separate subscription to
entitle them to voting rights, etc.

ITEM 8 — ELECTION OF OFFICERS AND COMMITTEE — The President was pleased to bring
to the attention of the meeting the very long service of J W Dyce to this Society, and
recalled that he had received every award this Society could bestow on a member.

M H Rickard reminded the meeting that Mr Dyce has held all the posts in serving this
Society which he reckoned to add up to some 1 man years. The President went on to
explain that the Officers and Committee wished to recognise once more Dr Dyce’s
service to the Society and the unique place he holds in its post-war history in this his
80th year.

The Officers and Committee were pleased to ask the meeting to confer on Mr Dyce the
title of President Emeritus. This the meeting was pleased to do and greeted this decision
with acclaim.

In reply, Mr Dyce thanked the meeting warmly for their kindness and observed that
since first joining this Society in 1935 he had obtained much pleasure and friendship.

The President, A C Jermy, having completed his term of office retired at this meeting.
As previously notified to the membership, the Committee was pleased to nominate Mrs
Gwladys Tonge as the next President of this Society. Mrs Tonge’s nomination was
warmly approved and duly elected by the meeting. On taking the chair, Mrs Tonge
thanked the meeting for giving her this honour and said that she would be pleased to
serve the Society. Mrs Tonge’s first act was to propose a vote of thanks to Mr Jermy for
all his endeavours during the last three years, reminding the meeting that during his
term of office and with his guidance, the Society had jointly sponsored with other
societies the International Symposium on Pteridophyta, staged an impressive display at
the Liverpool Garden Festival which received a gold medal from the organisers and has
made many valuable contacts with other learned societies in the botanical world. The
vote of thanks, seconded by the Secretary, was unanimously approved by the meeting.

The Honorary General Secretary, A R Busby, Honorary Treasurer, Dr B A Thomas and
the Meetings Secretary, Miss Kathryn Kavanagh having agreed to stand for another
year, were duly elected.

Two nominations had been received for the two vacancies occurring on the Committee;
Dr Nick Hards (prop. A C Jermy, sec. D r B A Thomas) and Paul Ripley (prop.

M H Rickard, sec. A C Jermy) had accepted their nomination and were elected to the
Committee.

Mr M H Rickard was re-elected as Editor of the ‘Pteridologist’ and Dr M Gibby and

Dr B Parris were re-elected as Editors of the ‘Fern Gazette’. Dr C N Page retired as
Editor in Chief of the ‘Fern Gazette’. The President proposed a vote of thanks from the
meeting to Dr Page for his unstinting hard work over some nine years as sole editor and
for many years of service before that on the editorial board, seconded by A C Jermy, the
meeting approved it unanimously.

The Secretary reported to the meeting that he had received a letter from
Lt Col P G Coke explaining that he wished to retire from the post of Membership

Secretary, a post he has held since 1978. The President proposed a vote of thanks to
Lt Col Coke for all his hard work in one of the most demanding posts in the Society. The
motion was seconded by J W Dyce and warmly approved by the meeting.

ITEM 9 — ELECTION OF AUDITORS — John Cramp, who h ted dit thisS
for 8 years has indicated his desire to retire. The President proposed a vote of thanks to:
John Cramp and this was seconded by A R Busby and approved by the meeting.

Mr Jack Bouckley of Harrogate (prop. A C Jermy, sec. A R Busby) and Mr R P H Lamb of
Daventry (prop. A R Busby, sec. M H Rickard) had notified their willingness to serve as
auditors for the Society and were duly elected.

ITEM 10 — ANY OTHER BUSINESS — As ther further busi the President closed

PAO Lit WViuriiic

the meeting and thanked the members for aadion:

A R Busby

FINANCIAL STATEMENT AS AT 31 DECEMBER 1984
EXTRACTS FROM 1983
ORDINARY ACCOUNT

Income
£4462.15 Subscriptions £3771.47
Donations 102
Interest on Ai 235.26
324.20 SALES — Booksales Profits £50.00
45.60 Offprints 31.00
51.60 Leaflets _21,00 102.00
42.15 SUNDRIES 13.00
£5135.90 £4223.73
— === ———
phen tighaare
£ 863.00 METLOC — BULLETIN £ 729.00
1476.00 METLOC — GAZETTE 1378.00
= METLOC — PTERIDOLOGIST 1071.00
502.93 PRINTING AND STATIONARY 113.
923.78 ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS & POSTAGE 1022.81
31.05 | SUBSCRIPTIONS TO SOCIETIES 31.00
92.29 MEETINGS COSTS 83.10
SOUTHPORT FLOWER SHOW 81.40
LIVERPOOL FLOWER FESTIVAL 51.50
ADVERTISEMENTS 20.00
£4233.23 £4581.69
902.67 BALANCE FOR THE YEAR 357.06 D.R.
3385.25 BALANCE CARRIED FORWARD 4287.92
£4287.92 BALANCE CARRIED FORWARD £3930.86
—— a
PUBLICATION ACCOUNT
BALANCE CARRIED FORWARD FROM 1983 £ 365.00
SA G £127.83
Hardy Ferns 301.00
Guide to Hardy Ferns 936.17 1365.00
£1730.00
EXPENDITURE — Printing the Guide 1051.00
Postage 200.00 1251.00
BALANCE CARRIED FORWARD £ 479.00
————_—___—__—}
GREENFIELD FUND
BALANCE CARRIED FORWARD FROM 1983 £1665.99
INTEREST 95.27
BALANCE CARRIED FORWARD £1761.26

LECTURE MEETINGS AND VISITS

The Spring Indoor Meeting. Following the AGM our retiring President, A C Jermy, gave his
address entitled ‘The pteridologist — our role in science and society’. The theme of the
talk was how all members can help to build up a scientific picture of our wild and
garden fern floras. Conservation and distribution, areas traditionally linked with the
amateur, were discussed, and rules by which wild and garden plants should be named
were explained.

Immediately following this presentation the party were given tea by the staff at Bristol
Museum, and after a brief introduction were invited to explore the herbarium, library
and other interesting items held in the SW Regional Data Bank housed at the Museum.
Of course this part of the meeting was also a good opportunity for members to get
together. The material on display was the catalyst for the development of many
interesting discussions. Being in Bristol some of us could not pass up the chance to
discuss the first ‘British Pteridological Society’ with Museum staff. Unfortunately no
new facts about the forerunner to our own Society emerged to add to our own
extremely scant knowledge of it. However further research in the Museum archives is
promised and may yet turn up something.

All in all this was a very successful meeting and the staff at the City of Bristol Museum
and Art Gallery are to be thanked for being ideal hosts.

Martin Rickard

The Autumn Indoor Meeting was held on Saturday, 12 October at the British Museum
(Natural History) in London when 24 members assembled in the Dept of Palaeontology.
It was particularly pleasing to welcome Prof. Dr. Husnu Demiriz of Instanbul, Turkey
who is on a working visit to Britain, to the meeting.

A handful of members had elected to speak to the meeting on a wide variety of
subjects. First to address the meeting was Miss Alison Paul who gave a brief talk on the
recent Pilularia survey. Alison described the distribution of this tiny fern which is often
overlooked even by experienced field botanists. Although a fern which is in danger of
disappearing from many parts of Europe, it was encouraging to learn that it is still
widely distributed in the British Isles. However, wherever land-drainage or natural
changes in the water table occur, it is placed in peril.

Alison illustrated her talk with many colour-slides showing typical habitats and her talk
ended with a brisk questions and answers session.

Miss Josephine Camus continued the afternoons meeting describing the visit she and
Clive Jermy made to Borneo in 1980. Josephine’s talk was illustrated with many colour-
slides not only of the fascinating fern flora but also of the other native plants and
various economic crops. Josephine’s particular interest is the Marratiales and she was
able to show slides of several obscure species in this group. Whenever members
describe ferny forays to exotic places | always get ‘itchy feet’ and this Society is very
fortunate to have many members who have the opportunity to visit various parts of the
world and are able to provide us with glimpses of the world’s exotic ferns.

After refreshments kindly provided by Alison and Josephine, the meeting settled back to
hear a ‘regional report’ by A R Busby, Jack Bouckley of Harrogate and Paul Ripley and
Patrick Acock on the organisation of recent meetings in their respective areas. It quickly
became evident that regional meetings play an important part in introducing new
members to the Society and its activities.

There is a very active group in the south-west but sadly both the north-west and
Scottish areas have not featured regional meetings for some time. Anyone wishing to
set up a group in these or other areas will receive plenty of encouragement.

Rosemary Hibbs kindly brought along several colour-slides taken at the sherry reception
at Jimmy Dyce’s 80th Birthday Celebration at Kew in May this year. Thank you to
Rosemary for reminding those of us who were there of a splendid occasion that will
long be remembered with much pleasure.

The final talk was given by Anthony Pigott who described the complicated cytology of
the Dryopteris affinis complex in a very clear manner. Anthony explained that there was
much work to be done not only to complete what is already known but also to test many
other hybrid possibilities that still remain theory. Thanks are due to Anthony for
providing us with a stimulating talk in limited time and | feel that the membership
would benefit from a well-planned ‘workshop’ to study closer this complex group.

A R Busby

Kew Gardens — 25 May. It was of those rare hot days with which we were blessed in May
this year, when 65 members of the Pteridological Society crowded into the potting shed,
with its glass roof, behind the fern houses, to hear a talk on Lycopodium and
Selaginella by Clive Jermy and Peter Bradley. The gathering was particularly large on
this occasion as many members had come to offer their congratulations and to celebrate
with Jimmy Dyce, his 80th birthday. Probably, for comfort anyway, the more fortunate
were the later arrivals who swelled the audience until it was pouring out through the
doors of the potting shed, for the temperature inside was well into the high eighties
with the humidity climbing that way also!

Clive Jermy began the afternoon by describing these interesting but little known fern
allies, the diversity of structure and ecology within each genus, and features which
distinguish one from the other. The biology was interspersed with interesting
comments, such as the fact that the glaucous-blue irridescence of Se/aginella versicolor
is due to cuticular bubbles and that Lycopodium spores were used to produce stage
flashes due to their high oil content, which makes them instantly combustible.

Whilst explaining that the very special growing conditions, particularly of high humidity,
meant that Lycopodium species and many Se/aginella species were difficult to grow,
Peter Bradley described how to maintain them and vegetatively propogate them by stem
cuttings and layering. Propogation from spores is particularly difficult because of
contamination of the spores and therefore not recommended. Despite the obvious
difficulties one felt that here was a challenge presented by these plants for the really
keen, determined pteridologist with the patience — and the time (?) — to take it up.
They have a potential for interest and success which deserves to be explored.

Jennifer ide

THE J W DYCE BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION — 25 MAY A R Busby

After the excellent afternoon's talk on Selaginellas and tour of the greenhouses, the
meeting retired to the Wood Museum where a sherry reception had been organised as a
prelude to the evening celebration. By this time, some 74 members and guests had
assembled to toast Jimmy’s health and happiness.

A superb cake sporting fern croziers in green icing on a white icing background was
ceremoniously carried into the room; several gifts were presented and letters of
congratulations read, including an enormous greetings card signed by the Society's
vice-presidents and by many of those present at the reception.

Jimmy, obviously touched by this sincere show of appreciation and affection, expressed
his thanks to his many friends both present and absent.

Sadly, many of those at this reception were not able to stay on for the evening meal but
were pleased that they had been able to express their good wishes to Jimmy.

Later, at 7.30 pm, 54 members and friends assembled at Kew Gardens restaurant for
Jimmy's celebration meal, and in a summer noted for its gloom and bad-tempered
storms, we were able to enjoy one of the very few still, balmy summer evenings of the
year.

The toast to Jimmy’s health was proposed by Reg Kaye and Jimmy's reply incorporated
many reminiscences of his 50 years’ membership of this Society and the many friends
he has made. Indeed, it is largely due to Jimmy’s enthusiasm and hard work that this
Society managed to get off the ground in the immediate post-war years.

Thanks are due to Mr & Mrs John Woodhams, Dr Mary Gibby, A C Jermy, Kathryn
Kavanagh, M H Rickard, The Director of Kew, his staff and many others who helped to
organise Jimmy’s 80th birthday celebrations, but most of all to Jimmy for his unstinting
efforts on behalf of our Society.

The happy gathering at Jimmy Dyce’s Sherry Reception in May
(photo: M Ladell)

Bridgemere and Hodnut, Staffs — 14 July. Twenty three members and guests
assembled in the car park of Bridgemere Nurseries near Woore in Staffordshire to try
and discover any possible bargains that this very large garden centre may have to offer.

It was decided not to form a crocodile behind the day’s leader, Dr Nick Hards, but to let the
members wander around on their own and that we could assemble in the coffee lounge
an hour later to discuss what we had found. Needless to say the bulk of members
immediately made for the hardy fern section and although the selection on offer was
poor, several members selected one or two plants to take home.

Martin Rickard discovered some real bargains in a corner of the nurseries where plants
marked as ‘lost labels’ were on offer at reduced prices. After sampling what was on
offer outside, we moved to the indoor pot plant displays where the usual Nephrolepis,
Platyceriums, Aspleniums and Selaginellas were attractively arranged.

Feeling well pleased with the morning's acquisitions, we made our way to Hodnut Hall,
some 10kI south-west of Market Drayton where, after a picnic lunch in the car park,
Nick led the meeting around the attractive gardens.

We noted many plantings of hardy ferns including magnificent stands of the Royal fern,
Osmunda regalis and its cristate form. Other notable ferns seen were Po/ystichum
setiferum ‘Plumosum Bevis’, many Asplenium scolopendrium ‘Crispum’, several
varieties of Athyrium filix-femina and the usual species of Dryopteris.

Sadly, many of the very old plantings of hardy fern varieties scattered around the
gardens have now died out but it was encouraging to see many recent plantings of both
British and hardy foreign ferns that will add to the attractions of this garden in the
future.

A R Busby

Fairwarp — 14 September 1985. 14 members and guests met with a dozen members
of the Sussex Botanical Recording Society at Fairwarp Church, on the edge of Ashdown
Forest, on a windy, but not too wet, Saturday morning.

Rockswood/Furnace Wood, S.E. of Fairwarp was visited first. The wood is partially
planted with conifers by the Forestry Commission but also consists of mixed deciduous
wood, including numbers of hornbeam. An iron-rich stream runs through the wood,
approximately North-South and at the lower end of Furnace Wood (Rockswood), Tunbridge
Wells sandstone outcrops on the valley slope, principally on the East side, facing West.

Pteridium aquilinum was of course, abundant, as was Dryopteris filix-mas with

D. affinis subsp. borreri along the stream banks. Some luxuriant specimens with

D. affinis character, but large almost overlapping toothed pinnules may have been var.
robusta or even D. x tave/li and warrant further study. D. dilatata, and D. carthusiana
were locally common, as was Blechnum spicant, especially near the river.

42

Polypodium vulgare was common, especially on rock outcrops, and some fine specimens
were seen on a ditch bank near Fairwarp. A small plant of Dryopteris aemu/a was seen
on rocks near a small waterfall on the West bank of the valley, but was seen in greater
abundance on the East bank, growing with D. dilatata. Also on the East bank, near the
northern end of the sandstone outcrops, Hymenophyl/ium tunbridgense was seen,
flourishing in a beautiful site under partial coniferous cover. On a previous visit, Equisetum
fluviatile was found (at great personal cost).

In the afternoon, an exposed, recently burnt section of Ashdown Forest, close to the
Sussex University Field Study Centre at Chelwood Gate, was visited briefly, specifically
to see Lycopodiella inundata growing on damp peat, and a well-established single
specimen of Osmunda regalis. Some difficulty was encountered during the short
journey after lunch and time for fern hunting was limited. Oreopteris limbosperma was
found on a stream bank however, and ferns found in the morning were present in
wooded area in the afternoon, the exceptions being Hymenophy//um sp. Dryopteris
aemula and D. carthusiana (the latter almost certainly being present if looked for).

We were extremely grateful to Dr. Francis Rose for leading the group to some superb
habitats, and to David Streeter who had carried out some local liaison. We were most
impressed by the wide botanical knowledge of the SBRS members. Bearing in mind the
limitations imposed by travelling in a large group, we gained much from their expertise
and hopefully were able to impart some of our knowledge in return. Meetings with
other botanical societies such as the SBRS must be of great value, not least because of
their extensive knowledge of local habitats and companion flora and we hope that such
contacts can be maintained and extended in the future.

Pat Acock and Paul Ripley

THE AMERICAN FERN SOCIETY INC

wishes to extend an invitation to readers of this Bulletin to join the American Fern
Society. Regular members receive the “‘Fiddlehead Forum”’ six times a year. This
newsletter is published for the benefit of those who are interested in growing ferns,
hunting for them, and expanding their general knowledge of ferns. Journal members
receive, in addition to “Fiddlehead Forum”’, the scientific quarterly “American Fern
Journal’’. Membership costs $5.00 and $8.00 per annum, respectively. For particulars
please write to Dr David S Barrington, Dept of Botany, University of Vermont, Burlington
VT 05401, USA. Prospective members residing in Great Britain should write to
Dr B A Thomas, Dept of Botany, National Museum of Wales, Cathays Park, Cardiff
CF1 3NP. British members should note that the American Fern Society has to add a
postage surcharge for overseas members. Membership will cost $7.00 and $12.00
respectively.

43

REGIONAL MEETINGS 1985

WEST MIDLANDS a
‘Welcome to Spring’ Flower Show — 20-21 August. The Solihull Horticultural Society
once again kindly allowed space for local members to display literature and plants to
advertise the Society's activities.

It aroused a fair amount of interest and many questions were forthcoming concerning
the growing of obtaining of ferns and in particular, the cultivation of maidenhair ferns.

Several local members called in to say hello and support our local efforts to get new
members, but although we did not attract any new members, anything that advertises
our Society and its interests at grass roots level, must be worthwhile.

Thanks are due to Ray Smith who once again spent many hours manning the stand and
to the local members who called in.

Mill House Garden, Mill Street, Warwick — 11 August. 16 members and guests received
a very wild welcome from the weather for the visit to Mr A B Measures’ garden in Warwick.
Fortunately, the mornings’ rain gave way to a very windy but sunny afternoon so that
we could enjoy this delightful garden which stands close-by the River Avon, at the foot
of Warwick Castle Guy’s Tower.

Space prevents me from listing all the garden's treasures of trees, shrubs and
herbaceous plants and although it is not considered as a ‘fern garden’, Mr Measures
has found space for several varieties of the soft shield fern (Po/ystichum setiferum).
Several other ferns were found including Matteuccia struthiopteris, Adiantum pedatum
and Blechnum penna-marina also enjoyed the many shady corners of this enchanting
garden.

It is difficult to find adjectives suitable to describe the glories of this garden or its
delightful and unique setting. | can only urge members who visit Warwick to allow time
to visit Mr Measures’ garden, | am confident they will find it time well spent.

The garden is open every Sunday and Bank Holiday afternoon from Easter to October.

In the ten years 1974-1984, this garden has raised £14.711 for local and national
charities.

Afterwards, the meeting moved to the greenhouses and demonstration garden at the
University of Warwick's Dept of Science Education (by kind permission of Dr D Jeffray
BSc, PhD) where the meeting ended with refreshments and a tour of the garden.

Matt and Margaret's Illustrated Wine and Cheese Party — 18 October — 20 members
assembled in the Senior Common Room of the University of Warwick's Westwood
Campus for the annual Autumn get-together. A large number of slides were shown on 4
wide variety of subjects. Alan Willmot began the evening with slides of the arrid
habitats he found while on holiday in Spain. In spite of the very dry conditions, he was
able to show several slides of Pteridophytes including Adiantum capillus-veneris and
Equisetum ramosissimum.

Matt Busby displayed several slides taken during the Bishops Castle meeting this year
and John and Margaret Collins showed the slides they took during the North Wales
meeting last year. Ray Smith showed slides from his trip to the Shetlands including
several of the local forms of Asp/enium adiantum-nigrum, a group in which he has
become very interested.

Alan Ogden showed a wide variety of slides which included some from this year's
regional meeting at Warwick and concluded with some charming studies of his
daughter, Beverley’s, wedding during the summer.

Dorothy Parry showed slides of the fascinating flora she found on a visit to the Burren
in the Republic of Ireland and Clive Brotherton ended the meeting with slides of various
species and varieties of maidenhair ferns he has raised from spores. In addition, Clive
exhibited many potted Chei/anthes and Adiantums he had raised from spores.

SOUTH EAST Paul Ripley

On Saturday, 26 January, 22 members attended a meeting organised by Dr Barry
Thomas at the Dept of Life Sciences of the University of London’s Goldsmiths College.

Under Barry’s guidance and with the very able assistance of his research colleagues
Clifford Gray and Nat Quansah, we were able to view, in most cases for the first time,
the sexual reproduction phases of ferns and horsetails under the microscope.

Most of us were actually able to see the Antherozoids being liberated from the male
antheridia and later swimming and cloistering round the archegonia. Barry had also
prepared demonstrations of the reproductive features of ferns allies and fossil ferns and
we were also able to view some spores under the scanning electron microscope.

A fascinating afternoon, aided by the College's excellent facilities and Diana Thomas's
welcome refreshments. Many thanks to all concerned for giving us such a super day.

SOUTH WEST REGION Mary Potts

The first meeting of the season was led by Dougal Swinscow and took place on the
eleventh of August, on a Sunday which promised to be the wettest of this wet summer
then miraculously changed to fair weather at mid-morning. Eleven members and friends
met at Noel Tanowin’s house at Hennock for home-made blackcurrant juice, coffee and
biscuits, while we waited for the clouds to clear. Noel led us to a wood situated on the
slopes of Great Haldon and showed us a good stand of Ophioglossum sp. growing under
Ash trees along with various species of Dryopteris. We also explored a nearby stream,
passing through a deep ravine, which accommodated ten species including Blechnum
spicant and Polystichum setiferum.

After a picnic lunch we visited Netton Cleeve Wood and took the path to High Rock to
look for Asplenium septentrionale, \ast recorded in 1938. The rocks were enormous
rounded boulders much overgrown with Luzu/a sy/vatica and overhung by Oak trees; far
too shady and damp to be a typical ‘Forked Spleenwort’ habitat. We did see some
luminous moss, Schistostega osmundaciae, glowing like an alien body in a crevice
under a large rock and admired some of the many fine Dryopteris of the affinis section
(some of them possibly D. x tave//ii) growing in the wood. On returning to the cars we
were rejoined by Martin Rickard who, on a separate foray of his own, had discovered
Hymenophylium tunbridgense growing further up the valley, a new record for this area.

45

Dougal invited the party to tea at Topsham and we were able to see his superb selection
of ferns for a second year. A fine plant of Athyrium filix-femina ‘Clarissima’ was much
admired, also some good forms of Polystichum setiferum. A royal fern growing in a tub
positively glowed in the diffuse light under a pergola; a brief tour of Dougal’s
philosophical garden epigrams completed a delightful day.

The second meeting of the summer was held at Chudleigh in Devon on September 5th
and was led by Kenneth Adlam. A party of twelve members and friends met at
Chudleigh Rocks after some of us inspected ‘The Rock’ nurseries during the morning.
(The nurseries were selling some good forms of Asp/enium scolopendrium ‘Crispurm’
amongst others, though all imported and un-named). Chudleigh Rocks form an
enormous limestone outcrop overlooking the surrounding countryside and are an
obvious invitation to the climbing fraternity. The dominant fern was Polypodium
australe, growing in large clumps on any ledge or fissure where it could sustain life. We
observed some slight variation in frond shape, some of the fronds showing incised
lower pinnules typical of P. australe. A scolopendrium was also in evidence growing on
the rocks and in the surrounding woodland.

We returned to Kenneth’s house for Tea and the party spent an interesting time looking
at Kenneth’s garden in some welcome late afternoon sunshine. The Adlams have been
living at their present address for two years, during which Kenneth has transformed the
garden into a spectacle of delight and a place of absorbing interest. New borders, fences
and rock garden have provided homes for a catholic diversity of plants. Their fern
collection has survived the move to flourish handsomely in the damper soil and milder
climate of South Devon. The Osmundas were growing well next to a convenient ditch
and various other fern borders were filled with large and flourishing specimens.
Kenneth is to be commended on his handiwork over the last two years and Dolsheen
thanked for her hospitality reminiscent of Lakeland days.

The last meeting of the year took place at Porlock Weir on September 29th and was led
by Joan Loraine. We found ourselves the only members present, probably due to the
meeting being held so late in the year. The morning was spent exploring the woodland
surrounding the cliff walk to Culbone, just above Porlock Weir. These woods are full of
Polystichum setiferum, tier upon tier of fine large plants growing up amongst the trees.
We were saddened to see that someone had seen fit, in the cause of maintenance, to
cut back all the plants adjacent to the path. The ground, for some yards on either side of
the path was strewn with dead fronds.

After a picnic lunch Joan Loraine took us to a superb site at Porlock Ford, where an
acre of Dryopteris aemula was flourishing. This fern is easily distinguished en masse by
its habit of growth, low-stature and verdant colour. The piece of woodland at this site
consisted of ancient Oak trees and some Holly and though the fern was holding its own,
Joan feared that it could be finally overgrown by seedling hollies. We then visited a
coombe slightly to the south of the D. aemula which site was covered with Polystichum
setiferum and Asplenium scolopendrium which no sign of D. aemula or any other
calcifuge plants — a very clear indication of the change in lime content of the soil.

We then travelled up the toll road, behind Porlock, the valley of which was full of shield
ferns and Hartstongue again, many hundreds of large plants growing up the sides of the
steep banks. We then travelled by car along a track through the top of the wood,
arriving back at Porlock Ford at the end of the afternoon. We returned to Joan’s house
for a slice of cake and cup of tea and a quick, unadvertised trip round her garden.

46

| should like to thank those who have led meetings this year and offered such excellent
hospitality; also all those members and friends who have supported us. We are always
pleased to welcome members and friends to our informal friendly meetings.

LEEDS & DISTRICT Jack Bouckley

Our season started off quite early in the year on Saturday 30th March when eight of
our members met at the home of Jack Bouckley for a talk about fern propogation from
spores. Most of those present took home a few packets of various types of spores so
that they could all have a go. Reports which have come in about the project point to the
fact that the majority of the spores have produced prothalli, so we are all hoping that
everyone will eventually have some ferns to reward them for their labours. The meeting
finished with a walk around Jack’s garden and then refreshments which were laid on
by Ruth Bouckley.

On Wednesday, the 12th June we visited Harlow Car Gardens for an evening's stroll to
see how the recent fern plantings were going on. It is hoped that eventually, when the
NCCPG authorise it, national collections of Polypodiums and Dryopteris will be planted
there where people will be able to see them every year. Later in the evening we found
our way back to the members’ room for the usual cup of tea which was laid on by
Eleanor Fisher and we sold a few plants towards group funds.

It was on Saturday, 13th July that sixteen of us met for a Field Study at Hutton Roof
under the expert guidance of Dr. Kevan Chambers of Manchester. The weather was
very kind to us as we Started off on what was to be quite an energetic day. Hutton Roof
is quite a large area of limestone pavement west of Kirkby Lonsdale in Cumbria and as
the previous night had been one of continuous rain, care had to be taken as the surface
of the limestone was very slippery.

Apart from the usual bracken, our first fern sighting was Phegopteris robertiana
followed shortly afterwards by Phy//itis scolopendrium. As we got further into the part of
the pavement where the grykes are deeper and wider the scollies became more
numerous and they were growing side by side with Polystichum aculeatum and
Asplenium viride. What a lovely fern is P. aculeatum as it nestles well down in the
grykes, untouched by hand or by animal. About lunch time a mist blew over and it
looked rather as though things were going to be spoiled but after sitting down and
eating our sandwiches, etc. the sun was shining again. During the afternoon we saw
Dryopteris affinis, D. filix mas, D. dilatata, D. villarii, Athyrium filix-femina a

Asplenium viride. There were also quite a number of wild flowers including Listera
Ovates which all drew a lot of attention as they were pointed out by Kevan. Towards the
end of the afternoon and only about half a mile from our cars the heavens opened and
we were all pretty well soaked before we had a chance to get our waterproofs on. This
was not helped by the fact that we were battling our way through shoulder-high
bracken.

Back at the cars, still in the torrential rain, one of the party, Les Dugdale, opened his car
boot to reveal a compartment full of ferns for distribution among those who were
interested. We do thank Les very much for his generosity.

We also thank Kevan for leading us over this difficult terrain and for passing on his
knowledge of the fern population and also of all of the other wild flora.

The meeting broke up with some going home and others going over to Reg Kaye’s
nursery at Silverdale, but unfortunately Reg was away in the Dolomites. One bonus for
those who stopped in the Hutton Roof village was a length of wall where we were able
to see Asplenium trichomanes, A. ruta-muraria, Ceterach officinarum and Polypodium
vulgare.

The evening of the 14th August threatened to be very wet for our search for ferns
around The Hollies Park in Leeds when Gordon Cooper was our host, but luckily, after
about a week of continuous rain, the weather changed for the better about half an hour
before we met. This park is quite a wild sort of area which is owned by Leeds
Corporation and a lot of fern planting has been done by Gordon among the existing wild
fern life — and very effective it is. Our leader showed us around the Dell area, then the
park nursery and lastly around his own personal collection of ferns where we saw
plants which none of us had seen before. Most of the nine who were present were
given a fern by Gordon and we thank him very much for these and also for making the
evening such a pleasant one.

The ferns seen were: Dryopteris dilatata, D. dilatata ‘Crispum cristata’, Osmunda regalis,
Athyrium filix-femina, Polystichum setiferum, Osmunda claytonia, O. Cinnamomea,
Onoclea sensibilis, Matteuccia struthiopteris, Phyllitis scolopendrium ‘Crispa’,
Cystopteris dickeana, Blechnum penna marina, B. spicant and Phegopteris dryopteris.

On Saturday, 7th September, we were back at Harlow Car Gardens for a talk by

Dr Anne Sleep of Leeds University. Thirteen members turned up and two visitors to the
Gardens walked in towards the end to hear Anne give an extremely interesting and
instructive talk on ‘Fern identification’. It really was a delight to listen to her as she
Started right at the beginning and step by step led us through following a hand out
which she had so expertly arranged. In the handout was a Key to the identification of
British ferns. Anne had also brought along four microscopes, numerous fronds, a host
of herbarium specimens and lots of pot plants including a marvellous plant of
Polystichum x bicknellii (P. aculeatum x P. setiferum). After the lecture, Anne spent
about another hour and a half just chatting and answering questions. Anne Stark and
Elizabeth Weaver proved to us that they are experts at making and serving tea. Plants
were again sold for group funds.

We are all very grateful to Dr Anne Sleep for all of the work she had put in and also for
giving us her time and attention. We also thank Leeds University for kindly lending us
the microscopes.

What a relief it was on the morning of Saturday, 14th September, to find that the
forecast heavy rain and gales had actually been replaced by light showers and wind as
ten adults and three children had gathered at Midgehole Car Park to go on a fern search
upstream towards Hardcastle Crags near Hebden Bridge. Included in the party was

Mr Frank Margatroyde — the President of Halifax Scientific Society — who was to be
our leader for the day. We do thank Margaret Rothwell for introducing us to this very
knowledgeable man.

We realised within minutes of arriving at the car park that we were going to have a first
class field day as in the stone walls around this area were Cystopteris fragilis, Phyllitis
scolopendrium, Asplenium trichomanes and growing in the warden’s garden on the
other side of the road was Osmunda Regalis and then about a hundred yards away,

48

growing in a wall was a Polypodium with its bottom or lowermost pinnae on every frond
angled forward so that they were only about 30° angle between them which seems to
point to there being P. australe. After passing some Pteridium aquilinum and Dryopteris
filix-mas we came across Oreopteris limbosperma followed by D. dilatata. Frank pointed
out various plants which we are pretty certain are Dryopteris hybrids. One of these is
pretty certainly D. x tave/ii. Close to this was D. affinis. There are many very good
stands of Equisetum sy/vaticum dotted about throughout the area together with
Blechnum spicant growing to about 2’6” for the barren fronds and a few inches more
for the upright fertile fronds. Continuing further upstream we came across Dryopteris
carthusiana and some Athyrium filix-femina incuding a very attractive red stemm

one.

There were ferns everywhere and Frank seemed to know almost every one of them, but
we arrived at an old unused mill where some thoughtful person in the not too distant
past had erected some seats, so it was decided that this was the place for lunch. What
a lovely place this was with a large number of dragon flies flitting around. One of them
actually settled on the arm of one of our party which was almost certainly an Aeshna
grandis, no doubt attracted to that site by the mill pond with its still clear water.

Lunchtime passed all too quickly. Off we were again and within twenty five yards of
where we had been sitting Frank led us to a very old stone bridge across the river.
Many plants of Asp/enium ruta-muraria were growing among the stone work. Leaving
these behind we walked for about half a mile without seeing anything fresh — then
growing up the cliff side of this remarkable valley we saw a few plants of Po/ystichum
aculeatum.

We now left the bottom of the valley and climbed up the steep side of the vale to an old
track where we started on our homeward trip. Our leader suddenly turned off the track
and continued upwards to a large outcrop of rock where, among many interesting plants
were some more Asp/enium trichomanes, some in crevices and some at the base of the
rock. We worked back to the track again and on the way down, almost hidden from the
road, was a small stand of Phy/llitis scolopendrium. Then Frank told us that he was
going to lead us to see a stand of the Beech fern which was on our way back to our
cars. This turned out to be across the river again and right up to the top of the other
side, but what is a couple of hundred feet to keen pteridologists? On both sides of the
footpath were plants of very luxuriant Phegopteris connectilis. What a lovely end to a
very profitable day. We do thank Frank Murgatroyd for all of the preparation he had put
in to organising the day for us.

This ended our organised 1985 programme so | would like to take this opportunity to
thank everyone who has taken any part at all during the year thereby making it a very
successful second season. | know that | am looking forward to 1986. Particular thanks
to Major Richard Unett for all he has done on the administration side.

Jack Bouckley
NATIONAL FIELD MEETINGS 1985

BISHOPS CASTLE — 5-7 JULY. On one of last summer's drier weekends Martin Rickard
and Matt Busby guided a small but enthusiastic party around Shropshire. Many people
were staying at the Castle Hotel in Bishops Castle and it was in the bar there that we
met on the first evening. The most important business conducted then, however, was
choosing the menu for the following night's dinner.

49

On Saturday morning, 20 of us set off for Corndon Hill (32/305968), a very attractive
and open hillside north of Bishops Castle. Eyes turned upwards to see a tawny owl fly
over clutching its prey, but very soon we were eagerly scanning streamside banks and
rock crevices. Early finds were both red and green-stiped Athyrium filix-femina,
Dryopteris affinis, Oreopteris limbosperma, and Pteridium aquilinum. Higher up,
colonising the scree, was the parsley fern, Cryptogramma crispa, and between larger
rocks and boulders were plants of Dryopteris dilatata and Gymnocarpium dryopteris.
Blechnum spicant, Dryopteris filix-mas, and Polypodium vulgare were also seen, as well
as more Dryopteris affinis. Inevitably there was discussion about the identification of D.
affinis at subspecies level. We felt that there were certainly two different subspecies
present on Corndon but were wary of committing ourselves to names. As we climbed
still higher an area of Vio/a /utea (Mountain Pansy) was a pleasant distraction. So also
was the glorious view of the Stiperstones and the panorama towards the Malverns in
the south and Wales in the west.

At the end of the morning we straggled back to our cars, off for lunch to a nearby pub.
During the afternoon we visited a valley above Priestweston (32/302972), walking
along the hills either side. Specimens of Athyrium filix-femina, Dryopteris affinis, D.
dilatata, D. filix-mas, Gymnocarpium dryopteris, Oreopteris limbosperma, Polypodium
vulgare, and Pteridium aquilinum were again found. New species for the day were
Asplenium adiantum-nigrum and Dryopteris oreades found beneath crags on the
hillsides, and Equisetum arvense on the valley floor. An old mineshaft lower down the
valley was filled with a lush growth of Asplenium scolopendrium and A. trichomanes,
an unexpected bonus. Po/ypodium interjectum was found growing near the edge of the
shaft.

We thought we had had a good day but the afternoon was still far from over. Our
convoy moved on to the garden of Mrs Denise Hatchard at Maenllwyd Isaf near
Abermule, one of the gardens open to the public under the National Garden Scheme.
We wandered around its twisting narrow paths admiring many varieties of ferns planted
amongst flowers and talking about them with Mrs Hatchard herself. It was a very
pleasant, relaxing end to the afternoon and we would all like to express our appreciation
to Mrs Hatchard for allowing us this ‘private view’. Other members may like to visit the
garden when it is next open to the public.

Whilst most of drove home to get ready for dinner, the enthusiastic Margo Ladell and
Anthony Pigott went to yet another site near Dingle Bridge (32/273965) where Margo
found Polystichum setiferum. The day ended with a lively dinner at the Castle Hotel,
discussing the day’s finds and tucking into an interesting menu.

On Sunday morning we were joined by Jack Bouckley for our visit to Cwm Wood
(32/335795) and Rock of Woolbury (32/314796), to the south of Clun. The former
yielded Athyrium filix-femina, Blechnum spicant, two subspecies of Dryopteris affinis, D.
dilatata, D. filix-mas, a few candidates for D. x tavelii, Oreopteris limbosperma and
Pteridium aquilinum. For the few who braved the brambles and ventured as far as the
stream there was the reward of Asp/enium trichomanes, Cystopteris fragilis, and
Gymnocarpium dryopteris. Soon it was time to press on to Rock of Woolbury. As we
entered the old quarry we saw large quantities of Rock Stonecrop, Sedum forsteranum,
a local speciality, carpeting rock and ground alike, its yellow flowers brightly contrasting
with red leaves and stems. On the quarry faces we saw Asplenium adiantum-nigrum, A.
trichomanes and Polypodium interjectum, while on the floor and grass-covered slopes

50

were Athyrium filix-femina, Dryopteris dilatata, D. x tavelii(?), and a few plants of
Polystichum setiferum. The time passed all too quickly and soon we were speeding off
to Wigmore for lunch before visiting Martin's garden at Leinthall Starkes. Here everyone
roamed around getting ideas for their own garden and making admiring noises at the
range and quality of Martin’s collection. People were enticed into the kitchen for tea and
homemade cake — thank you very much, Hazel — before going back into the garden for
another look. When | left there were still people there — selecting plants to take home
with them!

It was an extremely enjoyable weekend and we all thank Matt and Martin for their hard
work and enthusiasm before and during the meeting.

Kathryn Kavanagh
LAMBERHURST, KENT — 19-21 JULY. On an extremely showery Saturday morning, 11
members met at Friar’s Gate, on the Eastern edge of Ashdown Forest and followed the
wooded course of a stream. Blechnum spicant, Athyrium filix-femina, Dryopteris
dilatata, Dryopteris filix-mas, Dryopteris carthusiana and Dryopteris affinis subsp.
borreri were abundant here, with occasional mature plants of Oreopteris limbosperma.
Not far from the source of the stream, the remains of a dam and various watercourses
(possibly associated with old iron workings although the stream was not as iron-rich as
some in this area) yielded enough lime for some very fine specimens of Po/ystichum
setiferum and Asplenium scolopendrium. The latter were particularly luxuriant with
unusually broad fronds, and Peter Clare found a semi-lacerate variety. On some
extraordinary stone steps, which together with the thunder rolling around reminded one
of a set for a Wagner opera, Polystichum aculeatum was growing, with Asplenium
adiantium-nigrum on a wall at the top. In addition to Equisetum arvense, E. fluviatile
occurs here, but was not found at this meeting. Pteridium aquilinum consistutes the
dominant flora over much of Ashdown Forest.

In the somewhat less wet afternoon, a circular walk based on a disused railway at Balls
Green yielded some fine Asp/enium trichomanes on bridges over the Medway.
Polypodium vulgare and Equisetum fluviatile were found in addition to Athyrium filix-
femina, Dryopteris dilatata, D. filix-mas, D. affinis and Pteridium aquilinum. At the end
of the afternoon came the ‘piece de resistance’, Pat's discovery of Cystopteris fragilis
growing in superabundance the full length of the platform wall of the former Balls
Green Station. Asplenium ruta-muraria is common also on the wall but quite
overshadowed by the remarkably flourishing Cystopteris.

On Sunday, two privately owned woods were visited by kind courtesy of their owners,
Mr Teal (Brown’s Wood) and Mr Miles (Sunninglye Farm). Both these woods lie
between Bells Yew Green and Lamberhurst.

In Brown's Wood, Athyrium filix-femina and Oreopteris limbosperma were found in
abundance, together with Pteridium aquilinum, Dryopteris dilatata, Dryopteris carthusiana,
Dryopteris filix-mas, Dryopteris affinis subsp. borreri and Blechnum spicant. Two very
fine colonies of Dryopteris x deweveri/ were found. They were very clearly intermediate
between the 2 parents but easily exceeded those in the surrounding area both in height
and vigour. In the wood below Sunninglye Farm, which is slightly more shaded than
Brown's Wood, Oreopteris limbosperma was not found but Dryopteris aemula was seen
in two places. Dryopteris affinis was particularly abundant in this wood. A Polypody
was found on a bank between the two woods, but its species (? interjectum) was not
determined.

After lunch at Frant, a detour was made to see Polystichum aculeatum growing very
well in a bank by the main road at Frant Hill. Steven Munyard provided the information that
the site is precisely the one mentioned for the species in Jenner's flora of 120 years
ago! The Hymenophylium site in Rock’s Wood was visited next and we were
disappointed to find that the colony was very drastically reduced in size from a visit
made only a few weeks previously. The impressive bank of D. aemu/a was happily
looking as flourishing and beautiful as ever.

Tea kindly provided by Linda (Ripley) rounded off an enjoyable weekend, but we were
disappointed not to have met more members from outside the South-Eastern area.

P. Acock and P. Ripley

CASTLE HOWARD, 17 & 18 AUGUST. Ten members met Jim Russell at Castle Howard
Garden Centre, North Yorkshire, on quite a fine morning, for a tour and fern search
around Rays Wood and the Arboretum which are situated within the boundaries of the
Castle Howard Estate — the location of the television programme ‘Brideshead
Revisited’. It is an Estate dating back to the 14th century with many remarkable trees
and plants plus thousands of ferns of many different species and varieties.

The Severall’s Wood area in the arboretum has only been planted for about six years
and already there are signs of fern growth, and it would be very interesting to go back
to that area in about nine or ten years to see how both the trees and the ferns have
established themselves.

The following ferns were found: Osmunda regalis, Polystichum setiferum
‘Pulcheriumum Bevis’, Dryopteris filix-mas ‘Lineare’, Polypodium vulgare
Gymnocarpium dryopteris, Dryopteris filix-mas ‘Crispa cristata’, Dryopteris dilatata,
Athyrium filix-femina ‘Victoriae’, Blechnum penna marina, Polystichum munitum,
Adiantum pedatum ‘Aleuticum’, Matteuccia struthiopteris, Onoclea sensibilis, Dicksonia
Adiantum pedatum ‘Aleuticum’ Matteuccia struthiopteris, Onoclea sensibilis, Dicksonia
antartica, Dryopteris filix-mas ramose form, Polypodium vulgare ‘Cornubiense’ and
Polystichum setiferum. \t is very interesting to note that last year, when | visited this
area with Jim, he pointed out how the Po/ypodium vulgare ‘Cornubiense’ had been
almost reduced to compost by the peasants but luckily this year, the whole stand is
flourishing and it is certainly an impressive sight. Last year had been a period of
drought, this year just the opposite.

As we were getting towards the end of our walk through Rays Wood, Jim lifted up the
foliage of a plant to reveal to our surprise a Woodwardia japonica. There were many
other varieties which we were unable to identify in the field. Perhaps some of the

Society's experts in various species could at some time help to put correct names to
some of them.

We were all very impressed by the extensive use of many of the types of Bamboo

which have been planted in just the right positions to act as windbreaks. They are
certainly very versatile plants.

At the end of the Ray Wood search Jim Russell asked us all round to his house where
he supplied us with a lunch which he modestly called ‘a sort of picnic’. This was
complete with all the trimmings with plenty of liquid refreshments of various sorts to

quench our thirsts. We all thank Jim, his sister and his secretary for making this such a
pleasant occasion.

52

The hour immediately after lunch was spent looking round Jim’s massive greenhouse
where he has a large collection of the more tender ferns including a collection which
he brought back from Mexico earlier this year.

Sunday was misty with a light drizzle when eight of us met at Askham Bog, just south
of York, where we had to battle with six foot tall undergrowth, mainly nettles and
Impatiens, but being pteridologists, we battled on and were rewarded by seeing a
couple of very large Osmunda regalis and one small one growing in the company of
Dryopteris carthusiana, D. dilatata and D. filix mas. Then Jim found the fern we had all
hoped to see: the Thelypteris thelypteroides subsp. g/;abra, or is it Thelypteris palustris
or shall we just settle for the Marsh fern, but it is hoped that the march of the unrelentiess
nettles will not overcome this stand of a fairly rare species.

Sunday afternoon, some of the party went home, some went back to Castle Howard to
look round the house and gardens and | went back to an untouched part of Severalls
Wood to look for Ophioglossum vulgatum which | feel must grow there, but | was
unlucky.

Most of the party left names of ferns they would like and | know that Jim will be
sending their requests.

Once again, many thanks to Jim Russell, his sister and his staff and to those who
travelled from London, Manchester, Hartlepool and Yorkshire for making it such a
pleasant and instructive weekend.

J Bouckley
ARGYLL — 23/27 AUGUST

This meeting, the first national one to be held in Scotland for some time, had Dryopteris
as its main theme. We had our base at the Cairnbaan Hotel, about two miles west of
Lochgilphead, on the Crinan Canal.

We were fortunate enough to be led by Hugh Corley who knows the area very well,
through regular visits, and knows Dryopteris in this country as well as anyone.
Additional expertise came in the form of Clive Jermy and the presence, at least in spirit,
of Christopher Fraser-Jenkins, who had supplied us with his very latest diagnostic
details of D. affinis. There is a high density of Dryopteris in Argyll, both in terms of
individuals and of taxa, and so we had plenty of opportunity to study some of the subtle
and problematic aspects of this genus. D. affinis is still a somewhat controversial
subject, taxonomically, and so | feel that | ought to give the following disclaimer! The
recording here of D. affinis subspecies is based on determinations by the author, using
the current descriptions of Christopher Fraser-Jenkins. Other people may (and often
did!) have other ideas. Pteridium aquilinum was seen almost everywhere and is not
recorded at individual sites.

On Saturday morning, we began the meeting by going to the north-east end of Lach
Coille Bharr (NGR 16/788905). After leaving the cars at the road-side, we slowly made
our way along the track that runs down close to the loch and then follows the line of
the shore on the south-east side. Dryopteris filix-mas, D. dilatata, D. affinis subsp.
borreri and Athyrium filix-femina were plentiful along the track and on the steep rocky
slope to the south-east, where they were joined by the occasional D. aemula, D.
expansa and Phegopteris connectilis. One large plant of D. affinis, with rounded, biunt-

53

toothed pinnules, the lowest ones overlapping the rachis, was tentatively identified as
subsp. sti//luppensis; there were probably others, though most of the D. affinis seemed
to be clearly subsp. borreri. In the damp woodland between the track and the loch, there
was an abundance of D. di/atata and D. carthusiana. About half way along the loch
there is a small lochan known as the Black Loch, presumably due to the colour of its
water which overlies peat. Between the track and the lochan, we explored the marshy
woodland, the floor of which was covered with extremely lush moss of several different
species. There were large numbers of D. dilatata, D. carthusiana and D. aemula, along
with a few D. x deweveri; one or two plants were carefully examined on suspicion of
being D. aemula hybrids. Equisetum fluviatile was found growing in one end of the
lochan. We found a little &. arvense back on the track but unfortunately we were to see
very little Eguisetum throughout the meeting. Moving further along, parallel with the
shore of the loch, we came to a drier, more rocky part where D. aemula and D. expansa
dominated, the D. aemu/a being particularly impressive, both in size and numbers. After
finding our way effectively blocked by rocks and a conifer plantation, we returned to the
cars to have lunch. On a wall by the road, Polypodium vulgare and Asplenium
trichomanes were observed.

After lunch we moved the cars further down the road to where we could gain access to
a forestry track; this enabled us to reach the south-west end of Loch Coille Bharr (NGR
16/780895). From there we were able to walk and scramble north-eastwards into the
relatively open conifers. We saw all the Dryopteris species of the morning again, though
rather more scattered in distribution. Blechnum spicant was added to the list and of
particular interest was a small form of D. expansa with wide, rounded pinnules, once
known informally as D. dilatata var. ‘Kintyrensis’. A single plant of D. affinis subsp.
stilluppensis was found with very pale, almost white scales; this may have no
taxonomic significance, but merely be due to genetic variation rather like the ‘red stem’
in Athyrium filix-femina. \n several places, where up-rooted trees had left large bare
patches of mud, there was a profusion of prothalli and young sporelings, in quantities
rarely seen. A path was followed around to the shore, but nothing further of great
interest was found.

Sunday morning found us at the woods near Old Poltalloch by the shore of Loch
Craignish (NGR 17/805008). We had been fortunate enough to obtain permission from
a local landowner to drive almost all the way to the woods, which avoided what would
otherwise have been a very long walk. The track we drove down did, however, provide
some interest, the soft mud and gravel being more suitable for Land Rovers and the like
than for our own transport! We found Equisetum sy/vaticum growing strongly between
the track and the woods, and Po/ypodium vulgare on a nearby wall. The party spread out
in the wood and drifted up the hill and down again during the course of the morning.
We found Dryopteris aemula, D. dilatata and D. expansa in quantity, some of the D.
expansa, especially on the steeper slopes, being very large plants. We found a very
interesting stoloniferous form of D. dilatata which needs further investigation. There
were two distinct populations of D. affinis, of about equal numbers but not obviously
very different, except for a few large plants. The two types differed in that one was
glossier and tougher, had more blunt points to the pinnules, was narrower at the base,
had more ascending pinnae and had indusia splitting in the manner of subsp. affinis.
These characteristics would make the two populations subsp. sti//uppensis and subsp.
borreri, but we might have expected the plants of subsp. sti//uppensis to have had the
lower pinnules on each pinna overlapping the rachis and not to have had splitting
indusia. However, few of these diagnostic characters can be taken as always applying:

54

we were reminded throughout the meeting that there are many factors besides genetic
difference that cause variation in the D. filix-mas/affinis/oreades group, such as age,
size, exposure and moisture.

After lunch, we set off southwards to visit the site of Dryopteris x sarvelae in Kintyre.
Although rather further from our centre at Cainbaan than the other visits, it seemed too
good an opportunity to miss while we were so relatively close. We stopped briefly on
the road between Lochgilphead and Tarbet to look at a spot on the steep rocky slopes
that face Loch Fyne (NGR 16/858775). There we saw D. dilatata, D. expansa, and
possible hybrids, D. affinis subsp. stilluppensis, and Hymenophyllum tunbrigense. The
D.a. subsp. sti/luppensis, in its exposed position by the road was characteristically
crinkly, with pinnules twisted up almost at right-angles to the plane of the blade.

We continued on to our destination on the road to Carradale, just past the turning to
Skipness (NGR 16/861554). The ground slopes gently towards the sea, igi with
short grass under oak trees; a burn runs under the road, at right angles to it.
Dryopteris < sarvelae covers a large area, on both sides of the burn. As it has
presumably spread by vegetative means, the colony must have existed for some
considerable time. There appeared to be two types of frond present, one tall and upright,
looking very intermediate between D. carthusiana and D. expansa, the other shorter
with more rounded pinnules, not unlike the var. ‘Kintyrensis’ of D. expansa that we had
seen the day before. Some of us wondered whether what we saw was not pure D. x
sarvelae, but a mixed population with a form of D. expansa. However, subsequent
examination of some suspect fronds showed only abortive spores.

On the way back, we stopped briefly to look at a wooded slope, facing the sea above the
road to Skipness (NGR 16/881565). There we found Dryopteris filix-mas, D. dilatata, D.
affinis subsp. borreri and Polystichum setiferum.

Before leaving Cainbaan on Monday, we had a session looking at pressed fronds
collected previously by Hugh Corley. These included many unusual fronds which could
not easily be put into existing taxa. We were very much impressed with Hugh's eye for
subtle differences which had enabled him to collect so many problematical ferns.

Our first visit on Monday was to Ardcastle Wood, which is to the north-east of
Lochgilphead, by Loch Fyne (16/943919). We walked along forestry tracks until we
came to our objective: a partial clearing in the otherwise quite dense conifer plantation,
apparently caused when several adjacent trees had their tops broken off by wind. The
result was an area ideal for the growth of woodland Dryopteris/ There were large
numbers of D. dilatata, D. expansa, D. affinis, and Athyrium filix-femina, many of them
being very large specimens. Some D. aemul/a and D. carthusiana were also seen. Again
both subsp. sti//uppensis and subsp. borreri of D. affinis seemed to be present; some of
the subsp. borreri had lower pinnules so lobed that they were almost pinnate
themselves.

After returning through Lochgilphead, we headed north towards Loch Awe. A brief stop
was made near the junction of the Oban road with the road to Loch Awe (NGR
17/842008), to look at a particularly large and crinkly Dryopteris affinis subsp.
stilluppensis. There had, apparently, once been a small colony here, but now the spot
was covered with tarmac for the road.

We travelled down the road towards Loch Awe, stopping again by a cattle grid just past
the village of Ford (NGR 17/875036). There was a large plant here, having morphology

55

consistent with Dryopteris < mantoniae, but apparently with good spores, which Hugh
thought could be a derived hexaploid. A wall by the side of the road was found to be
supporting Polypodium vulgare, Asplenium adiantum-nigrum, A. trichomanes,
Cystopteris fragilis and D. affinis subsp. borreri.

Our final stop of the day was in Eredine Forest (NGR 17/995126). We drove up a
forestry track to a point where the forest was relatively open and sloped down away
from the road. Here we found Blechnum spicant, Dryopteris carthusiana, D. dilatata =
deweveri, D. expansa, D. affinis subsp. borreri and D.a. subsp. sti/luppensis. \t was
particularly interesting to note the way that the D. carthusiana, D. dilatata, and D.
expansa each formed more or less pure stands in separate but adjoining areas even
within the relatively small distance over which we searched.

Tuesday morning gave us torrential rain, the first time the weather was a serious
problem during the meeting. We travelled to a point on the road from Kilmelford to Loch
Avich (NGR 17/885118). A steep bank with thick grass contained Dryopteris oreades,
the first place that we had seen it, extending thinly over some distance. It was an
unusual situation for the species, but it seemed to be thriving, especially where it was
protected by partially overhanging rocks or shrubs. We found abundant quantities of
Oreopteris limbosperma and a little D. affinis subsp. borreri and D.a. subsp.
stilluppensis. By \unchtime the continuing rain and the need for many to make long
journeys home brought the meeting to an end. We had a most enjoyable meeting,
visiting some fine sites in a fascinating part of the country.

Anthony Pigott
PTERIDOLOGY IN SCIENCE AND SOCIETY

(An extract from Clive Jermy’s presidential address at the AGM of the Society, 16 February
1985.)

Amateur fern enthusiasts play an important role in the various aspects of research
undertaken by professional pteridologists. In addition to using the information resulting
from research, they frequently contribute valuable observations, records and refreshing
new points of view. In the space available here, | will confine my remarks to one major
aspect of our work — taxonomy.

Taxonomy is concerned with classification, which in our case, involves identifying,
describing and naming ferns and their allies and also studying the relationships
between genera, species or varieties, or even individuals within a natural population.
Basically, the names we give plants serve as handles to facilitate communication about
the plants. In the 18th and 19th centuries, Latin was the language used to
communicate such scientific matters, and the binomial system of giving two Latin
names, one for the genus and the other for the species, is well known. This system of
nomenclature was established by Linnaeus in his Species Plantarum in 1753.
Pteridophyte classifications (arrangements to show relationships) were published by
early specialists such as Olaf Swartz (1806) and Karl Boriwog Pres! (1836, 1845,
1847), and as people around the world added to this framework, it became necessary to
standardise the names in use. Duplication of names was inevitable, and a method of
choosing which should be used was required. Eventually, but unfortunately long after
thousands of plants had been named, plant taxonomists drew up an International Code
of Botanical Nomenclature. This code is constantly under review and amended in an

56

attempt to stabilise nomenclature. One of the most important rules is that we use the
earliest name given to a particular species or variety, and it is as new names are
unearthed, that changes inevitably take place.

Theoretical aspects of nomenclature must be considered, but an equally important
consideration is the communication of what constitutes a particular genus, species or
variety. Written descriptions of new taxa can be ambiguous (these are still published in
Latin so that the information is available to as many people as possible), so drawings or
photographs of the plants are very heipful. It is often necessary to examine earlier
described species as our knowledge of plants and techniques progresses. It is therefore
essential that we retain specimens for future study, and this is precisely what we do in
the herbarium.

The idea of pressing and drying plants to make herbarium specimens was developed in
Pisa, at the first botanic garden to be established in Europe. From about 1543, the
monk-in-charge, Luca Ghini, built up a collection for students studying medical botany.
The earliest herbaria were put in portfolios, examples of which can be seen at the
British Museum (Natural History) in the original collections of Sir Hans Sloane.
Specimens are now put on individual sheets which can be used like a large card index.
It is particularly important that the ‘type’ specimens (those originally described as new
species) are housed in major herbaria to make them widely available.

Two areas of study which have expanded considerably in recent years, are those of
chromosomes (cytology) and the chemicals which plants contain. Cytology is the study
of chromosome behaviour, usually as observed in growing root tips and the early stages
of developing spores. It also involves studying the components of chromosomes, both
the material of inheritance (DNA) and the matrix surrounding it. During one of the
stages of spore formation (meiosis), involving the division and recombination of
chromosomes, the chromosome number is halved. Hybridity may be confirmed at this
stage since chromosomes of most hybrids do not pair normally; information about the
parentage of a hybrid may also be revealed. Our understanding of fern taxonomy has
certainly been helped greatly by these studies, which were pioneered by Professor Irene
Manton (see her own account published in the Fern Gazette, 1973 & 1974).

Since the 1950's scientists have developed techniques of chromatography to study the
distribution of chemicals (e.g. flavonols and phloroglucinols) in ferns such as Dryopteris
species. Such studies may reveal substances beneficial to man and there are indications
that some tropical species contain chemicals which might be useful in the treatment of
skin and eye diseases. Ferns have not hitherto been the source of any major drug,
although many have been used in folk remedies throughout the world.

One considerable problem in taxonomy is how to decide which characters are important
and which are not. A working knowledge of plants acquired over the years gives one a
good idea as to which are the most constant and stable characters. Plant taxonomists
examine and use, for the most part, the features they can see on herbarium specimens.
However, some characters cannot be studied adequately, or even at all, in dried
specimens, and this is where the grower and field-worker have the edge on the
herbarium taxonomist.

So far | have been talking about methods used by professional botanists, but a
herbarium of type or authentic specimens can be useful to anyone who needs to name
plants. In the BPS, many of us are concerned with the naming of varieties. Some of the

57

early growers made herbarium specimens of such varieties, although they were
probably unaware of the importance of them. In some instances, authentic material is
still grown, and it is important that we make a concerted effort to collect herbarium
specimens from these, and, with existing pressed material, set up a base-line herbarium
of varieties. As with species, so the same variety may be named several times. There is
also a Code of Nomenclature for Cultivated Plants, which guides us in the selection of
correct names for garden plants, including fern varieties. The essential items of the
Code cannot be ignored by the BPS if we are to maintain our reputation as a world
authority in the tradition of Lowe, Druery and Kaye. The salient points of the Code will
be summarised in a future issue of the Pterido/ogist. One point of particular note is that
it is no longer acceptable to use Latin names for cultivar (variety) names, however
romantic they might seem, although the older names may be retained in Latin. Concepts
of varietal forms must be defined and communicated to others in the same way as
those of species.

Biological variation is such that it is often very difficult to draw lines between different
entities, and botanists are faced with this problem as much as fern growers are. Every
plant is slightly different, and it is therefore not surprising that we have literally
hundreds of varietal names, many of them described correctly according to the Code.
Much depends on individual concepts, but if we cannot define our varieties clearly and
in such a way as to convey these concepts to others, then | think we must reassess
their standing as varieties. There are of course no criteria that characterise a ‘good’ or
‘pad’ variety, but there are those we could consider to define varieties worth
perpetuating. Their attractiveness and sufficient distinctness from similar varieties are,
after all, criteria used in other horticultural groups. | suggest that the fern-growing
fraternity should be more critical in their acceptance of new varieties and the naming of
old ones.

Another aspect of taxonomic research where amateur involvement is invaluable is that
of plant distribution recording. There is a computerised data bank (Biological Records
Centre), financed by the Government, which stores information on a National Grid basis
for the production of maps such as those in the At/as of Ferns of the British Isles. The
Botanical Society of the British Isles further maintains records of the occurrence of
vascular plants in 152 units (vice-counties) and the BPS liaises with the BSBI Records
Committee through our Recorder, Tony Worland. Thus, lists of the flora of specific
counties may be compiled and published as Floras, with descriptive and ecological data
about ferns and flowering plants. Professional taxonomists spend much of their time
preparing such floras on a county, country or even wider basis (e.g. Flora Europaea).
These works often contain keys to facilitate identification, and | see no reason why this
method should not also be used to identify varieties. Once a definitive list of varieties
has been compiled, | suggest the Society should produce a “Garden Fern Flora’.

SOUTHPORT FLOWER SHOW — 22—24 AUGUST 1985 AR Busby

The dry but heavily overcast skies matched the mood of Southport which is still
experiencing severe financial problems. It now Nenpanes to be a heavy burden on the
rates of the Borough of Sefton.

Florally, it is still undoubtedly a great show, but there are increasing signs that it does
not have the pulling power it has enjoyed in previous years. Even the horticultural press
now appears to have abandoned it to its fate and several of the large horticultural
sundries firms have also pulled out. Throughout the three days of the show there was

58

much speculation as to whether or not the show would take place next year. However, |
was assured that that the show will be held in 1986 on the 21—23 August.

1985 has been very much a fern growers’ year and all the entries reflected this
summer's cool, wet conditions. Unfortunately, several exhibitors failed to read the
schedule carefully and they had to be disqualified. Exhibitors must realise that if the
class demands three varieties, two varieties and a species, however well grown, cannot
be accepted. However, it was pleasing to see that the quality of presentation
commented on last year was maintained.

This year’s judges were Mrs H Key and A R Busby.

The prize winners are listed in order of winning.

Class 8

Class 9

Class 10

Class 11

Class 12

Class 13

Class 14

Class 15

Class 16

Class 17

Class 18

Class 19

Six hardy British ferns (Dissimilar)

D J Kershaw, B Russ, J H White (three entries)
Six greenhouse ferns (Dissimilar)

J B White, B Russ (no first awarded) (two entries)
Three hardy British ferns (species not varieties)

D J Kershaw, B Russ (four entries)

Three foreign ferns (Hardy in Great Britain)

B Russ, D J Kershaw, W Kirby (four entries)
Three Phyllitis (scolopendrium, now Asplenium scolopendrium)
(three distinct varieties)

W Kirby, J B White (four entries)
Three Polypodiums (three distinct varieties)

No award given (two entries)
Three Polystichums (three distinct varieties)

A Shellard, W Kirby, B Russ (three entries)
Three Athyriums (three distinct varieties)

J B White, W Kirby, B Russ (three entries)
Three Dryopteris (three distinct varieties)

J B White, W Kirby, B Russ (three entries)
Three Aspleniums (excluding A. scolopendrium) (three distinct species
and/or varieties)

Russ, H C Shepherd (joint first award) (three entries)

One British fern (any kind or variety)

B Russ, H C Shepherd, P B Atack, J R White (six entries)
One greenhouse fern

Mrs E A Gibb, J R White (no first awarded) (six entries)

The Silver Perpetual Challenge Trophy, awarded to the exhibitor who accumulates the
most point, was won by Mr J R White of Lydiate, Lancashire.

CORRECTION: Vol 3, part 1, page 30:
Fern Wins Notable Award in Holland should read Fred Jackson, not A R Busby.

OBITUARIES
JAMES DAVIDSON, MB, ChB, FRCP

It was with deep sorrow that | have just heard that James Davidson died on May 17 at
his home in West Linton, Peebleshire. James was one of my best friends, of over fifty
years standing, and | never failed to visit him at least once a year to talk over old times.
When first we met he was attached to the forensic section at New Scotland Yard, and
in those days was keenly interested in alpine plants and was closely associated with the
Scottish Rock Garden Club — of which | am a life member — and on retirement he
developed his garden into a home for a very good collection of alpines, which he and
Connie, his wife, grew with expert care. James, in due course, became President of the
S.R.G.C. At the same time he became interested in ferns, became a member of

the B.P.S. of which he also served as President, an office which received his dedicated
attention. Many are the expeditions we shared visiting ferny areas of this country under
the auspices of the B.P.S., outings which | shall always remember as very happy ones.
Mrs Davidson died some years ago, and James continued to tend his garden at West
Linton as long as he was able. He had reached the good age of 89 when he died. | shall
always remember him as a kindly man, a keen plantsman, and a warm-hearted friend.

Reg Kaye

STANLEY WALKER, 1924—1985

Dr Stanley Walker, President of the Society from 1975 until 1979, died on July 5th,
1985.

Stanley Walker was born on 7th April 1924 and was always proud of his Yorkshire
origins. After naval service on Russian convoys during the war, he went to the
University of Leeds in 1947 as a mature student to study Botany. Professor Irene
Manton had recently been appointed to the Chair of Botany and, after gaining a first
class honours degree, Stanley became her first research student. The subject of his
Ph.D. thesis was the cytology and taxonomy of Dryopteris, and in particular the
evolutionary relationships of the tetraploid species D. cristata, Dr. carthusiana and

D. dilatata, and the newly discovered diploid form of D. dilatata which he described as 4
new species, D. assimilis S. Walker (now alas, to be known by an earlier name,

D. expansa). During this time his fellow students included both Molly and Trevor
Walker, both also studying fern cytogenetics. On completing his thesis, Stanley moved
to Liverpool to take up a post as lecturer in the Department of Botany at the University.
Here his work on Dryopteris broadened to include study of the North American species,
and his detailed cytogenetic work resulted in some classical papers demonstrating the
reticulate pattern of evolution that we now know to be so typical of fern genera.

Together with Philip Sheppard, Stanley helped to establish the new Department of
Genetics in Liverpool. It was in this department that Stanley began work on human
chromosomes, and in this field he spent the rest of his scientific career. He built up
and directed the medical Cytogenetics Unit, and helped to develop genetic counselling
throughout Merseyside. Many a family with a history of Down’s Syndrome or other
chromosomal abnormality has been guided by his wisdom. Despite his heavy
commitments in this work, Stanley retained an interest in ferns, and in 1971 took on 4
research student to continue the cytogenetic work on Dryopteris. He was elected

60

President of the British Pteridological Society in October 1975 and served until February
1979. Although he could not spare the time for field meetings, he attended committee
meetings and always managed to visit the Society stand at Southport Flower Show
when he was President. Many of us will remember the gentle, but firm way he would
make his point in committee; he would always get to the root of a problem. Those who
were able to attend the AGM in February 1979 will remember the fascinating address
he gave on his interest in ferns and their chromosomes, and how this led on to his work
in genetic counselling. In 1979 he was made a Vice-President, and although we did not
see much of him at meetings, Stanley could always be relied upon to discuss and give
advice to those responsible for guiding the Society. Unlike scientific achievements that
can be written and published, these human aspects, known albeit to fewer people, are
the greater loss.

To Olive, his wife, and to his family we offer our kind thoughts and sympathy.
Mary Gibby

Dr Stanley Walker

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BROOKFIELD N, 102 Stamford Road, Birkdale, Southport, Merseysi

BROTHERTON C S, 43 Shakespeare Road, S eels. ‘aden West Midlands DY3 3BJ

BROWN D H, Dept of Botany, The University, Woodland Road, Bristol BS8 1UG

BROWN N H, v, Wales. College of N. Wales, School of Plant Biology, Dieniol Road, Bangor, Gwynedd
ales

BROWN R F, The Mount, Cark-in-Cartmel, Cumbria

BROWN VE, 254 Edgar Street, Condell Park, New South Wales 2200, soetballg

BROWNSEY P J, National Museum, Private Bag, Wellington, New Zea

BUCK WR York Botanical Garden, Bronx, New York 10458-5126, USA

Sprig J M, 16 Old Gate Close, Middlewi ch, Cheshire

BURMAN W F , 97 Aylestone Drive, Leicester, Leics 2 8SB

BURR SWS J E, Coromondel Farm, Private Bag X1017, Lydenburg, Transvaal 1120, South Africa

BUSBY A R, Craters. 16 Kirby Corner Road, Canley, Coventry, West Midlands CV4 8GD

BUSHEN, Halsway Nurseries, Crowcombe, <n - nton, Somerset TA4 4BB

BUTTERWORTH C, 30 Woodbridge Lawn, Queenswood Drive , Leeds, W. Yorks. LS6 3LU

— . 41 Edward Street, Pickering oo ‘Bamncotield Newonstie: -upon-Tyne, Tyne & Wear

CAMUS J M, Dept of Botany, British Museum (Natural led acapeceris Road, London SW7 5BD
CARTWRIGHT R F, ey eee ad, Peopleton, Pershore, W
CASTELLAN M L, The Lan roares0- Wootton, Pie i chao rne, Derbys.

-SMITH J M, Boat of Murthly Cottage, D nkeld, Perth tland
CHAM eee = Branca! 35122 hale ~ eb pei me

K C, 542 Parrs re Wood Read £ Eaast Didsbury, Manchester M20 OOA

CHICKEN E, Corner House, Scarborough Road, Driffield, N. Humberside YO25 7EH
CHITTY B A, Point Wells, wry Matakana, New Zealand
CHUEY C F, Dept of Biological Science, Youngstown State University, Youngstown, Ohio 44555, USA
CLARE P J, 25 Stewart Road, High Brooms, Tonbridge Wells, K

62

CLARK M B J, 7 Grovelands Road, Purley, Surrey CR2 4LB

CLARK T P, 108 Dudley Street, Bradley, Bilston, West Midlands WV14 OLA

CLAY C F, 27 Longton Road, Trentham, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffs. ST4 8ND

CLOUGH P, Strondubh, Inerewe, Poolewe, Achnasheen, Ross. I1V22 2LD, Scotland

COATES S, 6 St Peter’s Terrace, Peterhouse, Cambridge, Cambs. CB2 1RD

COKE P G, c/o J M Bennett, 17 Hillcrest, Baker Street, Weybridge, pedi KT13 8AD

COLLINS M W, 73 Hazelwood Road, Acocks Green, Birmingha m B27

COLLINSON M E, Kings College London, Dept of Plant Sciences, 68 Hatt Moon Lane, Herne Hill,

ion
CONNCANNON M O, 25 Greenwood Avenue, San Rafael, orig rite CA 94901, USA
CONRAN A E M, Min Menai, Siliwen Road, Bangor, Gwynedd, Wal
COOK C D, Parkstones, 4 Park Avenue, Darrington, Pontecract, W. Yorks, WF8 3AY
COOKE B, Quarryside, Back Western Hill, Durham, DH1 4RG
COOMBER KH E, “Redgate’’, 1 Cromwell Crescent, Worcester, Worcs. WR5 2JW
COPPERT D M, 2320 Gunbarrel Road, Chattanoga, Tenne pike 37421, USA
CORBETT-GRANT LH, 2145 First Avenue, NAPA, California a 94558, USA

Yel n 2P.

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COUGHLIN R V, 17 Alvechurch Highway, svoste Ash, Bromsgrove, Worcs. B60 1NZ
COVENY R, Pies National Herbarium, tondon meio Gardens, Sydney, New South Wales 2000, Australia
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CRAMP J K, 60 Stillness Road, For nsharg? London SE23 1NF
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CRAN 38 High Kingsdown, Bristol
WFORD R, 140 Graham Street, Penrith, Cumbria
CRICHTON J garry, Beltra, Sligo, Ei

TO H, Carrow Beltr re
CROXFORD A W, 2 Ford Villas, The Ford, Little Hadham, phe Herts. SG11 2BW
CRUMBAKER TN, 398 West Hendricks, Camden, Ohio 45311, USA

CUPP E, 6925 Lois Drive, Cinti, Ohio 45239, USA

DADD R, 21 Embrook Road, Wokingh

DAIGOBO S, ae of Botany, Joetsu University of Education, 1 Yamayashiki Joetsu-shi, Niigata-Ken

3
DAVIES H ‘€ 66 L Link Lane, Wallington, Surrey SM6 9DZ
DAVIES JD, 20 Clifton Park, Bristol BS8 3BZ
DAVIES K L, Briardale, Church Ro ad, Ystalyfera, Swansea, -: Kanerean SA9 2DA, Wales

AW G, 57 Stoneleigh Road, Solihull, West Midlands B91
DE JONCHERE G J, Park Oud, Wassenaar, 1-FL 47, Holla es
DEADMAN M 43 Springhead Road, Northfleet, yohige go> Kent DA11 8G

Wight

DELENDICK T J, The Herbarium, Brooklyn Botanic Garden, 1000 so Ate ha Avenue, Brooklyn,
New York NY11225, USA
DEMIRIZ H, Posta Katusu 705, Sirkeci, Istanbul, Turkey
DENT PL, Northside, Fieldbarn, South Runcton, Kings Lynn, Norfolk $05) OET
NAJ i i ug 2 OAZ

D (9)

DUCKWORTH M, 105 Columbia Way, Blackburn BB2 7EA

DUGDALE L, ‘Bardale’, Hard Cragway, Grange, Cumbria LA11 5BH
DUGGAN R, 63 Farnham Road, Bayswater, Victoria 3153, Australia
DUNCAN W, Durie Estate, Leven, Fife KY8 5RF, Scotland

DUNSTAN R I, Stone Harmony, Maperton, Wincaton, Somerset BAS 8EJ

EE 4
DYCE J W, ‘Hilltop’, 46 ae Rise, Loughton, Essex 1G10 1LT
eter Ae 5 Toligates , Batt e, East Sussex TN33 QUA

WwW
EDWARDS P J | The Herbarium, Royal Botanic Gardens, eae Richmond, Surrey TW9 3AE

VA
EVANS M D, 53 Brookfield Street, ee an. BL2 GAE
FAIRWEATHER G, 3 Bear Street, Lowerhouse, Burnley, Lancs. BB 12 6NOQ
FERRIDAY N P, 6 Boston Gardens, Hanwell, London W7
FEUERSTEIN S A, 2357 Thornwood Lane, Memphis Tennessee 38119, USA
FINCH R A, 68 Holbrook Road, Cambridge, Cambs. CB1 4ST
FINNERAN M, R.R. 1, Box 189, Readboro, Vermont ani USA
FL

KM en
FOLEY P J, Holden Clough —— Bolton n-by- patent. Clitheroe, Lancs.
FORTUNE D, 23 The Grove, Hartlepool, Cleveland TS26
FOSKETT N J, No 1 Bank Cott nace. 2 Hopton, Stafford, Staffs. ST18 OAH
FOS F G, PO Box 136, Sparta, New Jersey 07871, USA
FRANKE R H. The Small Rouse: Sibford Ferris, Banbury, Oxon. OX15 5RG

FRASER-JENKINS C D, Newcastle House, Bridgend, Mid Glam. CF31 4HD, Wales
FRASER-JENKINS C R, 125 Bullingdon Road, Oxford, Oxon. OX4 10P
FUCHS-ECKERT H P, Last: uppa 146, Trin Vitg, CH-7099, Switzerland

treet, Rhiwlas, Bangor, Gwynedd al 4ET, Wales

AY) a

GAUNT D J, 2 Wallflower Row, Mordiford, Herefordshire H

GERBER-C emeindestrasse 7, Zuric -8032, Switzerland
GIBBONS H, 10 Gleneagles Close, Bramhall, Stockport, Cheshire SK7 2LT
GIBB 3 Passage R stbury-on-Trym, Bristol, Avon

ge Ro le ry-on ; F
GIBBY M, c/o British Museum (Natural History), Dept of Botany, Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD
LEAVES C T, Hayes Regional Arboretum, 801 Elks Road, Richmond, Indiana 47374, USA
GLEIXNER ot Und d Fran Aedwig, Jos of-Hermannstrasser 1, Schandorf 4 8460, West Germany
GODFREY M F, JISD, ‘Maastricht, BFPO 18, Holland
GORDON L S, PO Box 275, Ocho Rios, St iin: Jam
GOSWELL K R, 670 i sen aor Selby Park, Birmingham B29 7NX

GOUDEY C, Lot 8, Cozens d, LARA Victoria 3212, Australia
GOULDING R V, 239a Carr Road, Northolt, Middx :
GRAHA ey, Par, Cornwall

4
GRAY CT H, 21 Tall Lims Close, Bromley, Kent BR2 OTT
aero V, Honeysuckle Cottage, Halstead apg? Aldham, Colchester, Essex CO6 3PP
GREEN-OGLES P, 2 Willow Drive, Bridlington, N. Humberside
GREGG W, 2528 N. Saint Louis, Chicago, illinois 60647, USA
GRIMBLY P E, Walden, Toddi — Lane, caper ae Sussex B

RAL, St Mary’s Vicarage, London Road, Swi ow: Kent BRE qAQ
HADEN C, M/S 437, Gatton, ‘aianenind 4343, Austra
HAILES E G, Le Carral, Les Effards, St Sampson, Gaines it Channel Islands
HAINSWORTH P H, Station House, Achnashellach, Strathcarron, Ross IV54 8YR, Scotland
HALL N A, 15 Mostyn Road, Hazel Grove, Stockport SK7 5H
HALL P C, Vine eet St Maughans, Monmouth, Gwent NP5 30G, Wales

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N W, m
HANDKE K, Schilleretranee : 22, Soltau 3040, W
HANES S D, 5100 6th Street S., St Peters a ‘Florida "337 05, USA
HARDS N, Holme Cottage, peckinesdn Fen, Sleaford, Lincs. NG34 SNA
HARMAN A J E, 20 Chestnut Close, H ockley, Essex SS5 5EJ

HASKINS B P, Willowbrook Cottage, | aste Lane, I. Northwich, Cheshire CW8 2TD
HATHER J G, 58 Bleada Hill, ar nh e, Avo
ene C, Dept of Botany, University of Kan rae ee Kansas 66045, USA

E7 8AB

22 Lockstile Way, cone meet Berks. RG8 OAL

HEN NSHALL M R, 64 Ash Lane, Hale, Altrincham, Cheshire WA15 8PD
HIBBS R, 30 London Road, Hailsham, Sussex BN27
HICKMAN G A, Tresco, 25 Stoneleigh Road, Gibbet Hill, Coventry CV4 7AB
HIGGINS F, 2 East Park Road, Blackburn, Lancs. BB1 8A
, 45 Westover Road, Westiuny-on Tryvn:* Bristol wt re

HOPTON B, 47 Himley Crescent, Goldthorn Park Wolverhampton, Staffs.

HOSHIZAKI T & B J, 557 N. Westmoreland Avenue, Los Angeles, California 90004, USA
HUBERT J F D, 23 Walnut Tree Avenue, Wilmin ngton, Dartford, Kent DA1 1LT

fe) bo

HU 1, US
HUTCHINSON G, 3 Retford Court, The Philog _,Whitechurch, Cardiff CF4 1EE, Wales
IDE J M, 42 Crown Woods Way, Eltham, Landen SE9 2NN

| CG, 5 Vista Avenue, Kew, Victoria 3101, foarte

ITO H, Kohinata 1-22-6, Bunkya-ku, Tokyo 112, Jap

JABYLONSKY G R, Goethestrasse 3, Erkrath 2 (Hochd ahl) 4006, West Germany
JACKSON F, 6 Kelburn Street, Millport, Isle of Cumbrae, Strathclyde KA28 ODT. Scotland

SAGER W, Finkenweg 45, Wulfrath-Dussel 5603, West German

VIS J e sworth,
eee a C, Dept of Botany, British Museum (Natural | History), Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD
JOHNS R J, The “i sd rium, Dept of Forestry, P.N.G. University of Technology, PO Box 793, Lae,
ap

<4 ew

JOHNSTONE A M. 59 The Gables, Haddenham, Aylesbury, srt HP17 8AD

JONES D L, PO Box 261, Palm Beach, Queensland 4221, Australia

JONES E, Russets, 7 Orchard Grove, Caunsall, Cookley, iddaciittense: Worcs. DY11 5YE

ye Ji, 1911 4th —_ West, Seattle, Washington 98119, USA

JURD G, 32 Deptford Avenue, Kings Langley, New South Wales 2147, Australia

reyes . L, Dept of Botany, University of Reading, Whiteknights, Reading, Berks. RS6 2AS
MANS Bo

KATO P i
KAVANAGH K, 2 Bury Cottage, Offchurch Bury, Offchurch, Leamington ‘Spa,
YE R, Waithman Nurseries, Silverdale, Carnforth, Lancs. LA5

ELLY A J, Cymdeithas Selen n ye Lloer, Ffarmers, Llanwrda, Dyfed, Wales
KELLY C, 123 Stanwell Road, Penart Glamorgan CF6 2LL, Wales
Stronachullin, Ardrishaig, Argyll ET ane:

KENNE ;
KERSHAW D J, 4 Ennerdale Road, Formby, Merseyside td 2EA
: : "Wor
KING PL, 70 Deben Avenue, ecient Heath, Aamir Suffolk IP5 7QR

KING R, Cheriton, aarebway. Hartley, Dartford
KINGSTON M M, 5 Wesley J setae ‘Chesiyn Hay. vege oa
KNOX-THOMAS E M, Tynffynnon, Lianon, Cered oe Y¥23 5HX, Wales
KOH E A, 9 Prairie Road, Addlestone, ‘Surrey | oe
KONYVT. 3, Budapest 1 4

RA
KUSEL J M, 1 Srecside Close, Lion Lane, vaiocaes: Surrey
LABA

MB R PH, 9 Park Leys, Daventry, Northants. NN11 4AS
Eels oee D B, U S National Herbarium, NHB 166, Smithsonian Institution, Washington DC 20560,
U

ee AC, eee: 72 Boxgrove Road, rao ek Surrey
A

EL,
HQUORISH EM, 6 sae Str treet, t, Beeston , Nottingham NGS 1DR
OYD RM, Dept of Botany, Ohio Univeralty: Athens, Ohio 45701, USA
n be, Porlock, So

IN , Somerset
LOYAL D S, Panjab University, Department of Botany, wale on ob 160014, India
LYLE N C, Maryfield Nurseries, Leslie, Fife KY6 3JU, Scotla
MANTON I, 15 ott Gon Crescent, West Park, Lente! Yorks. LS16 5HP
ds

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dior Seeat it Kuringai, New South —_ 2080, Australia

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MASUYAMA S, Tokyo Womens’ Christian Colle: e, Mure 4, Mitaka, Tokyo 181 AC, Jap
MATSUMOTO S, ag i =e Garden, National Sci. Mus., Amakubo 4-1-1, Sakura- Fehaene “Nihari- Gun,
Ibaraki-ken 305, Jap
MATTHEILJ W M, Ne ncrabrameeaiie 2, Brunssum 6446 RE, Holland
eee ig Rid, 231 secre Road, Nuneaton, — CV10 7AX
i he Uni

; g niver. So pton
McBURNEY T, National Vegetable torr Station, Wellesbourne, Warwick CV35 9EF
McHAFFIE H S, Moray Lodge, 176 Granton Road, Edinburgh EH5 5 iAH, Scotland
McLEOD D M, Dunvegan, 10 Lowndes arek: Barrhead 678 2
MERRYWEATHER J W, Biology Department, aang: ™ oo York, Heslington, York YO1 50D
MICKEL J T, New York Botanical Adana — pe i 10458, USA

MIT LB J, 31

MITCHELL J R G, ‘Catkins’, Stone St ees Stanford Marth Aatiford, Kent TNA 6D

MITSUI K, Biological Shecieute, Niigata Dental College, 1-8 Hamaura-machi, Nigata- "Shi 951 AC, Japan
MONTFORD 10 Cl i : % S

MONTGOMERY J D, c/o Ecology in RDI, Berwick, PA 18603, USA

MOO

RE J, 2 Gannet Street, Gladesville, New South Wales 2111, Aust
MORAN RC, Natural Resources Dulidies. 607E Peabody Drive, chaouer. Iilinois 61820, USA

65

RAN S, PO Box 47, Woombye, Queensland 4559, omen 2

NIK, 107
MORLEY J V, 1 Highland Close, Worlebury, Weston-Super- pty ol BS22 9SW
MORRIS P, 23 Aylett Road, Islewo: ei Middx. TW7
MORT P, 68 Bridge Street, Gulborne, Warrington, Lancs. LA3 30B
MULLER M C, Box 1042, ne. pie 99835, USA
MULLOY M S, 500 Radmere Road, Cheshire, Connecticut 06410, USA
MUNYARD C E, The sete Urquart Road, agree sage sag ag OEX, Scotland
i sf

P, Brackenhurst, Der d, Mansfield,
MYALL E, ‘Rogerscale’, The Hill, Millom, Cumbria 85
ELI H, Venussstrasse 21, Zuric witzerla

G n

NAKAIKE T, Dept of oor National Science Museum, 3-23-1 Nyakunin-Cho, Shinjuku-Ku,
Tokyo
NAKAMURA T, eg Edu. Bot. Lab., Tokyo Nogyo Univ. 1-, Sakuragaoka 1-Chome, Setagaya-ku,
Tokyo 156 AC, Jap

NASH B, 19 Radstock Sanione. Derby, Derbys. DE2 4FB
NETHERCOTT P J M, 6 Hazelwood Court, Hazelwood Road, Bristol BS9 1PU
NEUROTH R N, Tiergartenstrasse 24, line arms D-5430, West Germany
NEWMAN N, St Andrew’s House, Sydney Road, Whitstable, Kent

iC : low Lane, Langar, Notts.
NIMMO-SMITH ha 201 Chesterton Road, Cambridge, “ars as 1AH

"HA Street, Gosrells, West prvi 6110, Australia
O'NEILL J, St Mary’ 5 ni 88 Stannington, Morpeth, iiss csbertoct NE61 6AA

"SHEA B J, 131 Norwood Road, London SE24 9AF
OFFORDD A C, West Coleas. 24a tecteen Gardens, Oxford, Oxon. OX2 6QD
OGDEN AH, 9 The Drive, Hopwood, Alvechurch, Sewieghern B48 7AH
OGDEN J R, The Post Office, Crosthwaite, Kendal, Cumbria
OLLGAARD B, Botanical Institute, University of Arhus, 68 Nordlandsvej, Risskov, DK-8240, Denmark
OLSEN S §, Folia age Gardens, 2003 128th Avenue S.E., Bellevue, Washington WA 98005, USA

RTEGA F J, U.N.E.L.L.E.Z. — Guanare, Edo Portu wee 3323, Venezuela

3,

PAGE C N, The Herbarium, Royal Botanic arden, Inverleith Row, Edinburgh EH3 5LR, ——
PANDEY P S, Pandey Niwas, Laxmi Hotel Building, Rae Bareli, Uttar, Pradesh 229 001, India

P. ) .
‘PARRIS CROXALL B S, 165 Cambridge Road, Great Shelford, Cambridge, Cambs. CB2 5JN
PARRY 4 Fields i

PAUL A M, ‘Dept of sag British Museum (Natural History), Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD
PEARCE C A, 22 Cairn Avenue, London
PECK D, 8813 Patton Road, Philadelphia, PA 19118, USA
PENZER BT, 7 Birchcroft Road, Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands B75 6BP
PERRY A R, Dept of Botany, National Museum of Wales, pep CF1 3NP, Wales
ETCH R, Sargeants Mess, Coltishall, Norwich, Norfolk NR
PHEMISTER rf R, 23 Pine Court, Wood of Doune, Doune, Se FK16 6JE, Scotland

PHILLIPS R on Square, London
PICHI SERMOLLI REG, Via Cantagrilli 1 cenaeene Val Di Pesa, Firenze 50020, Italy
PIENAAR C, 20 Olive Grinter Drive, Bloemfontein 9301, South i 2p
PIEROZYNSKI W & G, 2 Highlea Avenue, "Fleck Heath, Buc
us i

PIGGIN S R, Flat 5, Cyprus e, , Nottingham, Notts NG3 5DE
t Marks, Brunswick Place, ish, Devon E
Road, He d, Herts
POOLE . ndry Lane, Shirley, Southampt

OLE L W, 148 Fou , Hants.
POPE AC D, 56 Pembrey py Lordshill, Southampton, Hants. SO1 8HE
POTTER M J, Sussex School of Chiropody, LEAF Hospital, St Annes Road, Eastbourne,
Sussex _ 2HW
POTTSCM ennel Lane, Webbington, Axbridge, Somer.
PRENTICE T 5 63 Craighouse Gardens, Edinburgh EH10 SLR, Scotland
PRESTON S ‘Po osa’, Little Ashley, ee ee Wilts. BA15 2PW
PRICE D T, Five Bells, ola ad Church, Abergavenny, Gwent, Wales
PRICE M G, PO Box 7071, Ann Arbor, Michigan, Mi 48107, USA
PRIEST H, 30 Barcheston Road, Wooley Castle, Birmingham B29
PROPER G J, Kortenaeriaan 40, Voorschoten 2253 TJ, Holland
PUGH-THOMAS ~ 12 Castello te See Putney, egress SW15 6EA
PUNTER J C, PO Box 2549, Pietersburg, Transvaal 0700, South Africa
PURDEN RH, 5 Binney Court, peta Bay, Tasmania 7005, Australia
PYNER T, 149 Neil Armstrong Way, Leigh on Sea, Essex
QUINN J, Ivy Cottage, 43 Belgrave ta — Moston, Manchester M10 OSR
RAMSAY A J H, Foreign & Commonwealth Office, King Charles Street, London SW1
RANDALL L, 10 Wick Lane, Englefield — Egham, at
RASBACH H, Gehrenstr. 12, Pe ayo D-7804, West Germ
RATCLIFF P, 6 Stoney Brow, Roby Mill, Up Holland, Peeler EA Lancs. WN8 OQE
RAYBOULD A F, Dept of Genetics, University of Birmingham, PO Box 363, Birmingham,
West Midlands B15 2TT
REAGAN D L, 425 Palmetto, Corpus Christi, Texas 78412, USA

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REGENWETTER H, 44 Rue du Bois, Soleuvre 4421, Luxembour urg
REICHSTEIN T, Institut fur Organische Chemie, St Johann ns-Ring 19, Basel CH.4056, Switzerland
REINECKE L + Scawdel, Grange- — -Borrowdale, Keswick, Cumbria CA12 5UQ
RESSOM L aR Box 81, cores Ye Australia
d, N

RIEMER R M, Kronprinzenstrasse 10, 4 Dusseldorf 1, West Germany

RIPLEY P H, 12 Farm Lane, Tonbridge, Kent TN10 3DG

RITCHIE G B, 45 Lansdowne Road, London W11 2LG

ROBERTS PD, - esirtens Long fon bg ize Farnham, Surrey GU10 1NG

st kg R . Quinton, 51 Belm grit nen: Bangor, Gwynedd LL57 2HY, Wales

ryn Awelon, Llandegfan, is ah Gwynedd, Wales
RUSH R J, 17 Toronto Road, Ilford, Essex IG1 :

RUSSE e Dairies, Castle sie York YO6
RUTHERFORD A, Moniaive, 19 —— g Street, Helensburgh, re ar PU7, Scotland
RUTHERFORD S, Vine Cotta co pose ap apr ad Buc’

R, The Bishop of Leicester, Bishop's s Lodge, 10 Springfield Road, ga Di, ‘ic LE2 3BD
SAHASHI N, Td0-Diagaku: Yakugaku-Bu, 2-2-1 Mayama, Funabashi-Chi, oe 274, Japan
SCANNELL M J P, c/o National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin, Dublin 9, Irela
SCHAFFER E, 1 Faversham Road, Catford, eis SE a8
SCHMICK H, 1m — 6, Glinde 2056, Wi

R

7 ’ , Wes: ‘ban
SCHULZE G, Leuschnerstrasse 46, Ludwigs hafen, Rheinland-PI Plz, ‘D- ¥6700, West Germany
Cc

SCOTT MM, 24 Gardner's Crescent, Edinburgh, EH3 8DE, merrthiaie

SCOTT P, 302 Old Birmingham Road, Lickey, Birmingham B45 8ES

SCOTT Jnr W, Easterhoull, Scalloway, Shetland AB3 OUS, Scotland

SCOULLER C E K, ia ee mg Ullapool, Ross IV26 rola Scotland
1 52nd Avenue N

: ZU
SHERLOCK N M, 590 E Kings Road, North Vancouver, British Columbia, V7N 1J3, Canada
SIMMONS V, 14 Elizabeth Road, Kettering NN16 OPD
evin

Ss rg
ae WA, Dept of mete The Crier
Vv

rgh, Cum
SMITH R J J, 184 Solihull’ Road, Shirley, ‘Solihull , Warks.
SNELL S ¢, Knoll House, Upper Langwith, Collingham, Wetherby, W. Yorks. LS22 5DQ
SPENCER R A, Maes-y-Coed, Furnace, Machynileta, Powys rtd O 8PQ, Wales
STANFORD C H, Hinds Farm, Meal’s Lane, Kingwood Common, Henley-on-Thames, Oxon.
STAPP D, 1 Clifford Street, South Brighton, South Aissirelie’ 5048, Australia
STARK Woodlands Cott: i

VENS KM
STINCHCOMBE M C, 79 Chapel Road, Abergaven avenny, Gwent NP7 3 Wales
STIRLING A McG, 17 Austen Road, Jordantull, Glasgow W3, Scotla
STOCKS M E, 8 Booths Lane, Lymn, Cheshire WA1
STONE L T, 113 Campkin Road, Cambridge, Hata CB4 2NP
STOREY J, 50 Farnaby Road, Bromley, Kent BR1 4BJ
STRACHAN P W, Lorien, ~ The Bury, Pavenham, ae MK43 7PY
Ikam

r, Dev
SYKES R W, Ormandy House, Conhwelle, = to “Cu mere LA8 8BP
TAYLOR H, 13 ‘Keydell Close, Horndean, Portsmouth, Hants. PO8 9TB

67

TAYLOR I, c/o School of Plant Biology, U.C.N.W., Bangor, Gwynedd LL57 2UW, Wales
TAYLOR W C, Milwaukee Public Museum, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53233, USA
TEMPLE P, Wingfield, 2 Deneside, East Dean, East Sussexc¢
THOMAS B A, Botany Department, National Mu useum of Wales, Cathays Park, rw wet 3NP, Wales
THOMAS G S, Briar Cottage, 21 Kettlewell Close, Horsell, Woking, Surrey Gu21
THOMSIT G, 14 Comely Bank Road, Walthamstow, London E17 9ND
THORN R, 456 Rte de Longwy, Luxembourg L 1940, Luxembourg
THORNTON H S§, 12 Tarni Street, Fairview Park, any eae 5126, Australia
YBJ i

TREWREN K, PO Box 267, Bikenibeu, Tarawa, Kiribati, Central Pacific
TRUEMAN | C, School of Applied Sciences, The Polytechnic, Wolverhampton, West Midlands WV1 1LY
TRYON R M &A, Gray Herbarium, Harvard University, 22 Divinity Avenue, Cambridge, Massachessetts,
MA 02138,
UNETT R, 15 Belmont Gardens, Bradford, W. Yorks. BD12 OHJ
UNGER S, Lohoefener WEG 11, Muenster, D-4400, West Germany
ORQUART H R, The Cless, St ‘obo, Peebles EH45 8NU, Scotland
VALENZUELA C L, St Margarets, Valley Road, Hughenden ee High Wycombe, Bucks. HP14 4LW
VAN DE MOESDIJK C G M, Op ‘t Veldje ri Syeets (L), Holland
VAN DER VEKEN P, Leerstoel voor Morfolo a Sele, st Ttholosie der Planten,
L Ledeganckstraat 35 Gent, B-9000, f

VAN ETTEN M, 60 Valle Vista Drive, Brandon, Florida Pay A USA
VENTHAM K E, 293 Beulah Hill, Upper Norwood, Lo n SE19 3UZ
VIANE : LL, Oude Gistelsteenweg 5, Snellegem B21, Belgiu

VICARY P M, Laurel Cottage, Cricket Green, Hartley Wintney, Fg Hants. RG27 8PJ
cooper tt e ee me e 223 Duisburg D-1400, West Germany
WA NER D H, Dept of ‘Biology, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon 97403, USA
WAGNER F §, Dept of Botany, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA

en J, c/o 12 North View, Wimbledon Common, London SW1

W H, Dept of Botany, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
WALKER 7 'G. Dept of Plant Biology, Ridley Building, The University, Newcastle upon Tyne,
e & Wear NE1 7RU

WATSON J, Dept of Geology, The nbreeenyy ener a 3 9PL
WATTS J A, 45 Sea Road, Abergele, Clwyd LL22 7TE, W.
WAYLARD, M M, 401 Schuyler Road, Cental _— NY Sonnh: USA
WEATHERLAKE S K, 47 St Martins
WEE Y i — of Botany, National t Eisoraiey of Singapore, Lower Kent Ridge Road, Singapore 0511,

WELMAN ° "S21 Denne Street, Tamworth, New South — 2340, Australia
WERTH C, to any, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas 66045, USA
WESTALL W, 16 Ashcroft Road, Little Altcar, Formby, caine L37 6BI
WESTFOLD J, 60 Fir Street, Sheffield S6 3TH
WHARTON B, 7 Chirnside, ang any Northumberland NE23 6LQ

mbs. CB

WHITE L, 101 Ken cade Hes e, Su me lig mes, iddx.
WHORTON KL, 23 Balmoral Drive, Holmes Chapel, Cheshire CW4 7HY
YSALL J, 11 Croftway, Markfield, Leicester, Leics. LE6
WILDEVUUR C R H, Ossenmarkt 8, oe 9712 NZ, Holland
WILKS-JONES J D, The Black Lion, 11 Castle Street, Conwy, Gwynedd LL32 8AY, Wales
S S L, 226 Upton Road South, Genter Kent DA5 10T
WIL pee A ogo Street, White Plains, New York 10603

WILLISON on Road, Beaurepaire, sontnd Quebec H9W 4K7, Canada
WILLM eston Close, Allestree, Derby, De E3
WILSON JB, 1 Dronley Cottages, Dronliey, Dundee,

C, 2 Westfield en ‘
WOODHAMS J R, 203 Barnfield Avenue, Kingston Betts ames, Surrey KT2 50R
WOODWARD F R, c/o Natural History Dept & Museum & Art, Kelvington, Glasgow, Scotland
WORLAND A J & B, 102 Queens Close OY age snes n, Cambridge Cambs. CB2 50N
WRAY K F, Tinkers Dell, Telham Hill, Battle,
WRIGHT B, 31 Stainburn Avenue, Moortow io LS17 6PS
WRIGHT E V, Hall Place, Wycombe End, Bedscarheld Bucks. HPS 1NB 40L
WRIGHT J |, Collinwood Mount, Priest Lane, Mottram St Andrews, Manonlentiolt Cheshire SK10
WRIGHT M, PO Box 37, Bangalow, New South Wales 2479, Austra
YAMINS S, U. Chicago Greenhouse, 5630 So. In alanis Avenue, Chica linois 60637, USA
bigger or —. § —— Faculty of Education, Saitama University, 35 55 Shimo-Ohkubo,

japan

YEOMAN R, 3 Oswaldene, Osmotherly, Northallerton, Yorks. DL6 3AD AC,
heise ~ Pg 1415, Sunlight Pastoral, 5-Bangai, 7-221 Shin-matsudo, Matsudo-Shi, Chiba 270

YOXALL J H, West Lodge, Pitminster, Taunton, Somerset TA3 7AZ
ZIMMER B, Botanischer Garten und Botanisches Mus., Koenigin-Luise-Strasse 6-8, Berlin 33,
= Germany
ZINK M a i FB Biologie der Un veriee ae Systematische Botanik, Postfach 3049, Kaiserslautern,
Rheinland-Pfalz D-6750, West Germ
ZOGG E A, 8880 Walenstadt, Dorfhalde, ‘Svicieriend

SUBSCRIBERS

Aarhus University Botanisk Institut, ae 68, Risskov DK-8240, Den awe at
Adelaide Botanic Gardens, North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia 5000, A
—_—. University, Seriais Receipt Section. Barr Smith Library, Adelaide, South eal 5001,
ustralia
Akron eisai Bierce Library, Serials Dept., Akron, Ohio 44325, USA
Amsterdam University, Universiteits Bibliotheek, D en N 250, Postbus 19185, Amsterdam 1000 GD,
ll

ollan

Auckland siherderdati§ Biological Library, Private Bag, Auckland, New Zealand

Austicks Books 1 Bleinheim Terrace, Leeds LS2 GH

Pos penne National Library, NC2483/69 Preliminary Processing, Canberra A.C.T. 2600, Australia

B VAN -% K’S CONSULTANT AGENCY, Caixa Postal 167, Hdambra 1, Jaguariuna E S PC EP 13 820,
zi

se
BIBLIOTEKA AKADEMII, Nauk SSSR Birzhevaya Liniyal, Leningrad 199164, USSR
BIOSYSTEMATICS RESEARCH INST., Res Br Agric Canada No 49, Ottawa, K1A OC6, Canada
BIRMINGHAM UNIVERSITY, The Main Library, PO Box 363, Siicinghent B15 27T
BOTANICAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE, Adres Bag X101, Pretoria, eters ge South Africa

at s, Allaha ar 11002, India
BOTANISCH MUSEUM EN HERBARIUM, Bibliotheek, Heidelberglaan wk Bos 80 102, Utrecht 3508 TC,
Holland
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Germany
BOTANISK ‘acter at fick Bag ge 83 oog. S, Copenhagen, DK- 1307, Denmark
BOTANY DIVISION, D.S.1.T., e Bag, it fperinbsigh New Zealan
BOUHARMONT J, Gnivoreiec Cathal ue de Louva eae és Cytogenetique, Place de la
Croix-du-Sud 4, Louvain-la- ‘eeave 8 1348, Be ect
ot COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY, Woodward Biomedical Library-Serials, 2198 Health Sciences Mall,
ncouver, British Columbia V6T 1W5, Canada
BRITISH LIBRARY, Lending Division, aacamnioe Saseelit Boston Spa, Yiatherhy, Yous: LS23 7BQ
BRI i peti MUSEUM (NATURAL HISTORY), Botany Library, Dept of Botany, Cromwel
ndon

C.S.1.C., Seccion de Intercambio Bibliografico, Vitruvio 8, Madrid 6, Spain

CALICUT UNIVERSITY, PO 673 635, Calicut, Kerala State, Indi a:

CALIFORNIA UNIVERSITY, Current Serials, General Library, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
CALIFORNIA UNIVERSITY, Biomedical Library, The Center for the. Neath Sciences, Los Angeles,

CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY BOTANIC GARDEN, Cambridge, Cambs. CB2 1JF

CAPETOWN UNIVERSITY, J W Jagger Library, Rondebosch 7700, South Africa

CENTER FOR RESEARCH LBRARY, 6050 S. Kenwood Ave., Chicago 37, abchiig USA

CHIBA a ce FUZOKU, Toshaken 1-33, Yayoi-Cho, Chiba-Shi 260, Japa

CHINA N B. IMPORT & EXPORT CORP., Groupex Transports Int., Back | Lane, Abbey Road,

onaon rete
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COLORADO UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES, Acquisition sing Boulder, Colorado 80302, USA
CONNECTICUT UNIVERSITY, Serials Dept., Homer Babbidge Library, Storrs, Connecticut CT 06268,

CONSERV. & JARDIN BOT., Biblioteque, Casse Postale 60, Chambesy ta a ag Switzerland
CONSERVATOIRE BOTANIQUE, 192 Rue de Lausanne, Geneva, Switzer!
DUKE UNIVER a BIOLOGY, c/o B F Stevens & Brown Ltd, Ardun olan: Mill Lane, Godalming,

E THEK. Zeitschriften, Ramistrasse 101, Zurich CH-8092, Switzerland
FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY, Roosevelt Road, Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60605,

GEORGIA UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES, Sets Dept, Pept Brervak cog 30602, USA
GLASGOW UNIVERSITY LIBRARY, Glasgow W2, Sco
GOLDSMITHS’ COLLEGE LIBRARY, Lewisham Way, N cs ross, London SE19 6NW
tad er ee ee nat tee (The Library), 22 Divinity Avenue, Cambridge,
achussetts, MA 0:
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Hawaii 96822, USA
ere UNIVERSITY, Inst. fur Syst. Bot. & Pflanzengeog., Hofmeisterweg 4, Heidelberg 1, 6900,

HELSINKI UNIVERSITY, Dept of Botany Library, Unioninkatu 44, dernegisr SF-00170, Finland
HULL UNIVERSITY, The Brynmor Jones Library, Hull, N. Humberside, HU6 7RX
INDIANA UNIVERSITY LIBRARY, Serials Dept, Bloomington, Indiana 47401. USA

IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY, Serials Dept., Parks Library, Ames, lowa, |A 50011, USA

ISLAY NATURAL HISTORY TRUST, Port Charlotte, Isle of Islay, Argyll PA48 TUE, Scotland

ITHACA UNIVERSITY, Acquisition sig Albert R Mann Library, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA
, Pa a Tete d’

n 6, 69459, France
DINS BOT. DE NANCY, 100 Rue du Jardin Botanique, Villers-le-Nancy, 54600, France
KAISERSLAUTERN UNIVERSITY nose Sanne Dept, Serials, PO Box 2040, Piafienberuetr ae:
Kaiserslautern D6750, West
KANSAS UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES, Poriedicnl — Dept, Lawrence, Kansas, USA
KENDAL LIBRARY, a ae deee Kendal, Cumb
LANCASHIRE COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE, arcsudh Hall, Bilsborrow, Preston, Lancs. PR3 ORY
LEICESTER vepetewt yh Hoa Road, Leicester, Leics. LE1 7RH
ENR R ibli

LIBRERIA A RAGUZZI SRL, oma y
LONDON NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY, Lyon Playfair Library, Imperial coeee: London SW7 2AZ
LOWVELD BOTANIC ing PO Box 1024, Nelspruit 1200, South Afric

A.F.F., Serials Section, Room 19, 3 Whitehall Place, London SWIA
MALAGA mii sm dag unmanned de Botanica, Facultad de Ciencias, Camino de la Misericordia,

Malaga, Spain

MANCHESTER UNIVERSITY, John Ryland Library, Science Section, ee Road, Manchester M13 9PP
MELBOURNE UNIVERSITY, Baillieu Library, Parville, Victoria 3052, Australia
papa ote COUNTY COUNCIL, County Museum Dept, William Sccuor Street, Liverpool,

Merseyside L3 8EN
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bane STATE UNIVERSITY, Serials Technical Serv, Mitchell Memorial Library, incisal State,
A

MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN LIBRARY, PO Box 299, St Louis, Missouri, MO 63166, USA
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MUSEUM Peon fe D'HISTOIRE NATURELLE, Laboratoire de Phanerogamie, 16 rue Buffon,
ris rance
NATIONAL BOTANIC GARDENS, Glasnevin, Dublin 9, Eire
NAT — L BOTANICAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE, Rana Pratap Marg, Lucknow, Uttar, Pradesh 226001,

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF NEW ZEALAND, Private Bag, Wellington, New Zealand

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF WALES, Cathays Park, Cardiff CF1 3NP, Wales

pad 4 Neos “aaa chy PLANTS, Botanical Survey & Herbarium, GPO Box 3708, Godawary,
ipur

NEW YORK BOTANICAL GARDEN, The Library, Bronx, New York 10458, USA

NEWCASTLE-UPON-TYNE UNIVERSITY, Periodicals Dept, University Library, Newcastle-upon-Tyne

NORTH CAROLINA UNIVERSITY - Chapel _ Davis Library 080-A, Chapel Hill, NC aby: USA
NORTHERN HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY, Harlow Car, Crag Lane, Harrogate, Yorks. HG3 10B

IVERSITY, . Li
PUNJABI UNIVERSITY LIBRARY, Patiala, Punjab 147002, India
QUEENSLAND HERBARIUM, Dept of Primary Industries, Meiers Road, Indooroopilly, Queensland 4068,

Australia
READING UNIVERSITY LIBRARY, Whiteknights Sala =o Box 223, susraal Berks RS6 2AE
ROYAL See GARDEN, Inverleith Row, Edinburgh EH3 5LR, Scotland

— Be NIC GARDEN/NATIONAL HERBARIUM, Birdwood | ae South Yarra Victoria 3141

ROYAL B BOTANIC GARDENS, Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 3AE

ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY, —— Square, Westminster, London —

SCI-TEC INFORMATION CENTER, N.T.U.G., PO Box 4, Nankang, Taipei 115 Tai

SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTE, brea Aquisitions, 10th St & Constitution Avenue, ee DC 20560,

U.S.A.
—— Peder ining NATIONAL BOTANIC GARDEN, Kirstenbosch, Private Bag X7, Claremont 7735

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STOCKHOLM UNIVERSITET, Botaniska Institutionen Biblioteket, Stockholm S- 106 91, Sweden
SYDNEY ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS, Mrs MacQuaries Road, Sydney, New South Wales 2000,

Australia
TECHNIQUE & DOCUMENTATION, Agrement Douane No. 8 75384, France
TRIESTE CASELLA UNIVERSITA, Via'A Valerio 30. Trieste 1.34100 laly
age oe UNIVERSITETS, Det Kgl Norske Vedenskoben 'Selskob Bibl. Erling Skskkes gt 470,

eim N-7000,
LANE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY” Serials Section, N Ps
TURKU UNIVERSITY, Dept of Botany, SF-20500, Taku tO Filed US

TER MUSEUM, B
UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF SWANSEA, Singleton Park, Swansea, Glamorgan, Wales
UN givin os COLLEGE OF WALES, Hugh ssid Building, Penatale, pe ted Dyfed SY23 3D2Z,
WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY, Libraries, Serials Division, Seattle, Washington 98195, U.S.A.
ax Sere gros wit? « UNIVERSITY, William F Maag Library — Serials, 41 Wick Avenue, Youngstown,

ZURICH “BOTANISCHER GARTEN, und Institut fur Systematische Botanik, Zollikerstrasse 107. Zurich
o , Switzerland

B.P.S. TEE-SHIRTS AND SWEAT-SHIRTS

The official B.P.S. Tee-Shirts and Sweat-Shirts are now available!

The shirts carry an attractive design of ferns and other pteridophytes along with the
words ‘The British Pteridological Society’. The colour of the design is green and the
lettering black on white material. They are made in polyester and cotton: Tee-Shirts are
short sleeved, Sweat-Shirts are long sleeved and of course heavier weight.

Available sizes are as follows, with approximate measurements:

Tee-Shirts
Adults Childrens
XL — 40’’—46” 8-10 — 28”—32”
L — 38"°—42” 10-12 — 30"—34”
M — 36’’°—40”
S — 34’—38”
Sweat- Shirts
Adults Childrens
XL — 44''—46” 8-10 — 30°—32"
L — 40’—42” 10-12 — 32”—34"”
M —38”—40”
S — 36’—38"

The first measurement is the unstretched width across the chest, the second is the
width which the shirts will reasonably stretch to. Sizes are of course approximate and
are only give as a guide.

We hope to have the Tee-Shirts and Sweat-Shirts available for sale at all B.P.S.
meetings and through Regional Grops. Prices are £4.50 for the Tee-Shirts and £7.50 for
the Sweat-Shirts.

Alternatively, they can be ordered from Anthony Pigott, 43 Molewood Road, Hertford,
Herts., SG14 3AQ. Please add postage and packing cost of £0.50 for Tee-Shirts and
£0.75 for Sweat-Shirts; for members outside the U.K., the postage and packing costs
are £1.00 and £1.75 respectively. Please make cheques payable to the British
Pteridological Society.

MEETINGS PROGRAMME 1986

Meetings Secretary:

Meetings Committee:

Saturday
8 March

Saturday
17 May

Saturday /Sunday
7/8 June

Wednesday
11 June
Saturday
21 June

Sunday
20 July

Friday- Tuesday
1-5 August
Saturday/Sunday
15/16 August

Thursday- Saturday
21-23 August
Friday-Sunday
12-14 September

Saturday
18 October

Kathryn Kavanagh, British Museum (Natural History),
Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD. Tel: 01-589 6323. Ext. 797.

K Kavanagh, A R Busby, M Rickard, J R Woodhams, M Fyfe

Annual General Meeting at the Chelsea Physic Garden,
66 Royal Hospital Road, London at 2 pm. Speaker: J Bond of
the Savile Gardens, Windsor.

Visit to the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. A guided tour of the
new conservatory by John Woodhams. Meet at the Fern
Houses at 2 pm.

Weekend meeting at York. Meet at the John Bull, Laverthorpe,
York, on Friday evening. On Saturday morning at Skipwith
village (about 8 miles SE of York) at 10 am. On Wednesday
meet at 10 am at Strensall (SE 637 601).

Leaders: James Merryweather and Jack Bouckley.

Visit to RHS Wisley followed by Eric and Pat Robert's garden.
Meet at the main gates of Wisley at 10 am.
Leaders: Eric and Pat Roberts

Ray and Rita Coughlin’s Garden. Assemble at 17 Alvechurch
Highway, Lydiate Ash, Bromsgrove, Worcs. Open all day,
please bring your own lunch. Grd Ref: 32/974753.

Leader: A.R. Busby

Ferns of North Wales. Course at the Drapers Field Centre,
Bet ws-y-coed, Gwynedd. 7utor: Marian Fyfe.

Weekend meeting at Betws-y-coed, Gwynedd. Meet each
morning at the Waterloo Hotel, Betws-y-coed at 9 am.
Accommodation at the Waterloo Hotel. Leader: Marian Fyfe.

Southport Flower Show, competitive fern classes. Society's
stand in tent 2.

Fern G ardens, past and present. A gardeners’ meeting at Usk,
Gwent, South Wales. Meet each morning in Three Salmons
Hotel Car Park at 9.30 am. Leader: M H Rickard.

Autumn Indoor Meeting, at the Derbyshire College of Higher
Education, Kedleston Road, Derby, DE3 1GD, in room E904 at
2 pm. Speaker: Dr A Willmot on ‘The Ferns of Derbyshire’.

For full details of all these meetings and available accommodation please consult your

Meetings Programme.

REGIONAL DAY MEETINGS

If you would like details of additional day meetings in the following areas, please contact the
local organiser, enclosing a stamped addressed envelope.

South-west England:

West Midlands:

North-east England:
South-east England:

72

Christopher and Mary Potts, 4 Kennel Lane, Webbington,
Nr Axbridge, Somerset. Tel: 093 472 545.

A R Busby, 16 Kirby Corner Road, Canley, Coventry.
Tel: 715690.

J Bouckley, 209 Woodfield Road, Harrogate, N Yorks.
P Ripley, 12 Farm Lane, Tonbridge, Kent.

BRITISH FERNS AND THEIR CULTIVARS
A very comprehensive collection is stocked by
REGINALD KAYE LTD
SILVERDALE, LANCASHIRE
CATALOGUE ON REQUEST

FIBREX NURSERIES LTD
Honeybourne Road, Pebworth, nr Stratford on Avon, Warwickshire CV37 8XT
Hardy and tender ferns
Begonias, Gloxinias, Hederas, Hydrangeas, Primroses, Arum Lilies
and Plants for the cool greenhouse

Catalogue on request

MRS J K MARSTON
Specialist Fern Grower
A wide range of hardy and greenhouse ferns, especially Adiantums
Culag, Green Lane, Nafferton, Nr. Driffield, East Yorkshire
Send 50p for new catalogue

THE NIPPON FERNIST CLUB
There exists in Japan this large and active Society devoted
to the study of ferns which welcomes contact with foreign pteridologists,
both amateur and professional.
For further information write to:
Dept. of Forest Botany,
Faculty of Agriculture, Tokyo University, Hongo,
Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan 113

1985 SOUTHPORT FLOWER SHOW
The Organisers extend all good wishes for a successful 1986
Classes for your Society's special interests are available
Total Horticultural Prizes awarded for 1985 Value over £120,000
21st, 22nd, 23rd AUGUST 1986

Schedules neta Sak Sed feialiceitey from:
The r Show Sec
Dept. 11, Town Hall, ee Street Southport Mevweveide PR8 1DA

FERNS FOR AFRICA
Offer African indigenous ferns by mail order.
rice lists available.
Overseas orders w
D. Turner, Box 815, George 6530, South Africa.

The British Pteridological Society

BULLETIN

eCONTENIS-

CONTENTS

Secretarial Notes

AGM 1985

Financial Statement ise

Lecture Meetings and Visits 1985
Spring Indoor Meeting
Autumn Indoor Meeting
Kew Gardens
The J W Dyce Birthday Celebration
Bridgemere and Hodnut, Staffs
Fairwarp

Regional Meetings 1985

Leeds and District ne:
National Field Meetings 1985

Bishops Castle

Lamberhurst

Castle Howard

Argyll

gy .
Pteridology in eclenii ered Society
Southport Flower Show

Obituaries ;

Membership List

Meetings programme 1986

ave eee

A R Busby

ee A R Busby
i Ripley and P Acock

oe ; A R Bushy
P Ripley and P Acock
M Potts

J Bouckley

ee es K Kavanagh
P Ripley and P Acock

J Bouckley

A Pigott

AC Jermy

A R Busby

The Bulletin, Volume 3 Number 1 was published on 11 January 1985.
Published by the British Pteridological Society.

ISSN 0301-9195

Printed by Metioc Printers Ltd., Loughton, Essex.

THE

BRITISH.

PTERIDOLOGICAL
OCIET)

NUMBER 3
1986

THE BRITISH PTERIDOLOGICAL SOCIETY
Officers and Committee for 1986

President: G. Tonge
President Emeritus: J.W. Dyce

Vice-Presidents: Dr R.E. Holttum, F. Jackson, R. Kaye,
Prof. |. Manton

Honorary General Secretary and A.R. Busby, ‘Croziers’,
Editor of the Bulletin: 16 Kirby Corner Road, Canley, Coventry, CV4 8GD
(Tel: Coventry 715690)
Assistant Secretary (Membership): A.M. Paul,

Department of Botany, British Museum (Natural History),
Cromwell Road, London, SW7 5BD

Treasurer: Dr B.A. Thomas, Botany Department, National Museum of Wales,
Cathays Park, Cardiff, CF1 3NP

Meetings Secretary: M. Fyfe, Perllan, 4, Tai Rhos, Llangaffo Road,
Gaerwen, Angelsey

Editors of the Fern Gazette: J.A. Crabbe, Dr M. Gibby, Dr B.S. Parris
Material for publication should be sent to Dr M. Gibby,

British Museum (Natural History), Cromwell Road, London, SW7 5BD

Editor of the Pteridologist: M.H. Rickard, The Old Rectory, Leinthall Starkes,
Ludlow, Shropshire, SY8 2HP

assisted by J.W. Dyce

Committee: J.M. Camus, Dr N. Hards, J. Ide, R.P.H. Lamb,
A.M. Paul, A. Pigott, P. Ripley, R. Rush, Dr A. Willmot, J.R. Woodhams

Fern Distribution Recorder: A.J. Worland, 102 Queens Close, Harston,
Cambs., CB2 50N

Spore Exchange Organiser: R.F. Cartwright, 13 Perry Mill Road, Peopleton,

Pershore, Worcestershire
Archivist: N.A. Hall, 15 Mostyn Road, Hazel Grove, Stockport, Cheshire, SK7 5HL
Booksales Organiser: J.W. Dyce, 46 Sedley Rise, Loughton, Essex 1G10 1LT

The BRITISH PTERIDOLOGICAL SOCIETY was founded in 1891 and today continues as a yep for
fern enthusiasts. It provides a wide range of information about ferns through the mediu of its

meetings, garden visits, plant exchanges and a sport exchange scheme. The Society has a W
saga il which includes gardeners, nurserymen and | botanists, both amateur and professional.
Society's journals, the Fern Gazette, Pt ly. The Fern

Gazette publishes matter chiefly of specialist interest on international pteridology. the nails
opics of more general appeal, endt the Bulletin, Society bus and m

Membership is open to all interested in ferns and fern- — onan RATES tas on hi

January each year) are Full Personal Members £10, Personal Members not receiving the

Gazette £7.50; Student Members £5; Subscribing institutions £12. Family pooner in ary
egory is

¥

bove) from whom further details be obtained. (R
pa Storing are £1.50 extra to cover bank conversion char: rges). Airmail nero rior all Liplcer —an
.50, or for those not receiving the Fern Gazette

(Front cover, The Society’s new logo designed by the President, Mrs Gwladys Tonge).

numbers of the Gazette, Pteridologist and Bulletin are available for purchase from the
Treasurer (address above), from whom further details can be obtained.

WESSON) BOTANICAL

THE APR 1 1987
BULLETIN GARDEN LIBRARY
OF THE

BRITISH PTERIDOLOGICAL SOCIETY

Vol. 3 1986 No. 3
SECRETARIAL NOTES

MEETINGS CARDS — Meetings cards for 1987 are enclosed with this Bulletin to all
inland members. Overseas members visiting Britain can obtain them on application to
the Meetings Secretary.

COMMITTEE VACANCIES — In accordance with paragraph 3, section 3 of the Society's
Constitution, two vacancies will occur due to the retirement of the longest serving
Committee members. Nominations are invited from members of the Society to fill these
vacancies at the Annual General Meeting in 1987. The names of the nominees,
proposers and seconders, together with a letter from the nominee indicating their
willingness to serve, should reach the General Secretary by 1 March 1987.

SUBSCRIPTIONS 1987 — b inded that subscripti 1987 aredue onthe
1st January 1987 and should be paid to the Assistant Secretary (Membershio} British
Pteridological Society, c/o Dept of Botany, British Museum (Natural History), Cromwell
Road, London, SW7 5BD. Cheques should be made payable to ‘The British Pteridological
Society’. Current rates are given inside the front cover. Standing Order forms are
available from the above address.

PUBLICATIONS BY AIRMAIL — Our journals can be sent by airmail to overseas
members, provided they advise the Assistant Secretary and pay an additional
subscription to cover airmail postage. See inside front cover for rates.

AFFILIATIONS TO THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY — Our Society is affiliated to
the RHS, enabling a limited number of members to enjoy certain privileges in
connection with RHS Shows, competitions and services. A small number of tickets are
available for the Chelsea Show and the Great Autumn Show. These tickets will be
allocated to members on a first-come-first-served basis. There are also two transferable
tickets available for all other RHS Shows. Applications for tickets or further details,
enclosing a stamped, addressed envelope, should be made to the BPS General
Secretary.

READING CIRCLE — The American Fern Journal, a quarterly containing much
information for those seriously interested in ferns, is circulated to Reading Circle
members. To join, apply to the General Secretary.

THE GREENFIELD FUND — This fund, set up as a memorial to one of our Society's great
fern growers — Percy Greenfield, is used to finance approved research projects, helping
with the cost of necessary equipment, books and travel expenses. Awards for meritorius
achievements such as the introduction of a new fern variety or plant, or some of the
Society publicity projects would be considered as worthy of help from the fund. Percy

73

Greenfield's interest leaned very much towards the non-scientific side of our activities
and it is felt that he would want this taken into consideration when decisions are made.
Workers eligible for university or college grants and similar support will not therefore be
eligible for help from the fund. Members with projects wishing to benefit from this
memorial fund should apply to the trustees via the General Secretary.

BINDERS for the BPS BULLETIN — Binders for volumes of the BPS BULLETIN are
available from the General Secretary. Attractively produced with red hardboard covers
and gold blocked lettering on the spine: only £3.50 each, postage & packing included.
This applies to inland members only. Prices for overseas members on application. Cash
with order, please make cheques payable to A R Busby.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 1986

MINUTES of the 83rd ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING held at the Chelsea Physic Garden,
Royal Hospital Road, Chelsea, London on Saturday, 8 March 1986 at 14.15 hours.

IN THE CHAIR: The President, Mrs Gwladys Tonge.

PRESENT: P J Acock, J Barker, P Barnes, J Bond, J Bouckley, A R Busby, J M Camus,
A Croxford, J W Dyce, M Fyfe, M Gibby, B Goldsmith, M Haines, N Hards, R Hibbs,

A Hoare, G Hoare, Prof. R E Holttum, D Holly, R P H Lamb, A C Leslie, B & J Mitchell,
M Nimmo-Smith, B S Parris, A M Paul, W Pierozynski, B O’Shea, M H Rickard, P Ripley,
C J Rogers, R & B Smith, B A Thomas, J Westfold, S Williams, A Willmot, A J Worland.

ITEM 1 — APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE — F Bayford, P J Edwards, J Ide, A Ogden, R J
Rusb, G Thomas, J R Woodhams.

ITEM 2 — MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING held on 16 February 1985
were read and approved.

ITEM 3 — MATTERS ARISING from those minutes — None.

ITEM 4 — HONORARY GENERAL SECRETARY'S REPORT — The Society has enjoyed
another busy year with meetings well attended. National meetings always seem to
generate the same old faces. Perhaps other members are reluctant to come along either
because they are strangers to us or because they fear that meetings are only organised
for experts. Let me assure them that nothing could be further from the truth. We look
forward to seeing more members at national and regional meetings where they will
receive a warm welcome.

Of course, the highlight of last year’s meetings programme was Jimmy Dyce’s 80th
birthday celebrations at Kew in May; a meeting that will long be remembered by those
of us who were lucky enough to be there.

During the past year the Society was pleased to take part in the formation of the
‘Conservation Association of Botanical Societies’ (C.A.B.S.) which is an association
involving the Botanical Society of the British Isles, the Botanical Society of Edinburgh,
the British Bryological Society, the British Lichen Society, the British Phycological
Society and the Fauna and Flora Preservation Society. A C Jermy has kindly agreed to
act as our representative and further details about this association are available from
the General Secretary.

The Spore Exchange continues to operate with great success due largely to the diligent
work of the organiser, R F Cartwright. However, he cannot operate without your
co-operation and he is always pleased to receive spores of named British species and
varieties. The Society's new Plant Exchange Scheme also requires your support and the
organiser, Richard Lamb, would be pleased to hear from you.

| am not in a position to give firm membership figures but we appear to have enrolled
55 new members in 1985. | have no figures for losses but the ful! membership list
published in Volume 3, part 2 of the Bulletin numbers some 625 members and
subscribers.

Mr Busby’s report was approved and adopted by the meeting and the President thanked
Mr Busby.

ITEM 5 — HONORARY TREASURER’S REPORT — The Treasurer distributed copies of
his balance sheet and after explaining the Society’s income and expenditure for the past
year, he outlined his case for an increase in subscriptions to take effect from the 1st of
January 1987. He reminded the meeting that the Society was now quickly approaching
the point where we will be in the red, as he had predicted at the time of the last
subscription increase in January 1981.

Dr Thomas's report was approved and adopted by the meeting and the President
thanked Dr Thomas.

ITEM 6 — TREASURER’S PROPOSALS FOR 1987 SUBSCRIPTION INCREASE — The
Treasurer's proposed subscription increases to take effect from 1st January 1987 are:
Full membership to increase by £3 from £7 to £10, Optional membership to increase by
£2.50 from £5 to £7.50, Subscribers by £4 from £8 to £12 and Family membership
remaining £2 extra on all categories. Dr Thomas proposed that Student membership
should remain £5.

After a brief discussion the motion to increase the subscription by the above amounts
was put to the meeting. The motion was passed unanimously.

ITEM 7, REPORTS OF THE EDITORS —

‘The Bulletin’: A R Busby — In response to some criticism the Secretary commented
that he hoped to do better next year with the help of Miss Alison Paul as assistant
editor.

‘The Pteridologist’: M H Rickard — Mr Rickard was pleased to report that in spite of
copy being slow for much of the year he had now received an abundance of material
and looked forward to publishing this year’s journal on time.

‘The Fern Gazette’: The Editors of the ‘Fern Gazette’ are now Dr Mary Gibby,

Dr Barbara S Parris and Mr James Crabbe. Copy for Volume 13, part 2 has been
received from Tasmania, West Germany, the United States of America and the United
Kingdom. They anticipate no problems in bringing out this number on schedule.

The President thanked the Editors for their reports.

ITEM 8 — ELECTION OF OFFICERS AND COMMITTEE — The President was pleased to
note that the Honorary General Secretary, A R Busby and the Honorary Treasurer,

Dr B A Thomas had agreed to serve for another year. Meetings Secretary: the General
Secretary reported that he had received a letter from Miss K Kavanagh expressing her
wish not to stand for another year. The President expressed the appreciation and thanks

75

of the Committee and members to Miss Kavanagh for all her hard work. It was proposed
by A R Busby and seconded by M H Rickard that Mrs Marion Fyfe should stand for
election as Meetings Secretary. Mrs Fyfe kindly accepted the nomination and was duly
elected.

Committee — The Secretary reported that P J Edwards and J R Woodhams were due for
retirement as the longest serving members of the Committee. He also explained that
Mrs M Fyfe would retire prematurely now that she is elected as an Officer of the
Society. This makes three vacancies on the Committee this year. Two nominations had
been received for the vacancies: Miss Alison Paul of London proposed by A R Busby,
seconded by Josephine Camus, and Miss Jennifer Ide of Eltham, proposed by A R Busby,
seconded by J W Dyce. Miss Paul and Miss Ide were duly elected. As there were no
further nominations for the third vacancy, J R Woodhams had kindly agreed to serve on
the Committee for a further year.

ITEM 9 — ELECTION OF AUDITORS — Mr Jack Bouckley of Harrogate and Mr Richard
Lamb of Daventry had notified their willingness to serve for a further year and were
duly elected with the thanks of the President.

ITEM 10 — ANY OTHER BUSINESS — 1991 Celebrations: The President reminded the
meeting that the Society’s Centenary is only six years away and that we must start to
consider ideas for the celebrations.

The Meeting closed at 2.45 pm A R Busby
Hon.Gen.Sec.

THE AMERICAN FERN SOCIETY INC

wishes to extend an invitation to readers of this Bulletin to join the American Fern
Society. Regular members receive the “‘Fiddlehead Forum” six times a year. This
newsletter is published for the benefit of those who are interested in growing ferns,
hunting for them, and expanding their general knowledge of ferns. Journal members
receive, in addition to ‘Fiddlehead Forum”, the scientific quarterly ‘‘American Fern
Journal”. Membership costs $5.00 and $8.00 per annum, respectively. For particulars
please write to Dr David S Barrington, Dept of Botany, University of Vermont, Burlington
VT 05401, USA. Prospective members residing in Great Britain should write to

Dr B A Thomas, Dept of Botany, National Museum of Wales, Cathays Park, Cardiff
CF1 3NP. British members should note that the American Fern Society has to add a
postage surcharge for overseas members. Membership will cost $7.00 and $1 2.00
respectively.

FINANCIAL STATEMENT AS AT 31 DECEMBER 1985

EXTRACTS FROM 1984
ORDINARY ACCOUNT

INCOME
£3771.47 SUBSCRIPTIONS
102.00 DONATIONS
INTEREST ON ACCOUNTS
SALES — Booksale profits £ 99.00
Offprints 110.69
EXPENDITURE
£ 729.00 METLOC — BULLETIN
1378.00 METLOC — GAZETTE
1071.00 METLOC — PTERIDOLOGIST
113.88 PRINTING AND STATIONARY
1022.81 ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS AND POSTAGE
31.00 SUBSCRIPTIONS TO SOCIETIES
83.10 MEETING COSTS
81.40 SOUTHPORT FLOWER SHOW
PRINTING OF INDEX
T-SHIRTS

BANK CHARGES

£ 357.06D.R. BALANCE FOR THE YEAR
BALANCE CARRIED FORWARD FROM 1984

BALANCE CARRIED FORWARD TO 1986
PUBLICATIONS ACCOUNT
BALANCE CARRIED FORWARD FROM 1984 ©

SALES — Gazettes £ 53.72
Hardy Ferns 657.50
Guide to H. Ferns 522.00
PRINTING

CARRIED FORWARD TO 1986

GREENFIELD FUND
BALANCE CARRIED FORWARD FROM 1984
INTEREST

BALANCE CARRIED FORWARD TO 1986

£3962.17
124.01
326.01

209.69
£4621.88

347.65
14.94
£6033.62
£1411.74 D.R.
3982.01
£2570.27

£ 479.00

1233.22

1712.22
298.00

£1414.22
£1761.26
120.00

£1881.26

LECTURE MEETINGS AND VISITS
THE SPRING INDOOR MEETING. After the business of the AGM had concluded,
members settled back for the spring indoor meeting. This year, we were fortunate
enough to be visited by Mr John Bond, VMH, Keeper of Savill Gardens, Windsor, a
garden that our Society has visited many times. His talk, supported by a splendid
selection of colour slides, explained the founding of the garden by Eric Savill in 1932,
and described how it had developed over the years to become one of Britain's foremost
gardens.

Mr Bond emphasised his own thoughts on ways in which a garden can be developed
and outlined the many problems he and his staff encountered over the years, and how
they managed to either solve or bypass them. His talk encompassed the entire spectrum
of the gardens including the wealth of established trees and the need for forward
planning on replanting. Then he showed how the shrub layer had been developed,
illustrating many of his own favourite species, and also how the extensive herbaceous
borders had grown from a single glade planting in the pre-war years.

From his talk members were able to glean a wealth of information and useful tips on
general gardening, for example, the importance of mulching to conserve moisture, how
to arrange the planting of trees and shrubs to exploit the potential of autumn colour (he
mentioned the value of Royal fern, Osmunda regalis, for this) and the use of EN-MAG
fertiliser to keep gardens looking green and healthy.

Mr Bond had begun by expressing a worry that his talk and slides might have little fern
content; his concern was unnecessary, for his slides included such choice ferns as
Dryopteris erythrosora, D. wallichiana, Polystichum munitum, Blechnum chilense and
several other hardy ferns and varieties, both British and foreign. After a short but brisk
period of questions and answers the President, in expressing the thanks of the meeting
to Mr Bond, said his talk had been an inspiration to all the gardeners present and she
endorsed everything Mr Bond had told us about the range of beauty and interest at
Savill Gardens throughout the year.

A R Busby
The Autumn Indoor Meeting was held on Saturday, 18 October, when twenty-one
members and guests assembled at the Derbyshire College of Higher Education, Kedleston
Road, Derby, to hear Dr Alan Willmot give a talk entitled ‘Ferns of Derbyshire, Past and
Present’. Dr Willmot began with a review of old records of ferns and fern allies in the
county and listed ten species now presumed extinct. Of these ten, he considers
Hymenophyllum wilsonii and Asplenium billotii to be possible errors. The remaining
eight presumed absent from the county are: Thelypteris palustris, Osmunda regalis,
Dryopteris oreades, D. cristata, Polystichum lonchitis, Cryptogramma crispa, Lycopodiella
inundata and Selaginella selaginoides.

Having considered the county’s past fern flora, he went on to illustrate the present-day
fern flora of Derbyshire with colour slides, describing their distribution, frequency and
habitats. Not surprisingly, Derbyshire has its fair share of buckler ferns, shield ferns,
lady ferns, polypodies and spleenworts not to mention moonworts and adders-tongue
ferns. Representing the fern allies in Derbyshire are five horsetails namely Equisetum
arvense, E. telmateia, E. sylvaticum, E. palustre and E. fluviatile; the clubmosses
Diphasiastrum alpinum, Lycopodium clavatum and Huperzia selago are also present.

However, Derbyshire’s boast must be the remarkable occurrence of the sea spleenwort,
Asplenium marinum on a hospital wall in Derby and Dr Willmot displayed a colour-slide
of his ‘find’.

Dr Willmot ended his talk with a plea to members visiting the county in the coming
years to pass on any information they may acquire on ferns in Derbyshire.

After refreshments, Martin Rickard displayed his colour-slides of the Usk meeting in
September which revived many good memories for those of us who were at that
gathering.

Thanks are due to Dr Alan Willmot for presenting such an interesting talk and for kindly
providing the refreshments during the afternoon and to Miss Jane Barker for assisting
him.

A R Busby

KEW GARDENS — 17 MAY. The meeting at Kew, now almost an annual event, has
become one of the most popular meetings with our members. This year, 42 members and
guests assembled in the Fern potting shed. The meeting began with a tour of the fern
houses led by John Woodhams, who pointed out to us many of Kew’s exotic ferns in his
usual knowledgeable way, often relating how particular ferns came to be in the
collection. Sadly, this visit may prove to be the last to the old houses as they are due for
demolition now that the new conservatory has been built.

After our tour of the greenhouses we reassembled in the potting shed to hear a short
talk by Mr Nick Stewart, the recently appointed Conservation Officer for the
Conservation Association of Botanical Societies (C.A.B.S.). Mr Stewart's talk mainly
centred on the aims of C.A.B.S. and how all the participating societies may benefit from
the association. After Mr Stewart's talk John led the meeting to the new conservatory
which has recently been built at a cost of 4.5 million pounds. This was a privileged
preview as the house was still being landscaped. We toured the conservatory, dodging
the contractors’ equipment, and although it did look very bare despite several hundred
plants already being in place, we did get a taste of how it will look when it is opened to
the public later in the year.

John also conducted the meeting around the ‘workings’ of the new conservatory where
every opportunity has been taken to employ modern technology. This was most
noticeable in the use of computers for monitoring such variables as light, temperature
and humidity. Thanks are due to Mr Nick Stewart for taking time to speak to us about
the work of C.A.B.S. and to John and Joan Woodhams for another enjoyable meeting at
Kew and for providing us with very welcome light refreshments.

A R Busby

RHS GARDEN, WISLEY, 21 JUNE. Twenty-five members and friends assembled in
the car park at Wisley in rather chill, cloudy weather. Fortunately, we were soon
cheered by the very warm, friendly welcome we received from our leader for the day,
Mrs Pat Roberts. After explaining the layout of the garden and where we would be able
to discover Wisley’s ferny treasures, Pat led us to a ferny glade where the group was
able to wander around carefully examining the various cultivars of Dryopteris, Athyrium
and Polystichum. A discussion developed concerning the occurence of sporangia on
Polystichum setiferum ‘Pulcherrimum Bevis’, which led to a careful examination of
several plants of ‘Bevis’ close by. After a few minutes of much frond bending and
twisting, diligent searching by Margaret Harris led her to discover what appeared to be
five indusia clustered close together on a pinna of a ‘Bevis’ close to the path. Margaret,
who lives locally, decided to keep an eye on their development wih the intention of
collecting any spores that may develop, the treasured pinna was carefully marked with a
piece of cotton. | hope to report further on developments.

79

The group now became fragmented as members wandered off to make their own
discoveries. After an excellent lunch in the Wisley Tea-rooms, it was arranged that
members would meet up at Pat and Eric Roberts’s garden for tea and a tour of their
garden.

Pat’s passion for ferns was very evident, for as we wandered around their wooded
garden, varieties of buckler, lady, shield and harts-tongue ferns were to be found
nestling among Pat’s other garden treasures. Eric’s keen interest in Rhododendrons and
other shrubs evident over large parts of the garden ensures provision of more shade for
other ferns. While we were enjoying light refreshments, Pat proudly displayed a tray of
the North American ‘Walking Fern’, Camptosorus rhizophyllus. This aroused much
interest because it is a fern we rarely have the opportunity to see.

On behalf of everyone who attended the meeting, | thank Pat and Eric for kindly
providing us with a most enjoyable day.
A R Busby

RAY AND RITA COUGHLIN’S GARDEN — Sunday 20 July. Twenty-five members
and friends accepted Ray and Rita's kind invitation to visit their remarkable garden near
Bromsgrove, Worcestershire.

A gentle slope from the rear of the house provides an excellent opportunity for a small
stream feeding two small pools and with the backcloth of trees and shrubs the whole
effect is one of peace and solitude.

Every opportunity is taken to display Ray and Rita's keen interest in alpines, trees and
shrubs, but it is their fern collection that attracts our members. Choosing the right
adjectives is difficult but a passing comment by one of our newer members at the end
of the day summed it up for all of us — ‘quite wonderful’. It might be matched if a great
deal of time and money was spent to acquire the various treasures to be found there
but their garden is a testimony to Ray and Rita’s skills as propagators. Their garden has
featured in meetings reports before and lack of space prevents me from producing a
very long list of their hardy fern varieties. | urge any member with a keen interest in the
propagation and cultivation of hardy ferns to arrange to go and see their garden. No
motorway journey is too long nor public transport service too expensive. A visit to
Alvechurch Highway is an object lesson on fern growing.

On behalf of all those present at the meeting, may | thank Ray and Rita for their kind
hospitality.
A R Busby

REGIONAL MEETINGS 1986

WEST MIDLANDS A R Busby
‘Welcome to Spring’ Flower Show — 19-20 April. Once again, by kind
permission of the Solihull Horticultural Society, local members were allowed to
display Society literature and plants to advertise our Society's activities. | take this
opportunity to thank Ray Smith for spending time with me to man the stand and
answering many questions on ferns and fern growing. | would also like to thank
those members who called in to see us.

Bernard and Jean Mitchell’s Garden, 31 Derwent Crescent, Kettering —
Sunday 17 August. 18 members and guests enjoyed an afternoon wandering
around Bernard and Jean Mitchell's fascinating garden. Bernard and Jean are
truly ‘plant-persons’, keen propagators of hardy plants and shrubs from many
parts of the world. Consequently, their garden is full of really choice herbaceous
plants and shrubs. Members were particularly impressed by the lengths to which
they are prepared to go in order to provide shade and moisture for the propagation
of hardy ferns. Their methods provide a real object lesson on raising ferns from
spores.

Thanks are due to Bernard and Jean for allowing us to visit their garden and for
providing us with refreshments. Visits to their garden are by appointment only and
they have raised hundreds of pounds for charity. Arrangements to see their
garden can be made by telephoning them on (0536) 520070.

Matt and Margaret Busby’s Illustrated Wine and Cheese Party. On Friday evening,
10 October, 21 members and friends gathered at the University of Warwick for
our usual autumn get-together.

Ray Smith began the evening by showing transparencies taken at gardens and
fern society meetings, notably the Usk meeting. John Collins displayed slides of
ferns and plants seen this year. Others contributing slides were Alan Ogden and
Richard Lamb. Richard Lamb's final slide was a remarkable study of a majestic
stag silhouetted against bright water! Geoffrey Hickman brought along two finely
grown ferns, Lygodium palmatum and Davallia pyxidata.

The highlight of the evening was seeing a pressed frond of Asp/enium
scolopendrium ‘Reniforme’ found recently by Ray Smith in a garden at Little
Quarme, Somerset. Everyone was pleased to hear that Ray had acquired the plant
to add to his own collection. This variety is described and illustrated in E J Lowe's
‘Our Native Ferns’ Vol. 2, page 237. Apparently it was originally found in Devon in
1850. Interestingly, Ray Smith's find is truly ‘reniform’ and is a better form that
that illustrated by Lowe. We all look forward to the results of your propagation
Ray!

Thanks are due to everyone who took the trouble to bring along slides or plants
to make the evening interesting.

SOUTH EAST Pat Acock and Paui Ripley

Bromley and hayes (Kent) Spleenwort Trail, Friday June 26th — By way of a change,
the first field meeting of the year was set for a long summer evening to look at
Aspleniums on two rather special church walls. Eight of us met at Holy Trinity Church,
Bromley Common. On a flint-knapped wall with ageing mortar, three spleenworts:
Asplenium ruta-muraria, A. trichomanes, and A. adiantum-nigrum were observed,
growing to well-developed plants, although some of the A. ruta-muraria was suffering
from lack of water. Po/ypodium vulgare was also plentiful and Asp/enium scolopendrium
was found on the limestone of the church building. Dryopteris filix-mas, D. dilatata and
Pteridium quilinum were present in the churchyard.

Moving on to Hayes Church, only about 2 miles away, in complete contrast, a limestone
wall supports probably the largest colony of Asp/enium ceterach in the South-East. Even
A. trichomanes and A. scolopendrium were outnumbered by the A. ceterach. A search
of the churchyard did not re-establish the record of mistletoe growing on yew found
some time ago, but small colonies of Polypodium vulgare, Dryopteris filix-mas and A.
ruta-muraria were seen on a side block wall.

The meeting finished with much appreciated coffee and beautiful cakes thanks to Grace
Acock.

Joint Meeting with the Kent Field Club — Saturday, September 7th 1986 —
Hempstead Wood, Benenden, Kent — This meeting, suggested by Joyce Pitt, of the
Kent Field Club was enjoyed by seven BPS members and eight members of the Club.

Hempstead Forest lies between Benenden and Sissinghurst on somewhat acid
sandstone and clay, a substrate more typical of Sussex than Kent. It covers a huge area
but is under the control of the Forestry Commission and almost completely covered by
conifer plantations. Much of the ground was rather dry and populated by Pteridium
aquilinum, with Blechnum spicant on banks. In the wetter areas Dryopteris dilatata and
D. carthusiana were common and we were pleased to find some handsome plants of
the hybrid D. x deweveri, clearly distinguishable from adjacent D. dilatata. Athyrium
filix-femina was also abundant in poorly drained areas. On the edge of rides and
alongside road verges Po/lypodium (probably P. interjectum) was seen, and Dryopteris
filix-mas, D. affinis subsp. robusta and subsp. borreri and var. robusta were present,
though nowhere very common.

In the afternoon the south-western edge of the forest proved to be disappointingly well-
drained, but Oreopteris limbosperma was found in scattered locations. The Forestry
Commission have asked the KFC for advice on management of the wood; from the
pteridological point of view, preservation of wet areas and a slightly less intensive
coniferous monoculture would be helpful.

Non-pteridological interest was provided by observations on the traffic behaviour of ants
on their own multi-lane ‘autostrada’, and an excellent cream tea in Sissinghurst.

We were extremely pleased to be able to impart some of our hard-earned, if patchy,
knowledge of ferns to botanists who taught us much, not least about the many species
of fungi growing in the forest. We hope that a joint meeting can be repeated in the
future.

82

VISIT TO PHILPOTS WOOD AND ‘NYMANS’ — 26th July

On the 26th July sixteen members and guests met in West Sussex to visit Philpots
Wood at West Hoathly and ‘Nymans’ at Handcross. The omens were good —
Polystichum setiferum ‘Divisilobum’ was seen in a small fern garden in the village of
West Hoathly, and many fine specimens of Asp/enium ruta-muraria were growing on
the walls of the churchyard.

Philpots Wood was entered after a walk through Philpots Farm and school. It is in a
heavily-wooded, steep-sided, west-leading valley which is dry until fed by a stream
halfway down. Along the north side of the valley, Tunbridge Wells sandstone outcrops
for at least 100 yards, forming irregular cliffs up to 20 feet in height. Nine separate
flourishing colonies of Hymenophyllum tunbrigense were found on the rocks, in spite of
recent dry weather; many fronds were bearing sporangia.

Further down the valley, a spring fed the stream and Dryopteris aemula was found on
steep banks above the spring. Along the stream were found some luxurious Asplenium
scolpendrium and several large, but rather unhappy, plants of Po/ystichum setiferum.
Blechnum spicant, Pteridium aquilinum, Athyrium filix-femina, Dryopteris dilatata,

D. filix-mas, D. affinis subsp. borreri (unconfirmed) and subsp. affinis were abundant in
the wood. Equisetum telmateia, E. arvense and Polypodium sp. were found in the lane
near West Hoathly.

In the afternoon, Nymans garden (National Trust) at Handcross was visited. On a
previous visit the Head Gardener had been very helpful in showing us the features of
this garden, which is based on slightly acid sandy loam, where sandstone is never far
below the surface, and which is visited by 70,000 people a year. Rainfall averages 30
inches a year, frosts are less common than lower in the Weald (highest point of the
garden is 490 feet) and autumns are dry but quite cool. Rhododendrons, conifers and
magnolias are a feature of this garden which was founded by Harold Coomber who
collected widely in South America.

In the garden, Polystichum munitum, Polystichum setiferum ‘Divisilobum’ and
‘Divisilobum plumosum densum’, Polypodium sp. and Asplenium scolopendrium had
been planted and Polystichum setiferum and Athyrium filix-femina were abundant
throughout. A feature had been made of Po/ypodium and Polystichum setiferum
‘Divisilobum’ planted in masses around statuary and in borders.

Across the road is some partially-cleared woodland with a number of fine trees planted.
Dryopteris spp. enjoyed the newly-cleared environment. D. filix-mas, D. dilatata,

D. affinis subsp. borreri and possibly var. robusta, Athyrium filix-femina, Blechnum
spicant and Pteridium aquilinum were common, and Oreopteris limbosperma was found
lower in the damper areas.

LEEDS & DISTRICT GROUP J. Bouckley

The Leeds and District Fern Group have had another very successful year which started
last March when a very interesting and instructional talk was given by James
Merryweather of York University. This was held in the Lecture room at Harlow Car
Gardens, Harrogate. James really went to town with his slides, film and other visual
aids which he had brought along and it is quite certain that those members who came
along, went back home much more knowledgeable than when they came after hearing
this very well prepared talk.

On 7, 8, 9 and 11 June we were hosts to those who attended the National Pi/ularia
search, a report of which is in this journal. We moved away from our usual field studies
on 28 June when we had a conducted tour round the fern department of Hull Botanic
Gardens. Unfortunately Ann Braithwaite, the Curator, was unable to be there but

Mr Greatorex of that department proved himself to be a very good guide. After lunch we
travelled a few miles further north to the Fern Nursery of Mrs Marston of Nafferton,
near Great Driffield, where we were able to see and purchase a very wide selection of
well-grown plants.

It was on 12 July that we started our field studies. Dr Sledge of Leeds University was
our leader at Birk Gill which is rather a secluded valley within the estate of the Earl of
Swinton who had very kindly given us permission to do this survey. When we set off
things did not look at all promising weather-wise; grey sky, mist and drizzle would make
the undergrowth of this wooded glen very damp and uncomfortable.

In the past the area has often been trespassed on by day trippers with the consequent
damage which may be caused when unauthorised persons get off the beaten track. This
gives landowners a legitimate excuse to erect barbed wire fences which then have to be
crossed by one means or another. Once over these obstacles the going was not too

bad at all and the weather had improved. As we worked upstream there were wooded
slopes, wet areas and bog to our right and to the left was pasture land, then steep
slopes eventually turning into a basic shale cliff with mica content. The latter was
dripping with water even after three weeks without rain, and it was this cliff which
caused a lot of excitement with many plants of Asp/enium viride growing at all heights.
How strange to see this plant in such profusion in such a place. Oreopteris limbosperma
was very numerous in the surrounding area and looked really spectacular. We stopped
for lunch in one of the places where there was enough dry rock outcrop to provide
seating (right next to a gigantic wasps nest hanging from a tree branch stretched over
the stream). After this we continued on through this fern hunter's paradise, but
unfortunately time was not on our side and we had to retrace our steps before we had
finished exploring this Gill.

One very interesting thing happened as we were going to the meeting place in the
morning. Dr Sledge asked me to stop the car near a dry-stone wall in a little village
called Healey to check on a site where he had seen Ceterach officinarum growing over
twenty years ago. It is still there after all these years, despite droughts, severe winters,
salted roads and everything else that nature could throw in its direction, right at the
side of the road. However, we noted with regret that the greatest enemy of ferns Homo
sapiens, had sprayed some weed killer over a bed of nettles only inches from the rusty-
backs. One or two of the ferns had curled up but some were still green, so it is hoped
they will continue to flourish. Apart from the three ferns already mentioned we also
saw Asplenium trichomanes, A. scolopendrium, Athyrium filix-femina, Blechnum
spicant, Cystopteris fragilis, Dryopteris affinis, D. dilatata, D. filix-mas, Equisetum

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arvense, E. palustre, Gymnocarpium dryopteris, Oreopteris limbosperma, Phegopteris
connectilis, Polypodium sp., Polystichum aculeatum and Pteridium aquilinum along the
gill, and we also saw Asplenium adiantum-nigrum and A. ruta-muraria on the local
church wall.

All ten members of the party agreed that the day had been a very successful one, as we
had found no less than twenty species in the small part of the gill we had covered. We
are hoping to get permission to go there again in 1987. We all thank Dr Sledge for his
enthusiasm and we realise how fortunate we are to have such an active and
knowledgeable member in our group who is so willing to share his past experiences
with us.

Our next trip on 2 August took us to the historic town of Skipton. Starting from the
market square we went along the footpath which runs between a branch of the Leeds-
Liverpool canal and a stream, past Skipton Castle wall towards Skipton Woods, an area
which Mrs Eleanor Fisher, our leader for the day, knows very well. The path runs
through her garden which borders the woods. Once into the woods it became quite
apparent that the whole lay-out was, in the past, quite an important part of the
economy of the Castle. Water courses, weirs, dams and reservoirs, all point to the days
before electricity, when harnessed water power was used to drive machinery. But all
this water also provides the damp atmosphere in which ferns and other plants can grow
luxuriantly. Dryopteris filix-mas was quite plentiful with huge drifts of it to our left as
we moved upstream, then we found a few plants of Equisetum te/mateia followed by a
large area literally covered with Paris quadrifolia (herb paris) which was just finishing
flowering. The next fern seen was Athyrium filix-femina. We then went on to an old
quarry where there were many slightly crisped plants of Asp/enium scolopendrium and
some A. trichomanes growing in crevices together with Po/ypodium sp. Both
Polystichum aculeatum and P. setiferum were seen, as was the broad buckler fern —
Dryopteris dilatata.

We returned by another path but did not see any new species though some of us
stopped on a slope when Ophioglossum vulgatum used to grow. Children now use this
slope for sliding down and the adder’s tongue fern could not be found. We went back to
Eleanor’s garden which is on a step with a stream running through the bottom, a mill
race running under the house and an old water course at the top end of the garden on
the top of a high retaining wall covered with scollies, spleenworts and various flowering
plants. It would take too long to name the numerous plants in this very well-stocked
garden, but one of the most outstanding is a particularly fine specimen of a very crisped
Asplenium ‘Crispum’. At the end of the day we had a plant sale which Eleanor had
organised in aid of group funds, before finishing with some very substantial
refreshments. Many thanks to Eleanor for a most enjoyable day.

On the 13 September we set off to explore one of the well-known limestone areas,
Moughton Fell, the home of Po/lystichum /onchitis, the holly fern. We met outside the
house of Mr Jim Lord of Austwick, our leader for the day. Eleven of us started off in our
cars to cover the first few uphill miles, and then proceded on foot towards the source of
Austwick Beck where we saw Asp/enium trichomanes, A. ruta-muraria, Cystopteris
fragilis and Blechnum spicant. Pteridium aquilinum was quite plentiful as we carried on
towards the exposed the limestone with the grykes.

Mrs Lord supplied us all with very welcome refreshments before joining us on our last
short trip — to Feizor’s Pot Scar where we were to look for a ramose form of Asp/enium
viride. Again it was a case of looking down the grykes, but our efforts soon paid off with
the sight of twice branched and triple branched fronds of this small fern growing with
Dryopteris submontana, Asplenium viride, A. trichomanes, A. ruta-muraria and some
massive A. scolopendrium. One small weather worn hole in the limestone which was
about eighteen inches deep and about seven inches diameter contained all of these last
five.

The last trip of the year was to Ravens Gill, near Harrogate, where we were to try to
find Hymenophylium wilsonii which had been seen there some years ago Dr Sledge. He
was unable to come with us on this trip but he gave us good instructions regarding its
former whereabouts, so on 27 September eight of us met on this private estate, where
the owner had given permission for a small number of us to search for ferns. However,
in spite of all our searching we could not find this filmy fern, though as we all looked
for it in every likely spot, between us we saw dozens of different mosses and grasses
together with Athyrium filix-femina both green and red stemmed (some fronds were
more than 5’6” in length), Blechnum spicant, Dryopteris affinis subsp. affinis, D. affinis
subsp. borreri, D. carthusiana, D. dilatata, Gymnocarpium dryopteris, Oreopteris
limbosperma, Phegopteris connectilis, Asplenium scolopendrium, Polypodium vulgare
and Pteridium aquilinum. Many more species will probably be found when the steep,
wooded sides of the gill are searched. We were lucky enough to see Polystichum
setiferum growing under a hedge along a nearby lane and hundreds of Asp/enium ruta-
muraria in a wall on the same lane.

We are now looking forward to 1987 and many more of these field studies, but |
personally look back over 1986 and thank all those who have come along to these
meetings and by doing so have helped to make the past year such a success.

Once at the top we soon found ourselves among ferns, with Asp/enium scolopendrium,
A. viride, Dryopteris submontana, Asplenium trichomanes and Gymnocarpium
robertianum growing down both deep and shallow grykes, then, all of a sudden, Bob
Adams, one of our younger members shouted “LONCHIT/S”. This is the plant we had
come to see, especially as so many had not previously seen it growing in its natural
habitat. There it was, quite a large plant in very good condition, but almost invisible
from four or five feet away as it was in a gryke a couple of feet deep. It was
photographed and we carried on with our search, finding Dryopteris filix-mas and
Athyrium filix-femina before we came across more holly ferns. We saw a total of about
eight plants before we stopped for lunch.

The afternoon session began in style. Jim, who had not worried about stopping for
lunch, had carried on with his son looking for more holly ferns and he led us to a small
area almost covered with Juniper communis bushes and hidden away among these and
the limestone blocks were no fewer than twenty-five Po/ystichum /onchitis plants. How
nice it is to know that this plant has multiplied after being ravaged during the Victorian
Fern Craze. The important point in its favour is that it is possible to pass by it only a few
feet away without seeing it. The other ferns seen on the limestone were Cystopteris
fragilis and a couple of beautiful plants of Po/ystichum aculeatum together with
Polypodium sp. When we arrived back at Jim’s house he showed us around his
marvellous collection of ferns which dates back over half a century, many of which we
had never seen before. Polystichums of all shapes, lady ferns of different varieties and
many scollies were growing there with lots of different forms of polypodies.

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SOUTH WEST REGION Mary Potts

Great Mis Tor, Dartmoor :

Our first meeting took place on the 6th July and was organised and led by Dougal
Swinscow. Ten members and friends met on a fine blustery day at Holme Chase and
then travelled to Princetown to walk to Great Mis Tor. The flora surrounding the Tor
was not particularly interesting and contained some of the usual acid soil indicators,
heath bedstraws, potentilla and a small amount of heather, growing on the damp and
peaty ground.

The stones of the Tor were enormous and sheltered Huperzia selago, Dryopteris dilatata
and a Polypodium sp. to small to identify, Blechnum spicant and Hymenophyllum
wilsoni. The filmy fern was only found in a small, weather-beaten path and though
there seemed to be plenty more suitable sites for it, no more was found on this visit.

After lunch, we travelled to a site near Princetown to look for the only plant of
Cryptogramma crispa in Devon and found it growing on the wall of a disused building.
We investigated various other walls and craters but made no further note-worthy
discoveries. The final attraction of the day was a sumptuous strawberry tea at Noel
Tanowin’s house, much enjoyed by the younger members of the party who had spent
the day searching for discarded army equipment around the Tor, thereby working up a
tremendous appetite. Thank you Noel for your hospitality and excellent cooking.

Garden Day at Vicar’s Mead and Kingsgatchen, Devon.

Our second meeting was organised by Kenneth Adiam and consisted of two visits to
gardens containing ferns. Ten members and friends met at Vicar’s Mead at East
Budleigh and spent the first part of the afternoon looking round this large and
interesting cottage garden. The array of plants was fascinating and many species of fern
were growing luxuriently on the sandstone escarpments.

Behind the house a particularly steep protected and shaded bank displayed varients of
British ferns to perfection. Crested Athyriums, divided Polystichums and Adiantum
capillus-veneris were beautifully mixed with Ivies, Geraniums, grasses and many other
plants.

One of the most attractive features in this garden was a well, the top of which was
covered by a circular sheet of glass. By peering over the edge of the well wall we could
see plants of Dryopteris filix-mas, Asplenium scolopendrium, A. trichomanes and
Adiantum capillu-veneris growing in the sheltered habitat of the interior well wall.

During the later part of the afternoon we looked round Kenneth Adiam’s own garden at
Kingsgatchell and admired the marvellous (and different) array of plants growing there.
Kenneth’s fern collection was in its usual flourishing condition, some of the ground
cover ferns, Gymnocarpium and Blechnum, speedily covering ground, and the harts-
tongues ferns growing there included a particularly fine example of ‘Golden Queen’.
Even though Kenneth claimed to have lost plants during the winter the garden still
looked abundant and undamaged. Rosemary and Dolsheen Adlam gave us a wonderful
tea for which we were most grateful. We were able to return to our own gardens
revived and enthused by all we had seen in these two very interesting and well
maintained gardens.

Derek Fraser-Jenkins Open Day at Newcastle House.
The third meeting of the season took place at Newcastle House, Bridgend, Glamorgan,
the home of Derek Fraser-Jenkins.

Twelve members and friends met on the 10th August on what turned out to be one of
the wettest days of the summer. We were pleased to see Christoper Fraser-Jenkins who
had recently returned from a trip to Madagascar and welcomed his specialised
knowledge on the Dryopteris species.

As we emerged from a truly marvellous lunch, provided by Derek, the skies opened and
it continued to rain for the rest of the afternoon. Undetered by the deluge we all made
an extensive tour of Derek’s garden, which is a plantsmans paradise containing many
rare and exotic trees and plants. We looked at some of the most tender plants growing
undercover, amongst them some unusual ferns, brought back by Christopher from
various parts of the world.

Christopher spent some time defining and answering questions about the collection of
Dryopteris borreri growing in the walled garden behind the house and we all finished up
in the enclosed front garden admiring some of the tender plants which had amazingly
survived last winter. (It was here that | made the personal discovery that Dryopteris
erythrosora has bright red spore cases which are remarkably attractive).

Some plants and spores were exchanged and the whole party, though damp, enjoyed a
most entertaining afternoon in this ancient and fascinating garden with its many hidden
surprises and attractions. It has taken some years to persuade Derek to open his garden
to our Society and | should like to thank him for sharing his plants and his knowledge
and for entertaining us all so royally.

As a general summary | should like to thank everyone who arranges and attends these
south-west meetings, | find them very rewarding and always return to my own garden
invigorated and encouraged. We are always pleased to welcome new members and
friends, so please contact me if you are likely to be, or live in, south-west England next
year.

NATIONAL FIELD MEETINGS 1986

NORTH YORKSHIRE — 6-8 June. If you want to attract a large enthusiastic crowd to
a BPS meeting you don’t choose York as your centre and you certainly don’t advertise
Pilularia as the star attraction. Well ... we did, and we didn’t draw a crowd, but the
small gathering that set out this weekend in June was a jolly crew who enjoyed two
days of good natural history in some of the better bits of North Yorkshire.

We first gathered at the John Bull on Friday for introductions, planning, and to sink a
few pints of Timothy Taylor's fine ‘Landlord’ bitter. Nev Hobson who runs the place is
just beginning an interest in ferns with a few specimens already improving the beer
garden, and he expressed a desire to join us, but, true to the form we know of old, he
failed to turn up the next day ... however, two members from Hertfordshire did.

Jack Bouckley and | were the appointed leaders and we took a day each. On the
Saturday we met at Skipwith Common, a local nature reserve just south of York, with
ponds, marshes, and heathland over sand and acid peat. Pi/u/aria has been known there
for many years. Robinson, inhis Flora of The East Riding of Yorkshire (1902) recorded
that it was found: “formerly in ponds now cleared away.Discovered again in abundance
in other ponds, Oct. 1901”. It is not in any of those ponds today, but a new colony has

88

been found in a hole in one of the wartime air-base runways, a hole which has matured
into a pond so well that its origin is now totally obscured by the rich vegetation. This
superb smal! pond has muddy sloping banks upon which up to an acre of Pilu/aria
grows, at present submerged, later to be seen as an extensive sward as the water level
drops during the summer. The party, consisting of five members and six visitors, was
able to dip into the water and recover long, new growths of rhizome with young fronds
and croziers emerging energetically from last year’s plants which still bore empty or full,
but rotton, sporocarps.

The hunters, having now met the weekend's quarry, set off to seek it in new places. As
we left the common we saw the ferns that one might expect, large stands of Bracken
(one area set aside for the bracken/invertebrate interaction researches of Prof. John
Lawton of the University of York) and Dryopteris filix-mas, D. dilatata, D. carthusiana,
Athyrium filix-femina, and two plants of the locally-uncommon Oreopteris limbosperma
where previously there had been only one. As in July 1974 (Bulletin, 1975 vol. 1, no. 3,
p. 91) we visited an area of birch scrub just outside the reserve boundary, next to the
pig farm. Here pine woodland with abundant D. di/atata meets birch marshland with

D. carthusiana. \t seemed impossible to refind the plants seen on our previous visit for
the increased growth had changed the site out of all recognition. However,
perseverance paid off and we rediscovered the swarm of the hybrid D. x deweveri with
the two parents mentioned above, though we could only be certain what was what after
a wide-ranging search had secured for us good parental samples. We hurriedly left this
site for the mosquitoes were devouring our be-shorted visitors, who were too busy
swatting the pests with their specimen fronds to appreciate the finer points of
pteridophyte breeding. A short distraction was caused by the discovery of some stink-
horn eggs (the uninflated fruiting bodies of that vile fungas Pha//us impudicus) which
one of the party offered round as food, considered by some to be good!

Next we visited a pair of old brick pits just to the north of Howden, interesting ponds
indeed, but sadly unsuitable for Pi/u/aria. One of the younger members of the party fell
in and was fortunate to be reclothed by another who happened to be carrying a bag of
clothes due at a jumble sale! So to a pub lunch, forgetting to check the Gymnocarpium
robertianum at Foggathorpe station (Bulletin, 1975, vol. 1, pt. 3, p. 91; Pteridologist,
1984, vol. 1, pt. 1, p. 9) for we had loftier ambitions.

The afternoon was spent at Gormire, a lake at the base of the great cliff of Sutton Bank
on the western edge of the north Yorkshire moors, in the YWT reserve of Garbutts
Wood. Pi/u/aria had been recorded here several times, frequently by reliable
pteridologists, but has not yet been found by us, or Clive Jermy who suggested the
Pilularia hunt. This peaceful lake, bounded on three sides by wooded hillsides, is clear
with a fine white sand bottom where Lobelia dortmanna and Ceratophylium sp. thrive.
The surface waters are interrupted at the margins by rafts of flowering Menyanthes
trifolia (Bogbean) and fine stands of E/eocharis palustris, Carex rostrata, and Equisetum
fluviatile, the horsetail being in full spore production. We first looked at the floating bog
at the southern end of Gormire, made of Sphagnum squarrosum, Potentilla palustris,
Mentha aquatica, etc. bound by creeping grasses. Here we were able to see some of the
Pilularia indicator species: Acrocladium cuspidatum (a moss); Apium inundatum, a fine-
leaved, totally submerged member of the Umbelliferae; and Lysimachia thyrsifolia, the
Yellow Loosestrife.

On his previous visit earlier this year, Clive had been convinced that the floating bog in
the north-eastern corner was perfect for Pi/u/aria, but on that occasion had failed to find
it. Despite a most inspiring session on that fabulous bog the BPS party failed again. In

89

the woods, for the record, we found D. filix-mas, D. dilatata, D. affinis ssp. borreri,

A. filix-temina, O. limbosperma, P. aquilinum, (indeed all of those six in one square
metre at one place), and Blechnum spicant. We were, of course, disappointed with our
failure but left in good spirits for one of our number discovered a small patch of robust
Ophioglossum vulgatum right next to where we had come in! Probably not a new record
but significant in its continued presence.

Sunday was Jack’s day and we met up, stronger by four more hunters, north of Ripon in
order to visit a complex of ponds known locally as ‘‘Dubs”’. Their origin is in doubt but
suggestions of monastic fish-ponds, gypsum quarries, and subsidence gave plenty of
material for speculation. Today their function is (again?) as fish-ponds for the anglers of
Bradford. The water supports a good deal of wildlife from Great Crested Grebes to
Schoenoplectus /acustris (the true Bulrush) and Ranunculus peltatus (and huge
leeches). However, its banks are steep, the water is very rich in nutrients, presumably
leached fertiliser. It was murky and algal, a contrast with Gormire, and no fit place for
the Pillwort. We briefly turned our attention to the sedges finding Carex vesicaria a
pleasant addition to the previous day’s C. rostrata, a close relative.

After lunch at a rotten pub the next site was heart-breaking. Jack had checked out
some brick pits on Hutton Moor some three weeks previously and considered them
worth a visit. The land-owner had drained them and we arrived to find a morass of grey
mud and scattered dead trees. We left immediately and headed for Brimham Rocks to
try and recover our shattered morale.

Brimham Rocks is a trap for local tourists consisting of a collection of gigantic blocks of
millstone grit, fantastically sculpted by 100,000 years of post-glacial Yorkshire weather.
In the hollows thereabouts are sphagnum bogs, moors, and woods where all the
expected species of fern may be found. One of our party had heard a rumour that
Thelypteris palustris was to be found at Brimham and we set off to find it, but it must
have been an error of identification or locality, for the acidic cotton-grass bogs there
would be most unsuitable for the marsh fern. Before taking a consolatory ice-cream we
recorded D. filix-mas, D. affinis ssp. borreri, D. dilatata, A. filix-femina, P. aquilinum and
8B. spicant.

The next site was a splendid nature reserve with tea-room in the heart of urban
Harrowgate: the Bouckley household where Jack and his wife treated us to a tour of the
garden and greenhouses full of ferns and alpines in excellent condition, followed by tea
and cakes. The tea was an excellent and very welcome end to a most enjoyable
weekend characterised by the presence of some new faces from the university of York,
with their tricky questions (they stand little chance of avoiding membership!) and Jack's
infectious hearty good humour which kept us laughing throughout.

J Merryweather

YORKSHIRE — 10 June. Tuesday, 10 June was one of those days. If there had been
enough interest, we would have arranged something. However, as it turned out | had
the day and the sites to myself. Three stretches of water called Hall Garth Ponds were
searched and then another large lake on the Norton Conyers estate, the home of Lady
Graham who had given me permission to enter this strictly private area. No sign at all
of the Pillwort, even though there are old records of it having been seen around the
Hutton Moor area which is to the North East of Ripon. | do not know how old the record
is. An extremely violent hail storm stopped play for the day.

On Wednesday, 11 June eight of us met at Strensill Camp, about seven miles NNE of
York, after being assured by the Army authorities that there would be no firing on the
area while we were there. We had been told that the plant we were looking for was,
many years ago, growing on an old tank practice track on this W.D. owned part of
Strensill Common, which is mainly quite a wet area. During the morning we explored
some tank track and marsh land covered with tussocks of grasses, sedges and rushes
all surrounded with water of varying depths. Many interesting plants were seen
including Eleocharis multicaulis, Eriophorum angustifolium, E. vaginatum and a very
large stand of Drosera rotundifolia (Sundew), but no pteridophytes.

After refreshments at the local pub it was decided that we should move to the southern
part of the common, so together with three more members we set off over similar
terrain, but it did seem to be a bit more promising as we found Dryopteris carthusiana,
Equisetum palustre and £E. arvense. There were quite a number of cranberries
(Vaccinium oxyoccus) and also Salix repens. After searching for about an hour we came
across another tank track, wetter than the one we had worked in the morning, which
we continued along. It was about 4.00 pm when Clive Jermy spotted what we had
spent four days looking for: a large area of Pilu/aria globulifera, some growing actually
in water and some above the water level. It certainly was a marvellous sight and it was
not long before Clive had obtained a specimen of the water etc. and had found a
convenient mount on which to sit while he made out the long report which is needed
for this project. This find certainly made the weekend well worth while.

As a matter of interest the counties of West, South and North Yorkshire cover a total of
2,857,982 acres and the two areas of Pi//wort we found extend over probably a quarter
of an acre. Let us hope that more will be found in the near future.

Jack Bouckley

BETWS-Y-COED, 15 - 16 AUGUST. Two days of fine weather were spent by a
(disappointingly) small group of members in the vicinity of Betws-y-Coed. | had taken
over the leadership of the meeting when the originally planned leader was unable to
attend and as a result, | had to hurriedly put together a programme based on my limited
personal knowledge, people’s suggestions and the map. Fortunately, it turned out well
and we had two good days of interesting sites.

We began on Saturday morning by visiting a small wood near Llanrwst (NGR
23/810614). We parked the cars by the main road and walked up a track towards the
wood. Asplenium ruta-muraria was seen on the cemetery wall, with Dryopteris filix-mas
and Polypodium interjectum. The path entered the wood along a gulley which provided a
sheltered position for many ferns. Polystichum setiferum, Athyrium filix-femina,
Blechnum spicant, Asplenium scolopendrium and D. dilatata were all seen. In addition,
we found D. affinis subsp. affinis and D. a. subsp. borreri growing together in some
quantity and were able to compare them and clearly see the differences between them.

91

Our next stop was at Gwydir Castle, nearby (NGR 23/795610). We walked along the
road where the bank rose steeply into woodland. Here we found most of the species
found earlier and in addition, Asplenium trichomanes subsp. quadrivalens, A. adiantum-
nigrum and A. ceterach. On the bank, a crested Athyrium filix-femina was found.
Through the castle gates, we spotted a fine stand of Osmunda regalis, in perfect
harmony with the many peacocks strutting around the grounds, for which the castle is
famous.

Our final stop before lunch was to examine the woods near Dolgarrog (NGR
23/773662). This proved relatively unexciting with large quantities of primarily
Dryopteris dilatata, D. affinis subsp. affinis and D. a. subsp. borreri, although we did add
Cystopteris fragilis to our list.

After lunch, we visited Llyn Crafnant. Having left the cars at the car park to the north-
east (NGR 23/756618), we walked down the road which follows the south-eastern side
of the lake. Asp/enium trichomanes subsp. quadrivalens was found on a wall and

A. adiantum-nigrum in the ditch beside the road, including several very large plants.
However, the most common ferns along this road were Oreopteris limbosperma,
Dryopteris affinis subsp. affinis and D. a. subsp. borreri. We had received a report of
Dryopteris hybrids on the slopes of the Cwm, and accordingly left the path to examine
the scree slopes above. There was little but O. /imbosperma and some Phegopteris
connectilis, although we did find a few plants of D. affinis subsp. sti/luppensis, which
was probably the origin of the hybrid reports, looking, as it does, very intermediate
between D. a. subsp. affinis and D. oreades. We circled round and back down to the
reservoir, in the hope of finding Pi/u/aria but were unsuccessful. We continued back
along the north-western side of the reservoir and found some large /soetes washed up
at the water’s edge.

On Sunday, we travelled to Llyn Idwal (NGR 23/6459). We followed the usual low-level
path, which encircles the lake, via the scree below Devil's Kitchen. Our efforts were
rewarded with a good list of ferns and lycopods: Oreopteris limbosperma, Athyrium filix-
femina, Blechnum spicant, Phegopteris connectilis, Dryopteris dilatata, Cystopteris
fragilis, Cryptogramma crispa, Asplenium viride, A. trichomanes, Gymnocarpium
dryopteris, Polypodium sp., Huperzia selago, Lycopodium clavatum, Diphastrum
alpinunum and Selaginella selaginoides.

After lunch, we paid a visit to Cwm Grianog (NGR 23/630632), the classical Dryopteris
affinis site. Here we found a little D. a. subsp. borreri on the lower slopes but plentiful
D. a. subsp. affinis, D. a. subsp. stil/luppensis and D. oreades on the boulder screes 4
few feet above. Unfortunately, the fronds of many of the plants had been badly damaged
by sheep grazing, especially the D. oreades. However, we were able to compare the
three Dryopteris affinis subspecies. In addition to the Dryopteris affinis we also saw
Phegopteris connectilis, Polypodium interjectum, Oreopteris limbosperma, Athyrium
filix-femina, Asplenium trichomanes (including one exceptionally large, crinkly plant)
and Hymenophyllum wilsonii.

Overall, a very successful two-day meeting.
Anthony Pigott

FERN GARDENS, PAST AND PRESENT — 12-14 September. inevitably, with such an
intriguing title, this meeting attracted so much interest that the leader, Martin Rickard,
had been warned that fifty members might attend. Mercifully, only thirty-five members
assembled in Usk, Gwent, a more manageable number. It was pleasing to see Judith
and Clifford Jones from Seattle, U.S.A. and members had the opportunity to discuss
fern growing with Judith as an enthusiast from the other side of the Atlantic.

It was obvious from the start that this was going to be a weekend for gardeners’
weekend and there was much speculation in the lounge of the Three Salmons Hotel
that first evening as to what we might see over the next two days. Once again, Martin’s
excellent abilities as an organiser were demonstrated, as he had prepared an itinerary
for the weekend giving grid references and travelling directions for sites to be visited
with names and telephone numbers of land-owners in case of problems.

At 9.45 am, our cavalcade of cars moved off to visit the garden of Mr & Mrs Bird at
Dennel Hill near Chepstow. On arrival, Martin explained that Major Cowburn had lived
here until his death in 1892 at only forty-three years of age. The Major had only begun
growing ferns in the spring of 1888, yet in that short time he had successfully built up a
large fern collection. He acquired part of the Fox collection, and had the singular good
fortune to find eighteen plants of Asp/enium scolopendrium ‘Crispum’ growing wild on
the estate of Denne! Hill.

Martin then led us around the garden and we saw several ferns at the base of a
retaining wall. Amongst the usual forms of soft shield fern were varieties in the
Divisilobum group including a superb plumose ‘Multilobum’, together with harts-tongue
and maidenhair spleenwort. In a somewhat neglected rockery under a canopy of oak an
beech trees, we found more soft shield fern varieties including ‘Divisilobum Cristatum’
and ‘Divisilobum Ramosopinnatum’ together with a very large Dryopteris filix-mas
‘Decomposita’ and several Dryopteris dilatata. Many of the larger stones were covered
with Polypodium interjectum with one or two fronds showing a tendency to serration. It
is fascinating to note that the soft shield ferns have survived neglect have for nearly
one hundred years surely an indication that this area of the country would be an ideal
situation for the national collection of Polystichum setiferum. Dennel Hill sits upon the
high watershed that is formed by the close proximity of the rivers Wye and Severn. The
River Wye could be seen below a steep wooded slope and several of the party
clambered down to examine more varieties of Polystichum setiferum, mainly
‘Ramosopinnatum’.

After some photography and a little spore collecting, the party moved off to the North
Gate Inn near Caerwent for lunch. The rain which had been forecast now arrived but it
did not deter several members from exploring the remains of the ancient Roman town
of Caerwent. It also gave us the opportunity to observe the fern flora of the walls,
seeing an abundance of Asp/enium ceterach and A. trichomanes with lesser quantities
of A. ruta-muraria, A. scolopendrium and, most notably Polypodium australe.

The party then moved off to visit the garden of Mr & Mrs W Kathrens at Dewstow
House, Caldicot, which was originally laid down by a Mr Oakley early this century.
Martin had asked members to bring torches and they were to prove essential here. | am
sure none of us were quite prepared for what we were about to see. Arriving at the
front of the house, Martin led the party to a corner by the drive and we all promptly
disappeared into a bramble-hidden cavity which proved to be the entrance to a large
underground ‘cavern’ which looked natural but was in fact lined with artificial stone.

93

The ‘cavern’ was about six feet high by five to six feet wide, and meandered for some
thirty yards with many side passages. Members explored first this way, then that,
encouraged by the light from their torches. Two or three small vents up to the surface
could be seen but they were far too small to allow any appreciable light in. There was
much speculation as to the cavern’s functions for there was far too little light available
for the growing of plants or ferns. The exit at the other end led to a series of rock pools
surrounded by some elaborate stonework. Here one or two ferns were seen but only
commonplace species such as lady fern, male fern and broad buckler fern.

Returning to the side of the house, Martin led us down steps into yet a _ black
underground cavern some eight yards long and two to three feet wide wit

chambers, which eventually opened into an amazing ferny grotto with stom Wee of
tufa stone with pockets fashioned out for plants. The floor of the grotto was dissected by
a system of pools. The entire grotto was glazed at soil level with quarter inch plate
glass, now badly damaged and neglected, although plans are in hand to repair it. In
spite of this, (or indeed because of this as the damaged glass allowed torrents of rain
water to cascade on to us and the plants) many ferns continued to flourish, amongst
them maidenhair spleenwort and harts-tongue fern. Beyond this grotto, a dark passage
led into another grotto but a total collapse of the roof prevented us from exploring this
area.

Further from the house, we found yet another entrance formed by a most attractive
rockery between which a path of limestone stonework was raised above a small stream
giving the impression of a narrow limestone pavement. In this grotto, more ferns
persisted mainly those already mentioned but with the addition of very nice plants of
Polystichum tsus-sinense, Cyrtomium caryotideum and Pteris cultivars. Again, time had
taken its toll on the glazed roof, allowing the rain to overfill the pools and streams
which were thick with E/odea canadensis. The cascade of water made photography
difficult.

By mid-afternoon it was time to leave this remarkable garden (but not before a very
careful head count had been taken in case anyone was still lost in one of the tunnels)
and move on to the last garden of the day at Shirenewton, near Chepstow. Our visit to
Shirenewton Hall was very much a return pilgrimage to the garden of Britain’s foremost
Victorian fern grower, Edward Joseph Lowe, raiser of fern varieties and writer of fern
books. We last visited Shirenewton Hall in 1979, (Bulletin Vol. 2, page 12) when it was
the home of Mr & Mrs Hayward. Now it is in the care of Mr & Mrs Knight by whose
kind permission we were able to return.

It was a cold, wet and somewhat bedraggled party that arrived on Mr & Mrs Knight's
doorstep looking like refugees from a natural disaster, but our spirits were soon raised
when we were invited in to the house for a cup of tea. After divesting ourselves of
waterproofs, wellingtons or boots we marched through their magnificent home into the
large kitchen where very welcome refreshments were provided; soon the kitchen walls
reflected our beaming smiles. Over tea, | was invited to explain to the group and our
hosts the importance of E J Lowe, putting our visit to the pteridologically famous site in
perspective.

Feeling a good deal warmer and a little dryer, we made our way into the garden to see
the many fern varieties that have survived the eighty-six years since Lowe’s death. Near
the drive to the house were several Po/ystichum setiferum varieties, one or two after
the style of P. setiferum ‘Wakleyanum’, and another curious form with revolved pinnae.
These, together with some Dryopteris filix-mas, Athyrium filix-femina and Polypodium
interjectum were the only ferns close to the house.

94

We then moved on to the Japanese garden developed by the Liddells, owners of
Shirenewton Hall between Lowe and the Haywards. The garden is on the site of a coal
pit dug early in the 19th century. In Lowe's time this pit was planted with ferns as a
feature, so some of the larger plants here are quite possibly Lowe's own plantings. The
rain was now even more persistent and although some photography was attempted,
most members restricted themselves to just enjoying the garden and collecting
occasional pinnae for spores in the hope of raising something from Lowe’s old garden to
enhance their own collections.

Mr & Mrs Knight then joined us for a crash course on ferns and fern growing and it
was reassuring to know that the remains of Mr Lowe’s fern collection is in caring
hands. By 5 pm the light was quickly fading and most of us had had enough of this very
wet afternoon. We all thanked Mr & Mrs Knight for their uncommon kindness and
hospitality and made our way back to Usk to dry our clothes and equipment.

After dinner, there was much discussion in the hotel lounge about all that we had seen
during the day. As an item of interest, Ray Smith had brought along a pressed frond of
a very attractive Polystichum setiferum ‘Cristata-Congesta’ which he had raised from
spores collected on our previous visit to Shirenewton Hall in 1979.

Sunday arrived with the promise of better weather and as we walked to our first garden
of the day, large areas of low cloud were giving way to ever increasing patches of biue
sky. Our visit to the garden at Usk Castle was by kind permission of the owner,

Mrs R H Humphreys, and was something of another pilgrimage. Martin explained that a
close neighbour to this garden was Mr W Carbonell, a well-known fern grower and
contemporary of E J Lowe.

The remains of the castle keep towers above the town, with white doves and black
jackdaws winging their way in and out of the cavities in the masonry. Although privately
owned, this is a ‘real’ castle with its own special atmosphere and centuries of history
for it is the birthplace of two English Kings: Edward IV and Richard Ill.

Most of the Castle towers and defences are capped with thick colonies of Po/ypodium
australe. The garden is most attractive, with many mature trees and shrubby areas
giving way to herbaceous borders and annual bedding. Several forms of the soft shield
fern were found, notably Po/ystichum setiferum ‘Divisilobum Longipinnatum’ and P.s.
‘Divisilobum Grandiceps'! although probably not good enough to be Carbonell’s original
form. Other Po/ystichum varieties included P. setiferum form approaching ‘Wakleyanum’
and possibly P. aculeatum ‘Hybridum’. This last variety was raised by Carbonell and
Lowe as proof of hybridisation in ferns. Several bulbiferous ‘Multilobum’ were scattered
around as well as some candidates for ‘Conspiculobum’. A single muriate harts-tongue
survived along with a small plant of ‘Crispum’.

All Carbonell’s ferns were given to Kew on his death making the Kew collection
enormous in 1895 (586 varieties). Sadly, by 1906 this had dropped to abut 380, and
now very few remain at Kew. Fortunately, some 20 still survive at Usk. Such was the
attraction of this ‘garden in a castle’ that after exploring only part of it, we were well
behind schedule.

Our next call was to Mr & Mrs Glynne Clay’s garden at Lower House farm, Nantyderry.
This had an attractive mixture of shrubs and herbaceous plants with the emphasis on
herbs. Her recent interest in ferns was apparent on a short walk in the garden. In a
wooded area where a stream divided, only to rejoin a few yards further on, Mrs Clay
had planted her ‘fern island’ with Osmunda regalis, Onoclea sensibilis, Blechnum

95

spicant, B. penna-marina and B. chilense. There were also some good varieties, notably
a very fine Polystichum setiferum in the ‘Wakleyanum’ mould. Amongst the many
British ferns Dryopteris cystolepidota (like D. erythrosora but without the red sori) and
several other hardy foreign species were planted. It was with much regret that we had
to say goodbye to Mrs Clay and her lovely garden, but time was pressing and we quickly
moved on to have lunch at the Rising Sun at Pandy. After lunch we all assembled at
Abbey Dore Court garden and nursery, home of Mrs Charis Ward.

A tour of her private garden alongside the River Dore revealed many British fern
varieties which Martin Rickard is in the process of naming and labelling. Many of the
varieties here were raised by Lt.Col. Philip Coke when he resided in the area, including
many heavily crested and capitate forms of lady fern which are thriving. After touring
the garden the party descended on the nursery where brisk business was done, and
after taking advantage of the refreshments provided at the nursery we thanked

Mrs Ward and moved on for our final visit, to ‘Whitfield’ near Wormbridge, home of
Mr George Clive.

Whitfield is a large country house set in spacious grounds. Built in 1750, it has
belonged to the Clive family since 1796. To the north of the house is a series of lakes
surrounded by mature trees, many very uncommon in Britain. It is under these trees
that our host has developed a woodland garden including many ferns in association
with lilies and Mecanopsis species. There was a fine Dryopteris erythrosora and a good
plant of the uncommon Polystichum setiferum ‘Acutilobum’. From the woodland garden
our party walked some four hundred yards to some magnificent redwoods, planted in
1851, probably one of the best developed plantations of its kind in the country. We
speculated on which ferns would make suitable ground cover and this is where our
American member, Judith suitable ground cover and this is where our American
member, Judith Jones came into her own. Apparently Po/ystichum munitum would be
most appropriate but some Adiantum pedatum would also be in keeping. From the
plantation we moved back along the south side of the house past Matteuccia
struthiopteris and Osmunda regalis growing in an ornate fountain brought from Essex in
1969. In the walled garden we saw Pteris cretica growing in a sheltered spot outside
and Adiantum capillus-veneris colonising the walls on the inside of the greenhouses.
Sadly the Dicksonia antarctica died in the severe winter three or four years ago, but its
stump remains!

On moving back to the house our party was very kindly entertained to wine, cakes and
biscuits in the library of Whitfield. This made a fitting end to a most enjoyable weekend,
and our thanks are due to Mr George Clive and indeed all our hosts for their hospitality
in letting the B.P.S. descend on each of their fascinating gardens.

Finally, a very big thank you is due to Martin Rickard for taking the trouble to research
and make available to us all the facts about our fern growing predecessors and for
providing us with a truly marvellous weekend.

A R Busby

SOUTHPORT FLOWER SHOW — 22-24 AUGUST 1986 AR Busby

A further indication of the state of flux Southport Flower Show finds itself in was the
change of dates which was notified to the Society in January 1986, hence the apparent
error in the Society’s Meetings Programme. The change to Friday, Saturday and Sunday
is an attempt to attract more holiday-makers through the turn-stiles. Certainly this
year’s show attracted a good attendance but whether that was due to the change of
dates or because the show happily coincided with a spell of relatively good weather is
debatable.

The relatively wet, cool summer produced ferns of quality for the competitive classes.
My comments last year concerning the need for careful reading of the show schedule
had obviously been taken to heart with only one disqualification of an exhibiti for not
being according to schedule this year. It was particularly pleasing to see one or two new
names amongst the competitors.

This year’s judges were Mrs H M D Key and A R Busby.
The prize winners are listed in order of winning.
Class 7 Six hardy British ferns (Dissimilar)

W Kirby, (no first awarded) (two entries)

Class 8 Six greenhouse ferns (Dissimilar)
B Russ, M R Little (two entries)
Class 9 Three hardy British ferns (species not varieties)
R J Smith, B Russ (two entries)
Class 10 Three foreign ferns (Hardy in Great Britain)
B Russ, W Kirby (no second) (two entries)
Class 11 Three Phy/litis scolopendrium (now Asplenium scolopendrium)
(Three distinct varieties)
B Russ, W Kirby (two entries)
Class 12 Three Polypodiums (Three distinct varieties)
W Kirby, R J Smith (two entries)
Class 13 Three Polystichums (three distinct varieties)
B Russ, W Kirby (? entries) (no first awarded)
Class 14 Three Athyriums (Three distinct varieties)
B Russ, W Kirby (two entries)
Class 15 Three Dryopteris (Three distinct varieties)
R J Smith, W Kirby (three entries)
Class 16 Three Aspleniums (excluding Asp/enium scolopendrium)
(Three distinct varieties and/or species)
B Russ, W Kirby (two entries)
Class 17. One British fern (any kind or variety)
R J Smith, B Russ, W Kirby (three entries)
Class 18 One greenhouse fern
F A Hunt, Mrs E A Gibbs, R J Smith (five entries)
The Silver Perpetual Challenge Trophy, awarded to the exhibitor who accumulates the
Most points, was won by Mr Brian Russ of Ormskirk.

Members visit Mrs Clay’s ‘Fern Island’ Photo: A R Busby

OBITUARY
HARRY PRIEST, 1914-1986

West Midland members were saddened to learn of the death of Harry Priest on the
27th May. Harry joined the Society in 1980 having developed an interest in growing
ferns after a life-long passion for cacti and succulents. In the short time we knew him,
he proved to be a very knowledgeable gardener in spite of being dogged by poor health.
It is very much regretted that we did not meet Harry sooner and have been enable to
enjoy our mutual interest longer.

Our most sincere condolences to his wife Ann.
A R Busby

NEW MEMBERS 1986

(The full list of members was published in Vol. 3, part 2).

ADAM Susan, 7 Constance Road, Sutton, Surrey SM1 40QG

AKESSON Richard, Wallingatan 4, Kalmar 39234, Sweden

AVERY Mrs J, 25B Adelaide Road, Surbiton, Surrey KT6 4TA
OSCH 407 ssen, The

Iltow rtin
REMER Mr P, Haringvliet 289, 8032 H J Zwolle, The Nahertan
BROWN Stewart, Lancashire College of Agriculture and execsthina: Myerscough Hall,
Bilsborrow, Preston, Lancashire PR3 ee
CAMERON J B C, PO Box 30157, Nairobi, Ken

COLA

CURRY Mark, 184 Albert Road, Leyton, ‘London

DAKIN Mrs P A, Lane Cottage, Norbury, Bishops C astle, Shropshire SY9 5DX

van Dijk’s Consultant Agency. B, Caixa Postal 167, Holambra I, C.E.P. 13 820 Jaguariuna ESP,

Brazil

DE CARVALHO BSc Mise AC GM, Instituto de Botanica, Dr. Goucalo Sampaio, R. Campo Aleyre 1191
rto, Portuga

DIEKJOBST Dr Herbert, an -vogt-weg 10, D-5860 Iserlohn, West Germany

aoe = Mrs M, ‘’Mingulay”’, Staveley-in-Cartmel, Ulverston, Cumbria LA12 8NH

FILLAN M §, 23 Treefield Road, Clevedon, Avon BS21 6JD

FRAMPTON Mr K, 21 Chaucer ectewe Northampton NN2 7HW

GADD P J, 40 Totternhoe Road, Eaton Bray, Dunstable, Beds LU62 2BD

GIDDINGS T P, 22 Kardinia Street, Saaeses t, Victoria, Australia aor

JOHNSON Mr C, 24 Bradford Road, Northowram, Halifax, West Yorks
KENT Mrs M, 18 Brookwood Avenue, Barnes, London SW13 OLR
KITCHEN Bsc, M | Biol, Clare, The Cottage, Bevington, Berkeley, Glos. get SRB
KITCHEN BDS, Mr MAR, The oe ‘Bevington. Doremey, Glos. GL13 9RB
rte

YERS Mr M D, Fairview, Smelthouses, Summerbridge, Harrogate, N. Yorks. HG3 4DH
NAYLOR Dr - AS . seers Cottage, Midmar, swarurie, Aberdeenshire AB3 70D
NEWEY Mr V F, 27 Watts Road, Studley, Warwickshire B80 7PT
baggie "HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY, The Secretary, Harlow Car, Crag Lane, Harrogate,

PATTISON R. J, PO Box 567, Rochedale South, Queensland 4123, Australia

PENMAN Mrs M A, No. 1, The Cottages, Tilberthwaite Ghyll, Coniston, Cumbria
RICHMOND Mr D, Zennor, The Lynch, Winsscombe, Avon AR
ROBINSON Mr C, 5 Cambridge Road, Moseley, Birmingham B13 QUE

ROMO Dr AM, — Botanic de Barcelona, Av. dels Muntanyans, Parc de Montjuic, 08004

Barcelona, Spai
ROTHERA Mr M C, 10 Cambridge Gardens, Woodthorpe, a NG5 4NS
SMART Mr L, c/o Biology Dept, University of York, Heslington, Yor
SONTER Val, Private Mail, 240 Singlesridge hier ee S Ww Australia 2777
5 ick Est

STANDEN Mrs J F, 34 Hatton Gardens, Neecnars, eet
STARLING Miss C, The Anex, c/o Mrs M Roe, Mill House, Carylinch, Cannington, Bridgwater,
TA5 2NQ

deober
STEELE Ms ML, 5 Somerset ghey. Stoke, Plymouth, Devon PL3 4AZ
TAYLOR Mr B, 25 Upper Town Road, Greenford, Middlesex UB6 9JE

WILMOT Mr C D, 88 Davelevs Reed, Sal iford, Lancashire M6
WOOLVERIDGE Mr D, Garden Cottage, Ripley, Harrogate, Yorkshire HG3 3AG
WARREN Mr J, c/o Biology Dept. University of York, Heslington, York

MEETINGS PROGRAMME 1987

Meetings Secretary:

Meetings Committee:

Saturday
14 March

Saturday
9 May

Saturday
20 June

Saturday/Sunday
18-19 July
Saturday/Sunday

1- 2 August
Saturday/Sunday
15-16 August
Saturday/Sunday
22-23 August
Friday/ Saturday/ Sunday
21, 22 & 23 August

Saturday
17 October

Marion Fyfe, Perlfan Maf, 4 Tai Rhos, Llangaffo Road,
Gaerwen, Gwynedd LL60 6LN

M Fyfe, A R Busby, M H Rickard, J R Woodhams

Annual General Meeting at the National Museum of Wales,
Cathays Park, Cardiff at 14.00 hrs.
Speaker: | K Morgan on ‘Welsh Ferns’.

Visit to the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Meeting at the Lower Nursery which is adjacent to
Kew Palace at 14.30 hrs. Leader J R Woodhams.

Visit to University of Hull Botanic Garden and Mrs J K Marston’s
Nursery at Nafferton, E. Yorks. Meet outside Botanic Garden
at 57 Thwaite Street, Hull at 09.45 hrs. Leader: A R Busby.

Weekend meeting in Derbyshire.
Leaders: Dr Alan Willmot and Dr N Hards.

Weekend meeting in Somerset.
Leaders: Christopher and Mary Potts.

Visit to Harlow Car Gardens. Meet in the ‘Members Room’
at 10.00 hrs. Leader: J Bouckley.

Dryopteris Study Weekend in the West Country.
Leader: Hugh Corley.

Southport Flower Show.

Competitive fern classes. Society’s stand in tent No. 2.
Leader: A R Busby.

Autumn Indoor Meeting at the South London Botanical
Institute. Speaker: Pamela Schwerdt, ‘Sissinghurst’.
Meet at 14.30 hrs. Leader: P Ripley.

For full details of all these meetings and available accommodation please consult your
Meetings Programme sheet.

REGIONAL DAY MEETINGS

If you would like details of additional day meetings in the following areas, please
contact the local organiser, enclosing a stamped-addressed envelope.

South-west England:

West Midlands:

North-east England:
South-east England:

Christopher and Mary Potts, 4 Kennel Lane, Webbington,
nr Axbridge, Somerset. Tel: 093 472 545.

AR Busby, 16 Kirby Corner Road, Canley, Coventry, CV4 8GD.
Tel: 715690.

J Bouckley, 209 Woodfield Road, Harrogate, N. Yorks., HG1 4JE.
P Ripley, 12 Farm Lane, Tonbridge, Kent, TN10 3DG.

BRITISH FERNS AND THEIR CULTIVARS
A very comprehensive collection is stocked by
REGINALD KAYE LTD
SILVERDALE, LANCASHIRE
CATALOGUE ON REQUEST

FIBREX NURSERIES LTD
Honeybourne Road, Pebworth, nr Stratford on Avon, Warwickshire CV37 8XT
Hardy and tender ferns
Begonias, Gloxinias, Hederas, Hydrangeas, Primroses, Arum Lilies
and Plants for the cool greenhouse

Catalogue on request

MRS J K MARSTON
Specialist Fern Grower
A wide range of hardy and greenhouse ferns, especially Adiantums

Culag, Green Lane, Nafferton, Nr. Driffield, East Yorkshire
Send 50p for new catalogue

THE NIPPON FERNIST CLUB
There exists in Japan this large and active Society devoted
to the study of ferns which welcomes contacts with foreign pteridologists,
both amateur and professional.
For further information write to:
Dept. of Forest Botany,
Faculty of Agriculture, Tokyo University, Hongo,
Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan 113

1987 SOUTHPORT FLOWER SHOW
The Organisers extend all good wishes for a successful 1987
Classes for your Society's special interests are available
Total Horticultural Prizes awarded for 1986 Value over £120,000
21st, 22nd, 23rd AUGUST 1987

Schedules and further ap ice from:
The Flower Show Secr
Dept. 11, Town Hall, Lord Street, Somer ‘nie PR8 1DA

FERNS FOR AFRICA
Offer African indigenous ferns by mail order.
Price lists available.
Overseas orders welcome.
D. Turner, Box 815, George 6530, South Africa.

The British Pteridologicai Society
BULLETIN

CONTENTS -

CONTENTS
Secretarial Notes
AGM 1986
Financial Statement
Lecture Meetings and Visits 1986
Spring Indoor Meeting
Autumn Indoor Meeting ee gr
Kew Gardens ee ee a te a a AR Boe
RHS Gardens, Wigtey Be a st os ee a ee
Ray & Rita Coughlin’s evden ie es ks ae OO ee
Regional Meetings 1986 Be oe nee ee ec ac
reer SO a a A R Bue
South East ee ee ieee Pp Ripley and P Acock
Leeds and District Wea ee i a =
South West ee ee ae M Potts
National Field Meetings 1986 br aye Pee cee Se ee ee
North Yorkshire pretest i ek se oe ie ys DE Meerryweatner
Yorkshire a eg ee ee ee
Betws-y-Coed e. be ee ee ee A Pigott
Fern Gardens, Pout & ereueie ok a ae ee
Southport Flower Show See ek Sas a ee a A eee
Obituaries fe es ee

New Members 1986 :
Meetings Programme 1987

The Bulletin, Volume 3 Number 2 was published on 11 January 1987.
Published by the British Pteridological Society.
ISSN 0301-9195

eee |

uals i
BRITISH

PTERIDOLOGICAL
SOCIETY

THE BRITISH PTERIDOLOGICAL SOCIETY
Officers and Committee for 1987

President: G. Tonge
President Emeritus: J.W. Dyce

Vice-Presidents: Dr R.E. Holttum, A.C. Jermy,
R. Kaye, Prof. |. Manton

Honorary General Secretary and A.R. Busby, ‘Croziers’,
Editor of the Bulletin: 16 Kirby Corner Road, Canley, Coventry, CV4 8GD
(Tel: Coventry 715690)

Assistant Secretary (Membership) A.M. Paul,

Department of Botany, British Museum (Natural History),

Cromwell Road, London, SW7 5BD

Treasurer: Dr B.A. Thomas, Botany Department, National Museum of Wales,
Cathays Park, Cardiff, CF1 3NP

assisted by Dr N.J. Hards

Meetings Secretary: Vacancy, enquiries to A.R. Busby
Editors of the Fern Gazette: J.A. Crabbe, Dr M. Gibby, Dr B.S. Parris
Material for publication should be sent to Dr B.S. Parris,

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 3AE

Editor of the Pteridologist: M.H. Rickard, The Old Rectory, Leinthall Starkes,
Ludlow, Shropshire, SY8 2HP

assisted by J.W. Dyce

Committee: J.H. Bouckley, J.M. Camus, C.R. Fraser-Jenkins, Dr N.J. Hards,
J. Ide, R.P.H. Lamb, A.M. Paul, A. Pigott, P. Ripley, Dr A. Willmot
Fern Distribution Recorder: A.J. Worland, 102 Queens Close, Harston,
Cambs., CB2 50N
Spore Exchange Organiser: Mrs M. Nimmo-Smith, 201 Chesterton Road,
Cambridge, CB4 1AH
Plant Exchange Organiser: Mrs R. Hibbs, 30 London Road,
Hailsham, East Sussex, BN27 3BW
Archivist: N.A. Hall, 15 Mostyn Road, Hazel Grove, Stockport, Cheshire, SK7 5HL
Booksales Organiser: J.W. Dyce, 46 Sedley Rise, Loughton, Essex 1G10 1LT
Trustees of Greenfield Fund: G. Tonge, A.R. Busby, Dr B.A. Thomas
The BRITISH Ce ee SOCIETY was founded in 1891 and today continues as a focus
for fern enthusiasts. It provides a wide range of information moe ferns through the medium of
its publications and available literature. It also organises formal talks, informal discussions, field
meeti its, plan and a spore exchange scheme. The S has a
membership which includes gardeners, nurserymen and botanists, both amateur and profession».
The ety's journals, the Fern G , Pteridologist and Bulletin, are published annually. pes
Fern Gazette ublishes matter ys of } Spepiaest interest on international pteri idology, the
Pter, idologist, topes of the Bulletin Societ

Membership is open to all interested in ae and fern-allies. SUBSCRIPTION RATES (due on
1st gen each year) are Full Personal Members £10, Personal Members not receiving the Fern
Gazette £7.50; Student Members £5; prepa Institutions £12. Family restore in any

cat £2. ip shou n
(address above) va whom further details n be obtained. (Remittances made in cur

than Sterling are £1.50 extra to cover bank nversion charges). Airmail postage for “ail aI journals
- an extra £3.50, or or for those not receiving the F Fern Gazette £2.50.

(Front cover, Asplenium trichomanes ‘Cristatum’).

-ancecameninnnasanaaeasi— NE,

Back numbers of the Gazette, Pt ist and Bulletin are available for purchase from P.J. Acock,
13 Star Lane, St. Mary Cray, hog: BR5 3LJ, from whom further details can be obtained.

THE
BULLETIN

OF THE
BRITISH PTERIDOLOGICAL SOCIETY

Vol. 3 1987 No. 4
SECRETARIAL NOTES

MEETINGS CARDS — Meetings cards for 1988 are enclosed with this Bulletin to all
inland members. Overseas members visiting Britain can obtain them on application to
the Meetings Secretary.

COMMITTEE VACANCIES — In accordance with paragraph 3, section 3 of the Society's
Constitution, two vacancies will occur due to the retirement of the two longest serving
Committee members. Nominations are invited from members of the Society to fill these
vacancies at the Annual General Meeting in 1988. The names of the nominees,
proposers and seconders, together with a letter from the nominee indicating their
willingness to serve, should reach the General Secretary by 1 March 1988.

SUBSCRIPTIONS 1988 — Members are reminded that subscriptions for 1988 are due on
the 1st January 1988 and should be paid to the Assistant Secretary (Membership),
British Pteridological Society, c/o Dept. of Botany, British Museum (Natural History),
Cromwell Road, London, SW7 5BD. Cheques should be made payable to ‘The British
Pteridological Society’. Current rates are given inside the front cover. Standing Order
forms are available from the above address.

PUBLICATIONS BY AIRMAIL — Our journals can be sent by airmail to overseas
members, provided they advise the Assistant Secretary and pay an additional
subscription to cover airmail postage. See inside front cover for rates.

AFFILIATION TO THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY — Our Society is affiliated to
the RHS, enabling a limited number of members to enjoy certain privileges in
connection with RHS Shows, competitions and services. Due to major changes
concerning privileges for affiliated societies the free tickets for the Chelsea Show have
been withdrawn. There are two transferable tickets available for all other RHS Shows.
Applications for tickets or further details, enclosing a stamped, addressed envelope,
should be made to the BPS General Secretary.

READING CIRCLE — The American Fern Journal, a quarterly containing much
information for those seriously interested in ferns, is circulated to Reading Circle
members. To join, apply to the General Secretary.

THE GREENFIELD FUND — This fund, set up as a memorial to one of our Sociggy's great
fern growers — Percy Greenfield, is used to finance approved research proje oe
with the cost of necessary equipment, books and travel expenses. Awards ¢

meritorious achievements such as the introduction of a new fern variety Tad

some of the Society publicity projects would be considered as worthy oi Ip from the 7
fund. Percy Greenfield's interest leaned very much towards the non-scfntifi Goide of

our activities and it is felt that he would want this taken into consideration wen

101

decisions are made. Workers eligible for university or college grants and similar support
will not therefore be eligible for help from the fund. Members with projects wishing to
benefit from this memorial fund should apply to the trustees via the General Secretary.

BINDERS for the BPS BULLETIN — Binders for volumes of the BPS BULLETIN are
available from the General Secretary. Attractively produced with red hardboard covers
and gold blocked lettering on the spine: only £3.50 each, postage & packing included.
This applies to inland members only. Prices for overseas members on application. Cash
with order, please make cheques payable to A R Busby.

SPORE EXCHANGE SCHEME — Change of Organiser — After fourteen years’ diligent
work, Mr R F Cartwright has notified the Committee that he intends to retire as Spore
Exchange Organiser. It is entirely due to his efforts that the scheme has proved so
successful. Mrs Margaret Nimmo-Smith agreed to take over the running of the scheme
from 1st September 1987. All applications for spores together with a stamped,
addressed envelope should be sent to Margaret’s address which is 201 Chesterton
Road, Cambridge, CB4 1AH. Please remember that it is an exchange scheme and
donations of spores, especially of named hardy British ferns and cultivars are gratefully
received.

BACK NUMBERS OF saci Sadan — — ere of our j | t handledb
Mr PJAcock. Itisp Society will try to ensure that those who
would like to gettin back neers of sok ast | Sanita, Bulletin and Puerta —
be encouraged to do so. As th , because of th

storage problems, a service of photocodying articles will be provilbed: Stocks will nol be
depleted overnight but some early volumes are running low. If you are considering buying
back numbers there has never been a better time to buy them than at present. Please senda
stamped, addressed foolscap envelope for a detailed breakdown of costs to Patrick J Acock,
13 Star Lane, St Mary Cray, Kent, BR5 3LJ England.

C.A.B.S./F.F.P.S. SYMPOSIUM
Conservation Association of Botanical Societies/Fauna and Flora Preservation Society.

The C.A.B.S./F.F.P.S. symposium on “Is Nature Conservation Working For Plants?” is to
be held at the Zoological Society of London’s Meeting Room, Regent's Park, London on

Saturday 5 March. Further details and booking forms are obtainable from F.F.P.S., 8-12
Camden High Street, London, NW1 4RY.

B.P.S. PLANT EXCHANGE SCHEME

1987 was a fairly successful year for the scheme, with both a spring and autumn list
sent out. This year there will be only one list, hopefully issued in late spring/early
summer.

Overseas members may be included on the new list on the understanding that anyone
wishing to import/export live plant material becomes entirely responsible for making
themselves aware of the regulations which apply to the country concerned. Further
information for U.K. members will be included on the 1988 list.

To enable the Plant Exchange to continue as a viable proposition, offers of surplus
plants are desperately needed for the new list. | am very grateful to all those who have
supplied plants in the past year, and would be glad to hear from all members who can
offer even just a few ferns.

Packaging need only be simple and for small plants, cheap. One method is to wash the
roots free of excess soil, wrap in wet tissues, place in a plastic bag, seal and put in a
rigid container and envelope for posting. One enterprising member sent me two ferns in
a wedding-cake box, easily posted for only 18p!

Rosemary Hibbs

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 1987

MINUTES of the 84th ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING held at the National Museum of
Wales, Cathays Park, Cardiff on Saturday 14 March 1987 at 2.15 pm.

IN THE CHAIR: The President, Mrs Gwladys Tonge.

PRESENT: P J Acock, A R Busby, J M Camus, Mr & Mrs R Coughlin, J A Crabbe, C D
Fraser-Jenkins, C R Fraser-Jenkins, Dr D Galloway, Dr M Gibby, R Hibbs, A Hill, D
Holly, Dr G Hutchinson, J Ide, C Kelly, A Ogden, A M Paul, AC Pigott, CU& AG
Piggott, Dr N Quansah, M H Rickard, P Ripley, Dr B A Thomas, J R Woodhams.

ITEM 1 — APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE — J W Dyce, A C Jermy, R P H Lamb, Dr B S
Parris, Dr A Willmot.

ITEM 2 — MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING held on 8 March 1986 were
read and approved.

ITEM 3 — MATTERS ARISING from those minutes — None.

ITEM 4 — HONORARY GENERAL SECRETARY'S REPORT — Once again | am charged
with the task of reporting to the membership the Society's ‘state of affairs’, a task |
always find difficult — how can you convey in a paragraph or two all the Society's
activities both major and minor?

Membership and subscriptions

The major item facing all members at the end of 1986 was the subscription increase.
Such increases usually result in a flood of resignations and this is always regretted,
however, this time resignations so far received appear to be fewer in number. Anthony
Pigott kindly supplied the following membership figures which were correct on the 31
December 1986: 8 Family, 9 Honorary, 529 Full and Optional, 22 Student, 107
Subscriber, a grand total of 675.

As in previous years, it must be emphasised that the figures are only a guide as there
are still some 45 members in arrears. May | take this opportunity to remind members
that with the increase in subscriptions payable from the 1 January 1987, bankers
standing orders will need to be revised.

Meetings
Members attending meetings were fewer in number during 1986, again most attending
being the same old faces but we were pleased to be able to meet some new members.

Publications

| often receive comments from members about how much they have enjoyed the
Society's journals and the editors of the ‘Fern Gazette’ and the ‘Pteridologist’ are to be
congratulated on producing such interesting publications. | regret that the ‘Bulletin’ was
delayed in its distribution due to problems at the printers and a hiccup in one or two of
the Society's enclosures.

103

Conservation

The Fern Varieties Conservation Sub-Committee met during the summer and it has
become clear that our Society must form closer ties with the National Council for the
Conservation of Plants and Gardens. The conservation of fern varieties is a major
feature of our Society's interests.

Of course we do not ignore the conservation of British fern species and our involvement
with the recently formed Conservation Association of Botanical Societies reflects this.
Since our member and past president, A C Jermy, is now Honorary Treasurer for CABS,
it has been agreed that our Society can now have an additional member on that
Committee.

Spore and Plant Exchange Schemes

Both the spore and plant exchange schemes have enjoyed another successful year
thanks to the diligent work of the organisers. In the year ending December 1986, 150
applications were made for spores from a list of 391 species and varieties. The
requests, as usual, were quite widespread, coming from Australia, New Zealand,
Canada, USA, Brazil, South Africa, Holland, Germany, France, Denmark, Finland,
Czechoslovakia and, of course, the United Kingdom.

The overseas members who replied early seemed pleased to have their list in advance.
For 1987 the list is larger with 506 items containing many species new to the list and
the early response has been greater than usual.

A great deal of interest is now apparent in Asp/enium, Adiantum and Cheilanthes, so
the stock of these species is rapidly going down, in fact quite a few are finished. We
would urge members who can, to send in spores of these species so that we can meet
the demand.

We extend our thanks to the many donors who have helped to build up such an
interesting list. ©

Society Logo

Members will have seen the Society's new logo on the front cover of the 1986
‘Bulletin’. It was designed by our President, Mrs Gwladys Tonge, and we hope that it
will now feature on all the Society’s letterheads and publications.

Finally, it is with much regret that | have to report the resignation of Mrs Marian Fyfe as
Meetings Secretary due to personal commitments. We thank Marian for all her work as
an Officer of the Society and wish her and her family well in the future.

Mr Busby’s report was approved and adopted by the meeting and the President thanked
Mr Busby.

ITEM 5 — HONORARY TREASURER’S REPORT — The Treasurer distributed copies of
his balance sheet and after explaining the Society’s income and expenditure for the past
year, he was pleased to report that the deficit which was expected this year and which
had prompted the increase in subscriptions was not quite as low as expected so the
account just about remained solvent.

Dr Thomas's report was approved and adopted by the meeting and the President
thanked Dr Thomas.

ITEM 6 — MEETINGS SECRETARY'S REPORT — It was with much regret that the ’
General Secretary reported Mrs Marian Fyfe’s decision to resign. Mr Busby reported his

104

unsuccessful efforts to find a replacement, therefore the post of Meetings Secretary
remains vacant. Mr Busby volunteered to compile the 1988 Meetings Programme.

ITEM 7 — REPORTS OF THE EDITORS —

‘The Bulletin’: A R Busby — Mr Busby apologised to the meeting for the errors
occurring in the 1986 ‘Bulletin’. The evident poor proof-reading was due to the very late
arrival of some meetings reports, preventing him from sending it to Miss Paul for
checking, and due to the need to get the journal out on a fixed deadline.

‘Pteridologist’: M H Rickard — Mr Rickard reported that he now has sufficient copy for
the 1987 issue and that it will be ready around May/June this year.

‘Fern Gazette’: Dr M Gibby reported that the ‘Fern Gazette’ should be ready during July
1987

The President thanked the Editors for their reports.

ITEM 8 — ELECTION OF OFFICERS AND COMMITTEE — As in previous years, the
President was pleased to note that both the Honorary General Secretary, A R Busby,
and the Honorary Treasurer, Dr B A Thomas, had agreed to serve for another year. The
President expressed the appreciation and thanks of the Committee and members to Mrs
Fyfe on her retirement from the post of Meetings Secretary. Mr Busby expressed his
hopes of finding a replacement for Mrs Fyfe next year. The President thanked Mr Busby
for volunteering to compile the 1988 Meetings Programme.

Committee — The General Secretary reported that R J Rush and J R Woodhams were
due for retirement as the longest serving members of the Committee. The President
particularly thanked Mr Woodhams for serving an extra year to fill a vacancy on the
Committee. Two nominations had been received for the vacancies: Jack Bouckley
proposed by Dr N Hards and seconded by D Woolveridge and C R Fraser-Jenkins
proposed by Dr B A Thomas and seconded by M H Rickard. Mr Bouckley and Mr Fraser-
Jenkins were duly elected.

Election of Vice-President — The President expressed her great pleasure to the meeting
that the Officers and Committee had received a proposal from M H Rickard, seconded by
J W Dyce that ‘A C Jermy, past President of this Society should be elected as a Vice-
President of this Society’. In seconding Mr Rickard’s proposal, Mr Dyce’s letter
expressed how much he welcomed the move and went on “Since 1959 when Mr Jermy
became our Editor of ‘The British Fern Gazette’, at the same time that | became General
Secretary, he has been one of the Society’s most influential officers. It was he who took
us into the botanical world and our growth since then has been largely due to his
energy and enthusiasm. Over the years he has been most active in our affairs and has
rendered great service to the Society. It is with very great pleasure that | second Mr
Rickard’s proposal.”

Mr Jermy was duly elected by the Meeting with acclaim.

ITEM 9 — ELECTION OF AUDITORS — Mr Jack Bouckley and Mr Richard Lamb had
notified their willingness to serve for a further year and were duly elected with the
thanks of the President.

ITEM 10 — ANY OTHER BUSINESS — Mrs Rosemary Hibbs who was appointed by the
Committee to take over the Plant Exchange Scheme addressed the meeting, urging
members to send in lists of plants they have available so that she can issue a list to all
UK members.

Reading Circle for the Royal Horticultural Society Journal ‘The Garden’ — Mr Busby has
received permission from the Committee to explore the possibility of starting a reading
circle for the RHS journal and asked the members present if anyone was interested.
Several members indicated that they were.

National Council for the Conservation of Plants and Gardens — Mr Busby brought to the
attention of the meeting the important work of this organisation and expressed his hope
that this Society may be able to support its work financially.

As there was no further business, the President closed the meeting at 2.55 pm.

A R Busby
Hon.Gen.Sec.

FINANCIAL STATEMENT AS AT 31 DECEMBER 1986

EXTRACTS FROM 1985
ORDINARY ACCOUNT

INCOME
£3962.17 SUBSCRIPTIONS £4710.34
326.01 INTEREST ON ACCOUNTS 297.98
BOOKSALE PROFITS 150.00
T-SHIRT SALES 107.00
£5265.32
EXPENDITURE
£1227.00 METLOC — PTERIDO meg B £1359.00
1682.00 METLOC — GAZETT 1779.00
962.00 METLOC — sametin 760.00
346.56 PRINTING & STATIONERY 216.77
942.67 ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS & POSTAGE 1078.20
71.10 SUBSCRIPTIONS TO SOCIETIES 31,10
.00 MEETINGS COSTS 66.41
14.94 BANK CHARGES 15.01
£5305.49
£1411.74D.R. BALANCE FOR THE YEAR £ 40.17D.R.
BALANCE CARRIED FORWARD FROM 1985 2570.27
BALANCE CARRIED FORWARD TO 1987 £ 2530.10
PUBLICATIONS ACCOUNT
BALANCE CARRIED ee FROM 1985 £1414.22
SALES — dy Fern £230.00
Guide to i. Ferns 390.00 620.00
CARRIED FORWARD TO 1987 £2034.22
GREENFIELD FUND
BALANCE CARRIED FORWARD FROM 1985 £1881.26
INTEREST 101.77
BALANCE CARRIED FORWARD TO 1987 £1983.03

LECTURE MEETINGS AND VISITS

THE SPRING INDOOR MEETING, CARDIFF — 14 March. The meeting followed the
business of the AGM. The President introduced the first of three speakers for the
afternoon, Dr David Galloway of the BM (NH).

Dr Galloway is a New Zealander with a professional interest in lichens. His talk
encompassed the various habitats to be found in his homeland, and was illustrated by a
series of interesting colour slides. Although he spoke mainly about the geology and
ecology of both North and South Island, he was able to touch on the more recent history
of New Zealand and how Captain James Cook's expeditions in the late 18th century
revealed the fascinating New Zealand fauna and flora to the world.

Just occasionally members caught a tantalising glimpse of ferns and he particularly
mentioned Stewart Island as a ‘fern paradise’. Dr Galloway ended his all too brief talk
by urging members to visit New Zealand if they were ever able to do so. A brisk
question-and-answer session made it obvious that given the opportunity, Dr Galloway's
invitation to explore New Zealand would have been taken up there and then.

While our minds were still savouring the very attractive colour slides shown by Dr
Galloway, Dr Nat Quansah of Goldsmiths’ College prepared to give us an illustrated talk
about his visits to Madagascar. Our eyes were now treated to the verdant scenery of
this enormous tropical island in the Indian ocean.

Here again ferns are plentiful and we saw large drifts of Pteris and Gleichenia. Also
figuring prominently in Dr Quansah’s talk were plants of Marattia, Tectaria and
Asplenium, with a special mention of that popular pot-plant, Asp/enium nidus. Dr
Quansah is currently studying the African species of Se/agine//la, and showed us
something of the diversity of these curious clubmosses, specifically S. /ya//i and S.
pectinata. To my mind, Se/aginella is the one group of attractive and interesting fern
allies which is sadly lacking in our Society's attentions. Tree ferns also featured in Dr
Quansah’s slides and in the discussion following his talk they were the main topic of
interest.

After the talks, members were refreshed with tea and cakes. When fully replete our
host, Dr B A Thomas, kindly led us on a tour of his Department’s herbarium and
members were pleased to be given the opportunity to see the working and storage
methods behind the professional face of the National Museum of Wales. Thanks are due
to Dr David Galloway and Dr Nat Quansah for giving us such interesting talks and to Dr
Barry Thomas and his staff for their generous hospitality.

A R Busby

AUTUMN INDOOR MEETING — 17 October. Seventeen members and guests
assembled at the South London Botanical Institute, Norwood Road, London to hear Miss
Pamela Schwerdt, head gardener at Sissinghurst Castle, give a talk entitled ‘The
Sissinghurst Garden’.

It was undoubtedly the recent hurricane force winds and the resultant difficulties of
travelling in the south of England that effected the low attendance at this meeting. Miss
Schwerdt, who has been head gardener at Sissinghurst for the last twenty-eight years,
began her talk by illustrating the many hardy ferns planted there. Her excellent slides
pictured such garden favourites as Dryopteris wallichiana and D. erythrosora, Athyrium
nipponicum ‘Metalicum’, Blechnum penna-marina and B. tabulare, as well as British

107

natives such as Asplenium scolopendrium ‘Crispum’, Athyrium filix-femina and its forms
‘Plumosum’, ‘Vernoniae’ and ‘Minutissimum’, and various Polystichum setiferum
cultivars. It was pleasing to hear that a few years ago Miss Schwerdt had exhibited a
plant of Polystichum setiferum ‘Pulcherrimum Bevis’ at a Royal Horticultural Society
Great Autumn Show, where it received an Award of Merit.

Miss Schwerdt concluded her talk with general views of this lovely garden and briefly
outlined the garden’s history, dating from the reign of Henry Vill. Its present day
planting and design is largely due to the skill of the poetess Victoria Sackville-West and
her husband Sir Harold Nicholson, who took over the castle and gardens in 1930. It is
now owned by the National Trust.

Paul Ripley expressed the appreciation and thanks of the meeting to Miss Schwerdt for
a most interesting and ‘ferny’ talk. Thanks are also due to Mr Frank Brightman for
hosting the meeting and to Patrick Acock for organising the meeting and providing
refreshments.

A R Busby

KEW GARDENS — 16 May. Some thirty members assembled in the lower nursery at the
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew for our annual May visit. After a welcome from our host for
the day, John Woodhams, assistant curator, the party was guided around the lower
nursery which houses ferns from many parts of the world.

He selected various species and explained their significance to the botanist and the
problems the staff have in finding the optimum conditions for cultivation. The nursery
houses many species of Se/aginel/la, many of them growing as epiphytes on suspended
blocks of moss-covered wood.

The party then moved on to the new Princess of Wales conservatory, pausing for a few
moments to gaze at the site of the old fern houses, the venue of so many happy Society
meetings in past years, but now cleared and ploughed. Immediately we entered the
conservatory those of us present on last year’s visit were able to appreciate the amount
of work that had been done to make it ready for the opening by the Princess of Wales in
July. With very few exceptions the ferns looked in excellent condition and quite
established in their new surroundings.

After touring the new conservatory, we were treated to some very welcome tea and
biscuits in the staff accommodation area, while John raffled a couple of dozen young
ferns which he had potted up from his own collection. This resulted in several members
taking home a living souvenir of their afternoon at Kew.

Thanks are due to John and Joan Woodhams for once again hosting a very enjoyable
day at Kew.

A R Busby

HULL BOTANIC GARDENS AND MRS JEAN MARSTON’S NURSERY — 20 June.
Seven members met outside Hull University Botanic Gardens at 57 Thwaite Street,
Cottingham, Hull, where they were kindly met by Miss Anne Braithwaite, curator of the
vardens. In a singularly cool wet month we had chosen one of the few dry days for our
visit. The gardens were founded in 1948, and were then in the charge of Mrs Jean
Marston, whose nursery we were to visit later that day.

108

Miss Braithwaite led us around the large area under glass where there was a very
interesting selection of tropical and temperate plants, and she patiently answered our
many questions. We were particularly impressed with the diversity of indoor ferns,
including a wide range of Adjantum raddianum cultivars and a good selection of Pteris,
Blechnum, Platycerium, Davallia and Hemionitis species to name but a few.

Tree ferns were represented by Dicksonia antarctica and Alsophila sp.. Marsilea
drummondii, M. quadrifolia and an unnamed species of Marsilea were the subject of
much discussion. Members were also interested to see Hull's collection of Se/aginella
species, those attractive fern allies so often neglected by the modern amateur grower.

After our tour of the colourful temperate glasshouse, we explored outside, seeing some
interesting water features and boggy planting areas. A small cool greenhouse was
home for a good collection of British and European species of ferns, including
Asplenium and Cheilanthes. A fern border close by boasted several British fern cultivars
including Osmunda regalis ‘Cristata’ and O. regalis ‘Crispa’, Matteuccia struthiopteris
and several varieties of Athyrium filix-femina, Dryopteris filix-mas and Polystichum
setiferum.

After such an enjoyable visit, we were very sorry to hear that there are no firm plans to
maintain the garden after this year. Once again practical science appears to be a victim
of the balance sheet.

After a splendid pub lunch at Molesworth, we made our way to the fern nursery of Mr F
and Mrs Jean Marston of Nafferton, near Driffield. A hot June sun bathed the nursery
as Mr and Mrs Marston welcomed us at their gate. First impressions were of a flat,
windswept site, not the kind of countryside normally associated with ferny combes, but
the nursery lies snug in the midst of windbreaks of trees and shrubs.

On entering the nursery, it becomes very obvious that the Marstons are not just fern
growers but very much fern enthusiasts. Every inch of space is given over to ferns,
either as saleable stock or as part of their own private collection. The party was
particularly impressed with a most attractively designed fern area with floor and stone-
lined walls densely covered with the lush green fronds of hardy and semi-hardy ferns.
Next to this is a glazed lean-to greenhouse filled with many British and European ferns,
including various species of Asp/enium and Cheilanthes. Further on is a slat house
containing most of the ferns that are for sale. We were most impressed with the quality
and cleanness of the plants, all clearly priced to encourage customers to make their
selection. Needless to say, several of our party could not resist making purchases and
engaged Mrs Marston in conversation on the merits of the various species and varieties.
The nursery also offers an interesting selection of Selaginellas.

Along the west side of their home, sharing the heating from the house, is another lean-
to greenhouse which is home to more exotic species requiring high temperatures
throughout the winter. A wide selection of varieties of Maidenhair ferns and Pel//aea,
Pteris, Pityrogramma, Lygodium and many other genera are housed here.

All too soon it was time to take our leave. Thanks are due to Miss Anne Braithwaite of
Hull Botanic Gardens for her generous hospitality and to Mr F and Mrs Jean Marston
for so kindly receiving us.

A R Busby

109

REGIONAL MEETINGS 1987

WEST MIDLANDS A R Busby

‘Welcome to Spring’ Flower Show — 18-19 April. Due to redevelopment in the area,
this year’s show was moved from its usual site in front of Notcutts Garden Centre at
Monkspath, Solihull, to the assembly hall of Arden School, Station Road, Knowle. As
anticipated, the move affected attendance, the show having in previous years enjoyed
the advantage of the usual crowds of gardeners and their families visiting Notcutts, and
the passing traffic on the very busy A34 Birmingham to Stratford-upon-Avon road. In
contrast, Arden School is situated away from the main shopping areas.

Exhibits in the show were up to their usual high standard and there was much interest
in our society's stand displaying literature and fern plants.

Thanks are due to Mrs Doreen Watson and the Solihull Horticultural Society for
allowing our group to exhibit, and to Ray and Brenda Smith for spending time with me
on the stand.

Ray and Brenda Smith’s Open Day — 14 June. Twenty members and guests took
advantage of Ray and Brenda's kind invitation. In spite of intermittent light rain, we
managed to spend a good deal of the time in their garden which, due to the wet spring,
looked green and lush. Ray is the fern grower and Brenda's interest lies more with
alpines, herbaceous perennials and shrubs, and they have managed to blend their
interests into a most attractive garden in which any visiting gardener would find a great
deal of interest. On their verandah alongside the house, Ray and Brenda’s seed and
spore sowings were displayed, and much time was spent discussing them.

Fortunately, while we were indoors enjoying a splendid tea the weather brightened and
we were able to enjoy another look at the garden. We finally parted, many of us
carrying ferns that Ray was generous enough to part with, together with other plants
that members had brought along for exchange.

A very big thank you to Ray and Brenda for their kind hospitality.

Ryton Gardens — 9 August. It was on a wet and miserable day that eighteen members
and guests assembled at Kirby Corner Road for a visit to Ryton Gardens near Coventry.
Ryton Gardens is the new Henry Doubleday Centre, where people research and
demonstrate the value of organic gardening. Although the major part of the garden is
given over to vegetables, they also have rose, herb and herbaceous borders. Ferns do
not feature at Ryton but | think the party found the visit interesting in spite of the
appalling weather.

A cold and somewhat bedraggled group retired to the centre’s warm restaurant for
refreshments, and some time was spent in the centre’s shop which sells various garden
commodities, books and plants.

After Ryton Gardens the plan was to return to Kirby Corner Road for the rest of the
afternoon, but happily this was changed by the kind invitation of Mr & Mrs Gilbert
Hickman to visit their garden at Stoneleigh Road, Coventry. The party was surprised and
thrilled by what they saw there. The garden displayed Gilbert's interest in alpines, ferns,
herbaceous plants and shrubs, and proved to be a testament to his skill as a plantsman
in every sense of the word. All too soon we had to convey our thanks and goodbyes.
Gilbert’s garden of treasures was the main point of discussion over tea on our return to

110

16 Kirby Corner Road. After the visit to Gilbert Hickman’s garden it was with much
reluctance that | submitted my small patch to the scrutiny of the party.

Thanks are due to Mr & Mrs Hickman for their kind invitation which proved to be the
high point of the meeting and made what was otherwise a dismal day worthwhile.
Thanks also to Margaret Busby for entertaining eighteen members to tea in a room
designed for four.

Matt and Margaret's Illustrated Wine and Cheese Party — 10 October. Twenty
members and guests assembled in the University of Warwick’s Senior Common Room at
Westwood for our annual autumn get-together. The main feature of the evening was
the showing of members’ colour slides, covering a wide range of subjects. Ferns, of
course, featured prominently, the main contribution here being by Clive Brotherton, who
displayed slides of his collection of Pe/laea, Cheilanthes and Notholaena.

Ray Smith showed slides of his garden ferns and several slides taken at the 1987
Southport Flower Show. Richard Lamb really took the prize for slides with artistic merit,
among which were studies of lronbridge, Shropshire and Chesterton Mill, Warwickshire.
Gilbert Hickman showed some fascinating slides of the seed dispersal of Geranium
sanguinium and related one or two stories of how he observed and photographed the
life-cycle of the puss-moth and other entomological subjects.

My thanks to these and other members who brought along slides, and fern plants for
exchange. Thanks are also due to Rita Coughlin, Margaret Busby and Elsie Swann for
all their hard work in preparing food for the evening.

SOUTH EAST Pat Acock and Paul Ripley

Chromosome Meeting at Chelsea Physic Garden — 8 November 1986. About fifteen
members met at the Gardens for a well organised laboratory meeting. Mary Gibby,
though far from well, gave us an informative background talk on counting -
chromosomes. We then proceeded into the laboratory where, despite the lateness of the
season, we were each able to practise squashing and staining a few sporangia. As it
was difficult to find many sporangia at the right stage, Mary found us some pickled
material to try. We were also able to look at some prepared slides. After tea and
browsing through a number of fern books we all came away resolving to look at
chromosomes again.

Horsetail Meeting at Scadbury Field Centre — 25 April 1987. The London Borough of
Bromley inherited a wood from a medieval estate. The wood was virtually untouched
except for occasional hunting. Close by a disused school has been turned into a Field
Study Centre with good facilities, where seven members from the South East and Mr
Keith Gillet, the warden, met for an afternoon to study horsetails.

Following an introduction to the Centre we set out on a glorious afternoon for a quick
look around a small part of the estate with a view to bringing back fertile spikes of E.
arvense. Within two hundred yards of the Centre we found Ophioglossum vulgatum.
Further on we tracked down a large colony of fertile £E. arvense spikes and spent some
time trying to photograph them dehiscing. A well established group of D. affinis ssp.
affinis interspersed with D. filix-mas and D. dilatata unfurling looked really splendid in
the bright sunshine.

Back at the Centre facilities were available for us to prepare stem sections of eight
horsetails, to look at five different fertile spikes, and to try to identify them from given
cross-sections. This turned out to be reasonably successful even using a hand lens.

Finally we left our calling card, an advert for all who visit the Centre, a spleenwort wall
built into an aquarium.

Denge Marshes and Fairlight Glen — 4 July. On a scorching hot Saturday, five members
met in the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds car park on the Denge Marshes for a
coastal foray. We had a comparatively lazy day in that the first site was a mere twenty
yards from the car park. We were rewarded by a magnificent display of The/ypteris
palustris growing under goat willow. It was the dominant ground cover in the ‘car park
pit’. We then walked into a larger pit to the south-east to find an even more luxuriant
stand of 7. pa/ustris. The fronds at the second site were beginning to unfurl, but no sign
of fertility was observed.

Dryopteris dilatata and D. carthusiana, together with Athyrium filix-femina of some
considerable size occurred on the tussocks. A short drive along the approach road on
the way out revealed large quantities of Equisetum fluviatile and E. palustre in the
ditches.

At the head of the Fairlight Glen, a welcome farm is now open for cream teas and
lunches. The Glen is the middle of three deeply cut valleys east of Hastings that head
south to the sea. The dominant fern on the valley side is Po/ystichum setiferum. We
were able to record Dryopteris affinis, D. dilatata, Athyrium filix-femina and a medium-
sized Oreopteris limbosperma as well as large tufts of Asplenium scolopendrium.

Stephen Munyard mentioned that fossil ferns were often uncovered as the clay cliffs
eroded, but we were unlucky on this occasion, although we now know where the nudist
beach at Hastings is!

We almost missed Equisetum tel/mateia as we walked back up the steps where it
colonised the disturbed cliff face. Following a tip by the lady at the tea-shop whose
father knew his ferns and was now in his ninth decade, we set off for Stream Lane
looking for Polypodium. This thirteenth century lane is preserved by the National Trust
and lived up to its name. Banks of Polystichum setiferum were seen as well as
Dryopteris dilatata, while nearer to the cliff we found Equisetum arvense but we failed
to find any Polypodium.

A fine hot day even in the south-east resulted in us seeing four species of horsetail and
nine species of ferns.

Savill Gardens, Windsor — 6 September. On an afternoon marginally drier than many
this summer, thirteen members and guests met to visit these beautiful gardens on
sandstone, adjacent to Windsor Great Park and other large expanses of mature
woodland.

Radiating from a brook and a series of lakes, the gardens are principally laid out in beds
each containing a variety of species. There was hardly a bed which did not contain a
stand of at least one attractive fern species or variety. In an afternoon we could in no
way do justice to the astounding wealth of pteridological interest. Picking examples at
random, | was particularly impressed by the number of Dryopteris hybrids. Matteuccia
pennsylvanica was an interesting variation on the usual M. struthiopteris and the
massed Dryopteris crispifolia also deserves a special mention.

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The hand of a botanist and knowledgeable pteridologist was obvious in the number and
range of species and in the erudition (to me!) of their labelling. My only criticism is the
disappointingly poor situations chosen to house some of the fern varieties from Philip
Coke's collection. The garden has other attractions apart from the beauty of its setting: a
beautiful rose garden for instance, a remarkable collection of tee and a large
temperate greenhouse.

Dryopteris hybrids abounded in the greenhouse, for example D. x te/esii (D. crispifolia x D.
dilatata), D. x gue sige potaa azorica x D. hibdasoietiiasd and D. x sjoegrenii (D. azorica x D.
dilatata). Py ini p y, and | was also struck by Davall/ia
trichomanoides and Blechnum aritibite,

Outside again, | noticed Oreopteris limbosperma, presumably not planted but an
indicator of the habitat. The gardens are a tribute to their Keeper, Mr John Bond. Every
fern lover within 500 miles of London should visit these gardens at least twice a year!

The cafeteria was excellent and so was the fine collection of sporelings and plants
generously distributed by Rebecca Elks and Margaret Harris.

LEEDS & DISTRICT GROUP

Lake District — 26-28 June. Our first field study of 1987 was in the Lake District. On
the Friday evening some of us met at the home of Dr Kevan Chambers, our leader for
the weekend, and spent quite a long time looking round his very well-stocked garden
with many established ferns growing in the large, imposing limestone rockery. After this
we went indoors and spent an hour or so chatting and partaking of refreshments served
by his wife and parents.

On Saturday we met at Troutdale Cottage, Borrowdale, and set off southwards down the
main road. Phegopteris connectilis was the first fern we saw followed by Dryopteris
filix-mas, Blechnum spicant, Asplenium ceterach and A. trichomanes all along the road
and on the bridge at Grange. Once we were on the other side of the River Derwent and
had turned left to go upstream, we came across a large stand of a ramose form of
Polypodium vulgare growing in a dry-stone wall. We continued along the river, passing
on the way Asplenium ruta-muraria, Athyrium filix-femina, Dryopteris dilatata and
Cryptogramma crispa, before turning uphill towards the west side of Castle Crag. It was
on this Crag that we saw some plants of the Forked Spleenwort — Asp/enium
septentrionale. \t was the first time we had seen this extraordinary little fern on a group
outing and without searching too far we had spotted about a dozen plants on this cliff
face. After climbing uphill for about three quarters of a mile we turned left off the main
footpath towards Borrowdale village. In some woods, about four hundred yards from the
stream, we found Hymenophyllum wilsonii growing on a very large boulder.

It was quite a humid, thundery type of day and as we sat down for our sandwich
lunches it started to drizzle and the flies became a bit of a pest. Consequently we did
not stay very long, and soon set off again down the River Derwent to the east side of
Castle Crag during which time we saw Gymnocarpium dryopteris, Cystopteris fragilis
and Dryopteris affinis.

Sunday was the day for travelling to the northern part of the Lake District and an
increased number of us met in the car park at Caldbeck to work ‘The Howk’. We moved
off to the west along the Parkend Beck, passing waterfalls and old mill ruins on the way
upstream. There had been a lot of very heavy rain and the stream was quite impressive.

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This was a very interesting walk during which we saw Asp/enium ruta-muraria, A.
scolopendrium, Cystopteris fragilis, Polystichum aculeatum, Polypodium vulgare,
Dryopteris filix-mas, D. dilatata, Athyrium filix-femina and Equisetum arvense.

Later in the afternoon bad weather ‘stopped play’, and we reluctantly made our way
homewards.
J Bouckley

Turner Clough — 11 July. It was with a sense of panic that | learned that Mr Frank

. Murgatroyd was unable to lead the trip to Turner Clough. Horrors! | would have to lead
it myself. Frank, however, true to form had organized everything and took me for a
preliminary trip to reconnoitre.

A small but determined group of four met during a cloudburst at Ripponden, our
purpose at Turner Clough being to search for Hymenophyllum wilsonii, which was
recorded in 1834 by H. Leyland and again in 1838 by S. Gibson. A record also exists by
W. Wilson himself as being “Near Halifax’’ (Phytologist i:453 in 1844), possibly the
same site.

However, our first port of call was to be at Ripponden to see the stands of Osmunda
regalis growing by the river. A pleasant walk along the riverside path gave us a
delightful start to the day with Pteridium aquilinum, Dryopteris dilatata, D. filix-mas and
especially Athyrium filix-femina, both the red and green-rachised varieties growing
luxuriantly. Several plants of the latter were so finely dissected and had such long
apices that we wondered if they could be varieties. Across on the far bank grew the
plants we had come to see: Osmunda regalis, five in all, two being of quite considerable
size. Mr Murgatroyd had suggested to me that they may have been garden escapes as
there are several little niches similar to this in Calderdale where this plant finds
conditions favourable for growth and plants do occur in gardens at Hardcastle Crags in
the next valley. Certainly this riverside must have provided an ideal habitat for plants as
we noticed other “‘escapees’’ — a redcurrant covered in berries and a garden phlox.
Also typical of this area were many plants of the delightful Sweet Cicely, Myrrhis
odorata, and also that relentless invader /mpatiens noli-tangere, the Himalayan Balsam.

At last we tore ourselves away and took the cars two miles further up the valley to
Turner Clough. The Clough is typical of the area, comprising acid soils on Millstone Grit
with steep valley sides, the absence of a proper path along the banks of the river
making the going quite tough in places. This was accentuated by the earlier downpour
which had made everything slimy and we were soon slipping over the wet rocks — a
difficult terrain, but ideal for filmy ferns. Soon all the acid-indicator ferns were evident,
plenty of Equisetum palustre, Dryopteris filix-mas, D. dilatata, again the red and green -
rachised Athyriums, Oreopteris limbosperma, and on dry ground P. aquilinum and
Blechnum spicant, all these increasing in lushness of growth the further up the clough
we went.

We spent some time looking at a plant of Dryopteris affinis to determine its sub-species
using Chris Page’s book. We decided on subsp. affinis for this plant as it was very
golden in colour, heavily covered in rust coloured scales and on one frond showed the
characteristic short, sessile upper pinnule on the basal pinna as described to Richard »
Unett by Anthony Pigott on a recent trip.

We were further excited by a large male fern, not very fertile and bearing intermediate
characteristics between D. affinis and D. filix-mas, which we thought could be D. x
tavellii (now D. x complexa) and a littie further on a more fertile Dryopteris, darker

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green, with not very truncated, toothed pinnules which we thought could be D. affinis
subsp. borreri. A frond of each was taken for Clive Jermy to identify. (Clive confirmed
the subsp. borreri but it was too early and the spores were not ripe enough to confirm
the hybrid. He felt it could be what is now called D. affinis subsp. cambrensis).

The next point of excitement was at the top of the clough where there are numerous
inlets on the left bank. It looked an excellent site for filmies and would certainly have
given Bryologists enough work for a month, but despite our search during which we
missed the 7ro/lius which grows there, we still found nothing that we hadn't seen
before except Equisetum sylvaticum. At this point | started heading for higher ground, a
little too soon | must add, for we missed the Phegopteris connectilis and the route was
steep and tiring. One point of interest, however, was a patch of very late flowering
bluebells in a particularly wet part.

Thus the trip ended. Although we had failed to find the Hymenophylium we all enjoyed
ourselves thoroughly and concluded with a strawberry tea back home in Elland. | might
even lead another trip next year!

M Rothwell

Leck Beck Head — 12 July. The day turned out to be one of the few fine days of the
summer. This made it all the more pleasant for a group of avid pteridologists plus
associated sporelings to study the rich fern flora of Leck Beck Head.

Leck Beck Head SSSI covers some 700 hectares on the Lancashire/Cumbria border.
The site overlies carboniferous limestones and is riddled with potholes and caverns.
This explains why our party was overtaken by numerous people in wetsuits who
seemed to disappear without warning. The calcareous nature of the area also explains
why we found 20 pteridophytes, including one horsetail (Equisetum arvense) and two
clubmosses.

The excursion began at the potholers’ base camp from where we walked over open,
acidic moorland to Ease Ghyll. On the way we saw the horsetail and in a pothole, a
ramose form of Polystichum aculeatum. Once in the ghyll we explored an awe-inspiring
waterfall and cauldron complex with its walls liberally festooned with ferns such as
Asplenium ruta-muraria and A. trichomanes, A. scolopendrium, and more Polystichum
aculeatum. Some 30 feet up the side of the falls, a young specimen of the latter looked
remarkably like P. /onchitis. Unfortunately hopes were dashed when the leader
scrambled up, the long way round, to examine the specimen. Having persuaded the rest
of the party to join him at the top we carried on up the dry ghyll to encounter our first
Asplenium viride. Cystopteris fragilis was found in quantity, and also a Polypodium plant
provoked much discussion and not very much decision, being logged down as P. vulgare
agg.

After passing a few more holes of Homo sapiens cv ‘descendens’, Gymnocarpium
robertianum came into view amongst a pile of limestone boulders. Several of these
features were found along the eastern side of the ghyll and were the only places where
we could virtually guarantee to find Dryopteris submontana.

By this time the Group were restless so a carefully planned lunch stop was called in
one of the ferniest picnic spots | have found to date, a total of 15 pteridophytes being
visible (albeit with a little imagination in the case of the clubmosses) in a 30 foot radius.
e two clubmosses, Huperzia selago and Selaginella selaginoides, proved more than a
little difficult to refind (being present on a preliminary visit some three weeks previous),

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but eventually the bottle brushes of the former and the lime-green yellow cones of the
latter were discovered in the close grazed turf of the ghyll side.

After lunch the rate of discovery slowed. We ambled through huge stands of Dryopteris
affinis, and passed occasional D. filix-mas, D. dilatata and Athyrium filix-femina. Such
pteridological satiation soon produced a blasé attitude toward even Asplenium viride
and Gymnocarpium robertianum. \nterest however was re-kindled by the discovery of
some areas of acidic peat supporting Dryopteris carthusiana, Blechnum spicant and the
appetisingly scented Oreopteris limbosperma.

A few yards on we found water which we followed up to another waterfall. Not quite as
spectacular as the first, but at least it was ‘working’. Above this fall there were some
more limestone cauldrons fashioned by swirling water. We then turned back and went
downstream to where we had first joined the ghyll. Here three intrepid (gullible!)
members attempted to follow the course of the stream down a deep wooded gorge, but
soon gave up and returned to base for a well-earned cup of tea. | suppose it also ought
to be mentioned that we did see some Pteridium aquilinum.

B Wright

Fountains Abbey — 25 July. A fine July morning saw six members of the Leeds and
District Fern Group gathering at Fountains Abbey, a magnificent monastic ruin set in
the equally magnificent landscaped river valley, one of the few surviving examples of a
Georgian green garden.

A mention in Heath's “British Fern Varieties’’ of Fountains Abbey as being one of the
places where the Ear-lobed Common Polypody (Po/ypodium vulgare “‘Auritum’’) had
been found, gave us something interesting to look for amongst the many plants of
Polypodium vulgare which grow on the walls at Fountains. Immediately upon entering
the grounds we started examining Polypody fronds; some did show a lobe-like enlarge-
ment on the basal pinna, but none so pronounced as in the illustration in Heath's book.
Ramose and bifid fronds were also found.

The footpath we followed took us along the top of the south side of the valley:
Dryopteris filix-mas, D. dilatata, D. affinis subsp. borreri, Blechnum spicant and
Athyrium filix-femina (red and green stemmed) were seen growing by the path side.
Richard Unett made an interesting discovery amongst the D. filix-mas - a crown of very
depauperate fronds, the pinnae reduced to short lobes, dark green and apparently
healthy. Close by was another crown of very erect, almost perpendicular, depauperate
fronds with white edges, although these fronds didn’t look so healthy and the
variegation may have been caused by disease. Further along the path the underlying
rock changed abruptly from sandstone to limestone and we then started to see
Polystichum aculeatum and Asplenium scolopendrium. We decided to have lunch before
looking at the Abbey ruins.

After eating our lunch amidst a flock of extremely tame chaffinches we toured the
Abbey walls. A forked Hart’s-tongue and plenty of Asplenium trichomanes and A. ruta-
muraria were seen. Frond shape of the Wall-rue varied from short and obtusely rounded
to elongated and toothed. Wallflowers, pinks and marjorams, relics of the monks’
gardens, were growing in the masonry, along with many other flowering plants.

We finished the day by leaving the Abbey grounds and following the River Skell
upstream for about a mile or so. A fine cloud-like stand of Equisetum te/mateia was

encountered growing by the side of the footpath. Our first Pteridijum aquilinum of the

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day was seen, followed by Equisetum arvense and finally E. sy/vaticum. On the way
back we checked a meadow for Ophioglossum vulgatum, recorded there in the
nineteenth century, in vain, alas, but it was agreed by everyone that all in all the day
had been enjoyable and worthwhile.

R Adams

Pilularia Survey at Strensall Camp — 26 August. On Wednesday, 26 August, Richard
Unett, Barry Wright and Jack Bouckley made a return visit to Strensall Camp, an army
camp just to the north-east of York, to continue our search for Pi/u/aria globulifera.
During 1986 some of us had spent some considerable time looking for this plant and we
had found two stands of it growing in a fire-break along the eastern side of the area.
This year, the weather had been mainly wet and consequently there were many more
wet places than twelve months ago, and the Pillwort likes these wet conditions. The
weather was atrocious but we could not put off the search, as careful arrangements
had been made with the Army authorities to ensure there would be no explosives flying
around. So, clad in gum boots, waterproof jackets, trousers and headgear, we started off
along the fire-break to check first of all that the areas of this plant which we had
previously seen, were still thriving. Yes, thankfully they were still there and at intervals
as we continued along the break we came across further stands, some in water and a
few growing above the water level. It seems that the Pi/u/aria growing along this fire-
break is increasing, even though the whole length of it has to be treated with a
herbicide every other year and harrowed between those treatments. This appears to kill
any tall grasses etc., together with the green parts of the pillwort, at the same time
leaving the rhizomes to sprout again. The harrowing spreads the rhizome along the
break to form further colonies. We found one patch of the plant in a concrete-sided
drain which was quite a long way from the fire-break. We have still got some more of

the Camp to search and we hope to return there in 1988.
J Bouckley

River Wharfe — 26 September. On Saturday, 26 September, eleven of us met at
Bolton Abbey car park to do a field study along the valley of the River Wharfe. The
weather was good and the going was fairly easy as we started off upstream along the
western bank, passing The Strid, a length of river which narrows to just a few feet in
width and the water rushes along between the rocks, making it quite dangerous. The
river above and below the Strid must be about fifty yards wide so this ravine must be
very deep to take all of the water which comes down from Kettlewell, Cam Houses and
part of the Pennines. We had our packed lunches quite close to the Strid and then
continued along the same bank to Aqueduct Footbridge which we crossed to make our
return trip down the other bank. This footbridge is not a public right of way and it can
be locked at any time by The Yorkshire Water Authority or by Bolton Abbey Estate. It
carries a water main over the river and anyone crossing it does so at their own risk.

The ferns seen on this, our last meeting for 1987, were Cystopteris fragilis, Dryopteris
dilatata, D. filix-mas, Blechnum spicant, Athyrium filix-femina, Polystichum aculeatum,
Dryopteris affinis subsp. borreri, Polypodium interjectum, P. vulgare, Phegopteris
connectilis, Gymnocarpium dryopteris, Pteridium aquilinum and Asplenium trichomanes.
It is possible that we saw Dryopteris x deweveri, but this is subject to confirmation.

We are now looking forward to the start of the 1988 programme.
J Bouckley

SOUTH WEST REGION Mary Potts

Field day in Devon — 12 July. The first meeting in the South West region was
arranged by Dougal Swinscow. The weather was already warm as the party of twelve
members and friends met above Becky Falls, on the edge of Dartmoor. We explored the
woods above the waterfall which contained most of the larger ferns, particularly the
Dryopteris species. We then explored the falls (an impressive, though well-trodden
beauty spot) scrambling over huge boulders and natural stepping-stones. We peered
into every crevice for Hymenophyllum wilsonii which Dougal assured us grew there.
Eventually Dougal located it himself, growing on boulders some distance from the
stream.

After lunch we visited an area of woodland around the river Bovey. Though most of the
large woodland species of fern grew in abundance we saw nothing remarkable (except
some White Admiral butterflies) and soon retraced our steps from the, by now, almost
tropical torpid heat. '

We next visited Yarner wood (scene of a previous south west meeting in 1985) and
looked at the superb royal ferns growing just below the lodge. After an all too fleeting
visit to the Rock Nurseries the day finished at Dougal’s house in Topsham for a splendid
tea provided by Josephine Swinscow.

Dougal’s garden is now of personal interest to me. One of the joys of garden visiting is
to see the gradual evolvement of a garden and the owner’s vision gradually taking
shape. Dougal has managed to create a number of impressions in a very small space
and | particularly enjoyed the aura of tranquility around the pond and the fountain. The
ferns of note this year were two variants of Athyrium filix-femina ‘Plumosum Druery’,
one of which was almost identical to ‘Kalothrix’. Thank you Dougal, for another
interesting day and Josephine for another sumptuous tea. We are very grateful for your
support at our south west meetings.

THE AMERICAN FERN SOCIETY INC

wishes to extend an invitation to readers of this Bulletin to join the American Fern
Society. Regular members receive the “Fiddlehead Forum” six times a year. This
newsletter is published for the benefit of those who are interested in growing ferns,
hunting for them, and expanding their general knowledge of ferns. Journal members
receive, in addition to ‘‘Fiddlehead Forum”, the scientific quarterly ‘‘“American Fern
Journal’. Membership costs $8.00 and $15.00 per annum, respectively. For particulars
please write to Dr David S Barrington, Dept of Botany, University of Vermont, Burlington
VT 05401, USA. Prospective members residing in Great Britain should write to Dr BA
Thomas, Dept of Botany, National Museum of Wales, Cathays Park, Cardiff, CF1 3NP.
British members should note that the American Fern Society has to add a postage
surcharge for overseas members. Membership will cost $10.00 and $19.00 respectively.

NATIONAL FIELD MEETINGS 1987

DERBYSHIRE MEETING — 18-19 July

Day One Alan Willmot
Twelve members and friends assembled at the car park, Parsley Hay Station on the
Saturday morning just as the rain started; it followed us all weekend. No doubt the rain
helped explain why the party was only half the size it should have been. However, the
leaders would have appreciated being told in advance that people who had booked for
the weekend were not coming. Despite the rain we set off for our first site, Bleakliow
Cutting, comforting ourselves with the thought that the rain would make the ferns grow.
The cutting in Carboniferous Limestone at Bleaklow (SK/150630) was as interesting as
ever, with almost all the ferns to be expected on limestone outcrops in Derbyshire. The
species found were:

Common male-fern Dryopteris filix-mas
Broad buckler-fern D. dilatata
Golden-scaled male-fern D. affinis ssp. borreri
Wall rue Asplenium ruta-muraria
Maidenhair spleenwort A. trichomanes

Green spleenwort A. viride

Hart's tongue fern A. scolopendrium
Common polypody Polypodium vulgare
Hard shield-fern Polystichum aculeatum
Lady-fern Athyrium filix-femina
Brittle bladder-fern Cystopteris fragilis
Limestone polypody Gymnocarpium robertianum
Mountain fern Oreopteris limbosperma

The presence of mountain fern and the common polypody was surprising on limestone
outcrops, as was the occurrence of ling (Ca//una vulgaris) over large areas of the
cutting. The more geologically minded members of the group therefore had a closer look
at the rocks. They pronounced them to be sandstones and in certain areas calcareous
sandstones. By this time people were becoming decidedly damp and by a vote of feet an
early lunch was called for at the local café. The cold and wet made the thought of hot
coffee and soup even more inviting than the thought of real ale in the local pub!

After lunch we moved a few miles south to Friden to visit some small pockets of clay
and sand which occur in this part of Derbyshire in depressions in the carboniferous
limestone plateau. The sand in these pockets is excavated and used locally to make
firebricks. We first visited Long Dale where waste from the pockets has been dumped in
the past to allow a light railway to run from the brickworks to the pockets. In Long Dale
itself (SK/175612) we found Adder’s-tongue (Ophiog/ossum vulgatum) growing in
limestone grassland at the base of a wall. In the past the dump in Long Dale
(SK/172614) has had three species of lycopod growing on it but none could be refound.
Nevertheless we did discover lady fern, common male-fern and broad buckler-fern
growing with two ferns we had not seen in the morning. These were narrow buckler-
fern (Dryopteris carthusiana) and another subspecies of the golden-scaled male-fern (D.
affinis ssp. affinis). Ling grew on parts of the dump but all the ferns were growing in tall
herbaceous vegetation around the dump’s edges.

Next we turned our attention to two of the pockets themselves which had been
excavated for sand. In the pit below Long Gallery Plantation (SK/185164) we came
across common male-fern, broad buckler-fern, subspecies borreri of the golden-scaled
male-fern and lady-fern growing again in tall, herbaceous vegetation with a small

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amount of adder’s-tongue. Then in areas of shorter, herbaceous vegetation and bare
sand we found the three lycopods that had been seen at the dump some ten years
previously. Fir clubmoss (Huperzia selago) was discovered first. It was growing almost
luxuriantly in a small area of bare sand. It was fertile and there were also numerous
bulbils. Around the larger plants smaller ones were becoming established; whether this
was from spores or bulbils could not be ascertained but bulbils seemed more likely.
Nearby the first of several vigorous patches of the stag’s-horn clubmoss (Lycopodium
clavatum) was found, its upright branches bearing cones demonstrating why it has its
common name. Finally four small patches of the alpine clubmoss (Diphasiastrum
alpinum) were discovered. These were not fertile and were nowhere near as vigorous as
the plants of the stag’s-horn clubmoss.

The Kenslow Knoll pit at SK/181615 is almost adjacent to the first pit but it is larger
and has a permanent body of open water. As we had seen no horsetails we decided to
investigate the water. As we had expected this area was home to large stands of
horsetails. The common horsetail (Eqguisetum arvense) grew in the tall, herb vegetation
and on the bare areas of soil around the pond. The marsh horsetail (E. pa/ustre) grew in
marshy areas at the edge of the pond, as did the water horsetail (E. fluviatile). This
latter species also grows out into the pond, emerging from the surface of the water
between the pond’s edge and the beds of pondweed in the deeper parts of the pond.

At this point Nick Hards tried to raise enthusiasm for further visits before dinner by
describing other species that could be seen in the vicinity. However, by now the rain
had penetrated most waterproofs and even the thought of rusty-back fern could not
raise enough enthusiasm for another foray that day.

Day Two Nick Hards
We met up in Millers Dale (SK/157731) since although this site was visited on both of
the last two visits to Derbyshire, we had different people this time. There are no ferns
here which cannot be seen elsewhere in the county, but there are more in a small area,
and readily accessible.

Before leaving the road we looked at a very large colony of Equisetum fluviatile. This
was growing in shade and was well branched, with stems up to four feet long. The first
additional species seen here was Polypodium interjectum, \ooking very typical, with the
larger, broader, arching fronds and the oval sori. These features, plus the pale annulus
clearly visible on the old fronds (it was dark on the P. vu/gare seen yesterday), made it
relatively easy for once to distinguish the two species, since all the characters were So
well developed. We also found a very odd polypody with very short, broad triangular
fronds and the new fronds only just unfurling. It was not however particularly serrated
and was not fertile. A small piece of rhizome was collected and hopefully | will be able
to grow this on and see if it is P. cambricum (formerly P. australe).

Another species in the woods was Polystichum setiferum, which is scarce in Derbyshire
and previously | only knew of one plant here. | had found a second plant earlier this
year and another was found on this meeting by Tim Edwards, a new member. Also in
the woods were Dryopteris affinis subsp. borreri, D. filix-mas, D. dilatata and Cystopteris
fragilis. On the railway cutting were Asp/enium trichomanes, A. ruta-muraria,
Gymnocarpium robertianum and Polystichum aculeatum.

The star attraction here is Dryopteris submontana, most of it high up the railway cutting
and inaccessible. With the help of binoculars Alan and | had previously counted over 30
plants, but we did not repeat the exercise in the pouring rain this time. One of the

120

original two plants seen near ground level in 1980 had grown considerably but the
other had disappeared (it was hanging on by just one root three years ago). However, |
found another plant low down which could also be studied and photographed in
comfort.

Lastly in Millers Dale we walked up to the mine spoil heaps in the main part of this
beautiful Derbyshire Wildlife Trust reserve. Botrychium /unaria is remarkably abundant
here, mainly on the spoil heaps but also in the grass generally. Alison was the first to
see it but we were all able to find our own plants. The other interesting plants included
Grass of Parnassus (Parnassia palustris) and Mountain Pansy (Viola /utea).

Some of the party had lunch in the pub at Tideswell and arrived rather late at Abney
Clough (SK/215798) to find the others looking rather pointedly at their watches. We
blamed the delay on a flock of sheep and proved it by meeting them again down in the
clough. In Derbyshire cloughs are acidic and dales are alkaline, although Parsley Hay
was a bit of a mixture. So far this weekend we had managed to avoid seeing bracken,
and it was no real pleasure to put right that omission now. Blechnum spicant was also
added to the list and we saw much more Oreopteris limbosperma, plus Athyrium filix-
femina, Dryopteris affinis, D. dilatata, D. filix-mas, Equisetum arvense and E. fluviatile.
We were able to find a colony of E. x /itorale before heading into the more wooded part.
Here we saw two colonies of Phegopteris connectilis and after walking a fair way up the
clough and again in more open country, Asp/enium adiantum-nigrum and
Gymnocarpium dryopteris. This brought the total count to 27 fern species plus two
subspecies, three horsetails and three clubmosses, together with a hybrid horsetail. My
theory that the Dryopteris dilatata seems to be of two distinct types, one of which may
be D. expansa, in Abney Clough, found no favour with the rest of the party.

| should also record that Abney Clough provided our only variety, although we would
have preferred not to see it! It was a percristate but hideously depauperate lady fern
whose only garden merit would be on the compost heap.

We were slightly too late to see the greater butterfly orchids (Platanthera chlorantha)
apart from two belated spikes, but the meadows in Abney Clough were full of betony
(Betonica officinalis) flowering freely.

One feature of the weekend was that the pairs of similar species were for once very
well behaved and illustrating their distinguishing features very clearly (D. carthusiana
and D. dilatata, P. interjectum and P. vulgare, P. aculeatum and P. setiferum, and even
D. affinis subsp. affinis and subsp. borreri). Unfortunately the D. affinis in Abney Clough
rather spoilt this by looking very intermediate.

Torrential rain made farewells brief at the close of a very enjoyable and successful, if
wet, weekend.

SOMERSET FERN WEEKEND — 1-2 August. Eighteen members and friends met in
Axbridge Square on a sunny Saturday morning. We first visited one of our local nature
reserves at the top of Cheddar Gorge, consisting of a long sunken road called Black
Rock Drove and a wooded valley called Long Wood. We saw thirteen species of fern in
all, the most notable being some fine stands of Gymnocarpium robertianum and many
large plants of Po/ystichum aculeatum. The latter plants dominate certain areas of Long
Wood, rendering Po/ystichum setiferum notable by its almost total absence. We were
able to thank Anthony Pigott for some correct identification of Dryopteris affinis subsp.

121

affinis. Asplenium ceterach has been found in this area before but was absent from the
rocks and walls where it grew previously.

During the afternoon we visited Waldegrave pool and Priddy mineries, situated on the
top of the exposed Mendip plateau. The pond was filled to choking point with Equisetum
fluviatile and growing at the edge was a small stand of Ophioglossum vulgatum. A
couple of hundred yards away on a small spoil heap we found the fading remains of
Botrychium lunaria. The yellowing fronds were quite apparent amongst the dry turf and
thyme plants. An investigation of some culverts on the higher ground revealed some
interesting forms of Athyrium filix-femina with imbricate fronds, but not the plants of
Blechnum spicant seen on a previous visit.

Bypassing a number of marshy areas well colonised by Dryopteris carthusiana we
examined some ruined buildings at the mineries. We found these abundantly covered
with Asplenium adiantum-nigrum (a plant rarely found in this area), with A. ruta-
muraria, A. trichomanes and A. ceterach in lesser numbers. The group spent a pleasant
evening at ‘The Pheasant’ at Wookey, retiring after a fruitful and satisfying day.

The following morning we were joined by another four local members, forming a party
of twenty-two in all. (We had decided to combine a south west meeting with the
national programme). The morning was spent on Shapwick Nature Reserve on the
Somerset Levels. This area of moist peat supports a superb wetland flora; the party was
able to see some wonderful examples of Thel/ypteris palustris and Osmunda regalis. The
former fern grew to a height of two and a half feet in the rhynes and ponds and was
abundant in the less wooded areas. The royal fern also reached a fine stature, ancient
clumps of fronds reaching six feet. Many of the party remarked on the size and
abundance of these species and said the weekend was worthwhile just to see such
magnificent specimens. We have the Nature Conservancy Council to thank for their
efforts in maintaining the water level in this reserve, in spite of the ever deepening peat
excavations in the surrounding areas.

The group returned to the Potts’ house for a leisurely lunch and then spent the
afternoon looking at the garden and exchanging plants. Many plants in my polypody
collection have reached sufficient size to warrant division so | was pleased to distribute
pieces of the more unusual varieties.

Christopher and | enjoyed arranging these fern days and would be pleased to see
anyone who is in this area and show them the local fern flora. Please contact us if you
would like a south west meetings programme in the spring of 1988.

Mary Potts

HARLOW CAR AND BIRK GILL — 15-16 August. The Leeds and District Group was
host to the BPS on the weekend of 15-16 August. We all met at the Members’ room in
Harlow Car Gardens, the head-quarters of the Northern Horticultural Society. (They
have recently been given permission to maintain the National Collections of Dryopteris
and Polypodium). After a brief natter and a cup of tea, seventeen of us went for a stroll
round part of the gardens, trying to identify some of the fern varieties which are
growing in the greenhouses, peat terraces, streamside and limestone gardens;
unfortunately we did not get them all identified.

After lunch in the local we went for a walk around the area outside the gardens called
Birk Crag. The crags are sandstone and most of the rocky outcrop is at the top of a very
steep-sided valley along which runs Oak Beck, a tributary of the River Nidd. We saw lots

122

of the more common ferns but we were on the lookout for a fairly large stand of
Gymnocarpium dryopteris which | first saw about three years ago. The local council
employed some Job Creation or YTS people to clear away a lot of the undergrowth and |
have not seen the Oak Fern since. We all looked for it again but sadly it seems to have
disappeared. After this we split into two groups, one of them working up a very steep
stream bed to look for an old recorded population of Hymenophyllum wilsonii, but that
too seems to have disappeared.

In the evening most of the party came round to my home to have a browse around the
garden and do justice to the refreshments which my wife, Ruth, had prepared.

On Sunday, 16 August, we went a bit further afield to Birk Gill (nothing to do with Birk
Crag). The object of this field study was to search again the part of the Gill which the
Leeds Group visited last year (see BPS Bulletin 3 (3):84, 1986) and then to continue
further along to see if there was anything up towards the moors. We found a couple of
plants of Dryopteris affinis and also a small stand of a nicely crisped form of Pteridium
aquilinum.

In the 1986 report there is a mention of Asp/enium ceterach growing in a wall outside a
plant nursery in the village of Healey which was first seen by Dr W A Sledge of Leeds
University well over twenty years ago. This is still growing well in the company of
Asplenium trichomanes and the nursery owner told us that he will take very good care
of it and see that it does not become overgrown with some Ivy which is growing in the
wall.

One thing which really stood out along the whole of Birk Gill was the size of the
Oreopteris limbosperma. There were hundreds of plants with fronds up to four feet in
length.

Jack Bouckley

DRYOPTERIS STUDY WEEKEND — 22-23 August. Saturday morning found five
members in the car park in Dunster, Somerset, for a weekend devoted to the Dryopteris
complex.

The first site visited was woods between Dunkery Hill and Porlock, a pleasant place
where a tumbling stream runs down a lightly wooded valley. Here we found a profusion
of golden-scaled male ferns (G.S.M.F.), Dryopteris affinis agg. It is safest to use the
English name for the group nowadays! We also saw a lot of Dryopteris dilatata and one
plant of D. aemula. After lunch in a nearby café we walked back in the direction of our
morning's locality, passing a lot more G.S.M.F. and a fine colony of D. aemula.

That evening, when the party had dispersed for the day, the writer went to Simonsbath
to re-visit a fern found there on a previous trip. It had been almost destroyed and was
unrecognisable. However, the journey was not quite in vain as it yielded a splendid
hybrid between Dryopteris filix-mas and a G.S.M.F. — probably D. affinis subsp.
cambrensis. \f so, it will presumably be a pentaploid.

Somerset seemed to have had a dry summer, and when it rained on the Monday, after
the fern meeting was over, it was welcomed by the local gardeners. We had very little
rain on the Saturday, and Sunday was a splendid day.

On Sunday morning we assembled in the car park again and later, rendezvoused at
Combe Wood with our latest arrival. We failed to find the local variety of subsp. borreri
which we were looking for. This was unfortunate as the wood is probably going to be

123

“developed” — i.e. destroyed. However, we did find Dryopteris filix-mas, D. dilatata,
some other D. affinis and some rather fine D. carthusiana. We then moved on to Wind
Down Wood where we found a profusion of different Dryopteris species, also fine plants
of Athyrium filix-femina, Asplenium scolopendrium and a Polystichum sp. We looked for
“Polystichopteris” but without success! However, there were plenty of Dryopteris
dilatata, D. filix-mas and a great variety of D. affinis, including subsp. affinis, and
numerous hybrids between D. filix-mas and some of the golden-scaled male ferns. The
writer also found two plants of Dryopteris “filix-mas’’, one probably the parent of the
other, which were producing good and abortive spores in approximately equal numbers.

The party then broke up, but two enthusiasts went off to check an old record of Pilu/aria
globulifera, while the most aged and decrepit member of the party awaited their
company for supper in the Forester’s Arms.

H Corley

SOUTHPORT FLOWER SHOW — 20-22 AUGUST 1987 A R Busby

All the fears and uncertainties of previous years became reality in January with the
announcement by Sefton Borough Council that there would not be a show this year.
Fortunately, many people, both local and countrywide, were determined that the famous
Southport Flower Show should not die. Such was their concern and enthusiasm that a
public meeting was called and the Southport Horticultural Society formed. A group of
businessman within this new society formed a limited company: The Southport Flower
Show Ltd, to look after the show’s affairs. Although there were some administrative
problems, the show took place and was blessed with good weather for the first two
days. However, Friday night was a night of heavy rain and thunderstorms. Exhibitors
arrived on Saturday morning to find several tents standing in up to four inches of water.
Helped by the Merseyside Fire Brigade and Sefton Borough Council, they rolled up their
sleeves and, with buckets and dustbins, bailed out the show.

One sad note that overshadowed the show was the death a few days beforehand of Mr
John Boocock, Secretary of the show since 1972. He had been ill for several weeks.

In spite of all this, the show was well attended over the three days and exhibitors were
assured that there will be a show next year.

My thanks to Jack Bouckley, Ray and Brenda Smith, Brian Russ, Dave Kershaw and
Nigel Hall for helping on the Society stand.

The number and quality of entries was virtually the same as last year, with exhibitors
paying more attention to correct labelling and better presentation. There is still plenty of
room for more exhibitors so | hope more people will enter these classes next year. |
would be very pleased to answer any queries from members who are considering
showing their ferns.

The judges this year were Mrs H M D Key and A R Busby.
The prize winners are listed below in order of winning.

Class 6 _ Six hardy British ferns (dissimilar)

B Russ, D J Kershaw (no first awarded) (two entries)
Class 7 Six greenhouse ferns (dissimilar)

D J Kershaw, B Russ (two entries)

124

Class 8 Three hardy British ferns (species, not varieties)
R J Smith, D J Kershaw, B Russ (three entries)

Class 9 Three foreign ferns (hardy in Great Britain)
D J Kershaw, B Russ (two entries)

Class 10 Three Asp/enium scolopendrium (three distinct varieties)
B Russ (one entry)

Class 11 Three Polypodiums (three distinct varieties)
W Kirby, R J Smith (two entries)

Class 12 Three Polystichums (three distinct varieties)
W Kirby (no first awarded) (one entry)

Class 13. Three Athyriums (three distinct varieties)
B Russ (no first or second awarded) (one entry)

Class 14 Three Dryopteris (three distinct varieties)
R J Smith, D J Kershaw (two entries)

Class 15 Three Aspleniums (excluding A. sco/opendrium)
(three distinct varieties and/or species)
H C Shepherd, B Russ, W Kirby (three entries)

Class 16 One British Fern (any kind or variety)
H C Shepherd, A Shellard (four entries)

Class 17. One greenhouse fern

Mrs T Shorrock, Mrs E A Gibbs, D J Kershaw (five entries)
The “Happiland”’ Trophy, awarded to the exhibitor accumulating the most points in fern
classes, was won by Mr Brian Russ of Ormskirk.

OBITUARIES

It is with real sorrow that | have the task of writing two obituaries this year, both on
very good friends of many years’ standing.

JOHN NOEL BROOKFIELD who died on 10 April this year joined our Society in 1951,
the son of John Brookfield, owner of the fern nursery in the same name in Southport,
Lancashire. Noel took over the nursery in due course and for many years put up superb
exhibits of ferns at the Southport Flower Show, always carrying off the Society’s Silver
Trophy. His exhibits always included many of our finest fern varieties on a well laid out
stand and must have done much to further the fern-growing cult. In recognition of this
he was elected to Honorary Membership of the Society in 1977.

Living as we did at opposite ends of the country we had few opportunities for getting
together and | always looked forward to our meetings at the Flower Show and our
critical appraisal of the fern exhibits, particularly — by me! — the Brookfield ones.
However, Noel could always give as good as he got and we both enjoyed the banter. He
had a quiet dry humour and a twinkle in his eyes. Many happy evenings were spent in
his home, along with his wife and family. To them we extend our deepest sympathy.

FRED JACKSON died in the spring this year at the ripe old age of 86. He joined the
Society in 1948 and from the start was an active member at northern field meetings. He
lived in Borrowdale in the Lake District and spent his life among his beloved hills which
he knew intimately and was associated with the local conservation and preservation
bodies. He was an expert cragsman in his heyday and it was a joy to watch him on the

125

cliffs in his search for ferns. In his small garden in Stonethwaite at the bottom of the
Dale he had a very choice collection of varieties and the smaller mountain species
which he grew to perfection.

Although a simple quarryman for most of his life, he was a very observant man and
acquired a great practical knowledge of the geology and the rocks of the Lakeland
mountains, and many geologists, both from this country and abroad, would seek out
Fred when visiting the Lake District, and listen with respect to what he could tell them.
In our Society he was regarded very highly, both in the field and on our Committee, first
as a member and later as an Honorary Member and he was also a Vice-President for
many years.

Fred was a delightful companion in the field and |, with many others, have spent many
happy fern meetings in his company. An extrovert of the first order, evenings in his
company in our hotels were joyful occasions. He had a delightful broad Cumbrian
accent and a booming voice and, listening to an interesting conversation at the dining
table or when leaning on the bar, his exclamations were not a quiet ‘‘Really!’’ or “‘Is
that so!’ but a booming ‘““OOOOH-AYE” which startled everyone within several yards.
He loved his Malt Whisky — so do |! — and evenings spent in Fred’s company were
always happy affairs.

In his article in the issue of the Pterido/ogist dedicated to me on the occasion of my
80th birthday (Vol 1 part 2) Fred exclaims “‘Oh! for the joys of the days that are gone”.
They were good days, happy days, spent in the company of good friends.

Our deepest sympathies go to his family.
Jimmy Dyce

NEW MEMBERS 1987
(A full list of members was published in BPS Bulletin Vol. 3, part 2)
ATKINSON, Mrs M, 2 Duke Street, Penrith, anor CA11 7LY
BAHIR, A, Kibbutz Givat- Brenner, 60948 Isi
BARCOCK, Miss JM, S d St Nicholas, Cardiff, S Glamorgan CF5 6SU
BAYLIS, Mr H A, John Innes Institute, i Lane, Norwich, Norfolk NR4 ae
BEEDLE, Mrs H R, The Retreat, Bradley Cross, Cheddar, Somerset BS27
M oad, Ge 5JD

BELSHAM, Mrs P M, 36 Hatherleigh Close, Morden, Surrey SM4 5AD
BOYD, Mr & Mrs J M, Worthyland, Back Lane, Draycott, Cheddar, Somerset BS27 3TN
BRANDT-PEDERSEN, P, Taarnbygaardsvej 20, Kastrup 2770, Denmark
BRUNSON, Mr B A, 1608 Ahihi Street, Hon iolulu, Hawaii 96819, USA

’ , ya
CLAYDON, Mr D, 24 High Road, Hockley, Essex SS5 4SX
COLE, Mr R, 26 ee eee Road, Messingham, nr Scunthorpe, South Humberside DN17 3RA
CORNELL, og? V CM, 4 Mill Street, Wells, Somerset BA5 2A
DALITZ, Mrs M K, Grace Ferns, 4 First Avenue, Aone Park 5019 South Australia
DAVIDSON, seas A, 34 Bideford Gardens, Whitley Bay, Tyne and Wear NE26 10P
, Newstead, Rossall School, Fleetwood, Lancs FY7 8J

o
m
>
=
oO:

M : ssin
EDWARDS, Mr T CT, 51 Applebrook, Shifnal, Telford, Shropshir
FORD, Mr o V, Micropropagation Unit, oe Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 3AB
GAL, V, Taran 3, Rechovot, 76281 Israe
GAUCI, Mr s. 303 Republic Street, PO ate 543, Valletta, Malta
GOSS, Miss L E J, Chanda House, 14 Hanger Lane, Ealing, London W5 3HH
i 3X

, Brit
HILL. Mr - CF M4 O Sos 178, ‘String "5152, South Austr

KIM CH, M, ; USA

KITCHENER, Mr G D, Crown Villa, Otford Lane, Hals: ae Kent TN14 7EA
LFE, Dr JA, 5 Holyrood Close, Waterlooville, Rocceniourhe Hants PO7 8QJ
!EONARD, Mr AM, 11 Victory Road, Portsmouth, Hants PO1 3DR

126

ORD, P 9 St George’s Street, Cheltenha G A
MACKENZIE, Mrs M A, 116 Montrose Avenue, Luton, Beds L
MACKINTOSH, Mr A S, 34 Liwynbrain Villas, Howey, Llandrindod ag LD1 5PY
DIE, Mr , Summerlea, Watchill, Lochmaben, Dumirieahire DG1 RY
MORLEY, Mr J, North Green, Stoven, Beccles, Suffolk NR3

M N |, 54 Gr

MURDOCH, Mr S, Airwork Ltd, P O Box 1223, Seeb Airport, Sultanate of Oman

Ate degrra Mr - MrsAJ&R, 19 Model Cottages, Sedbury, Chepstow, amet: NP6 7HA
EACE s R, Forge Cottage, East Garston, Newbury, Berkshire RG16 7EU

PHILLIPS, hice E, Sherkin island, Skibbereen, County Cork, Eir

PIEARCE, Dr T G, Dept. of Biological Sciences, University of Lancaster, Lancashire LA1 4YQ

PIPER, Mr H, 63 icghan Road, London W3 6PD
U

: 146, Italy
RUGH, Mr J B, 395 Whitney Street, Northboro, Massachusetts 1 532, USA
SCATCHARD, Mrs C, 5 Kanella Road, Shelley, 6155 Western Austral alia
SHEFFIELD, Dr E, ee of Cell and Srriicusa} Biology, University of Manchester, Oxford Road,
3 9P

SILVER, Mrs P J, 8 et oom Knowle, Chinley, Stockport, Cheshire SK12 6DA
SMOUT, Prof. TC & Mrs A M, Chesterhill, Shore Road, Anstruther, Fife KY10 3DZ
ODEN, M i ow i i P1 3H

n
STUTTS, Ms S M, 40 Dan's Highway, New Canaan, Connecticut, 06840, USA
SWELL, ges “ 505 Baldwin Road, Richmond, Viediie. 23229, USA
TAYLOR, Mr RN D, 38 Pettis Road, St Ives, Cambridgeshire PE17 4LH
TIMM, Mr R N, Castle Villa, Church Lane, Minting, vie ae on 5RR
EER,

’ H,
WILLIAMS, Mr C, Madeley Cottage, Newcastle oo d, Hough, Cheshire CW2 5JT
ZLOTNIK, Ms A, Lomas Altas 108, Mexico, D.F. 1950, Mex xic

127

MEETINGS 1988

Acting Meetings Secretary: A R Busby, 16 Kirby Corner Road, Canley, Coventry CV4 8GD.

Meetings Sub-Committee:

Saturday
12 March

Saturday
21 May

Friday-Sunday
2-3 July

Saturday
23 July

Thursday-Sunday
4-7 August

Thursday-Monday
11-15 August

Thursday-Saturday

18, 19 & 20 August

Friday-Sunday
9-11 September

Saturday
17 September

Saturday
15 October

Tel: 0203 715690.
P J Acock, Dr N Hards, J M lde, P H Ripley.

Annual General Meeting at the Chelsea Physic Garden,
66 Royal Hospital Road, London at 2.00 pm, to be followed by
the Spring Indoor Meeting at 3.00 pm.

Day meeting at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Surrey.
Meet at the Lower Nursery, which is adjacent to Kew Palace,
at 2.30 pm. Leader: J R Woodhams.

Weekend meeting at Kilndown, Kent. Meet at 7.30pm Friday
or 10.00 am Saturday at the Globe and Rainbow Inn, Kilndown.
Leader: P H Ripley.

Day meeting in the Oxford area, meet at 10.00 am at St Hugh's
College, St Margaret's Road, Oxford. Leader: D & K Holly.

North Yorkshire Moors Weekend. Meet 7.30 pm Thursday or
10.00 am Friday at Goathland Hotel Bar, Goathland, nr Whitby,
N Yorks. Leaders: A C Jermy & J M Camus.

Long weekend meeting at Lochcarron, Ross-shire.
Meet 7.30 pm Wednesday evening or 10.00 am Thursday at
the Rockvilla Hotel, Lochcarron. Leader: P H Hainsworth.

Southport Flower Show. The Society's stand will be in tent
No 3, competitive fern classes in tent No 5. Leader: A R Busby.

Weekend meeting in Sedbergh, Cumbria. Meet Thursday
7.30 pm or Friday 10.00 am at The Red Lion, Finkle Street,
Sedbergh. Leader: Dr N Hards.

Day meeting at Reading, Berkshire. Meet 10.00 am in the car
park, University of Reading, Plant Science Dept. (entrance in
Pepper Lane). Leader: A R Busby.

Autumn Indoor Meeting at the University of York. Meet in the
Dept. of Biology Lecture Room at 2.00 pm. Leader: J Bouckley.

For full details of all these meetings and available accommodation please consult your

Meetings Programme sheet.

REGIONAL DAY MEETINGS

If you would like details of additional day meetings in the following areas, please
contact the local organiser, enclosing a stamped, addressed envelope.

South-west England:

West Midlands:

North-east England:

South-east England:

Christopher and Mary Potts, 4 Kennel Lane, Webbington,
nr Axbridge, Somerset. Tel: 093 472 545.

AR Busby, 16 Kirby Corner Road, Canley, Coventry, CV4 8GD.
Tel: 715690.

JH Bouckley, 209 Woodfield Road, Harrogate, N Yorks.,
HG1 4JE.

PH Ripley, 12 Farm Lane, Tonbridge, Kent TN10 3DG.

128

BRITISH FERNS AND THEIR CULTIVARS
A very comprehensive collection is stocked by
REGINALD KAYE LTD
SILVERDALE, LANCASHIRE
CATALOGUE ON REQUEST

FIBREX NURSERIES LTD
Honeybourne Road, Pebworth, nr Stratford on Avon, Warwickshire CV37 8XT
Hardy and tender ferns
Begonias, Gloxinias, Hederas, Hydrangeas, Primroses, Arum Lilies
and Plants for the cool greenhouse

Catalogue on request

MRS J K MARSTON
Specialist Fern Grower
A wide range of hardy and greenhouse ferns, especially Adiantums

Culag, Green Lane, Nafferton, Nr. Driffield, East Yorkshire
Send 50p for new catalogue

THE NIPPON FERNIST CLUB
There exists in Japan this large and active Society devoted
to the study of ferns which welcomes contacts with foreign pteridologists,
both amateur and professional.
For further information write to:
Dept. of Forest Botany,
Faculty of Agriculture, Tokyo University, Hongo,
Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan 113

1988 SOUTHPORT FLOWER SHOW
The Organisers extend all good wishes for a successful 1988
Classes for your Society's special interests are available
Total Horticultural Prizes awarded for 1987 Value over £120,000
18th, 19th, 20th AUGUST 1988

Schedules and further information from:
The Flower Show Secretary
Dept. 11, Town Hall, Lord Street, Southport, Merseyside, PR8 1DA

FERNS FOR AFRICA
Offer African indigenous ferns by mail order.
Price lists available.
Overseas orders welcome.
D. Turner, Box 815, George 6530, South Africa.

The British Pteridological Society
~ BULLETIN —

VOLUME 3 NUMBER 4

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Southport Flower S

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NUMBER 5

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Edited by A.R. Busby

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THE BRITISH PTERIDOLOGICAL SOCIETY
Officers and Committee for 1988

President: Dr B.A. Thomas
President Emeritus: J.W. Dyce

Vice-Presidents: Dr R.E. Holttum, A.C. Jermy, R. Kaye, G. Tonge
Honorary General Secretary and A.R. Busby, ‘Croziers’,

Editor of the Bulletin: 16 Kirby Corner Road, Canley, Coventry, CV4 8GD

Tel: Coventry 715690)

Assistant Secretary (Membership) Miss A.M. Paul,

Department of Botany, British Museum (Natural History),
Cromwell Road, London, SW7 5BD

Treasurer: Dr N.J. Hards,
184 Abingdon Road, Didcot, Oxon, OX11 9BP

Meetings Secretary: A.C. Pigott,
43 Molewood Road, Hertford, Herts. SG14 3AQ

Editor of the Fern Gazette: Material for publication should be sent to:

The Editor of the Fern Gazette, British Pteridological Society,

c/o Department of Botany, British Museum (Natural History),

Cromwell Road, London, SW7 5BD

Editor of the Pteridologist: M.H. Rickard, The or Rectory, Leinthall Starkes,
udlow, Shropshire, SY8 2HP

assisted by J.W. Dyce

Committee: P.J. Acock, J.H. Bouckley, C.R. Fraser-Jenkins, J. Ide,
R.P.H. Lamb, A.M. Paul, P.H. Ripley, Dr T.G. Walker, Dr A. Willmot

Fern Distribution Recorder: A.J. Worland, 102 Queens Close, Harston,
Cambs., CB2 50N

Spore Exchange Organiser: Mrs M. Nimmo-Smith, 201 Chesterton Road,
Cambridge, CB4 1AH

Plant Exchange Organiser: Mrs R. Hibbs, 30 London Road,
Hailsham, East Sussex, BN27 3BW

Archivist: N.A. Hall, 15 Mostyn Road, Hazel Grove, Stockport, Cheshire, SK7 5HL
Booksales Organiser: J.W. Dyce, 46 Sedley Rise, Loughton, Essex 1G10 1LT
Trustees of Greenfield Fund: A.R. Busby, Dr N.J. Hards, Dr B.A. Thomas

The BRITISH PTERIDOLOGICAL SOCIETY was founded in 1891 and today continues as a focus
for fern enthusiasts. It provides a wide range of information about ferns through the medium of
publications and available literature. It also eens formal talks, informal iio field
meetings, garden visits, plant exchanges and a _—* xchange scheme. a _—
membership which includes gardeners, nurserymen and botanists, both amateur one professiona
The Society's journals, the Fern Gazette, Preridologist and Bulletin, are published annually. The
Fern —— Ravmee pt matter i ot ‘specialist interest on international steolaeat Se ne

Pteridologist, d the Bulletin, Society bu

Membership is open to all ieorented 1 in ‘es rns and fern-allies. SUBSCRIPTION RATES icles on
- ey each year) are Full Personal Members £10, Personal Members not receiving the Fern
e * m .

(address a
than Sterling are £1 nae extra to cover bank Aion n charges) Airmail postage for all journals
~ an extra £3.50, or for those not receiving the Fern Gaze
(Front cover: Crested Asplenium viride found by R Smith ses the Sedbergh Meeting.)

Ce as
Back numbers of the Gazette, Pteridologist and Bulletin are available for purchase from PJ. Acock,
13 Star Lane, St. Mary Cray, Kent BR5 3LJ, from whom further details can be obtained.

THE
BULLETIN ane 29 1983

OF THE

BRITISH PTERIDOLOGICAL SOCIETY saver STE
Vol. 3 1988 No.5
SECRETARIAL NOTES

MEETINGS CARDS - Meetings cards for 1989 are enclosed with this Bulletin to all
inland members. Overseas members visiting Britain can obtain them on application to
the Meetings Secretary.

COMMITTEE VACANCIES - In accordance with paragraph 3, section 3 of the Society's
Constitution, two vacancies will occur due to the retirement of the two longest serving
Committee members. Nominations are invited from members of the Society to fill these
vacancies at the Annual General Meeting in 1989. The names of the nominees, proposers
and seconders, together with a letter from the nominee indicating their willingness to
serve, should reach the General Secretary by 27 February 1989.

22a RRR TE KER AR ERAN BAA eA AA TH SE SS ES St See ae eS

SUBSCRIPTIONS 1989 - Members are reminded that subscriptions for 1989 are due
on the 1st January 1989 and should be paid to the Assistant Secretary (Membership),
British Pteridological Society, c/o Dept. of Botany, British Museum (Natural History),
Cromwell Road, London, SW7 5BD. Cheques should be made payable to ‘The British
Pteridological Society’. Current rates are given inside the front cover. Standing Order
forms are available from the above address.

PUBLICATIONS BY AIRMAIL - Our journals can be sent by airmail to overseas members,
provided they advise the Assistant Secretary and pay an additional subscription to cover
airmail postage. See inside front cover for rates.

ee ee ee ee ok oe ee ee ee a Se ee a ee eee

AFFILIATION TO THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY - Our Society is affiliated to
the RHS, enabling a limited number of members to enjoy certain privileges in connection
with RHS Shows, competitions and services. Due to major changes concerning privileges
for affiliated societies the free tickets for the Chelsea Show have been withdrawn. There
are two transferable tickets available for all other RHS Shows. Applications for tickets _
or further details, enclosing a stamped, addressed envelope, should be made to the
BPS General Secretary.

READING CIRCLE - The American Fern Journal, a quarterly containing much information
for those seriously interested in ferns, is circulated to Reading Circle members. To join, .
apply to the General Secretary. —

THE GREENFIELD FUND - This fund, set up as a memorial to one of our Society's great
fern growers - Percy Greenfield, is used to finance approved research projects, helping
with the cost of necessary equipment, books and travel expenses. Awards for meritorious
achievements such as the introduction of a new fern variety or plant, or some of the
Society publicity projects would be considered as worthy of help from the fund. Percy

129

Greenfield's interest leaned very much towards the non-scientific side of our activities
and it is felt that he would want this taken into consideration when decisions are made.
Workers eligible for university or college grants and similar support will not therefore
be eligible for help from the fund. Members with projects wishing to benefit from this
memorial fund should apply to the trustees via the General Secretary.

BINDERS for the BPS BULLETIN - Binders for volumes of the BPS BULLETIN are available
from the General Secretary. Attractively produced with red hardboard covers and gold
blocked lettering on the spine: only £3.50 each, postage & packing included. This applies
to inland members only. Prices for overseas members on application. Cash with order,
please make cheques payable to A R Busby.

BACK NUMBERS OF JOURNALS - Now those long winter’s evenings are upon us
there is nothing quite like a little armchair ferning. Over the years | have found that
there is nothing better to chase away winter blues than reading through past issues
of the Society's journals. Here is a chance to escape to sunnier climes or come to a
better understanding of details of the fern world. If you would like to buy back numbers,
please write to Mr Acock for a price-list or send £5 for a bumper bundle of assorted
issues!

WANTED - If you have finished with copies of the Fern Gazette Vol. 10, Pt. 3 or BPS
Bulletin Vol. 1, No. 3, he is willing to buy these back as we have sold out of these
parts and many members and subscribers are wanting to complete their collections.

Contact Patrick Acock, 13 Star Lane, St. Mary Cray, Kent, BR5 3LJ with your orders
or offers of back numbers.

CONSERVATION ASSOCIATION OF BOTANICAL SOCIETIES

The 1988 A.G.M. of the Conservation Association of Botanical Societies (C.A.B.S.), was
held at the British Museum (Natural History) in July. The British Pteridological Society
is a founder member of CABS and Clive Jermy and | represent the BPS on the Management
Committee. Members resident in the British Isles receive the CABS newsletter ‘Plant
Press’; issue No. 5 should be included with this Bulletin.

Jennifer Ide

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 1988

MINUTES of the 85th ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING held at the Chelsea Physic Garden,
Royal Hospital Road, London on Saturday, 12 March 1988 at 2.15 p.m.

IN THE CHAIR: The President, Mrs Gwladys Tonge.

PRESENT: P J Acock, J H Bouckley, A R Busby, J M Camus, M Castellan, J A Crabbe,
J Cramp, J W Dyce, M Gibby, N A Hall, N J Hards, R Hibbs, G Hoare, D Holly, J Ide,
‘A C Jermy, M Kingston, S Munyard, S Newton, A M Paul, M H Rickard, B A Thomas,
M Vilar, A J Worland, A Willmot, J R Woodhams.

ITEM 1 - APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE - C R Fraser-Jenkins, M Nimmo-Smith, B S Par ris,
P H Ripley.

ITEM 2 - APPROVAL OF MINUTES - Minutes of the Annual General Meeting held on
14 March 1987 were read and approved.

130

ITEM 3 - MATTERS ARISING from those minutes - None.

ITEM 4 - HONORARY GENERAL SECRETARY’S REPORT - Another year has passed
and the Society continues to expand. My usual warning about the difficulty of giving
firm numbers of members at this time of the year still applies. Last year | was pleased
to report an overall increase in members and during 1987 we appear to have improved
on last years figures with a further 64 new members. As for 1988, we already have
another 20 new members.

Publications

| have little to say about the journals other than what all the editors would wish me
to say, that they are dependent on you for copy and that members should not be deterred
from submitting articles through lack of experience. The editors will be only too pleased
to advise on how information should be presented.

Conservation

Our Society continues to maintain close links with the National Council for the
Conservation of Plants and Gardens. Those members who also take an active interest
in the N.C.C.P.G. will be aware that ferns now feature more prominently amongst the
National Collections. Along with private collections such as my collection of species
and forms of Osmunda and Martin Rickard’s collection of forms of hardy Polypodium,
Sizergh Castle in Cumbria, Harlow Car Gardens at Harrogate, Savill Gardens, Windsor
and Tatton Park, Cheshire now hold public collections.

f+h Rritich Ac fi | dall ss

Our activities with conservation of
should now have received the Conservation Association of Botanical Societies publication
‘Plant Press’.

Spore and Plant Exchange Schemes

During the past year, both these schemes have seen a change in organiser. R F Cartwright
felt that the time was right for him to put down the burden of organising the spore
exchange after 13 years. This society owes a great debt of gratitude to Dick Cartwright
for his unstinting hard work which has made our spore exchange scheme the best.

Due to pressures of business, Richard Lamb, the originator of our plant exchange, has
had to relinquish the task of organiser and our thanks are due to him for recognising
a need and implementing a scheme that is becoming more and more popular.

Finally, 1987 saw the passing of two great characters of our Society, Noel Brookfield
and Fred Jackson. | would add nothing to the obituaries by their good friend, J W Dyce,
other than to say we mourn the loss of two very special members.

Mr Busby’s report was approved and adopted by the meeting and the President thanked
Mr Busby.

ITEM 5 - HONORARY TREASURER’S REPORT - The Treasurer distributed copies of
his balance sheet and after explaining the Society's income ane cage niente aa the
past year, he was pleased to report that the Society's fi

Dr Thomas's report and balance sheet were approved and adopted by the meeting and

the President thanked Dr Thomas.

ITEM 6 - MEETINGS SECRETARY'S REPORT - As this post had remained vacant this
year, A R Busby had acted as Meetings Secretary, preparing a meetings programme
for 1988. Mr Busby outlined the 1988 meetings programme which, apart from the usual

131

meetings at Kew and Southport includes visits to areas in Kent, Oxford and Reading,
Yorkshire, Cumbria and Scotland.

Mr Busby’s report was approved and adopted by the meeting and the President thanked
Mr Busby for taking on the extra work and for presenting an interesting programme
for 1988.

ITEM 7 - EDITORS’ REPORTS - ‘Fern Gazette’ - J A Crabbe reported that work on
the 1988 ‘Fern Gazette’ was well in hand with plenty of good copy available. Mr Crabbe
also reported that he had received a letter from Professor Reichstein, to whom the 1987
‘Fern Gazette’ had been dedicated, expressing his appreciation and thanks.

‘Pteridologist’ - M H Rickard reported that the 1988 ‘Pteridologist’ was well in hand
and that he hoped to have the 1988 issue in members’ hands in six to eight weeks.
Mr Rickard concluded his report by making his usual request to members to submit
items for publication.

In reply to comments, Mr Rickard agreed that the basic botany of ferns needs to be
included and that there is a need for basic information on ferns and fern growing for
new members, however, he has difficulty getting members to write articles on British
ferns.

‘Bulletin’ - Mr Busby commented that he was dissatisfied with the rather ‘dry’ content
of the ‘Bulletin’ now that it merely reports Society meetings and business, but that
he hoped to relieve the text with occasional photographs although lack of space prevented
illustrations being included in the 1987 issue.

A C Jermy commented on the importance of the ‘Bulletin’ as archival material. Mr Busby
agreed that the ‘Bulletin’ should reflect the Society's aims and aspirations in the present
day.

It was proposed by A C Jermy, seconded by J W Dyce that all the editors’ reports be
approved and adopted and this was passed by the meeting. The President thanked the
editors for their reports.

ITEM 8 - ELECTION OF OFFICERS AND COMMITTEE - Election of President - The President
introduced this item by explaining that she had now completed her three years in office
and that it was now time to hand over to someone else.

As cs the — of inoese Society, spgetoncied a been mo stanpiisanell wanton and
eeting ‘s approval

the Committee’ Ss nominee tor the Realtors whose sete sof office will cover the important

run-up to and include part of the Society's Centenary Year: Dr B A Thomas, BSc PhD.

Dr Thomas needed no introduction to members as he has served the Society for fourteen
years as Honorary Treasurer and had steered the Society's finances through some of
the most difficult years. The Meeting approved Dr Thomas for President and elected
him unanimously and was pleased to welcome him to the chair as President.

Election of Vice-President - On taking the Chair, Dr Thomas thanked the meeting for
the honour they had given him and he thanked the retiring President, Mrs Gwladys
Tonge, for her unswerving soromipert . she Savery over the past three years. In
view of Mrs Tonge’s s t ber and as President,
the Committee was pleased t to recommend to the meeting that Mrs Tonge should be

132

elected as Vice-President. The meeting was pleased to approve and elected her a Vice-
President unanimously and Mrs Tonge was pleased to accept.

Honorary General Secretary - Dr Thomas was pleased to note that A R Busby had
agreed to serve another year as Secretary.

Honorary Treasurer - It was proposed by A C Jermy, seconded by A M Paul that Dr
N Hards be elected as Honorary Treasurer. Dr Hards was pleased to accept and the
meeting approved unanimously.

Meetings Secretary - It was proposed by A C Jermy, seconded by A M Paul that Anthony
Pigott be elected as Meetings Secretary. Mr Pigott was pleased to accept and the meeting
approved unanimously.

The three officers were elected.

Committee - The Secretary reported that Miss J M Camus was due for retirement as
the longest serving member of the Committee. Due to Dr Hards and Mr Pigott being
elected Officers of the Society there are three vacancies to be filled. Two nominations
had been received; it was proposed by A C Jermy, seconded by Dr B A Thomas that
Dr T G Walker, BSc PhD FLS, be elected to the committee and it was proposed by
A C Jermy, seconded by A M Paul that Mr Patrick Acock be elected to the Committee.
Dr Walker and Mr Acock were duly elected. As there were no further nominations from
the floor the third vacancy remained unfilled.

The remaining seven members of the Committee were elected ‘en bloc’.

ITEM 9 - ELECTION OF AUDITORS - Mr Jack Bouckley and Mr Richard Lamb have
notified their willingness to serve for another year and were duly elected with the thanks
of the President.

ITEM 10 - ANY OTHER BUSINESS -

a. 1991, Centenary Year Celebrations - The President reminded the meeting that our
Centenary Year is only three years away and invited comments from the meeting as
to what activities they considered suitable for 1991. Several suggestions were made
including a 2-3 day meeting at Kew, a national tour of fern gardens and a return meeting
to Kendal for a special Centenary celebration. The President then invited all members
to write to the General Secretary with their ideas for 1991.

b. Centenary Fund - The President also outlined his idea for a Centenary Fund which
would operate on similar lines to the Greenfield Fund but without its restrictions. The
President was also pleased to announce that the Society had received an anonymous
gift of £500 from an overseas member. This generous gift would initiate the Centenary
Fund which the President would be launching in the near future.

As there appeared to be no further business, the President closed the meeting at 3.00
pm and thanked the members for attending.

A R Busby
Hon. Gen. Sec.

133

FINANCIAL STATEMENT AS AT 31 DECEMBER 1987

EXTRACTS FROM 1986

ORDINARY ACCOUNT

INCOME
£4710.34 SUBSCRIPTIONS
297.98 INTEREST ON ACCOUNTS
150.00 BOOKSALE PROFITS
OFFPRINT SALES
JOURNAL SALES
DONATIONS
SUNDRIES
EXPENDITURE
359.00 METLOC - rc lai
1779.00 METLOC - GAZ
760.00 METLOC - aes
216.77 PRINTING & STATIONERY
1078.20 ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS AND POSTAGE
31.10 SUBSCRIPTIONS TO SOCIETIES
66.41 MEETINGS COSTS
15.01 BANK CHARGES
SUNDRIES
£40.17DR. BALANCE FOR THE YEAR

BALANCE CARRIED FORWARD FROM 1986

BALANCE CARRIED FORWARD TO 1988

PUBLICATIONS ACCOUNT

BALANCE CARRIED FORWARD FROM 1986
SALES - Hardy Ferns
Guide to H. Ferns

£248.00
382.00

COSTS - Printing Guide to H. Ferns

BALANCE CARRIED FORWARD TO 1988

GREENFIELD FUND

BALANCE CARRIED FORWARD FROM 1986
INTEREST

GRANTS

BALANCE CARRIED FORWARD TO 1988

134

£6568.38
242.83

£6157.18

£1135.41
2530.10

£3665.51

£2034.22

630.00

2664.22
326.00

£2338.22

£1983.03
95.47

2078.50
300.00

£1778.50

————————

LECTURE MEETINGS AND DAY VISITS 1988

SPRING INDOOR MEETING - 12 March.

Retiring President's Address Gwiladys Tonge
My talk scarcely deserves the dignified title ‘Retiring President's Address’. It was rather
a sharing of the problems and difficulties of an enthusiastic fern lover who is neither
a botanist, a specialist or collector, attempting to grow as many ferns as possible in
a very small house and garden.

Over a period of thirty years, | have made attempts at specialising in a succession of
genera ranging from primroses and auriculas, ivies, campanulas, hardy geraniums and
snowdrops to saxifrages and species iris, to name but a few. But for twenty-five of
those years ferns have persisted as top favourite specialisation candidate. In spite of
this lengthy devotion my garden contains no comprehensive collection of any fern species
or category of varieties, either historically interesting or botanically complete.

At this point | showed a number of colour-slides, the first of which illustrated the
dimensions of my walled garden which is about 38ft x 38ft (11.5 x 11.5m) on three
levels. The two top levels are well-filled with climbing roses, honeysuckles, clematis,
euonymus, abutilon, trachelospermum, photinia and solanum on the walls. Malus, prunus
and sorbus, the only trees small enough, are planted in the middle level with a number
of shrubs: various berberis, sambucus, cistus, rosemary, lavender etc.

What little space is left is furnished with a mixture of spring bulbs to be followed by
lilies and herbaceous plants like campanulas, phlox, penstemons, eryngiums etc., plus
alpine beds and crazy paving also carefully planted. Unfortunately, no suitable places
for ferns were to be found in those areas.

The sub-soil is sand, and there is a ten foot difference between top and bottom levels,
So drainage is rapid.

My next series of slides showed the creation of beds round a raised pond on the concrete
floor of a former garage. The smaliness of the conservatory, fernery and surrounding
fern beds has made photography difficult but a number of slides of individual ferns
were shown. These included some varieties of lady fern (Athyrium filix-femina) such
as ‘Medio-deficiens’, ‘Polydactyla’, ‘Cristata’, and ‘Victoriae’, Athyrium goeringianum
‘Pictum’, spleenworts such as Asplenium trichomanes and its varieties ‘Multiceps’ and
‘Incisum Moule’, and A. marinum. |n the fernery such exotic ferns as Adiantum, Doodia
and Platycerium clothe the walls and floor.

During my recent visit to relatives in Adelaide, South Australia earlier this year, | was
unable to visit specialist fern gardens. Nevertheless, | was impressed by the ease with
which gardeners, not necessarily pteridophiles, could obtain beautiful ferns from market
stalls and garden centres. Slides were shown of a garden in the Adelaide Hills (annual
rainfall about 47 inches) whose owner eight years ago purchased ‘200 feet’ of tree
fern at 2$ aus. per foot (about £1 per ft.). Amongst trees and shrubs there were at
least 100 lovely tree ferns and a few Platycerium - yet the owner's ambition was to
create an English cottage garden with phlox, campanulas, violas and roses. My last
slide of Rumohra adiantiformis in a hanging basket in the hall of my own home was
a reminder that even in poor conditions, ferns will flourish.

Just three problems remain. With limited space, one should aim for the most special
ferns and their best varieties, but these are not always commercially available and when

135

they are offered, can be prohibitively expensive. Fellow fern-growers, while being
generous, quite understandably prefer to share their treasures where they can receive
treasures in return. Raising ferns from spores requires trial, patience and space; | only
have the first two, so (i) where can | find those special ferns? (ii) can | afford them?
(iii) how can | create more planting space for ferns outdoors, indoors and under glass
while maintaining my interest in other plants?

Thomas Moore, Curator of Chelsea Physic Garden: a talk by Mark Laird

Mr Mark Laird, garden historian and currently Research Fellow at the Chelsea Physic
Garden, gave a fascinating talk on Thomas Moore, curator of the Gardens from 1848
to 1887. Thomas Moore is something of an enigma in that, although much of his work
is reasonably well documented, it has proved more difficult to learn anything about
him as a man. It is known that he was born at Stoke, Surrey, in 1821. He became
a gardener at Fraser’s Nurseries in Leybridge, and later helped with the laying out of
Regent's Park gardens before coming to the Physic Garden in 1848, for an annual salary
of £100.

Although his duties were light, he did, in fact, spend much time and energy in his
work at the Garden. Between 1846 and 1848 the Physic Garden had been reconstructed
under the guidance of Robert Fortune so that when Moore arrived, merely routine
maintenance was required. However, in 1854, Moore reported that the Gardens were
suffering from disarrangement. This seems to have been an understatement when one
hears that one of the items requiring attention was the Robert Miller Herbarium, then
being housed in an open-roofed shed!

By this time, the Society of Apothecaries were beginning to query whether they could
continue to maintain the Gardens and they were nearly closed in the mid-1850’s. The
fateful decision was not made, however, and in the 1860's Moore was able to revitalise
the Gardens, including the replanting of the medicinal areas, so that their survival as
a resource for student apothecaries was assured.

The present Garden owes a number of features to Moore’s work. In 1863 a cool fern
house was constructed under the influence of Ward, famous for his growing cabinets.
It was intended that the house should be fed by a stream so that it could contain bog
and aquatic plants as well as ferns. Unfortunately, there is little information on what
was planted, or if any ferns have survived, in any way, till the present day. The present
Cool Fernery was constructed in 1907, for by this time the original one was in a tumble-
down condition. The Wardian case within it was added later, at a date unknown. Moore
also constructed large Wardian cases for transplanting seedlings and keeping plants
intolerant of the London atmosphere. He also experimented with ventilation as a means
of maintaining a more or less constant temperature, using double-glazed Wardian cases.

The 1870's were dominated by the reshaping of the Embankment end of the Gardens
when the Embankment road was built, Moore employing a landscape gardener, George
Jackman, to do the work.

By the late 1870's the major work in the revitalisation of the Gardens was complete.
Moore saw the first women students admitted to the Gardens and in 1878 women
visitors out-numbered men.

Despite being busy with his work as Curator, Moore found time to continue with the
study of his great love, ferns. In 1848 he published his ‘Handbook of British Ferns’
and in 1855 ‘The Splendid Ferns of Great Britain and Ireland’. This latter was illustrated

136

with nature prints. Moulds, using the fern fronds themselves, were made in soft lead
and then copper-electroplated for printing. It was a privilege to see some of these exquisite
prints at the end of the talk.

From 1857 to 1863 Moore worked on the ‘Index Filicum’ for the Royal Botanic Gardens.
Unfortunately the editor retired in the middle of the work and preparation faltered at
the letter ‘G’!

A contribution, for which he would probably rather not be remembered, is to the Victorian
fern craze, which did so much to denude parts of the British countryside of their ferns.
His ‘Popular Book of British Ferns’, became the Baedeker for fern-minded tourists!

Moore was active to the last. Only the day before he died, January 1st, 1887, he dictated
his report to the Gardens Committee.
J ide

KEW GARDENS - 21 May. It was very satisfying to see forty members and guests
assemble in the lower nursery for the annual spring meeting at Kew.

As in recent years, we were expertly led by John Woodhams, and we began by inspecting
the fern collection in the lower nursery glasshouses. Species from many parts of the
world form this collection and it gives us the opportunity to examine closely the habit
and form of species with which we are not familiar. We are very fortunate to have
the opportunity to see this collection of plants that is denied to the general public.

John very ably pointed out to us various species of interest and which he has personal
recollections of in the wild.

Personally, | am always fascinated by the epiphytic Selaginella suspended from the
glasshouse roof and grown on cork bark wrapped in mosses, and other terrestrial
Selaginella species grown in the moist comfort of frames, bell-jars and glazed cases.
| also observed that while many of the species of ferns are grown in plastic pots, all
the members of Polypodiaceae are grown in clay pots. | did not get the chance to raise
the matter with John but as far as | know, all polypods are epiphytic so the clay pots
presumably ensure free drainage and good aeration.

John led the meeting on to the filmy fern house located immediately behind the Orangery.
lt has been several years since we visited the filmy ferns and some changes have been
made. The large sheets of plate glass which, to a large extent, obscured one’s view
of the collection, have now been removed. Unfortunately this leaves the filmy ferns
near the front at the mercy of the unscrupulous.

Apart from the delicate filmy ferns whose gossamer fronds are bathed in regular clouds
of moisture from the humidifier and carefully protected in low light conditions provided
by the heavily shaded glass, the corridor of the house also provides a home for potted
tree ferns together with Osmunda, Athyrium and Polystichum on the benches.

The party now moved on to a tour of the shrubberies and plantings to the south of
the new ‘Princess of Wales Conservatory’ to discover the many hardy ferns planted
there. Here we could enjoy fine beech ferns (Phegopteris connectilis), oak fern
(Gymnocarpium dryopteris) and its form ‘Plumosum’, royal fern (Osmunda regalis) and
several forms of Polypodium.

By 4 pm thoughts were turning to the possibility of refreshments. John, as usual had

137

anticipated this need and led the party to the staff accommodation area below the new
conservatory, where Joan was waiting with tea, coffee, cakes and biscuits. Fortified
for our journey home, we all bade John and Joan Woodhams farewell with our sincere
thanks for a day well spent in their company around the Royal Botanic Gardens.

A R Busby

OXFORD - 23 July. The weather forecast for this day promised prolonged showers
with high winds, but as the nineteen members assembled in St. Margaret's Road, Oxford
for a visit to the garden at St. Hugh’s College, we experienced merely breezy conditions
with light showers.

Our leaders for the day, Doreen and Keith Holly, introduced us to Mr John Brooke,
the Head Gardener, who kindly handed round a pamphlet outlining the history and
topography of the College and gardens with details of many notable plants and trees
within the grounds.

After passing through the College reception area we found ourselves on an attractive
terrace dating from the 1920's and planted with a mixture of herbaceous plants dominated
by Geranium and Helianthemum with a liberal sprinkling of heathers, lavender and
prostrate conifers.

The walls of the college buildings supported Actinidia and a magnificent Magnolia
grandiflora carrying several flowers. We moved on across lawns where fine specimen
trees graced the sky-line. One fine example admired by all the party was an Indian
bean tree, Catalpa bignonioides, in full flower. A little further on near the Principal's
lodgings, we were shown the remains of some old greenhouses. Here the original sunken
water tanks from the greenhouses had been turned into an interesting water feature
with irises and water lilies, while cracks in the brickwork provided a home for several
fine plants of the maidenhair spleenwort, Asplenium trichomanes.

It was in this area that Doreen Holly spotted a large clump of Polypodium hidden under
shrubs. Several members descended upon it and arguments began as to its identity.
The fronds were quite large and it appeared very vigorous; someone suggested that
it might be a hybrid but it was impossible to come to any conclusion. It would be worth
collecting a fertile frond later in the season to enable a positive identification to be
made.

After visiting the remainder of the garden we ended the tour in the part of the garden
called ‘The Dell’. This small area was devoted to ferns and Mr Brooke displayed two
faded photographs of this ‘ferny’ dell taken around 1930. It showed an area of stone-
work planted with many ferns, the focal point being a small fountain. Close scrutiny
failed to identify any particular fern varieties but the ferns appeared to be Dryopteris
and Athyrium. The Dell garden today still has many ferns, although the fountain has
been removed and stored. The present fern collection consists of several hart’s-tongue,
(Asplenium scolopendrium), with some forms that appeared variegated and many with
good crests, many soft shield ferns (Polystichum setiferum), lady fern (Athyrium filix-
femina) and several varieties of male fern (Dryopteris filix-mas) and its varieties including
‘Lineare’, ‘Cristata’, and ‘Cristata Martindale’.

Mr Brooke has continued to introduce new fern plantings including Dryopteris dilatata

‘Lepidota’, Athyrium filix-femina ‘Frizelliae’, Polypodium vulgare ‘Cambricum’ and Mr
Brooke explained that it was his intention to continue the tradition of planting ferns

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in the ‘Dell’ and to restrict the plantings to British species and varieties. It was now
time to say our goodbyes to Mr Brooke and the garden at St. Hugh's College.

Doreen and Keith had kindly arranged a very pleasant lunch for us at the ‘Gardener's
Arms’ in Plantation Road, a few minutes walk from the College. Afterwards we all
assembled near the round pond in Oxford Botanic Garden. As the greenhouses are
only open between 2-4 pm, Doreen advised the party to visit them first. The small fern
house is home to many exotic fern and Selaginella species, all enjoying the high humidity
and temperatures maintained there. The remainder of the greenhouses are rich with
the colour and form of tropical and sub-tropical plants.

After the tour of the greenhouses, the party regrouped for a look at the hardy fern
border. This border, which runs along the west side of the greenhouse wall, was largely
planted during 1978-79. About 80% of the ferns came from the late Theo. Dyer’s collection
shortly before his death in 1979. All the ferns are now in their prime and | recommend
anyone who wishes to see a comprehensive collection of hardy fern species and varieties
to visit Oxford Botanic Garden.

| recall having the lady fern variety ‘Plumosum Oxford’ pointed out to me during a visit
to the garden in the early 1970's, and being told that it had been in the garden for
some 200 years. Even then it appeared to be in poor condition and it was generally
felt that unless something was done it would be lost. In recent years | have searched
for it in vain and | fear that we have lost a fine old variety.

At 4 pm Doreen and Keith kindly invited us to visit their home in Oxford for tea. Here
we were able to enjoy their garden and some excellent refreshments. Our thanks are
due to John Brooke for kindly allowing us to visit St. Hugh’s and our special thanks
to Doreen and Keith Holly for their diligent research which resulted in a very interesting
day in Oxford and for their kind hospitality.

A R Busby

READING AND TIDMARSH - 17 September. A dull, chilly, overcast morning greeted
the 17 members who assembled in car park 13 outside the University of Reading Plant
Science Laboratories, Whiteknights. After being welcomed by the Curator of the Botanic
Garden, Mr R Rutherford, we toured the grounds and gardens.

The Botanic Garden was founded in 1972 and has recently been renamed after Tom
Harris (late Professor of Botany) and whose daughter, Miss Margaret Harris was present.
It occupies over eleven acres and is set in what was the home paddock of a Victorian
house called ‘The Wilderness”, now demolished, which had formed part of the garden
of George, Marquis of Blandford, 5th Duke of Marlborough.

It contains many fine — — ined — aria now spines a sigue _—
pond, bog garden, sh

bushes we gazed upon many large sarsen stones that ones =e-formed a large fern glade.
None of the original plantings of ferns were evident, however, we did find many plants
of male and broad buckler fern, lady fern, and both the hard and soft shield ferns. Further
on near Pepper Lane are recent plantings of several British species and varieties but
also included are many other hardy ferns such as Blechnum chilense, Osmunda
claytoniana, Polystichum munitum, Onoclea sensibilis, Matteuccia struthiopteris and
Dryopteris erythrosora. A ‘first’ for those of us interested in horsetails was a planting
of Moore's horsetail, Equisetum x moorei, the hybrid between E. hyemale and E.
ramosissimum.

139

Mid-morning we made our way to the old campus at London Road. Here we were shown
an old fernery that the gardening staff are refurbishing. This glazed conservatory built
around 1880 pring: 56 the nies Senior Common Room and has extensive tufa stonework
lining the walls, p pockets and crevices for planting ferns. Although the old heating
ducts were evident, the fernery is now unheated, however, several species of ferns
have survived and still flourish. They include Pteris cretica, Cyrtomium falcatum, C.
fortunei, Nephrolepis exaltata, Adiantum raddianum, A. capillus-veneris and several
Selaginella species. Recent introductions included Platycerium bifurcatum, Cystopteris
bulbifera and Woodwardia radicans. Other plants present included Asparagus sprengeri,
Ficus pumila and several forms of ivy.

After lingering in that coveted fernery and after firing many questions at Mr Rutherford,
we thanked him warmly for the excellent guided tour and made our way to Tidmarsh
for lunch.

Lunch was taken at the Greyhound public house and afterwards we made our way
across the field to Mr and Mrs Bill Baker’s garden at the Old Rectory Cottage. Here,
in what can only be described as an idyllic setting alongside the River Pang, was a
garden filled with really choice hardy plants, trees and shrubs.

Early September might be considered the wrong end of the season to see this garden,
but like all good gardens, there were still plenty of flowers and foliage providing interest
and colour. Created by the Bakers around 1957 on a two acre site, two different gardens
have evolved: an informal cottage garden with a rockery, and a wild garden beside the
Pang, featuring a lake, with spring bulbs, lilies, hostas, ferns and waterside plants.

We discovered many British ferns, both species and varieties, particularly a superb
Polypodium sp. ‘Pulcherrimum’, several fine forms of Polystichum setiferum and a few
varieties of Asplenium scolopendrium. Three ferns that were of particular interest were
species collected by the Bakers on trips to the Far East: Onychium japonicum with its
light green, delicately fine fronds, a pretty fern lumbered with the unwieldy name of
Pseudophegopteris levingei and a fine plant of Polystichum squarrosum.

Throughout our tour, Mr Baker was most generous and most of the party left with some
treasured momento for their garden. By late afternoon it was time for us to make our
way home and we thanked Mr and Mrs Baker for their kindness and generous hospitality.

| would like to express my thanks to Keith and Doreen Holly for all their hard work
in putting both the Oxford and Reading visits on the meetings programme, for without
their guidance and advice, both visits would have been less successful.

A R Busby

AUTUMN INDOOR MEETING - 15 October. On a dull, chilly day twenty-two members
gathered in the Biology Dept. of the University of York to hear an illustrated talk by
Dr C N Page entitled “Ferns of the Pacific Fringe’.

Dr Page began his talk by describing the areas involved:- the islands of Japan, New
Caledonia, the Society Islands, Australia’s tropical Queensland, New Zealand and
Tasmania. Dr Page explained the reason for the richness of pteridophytes in these parts
by referring to their high temperatures and rainfall. He also attributed the presence
of ancient ferns such as Marrattia and Angiopteris to the lack of glaciation in these
areas, resulting in more stable conditions over geological time.

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Dr Page’s slides of Japan and its ferns whetted our appetite but also provided a pause
for thought when he explained that although Japan is roughly the same size as Britain
they have twenty times as many fern species. No wonder Japanese ferns feature so
prominently in hardy fern collections in Britain.

Colour-slides of ferns in New Caledonia showed a rich flora, including many tree-ferns.
This island, only the size of Ireland, can boast some forty-five species of conifers alone.
Many slides illustrated hill-sides heavily clothed with formations of tree-ferns resembling
several hundred parasols. Again Dr Page emphasised how the very primitive species
such as Marrattia and Angiopteris prefer the very poorest of soils often naturally rich
with iron, chromium, nickel and cobalt. A clue here perhaps for those of us who have
tried to grow these fascinating ferns in the usual potting compost and failed for no
obvious reason. It would seem that potting composts are far too rich for them. Dr Page
featured many ferns in his slides such as Elaphoglossum, Oleandra, Gleichenia and
Blechnum, with many trees covered with epiphytic ferns such as Nephrolepis, Humata
and Davallia, the latter surprisingly tolerant of full sun and sea-spray.

Dipteris, Pteridium and Schizaea were also illustrated and plants of Psilotum growing
terrestrially, an ally usually seen as an epiphyte.

On now to Queensland and, not surprisingly, Platycerium took pride of place. Other
less known ferns of that area were illustrated, such as Belvisia, Paracetarach and the
climbing Arthropteris, however, old favourites like Cheilanthes and Doodia were also
shown. It was surprising to see the wide range of habitats for ferns in Australia, many
of them appearing far too inhospitable for ferns.

And so we moved on in mind and spirit to New Zealand, another land of tree-ferns
and these were quickly illustrated with slides of Dicksonia, notably D. fibrosa and D.
squarrosa. Another interesting note for the grower was Dr Page’s comment on the paucity
of bulbils found on Asplenium bulbiferum in its native haunts. Have we in all the years
of its cultivation unconsciously selected clones for their production of bulbils?

So finally on to Tasmania where Dr Page was able to draw together the various points
of his talk. Due to my interest in Osmundaceae | was particularly pleased to see the
king fern, Todea barbara, illustrated and | was very interested to hear that it occupies
exactly the same habitat in the southern hemisphere as the royal fern, Osmunda regalis,
occupies in northern latitudes.

Dr Page's talk ended with a lively questions and answers session where members were
able to glean much information from his experiences with the Pacific ferns.

Dr Page never fails to convey his talks in a most enthusiastic manner and his keenness
and passion for travel and exploration always infects his audience and we extend our
thanks to him for providing us with such an interesting afternoon.

Thanks are also due to James Merryweather for initially setting up this meeting and
to Jack Bouckley for hosting the afternoon in Dr Merryweather’s absence and to members

of the University Natural History Society for providing refreshments.
AR Busby

NATIONAL FIELD MEETINGS 1988
CRANBROOK, BEDGEBURY & WAKEHURST -2-3 July Paul Ripley

Eleven members and guests met on Saturday, July 2nd to visit Angley Wood (TO 767
362) near Cranbrook, Kent. This wood on sandstone contains an extensive marshy area
formed by the partly dammed Turner's Mill pond. In the drier areas Pteridium aquilinum
was found in abundance, with Blechnum spicant and Dryopteris spp., but it was in
the damper parts that a profusion of Dryopteris species could be examined. D. carthusiana
was abundant, together with D. dilatata and excellent specimens of the hybrid D.x
deweveri. Athyrium filix-femina was plentiful and there were fine plants of D. filix-mas
and D. affinis subsp. borreri. We were fortunate to have Anthony Pigott with us, who
was able to give his opinion on some characteristically luxuriant D. affinis with broad,
dark, almost labelliform pinnules as probably a robust variant of D. affinis subsp. borreri.
Polystichum setiferum grows on the other side of the wood but was not seen on this
visit. After this, our fourth visit to this site we can confirm the absence of Thelypteris
palustris, once recorded here but probably lost with the lowering of the level of the
mill pond.

In the afternoon we visited Bedgebury Pinetum, where in the small ditches between
the impressive specimen pine trees, Athyrium filix-femina, Blechnum spicant and
Oreopteris limbosperma grow to a large size. Two large plants of Osmunda regalis grow
here, probably planted. Some of the party briefly visited Mrs Philips’ nursery in the pinetum,
and were able to purchase some choice ferns, including Blechnum penna-marina, both
crested and uncrested varieties.

Two sites were briefly visited later: TQ 726 314 where Oreopteris limbosperma grows
in profusion (with Blechnum spicant) and TQ 733 329 where masses of Equisetum
fluviatile adorn a charmingly situated lake.

We were pleased to welcome Geoffrey Kitchener on the Saturday, and Andrew Leonard
on the Sunday. Both are new to the Society and we look forward to seeing them again
at future meetings. Sunday was probably the wettest day of the year and 15 members
and guests were only too glad of the restaurant at Wakehurst Place in which to dry
out after the morning's visit to Loders Valley Nature Reserve (TO 334 300).

The reserve contains most of the classic Wealden pteridophyte flora: Dryopteris filix-
mas, D. affinis subsp. borreri, D. dilatata, D. cardiussians, Athyrium filix-femina, Blechnum
spicant, Oreopteris limbosperma, Asplenium and one plant of Polystichum
setiferum. Equisetum arvense and E. telmateia were present, as well as the ubiquitous
Pteridium aquilinum. Some Dryopteris banks in this reserve merit further study, preferably
in drier circumstances!

Those members not completely dissolved, visited the beautiful gardens of Wakehurst
Place, jointly administered by The National Trust and Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Some
very fine stands of exotic species are grown in settings unequalled in the South-East,
but the highlight of the visit, for me, was the Dryopteris aemula growing in quantity
on a rocky cliff, and the finding of Dryopteris affinis subsp. affinis, further indication
of the pteridological interest just below the surface in the South-East.

NORTH YORKSHIRE MOORS - 4-7 August Alison Paul

We could not have hoped for better weather for this week-end centred on the picturesque
village of Goathland, just seven miles SW of Whitby; not a drop of rain, calm and with

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clear blue skies for much of the three days.

On the Thursday evening 17 members and friends gathered at the Goathland Hotel
to meet their fellow fern hunters and discuss the programme. Although Clive Jermy
and | were the appointed leaders of the meeting, Jack Bouckley had put a great deal
of time and effort into producing and supplying us all in advance with a detailed itinerary
for the week-end, as well as obtaining the necessary permission from landowners. Thank
you Jack.

The following morning 21 of us, including Nan Sykes, a local botanist writing a Flora
of the North York Moors National Park, Conaregaind outside me Goathland Hotel. We
then reassembled at the other end of the village to explore the g Mallyan
Spout waterfall (45/824 009). Clive had taken a few of us on a pre-breakfast recce
at 6.45 a.m. in these woods, mainly in an endeavour to confirm an old record of Dryopteris
aemula, a rare species in these eastern parts. We had located a couple of plants at
the top of a steep bank in the woods at the foot of a cliff, so were now able to lead
the other members of the party directly to this site.

A total of 15 pteridophytes were recorded in the woods: Equisetum arvense, E. sylvaticum,
E. telmateia, Blechnum spicant, Oreopteris limbosperma, Polystichum aculeatum,
Pteridium aquilinum, Athyrium filix-femina, Dryopteris aemula, D. dilatata, D.x deweveri,
D. filix-mas, D. affinis subsp. borreri, and a Polypodium which was inaccessible on a
tree, so could not be identified with certainty.

The party now divided, up ing the fields to Beck Hole, resisting tt t

to stop for a drink at the invitifig looking pobt Instead we went on to explore the: banks
of Eller Beck, and caught a glimpse of a steam train on the North Yorkshire Moors
Railway on its way from Grosmont to Pickering. Dryopteris dilatata, D. filix-mas, D. affinis
subsp. affinis, Pteridium aquilinum, Athyrium filix-femina and Blechnum spicant were
all found here, plus Polystichum setiferum and abundant Asplenium scolopendrium,
neither of which we had seen earlier at Mallyan Spout. We then straggled back to
the Mallyan Spout Hotel for lunch. The rest of the group had explored Carr Wood and
Combs Wood and found Asplenium scolopendrium, Polystichum aculeatum and the
common Dryopteris affinis subsp. borreri.

Our next destination was Little Beck, about four miles ENE of Goathland. We parked
at Midge Hall (45/888 035), and again split into two groups. One, led by Brian Fewster,
a local botanist, set off through the woods on the eastern side of Little Beck in a northerly
direction. Pteridium aquilinum, Blechnum spicant, Dryopteris filix-mas, D. dilatata and
D. affinis subsp. affinis and subsp. borreri were seen in abundance without straying
from the footpath. There were some very lobed forms of D. affinis, and Anthony Pigott
and | were frequently left behind while we discussed their possible identity! They were
later identified by Christopher Fraser-Jenkins as D.x complexa (D. affinis x D. filix-mas).
Further on Athyrium filix-femina and Polystichum setiferum were found. Brian now
provided us with the fascinating reason for the huge piles of shale we had observed.
Alum, a wool mordant, was obtained from local shale. The shale was heaped up over
gorse and other vegetation which was then set alight. These piles could be up to 100
feet high and when red hot, the alum was precipitated using a strong alkali - usually
urine, which was left for collection by the inhabitants of Whitby on their doorsteps!
A marshy area beside the path yielded our first sighting of Equisetum fluviatile for the
week-end, and Richard Unett and Anthony Pigott tried in vain to reach a Dryopteris
plant, probably just D. dilatata, but which we hoped might be D. carthusiana, a species

143

which eluded us for the whole meeting. A few plants of Asplenium scolopendrium were
seen beside the stream.

On reaching the hamlet of Littlebeck, we turned back, this time on the west side of
the river, through Little Beck Nature Reserve which is now managed by the Yorkshire
Wildlife Trust. Equisetum arvense and E. telmateia beside the path were the only further
species seen that afternoon. Brian (one-time warden of the reserve) then led us off
through the thick vegetation until we eventually found ourselves at the footbridge over
the Beck about 1/4 mile from the car park. The other group had explored the valley
of May Beck in the other direction. Amongst wet alder and ash woods on the alluvial
plain were stands of Dryopteris dilatata, D. affinis subsp. borreri and in places Polystichum
setiferum. A small man-made pond was searched in vain for Azolla.

Saturday dawned and remained a glorious day, hot and sunny, with not a cloud in
the sky. Most of us were glad to spend it in the shade of woods at Hayburn Wyke,
five miles up the coast from Scarborough. We assembled in the Hayburn Wyke Hotel
car park (54/007 968), 22 in number, having lost four from the previous day but gained
a further five. We explored the woods, following the path down to the sea, finding Athyrium
filix-femina, Polystichum setiferum, Blechnum spicant, Asplenium scolopendrium,
Dryopteris dilatata, D. affinis subsp. affinis and subsp. borreri, Equisetum arvense, E.
telmateia, Pteridium aquilinum, and another new find for us, Polypodium vulgare.
Asplenium marinum has been recorded along this coastline, but it was decided that
these particular cliffs did not look promising enough to warrant a search. Instead we
worked up Hayburn Beck, hoping to find Hymenophyllum tunbrigense, said to have been
found here over a hundred years ago. This record remains unconfirmed, but we did
find Polypodium interjectum growing on mossy rocks with P. vulgare. We came to a
rather sheer drop with little in the way of hand or footholds, and it was a case of sitting
down and sliding, to be caught by two of our stronger members!

After lunch back at the Hayburn Wyke Hotel, we re-applied our insect repellent (Margaret
Harris was testing the relative effectiveness of different brands against the midges!)
and returned to the reserve, which is owned by the National Trust and managed by
the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust. Four of the group decided to look for fossil plants in a
layer of shales examined briefly in the morning; the rest of us went back to the Beck
to resume our search for extant pteridophytes, soon finding some very lush Asplenium
scolopendrium, Polystichum setiferum, and a lovely bank of Equisetum telmateia. The
beck now forked and Clive suggested we first venture up the righthand branch. Some
of us inadvertently formed a breakaway group, following a path through the woods which
climbed well above and to the right of the stream, leaving the rest of the party to work
up the river bed. The path led us to a road and we turned along here, waiting for some
time by the bridge over the beck, since progress upstream would have been considerably
slower than on the path. There were some particularly luxuriant plants of Asplenium
scolopendrium near the bridge and abundant Polystichum setiferum, but no sign of any
P. aculeatum. Eventually we decided to continue along the road, and turned south along
the track of a disused railway. We soon came to the point where the track crossed
the left-hand fork of Hayburn Beck. The group again divided, some carrying on along
the railway path to the hotel, finding Equisetum sylvaticum, new for the day. The rest
of us climbed/slid down the steep slope to the beck below, at which point Clive and
Anthony appeared. They had followed our route, having left Richard Unett to lead the
rest of their party on a shorter route across fields to this branch of the beck. We now
worked our way downstream, finding nothing more of particular pteridological note, but
plenty of deer slots and a beautiful stand of Campanula latifolia. The going was not

144

easy, and eventually we struck up the slope and across the fields to join the rest of
our fragmented party at the hotel.

The next day our first site for study was a piece of moorland roadside between Egton
Bridge and Rosedale Abbey which Jack Bouckley had previously noted as worth
investigating but had no opportunity to do so. As expected, the ferns in this exposed
place were very much smaller than in the woodlands so far visited, and it was interesting
to compare such tiny plants of Athyrium filix-femina, Dryopteris filix-mas and Oreopteris
limbosperma. Other fern species represented on the banks with Calluna vulgaris and
Vaccinium myrtillus were Blechnum spicant and a few plants of Dryopteris dilatata.

From here we moved on to Rosedale Abbey, where people were reshuffled so as to
reduce the number of cars taken on to Northdale Farm (44/724 979) along a gated
road. A slightly smaller group of us set off to Northdale Beck, though we were now
joined by another local botanist, Ann GreatRex, and later in the morning by Richard
Lamb. Dryopteris filix-mas, Athyrium filix-femina and Pteridium aquilinum were the first
species to be found, at the foot of a drystone wall. We continued for a while across
the fields before diverging to the left and scrambling down to the beck. Following upstream
Oreopteris limbosperma was abundant along with Athyrium filix-femina. Dryopteris
dilatata, D. affinis subsp. borreri and Blechnum spicant were also present, but the most
exciting finds were the attractive Phegopteris connectilis on the shaded bank and the
graceful Gymnocarpium dryopteris at the foot of an oak tree, both new records for this
particular area. The group now divided to explore different branches of the beck, all
treading very carefully as the rocks were extremely slippery. Nothing more of particular
note was found before we made our various ways back to Rosedale Abbey for a late
lunch.

It was a lovely drive over the moorland road to Hutton-le-Hole, thence to Helmsley and
Rievaulx Abbey, where we were joined by Stephen Munyard and again transferred into
fewer cars to go on to Tylas Farm (44/566 879). We followed Deep Gill to the west,
finding abundant Equisetum palustre in the wet meadow, and also E£. arvense and
Athyrium filix-femina. Climbing the slope to the bridleway along the densely wooded
Birk Bank, we found Dryopteris dilatata, Blechnum spicant, Pteridium aquilinum and
a lot of very small fronds of Phegopteris connectilis under the birch and hazel trees.
Beside the path through the conifers was more bracken, D. dilatata and also Dryopteris
affinis subsp. borreri, which led to further discussion on the distinguishing features of
the subspecies of D. affinis.

At this point Philip Lucas proposed a group photo be taken before the party divided,
half to return along the bridleway to the cars, the rest of us to attempt to return along
Deep Gill itself. Had we known what this would entail, Clive might have taken this
route alone! For much of the time we were fighting our way through very prickly spruce
trees, or repeatedly crossing the river over fallen trees; one particularly slippery log almost
defeating some of us. While pausing for breath or to straighten up, we recorded Athyrium
filix-femina, Dryopteris filix-mas, Blechnum spicant and Polystichum aculeatum.
Polypodium vulgare was espied on a rotten log beside the gill, and there was a particularly
handsome stand of Equisetum telmateia which we had to plough through. It was with
great relief that we finally emerged into the open. The party reassembled at Rievaulx
Abbey and farewells were said at the close of a most enjoyable week-end.

By way of a postscript it should be recorded ie Bo Acock _ ™ —_- pre Crean

hunt on the Monday morning for Equi ) P P
there by James Merryweather.

145

LOCHCARRON, WESTER ROSS - 11-15 August Peter Hainsworth

A total of 20 members and interested persons gathered in Lochcarron to sample the
spectacular scenery and pteridological wonders of Wester Ross. Thirty-five fern species
and their allies were seen, so to save repetition a list is given at the end.

The first day (Friday) dawned promisingly and we decided to tackle a steep rocky scree
near the summit of Fuar Tholl, (c. 3,000 ft.) a considerable test of fitness as the ascent
started from near sea-level. There we saw the alpine lady fern Athyrium distentifolium,
flourishing in sinbest spesanaues ee the top of ies scree were numbers of a smaller, more
spreading Athyrium with round sori fied as ‘’a sort of A. distentifolium”.
Steve Munyard und a quiifvtet in in a small boil and everybody found three sorts of
clubmoss and lots of parsley fern. Stags horn clubmoss remained elusive. Also found
were mountain fern, mountain male fern, hard fern, beech fern, buckler ferns, Wilson’s
filmy fern and others to a total of 19 ferns and allies.

Almost unnoticed, mist descended and a slight drizzle of rain set in so we decided to
return. Rain steadily increased to a full downpour, turning small streams into torrents
and boots into squelching misery.

Dried out (with many thanks to our various hosts), and partially recovered, we spent
the next day scrambling up and down two rocky gorges in a large limestone area at
Kishorn. Ferns were particularly luxuriant in the first, Alt Mor, including hart’s tongue,
rather scarce so far north, and enviable specimens of Dryopteris affinis subsp. cambrensis.
Pamela Belsham turned up D. aemula, a plant of strangely erratic distribution here,
sometimes occurring in hundreds with odd intervening plants, often in unexpected
habitats. Many large hard shield ferns, lady ferns and buckler ferns were hanging from
the rocky shelves and cliffs.

After lunch we climbed up the next gorge at Glasnock, a series of cascades under silver
birches, landscaped to perfection by nature. Ferns were much as before until we reached
the 1,000 ft. contour and diverted northwards on to spiky limestone pavement, where
holly fern and green spleenwort were present in great numbers. Steve Munyard almost
tripped over a moonwort (the only one). Another member found a frog orchid, and several
helleborine plants were spotted, unflowered, but probably the rare dark red helleborine
which grows here. To fill the photographers’ day we found grass of parnassus in a
boggy area at the foot of the hill. The days count of pteridophyte species came to at
least 20.

Sunday was dull and drizzly, interspersed with heavier outbursts of rain. So we elected
to wander round my garden where shelter was readily available in the greenhouse or
wnter ae aan: Geers wanton. It was considered that my puzzling buckler ferns

to with one or two D. expansaand one D. carthusiana
(imported). | need not have envied the D. affinis subsp. cambrensis yesterday, there
was an equally fine one in the garden! Grateful thanks to Martin Rickard for identifying
a number of mystery plants from BPS spores, including to my great surprise two Cyathea.

A member asked how many species were in the garden. | had to confess ignorance.
s Bo As eter ee a and ihe revealed petite’ Sa fsngiete a oeer. ngrohbieree oe

i +

common a horastall) Hopefully something of interest for everybody. Halfway through the
morning we all squeezed into my little cottage for refreshments kindly provided by my
wife. About 7 were expected, 14 turned up. Where the extra cups came from | still
do not know.

146

The afternoon was rather a disappointment. Firstly we found the level-crossing gates
had recently been padlocked and no one was available with a key, which meant adding
another mile to our walk in uncertain weather. On arrival at Allt a Chonais we found
the river far too full for boulder hopping and all we saw by the river was Wilson's
filmy fern on a waterside boulder. So we had to settle for a walk through the woods,
ably misled by myself at one point, to see the Caledonian pines. Rather unproductive
fernwise, but perhaps it was as well we did not linger, for rain began to fall more
insistently as we reached the cars.

There were only four survivors by Monday morning, so we spent it doing a few small
sites around Lochcarron. First to Slumbay Island (well, at high tide anyway) to see sea
spleenwort. We also found Polypodium interjectum and quite a few other things in a
very small area of cliff here. Thence to the waterfall at the end of the village in another
cliff-sided narrow gorge which produced about a dozen species. Lastly to the south side
of Loch Carron to see the enormous stand of Dryopteris affinis subsp. cambrensis which
must have numbered thousands of large plants on a steep bank above the road. Even
the ubiquitous bracken was overwhelmed!

We hope it will be possible to plan more expeditions to the NW of Scotland.

FERNS AND ALLIED PLANTS FOUND IN THE LOCHCARRON AREA - 11-15 August

Alpine clubmoss Diphasiastrum alpinum
Alpine lady fern Athyrium distentifolium
Beech fern Phegopteris connectilis
Black spleenwort Asplenium adiantum-nigrum
Bracken Pteridium aquilinum
Brittle bladder fern Cystopteris fragilis
Broad buckler fern Dryopteris dilatata
Common polypody Polypodium vulgare
Common horsetail Equisetum arvense
Fir clubmoss Huperzia selago
Golden-scaled male fern Dryopteris affinis subsp. affinis, subsp. borreri,
subsp. cambrensis
Green spleenwort Asplenium viride
Hard fern Blechnum spicant
Hard shield fern Polystichum aculeatum
Hart’s tongue fern Asplenium scolopendrium
Hay-scented buckler fern Dryopteris aemula
Holly fern Polystichum lonchitis
Lady fern Athyrium filix-femina
Lesser clubmoss Selaginella selaginoides
Maidenhair spleenwort Asplenium trichomanes
Male fern Dryopteris filix-mas
Moonwort Botrychium lunaria
Mountain fern Oreopteris limbosperma
Mountain male fern Dryopteris oreades
Northern buckler fern Dryopteris expansa
Oak fern Gymnocarpium dryopteris
Parsley fern Cryptogramma crispa
Quillwort Isoetes sp.
Sea spleenwort Asplenium marinum
Wall rue Asplenium ruta-muraria

147

Western polypody Polypodium interjectum

Wilson's filmy fern Hymenophylium wilsonii
Wood horsetail Equisetum sylvaticum
SEDBERGH, CUMBRIA - 9-11 September N J Hards

Altogether 16 members and friends attended all or part of this meeting, and two more
visited us on Friday evening. It was particularly pleasing to see a good mix of familiar
and unfamiliar faces, four being people | met on my first meeting in 1978, some others
were long standing members and some fairly new to the Society. Most of the party
assembled for a very convivial evening in the Red Lion on Friday. | had been trying
to persuade Matt Busby for some time that we should revisit Sedbergh, as the last
trip there was in 1974. Personally | was looking forward to the excellent Marstons ale
and ample food as well as the fern hunting and all of these were fully up to expectations.

| was proudly showing off a very good crested “‘scolly” | had found earlier in the day
near Ingleborough when Norman McLeod and his wife introduced themselves. He asked
if we could try to identify some fronds he had brought with him. None of us were prepared
for the two sacks of treasures, all extremely well-grown and some exceptionally large.
Many matched my recollection of illustrations in old books but precise names were
beyond us. Particularly impressive was a sterile Polystichum setiferum, possibly a
‘Pulcherrimum’.

We spent Saturday just north of Sedbergh, commencing with Cautley Crags. Starting
from the road, there is a climb of over 750 ft, some of it very steep. Fortunately many
of the ferns can be seen without making the full ascent, and the lowest gorge is quite
accessible. The pay. sian up and in the lower areas we were able to see in addition
to the Pteridium aq clothes the hillside, Cryptogramma crispa (on the screes),
Athyrium filix-femina, Dryopteris filix-mas, D. affinis and D. oreades. The D. affinis was
mostly subsp. cambrensis, but also another subspecies which | identified at the time
as affinis but on reflection now think is probably borreri. Unfortunately at this time of
year most of the fresher fronds had no spores and the other characteristics do not seem
so well-developed. Fronds were collected and hopefully the Natural History Museum
staff will be able to help.

Deeper into the gorges we also found Asplenium trichomanes, A. adiantum-nigrum,
A. viride, Cystopteris fragilis, Polypodium vulgare and Polystichum aculeatum, plus one
patch of Hymenophyllum wilsonii. Around the second waterfall we found A. trichomanes
subsp. trichomanes, C. crispa, P. vulgare and H. wilsonii suggesting acidic conditions,
and nearby A. viride, A. trichomanes subsp. quadrivalens, C. fragilis and P. aculeatum
suggesting basic conditions. The slaty rock is mainly acidic but the stream follows a
line of weakness where there are some mineral veins which probably contain some
calcium. On the sides of the gorge at this point we also saw Blechnum spicant and
Selaginella selaginoides.

Some of the party then braved the worst and steepest part of the climb and found
Oreopteris limbosperma, Dryopteris dilatata, Phegopteris connectilis and Huperzia selago.
The D. dilatata was growing as small crowns connected by long stolons, as it commonly
does on the high hillsides in this area, but from experience it reverts to type in the
garden while still producing some stolons. | had also found Diphasiastrum alpinum here
a few years ago, but all we saw this time were a few tiny shoots 1-2 mm long, which
looked very unconvincing. On the way down we had a cursory look for Lycopodium
clavatum, but without success.

In the afternoon we visited a pair of low limestone hills, Stennerskeugh Clouds and
Fell End Clouds. My intention was to walk up between them and search both thoroughly
but the weather had deteriorated to a fine drizzle blown on a strong wind, with visibility
below 50 yards. The hills are a mixture of large boulders, scree and steeply sloping
pavement, and some of the party sensibly headed back to the cars after seeing Asplenium
ruta-muraria, A. scolopendrium, A. trichomanes, A. viride and C. fragilis. The rest also
soon found A. filix-femina, D. filix-mas, D. submontana and P. aculeatum. In a steep
gully | then found a very large Polystichum lonchitis and had some difficulty in rounding
up the party. The frond | collected was 15 inches long and | eventually found 20 or
so more plants of similar or larger size all in the same area. Although the weather
was deteriorating fast we continued to the top and added Gymnocarpium robertianum
and Polypodium interjectum to the list. We then discovered that Ray Smith was missing
and after checking back at the cars sent out a search party. In the meantime he returned
clutching a splendid crested A. viride with plenty of roots and spores; all was forgiven!

On Sunday morning we visited Sizergh Castle, where Malcolm Hutcheson, the head
gardener, had arranged to show us the ferns. This National Trust garden has many
choice species and varieties, and houses some of the National Collections. We were
lucky to see the back-up collections in the private area as well as the plants in the
gardens. Unfortunately they are having trouble getting all the varieties named and perhaps
some of the knowledge has been lost.

British species included Asplenium ceterach, Dryopteris carthusiana, Osmunda regalis
and Thelypteris palustris not otherwise seen on the meeting. Particularly striking varieties
included A. scolopendrium ‘Crispum’, ‘Bolton's Nobile’ and ‘Fertile’, and many other choice
muricate, cristate and grandiceps forms; also O. regalis ‘Cristata’ and ‘Corymbifera’ and
crested forms of D. affinis. | believe ‘The King’ is not a legitimate name but it aptly
fits the really choice broad-fronded form which contrasts well with ‘Cristata Windermere’
and several ‘Polydactyla’. Foreign species included Athyrium otophorum var. okanum,
Dryopteris wallichiana, D. erythrosora and D. cystolepidota. The last two are often
indiscriminately called D. erythrosora in cultivation. Two large relatives of the beech
fern are a problem - one was Phegopteris hexagonoptera but the other was supplied
as P. ‘pozei’, probably an incorrect name but what is its true identity?

Our final visit of the afternoon was to Hutton Roof, a favourite haunt of the Society.
This limestone hill is well-wooded in places and has patches of acid soil. For the record,
we saw Asplenium ruta-muraria, A. trichomanes, A. scolopendrium, A. viride, Athyrium
filix-femina, Dryopteris affinis subsp. affinis and subsp. borreri, D. dilatata, D. filix-mas,
D. submontana, Gymnocarpium robertianum, Oreopteris limbosperma, Polypodium
interjectum, P. vulgare, Polystichum aculeatum, Pteridium aquilinum, and Cystopteris
fragilis.

| et * 1 1 Th re
W¥U V¥wVIw ELAN ot yuu wv r~ J

Morecambe fami and the Lak t were haupeets T
meeting on which we saw 23 fern species and several clubmosses in the iid hin
both subspecies of A. trichomanes and all three subspecies of D. affinis. Surprisingly
we saw no horsetails.

nm

149

REGIONAL MEETINGS 1988
WEST MIDLANDS A R Busby

‘Welcome to Spring’ Flower Show. Solihull - 16-17 April. As in previous years, The
Solihull Horticultural Society kindly allowed us space to display B.P.S. literature and
plants in the hope of attracting new members to the pleasures of growing ferns. Although
none were forthcoming, | still think it is important to provide the gardening public with
the opportunity to see ferns and learn of the various activities of our Society.

Many visitors stop to ask questions concerning their fern growing problems, usually
a ‘sick’ maidenhair growing close to a gas-fire or cooker in the kitchen!, and to comment
on the ferns exhibited.

My thanks to Ray Smith and my young son Matthew for spending time with me on
the stand.

Alan and Valerie Ogden’s Open Day - 12 June. After several chilly, wet days, Alan
and Valerie’s open day was blessed with clear blue skies providing a full day's June
sun. It was obvious that since their last open day in 1983, they had been very busy
re-arranging borders for their ever expanding fern collection.

Alan's comprehensive collection of hardy ferns included several species rarely met with
in a garden, for example Polystichum andersonii, P. vestitum, Dryopteris varia and D.
crassirhizoma. Other foreign Dryopteris in his hardy collection include D. marginalis,
D. erythrosora, D. fuscipes and D. hirtipes, while British Dryopteris are represented by
D. filix-mas, D. affinis and their varieties, D. remota, D. oreades and D. dilatata including
‘Lepidota’.

Alan also has his ‘crispy’ collection represented by Dryopteris filix-mas ‘Crispa-cristata’,
D. dilatata ‘Crispa Whiteside’, D. affinis Crispa-congesta’ and D. oreades ‘Crispata’. In
addition to his hardy fern collection, Alan has two glasshouses crammed with all sorts
of plants including species of Adiantum, Pellaea and Polypodium.

Our warm thanks to Alan and Valerie for allowing us to share their garden on such
a lovely day.

Ashwood Nurseries and Clive and Doreen Brotherton’s Garden - 18 September.
A chilly but bright day greeted the few local members who assembled at Ashwood
Nurseries near Kingswinford, Staffordshire. This nursery, noted for its quality plants,
frequently offers items difficult to obtain elsewhere so it is always worth a visit. Shortly
after arriving we were offered the chance to tour the propagation area by the chief
propagator, Mr Philip Baulk. Apart from the usual production of popular plants from
seed, a large part of the area is given over to the development of the Ashwood Strain
of Lewisia and it was most interesting to see how the crosses are made and the desired
colours and forms selected.

After lunch we made our way to Clive and Doreen Brotherton’s garden at Sedgley near
Dudley, where 16 local members had gathered. Apart from ferns, Clive and Doreen
have a passion for alpines, and in addition to those planted in their large scree garden,
they have a lot in cold frames, many of which they have raised from seeds acquired
through the Alpine Garden Society 7 bee oi ts es aaiden — Roses seyarn
fine trees, shrubs and climbers. O ble climber that took the fancy of seve

was a fine plant of Clematis versicolor that Clive has raised from ‘seed from the AGS

150

seed exchange, its small pendant flowers delicate pink with a white tip.

But it was Clive’s ferns that we had been particularly looking forward to seeing. His
hardy ferns had already whetted our apetite, especially the small species such as
Cryptogramma crispa and the Asplenium species that lend themselves to scree and
rockery gardening.

In a heated greenhouse, Clive had a wide range of sub-tropical ferns such as Platycerium
and Adiantum, however, it was the Cheilanthes and related genera that really made
us stop in our tracks. Displayed throughout their heated greenhouse, garage and home
are superbly grown examples of the lovely genus Cheilanthes. The collection included
C. alabamensis, C. argentea, C. bonariensis, C. californica, C. cucullans, C. cuneata,
C. coriacea, C. distans, C. hirta and C. h. ‘Ellisiana’, C. integerrima, C. maderensis, C.
multifida, C. myriophylla, C. notholaenoides, C. trichomanoides and C. tomentosa. | doubt
if there is another grower in Britain with such a comprehensive collection of these
most attractive plants. Clive also collects Pellaea and related plants, including Pellaea
andromedifolia, P. mucronata, P. ternifolia and Mildella intramarginalis var. serratifolia.

Mid-afternoon the time came to turn our attention to the large buffet that Doreen kindly
provided for us, after which we returned to the garden. Clive’s garage held boxes and
tins of various compost additives for his home-made growing medium, however, the
one component missing was ‘ingredient X’ that enables Clive to obtain such good results
with a genus that has proved so difficult to me and other growers.

Our thanks to Clive and Doreen Brotherton for providing us with such a stimulating
afternoon and kind hospitality.

Matt and Margaret Busby’s Illustrated Wine and Cheese Party - 7 October. Once
again local members kindly responded to our invitation to gather at the Westwood campus
at Warwick University for an autumn get-together. The mixture was very much as in
previous years, with slides of meetings both local and national, and of ferns and other
hardy plants. One very pleasing feature of this year’s evening was the large selection
of ferns brought along for other members to add to their collection. | am sure that everyone
went home with something for their garden.

My thanks to Margaret and Matthew junior, and to Janet, Ken and Sarah Lowe for
all their help in setting up the evening's eats and drinks.

LEEDS & DISTRICT

The Leeds & District Group have enjoyed a successful 1988 as can be seen in the
following reports by various leaders. Apart from these field study trips we have also
been very fortunate during the year in having had three fairly local National events
within easy reach.

We do welcome any B.P.S. member who is on a visit to Yorkshire to join in with us
on any of our field events - or just for a chat for the less energetic. Most of our activities
are confined to Yorkshire, but on the odd occasion we have been known to stray across
the border to the west. If you are interested just ring for details from either Richard
Unett at Bradford (0274) 673052 or myself at Harrogate (0423) 66948.

Good fern hunting in 1989.
Jack Bouckley

GRIMSWORTH DENE - 18 June. We met at Hardcastle Crags Lodge car park for
the third of our trips in Calderdale led by Mr Frank Murgatroyd of the Halifax Scientific
Society. This year we were pleased to be joined by two other H.S.S. members and also
Neil Timm, a new B.P.S. member from Lincolnshire.

After a quick look at the lodge garden to see the four beautiful plants of Osmunda
regalis there, we checked the walls for the many plants of Cystopteris fragilis which
were growing there on our last visit. To our dismay they were nearly all dead, having
been sprayed with weedkiller. Frank, who had already witnessed the destruction, said
that he had written a letter of complaint to the National Trust. A few plants still remain
however, together with Asplenium trichomanes and we hope the colony will be restored
to its former glory.

We then turned left up the track to Grimsworth Dene. Once into the meadow at the
top of the track we commenced our search for Botrychium lunaria which Frank had
seen in previous years. Whilst the meadow looked just right - not too heavily grazed
and with a variety of flora including heath bedstraw, pignut, mouse-ear, birdsfoot trefoil,
two speedwells and the unusual forget-me-not, Myosotis discolor, there was no sign
of the moonwort. We proceeded through the beech wood which supported few ferns.
Rather more were to be seen on the embankment of the old mill race, with both red-
and green-stemmed Athyrium filix-femina, abundant Dryopteris dilatata, one Asplenium
scolopendrium, some plants of Oreopteris limbosperma and fertile Blechnum spicant,
one plant of which bore a single birfurcating frond. There was also some speculation
about a strange looking horsetail growing in a wet patch but it was taken to be an
atypical Equisetum arvense.

Once through the woods we stopped in a steep-sided meadow for lunch, followed by
another hunt for the elusive moonwort. However, we were again disappointed in our
search but delighted by a patch of both pink and white varieties of ragged robin growing
close to Equisetum sylvaticum.

On leaving the woods we followed the track to the path up to Lumbutts waterfall where
we hoped to see Phegopteris connectilis.

Having found one Dryopteris filix-mas we searched the banks of the stream for moonwort
but were again unlucky, instead finding many small plants of B. spicant and higher
up abundant stretches of bracken (Pteridium aquilinum). A frond from a conspicuous
clump of D. affinis was taken to try out the BM Fern Crib, but no definite conclusion
was reached. The frond was sent to the British Musem (Natural History) and proved
to be subsp. cambrensis. Having found our P. connectilis at the waterfall but no sign
of the Polystichum which once also grew there we retraced our steps in fierce heat
and with many midges to the track back to Hardcastle Crags. Here another rather obscure
clump of P. connectilis was growing amongst the many plants of O. limbosperma and
several D. affinis subsp. cambrensis and subsp. borreri which lined the path.

Back at the crags car park we determined not to let the moonwort elude us totally
by examining another site not far away at Norland Moor near Sowerby Bridge. Having
parked on a grassy triangle in the road we searched all the nearby verges and sure
enough, there it was - several quite large plants absolutely full of spores - the first
time we had seen it as a group. What a magnificent end to a thoroughly enjoyable
day. Well satisfied, we retured to Elland to celebrate with a cup of tea.

Margaret Rothwell

162

GUNNERSIDE GILL - 16 July. Anyone who doubted the success of pteridophytes
as a group should have accompanied the twelve members and guests, with one dog,
on their hastily-organized field trip on this Saturday in July; it replaced a cancelled meeting,
and was led by Richard Lamb. For on that trip, in many habitats, ferns were revealed
as the dominant plant representatives growing almost to the exclusion of anything else;
altogether 15 species of ferns and three horsetails were recorded. The weather stayed
dull all day, with light intermittent rain beginning mid-afternoon, increasing in intensity
as the cars came into view on the final downward stretch.

The party assembled in the picturesque Swaledale village of Gunnerside, North Yorkshire,
and set off northwards following the course of Gunnerside Gill, a tributary of the River
Swale. This whole area has seen intense lead mining over the centuries, ceasing finally
in the 1880's, and the first spoil heap from a toned ence ab entrance into a mine,
also called an adit) was soon reached. It had b p J the moonwort (Botrychium
lunaria) would be found, since spoil from lead mines has apparently been cited as a
characteristic habitat in the region, but alas, neither here nor further up the valley could
any be detected despite very close scrutiny. Entering a wooded section, the more common
ferns were plentiful, and being sheltered by both dale and trees, displayed luxuriant
growth: here were Dryopteris filix-mas, Athyrium filix-femina (both red- and green-
stemmed varieties) and D. dilatata on all sides, a few Polystichum aculeatum, and the
odd D. carthusiana particularly under silver birch. Interestingly, Blechnum spicant also
made an appearance in this predominantly limestone area, although under tree cover
failed to present any fertile fronds. Polypodium vulgare, however, admirably displayed
its epiphytic nature on two moss-covered dead tree-trunks.

Back into the open, the first of the large dressing floors was encountered, where the
material from the mines was sorted first by hand and then hydraulically after crushing;
it was very evident that despite the passage of 100 years or so, colonization of the
spoil, particularly the fines (tailings) was negligible or absent. This site, in reasonable
state of preservation, retained a fine set of bouse teams (collecting bays for the ore
brought from the mine by rail), wheel pit and tail race. A slow-worm, discovered on
one of the dumps, provided a fascinating interlude especially for the younger members,
before retreating to safety among the rocks. Wall ferns were not to be found in any
of the ruins, or indeed in the other buildings connected with mining that were examined.
D. affinis subsp. borreri, however, was seen in abundance along the stream banks and
makes a spectacular visual display earlier in the year with its bright golden colour as
the new fronds unfurl. A couple of frogs were also enjoying the scenery!

At this point, the Gill was forded (literally), and lunch partaken of on the west bank
before setting off, suitably refreshed, to the foray. Cystopteris fragilis really finds its
niche in old mine levels, and the Sir Francis Level (named after Sir Francis Denys,
a well known local mining entrepreneur) proved no exception, the shelter, shade and
moisture combining to give fine fronds of good length. Phegopteris connectilis, a fern
commonly supposed to prefer woodland, here grew in the open, albeit sheltered to some
extent by boulders, while numerous B. spicant sported fertile fronds, obviously in much
more congenial surroundings than in the woods. Oreopteris limbosperma was plentiful,
indeed in parts being the dominant species, preferring situations without shade.

Examination of a “seats ER floor again failed to reveal any moonwort, but the
beautiful Equisetum sylvaticum more than comp d; to this must be added E. arvense

and E. palustre growing i BS

153

Climbing slowly up the valley side, the party divided, some returning to their cars, the
remainder continuing to a locality previously noted by the leader as being of particular
interest. It should be mentioned that the hillsides, replete with their full complement
of Pteridium aquilinum, were also covered with bluebells presenting an unusual and
breathtaking sight in May/June. Eventually the group arrived at their goal: a limestone
“mini gorge’, complete with waterfall, on Botcher Gill, a tributary of the main stream,
where the vertical joints, eroded by water action, provided cool and shady passages
which ferns colonized gratefully. At last, Asplenium ruta-muraria growing naturally for
once (as opposed to its more common habitat, walls!), also A. trichomanes and A. viride,
rather small and few in number. Here too grew magnificent male ferns, P. aculeatum
and polypody, with struggling rowan and juniper. A delightful spot, probably not often
visited, and well worth the extra effort to discover its little “secrets”; on a hot day,
some might well have lingered... . .

A gradual descent brought the expedition back to the village and shelter, just as the
heavens opened. Surprisingly, no hart’s tongue had been found, nor anything rarer than
A. viride, but if success can be judged by the members’ enjoyment, then it had been
a most successful day.

R PH Lamb

SOUTH-EAST Paul Ripley

Ide Hill and Great Comp Garden - 14 May. In near perfect weather, 12 members
and guests met at Emmett’s Garden, Ide Hill. This is one of the highest gardens in
Kent, lying on the Greensand ridge some four miles west of Sevenoaks. The damage
wreaked by the “hurricane” of October 16th 1987 was much in evidence, but miraculously
the Giant Redwood, whose summit is actually the highest point in Kent, survived.

The gardens were not visited, although a public footpath bisects them and Osmunda
regalis could be seen in flower beds. The purpose of the morning's visit was to explore
Scords Wood below Emmett’s garden (TQ 477 523). Most of the classic SE woodland
species were seen along a woodland path, at what is arguably the finest time of the
year, and further from the path, among fallen trees, some fine specimens of Polystichum
setiferum were unrolling their fronds. Athyrium filix-femina, Pteridium aquilinum and
Dryopteris dilatata were abundant, and the season provided an excellent opportunity
to examine the differences in colour between Dryopteris filix-mas and D. affinis (subsp.
borreri?). Equisetum arvense occurred in sparse numbers close to a pond.

After lunch, a Kentish ragstone wall at Combe Bank, Sundridge, was briefly visited (Ta
482 558). Within 25 yards, Asplenium scolopendrium, A. adiantum-nigrum, A. ruta-
muraria, A. trichomanes and Dryopteris filix-mas could all be seen in abundance.

The party then moved to Great Comp garden, near Borough Green. This seven acre
garden has a particularly fine collection of plants, again on the Greensand ridge, but
in a more sheltered setting. A wide variety of trees and shrubs provided a perfect setting
for an impressive collection of ferns scattered throughout the garden. Featured ferns
included Onoclea sensibilis, Polypodium ? interjectum (on the walls of an artificial ruin!),
Osmunda regalis, Adiantum pedatum, Blechnum spicant, B. penna-marina, Athyrium
filix-femina (including ‘Minutissima’), Asplenium scolopendrium ‘Crispum’, Polystichum
eabalaaiag ‘ahidauengeeat and lpia NR — FP. nea ieee Again the season

many self-sown Dryopteris
filix-roas and the almost bright yellow D. affinis (subsp. affinis ?).

154

The meeting ended with a fascinating visit to Clive Jermy’s garden at Otford, and excellent
refreshment kindly provided by Alma Jermy. As might be expected, the number and
range of species was staggering, but what was particularly impressive was the variety
of habitats created in what was originally a garden of perfectly ordinary dimensions.
A satisfying and exhilarating conclusion to a varied day.

Gunnersbury Triangle - 24 September. Gunnersbury Triangle is an almost completely
untouched wild area of a few acres set in the heart of urban and semi-industrial West
London. At one time completely enclosed by railways, it has managed to avoid development
and thus represents one of the last remnants of the natural condition of the London
Thames basin. Saved (just) from the bulldozer by an extremely well-managed campaign,
it is one of two nature reserves in Middlesex and assured of permanent preservation
by outright purchase. It is a very important local amenity, used almost daily, for instance
by schools in the area, and clearly serves a valuable function in the neighbourhood.

Seven members met at Chiswick Park station on a wet afternoon but were treated to
a fascinating visit under the enthusiastic and knowledgeable leadership of Peter Edwards.
With a few exceptions, such as the excavation of a small pond, the aim of the reserve’s
managers is to preserve as far as possible the natural condition of the terrain and thereby
encourage the natural evolution of a habitat as typical as possible of that which once
covered this area of London. Most of the area is wooded, mainly with birch of some
20 to 30 years of age, on essentially poor soil which in some areas is poorly drained
and boggy. Evidence of active woodland development is provided by the extensive growth
of hardwood saplings, notably sycamore and holm oak. There was an interesting variety
of Salix spp. and most of the ground cover was provided by brambles.

Dryopteris dilatata was the commonest fern, abundant and luxuriant in places. A curious
depauperate form was found on the edge of a boggy area; several plants were found
together with flourishing nursery colonies. Opinions were divided as to whether the
form was produced as a result of damage e.g. by pollution, or whether it was a genuine
variety. The possible presence of normal fronds on a few plants tended to suggest the
former. Dryopteris carthusiana was abundant in one very attractive area, together with
D. affinis (subsp. borreri ?). It is possible that the hybrid D.x deweveri could be found
here in the future. D. filix-mas was common, as was Equisetum arvense, while Athyrium
filix-femina was also found.

Over mugs (Gunnersbury Triangle mugs of course) of tea kindly provided by the
management, we were able to discuss with Peter Edwards some of the work of the
reserve and began to appreciate the importance of the site, not just as a preserved
habitat, but also as a unique example of ecological evolution and balance.

SOUTH-WEST Mary Potts

Three meetings were held in the South-West during this year. The first, led by Dougal
Swinscow in June was at Shangh Prior Bridge, a picturesque site where we found
both species of Hymenophylium, H. tunbrigense and H. wilsonii, as well as a small
plant of Osmunda regalis. In the afternoon, we travelled to Cadover Bridge and searched
fruitlessly for Lycopodiella inundata. We then visited Blackaton Cross and found huge
stretches of Isoetes sp. in the ponds created by the china clay pits in a landscape almost
devoid of other plants.

The second meeting was held at Newcastle House in Bridgend and hosted by Derek
Fraser-Jenkins. Torrential rain soaked the large party who toured the garden looking

155

at the many fine plants and trees and the Dryopteris affinis collection. Christopher Fraser-
Jenkins gave us an excellent illustrated talk on his botanical trip to India. We also enjoyed
a discourse on the minutiae of Dryopteris affinis, explained by Christopher with reference
to many pressed specimens collected from around the world.

The last meeting was held on the Mendip Hills in Somerset. Christopher and Mary
Potts led another damp expedition, discovering many species of ferns and _ allies,
particularly Botrychium lunaria (which we found in abundance this year) and
Ophioglossum vulgatum.

| should like to thank Dougal Swinscow, Derek and Christopher Fraser-Jenkins and John
Boyd for their help in arranging these meetings and fortitude in the face of the British
weather.

THE AMERICAN FERN SOCIETY INC

wishes to extend an invitation to readers of this Bulletin to join the American Fern
Society. Regular members receive the ‘‘Fiddlehead Forum” six times a year. This
newsletter is published for the benefit of those who are interested in growing ferns,
hunting for them, and expanding their general knowledge of ferns. Journal members
receive, in addition to ‘‘Fiddlehead Forum”, the scientific quarterly “American Fern
Journal’. Membership costs $10.00 and $19.00 per annum, respectively, including
overseas postage. For particulars please write to Dr David S Barrington, Dept. of Botany,
University of Vermont, Burlington VT 05405, USA. Prospective members residing in Great
Britain should write to Dr B A Thomas, Dept. of Botany, National Museum of Wales,
Cathays Park, Cardiff, CF1 3NP.

SOUTHPORT FLOWER SHOW - 18-20 AUGUST A R Busby

As if the weather was determined to have its effect on this year’s show, the hot dry
spell immediately prior to the show gave way to over two inches of rain in twenty-
four hours on the Thursday, and as if to ensure a regular topping up of the two to
four inches of water that was standing on the showground, we had regular doses of
heavy showers throughout the three days.

Once again, in spite of the awful weather, exhibitors brought along their very best plants
and flowers, and the gardening public, many lacking gumboots and waterproofs, waded
around the showground to enjoy the efforts of the exhibitors.

Due to various personal reasons, one or two of the regular fern exhibitors were absent
this year, and consequently the number of entries was down. Surprisingly, in spite of
a relatively cool, wet spring and summer, some exhibits were suffering from sun-scorch
and should not have been on the show bench.

This year’s judges were A R Busby and R G Key. The prize winners are listed below.
Class 5 Six Hardy British Ferns (dissimilar):
1st B Russ (1 entry)

Class 6 Six Greenhouse Ferns (dissimilar):
2nd R J Smith, 3rd B Russ (2 entries)

Class 7 Three Hardy British Ferns:
1st R J Smith, 3rd B Russ (2 entries)

156

Class 8 Three Foreign Ferns hardy in Great Britain:
1st B Russ, 3rd R J Smith (2 entries)

Class 9 Three Asplenium scolopendrium (three varieties):
3rd B Russ (1 entry)
Class 10 ‘Three Polypodium (three varieties):
2nd R J Smith (1 entry)
Class 11.‘ Three Polystichum: (no entries)
Class 12 Three Athyrium (three varieties);
1st R J Smith (1 entry)
Class 13 Three Dryopteris (three varieties):
1st R J Smith (1 entry)
Class 14 Three Asplenium, excluding (A. scolopendrium):
2nd B Russ (1 entry)
Class 15 One British Fern (any kind or variety):
1st R J Smith, 2nd W W Howarth (2 entries)
Class 16 One Greenhouse Fern:
1st Mrs B Shorrock, 2nd Mr & Mrs B Carberry,
3rd Mrs E A Gibbs (5 entries)
The ‘Happiland Trophy’ was won by R J Smith.

My thanks to Jack Bouckley and Ray Smith for helping with the staging and manning
of the Society’s Stand.

OBITUARIES
PROFESSOR IRENE MANTON, BA, ScD, PhD, FRS, FLS 1905-1988

It is with deep regret that we announce the death of Professor Manton. A full obituary
appears in the Fern Gazette Vol. 13, part 4, 1988.

BARBARA TINGEY

| am very sad to record the untimely death at the age of 59, on 19th January 1988,
of a friend of long standing and an active member of our Society. Barbara's chief interests
were in the smaller ferns and it was as an enthusiastic member and Officer of the
Essex Group of the Alpine Garden Society that she and her husband, Francis, gravitated
to our Society, to become equally enthusiastic and active with us. Her great interest
in life was plants.

In her professional life Barbara was a speech therapist, working from 1960 up to the
time of her death with the Health Services in Ilford, Essex. Over the years a =

up a Speech Th iherapy s ce cove ir g the very young to the very old andthe h PP
and teaching, with inififiite pisiiiticd and skill, disabled children to communicate.

Barbara will be sadly missed in all her activities but most of all by Francis with whom
she had a close rapport in their mutual plant interests. We extend our deepest sympathy
to him in his tragic loss. They had no family.

Jimmy Dyce

157

MARJORIE CASTELLAN

It is with very real personal sorrow and a great sense of loss that | have to announce
the sudden death of Marjorie. She was a stalwart in the life of our Society, in the
field where she was a sound amateur all-round botanist, and in the hotel lounge in
the evenings. She used to admit cheerfully that she talked too much but her conversation
was always on a high level and held much of interest for our assembled company.

Marjorie was a member of the Society for 18 years from 1970 and only a matter of
days ago, as | write, she was with us at our Annual General Meeting at the Chelsea
Physic Garden on the 12th of March. Looking as spry as ever she was trying to claim
precedence in age to me as an octogenarian but | was gleefully able to claim | was
two years ahead of her. It was good to see her again looking so well, which has made
the shock of her death so much greater.

Our deepest sympathy goes to her family and to her close friend, Margaret Kingston.
They were always together at our meetings and it was inevitable from their surnames
that they should be affectionately dubbed by us “The King and the Castle”.

Jimmy Dyce

PAULINE TEMPLE-SIMMONDS

Our Member Peter Temple suffered a devastating loss in the death of his sister Pauline
on February the 4th 1988 and we give him our deepest sympathies. They had lived
together for a long time and during her last years with a lingering cancer Peter nursed
her with loving devotion. Pauline, as we sometimes listened with delight, was a trained
pianist (Royal Academy of Music), and was a frequent and most welcome companion
with Peter at field and other meetings in the earlier post-war years.

J A Crabbe

WILLIAM STANLEY WEBSTER

A former Member and regular attender at field meetings during the Fifties, Bill died
aged 67 of a coronary thrombosis on January the 5th 1988 and we give his wife Doreen
our heartfelt condolences. A wonderful Yorkshireman, born in Saltaire, he served in
the R.A-F., qualified and lectured in Textile Design, captained cricket, and was in all
his life-style a perfectionist. | know one Member who has no television, and another
who has no national daily newspaper; Bill, also on principle, had neither, relying on
radio and The Yorkshire Post; how lovely! The search for Beauty entered also into his
photography and horticulture. His garden and greenhouse contain magnificent displays
of ferns, cactuses, auriculas, lilies, etc. He was a member of The Royal Horticultural,
Alpine Garden, Auricula, and Scottish Rock Garden Societies, and The British
Ornithological Union. At Bill’s funeral the minister spoke an epitaph by Robert Burns:
An honest man here lies at rest/As e’er God with his image blest./The friend of man, —
the friend of truth;/ The friend of Age, and guide of Youth;/ Few hearts like his with
virtue warm'd,/Few heads with knowledge so inform‘d:/If there’s another world, he
lives in bliss;/lf there is none, he made the best of this.

J A Crabbe

158

NEW MEMBERS 1988

(A full list of members was published in the BPS Bulletin Vol. 3, part 2)

BAGIO, Mr P, K-9, Mary Morris Residence, 24 Shire Oak Road, Leeds LS6 2DE
E venshead, G159

BHA WAJA, Dr TN, 4-R-1 weharnagar, Jaipur 302

BURMEISTER, Mr K, Huneruckete 10 O00 Oberhausen 1, West Germany

CHURCHILL, Mr H W, PO Box 628, North Adams, Massachusetts 01247, U.S.A.
e 1026

UGLAS, Miss G ny oo of Cell and Structural Biology, Williamson Building, Oxford Road,
M PL

DOWMAN, Mrs C M, The Finches, Orsett Road, Horndon-on-the-Hill, Stanford, Essex
DYKE, Mr T, 34 Lawrence Street, Glasgow G11 5HD
EDEN, Mr J J, 14 Lune Drive, off Lancaster Lane, Clayton-Le-Woods, Leyland, Lancs. PR5 2SX
FINNEY, Mrs S M, 29 Bateman Street, Basement Flat, Cambrd e CB2 1NB
FISCHER, Dr U, Waterloostr. 19, D-3300 Braunschweig, Wes sald
GARCIA, Sr A, C/Jacinto Verdaguer, 14-4-1, Cambrils, Tarragon 3850, Spa
GODARD-KEY, Mr & Mrs RL & M, The Old Bakery, East Side, North Littleton, Weeds. WR11
O Z

, Gw
HARRIS, S W, 1805 Fernwood Way, Belmont, California eo U.S.A.
HART, Mr AA S, Lindfield, The Green, East Knoyle, Wilts. SP3 6BN
HEWITT, Mrs J, Haygarth, Cleeton St Mary, Kidderrtineter, Worcs. DY14 OQU
HODKINSON, Mr M, 5 Gleneagles Drive, Arnold, Nottingham
hans “2 Near 9 Rue de Blainville, Agon et France
YMA L, 196 a aee: Road, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Lancs. M21 1GW

JENKINS. ‘Mi RL, hyn 70th Avenue, Plantation, Piorida 33313, US.A
eeaunce sab of High H House Close, Mo rpeth, Northumberland, NE61 2BL.

WRENCE, Dr WR = Mrs R STAMP, 163 Haxby Road, York, Yorks. YO3 7JL
LEE. Mrs C M, 51 Lawford Road, London B
LETT, Mr S, 155 Blackpool rink Road, Paunen: Le-Fylde, Lancs. FY6 7RS
LITTLEFIELD, Mr D B, 152 High Street, Sutton, Ely, Cambs. CB6
MATHIAS, Mr D H, cewek Chase Court, Garehem, Norfolk NR19 2DE

Mr H

_Mr _ ;
REEVES, Mr RL, 43 Masshouse Lane, King’s s Norton, pore es taehn
REYNOLDS, Miss M J, 2321 Alta awe Louisville, Kentucky 40205, U
ROBINSON, Mr B, 1 Uldale Close, Nelson, Lancs. BB9 OST
SAUSMAREZ, Mr P de, Sausmarez mer St. Martin, Guernsey, Channel Is.
SCARISBRICK, Mr JP, 100 Green Lane, Great Sutton, South Wirral, L66 4LF
SCHR R,M d S RH16 1JG

184A

e e

TAYLOR, Mr W A, 261 Queen nsway, Scunthorpe, South Humberside DN16 2PJ

VILAR, sea M, Dept. Botanico, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Valencia, 46010 Valencia,

Spa
WALSH, aes JE, Glas Fryn, Cwm Penmachno, Betwys-y- -Coed, Gwynedd LL24

ORN
WOOD D, Mr TJ, Southcombe Gardens, Widecombe-in-the-Moor, Newton Abbot, Devon TQ13 7TU
ZYCH, Mrs C J, 18 Browmere Drive, Croft, Warrington, Cheshire WA3 7HT

159

MEETINGS 1989

Meetings Secretary:

Meetings Sub-Committee:

Saturday
4 March

Saturday
20 May

Friday 2 June -
Sunday 4 June

Thursday 30 June -
Sunday 2 July

Sunday 16 July -
Sunday 23 July

Thursday 17 August -
Saturday 19 August

A C Pigott, 43 Molewood Road, Hertford, Herts. SG14 3AQ
P J Acock, J M Ide, A C Pigott, P H Ripley

Annual General Meeting & Spring Indoor Meeting -

Manchester Polytechnic, Loxford Tower, All Saints,
Oxford Road, Manchester
Leader: Nigel Hall Time: 14.30-17.30

Day Meeting - Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Surrey
Location: Lower Nursery, which is adjacent to Kew Palace
Leader: Peter Bradley Time: 14.30-17.30

Weekend Field Meeting - South Devon

Leader: Dougal Swinscow & Mary Potts
Time: 19.30 on Friday 2 June; 09.30 on the other days
Centre: Coombe Cross Hotel, Bovey Tracy, Devon T013 SEY

Long Weekend Meeting - North West Shropshire

Leader: Anthony Pigott
Time: 19.30 on Friday 2 June; 09.30 on the other days
Centre: Lion Hotel, Llansantffraid, Powys (nr. Oswestry)

Week Field Meeting - Perthshire

Location: Trossachs, south of Killin and east of Loch Lomond
Leaders: Clive Jermy & Alison Paul

Time: 19.30 on Sunday 16 July; 09.30 on all other days
Centre: Rosebank House Hotel, Strathyre, Perthshire

Southport Flower Show

The well-known premier North of England flower show with
many classes for ferns. The B.P.S. has a stand in Tent No. 3
Further Info: A R Busby

Friday 25 August - Long Weekend Meeting - North Gwynedd
Sunday 27 August Leader: Nigel Brown
Time: 19.30 on Friday 25 August; 09.30 on the other days
Centre: Anglesea Arms Hotel, Menai Bridge, Gwynedd,
9 5EA
Saturday Autumn Indoor Meeting - Roehampton Institute,
14 October Whitelands College, West Hill, Putney, London
Leader: Jennifer Ide Time: 13.00-17.00
For Pe ee Be ; a Oe g » Te ee ae pl i+ yout Meetings
Programme sheet.
REGIONAL DAY MEETINGS

If you would like details of additional day meetings in the following areas, please contact
the local organiser, enclosing a stamped, addressed envelope.

South-west England: Christopher and Mary Potts, 4 Kennel Lane, Webbington, nr Axbridge,
Somerset. Tel: 093 472 545.
West Midlands: A R Busby, 16 Kirby Corner Road, Canley, Coventry, CV4 8GD.

Tel: 715690.
J H Bouckley, 209 Woodfield Road, Harrogate, N. Yorks., HG1 4JE.
P H Ripley, 12 Farm Lane, Tonbridge, Kent, TN10 3DG.

North-east England:
South-east England:

160

BRITISH FERNS AND THEIR CULTIVARS
A very comprehensive collection is stocked by
REGINALD KAYE LTD
SILVERDALE, LANCASHIRE LA5 OTY
CATALOGUE ON REQUEST

FIBREX NURSERIES LTD
Honeybourne Road, Pebworth, nr Stratford on Avon, Warwickshire CV37 8XT
Hardy and tender ferns
Begonias, Gloxinias, Hederas, Hydrangeas, Primroses, Arum Lilies
and Plants for the cool greenhouse

Catalogue on request

MRS J K MARSTON
Specialist Fern Grower

A wide range of hardy and greenhouse ferns, especially Adiantums
Culag, Green Lane, Nafferton, Nr. Driffield, East Yorkshire YO25 OLF

Send 50p for new catalogue

THE NIPPON FERNIST CLUB

There exists in Japan this large and active Society devoted
to the study of ferns which welcomes contacts with foreign pteridologists,
both amateur and professional.
For further information write to:
Dept. of Forest Botany,
Faculty of Agriculture, Tokyo University, Hongo,
Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan 113

1989 SOUTHPORT FLOWER SHOW
The Organisers extend all good wishes for a successful 1989
Classes for your Society's special interests are available
Total Horticultural Prizes awarded for 1988 Value over £120,000
17th, 18th, 19th AUGUST 1989

Schedules and further information from:
The Flower Show Secreta
Dept. 11, Town Hall, Lord Street, Southport, Merseyside, PR8 1DA

FERNS FOR AFRICA
Offer African indigenous ferns by mail order
Price lists available.
Overseas orders wel
D. Turner, Box 815, George 6530, 30 South Africa

The British Pteridological Society
BULLETIN

VOLUME3 NUMBERS

eCONTENTS -

Secretarial Notes ...
AGM 1988 ........:
Financial PR
Lecture Meetings and Day Visits 1 988 cee
_ Spring Indoor — G Tonge, J Ide
_ Kew Gardens A R Busby

_ Reading and Tidmarsh es AR Busby ©
~ Autumn Indoor Meeting A R Busby
National Field Meetings 1988
Cra nbrook, Smadar & Wakehurst P H Ripley
or = AM Paul —
P Hainsworth |

awe con Sp cvancus ... NJ Hards —
Rescunt Meetings 1988
Vest Midi.

AR Busby

a J H 4 Bouckey, M Rothwell R PH Lamb

isd ag ere - PH Ripley

So uth-West. San : : .. M Potts

Southport Flower Show ............. sive _..... AR Busby
Obituaries os J W Dyce, J A Crabbe

ISSN 0301-9195

__ Printed by Metioe Printers Ltd., Old Station Road, Loughton, Essex

~{ THE
BRITISH
be PLERIDQLOGICAL 4
P BULLETIN 4

VOLUME 3 NUMBER 6

L

|

Edited by A.R. Busby
and A.M. Paul

THE BRITISH PTERIDOLOGICAL SOCIETY
Officers and Committee for 1989

President: Dr B.A. Thomas
President Emeritus: J.W. Dyce

Vice-Presidents: J.A. Crabbe, Dr R.E. Holttum, A.C. Jermy, R. Kaye, G. Tonge
Honorary General Secretary and A.R. Busby, ‘Croziers’,
Editor of the Bulletin: 16 Kirby Corner Road, Canley, Coventry, CV4 8GD
(Tel: Coventry 715690)

Assistant Secretary (Membership): Miss A.M. Paul,

Department of Botany, The Natural History Museum,
Cromwell Road, London, SW7 5BD

Treasurer: Dr N.J. Hards,
184 Abingdon Road, Didcot, Oxon, OX11 9BP

Meetings Secretary: A.C. Pigott,
43 Molewood Road, Hertford, Herts. SG14 3AQ

Editor of the Fern Gazette: J.A. Crabbe

Material for publication should be sent to J.A. Crabbe

101 Magdalen Road, London SW18 3NW

Editor of the Pteridologist: M.H. Rickard, The Old Rectory, Leinthall Starkes,
Ludlow, Shropshire, SY8 2HP

assisted by J.W. Dyce

Committee: P.J. Acock, J.H. Bouckley, J.M. Camus, C.R. Fraser-Jenkins, J.M. Ide,
A.M. Paul, P.H. Ripley, Dr T.G. Walker, J.R. Woodhams

Fern Distribution Recorder: A.J. Worland, 102 Queens Close, Harston,
Cambs., CB2 50N

Spore Exchange Organiser: Mrs M. Nimmo-Smith, 201 Chesterton Road,
Cambridge, CB4 1AH

Plant Exchange Organiser: Mrs R. Hibbs, 30 London Road,
Hailsham, East Sussex, BN27 3BW

Archivist: N.A. Hall, 15 Mostyn Road, Hazel Grove, Stockport, Cheshire, SK7 5HL
Booksales Organiser: J.W. Dyce, 46 Sedley Rise, Loughton, Essex 1G10 1LT
Trustees of Greenfield Fund: A.R. Busby, Dr N.J. Hards, Dr B.A. Thomas
The BRITISH oe ee picasa was founded in 1891 and today continues as a focus
for fern leas amen It pro wide range of information about ferns through the medium of

its publications and available ‘terature. It also organises formal talks, informal discussions, field

meetings, pet n visits nal Soci

has a wide e membership which includes gardeners, nurserymen and ttaraee sts, hee mateur and

professional. The Society's journals, the Fern Gazette, Pteridologist and Bulletin, Ps published

annually. The Fern Gazette publishes matter chiefly of specialist interest on international pteridology,

he Pteridologist, topics of more general appeal, and the Bulletin, Society business and meetings
rts.

Membership is open to all interested in ferns and fern-allies. SUBSCRIPTION RATES (due ee

January each year) are Full Personal Membe Personal Members not receiving the
Gazette £7.50; S t Members £5; Subscribing Institutions £20. Family membership in any
category is an additional £2. Applications for member * a ould be sent to the istant Secreta

ress above) from whom further details can be obtained. (Remittances made in currencies other

than — are £1.50 extra to cover bank andro charges). Airmail postage for all journals
3.50, or for those not receiving the Fern Gazette £2.50

(Front cover: Osmunda cinnamomea, illustration taken from “Ferns and Fern Culture” by J.

Birkenhead, circa 1900.)

ge re ae
Back numbers of the Gazette, Pteridologist and Bulletin are available for purchase from P.J. Acock,
13 Star Lane, St. Mary Cray, Kent BR5 3LJ, from whom further details can be obtained.

THE
BULLETIN APR 09
OF THE GARDEN LIBRAR
BRITISH PTERIDOLOGICAL SOCIETY
Vol. 3 1989 No. 6

SECRETARIAL NOTES

MEETINGS/MEMBERSHIP CARDS - Meetings/Membership cards for 1990 are enclosed
with this Bulletin to all members.

COMMITTEE VACANCIES - In accordance with paragraph 3, section 3 of the Society's
Constitution, two vacancies will occur due to the retirement of the two longest serving
Committee members. Nominations are invited from members of the Society to fill these
vacancies at the Annual General Meeting in 1990. The names of the nominees, proposers
and seconders, together with a letter from the nominee indicating their willingness to
serve, should reach the General Secretary by 27 February 1990.

KKK KEKE KKK KEK KKK KKK KEKE

SUBSCRIPTIONS 1990 - Members are reminded that subscriptions for 1990 are due
on the 1st January 1990 and should be paid to the Assistant Secretary (Membership),
British Pteridological Society, °/o Dept. of Botany, The Natural History Museum, Cromwell
Road, London, SW7 5BD. Cheques should be made payable to ‘The British Pteridological
Society’. Current rates are given inside the front cover. Standing Order forms are available
from the above address.

PUBLICATIONS BY AIRMAIL - Our journals can be sent by airmail to overseas members,
provided they advise the Assistant Secretary and pay an additional subscription to cover
airmail postage. See inside front cover for rates.

ee a we a

AFFILIATION TO THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY - Our Society is affiliated to
the RHS, enabling a limited number of members to enjoy sedis privileges i in sade raped

for affiliated sobietion the free tickets for the Chelsea Show have been withdrawn. There
are two transferable tickets available for all other RHS Shows. Applications for tickets
or further details, enclosing a stamped, addressed envelope, should be made to the
BPS General Secretary.

READING CIRCLE - The American Fern Journal, a quarterly containing much information
for those seriously interested in ferns, is circulated to Reading Circle members. To join,
apply to the General Secretary.

THE GREENFIELD FUND - This fund, set up as a memorial to one of our Society's great
fern growers, Percy Greenfield, is used to finance approved research projects, helping
with the cost of necessary equipment, books and travel expenses. Awards for meritorious
achievements such as the introduction of a new fern variety or plant, or some of t

Society publicity projects would be considered as worthy of help from the fund. Percy
Greenfield’s interest leaned very much towards the non-scientific side of our activities

161

and it is felt that he would want this taken into consideration when decisions are made.
Workers eligible for university or college grants and similar support will not therefore
be eligible for help from the fund. Members with projects wishing to benefit from this
memorial fund should apply to the trustees via the General Secretary.

BACK NUMBERS OF JOURNALS - Now those long winter’s evenings are upon us.
there is nothing quite like a little armchair ferning. Over the years | have found that
there is nothing better to chase away winter blues than reading through past issues
of the Society's journals. Here is a chance to escape to sunnier climes or come to a
better understanding of details of the fern world. If you would like to buy back numbers,
please write to Mr Acock for a price-list or send £5 for a bumper bundle of assorted
issues!

WANTED - If you have finished with copies of the Fern Gazette Vol. 10, Pt. 3 or BPS
Bulletin Vol. 1, No. 3, he is willing to buy these back as we have sold out of these
parts and many members and subscribers are wanting to complete their collections.

Contact Patrick Acock, 13 Star Lane, St. Mary Cray, Kent, BR5 3LJ with your orders
or offers of back numbers.

BINDERS for the BPS BULLETIN and PTERIDOLOGIST - Binders for volumes of
the BPS Bulletin and Pteridologist are available from the General Secretary. The Bulletin
binders are attractively produced with red hardboard covers and gold blocked lettering
on the spine: only £3.50 each, postage and packing included. ONLY A FEW LEFT AT
THIS PRICE.

NEW!! Binders for the Pteridologist are now available with mustard hardboards and
gold blocked lettering on the spine. Each binder holds one volume (six parts). £5 each
including postage and packing. This applies to inland members only. Prices for overseas
members on application. Cash with order, please make cheques payable to A R Busby.

BPS VIDEO “BRITISH FERNS”

With over fifty species of ferns the British Isles has a remarkably varied fern flora. Many
species have distinctive distributions reflecting regional variations in environmental
conditions. In particular the cool relatively damp environments of the North and the
mild Western fringes of Britain bring together species typical of Atlantic, Arctic and
Alpine regions, resulting in a fern flora that is unique to the British Isles.

This twenty-five minute video shows most of our native ferns growing in their natural
habitats. It demonstrates the wide variety of size and form to be found in British ferns
and the broad range of habitats they colonise. Attention is drawn to key identification
characters for each species.

The video has been funded by Schering Agriculture and the National Museum of Wales.

It is available for loan, free of charge, to interested individuals and organisations. For
further details write to the General Secretary enclosing a stamped addressed envelope.

162

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 1989

MINUTES of the 86th ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING held at Manchester Polytechnic,
Loxford Tower, All Saints, Oxford Road, Manchester on Saturday, 4 March 1989 at
2.15 p.m.

IN THE CHAIR: The President, Dr Barry Thomas.

PRESENT: J Acock, P J Acock, J H Bouckley, C S Brotherton, A R Busby, J A Collins,
M W Collins, J A Crabbe, G E Douglas, L Dugdale, C R Fraser-Jenkins, N A Hall, E
Hards, N J Hards, J M Ide, A Jermy, A C Jermy, R Kaye, M M Kingston, R P H Lamb,
J W Merryweather, A H Ogden, A M Paul, M H Rickard, P H Ripley, Mr & Mrs R Smith,
RN Timm, M J Tyson.

ITEM 1 - APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE - J W Dyce, A C Pigott, G Tonge, A Willmot.

ITEM 2 - APPROVAL OF MINUTES - Minutes of the Annual General Meeting held on
12 March 1988 were read and approved.

ITEM 3 - MATTERS ARISING from those minutes - None.

ITEM 4 - HONORARY GENERAL SECRETARY'S REPORT - February 1989 marks the
tenth year that you have kindly elected me General Secretary of our Society and | trust
that at this 1989 Annual General Meeting | shall once again be allowed to continue
to serve our Society. In my first Secretary's Report in February 1980, | commented on
the approach of the Society's Centenary in 1991, warning that it was not too far away
to begin considering how the Society should mark the event. Well, now it is almost
upon us and your Committee is organising the framework for our Centenary celebrations.
May | echo our President's plea last year: please let us have your ideas now!

MEMBERSHIP - Membership appears to have levelled out at about 650 as at 3 March
1989. We do have a shake-out of members that resign or just lapse and each year
we try to find out the reasons for this. Obviously, fern growing is a minority interest
and some people join the Society only to find that their interest is short-lived. Fortunately,
new members tend to nullify the loss and in recent years | have been able to report
a small gain, however, this seems to be no longer the case.

MEETINGS - 1988 proved to be another busy year for the Society with meetings well
attended and local groups continuing to flourish. There are many areas that lack the
activities of a local group and the Committee is keen to see the formation of local groups
in such regions as Scotland, Ireland, Wales, the East Midlands and the North-West
of England. Any members who are prepared to form such groups can look forward to
every encouragement from the Society.

PUBLICATIONS - Editors’ reports indicate that both the Fern Gazette and the Pteridologist
have sufficient copy in hand for 1989, and casual conversations with members indicate
that by and large they are well pleased with the contents of both each year. The Bulletin
relies on meetings reports and Society business so copy is always assured. During ie

si 2

The Committee would be pleased to hear any members’ comments.

Dr Barbara Parris, chief Editor of the Fern Gazette has retired from this post as she
is returning to her native New Zealand. It is always a blow to the Society to lose such
accomplished editors, however, we wish her every success in the future and trust that

163

we shall not lose touch with her. Moves are afoot to find a successor.

CONSERVATION - Meetings between the Society’s Fern Varieties Conservation Sub-
committee and the National Council for the Conservation of Plants and Gardens continue
annually and during 1988 general agreement was reached for arrangements for national
collections of most of the British genera.

Our involvement with the Conservation Association of Botanical Societies continues and
its business is reported in the publication Plant Press, sent to British members with
our journals.

PLANT AND SPORE EXCHANGE SCHEMES - The Plant Exchange Scheme continues
to flourish, however it can only be maintained if members are prepared to let Rosemary
Hibbs, the organiser, know of your offers and requirements. Mrs Hibbs reports that during
the last year, 50 different plants were offered including one from Denmark and over
40 lists were sent on request including four overseas. Mrs Hibbs ends her report by
reminding us that its success depends on members sending in their lists of spare plants
and using the service.

The Spore Exchange Scheme - The organiser, Mrs Margaret Nimmo-Smith is always
anxious to receive spores of British species and varieties. Even the more common British
species are in demand by our overseas members, so do-please cultivate the habit of
collecting spores to send to the scheme. In Mrs Nimmo-Smith’s statement to the
Committee she reports processing 116 separate requests for 2057 items from a list
containing 541 items. | am pleased to pass on her thanks to all members who have
taken the trouble to send in spores of their local and garden ferns.

Finally, once again | have to end on a sad note. During 1988, amongst others we have
lost Prof. Irene Manton, Marjorie Castellan and Barbara Tingey. Many of our long-standing
members will remember Prof. Manton’s interest in our affairs and Marjorie and Barbara
as regular attenders at our meetings. We shall miss them very much.

Mr Busby’s report was approved and adopted by the meeting and the President thanked
Mr Busby.

ITEM 5 - HONORARY TREASURER’S REPORT - Dr N Hards distributed copies of his
balance sheet and after explaining the Society's income and expenditure for the past
year, he was pleased to report that the Society’s finances had once again kept pace
with inflation. In reply to a question on bank charges, Dr Hards explained that these
were incurred because the Society regularly received detailed listings on our various
accounts. The report and balance sheet were approved and adopted by the meeting
and the President thanked Dr Hards.

ITEM 6 - MEETINGS SECRETARY'S REPORT - In the absence of the Meetings Secretary,
Miss Jennifer Ide gave a brief verbal report to the meeting. Meetings are well attended,
especially the indoor ones. Kew Gardens remained the most popular outdoor gathering.
The work done by regional groups was also commented on and Miss Ide urged members
to support their efforts. Miss Ide thanked all regional organisers, leaders and hosts for
providing such a varied meetings programme each year. The President thanked Miss
ide for the report.

ITEM 7 - REPORTS OF EDITORS - ‘Bulletin’ - Mr Busby gave a brief report on the
contents of the Bulletin expressing his desire for more photographs and appealed to

164

members to submit photographs taken at meetings for possible inclusion in next year’s
Bulletin.

‘Pteridologist’ - Mr M Rickard reported that copy has again been a problem for the
1989 issue. Until mid-February he was still short of about ten pages worth of material,
yet by the beginning of March, he was ten pages oversubscribed! How much easier
the editor's job would be if the 31st December deadline could be met! As long as articles
are suitable, it has to be a case of first come, first served. Mr Rickard went on to point
out that with the 1989 issue, it brings his total of years as an editor of journals for
the Society to 11 and he felt it was time for a change, change that will bring fresh
life to the Pteridologist and enable him to pursue other ‘ferny’ interests. Mr Rickard
said he will miss the very full correspondence he has enjoyed with members all around
the world and the benefits that this brings but this is a perk that goes with the job
and which the next editor can look forward to.

No candidate to replace Mr Rickard has been found yet, so suggestions are welcome;
during the transitionary period he will, of course, be pleased to help in any way he
can.

‘Fern Gazette’ - Mr James Crabbe was pleased to report that the 1989 Fern Gazette
was well in hand due largely to the hard work of the retiring Editor, Dr Barbara Parris.

The President proposed that all the Editors’ reports be approved and adopted and this
was passed by the meeting.

ITEM 8 - ELECTION OF OFFICERS AND COMMITTEE - The President introduced this
item by expressing his thanks to the Officers and Committee for all their hard work.

Election of Honorary Member - The President introduced this item and asked Mr Busby
for his proposal; Mr Busby explained that it was traditional to elect as Honorary Members,
members that have given extraordinary service to the Society.

Richard Cartwright first joined the Society in 1959 and took a keen interest in our affairs
from the start. For several years he served on the Committee and played an important
role on the Meetings Sub-committee during the 1960's. Most members will remember
him for the 14 years he worked as organiser of the Spore Exchange Scheme. In that
time, he built the exchange up from a small list of mainly British material to an enormous
compilation of over 500 items of British and foreign species and varieties. During that
time he has forged friendships with members and institutions world-wide. This Society
has greatly benefited from having such a fine ‘ambassador’.

The Secretary proposed that Richard Cartwright be given Honorary Membership. This
was seconded by Martin Rickard and approved by the meeting with acclaim.

Election of Vice-President - The President asked Mr Busby to make the proposal on
behalf of the Committee. James Crabbe has been a vital part of this Society since 1954.
On the staff of the British Museum (Natural History), he helped guide and coax this
Society through the complexities of Pteridophyte Botany. As Editor of the Fern Gazette
he has and still does steer our premier journal through publication. This Society has
greatly benefited from his professional skill and judgement and so it was the Secretary's
supreme pleasure to propose him for election as Vice-President. The proposal was
seconded by A M Paul and approved by the meeting.

Mr Crabbe replied that he was overwhelmed by the honour which he accepted with
great pride.

165

Election of Honorary General Secretary - The. President was pleased to note that A
R Busby was willing to serve for another year.

Election of Honorary Treasurer - The President was also pleased to note that Dr N
Hards was willing to serve for another year.

Election of Meetings Secretary - The Secretary reported that Mr Anthony Pigott was
prepared to serve for another year.

All the Officers were elected unanimously.

Election of Committee - The Secretary reported that R P H Lamb and Dr A Willmot
were due for retirement as the longest serving members of the Committee; there was
also a vacancy carried over from last year, thus, there were three vacancies to be filled.
Two nominations had been received; it was proposed by A M Paul, seconded by A R
Busby, that Miss Josephine Camus be elected to the Committee and it was proposed
by A C Jermy, seconded by A R Busby that Mr John Woodhams be elected to the
Committee, both nominees having indicated their willingness to serve. Both candidates
were elected unanimously.

As there were no further nominations from the floor, the third vacancy remained unfilled.
The remaining seven members of the Committee were elected ‘en bloc’.

ITEM 9 - ELECTION OF AUDITORS - Once again, Mr Jack Bouckley and Mr Richard
Lamb had notified their willingness to serve for another year and were duly elected
with the thanks of the President.

ITEM 10 - ANY OTHER BUSINESS -

a. Donation to the Conservation Association of Botanical Societies - Mr Christopher
Fraser-Jenkins felt it important that members should be aware that at that morning's
Committee meeting, the Committee had decided on behalf of the membership to make
a donation to CABS and, at the request of the Association, had voted to give them
£400. Dr Hards, the Honorary Treasurer, pointed out that this represented £1 per head
for our United Kingdom members.

Mr Ray Smith asked what the money was to be used for. Miss Jennifer Ide, BPS
representative on the Association Committee explained that CABS is run on a voluntary
basis but that they hoped to raise sufficient funds to employ a full-time conservation
officer for one year, based at the South London Botanical Institute. The donation was
to be a once and for all payment and all other participating societies had been asked
to make a similar contribution.

The President made it clear that the Officers of the BPS had voted against making a
donation without consulting the membership, but the vote was carried in favour by the
Committee.

The Meeting closed at 3.30 pm.

A R Busby
Hon. Gen. Sec.

166

FINANCIAL STATEMENT AS AT 31 DECEMBER 1988

ORDINARY ACCOUNT

(1987) INCOME:
£6569.38 | SUBSCRIPTIONS £5725.83
242.83 INTEREST 312.14
00 BOOKSALE PROFITS 200,00
19.86 DONATIONS 10.00
- SPORE EXCHANGE 10.50
- TSHIRT SALES 153.75
12.00 SUNDRIES 49.2
TOTAL INCOME £6461.44
EXPENSES:
1404.00 METLOC - PTERIDOLOGIST 1420.00
1867.00 METLOC- ETT 2053.00
756. METLOC - BULLETIN 916.00
537. PRINTING AND STATIONERY 149.50
1279.25 ADMINISTRATION AND POSTAGE 1190.81
56.1 SUBSCRIPTIONS TO SOCIETIES 56.1
74.25 BANK CHARGES 80.11
- PORE EXCHANGE 37.75
170.20 MEETINGS 54
13.38 SUNDRIES =
TOTAL EXPENSES £5987.81
BALANCE FOR 1988 473.63
BROUGHT FORWARD FROM 1987 3665.51
PRIOR YEAR ADJUSTME 54.48
CARRIED FORWARD AT 31.12.1988 £4197.62
PUBLICATIONS ACCOUNT
BALANCE BROUGHT FORWARD 2338.22
149.52 SALES - Journals and Offprints 485.91
- Guide to Hardy Ferns 141.00
- Hardy Ferns 254.00 880.91
~ 3219.13
seagilinds — Names 758.00
Authors Prints 146.00 904.00
CARRIED FORWARD AT 31.12.1988 £2315.13
GREENFIELD FUND
BALANCE BROUGHT FORWARD 1778.50
INTEREST RECEIVED 126.17
CARRIED FORWARD AT 31.12.1988 1904.67
CENTENARY FUND
DONATIONS RECEIVED 590.00
CARRIED FORWARD AT 31.12.1988 590.00
peg oy
. TheS Society h Id foll i t f b 31 D b 1988:-
82 c copies s of Hardy Ferns
170 copies of Guide to Hardy Fer
500 copies of Fi Fern Names and Their Mesnings ,
2. The prior year adj in the balance Building Society Account
3. Interest has d the C Fund and will b dited don 30.4 1 1989

167

LECTURE MEETINGS AND DAY VISITS 1989

SPRING INDOOR MEETING - 4 March

My Ferns, an illustrated talk by Reg Kaye

As Martin Rickard put it, having been asked to introduce the speaker, ‘speakers are
often introduced as being in no need of introduction, but today’s speaker, Reginald Kaye,
certainly needs no introduction to this Society. He is an eminent writer on ferns, one-
time President and now a Vice-President, Honorary Member and currently our longest
standing member, joining in 1929”.

This was not to be a ‘talk’ on ferns or a ‘lecture’ on fern growing but in the bosom
of a gathering of the faithful, it was, quite simply a discourse amongst friends. Provide
Reg with a screen and projector for his slides and you are sure to be royally entertained.

His many slides included Adiantum pedatum ‘Japonicum’ “good for spring colour’ and
A. pedatum ‘Miss Sharples’. The latter is a gold form named by Reg simply as a reference
to an old friend at Grange-over-Sands but acquired by the Dutch and supplied by them
as a named variety. For providing a little colour in the autumn Reg displayed A. pedatum
and A. venustum, both deciduous. Now we saw slides of some very ‘garden-worthy
forms’ of Asplenium scolopendrium in Judith Jones’ garden in the United States,
particularly A. scolopendrium ‘Splendour’, ‘a very noble form’’. Next came transparencies
of lady fern, a huge clump of Athyrium filix-femina ‘Clarissima’, A. filix-femina
‘Acrocladon’, and a very good chance sporeling of lady fern ‘‘but what to call it?, perhaps
after my dentist, it looks a bit dentate!’. Also shown were A. filix-femina ‘Capitatum’
and ‘Howardii’.

More hardy ferns from other countries came next: Athyrium otophorum, a crested form
of A. niponicum ‘Metalicum’, Botrychium virginianum, Blechnum alpina ‘twice the size
of Blechnum penna-marina” and Cystopteris montana. Among several varieties of British
ferns we saw Dryopteris dilatata ‘Stansfieldii’ (sometimes grown as ‘Hymenophylloides’)
Dryopteris filix-mas ‘Martindale’ and Dryopteris oreades “suitable for the rock garden”.
Others rarely seen in British collections included Dryopteris arguta, Pellaea brachyptera
and Matteuccia pennsylvanicum, separated from the European M. struthiopteris by its
glaucous frond bases.

Reg also showed slides of his recent tour of America, including a large nursery in Oregon
with hundreds of ferns in pots and a huge area of pots containing prothalli.

All in all this was truly a fascinating talk, surely enough to tempt even non-fern growers
to acquire at least some of these fern treasures. | for one hope it will not be too long
before Reg next gives a talk at a Society meeting.

In addition to _ main ne — _— a — santas on Liopotped Josephine Camus,
Alison Paul and Clive Jermy y p on Aamennne inbeaiee
already known or which could so» Rivtomivities ¢tendicielt aie ees

Complementary to this was a rarige of herbarium specimens of the subspecies and
hybrids within the Asplenium trichomanes complex, shown by Martin Rickard. Two taxa
new to Britain were on display - Asplenium trichomanes subsp. pachyrachis and A.
trichomanes nothosubsp. staufferi (the hybrid between susbp. pachyrachis and subsp.
quadrivalens).

Some surplus plants were generously given away at the meeting, presumbly by Clive
Brotherton. They included fine young plants of Platycerium and some of Clive’s specialities

168

- Cheilanthes and Pellaea etc. Such generosity helps to make meetings ‘something
special’.

All that remained was for the President to give a vote of thanks to Reg on behalf of
the members for an afternoon of superb slides and witty comment. Sincere thanks also
to Nigel Hall for arranging the venue and far kindly inviting members to visit his home
and garden after the meeting.

AR Busby

KEW GARDENS - 20 May. On Saturday 20 May, on what appeared to be one of
the warmest May days on record, 38 members assembled in the Lower Nursery. at
the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, for what has come to be the most popular meeting
of the Society's calendar.

The party was welcomed by our President, Dr Barry Thomas, who introduced Mr Peter
Bradley and Mr Simon Hickmot, our hosts and guides for the afternoon. We began with
a look at the ‘back-up’ collection of tropical ferns that are housed in the nursery
greenhouses. Mr Bradley pointed out many rarely seen species amongst the
representatives of Polypodium, Marattia, Angiopteris and numerous young tree-ferns.
It appeared that virtually every family of the Filices were represent

Further on in another part of the glasshouse range are various ferns that have been
raised from spores. Amongst these were several species of Cheilanthes, Prteris,
Polypodium, Nephrolepis and Doodia. In a greenhouse at the end of the range used
exclusively for spore sowings, there were several hundred ferns at various stages of
development.

It was interesting to see how Kew carry out their spore sowings. | failed to enquire
about the details of the paog used, a three- oe) hens re are sa to ver rim
with a fine compost, covered with a petri dish lid, ilis

in the laboratory. After the eg have ecole the spores are sown on the surface and
the plastic lid quickly replaced. The pots are then stood in a large Plastic tray a
contains about 1-2cm (//, inch) of water to which is added a little pot

to discourage the development of algae. The result is very clean. healthy pots of prothalli.
| could not help but notice that in many of the pots, the spores that germinated most
prolifically were those that found themselves closest to the rim of the pot. It is interesting
to speculate on the significance of this.

After expressing our thanks to Mr Bradley and Mr Hickmot for providing us with such
an interesting afternoon, the party made its way to the filmy-fern house which proved
a cool, shady refuge from the heat outside.

Not all the ferns in the filmy-fern house are ‘filmy’ and Martin Rickard led the party
through the house pointing out the various species of particular interest including several
which are hardy, such as some Osmunda and Polystichum that stand in pots along
the corridor, and a very attractive fern called Arachniodes standishii (syn. Polystichopsis
standishii), which Martin assured us is perfectly hardy.

Shortly afterwards the party said their goodbyes and dispersed.

169

HERTFORDSHIRE - 5 August. Hertfordshire is not the most obvious place to go looking
for ferns, but it has most of the species of south-east England within its borders. It
was time that the BPS went to look at what was on offer. We were fortunate to have
with us Trevor James who, amongst other things, is the county recorder. Newgate Street,
a village south of Hertford, was our meeting point and target for lunch.

First stop for our party of ten was Wormley Wood, an SSSI owned by the Woodland
Trust (52/3105-3106). We saw Dryopteris filix-mas and D. dilatata scattered throughout
the wood along with a few plants of D. affinis subsp. borreri. There is a twenty year
old record of Oreopteris limbosperma in the wood, but despite a careful search of likely
spots, none was found. An interesting find was a small group of Polystichum setiferum
on the banks of a stream, a new record for Wormley Wood. Perhaps the most interesting
sight was a very large area of D. carthusiana, as dense as one could see anywhere
in Britain. Horsetail enthusiasts were kept happy by a large stand of Equisetum telmateia
in a wet patch on the north side of the wood.

After lunch we walked along the edge of Bell’s Wood (52/3007) where there was an
old record of E. sylvaticum. Although this was apparently plentiful in the last century,
it has rarely been seen since. We did not hold out much hope but were pleasantly
surprised when we almost trod on two shoots of it. Hopefully there is more of it further
into the wood.

Next we visited a steep ravine to the north of Bayford Wood (52/3009), walking up
the stream bed which was completely dry as a result of the very dry summer. Here
we found, apart from the ubiquitous D. filix-mas and D. dilatata, a large group of
Polystichum setiferum, some of them very large plants.

The day ended with tea at the leader’s house in Hertford, where a few plants of Dryopteris
and Equisetum could be inspected.

AC Pigott

AUTUMN INDOOR MEETING - 14 October. Chat show? Talk show? Not quite, but
for want of a better name, this meeting was given the grand title of ‘Paper-reading
Meeting’. Thirty members, representing a cross-section of interests of the membership,
gathered at Whitelands College of the Roehampton Institute, Putney, London, to hear
four diverse and fascinating talks and to see a short film. A pleasing number of folk
had travelled some distance to attend and most regions of Britain were represented.

Dr Trevor Piearce from Lancaster opened the afternoon with a talk on ‘Soil animals
in the Age of Ferns’. He described experiments which have shown that a variety of
modern ferns and horsetails were acceptable food for both earthworms and woodlice.
Although scarce in the fossil record, large decomposer animals were present at the
time when pteridophytes dominated the earth’s vegetation. They included a two to three
foot long woodlouse-like creature which no doubt ‘chomped’ its way through horsetails
and lycopods as its contribution to soil formation! One wonders if they each had distinct
personalities as we learnt that modern woodlice do! It seems reasonable to suggest
from the evidence, that well-humidified soils may well have been common when ferns
were abundant and that they were important contributors to them. Such soils have
not survived because they were not suitable for fossilisation.

A projected ‘Red Data Book for European Pteridophytes’ was the subject of Clive Jermy’s
talk, which he illustrated with slides of the more rare and vulnerable pteridophytes of

170

Portugal. He spoke of local industries using the tree-fern Culcita macrocarpa and stressed
the threat to aquatic ferns such as Marsilea quadrifolia, M. batardae and Pilularia minuta,

Margaret Nimmo-Smith took us up to tea-time with a revealing talk about the ‘Spore
Exchange Scheme’ which she now organises. Margaret explained that it is not so much
an exchange as a spore bank. She went on to describe the sources of the spores which
the exchange receives, some of the problems associated with nomenclature, and that,
unfortunately spores do occasionally turn out not to be what they purport to be.

of the donors and recipients enter into correspondence with Margaret and from these
she learns of new developments in other Societies and of personal trials and tribulations,
though not always with pteridophytes!

After tea, Margaret Tyson, in the second year of her PhD studies at Manchester University,
gave us an insight into her work on the uptake and transport of the radioisotopes of
strontium and caesium in bracken, and of her disturbing results. The work has shown,
for example, that caesium deposited in the typical mineral soils of lowland agricultural
systems rapidly becomes unavailable to plants, and therefore to the rest of the food
chain, because it becomes bound to the clay particles in the soil. However, when it
is deposited on organic soils such as the peat soils of north-west Britain, as happened
after the Chernobyl diasaster, it remains mobile and available to plants and the rest
of the food chain.

‘The life cycle of Equisetum’ was the subject of the short film which ended the afternoon.
Made in Germany, but with an English commentary, the film showed, amongst other
things, the amazing telescopic growth of the shoots of Equisetum and the spectacular
cascade of green spores as the cones ripened, made all the more memorable through
the agency of time-lapse photography.

This first paper-reading meeting was declared a success by all present and our thanks
go to the speakers, who so kindly volunteered their contributions and were prepared
to travel so far to give them. (More detailed accounts of three of the talks will appear
in the Pteridologist.) Similar meetings are planned and it is hoped that they will become
a regular event. The aim is to cater for all shades of interest in the Society and for
them to be a means by which we can learn about the diverse activities of members
(and non-members) concerning pteridophytes. Plans for next year’s meeting are well
advanced and will have the theme of ‘Fossil Pteridophytes’. Ideas for future meetings
would be welcomed by the Meetings Secretary.

JM Ide

THE AMERICAN FERN SOCIETY INC

wishes to extend an invitation to readers of this Bulletin to join the American Fern
Society. Regular members receive the Fiddlehead Forum six times a year. This newsletter
is published for the benefit of those who are interested in growing ferns, hunting for
them, and expanding their general oe torres. Journal members receive, in
addition to Fiddlehead Forum, th verican Fern Journal. Membership
costs $10.00 and $19.00 per annum, teapeetidely, ‘including overseas postage. For
particulars please write to Dr David S Barrington, Dept. of Botany, University of Vermont,
Burlington VT 05405, USA. Prospective members residing in Great Britain should write
to Miss A M Paul, Dept. of Botany, Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London
SW7 5BD

171

NATIONAL FIELD MEETINGS 1989
SOUTH DEVON - 3-4 June TD V Swinscow

This weekend field meeting was based at Bovey Tracey, Devon. Mary Potts was the
leader on the first day and Dougal Swinscow on the second.

We spent Saturday morning near the junction of the Rivers Dart and Webburn (20/
716725). These sheltered valleys are filled with deciduous woodland of (mainly) oak
together with birch, alder, beech, sycamore, and the occasional small-leaved lime and
hornbeam, the last presumably planted. Here Osmunda regalis is probably at its finest
in Devon. Hundreds of large plants were growing along the margins of the Dart both
in woodland and in the open. Many very young plants were also seen, one of them
growing precariously on a stone in a boggy flush. Apart from that species and bracken,
the main ferns of this area were Dryopteris filix-mas, D. affinis subsp. affinis (probably),
and D. dilatata. Athyrium filix-femina was abundant, the forms with pale and dark rachis
being equally common. Blechnum spicant grew to a large size in the many boggy areas
there. Oreopteris limbosperma was well represented, and Asplenium scolopendrium
flourished on banks in the woodland. A. adiantum-nigrum grew along a hedgerow and
A. trichomanes subsp. quadrivalens in the mortar of a bridge. Polypodium interjectum
was common on the mossy branches of trees.

A trek northwards up the River Webburn brought us to a rock at the riverside on which
Hymenophyllum tunbrigense grew. | first examined this site in 1953, when | was directed
to it. by the Revd E A Elliott, the Society’s honorary secretary and editor. He had known
of it for some years. The fern is thus probably known to have been growing there for
over 40 years. Although still abundantly present, it covers a much smaller area than
when | first saw it 36 years ago. A part of it was illustrated in a plate at the beginning
of the British Fern Gazette 1954, vol. 8, no. 4. Sadly | have no doubt that both
Hymenophyllum species have become much sparser in Devon over the intervening years.

In the afternoon we visited Yarner Wood (20/7878). Here the same species were seen
with the addition of Dryopteris aemula, which is well represented there on rather dry
banks away from the main stream. In a valley bog through which the stream runs we
admired a wonderful stand of Osmunda, great thickets of the fern growing in the valley
floor of sphagnum moss.

On the Sunday morning we visited Netton Cleave (20/8282) in the hope of seeing
Asplenium septentrionale, but the vegetation in its summer foliage provided too dense
a cover for the right rock to be identified. This beautiful valley had similar species to
those in the Dart valley except that we did not see Oreopteris limbosperma. A small
growth of Hymenophyllum tunbrigense was on one of the boulders. In the afternoon
we scoured lanes near Bickington, a few miles south of Bovey Tracey, for varieties of
Polystichum setiferum and Asplenium scolopendrium, but without finding anything
unusual.

Rain was badly needed in Devon, but unfortunately it picked our Saturday to fall ever
more penetratingly as the day wore on. Needless to say, fern hunting was not disrupted.
On the Sunday we had a fine day with only a shower in the afternoon. The nine members
who attended the first day and the seven who remained for the second day enjoyed,
if not any novelties, at least a wealth of luxuriantly grown ferns.

NORTH-WEST SHROPSHIRE - 30 June-2 July A C Pigott

Although described as ‘North-West Shropshire’, this meeting was held on the Welsh
borders, with some of the sites actually straddling the two countries. The area covered
was approximately within the triangle formed by Oswestry, Shrewsbury and Welshpool,
most of which is often described as the Oswestry Uplands. We were based at the Lion
Hotel in Llansantffraid-ym-Mechain.

We began on the Friday morning at Gaer Fawr Wood, which is owned by the Woodland
Trust and has an ancient hill-fort. Leaving the small car park at 33/219126 we walked
up into the wood. Ferns were not as much in evidence as we had expected, with only
Pteridium aquilinum, Dryopteris filix-mas and D. dilatata being widespread. There was
a little Polypodium vulgare and P. interjectum, a few isolated plants of D. affinis subsp.
borreri and just one specimen of Polystichum aculeatum.

Our next stop was a conifer plantation on Long Mountain. We stopped in a parking
place at 33/275077, from where we followed a forestry track to the north-west, leaving
it to go down a steep slope to a stream. Here we found Athyrium filix-femina, including
the red-stemmed form, Dryopteris filix-mas, D. dilatata, D. affinis subsp. affinis and subsp.
borreri. Amongst the D. affinis were al foliose examples of the ‘robusta’ form, which
may be a variety of D. a. subsp. borreri, but quite distinct. | ingraine d
us to make our way to Welshpool and lunch.

The afternoon was spent on Breidden Hill. Starting from the Forestry Commission car
park, south of Criggion, at 33/295149, we walked up the track towards Brimford Wood.
On the screes we saw Gymnocarpium dryopteris and Polypodium vulgare along with
a little Dryopteris filix-mas and D. dilatata in the ditch. On the other side, above the
wooded slopes were additionally Pteridium aquilinum and Equisetum arvense. Further
up we found some D. affinis subsp. affinis and subsp. borreri, with one large and distinct-
looking plant which may have been a hybrid. We continued around to the south-east
of Breidden Hill proper and across the saddle past Rodney’s Pillar. Just before the track
Started to drop steeply through Bytherig, we saw a patch of D. affinis subsp. cambrensis.
The path continued through dank old woodland, boulder scree above with a steep slope
down to the stream below. Here we found most of the woodland ferns seen earlier
and added Polystichum setiferum and Athyrium filix-femina. After leaving the wood,
we continued along the road which took us through the quarry and on a wall found
Asplenium adiantum-nigrum and A. trichomanes.

We began Saturday with a trip further into Wales to visit Coed Pendugwm, a wood
owned by the Montgomery Wildlife Trust. We parked in the nearby farmyard at 33/
102142, braved the tyre-biting sheepdog and walked north-eastwards into the wood.
We explored the wood for some time, finding Dryopteris filix-mas, D. dilatata, D. affinis
subsp. borreri, Athyrium filix-femina, Blechnum spicant, Oreopteris limbosperma and
Polypodium vulgare, of which we found a very impressive patch growing on a log in
a stream. We also found a few plants of D. affinis var. paleaceo-lobata, which may
be a variety of subsp. affinis, but is very distinct, having lobed and crisped pinnules,
and its fronds develop noticeably later than the other common forms. It appears to be
fairly common from the West Country up at least as far as the Lake District in the
west of Britain. It is superficially similar to and has often been confused with subsp.
cambrensis in the past. Leaving the reserve, we walked through some private forestry
to the south where we added Equisetum arvense, a large and impressive stand of 3
sylvaticum and one plant of D. carthusiana. We left the plantation on the north side

173

and re-entered the old woodland at Ty-coch (struggling through a barbed-wire fence
across the footpath). The path then dropped steeply down to the stream which we followed
back to our starting point in the wood. On crossing the stream we saw a plant of Asplenium
scolopendrium, which we had not seen earlier. One of the party returned via a slightly
different route on which he saw a large stand of Polystichum setiferum.

After lunch in Pontrobert, we drove to Llanymynech Hill, parking along the road at 33/
263231. We followed the path which took us up a very steep slope to the top of Blodwel
Rock from where it continued to the north-east along the edge of the limestone scarp.
Along the way we saw Polystichum setiferum, Asplenium scolopendrium, A. trichomanes
and some particularly large A. adiantum-nigrum. We knew of an old record for Polypodium
cambricum on Blodwel Rock, which we presumed was on the inaccessible cliff-face.
At one point, two of the group found a way down from the top and were rewarded
by discovering it growing just beside an entrance to a small cave some 20 feet down
the rock face. On the open meadow of the plateau on the top of the rock, we were
shown a location of Ophioglossum vulgatum where some 20 or so plants were growing
very close to the footpath. These meadows were also rich in other wildlife, including
impressive numbers of orchids and butterflies.

Our next stop was a brief visit to the disused quarries of the Llanymynech Rocks on
the opposite (south-east) side of Llanymynech Hill. Whilst the rocks themselves were
almost completely barren, on the nearby wooded slopes below were found large numbers
of Polystichum setiferum and Asplenium scolopendrium, and some A. adiantum-nigrum,
Dryopteris filix-mas and D. affinis subsp. borreri.

Sunday began with a visit to Aston Locks. After leaving the cars near Queen’s Head
at 33/340268, we walked south-westwards along the disused canal. On the canalside
and in the ditch by the track, we found first Equisetum arvense, then E. palustre, and
finally E. telmateia in an unbroken and overlapping series of stands stretching down
to the first lock. We were also shown some Equisetum shoots similar to those which
had been identified as E. x font-queri. On the walls of the lock itself we found Asplenium
adiantum-nigrum, A. trichomanes and A. scolopendrium. Walking further along the canal,
we saw E. fluviatile, making four Equisetum species within a short distance.

After taking an early lunch at Tyn-y-Coed, our next stop was a wood on the Morda
Valley which we entered on the south side from the pub car park at 33/256282. We
walked northwards along a relatively low level path, returning south on the higher level.
The woods contained a large number of ferns, mainly Dryopteris, of which we saw
D. filix-mas, D. dilatata, D. affinis subsp. borreri, subsp. affinis and var. paleaceo-lobata.
Also seen were Asplenium adiantum-nigrum, Pteridium aquilinum, Blechnum spicant,
Athyrium filix-femina and Polypodium vulgare.

Our final visit was to the woods on the Cynllaith Valley which we approached from
the hotel car park at 33/242350. After walking down the track through this mainly
conifer plantation, we cut through to a field and across down to the stream through
Bryn-coch Dingle which we fought our way along, eventually coming back to the track
up an almost vertical muddy slope through the wood. The ferns were much thinner
on the ground here, the only ones seen being Pteridium aquilinum, Athyrium filix-femina,
Dryopteris filix-mas, Polystichum setiferum and Equisetum arvense.

We had a very full three days and had seen a good selection of different habitats and
soil/rock types in the area, along with their fern flora.

174

STRATHYRE, PERTHSHIRE - 16-23 July Alison Paul

The main purpose of this meeting, set amid the beautiful mountains of south-west
Perthshire, was to assist Nick Stewart, BSBI recorder for West Perthshire (v.-c. 87) in
his compilation of records for a checklist of vascular plants of the vice-county. We hoped
to confirm some older records as well as add new records.

Eight members and friends assembled on Sunday evening at Rosebank Guest-house,
Strathyre, our centre for the week, to discuss the programme. The next day began at
a gentle pace, exploring the woods north of Strathyre on the lower slopes west of the
River Balvag. Our first stop (27/557184) was an area of wet alder woodland supporting
Blechnum spicant, Oreopteris limbosperma, all three subspecies of Dryopteris affinis,
Athyrium filix-femina and Pteridium aquilinum. Dryopteris dilatata, D. carthusiana and
their hybrid D. x deweveri were also recorded. Phegopteris connectilis was abundant,
and fern allies were perontnens represented by Equisetum sylvaticum. A little further
north G plentiful on a roadside bank and Polypodium vulgare
was alec recotdad. Suetink Bridge (27/535205) near Balquhidder was our first of many
Isoetes hunting grounds. /. echinospora and |. lacustris were both found in the slow-
flowing river. Equisetum fluviatile was present, the very branched form on the shady
bank and a stand of the unbranched form in the river. E. arvense and Dryopteris filix-
mas were also seen, and on the bridge itself were tiny plants of Asplenium ruta-muraria
and A. trichomanes subsp. quadrivalens. Non-pteridological interest was provided by
the uncommon least yellow water-lilly, Nuphar pumila, and tufted loosestrife, Naumbergia
thyrsiflora, though the latter was not in flower.

Our lunch stop beside Loch Voil (27/508203) led to the discovery of more /soetes lacustris.
Chris Page showed us that the predominant form of bracken in the area was intermediate
between Pteridium aquilinum subsp. aquilinum and subsp. /atiusculum, the pure form
of the latter being restricted to old pine woods in N. Central Scotland.

The rest of the day was spent epi pat aera the Invernenty Burn (27/4517)
up from the River Larig. The ide the river contained Equisetum
arvense and E. sylvaticum, Dryopteris affinis subsp. affinis, Oreopteris limbosperma,
Athyrium filix-femina and Phegopteris connectilis. Our route up the Burn was hazardous,
with damp, slippery boulders to negotiate. Hymenophylilum wilsonii adorned some mossy
rocks, and Asplenium trichomanes subsp. quadrivalens sprouted from the rock-face at
the side of the deep gully. Both oak and beech ferns were present and Polypodium
vulgare was epiphytic on a rowan tree. Further up Asplenium viride was found, along
with Cystopteris fragilis and Polystichum aculeatum. Turning up Allt a’ Choire Bhain
to the right, Selaginella selaginoides and Huperzia selago were common and Asplenium
viride grew in profusion under the rocky overhangs. At a higher altitude on Stob Breac
Nick Stewart added Lycopodium clavatum. Diphasiastrum alpinum, Dryopteris oreades
and D. expansa to the list of species seen on our first day.

On Tuesday we were joined by another member for a very hot day in Glen Falloch,
south of Crianlarich. Our mission here was to search rocky ledges of the crags on Beinn
a’ Chroin and An Caisteal for Woodsia alpina, Nick believing this to be the most likely
site for E S Marshall’s record of 1890. In this respect the day was unsuccessful, but
we did see a good range of pteridophytes. From the A82 (27/ 370238) we walked south-
east beside the River Falloch. On the lower slopes of Sron Gharbh Huperzia selago
was found in the turf, while nestling under boulders were Dryopteris dilatata, D. expansa,
Phegopteris connectilis, Gymnocarpium dryopteris and Oreopteris limbosperma.

175

Equisetum sylvaticum, Athyrium filix-femina and Dryopteris affinis subsp. borreri were
also added to the list before pausing for lunch below Beinn a’ Chroin. Diphasiastrum
alpinum was observed here creeping over the rocks. At the base of rocky cliffs Cystopteris
fragilis and Asplenium viride were espied, with two mountain ferns nearby - Dryopteris
oreades and Polystichum lonchitis. The latter was growing between boulders, but was
not common.

Having reached c. 710m, the level above which we hoped to find Woodsia alpina, Athyrium
distentifolium, with its characteristic spreading, yellow-green fronds, was discovered in
the ee of a eseapict a species not previously recorded with certainty from v.-c.

t at this altitude. One of the most interesting
finds was a tiny plait of Cryptogramma crispa spotted under a boulder; a new record
for the area. Returning from Beinn a’ Chroin via the lower slopes of An Caisteal Blechnum
spicant was seen; Polypodium vulgare and Asplenium trichomanes were found on rocks.
Clive Jermy was pleased to find a population of the uncommon Carex magellanica.

The next day we ventured further north, into vice-county 88, Mid Perthshire. From the
River Lochay at 27/500369 we embarked on the long, hot climb up Allt Dubhchlair
towards Meall na Samhna, five miles west of Killin. The species list was similar to
the previous day, but we did not see Dryopteris oreades, Cryptogramma crispa or
Polypodium vulgare. Polystichum aculeatum was recorded early in the day, but higher
up P. lonchitis was more common than on Beinn a’ Chroin, growing under boulders
and on cliff ledges in Coire Dubhchlair. The main object of our search was Cystopteris
montana, known from this site, but though we scrutinised every wet ledge we could
find in a number of rocky gullies, there was no sign of it. Had it succumbed to the
very dry season? Scrambling up one gully a few tiny plants of Botrychium Iunaria were
spotted in the turf, and Selaginella selaginoides was quite common in damp flushes.
It was a good day for horsetails. In addition to Equisetum sylvaticum, E. arvense was
recorded, and E. palustre, E. pratense and E. variegatum were also seen. The first members
of the party to reach the summit surprised a group of Ptarmigan, but sadly they had
gone by the time the rest of us arrived. On our way back to join those who had spent
the day at lower levels, we were glad to find Chris Page coming to meet us in the
landrover, saving us the last half mile of track. We took a detour to Killin via beautiful
Glen Lyon, stopping to have other sites of Woodsia alpina and Cystopteris montana
pointed out to us from a distance. (Later in the week some members successfully found
the Cystopteris here, but Woodsia still eluded us).

After supper in Killin we in turn fed the midges during an unsuccessful hunt for Pilularia
globulifera beside Loch Tay (27/584344), last seen here in 1986. Equisetum palustre
was common on the shore and there was a very attractive population of lesser water-
plantain, Baldellia ranunculoides.

On ee we were ae by two more mone pee a _—o — and less energetic
day d d Loch Lubnaig. We commenced with t the northern
end of the loch (27/563152). Equisetum fluviatile was plentiful, and the water-lilies,
including Nuphar pumila, and Lobelia dortmanna were flowering profusely. After such
a long dry season the water level was very low, enabling us to easily see the /soetes
echinospora at the lake edge. Several small distinctively yellow-green patches of Pilularia
globulifera were found in the exposed mud, bearing an abundance of sporocarps. On
the west margin of the loch (27/565146) /Isoetes lacustris was collected, and more
P. globulifera was seen further north. To the south /soetes was still common, but no
pillwort was found.

176

aj al

After lunch t
looking gully (27/ 552149) lai there were large graceful stands of Equisetum
sylvaticum. Oreopteris limbosperma, Athyrium filix-femina, Dryopteris dilatata and
Blechnum spicant were all noted, with Phegopteris connectilis on the shadier banks.
There was much discussion on the subspecies of Dryopteris affinis; Clive Jermy, Chris
Page and Anthony Pigott agreed those represented here were subsp. borreri and subsp.
cambrensis. At one point we watched in awe the amazing manoeuvres of a huge logging
truck which decided to turn round where our cars were parked! Further south along
the track Equisetum arvense, Cystopteris fragilis and Gymnocarpium dryopteris were
present, with Polypodium vulgare on mossy rocks beside a waterfall. Asplenium viride
was seen, and enormous plants of A. trichomanes subsp. quadrivalens.

The track zig-zagged back down to Loch Lubnaig, where we stopped to explore a
promontory (27/580134). It was too stoney for Pilularia, but we did find Equisetum
x dycei on the shore (a new vice-county record), with both parents, E. fluviatile and
E. palustre, nearby. Investigations further down the loch revealed no new pteridophytes,
but plenty more /soetes at 27/583110 which Clive, by now a familiar sight clad in
waders and deerstalker with /soetes spear in hand, collected for electrophoretic studies.
Our final search for Pilularia globulifera was at the north-western end of Loch Lubnaig.
Just as we had given up in favour of reaching Strathyre while food was still being
served, we came across a fairly extensive colony (27/560152). Both species of /soetes
were again seen, but no positive signs of hybrids.

By Friday morning the weather had deteriorated. Having assembled near Brig O° Turk
(27/530066) we donned our cagoules and botanised in the woods beside the river east
of Loch Achray. The Dryopteris affinis here was mainly subsp. borreri, with a little subsp.
cambrensis. Equisetum fluviatile was the only fern ally seen. Oreopteris limbosperma
was common beside the river, and Polypodium vulgare was growing on tree branches
overhanging the river. Other ferns recorded were Athyrium filix-femina, Dryopteris
dilatata, D. carthusiana, D. filix-mas, Blechnum spicant, Phegopteris connectilis and
Pteridium aquilinum. On the other side of the road in drier conditions Asplenium adiantum-
nigrum, A. trichomanes subsp. quadrivalens and Polystichum aculeatum were seen, and
Isoetes echinospora was found in the edge of Loch Achray. From here we moved on
to the south-eastern end of Loch Katrine (27/495073). The most exciting discovery here
was a single plant of Dryopteris aemula on the steep oak and birch wooded slopes
beside the car park, a new vice-county record. Gymnocarpium dryopteris and
Hymenophyllum wilsonii were the only other species seen here that were new for the
day

Following lunch in the cafe or cars, we moved on to Aberfoyle slate quarries (27/ 507031).
The extensive heaps of slate scree provided an ideal habitat for Cryptogramma crispa
which grew abundantly. Gymnocarpium dryopteris was also very common, but was
obviously suffering from the weeks of drought. The slate showed off to advantage the
numerous light-green shuttlecocks of Dryopteris affinis subsp. cambrensis. Here we also
saw Huperzia selago, Diphasiastrum alpinum, Dryopteris dilatata, Polypodium vulgare,
and a little Athyrium filix-femina, Dryopteris filix-mas and D. affinis subsp. borreri.

After obtaining permission from the Forestry Commission, we drove through Achray
Forest to Lime Craigs Quarry at Bealach an t’-Suidhe. This is a very interesting area
geologically. It is on the Highland Boundary Fault, with cliffs of conglomerate, and also
Dounans Limestone and Dolerite. The cliffs themselves were colonised by Polypodium
vulgare and Asplenium trichomanes subsp. quadrivalens, while sheltered at the base

177

grew lush plants of Cystopteris fragilis, Athyrium filix-femina and Dryopteris affinis subsp.
affinis. D. affinis subsp. cambrensis was also recorded, as were D. filix-mas, Asplenium
adiantum-nigrum, Gymnocarpium dryopteris and Blechnum spicant, with Equisetum
fluviatile in a wet flush and E. sylvaticum and Lycopodium clavatum in the shade of
spruce trees.

Our next stop was at the south-western tip of Loch Drunkie (27/538038). Pilularia
globulifera was absent, but it was particularly interesting to see such large quantities
of Isoetes echinospora growing on the exposed, dry shore. Dryopteris carthusiana was
noted on a nearby bank with D. dilatata. The south-western corner of Loch Venachar
(27/545055) yielded more /soetes lacustris, but unfortunately time did not permit us
to investigate the blanket bog Nick Stewart discovered nearby, apparently containing
much Dryopteris carthusiana.

On our last day we returned to Glen Falloch to survey Gleann nan Caorann. Beside
the farm track (27/318199) Oreopteris limbosperma and Athyrium filix-femina were
abundant, with Pteridium aquilinum covering the slopes above. Blechnum spicant was
frequent, with some Dryopteris dilatata and Phegopteris connectilis under an oak tree.
Further on Dryopteris affinis subsp. cambrensis and subsp. borreri were both noted,
also Gymnocarpium dryopteris. A tiny plant of Huperzia selago was espied on the same
rock as Hymenophyllum wilsonii. Equisetum sylvaticum grew in a wet flush nearby,
and on a mossy rock was some Selaginella selaginoides.

We picnicked beside the pict hland river, Dubh Eas, then half the party departed
back to the cars for tea. —. vest of us 5 cut across to another gully (27/313206) where
we additionally recorded Polystichum aculeatum and Polypodium vulgare, the latter looking
very drought-stricken on an oak tree. Hymenophylium wilsonii was abundant on rocks
and tree boles. We traversed the steep ravine and followed the Dubh Eas down to the
viaduct carrying the railway over the river gorge. The bank below the viaduct kept Clive
and Anthony occupied for some time, as it was a mass of Dryopteris affinis (all three
subspecies) and D. filix-mas, with plants of their aptly named hybrid, D. x complexa.

After meeting up with the remainder of the party we drove south to Inverarnan, to
see Lycopodiella inundata (27/316186). Having got our eye in for this clubmoss, we
realised there were a lot of plants over a wide area of boggy ground around a small
rocky stream. Selaginella selaginoides and Huperzia selago were also quite common.
It was pleasing to find the pale butterwort, Pinguicula lusitanica, a contrast to the larger
P. vulgaris which had become a familiar sight during the week.

Next we crossed the valley and explored the lower parts of Ben Glas Burn (27/321186),
which forms a small stretch of the Perthshire/Dunbarton boundary. Ferns abounded
on the sides of the ravine: Blechnum spicant, Oreopteris limbosperma, Phegopteris
connectilis and Asplenium viride, Athyrium filix-femina, Dryopteris dilatata, Polypodium
vulgare, Polystichum aculeatum and Asplenium trichomanes subsp. quadrivalens.
Hymenophyllum wilsonii covered mossy rocks on the north-facing side. The slippery
pes Lip Loki oho: up isd ris arent and we climbed out, returning down the hillside.

lonised with ferns, mainly Cystopteris fragilis, A. trichomanes
pte ude wa ri ge ROR Oe, the latter seen for the first time that week.
Along the roadside it was interesting to note Dryopteris carthusiana growing between
the blocks of the wall, an apparently dry situation.

After dining at the Inverarnan Drovers’ Arms we made our last stop at Loch Lubhair
(27/424268) to collect more /soetes for electrophoretic studies. Darkness put an end

178

to our search so we returned to Strathyre to press the last collections of the meeting.

On Sunday morning we left to go our separate ways after a very successful meeting.
Pteridophyte species seen numbered 41, plus various subspecies and hybrids. Everyone
felt satisfied; some had seen new areas, others new plants. All of us had contributed
to furthering an understanding of the plants of the area through recording for Nick
Stewart's Flora.

NORTH GWYNEDD WORKSHOP - 25-28 August Nigel Brown

Thirteen members braved the August Bank Holiday travel trail and finally assembled
on Friday peels the dicen & che fines ee the lgethed phono Pareney-
Asimple, relaxed to find out just vorkshop
would entail - a pleasant nie of hecharsurd ec science, field trips and simple ingonahcy
work.

On Saturday morning, our number now fifteen, we met in the field laboratory at Treborth
Botanic Garden, owned by the University College of North Wales and situated on the
south bank of the Menai Straits 4 km west of Bangor. After an introductory look at
the possible origins and evolutionary relationships of ferns and fern allies, we travelled
back over the Menai Straits to Cadnant Dingle, a privately owned mixed wood in a
steep, sheltered valley which runs down almost to the shore, 23/559730. A few basics
here to ensure that we were all speaking the same fern language - adjacent plants
of Asplenium scolopendrium, Polpodium interjectum, Dryopteris affinis and D. dilatata
Clearly illustrated the different degrees of frond dissection. Nearby Polystichum setiferum
highlighted the importance of indusial structure in distinguishing different genera e.g.
Dryopteris and Polystichum.

A mixed canopy of horse chestnut, sycamore and elm gave shelter to large crowns
of Dryopteris affinis overlooking the steepest sections of the river valley. Discussions
centred upon the value and consistency of the shapes of lamina, pinnule and indusium
in determining the diff t subspecies of D. affinis. We tentatively identified some plants
as D. affinis subsp. cambrensis noting however, that many others showed characters
somewhat intermediate between the proposed subspecies. We wondered how the
shadiness of the site might influence the forms we puzzled over e.g. the degree of lobing
of the pinnules, and to what extent the lack of out-breeding in these handsome ferns
was creating and perpetuating distinctive local populations.

Back at the botanic garden, Caroline Brown provided us with a splendid buffet lunch
after which we departed to the northern shore of Llyn Padarn in the Snowdonia National
Park, 3 km north-west of Llanberis, 23/560624. An abandoned lakeside railway track
provided more Dryopteris discussion especially over some impressive D. affinis subsp.
affinis. Drip-drenched cuttings nurtured Phegopteris connectilis and Oreopteris
limbosperma, whilst supportive slate walls held large populations of Polypodium
interjectum and Asplenium trichomanes subsp. quadrivalens, and much smaller numbers
of A. ceterach and A. adiantum-nigrum. Nearby Phegopteris connectilis and Dryopteris
dilatata grew vigorously beneath birch and willow at the damp margin of a pool well-
stocked with bogbean, bottle sedge and Equisetum fluviatile.

We then explored a small sessile oak wood situated on a bouldery north-east facing
hillside 1 km away from the northern end of Llyn Padarn. A gushing stream created

179

an especially moist microclimate and bryophytes carpeted every trunk and boulder.
Polypodium interjectum grew abundantly here, chiefly as an epiphyte and we eventually
saw small quantities of Hymenophyllum wilsonii growing on the base of an oak trunk.

Later, inthe thandd f the laboratory at Treborth, we had plenty of opportunity
to examine the spacimata we had collected. We used binocular dissecting microscopes
to appreciate surface features including indusial characters and compound microscopes
to study sporangia and spores.

Sunday morning found us ready to explore the sea-cliffs of Fedr Fawr, near Penmon
on Anglesey’s eastern coast, 23/605820. Here calcareous deposits of glacial and quarried
origin supported fine stands of Equisetum telmateia whilst hard boulders and outcrops
of carboniferous grit nursed lush-fronded Asplenium marinum in their wave-splashed
crevices. A handful of young Osmunda regalis plants hung in a fissure out of reach
on the cliff above.

From Fedr Fawr we travelled westward to Red Wharf Bay, 23/5480. The farmhouse
at Bryn Hyrddin, 2 km inland, shelters at the foot of a wooded ridge of chlorite-schist,
its garden wall naturally enhanced with healthy clumps of Asplenium ceterach. Nearby
sycamore and ash shelter the face of a small disused quarry which now lies quietly
curtained with luxuriant, arching fronds of Polypodium cambricum, P. interjectum and
P. x shivasiae interspersed with well-grown Asplenium trichomanes susbp. quadrivalens.
In the old walls of a narrow, partially shaded lane bordering the wood we paused to
admire long, finely acute fronds of A..adiantum-nigrum and the short triangular fronds
of yet more Polypodium cambricum.

Northwards then to Traeth Lligwy 23/495872, a much smaller bay backed by a thin
crescent of dunes where we compared three horsetail species - Equisetum arvense,
E. palustre and E. telmateia. Following this inspection we felt ready to tackle a hybrid
and our attention focussed on some vigorous well-branched shoots growing beneath
willow scrub in a damp position on the landward side of the dunes. A few weeks earlier
Mr R H Roberts, the BSBI’s vice-county recorder for Anglesey, had carefully studied
this same colony and concluded that it was the hybrid between E. te/mateia and E.
palustre (E. x font-queri). Certainly the outward appearance of the population suggested
this hybrid, with features such as the size and colour of shoots and number of ribs
on the stem intermediate between E. telmateia and E. palustre. Later, microscopic
examination of the internal arrangement of tissues and canals seemed to confirm Mr
Roberts’ determination, a notable new record for Wales. We retired happily to the Anglesey
Arms Hotel for the official workshop dinner.

Monday found us once more in the Snowdonia National Park, this time in the spectacular
glaciated valley of Nant Ffrancon. By kind permission of the National Trust we were
able to admire vigorous clumps of Dryopteris oreades growing by a stream within the
fenced enclosure surrounding an old copper mine at Gwaith 23/632633. Conveniently
close enough to allow direct comparison were well-grown specimens of Dryopteris affinis
subsp. borreri and subsp. cambrensis along with some D. filix-mas and Oreopteris
limbosperma.

Our trail then took us onto the Gwydir Forest near Betwys-y-coed. Firstly we explored
Cors Bodgynydd, a boggy nature reserve managed by the North Wales Wildlife Trust
and home to three clubmosses - Selaginella selaginoides, Huperzia selago and most
notably Lycopodiella wiganeaeag — is a great dance in eatin It is spake to uaa

+h
tnese p ,as their g U

180

are very different. Here too was a chance to compare Dryopteris carthusiana with other
species of Dryopteris seen during the weekend and to admire the flurry of yellow
bladderwort flowers hoisted innocently above the peaty water whilst their insidious traps
below awaited insect morsels.

An artificial but naturally well-vegetated reservoir once used to provide water for mining
operations revealed /soetes echinospora, clasped sporophylls bursting at the base with
bright white megaspores. The sun shone warmly as we picnicked in view of the lake,
trees and the mountains of Snowdonia.

Later that afternoon at the Hafna lead mine 23/781602 we climbed the steeply inclined
disused workings where metallophyte species such as alpine pennycress pick out a living
on polluted ground. A settling tank full of Equisetum fluviatile and giant clumps of
Dryopteris oreades were notable finds. In the valley bottom we explored an extensive
abandoned tailings dam choked with fine black sediment from the mines above and
for the most part colonised by reeds, sedges and horsetails. Equisetum palustre was
the commonest horsetail, followed by E. fluviatile and E. x litorale. One small patch
of E. arvense prompted much speculation, its features suggesting a possible hybrid
between E. arvense and E. palustre except that it lacked definite black-tipped teeth on
the branches.

Our final stop was an old wash-out site associated with another abandoned lead/zinc
mine further down the valley near Gwydir Castle 23/796610. Here a roadside wall
was abundantly colonised by Asplenium septentrionale and Polypodium vulgare though
competition from Dryopteris filix-mas (including a crested form) and purple moor grass
was resulting in excessive shading of spleenworts near the base of the wall.

Some members of the group who were not travelling homewards that evening returned
to the laboratory for a final session with the microscopes which included a look at the
characteristic spiny-surfaced megaspores of /soetes echinospora.

XV INTERNATIONAL BOTANICAL CONGRESS

The Organising Committee of the XVth International Botanical Congress wishes to
announce that the XV IBC will be held in the Tokyo area during August and September,
1993: nomenclature session 23-27 August; general session 28 August-3rd September.
The first circular of the XV IBC will be prepared in 1990 and distributed to those who
are interested in the Congress. Requests for information and other questions and
comments may be sent to the Secretariat at the address below.

Kunio lwatsuki, Secretary General, XV International Botanical Congress Tokyo,
Department of Botany, Faculty of Science, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-
ku, Tokyo 113, Japan.

NEDERLANDSE VARENVERENIGING

Mr G Proper, a Dutch member of the BPS, has written to say that a new Fern Society
was started in Holland in 1988. The Society is similar to the BPS in its aims and hopes
to recruit both amateur and professional pteridologists as members. It is intended to
hold formal meetings, encourage plant exchange, publish newsletters and a bulletin
and to run a spore exchange. The BPS would like to wish the new Nederlandse
Varenvereniging every success. For further information please write to: The Secretary,
J J Comijs, Zaalbosiaan 12, 6881 RH Velp, Holland (tel. 085-634416).

181

REGIONAL MEETINGS 1989
WEST MIDLANDS A R Busby

eeeiaome to Spring” Power SOON 22-23 Mu gee Our regular appointment at this
show local members with their first opp y of the new season to get together
socially. Being so early in the season we are unable to display many hardy ferns so
we have to rely on indoor ferns, however, this still provides plenty of interest for the
visitors and also gives us a chance to display our Society's literature and information
on our activities.

Thanks are due to the Solihull Horticultural Society for providing space and an inch
or two of column space in the show schedule free of charge, to Ray Smith for spending
time with me on the stand, and to our local members for dropping in to support us.

Visit to Jeff and Judith Whysall’s Garden - 16 July. In response to Jeff and Judith’s
kind invitation, 18 members arrived at their home at The Green, Marfield, Leicester,
to spend a busy afternoon enjoying their kind hospitality. Our time was well-spent looking
at their garden, which, because of its elevated position, has several levels. Jeff has
taken advantage of this, growing a varied mixture of shrubs, herbaceous plants and
alpines, liberally sprinkled with hardy ferns. Jeff was pleased to show us around his
greenhouses and frames. The former proved very interesting, with a wide selection of
orchids and indoor ferns. Jeff explained that many of the ferns have been raised from
spores obtained through the spore exchange scheme.

After a very large tea that Judith and family had prepared, Jeff offered to conduct us
around the large quarry which adjoins their garden. During our foray we found common
male, broad buckler and lady fern, and the ubiquitous bracken. What proved most
interesting was the very large quantity of Polypodium which inhabited the many rocky
fissures and ledges around the water-filled quarry. Unfortunately, because of the
immaturity of the new fronds, it was difficult to decide which species it was.

It was sometime after 6 pm that we reluctantly said our goodbyes and departed to reflect
on our journeys home all that we ae enjoyed that afternoon. Our sincere thanks to
Jeff and Judith and family for their ki Pp y in providing us with such an interesting
afternoon.

Visit to Margaret and John Collins’ Garden - 20 August. Nineteen members and guests
attended the meeting at Margaret and John Collins’ garden at Hazelwood Road, Acocks
Green, Birmingham. Their garden contains many mature shrubs and is overlooked by
a very large oak, all of which provide plenty of shade for growing ferns. Margaret is
keen on propagation and takes full advantage of the Society's spore exchange scheme
and her membership of both the Alpine Garden Society and the Hardy Plant Society
means that she can take advantage of both their seed lists. Visitors rarely leave without
something to prick out or pot-on, as we were soon to find out.

Margaret has recently added a conservatory to the side of the house where many spore
and seed sowings are kept. This conservatory also provided a temporary home for many
of Ray Smith's potted ferns which had returned only the day before from a very successful
visit to the Southport Flower Show. For the second year running, Ray had won the
trophy for obtaining the most points in the fern classes and local members had the
opportunity to see the kind of standard of cultivation required for showing.

We all enjoyed our refreshments sitting in the afternoon sunshine on the lawn. Good

182

weather, excellent food, a lovely garden and the pleasure of good fern-growing company,
| was able to reflect on all this and appreciate why we do it. Our thanks to Margaret
and John for their kindness and hospitality and for giving us such an enjoyable afternoon.

Visit to Matt and Margaret Busby’s Garden - 24 September. A lovely late summer's
day greeted the 22 members who attended our ‘Open Day’. Our friends wandered around
the garden commenting on the few ferns to be found, however, | was able to open
the recently erected polytunnel which, | hope, will provide shelter for the young ferns
| am hoping to raise from spores. There are two 6ft x 8ft greenhouses which perform
different functions; one at the top of the garden that provides a home for ferns on the
border-line of hardiness, while the second near to the house is home to a motley collection
of alpines and my son's tomatoes.

After a quick tour of inspection, all 24 of us squeezed into our sitting-room to see two
videos. The first was ‘Ferns’, produced by B A Thomas and M H Rickard for the Society,
which describes all the British species and their habitats; the second video was a
programme shown by a northern television channel featuring Jack Bouckley and his
garden.

ay a -j +h L £ 1 1 ‘

After seeing the videos, we had tea
had kindly brought along for distribution. Later we ‘walked round to the University of
Warwick, Dept. of Science Education for a visit to their greenhouses. Here we were
able to see a selection of tropical ferns and some spore sowings.

It gave Margaret and myself immense pleasure to play host to so many of our friends
from the Society and our thanks go to them for responding so warmly to our invitation,
especially as several of them had travelled a long distance to be with us.

LEEDS & DISTRICT

Once again we have had a very successful year’s search among various ferny locations
in Yorkshire and beyond. It was very nice to welcome members from many other parts
of the British Isles to our trips, sometimes to ‘the back of beyond’. My thanks to all
who have made it a very enjoyable and instructive year and to those who have written

the following excellent reports.
Jack Bouckley

Slei Gill, Arkengarthdale, Swaledale, North Yorkshire - 10 June. What commenced
as a rather dull June day found twelve members and guests assembled at Raw,
Arkengarthdale (“valley of Arkil’s enclosure”), from where almost the entire route for
the day’s field trip could be traced, following the steep-sided valley of Slei Gill.

We first descended through the curiously-named hamlet of Arkle Town, with its long-
disused burial ground, thence across the Arkle Beck, itself a tributary of the River Swale,
joining the latter.at Reeth. Turning eastwards and entering a mixed wood, the first ferns
were soon found (Dryopteris fiix-e, p. tilagete Fou die iile-femine and on good
authority, D. affinis subsp. | Cystopteris
fragilis was recorded, a not uncommon habitat for this somewhat delicate pteridophyte.
The woods then opened out at the confluence of Slei Gill with the Arkle Beck, where
the remains of an ore dressing plant were examined to reveal more Cystopteris covering
the walls of the waterwheel pit. Heading northwards, we journeyed up the valley of

183

Slei Gill (sometimes called Farndale) discovering numerous relics of the long-defunct
leg industry wien neve, ee thee mork en the landscape in the shape of large spoil
, often of very large size, a technique
employed by the early miners in exposing veins of ore). Here of course occurred the
ubiquitous bracken, together with the less frequent Oreopteris limbosperma, Polystichum
aculeatum, Asplenium trichomanes and A. ruta-muraria. As the sun began to break
through, lunch was enjoyed by a small waterfall, ators the eiaranss % wens the
limestone rocks in the vicinity, on which grew ig
the bird life, including grey wagtails, redstarts, and ring ousels. One of the party, “Paul
Hackney from Ulster, was actually on holiday in the Dales, by happy chance staying
in a cottage at Booze (“house by the bow or curve”) of which more anon; he had a
day or two earlier noted the presence of Asplenium viride in the valley head which
| had not visited before. We therefore made our way upstream to yet another site of
mining activity, where we did indeed see the green spleenwort growing prettily from
a small limestone outcrop.

Our return, now in glorious sunshine, took us along the valley flank to that most
delightfully-named cluster of cottages, Booze, where to our great pleasure, we were
all invited to share refreshment kindly provided by Mrs Hackney. A single Asplenium
scolopendrium had been spotted in a mine entrance, and we had also identified two
horsetails, Equisetum arvense and E. palustre. The cars were eventually reached via
Langthwaite - immortalized in the opening sequence of the earlier television series of
“All Creatures Great and Small” - and a pleasant stroll along the streamside.

My profound gratitude to Mr and Mrs Hackney, who by sheer coincidence happened
to be in the right place at the right time, and the four naturalists from Scunthorpe
who contributed much to the non-pteridological wildlife we encountered (over 50 species
of wild flowers for example); thank you everybody for attending this most enjoyable
expedition.

R PH Lamb

Lister Park and Chellow ae paaped eds weet Yorkelwe - 8 July. Ten BPS members
plus family met Frank M iety on a rather dull Saturday
morning. Our first port of call was the Botanic Gardens at Lister Park.

These gardens, once containing a fine array of plants including the tulip tree (Liriodendron
sp.) and a variety of herbs, are unfortunately now very run down and overgrown, there
being very few labels but plenty of weeds! However, a fine stand of Onoclea sensibilis
was still to be found near the entrance along with several plants of Osmunda regalis,
a large Asplenium scolopendrium, a crested variety of Dryopteris filix-mas, and
Polystichum setiferum. Equisetum arvense grew as a weed. To the left of the garden
runs a stream, the banks of which have proved a favourable habitat for spores from
the garden to germinate 4 ad ora, Several plants ot Osmunde regalis have: oqtabtetie’
themselves h | red- and green 1 (Athy femina),
Dryopteris diletate and a plant of Polystichum setiferum.

We then moved on to the Chellow Dene Reservoirs. The lower level reservoir, now
empty, proved a remarkable sight. Several wall ferns grew abundantly here. First there
were many plants of Asplenium ceterach, vast areas of A. ruta-muraria and A. adiantum-
nigrum - all the more spectacular since they grow so near to the centre of industrial
Bradford. Lady fern, Dryopteris affinis subsp. affinis and Asplenium trichomanes subsp.
quadrivalens also flourish as does a rather interesting crisped male fern with yellowish
colouring along the veins of the pinnae.
184

Having savoured this wonderful ferny area we climbed to the second level reservoir
to savour lunch! Whilst there was nothing so spectacular to be seen as at the first
reservoir we were able to show Anita Brownless, a new member, Blechnum Spicant
to add to her list of ferns seen. We tried to find sporing Pteridium aquilinum but the
plants were in shade and — a ne: was - be found. pict ciate “— ee anype
Museum Fern Crib we was the

another Dryopteris affinis as enki cambrensis. Large plants of D. dilatata grew
abundantly, as did lady fern and male fern.

We came across a very interesting area full of reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea),
meadow-sweet (Filipendula ulmaria) and valerian (Valeriana officinalis) growing amongst
which was a large area of Equisetum sylvaticum. This brought our species count up
to fourteen ferns and two fern allies - not bad going for an industrial area and a very
interesting and enjoyable outing for the Leeds and District group of the BPS. Thanks
again Frank.

M Rothwell

Silverdale, Lancashire - 29 July. Ten of us gathered at Reg Kaye’s nursery in Silverdale
on a Saturday morning which showed little promise weather-wise. Indeed we did get
a bit moist as we toured Reg’s empire but there was plenty to distract us from the
rain as might be expected. We were first taken along a narrow ledge past a disused
glasshouse into which we all peered in the hope of seeing some gorgeous fern sprouting,
uninvited and unknown in the cobwebbed darkness but we were hustled by on to the
‘Kaye memorial barrow’. This ovate-lanceolate raised bed had been humorously dedicated
to the interment of three great twentieth century pteridologists, each with his favourite
bottle between his knees. It was in fact a stunning bed of smaller fern varieties shown
off to very best advantage, at knee height with a comfortable pathway. | could describe
Reg’s nursery in detail but you have either been and seen or you should be om there
at the next possible opportunity. Suffice it to say that we were treated to a

tour of the estate to see open limestone pavement covered with ferns and alpines, beds
chock full of larger shade-loving species beneath devas — which gave just the right
shade for optimal growth, and even Reg’s garden wh pecials, including
dear old Fred Jackson's precious Asplenium hybrids. It was a » privilege to be conducted
by the grand master of fern culture who planted some of this land over sixty years
ago!

We bade Reg farewell and, after taking our various lunches, set off towards Arnside
and John Mashiter, our second sprightly octogenarian of the day. This gentleman had
written to our leader Jack Bouckley inviting the BPS who, led by Jimmy Dyce, had
visited in 1981.

As soon as we arrived we were admiring a fine potted Asp/enium marinum sitting next
to a lovely large Davallia outside his garage. He took us around his garden where he
keeps some of his ferns which are less likely to thrive on the local limestone crag scenery
and thence to his ‘cliff’. Cliff is what it is, across the road from the house and covered
with ferns and other limestone lovers including a rampant colony of baneberry/herb
christopher (Actaea spicata) a rather rare, but familiar inhabitant of limestone pavement.
Home-grown holly ferns were everywhere with Cystopteris fragilis, C. bulbifera,
Polypodium, Athyrium and ‘scollies’ in abundance. We had not known this gentleman
before but we certainly knew we had a pteridologist for a host now.

Having inspected the cliff in detail we set off for Grubbins Wood, a reserve that John

185

manages for the Cumbria Wildlife Trust, only yards from his house. The first we saw
of this fabulous mixed woodland was a bank of Asplenium scolopendrium of breathtaking
luxuriance. It was quite obvious that there should ae <1 — a Drcrysel — _—
and, sure enough, it was not long before a lightly but

Tene the species oH penis to build up | wibidly with Drvodeasio dilatata, D. lincaiihil
D D. x complexa, Pteridium aquilinum and Athyrium
filix- fomind: aa of which were lather neatly crested.

We were taken along a route which let us see as much of the wood as possible. Among
the very diverse trees there were oak, ash, yew, Sycamore (very reasonably being weeded
out) with wild service tree and small-leaved lime which were both at their northerly
limits. Thanks to the varying soil conditions over the carboniferous limestone bedrock
we found Blechnum spicant and Oreopteris limbosperma as well as the calcicolous
Polystichum aculeatum, and P. setiferum, the latter being represented by one fine
‘divisilobum’ which, one wonders, might have originated from that spore bank at
Silverdale? Other species seen were Dryopteris carthusiana (just one) and D. submontana
(eleven in a small area). There was a little shrivelled Polypodium and Asplenium
trichomanes, A. ruta-muraria and a small horizontal cleft full of A. adiantum-nigrum.
Before we left the wood | accompanied John down the sea-cliff to see what we might
find. One lonely A. ceterach hung on to a dry rock but below it | found what | never
really believed from leafing through Druery, several plants of hart’s tongue in which
the leaf apex was deformed into a crested cup beneath the blade, the midrib projecting
as a short spine. They were not as spectacular as the old ‘cornutum’ varieties, but Jack
will grow some spores on and - who knows

That +h A wt +h ol en A +h l
'

hat d John for a most entertaining afternoon,
and saw off our BPS friends, leeieing just two Bouckleys and one Merryweather. We
headed for Grange-over-Sands to seek overnight accommodation and look up an old
friend of the BPS, Les Dugdale, who entertained us with a fine fern collection, dominated
by his splendid Adiantums. This man produces wondrous mysteries and we left with
a car bootful of ‘pteridogifts’.

Next day the Bouckleys and | sat in our cars while the rain wore itself out and, despite
that unpromising start, the day was fine and sunny. Our first port of call was the nature
reserve Roudsea Wood. This sits on a mixed bedrock of limestone and slate with varying
altitude which produces a wide diversity of habitat: acid and basic, birch and yew wood,
hazel coppice and rich fen. We were “conrined by the variety of ~~ astonished by
the aged, massive gnarled yews, by the fenland wt h fern luxuriated
and where, to our delight, we found the royal fern. | am sure that we went there, in
the company of the warden, when centred at Sedbergh 7-14 September 1974. When
we went before | think we found Dryopteris expansa, not to mention the unique sedge
Carex flava, neither of which we found this time.

In the afternoon we went after the Meathop Adiantum capillus-veneris which still thrives
on the cliffs on the north bank of the river Kent, not to mention (in stunted form) on
the tetas wr Asplenium marinum also grows here spiel specimens of Sorbus anglica,
local on limestone and th d b , Sorbus lancastriensis.

IMIS GPM LIS Pai CIiVciniiv

That was enough for this very rewarding weekend. A welcome mug of tea was followed
by a return to Silverdale to pick up our purchases before the weary journey home. Thanks
again, Jack, for a splendid weekend.

J Merryweather

186

North Yorkshire Moors - 12-13 August. On Friday evening a small body of us met
at the Falcon oe near ae sebecoll toa oun | of days a garth, B the Yorkarire Moors

north tots

VavtVi v Y tit YYeUArri,

Together with a local botanist, Nan Sykes, and her friend, we started off on Saturday
morning to search the wooded valley of Stoupe Beck, some strict y where
we had been given permission by the owner to do’ a wig “a the ferns and other
plants. It was hard work as we made our way along this steep-sided valley which is
thickly covered with vegetation of all sorts growing lushly in the often boggy ground.
Dryopteris filix-mas and Polystichum setiferum were quite common but there were also
a number of D. dilatata and D. affinis subsp. borreri, some of which were up to six
feet high. Dotted about were Athyrium filix-femina and a few Polypodium vulgare and
Asplenium scolopendrium including some cristate forms. Also present was Equisetum
telmateia, including a couple of stands which were only about eight inches in height.

We had lunch in a local inn and then went to another site which the Woodland Trust
had asked us to survey - an area called Castlebeck and Scar Woods. This was much
easier going as there is a public footpath which more or less follows the course of
the beck. Our first sightings were Equisetum arvense and E. sylvaticum. There was
plenty of Dryopteris filix-mas, D. dilatata and D. affinis subsp. borreri. The Blechnum
spicant was plentiful and growing very vigorously. Oreopteris limbosperma made an
appearance and then our new member, Anita Brownless, spotted our first and only
Polypodium interjectum of the weekend; we later saw P. vulgare and Richard Unett
spotted Dryopteris carthusiana - a new record for the area.

On Sunday morning we travelled south a few miles to Thieves Dyke, another steep-
sided dell covered with undergrowth and many trunks of fallen trees. At least it was
dry due to the lack of rain. The Dyke leads down to a stream called Breaday Gill. There
were not many fern species down here, just many plants of lady fern, male fern, broad
buckler and golden-scaled male fern, both subsp. borreri and affinis. We were hoping
to find beech or oak ferns but were unlucky, however, we did see some beautiful stands
of Polystichum aculeatum. At the stream we divided into two parties, one going upstream
and the other downstream. Nothing new was seen downstream but the other party
saw Blechnum spicant, Polystichum setiferum and Asplenium scolopendrium.

On Sunday afternoon we worked along a narrow dell through which the little-used
footpath from Coomboots to Hackness runs. Regarding fern species the only addition
to the weekend was a red-stemmed Athyrium filix-femina but | also saw a stand of
about eight Asplenium Reolopenciium bl obcgate multifidum (agperane to Lowe s Our
Native Ferns). | took a frond, andt it yp your F

growth, so hopefully it will grow true fe form.

The weekend finished after a few members had looked around an old quarry near to

Coomboots where nothing of interest was found.
Jack Bouckley

SOUTH-EAST Paul Ripley

13 Star Lane, St. Mary Cray, Kent - 24 February. Ten members enjoyed the generous
hospitality of Grace and Pat Acock for an evening of slides, chat and fern videos. We
had the opportunity to see the Society's video, and were also privileged to preview a
video on horsetails, obtained by Jennifer Ide and to be shown at the autumn

187

paper-reading meeting. The quality of photography and time-lapse sequences of spore
production one could only describe as truly stunning.

Martin Rickard’s discovery of Asplenium trichomanes subsp. pachyrachis was briefly
discussed. The meeting succeeded in whetting many appetites for the summer.

Box Hill and Leith Hill, Dorking, Surrey - 25 June. Margaret Harris ably led a group
of 14 members and guests on a visit to areas well-known botanically but not previously
visited by the South-East group.

In the morning, a hanging wood to the west of Box Hill near West Humble (41/156533)
was explored. Good specimens of Asplenium ruta-muraria, A. trichomanes, and A
scolopendrium were growing on the railway bridge by West Humble station, and A.
adiantum-nigrum was later seen on the parapet of the railway bridge over the River
Mole. Pteridium aquilinum, Dryopteris dilatata and D. filix-mas were abundant in
woodland, but on this chalk substrate we did not see D. affinis. Some very fine plants
of Polystichum aculeatum were seen on the wooded slopes above the river and later,
P. setiferum and Equisetum arvense were found near the river.

After lunch, a brief stop at the Windy Gap car park (41/132433), Leith Hill, yielded
fine stands of D. dilatata and Athyrium filix-femina but disappointingly no D. carthusiana.
However, later exploration of the western slopes of the hill revealed both these Dryopteris
species in spite of generally dry conditions, with almost certainly the hybrid D. x deweveri.
Blechnum spicant was common, as were Dryopteris filix-mas and D. affinis (subsp.
borreri?). Needless to say Pteridium aquilinum was ubiquitous. There is a huge area
of acid woodland here (most interesting contrast from the morning’s chalk) and worth
extensive exploration.

We were most grateful to Margaret Harris not only for her obviously thorough homework
but also for entertaining us after the meeting to a lovely tea in her beautiful and interesting
garden.

Fore Wood, Crowhurst, East Sussex - 2 September. Eleven members and guests met
to visit Fore Wood, Crowhurst, East Sussex, an RSPB Reserve extending over a large
wood, coppiced in parts, and undisturbed in others, which provides a range of habitats
Suiting a wide range of bird and insect life, especially butterflies.

A steep wooded valley towards the eastern edge of the wood was followed. Dryopteris
filix-mas was chsonelal but wept ee by D. affinis subsp. ‘eeskben Bat the gos bee
of the stream valley At. _and

D. carthusiana was present in palthed: together with at least one sizeable clump of
the hybrid D. x deweveri. Blechnum spicant completed the flora in the valley, and was
also seen, together with D. carthusiana and Pteridium aquilinum, in the drier areas
above the valley.

At the head of the valley, a magnificent bank of Dryopteris aemula was flourishing on
the west-facing cliff in spite of major tree-falls. Large areas of nursery fields of Blechnum
and D. aemula were present in places. Two large mature specimens of Polystichum
pete completed the flora in this upper gully, but Hymenophyllum was not found.

An interesting find was a single foliose D. affinis. Such striking specimens are not
uncommonly found in woods in this area and merit further study. Their distinctiveness
and lack of resemblance to neighbouring Dryopteris affinis plants suggest either a hybrid
or a subspecies - D. affinis subsp. robusta, rather than just a variety of subsp. borreri.

188

In the afternoon we enjoyed a fascinating visit to Rosemary Hibbs’ garden. Ferns were
everywhere and the exhibitions of local history and railway memorabilia, including a
working signal box (the now defunct “Cuckoo Line” from Eridge to Eastbourne passed
the garden), paid tribute to a family with diverse and highly diverting hobbies. We were
most grateful to the Hibbses both for suggesting and organising a visit to.a beautiful
wood, and for kind and generous hospitality. (My daughters also enjoyed their swim!)

SOUTH-WEST Leader: M Potts

No report submitted.

SOUTHPORT FLOWER SHOW DIAMOND JUBILEE
17-19 AUGUST A R Busby

This year marked the 60th Southport Flower Show and it is with much pride that this
Society can boast that it has exhibited at every single show since its inception in 1924.
It is the only show with competitive classes for ferns and long may it continue to do
so.

The ferns exhibited this year were obviously suffering from the effects of the long hot
summer and it must be said that many of the egien bs — of such Boor quality a
they should not have been on the show bench. There

in one disqualification and some of the plants had received little ‘gardening’ vitioh,
had a few moments been spent attending to it, would have improved their appearance
in the judges’ eyes. However, it is important that this competition is kept alive, so we
do thank the exhibitors for continuing to enter the fern classes with all the hard work
that it entails.

This year’s judges were A R Busby and R G Key. The prize winners are listed below.

Class 5 Six Hardy British Ferns (dissimilar): 3rd D J Kershaw (1 entry)
Class 6 Six Greenhouse Ferns (dissimilar) 1st D J Kershaw, 2nd R J Smith (2 entries)
Class 7 Three Hardy British Ferns: 2nd D J Kershaw, 3rd R J Smith (2 entries)

Class 8 Three Foreign Ferns hardy in Great Britain:
1st D J Kershaw, 2nd R J Smith, 3rd B Russ (3 entries)

Class 9 Three Asplenium scolopendrium (three varieties):
2nd R J Smith, 3rd B Russ (2 entries)

Class 10 Three Polypodium (three varieties): 2nd R J Smith (1 entry)

Class 11 Three Polystichum: 2nd R J Smith (1 entry)

Class 12 Three Athyrium (three varieties): 3rd B Russ (3 entries)

Class 13 Three Dryopteris (three varieties): 1st B Russ, 3rd D J Kershaw (2 entries)
Class 14 Three Asplenium (excluding A. scolopendrium): 2nd R J Smith (2 entries)

Class 15 One British Fern (any kind or variety):
1st R J Smith, 2nd Mrs T A Shorrock, 3rd D J Kershaw (3 entries)

Class 16 One Greenhouse Fern:
1st Mrs TA Shorrock, 2nd D J Kershaw, 3rd R J Smith (5 entries)

189

The ‘Challenge Trophy’ awarded to the exhibitor gaining the most points in the fern
classes was won by R J Smith.

My thanks to Jack Bouckley and Ray Smith for helping with the staging and manning
of the Society’s stand.

| would welcome any enquiries about exhibiting ferns at Southport Flower Show and
will advise on the identification, growing and presentation of exhibits.

NCCPG CONFERENCE, LEEDS - 15-17 SEPTEMBER

The National Council for the Conservation of Plants and Gardens held their tenth
anniversary conference at Horsforth, Leeds on the dates mentioned above. After delegates
had registered they were taken by bus to the Civic Hall, Leeds where the Lord Mayor
and Lady Mayoress had invited them to attend a Civic Reception - and very good it
was, with excellent company, food and liquid refreshments.

On the Saturday representatives from Australia, Canada and New Zealand spoke about
their efforts regarding conservation of plants. There were talks by Roy Lancaster on
‘The Plant Hunters’ contribution’, Dr Wyse-Jackson on ‘The Role of Botanic Gardens’,
G Lloyd Lucas about ‘The World Problem’ and R | Beyer telling how to secure an unlimited
resource for the future. ‘The Role of Local Authorities’ was dealt with by T E Exley
and then a nurseryman, C Sanders spoke about ‘The Trade - an essential element’.
Specialist Society involvement was spoken about by The IDS (trees), the BPS and the
Hardy Plant Society.

Sunday morning was the day for talking about the conservation of gardens with D Jacques
of Garden Heritage, Mrs E Banks on the need for research and central records, D J
Sales from the National Trust and Mrs M Drummond from the Hampshire Garden Trust.

The BPS was well represented by Gwladys Tonge, Margaret Nimmo-Smith, J Loraine
and myself. The Society had a stand of ferns which created a lot of interest among
the delegates, and Margaret and | answered a lot of queries about ferns and the Society.

Jack Bouckley

OBITUARY

PIETER GERARDUS JOHANNES DE JONCHEERE
1 July 1909 - 8 January 1989

The death of Pieter, our Member since 1963, was sad news. A very warm, long
and informative notice was published in JAP News (Newsletter of the International
Association of Pteridologists) No. 4: 7 (Dec. 1988).

J A Crabbe

nineteen

NEW MEMBERS 1989
(A full list of members was published in the BPS Bulletin Vol. 3, part 2)
A car? The Old Bakehouse, Abinger Bottom, Abinger Common, Dorking, Surrey

190

BELL, bye E S, Meadowside, Kepple Lane, Garstang, hey | Lancs. PR3 1PB

BOOTH, Mr R D, 31 Sydney Road, Gosport, Hants. PO12 1
BORDEAUX UNIVERSITE, attn. Le Directeur ag sted % E.R. ee Biologie, Centre d’Ecologie
ar a de Gabas, O, Laruns, Fran

BOYD Mr AM, 7 St. James Road, Torquay, South ee nTQ1 4AZ

BRANCH, Mrs P S, Lephins, The Ridgeway, baheh pe ‘Oxon, OX12 8LX
BRISBANE, Mr M J, The Lee, Knighton, Powys LD7 1

BROIN, Mr A AR, Clos Marion, St Maurice les joi Burgundy 71490, gag
BROWNLESS, Miss A L, 35 Brownswood Road, Finsbury Park, London N4 2HP
BRYAN, Mr AC, 9 Tan-y-Foel, Bethesda, Gwynedd (L57 3UL

BUFFINGTON, Mrs C L, 1832 Atherton Drive, Decatur, Georgia 30032, U.S.A.
CAMERON, Mr D G, 36 Cumberland Park, London W3 6SX

CONGREVE Mrs J C, Hales Cottage, Hales, Market Drayton, Shropshire TF9 2PP

A est Germ
GADDIS, Mrs N M, 52 Lakev w Avenue, Piedmont, California 94611, U.S.A.
GILES, Mr N, Rumsey Ga ti s, Drift Road, Clanfield, Portsmouth, Hants. PO8 OPD

HOLLY, Miss E F, 38 Kings Road, ibn Bowen: wo Oxon. RG9 2DG
KAY, Mr G M, 4 e a S i

KELS Miss n
KENCHINGTON, Mr M A, 82 Whitsbury Road, Fordingbridge, Hants. SP6 1LA
KNOX- LL relagp ese Ms E, The Tollhouse, 1 Llanbadarn Road, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, Dyfed

KUHEANA H, 147 Nene Street, Hilo, Hawaii 96720, U.S.A
por He? RM, of woe: ibe Sketty, Swansea, West Glamorgan SA2 9AH
WIS, Mr MH elbeck Street, London W1M 7PB
LONDON UNIVERSITY BOTANIC GARDEN, attn. Mr B A Gale (Curator), Egham Hill, Egham, Surrey

ORDING, Mr TA, 17 Hill Rise, Crowborough, East Sussex TN6 2DH
vette ee NURSERIES, attn. Mr D Compton, South Drove, Spalding Common, Spalding, Lincs.
PE11 3ED

MANDT, ie F, Godesberger Allee 68A, Bonn 2, D-53, West Germany
MANTHORPE, Mr P J, The Hermitage, Church Hill, Haddise city “ino Norfolk NR14 6PF
M hurchill, Ki 10 3LS

SCOTT, Mrs W, 31 M — 8J

SCROGGIE, Dr | MR, The Old School House, Badachro, Gairloch, cree -shire 1V21 2AA

SEFTON, Metropolitan Borough of, attn. Mr B C J Grinney, Recreation and Amenities Dept.,
ibe . a

Vv
al et ag Mrs B, Misston House, Moat Lane, Rixton, baggie yoogh Cheshire WA3 6ED

5 LS11
STARK, Mr G, Woodlands Cottage, Summerbridge, Harrogate, North Yorks. HG3 4BT
TATHAM, Mrs M A, 17 Oaktree Way, Little 5 vernal Camberley, icin Mahe 8as
i oc

R, A
TINSTON, Mr D J, 46 Giantswood Lane, Congleton, Cheshire CW12 2H
TREBAH GARDENS, attn. Me J Bird, Head Gardener, Mawnan Smith, Falmouth, Cornwall

TYSON, Mrs M J, The Orchard, Woodseats Lane, Charlesworth, Via Boag Cheshire SK14 6DP

WHITE, Mr A, Cooks Farm, Nuthurst, Horsham, West Susse pei

WHITTAKER, Miss M P, 99 Lakeway, Blackpool, Lancs. FY3 BPE

WILLIAMS, Mr & Mrs B & M, 20 Melbourne Court, Welwyn Garden City, Herts Any ia de
WILSON, K A, Dept. of Biology, California State University, Northridge, California y

WINSLAND, Mr D C, c/o Harefield Lodge, Plumley, Ringwood, H tea

WITTS, Ms B, 15 Portland Road, Stoke, Plymouth, Devon PL1

WOOD, Mr M M, Woodlands, Wembury Road, Wembury, Devon PL oDQ

MEETINGS 1990
Meetings Secretary:

Meetings Sub-Committee:

Saturday 3 March

Saturday 19 May

Saturday 26 May-
Saturday 2 June
Friday 20 July-
Sunday 22 July

Saturday 4 August-
Saturday 11 August

Thursday 16 August-
Saturday 18 August
Friday 14 September-
Sunday 16 September

Saturday 13 October

A C Pigott, 43 Molewood Road, Hertford, Herts. SG14 3AQ

P J Acock, J M Ide, A C Pigott, P H Ripley

Annual General Meeting &

Spring Indoor Meeting - London

Location: Chelsea Physic Garden

Leader: Anthony Pigott Time: 14.00

Indoor Meeting - Kew

Location: Lower Nursery, Royal Botanic Gardens, .KEW,
Surrey TW9 3AE

Leaders: Peter Bradley/Josephine Camus

Time:

Week Overseas Field Meeting - Brittany

Leaders: Paul Ripley/Remy Prelli

Weekend Field Meeting - Isle of Wight

Leaders: Pat Acock/Bill Shepard

Centre: Newport Quay Hotel, 41 Quay St., Newport,

O.W

Time: 19.30 on the Friday evening; 09.30 all other
mornings.

Week Field Meeting - North-East Scotland

Leader: Steve Munyard

Centre: Profeits Hotel, Dinnet, Aberdeenshire AB3 5JY

Time: 19.30 on the Saturday evening; 09.30 all other
mornings.

Southport Flower Show

Further Info: AR Busby

Weekend Meeting - Eastern Glamorgan

Leaders: Barry Thomas/George Hutchinson

Centre: Imperial Hotel, 132 Newport Road, Cardiff
CF1 3NP

Time: 19.30 on the Friday evening; 09.30 all other
mornings.

Autumn Indoor Meeting - Warwick University

Location: Warwick University, Department of Science
Education, Westwood, Coventry CV4 7AL

Leader: Matt Busby Time: 11.00

For full details of these meetings and available accommodation please consult your

Meetings Programme sheet.

REGIONAL DAY MEETINGS

lf you would like details of additional meetings in the following areas, please contact

the local organiser, enclosing a stamped, addressed envelope.

South-west England Christopher and Mary Potts, 4 Kennel Lane, Webbington,
nr Axbridge, Somerset. Tel. O93 472 545.

West Midlands A R Busby, 16 Kirby Corner Road, Canley, Coventry, CV4 8GD.
Tel: 715690.

North-east England JH

Bouckley, 209 Woodfield Road, Harrogate, N. Yorks., HG1 4JE.

South-east England PH Ripley, 12 Farm Lane, Tonbridge, Kent, TN10 3DG.

192

BRITISH FERNS AND THEIR CULTIVARS
A very comprehensive collection is stocked by
REGINALD KAYE LTD
SILVERDALE, LANCASHIRE LA5 OTY
CATALOGUE ON REQUEST

FIBREX NURSERIES LTD
Honeybourne Road, Pebworth, nr Stratford on Avon, Warwickshire CV37 8XT
Hardy and tender ferns
Begonias, Gloxinias, Hederas, Hydrangeas, Primroses, Arum Lilies
and Plants for the cool greenhouse

Catalogue on request

MRS J K MARSTON
Specialist Fern Grower

A wide range of hardy and greenhouse ferns, especially Adiantums
Culag, Green Lane, Nafferton, Nr. Driffield, East Yorkshire YO25 OLF

Send 60p for new catalogue

FANCY FRONDS
Specialising in North American and English hardy ferns
Send two International Reply Coupons for Catalogue
Judith Jones
1911 4th Avenue West, Seattle, Washington 98119, USA

1990 SOUTHPORT FLOWER SHOW
The Organisers extend all good wishes for a successful 1990
Classes for your Society's special interests are available
Total Horticultural Prizes awarded for 1989 Value over £120,000
16th, 17th, 18th AUGUST 1990

Schedules and further information from:
The Flower Show Secretary
Dept. 11, Town Hall, Lord Street, Southport, Merseyside, PR8 1DA

The British Pteridological Society
BULLETIN

VOLUME3 NUMBER 6

eCONTENTS -

Secretarial Notes
AGM 1989
Financial Statement

Lecture Meetings and Day Visits 1989

Spring aire Meeting A R Busby
wie! at AR Busby
A C Pigott
Autumn Indoor Meeting JM Ide

National Field Meetings 1989
South Devon ; T D V Swinscow
North-West Shropshire A C Pigott
Strathyre, Perthshire AM Paul
th ; N H Brown

Regional Meetings 1989

West Midlands AR Busby
Leeds & District JH Bouckley, R P H Lamb,
M Rothwell, J Merryweather
South-East ...... P H Ripley
Southport Flower Show : A R Busby
NCCPG Conference JH Bouckley

Obituary J A Crabbe
New seins 1989
Meetings Programme 1990.

The Bulletin, Volume 3 3 Nur mb 5 was published on 6 February 1989.

Published by THE jmied PTERIDOLOGICAL $ SOCIETY, ¢ | t of Bota
The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD

ISSN 0301-9195

i. Old Station Road Loughton, Essex

PTERIDQLOGICAy
OCIELY

BU LLETI N

VOLUME 4 NUMBER 1

= ee

1 tsa, C] ff

: CENTENARY | |.

1891 ~1991 f

SS

Edited by A.M. Paul —

THE BRITISH PTERIDOLOGICAL SOCIETY
Officers and Committee for 1990

President: Dr B.A. Thomas
President Emeritus: J.W. Dyce
Vice-Presidents: J.A. Crabbe, A.C. Jermy, R. Kaye, G. Tonge
Honorary General Secretary: A.R. Busby, ‘Croziers’,
16 Kirby Corner Road, Canley, Coventry, CV4 8GD
(Tel: Coventry 715690)

Assistant Secretary (Membership) and Miss A.M. Paul,
Editor of the Bulletin: Department of Botany, The Natural History Museum,
Cromwell Road, London, SW7 5BD

Treasurer: Dr N.J. Hards,
184 Abingdon Road, Didcot, Oxon, OX11 9BP

Meetings Secretary: A.C. Pigott,
43 Molewood Road, Hertford, Herts., SG14 3AQ
Editor of the Fern Gazette: J.A. Crabbe

Material for publication should be sent to Department of Botany,

The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London, SW7 5BD

Editor of the Pteridologist: M.H. Rickard, The Old Rectory,
Leinthall Starkes, Ludlow, Shropshire, SY8 2HP

assisted by J.W. Dyce

Committee: P.J. Acock, P.G. Barnes, J.H. Bouckley, J.M. Camus, C.R. Fraser-Jenkins,
J.M. Ide, M. Nimmo-Smith, R.N. Timm, Dr T.G. Walker, J.R. Woodhams

Fern Distribution Recorder: A.J. Worland, Harcam,
Mill Road, Barnham Broom, Norwich, Norfolk, NR9 4DE

Spore Exchange Organiser: Mrs M. Nimmo-Smith,
201 Chesterton Road, Cambridge, CB4 1AH

Plant Exchange Organiser: Mrs R. Hibbs,
30 London Road, Hailsham, East Sussex, BN27 3BW

Archivist: N.A. Hail, 15 Mostyn Road, Hazel Grove, Stockport, Cheshire, SK7 5HL
Booksales Organiser: J.W. Dyce, 46 Sedley Rise, Loughton, Essex 1G10 1LT
Trustees of Greenfield Fund: A.R. Busby, Dr N.J. Hards, Dr B.A. Thomas
The BRITISH PTERIDOLOGICAL SOCIETY was founded in 1891 and today continues as a focus
for fern enthusiasts. It provides a wide range of information about ferns through the medium of

its publications oat available literature. It also organises formal talks, _informal discussions, field
meetings, garden visits, plant exchanges, as k sales bie Soci

as a wide membership which includes gardeners, nurserymen and Abell sts, both amateur and
professional. The Society's journals, the Fern Ga. zette, Pteridologist and Bulletin, are 2 publis she

the Pteridologist, topics of. more general appeal, and the Bulletin, Society ‘business and nostril

Membership is open to all interested in ferns and fern-allies. SUBSCRIPTION RATES (due on
1st January each year) are Full Personal Members £12. Personal Members not receiving the

Secretary (address above) from whom furt re details can be obtained. (Remitta
currencies other than Sterling are £3 extra to cover bank conversion charges) Airmail postage
for all journals is an extra £4, or for those not Satis the Fern Gazette

(Front cover: Centenary logo designed by Nicola Plummer.)

he ues a
Back numbers of the Gazette, Pteridologist and Bulletin are available for purchase from P.J. Acock,
13 Star Lane, St. Mary Cray, Kent BR5 3LJ, from whom further details can be obtained.

eo” =
THE APR 23 199
BULLETIN BARDEN LIBRARY

OF THE
BRITISH PTERIDOLOGICAL SOCIETY

Vol. 4 1990 No. 1
SECRETARIAL NOTES

100 YEARS OLD - 1991 is the British Pteridologicai Society's first centenary! Ours
is the oldest fern society in the world and the committee has put an enormous amount
of time and effort into plans to celebrate this milestone. One of the Bulletin inserts
is a calendar of special events and meetings throughout 1991 over the whole of the
British Isles. We hope you will come along and enjoy these. Why not publicise them
through your local natural history and horticultural groups - non-members are always
welcome at our meetings. Items of merchandise bearing the centenary logo are now
available (see enclosed order form) and these should be on sale at most meetings.

COMMITTEE VACANCIES - In accordance with paragraph 3, section 3 of the Society's
Constitution, two vacancies will occur due to the retirement of the two longest serving
Committee members. Nominations are invited from members of the Society to fill these
vacancies at the Annual General Meeting in 1991. The names of the nominees, proposers
and seconders, together with a letter from the nominee indicating their willingness to
serve, should reach the General Secretary by 31 August 1991.

SUBSCRIPTIONS 1991 - Members are reminded that subscriptions for 1991 are due
on the 1st January 1991 and should be paid to the Assistant Secretary (Membership),
British Pteridological Society, ©/o Dept. of Botany, The Natural History Museum, Cromwell
Road, London, SW7 5BD. Cheques should be made payable to ‘The British Pteridological
Society’. Current rates are given inside the front cover. Standing Order forms are available
from the above address.

PUBLICATIONS BY AIRMAIL - Our journals can be sent by airmail to overseas members,
provided they advise the Assistant Secretary and pay an additional subscription to cover
airmail postage. See inside front cover for rates.

AFFILIATION TO THE ROYAL HORT EULTURAL sgsece teil Our bs coeapated is affiliated
to the RHS, enabling a limited of members to s in connection
with RHS Shows, competitions and services. There are gene transferable tickets available
for all RHS Shows other than the Chelsea Flower Show. Applications for tickets or further
details, enclosing a stamped, addressed envelope, should be made to the BPS General
Secretary.

READING CIRCLE - - nyneren — nivestedl a Hesserghenig snciag tabs. —

L
information for ne al

To join, apply to the General Secretary.

THE GREENFIELD FUND - This fund, set up as a memorial to one of our Society's
great fern growers, Percy Greenfield, is used to finance approved research projects,
helping with the cost of necessary equipment, books and travel expenses. Awards for
meritorious achievements such as the introduction of a new fern variety or plant, or

some of the Society publicity projects would be considered as worthy of help from the
fund. Percy Greenfield's interest leaned very much towards the non-scientific side of
our activities and it is felt that he would want this taken into consideration when decisions
are made. Workers eligible for university or college grants and similar support will not
therefore be eligible for help from the fund. Members with projects wishing to benefit
from this memorial fund should apply to the trustees via the General Secretary.

BACK NUMBERS OF JOURNALS - Now these long winter's evenings are upon us
there is nothing quite like a little armchair ferning. Over the years | have found that
there is nothing better to chase away winter blues than reading through past issues
of the Society's journals. Here is a chance to escape to sunnier climes or come to a
better understanding of details of the fern world. If you would like to buy back numbers,
please write to Mr Acock for a price-list or send £5 for a bumper bundle of assorted
issues!

WANTED - If you have finished with copies of the Fern Gazette Vol. 10, Pt. 3 or BPS
Bulletin Vol. 1, No. 3, he is willing to buy these back as we have sold out of these
parts and many members and subscribers are wanting to complete their collections.

Contact Patrick Acock, 13 Star Lane, St. Mary Cray, Kent, BR5 3LJ with your orders
or offers of back numbers.

BINDERS for the BPS BULLETIN and PTERIDOLOGIST - Binders for volumes of
the BPS Bulletin and Pteridologist are available from the General Secretary. The Bulletin
binders are attractively produced with red hardboard covers and gold blocked lettering
on the spine: only £5 each, postage and packing including.

Binders for the Pteridologist are available with mustard hardboards and gold blocked
lettering on the spine. Each binder holds one volume (six parts). £5 each including postage
and packing. This applies to inland members only. Prices for overseas members on
application. Cash with order, please make cheques payable to A R Busby.

BPS VIDEO “BRITISH FERNS”

With over fifty species of ferns the British Isles has a remarkably varied fern flora. Many
species have distinctive distributions reflecting regional variations in environmental
conditions. In particular the cool relatively damp environments of the North and the
mild Western fringes of Britain bring together species typical of Atlantic, Arctic and
Alpine regions, resulting in a fern flora that is unique to the British Isles.

This twenty-five minute video shows most of our native ferns growing in their natural
habitats. It demonstrates the wide variety of size and form to be found in British ferns
and the broad range of habitats they colonise. Attention is drawn to key identification
characters for each species.

The video has been funded by Schering Agriculture and the National Museum of Wales.
It is available for loan, free of charge, to interested individuals and organisations. For
further details write to the General Secretary enclosing a stamped addressed envelope.

COMPUTERS FROM BRITISH TELECOM - The Society has received sponsorship from
British Telecom in the welcome form of two of their surplus personal computers. These
are both at present housed in the Botany Dept. at The Natural History Museum, London,
and are available there for use by appointment by any member engaged in Society
business. The membership database is now installed on one of them.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 1990

MINUTES of the 87th ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING held at Chelsea Physic Garden,
Royal Hospital Road, London on Saturday 3 March 1990 at 2.15 p.m.

IN THE CHAIR: The President, Dr Barry Thomas.

PRESENT: R G Ackers, P J Acock, G R S Baier, P G Barnes, J Bacroft, J H Bouckley,
A R Busby, J M Camus, J A Crabbe, A J Dickman, J W Dyce, A J Ensoll, D Fortune,
M Gibby, N J & E Hards, M Harris, R Hibbs, G K Hoare, D M Holly, J M Ide, A C
Jermy, M Ladell, E O Mason, T R A Maxwell, A R Montford, A M Paul, Sir H Peto,
A C Pigott, M H Rickard, P H Ripley, R J & B Smith, R N Timm, B & M Williams,
J R Woodhams.

ITEM 1 - APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE: G Tonge, T G Walker.

ITEM 2 - APPROVAL OF MINTUES: Minutes of the Annual General Meeting held on
4 March 1989 were read and approved.

ITEM 3 - MATTERS ARISING from those minutes: None.

ITEM 4 - HONORARY GENERAL SECRETARY'S REPORT: 1989 has been an extremely
busy year for the Society now that the plans for our Centenary celebrations next year
are gaining momentum. The Committee was very pleased with the result of the
questionnaire circulated to members asking if anyone would be prepared to assist the
Society in any way. Many members returned the questionnaire with a positive response
and the Committee will get in touch with the volunteers in the near future.

MEETINGS during 1989 proved most successful, hopefully reflecting the members’
response to an interesting programme of visits and no doubt helped in large measure
by the prolonged good weather of last summer. The Meetings Sub-committee strives
to present an interesting programme each year but their task would be made easier
by members either suggesting areas for weekend meetings or, better still, volunteering
to lead a meeting.

REGIONAL GROUPS continue to organise very successful visits on a local level and
members in those areas served by such a group are urged to support them. Addresses
of regional organisers are listed on the membership card and on the full meetings
programme. It is extremely encouraging to hear of a new group being formed to serve
members in the Hertford - Bedford area. We still require regional organisers for Ireland,
Scotland, Wales and the north-west of England.

NCCPG CONFERENCE - | regret that | was unable to attend the National Council for
the Conservation of Plants and Gardens Conference in Leeds during September 1989.
However, Jack Bouckley kindly stepped into the breach and represented our Society
and is to be congratulated on the brief talk he gave outlining our Society's activities
in fern variety conservation and for the fine display of ferns he staged.

MEMBERSHIP - As reported in the Bulletin, the Society was pleased to enrol 69 new
members during 1989 and we extend to them a warm welcome. We look forward to
meeting them during the coming year and hope that they will make themselves known
to leaders at meetings. The finest way to learn about ferns and fern growing is by
engaging in friendly conversation with other members. Each year | try to provide fairly
accurate figures of our membership but always with the qualification that it is difficult

to be confident of figures at the beginning of the year and this report is no different.
| am indebted to Alison Paul for informing us that we have 656 members.

JOURNALS - The Bulletin - Vol. 3, No. 6, 1989 completes Vol. 3 of the Bulletin and
my last year as its editor. Alison Paul takes over for Vol. 4 and | would remind meetings
leaders that they can greatly assist Alison by submitting meetings reports in good time
thereby ensuring the early appearance of the Bulletin. The Editors of the Fern Gazette
and the Pteridologist are always pleased to receive copy at any time and any hesitant
would-be authors will receive every help and encouragement from them.

PLANT AND SPORE EXCHANGE SCHEMES - Rosemary Hibbs, organiser of the Plant
Exchange Scheme, reports that offers were substantially down on 1988 with 22 different
ferns offered by 7 members. Mrs Hibbs is concerned that many members are under
the impression that they must have plants to exchange before they can take advantage
of the scheme. Mrs Hibbs is pleased to supply any member with a list of the plants
on offer.

Margaret Nimmo-Smith, organiser of the Spore Exchange Scheme reports that during
1989 request lists were received from 111 members which resulted in sending out
2080 packets of 496 items, The three most popular species were Adiantum monochlamys,
A. reniforme and Woodsia ilvensis. The scheme relies on the membership for fresh
supplies each year, especially of our native species. Common species such as broad
buckler, male and lady ferns ate often requested by our overseas members. Mrs Nimmo-
Smith also reports a paucity of named lady fern varieties.

Mr Busby’s report was approved and adopted by the meeting and the President thanked
Mr Busby.

ITEM 5 - HONORARY TREASURER’S REPORT: Dr Nick Hards circulated his balance
sheet to the meeting and explained that although the Society's finances at present remain
sound, the need now arises for an adjustment to the subscriptions and this would be
discussed further and a decision made under item 10 on the agenda.

Dr Hards’ report and balance sheet were approved and adopted by the meeting and
the President thanked Dr Hards.

The President then proposed that item 10 - ‘Proposed Increase in Subscriptions’ should
be considered next. Dr Hards explained that it will be five years in January 1991 since
the last increase in subscriptions and that although the Society had held off increasing
subscriptions for as long as possible, we were now faced with the inevitable. Mr G
Baier queried the payment of bank charges and Dr Hards replied that we need itemised
listings from the bank detailing subscriptions received and for this service we must pay
bank charges. The membership had been circulated with details of the following proposed
subscription increases: Full Personal Members increased by £2.50 to £12.50, Members
not receiving the Fern Gazette by £2.00 to £9.50 and Student members by £2.00 to
£7.00. Family membership in any category will remain an additional £2. These represent
an annual increment of about 5% which is in line with recent inflation.

The President proposed from the chair that the new subscription rates payable from
1 January 1991 be adopted. The motion was seconded and carried unanimously.

ITEM 6 - MEETINGS SECRETARY'S REPORT: Anthony Pigott briefly outlined the Meetings
Programme for 1990 and drew members attention to a visit to Brittany in May/June.
Mr Pigott also mentioned some of the ideas now being considered for the Centenary

Celebrations in 1991. Margaret Harris, acting as secretary to the Centenary Sub-
committee reported briefly on its work and plans for 1991.

The Meetings Secretary's report was approved and adopted by the meeting and the
President thanked Mr Pigott.

ITEM 7 - EDITORS’ REPORTS: ‘Fern Gazette’ - J A Crabbe was pleased to report that
he had plenty of copy in hand for the next issue of the Fern Gazette. Mr Crabbe also
reported that this year members subscribing to the ‘Gazette’ can look forward to two
copies per annum.

‘Pteridologist’- Mr M Rickard Iso pl dt rt that copy for the 1990 Pteridologist
was arriving steadily and that we should be able to look forward to receiving our copies
in May. Mr Rickard also reminded the meeting that he felt that it was time for him
to stand down if a suitable replacement could be found.

Bulletin’ - A R Busby reported that as the 1989 Bulletin completes Volume 3 of the
Bulletin, he was retiring as Editor. Alison Paul has agreed to stand for election as editor
of the Bulletin.

The President proposed that all the reports be approved and adopted and this was agreed
by the meeting.

ITEM 8 - ELECTION OF OFFICERS AND COMMITTEE: The President introduced this
item by expressing his thanks to the Officers and Committee members for all their hard
work during the past year.

Election of Honorary General Secretary - The President was pleased to note that A
R Busby was willing to serve for another year.

Election of Honorary Treasurer - The President was pleased to note that Dr N J Hards
was willing to serve for another year.

Election of Meetings Secretary - The President was pleased to note that Mr A Pigott
was willing to serve for another year.

All the Officers were elected unanimously.

Election of Committee - The Secretary reported that, as the longest serving member
of the Committee, P H Ripley was due to retire. Alison Paul and Jennifer Ide are the
next longest serving members on the Committee and Miss Paul had agreed to stand
down. There is also a vacancy held over from last year, so there are three vacancies
to be filled. Mr Busby reported that he had received three nominations for the Committee:
Margaret Nimmo-Smith, proposed by A R Busby and seconded by A C Pigott. Peter
Barnes, proposed by A C Jermy and seconded by J M Camus. Neil Timm, proposed
by A M Paul and seconded by A C Jermy. All nominees were duly elected. The remaining
seven members of the Committee were elected ‘en bloc’.

Election of Honorary Editors - J A Crabbe, M H Rickard and A M Paul hatte sei
to serve as editors of the ‘Fern Gazette’, ‘Pteridologist’ and ‘Bulletin’ respectively.

ITEM 9 - ELECTION OF AUDITORS: Jack Bouckley and Richard Lamb had notified the
Secretary of their willingness to serve for another year and were duly elected with the
thanks of the President.

ITEM 10 - ANY OTHER BUSINESS: As there was no further business, the President
thanked the members for attending and closed the meeting at 3.05 pm.

AR Busby
Hon. Gen. Sec.

FINANCIAL STATEMENT AS AT 31 DECEMBER 1989

ORDINARY ACCOUNT

(1988) INCOME:

5725.83 SUBSCRIPTIONS £6457.45
312.14 E 611.29
200.00 BOOKSALES PROFIT 100.00

10.00 DONATIONS 5.00
10.550 SPORE EXCHANGE #
153.75 TSHIRTSALES 161.01
49.22 SUNDRIES -
TOTAL INCOME ‘£7334.75
EXPENSES:

1420.00 METLOC - ANOS 1538.00

2053.00 METLOC - GAZ 1978.00
916.00 METLOC- BULLETIN” 949.00
149.50 PRINTING AND STA 243.00

1190.81 | ADMINISTRATION pes eee 1632.15

56.10 | SUBSCRIPTIONS TO SOCIETIES 421.10
80.11 | BANK CHARGES 87.28
37.75 SPORE EXCHANGE 50.00
84.54 MEETINGS 52.72
- CENTENARY EXPENSES 50.00
- TSHIRTS 182.85
TOTAL EXPENSES £7184.10
BALANCE FOR 1989 150.65
BROUGHT FORWARD FROM 1988 4197.62
CARRIED FORWARD AT 31.12.1989 £4348.27
PUBLICATIONS ACCOUNT
BALANCE BROUGHT FORWARD 2315.13
485.91 SALES - Journals and gt late 326.88
141.00 - Guide to ~ snide 404.00
254.00 - Hardy Fe 308.00
- - Fern ems & Their Meanings 444.00 1482.88
CARRIED FORWARD AT 31.12.1989 3798.01
GREENFIELD FUND
BALANCE BROUGHT FORWARD £1904.67
GRA (350.00)
INTEREST RECEIVED 148.41
CARRIED FORWARD AT 31.12.1989 £1703.08
CENTENARY FUND
BALANCE BROUGHT FORNAND £590.00
DONATIONS RECEIV 167.50
INTEREST ecenes 44.13
CARRIED FORWARD AT 31.12.1989 £801.63
dog tes to Acco

The Society held the following stocks of books at 31st December 1989 (1988 porate in brackets):-
i Hardy Ferns (82), 47 Guide to Hardy Ferns (170), 271 Fern Names and Their Meanings (500)

2. Interest arises on 30th April on the Greenfield and Centenary Funds. No Bids has been made
for accrued interest at 31st a ber.

3. For the convenience of the officers concerned and the Treasurer certain officers are given advances
of ibigae s. The balances erin at 31 Dec. were small and have not been adjusted in the accounts.
4. Some 1989 Subscriptions were received after 31st December and conversely some Subscr cada ey a
1990 were Hyp nase before 31st December. These accounts reflect amounts actually received but in fut
years the Treasurer will investigate the position and try to reflect the true position more accurately.

6

LECTURE MEETINGS AND DAY VISITS 1990

SPRING INDOOR MEETING - 3 March. During the morning members had the
opportunity to explore Chelsea Physic Garden, see the ‘British Ferns’ video, exchange
or buy ferns, purchase items from BPS Booksales and have their mystery ferns identified.
A number of Banks’ Florilegium prints were displayed for sale, and Josephine Camus,
Alison Paul and Clive Jermy exhibited a poster of the British species of Equisetum and
the hybrids between them which are already known or which could occur in Britain
(as displayed at the BSBI Exhibition Meeting).

After the business of the AGM, Dr Mary Gibby spoke on the ferns of Madeira. She
showed slides taken on a visit to Madeira with Alison Paul, when they collected
pteridophytes and ecological and distributional data for The Natural History Museum's
‘Flora of Madeira’ project. Madeira is a mountainous volcanic island lying in the mid
Atlantic Ocean between the Azores and the Canary Islands. Slides illustrated the
topography of the island with its steep, terraced hillsides and the high rocky cliffs of
the coastline.

The northern part of the island has a high rainfall which supports dense vegetation
- laurel forests with trees ted with lichens, mosses and ferns. The island is irrigated
by an extensive system of canals or levadas that carry water over many miles from
the wet central mountains. These levadas all have paths alongside them to allow access
for repairs, and as the slides showed, the paths provide a wonderful opportunity for
botanists to gain access to the steep-sided valleys. Levadas vary considerably, from those
with concrete sides, two feet wide and twice as deep, to those with mossy, fern bedecked
edges. Some were cut into cliff-sides by the same technique as the construction of
parts of the coastal road - hanging the engineers over the cliff-sides in baskets on
ropes! In places the levadas pass right through the mountain from one side to another
by means of tunnels, often long and with low roofs, but well worth negotiating to gain
access to some wonderfully ferny areas.

Madeira has 63 native species of pteridophyte of which 12 are endemic. Davallia
canariensis is commonly found on trees, cliffs and walls, usually in sunny places.
Cheilanthoid ferns used to be common on walls and buildings, but different building
practices and cleaning up old walls have reduced the number of available niches. A
common epiphyte is Polypodium macaronesicum; P. vulgare grows only at high altitudes
and P. interjectum is very rare on the island. Endemic ferns illustrated included the
coriaceous Polystichum falcinellum, which hybridises with P. setiferum to give P. x
maderense. Of the four Dryopteris species in Madeira, D. affinis subsp. affinis, D. aemula
and the endemic D. aitoniana are widespread. D. f is (also endemic) is sometimes
locally abundant.

Diplazium caudatum is a plant of damp, shady habitats, as is the bulbiferous Woodwardia
radicans, which overhangs levadas and cascades down wet cliffs. Many other
pteridophytes were shown - several species of Asplenium, Cystopteris diaphana, two
species of Huperzia, Hymenophyllum tunbrigense and the rare endemic H. maderense,
and Culcita macrocarpa, also a rarity, with its beautiful soft, gingery scales - to name
but a few. It is interesting to note that some te our most aejsicang species, for example
Asplenium scolopendrium and Oreopt re in Madeira, whereas
our endangered Trichomanes speciosum is a common lorc on boulders, logs and tree
bases in damp habitats in Madeira.

M Gibby & A M Paul

After some welcome refreshments the President introduced Martin Rickard, who
presented an illustrated talk entitled ‘Ferns | Like’, a personal view on garden-worthy
ferns. Martin’s interest in tree-ferns is no secret to most members, but the idea of
growing them without the protection of a frost-free greenhouse in the border region
of Shropshire/Herefordshire seems to most growers to be a risky one. British growers
have always considered even the tolerant Dicksonia antarctica as being restricted to
the Gulf Stream kissed parts of Britain such as south-west England and the west coasts
of Ireland and Scotland.

Martin was unconvinced and reported with prexogreprne evidence tree-ferns growing
at high altitudes and in habitats that were obvi y h colder than we usually consider
suitable for these majestic plants. He considers sat rettoriis raised from progeny in
such areas might well prove cold hardy. The tree-ferns Martin is growing do enjoy the
protection of a wall of hay bales and a covering of bubble polythene during the winter
months. Martin’s slides of the tree-ferns in his garden show that his regime is very
successful so far.

Another of Martin's interests is his National Collection of hardy Polypodium varieties.
His collection now contains virtually all the extant forms, including many that are no
longer widely grown. He then turned his attention to some of his recent finds, particularly
Asplenium trichomanes subsp. pachyrachis and its variety ‘Trogyense’, a variety first
found by E J Lowe and rediscovered by Martin near the same site.

Martin concluded his fascinating talk with slides of Professor T Reichstein’s garden and
some rarely seen ferns such as the evergreen Asplenium dareoides and Dryopteris
tokyoensis. There followed a very brisk questions and answers session which gave Martin
the opportunity to expand on many of the ferns shown.

The President thanked Martin and Mary for two interesting talks and also thanked those

members who had helped to make the day such a success.
A R Busby

KEW GARDENS - 19 May. Thirty-four members gathered in the Lower Nursery at
the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, for our annual early summer meeting.

The party was welcomed by John Woodhams who outlined the afternoon's programme.
It was a particular pleasure to welcome Chris and | Goudey from Victoria, Australia.
John began with a talk entitled ‘Collecting Plants for Kew’. He outlined the problems
modern plant collectors face in having to ensure that all the relevant documents such
as CITES Coe on International Trade in Endangered Species) export permits,
import permits and tifi have been issued. Not until all the paperwork
has been dealt with can anyone hein to collect any plants.

John explained that although in some cases spores can be collected and sent home
for propagation, very often mature plant material is essential. Occasionally sporelings
are collected but these are difficult to transport safely and you cannot be sure of what
you are collecting. Mature plant material provides its own problems - the size or shape
of a fern can make it difficult to pack securely. However, some species are fairly
straightforward, e.g. Drynaria requires only a small amount of rhizome with a growing
point. Angiopteris are huge ferns but by removing a stipule or two from the base of
a frond, these can be encouraged to produce new plants. After all the soil has been
washed from their roots the ferns need to be packed with great care if they are to

8

arrive at their destination in good’‘condition. John ended his very interesting talk with
a brisk questions and answers session.

John then introduced Matthew Ford who has been working at Kew for three and a
half years and is responsible for the micropropagation of ferns. Matthew explained that
this is a method by which a tiny piece of meristematic tissue, usually the growing point,
is removed from a plant, sterilised and placed on a nutrient agar under carefully controlled
light and temperature regimes. Such material buds off new plants and stocks of plants
otherwise difficult to grow can be quickly built up. Matthew went on to explain that
although this technique has been used very successfully for many years on other groups
of plants, notably orchids, problems do arise, particularly when the tiny plantlets have
to be moved on to compost.

Throughout his talk, Mattt p J dtest-tub d flas} taining f terial
propagated in this way. Later he showed us various plants in the nursery that had
been grown on into pots. Matthew concluded his talk by answering questions raised
about the problems he had outlined.

Our final speaker was Josephine Camus, a fern taxonomist from the Natural History
Museum, who had kindly agreed to give us a talk on the problems of studying dead
ferns in the herbarium. Difficulties arise simply due to the size and shape of many
species, and she illustrated this point by referring to Angiopteris, a fern with huge fronds
and a fleshy stipe. Platycerium is another genus that provides the taxonomist with
particular problems in the herbarium. There are some features useful in classification
that are lost when a plant is preserved as a herbarium specimen. Researchers are often
faced with little envelopes of bits and pieces when consulting old material! Even the
way fronds die and disintegrate may be useful. Apart from the obvious features used
in the identification of ferns and their placement in the natural order of plants, such
as frond shape and size, and the shape and position of the sori, some taxonomists
need to see how the vascular tissue has developed. All this points to the need for the
careful collection and storage of whole fertile fronds if it is to be of value to the researching
taxonomists. At the end of her talk, Josephine answered a number of questions raised
by members on various points she had made.

The President thanked the speakers for providing us with three very interesting talks
and John Woodhams invited members to return to the mess-room for refreshments.

Afterwards, John led the members around the glasshouses in the lower nursery to
see the reserve fern collection which houses much research material and explained
many of the problems of cultivating such an exotic collection of ferns and fern allies.

A guided tour of the Kew Herbarium by Peter Edwards was last, but not least, on the
day’s agenda. He also outlined the processes involved in incorporating new specimens
in the collections. Thomas Moore’s herbarium is housed separately, and Peter showed
us a few of the many fern varieties it contains.

Many thanks to John Woodhams for organising such an interesting meeting and to
Peter Edwards for the splendid refreshments. pees

AUTUMN INDOOR MEETING - 13 October. This indoor meeting departed from usual
themes in concentrating on pteridophytes of the past, rather than those of the present.
Four speakers gave insights into fossil pteridophytes.

9

Dianne Edwards (University of Wales, Cardiff College) outlined the anatomical and
physiological characters necessary for the earliest land plants to survive out of water
some 400 million years ago. In so doing, she showed slides of the oldest known stomata
and vascular tissues and explained how they were preserved during fossilisation. She
outlined the pteridophytic characters of these small, simple, dichotomising plants with
terminal sporangia and then went on to show how they evolved into more complex
ones that were in turn to give rise to the earliest ferns, clubmosses and horsetails.

Barry Thomas (National Museum of Wales) jumped 100 million years to talk about the
giant pteridophytes that eee oe —_ wsssaceusinie siditaied vita bibeaasiade: the coal
on which we rely so much. T
horsetails and marattialean tree-ferns and the speaker ‘surncnactoed what we know about
their form, reproduction and ecology. He concluded by outlining how the drying out
of the swamps, at the end of the Carboniferous period, led to the extinction of these
giant forms leaving only the smaller and presumably more adaptable pteridophytes to
persist and evolve.

Margaret Collinson (King’s College, London) jumped nearly another 200 million years
to begin her talk on the evolutionary history of living ferns. She showed some slides
of beautifully preserved fossils including Botrychium, Onoclea, sporangia of Acrostichum,
some water ferns, selaginellas, and portions of schizaeaceous and dennstaedtioid ferns.
She demonstrated that we know a great deal about the fossil record of many families
of ferns, but unfortunately our knowledge of the polypodiaceous ferns is very scanty.
This is most probably due to the fact that most species lived away from areas suitable
for preservation and had persistent leaves that wilted and decayed on the plants.

James Merryweather (University of York) then gave an entertaining talk about his amateur
fossil collecting activities on the Yorkshire coast. In so doing, he showed slides of localities
he has visited over the years and slides and specimens of fossils collected from these
Jurassic rocks that are about 170 million years in age. These included species belonging
to the Osmundaceae and Dicksoniaceae and examples of Equisetum-like plants that
had been fossilised in their original positions of growth.

The day was rounded off by Margaret Harris talking about her late father, Professor
Tom Harris FRS of Reading University, who is accepted as having been an authority
on the Yorkshire Jurassic flora. As one of his last students | found it particularly fascinating
to hear her reminisce about aspects of his family life that matched up so well with
those of his better known University and scientific life.

It is difficult to assess the impact of a meeting that 1 both chaired and spoke in, but
the lively questioning that followed all the speakers indicated that the meeting was
successful and that the 33 members present certainly had an interest in the evolutionary
history of ferns and their allies.

B A Thomas

GROW GREAT FERNS!
Los Angeles International Fern Society (LAIFS)

Fern journal bimonthly, includes fern lesson. Educational meetings, materials, spore store
and books. Annual dues: $15 domestic, $19 overseas surface, $24 overseas airmail.
Apply to: Phyllis P Bates, LAIFS Editor, P.O. Box 502, Encinitas, California 92024, U.S.A.

10

NATIONAL FIELD MEETINGS 1990
BRITTANY - 26 May - 2 June P H Ripley

Thirteen members and friends left Newhaven on Saturday, May 26th, travelling by ferry
and highly-tuned luxury(!) minibus, to spend Saturday night near the ruined abbey at
Hambye, Normandy. They were joined at Hambye by Dr & Mrs Houitte, recently joined
French members who live near Granville. We enjoyed their company very much and
also their knowledge of the geography and folk-lore of Brittany. On Sunday we were
joined by seven other members, a total 22 participating in the first overseas meeting
of the BPS for some time. We were fortunate also to have the expertise of Clive Jermy,
and his colleague from Belgium, Ronnie Viane.

Sun. 27 May - The Auberge de I’Abbaye at Hambye served us well. Not only was
the food excellent, but five species of ferns grew in the hotel walls. Dryopteris filix-
mas was seen in an atypical habitat as a table decoration the previous evening!

There was time for some brief fern-hunting in a wood near St. Samson, overlooking
the valley of the Rance, just below Dinan. Anthony Pigott joined us here and we benefited
from his knowledge of the Dryopteris affinis complex. D. affinis subsp. borreri and subsp.
affinis were both seen, together with D. dilatata, D. filix-mas, Athyrium filix-femina,
Polystichum setiferum and Polypodium interjectum.

We arrived at Chateaulin, Finistére, in the evening, but not before a drive over the Monts
d’Arrée had showed us tantalising glimpses of Osmunda regalis in the roadside ditches.

Mon. 28 May - A day on the North coast of the Audierne peninsular was preceded
by a sightseeing stop at the preserved medieval centre of the town of Locronan. Actually
our stop was fully justified by finding eight fern species growing in the granite walls
in the town: Asplenium billotii, A. adiantum-nigrum, A. trichomanes, A. ruta-muraria,
A. scolopendrium, Polypodium interjectum, Pteridium aquilinum and Dryopteris filix-mas.
Athyrium filix-femina completed the tally. Asplenium ceterach is strangely scarce in
this part of France.

A series of rocky promontories jut into the sea along this coast. The first to be visited
- Pointe de Beuzec - contained impressive stands of Osmunda regalis, Pteridium of
course, and Asplenium marinum and A. billotii in the cliff rock crevices. The gametophyte
of Trichomanes speciosum was found in a cave just above the sea by Clive and Ronnie.

ae Sra A Ij d Equisetum

Lunch takeni ll sandy cove, Pors Piron, where O

arvense were growing in ditches or by the road, and where an “gvequilerly crested
Asplenium scolopendrium was seen against the walls of a shack. Some of the party
braved the water and some | regret preferred the attractions of the beach to fern hunting
in the afternoon!

Further west, after lunch, our next stop was the Pointe de Brézellec. The fine specimen
of Asplenium obovatum described by Rémy Prelli and seen by myself in April had
unfortunately disappeared to make way for a car park, but other specimens were seen,
together with A. billotii and A. marinum. Osmunda regalis was again seen, and some
atypical Dryopteris filix-mas growing on the cliffs. We then visited Pointe de Van, almost
the most westerly point on this peninsular. Clive again found Asplenium obovatum on
the cliffs towards the end of the Pointe.

Tues. 29 May - Huelgoat is a small town, some 20 miles north-east of Chateaulin. .—

At one time a mining centre (iron?), it now attracts tourists to the famous ‘chaos’ of
rocks. Huge granite boulders have fallen on top of the river valley, forming bizarre shapes
and grottos, and frequently completely obscuring the river beneath. Hymenophyllum
tunbrigense was found commonly on the more shaded rocks, in places in great sheets,
but always in a very dry condition, much more so than even at this time in 1989. Clive
again found Trict I in a ‘cave’ under a boulder. Following
the river valley Piginlinds We was aositis seen, tonether with Blechnum spicant, Polypodium
interjectum, Athyrium filix-femina, Dryopteris filix-mas, D. dilatata and D. affinis subsp.
affinis and subsp. borreri. The same species were seen in or near the ‘Grotte d‘’Arthur’
(sheets of Hymenophyllum), and ‘Le Gouffre’ - a cataract again covered by a ‘chaos’
of rocks. Almost certainly Hymenophyllum wilsonii was not here. A previously visited
site at Le Toul Goulic, to the east, was not seen on this visit as the dry conditions
would have made exploration unattractive.

In Huelgoat itself, a range of Aspleni i on walls (A. billotii, A. adiantum-
nigrum, A. scolopendrium and A. sein (very stunted). On the walls of the canal
originally dug to provide an even supply of water to the mine, magnificent specimens
of A. trichomanes were seen.

In the afternoon a detour was made to a hamlet - Le Cleuziou - where Rémy Prelli
had found Trichomanes speciosum. Imagine our delight on removing the nails and sliding
back the lid, to find the walls of a small well literally covered with luxuriant growth!
Much time was spent in photography and general adulation, much to the alarm of the
bemused natives. We returned via Quimperlé and the ‘Roches du Diable’, a steep wooded
rocky gorge. This was not explored in any detail. Polypodium interjectum was dominant
on the upper slopes and Asplenium billotii was found beneath the rocks; the lower
slopes looked to be worthy of further work in spite of considerable gale damage.

Wed. 30 May - The journey to the second venue, Erquy, was made via a number of
short stops. The opportunity was taken to see the remarkable and typically Breton carved
calvary and old church at Pleyben, near Chateaulin. Some time was then spent searching
on the shores of the reservoir St. Michel, high in the heart of the Monts d’Arrée, for
Lycopodium inundatum, seen previously by Rémy in a moist boggy area to the north-
east of the reservoir. It was not found; possibly two dry years had allowed too much
competition.

Anthony Pigott found Oreopteris limbosperma as well as Osmunda in the ditches by
the roadsides near Botmeur and Roc Trévézel, but the main party had no time to stop.
Lunch was taken near St-Pol-de-Léon, but not before Anogramma leptophylia was seen
growing abundantly on unshaded roadside banks just outside the town.

The rocky cliffs flanking the estuary up to Morlaix looked interesting but again time
did not permit a search before the final journey to Erquy was completed. Those who
explored more sites along the north coast en route, additionally found abundant Equisetum
telmateia along the top of the beach near Locquirec.

Thurs. 31 May - We were most fortunate to have the company of Rémy Prelli for a
day spent in the vicinity of Erquy and Lamballe. Rémy first took us along the coast
towards Cap Fréhel to a dune habitat where Equisetum ramosissimum was growing
in superabundance a few feet from the beautifully sandy beach, and some four or five
feet above the spot where a small stream pooled before draining through the sand to

the sea. The polymorphism described by Rémy in his book was well seen, both the
tall thicker spikes and the numerous smaller thin spikes being traced to a common
rhizome. E. palustre was seen nearby, also E. telmateia. This area was also notable
for some fine and uncommon orchids.

Around Cap Fréhel, geographically very similar to the capes of the Audierne peninsular,
Asplenium adiantum-nigrum, A. marinum, and A. billotii were again found, as well as
large clumps of Osmunda.

After lunch we first visited a wood near Port-a-la-Duc. Dryopteris affinis subsp. affinis
and subsp. borreri were both seen here, enabling good comparisons to be made. D.
filix-mas, D. dilatata, Polypodium interjectum, Polystichum setiferum, Asplenium
adiantum-nigrum, A. scolopendrium and Athyrium filix-femina were also present in this
interesting habitat. Equisetum arvense and E. palustre were common and Polypodium
vulgare grew at the base of trees.

ds £8 . 1 ad

Along the estuary cliffs near the Port itself, Polyp

although it was very dry. A little further on, in a wood where Polystichum setiferum
and Asplenium scolopendrium were the predominant ferns, two large (though smaller
than in 1989) specimens of Asplenium adiantum-nigrum-like ferns were examined. One
of these had been studied extensively by Rémy. Chromosome counting (triploid) and
the production of abortive spores confirmed one plant as A. x ticinense, while the other,
morphologically indistinguishable, was the tetraploid A. adiantum-nigrum.

Towards Lamballe, we stopped to explore a wood where Equisetum hyemale was present,
again in abundance but particularly where tractor ruts and natural water had left damp
clearings in the wood. Dryopteris dilatata was also present at this site, as was D.
carthusiana, the first time we had seen this on our visit thus far. Finally we stopped
at a heathy area, once dug for clay to supply nearby potteries (Le Poterie). Near the
road Equisetum x litorale and E. x dycei were growing in a pond/bog, while E. palustre
and E. arvense were nearby. Further from the road, and near a pond recently dug for
sporting purposes, Pilularia globulifera was found, although in nothing like the abundance
seen, before drainage, in 1989.

We were pleased to be able to entertain Rémy and his family at the hotel for a meal
in the evening.

Fri. 1 June - Our last day was spent visiting Lac Guerlédan, south-west of Lamballe.
Mention should be made of a stop for coffee at St. Gilles le Vieux Marche, an archetypal
French village, where colourful window-boxes sprouted from every building. The Gorges
du Daoulas were a little disappointing. Apart from some fine Osmundas, and abundant,
though dry, Polypodium interjectum on the rocks, only Dryopteris filix-mas, D. dilatata
and Athyrium filix-femina were found in addition of course to the ubiquitous bracken.

Our lunch stop, however, more than made up for any disappointment. Just where the
Lac Guerlédan igieales to sclegpeche a bees was followed. It led us to a beautiful site
where Osmunda ks, and where some of the finest Dryopteris
aemula plants | have seen were flourishing, together with D. dilatata, D. carthusiana,
D. affinis complex (coward!), D. filix-mas, Blechnum spicant, Polypodium interjectum
and Athyrium filix-femina. Amost certainly the hybrid D. x deweveri was also present.

Before leaving Erquy, mention should be made of the walls in the town, where Asplenium
ceterach was found, as well as A. adiantum-nigrum, A. ruta-muraria, A. trichomanes,

13

A. scolopendrium, and Polypodium. Mention should also be made of the meals we enjoyed
at the hotels where we stayed. The Beauséjour excelled itself with a meal this evening
which included a minimally dressed Spider Crab. While not to everyone's taste, several
attempts on the world record for the maximum amount of extractable meat were made.

We left for Dieppe on Saturday, June 2nd, leaving various members at different points
en route. We were particularly sorry to leave the Houittes and hope very much we
shall see them again at a meeting in Britain, hopefully at least during the centenary
year.

| should like to pay particular tribute to the incredible knowledge of Rémy Prelli, and
for his enormous help and advice in planning and directing our itinerary. | should also
like to say a big ‘thank you’ to Pat Acock for his help with the hire of the minibus,
and with so many aspects of the organisation, and finally to the members and friends
who contributed expertise and bonhomie to make the week enjoyable, and | hope
successful. Certainly my appetite has been whetted for future trips to geographically
broaden our pteridological horizons.

[All those of us who attended this very enjoyable meeting would like to express our
great gratitude to Paul for leading this meeting and for all the hard work and time he
put in beforehand to ensure it would be such a successful trip. Thank-you Paul!]

Rémy Prelli, Dr Houitte & i Sao examine Equisetum ramosissimum on sand-
es NE of Erquy, Brittany

Photo: M Ladell

ISLE OF WIGHT - 21-22 July Patrick Acock

We were very fortunate to have Bill Shepherd, the BSBI recorder and co-author of the
lOW Flora, to lead about a dozen members on this weekend. Bill knows the island's
flora exceptionally well and his enthusiasm for all aspects of the island’s history and
plants really made the weekend. Bill brought with him a young student, Nick, whose
knowledge of the Flora put most of us to shame. Bill claimed the island has 23 ferns
and we were to see all of them over the weekend. Although we managed carelessly
to ‘lose’ one for him, we made up for it at the eleventh hour.

The first day was spent predominantly in the west. Mount Joy Cemetery near Carisbrooke
Castle was the home of innumerable meadow flowers and butterflies and the walls
host to Asplenium trichomanes, A. ruta-muraria, A. adiantum-nigrum and A.
scolopendrium. An ancient lane just beyond the now deserted Priory yielded the more
common ferns of the island: Polystichum setiferum, Polypodium interjectum, Dryopteris
filix-mas, D. dilatata and Pteridium aquilinum. Parkstone Forest was surprisingly empty
of ferns except the ubiquitous bracken. Two sites were viewed. The one in the south
had Athyrium filix-femina and Blechnum spicant and in the north we added Dryopteris
affinis subsp. affinis, including another of the foliose ones we are constantly finding
on southern meetings.

After dinner, a visit to Porchfield Shooting Range revealed Ophioglossum vulgatum drying
out and dying back. This was followed by a visit to the willow carr at Freshwater where
we carelessly ‘mislaid’ Dryopteris carthusiana. A more extensive search may well reveal
it but the bog was certainly more overgrown than Bill could ever remember. Horsetails
were in profusion, with Equisetum palustre, E. arvense and E. fluviatile common. One
of the latter showed an array of small cones on the extensive topmost lateral branches,
surrounding a large central cone. In the shaded damper portion of the bog Thelypteris
palustris abounded. Northwards on the River Yar the more common IOW ferns flourished.

Moving eastwards on Sunday, with a cooler breeze, a brief stop in Ryde revealed a
wall with Adiantum capillus-veneris with attendant spleenworts. Here we said goodbye
to the cycling Ripleys and made our way to Brading. Behind the railway on yet another
River Yar we found the aforementioned horsetails and Equisetum telmateia but we could
not find any trace of Azolla filiculoides, so plentiful the previous year. A railway bridge
revealed a fine collection of our common spleenworts with a wall of the church sporting
many plants of Asplenium ceterach albeit curled from the drought.

A visit to Apsey Copse revealed another ferny corner with a fine colony of the graceful
Equisetum sylvaticum. After dinner overlooking the Quercus ilex wood at Ventnor we
went to the southernmost tip of the island to look at a very ancient record of Asplenium
marinum confined to a solitary rock amongst many similar ones. We went on to Beacon
Alley and a waste site near Bagwich where we added some fine Osmunda regalis to
our records, including some sporelings.

By now it was late in the afternoon and we were thinking that the BPS had contributed
very little to the weekend, when Bill asked if we would look at one more site. Anxious
to discover something we stopped off at a small road with a damp ditch and found
two clumps of Oreopteris limbosperma. Only two previous recordings had been made
and these had been thought dubious and could not be confirmed. Bill was delighted,
his only regret that he had missed them on numerous previous visits and it had been
his birthday the previous day. Bill’s generous giving up of a whole weekend and his
patience with the crew were greatly appreciated.

15

Postcript. On Monday three of us took the opportunity to visit the Equisetum x bowmanii
site in the New Forest and found four areas where it was growing. An extensive search
of Lordswood in Southampton failed to find Equisetum hyemale but a fine stand of
Equisetum sylvaticum was found.

NORTH-EAST SCOTLAND (Grampian Region) - 5-11 August C E Munyard

This meeting was planned to incorporate many of the areas visited by George Dickie,
or his contemporaries, in the first half of the 19th century. The localities were recorded
and described by Dickie in his Botanists Guide of 1860. It was anticipated that many
of these records would be confirmed by our group 130 years on.

Profeits Hotel, in the village of Dinnet, Royal Deeside, was chosen as a suitable base
and the hotel supplied B, B & B (Bed, Breakfast & Beer) for many of our group. Six
of our members were accommodated at the hotel, six in two other guest houses in
the village and the Acocks and Clive Jermy in a self catering cottage just outside Ballater.
This latter circumstance provided the group with a handy tea and coffee stop on a couple
of occasions. We didn’t see the Ballater party as often as we would have liked in the
evenings, but as anyone who has shared a meeting with Clive will know, he generally
has ‘pressing’ things to do in the evenings.

Our group numbers varied between 15 and 18. All interested parties had been sent
an Fiaaaies " the ones to sae visited, and the pepper from some of the part weekers
tter enabled me to plan the week's programme. The proposed
itinerary. was presented to those present at dinner on Saturday evening. It was approved
and it was also decided to visit ‘The Colonel's Bed’, Glen Ey, on Sunday. This site,
not previously visited, was suggested by Dr Una Urquhart of the Aberdeen NCC office
who was to join the group on Tuesday and Thursday, and so the field work started on -

Sun. 5 August - Glen Ey, 37/0888 - 37/0886. Sunday turned out to be a day of
showers and after taking the wrong track we got back on course by climbing over a
shoulder in the hills and eventually descending to the Ey Burn which runs through
a narrow and deep gorge, well wooded with mixed trees including birch, larch, scots
fir and rowan. The whole situation created a micro-climate ideal for our purpose and
we were subsequently able to see many of the species we had not expected to see
until later in the week. Our score here was 17 as follows: Lycopodium clavatum, Huperzia
selago, Selaginella selaginoides, Equisetum arvense, E. sylvaticum, Polypodium vulgare,
Phegopteris connectilis, Oreopteris limbosperma, Asplenium viride, Athyrium filix-femina,
Gymnocarpium dryopteris, Cystopteris fragilis, Polystichum lonchitis, P. aculeatum,
Dryopteris filix-mas, D. dilatata and Blechnum spicant. Such an unexpected start had
somewhat stolen our thunder for what we had considered excellent localities due to
be visited later in the week. There was much jocular talk among those present of a
quick visit to the type locality of Cystopteris dickieana and then ‘we can all go home’.
Thankfully this did not happen since, as it turned out, an interesting and very congenial
week lay ahead. On the return journey we stopped at -

The Pass of Ballater, 37/3697 - 37/3797. With reference to Asplenium septentrionale,
Dickie records thus on page 230 ‘Rocks at the west end of the north side of the pass
of Ballater. This interesting addition to our list was made in 1855 by Dr. Patterson RN
from whom | received living plants’. Steve and a friend saw the plant here in 1968
before he became a member of the BPS. Our aim was to confirm this sighting, so the

16

BRITISH PTERIDOLOGICAL SOCIETY

MEMBERSHIP LIST

November 1990

NOTE
Please remember to notify the Assistant Secretary (Membership) of any changes of address.
Amendments to this list will be published in future issues of the Bulletin.

HONORARY MEMBERS

Dyce, Mr J W, Hilltop, 46 Sedley Riise, LOUGHTON, Essex IG10 1LT
r rsFJ ksti N

s ing, Ri
Kaye, Mr R, Waithman Nurseries, Silverdale, CARNFORTH, Lancs. LA5 OTY
Reichstein, Prof. Dr T, Institut fur Organische Chemie, St Johanns-Ring 19, BASEL, CH-4056, Switzerland

MEMBERS

Ackers, Mr R G, The Old eae: snore op er Bottom, whe Common, DORKING, Surrey RH5 6JN
Acock, Mr P J, 13 Star Lane, ST. MARY CRAY, Kent BRS5 3

Adam, r er Constance Road, , Surrey SM1 40G

Adamek, Mr G, Flurstrasse 25, BE 3014, Switzerlan

Adams, Mr R, 35 College Road, RIPON, North Yorks. H

. HG4 2H
Ade, Dr RA, 2723 8th Avenue, Moline, ROCK ISLAND COUNTY, Illinois 61265, U.S.A.

Adiam, Mr K W H, Kings Gatchell, Higher Metcombe, OTTERY ST. MARY, Devon EX11 1SL
Akeroyd, Dr J R, Botany Dept, Plant Science Laboratories, University of Reading, Whiteknights,
READING, Berks. RG6 2A
Allen, Mrs B L, Rock Cottage, West Buckland, Dale er el Devon TQ7 3AQ
Amberson, Mrs M M, 56 Lakeside Drive, SHREW EWSBURY, Massachusetts 01545, U.S.A.
Andrew, Mr S M, 46 Middle Path, CREWKER ap ae TAIE 18 8BE
I , Mr B J, ‘Coverack’, < seb Road, Sagan Leics. LE2 2LS

ebee verack’, 30 Sou
Atkinson, Mrs M, 2 Duke Street, PENRITH, oenig: CAI
Att tterbury, Miss D, 10542 Plunkett tt, BELLFLOWE Ri Galifornve: 30706, U.S.A.
Badger, Dr P, 23 Westbourne Grove, Withington, MANCHESTER M20 8JA
Bahir, A, Kibbutz Givat-Brenner , 60948, Israe
Baier, Mr & Mrs GR S, 24 St. Michael's Road raoaa Hants. GU14 8NE

Ball, Mr J C H, Catmose Farm, eee ham Road, OAKHAM, Leics. LE15 6JD
Bannister, Mr D, The Fernery, 10 Maple Way, ROYSTON, Herts. SG8 7DH
poy: J, 103

‘ MS

Bates, Mr G B, iy: Mill Lane, acanhcn | BRAD FORD, West Yorks. BD11 2AP

Bates, Mrs P P, P.O. Box 502, ENCINITAS, California 92024, U.S.A.

Battaglia, Prof. E, Viale 24 Maggio 36, PISA 56123, Italy

Batten spat vi institute of Earth Studies, UCW University of Wales, ABERYSTWYTH, Dyfed SY23 3DB,

Baylis, Mr HA, Dept of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, CAMBRIDGE,
Cambs. CB2 igo

Becker, Mr D, Vo Berle 9, HAMBL 60, 2000, any

Beckett, Mr K A, Bromley Cottage, Stanhoe, KING’S LYNN, Norfolk PE31 8QF

Beedle, Mrs H R, The Retreat, Bradley Cro oss, CHEDDAR, Somerset BS27 3YP

Beenham, Mrs A, 19 The Grove, Penwortham, PRESTON, Lancs. PR1 OUU

Beer, Mr T, Tawside, ” _ yp eet a APLE, Devon — ‘ate
cart

ray Lodge,
meyers ig Mrs P M, 36 Hatherleigh Close, MORDEN, Surrey SM4 5AD
Benl, Dr G, Botanisch ne miung ‘Munchen, Menzinger Strasse 67, MUNCHEN 19, Bavaria

any
Bennert, Dr H W, ‘Spezielle ig sal Abteilung fur Biologie, Ruhr-Universitat, Universitatsstrasse 150,
Benton, Mr J, c/o St. Lawrence Rechory, Colebrook eee WINCHESTER, Hants. ae yond
, Monsieur Y, 20 Ave. Max de Nansouty, ASN RES, Hauts de Seine 92600, Fra

ersity of aon 0, P.O. Roma 180, Lesotho, Southern Africa
' ' , New South Wales 2156, pijertiers
Bhardwaja, Dr T N, Botany Dept rsity of Ajmer, AJMER 305001, India
Bidin, Dr A ‘A, Dept of Botany, "Faculty a Life Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi,

Bird, Mrs J, Flat 1, Penjerrick, Budock Water, FALMOUTH, Cornwall TR11

Blackstock, Dr N, Cwm, Penmarian, Liangoed, BEAUMARIS, Gwynedd LL58 8SU, Wales

Bobrov, Mr AE, Bot. Inst. of Acad. of Sci. of U.S.S.R., Prof. Popov Street 2, LENINGRAD 22, U.S.S.R.
Boele, Dr C, Boek skamp 9, RAREN 2753 Ke Boe ctynee nds

Boff, Mr M, 9 Rue Marjolin, LEVALLOIS PERRET

Bolton, Mr c Yew Tree Cottage, 133 Main Street, ein, ‘CARNFORTH, Lancs. LAS 9PT

Bolton, Mr R B, Craig Holme, Birdbrook, HALSTEAD, Essex CO9 4BQ
Bond, Mr J D, Verderers, rate k Road, Englefield Green, EGHAM Beamite Weer Bate.
Bonnet, Professor AL M, 1 ue Fournarie, MONTPELLIER 34000, Fran
Booth, Mr RD, 31 Shihiey Poad, GOSPORT, Mane POI
Borwick, Mrs E, 40 Hatton Road, LUNCAR ARTY, Perths. PH1 uz Scotland
Bosch, Mr H M, Klaverveld 27, ASSEN 9407 GT, Netherlan
Bouckiley, Mr J H, 209 Woodfiel Road, HAR HARROGATE, North Yorks. HG1 4JE
udrie, Monsieur M, Les eee ttes C, 21 bis rue Cotepet, ad FERRAND 63000, France
Braithwaite, Dr AF, 4 ooreig = Dave: Beeston, NOTTING HAM! No NG9 3AW

Branch, Mrs P S, Lephins, The Ridgeway WANTAG GE, Sagilt Oxia 8LX
ad Mr RJ, Farr, High Street adiow, TONBRIDGE,
emer, ; in

s therla
Brent, Mr M S, 17-19 Gurley ¢ Gonngee Kew cond, RICHMOND, Surrey TW9 3AB
Brightman, Mr F H, 59 Rosendale Road, West Dulwich, LONDON SE21 8DY
Brisbane, Mr M J, The Lee, KNIGHTON, rows LD7 1NE, Wales
Britton, Dr D M, Dept of Molecular Biology & Genetics, University of Guelph, GUELPH, Ontario
he 3 21, Canada
Broin, Mr AAR, Clos Mariort: ST MAURICE LES COUCHES, Burgundy 71490, France
meenartart Me C S, 43 Shakespeare Road, Sedgely, DUDLEY, es Midlands DY3 3BJ
Brown, Mr B, L i ROU fav s. RG

e lood|
Brown, Miss J, 27 Coppice Avenue, Great Shelford, CAMBRIDGE, Cambs.
Brown, Mr N H, Treborth Botanic Garden, University College of North Wales, BANGOR, Gwynedd
LL57 ales
Brown, Mr RF, 4 Beech View Parade, Walshes Road, ates tien East Sussex
Brown, Mr S, 12 Queensway, Church, ACCRIN TON, Lan cs. U
Brownless, Miss AL, ‘Tontine’, Swinton Terrace, Masham, RIPON, rst Mbcohise HG4 4HS
se

Brunson, Mr B A, 1608 Ahihi Street, HONOLULU, Hawaii 96819, U.S.A.
Bryan, Mr A C, 58 Marling Way, Riverview Park, GRAVESEND, Kent DA12 4DN
Buck, Mr W R, New York Botanical Garden, Bronx, NEW YORK, New plas Preach U.S.A.

Buffington, Mrs C L, 1832 Atherton Drive, D ; rgia
Burman, M , 97 Aylestone Drive, LEICESTER, Leics. L
Burmeister, on eckstr., OBERHAU , 4200,

r K, 105 Hunru : 1 Germany
Burrows, Mr J E, Buffelskloof Nature Reserve, P.O. Box 236, LYDENBURG 1120, South Africa
Busby, Mr A R, ‘Croziers’, 16 Kirby Corner Road, TAU mao ihn eae Midlands CV4 8GD
Halsw m

rt ’ set

~~ Miss C, 30 Woodbridge Lawn, Queenswood Drive, LEEDS, West Yorks. LS6 3LU
Byrne, Mr A 29 Grange Estate, New Ridley Road, "STOCKSFIELD, Northumberland NE43 7EX
caren Sco men tte

meron, r 30 enya
Cam s, Miss JM, Dept of Bo The Natural nse Museum, Cromwell Road, LONDON SW7 5BD
Canveino. Miss A CG; Metituto de ie Botan ica Dr Goncalo Sampaio, 1191R Campo Alegre, PORTO 4100,
Portugal

fan ion, Mr C HW peep rd Cotta e, canon ¥ YEOMIL, Somerset BA22 8SU
ioker er we ugh FFIELD, N. Humberside YO25 7
uey, Dr C F, Dept of Biological Science, Youngstown State University, YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio 44555,

hurchill, Mr H W, P.O.Box 3, NORTH ADAMS, Massachusetts 02147, U.S.A.
lar mb C J, 16A Edward Sveet Southborough, TUNBRIDGE WELLS, Kent TN4 0EZ
Mr D, 24 Hi igh Road HOCKL aerh 4

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8 33:
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Collinson, Dr M E. Biosphere Sciences, "i ve Coll e London, Campden n Hill Road, LONDON W8 7AH
ongreve, Mrs JC, Hales 00 ttage, A MARK ET DRAYT YTON Beppe sabes TF9 2PP
onran, Mr AE M, Min Merah Sven | Road id, BANGOR, mee 7 2BS, Wales

‘cooper, Mr R, 1 Mandiville, Portsmouth Road, TOWN 3610, South Africa
orbett.Grant Mr LH, 21 45 First oan: NARA, California 94558, U.S.A.
ake VERTON n PL20 2PS

(

( Fi ; :

Cotgreave, Mr P, 4 St. David's Close, Gobowen, OSWESTRY, Shropshire SY11 —

( ughiin, Mr & Mrs R V, 17 Alvechurch Highway, Lydiate Ash, BROMSGROVE, Worcs. B60 1NZ
Coveny, Mr R, = National Herbarium, Royal Botanic Gardens, SYDNEY, New South Wales 2000,

Fen Road, Milton, CAMBRIDGE, Cambs. CB4
rsMJ&LI, 40 Russell Drive AMPTHILL, Beds. MK45
f, me 1 Station Cottages, Hullavin CHIPPENHAM, Wilts. SN14 6ET
Cramp, Mr JK, 111 Vi car Pied. Penge, L' LONDON S20 7JT

Crawford, Mr R, 140 Graham Street, PENRITH, Cumbria CA11 9LG

Crichton, Mrs J H, Carrowgarry, BELTRA, Sligo, ireland

Cro xtord, a AW, , Wan affo Road, iy ets Anglesey LL60 6LL, Wales

P, Caragena x-3, RID

Cupitt, mre E S, Yellow Birch, Luddenden Foot t, HALIFAX West Yorks. HX2 6SJ

Cupp, Mrs K, 6925 Lois Drive, CINCINNATI, Ohio 452

Currant, Mr AP, 13a Copers Cope oe ad, BECK ONHAM: Kent BR3 1NE

Dadd, Mr R, 21 Embrook Road, WOKI NGHAM, Berks. RG11

Daigobo, Dr S, Dept of Botany, Joetsu University of Ediscetion, 1 Yamayashiki Joetsu-shi,
NIIGAT pty alvin nen

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Davies, Mr H L, 66 Link posi ALLINGTON aeucey SM6 9
Davies, Dr J D, 20 Clifton Park, Clifton, BRIST OL, Avon BSB. 3BZ
vies, Mr K L, Briardale, Church Road, Ystalyfera, S SEA, W. Glamorgan SA9 2DA, Wales
Deadman, Mr M L, 143 Springhead Road, Northfleet, GRAVESEND, Kent DA11
Dean, Mr AG, 90 | , Earlsdon, COVENTRY, West —

De ue, Mr Y, erlan
Delendick, Dr T J, 882 Union St, ment 2B, BROOKLYN, New York NY 11215, U.S.A.
Deleuze, Mr J, Becca Alla Leccie, NICOLAO, Corsica, 20230, Frai
Dickman, Mr A J, 50 Thornleigh Drive, Orton Longueville, PETERBO ROUGH, Cambs. PE2 0AZ
ickson, Dr J H, Botany Dept, The apo GLASGOW ae 8QQ, Scotian
g 10, ISERLOHN, an

é 5860,

Dillon, Mrs H, 45 Sandford Road, Ranelagh, DUBLIN 6, bela
Douglas, Miss Peete he Aa t of Sept a Structural Biology, Williamson Building, Oxford Road,
Downey, Mr G, Dunelm, 24 Priory k Road, BICKNACRE, Essex CM3 4EY
Drew, Mr R W, 17 Roberts Ro ad, LAINDON, Essex S$S15 6AY
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Dugdale, Mr L, Applegarth, Cartmel Road, Allithwaite, GRANGE-OVER-SANDS, Cumbria LA11 7QZ
Duggan, Mr R, 5 Sally Close, WANTIRNA A SOUTH, Vion 3152, Australia

i 85

, Scotland
Dunlop, gg the Resi, Lodge, 49 Ballyrobert Road, CRAWFORDSBURN, Co. Down BT19 1JP,
Northern Irelan
Dupree, Mr P, 2c Warwick New Road, LEAMINGTON SPA, Warwicks. CV32 5J
Cae Mr M J, 80 Powys Avenue, Townhill, SWANSEA, W. Glamorgan SA1 BPG, Wales
en, Mr J J, 14 Lune Drive, off Lancaste r Lane, Clayton-le-Woods, LEYLAND, Lancs. PR5 2SX
Eawende Acs D S, 5, University of of Brunei Darussalam, ADONG, Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei
ssalam

Edwards, Mr P J, Shes Sersakart, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, RICHMOND, Surrey TW9 3AE
Edwards, Mr & Mrs TC T & H, 51 lebrook, Shifnal, T TELFORD, Shropshire
Elks, Miss R, Karla. Kingston, G ERBURY, Kent CT4
Sole gs Mrs D, 54 Shrewsbury Road, New Lal LONGON N11 2JU
Ensoll, Mr A J, 28 Howard Place, EDINBURGH EH3 5JY, Scotia
Evans, Dr A M, Botany Dept, University of Tennessee, KNOXVILLE, Tennessee 37996-1100, U.S.A.
Fabricant, Dr J M, Sri Aurobindo Post ey Box 20, type ERRY Seg o> wg India
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Feuerstein, Mrs S A, 2357 Thornwood Lane, MEMPHIS, Tennessee 38119, U.S. a
Fielding, Mrs H M, Mingulay, Staveley-in-Cartmel, ULVERSTON, Cumbria LA12 8
Fillan, Mr M S, Briar Patch, Northover Road, Pennington, LYMINGTON, Hants. S041 8GU
Finch, Dr R A, 68 Holbrook Road, CAMBRIDGE, Cambs. CB1 4ST
Finney, Mrs S M, 6 Garden Close, Sutton, ELY, Cambs. CB6 2RF
Fischer, Dr U, Waterloostr. 19, BRAUNSCHWEIG, D-3300, Germ
Foley, Mr P J, Holden Clough Nursery, Bolto’ on-by-Bowland, CLITHEROE, Lanes.
Ford, Mr M V, Flat 2A, 89 ios urchyard Road, Hanwell, LONDON
Fortune, Mrs D, 23 The Grove, HART LEPOO Cleveland T
Foster, Mr F G,'2-316 Monroe Village, One David Brainerd Drive, JAMESBURG, New Jersey 08831, U.S.A.
Franke, Mr RH, The Small Ho vet Ferris, BANBURY , Oxon. OxX1
Fi : doce use, B IDGEND, Mid Glamor = CF31 4HD, Wales
Fraser-Jenkins, Mr C - ty Abi ngdon n Road, XFORD, on OX1 4PR

senstr

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Fuchs-Eckert, ae HP, igruppa 1,1 146 TN VITG, cr-7098, Switzerland
T.

lestbu S93
Gibby, Dr M, Dept of Botan ey. The Natural a Museum, Cromwell Road, LONDON SW7 5BD
Glover, Mr P C, 43 Ferndale fer Hall Green, BIRMIN' oh West Midlands B28 9AU
ard-Key, Mr & Mrs RL & M, The Old Bake ery, East Side, NORTH LITTLETON, Worcs. WR11 5QU
Golding, Ms : fe ape sar. Dept, University of York, enh met Ne YORK, North Yorks. YO1 50D
ship, M Road, Lang} ey. SLOUGH, E Berks. SL3 8JZ
Gordon, Dr L S. PO Box 275, ‘Ocho Rios, ST.

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Goswell, Mr K R, Kymin oe Westhide, HEREFORD, Herefordshire HR1 3RG
Goudey, Mr C, Lot 8, Cozens Road, LARA, Victoria 3212, Australia

Goulding, Mr & Mrs RV & D J, 239a Carr arn NORTHOLT, Middx. UB5 4RL

s BM, Po
Gray, Mr C T H, 21 Tall E ms Close, BROMLEY, Kent BR2 0
een, Miss V, Honeysuckle Cottage, Halstead Road, Aha, COLCHESTER, Essex CO6 3PP
. LES 5L:

OF
Grimbly, Mr P E, Walden, Toddington Lane, LITTLEHAMPTON, West Sussex BN17 6JT
is, M P, le Court,

Groun rRR Hordle Lane, LYMINGTON, Hants.
a er, Mr AL, 101a ‘oynings Woletes Ren leton, ere East Sussex BN3 8GN
Hailes, Mr E G, Le Carral, Les ON, Guernse , Channel Islands

Hainsworth, Mr P H, Station econ + SS Rohoabamachs STRATH RON, Ross. IV54 8YR, Scotland
Hall, Mr N A, 15 Mostyn Road "Hal Grove, STOCKPORT, i SK7 5HL
Hall, MPC Vine House, St Mau hans, MONMOUTH, Gwent N P5 30G, Wales
Haller, Mr M N. 2028 Avon Drive, Bese. Ohio 45431, U.S.A.
Ww,

’ 7, U.S.A.
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Hancock, Mr A, 12 Saroh Hollow, NEWGAST LE-UNDER-LYME, Staffs. ST5 9PA

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Harris, Miss M, 19 Oak Hill, EPSOM, "Sarey KT18

Harris, Mr S W, 1805 Fernwood Way, B LMONT, California 94002, U vi “

Harris, Mr T P, 67 The Street, evan: St Andrew, IPSWICH, Suttolk 7DE

Harrison, Mr 4 A ‘Sundew', = Manor Road, Pawlett, BRIDGWATER, foto TA6 4SN

# Sens Mr RAJ, 25 Cheyne Walk, Grange Park, LONDON N21 1D

Hart, Mr AAS, Lindfield, The ‘nan EAST KNOYLE, Wilts. SP3 6B

Haskins, Mr B P, Willowbrook Cottage, Waste yey ‘Cuda ington, NORTHWICH, Cheshire CW8 2TD
Hather, Dr J G, 44 Uphill Road South, WESTON- SUPER- E, Avon BS23 4ST

Soma ig C, De pe aay NAROEL Kon of sw LAWRENCE, Kansas 66045, U.

Hays, Mr NC, 4
Hear oy GW 30 Salisbury Road, Moseley, BIRMINGHAM, West se eg B13 8JZ
Handing. Mr R, BP P. ve re beck s, ST JEAN-CAP-FERRAT, 06230, Frai
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Hennipman, Prof. Dr My Botanisch Museum en Herbarium, Heidelber: rglaan 2, Box 80 102, UTRECHT
3508 TC, Ne therlands
Hewitt, Mrs J, Haygarth, Cleeton St. Mai Me nrrbaab et Worcs. DY14 0QU
Hibbs, Mrs R, 30 London Road, HAILSHAM, East Sussex BN27 3BW
Hi ckman, Mr G A, Tresco, 25 Stoneleigh Road, Gibbet Hill, COVENTRY, West Midlands CV4 7AB
d, Westbu

s
pt, The
Hill, Dr DA W, Gwynfryn, Colle Way, REIGATE, Surrey R 3H2 9. iH
Hill. Cottingham, Dr & Mis H G1 Mill House, 18 High a, Shapwick, BRIDGWATER, Somerset TA7 9NB
i D-3380,

x Roa Brpeeli yatar rts. WD6 1
Hoare, Mr & Mrs G K, 8 Church Road, Locks He h, SOUTHAMPTON, Hants. SO3 6LU

M ;
Hollis, Ms N S, ie or Road, KANSAS CITY, Missouri “phi y USA.
Holly, Miss E F, < s Road, HENLEY-ON-THAMES, Oxon. RG9 2DG
Ho ‘ nderland Avenue, OXFORD D, Oxon . OX2 8DX
Homes, Prof. & Mrs J & E, Avenue ee 58, BR pear B1160, Belgium

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Hopton, Mr B B, 47 Himley Crescent, Goldthorn Park, WOL VERHAMPTON, Sasa Midlands WV4 5DE
Horne, Mr K G, Garden Fiat, 9 Manilla Road, Clitton, BRISTOL, Avon BS8 4
Hoshizaki, Mrs B J, 557 N. Westmo reland Avenue , LOS AN ELES, Hood coos, U.S.A.
uitt 9

e, 30, Fran
Howlett, vg M, Folly Farm, Foll Lane, WARMINSTER, Wilts. BA12 7RG
Hubert rt, Mr JF D, '23 Walnut 7 Tree Avenue, Wilmington, DART cb eg Kent DA1 1LT
1 | Rio Drive, FORT MYE ’ Flori ida 1 USA

Hutcheson, Mr M, Garden Cottage, Sizergh Castle, KENDAL, *Curibri LAB BAE

Hyman, Mr Dr G, 3 Retford Sout The log, Whitechurch. CARDIFF, 8. Ss. y Ganicitii CF4 1EE, Wales
man, Mr VL, 196 Oswald Road, CHORLT cs. M2

ide, Miss J M, Roehampton institute, Whitelands College, _ Hill, “Putney, LONDON SW15 3SN

imier, Mr R, 1403 Robin Lane DUNCANSVILLE, penn nsyivania 16635, U

‘°

Bunkyo-ku TOKYO 1 32, Japan
Jabylonsky, Herrn G R, ‘Sone 16, HILDEN ea
Jacobsen, Dr WB G, P.O. Box 7777 “HENNOPSMEER 0046, uth —_

James, Mr R J, 55 Br il Close, Hyde e Court, Stratton 1 Saargaret, SWINDON, Wilts. SN2 6SN
4 ET. ts.
Jarvis, Mr J E, Vermont, Jubilee Road, Nailsworth, STROUD, Glos. GL6 =
Ss illowside, ni

Jelly, Mr G R, 10 Newstead Avenue, Ma Feat Key, NOTTINGHAM, f Notts. NG3 6FZ
Jen ins, Mr RL, 1001 NW 70th Ave, P

Jermy, Mr AC, Dept of Botany, The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, LONDON ne 5BD
Johns, Mr R J, The Herbarium, hove Botanic Gardens, Kew, RICHMOND, Surrey TW9 3AE
Johnson, Mr B H, 4 Linden Ave Ue. Season M33 1Ri
ee Mrs JI, 1911 4th finan? West, SEATTLE, Washington 98119, U.S.A.
Jones, Mr V, Old Blacksmith’s Forge, lncgany aren MIDDLESBROUGH, Cleveland TS9 6LL
tay. br § L, Dept of Fone be DSU THAMP of hy N’Bwte NOH 3 eee: Berks. RG6 2AS

M

O, Cana
Dr M, Botanic Gardens, Universi ot f Tokyo, 37 san, TOKYO 112, Japan
Road, PE ein n CFE

2LL, Wales

ne, Cany (feck Ffarmers, D Dyfed, Wales
Kelsall, Miss C J, Gowan Beck, 1 Ings Hall, Ings, KENDAL, Cumbria LA8 9PZ
Kenchington, Mr M A, 82 Whitsbury Road, FORDINGBRIDGE, Hants. SP6 1LA
Kenneth, Mr AG, Stronachullin, ARDRISHAIG, Argyll PA30 8ET, Scotland

Kershaw, Mr D J, 4 Ennerdale Road, FORMBY, Merseyside L37 2EA

Key, Mrs H, Fibrex Nurseries Ltd, Honeybourne Road, Pebworth, STRATFORD ON AVON, Warwicks.

7

King, Mr PL, 13 sayy taka Gardens, ruses St Andrew, IPSWICH, Suffolk IP4 5RD
King, Mr R, Cherit on, Gorseway, Hartley, DARTFORD, Ken t DA3
Kingston, Miss M M, '5 Wes sley Avenue cigar Ha’ WALSALL, Gerace WS6 7JF

i nes.

Kitchener, Mr G D, Crown Villa, Otfo a Conk, Halste ad, SEVE ENOAKS, Kent TN14
Knox-Thomas, Ms E, The Tollhouse, 1 Llanbadarn Road, Aberystwyth, CEREDIGION, Dyfed SY23 1EJ,

Wales
Koh, Mrs E A, 9P irie Road, ADDLESTONE, Surrey KT15
Kornas, Prof. Dr J “institute of Botany, Ja iellonian Universi Sart Lesista 5, KRAKOW, 31-463, Poland
Kowalska, ne D, 86 Dor Road, Merton, LON 9 ah

_adell, Miss M, 43 TFORD, Herts. S

Lamb, Mr R P H, 6 The Parklands, Scruton, NORTHALLERTON, North Yorks. DL7 OQT
Lawson, , 42 Marine Road, ANNATYNE, Isle of Bute, tlan

Leake, Mr D, 124 West 80th Street, NEW YORK, New York 10024,

A.
Lenski, Dr |, F.B. Biologie - Botanik, Karl v. Frichstrasse, MARBURG, D-3550, Germany

i Ww NW
Leyshon, Mrs K E, Flat 3, 2 Walerand Road, Blackheath, LONDON SE13 7PG
Liquorish, Miss E M, 6 Hope Street, Beeston, NOTTINGHAM, Notts. NG9 1DR
e, j

i PR8 SAA
Lobin, Dr W, Botanischer Garten, Meckenheimer Allee 171, BONN 1, epi eel
M 54 Rearhwoand ea

Mg cok be, PORLOCK, t
Lord, Dr WA, 8 if Cscrae’ Street, CHELTENHAM, Glos. GL50 oye
Lord ding, M hess 17 Hill Ai CROWB U H, East Sussex TN6
Lovis, Prof abd ee { Plant & Microbial Sciences, University of paneer: CHRISTCHURCH 1,
Lucas, Mr P, 23 ychote Avenue, Braunstone, LEICESTER, ke LE3 2ST
L , Mr NC, Maryfield urseries, LESLIE, Fife KY6 3JU, Scotlan
eye Mr A S, 2 Liwynbrain Villas, Howey, LLANDRINDOD WELLS, Powys LD1 5PY, Wales
Allee 68a, BONN 2, D- , Germ

epi Mr P J, The Hermitage, Church Hill, Haddiscoe, NORWICH, Norfolk NR14 6PF
Markiw, Mr JG, Sunny Bank, 38 Main Road, Maisycwmmer, NENGOED, Mid Glamorgan Ci 6 7RP,

Marley, Mrs J A, 5 Seaview Street, MOUNT KURINGAI, New South Wales 2080, Australia

Marriage, Mr A, The Moorings, be, UpLyme, LYME tage Dorset D

Marston, Mrs J K, Culag, Green Lane, Nafferton, DRIFFIE mberside YO25 OLF
Martz, Mr J, Lindenstrasse , Bayern, D-8510, puase y

Mashiter, Mr J, Elfrigg, Beach Arnside, CARNF'

ood, RTH, Lancs. LA5 OAU
Mason, Mrs E O, Dial Park, Chadde desley Corbett, KIDDERMINSTER, Worcs. DY1
5, Dept hs General Education, T: Tokyo Womens’ Christian caivetstty. hes 4, Mitaka,

an
Matsumoto; Dr , Tsukuba Bot. Garden, National Sci. Mus., Amakubo 4-1, TSUKUBA-SHI, Ibaraki-ken

Mattheij, Mr W M, Marijkeweg 26-B-O, Matera yt, 6709 PG, Netherlands
Matthews, Mr H W, 39 Maple Avenue, SOUTH iddx Merge,
Matthews, Mr R J, 231 Coventry Road, NUNEATON, Warwicks. Cvi0

Maxted, Mr N W, Dept of Biol ¥, The Univer co SOUTHAM pd! tenk SO9 5NH
Maxwell, ve T RA, 12 Stockwell Park Crescent, L “| LONDON Sws9
Ma

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Merryweather, Mr J W, Biology Dept, University of York, Heslington, Y RK, North Yorks. YO1 50D
Mickel, Dr J T, New York Botanical Garden, Bronx, NEW YORK, New York 10458, U.S.A.

Milburn, Mr 2% Mrs P & L, Hardley hos NORWICH, Norfolk NR14 6BU

Mitchell, Mr B J, 31 Derwent Crescent, KETTER ING, Northants. NN16 8UH

Montgomery, Dr J D, py Eoolocy lil, RDI, BERWICK. PA 18603, U.

Moodie, Mr L G W, Summerlea, Watchill, L LOCHMABEN, Dumfriesshire DG11 sms Scotland
Moore, Miss J, 2 Gannet Street, GLADESVILLE, New South Wales 21 111, Austr

Moran, Dr R C, Missouri Botanical Garden, PO Box 299, ST LOUIS, Missouri rabbits U.S.A.

R
re BECCLES, R34 8DG
Mort, Mr T P, 68 Bridge Street, Golborne, WARRINGTON, Lancs. WA3 3QB
Mullin, Mrs F M, 224 Lightfoot Lane, Hr. Bartle, PRESTON, Lan Lancs. PR4 OLA
undy, Mr N I, 14 Connaught Roa d, HAVANT, Hants. POS 2

Munyard, Mr S J, 234 Harold Road, HASTINGS, East Sussex TN35 SNG
| E oe

rsca
Myers, Mr M D, Fairview Sinetinouter rapt erbridge, HARROGATE, North Yorks. HG3 4
Nakaike, DrT, : Dept o of Botany, National Science Museum, 3-23-1 Hyakunin-Cho, Shinjuku-ku, TOKYO
160 japan
Nakamura, Dr T, can Edu. Bot.Lab., Tokyo Nogyo Univ. 1-1, Sakuragaoka 1-Chome, Setagaya-ku,
KYO 156 AC, Japan
Nethercott, Mr P J M, 6 Hazelwood Court , Hazelwood Road, tegen Avon BS9 1PU
Neuroth, Herrn RN, Tiergartenstrasse 24° MONTABAUR, D-5430, Ger oe
Newbould x tac jeing P, Dromore House, 88 Coolyvenny Road, COLERAINE, Londonderry BT51 3SF,
Northern Ireland
Newey, Mr V F, 27 Watts Road, rhage Warwicks. B80 7JP
Nichol, Mr P, 5 Em Avenue, NEWARK, Notts. NG24 1SE
Nicholls, Mrs o re vii Post eres FRAMPIELD an GE t
immo-

Norfield, Mr & , Rose ge, Lower ecard ST. cnt seg aoe GL15 6RW
Nunn, Mrs , 75 Hursley Road, Leigh Park, HAVANT, Hants
O'Shea, Mr B J, 131 Norwood Road, LONDON

4
Offord, Mr A C, West Cottage, 24a Norham Gardens, OXFORD, Oxon. OX2 6QD
Ogden, Mr & Mrs A H & V, 9 The Drive, Hopwood, Alvechurch, BIRMINGHAM, West Midlands B48 7AH
den, Miss J R, 10 Swinnate Road, Arnside, CARNF! RTH, R
Ollgaard, Mr B, Her bario, Depto. de Biologia, P. Universidad Catolica del Ecuador, Apartado 2184,
dor

u
Olsen, Mrs S S, Foliage Gardens , 2003 128th Avenue S.E., BELLEVUE, Washington ca U.S.A.
Ostenrath, Mr F, Zoo ve AG, fon, SHEPE pga 3, DUISBURG 1, 4100, Germ
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Palmer, D ~ 1975 Judd Hillside Street, HON LULU, Hawaii
‘andey Niwas, Laxmi Hotel Building, RAE BARELI. Uttar Pradesh 229 001, India
Panneh’ 1, Dr . M, Dept of Plant Sciences, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, OXFORD, Oxon.
OX

aes Dr B S, 16A O'Neills ayes ger AUCKLAND 9, New Zealand
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Paul Miss M, Dept of ‘bouen imi ore ety Mu reat Cromwell Road, LONDON SW7 5BD

Peck 13 Patton tan LPHIA, ae eoye a 19118, U.S.A.

Peroni, Dott. > Via Vi tie 18 B. BESANO A),

Perry Mr 4 R, Dept er raat tional Museum of of Wales, CARDIFF, S. oe al CF1 3NP, Wales

Petc>. .ir R, Sergeants Mess, RAF Lossi TON, Hants RRAY IV31 6SD, Scotland

’ Se U34 3LE
Carrs Crescent, Formby, LIVERPOOL, Merseyside L37 2EU

tty,
Phillips, 5a Eccleston 1
Philips, Mr Prof. REG, yume, Sno gyiteneal-eler Val di Pesa, FIRENZE 50020, Ital Ws
Piearce, Dr T G. Dept of Bio ological Sciences, Unive: of Lancaster, ‘LANCASTER, Lancs. Nat 4
coe Miss S J A, 89 High Street, pg rane BURTON Pad TRENT, Staffs. DE12 7HZ
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Piggott, Mr & Mrs C J & A, 1 St Marks, Brunswick Place, DAWLISH, Devon EX7 9PD
Pigott, Mr AC, 43 Molewood Road, HERTFORD, Herts. '$G14 3AQ

Ponting, Mr E D, 4 The Brambles, Girton, CAMBRIDGE, Cambs. CB3 ONY
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Potter, Mr M J, eee School of Chiropody, LEAF Hos| spital, St Annes Road, EASTBOURNE, East
Sussex B'
Mr & Mrs C Ma 4 Kennel Lane, Webbington, a oberg a hechbassha BS26 2HS
de Pi , LAM LE

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Quansah, Mr N, c/o Dr Martin Nicoll, WWF Aire res Prot s, ANTANANARIVO 101, Madagascar
Randall, Miss he J, 10 Crown own Cottages, Wick Lane, Eng field ‘cheno ea Surrey TW20 OHT
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Raybould, Dr A F, Institute of Terrestrial Ecology, Furzebrook Research Station, WAREHAM, Dorset
BH20

Reeves, Mr RL, 43 Masshouse Lane, King's Norton, BIRMINGHAM, West Midlands B38 9AS
Regenwetter, M. H, 44 Rue du Bois, SOLEUVRE 44. 4421, Luxembourg
Reinecke, Hig L K, Scawdel, Grange-in- seb ntrget KESWICK, Grclivaty CA12 5UQ
Reynolds, Mr S Hf '3 Leicester Drive, TUNBRIDGE WELLS, Kent 5
Ribbins, Mrs M M, 48 Beech Road, Nort rton, STOURB RIDGE, West Midlands DY8 2AR

ichardson, Ms S A, Tallinn, 12B St Martin’s Avenue, EPSOM, Surrey KT18 5HS
Richmond, Mr D, Holly Tree House, Taiderwen Road, Cradoc, BRECON, Powys LD3 SLN, Wales
Richmond, Miss T M, Richmond Hill, Silverdale, CARNFORT H, Lancs LAS QUE
Rickard, Mr M H, The Old Rectory, Leinthall Starkes, LUDLOW, ‘Shropshire SY8 2HP
Ridout, Mr R, 64 Grayson Street, HACKETT, A.C.T. UF cre Austral

io e

Rigby, Mr J, 29 Lytham Road, SOUTHPORT, Me rseysie
Ripley, Mr & Mrs P H, North Lodge, Dene Park Gardens Rene Road, TONBRIDGE, Kent

Ritchie, Mr G B, 45 Lansdowne Road, LONDON W11 2LG

Ro , Mr M, 1 Barley Close, es Cotter, BRISTOL, Avon ap 2ED
Roberts, Mrs P D, Unicorne, Long Hill, Seale ARNHAM, Surr y GU1 0 1NG
Roberts, Mr R H, Quinto 51 Belmont oad BANGOR, Gwynedd LL57 2HY, Wales

Robinson, Mr C, 5 Cambridge Road, Moseley, BIRMINGHAM, West Midlands B13 QUE
Rockett, Mr P B, 124 Codsall Road, Tettenhall, WOLVERHAMPTON, West Midlands mae 9QH
Rogers, Mr C J, No 1 Fingest Cottage, on End, HIGH a eux HP14 3LR

oi

i Prttew d
Russell, Mr J PC, The Dairies, Castle Howard, YORK, North Yorks. YO6 7BY
Rutherford, Miss A, Moniaive, 19 South King Street, HELENSBURGH, Dunbartonshire G84 7PU, Scotland
Sahashi, Dr N, Shoyaku Kenkyushitsu, Boga aku- Bu, Toho Daigaku, 2-2-1 Miyama-cho,
FUNABASH HI-SHI, Chiba-ken
Scannell, Miss M J P, 43 Raglan n Road, Balsbrdge,| DUBLIN 4, Ireland
Schmick, Mr H, 1m Grund 6, GLIN

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Sohneliec Dr J J, Kuse sertobelweg 1 Rg tn a CHB H-8700, ge ei

Schollick, Mr H rc 11 Church Way, , OXFORD, Oxon. Ox4
Schroder, Mr N R, 2 The Dell, HAY RDS HEATH, West Moet RH16 1JG
Schulze, Dr G, Leuschner: U N, Rheinland-Pfalz, D-6700, Germany
Schweizer, Mr R, Hohwachtweg 5, STRENGELBACH, CH-4802, Switzerland
Scoble, Mrs P A B, Rosemergy, Walk,
Scott, Mr M M, 24 Gardner's nt, EDINBURGH EH3 8DE, Scotland
Scott, Mrs W, 31 Mulberry Hill, Shenfield, BRE D, 15 ae
tt Jnr, Mr W, rhoull, ay, LAND AB3 OUS, Scotian
Scouller, Mr CE K, Tigh-na-Faoilei ie, Rhue, ULLAPOOL, Ross. IV26 ad, Scotland

Scroggie, my RT he Old Sch House, Badachro, GAIRLOCH, Ross. IV21 Syme
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Sellars, Miss P M, 9 Addison Place, Holland Park, LONDON
Shawcross, Mrs B, se, Lane, Rixton WARRINGTON, Cheshire WA3 6ED
Sheffield, [ Dr E, Dept Cell & Structural Biology, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, MANCHESTER

rlock, Mrs N M, 590 E Ki sent ai Road, NORTH VANCOUVER, British Columbia V7N 1J3, Canada
Sibbald, Dr A, 18 Horseguards Drive, MAIDENHEAD, Berks. SLB 1XL
Simpson, Mr R, 3 Pickering Fold, BLACKBURN, Lancs. BB1

Skinner, Mr D M, 660 ieee Street, SOLIHULL, Warwicks.
Fi Dr J, De t of Biolo yf George Mason University, FAIRFAX, Virginia 22030, U.S.A.
Sledge, Dr W A, Dept of fe & Applied Bio ye Un The University, LEEDS, West st Yorks. LS2 QUT

Sleep, Dr A, Te ete L EDS, West Yorks. LS2 SJT
Smith, Mr A, 17 Linda Grove, teeny POS

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Smith, Dr A R, ee: of Botany, eke Senos of Calton, BERKELEY. California 94720, U.S.A.
Smith, Mr & Mrs F R, 6 Settlebeck mira LA
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0d

Stark, Mrs | A, Woodlands Cottage, Summerbridge, HARROGATE, North Yorks. HG3 4BT
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Mr B R, Willow Cottage, Cowling, KET, Suffolk CB8 9QB
Stirling, Mr A McG, 17 Austen Road, Jordanhill, G ,

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Storey, Miss | N J House, Hayes Aieney BROMLEY, Kent BR2
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Swinscow, Dr T D V, 24 Monmouth Street, Topsham, EXETER, Devo ieee OAJ
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Tatham, Mrs MA, 17 Oa ree Way, Little Sandhurst, CAMBERLEY, Suey GU17 8QS

Taylor, Mr |, Melody Cottage, Haverthwaite, ULVER RST ON, Cumbria LA12 1a

Taylor, Mr & Mrs T & J, 144 y Rae sess Park Road, Meersbrook, SHEFFIELD, South Yorks. S8 9FP

Taylor, Dr “es Lod. ce vag Dept, Milwaukee Public Museum, 800 West Wells Street, MILWAUKEE,
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Taylor (RT Nada & Garden), Mrs A, Orange Farm, Kilmersdon, Radstock, BATH, Avon BA3 5TD

Temple, Mr M, Spring Pond Cottage, 36 Little Common, STANMORE, Midd. HAT 3 era

Temple, Mr P, Wingfield, 2 Déneside, E st Dean, EASTBOUR E, East

Thomas, ‘3 B A, Botan ay ati t, National Museum of Wales, taboo Park, CARDIFF g teckioies
F1 3NP

Thomsit, Mr G, 37 Bele now Road, Weiss LONDON E11 3QW
Thorn, Mr R, 456 es e Longwy LUXEMBOURG, L 1940, Luxembour
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G, Sur
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Trueman, Dr | C, School of Applied Sciences, The Polytechnic, WOLVERHAMPTON, West Midlands
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Tryon, Dr R M, Dept of Biology, gigeos ee: SeHe Florida, TAMPA, Florida 33620-5150, U.S.A.
Twyman, Mr P, 11 Finsen Road
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Unger, S, Drenst yg eee gt UENSTER, R, D-4400,
Urquhart, Mr H R, The Cles: Aghios PEEBLES, Twaeddale geo Scotland
Valenzuela, Mrs C 7 om House, Houlsyke, Lealhol e, WHITBY, No rth Yorks.
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ent hg Mr J, Tweede Spoorst aat 1, GRONINGEN 9718PC, Netherlands
Vian RLL, Oude Sentra 5 5, SNELLEGEM 8221, wig um
Vogel Mr, Sach P.O. ‘Box 16353 sat ere 16 4e00 bi i6 bos South Af

Mr
Wagner, Dr F FS, De wsaer Biology, tint giriai of Michigan, ANN ARBOR, Mi Michigan 48109, U.S.A.
Wagner, Mrs V J, c/o 12 North View, Wimbledon Common, LONDON SW19 4UJ oA
Wagner, Prof. WH, Deot of Bi Biology, University of Michigan, ANN ARBOR, Michigan 48109, am
Walker, ad G, Dept of P a Egle Lay. Ridley Building, The University, NEWCASTLE-UPON-

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Walsh, Mrs Mf E, Glas Fryn, ei Penmachno, BETWYS-Y-COED, edd LL24 ORN, Wales
Walton, ng K, -e/0 i otleng woes ham on Te ice wae icks. CV34 4TT

ro h, Bodfari N
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0511 1, Singa
Werner, M H, Arum , BER a So
Werth, Dr ne ey Be fag hag nse Tech, University, LUBBOCK, Texas 79409, U.S.A.
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Ot
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BS
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White, Mr L, Room 307, Sir Robert Mark Section House, 6-16 Bryanston St, LONDON W1H 7AD
Whittaker, Miss M P, 99 Lakeway, BLACK Lancs. FY3 8PE
OLMES CHAPEL, Cheshi
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Wildevuur, Prof. Dr C RH, Ossenmarkt 8, GRONINGEN 9712 NZ, Netherlands
Williams, Mr & Mrs B & M, 20 Melbourne Court, WELWYN GARDEN CITY, Herts. aT: a

Williams, Mr |G, Rhiwenfa, Groesion, CAE ,@ 7TB, Wai les
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Williams, Mr S L, 226 Upton Road South, BEXLEY, Kent DAS 1
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Willmot, Dr A, 2 Kedleston Close, Allestree, BY, Derbys.
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Witts, Ms B, 15 Portland Road, Stoke, PLYMOUTH, De A
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Woolveridge, Mr D C, Garden Cottage, Ripley, HA' North Yorks. HG3 3A’
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m

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Wright, Mr EV, Hall Place, Wycombe End, BEACONSFIELD, Bucks. HP9 1N

Wright, Mr J |, Collinwood Mount, Priest Lane, Mottram St. Andrews, MACCLESFIELD, Cheshire

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U.S.A.
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H-8008, Switzerland

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party split into two groups one on the north face and one on the south. On the north
side, presumably the site described by Dickie, the rocks have been used over the years
by rock climbers, so that now much of the rock is polished by the many boots and
all hand holds raked clean, so | fear there is little chance that the tiny forked spleenwort
has survived on this site.

An interesting incident later in the week took place in the local post office/shop: a
lady who espied my BPS Tee shirt asked if | was going to see the little fern that looks
like grass at the Pass of Ballater. Yes, she had been with a local botanist and confirmed
it. ‘When?’ | asked - ‘about 20 years ago’ she said!!

Mon. 6 August - Loch Muick, 37/3084 - 37/2781. Monday gave us a showery
morning which progressed to an overcast afternoon with sunny periods. After admiring
a large herd of red deer with some most impressive antlers in evidence, the group
set off to walk around the loch and | was beginning to think | was in error to have
suggested this site as the ferns were few and far between. The day did however yield
up 16 for the checklist: Lycopodium clavatum, Huperzia selago, Equisetum sylvaticum,
Phegopteris connectilis, Oreopteris limbosperma, Athyrium filix-femina, Gymnocarpium
dryopteris, Polystichum aculeatum, Dryopteris affinis subsp. borreri, D. dilatata and
Blechnum spicant.

We had stopped for lunch at the far (west) end of the loch and it was decided that
the more adventurous members including one lady, Ann Daly, would ascend to the
summit of Lochnagar at an altitude of just over 3,000ft, by way of the Glassalt Burn
which enters the loch at the Royal Hunting Lodge (we were on the Balmoral Estate);
this entailed a 2,000ft climb above the loch. The other ladies, children, myself and lan
Nimmo-Smith showed exceptional discretion and continued our circumnavigation of the
loch and back to the cars, to meet up with most of the mountaineers later at Profeits.
The additional finds by the ‘Upper Class’ were: Lycopodium annotinum, Diphasiastrum
alpinum, Athyrium distentifolium, Dryopteris expansa and Pteridium aquilinum.

The latter was also seen on the return from the loch by the ‘ramblers’ group. Steve
unfortunately sustained a minor injury to foot and knee whilst in the high country and
we hoped it would not adversely affect his performance for the rest of the week.
Unfortunately Tuesday's trip was long and arduous and took its toll, leaving him in
considerable discomfort and he subsequently had to curtail his activity for the rest of
the week. The hard day to which | refer was -

Tues. 7 August - Glen Callater, Loch Callater & Loch Kander, 37/1588 - 37/1980.
lt was a mainly sunny and warm morning but became overcast in the afternoon, a
slight offering of rain never really got going so weather-wise no complaint. We were
joined on this trip by Una Urquhart as this area includes an SSSI which she monitors
and she was pleased to have the opportunity to brush up and extend her fern knowledge.

Not having visited the Glen before, | made enquiries from hill walking colleagues; they
considered it a Sunday afternoon walk. WRONG! Don't ever ask hill walkers, they must
have different standards to us mere mortals. It was a long, long walk to Loch Callater
then a long, hard walk to Loch Kander. Dickie records among other things Cystopteris
montana at the head of the glen. | regret we were unable to confirm this record, but
there were large areas we were unable to cover; we did however record 17 on the
checklist, pushing our overall total to 28. Recorded here were: Huperzia selago,
Diphasiastrum alpinum, Selaginella selaginoides, Equisetum fluviatile, E. sylvaticum,
Botrychium lunaria, Cryptogramma crispa, Polypodium vulgare, Phegopteris connectilis,

17

Asplenium viride, Athyrium distentifolium, Gymnocarpium dryopteris, Cystopteris fragilis,
Polystichum lonchitis, Dryopteris oreades, D. expansa and Blechnum spicant.

It was a very tired group that staggered into Profeits that evening to eat and rest up
for -

Wed. 8 August - 38/662245. This was to be Peter Hainsworth’s last of three days
with the party and this locality being some small way on his journey home to Loch
Carron was chosen for this particular day. Peter had set off before the main group,
which made an unscheduled stop to look at a disused railway cutting at Tillyfourie 38/
643125. This proved to be a superb Dryopteris site and Anthony Pigott, who with Margo
Ladell arrived at Dinnet late on Tuesday, was able to instruct us on this interesting
but confusing group. Anthony identified Dryopteris affinis subsp. borreri, subsp.
cambrensis, var. robusta, and D. carthusiana. With a frond from each for comparison,
the differences were a little easier to distinguish, although in my case no easier to
remember. We did however remember Peter awaiting our arrival at Bennachie, so Steve
went on to let him know the reason for our delay, and to let him know we would lunch
at Inverurie first as it was now nearing noon. Peter had left a note on his car to say
he had decided to go on ahead.

Having arrived at Inverurie the group passed the local library and in the window was
a copy of Hardy Ferns; Reg Kaye was with us in print at least. At the other side of
the Town Hall on a wall were Asplenium ruta-muraria and A. trichomanes subsp.
quadrivalens, adding to a total of 20 for the day. New to our list was the last mentioned
plus Dryopteris affinis var. robusta, D. carthusiana and Asplenium adiantum-nigrum (see
below). After this trip to Watch Craig and Oxen Craig in the Bennachie group we decided
to return to Dinnet via Silverford, a derelict farm on the Cabrach Road 38/431250.
Beyond the ruin is a Serpentine outcrop upon which is a colony of Asplenium adiantum-
nigrum. This form had formerly been classified as A. cuneifolium, the Serpentine
spleenwort. The midges at this site were delighted we had come for dinner, so we
beat a hasty retreat to Dinnet and our own meal, and to anticipate the long awaited
visit to the next locality on -

Thurs. 9 August - Sea Caves and The Dee at Potarch. It was planned to leave the
hotel a little earlier than usual as we were to be influenced by the tides and on the
day, low tide would be at 9.53 am. We arrived at the locality at approximately 10.15
am and were met by Una once more. We made our way across the tidal area and
the party spent a good half hour at the type locality of Cystopteris dickieana. Clive was
pleased to see the colony looking so good, far better than on his last visit to the site
and he mentioned that the last visit by the BPS was in 1962? Other species present
were Asplenium marinum, Athyrium filix-femina and Cystopteris fragilis.

The nearby ‘Waterfall site’, as well as C. dickieana had Asplenium scolopendrium, not
at all common in this area, C. fragilis, A. filix-femina and D. dilatata. For lunch we
repaired to a local hostelry, after which some returned to the coast for more cave exploring
whilst | took the rest to the ‘Winter Gardens’, Duthie Park and also the Cruickshank
Botanic Garden at Old Aberdeen, where we saw several ferns, mostly imports. There
was however, a small group of Osmunda regalis at Cruickshank.

Our friends at the coast added Asplenium adiantum-nigrum to the list. We had arranged
for the two groups to meet up again at 4.30 pm at Potarch Bridge by Aboyne 37/
605973 which meeting in fact actually took place nearer 5.30 pm. This was a site for
Equisetum pratense which was located, as were two others, E. fluviatile and E. arvense.

18

On the parapet of the bridge was Asplenium ruta-muraria. Total for the day 11, running
total now 40.

Fri. 10 August - Glen Quoich, 37/1191 - 37/0894. Linn of Dee, a popular tourist
attraction, produced Gymnocarpium dryopteris and a few plants of Dryopteris filix-mas
with a degree of cresting, also Equisetum sylvaticum near which were many plants
of twayblade. We left some cars at the car park and all went on to Linn of Quoich
a few miles along the road, 37/119911. Early on our walk was a Dickie site for Polystichum
lonchitis, exactly as described in the Botanists Guide. Could he have examined this
very plant, or was that a forerunner of this one? The plant is conveniently just 10 minutes
from the car park and continuing up the river valley we found another 12 species and
enjoyed some scenery which would be hard to beat. This glen is one of the few areas
where the Caledonian forest still has a remnant. The age of the trees and the general
appearance of the area produced an atmosphere which couldn't have changed for a
hundred years or more, one felt.

Well up the glen - after a lunch break - | missed the path and after retracing our steps
for a few hundred yards we picked up this path to take us through Clais Fhearnaig
37/0793 - 37/0592 with its apparently man made loch and on to Glen Louie which
took us near the first Linn of Dee car park. Steve was waiting to take the drivers to
pick up the cars from Linn of Quoich. The day produced a total of 15, but nothing new.
The Nimmo-Smiths said goodbye here and started their journey toward home; several
of the others who were not with the group on day one decided to stop off at Glen
Ey and see the much discussed ‘Colonel's Bed’ locality.

Then as this was our last evening, the remaining members all met at Profeits for our
final dinner together, a pleasant meal at which various sentiments were expressed.
After dinner the group watched a video of a short visit to Peter's garden at Auchnashellach
which had been broadcast on the local BBC garden programme a week earlier.

Sat. 11 August - Burn o’ Vat, Dinnet Moor, 37/429997. Dinnet Moor is a nature
reserve cared for by the Nature Conservancy Council. | had previously had telephone
contact with Jim Parkin, the warden, and he met us at the visitors’ centre at about
10 am. He expressed the hope that we would find time to visit a fairly new reserve
at Dinnet which consists of an oak wood. Rob Cook of the NCC, Neil Timm, Anthony
and Margo arranged to meet Jim in the afternoon to give him a list of species found
in the wood.

We set out through the Vat, a geological feature in the form of an open topped cavern
once part of a prehistoric waterfall system, and continued up the burn where many
varieties awaited our discovery. The only new one was Polypodium vulgare which brought
Our total to 14 and the overall total for the week to 41. We returned for the last time
to Profeits for lunch after which the meeting was over for 1990.

Last PM. The last four remaining members met with Jim Parkin as previously arranged
to survey the oak wood opposite the Bridge of Dee at Dinnet, 37/462976. This area
had recently been cleared of conifers in the interest of preserving the oak wood system.
Jim conducted a tour of the wood and explained its history and plans for the future.
The following plants were identified within the area: Equisetum sylvaticum,
isin fea caisson Dryopteris filix-mas, D. carthusiana, D. affinis subsp. borreri
and subsp. cambrensis, .D. dilatata, Phegopteris connectilis, Blechnum spicant, Polypodium
interjectum, Oreopteris limbosperma and Athyrium filix-femina. Anthony also found a
plant which may prove to be D. affinis var. paleaceolobata, but he was unable to give

19

a final answer on the day. The warden thanked the group, and indicated that the findings
would be recorded in the NCC records, and | thank Neil for this account of the afternoon.

During the week we had walked many a hill mile, had many a laugh and learned a
little more of our subject. We had enjoyed possibly the best scenery that Royal Deeside
had to offer, the weather was, on the whole, reasonably kind to us and we had made
good and new friends within the ferning fraternity. For Steve and |, | would like to
say that the comradeship and obvious pleasure of the group more than repaid us for
any efforts we may have put into organising the meeting and | must sincerely say in
the scots of my adopted country: ‘WILL YE NO COME BACK AGAIN.

EASTERN GLAMORGAN - 14-16 September G Hutchinson & B A Thomas

The meeting was based at the Imperial Hotel, Newport Road, Cardiff where most visitors
from far afield stayed, arriving on Friday evening. A party of 15 set off from here on
Saturday morning with a view to visiting selected sites in the Vale of Glamorgan. However,
getting to the first two sites was delayed by traffic jams mostly caused by the St. Athan
44th annual air show combining the Battle of Britain 50th Anniversary (Red Arrows
and Red Devils).

After an unintentional tour through the village of Welsh St. Donats the party arrived
in one piece at Hensol Forest (31/0476). The pathway through the deciduous woodland
to the lake of Pysgodiyn Mawr was carpeted with Pteridium aquilinum and Molinia
caerulea. We headed westwards along the northern shore of the lake to reach the zones
of vegetation at the far end of the lake containing encroaching stands of Equisetum
fluviatile. On the way the acidic nature of the woodland floor was indicated by Athyrium
filix-femina and the dimorphic Blechnum spicant.

Here our first Dryopteris affinis was detected, its shuttlecock/chanterelle-shaped indusia
and parallelogram-shaped pinnules indicating subsp. borreri. The branching and hollow
transverse sections of Equisetum fluviatile were also examined. Most of the party were
able to squelch through the strong colony of Potentilla palustris to reach the main zone
of E. fluviatile with a stand of Carex rostrata nearby. We were able to gaze across at
the east end of the lake where Pilularia globulifera was known for many years. Sadly
it was last recorded in 1971 after which it was exterminated by dredging during the
construction of a small dam.

St. Donats (21/9468) was the next port of call with traffic delays relieved by views
of aerobatics over St. Athan. Unusually for a BPS field meeting protective headgear
was issued to all present on arrival. The Glamorgan Heritage coastal path was followed
for a short distance after murky views of North Somerset landmarks were perceived
across the Bristol Channel. The headgear was donned to examine the ledges along
the base of the high flat-bedded liassic limestone cliffs. Here, that delicacy of granny’s
front room Adiantum capillus-veneris was seen growing in its native habitat. Associated
species included Festuca rubra (glaucous-leaved), Carex distans, Samolus valerandi,
Crithmum maritimum and Hypochoeris radicata. The party bifurcated for lunch to
hostelries in Wick where the sun finally emerged.

A wide detour via the A48 was taken in the afternoon to avoid the air display. On
the way to Dinas Powis Equisetum telmateia was seen as large spreading stands, now
yellowing, along the large cuttings of the dual carriageway south east of Culverhouse
Cross on the western edge of Cardiff (31/1475). Arrival at Dinas Powis (31/1571) was
greeted by a fly past of the Red Arrows returning to base after zig-zagging from London

20

to St. Athan on a grand tour. The sheltered avenue of Cwm George was bedecked
with Asplenium scolopendrium, Polystichum setiferum and Polypodium interjectum.

The aim was to visit the classic site of Polypodium cambricum var. cambricum discovered
there by Richard Kayse of Bristol 322 years ago. The lower slopes up to the carboniferous
limestone cliff had P. cambricum freshly opened. The sori of Polypodium over the whole
weekend were immature (green) showing the later autumn and winter to be the best
times for serious work, in South Wales at least. A general view of the cliff face was
perceived as the woods opened out. The very steep climb to the base of the cliff was
rewarded with further P. cambricum, most fronds having curled up at the more exposed
sites and looking rather drought stricken. Two parties were taken across the base of
the cliff to view the var. cambricum through binoculars with much neck straining.

After the hair-raising descent the wood floor and lower slopes of Cwm George were
searched for forms of Polypodium interjectum with little success. Dryopteris affinis subsp.
borreri was also seen at the west of the trackway. The walk back caused a stir when
a collection of goats/sheep were seen, resembling large white poodles, later determined
as Anglo-Nubian goats with diagnostic pendulous ears. A specimen was not collected.
It was by now too late to visit St. Fagans and the party returned to the hotel to prepare
for a reception at the National Museum of Wales, Department of Botany.

Guests were given tours of the department and the herbaria. There was a small exhibition
showing distribution maps for the Asplenium trichomanes group, Dryopteris filix-mas
group and Polypodium in Wales; the difficulty of interpreting Polypodium vulgare records;
a simplified cytology of the D. filix-mas group and Polypodium in the British Isles;
Polystichum aculeatum forma cambricum; and the International Code of Botanical
Nomenclature article 71: Monstrosity - of relevance to Polypodium cambricum var.
cambricum. Microscopes were available for use. The newly commissioned herbarium
had on display exsiccata of the Dryopteris filix-mas group, all the British Polypodium
and hybrids, and the in vogue Asplenium trichomanes subsp. pachyrachis. The party
ended an energetic day with a meal in town at the Old Orleans.

Sunday dawned grey but again remained dry with sunshine in the afternoon. The areas
surrounding the South Wales coalfield were visited with the first stop at Cyfarthfa Castle
above Merthyr Tydfil (32/0407) adjoining the A470 Brecon Road. The castle and grounds
were built for the Crawshays, ironmasters of Merthyr and now house a school and
small museum, with parkland for the people of Merthyr to enjoy.

The first native ferns seen beyond the pleasant gardens proved after careful examination
to be Dryopteris affinis subsp. cambrensis, growing in a ditch adjoining the woodland.
In this population the fronds showed much overlap of the basal pair of pinnules on
each pinna with the rachis, and the basiscopic of the two were reflexed from the plane
of the pinna giving the appearance of a pair of projecting steps up the centre of the
frond. D. affinis subsp. affinis and subsp. borreri were soon located and this gave a
wonderful opportunity to examine all three recognised British subspecies in the field.
The features of the indusia, so important in determining the subspecies, were examined
with hand-lenses. A large plant above a ditch further into the wood proved to be the
robust form of D. affinis subsp. borreri, which has sometimes been confused with ae
D. filix-mas hybrid. Later microscope examination of the spores showed the majority
to be good with a scattering of shrivelled ones, which is to be expected for an apomictic
species. There was a hybrid near here, but this was Fallopia x bohemica, the hybrid
Japanese knotweed.

The late morning was spent initially viewing the Brecon Beacons Mountain Railway
train chug by on our arrival above the Taf Fechan (32/0610). We were to walk down
the old mineral line below the disused Morlais Hill quarries. This carboniferous limestone
area proved rewarding with Asplenium viride soon located growing below A. trichomanes.
The latter was common along the walled cutting to the railway tunnel with fronds growing
straight and outwards from the rock and having brick-red rachises. It was found to have
mean exospore length in air of 35 microns with good spores, favouring subsp. quadrivalens.

Near the old railway tunnel Gymnocarpium robertianum, Cystopteris fragilis, Polystichum
aculeatum and Epilobium nerterioides grew. For those who walked further, the now
darkening fronds of G. robertianum were resplendent on raised areas above the trackway.
In a shallow ditch a growth form of Dryopteris filix-mas was located with broad pinnules
and equilaterally triangular basal pinnae. Martin Rickard managed to climb up through
the steep wood and find a small colony of Phegopteris connectilis (a new 5km square
for Glamorgan). This encouraged several more to climb up which led to a late lunch
being taken in the Red Cow, Pontsticill.

With some people wishing to leave early the party split. The earlier party stopped for
a brief view of Caerphilly Castle and after escaping from the entanglement of one-way
streets drove up to the Warren (31/1685) on the sandstones at the southern edge of
the coalfield. Equisetum sylvaticum was found on the edge of a mixed woodland under
alder and beech, attractive in the slanting sunlight. A nearby roadside bank had five
ferns growing in close proximity - Athyrium filix-femina, Blechnum spicant, Dryopteris
affinis subsp. borreri, D. dilatata and Oreopteris limbosperma. We were later joined by
the full lunchers who then departed to examine an Equisetum telmateia site in
Morganstown (31/1281) on the alluvial plain of the River Taff. In the previous year
E. arvense was dominant on a small compact mound of earth and rubble, but in one
year it had been over-run by E. te/mateia.

The other party journeyed to the dark beech woods of Coed Coesau-whips (31/1986)
on the dolomite limestone and found a delightful colony of Polystichum aculeatum, one
plant only having bifurcate fronds. After inspecting the Equisetum telmateia site the
meeting ended with a final gaze up at the romantic Castell Coch nestling in the beech
woods above the Taff’s Well gorge.

THE AMERICAN FERN SOCIETY INC

wishes to extend an invitation to readers of this Bulletin to join the American Fern
Society. Regular members receive the Fiddlehead Forum six times a year. This newsletter
is published for the benefit of those who are interested in growing ferns, hunting for
them, and expanding their general knowledge of ferns. Journal members receive, in
addition to Fiddlehead Forum, the scientific quarterly American Fern Journal. Membership
costs $10.00 and $19.00 per annum, respectively, including overseas postage. For
particulars please write to Dr David S Barrington, Dept. of Botany, University of Vermont,
Burlington VT 05405, USA. Prospective members residing in Great Britain should write
to Miss A M Paul, Dept. of Botany, Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London
SW7 5BD.

22

REGIONAL MEETINGS 1990
WEST MIDLANDS AR Busby

The season began as usual with an information stand at the Welcome to Spring Flower
Show held at Arden School, Knowle, Warwickshire on the weekend of 14-15 April,
with space kindly provided by the Solihull Horticultural Society. Later in the year we
were provided with another opportunity to present the Society to the local gardening
public, with an information stand at the Heart of England Flower Show held in Balsall
Common, Warwickshire on the weekend of the 15-16 September. Thanks are due to
Mrs Doreen Watson, Secretary to both flower shows for kindly providing space free
of charge.

Vic and Jennifer Newey’s Open Day - 1 July. A cloudy, chilly day was soon cheered
by the warm welcome eleven members received from Vic and Jennifer when they kindly
opened their garden to local members. Their garden proved wider and longer than the
average garden found in many rural areas and blessed with much shade provided by
several fruit trees that formed part of an orchard. Vic’s interest in ferns developed many
years before he joined the Society, as the fine plantings of ferns in his garden proved.
Twenty-seven Watts Road is very much a shade garden and amongst his many ferns
are other shade-loving herbaceous plants. Arisaemas featured prominently and we were
particularly impressed with his plants of Arisaema tortuosum standing a metre high.
Near the house is a large pond well furnished with water plants and over 50 fish. The
margin of the pond supported fine plants of Osmunda regalis and a wide spread of
Thelypteris palustris.

Vic is a keen spore sower and has raised a number of very interesting fern varieties.
He has experimented with sowing spores from varieties of Dryopteris dilatata, a species
not often sought after as a particularly good garden fern, yet he has raised some very
attractive forms of it. In another greenhouse devoted to raising ferns from spores, Vic
displayed many sowings at various stages of development. Vic and Jennifer provided
us with a very interesting day rounded off with superb refreshments. Our thanks to
them for their generous hospitality.

Martin and Hazel Rickard’s Open Day - 23 September. Eighteen members assembled
at the Old Rectory, Leinthall Starkes near Ludlow for a visit to Martin and Hazel Rickard’s
garden. What must surely be one of the best private collections of hardy ferns awaited
our admiration. The members slowly toured the various beds and borders richly furnished
with the most interesting species and varieties of hardy ferns, while Martin explained
what we were seeing and related many stories of how he had come by them. A long
list of the ferns seen is not possible as this journal would have to run to extra pages
to record them all. Suffice it to say that the Centenary tour of British fern gardens
will be visiting this garden and | urge members not to miss this particular one.

One piece of good news is that Hazel Rickard has now begun to propagate hardy ferns
for sale to the public and she hopes to issue a plant list of choice varieties in the spring
of 1991. Hazel requests a stamped addressed envelope if anyone is interested in seeing
her list. | shall certainly be one of their regular customers. The afternoon ended within
the warmth of their home where we enjoyed fine refreshments in good company with
much fern talk and time to browse through Martin’s large collection of fern books.

Our thanks to Martin and Hazel for their kind hospitality and for opening their home
and garden to us.

LEEDS & DISTRICT Jack Bouckley

Muker, Swaledale, North Yorkshire - 14 June. Our 1990 programme got off to a
wet start when Richard Lamb led another of his Yorkshire Dales Field Studies. From
Muker in Swaledale we worked upstream towards Keld through beautiful alpine meadows
in full flower. There is an old record of Equisetum variegatum dating back quite a number
of years which we hoped to rediscover. Dr W Sledge of Leeds University had seen this
plant at Kisdon Force but although a thorough search was made around this area we
were not lucky enough to find it again. It was still raining when we ate our dampish
packed lunches down by the falls. We then clambered up a very steep, wet and muddy
track back to the main footpath and on towards Catrake Force, but still there was no
sign of the elusive variegated horsetail. Richard had obtained permission to visit a private
area of Crackpot Hall estate which was on our return journey, so some went round
that part while the others carried on downstream to Swinner Gill. We all met up again
at that point and made towards our cars, once again through the meadow full of primroses,
geraniums, alpine pansies and a host of other plants in full flower. We had Seen nothing
unusual in terms of fern species but had all enjoyed ourselves immensely.

Morecambe Bay, Lancashire - 7-8 July. Our next trip was to the Morecambe Bay
area. We started on the Saturday in heavy rain with a trip to Gait Barrow, an NCC
area, with Mr Tony Aldridge, the local Warden, as leader. This is a very interesting
Nature Reserve, a possibly unique type of limestone pavement which was worn almost
flat in the ice age - in other words, hardly any grykes in places. Even so there was
plenty to be seen both on the pavement and in the woods and it seemed that Tony
knew every plant personally. Ferns seen were Asplenium adiantum-nigrum, A. ceterach,
A. ruta-muraria, A. scolopendrium, A. trichomanes subsp. quadrivalens, Athyrium filix-
femina, Cystopteris fragilis, Dryopteris dilatata, D. filix-mas, D. submontana, Equisetum
arvense, Gymnocarpium robertianum, Polypodium vulgare, Polystichum aculeatum and
Pteridium aquilinum. We do thank the NCC and Mr Aldridge for making this trip so
enjoyable.

In the afternoon we went over to Arnside to see John Mashiter for another tour of
the lovely planting of ferns at his home. Then he took us round Grubbins Wood to
see a drift of ‘scollies’ stretching for two or three hundred yards, as well as many other
very interesting plants. Our sightings of ferns were increased by Blechnum spicant.

On Sunday morning we went to Roudsea Wood, another NCC Nature Reserve, where
we were met by the Warden, Peter Singleton. He led the party for the first couple of
hours during which time we witnessed the unusual sight of a woodcock picking up
and carrying one of its half-grown chicks between its thighs as it flew to a place of
safety away from us. When Mr Singleton had to leave the party, Jacqui Ogden took
over as leader. We searched the quarry area for Ophioglossum vulgatum but were unable
to confirm the record of this plant. The total ferns seen during Sunday morning were
14: Asplenium ruta-muraria, A. scolopendrium, A. trichomanes subsp. quadrivalens,
Athyrium filix-femina, Blechnum spicant, Dryopteris affinis subsp. borreri, D. carthusiana,
D. dilatata, D. filix-mas, Oreopteris limbosperma, Osmunda regalis, Polypodium vulgare,
Phegopteris connectilis and Pteridium aquilinum.

After refreshments at the local inn, we travelled down to the north coast of the bay
where the River Kent flows into the sea. Here we added Adiantum capillus-veneris and
Asplenium marinum to our total for the day. This ended a very enjoyable and successful
weekend.

Roulston Scar, North Yorkshire - 4 August. This outing came at the end of the hottest
week any of us could remember. It had cooled just a little when we met the leader
for the day, Nan Sykes, to botanise the area round Roulston Scar near the White Horse
landmark at Sutton Bank. It was still fairly hot and we saw many casualties among
the ferns due to the hot and dry weather, but some looked remarkably fit considering
the conditions. We visited another couple of sites after lunch but they were not ferny
areas. We only saw the common fern species but we all had a nice time and Nan
found some more records of other plants for her forthcoming flora. Towards evening
three of us visited Gormire to try and find Ophioglossum vulgatum which some of us
had seen three years ago but it was rather late in the year and it had died back.

Upper High Stean, North Yorkshire - 1 September. Our leader was Michael Myers.
We met about eight miles north of Pateley Bridge to do a study of a rocky steep-sided
valley belonging to friends of his, Mr and Mrs Cale of Upper High Stean, who accompanied
us on the trip. There had been a shower in the morning before we arrived and the
rocky bed of the almost dried up river was very slippery, resulting in a couple of falls
but there were no injuries. The gorge was full of surprises as we clambered over rocks
and round bends but the time came for the return journey along the top of the bank.
In the afternoon we travelled downstream hoping to find the place where there is a
change to limestone but it was fenced off. It is certain we would have found more
species had we been able to work the limestone area. We next went to see Michael's
garden, where he maintains National Collections of Hepatica and Primula marginata.
It is indeed a very interesting garden with some very well-grown ferns. Many thanks
to Mr and Mrs Cale and Michael for such an enjoyable day. Plants found were Athyrium
filix-femina, Blechnum spicant, Cystopteris fragilis, Dryopteris affinis subsp. affinis, D.
carthusiana, D. dilatata, D. filix-mas, Gymnocarpium dryopteris, Oreopteris limbosperma,
Phegopteris connectilis, Polypodium vulgare and Pteridium aquilinum.

Eggleston Hall, Barnard Castle, North Yorkshire. - 22 September. Eggleston Hall,
just north of Barnard Castle was our venue for our last organised trip of 1990. Mrs
W Gray, the owner, had given us permission to look round the gardens and grounds
where there are some very fine fern varieties which had been planted many years ago,
and there were also quite a few species growing in the wall etc. In the afternoon we
went to another part of the estate along the bank of the River Tees: downstream from
the Hall. This is yet another wooded area in which the NCC is interested and it is kept
locked. Mrs Gray's gardener came with us to let us in. It was a very interesting afternoon
which resulted in our seeing Asplenium scolopendrium, A. trichomanes subsp.
quadrivalens, Blechnum spicant, Dryopteris affinis subsp. affinis and subsp. borreri, D.
dilatata, D. filix-mas, Equisetum arvense, E. telmateia, Polypodium interjectum, P. vulgare,
Polystichum aculeatum and Pteridium aquilinum.

A very successful season it has been with thanks once again to all who let us on to
their property, all those who led us and also to the three NCC districts by whom we
had been given information so willingly.

SOUTH-WEST M J Cragg-Barber

Cheddar Gorge, Somerset - 5 July. A very relaxed meeting led by Mary Potts on her
home ground in the Cheddar Gorge. Before lunch we climbed up Black Rock Drove
where Gymnocarpium robertianum surprised some by not smelling of lemon (others
had not realised it might smell of lemon!). We saw good stands of both Polystichum
species with one particular area full of P. setiferum and lady fern (Athyrium filix-femina).

25

After lunch we were taken further up the gorge to where Polypodium cambricum was
beginning to flush and Mary was also able to show us some examples of Dianthus
gratianopolitanus, a Cheddar rarity. We continued to enjoy the Potts’ hospitality at their
home and garden. A whistful atmosphere pervaded with the damage caused by gales
and drought, and new horizons opening for its owners.

Birds Marsh Wood, Wiltshire - 30 September. At the end of September we met in
the pouring rain and managed to find Asplenium scolopendrium, Polystichum setiferum,
Pteridium aquilinum and Equisetum arvense. The main stand of Dryopteris affinis subsp.
affinis had sadly been recently driven over by logging machinery. We were, however,
pleased to see Polypodium cambricum and P. interjectum growing on trees and logs.
In the afternoon we inspected the walls of Malmesbury. Asplenium trichomanes, A.
ruta-muraria and A. ceterach were all recovering somewhat from the drought. A few
sad examples of A. scolopendrium and Dryopteris filix-mas were found. Strangely, the
common polypody was found growing well on a wall presumably of limestone along
with wall-rue and in an alleyway right in the middle of Malmesbury beneath a shop
window we managed to find an unappreciated example of Pteridium aquilinum growing
up through the cobbles.

Bridgend - 7 October. The garden of Derek Fraser Jenkins at Bridgend is a perennial
delight containing items collected from seed lists from around the world, unheard-of
genera from unheard-of families introduced (and reintroduced) to us with a patience
and charm we cannot forget. Amongst the ferns a fine example of Adiantum formosum
stood out (once the fronds of Dicksonia etc. had been parted). Equisetum robustum revealed
its true colours as its drunkenly leaning pink stems erupted through the bottom of other
plants several feet from where it was supposed to be. This showed the relative decorum
and propriety of E. sylvaticum in cultivation, an example of which was growing nearby.
It was growing dark by the time we got round to the Dryopteris collection to which
we could not do justice.

SOUTH-EAST

Petts Wood - 22 June. Eight of us met under a sudden cloudburst at 7.30 pm; the
weather could only get better. Asplenium ruta-muraria and Polypodium interjectum were
seen on a bridge at the entrance to the woods. Equisetum arvense in many forms was
observed along the railway path. In a 60m stream into the Kyd Brook a find stand of
E. telmateia was observed.

Much of the woodland consists of poorer Blackheath Beds supporting only bracken and
sparse oak-birch woodland but this gives way in the north-west to damper, richer soils.
A solitary Asplenium scolopendrium was spotted amongst an unusually foliose clump
of Dryopteris filix-mas(51/447692). In another of these damp areas Athyrium filix-femina
and Dryopteris dilatata are found while further into the damp area Dryopteris carthusiana
spreads through several acres. Due to the storms and the subsequent increase in light,

PE Spa . ie aaa mie 1° Pe . cihlo

} L es .
weather the latter g y g ry inacce

That member for Portsmouth then joined us for tea and cake provided by Messrs Richard
and John Acock. And you have guessed correctly, he insisted on seeing the ferns the
following morning!

Pat Acock

South Downs, West Sussex - 5 May. A resplendent spring day found the first SE
meeting yet further afield in a sumptuous beech wood on the South Downs between
Petworth and Wisborough Green known as ‘The Mens’. Besides the usual SE clan we
were pleased to welcome a number of new members bringing the total by lunch-time
to around 20. Our leader, Peter Grimbly, mentioned the age of the wood and as if in
confirmation not ten yards in we saw a wild service tree. Insisting on walking all the
way, the group were treated to many fine ferns but especially in two areas. The first
had a whole range of Dryopteris including D. affinis subsp. borreri, with Athyrium filix-
femina and Blechnum spicant, as well as a depauperate D. dilatata almost identical
to the one found at Gunnersbury in 1988. The second area was one of those splendid
mature D. affinis subsp. affinis sites with enormous crowns amongst which Oreopteris
limbosperma was just unfolding.

The afternoon saw us on the steep, heavily wooded Bignor Hill above the famous Roman
Villa. A strenuous scramble along the site of the hill under a yew-ash canopy brought
us to the famous south-eastern outpost of Gymnocarpium robertianum. We were
expecting just a few fronds but were delighted to see the plant growing extremely well
over quite a sizeable area. The chalk scree was also host to some fine plants of Polystichum
setiferum and Asplenium scolopendrium.

We were then treated to tea at Peter’s, where Sue Grimbly and the family served us
with all sorts of good things while we admired Peter's fine collection of ferns in walled
gardens and terrariums in the greenhouse.

Pat Acock

Boulters End Common, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire - 8 September. A total
of 14 members (excluding our host, Crispin Rogers) met at Crispin’s charming house,
set in glorious Chiltern downland, an area not previously visited by the South-East group.
A marvellous view from the lawn to the village of Fingest provided the back-drop for
a woodland garden with a remarkable collection of ferns. Most were species rather
than varieties, and Dryopteris was particularly well represented. The collection included
D. intermedia and D. amurensis, which few of us had seen before. Other impressive
species were Dennstaedtia punctiloba and Hypolepis millefolia, growing well in shady
clumps. An exception to the species rule was a very foliose form of (?)D. filix-mas, collected
from Boulters End Common.

We were kindly entertained to coffee by Crispin’s Danish wife - indeed many of the
species had come from growers in Denmark, clearly a high fern-conscious country.

After lunch at a suitably convenient pub (we had to walk 100 yards!), just before we
travelled the short distance to Boulters End Common in the afternoon, we stopped to
look at a flint wall where Asplenium ceterach was just emerging from its shrivelled
drought-induced state. Polypodium, probably P. interjectum, and Asplenium ruta-muraria
were also present.

The common is a fairly dry, chalk, mainly beech wood carrying quite a sparse, but very
diverse fern flora. We centred on a swallow-hole - surely rare on chalk - where the
damp conditions provided a habitat for Athyrium filix-femina, Dryopteris filix-mas,
including a foliose form similar to the one in Crispin’s garden, D. affinis subsp. affinis
and possibly subsp. borreri, D. dilatata (probably the dominant species), and a few plants
of D. carthusiana. Pteridium aquilinum was present throughout the wood, but the most
Surprising find, near the swallow-hole, was Onoclea sensibilis.

27

So finished a visit to an area which surprised us in its beauty and variety. We were
most grateful to Crispin, both for his hospitality and for introducing us to this lovely

part of south-east England.
Paul Ripley

EAST ANGLIA

Welwyn Garden City, Herts - 17 June. It was a fine warm Sunday morning as nine
members made their way into Sherrards Park Wood within the boundary of Welwyn
Garden City. Little was seen in the southern part of the woodland (mainly old oaks)
so we went uphill into Temple Wood. Here we found good colonies of Dryopteris dilatata,
some possible D. carthusiana, D. filix-mas and Athyrium filix-femina.

Lunch was consumed in the garden of an old inn on the old Roman road, then back
into the woods. Here, soft clay ground underfoot indicated possibilities of something
different. Several plants of Blechnum spicant were found in a ditch. These were recorded
in the Flora of Hertfordshire by Pryor (ISBN 857.30941). He gives the location merely
as Sherrards Wood, so it is possible we found a different colony to that recorded in
1885. Further exploration of this site revealed a single plant of Dryopteris affinis
(morphotype/subsp. undetermined).

Our leader guided us to ‘Six Ways’, a circus of six main tracks in this ancient forest.
By-passing Brockswood alongside the old Luton to Hertford railway track, we rejoined
the cars and drove to 20 Melbourne Court, the home of Mary and Bernard Williams
(our leader) to see 180 different varieties of ferns, all named, and several more unnamed
ones. They are set in a small picturesque garden, down the sides of the nine cascades
of the waterfall. Others such as the varieties of Osmunda regalis, are set in the bog
garden and around the pool.

An excellent tea was consumed in the garden, followed by the showing of the video
‘British Ferns’, which was on loan from the Society.

The garden is open by appointment to any BPS members (Tel. 0707-333797).
Bernard Williams

Cambridge University Botanic Gardens and Wicken Fen, Cambridgeshire - 6 October.
Twelve members assembled at Cambridge University Botanic Gardens for a tour of both
the hardy and greenhouse ferns. A new catalogue (1990) of the plants in the garden
is now available which is an excellent aid to locating the ferns. The hardy ferns are
to be found in five main locations. The woodland area contains large plantings of
Matteuccia struthiopteris, some Polystichum setiferum and Athyrium filix-femina
varieties, Dryopteris affinis subsp. borreri and Cystopteris fragilis. Asplenium
scolopendrium ‘Cristatum’ (labelled ‘Crispum’!), Polypodium cambricum, P. interjectum
and self-sown Asplenium ruta-muraria can be found on the main rockery. The bog garden
contains Osmunda regalis and other species. Polystichum aculeatum and Dryopteris
affinis subsp. cambrensis are situated on the limestone mound. More hardy ferns are
to be found under glass beneath the staging of the alpine house and in the cooler
end of the glasshouse corridor. Ferns are used with good effect in the conservatory,
particularly Woodwardia orientalis, W. radicans and Todea barbara. The palm house
has recently been rebuilt and replanted as an attractive walk-through feature with many
tropical ferns and selaginellas used as underplantings.

28

Members were invited to consume lunch at the home of Margaret and lan Nimmo-
Smith and to view the ferns and many other interesting plants in their small, shady,
walled town garden.

The afternoon was spent at Wicken Fen (52/564706) as a joint field trip with local
naturalists wishing for an introduction to ferns. The BPS group was led by Anthony
Pigott and the local naturalists by Owen Mountford. Gigi Crompton, the county recorder
was pleased that Dryopteris filix-mas, D. dilatata, D. carthusiana and Athyrium filix-
femina were all confirmed at Old Carr near some old brick pits, but competing with
scrubby undergrowth. Thelypteris palustris was found in quantity, including a form with
purplish stipes. The BPS group then set off to explore Verrall’s Fen where Dryopteris
affinis had been recorded in 1974-6. Unfortunately it was not found in its former location,
and although the party searched other areas nothing further of interest was found. Azolla
filiculoides, Equisetum fluviatile and E. palustre have been recorded in the past at Wicken
but not seen in recent years.

Margaret Nimmo-Smith

SOUTHPORT FLOWER SHOW - 16-18 August A R Busby

Southport Flower Show was memorable for all the wrong reasons. Staging and cloths
for the Society stand were reduced by a third, resulting in cramped conditions and a
poor background which failed to set off the ferns. While applauding the fact that the
name boards had been repainted - the first time in nearly ten years, the management
failed to ensure that the boards had been fixed to the stand where everyone could
read it. All for the want of a hammer and two nails.

We also faced problems with the exhibits. In the competitive classes only four people
entered ferns in the ten classes. Classes 5, 6 and 12 received no entries, the poorest
attendance | can recall in the 17 years | have been attending Southport Flower Show.
Southport is the only show in Britain which provides competitive classes for ferns, a
wonderful opportunity to show the gardening public the wide variation in hardy ferns
and a shop window for fern growing; we cannot allow it to disappear.

This year’s judges were A R Busby and R G Key. The prize winners are listed below.

Class 5 Six Hardy British Ferns (dissimilar): No entries

Class 6 Six Greenhouse Ferns (dissimilar): No entries

Class 7 Three Hardy British Ferns: 1st R J Smith (1 entry)

Class 8 Three Foreign Ferns hardy in Great Britain: 1st R J Smith (1 entry)
Class 9 Three Asplenium scolopendrium (three varieties): 1st R J Smith (1 entry)
Class 10 Three Polypodium (three varieties): 1st R J Smith (1 entry)

Class 11. Three Polystichum: 1st R J Smith (1 entry)

Class 12 Three Athyrium (three varieties): No entries

Class 13 Three Dryopteris (three varieties): 1st R J Smith (1 entry)

Class 14 Three Asplenium (excluding A. scolopendrium): 1st R J Smith (1 entry)

Class 15 One British Fern (any kind or variety):
1st R J Smith, 2nd M Nimmo-Smith, 3rd W N Howarth (3 entries)

Class 16 One Greenhouse Fern:
1st M Nimmo-Smith, 2nd R J Smith, 3rd D & S Shea (4 entries)

29

The ‘Challenge Trophy’ awarded to the exhibitor gaining the most points in the fern
classes was won by R J Smith.

Many thanks to Jack Bouckley, Ray Smith and Margaret Nimmo-Smith for helping with
the staging and manning of the Society's stand.

| would welcome any enquiries about exhibiting ferns at Southport Flower Show and
will advise on the identification, growing and presentation of exhibits.

OBITUARY
RICHARD ERIC HOLTTUM ScD 1895-1990

Dr Eric Holttum, the Grand Old Man of pteridology, died on 18 September 1990 at
Kew, Surrey. He had reached the end of a long and productive life and had drawn
his scientific work to a close with his account of Tectaria for Flora Malesiana, sent
to the Editor in 1988. He was mentally active to the end, and over the last few months
had been piecing together his autobiography.

Holttum was born in Linton, Cambridgeshire, on 20 July 1895. He went to the Quaker
schools of Saffron Walden and Bootham, York, continuing his education at St John’s
College, Cambridge. His college years, however, were interrupted by the First World
War. Holttum, a Quaker, served in the Friends Ambulance Unit and received the Croix
de Guerre for his active service.

Following his return to Cambridge, he obtained a First Class Honours degree in Botany
in 1920 and as part of his post-graduate studies on fossil ferns, he carried out fieldwork
in Greenland with Prof. A C Seward. The fossils he collected were related to present-
day tropical species, and in 1922, perhaps with a desire to see things first-hand, he
successfully applied for the Assistant Directorship of the Singapore Botanic Gardens,
becoming Director in 1926. There his life-long interest in ferns was established. He
was an observant botanist and also made very significant studies of many other groups,
in particular, orchids, gingers, bamboos and sedges. He was an avid plant collector and
made many trips to different States of Malaya, and to British North Borneo (now Sabah),
where he made the first substantial collection of pteridophytes of Mt Kinabalu in 1933.

His contribution to the botany of SE Asia has been well documented in his own account
published for his eightieth birthday (in Fi. Malesiana Bull. 28: 2477-2500, 1975, which
has a complete list of his publications to that date). In 1942 Japanese troops invaded
Singapore, but luckily his wife and two daughters had Bashi)! left for Australia. Aware
of the value of Holttum’s pre-war work, the Japanese him to continue his research
at the Gardens. He therefore spent the three and a half years of the occupation on
uninterrupted taxonomic research which laid the foundation of many substantial
publications, including his account for Flora of Malaya, Vol. 2, Ferns (1954).

The writing of Ferns of Malaya gave Holttum a broad perspective of the relationships
of genera and the delimitations of families, and he began to see fundamental links that
were not apparent in the accepted classification at the time, that of Carl Christensen.
These views Holttum published as ‘A revised classification of Leptosporangiate ferns’
in the Journal of the Linnean Society of London (Botany) (vol. 53: 123-158, 1947) a
few months before E B Copeland’s Genera Filicum, which unfortunately over-shadowed
it. They formed, however, the basis of Holttum’s approach to further fern studies and
the arrangement for the pteridophyte series of Flora Malesiana, of which he was to
become the general editor.

In 1949 Eric Holttum resigned from the Directorship of the Gardens and became the
first Professor of Botany at the new University of hacen ob in se soning Med — to
England in 1954 and settled at Kew, where he

at the Royal Botanic Gardens until his dainty: A true p Reid | man, “Holtunn loved his
Wednesday visits to the fern houses there, where many of his own living collections
were growing. He encouraged Bert Bruty, Supervisor of those houses in the 1950's
and 1960's, and explained the ecological requirements of these tropical plants.

It was extremely sad that in the mid 1970's he began to lose his hearing and although
he mastered lip- pogo. Vaal a two- yee conversation became increasingly difficult.
This did not stop h din 1981 he went to the International
Botanical Congress in Sydney. It was there al the International Association of
Pteridologists was set up and Eric Holttum was a natural choice for its first President,
a post he held until the next Congress in 1987.

Holttum had been given many accolades: an ScD from Cambridge University, an honorary
DSc from the University of Malaya, gold medals for orchidology from America, Malaysia,
and the RHS, and for excellence in tropical botany by the Pacific Tropical Garden in
Hawaii. His great achievements, particularly since his ‘retirement’, are an inspiration
and example to us all.

Holttum joined the BPS in 1950 and members of the Society will remember him as
our President from 1960-63, and as a Vice-President thereafter. Our annual meeting
at Kew was for years rounded off with tea at the Holttums, when many of his Malaysian
treasures could be seen. With his wife, Ursula, he frequently joined our field excursions,
constantly pointing out interesting features about our native ferns - the number of vascular
Strands in the stipe, the unicellular hairs in Thelypteris, glands on the scales of Phegopteris.
He never ceased to teach, yet it was always in an inspiring, friendly, modest, almost
conversational style over a meal, on the train, or walking in the field. He was also excited
at things others showed him, and was often heard to say that characteristic ‘Golly,
golly’, a phrase Ursula disliked and repeatedly scolded him for using, but to no avail.

AC Jermy

31

MEETINGS 1991
Meetings Secretary:

Meetings Sub-Committee:

Sat 2 March -

Tues 21 - Fri 24 May -

Fri eve 7 - Sun 9 June -

Fri eve 21 - Sun 23 June -

Sun 7 - Thurs 11 July -

Fri 12 - Sun 14 July -

Sat 13 July -

Sat eve 3 - Sat 10 August -
Thurs 5 - Sat 17 August -

Wed eve 18-
Thurs a.m. 26 September -

Sat 12 October -

AC Pigott, 43 Molewood Road, Hertford, Herts. SG14 3A0
P J Acock, N J Hards, J M Ide, A C Pigott, P H Ripley
Spring Indoor Meeting - London

Location: The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road,
London
Leader: Nick Hards Time: 11.00

Chelsea Flower Show: BPS Stands

Further Info.: Barry Thomas

Weekend Field Meeting - Yorkshire Dales

Leader: Jack Bouckley

Centre: The King William IV, Blossomgate, Ripon

Weekend Field Meeting - Radnorshire

Leaders: R G Woods & Pat Acock

Centre: Brynafon Country House, Rhayader, Powys
LD6 5BL

International Symposium on the Propagation and Culture

_ of Pteridophytes - London

Organisers: Jennifer Ide & Clive Jermy

Location: Imperial College

National Tour of British Fern Gardens

Organiser: Martin Rickard

Competitive Fern Show - Pebworth

Organiser: Hazel Key

Location: Pebworth Village Hall, Pebworth, Stratford-on-

Avon
Week Field Meeting - Isle of Skye
Leader: Clive Jermy

Southport Flower Show: BPS Stand

Further Info.: Matt Busby

Centenary Week Field Meeting & AGM - Cumbria
Leader: Matt Busb

Centre: Heaves Hotel, Kendal, Cumbria LA8 8EF
Autumn Indoor Meeting - Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Location: Lower Nursery, RBG, Kew, Surrey

Leaders: Peter Bradley &Jenniferlde | Time: 11.00

For full details of these meetings, including information on accommodation, please see
the separate Meetings Programme sheet.

REGIONAL MEETINGS

For details of additional meetings in the following areas, please contact the regional
organisers, enclosing a stamped addressed envelope.

Wessex M J Cragg-Barber, 1 Station Cottages, Hullavington, Chippenham,
Wilts. SN14 6ET

West Midlands AR Busby, 16 Kirby Corner Road, Canley, Coventry CV4 8GD

Leeds & District J H Bouckley, 209 Woodfield Road, Harrogate, Yorks. HG1 4JE

South-East England P H Ripley, North Lodge, Dene Park Gardens, Shipbourne Road,
Tonbridge, Kent TN11 9NS

East Anglia B Williams, 20 Melbourne Court, Weivn Garden City, Herts.
AL8 6LL

32

BRITISH FERNS AND THEIR CULTIVARS
A very comprehensive collection is stocked by
REGINALD KAYE LTD
Silverdale, Lancashire LA5 OTY
Catalogue on request

FIBREX NURSERIES LTD
Honeybourne Road, Pebworth, nr Stratford on Avon, Warwickshire CV37 8XT
Hardy and tender ferns
Begonias, Gloxinias, Hederas, Hydrangeas, Primroses, Arum Lilies
and plants for the cool greenhouse

Catalogue on request

MRS J K MARSTON
Specialist Fern Grower

A wide range of hardy and greenhouse ferns, especially Adiantums
Culag, Green Lane, Nafferton, Nr. Driffield, East Yorkshire YO25 OLF
Send 60p for catalogue

FANCY FRONDS
Specialising in North American and English hardy ferns
Judith Jones
1911 4th Avenue West, Seattle, Washington 98119, USA
Send two International Reply Coupons for Catalogue

1991 SOUTHPORT FLOWER SHOW
The Organisers extend all good wishes for a successful 1991
Classes for your Society's special interests are available
Total Horticultural Prizes awarded for 1990 Value over £120,000
15th, 16th, 17th AUGUST 1991

Schedules and further seed from: ©
The Flower Show Secreta
44 Hoghton Street, Southport, aaa PR9 OPQ

The British Pteridological Society
BULLETIN

VOLUME 4 NUMBER 1

»CONTENTS -

Secretarial Notes

Financial Statement.

Lecture Meetings and Day Visits 1990.
Seale ng Ir weeor! Meeting

M Gibby & A M Paul, A R Busby
AR

us
cag eee Autur Indoor . B A Thomas
National Field Meetings 1990
rittany PH Ripley —
Isle of Wight . PJ Acock ©
_ North- East Scotland c E Munyard
Eastern G Fiuechivieon & B A Thomas

=

Regional V Meetings 1 990

J) 4

AR 2 Busby

Leeds & District

sank East _PH Ripley |

East Anglia . B Williams, M Nimmo-Smith :
Southport Flower Show AR Busby —
Obituary AC Jermy
Meetings Programme 1991 .

eee

een e ewe eseseceneess

BRITISH
~ PTERIDOLOGICAL
SOCIETY

BULLETIN |

VOLUME 4 © NUMBER 2

| by AM. - aul .

THE BRITISH PTERIDOLOGICAL SOCIETY
Officers and Committee for 1991
President: Dr B.A. Thomas
President Emeritus: J.W. Dyce

Vice-Presidents: J.A. Crabbe, A.C. Jermy, R. Kaye, G. Tonge
Honorary General Secretary: A.R. Busby, ‘Croziers’,
16 Kirby Corner Road, Canley, Coventry, CV4 8GD

(Tel: Coventry 715690)

Treasurer: Dr N.J. Hards,
184 Abingdon Road, Didcot, Oxon, OX11 9BP

Assistant Secretary (Membership) and Miss A.M. Paul,
Editor of the Bulletin: Department of Botany, The Natural History Museum,
Cromwell Road, London, SW7 5BD

Meetings Secretary: A.C. Pigott,
43 Molewood Road, Hertford, Herts., SG14 3AQ

Editor of the Fern Gazette: J.A. Crabbe, assisted by Dr M. Gibby

Material for publication should be sent to Dr B.A. Thomas, Department of Botany,
National Museum of Wales, Cathays Park, Cardiff, CF1 3NP

Editor of the Pteridologist: M.H. Rickard, The Old Rectory,
Leinthall Starkes, Ludlow, Shropshire, SY8 2HP

assisted by J.W. Dyce

Committee: P.J. Acock, P.G. Barnes, J.H. Bouckley, J.M. Camus, C.R. Fraser-Jenkins,
J.M. Ide, M. Nimmo-Smith, R.N. Timm, Dr T.G. Walker, J.R. Woodhams

Fern Distribution Recorder: A.J. Worland, Harcam,
Mill Road, Barnham Broom, Norwich, Norfolk, NR9 4DE

Spore Exchange Organiser: Mrs M. Nimmo-Smith,
201 Chesterton Road, Cambridge, CB4 1AH

Plant Exchange Organiser: Mrs R. Hibbs,
30 London Road, Hailsham, East Sussex, BN27 3BW

Archivist: N.A. Hall, 15 Mostyn Road, Hazel Grove, Stockport, Cheshire, SK7 5HL

Booksales Organiser: S.J. Munyard, 234 Harold Road, Hastings, East Sussex, TN35 5NG
Trustees of Greenfield and Centenary Funds: A.R. Busby, Dr N.J. Hards, Dr B.A. Thomas

for fern enthusiasts. It provides a wide range of information about ferns through the medium of

meetings, garden visits, plant exchanges, a spore exchange schem sales. The Soci
as a wide membership which includes gardeners, nurserymen and botanists, both am teur and
professional. The Society's journal rn Gazette, Pteridologist and Bulletin, are publish

Membership is open to all interested in ferns and fern-allies. SUBSCRIPTION RATES (due on
1st January each year) are Full Personal Members £12.50, Personal Members not receiving the
Fern Gazette £9.50; Student Members £7; Subscribing Institutions £20. Family membership in

n
Secretary (address above) from whom further details can be obtained. (Remittances _m in
currencies other than Sterling are £3 extra to cover bank conversion charges). Airmail postage
for all journals is an extra £4, or for those not receiving the Fern Gazette £2.50

(Front cover: Centenary logo designed by Nicola Plummer.)

Back numbers of the Gazette, Pteridologist and Bulletin are available for purchase from P.J. Acock,
13 Star Lane, St. Mary Cray, Kent BR5 3LJ, from whom further details can be obtained.

BULLETIN
OF THE SAROEN UBRany

BRITISH PTERIDOLOGICAL SOCIETY

Vol. 4 1991 No. 2
THE CENTENARY - A RETROSPECTIVE

It can hardly have escaped your notice that the British Pteridological Society celebrated
its centenary in 1991 and that during the year we promoted our interests in ferns in
many different ways. To mark the centenary we organised many special events and
meetings and publicised the Society through exhibitions, special publications and the
media.

Margo Ladell’s very professional press release led to articles on the Society in the national
and local press and in gardening magazines such as Plants and Gardens and Amateur
Gardening, as well as to ferns being featured on national and local television programmes,
including Gardeners’ World.

We produced several sets of a travelling exhibition that toured most of the British Isles
throughout the year. They portrayed the diversity of ferns in their native habitats and
showed a range of species and varieties in cultivation. The distribution, evolutionary
history and ecology of ferns and their needs for conservation were also outlined, together
with details of the Society, its activities and publications.

Apart from our well established presence at the Southport Flower Show, the Society
was prominent at the Royal Horticultural Society's Chelsea Flower Show in May. Our
own exhibit in the scientific section featured the bien ty oe — y a
display of fern species and varieties. In addition, our g
and growing ferns was on sale. Congratulations must go to the organising team for
winning the Silver Medal for our exhibit. The RHS itself had a spectacular display of
ferns Meteo was to a ane saan Aigo sonar a our members, who contributed
umber of d. The Society was also promoted
by the National Council for the Conservation of Plants and Gardens, whose stand at
the Hampton Court International Flower Show in July featured a display of ferns.

Our Symposium on Cultivation and Propagation of Pteridophytes was held at Imperial
College in July. This highly successful meeting brought together people from around
the world who are in the forefront of the cultivation and propagation of pteridophytes.
Three days of lectures with tours of the fern collections and micropropagation unit at
The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, together with the conference dinner, made this both
an instructive and unforgettable meeting. The Proceedings of the Symposium will be
published in the not too distant future.

Following on from the Symposium was the National Tour of Fern Gardens which was
very ably organised and led by Martin Rickard. The party were comfortably conducted
around the country by coach to see a wealth of interesting fern collections. This included
the Competitive Fern Show held in the Village Hall at Pebworth, near Stratford-on-Avon,
on Saturday, July 13th. This show, organised by Fibrex Nurseries in association with
the village Flower Festival, was the venue for a spectacular selection of members’ ferns

33

shown in a wide range of entry categories. The display certainly pleased both fern
enthusiasts and the general public alike. Prizes were awarded for the best entries and,
although it was a great pleasure to award them, | am grateful that | was not involved
in what must have been the very difficult job of judging.

The year culminated in our Centenary Celebration meeting and AGM in the Lake District,
where it all started one hundred years ago. From 19-25 September, we visited many
ferny places, from wet woodland to upland limestone pavement, and listened to evening
talks at the Heaves Hotel, near Kendal. One highlight for us all was the visit to Mr
Wiper’s garden, where the first meeting of the Society was held at 2.30pm on 23
September 1891. Here we found many beautiful varieties still surviving and being cared
for by the new owners. Another was the Centenary Dinner at the Woolpack Hotel in
Kendal, where we were entertained after dinner by that well known gardening personality
Geoffrey Smith.

Although our regular and special publications contain a wealth of information for all
who are interested in ferns, this centenary year had to be a special one for the Society.
To mark it we launched four special publications. The aoteheenease and —— of
British Ferns was written by Jimmy Dyce as a guidebook for i gardeners.
An anthology of articles and illustrations in The History of British Pteridology 1891-
1991 charts our first hundred years and here you will find details of the Society, its
members and the changes in scientific and horticultural knowledge of ferns that have
occurred during this time. The British Pteridological Society Abstracts and Reports and
Papers Read at Meetings 1894-1905 is a reprint of our very rare first publications that
contain a fascinating insight into the early years of our Society. A World of Ferns was
made possible by the generous donation of photographs by so many of our members.
It is these illustrations that led to The Sunday Times describing it as ‘outstanding’,
‘Supremely well-illustrated’ and as a book ‘that has rarely been bettered’.

Th. | i. rT

The Society b y different things to many people, and we have constantly
tried to present all sepacts e clon to our members. Money is naturally a restriction
and our normal membership subscription rates are insufficient to support many of the
extra activities that we would like to see undertaken. Therefore | took the opportunity
afforded by the centenary to launch a fund-raising campaign to create the Centenary
Fund from which the interest can be drawn to further the interest and knowledge of
pteridology.

Our first centenary has passed. One hundred years on the Society is still flourishing
and catering for all those interested in the taxonomy, classification, evolution, ecology
and conservation of ferns as well as for the traditional enthusiasm for growing them.
| have been privileged to be President during the Centenary Year and have thoroughly
enjoyed my time in the ‘hot seat’. Of course, the year would not have been possible
without the efforts of your committee, centenary, meetings and publications sub-
committees and so many other members who willingly gave their time. We now trust
future members to take care of the Society and pursue its aims. Ferns are here to
stay and we all trust that the Society will last with them.

Barry A Thomas

SECRETARIAL NOTES

COMMITTEE VACANCIES - In accordance with paragraph 3, section 3 of the Society's
Constitution, two vacancies will occur due to the retirement of the two longest serving
Committee members. Nominations are invited from members of the Society to fill these
vacancies at the Annual General Meeting in 1992. The names of the nominees, proposers
and seconders, together with a letter from the nominee indicating their willingness to
serve, should reach the General Secretary by 5 September 1992.

SUBSCRIPTIONS 1992 - Members are reminded that subscriptions for 1992 are due
on the 1st January 1992 and should be paid to the Membership Secretary, British
Pteridological Society, ©/o Dept. of Botany, The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road,
London, SW7 5BD. Cheques should be made payable to ‘The British Pteridological Society’.
Current rates are given inside the front cover. Standing Order forms are available from
the above address.

PUBLICATIONS BY AIRMAIL - Our journals can be sent by airmail to overseas members,
provided they advise the Assistant Secretary and pay an additional subscription to cover
airmail postage. See inside front cover for rates.

AFFILIATION TO THE ROYAL ibaa cag aties omnes weer Our —— is affiliated
to the RHS, enabling a limited number of members to e ction
with RHS Shows, competitions and services. There are ads wrensterable tickets available
for all RHS Shows other than the Chelsea Flower Show. Applications for tickets or further
details, enclosing a stamped, addressed envelope, should be made to the BPS General
Secretary.

READING CIRCLE - The American Fern Journal, a quarterly containing much
information for those seriously interested in ferns, is circulated to Reading Circle members.
To join, apply to the General Secretary.

THE GREENFIELD FUND - This fund, set up as a memorial to one of our Society's
great fern growers, Percy Greenfield, is used to finance approved research projects,
helping with the cost of necessary equipment, books and travel expenses. Awards for
meritorious achievements such as the introduction of a new fern variety or plant, or
some of the Society publicity projects would be considered as worthy of help from the
fund. Percy Greenfield’s interest leaned very much towards the non-scientific side of
Our activities and it is felt that he would want this taken into consideration when decisions
are made. Workers eligible for university or college grants and similar support will not
therefore be eligible for help from the fund. Members with projects wishing to benefit
from this memorial fund should apply to the trustees via the General Secretary.

THE CENTENARY FUND - This fund will be used to promote the study of all aspects
of pteridophytes - horticultural, scientific and educational, whether by amateurs, students
or professional pteridologists. As such its scope is much broader and more flexible than
the Greenfield Fund. Anyone wishing to avail themselves of this fund should contact
the trustees via the General Secretary.

BACK NUMBERS OF JOURNALS - These are such good value that it is a wonder
that more people do not avail themselves of them. Most issues of the Bulletin and all
of the Pteridologist are available, but only odd parts of the Fern Gazette are now available
prior to volume 7 and some parts are sold out even to volume 10. Please send for
a list if you are interested. A bumper bundle of older parts of the Fern Gazette is still
available, post included, at £6.

35

For all information regarding back numbers, please contact Patrick Acock, 13 Star Lane,
St. Mary Cray, Kent, BR5 3LJ.

BINDERS for the BPS BULLETIN and PTERIDOLOGIST - Binders for volumes of
the BPS Bulletin and Pteridologist are available from the General Secretary. The Bulletin
binders are attractively produced with red hardboard covers and gold blocked lettering
on the spine: only £5 each, including postage and packing.

Binders for the Pteridologist are available with mustard hardboards and gold blocked
lettering on the spine. Each binder holds one volume (six parts). £5 each including postage
and packing. This applies to inland members only. Prices for overseas members on
application. Cash with order, please make cheques payable to A R Busby.

BPS VIDEO “BRITISH FERNS”

With over fifty species of ferns the British Isles has a remarkably varied fern flora. Many
species have distinctive distributions reflecting regional variations in environmental
conditions. In particular the cool relatively damp environments of the North and the
mild Western fringes of Britain bring together species typical of Atlantic, Arctic and
Alpine regions, resulting in a fern flora that is unique to the British Isles.

This twenty-five minute video shows most of our native ferns growing in their natural
habitats. It demonstrates the wide variety of size and form to be found in British ferns
and the broad range of habitats they colonise. Attention is drawn to key identification
characters for each species.

The video has been funded by Schering Agriculture and the National Museum of Wales.
It is available for loan, free of charge, to interested individuals and organisations. For
further details write to the General Secretary enclosing a stamped addressed envelope.

CENTENARY CELEBRATIONS WEEK AT KENDAL PHOTOGRAPHS OFFER- By kind
permission of John Collins, prints of the group photograph taken in front of the Heaves
Hotel on Saturday 21 September 1991 will be available from the General Secretary.
Also on offer are prints of individual members taken during the meeting. For details
of the group photograph, photos of individuals, sizes and costs of the prints, please
send a stamped addressed envelope to the General Secretary.

THE AMERICAN FERN SOCIETY INC

Wishes to extend an invitation to readers of this Bulletin to join the American Fern
Society. Regular members receive the Fiddlehead Forum six times a year. This newsletter
is published for the benefit of those who are interested in growing ferns, hunting for
them, and expanding their general knowledge of ferns. Journal members receive, in
addition to Fiddlehead Forum, the scientific quarterly American Fern Journal. Membership
costs $11.00 and $20.00 per annum, respectively, including overseas postage. For
particulars please write to Dr Richard L. Hauke, 456 McGill Place, Atlanta, Georgia 3031 2
USA. Prospective members residing in Great Britain should write to Miss A M Paul,
Dept. of Botany, The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 1991

MINUTES of the 88th ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING held at the Heaves Hotel, near
Kendal, Cumbria on Saturday 21st September 1991 at 2.15 pm.

IN THE CHAIR: The President, Dr B A Thomas.

PRESENT: R G Ackers, P G Barnes, J H & R Bouckley, P D A Boyd, A R Busby,
JA&MW Collins, M J & LI Craddock, T Craddock, L Dugdale, J W Dyce, P J Edwards,
D Fortune, M Garstang, M Gibby, N J & E Hards, M Harris, R Hibbs, A E Hoare,
G K Hoare, D M & K H Holly, V Horner, J M Ide, A C & A Jermy, C J Kelsall,
D J Kershaw, E Knox-Thomas, M Ladell, A M Leonard, C E Munyard, S J & K Munyard,
M E Nimmo-Smith, A H Ogden, A M Paul, A C Pigott, M H Rickard, N R Schroder,
G Stark, R J & B Smith, R N Timm, O Walker.

OPENING ADDRESS: The President welcomed members to the AGM and noted that
two descendants of the original families had been present, Miss Emily Bolton and Mr
Whiteside. He also welcomed Mrs Olive Walker, the wife of a former president, the
late Dr Stanley Walker.

ITEM 1 - APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE: P J Acock, J M Camus, J A Crabbe, R Kaye,
JR Woodhams.

ITEM 2 - APPROVAL OF MINUTES: The Minutes of the 87th AGM held on 3rd March
1990 had been published in the 1990 Bulletin and were approved by the Meeting.

ITEM 3 - MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES: There were none.

ITEM 4 - HONORARY GENERAL SECRETARY'S REPORT: It is 18 months since my last
report, presented to the AGM in March 1990 and so | find myself reporting on two
seasons. 1990 was a busy and sucaseetal Cea with membership recording a small
gain, however, the main feature of 1990 tion work for our 1991 Centenary
Celebrations carried out by the Committee fag an e hoc Sub-committee which spent
many hours considering how the Society should mark our special year.

MEETINGS - 1991 is now sufficiently behind us for me to reflect on its success. There
were times when, for one reason or another, the Committee felt that it may have had
to curtail certain events. Happily this proved unnecessary and the full programme as
planned has passed most successfully.

Our stand in the scientific section of the 1991 Chelsea Flower Show in May marked
the start of the celebrations and proved both effective and rewarding, for we gained
both public attention and a Silver Medal. It presented the Society to the gardening public
in a most attractive and informative way. The Royal fecobeaientpeibas boeryd og staged
a display of hardy ferns to celebrate the Centenary, f d by sever ibe

A special vote of thanks is due to Mr Ray Waite ‘ie the Royal bisrliechtuitat ‘Society,
to Bob Johns and the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, to Hazel Key for her support and
encouragement and to the many members who helped on both stands.

In July, the Society hosted an International Symposium on The Propagation and Cultivation
of Pteridophytes at Imperial College, London and it proved to be a tremendous success.
The Committee found it most gratifying that so many overseas members and guests
felt it worthwhile to attend the Symposium and support the Society in its Centenary
Year. The success of the Symposium was largely due to Clive Jermy and Jennifer Ide

37

and a vote of thanks is due to them and to all the speakers. The Symposium was followed
by the three day National Tour of Fern Gardens, another highly successful event which,
according to the comments | overheard from those attending, proved to be a most
interesting and memorable event thanks to Martin Rickard who conceived the idea and
carried it through to its successful conclusion.

During July we enjoyed a unique event which, after an unpromising launch, proved
every bit as successful as our other meetings. Despite the average member's reluctance
to exhibit ferns competitively, Pebworth Fern Show filled the village hall with around
300 ferns, and proved to be a novel and eye-opening experience to the general public.
Again, thanks to Hazel Key for the original concept of Pebworth 1991, to Fibrex Nurseries
Ltd for arranging and preparing the venue and to Stuart Williams for judging the show
with such care and consideration, also a thank you to those who travelled long distances
to exhibit their treasures and made the show the success it was.

All the meetings throughout the year so far have been extremely well attended.

MEMBERSHIP - This year the Society has enjoyed a great deal of publicity given to
it on television, local radio and in the local and national press. Most of this is due
to the unstinting hard work of the Meetings Secretary, Anthony Pigott, and Margo Ladell.
Margo put in many hours to ensure that the media and any likely sponsors knew of
our Centenary and our celebrations in a very professional way. Never has the Society
enjoyed such a high profile and this is reflected in the high number of new members
we have gained this year. | am indebted to the Membership Secretary, Alison Paul,
for the following figures. By the end of 1991 we shall have enrolled over one hundred
new members. This is by far the highest number of new members we have gained
in one year. At the end of 1990 the total membership figure was 674 and at 16th
September 1991 our total membership was 710.

PLANT AND SPORE EXCHANGE SCHEMES - Both schemes continue to prove popular
with our members, however, Rosemary Hibbs, our Plant Exchange Organiser, would
like to see more members taking advantage of fellow members’ generosity. Members
are encouraged to send in their list of wants even if they do not have plants to exchange
at the time.

Margaret Nimmo-Smith, our Spore Exchange Organiser, reports that over the two seasons
since her last report, the list of taxa has increased from 560 in 1989 to 701 this year.
Members’ entitlement was increased in 1991 from 20 packets to 25, with donors now
entitled to 35 packets. Woodsia ilvensis topped the popularity poll in 1990 but no
information is yet available for 1991, although it is probable that Camptosorus rhizophyllus
is the cAntente, offered for he first ales ae several isgthe wpabaaibioiis small hardy
or near t t is with overseas
ork. Miveuca thanks he: many donors at ‘hone and sisal the world who make
the operation of the Spore Exchange possible and from whom she has received much
encouragement.

BOOKSALES - This has been very ably taken over by Stephen Munyard. He reports
a very busy year, which has seen four new publications added to our booklist.

REGIONAL GROUPS - These continue to flourish at local level and the Committee urges
the membership to give them their support and encouragement. Unfortunately, not all
areas are covered by a regional group, but it is hoped there are moves to re-establish
a group in Scotland.

Once again | have to close my report with comments on the passing of two members.
Dr Eric Holttum died in September 1990 and his obituary appeared in the 1990 Bulletin.
Those of us who enjoyed his company, benefited from his immense knowledge of
pteridophytes and enjoyed his hospitality at Gloucester Court will consider his passing
with great sadness. During 1991, our past President, Mr Henry Schollick OBE died and
his obituary will appear in the 1991 Bulletin. The Secretary's report was approved and
adopted by the meeting and the President thanked Mr Busby.

ITEM 5 - HONORARY TREASURER’S REPORT: Nick Hards circulated his balance sheet
to the meeting. He explained that 1990 had been the year before the increase in
subscriptions, but had unexpectedly made a small surplus due to an increase in
subscriptions from new members. Also in 1990 the Gazette had been produced for
the first time as two issues, although each number was smaller than the previous single
issues. Extra postal costs had ensued but this had also given an additional opportunity
for mailing news sheets to members. Postage costs had also been less than expected
as two journals had on one occasion been sent out together. The initial cost of the
Symposium had been absorbed by the General Fund.

Bank charges had increased for 1990 but would increase steeply in 1991. However,
a new type of bank account had been ratified by the Committee that morning which
would put an end to bank charges. There had been a reprint of Guide to Hardy Ferns
by Richard Rush, the Society’s Special Publication No. 1.

The Treasurer encouraged members to apply to the Greenfield Fund which gives grants
to amateurs for research. He also explained that it was intended that money from the
Centenary Fund should be loaned to the Publications Account to help launch new
publications. It was also intended that this fund should give grants to both amateurs
and professionals for projects not within the scope of the Greenfield Fund. The Treasurer's
Report was adopted by the Meeting, and the President thanked Nick Hards.

ITEM 6 - HONORARY MEETINGS SECRETARY'S REPORT: Anthony Pigott reminded
members that he was reporting on a period of 18 months. He said that the highlight
of 1990 had been the week meeting in Brittany, the first meeting abroad for many
years. 1991 had seen the special centenary meetings, starting with the spring indoor
meeting at The Natural History Museum, a day event without the AGM. There had been
field meetings in Yorkshire, Radnor and Skye. The week meeting in Skye had been
notable for the high attendance not only by British members, but had included participants
from Finland, Germany, Belgium and France who had all enjoyed the ferning. A record
attendance was also occurring at the present well organised meeting in Kendal.

Anthony Pigott then drew members’ attention to the autumn meeting to be held in
October at Kew. It was hoped to organise meetings in 1992 in the following locations:
Derby for the spring indoor meeting, the day meeting at Kew in May, and field trips
to Galloway, Devon, Hampshire, Northumberland and Spain. He felt that it was very
important that the momentum of the Centenary Year should be kept going with as
interesting a programme as possible. He also commended regional meetings to members,
particularly those who were unable to attend national meetings. He was particularly
pleased that the East Anglian Group had started and that the last meeting had been
well attended. It was noted that there had been an increase in horticultural interest
in meetings. Anthony made a plea for ideas for meeting venues and also for help arranging
meetings. Finally he thanked Patrick Acock, Paul Ripley, Nick Hards and Jennifer Ide
for their hard work and help on the Meetings Sub-committee.

39

ITEM 7 - EDITORS’ REPORTS: Fern Gazette - Unfortunately J A Crabbe had been unwell.
Part of a letter from him was read to the meeting, particularly thanking Dr Mary Gibby
for her help. It was also reported that he was retiring from the position of Editor but
was prepared to work as Assistant Editor. The number of papers received was sufficient
to fill two parts. The Committee had had recent discussions on content and had made
recommendations to make the content slightly more readable to the non-specialist.

Pteridologist - Martin Rickard was pleased to report that both the 1990 and 1991 editions
of the Pteridologist had been satisfactory and on time. The content included items of
general interest, fern botany but not at a high technical level, fern growing and related
subjects. He found that soliciting articles on fern growing was difficult. He appealed
for more contributions, and if members felt reluctant to write themselves, it would be
possible for a Committee member to help with the article or gather the information
in the form of an interview.

Bulletin - Alison Paul reported that she was happy with the 1990 edition. She appealed
for more photographs of meetings from members for inclusion in future editions.

ITEM 8 - ELECTION OF OFFICERS AND COMMITTEE: Before the elections, the retiring
President, Barry Thomas, thanked everyone who had helped him during his three and
a half pleasant but hectic years. He particularly thanked the Secretary, A R Busby, for
his support at different times and the Treasurer, Nick Hards, for ensuring the finances
ran smoothly and that there were sufficient funds for the publications. He thanked the
Centenary Sub-committee, especially Margaret Harris for acting as Secretary and Co-
ordinator. Barry thanked Jennifer Ide and Clive Jermy for their work on the Centenary
Symposium which would not have been so successful without their efforts. He thanked
Martin Rickard for the successful Garden Tour, which had been particularly attractive
to overseas members. Margo Ladell was thanked for her magnificent efforts with publicity
and Anthony Pigott for such a successful meetings programme.

Election of President - Jack Bouckley was recommended by the Committee to the AGM
as the next President of the Society and was duly elected.

Jack Bouckley then took the chair for the rest of the meeting. He thanked the members
for their confidence in electing him as President. There was a vote of thanks to Barry
Thomas on his retirement as President.

Election of Vice-Presidents - C N Page and M H Rickard were proposed by the Committee
and elected.
Election of Officers:- Honorary General Secretary - AR Busby.

Honorary Treasurer - N J Hards

Honorary Meetings Secretary - A C Pigott.
The President was pleased to note that these Officers were all willing to serve for another
year and they were elected unaminously.

peat of the ee The eT — that Jennifer ide, niacogaict Mepeee
enkins and _lact Ue |
y nad only

for the Committee: Greharn Ackers pronoead by A M Paul and seconded by A C Jermy,
and Nick Schroder, proposed by A R Busby and seconded by M H Rickard, who were
both duly elected. The remaining vacancy might be filled by a co-option at a later date.
The remaining members of the Committee: P J Acock, P G Barnes, J M Camus, M
Nimmo-Smith, R N Timm, T G Walker, and J R Woodhams were elected ‘en bloc’.

40

Election of Honorary Editors - Barry Thomas, Martin Rickard and Alison Paul were elected
to serve as editors of the Fern Gazette, Pteridologist and Bulletin respectively.

ITEM 9 - ELECTION OF AUDITORS: Ray Smith, proposed by A R Busby, seconded by
JH Bouckley and Graham Hoare, proposed by A R Busby and seconded by J M Ide
were duly elected.

ITEM 10 - ANY OTHER BUSINESS
COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS - The Secretary read out the list of Committee
Appointments which were as follows: Membership Secretary - Alison Paul; Minutes
Secretary (a new position to assist the Secretary) - Margaret Nimmo-Smith; Merchandise
ales - Anthony Pigott; Booksales - Stephen Munyard; Plant Exchange Organiser -
Rosemary Hibbs; Spore Exchange Organiser - Margaret Nimmo-Smith; Fern Distribution
Recorder - Anthony Worland; Archivist - A R Busby (taking over from N J Hall who
had retired from the post); American Fern Journal Reading Circle Organiser - A R Busby.

PUBLICATIONS - Jimmy Dyce was now working on the second edition of his book The
Cultivation and Propagation of British Ferns as the first edition, published in May, was
almost sold out. 1991 had also seen the publication by The Natural History Museum
of A World of Ferns by J M Camus, A C Jermy and B A Thomas, and the Society
had now published The History of British Pteridology 1891-1991 edited by J M Camus
and reprinted the ‘Pre-Gazette Papers’. Various leaflets aimed to inform the general
public at the Chelsea Flower Show had also been produced on such subjects as where
to see ferns, ferns for special purposes etc. Nick Hards proposed a special vote of thanks
to Josephine Camus and Alison Paul for their tremendous job in editing The History
of British Pteridology.

Martin Rickard said how very honoured he was to be elected as a Vice-President.

The President then asked the retiring President, Barry Thomas, to announce the Committee
decision to award the Stansfield Medal to Clive Jermy. It was explained that this medal
was awarded very rarely, the only other living recipients being Jimmy Dyce and Reg Kaye,
and was awarded for outstanding services to pteridology. It was first awarded at a special
meeting in 1937, ‘to be awarded on the directions of the Committee to persons contributing
to the advancement of the fern cult’. Barry Thomas then read the following extract from
The History of British Pteridology: ‘When Clive Jermy took over the editorship of the Gazette
the direction of growth of the Society changed fairly dramatically. The Gazette became
primarily an academic botanical publication, and the BPS began to be recognised as a
scientific society. This change probably resulted in the biggest ever growth in membership
of the Society as botanists across the world joined, and the Society really became fully
international’. The announcement was greeted with applause.

Clive Jermy replied that he was fully aware of the great distinction accorded him and
thanked the membership. However, he stated that nobody can do things by themselves
but achievements were only possible by team work. ‘If | have achieved anything, it is
thanks to many people such as Jimmy Dyce, who have encouraged, spurred, fought and
goaded me into helping develop the Society along these lines.’

There was no other business and the meeting closed at 3.35 pm.

A R Busby
Hon. Gen. Sec.

41

FINANCIAL STATEMENT AS AT 31 DECEMBER 1990

ORDINARY ACCOUNT
(1989) INCOME:

6457.45 SUBSCRIPTIONS £8835.87
611.29 INTEREST E
100.00 BOOKSALES 251.00

5.00 DONATIONS 64.10

- SPORE rene 3.00

161.01 MERCHANDISE 418.00

- SUNS 134.50

7334.75 TOTAL INCOME £10527.37
EXPENDITUR

1538.00 METLOC - Pini ocist 1626.00

1978.00 METLOC - GAZETTE 2692.00
949.00 METLOC - BULLETIN 1245.00
243.00 PRINTING AND STATIONERY 1256.30

1632.15 ADMINISTRATION AND POSTAGE 1500.00
421.10 aa ee TO SOCIETIES 25.10

87.28 Sie 106.28

50.00 LANT aes SPone EXCHANGE 52.80

52.72 ren NGS 121.00

50.00 CENTENARY EXPENSES 1346.21

182.85 MERCHANDISE 172.50

7184.10 TOTAL EXPENSES £10143.19

BALANCE FOR 1990 384.18

BROUGHT FORWARD FROM 1989 4348.27

CARRIED FORWARD AT 31.12.1990 £4732.45

PUBLICATIONS ACCOUNT

BALANCE BROUGHT FORWARD 3798.01

REPRINTING COSTS 412.00

3386.01
326.88 SALES - Journals and Offprints 571,59
404.00 uide to iu rdy Ferns 118.00
308.00 - Hardy Fer 101.00
444.00 - Fern 2 es & Their Meanings 130.00

- ROYALTIES 1000.00 1920.59

CARRIED FORWARD AT 31.12.1990 £5306.60

GREENFIELD FUND

BALANCE serene FORWARD £1703.08

INTEREST RECE 169.65

CARRIED FORWARD AT 31.12.1990 £1872.73

CENTENARY FUND

BALANCE BROUGHT Paldldd ent £801.63

DONATIONS RECEIV 500.00

INTEREST RECENED 69.93

CARRIED FORWARD AT 31.12.1990 £1371.56

Notes to Account
1. The Society has he following stocks of books at 31st December 1990 (1989 stocks in brackets):-
40 Hardy Ferns (49), 250 Guide to Hardy Ferns (47), 216 Fern Names and Their Meanings (271).
2. Interest arises on 30th April on the Greenfield and Centenary Funds. No provision has been made
for pessiiee interest.

ffi Tre 4 4h advances
of expenses bit — oustanding at 31 Dec. were heen pie have not been adjusted in the accounts.
‘. Y Y in th ae ae £1500 is subscriptions
received in advance for 1991 but bscripti beiain Aitat or 1990.

v aii UULotahig

RETIRING PRESIDENT’S ADDRESS
(This followed the 1991 AGM at the Heaves Hotel, near Kendal, Cumbria)
WELSH PTERIDOLOGY B A Thomas

Welsh pteridophytes have been studied for approximately 400 years. Before then there
were occasional references to pteridophytes in the literature but these were in herbals
and accompanied by poor descriptions and no distributional data. The first recorded
information on pteridophyte distribution was given in a Welsh manuscript herbal written
by William Salusbury (1520-c.1584). Salusbury, who is perhaps more remembered for
his translation of the Bible from Latin into Welsh and has been recently commemorated
on a British stamp, lived for many years at Lleweni, Denbighshire. His manuscript gave
localities of many pteridophytes: e.g. hart’s tongue - grew at Talacre in Flintshire and
in wooded glens near Llanefydd, Denbighshire. In 1597 John Gerade published what
is possibly the most famous English herbal which led to an increased interest in the
subject. Sir John Salusbury, a relative of William Salusbury, annotated his copy with
recorded sites, e.g. ‘Moonwort (Botrychium lunaria) in found in Cunnygnee of the Rt.
Worthy Sir J.S. Knight between Botuarry and Carewis; and nere Denbigh’.

In the 17th Century there started to appear a number of important publications, as
organised plant hunting expeditions started to be made into Wales. In July 1639, Thomas
Johnson, who edited the second edition of Gerade, set out with companions and an
interpreter, Thomas Morgan, on the most ambitious search yet for plants and in the
course of his travels toured North Wales. His 1641 published account of this visit recorded
details of the places where he had found the plants. For example hart’s tongue was
found in a cave (now called Cefn-yr-ogo) near Holiwell in Flintshire (Clwyd).

But the turning point in plant hunting came in 1658 when the Cambridge botanist,
John Ray, toured Wales. He was interested in plants for a variety of reasons and not
just for their potential medicinal values. Ray recorded Lycopdium (Diphasiastrum) alpinum
and Selaginella selaginoides on Cader Idris and four years later visited Snowdon where
he found the parsley fern - Cryptogramma crispa. But before | continue it is important
to put these early visits into geographical and historical contexts. Wales was largely
an unknown country with few roads and populated by Welsh speakers. Travelling to
Snowdonia needed planning and plenty of time. Thomas Johnson died fighting for King
Charles in 1644 and Ray mentioned hearing of Oliver Cromwell’s death when he was
leaving Wales after his first expedition. Ray did not visit Wales again after 1662 and
the Welsh additions to his published works in 1688 and 1690 (Synopsis Stirpium
Britannicarum) were nearly all made by other people. It was, for example, Richard Kayse
of Bristol who, in 1668, found Polypodium cambricum recorded by Ray (1690) ‘On a
rock in a wood near Dennys Powys Castle [Dinas Powis Castle, South Glamorgan|’.
This is the famous var. cambricum which was thought to have been collected out of
existence in 1876 by a dealer who sold hundreds at one shilling (five pence) each.
Fortunately a small colony still survives.

Another more important contributor to Ray’s records was the young Welshman, Edward
Liwyd. He was reputedly born in Cardiganshire in 1660 and, in becoming Keeper of
the Ashmolean Museum at Oxford, became the most influential Welsh botanist for many
years. Llwyd made several collecting trips throughout Britain and naturally returned to
Wales. In his expedition to Snowdonia he was accompanied by another well-known
botanist, Dr Richard Richardson. Although no detailed account of their journey is known,
Richardson annotated a copy of Ray’s Synopsis with habitat details, recording for example

43

Polystichum lonchitis on Snowdon, near Crib Goch. Later, Llwyd, in a letter to Richardson,
described finding Adiantum capillus-veneris ‘growing very plentifully out of a marly
incrustation both at Barry Island and Parth Kirig [Porthkerry] in Glamorganshire and
out of no other matter’ - it is still there. Richardson went on to become an authority
on plant localities and in letters to other visitors gave accurate details of where to find
many species, e.g. ‘In ffynnon-frech [Llyn Bach on Snowdon] you will find \soetes
lacustris’. By this means the German botanist Dillenius, together with an independent
collector called Samuel Brewer, recorded Selaginella selaginoides, Lycopodium (Huperzia)
selago and ak ghc ounce —— on oo Idris, Isoetes lacustris, Lycopodium (Huperzia)
selago, Lycor [pi , Selaginella selaginoides and Cryptogramma
crispa on ) Snowdon and lsoetes liabeieerte, Lycopodium annotinum and Pilularia globulifera
on the Glyders. Brewer must have liked North Wales for he stayed there for 12 months
and during this period visited a great many sites. He climbed to the summit of Snowdon
13 times and the Glyders seven times, recording many of the plants that he saw. For
example, it was in Cwmglas-mawr on Snowdon that he found Woodsia alpina for the
first time. As a result of so many botanists and plant-hunting expeditions being attracted
to Snowdonia the local flora was becoming well-known. In fact, the great majority of
mountain-plant discoveries in the British Isles were being made in Wales. By the mid
1700s 35 species of pteridophytes had been recorded from Wales.

Sir Joseph Banks and his friend the Rev. John Lightfoot made the last of the historic
plant hunting expeditions into Wales in 1773, attempting to follow Ray’s journey in
reverse. During the early part of this trip in South Wales they visited Porthkerry to see
the maidenhair fern and recorded the royal fern at ‘a marshy Lake, extending a mile
in length, called Coars Crym Lyn {Crumlin Bog near Swansea].

The published accounts of these early botanists, together with books on many other
Welsh subjects, fired the imagination of the English well-to-do and the ‘Welsh Tour’
became very fashionable in the 18th century. These early ‘tourists’ employed local people
as guides just as the plant hunters had done before them. This practice of hiring guides
continued into the 19th century especially with the greater influx of people coming to
the area after the completion of the Chester to Holyhead railway in 1849. The guides
often had a good knowledge of the mountain flora but unfortunately many of them
contributed to the destruction of the fern flora by over-collectiong to supply the large
market created by the victorian ‘fern craze’. They often competed to lead people to the
best sites and collected many plants for sale. As David Allen has mentioned in his book,
Snowdon guides used to hawk around holly fern at six pence (2.5p) a root on the very
summit itself. Perhaps it is just as well that the Snowdon Mountain railway to the summit
did not open until — fsa ncaa ices all the guides were enthusiastic collectors
and some plants. William Williams (1832-1861), who worked
at the Victoria Hotel in : Lares, was in constant demand as a botanical guide. He
is known to have hidden and transplanted plants that he thought were too exposed
to the public gaze. It is not known if he did this for true conservation reasons or to
hide the plants from other guides to make himself appear more knowledgeable. It is,
however, known that he fell to his death on Snowdon while collecting ferns for a client.

Evan Roberts is perhaps one of the last great amateur plant hunters and guides, who
at 48 became the Warden of the first National Nature Reserve in Wales at Cwm Idwal
and retired as Head Warden in Snowdonia. Evan Roberts led many parties on the
mountains and it was he who first showed me holly fern on the Snowdon slopes in
the very same area that Llwyd had found it in the late 17th century.

44

The Victorian fern craze resulted in a great number of books being published on all
aspects of the subject. Although several touched upon species and variety distribution
in Wales, the only true book on Welsh pteridophytes was Ferns of Wales by Edward
Young of Waincyrch, Neath, West Glamorgan which was published in 1856. This was
an album of pressed specimens, but unlike the other specimen books had printed
descriptions of the 34 species together with details of habitats, varieties and methods
of culture.

The next phase of pteridophyte hunting in Wales was caught up in the desire to record
the distribution of plants. Although very little work was done on plant distribution during
the first part of the 19th century, Botanist’s Guides such as those of H C Watson (1804-
1881), L W Dillwyn (1778-1855) and R Falconer (1816-1881) were starting to appear.
With Watson’s division of Britain into numbered vice-counties (the Welsh vice-counties
are numbered 35, 41-52 and almost equate to the original 13 administrative counties)
came the desire to produce county floras. J E Griffiths’ The Flora of Anglesey and
Carnarvonshire which appeared in 1887 was the first to appear since H Davies’ Welsh
Botanology (of v.c. 52) was published in 1813. This led on eventually to even more
detailed mapping by quadrats and the publication of the Atlas of the British Flora edited
by F H Perring and S M Walters in 1962 and the Atlas of Ferns of the British Isles
edited by A C Jermy, H R Arnold, L Farrell and F H Perring for the Botanical Society
of the British Isles and the British Pteridological Society in 1978. In Wales there have
been several relatively recent county lists (Merionethshire, Carmarthenshire,
Pembrokeshire, Montgomeryshire and Anglesey) and a county flora of Monmouthshire.
The county floras of Glamorgan and Flint should appear soon and those of Radnorshire
and Montgomeryshire are well advanced.

The British Pteridological Society has, of course, visited Wales on many occasions,
although its first visit was not until 1922 when the annual meeting was based at the
Padarn Villa Hotel in Llanberis in Snowdonia. The published account records the species
seen but says that no variety worthy of being perpetuated or collected was found. It
is also interesting to note that the secretary did not record having seen the holly fern
which is a species that most previous visitors made a point of seeing. This visit was
later than planned, for the gage Rhea: scheduled for 1915 had been cancelled
because of the war. Conti that the President (D V Stansfield)
and Secretary (W B Cranfield) visited North Wales alone in 1919 rather ee attempting
to lead a Society meeting. It was 1927 before the Society visited Wales again with
the members staying at the Peerless Hotel in Tenby, Dyfed. The published account reveals
that the party this time did find some worthwhile varieties on the nearby Carboniferous
limestone. Since then the number of meetings venturing into Wales has increased,
especially with the more varied programmes that have been organised in more recent
ears.

The few public fern collections in Wales have been limited to University and local authority
gardens. Outstanding private collections have been noticeably absent as well, with three
notable exceptions: there was E J Lowe’s at Shirenewton Hall in Shirenewton, Gwent
where he came to live in 1880 because ‘the neighbourhood of Nottingham was singularly
deficient in ferns’: the very large collections of F G Wynn in Caernarvonshire which
were described by Stansfield in 1925; today there is Christopher Fraser-Jenkins’ collection,
with its National Collection of Dryopteris, at his father’s home at Bridgend, Mid Glamorgan.

Pteridophytes have been an interest of the staff in the Botany Department of the National
Museum of Wales for some time, which is evident in the publication of six editions

45

of Welsh Ferns. The Keeper, H A Hyde, and Assistant Keeper, A E Wade, wrote the
first which was published in 1940 in response to the perceived need for an inexpensive
text. Notes were given on the distribution of species in Wales together with lists of
specimens in the herbarium. There were few changes in the next two editions although
the fourth edition, published in 1962, reflected an increased knowledge of both fern
taxonomy and species distribution in Wales. The fifth edition (1969) was largely rewritten
by the new Keeper, S G Harrison, to include the clubmosses, quillworts and horsetails
and the sixth (1978) gave many more details of hybrids. The seventh edition is now
scheduled to appear in time for the 1992 season. Against the background of a new
edition of Welsh Ferns, Dr George Hutchinson and | have brought the records of the
pteridophyte distributions in Wales up-to-date and have compiled a series of maps on
a 10km grid square system. These are based on published records, information from
county recorders and new records from our own field work and our herbarium which
now contains about 4,000 sheets of Welsh pteridophytes. It is intended to include these
maps in the new edition although they will first appear in Watsonia.

FURTHER READING

ALLEN, D E 1969. The Victorian Fern Craze. Hutchinson & Co. 83pp

ELLIS, . 1972-74. Plant hunting in Wales. Amgueddfa, CK? ee the National Museum of Wales

0 (Spring 1972) pt.1, 22-34, 13 (Spring 1973) pt. 2, 37-51, 16 (Spring 1974) pt.3, 2-18.

ealrrvOS LD 1982. Evan Roberts: a profile. Nature in Wales. 1 (1): 46-49.

HYDE, HA, whoa AE & HARRISON, S G 1978. Welsh Ferns, Clubmosses, Quillworts and Horsetails.
Edition 6. National Museum of Wales.

PHILLIPS, C R 1978. Edward Joseph Lowe. Bulletin of the British Pteridological Society. 1 (6):

STANSFIELD, H 1925. The Hon. F G Wynn's ferns. The British Fern Gazette. 5 (5): 94-99.

photo: M Rickard

Royal Horticultural Society stand at the 1991 Chelsea Flower Show

NATIONAL CENTENARY EVENTS 1991
FERNS AT THE CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW - 20-24 May
ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY STAND Peter Barnes

It all started with a chance remark by Ray Waite, Glasshouse Supervisor at Wisley,
to Hazel Key (Fibrex Nurseries) in 1989, when Ray mentioned that he was hoping to
stage an exhibit of ferns at the Chelsea Flower Show. Hazel mentioned the approaching
centenary of our Society and from this spore of an idea emerged the luxuriant greenery
that many saw last May, which recognised the happy event of 100 years ago.

Historically, Wisley has not stood high on the scale of public fern collections so the
first question was, could we assemble sufficient material to made a good exhibit? As
the project matured from an idea to a reality, word got round on the grape-vine (or
Lygodium?) and plants were assembled at Wisley from various sources. Apart from the
garden itself, plants were loaned or given by Robert Bolton, Matt Busby, Ray Coughlin,
Jimmy Dyce, Reg Kaye, Hazel Key, Martin Rickard, and RBG Kew (John Woodhams).
Most of these reached Wisley in the autumn of 1989 and were potted up and set in
a sheltered bay between greenhouses for that winter. In autumn 1990 they were tidied
and brought in to a cool greenhouse and here began the tense period of waiting to
see how they developed - little concrete advice was available concerning this sort of
gentle forcing.

In the meantime, Ray was busy developing his plans for the exhibit. In spite of some
indecision by ‘the authorities’ as to the size of the stand, Ray kept to his original idea
of a mossy grotto, a few birch saplings and a small tree-fern to provide some variation
in height. The ferns co-operated well and there was material to spare by the Saturday
before the show opened, when Ray and his team from Wisley, together with John
Woodhams, commenced planting.

The grotto intrigued many visitors. The basic structure was formed with wooden pallets
whose angular outline was rounded off with ‘moss sandwiches’ - two layers of chicken
netting with moss in between. Once the shape was right, more moss was tucked in.
The ferns, all in containers, were planted in, around and over the grotto, a small pool
installed and the whole stand dressed with a layer of dry leaves, collected for the purpose.

In spite of the input from other sources, the exhibit was an RHS one and so could
not be judged. (Had it been judged, we were later told that it had been considered
worthy of a Gold Medal.)

| was lucky enough (I think!) to be manning the exhibit for each of the four days of
the show and so saw the reactions and heard the comments of many people. The degree
of interest surprised me and | am sure it was not just from BPS members. People who
stopped to talk invariably had particular questions and either grew ferns already or were
keen to do so. Occasionally, | overheard ‘it’s only ferns dear, ooh look ...’ as the rather
gaudy stand next door of pelargoniums and fuchsias came into sight. One lady actually
Stopped to tell me ‘you'll think I‘m awful, but I've just dug out all the ferns in my garden’
- what can you say to that? Others were more appreciative in their comments: ‘this
is balm to my eyes after all that colour’. The recent, well-publicised reports of research
linking bracken spores with higher cancer incidence also prompted a few, unanswerable
questions.

47

Throughout the week, BPS members came and helped man the exhibit as well as the
Society's own stand in the Scientific and Educational Section. Their assistance was
greatly appreciated - particularly those who stayed late into Friday evening to help Ray
and his colleagues dismantle the exhibit. The last word with Ray: ‘/f only all stands
were so straightforward to stage ... °.

BPS STAND Robert Johns

The BPS mounted an exhibit in the Scientific and Educational Section of the Chelsea
Flower Show, centered on the excellent series of posters prepared for the Centenary
of the Society by the National Museum of Wales under the direction of Dr Barry Thomas.
The poster display was mounted on panels which were placed on a three foot high
continuous table around three sides of the quadrangle allocated. A small display of ferns,
made up mostly of common species in cultivation such as Nephrolepis and Pteris, were
used to complement the posters. A small plant of Elaphoglossum crinitum, previously
a common house plant but now seldom grown, attracted interest. Many of the visitors
to Chelsea examined the stand, some in a brief and superficial manner, but a sufficient
number showed interest in the Society and its objectives to justify the exhibit.

Preparation began at Kew several weeks before the Chelsea Show. Apart from contacting
members of the Society to help man the stand, it was also necessary to arrange for
display boards and plants. Fortunately the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew were not using
their display boards and generously arranged to get them re-covered for the Chelsea
Show. We must express our sincere thanks to the Information and Exhibition section
at Kew for their assistance and to John Woodhams for providing the ferns used in
the display. The poster set used was also kindly lent by Kew. Because of the quality
of the exhibition boards the erection of the exhibit went surprisingly quickly. Peter Edwards
and Simon Malcomber helped on a busy Sunday morning before the show, to put up
the display. It was not until after the display was ‘finished’ that we were told that it
was competitive and some reorganisation was necessary. The collection of ferns was
completely restaged and, using a bag of sphagnum kindly donated from a neighbouring
stand, it was possible to cover the pots and make the display more attractive and
competitive.

Monday was a day of watering and adding the final touches to the display before judging.
In the evening Josephine Camus looked after the stand during the official tour and
inspection by Royalty. During the week from Tuesday to Friday, a number of members
of the Society manned the display, also —— sig Soperuety e — the other
exhibits at the show. A busy p with questions
on the Society and growing ferns, selling the Society’ s ptiecke, “piltwation notes on ferns
and other Society goods to the public. Considerable time was spent by our fern growers
advising the public on problems they have with their fern plants.

On Friday evening the show closed at 5pm and then the stand had to be dismantled
and transported back to Kew. Although packed and ready for loading at 6pm we had
to wait until 10pm before it was possible to load the vehicle. This meant carrying all
the display materials, including plants and panels, about quarter of a mile to the vehicle.
Unfortunately all coffee sales etc., seemed to finish at 6pm so the last four hours were
a most frustrating wait! Back at Kew it was necessary to unload the vehicle so that
the panels did not get damaged. Again Simon Malcomber and Peter Edwards helped
in this work. Many thanks to all those members of the society who helped during the
week for their excellent support.

The award of a Silver Medal was appreciated and reflected the work put into the stand,
but the greatest reward was the interest of the public in the display and the large numbers
that expressed interest in the Society and membership.

HELPING AT THE CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW Margaret Nimmo-Smith

| spent two days at the show and thoroughly enjoyed myself helping on both the Society
stand in the scientific section and the RHS stand in the centre of the marquee. In fact
| spent more time on the RHS stand where it had been thought that more technical
questions on ferns would be asked. But luckily for me, the reverse situation occurred
so that | was kept busy directing people to the Farmers’ Union Stand, or explaining
that, yes, there was a greater diversity in ferns than the ordinary person realised, and
that all the ferns on the stand were hardy apart from the Dicksonia antarctica. If the
person seemed really keen the plant list was thrust into their hand, and directions were
given towards the Fibrex Nursery stand for ordering plants and to the Society stand
for more detailed information on publications and how to join. Diverse subjects were
covered in conversation, from which ferns to plant in dry shade or on alkaline soils,
to learning about a fernery which is being restored on Jersey, and a question about
creating a moss garden. On the Society stand the most frequently asked question seemed
to be how to eradicate horsetails from unwanted places!

On Friday, the last day of the show, there is always a terrible scrum at 5pm when
the show closes and the public are allowed to buy plants. The BPS helpers were posted
all around the Wisley stand to make sure that none of the ferns were sold or otherwise
disappeared. Quite a task as many hopeful people appeared and had to be sent away.
We then helped to dismantle the stand which, with loading the van, only took a couple
of hours, a tiny fraction of the time it had taken Ray Waite and his team of workers
to construct it. | savoured a moment of power when | was allowed to remove the first
inverted flower pot, part of the retaining bank, to let the water in the pond drain away!
Refreshments were shared around - it is probably not realised that the RHS services
such as catering rapidly close down after the show - unfortunate when you are faced
with a long wait to get your van in to load up the plants. The ferns were all loaded
back into the hire van which belongs to a friend of Ray who has great experience of
moving plants and has fitted out his van with specially constructed movable staging.
He and Ray were very proud of the fact that all the ferns had arrived at Chelsea in
perfect condition, not a frond out of place from the travel. The loading was hard work
as many of the larger pots were extremely heavy. | departed at 9.15pm in a rush to
catch a train, and | think they left fairly soon after but had the long drive back to Wisley.

A big thank you to the Wisley team for all their hard work in planning the exhibit,
nurturing the plants, constructing the stand, watering it and finally dismantling it. | am
sure that magnificent display has persuaded many more gardeners to try growing ferns
and has recruited new members to the Society.

49

SYMPOSIUM ON CULTIVATION AND PROPAGATION OF PTERIDOPHYTES
7-11 July Graham Ackers

This symposium was a significant contribution to our centenary programme, and a unique
contribution to our understanding of the world of pteridophyte cultivation. Around 90
delegates attended from several European countries, South Africa, Madagascar, Australia,
Mexico and Singapore, with a particularly strong representation from the USA. For three
days, proceedings were held in a good lecture theatre at Imperial College. On the
Wednesday, we were based at The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. The inaugural reception
on Sunday evening was a most enjoyable occasion. On such a fine, warm evening,
Chelsea Physic Garden proved a charming setting for participants to become acquainted
and for reunions with old friends.

As far as possible, the sessions were arranged thematically. Monday morning was devoted
to ‘Early pteridologists and fern culture’. Eminent botanist and historian William Stearn
was scheduled to start the proceedings with a talk entitled ‘Pteridologists in the early
days of botanic ae pee, Professor Stearn pointed out that such a talk would
have taken onl give, as there weren't any! Instead he gave a fascinating
and authechution account of botanic gardens through the ages. Charles Nelson then
spoke on ‘Ferns in Ireland: cultivated and wild through the ages’. Finally in this session,
John Mickel of the New York Botanical Garden, and author of the well loved How to
Know the Ferns and Fern Allies, talked on ‘Ferns in cultivation in America’. The talk
was illustrated with excellent colour slides, many taken in his own garden. With his
love of ferns, John Mickel demonstrated an enviable synchronisation of profession and
hobby!

photo: M Ladell

Centenary Symposium reception at Chelsea Physic Garden
Sue Olsen, Bernard Mitchell, Alison Paul, Barry Thomas, Primrose Peacock, Jennifer Ide,
Clive Jermy, Matt Busby, Graham Hoare, Nick Schroder, Katherine Berger

50

Monday afternoon’s theme was ‘Ferns in cultivation: the potential in the wild’. John
Burrows gave the first presentation, ‘Southern African ferns of horticultural potential’,
taking us on a tour of the different botanic regions in South Africa. For each region,
John described the ferns with horticultural potential, and the likely conditions under
which they could be grown. Out of the many species described, he gave his own three
personal favourites as Pellaea doniana, Asplenium hypomelas, and Polystichum alticola,
so over to the spore exchange scheme! John and his wife Susan co-authored the recently
published magnificent Southern African Ferns and Fern Allies, and Susan had on display,
and for sale, originals of some of the fine illustrations from the book. The next talk,
from Bob Johns, was ‘Montane and subalpine ferns of Malesia: a potential source of
cultivated plants’. Once again, the major veg , and their plants, were described.
Topics such as collection, export regulations, propagation and cultivation were discussed,
although there was little hope of any ferns being hardy in the British Isles! In the first
of two presentations, Judith Jones, well known horticulturalist from Seattle, talked on
Hs opsistce ies garden sialon for North American temperate ferns’. This was a

at +h

ere t of j h as fashion, availability, publicity,

which dicate the commercial potential of fern species. Finally, author of the ‘bible’ of
fern cultivation (Fern Growers Manual), Barbara Joe Hoshizaki, talked on ‘The potential
for new fern introductions’. Here, concentrating on indoor ferns, further market criteria
for fern sales were described. These included symmetry, small to medium size, dense
foliage, and something unusual in shape, texture, colour or pattern, and ease of growth.

Tuesday morning was set aside for ‘Genetics and fern breeding’, and proved to be
something of a revelation for some horticulturists present, who could not wait to get
home and try out new ideas suggested by these presentations! Indeed the first talk
by Christopher Haufler ‘Developing fern breeding programmes: insights from genetic
studies’ explained how self-fertilisation of gametophytes is probably far less common
than had been supposed. Thus, if outcrossing is the norm, and the hormonal control
of gametophyte sexuality is also possible, then the breeder can view the gametophyte
as presenting many possibilities for manipulation. The talk that followed was by Elizabeth
Sheffield on ‘ Apogamy and apospory: their potential uses in breeding and propagation’.
Apogamous gametophytes produce male gametes that can be used for fertilising females
of other species. By fragmenting them, they can also provide much material for the
production of sporophytes identical to their parent. Induced apospory can be invaluable
for breeding programmes aimed at the production of polyploidal offspring. In ‘The genus
Pteris, its breeding systems and its horticultural potential’, Trevor Walker gave an overview
of his researches into this important genus. Reviewed were the diversity of the species,
apogamous and hybridising behaviours, and the possibilities they presented. ‘A tale of
two genomes: dynamics of the genepools of polyploid ferns’ was the rather daunting
title of Charles Werth’s talk. As someone who only learnt what a spore was last year,
this one went way over my head - you will just have to await the symposium proceedings!
The final talk of the morning was by Eric Rabe on ‘Using a spontaneous mutation in
Adiantum to test hypotheses about polypoid ferns’. The fern in question was one of
an otherwise normal population of Adiantum pedatum. The investigation suggested that
the phenomenon of ‘hybrid vigour’ may result more from the actual hybrid origin itself,
rather than from accompanying polyploidy.

The th j htoth i ily suspended on Tuesday
afternoon, when we had two unrelated talks and a poster 6 session. . Martin Rickard started
proceedings with ‘Variation in the Polypodium vulgare group’, in which he attempted

51

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to reconcile varieties currently in existence with their original names. With his own
comprehensive garden collection displayed on slides, Martin was in an ideal position
to attempt an unravelling of such mysteries! We were then allowed an hour and a
half to view the posters. There were about a dozen fine displays, with more than enough
interest to sustain us over the allotted sabes alps siti rap reygileess was a superb
collection of ant fern (1

the Dutch Fern Society. These were » pairnad by ueak suarerce for a proposed book on
the genus by Prof. E Hennipman and his team. And of course, BPS sales conducted
some brisk business! To complete the day, Judith Jones gave the second of her
presentations, on ‘Landscaping with international ferns: a professional approach’. This
was a cleverly conceived dual projector presentation, where the criteria for selection,
and the uses of commercially viable ferns were described. One of my lasting memories
of this symposium is the image of Judith doing a juggling act with the two projectors
without being able to see both screens, sometimes getting the images out of
synchronisation as a result, and admitting uncertainty over telling her left from her right!
Hilarious stuff!

On Wednesday, we moved to Kew Gardens, where the morning lectures were held
in the Jodrell Lecture Theatre. In his talk ‘The fern industry in Holland’, Wim Oudshoorn
described the impressive commercial fern growing operation of Lemkes. The second
presentation was ‘Leather-leaf fern culture in the USA’ by Robert Stamp. The fern in
question, Rumohra adiantiformis is widely used in cut flower arrangements, and the
problems and opportunities accompanying its culture in Florida were described. Gillian
Douglas then spoke on ‘The investigation of existing and novel artificial growth systems
for the production of fern gametophytes’. Soil is too unpredictable as a growth medium
for laboratory experimental work. Various alternatives were described, one of which
included the use of a fiendish looking machine called an ‘air lift fermenter’! Finally for
the morning, John Woodhams gave a brief historial account entitled ‘Fern growing at
Kew: an introduction’, to which Clive Jermy appended some amusing anecdotes about
Kew’s renowned grower, the late Bert Bruty.

The afternoon was set aside for visits to relevant Kew facilities, and included a good
chunk of free time for exploration of the gardens. Immediately after lunch, and following
some impressive organisation logistics by Clive Jermy, we split into three groups to
visit the Micropropagation Unit, the Filmy Fern House, and the fern nurseries, guided
by Matthew Ford, Nigel Rothwell and Peter Bradley respectively. Later in the day, the
conducted tour by Peter Bradley of the always entrancing fern displays in the Princess
of Wales Conservatory was enhanced by refreshments in the form of a choice selection
of wines and cheeses. This finale to the day was staged by Bob Johns with help from
Peter Edwards. Bob gave an unscheduled demonstration of the art of preparing a fresh
pineapple for consumption that gave rise to much ribald speculation on his employment
in the tropics before he joined the staff at Kew. As a non professional, | always feel
‘privileged’ seeing behind the scenes on such occasions, and expert commentary from
the Kew staff made these visits particularly pleasurable. And the sun shone all day
too!

We returned to Imperial College for Thursday's proceedings, where the theme for the
morning was ‘Fern growing and the gardener’. Author David Allen gave the first talk
‘The Victorian fern craze - Pteridomania revisited’, being a fascinating postscript to his
well known book. Nigel Hall continued the historical theme with ‘Nineteenth century
nurserymen’, intending to give an account of both the Stansfields and the Birkenheads,
two families of fern nurserymen. However, Nigel’s research into his subject had been

53

so thorough, and his account of the Stansfields was so absorbing, that the Birkenheads
hardly got a look in in the time available! In ‘Experimental hybridizing and hybridizers’,
Mary Gibby described early attempts to produce hybrids, culminating in the work of
Professor Irene Manton during the years 1950-75. Peter Boyd, who is curator of the
Museum of North Devon in Barnstaple gave the next presentation on ‘150 Years of
ferns and fern culture in Devon: a case study’. Historically, Devon was identified as
a centre of interest in fern books, in the varieties occurring in the county, and in the
nurseries who traded. The museum is planning a Victorian-style conservatory fernery,
which should be a great attraction once completed. The final talk of the morning was
given by Clive Jermy on ‘Problems with nomenclature and typification of fern cultivars’.
Here, the problems of reconciling old cultivar names with the requirements of the
International Code of Nomenclature for Cultivated Plants were discussed.

After lunch, the theme became ‘Fern cultivation and conservation’. The first talk, ‘The
role of botanic gardens in cultivation’ was by Etelka Leadley, who explained the importance
of botanic gardens in the conservation of biodiversity and conservation education. Her
own organisation, the Botanic Gardens Conservation Secretariat, is the only global
organisation primarily concerned with wild p!ant conservation. In the second talk of this
session, ‘The culture of cheilanthoid ferns in the Botanic Garden at Lyon’, Paul Berthet
described the successes and problems (but mostly successes!) experienced with this
difficult group of ferns. The next presentation was ‘National plant collections: ex situ
conservation’ by Graham Pattison of the National Council for the Conservation of Plants
and Gardens (NCCPG), in which the history and present status of this organisation and
the plant collections were described. Ferns represent 5% of the collections, including
about 1000 taxa. A discussion on further fern collections for possible inclusion followed
the talk. The final talk of the session (and the symposium) was by Chris Page on
‘Conservation of wild species: the ex situ approach’. Whilst the cessation of destruction
of fern habitats had to be the top priority, the establishment of spore banks and living
collections in the UK would act as a backstop against potential wild species loss. This
ahi ebsstispieai stimulated — ib aa some of — focused on

f ultimate re-int heir original
states. The formal proceedings of the symposium were then brotight to a close by Clive
Jermy, who linked the session themes together in an informed, objective, and yet
personalised summary.

On Thursday evening, we relaxed at the most enjoyable symposium dinner. In his
humorous after dinner speech Barry Thomas related the many unsuccessful attempts
to change our name to ‘The British Fern Society’ from ‘The British Pteridological Society’.
However, as the latter name had always won through, Barry wondered whether some
of our members, also members of ‘The American Fern Society’ should now propose
its name be change to ‘The Ex Colonial Pteridological Society’! Jimmy Dyce then gave
a jaunty potted history of the Society, during which some whispered translations were
supplied to some of our colleagues from overseas!

The organisational tasks for the symposium must have been numerous, time consuming,
and frequently frustrating. However, such activities were largely hidden from the
delegates, who were undistracted from their enjoyment of the proceedings. For such
organisational excellence, we are greatly indebted to the organising committee and all
others who helped behind the scenes, but in particular, to Jennifer Ide and Clive Jermy.
Thank you for a superb symposium.

CENTENARY GARDEN TOUR - 12-14 July Martin Rickard

Friday 12th July - The garden tour had been two years in planning and on the first
morning my worst fear materialised, the bus did not turn up on time! Apparently the
packed lunches had not been prepared on schedule! Fortunately the trauma was quite
short-lived with the coach arriving 20 or so minutes late - 20 long minutes! Slightly
behind schedule the party set off from London along the newly opened M40 for the
two hour journey to Bromsgrove. The initial delay was quickly forgotten as coffees were
served en route by Jennifer Ide and Rosemary Hibbs and delegates quickly got to know
each other.

We arrived at 17 Alvechurch Highway, Bromsgrove to be warmly welcomed by Ray
and Rita Coughlin and a large number of local West Midlands members of the Society
- present on this occasion to act as guides in the garden and of course to take advantage
of the opportunity to meet some of our overseas members. Together with Ray and Rita
they also kindly provided us with a marvellous array of welcome refreshments. The
party were delighted by the beauty of the garden here and of course by the tremendous
range of ferns. Ray and Rita have probably been the most successful raisers of new
fern varieties over the last 20 or so years in Britain. Evidence of their successes fill
the garden right from the house through the limestone rock garden, acid garden, raised
beds, greenhouses, pergolas, wet garden, woodland garden etc. for 100 yards or so
up the gentle slope, even overflowing into the garden of their next-door neighbour, Betty
Thomas! A very comprehensive range of British fern varieties is grown and a good many
overseas species and varieties feature strongly. Plumose lady ferns abound as do just
about every conceivable form of Polystichum setiferum including ‘Divisilobum’,
‘Multilobum’, ‘Plumosum’, ‘Foliosum’ and ‘Cristatum’. Not only are many of the plants
very rare or even unique but all are expertly grown. This was a wonderful site for the
Start of our tour, my only fear was that we had set a standard difficult to repeat over
the next three days! Many thanks again to you all for such an enjoyable scene-setter.

Our second stop was another two or three hours further north, at historic Sizergh Castle,
just south of Kendal. Here we were met by Malcolm Hutcheson, the Head Gardener,
who kindly gave our party an introductory account of the garden and guided us around
the famous limestone rockery, before showing us some of the treasures in the reserve
collection. We were shown representatives of the four NCCPG National Collections of
ferns held at Sizergh. Plants from each were scattered around the garden in positions
likely to suit each fern while at the same time having the correct aesthetic appeal.
This is not exclusively a fern garden. Conifers and flowering plants feature strongly
but the ferns take a more Prornneey | seg ep in any other public garden | know in
Britain. Th A fine specimen usually considered
Osmunda gracilis was she subject of much discussion; it closely resembled plants grown
in the USA as Osmunda regalis var. spectabilis. No final decision was taken on its true
identity. The crested forms of Osmunda regalis also attracted a lot of attention. In the
reserve collection there was also much of interest with one or two plants finding new
homes. Most generously Malcolm allowed unrestricted collection of spores. All too soon
it was time to move on to our overnight stop at The Post House, Lancaster. Here we
were very quickly installed in our rooms and in no time at all sat down to dinner. A
highlight of the evening was the appearance of our guest of honour, Reginald Kaye.
No speeches of course during an informal evening but plenty of opportunity for Reg
to meet old and new friends in preparation for the next day. Unfortunately, Malcolm
Hutcheson had been unable to join us for dinner.

55

Saturday 13th July - After the fine weather of the Friday, Saturday was miserable
and by the time we met up with Reg Kaye again, at his nursery in Silverdale, it was
lashing with rain. Despite the water dribbling down our necks the garden was thoroughly
explored, ably shown round by Reg in his 90th year - he was without a hat yet the
rain seemed to affect him less than anyone! An account of the ferns here in a few
words is impossible but it was a pleasure for the party to see many of the classic ‘antique’
varieties preserved in Reg’s garden. Notable examples which | remember are Athyrium
filix-femina ‘Clarissima Jones’ and ‘Clarissima Bolton’, ‘Victoriae’ original clone,
Asplenium scolopendrium ‘Drummondiae’, Asplenium trichomanes (|Incisum group)
‘Greenfield’ and Polystichum setiferum ‘Plumosum Drueryi’. Also well represented are
newer varieties such as Polystichum munitum (Cristatum group), with a lot of rarely
seen species from many parts of the world, for example Asplenium fissum (Southern
Europe), Blechnum minus (New Zealand) and Blechnum niponicum (Japan). It is thanks
to a few members like Reg with links back to pre-war days, that so many fern varieties
and species are still in cultivation. Many thanks to Reg for enduring the awful weather
and making our visit to the home of British fern growing for the last 50 years or so
so memorable.

Wet and bedraggled we were all too soon back on the coach, admittedly glad to get
a chance to dry out! We now had the prospect of a three hour trip back south to Fibrex
Nurseries at Pebworth. Time was filled by eating lunches which were far too big(!),
watching the Schering Agriculture/National Museum of Wales sponsored Fern Video
and talking - a lot of talking! To me this chance to become acquainted with other ‘fernys’
was one of the highlights of the tour, invariably we arrived at the next venue much
too early for my liking!

As we drove south the rain stopped (ample proof of the benefits of growing ferns in
the north-west!) and against all the odds we arrived at Pebworth within a few minutes
of our ETA. We were immediately ushered into the village hall to be present for the
prize giving for the Centenary show organised for the Society by Fibrex Nurseries. What
a sight greeted us! | have never seen so many ferns in such a small space, all were
magnificently grown specimens, and very many were examples of rarely seen taxa. In
total | am reliably informed by Edith Kamermans that there were over 250 plants exhibited
in the various classes! In addition, Clive Brotherton had set up a fabulous display of
just some of his Cheilanthes and Pellaea plants and other xerophytic ferns. The whole
show was surely the most comprehensive display of ferns set up in the UK this century
and how pleasing it was to be able to organise this to tie in with the visit of the Centenary
Garden Tour.

The Centenary Show was not the only attraction at Pebworth of course. The impressive
stock of ferns grown by Fibrex Nurseries had to be investigated, indeed some of our
party found it difficult to contain their impatience while the Fern Show prizes were
being awarded! Needless to say many plants left Pebworth that day but many more
stock plants, not available for sale, were admired in the numerous greenhouses and
tunnels. Dare | say that some of our number were seen inspecting Pelargonium (NCCPG
National Collection) and ivies - shame on them! To round off a most memorable visit,
Hazel Key and her family invited all the Tour members to tea in their home where
a superb cake was cut, even though beautifully iced in celebration of the BPS centenary.
It seemed such a shame to have to slice through the realistic fern fronds.

That evening, slightly late as usual, the party arrived at The Moat House Hotel, Stourport,
Worcestershire. Here we enjoyed an excellent dinner with two guests, Matt Busby and

56

photo: A Leonard

John Mickel and Martin Rickard at Leinthall Starkes during Centenary Garden Tour

my wife Hazel; unfortunately Hazel Key, and Ray and Rita Coughlin were unable to
join us. During dinner Barbara Joe Hoshizaki proposed a vote of thanks to for organising
the tour, a gesture | very much appreciated.

Sunday 14th July - The next morning it was the turn of my wife and | to be hosts
at our home at Leinthall Starkes. We were very ably supported by the West Midlands
members who had been present at Ray and Rita’s on the first morning; these marvellous
people got down to the job of organising refreshments while my wife was showing
people her nursery stock and | was indulging myself in the garden! The group wandered
about unguided in beautiful sunny weather with the view from the summerhouse at
the top of our hill looking its best. Of the ferns | think the hardy exotic species attracted
most attention. Certainly | remember Barbara Joe and her husband Takashi spending
a long time pouring over Peranema cyatheoides, while | was busy trying to glean names
for Mexican material collected by Christopher Fraser-Jenkins from John Mickel and
Monica Palacios-Rios. Apparently some species actually grow bigger in Herefordshire
than in Mexico, e.g. Phanerophlebia pumila! | was disappointed that most polypods were
not in leaf, also | was sad that some of my cyatheoid tree-ferns had succumbed to
the previous winter. Fortunately Dicksonia antarctica was in fine fettle. | was pleased
to have the opportunity to show visitors the sections of the garden containing ferns
from Jimmy Dyce’s collection as well as many from Robert Bolton, Jean and Jack Healey
and Philip Coke among many others. By this time two of our number unfortunately
had to leave us, Miranda Innes and Coral Lindbeck, but everyone else was captured
for posterity in the group photograph except for Edith Kamermans, Patricia Sellars and
Susan Yamins who could not be whipped in in time!

We left Leinthall Starkes late as usual, but fortunately we made up some time on the
journey back east to the Savill Garden near London where we were greeted by a very
understanding John Bond, Keeper of the Garden. In the remaining time at his disposal
John first of all outlined the history of the garden and its royal connections before taking
US ON a tour of the ferny highlights. This garden is not a fern garden. It is a beautiful

57

woodland garden full of rhododendrons, azaleas, magnolias etc. as well as the most
wonderful range of herbaceous woodland plants. Ferns are planted very effectively to
enhance the overall plan. Ferns of special note seen included the most remarkable bank
of Polystichum setiferum ‘Plumosum Bevis’ - three feet or more high and fully fifteen
metres from end to end, Dryopteris erythrosora in quantity, a clump of Osmunda which
stimulated much discussion, as well as very rare Dryopteris species and hybrids collected
by Christopher Fraser-Jenkins. Wherever possible ferns here are planted in groups of
ten plants or more, making stunning eye catchers throughout the gardens. Once again
members of our party were allowed to collect spores.

All too soon it was back on to the coach for the last time, and within the hour we
were back at Imperial College, disembarked and setting off to our various destinations
in all corners of the world.

In conclusion | must say that this tour was one of those experiences of a lifetime that
will never be forgotten. The delegates were the most wonderful group of people from
ten different countries, each and every one of them was a pleasure to be with. | certainly
learnt a great deal and | am sure everyone else was in the same boat. | have always
been unenthusiastic about coach trips but now | have changed my mind; there can
be few better means of easily getting to know people - especially ferny people!

photo: M Rickard

Centenary Garden Tour party and supporters at Leinthall Starkes, 14 July 1991
Standing: Anthony Pigott, Gunter Winkler, Hazel Rickard, Hildegard Jackson, France Rakotondrainibe-
d

°
Mary Ellen Tonsing, Katherine Berger, Monsieur Houitte, Master Houitte
Sitting or crouching: Margo Ladell, Harry Olsen, Mobee Weinstein, Sue Olsen, Monica Palacios-
Rios, Nancy Swell, Jennifer Ide, Takashi Hoshizaki, Barbara Joe Hoshizaki, Graham Hoare, Nicole
Kleinhaus, Rosemary Hibbs, Carol Mickel, Marty Willard, John Mickel, Ray Coughlin.
[Joan Gottlieb, Edith Kamermans, Patricia Sellars and Susan Yamins missed this photocall while
Miranda Innes and Coral Lindbeck had to leave the tour early. ]

58

PEBWORTH FERN SHOW - 13 July A R Busby

A unique event in the Society's Centenary celebrations was the Fern Show held in
the village hall at Pebworth near Honeybourne, Warwickshire. This provided an opportunity
for members of the Society to display competitively the best plants from their fern
collections. Knowing the average member's reluctance to show ferns, | was somewhat
sceptical that there would be sufficient exhibitors, and indeed there were moments when
it appeared that insufficient members would apply to make the show a viable proposition.
In the event, twelve exhibitors filled Pebworth Village Hall witn nearly 200 ferns. The
hall was just big enough to accommodate all the entries and it proved to be a rare
spectacle and a real eye-opener for the general public.

The show was judged by Mr Stuart Williams and the prizes were presented by the
President, Dr Barry Thomas. The prize-winners are listed below.

Class 1 Six Hardy British Ferns: 1st D J Kershaw, 2nd R F Cartwright,
3rd M H Rickard
Class 2 Six Greenhouse Ferns: 1st D J Kershaw, 2nd R J Smith, 3rd A R Busby
Class 3 Three Hardy British Ferns: 1st R J Smith, 2nd M H Rickard, 3rd D J Kershaw
Class 4 Three Foreign Hardy Ferns: 1st R J Smith, 2nd D J Kershaw, 3rd R Cole
Class 5 Three Asplenium scolopendrium: 1st V F Newey, 2nd B Wright,
3rd M H Rickard
Class 6 Three Polypodium: 1st M H Rickard (1 entry)
Class 7 Three Polystichum: 1st R C Coughlin, 2nd M H Rickard, 3rd R J Smith
Class 8 Three Athyrium: 1st B Wright, 2nd R C Coughlin, 3rd M H Rickard
Class 9 Three Dryopteris: 1st R C Coughlin, 2nd D J Kershaw, 3rd R J Smith
Class 10 Three Asplenium(excluding A. scolopendrium): 1st B Wright, 2nd M H Rickard,
3rd R J Smith
Class 11. Three Greenhouse Ferns: 1st R J Smith, 2nd D J Kershaw, 3rd M H Rickard
Class 12 One Hardy British Fern: 1st ME Nimmo-Smith, 2nd R E Cole, 3rd R C Coughlin
Class 13. One Greenhouse Fern: 1st A R Busby, 2nd M H Rickard, 3rd R V Coughlin
Class 14 One Foreign Hardy Fern: 1st R C Coughlin, 2nd M H Rickard, 3rd A R Busby
Class 15 One Asplenium scolopendrium: 1st V F Newey, 2nd M H Rickard,
3rd A E Hoare
Class 16 One Polypodium: 1st MH Rickard, 2nd R J Smith (2 entries)
Class 17 One Polystichum: 1st B Wright, 2nd R J Smith, 3rd M H Rickard
Class 18 One Athyrium: 1st R C Coughlin, 2nd M H Rickard, 3rd R J Smith
Class 19 One Dryopteris: 1st V F Newey, 2nd R J Smith, 3rd D J Kershaw
Class 20 One Asplenium (excluding A. scolopendrium): 1st R F Cartwright,
2nd R J Smith, 3rd M H Rickard

Other awards were also made and presented: a Medal Card to Alf Hoare for the most
interesting fern in the show, an extremely diminutive form of Asplenium scolopendrium,
no more than an inch or two high; a Medal Card to Ray Coughlin for the best fern
in the show which was a superb Athyrium filix-femina ‘Kalothrix’, and a Gold Medal
Card to Ray Smith for accumulating the most points overall. In addition, Clive Brotherton
put on a non-competitive display of his collection of cheilanthoid ferns which, in the
opinion of the judge and show organiser, merited a special award of a Gold Medal
Card.

The Warwickshire Group of the National Council for the Conservation of Plants and
Gardens provided support with a display of literature and cut flowers from the National

59

Collection of Digitalis and several plants from my National Collection of Osmunda. The
West Midland Regional Group's stand exhibiting our Society literature and merchandise
aroused much interest with the visitors and we gained one or two new members.

The show was organised to coincide with the Pebworth Village Gardens Open Day and
Fibrex Nurseries were also open to the public. During the day, the show and nursery
were visited by the Society's Centenary Garden Tour, and, after visiting the show and
nursery, the party was provided with tea and a specially decorated fern cake to mark
the occasion.

The Society wishes to express its warmest thanks to Mrs Hazel Key for the original
concept of Pebworth Fern Show and to Fibrex Nurseries Ltd for providing and preparing
the venue, to the trustees of the Greenfield Fund for agreeing to provide over £300
in prize money, to Phostrogen Ltd and Wolf Tools for kindly providing additional prizes,
to Mr Stuart Williams for judging the show with such consideration and care, to John
and Margaret Collins for organising and manning the Society stand, to the Warwickshire
NCCPG Group for their willing support, and to all the exhibitors for travelling so far
to ensure the show's success and proving me so wrong.

photo: J Collins

Fern Show, Pebworth village hall, Warwickshire

HAMPTON COURT INTERNATIONAL FLOWER SHOW - 11-14 July AM Paul

The Society was represented at this show by The National Council for the Conservation
of Plants and Gardens who mounted a display of ferns ‘to celebrate the centenary of
the British Pteridological Society and to demonstrate the decorative value of these plants .
The ferns were loaned from the National Collection of Hardy Ferns held by Mr John
Bond at Savill Garden, Egham, Surrey. Many thanks to John Bond, and to Graham
Pattison of the NCCPG for publicising ferns and the Society to such a wide audience.

60

SOUTHPORT FLOWER SHOW - 22-24 August A R Busby

Although sixteen entries would appear to be a slight increase on 1990 (14) the show
bench still appeared to be somewhat short of ferns and it would have appeared even
more so had it not been for the introduction this year of a new ‘championship’ class,
class 6, which required the exhibitor to stage two indoor ferns, two foreign hardy ferns
and four British ferns. This was designed to test the ‘all-round’ skills of a fern grower.
Fortunately, it also helped to fill the show bench as it attracted three entries. It may
prove to be a popular class with its ennenge Bize money (first prize is £30). | hope
that this new class will encourage more how at Southport, after all, Pebworth
proved that members can do it if they put their minds to it!

| discussed with the Show Secretary, Mr Dave Drury, the possibility of the British
Pteridological Society Trophy being added to the prize money for class 6. It has not
been presented since the demise of the old class 7.

This year’s judges were A R Busby and R L Godard-Key. The prize-winners are listed
below

Class 6 Individual Championship: Four hardy ferns, two greenhouse ferns, two hardy
foreign ferns: 1st R J Smith, 2nd B Russ (3 entries)

Class 7 Three Hardy British Ferns (dissimilar): 1st R J Smith (2 entries)

Class 8 Three Foreign Hardy Ferns: 1st Mrs A G Beenham (1 entry)

Class 9 Three Asplenium scolopendrium: (No entries)

Class 10 Three Polypodium (distinct varieties): 2nd R J Smith (1 entry)

Class 11 Three Polystichum (distinct varieties): 1st R J Smith (1 entry)

Class 12 Three Athyrium (distinct varieties): (No entries)

Class 13. Three Dryopteris (distinct varieties): (No entries)

Class 14 Three Asplenium (excluding A. scolopendrium): 1st H C Shepherd,
2nd R J Smith (2 entries)

Class 15 One British Fern (any kind or variety): 1st R J Smith, 2nd Mrs A G Beenham,
3rd | Rawson (3 entries)

Class 16 One Greenhouse Fern: 1st Mrs E A Gibb, 2nd R J Smith, 3rd | Rawson
(3 entries)

The ‘Challenge Trophy’ atiag to the exhibitor gaining the most points in the fern
Classes, was won by R J Sm

My thanks to Jack aleve pes Ray Smith for helping with the staging and manning
of the Society’s stand.

| would welcome any enquiries about exhibiting ferns at Southport Flower Show and
will advise on the identification, growing and presentation of the exhibits.

[Correction to the 1990 Show Report, Class 13 Three Dryopteris should read, 1st B
Russ (1 entry)]

GROW GREAT FERNS!
Los Angeles International Fern Society (LAIFS)

Fern journal bimonthly, includes fern lesson. Educational meetings, materials, spore store
and books. Annual dues: $18 domestic, $24 overseas surface, $26.50 overseas airmail.
Apply to: Dave Fay, P.O. Box 90943, Pasadena, California 91 109-0943 USA.

LECTURE MEETINGS 1991

SPRING INDOOR MEETING, THE NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM, LONDON -
2 March. This first meeting of our Centenary was attended by over forty members and
friends. The day began with a tour of the pteridophyte herbarium in the Museum's
Botany Department led by Mary Gibby. This was an excellent opportunity for folk to
see what a herbarium is, view some of the historical fern collections and find out what
goes on ‘behind the scenes’. Members were then free to peruse for the first time the
Society's ‘travelling exhibition’, as well as a poster on Madeiran ferns prepared by Mary
Gibby and Alison Paul. Steve Munyard did a roaring trade with BPS Booksales, and
Society merchandise also sold well.

Our President, Barry Thomas, introduced the afternoon session, formally welcoming us
to the first meeting of what was to be a most enjoyable and successful year of Centenary
celebrations.

Clive Jermy gave a fascinating talk on a recent visit with Josephine Camus to the southern
part of the Gunung Mulu National — in ee: oe Slides illustrated some
of the spectacular scenery, including t ble li i les, and the different
vegetation types. It was hosinine to see the erosion of and and sihing up of rivers
as a result of the devastation of primary rain forest through logging. The alluvial forest
is very dark and dense, and a raised walkway had been constructed to protect the forest
floor. Native tree-climbers were used to collect in the forest tree canopy, moving from
tree to tree gathering epiphytes such as Drynaria and other polypods. Other ferns such
as Lindsaea and the very unfern-like Christensenia grow more accessibly on the forest
floor. The epiphyte Antrophyum, itself covered with epiphyllous lichens and liverworts,
was another of the many diverse pteridophytes illustrated.

A few associations of flora and fauna were mentioned: Lecanopteris, with its hollow
rhizome inhabited by ants, a mutually beneficial arrangement, and pitcher plants providing
a home for tadpoles! Open areas iusesien sanige spieercicae or burning allow species of
Gleicheniato colonise; the Blech ing, fronds regenerating
from its ‘trunk’. Clive concluded with a description of some caves ; visited. The thought
of the deep bat guano, spiders, grasshoppers and earwigs was most unpleasant, but
we were left with the incredible picture of clouds of bats pulsating out of a cave to
feed in the twilight.

Matt Busby then gave a most interesting discourse which he entitled ‘Random thoughts
on fern growing’. This could be summarised as (1) be patient, and (2) prepare the ground
well. Matt described the development of his own garden in Coventry where, having
been used to a good loam soil, he said his big mistake was to dig the heavy clay before
planting ferns in the borders. Two very wet years followed and the ground alternated
between being like concrete and wet clay. The solution was to build up the depth of
top soil, adding plenty of bulky organic matter to open up the clay and aid moisture
retention. Ideal materials for mulching include beech or oak leaf-mould, coir fibre and
spent mushroom compost. The latter medium does contain lime, though most hardy
ferns will grow in it, and some, such as various species of Polystichum and Cyrtomium,
love it. Interplanting ferns with winter-flowering heathers provides shade for the roots
and preserves soil moisture.

Much discussion ensued, mainly on the relative merits of a variety of shredders!

After tea we heard about two of the 1990 BPS meetings. Paul Ripley had led a very

62

successful and enjoyable trip to Brittany in May and showed slides of some of the
interesting places visited and pteridophytes recorded. Asplenium marinum and A.
obovatum subsp. lanceolatum (=A. billotii) were both relatively common on coastal cliffs,
but a taxon not known in Britain, A. obovatum subsp. obovatum was also seen. One
of the most exciting occasions on the trip was when the cover of a well in Le Cleuziou
was removed to reveal Trichomanes speciosum growing l|uxuriantly. (This site had been
found by Rémy Prelli.) Another fern new to many of the party was Anogramma leptophylia,
seen growing in abundance on roadside banks near St-Pol-de-Léon. Large stands of
two horsetails were illustrated: Equisetum ramosissimum in the sand-dunes near Cap
Fréhel, and E. hyemale, abundant in damp clearings in a wood where Dryopteris
carthusiana was also present. Paul's closing slide showed members partaking of coffee
outside the Pelargonium - bedecked buildings of St Giles le Vieux Marche!

Deeside in NE Scotland was our last port of call, with Steve Munyard as our guide.
The Linn of Dee was one of a number of sites where oak and beech ferns were recorded
and we were also shown Equisetum sylvaticum and some crested Dryopteris filix-mas
here. At Linn of Quoich Polystichum lonchitis was cuseibone Lae as oe te G. Dickie
in his Botanist’s Guide of 1860. Among other

alpinum, Lycopodium annotinum, Exviietass protense and Cystopteris fragilis. One
morning was spent exploring the coast, especially studying Cystopteris dickieana in its
type locality in a sea-cave. Asplenium marinum was also found here.

Thus ended a very full day and | would like to thank all those who contributed to its

success.
AM Paul

AUTUMN INDOOR MEETING, KEW - 12 October. Nearly sixty people attended this
year’s meeting at The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, to hear four very different talks
on growing ferns.

Matt Busby opened the meeting by outlining his method of husbandry for ‘indoor’ ferns
and he continued with a fascinating demonstration of ferns which he, and not infrequently
Me oe: “eyed wife, Margaret, had und in superna? and garden centres. He listed

which were only available, including two Adiantum spp., two Pellaea
SPP., Boryontare pedata ead Didymochlaena truncatula, whilst Blechnum occidentale,
B. gibbum, Davallia fejeensis and Hemionitis arifolia were amongst those less commonly
available. It is likely that aquarist shops will become hunting grounds for pteridologists
after Matt described how he had found two rarities, Trichomanes speciosum and Isoetes
flaccida, being sold as water plants.

Moving Matt's collection of ferns as far away as possible to make way for a collection
of pest-infected plants, we next heard from John Woodhams on how to cope with these
scourges of the indoor plant enthusiast. Whilst noting that chemical control may not
always be avoidable, at least at present for reasons too well-known to be repeated here,
John advocated treatment with biological controls, a number of which are now available
to the amateur as well as to the professional grower. He illustrated his talk with slides
of the pests with which we are familiar and the organisms, including insects, an eelworm
and even a fungus, — are — " control =. — how they either oe
or parasitise their prey. John concluded by warr

when using biological controls as their effect was not as immediate as that of chemical
sprays!

Jack Bouckley described his introduction to, and fascination with, growing aquatic
pteridophytes, explaining how he mimics, as far as possible, the environmental conditions
in which these plants grow. Several ferns, e.g. Pilularia, grow at pond margins which
partially dry up in summer, so Jack allows the water level in his pots to fall in the
summer months. Among his recommendations to try growing were Marsilea, Pilularia,
Azolla and Salvinia species, plus some ferns which are called to mind less frequently
when one thinks of aquatic pteridophytes, such as Ceratopteris and Dipteris. Older plants
of Marsilea quadrifolia are hardy and this was suggested as an unusual protective habitat
for spawning fish and young frogs in a garden pond.

The meeting finished with an illustrated talk by Martin Rickard on some of his
recommendations for interesting and attractive hardy ferns to grow in the garden. Many
of the plants which he featured are to be found in his own collection at Leinthall Starkes,
including his favourite amongst the dryopteroid ferns, Dryopteris wallichiana, with its
black scales contrasting with its light green fronds (he showed a particularly fine specimen
with eight foot long fronds - not, however, in his own garden!). Others included
Polystichum stenophyllum, which produces bulbils at the end of its fronds, Arachniodes
denticulata, with beautiful triangular fronds, found at high altitudes in Mexico and also
Jamaica, where incidentally it never takes a frost, and several Woodwardia species
recommended for features such as delicate fronds, coloured croziers or for just being
a picture when frosted (W. fimbriata). An intriguing recommendation was the use of
Blechnum penna-marina as a lawn plant! And, of course, Martin could not omit his
tree-ferns!

All the talks were followed by interesting discussions and at the end of the day those
who attended felt that their journeys from far and near had been well worthwhile and
ees we ase enjoyed a fitting end = our Rertenary year's programine of meetings. It

fuller accounts of th s will appear ina fut f the Pteridologist.

J M Ide

TRANSLOCATION AND REINSTATEMENT OF RARE PLANTS

There is a renewed interest in the translocation and reinstatement of rare vascular plants
with the aim of establishing self-sustaining populations of endangered species, and this
interest is beginning to extend to cryptogams. A Rare Plants Translocation Panel has
been set up to (a) record such undertakings for future information, (b) to provide advice
(the Panel has produced a set of guidelines) and (c) to put interested people in touch
with one another for their mutual benefit. The Panel consists of Frank Brightman (South
London Botanical Institute), Duncan Donald (Bot. Soc. of the British Isles), Lynne Farrell
(English Nature), Sue Minter (Chelsea Physic Garden), Franklyn Perring (Bot. Soc. of
the British Isles) and Joyce Stewart (Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew). The Panel would
like to hear from anyone who is or wishes to be involved in translocation projects, and
asks them to write to Sue Minter, Chelsea Physic Garden, 66 Royal Hospital Road,
Chelsea, London SW13 4HS, who can also supply copies of the Guidelines for
Translocation.

NATIONAL FIELD MEETINGS 1991
YORKSHIRE-DALES - 8-9 June J H Bouckley

There was a very disappointing turn-out at Ripon on the first day of this meeting. Apart
from members of the local group there was only one other member and he had made
the trip from Portsmouth. However, we set off for a site called Hack Fall near Grewelthorpe,
an SSSI which has been bought by the Woodland Trust on a 999 year lease. It occupies
the steep north and east-facing slopes of the Hack Fall Gorge along the banks of the
River Ure. Conditions vary from cliffs of Brimham Grits to calcareous springs, so the
vegetation naturally varies accordingly, as can be seen in the list of ferns etc. which
we found. They were Athyrium filix-femina, Blechnum spicant, Dryopteris affinis subsp.
affinis and subsp. borreri, D. dilatata, D. filix-mas, Equisetum arvense, E. telmateia,
Phegopteris connectilis, Asplenium scolopendrium (some with variations), Polystichum
aculeatum, P. setiferum, Polypodium vulgare, Pteridium aquilinum and Asplenium
trichomanes subsp. quadrivalens. There were also some very impressive stands of Carex
pendula.

After we had finished the fern hunting we went a few miles down the road to look
round the gardens of Mr and Mrs Ramsden, where we enjoyed a very welcome cup
of tea and cake. The garden covers quite a few acres with its own very large lake complete
with ancient waterwheel; there is also a tufa cliff and a newly found tufa rockery where
they are hoping to establish ferneries. The leader for the day was Jack Bouckley.

On Sunday morning Bob Adams led the party along the Skell Valley south of Fountains
Abbey, stopping on the way to peep over a wall at the side of the road where Asplenium
ruta-muraria, A. scolopendrium, A. trichomanes subsp. quadrivalens and A. ceterach
were growing in the mortar. We continued to the Skell where we took a gentle amble
downstream along an old pack-horse or coach road, making a circular trip back to our
cars. The ferns in this part were Athyrium filix-femina, Cystopteris fragilis, Dryopteris
affinis subsp. affinis, D. dilatata, D. filix-mas, Polypodium interjectum, Polystichum
aculeatum and Pteridium aquilinum.

After lunch at a local inn Jack led the party on to Ravens Gill, just off the Nidd valley
to search, among other things, for Wilson’s filmy fern which had been reported recently.
This is a very interesting steep-sided gorge and is mainly gritstone. It is not easy going
as some of the rocks which have fallen down the sides are half the size of a bus.
However, our count for the afternoon was Athyrium filix-femina, Blechnum spicant,
Dryopteris affinis subsp. affinis, subsp. cambrensis and subsp. robusta with fronds 5ft
Yins high, D. dilatata, D. filix-mas, Gymnocarpium dryopteris, Oreopteris limbosperma,
Phegopteris connectilis and bracken, but no Hymenophyllum wilsonii. [This filmy fern
has since been found along Ravens Gill.]

After this the party went back to Jack’s house to see his garden and partake of food
and fluid which Ruth had prepared.

RADNORSHIRE - 21-23 June A R Busby
Heavy rain disturbed the slumber of the members in the Brynaton Country House Hotel,
Rhayader during the night of 21st June. That evening our leader, Ray Woods, had given
the assembled party an illustrated talk describing the habitats and plants we were likely
to see that weekend.

The next morning, the heavy rain continued but now in fits and starts as 24 members
assembled with Ray Woods and Patrick Acock, who co-led the meeting. We made our
way to a wooded valley at Ciliau through which ran the River Wye at 32/107428 with
easy access and parking provided by an old railway line that had become a metalled
road. Heavily garbed in waterproofs, we slipped and squelched our way down to the
river, noting Asplenium trichomanes on the supporting pillars of the old viaduct and
on the adjacent grassy banks. Dryopteris filix-mas and Athyrium filix-femina t
as was Pteridium aquilinum. Polystichum setiferum and P. aculeatum were soon hie
and a plant adjacent to both appeared to me to carry the characters of both, suggesting
P. x bicknellii, but other members argued otherwise. It was too early in the season
to be able to check for abortive spores so the plant remains undetermined but it is
hoped that someone will return later in the season to carry out further observations.

We continued on our way with the rain on our heads and the river at our feet, and
noted Asplenium scolopendrium and A. adiantum-nigrum, the latter growing from the
fissures of the valley’s rocky sides. Scaling the heights of the bramble-covered cliffs
in the hope of finding something different, | returned with Polypodium vulgare, seen
by the others elsewhere with less discomfort. Further along the river we halted at another
rock outcrop where, in the dim light of a torch, we were shown what we were assured
was the prothallial stage of Trichomanes speciosum, which extracted from one member
of the group the comment that it resembled a piece of green baize from a billiard table.
Some of our party wandered away from the river to explore the sides of the wooded
valley. They returned with reports of finding Gymnocarpium dryopteris, while those of
us remaining faithful to the river saw Cystopteris fragilis, with plenty of Dryopteris filix-
mas, D. dilatata and D. affinis throughout the area. After further progress revealed nothing
new, we returned to our cars.

Our next site was an open hillside above Yr Allt, 32/0745, where we had lunch. We
then walked half a kilometre over short grazed grassland where we saw Ophioglossum
vulgatum, to a shallow pond where Pilularia globulifera had been recorded. In spite
of careful searching, we failed to refind it, nor did we find Botrychium lunaria which
had also been reported there. As the only other fern present was Pteridium aquilinum
we moved on. A short distance in the cars brought us to a private wooded valley at
32/0847. Here the going proved more difficult, for the steep valley sides were strewn
with fallen trees and covered with bramble thickets. However, it was exciting to come
across a glade of Welsh poppies, Meconopsis cambrica, and we did find Asplenium
scolopendrium, A. adiantum-nigrum, A. trichomanes, Dryopteris filix-mas, D. dilatata,
D. affinis, Polystichum setiferum and P. aculeatum. Elsewhere in the valley, close to
the river, was Blechnum spicant and Pteridium aquilinum. Polypodium vulgare was added
to the list thanks to Patrick Acock climbing into the branches of a tree to secure a
piece for identification.

The rain had now given way to short heavy showers and Ray kindly invited the party
back to his cottage near Newbridge-on-Wye for refreshments and a look at his garden.
The cottage is tucked into the edge of wooded land and, with a stream forming one
of its boundaries, here was shade and moisture in plenty. Ray had taken full advantage
of this to plant many native and foreign hardy ferns, examples of which were Asplenium
trichomanes-ramosum (=A. viride), Athyrium filix-femina ‘Cruciatum’, ‘Crispum’, and
‘Angustato-cruciatum’, Polystichum setiferum ‘Divisilobum’, P. tripteron, P. munitum,
P. falcinellum, Gymnocarpium dryopteris, Onoclea sensibilis, Theylpteris palustris,
Blechnum chilense, Polypodium vulgare ‘Cornubiense’ and large plants of Asplenium
scolopendrium clothing the banks of the stream. Other notable plants included Potentilla

66

rupestris, Medicago intertexta subsp. intertexta, Artemisia vulgaris ‘Variegata’, Bellis
vulgaris ‘Variegata’, Valeriana pyrenaica, Lamium orvala and many other choice garden
plants. After a very welcome cup of tea, Ray led the party to our last site, an SSSI
near Newbridge-on-Wye, where Botrychium lunaria and Ophioglossum vulgatum were
seen in competition with Pteridium aquilinum. As the latter appeared to be gaining ground
a few moments were spent by all of us pulling out the bracken to discourage it. Feeling
well satisfied that we had done our bit for conservation, we returned to our respective
hotels with sharpened appetites.

Sunday morning found us assembled beneath the Caban-Coch Reservoir in the Elan
Valley, 22/9364, where we quickly found Dryopteris — — espeennenns a
Gymnocarpium dryopteris, Oreopteris limbosperma, Dryop \thyrium filix
femina. On the reservoir’s rocky sides we found Aéplenian trichomanes, A. ruta-muraria,
A. ceterach and Dryopteris filix-mas. Along the rocky path close to the water we found
our first plant of Phegopteris connectilis and, washed up along the water's edge, the
quills of /soetes lacustris. Clambering up a steep wooded valley with moss-covered
boulders and trees, we found Hymenophyllum wilsonii, Blechnum spicant and more
Phegopteris connectilis.

photo: A Leonard
Elan Valley, Radnorshire. Matt Busby, Richard Unett, Patrick Acock, Ray Woods, Anthony Pigott

We retraced our steps to the visitors’ centre for lunch and said our goodbyes to those
wishing to make an early start for home. The remaining members took up Ray’s offer
to show us an Asplenium septentrionale site. On our way we stopped at a roadside
site at 22/9166 to see more Hymenopryiunt = afeinie we arrived at every
22/7874, where we were able to adm Sp

on the roadside walls. Other ferns aioe the road were eploniam ruta-muraria, A
adiantum-nigrum, A. trichomanes, Athyrium filix-femina, Polypodium interjectum,
Dryopteris filix-mas, D. dilatata, D. oreades, D. affinis morphotypes affinis, borreri and
cambrensis and Pteridium aquilinum.

It was now time for the remaining members to thank Ray Woods for leading the meeting
and providing us with such good ferning and excellent refreshments.

67

ISLE OF SKYE - 4-10 August AC Jermy & AC Pigott

The Centenary field meeting in Scotland was to the Isle of Skye, where over the week
26 members and guests enjoyed some surprisingly very good weather, needing compass
and radar to reach our destination on only one day. The meeting was also truly
international, with overseas members from Belgium, Finland, France and Germany, and
it was particularly good to have with us Rémy and Annie Prelli, our hosts for the Brittany
excursion last year. It was also good to have the guidance of the BSBI Recorder for
the island, Mrs Catriona Murray, who advised on our programme and joined us whenever
she could. Andrew Currie, recently retired ARO of the Scottish Nature Conservancy,
also advised the leader, Clive Jermy; his successor as ARO, Lesley Cranne, was
unfortunately away from the island during the period of our visit.

Skye is remarkable for its variety of geology, topography and climate which creates a
wide range of habitats. Its flora, both flowering plants and cryptogams is comparatively
rich and although not all groups of the latter have been listed, the pteridophytes are
included in the latest and most comprehensive checklist by Catriona Murray and John
Birks,. In a vascular flora of 750, 52 pteridophytes have been recorded, including at
least five hybrids. Our excursion added a further Equisetum hybrid (E. x dycei) and the
gametophyte stage (see below) of Trichomanes speciosum. Substantial material was
collected for a detailed nationwide survey of the Dryopteris affinis group (M Gibby, A
C Pigott & A C Jermy, in prep.).

The climate, geology and landforms of Skye are summarised by Murray et a/., and given
in more detail by Birks (1973),. On such a mountainous island on the edge of a major
ocean, temperature and rainfall will vary seasonally (even daily) and according to the
topography, and annual averages mean little. However, the official rainfall map based
on averages from 1941-70 gives 3400mm in the Cuillin mountains and just under
1400mm at the seaward ends of the northern peninsulas, the driest part of Skye
(R M Murray, in Murray et al.,), suggesting that the island (and its ferns) do enjoy a
wet climate.

The party met on the Saturday evening in the sumptuous bar of the Skeabost House
Hotel to find, it appeared, that the only meal available would cost £18.00 in the restaurant!
Assured by our Meetings Secretary that somewhere in the establishment we would
find the bar meals as advertised in our programme, we eventually found the bar for
the locals - round the back, which served the same excellent food at less than a quarter
of the restaurant price. Our party was scattered; some in the hotel, others in B&Bs
in the village or camping with the midges. However, replete with chanterelles and grouse
all slept soundly that night and met at 09.30 at the hotel the next day.

Sunday was to be Equisetum day and led by Catriona we drove round the Trotternish
Peninsula. Our first stop was on the Staffin road at the Rigg Burn (18/513560) where
we saw E. x font-queri (palustre x telmateia) in great quantity, a truly remarkable plant,
growing with such vigour along almost two miles of roadside. We then moved on to
Kilmaluag, where on the west side of the cluster of houses named Solitote, in roadside
ditches draining acid bogland, we searched for E. x rothmaleri (arvense x palustre) at
the site where it was first found in Britain by Chris Page in 1971. Although the parents

-_

Murray, CW, Birks, HJB & Murray, RM (1980). The Botanist in Skye, a Checklist of the Plants
of the Islands of Skye and Raasay. BSBI, London.

BIRKS, HJB (1973). Past and Present Vegetation of the Isle of Skye. University Press, Cambridge.

Ln)

68

were abundant and growing very close together, we failed to find shoots that were
obvious hybrids. Later in the week, however, Marcus Veit and his students from the
University of Wurzburg, who had joined us in the latter part of the excursion, did re-
find the hybrid along that roadside.

Lunch was had at Duntulm Hotel and before moving on we looked for E. x dycei around
a nearby loch. We did not find it, although again, the parents were there in abundance.
We continued down the west coast of the Trotternish peninsula to Hinnisdal Bridge
(18/396576) where, on the river bank, Catriona showed us a stand of E. x trachyodon
(hyemale x variegatum). The stand was on the cutting edge of a meander and in danger
of getting cut away, hopefully to lodge downstream. Some returned home at this point
but a small party searched woods along the River Rha (18/395643) where interesting
Dryopteris affinis subsp. borreri were seen.

Monday dawned fair and dry and with Catriona in the lead we went to Bay (18/269540)
where the first obstacle was to cross the river of that name. Some members wearing
wellingtons had no problem and were prepared to throw them back for others to use,
invoking the ancient art of ‘tossing the welly’; the tough ones like octogenarian Joan
Clark simply rolled trousers to the knees and walked across. A few others went upstream
to cross at a narrower point - and saw Equisetum pratense en route. The low basalt
cliffs had Asplenium adiantum-nigrum, A. scolopendrium, A. trichomanes subsp.
quadrivalens with Dryopteris dilatata and problem plants of the D. affinis group including
unusual borreri and cambrensis forms. We then made to the north, toward what on
the map was deciduous woodland on the steep cliffs. It was mainly hazel with some
mountain ash where we found nice stands of the beech fern and a few plants of the
oak fern. The more energetic ones went on round the point and over the hill whilst
Car drivers returned to drive round to meet them at Claigan. Tea was had at Loch Suardal
(18/240510), where, pretending to look for Equisetum hybrids, some members looked
at the sedges in the extensive marsh round the edge.

On Tuesday we went farther afield to get greater variation in the geology. Going south-
east to Broadford we then took the A881 down (another) Strath Suardal to park alongside
Loch Cill Chriosd (18/612203) and explored some very fine Cambrian limestone gullies
dissecting a wooded hill. On a cliff by a waterfall Anthony found Dryopteris affinis subsp.
affinis (somewhat more divided ib more — toothed than usual) and D. affinis
subsp. cambrensis. All th were there with very nice Asplenium
trichomanes-ramosum (A. viridel but Cystopteris was a very rare plant. At the top of
the hill was sandstone with Gymnocarpium dryopteris, but some of the party walked
over to the old quarry with the hope of finding Botrychium, alas, this was not fulfilled.
Lunch was taken at the coast at Camus Malag and then we browsed for a time on
the lower reaches of Allt nan Leac amongst limestone boulders and sinkholes. Catriona
Murray joined us again at this point and showed us a stand of Polystichum x bicknelli
at Din Mor, Torrin (18/574202). This is a puzzle plant as one of its parents, P. setiferum,
is not recorded for the island. It may of course, be in somebody's garden, or in some
gully on the Torridonian sandstone.

The afternoon was spent at the northern end of the Strathaird peninsula where we
had a pleasant walk along a well-worn path up the Allt na Dunaiche to Coire Uaigneich
(18/540214). This was a fascinating gully in calcareous Jurassic sediments (sandy
limestones) covered on the west side by gabbro and peridotite screes falling from Bla
Bheinn. Here was Phegopteris mixed with the oak fern and in clefts, hart’s tongue,
the hard shield fern, the holly fern and very finely dissected fronds of a Cystopteris,

69

very similar to C. alpina (C. regia) a plant of the Alps of Europe, but not recorded for
Britain. The scaly male fern of these limestone areas appears to be mostly D. affinis
subsp. borreri, with some subsp. cambrensis, and Ronnie Viane found D. oreades on
the acid gabbro screes just above.

On Wednesday we packed our bags in Skeabost Bridge and made for Sleat peninsula
where the Hotel Eilean larmain, Isleornsay, was our comfortable headquarters. Again
the non-residents were accommodated with excellent bar meals.

The geology on the eastern side of Skye contains considerable Torridonian sandstone
with schists and gneiss in the southern part of the Sleat. Moorland and bog covers
most of the sandstone country but in valleys running into the Sound of Sleat interesting
oak-ash woods occur. It was in some of these woods that we concentrated on Wednesday.

On leaving Broadford the party split. Clive Jermy took a small group via Sgurr na Coinnich
(18/763221) to search for a form of Diphasiastrum complanatum collected from ‘Skye’
by M A Lawson in 1868, and not seen since. It appears, from herbarium specimens
in the Natural History Museum herbarium, to be the same as that clubmoss described
from Gloucestershire as Lycopodium (Diphasiastrum) alpinum var. decipiens (hitherto
wrongly called D. x issleri) and more recently found in south Sutherland and in the
Cairngorms. These hills were suggested as a likely spot by John Birks, but we failed
to find it.

The main party, led by Anthony Pigott, explored the Forestry Commission woodlands
at Ardnameachan (18/710150) and we are grateful to the Commission for allowing
us the privilege of driving along their road to Rubha Guail (18/731155). Amongst mature
conifers, along the rides, were a multitude of scaly male ferns (mainly borreri and
cambrensis forms) which were studied in detail by Anthony.

It was our intention that the two groups should meet at Allt Caillte, but neither made
it that far. The oak-ash woods found down that coast in sea-cove gullies were good
for ferns: Dryopteris aemula, D. affinis (including both borreri and cambrensis), oak fern
and beech fern were quite common. The gullies, however, were narrow and difficult
to penetrate. Large sandstone boulders formed deep clefts and softer bedded sandstones
would erode leaving deep undercuts; in both, in the darkest areas in several gullies,
Clive found the sterile filamentous gametophyte of Trichomanes speciosum, the Killarney
bristle fern. This gametophyte, which for some unknown reason is reluctant to form
sex organs and therefore never produces the ‘adult’ fern or sporophyte, has been found
in similar sandstone crannies from Cornwall to Sutherland. This was the first record
from Skye and was found independently the same afternoon and in similar situations
at Rubha Guail by Rob Cooke, who was with the main party in Kinloch Woods.

Thursday saw us making for yet another ‘hanging’ wood, Coille 4 Ghasgain (18/640121),
a south-facing birch wood on sandstone in the east and schists in the west, with rowan,
oak, hazel and willow. Dryopteris aemula was frequent here with the rarer D. affinis
morph. paleaceo-lobata. Hymenophyllum tunbrigense was seen in two areas. We lunched
at Ord and spent the afternoon looking at the woods between there and Tokavaig. One
gorge up the Allt an Leth-bheinn proved very rich with much Asplenium scolopendrium,
A. trichomanes-ramosum, very narrow-fronded D. affinis subsp. affinis, Hymenophyllum
wilsonii and Polystichum aculeatum, and flowering plants like Melica nutans, Epipactis
atrorubens, bdicelaihic thie: uva-ursi and apparently Paris quadrifolia, although we did
not see it. These very good for their Atlantic bryophytes but no Trichomanes
gametophyte was seen. On neste rock-faces a small Dryopteris oreades-like plant

70

photo: J \de

Coille a Ghasgain, Isle of Skye. Andrew Leonard, Clive Jermy, Elise Knox-Thomas
and Anthony Pigott puzzle over frond of Dryopteris affinis.

was seen which turned out to be D. filix-mas with very thick indusia and leaf segments
hardly toothed at all.

On the last day the weather began to break and the morning and early afternoon were
wet. We spent the morning just north of Armadale, at Drochaid 4 Mhuilinn (18/647059)
looking at deciduous woods near the shore, again with many small but often deep and
Narrow gorges running through them. This was another good Dryopteris site with
interesting forms of D. affinis, including two distinct forms of subsp. borreri, namely
the classic ‘cat’s ear’ form and one with much darker scales at the base of the stipe.

At 1400 hrs we had assembled on the hill at 18/622068 looking through a dense
mist to where Loch 4 Ghlinne should be. Rain was coming horizontally from the west
and we gritted our teeth and struck out into its full blast. On reaching the loch the
rain had stopped and we headed for the woodland with renewed enthusiasm. Beech
(Fagus sylvatica) had been planted there possibly at the turn of the century and, as
one might expect, ferns were scarce. There were a few ravines with more native trees
(oak, birch, rowan, hazel) but still the ferns were mundane: Dryopteris affinis subspp.
borreri and cambrensis, and D. dilatata being the only three in any quantity. Nevertheless,
one good find was made by our German member, Marcus Veit, who collected Equisetum
x dycei at the east end of the loch, a new vice-county record for Skye. The walk home
to waiting cars was long but the sun was shining.

This excursion was exploratory. It showed us that there is scope for many more trips
to Skye. We thank the local people with whom we came into contact, everyone was
helpful. Hopefully many of us will be back soon.

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LAKE DISTRICT - 18-25 September P J Edwards

The week’s events started with the first 35 or so members assembling for a briefing
after dinner at the Heaves Hotel, Levens, four miles south of Kendal. Matt Busby had
prepared a very full programme, well set out with maps and timetable on a 20 side
handout.

THURSDAY 's leader was Cynthia Kelsall and the day was spent at gardens making
a feature of ferns in this area of acid soils with 65-70 inches of rainfall per year. The
Schofield’s garden at Crosthwaite had some 50 fern species and varieties in an area
just 9 x 9 m, stepped on four levels by the attractively scaled use of limestone obtained
from the farm they used to run nearby. A tiny and charming circular sunken brick enclave
(with an even tinier pond at the bottom) sported a fine miniature crested Asplenium
scolopendrium and an A. trichomanes with deeply dissected pinnae - ‘Incisum Moule’.
Pride of place, however, went to a plant of A. ceterach. We were informed that this form,
with its broad, even crenations was the commonest form on mortared walls in Hawkshead.
At Robert Sykes’ steeply sloping garden we were greeted with a superb varied mass
of Polypodium vulgare covering 3 x 3 m in an L-shaped bed within retaining walls.
Robert had obtained all these from a spore sowing from just one frond of var.
trichomanoides. For spore exchange purposes, this will be known as ‘Robert Sykes
mixture’. Also admired were some Polystichum setiferum (Setigeratum decompositum
group according to Jimmy Dyce), and a beautiful Asplenium scolopendrium ‘Crispum’
discovered by Robert in Ireland.

After lunch at The Punch Bowl the party moved on to the Lakeland Horticultural Society's
garden at Holehird, (35/410009) just north of Windermere. This beautiful garden holds
a National Collection of Polystichum, as well as Astilbe and Hydrangea, and Jimmy
got to work naming the hardy Polystichum on their 20° sloping bed. Here are excellent
divisilobum types of P. setiferum, including a ‘Plumosum acutilobum’ so lush as to give
the impression of a dwarf conifer! Unfortunately the loss of some sheltering branches
and late June frosts had affected many of the plants, hopefully only temporarily. Cynthia
estimated that some Holehird stocks of the P. setiferum Multilobum group could be
a 100 or more years old, and one, ‘Grand Moly’ (with beautiful subpendulous fronds),
was probably a direct descendant of one of Greenfield's plants. A vigorous plant of
a congested form of Athyrium filix-femina turned out not to be ‘Frizzeliae’, ‘Congesto-
pinnulum’ was suggested by Jimmy for this. The garden's backdrop of the Langdales
was magnificent, and so too were the tea and cakes we took in an airy new room,
served up by some of the 30 or so keen and dedicated volunteers that keep this garden
in excellent condition.

Centenary Field Meeting, Heaves Hotel, Kendal, Cumbria, 21 September 1991
Standing: Cynthia Kelsall, Gavin Stark, Clive Jermy, Ted Munyard, David Kershaw, Peter Barnes,
Anthony Pigott, Alf Hoare, Keith Holly, Peter Boyd, Nick Schroder, Margaret Harris, Trisha Craddock,
Mick Craddock, Linda Craddock, Ruth Bouckley, Ray Smith, Brenda Smith, Martin Rickard, Margaret
Collins, Alan Ogden, Margaret Nimmo-Smith, Neil Timm, Peter Edwards, Doreen Holly, Graham
Hoare

Sitting/kneeling: Dorothy Fortune, Jennifer Ide, Vera Horner, Mary Gibby, Alma Jermy, Nick Hards,
Les Dugdale, Matt Busby, Barry Thomas, Jimmy Dyce, Olive Walker, Jack Bouckley, Margo Ladell,
Elise Knox-Thomas, Graham Ackers, Alison Paul, Andrew Leonard, Eleanor Hards, Rosemary Hibbs,
Marjorie Garstang

While our future President was having his photograph taken for The Observer newspaper
amidst a sea of ferns, some of us enjoyed a tour of part of the garden at Brantwood,
Coniston, home of both Linton (author of The Ferns of the English Lake Country) and
Ruskin, conducted by Sally Beamish, the head gardener, and Rosamund Henley, her
assistant. In single file we explored an ice-house built into a steep bank which is being
cleared of Rhododendron ponticum scrub so that a fern garden can be created instead.
We continued walking through the wooded area where there were large drifts of ferns:
Dryopteris affinis, D. filix-mas, D. dilatata, Athyrium filix-femina and Oreopteris
limbosperma. A \arge plant of Dryopteris x complexa showing hybrid vigour caused much
interest. Our thanks go to Sally and Rosamund for this addition to our programme and
it is hoped that their plans for Brantwood will be described in the Pteridologist soon,
particularly as they would like assistance in finding ferns for planting. [Please contact
Margaret Nimmo-Smith for further information.

After dinner Elizabeth Clark, a local gardener, ecologist and botanist, gave a wonderfully
concise and revealing overview of gardening in the Lake District from the 17th century
to the present day, making clear what original post-glacial habitats formerly occupied
now-gardened sites, and describing the often dramatic variation in local weather
conditions in the district.

FRIDAY commenced with an informative talk about Dryopteris by Mary Gibby. From
the beautiful D. crispifolia to the D. affinis complex, Mary’s enthusiasm for this genus
was obvious, and some of it rubbed off on the big audience. The value of a field microscope
was emphasised as essential for showing up the high frequency of aborted spores typical
of hybrids, which all of us were encouraged to look for. The interface/link between
work on fern chromosomes and human chromosomes was brought out in a good series
of astute questions at the end, touching, of course, on Stanley Walker's work.

Mid-morning we visited Roudsea Wood (34/332828), a 274 ha (582 acre) National
Nature Reserve established in 1955. Mr Singleton, the warden, gave an introduction
to the site’s dozen broad habitats, and we spent three hours exploring a small part
of this often ‘primaeval-feeling’ site. Phegopteris connectilis occurred in sheets up to
10 x 10 m under hazel, downy birch and aspen. Dryopteris affinis subsp. borreri was
occasional, and a few D. x deweveri were found on the edge of a dense grass/sedge
sward under a light alder and downy birch fen, the whole such full of otherwise juvenile
or sporeling Dryopteris plants. Many remarked on the close juxtaposition here of Blechnum
spicant with Phegopteris connectilis. D. carthusiana and Athyrium filix-femina were also
present. Many juvenile Asplenium trichomanes in limestone crevices were enlivened
by the presence of a few adults with deeply crenate margins, and Polypodium vulgare
was also recorded. In a wet, wild, open corner (not far from a Characeae-dominated
pond) a 1.5 m high Osmunda regalis with over a hundred fronds occurred, with Pteridium
aquilinum nearby.

The second half of the afternoon found most of us at Grizedale Forest (34/336946),
Jimmy Dyce and Jack Bouckley having rejoined us after a morning photo session with
The Observer photographer! The stream through the visitor centre area bore huge
Athyrium filix-femina on its damp bank, along with Polypodium vulgare and Dryopteris
affinis. On a wet path-cum-streamside Oreopteris limbosperma was large and abundant,
and even larger Dryopteris affinis subsp. cambrensis was seen, with its ‘pie-crust’ indusia.
The ‘hamburger-bun’ indusia on adjacent D. affinis subsp. paleaceo-lobata were examined,
as well as the fresh, spring-like appearance of the plants, the last of the D. affinis complex
to develop each year. In a small felled area amongst the spruces were dense colonies

74

of Oreopteris limbosperma, Athyrium filix-femina, Blechnum spicant, Dryopteris dilatata
and D. carthusiana, among first year foxgloves and brambles. Nearby, a steep gully with
thinned spruces and a swift stream provided some minor Blechnum spicant varieties
and D. affinis subsp. cambrensis to 1.8 m high amidst beds of Chrysosplenium.

The second full day was rounded off with a mind-boggling account by retiring President,
Barry Thomas, of the modern prehistory of a previously unknown part of Africa. Amongst
the giant lycopods and horsetails we all, | think, gained some insights into the importance
of understanding the processes that formed fossil pteridophytes then and which are
still operating now.

SATURDAY was extra special. More members had turned up on the Friday or Saturday.
The voluminous Centenary Exhibition was ably assembled by Margo Ladell, Margaret
Nimmo-Smith and co. in a wonderful period room. Everything from fern-embellished
chamber pots to the wonderful photos of important BPS folk remained on show to the
end of Wednesday, as did the living fern display at the entrance to the hotel. This consisted
of Ray Smith's well-grown ferns, varying from Adiantum reniforme, Osmunda regalis
‘Purpurescens’ and iciincdcuimdis veiniiaaibe ‘Smith's daephicies Form’ to Adiantum raddianum
‘Micropinnulum’. This 1 on Friday by fern species and varieties borrowed
from Heaves Nursery which just happened to be next door to the hotel. It was gratifying
to learn that this nursery had seen a good increase in its sales of ferns in the last
three years. At 9 am, before the exhibition was officially open, Miss Emily Bolton, daughter
of BPS founder member Thomas Bolton, arrived. Her sprightly and active 90 years allowed
her easily to recall much in the life and times of her father and of the family’s ferns,
and she brought a wonderful selection of photographs, certificates etc. recording her
father and grandfather and their great fern successes. One lovely observation was that
the Boltons ‘were fern mad, ferns were their god’. Interestingly, and importantly, Miss
Bolton's visit, which she obviously enjoyed, came about via Trevor Piearce’s letter about
the BPS week in the Lancaster Guardian - a reminder of the importance of advertising!
At 11 am Robert Whiteside arrived and was warmly greeted by Emily, who had known
Robert Whiteside senior. The: 1892 membership cards of The Northern British
Pteridological Society of both Robert Whiteside and Thomas Bolton were some of the
many items of memorabilia on display commemorating these founder members.

The AGM was held from 2.15 pm, with around 50 members present. This is reported
in detail eisewhere, so suffice it to say that the overall impression was of a vigorous,
well run society, with impressive achievements during this Centenary year. Barry Thomas
then spoke on ‘Welsh Pteridology’ - followed by some welcome refreshments, including
the very beautifully and tastefully decorated Centenary cake made by Margaret Nimmo-
Smith's sister-in-law, Molly Mallinson. By 7.30, seventy-six members had assembled
in a fine room at the Woolpack Hotel, Kendal for the Centenary Celebration Dinner. This
was a leisurely affair, entertainingly rounded off by guest speaker, Geoffrey Smith, Vice-
President Clive Jermy, ‘President Emeritus’ Jimmy Dyce and our new President, Jack
Bouckley. Everyone left feeling pleasantly smug about the achievements of the Society.

SUNDAY - With gathering shower clouds a party of c.60 made its way to Borrowdale,
the first stop being at the Derwent House Hotel grounds, the former site of Askew’s
fern nursery (35/2561 76) by kind permission of Mrs D. Lopez, Mr Askew’s granddaughter.
Quite a few ferns from the nursery still survive in the grounds, including a huge bush-
like Dryopteris affinis ‘Grandiceps Askew’. Athyrium filix-femina ‘Multifidum’ and
‘Corymbiferum’, and a small form with pendulous pinna-lobes were also found; large
fertile Onoclea sensibilis stood close to Dryopteris oreades ‘Cristata Barnes’.

7

After coffee at Derwent House we walked through the village of Grange to Mrs Nan
Hicks’ garden, admiring en route stands of Dryopteris oreades along the roadside as
well as the renowned colony of Polypodium interjectum ‘Ramosum’ on a wall. On arrival
we were greeted by a very fine collection of vigorous ferns set off amongst a wide
variety of shrubs and herbs. A large Osmunda regalis on gravel under a Prunus and
well away from running or standing water perhaps told us something about the high
rainfall of this area (about 100 inches/year). One Polystichum munitum was very fine
with its 100+ fronds, as was Dryopteris affinis ‘Angustata cristata’ and a magnificently
coloured Athyrium niponicum var. pictum.

After lunch at Grange, with the rain holding off, most of the party walked to or near
the volcanic plug known as Castle Crag (35/249159). On the scree slopes of Gait Crag
(opposite Castle Crag) the commonest plant turned out to be Cryptogramma crispa. Near
the base of the scree were a few dozen Asplenium septentrionale, whilst on more stable
scree Pteridium was common. A iittle higher up here, and on Castle Crag itself were
found Diphasiastrum alpinum, Huperzia selago, Asplenium trichomanes, A. ceterach (in
fissures), Selaginella selaginoides, Dryopteris submontana, D. dilatata and D. oreades.
Needless to say, the over-optimistic target of the foray, Asplenium x murbeckii, eluded
us. In the wooded approach to the crag Hymenophylium wilsonii was found on vertical
boulder faces by a stream, as well as Gymnocarpium dryopteris and Oreopteris
limbosperma, with Polypodium vulgare as a frequent epiphyte in oak crotches.

In the afternoon most of the group visited the late Fred Jackson's garden in Stonethwaite,
and that of Prof. and Mrs Ellwood, but Mary Gibby, with a group of three, peeled off
to nearby Johnnys Wood. This lovely sloping, rocky, moss-rich wood with a Dryopteris-
dominated ground flora yielded D. x deweveri as a new hybrid record here. Mary related
that Fred Jackson had first pointed out the strange mixture of Dryopteris in the wood.
D. expansa, D. dilatata and D. x ambroseae were all found in the short search period.

After the evening meal Martin Rickard entertained nearly 50 folk with an illustrated
talk on fern gardens, in which a stunning Dicksonia antarctica, Cyathea dealbata and
C. medullaris were shown in some Irish gardens, along with Woodwardia, Microsorum
scolopendrium and many more.

MONDAY - A bright morning allowed for good viewing at ‘Ferndene’, Joseph Wiper’s
home in Kendal, where the very first meeting of the Society was held on 23 September
1891. This large garden, now belonging to Jeff and Ann Barnett, holds dozens of species
and varieties, including many very fine large Polystichum setiferum varieties. Pride of
place perhaps went to a magnificent ‘Divisilobum’ form. Near the spring-fed stream
Dryopteris filix-mas ‘Grandiceps Wills’ grew well. Late morning saw us at and near
Whitbarrow, en route admiring first a roadside bank with large Asplenium trichomanes
subsp. trichomanes and A. adiantum-nigrum on it, and later A. ceterach on the walls
of a lime kiln. Under Robert Sykes’ guidance we visited two sites mentioned in Linton’s
Ferns of the English Lake Country. The first was the beautiful wild Park Wood (34/
430871), on limestone and lush with Gymnocarpium robertianum. Polystichum
aculeatum, Asplenium scolopendrium, A. trichomanes, good Phegopteris connectilis,
Dryopteris carthusiana, D. dilatata and D. filix-mas were also present.

Drizzle had set in as we made our way from Witherslack Hall up Whitbarrow Scar Nature
Reserve to examine the ferns on and near the broken glaciated limestone near Lords
Seat (34/440870). In the grykes were Asplenium trichomanes subsp. quadrivalens, A.
ruta-muraria, A. scolopendrium, Dryopteris submontana, Gymnocarpium robertianum and

76

Polypodium interjectum, forming attractive ‘rock gardens’ with Mycellis muralis, Solidago,
Thymus and Campanula rotundifolia. A few little plants of Asplenium trichomanes-
ramosum (= A. viride) were found amongst the loose broken limestone. Also present
were A. ceterach, Athyrium filix-femina, Dryopteris filix-mas and Cystopteris fragilis.
Despite the thick low cloud and drizzle we all met up at the trig. point; on our way
back the rain stopped and the cloud lifted enough for us to see the extensive woodlands
below us and, beyond, Morecambe Bay.

After dinner, slides of some of the places visited during our Society's first 100 years,
including shots of many past and present personalities, were much enjoyed, ably
introduced by Matt Busby.

On TUESDAY, 21 members made the 20 mile journey NE to Great Asby Scar in bright
sunshine. At 35/664115 we met Terry Wells of English Nature, who introduced us
to this large, almost Burren-like expanse of limestone pavement, now protected under
a limestone pavement order. Members fanned out, and despite the buffetting winds
and little sharp showers, everyone managed to stay on their ~~ ~ _— ag fern-
dominated grykes. The searched area (of about 1/3 of yie e follo
Cystopteris fragilis (abundant, found in nearly all orviats many “ol ‘aie 1 ft or more
long), Asplenium ruta-muraria, A. trichomanes subsp. quadrivalens, A. scolopendrium,
Athyrium filix-femina, Dryopteris submontana (common, with blades to 1 ft 10 ins long)
and excellent Polystichum aculeatum, including some P. lonchitis look-alikes. Perhaps
most striking, to me at least, was the abundance of Gymnocarpium robertianum, many
with blades to 10 ins and stipes to 2 ft long. In juxtaposition with the reddening leaves
of their namesake Geranium the overall effect was magnificent. Asplenium trichomanes-
ramosum (some forked examples too) was also quite common, as were Dryopteris filix-
mas and D. affinis — affinis, A. ceterach oh Pteridium aquilinum. |n the small,
shallow, dry valleys A. t amosu gst the broken limestone
and in very short turf Selaginella jst was spotted.

At 6.30 everyone was glued to the BBC TV Look North programme, awaiting coverage
of our Centenary events. At 6.52 we were rewarded with a full four minutes, with
stars Jimmy Dyce and Matt Busby and at least 20 ferns shown briefly but tastefully,
all in the Barnett’s garden during our Monday visit.

WEDNESDAY morning was spent by 34 members at Sizergh Castle (just half a mile
from the hotel), where we were greeted and accompanied by Malcolm Hutcheson, the
Head Gardener. Malcolm explained their policy of managed wild banks, one of which
we were told contained good quantities of Ophioglossum vulgatum and the greater
butterfly orchid, Platanthera chloranthea. Most of the ferns (many originally from Thomas
Bolton's collection) had been brought together at the rock garden, which boasted at
its centre large plants of Osmunda gracilis. The garden holds a National Collection of
this genus, as well as of Dryopteris, Cystopteris and Asplenium scolopendrium varieties.
A potted Polystichum setiferum ‘Divisilobum plumosum’ variety was much admired by
Jimmy. It had very short almost deltate fronds. Along with this in the cold frames were
a wealth of British and exotic gems.

After lunch at The Ship Inn, Arnside, John Mashiter’s garden was visited after a gap
of two years (see 1989 Bulletin write-up). John’s ‘garden on a limestone cliff’ was packed
with healthy ferns, including dense Dryopteris cristata, D. remota, a beautiful crisped
D. oreades, beds of Adiantum venustum, and wonderful little patches of sporelings of
20 or more species and varieties planted out. The Cumbria Wildlife Trust’s Grubbins

77

photo: M Gibby
Centenary field meeting visit to Sizergh Castle, Cumbria
Matt Busby, Ray Smith, Malcolm Hutcheson, Jimmy Dyce, Margaret Collins, Peter Edwards

Wood, which John wardens, was also visited; the Asplenium scolopendrium bank still
looked good but due to dryness was not quite as lush as it could have been. Most
of the 25 other pteridophyte species known there were found. On departing we could
not help but admire again the four magnificent glossy and large Asplenium marinum
plants in pots at John’s front door.

Last, but not least, we visited Reginald Kaye’s Waithman Nurseries at Silverdale. Reg
was unable to be with us due to ill health but his son, Jeremy, welcomed and tended
us as we lusted after the well known gems grown here. Athyrium filix-femina ‘Plumosum
superbum Druery’ and Asplenium scolopendrium ‘Crispum superbum’ perhaps received
the most admiration. As the last afternoon drew to a close the sun burst out just in
time to bless a well deserved presentation to Matt Busby from all those attending the
week. Back at the Heaves Hotel just 12 members remained to enjoy dinner together.

Everyone attending had obviously enjoyed the week, not least due to the efforts of the
day organisers, Cynthia Kelsall, Mary Gibby, Matt Busby, Martin Rickard, Robert Sykes
and Jack Bouckley and those who generously made their gardens available to us. The
owners and staff of the Heaves Hotel had also made every effort on our behalf, giving
us free and friendly reign over nearly the whole hotel and its grounds (two members
camped there) and actually enjoying their sometimes eccentric guests. As Matt put it,
we could not have wished for better accommodation. As for Matt himself, despite his
worries, his organisation of the week went like clockwork, and to him most of all we
all owe the biggest thank you for doing so much so well and making this a memorable
and fitting last main event of our Centenary year.

REGIONAL MEETINGS 1991
WEST MIDLANDS A R Busby

‘Welcome to Spring’ Flower Show, Knowle - 13-14 April. Once again, the Solihull
Horticultural Society kindly provided space for us to display literature and plants explaining
our Society's interests and activities. In addition, two classes for ferns were available
to exhibitors, a class for one pot fern and a class for three pot ferns, any species or
variety. The prize money was enhanced to mark our Society's Centenary, resulting in
more ferns than usual being exhibited.

Ray and Rita Coughlin’s Open Day - 2 June. Always a favourite venue with local
members, we enjoyed the usual warm hospitality that Ray and Rita are noted for and
brightened what would otherwise have been a chilly, gloomy day. With the garden looking
at its best in preparation for the national tour due in July, Ray had been busy converting
the framework of his old poly-tunnel into supports to carry various Clematis that will
eventually provide colourful shade to the avenue of fern borders underneath. As usual,
members brought along their surplus ferns to swap and most of us departed with some
new treasure for our greenhouse or garden. Our thanks to Ray and Rita Coughlin for
giving us such a memorable day.

pen ant: s deanecaieiing Gardens - 1 epennner: It — — many haa since the
West I da visit to the Bot N oad, Edgbaston
and ‘Winterbourne’ in ne Seen Park Road. The: day began at Westbourne Road where
many changes had taken place since our last visit. The indoor collection of ferns which
includes the celebrated hybrid tree-fern, Dicksonia x lathami, and one or two Nephrolepis
looked in very good condition in spite of a little scale infection. The outdoor collection
of ferns is poor in spite of several large plants of Osmunda regalis, one or two Athyrium
filix-femina varieties, Dryopteris filix-mas, D. dilatata, Polystichum setiferum ‘Divisilobum’
and several Matteuccia struthiopteris.

After lunch at the refurbished restaurant, we moved on to the University of Birmingham
Botanic Garden, ‘Winterbourne’ in Edgbaston Park Road, Here, roles are reversed, for
the indoor collection of ferns has been allowed to diminish, with pots of orchids slowly
invading the fern house. The fern house, which is a small lean-to greenhouse with
a bench down one side and the wall-side furnished with a limestone rockery from which
a small water feature runs, is clothed with Adiantum raddianum and Cyrtomium falcatum,
but the orchids are becoming dominant. However, outside things are looking much better
thanks to the benevolence of Prof. J G Hawkes and the ‘Friends of the Gardens’ who
have agreed to the siting and planting of a new hardy fern border in celebration of
our Society’s Centenary. The acquisition and planting of the new fern border has been
supervised by Ray and Brenda Smith with the assistance of John and Margaret Collins.
| know that the garden authorities are delighted with the results, even though planting
is not yet finished and there are plans to enlarge the border.

Our visit to these gardens was blessed with sunshine and to bring the day to a close,
Ray and Brenda Smith provided us with very welcome refreshments.

Midland Group for 1992. It is now eighteen years since the West Midland Group held
its first meeting and over the years we have become aware of the increasing support
we have received from the members in the East Midlands, so | have decided that, in
future, we shall consider ourselves as the Midland Group in the hope that it will encourage
more members outside the West Midlands to join our activities.

79

LEEDS & DISTRICT Jack Bouckley

Wentworth Castle, Barnsley, South Yorkshire - 29 June. Our first group trip of the
year, led by Jack Bouckley, was to Wentworth Castle near Barnsley which is owned
by Barnsley Council. It is now the site of Northern College, whose administrators had
asked us to do a field study around the grounds to identify the various ferns which
are growing among the many hundreds of rhododendron bushes. It is quite obvious
that many of the ferns have been planted as there are quite a lot of varieties such
as Dryopteris affinis ‘The King’, along with Adiantum pedatum, Matteuccia struthiopteris
and Blechnum penna-marina. The native fern species found were Asplenium trichomanes
subsp. quadrivalens, A. scolopendrium, Athyrium filix-femina, Dryopteris dilatata, D. filix-
mas, Polystichum aculeatum and P. setiferum.

Condenser Wood, Keld Heads and Cobscar, Wensleydale, North Yorkshire - 20 July.
In woods once echoing to the sounds of industry, a party of seven was guided by Richard
Lamb to discover what pteridological delights awaited them. The area is indeed aptly
named: keld means spring, and the Condenser Pond dates from the last century when
the lead industry flourished, and the Stokoe Condenser of the Keld Head Mining Company
was heralded as the latest state of the art in removing valuable lead from the smelter
fume. Alas, now all is ruinous and overgrown in woods untouched for many years,
but still showing evidence of coppicing amidst the remains of dams, watercourses, smelter
flues, and the now-demolished twentieth century aerial ropeway for taking stone across
the site to the old railway sidings in the valley below.

It was not as wet and slippery as it could have been thanks to the dry weather, and
the ‘usual’ woodland ferns (male, lady and broad buckler) were soon found, together
with bracken and two subspecies of Dryopteris affinis: borreri and affinis. Condenser
Pond, still well filled with water after over a century of disuse, yielded two species
of Equisetum, E. sylvaticum and E. palustre, which proved very difficult to identify. Despite
numerous old structures containing mortar, virtually no wall ferns were seen apart from
Asplenium trichomanes in a boundary wall by the roadside, and Cystopteris fragilis
growing on the old smelter itself, now almost covered by quarry debris, but still exhibiting
a rather spectacular culvert taking the main stream underneath the building in a roaring
cascade of water. The whole area is attractive to both industrial archaeologist and botanist
alike, being especially noted for a profusion of wild flowers, thus worth visiting at different
times of the year.

After lunch the party ventured on to the open moorland, walking up to Cobscar smelting
mill at nearly 1200 feet a.s.1., affording superb views over the main and southern tributary
dales. Several of the same species were found here, with the addition of A. scolopendrium
growing in a picturesque adit (entrance to a mine) surrounded by the delicate fronds
of Cystopteris, and a single Polystichum setiferum on a spoil tip. The highlight of the
afternoon, however, was a third horsetail, later identified as E. fluviatile, |uxuriating
in another relic of bygone industrialisation, a splendid reservoir now home for water
birds including the black-headed gull.

The empty quarry, once supplying stone via the defunct ropeway, was the final and
unplanned venue, resulting in the discovery of two ferns normally found in walls,
Asplenium ruta-muraria and A. trichomanes, growing attractively in the limestone.

Once again, a marvellous day out, in three very different habitats: it is to be regretted
that attendance was not greater.

Great Woods and Shipley Woods, Barnard Castle, Durham - 10 August. Richard
Unett led us on this trip to Shipley Woods and Great Wood, along the Tees valley north
of Barnard Castle. Both of the areas are in a very steep-sided valley and in a Site of
Special Scientific Interest. The owners had been approached for permission to enter
these strictly private sites and both had willingly agreed, in fact the farmer who owns
the Shipley Woods had even cut a way through some very thick and difficult undergrowth
to make our entrance much easier. In the morning we decided to ‘do’ the Great Woods,
where we had been warned by the owner that the going could be quite dangerous
as the very boggy areas were quite deep in places and care had to be taken to avoid
the waist-deep sections. No-one came to any harm and our list of finds was Asplenium
ruta-muraria (outside the entrance), Athyrium filix-femina, Dryopteris affinis subsp.
borreri, D. carthusiana, D. dilatata, D. filix-mas, Equisetum sylvaticum and E. telmateia.

We had our pub-grub in the local village and then went to the second site. We parked
our cars in the farmyard and then got down into the Shipley Woods which did not
have many ferns but was very interesting. The ferns in this part were Athyrium filix-
femina, Blechnum spicant, Dryopteris affinis including subsp. borreri, D. carthusiana,
D. dilatata, D. filix-mas, Oreopteris limbosperma, Polypodium interjectum, P. vulgare and
Polystichum aculeatum.

In the evening we called at another site which is strictly private, where a very large
planting of lady ferns had been made many years ago. Most of the few thousand plants
were green- and red-stemmed but there were also one or two varieties.

Indoor Meeting and Centenary Celebration - 7 September. Twenty-seven of us met
in the Study Centre at Harlow Carr Botanical Gardens to hear two lectures, the first
one being given by Dr Mary Gibby whose subject was ‘Ferns down the microscope’.
We were told about the uses and activities of chromosomes and then what happens
at mitosis. A very fascinating lecture it was and it caused a lot of interest, with a lively
question time. After this, Clive Jermy gave an illustrated talk about ‘Fern gardens round
the world’. This too was very well received as we went for what seemed to be a conducted
tour round these ferny places as we sat in the coolness of the building. These talks
were followed by an amble round the gardens of the Northern Horticultural Society.

In the evening we all assembled again, this time at the Garden Room Restaurant for
a celebration dinner. Before the meal, Jack Bouckley read out a poem: ‘Ferns’, by Ida
Holmes-Moss, which appeared in the 1982 Bulletin (P- facile and to wand a further
verse had been added. This led up to the ent f Gavi rge Asplenium
scolopendrium ‘Crispum’, piped in by James Nineryovesttier to the tl tune ‘Allez a les
fougéres’ or, in English, ‘Let’s to the ferns’. After wining and dining well and when
the toasts and speeches were over, James brought the evening to a close with another
tune on his pipes called ‘Cutting Bracken’.

All round we have had a very successful year and we are now looking forward to 1992.

WESSEX

Wye Valley - 21 April. The car park on the A466 between Chepstow and Tintern Parva
where members gathered was blessed with a small epiphytic Dryopteris growing on
an old yew tree. Although we were led past an abundance of woodland ferns (Dryopteris
affinis agg., D. dilatata, D. filix-mas and Asplenium scolopendrium) the limestone was
particularly naked of the limestone wall ferns which we felt could so easily have been

81

there. An old herbarium record of Asplenium trichomanes subsp. pachyrachis in the
parish of St Arvans was used by Martin Rickard as our clue. However, the maidenhair
spleenwort proved as elusive as all the others in this locality. One plant of black spleenwort
was found.

Success was assured after lunch when Martin led us to the Biblins, where the subspecies
pachyrachis was present in some abundance growing on the moist limestone cliffside.
The hybrid between subsp. pachyrachis and subsp. quadrivalens was also present,
nothosubsp. staufferi. Thanks are due again to Martin for explaining and re-explaining
the subtle and delicate differences.

Martin Cragg-Barber

New Forest - 6 July. Glorious weather was waiting for non-members and members
meeting at the Shave Wood car park in the New Forest. A good-humoured seed of
self-doubt and confusion was sown in all visitors when Paul Bowman, the leader, showed
us a splendid mown carpet of Equisetum arvense. Finally we edged our way along the
grass verge of a busy main road (past a basking common lizard and slow-worm) to
where the main stand of Equisetum x bowmanii was spreading quietly. It is a most
beautiful plant with the secondary branching of E. sylvaticum, and where it has spread
into the wood behind the road verge it attains a height of one metre.

After lunch, a similar roadside verge gave us scope to explore the common ground
between E. arvense and E. fluviatile but their hybrid failed to reveal itself with certainty,
despite much crushing of stem internodes and thumbing through Page’s pages. Happily
we then moved on to Emery Down (which Steve Munyard had typically visited earlier
in the day) and were rewarded with a fine stand of Phegopteris connectilis beneath
some mature alder by a stream. Not gainsaying completely its common name, the moist
mound where the fern was growing also hosted a number of beech seedlings.

lt was a particular pleasure to be shown the horsetail hybrid by Paul Bowman since
he himself had discovered it and suspected its hybrid status.
Martin Cragg-Barber

Forest of Dean - 4 August. The walk from Cannop Ponds through Wimberry Slade
across the top of Bixslade, a detour into Spion Kop and back to the ponds must be
the ferniest six miles in the Dean. No rarities, five or six plants of Gymnocarpium dryopteris
hanging on in the Gloucestershire Trust for Nature Conservation reserve, fossil pinnae,
black chemical impressions in a narrow bed of shale in a corner of a Bixhead Quarry,
polypodies on pennant sandstone, (perhaps P. vulgare), and the Asplenium trichomanes
in Spion Kop must be subsp. trichomanes.

The walk was guided by Bob Godfrey as a change from working on a 200-year plan
to renew the oak woods. He must have found our efforts to reconcile the BM Fern
Crib, Page’s The Ferns of Britain and Ireland and the new Illustrated Field Guide to
Ferns and Allied Plants of the British Isles, to the D. affinis on the ground most strange.
It took another day-long visit to sort out the morphotypes, of which affinis, borreri and
cambrensis are all present (the borreri in quantity and variety). Perhaps the others are
there as well; we will have to continue the search next year.

Jim Jarvis

Two Gloucestershire Woods - 1 September. Midger Reserve (Gloucestershire Trust)
is on the western escarpment at the southern end of the Cotswolds and features ancient
woodland and limestone grassland. There are not many fern species or ferns but there

82

are some interesting microhabitats: polypodies confined entirely to trees and fallen logs
and Dryopteris dilatata isolated on moss-covered tree stumps, moist acidic havens in
a waste of dry limestone brash under scrub ash. Much of the woodland was felled
in the 1950s and much was maintained as coppice which explains the shortage of
ferns but there are large areas on the spring line over Fullers earth which are permanently
damp where the absence of ferns is most puzzling. Most of the ferns are confined to
a narrow strip on either side of the stream and many are so localised they appear to
have been planted. The only specimens of note were some scattered Dryopteris filix-
mas where the undersides of the stipe, rachis and pinna are dark, much the same
colour as the spot in D. affinis.

Having walked a circular trail through the reserve, in the afternoon we moved north
of the escarpment to Coaley Wood (NT and private). Tired young legs restricted our
walk to a descent to a small colony of Blechnum spicant on Fullers clay below 200
feet of chalk. Clear felling, natural regeneration, thinning and opening up the Cotswold
Way have all been detrimental to the fern population. The areas where there has been
any significant recovery of the fern population are all on the spring line north-west
facing, under well-spaced ash with a continuous canopy. The distribution of ferns in
both woods will be worthy of long term study because it will highlight the consequences
of different woodland management strategies on an important part of the ground flora,
management which appears to be biased in favour of flowering plants.

Jim Jarvis

SOUTH-EAST

Fern Leaf Workshop, Whitelands College, London - 13 April. This meeting was the
latest in a series of laboratory workshop meetings, aimed at introducing members to
the botanical aspects of ferns. It used the excellent facilities of Whitelands College, where
the meeting leader, Jennifer Ide, is a lecturer.

Jennifer opened the meeting by explaining basic leaf structures and their place in the
evolution of plants. The purpose of leaves - photosynthesis, water regulation, and (with
stems) water and nutrient transport - was explained to us, together with the significance
of the macro- and microscopic structures. It is a tribute to Jennifer's knowledge and
ability as a lecturer that we were thoroughly fascinated for at least an hour and a half!

In the afternoon we were able to examine a good variety of fern and Equisetum species
under the microscope. The stem structures were revealed in intimate detail. In particular
the remarkable differences between water-transporting tissues (xylem, with specialised
cells such as tracheids, and inanimate, lignified tubes in some cases) and nutrient-bearing
phloem could be clearly seen. We were also able to examine the extraordinary beauty
of some of the stem and leaf hairs even on plants as mundane as bracken. We gained
some practice at cutting sections, with varying degrees of success!, enabling us to see
stomata (leaf pores) with their controlling guard-cells, and the difference between the
upper and lower parts of the leaf itself. Particularly interesting were the storage/heat-
insulating cells of the hypodermis of ferns regularly exposed to higher sunlight levels.

Knowledge of fern structure, and its evolutionary and functional significance, is essential
to species recognition. We were treated to a remarkable educational ‘tour de force’ on
the part of Jennifer Ide. | was disappointed that more members were not able to benefit

from a fascinating and rewarding day. Paul Ripley

photo: J |de

Margaret Harris, Patrick Acock, Paul Ripley and Steve Munyard examine leaf structures at a
South-east regional group workshop, Whitelands College, London

Hever Castle, Edenbridge & Emmetts, Ide Hill, nr. Sevenoaks, Kent - 26 May. The
SE Group met at Hever Castle and while hoping for more to join us observed some
fine Asplenium adiantum-nigrum in the old mortar of the gatehouse. Around the rock
gardens some minor variation in the Athyrium filix-femina was noted. Some fine ferns
were observed in an area with water cascading over a wall. Ferns seemed to grow
naturally in the walled gardens with polypods on the rose pillars and Cystopteris fragilis
in the mortar around these walls and by the lakeside. We are sure many ferns would
naturalise themselves at Hever given the chance.

We returned to the National Trust garden at Emmetts in the afternoon, having missed
the gardens in the spring of 1988 after The Storm. Geoffrey Kitchener and his family
helped to swell the numbers. The early highlight was several clumps of Osmunda
claytoniana with their fertile fronds just dehiscing. | think some spores may have found
their way into a few envelopes one member happened by chance to have in his pocket.
On a natural bank beyond the garden we re-discovered fine specimens of Polystichum
setiferum, Dryopteris filix-mas, D. dilatata, Athyrium filix-femina and added a fine clump
of Dryopteris affinis morphotype affinis.

It is only to be regretted that more people in the SE do not avail themselves of these
meetings which Paul spends so much time researching. Please try to attend some of
the regional meetings in your area next year. It is sure to encourage the small band
of members who spend so much of their time preparing them for you.

Pat Acock

Hurtwood and Wotton Commons, nr. Leith Hill, Surrey - 29 June. An encouragingly
good number (12) of members met at the Hurtwood Control Car Park, on the edge of
Leith Hill, on one of the few fine days of the early 1991 summer. We were particularly
pleased to welcome Dania Kowalska and her father, and Russell Ness, who later showed
some of us where to find star-fruit growing wild in deepest Surrey! After a short look
at Pitch Hill, with its superb views of the Surrey/Sussex weald, Coneyhurst Gill (51/
082407) was visited. A few specimens of Asplenium scolopendrium and Polystichum
setiferum were seen on the footpath leading to the Gill. Apart from some fine Athyrium,
Dryopteris affinis subspecies were examined, in addition to D. filix-mas. D. affinis
morphotype borreri was seen, possibly affinis, and a luxuriant specimen which might
have been paleaceo-lobata (we need more practice here).

We lunched at the Windmill pub, again with superb views (steak and mushrooms with
a view?), and set off towards Friday Street in the afternoon. On the walk through the
ubiquitous and abundant bracken, we began to see D. carthusiana in typical form. However,
in the scrubby-wooded, boggy head-waters of the Tillingbourne stream, very large numbers
of exceptionally large specimens were examined. About twice as large as typical D.
carthusiana, and with gingery concolorous scales and intermediate morphology, these
may well have been the hybrid D. x deweveri. It did not completely resemble the hybrid
seen elsewhere, and the sheer abundance of the plants was confusing. This fascinating
area merits further study. D. dilatata was present, but even in drier places, D. carthusiana
was often the dominant plant. Spores were not ripe and could not be examined. Apart
from occasional D. affinis, Blechnum spicant was common, as were large luxuriant plants
of Athyrium filix-femina. This whole area was full of interest and deserves revisiting.

| would like to thank our hosts, Graham Ackers and Lesley Williams, for a well-researched
and fascinating day; and not the least for a superb tea afterwards. To relax in Graham
and Lesley’s charming garden completed a thoroughly enjoyable day.

Paul Ripley

13 Star Lane, St Mary Cray, Orpington, Kent - 9 November. Eleven members met
at 3.30 pm at Patrick Acock’s house for an entertaining miscellany of fern interest.
We saw Jennifer Ide’s slides of some of the BPS Centenary events, in particular of
the Garden Tour which followed the Centenary Symposium. We envied those who had
gone on the very full, and obviously highly organised tour.

Graham Ackers and Lesley Williams had just returned from a trip to Madeira and Tenerife.
They showed us a comprehensive collection of slides from these fascinating and fern-
rich islands - especially Madeira with its network of levadas. Many species are endemic
to these islands, and most of these species were shown in excellent slides. Graham
and Lesley had also brought a small selection of some of the more common species
which we were able to see growing in pots.

After a superb tea - nay, meal - generously provided by Pat Acock, Anthony Pigott
explained to us the latest situation with the Dryopteris affinis complex. With the aid
of wonderfully representative fronds, and a detailed summary of individual features,
we were able to see clearly the obvious divisions between morphotypes and parent
species. We were introduced to two new morphotypes - ‘convexa’ and ‘insolens’ -
obviously distinct, and the genetic relationships were carefully explained. We all await
the time when chromosome analysis enables us to clearly set species as distinct from
Subspecies or mere varieties.

The meeting finished with some slides of the Skye meeting, a showing of the video

85

of the Gardeners’ World programme which featured Martin Rickard’s garden, a repeat
showing of the BPS video, and, from Jennifer Ide, the superb Equisetum video, with
its remarkable time-lapse photography.

Paul Ripley

EAST ANGLIA Bernard Williams

Fingringhoe Wick Nature Reserve, Colchester, Essex - 20 July. Eighteen members
and friends travelled long distances to give enthusiastic support, including Nancy Swell
from Virginia, USA. The Warden, Laurie Forsyth conducted our party around the reserve
equipped with a scythe to make our way easier through the undergrowth in what was
a former quarry. Dryopteris filix-mas, D. dilatata, Pteridium aquilinum and Polypodium
vulgare were soon observed. Dryopteris affinis subsp. affinis and subsp. borreri were
tracked down still thriving in impenetrable hollows. The warden led us to a low lying
site where we viewed a Solitary plant of Osmunda regalis whose presence on the reserve
has always been a mystery. Dryopteris carthusiana was found nearby and one plant
which was oe possibly to be the de cooker X raisins eames amore

wal: A+h

tto be 90.

were also present but the only see find ‘at note was a good colony of Ophioglossum
vulgatum which some members saw before lunch. Unfortunately the sole plant of
Blechnum spicant was found to be dead.

The group enjoyed a picnic lunch before going to the delightful cottage garden of Miss
Vivien Green at Aldham. After welcoming drinks we explored her excellent collection
of hardy ferns, many grown from spores and including some choice varieties. Vivien
had a selection of ferns and plants for sale in aid of the Red Cross Society. Afterwards,
we made our way to Birdbrook, to visit the garden of Mr and Mrs Robert Bolton. Robert
still has an impressive number of ferns from the Bolton collection which are now planted
out in the garden and thriving, but he has also given many to Martin Rickard for future
preservation. It was too early to see the polypodies at their best, but many other choice
varieties of ferns were seen. An excellent tea concluded a worthwhile day spent in
good company.

This was our only meeting during 1991 but it is hoped to organise more in 1992.

OBITUARIES
HENRY L SCHOLLICK

We regret to announce the death of Henry Schollick, our President in the years 1972-
75, who died on 27 May 1991.

Henry was a director in the publishing firm of Blackwells in Oxford and was an enthusiastic
collector of fern books, possessing probably the finest private collection in the country,
which contained many exceedingly valuable volumes. A visit to his library was always
impressive and exciting and many of us value books gifted to us from it.

He joined our Society in 1968 and from the beginning became very active in our affairs,
joining in all our activities indoors and in the field. He was a keen supporter of our
stand at the Southport Flower Show and on the one occasion we persuaded him to
exhibit he carried off most of the prizes in all the classes. He had a large and very

86

fine collection of fern varieties and was always most generous in giving away plants
during visits by the Society to his large garden on the outskirts of Oxford. Those visits
were always looked forward to by the large number of members who attended and
were entertained royally by our host and his wife.

When Reginald Kay's book, Hardy Ferns, published in 1968, ceased publication, Henry
negotiated with the publishers, Faber and Faber, for the free gift to the Society of all
the remaining unbound material, amounting to almost 1000 copies. These were bound
for us by Faber’s binding firm. We gave 100 copies to the author, and only now have
we finished selling the remaining stock through BPS Booksales. The proceeds have been
a valuable addition to our funds over many years, and all thanks to the good offices
of Henry Schollick.

In recent years Henry had dropped out of active participation in our affairs but he will
long be remembered by many of us for his unfailing genial presence and generosity.

He is survived by his wife, Peggy, and a son and daughter. To them we extend our
deepest sympathy.
Jimmy Dyce

WILLIAM ARTHUR SLEDGE 1904 - 1991

Dr Arthur Sledge, who died on 15th December, was born in Leeds on 14th February
1904. He attended Leeds Grammar School and whilst still a pupil there attended courses
put on by the then Department of Botany of the University of Leeds. Thus began an
association of more than sixty-five years with this institution. He gained his BSc degree
with honours in Botany in 1926 and his PhD two years later. In October 1928 he was
appointed demonstrator in botany and he rose steadily through the ranks to become
a senior lecturer in 1954. Even after his retirement in 1969, his loyalty to and interest
in the department and in his research were such that he stayed on for a further twenty-
one years, first as an honorary research fellow and then as an honorary lecturer. Following
increasing ill-health, he finally gave up his work at the university a year ago.

Dr Sledge was an excellent teacher who, over the years, gave many different courses,
and he will be remembered with affection and regard by generations of botany students
as well as by the many local naturalists who came into contact with him. Although
his research work was on the taxonomy of tropical ferns, Dr Sledge was far from being
a narrow fern specialist. He was a renowned field botanist with an intimate knowledge
of the local flora. He was an active member of the Yorkshire Naturalists’ Union (which
he uaets in Pas: and ne poner saad aie ibe Naturalist, for thirty-two years, building
He was also a member of the Botanical
nai of 0 British Isles (formerly The Botanical Exchange Club) from 1924, later
acting as its editor and distributor and becoming Recorder for south-east, south-west
and mid-west Yorkshire in 1949, a job he finally relinquished in 1987, the same year
in which he was made an honorary member of the BSBI in recognition of his service
to Yorkshire botany and to the editorial work of the society. He had high standards
and was a precise and meticulous worker, qualities which made his editorship and
research so notable. His publications were respected for their careful work and considered
comment. His care and neatness were nowhere so apparent as in his herbarium. His
specimens, of both flowering plants and ferns, were a delight to behold: beautifully pressed
to show all the relevant parts and bearing informative and detailed labels. Many collectors

could learn much from a study of his specimens. Methodical as always, he disposed
of his fine herbarium in several different directions before his final retirement. His
herbarium of Yorkshire plants is deposited in Cliff Castle at Keighley; his continental
collections are deposited in the Institut fur systematische Botanik at Zurich and in the
National Museum of Wales at Cardiff. His fern specimens are preserved in The Natural
History Museum (BM) and Kew, with further collections at Edinburgh, Cardiff, Oxford,
Cambridge and in the Smithsonian Institution at Washington.

His unparalleled local botanical knowledge led to the publication, with C A Cheetham,
of A Supplement to the Yorkshire Floras in 1941. He did not restrict himself to the
Yorkshire flora, however. In addition to organizing, leading and participating in local
field trips and excursions, both with students of the Leeds Botany Department and local
naturalists’ groups, he travelled throughout Britain and the continent, always interested
in botany whether ‘pee was on eee or on a field course. After an early visit to New
Zealand, het I urope. He participated in the Leeds University
expeditions to Madeira (1949) nist to heeion (Christmas 1950-51), the latter culminating
in the publication of the now classic research work on the fern flora of Ceylon (Manton
& Sledge, 1954). In 1965 he spent a sabbatical in Samoa, collecting and studying ferns
from there and from other Pacific islands which he visited on the return journey.

He joined the British Pteridological Society in 1965, and published several articles in
The Fern Gazette. He went to the inaugural meeting of the Leeds and District Fern
Group in January 1984 and was an active supporter thereafter, being an enthusiastic
attender at local meetings and participating in, leading, and advising on field excursions.
His first publications were not on ferns but were, not surprisingly, articles on the botany
of West Yorkshire, prepared, whilst he was still a student, for the handbook issued
for the British Association meeting in Leeds in 1927. His early research considered
the rooting of cuttings from an anatomical perspective but his love of plants and his
interest in taxonomy and systematics soon became apparent in a series of articles on
various taxa, published in The Naturalist. Also manifest in his writing is his interest
in ecology, perhaps stimulated by his colleague at Leeds, W H Pearsall. His main research
was in tropical fern taxonomy, an interest which developed from his visit to Ceylon.
His papers, published mostly in Kew Bulletin and the Bulletin of the British Museum
(Natural History), are characterized by his sound critical judgement and good taxonomic
sense. It is also noteworthy that he did not restrict himself to a study of one group,
but had a wide- Sasi tie i bveias nevering a number of sijsieiea ‘adlesoan i | salable
from the O ’ 2 ag

vily to the Dry v UlYyyv

| got to know him well only after he retired, and | used to enjoy going up to his room
for a chat or to seek advice. He was usually to be found working away on an article,
studying herbarium specimens or dealing with correspondence, whilst drawing on his
pipe and listening to the cricket commentary. He came in to work every day, rain or
shine, and regardless of increasing frailty in the last few years. Despite two heart attacks
he still insisted on struggling up to his room on the top floor with great determination
and his fortitude was much admired. A quiet and modest man, he was perhaps rather
overshadowed by the more flamboyant personality of Manton. His contribution both to
fern research and to the botany of Yorkshire is, however, a major one, and he will
long be remembered as a great teacher, taxonomist and field botanist par excellence.

He leaves a wife, Marjorie, and a son and grandchildren and to them all we tender
our sympathy in their loss.
Anne Sleep

MEMBERSHIP LIST: ADDITIONS AND AMENDMENTS
NEW MEMBERS

1990
MASKEW, Mr R, Coppice House, Baunalls Lane, Stoke Bliss, Tenbury Wells, Worcs. WR15 8RZ
1991
ADAMS, Dr J, 1 Low Dog Kennel, Field abi ia Grange Over Sands, — LA11 6HP
ALEXANDER, Mrs P G, 39 Waverley Road, Ray Lane, Harrow, Middx. HA2 9RG
AMISS, Mr G, West Hill House, raid End, stil Se BA11 3AD
ASH-GLOVER, Mrs F, 30 East Street, Chatham, Kent ME4 5NJ
BALL, Mrs J M, The Woodlands, Milford Road, Newtown, Powys, Wales
BERGTHORSON, Mr & Mrs C E & P, Capel Ffynnon, g sealant Plwmp, Llandysul, Dyfed SA44

BLACKBURN, Mrs R C, 2 Hillary Drive, Crowthorne, Berks. RG11 6QE
BORDER, Mr & Mrs MG & CR, 5 Salisbury Road, St Leonards-On-Sea, East Sussex TN37 6RX
BROWN, Mr S, 94 Northampton Lane North, Moulton, Northampton, Northants. NN3 10R

i E

LARKE, Mrs G M, 243 Barton Road, Comberton, Cambs. CB3 7BU
CORKE, Mrs J, 54 Main Street, Sutton Bonington, Leics. LE12 5PF
COX, Mrs S B, 60 Greenacres, Oxted, Surrey RH8 OPB
DAVIES-JONES, Ms G E, 112 Colleys Lane, Willaston, Nantwich, Cheshire CW5 6NT
DAWSON, Mr B, 36 Cravendale Road, Ravensthorpe, Dewsbury, Ne Yorks. WF13 3AL
DOODY, Mr B M, 47 North Gardens, ae East Sussex BN1
DUNCAN, Mr G E D, Torran Gorm, Poo vege “ies ss 1V12 1G Scotland
DYE, Mrs P, 401A Hertford ae ib Middx. 5PR
DYER, Dr AF, Centre for Plant Science, ICMB, a of Biological Sciences, Edinburgh University,

King’s Buildings, Edinburgh EHO 3JH

EHLERS, Mr J, Schanzlestr. 1, Botanischer Garten/Universitat Freiburg, Freiburg, D-7800, Germany
ELLIOTT, Mr AS, 51A Templars Avenue, London NW11 yen
FORSTER, Mr W A, 88 Holywell Hill, St. Albans, Herts. AL1
GABLE, Mrs B, P.O. Box 1383, Summit, New pron 07902- pea USA
GARSTANG, Mrs M, Overbeck, Pennybridge, Ulverston, Cumbria
GIBSON, Dr J A, Foremount House, Kilbarchan, aah ih PA10 2EZ, Scotland
GOODERHAM, Dr K, 4A Ulundi Road, Johnstone, Renfrewshire PAS 8TE, Scotland

RATY, Mr D J, ‘Fairhaven’, Shepherd's Road, Bartley, Southampton, Hants. SO4 2LH
GRAY, Ms G J, Heather ae Swinley Road, Ascot, Berks. SL5 8BD
GRIMSHAW, Mr J M, 35 Wessex Way, Cox Green, Maidenhead, Berks. SL6 3BP
GUTTERIDGE, Mrs J D, 16 Reid ig eee Caterham, Surrey CR3 5SL
HAMMOND, Miss L D, 159 Cirencester Road, Charlton Kings, Cheltenham, Glos. GL53 8DB
HANCOCK, Mr MT, 2 Forge Croft, Minworth, Sutton cages eey West Midlands B76 8YB
HAYNES Mrs J M, 28 Drakes Avenue, Exmouth, Devon AF
HAYWOOD, Mrs R, 29 Huxnor Road, Kingskerswell, “ila ‘Abbie Devon TQ12 5DX
HEELEY, Mr C, 2 Wrekin View, Huntington, Cannock, Staffs. WS12 4PG
Srcpuyddl Mr S C, 60 Borde Hill Lane, Haywards Heath, West Sussex RH16 1XR
HOLT, Prof. P M, Dryden re Kirtlington, Oxon. OX5 3HG

HORDER, Mrs J, ae oe rive N.E., Poulsbo, Washington 98370, USA
HUGHES, Mr & Mrs M&E ge se Cottage, Creech Heathfield, Taunton, Somerset TA3 5EG
HUGHES, Mrs S, 23 helene Hi Road, King’s Norton, Birmingham

HUNTLEY, Mr G, Huntley Green, P.O. Box 1147, Bothell, Lakapteds dal 98041, USA

IRVINE, Mr G, 40 Knock Hill “a Belfast BT5 6HY, Northern Ireland
JACKSON, Mrs H, c/o California Ferns Inc., P.O. Box 50871, gin Alto, California 94303-0672,

USA

JAGOE, Mr J A, Companion Animal Research Group, ARS Site 307 Huntingdon Road, Cambridge,
Cambs

JAMES, DrA G. 291 Miles Lane, Appley Bridge, Wigan, Lancs. WN6 9DQ

JANES, Ms R A, 22 Derwent Road West, Stoneycroft, Liverpool L13 6QP

JEFFERSON-BROWN, Mr M J, Upper House, Erendine, Colwall, Malvern, Worcs. WR13 6DR

JENKINS, Mr R A, Birchfield Nursery, Kidders Lane, Henfield, West Sussex BN5 9AB

KENWAY, Mr J J, Maurstrasse 31, Faellanden, CH-8117, Switzerlan

KING, Mr P S, 34 Southwood Lane, Highgate, London N6 5EB

KLEINHAUS, Ms N, 5605 La Gorce Drive, Miami Beach, Florida 33140, USA

KOVAL, Mrs A, Stable Cottage, nr. Alresford Hall, Alresford, Colchester, Essex CO7 8AY

LAKEN, Mr 1A, Porch House, 32 Forest View, North Chingford, London E4 7AU

LAMB, Ms D S, 13441 SW 100 Ct, Miami, Florida 33176, USA

LANSDOWN, Mr R V, Sir William Halcrow & Partners Ltd., Burderop Park, Swindon, Wilts. SN4 OQD

LEIGHTON, Mr P J, Hillam House, Hillam Common Lane, Hillam, Monk Fryston, Leeds, North Yorks.

89

LLEWELLYN, Mrs J, The Hermitage, 5 Chilkwell Street, Glastonbury, Somerset BA6 8DJ
LONGBONE, Mr R E, 35 South Street, Cottingham, N. Humberside HU16 4AH

MEEGDES, Mr P HL, Diamant 46, Heerhugowaard 1703 EW, Netherlands

MIDDLETON, Mr DN, 44 Hull Road, Hedon, Hull, East Yorks. HU12 8DF

MONSON, Mr F D, 37 Hillfoot Road, Woolton, Liverpool, Merseyside L25 7UJ

MORLEY, Miss J, Hafod-y-Bryn, Bwich-y-Gwynt Road, Llysfaen, Colwyn Bay, Clwyd LL29 8DQ,

NEEDHAM, Mr E, c/o Derrow, Kelliwith, Feok, Truro, Cornwall TR3 60Z

NEWMAN, Mr S, 22 Stratford Road, Honeybourne, Evesham, Worcs. WR11

NICHOLAS, Ms D, 14 Barrington Road, Olton, Solihull, West oe B92 8D

NOYCE, Mr & Mrs RA & S, Watering Lane Nursery, Pentewan, St. Austell, eke PL26 6BE
H7 6LL

OLD, Ms P, Trevone’, 18 Spillman’s Road, Rodbo oak Stroud, Glos
OTTER, Mr D, Charcoal Lodge, Charcoal Road, Bowdon, Altrincham, Cheshire WA14 4RZ
PALACIOS- RIOS, Ms M PR, Instituto de Ecologia, A.C., Apartado Postal 63, Xalapa, Veracruz 91000,

PARHAM, Mr DH, Little desing Blackwells End, Hartpury, Glos. GL19 ae
PATTINSON, Mr & Mrs R & P, 35 Trinity Church Square, London SE1 4
PEACOCK, Miss P, Peasacre, Knotcroft Lane, Thurloxton, Taunton, sane TA2 8RJ

PEEL, Mr JD,

PICKERING, Mrs L, 6 Bedale Road, Market Weighton, York, North Yorks. eas 3DN

PICKETT, Mrs M, Sunnyside Cottage, The Close, Reigate, Surrey RH2 7B

PICKLES, Mr S, 20 Stubbin Road, Marsden, Huddersfield, West Yorks.

PRICE, Mr |, 17 Lansdown Green, Kidderminster, Worcs. DY11 6PX

PRICE, Mr T |, 34 Ridgeway, Lisvane, Cardiff, S. Glamorgan CF4 5RS, Wales

PRIEST, Mr S, Batsford Garden Centre, Moreton-In-Marsh, Glos. GL56 90B

RAINE, Miss C A, 62 Bailey Street, Manchester see

RAWSON, Mr |, The Nook, Out Rancliffe, Preston, PR3 6TA

ROSKAM, Mr H C, eee elk geste 49-002, pelterken 3817 GB, Netherlands

ROTHWELL, Mr N T, 15 Newdigate House, Kingsnympton Park Estate, Kingston-Upon-Thames,
Surrey KT2 7TJ

SAN DIEGO FERN SOCIETY, 1418 Park Row, La Jolla, California opel USA

SEARLE, Mr M G, Oak Lodge, 108 Cumnor Hill, Oxford, Oxon. OX2

SHE RWOOD, Mr JR, 12 Markham Croft, Oxley Lawns, Pendeford, eee ils West Midlands

SIMLEIT, Miss S A, Hivu Nursery, P/B V7477, Mutare, Zimbabwe
STEVEN, Mr G, c/o English Nature, The Old Candlemakers, West Street, Lewes, East Sussex BN7
NZ

STEVENS, Mrs D, 91 High Street, Northchurch, Berkhamsted, Herts. HP4 30L
SUTTON, Mr & Mrs RL & J 1, Clarebank, Logs Hill, Chislehurst, Kent BR7 5LW
SYKES, Mr M, 108 Wanstead Park Avenue, eaaublgeehion London E12 5EF
THOMAS, Mr M O W, 22 Plymouth Road, Penarth, S. Glamorgan CF6 2DH, Wales
TONSING, Ms M E, 2269 Ridge Road, Littleton, Saag 80120, USA
TRAYLOR, Mr D L, 7724 Hickory Road, Petersburg, Virginia 23803, USA
TREE, Mrs Y JR, 4 Harvel Avenue, Rochester, Kent ME2 3J
UNSWORTH, Mr I, 15 Malvern Avenue, Stalmine, ips aah Lancs. FY¥6 OOD
VARIER, Mr R, Congreso 9362, Loma Hemosa 1657,
VEIT, Dr M, Inst. fur Botanik & Pharmazeut. Biologie, pak seh Wurzburg, Mittlerer Dallenbergweg
4, Wurzburg, D-8700, Germany
WALKER, Mrs D, Box 202, Rusape, Zimbab
WHITE, Mr B, 24 Ruby Street, West “alas Victoria 3040, Australia
WILLIAMS, Mr G L, 8 Woodside, Madeley, Crewe, Cheshire CW3 9HA
WINKLER, Dr G M, 26 Berkswell Road, Gresswold, Johannesburg 2090, South Africa
WUNDERLIN, Mr R P, Dept. of Biology, Univ. of South Florida, Tampa, Florida 33620, USA
WYNDHAM, C M, 1 Chamberlain Street, Primrose Hill, London NW1 8XB
WYNNE, Mrs P M, The Old School House, Ashford Hill, Newbury, Berks. RG15 8BB
ZIMBEROFF, Mr S, Santa Rosa Tropicals, P.O. Box 6183, Santa Rosa, California 95406, USA
ZIMMERMANN, Mr T Z, Bahnhofstr.14, Runkel, D-6258, Germany

BEAULIEU, Mr F, 20 Rue de Jouy, Viroflay 78220, Fran

nce
BELTON, Mr J C, 91 Midland Road, Wellingborough, Northants. NN8 1LU
BENTLEY, Mr G H, 154 Rachael Clarke Close, Corringham, Essex $S17 7SX

90

BLAKE, Mrs B, 11200 Killarney Highway, Onsted, Michigan 49265, USA

BOLTON, Miss E I, 151 Mai a a nforth, Lancs
BYRNE, Mr JT, Moory Park, Jeffreston, Kilgetty, Dyfed SA68 ORT, Wales
COCKER, Ms H, 16 Mill Lane, Treeton, rham, South Yorks. S60 5PL

HICKS, Mrs A M, Scarthwaite, Grange, Borrowdale, Keswick, Cumbria CA12 5UQ

HILL, Mr M J, Environmental Archaeology Unit, Walled Garden, University of York, Heslington,
York, North Yorks. YO1 5DD

HOLT-STOTT, Mr P, Larch Cottage Nurseries, Melkinthorpe, Penrith, Cumbria CA10 2DR

JOHNSON, Mr D R, 59 Balmoral Drive, Denton, Lancs. M34 2JT

KOHLER, Ms B, 51 Grove Road, Sheffield, South Yorks. S7 2GY

LINDBECK, Mrs C, 204 Hinton Road, Nelsons Plains, Raymond Terrace, New South Wales 2324,

ustralia
LINDFIELD, Mr D P, 22 Rutherford Close, Sutton, Surrey SM2 5DR
LIVNE, P, Biological Industries, Kibbutz Beit Haemek, 25115, Israel
MILES, Mrs M, Trewollack, St. Mawes, Truro, Cornwall TR2 5AD
PADDLE, Mr A, 9 Cliff Terrace, Kendal, Cumbria LAY 4JR
RAKOTONDRAINIBE, i F, Service de Botanique, Université de Tananarive, BP 906, Tananarive
101, Madagasc
RILEY, Mr PM, 42 ericcsugh Close, Ramsbottom, Bury, Lancs. BLO 9YU
SELFRIDGE, Dr D, Greencloaks, Linlithgow, West Lothian EH49 7RH, Scotland
i G3 2LE

TERRY, Mr & Mrs S P &H, 59 St Albans Road, Sandridge, St. Albans, Herts. AL4 9LE
WALKER, Mrs O, 10 Overstrand, 61 South Parade, West Kirby, Wirral L48 000
WATSON, Mr R A, Thorp Perrow Arboretum, Bedale, North Yorks. DL8 2PR

RE-JOINED 1991
BOYD, Mr PDA, Milltown Cottage, Heddon Valley, Martinhoe, oo Devon EX31 4PX
GARCIA, Sr A, Oficina de Correos, Cambrils, Tarragona 43850, Spa

ADDRESS CHANGES/AMENDMENTS

ADAM, Mrs S K, 58 Amberley Gardens, pela rigatigs KT19 ONG

AKEROYD, Dr J R, 24 The Street, dasasps ig n, Dereham, hag NR20 5BU

APPLEBEE, Mr B J, The Lymes, Willoughby plot Leics. L

BARNES, Mr P G, RHS Garden " Wisley, Woking, Surrey GU23 608

BAYLIS, Mr H A, Dept. of Biology, University of York, Heslington, York, North Yorks. YO1 5DD

BEESLEY, Mr D, Saxham Place, Newstead, Abbey fe Nottingham, Notts. NG15 8GD

BENTON, Mr J, 19 Queens Road, Slough, Berks. SL1 30W

BERRIE, Mrs A, 5 Bethel Row, Throwley, Faversham, Kent ME13 OJR

BHARDWAAJA, Prof. T N, Vice-Chancellor, Kota Open University, Kota 324002, |

7 Dr ME, Dept. of Geology, Royal Holloway & Bedford New College, enn of London,
m Hill, Egham, Surrey TW20 O

icuaae We A J, 22 Finchfield, Parnwell, Peterborough, Cambs. ia 4YG

DOUGLAS, Miss G E, De of Botany, The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD

EDWARDS, Mr & Mrs T C T & H, 3 Barlow Close, Randlay, Telford, Shrcnehies re TFS 2NQ

ENSOLL, Mr A J, 39 Inverleith Row, Edinburgh EH3 5PY

FORD, Mr M V, Micropropagation Unit, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 3AB

FRASER-JENKINS, Mr C R, Newcastle House, Bridgend, Mid Glamorgan CF31 4HD, Wales

GARDEN NEWS, The Editor, Apex House, anaes been Peterborough, Cambs. PE2 9NP

GOLDING, Ms Y C, 7 Joynson Street, Sale, Manc

HENNIPMAN, Prof. Dr E, Zweerslaan 34, bine 323 HP, Netherlands

HORNE, Mr K G, 5 Southernhay Crescent, Cliftonwood, Bristol, Avon BS8 4TT

HOUITTE, Dr A, 6 Rue des Mésanges, Le Rheu 35650, France

IDE, Miss J M, 42 hae Woods Way, Eltham, London a 2NN

LEE Orv & Dr LV nya 73 Woodbine Road, Gosforth, iu -Tyne, Tyne & Wear NE3 7DE
PANNELL, Dr C M, 2 Wolvercote Court, Wolvercote Green, Wolvercote, Oxford, Oxon OX2 8AB
PIEROZYNSKI, Dr W, 2 Highlea Avenue, Flackwell Heath, Bucks. HP10 9AD
ar Ay L J, Holly irene Cottage, The Great Park, Windsor, Berks. SL4 2BU

SCOTT, Mr MM, Strome House, North Strome, Lochcarron, Ross. IV54 8YJ, Scotland
SCOTT, Mr W, New Easterhoull, Castle rrbniag Scalloway, sandy ZE1 OTP, Scotland
SNUDDEN, Mr M J, 57 Hymers Avenue, Hull, Humberside HU3
SODOMKA, Mr R R, 7824 Normal Avenue, La Mesa, California ataat USA
TIMM, Mr RN, Aldre, Grimsby Road, Binbrook, Lincs. LN3 6DH
WILLIAMS, Miss M, 5 Umfreville Road, Manor House, London N4 1RY

91

MEETINGS 1992

Meetings Secretary:
Meetings Sub-Committee:
Sat 7 March -

Sat 30 May -

Fri eve 24 - Sun 26 July -

Thurs eve 30 July -
Sun 2 August

c. Tues 17-Mon 23 August -

Thurs 20 - Sat 22 August -

Wed 23 eve-Sun 27 Sept -

Sat 17 October -

A C Pigott, 43 Molewood Road, Hertford, Herts. SG14 3AQ
P J Acock, N J Hards, J M Ide, A C Pigott, P H Ripley

Spring Indoor Meeting - Derby

Location: Derby Lonsdale oe of Education, Derby
Leader: Nick Hards Tim 11.00

Day Indoor Meeting - Kew

Location: Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Surrey
Leaders: Bob Johns/Peter Edwards Time: 11.00
Weekend Field Meeting - Hampshire

Leader: Andrew Leonard

Centre: The New Forest Inn, Lyndhurst

Time: 19.30 Friday eve, 09.30 following mornings
Long Weekend Sete Meeting - Moffat, Scotland

Leader ul Ripley

Centre: Balers sie High Street, Moffat

Time: 19.30 Thursday eve, 09.30 following mornings

Week he Meeting - North Spa

Leader Ronnie Viane & vat Acock

NB: Please contact P Acock, 13 Star Lane, St. Mary Cray, Kent
BR5 3LJ immediately if you are interested in this meeting so hotel
can be booked and exact dates confirmed

Southport Flower Show: BPS Stand

Further Info: Matt Busby

Long Weekend Field Meeting - North Devon
Leader: Peter Boyd

Centre: Sandy Cove Hotel, Combe Martin Bay,
Berrynarbor, Ilfracombe, Devon
Time: 19.30 Wedn isn dati peice mornings
A al G IM & Aut Meet - London
Location: Chelsea Physic Garden, 66 oval Hospital
oad, London
Leader: Jennifer Ide Time: 11.00

For full details of these meetings, including information on accommodation, please see
the separate Meetings Programme sheet. This can be sent to overseas members on
request.

REGIONAL MEETINGS

For details of additional meetings in the eral areas, please contact the reigonal
organisers, enclosing a stamped addressed envelop

Wessex M J Cragg-Barber, 1 Station ee Hullavington, Chippenham,
Wilts. SN14 6ET

Midlands A R Busby, 16 Kirby Corner Road, Canley, Coventry CV4 8GD

Leeds & District JH Bouckley, 209 Woodfield Road, Harrogate, Yorks. HG1 4JE

South-East England PH
T

Ripley, North Lodge, Dene Park Gardens, Shipbourne Road,
NS

onbridge, Kent TN11
East Anglia B Williams, 20 Melbourne Court, Welwyn Garden City, Herts.
AL8 6LL

BRITISH FERNS AND THEIR CULTIVARS
A very comprehensive collection is stocked by
REGINALD KAYE LTD
Silverdale, Lancashire LA5 OTY

Catalogue on request

FIBREX NURSERIES LTD
Honeybourne Road, Pebworth, nr Stratford on Avon, Warwickshire CV37 8XT
Hardy and tender ferns
Begonias, Gloxinias, Hederas, Hydrangeas, Primroses, Arum Lilies
and plants for the cool greenhouse

Catalogue on request

MRS J K MARSTON
Specialist Fern Grower

A wide range of hardy and greenhouse ferns, especially Adiantums
Culag, Green Lane, Nafferton, nr Driffield, East Yorkshire YO25 OLF
Send £1 for catalogue

FANCY FRONDS
Specialising in North American and English hardy ferns
Judith Jones
1911 4th Avenue West, Seattle, Washington 98119, USA

Send two International Reply Coupons for Catalogue

HARDY AND HALF HARDY FERNS
Hazel Rickard
The Old Rectory, Leinthall Starkes, Ludlow, Shropshire SY8 2HP

Please send stamped addressed envelope for list

1992 SOUTHPORT FLOWER SHOW
The Organisers extend all good wishes for a successful 1992
Classes for your Society's special interests are available
Total Horticultural Prizes awarded for 1991 Value over £120,000
20th, 21st, 22nd AUGUST 1992

Schedules and further adie from:
The Flower Show Sec
44 Hoghton Street, Southport, sa PR9 OPQ

The British Be clctical Society
| BULLETIN

d

Edited by A.M. Paul

THE BRITISH PTERIDOLOGICAL SOCIETY
Officers and Committee for 1992

Vice-Presidents:
Honorary General Secretary
and Archivist:

Membership Secretary and
Editor of the Bulletin:

Treasurer:
Meetings Secretary:

Editor of the Fern Gazette:

Editor of the Pteridologist:

Committee:

Fern Distribution Recorder:
Spore Exchange Organiser:
Plant Exchange Organiser:

Booksales Organiser:

Trustees of Greenfield and Centenary Funds:

President: J.H. Bouckley

President Emeritus: J.W. Dyce
J.A. Crabbe, A.C. Jermy, C.N. Page, M.H. Rickard, G. Tonge

A.R. Busby, ‘Croziers’,
16 Kirby Corner Road, —— Covent CV4 8GD
el: Coventry 715690)
Miss A.M. Paul,
Department of Botany, The Natural History Museum,
Cromwell Road, London, SW7 5BD

Dr N.J. Hards,

184 Abingdon Road, Didcot, Oxon, OX11 9BP
C. Pigott,

43 Molewood Road, Hertford, Herts., ite 3AQ
Dr B.A. Thomas

Department of ee ome Museum of Wales,
hays Park, Cardiff, CF1 3NP

M.H. Rickard, The Old Rectory,

Leinthall Starkes, Ludlow, Shropshire, SY8 2HP
assisted by J.W. Dyce

R.G. Ackers, P.J. Acock, P.G. Barnes, Miss J.M. Camus,
Mrs M.E. Nimmo-Smith, N.R. Schroder, R.N. Timm,

Dr T.G. Walker, J.R. Woodhams

A.J. Worland, Harcam,

Mill Road, Barnham Broom, Norwich, Norfolk, NR9 4DE
.E. Nimmo-Smith,

201 Chesterton Road, Cambridge, CB4 1AH

Mrs R. Hibbs,

30 London Road, Hailsham, East Sussex, BN27 3BW

S.J. Munyard, 234 Harold Road, Hastings, East Sussex, TN35 5NG

J.H. Bouckley, A.R. Busby, Dr N.J. Hards

The BRITISH Balin aeseaa pqueccige was founded in 1891 and today continues as a focus

for fern enthusiasts. It provides

e range of information about ferns through the medium of

its publications oe available literature. It also organises formal talks, informal discussions, field

meetings, wath visits, plant ex
has a wide
professional. se Soc

setae spel Which chaos gardeners, nurserymen and Abate ts, both a
iety’s journals, the Fern Gazette,

as sales is e Society
pears and
ist and Bulletin, are > published

Pteridol

annually. The Fern esti publishes matter chiefly of specialist interest on international pteridology,
the Pteridologist, topics of more general appeal, and the Bulletin, Society business and meeting

Membership is open to all interested in ferns and fern-allies. SUBSCRIPTION RATES (due on
1st January each year) are

o
&

fs)

<

=

ae

et

3
£>3
rg

re}

a

--

a

currencies other than Sterling are £3 e o cover bank conversion charges). Airmail postage
for all journals is an extra £4, or for ieee nee receiving the Fern Gazette £2.50

Front cover: Athyrium filix-femina (Grandiceps group) raised by Reg Kaye. Published in the
Preridologist 1(2): 68, 1985, as A. filix-femina ‘Crispum Grandiceps Kaye’.)

ack numbers of the Gazette, Pteridologist and Bulletin are available for purchase from P.J. Acock,
13 Star Lane, St. Mary Cray, Kent BR5 3LJ, from whom further details can be obtained.

nv 38 1093

4aRpRe
BULLETIN oom
OF THE
BRITISH PTERIDOLOGICAL SOCIETY

Vol. 4 1992 No. 3
SECRETARIAL NOTES

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 1993, PRELIMINARY NOTICE - The 90th AGM will
take place on Saturday 16 October 1993 in the Gilmour Building, Cambridge University
Botanic Garden, Bateman Street, Cambridge, at 2.15 p.m. A street guide to assist in
finding the venue is available from the General Secretary. Please enclose an S.A.E.

COMMITTEE VACANCIES - In accordance with paragraph 3, section 3 of the Society’s
Constitution, two vacancies will occur due to the retirement of the two longest serving
Committee members. Nominations are invited from members of the Society to fill these
vacancies at the Annual General Meeting in 1993. The names of the nominees, proposers
and seconders, together with a letter from the nominee indicating their willingness to
serve, should reach the General Secretary by 5 September 1993.

SUBSCRIPTIONS 1993 - Members are reminded that subscriptions for 1993 are due
on the 1st January 1993 and should be paid to the Membership Secretary, British
Pteridological we rea C/o Dept. . wisest The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road,
London, SW7 5BD. Cheq houldb payable to ‘The British Pteridological Society’.

Current rates are given inside the front cover. Standing Order forms are available from
the above address.

PUBLICATIONS BY AIRMAIL - Our journals can be sent by airmail to overseas members,
provided they advise the Membership Secretary and pay an additional subscription to
cover airmail postage. See inside front cover for rates.

AFFILIATION TO THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY - Our aneaiae is affiliated
to the RHS, enabling a limited number of members t joy cert s in connection
with RHS Shows, competitions and services. There are two transferable tickets available
for all RHS Shows other than the Chelsea Flower Show. Applications for tickets or further
details, enclosing a stamped, addressed envelope, should be made to the BPS General
Secretary.

READING CIRCLES - The Society operates a reading circle for several journals. The
American Fern Journal is a quarterly publication containing much information for those
seriously interested in ferns; it is accompanied by the Fiddlehead Forum, which publishes
many ‘ferny’ items of interest to the amateur grower. The Royal Horticultural Society’s
journal, The Garden, is published monthly. To receive any of these journals apply to
the General Secretary.

THE GREENFIELD FUND - This fund, set up as a memorial to one of our Society's
great fern growers, Percy Greenfield, is used to finance approved research projects,
helping with the cost of necessary equipment, books and travel expenses. Awards for
meritorious achievements such as the introduction of a new fern variety or plant. or

93

some of the Society's publicity projects would be considered as worthy of help from
the fund. Percy Greenfield’s interest leaned very much towards the non-scientific side
of our activities and it is felt that he would want this taken into consideration when
decisions are made. Workers eligible for university or college grants and similar support
will not therefore be eligible for help from the fund. Members with projects wishing
to benefit from this memorial fund should apply to the trustees via the General Secretary.

THE CENTENARY FUND - This fund will be used to promote the study of all aspects
of pteridophytes - horticultural, scientific and educational, whether by amateurs, students
or professional pteridologists. As such its scope is much broader and more flexible than
the Greenfield Fund. Anyone wishing to avail themselves of this fund should contact
the trustees via the General Secretary.

BACK NUMBERS OF JOURNALS - These are such good value that it is a wonder
that more people do not avail themselves of them. Most issues of the Bulletin and all
of the Pteridologist are available, but only odd parts of the Fern Gazette are now available
prior to volume 7 and some parts are sold out even to volume 10. Please send for
a list if you are interested. A bumper bundle of older parts of the Fern Gazette is still
available, post included, at £6.

For all information regarding back numbers, please contact Patrick Acock, 13 Star Lane,
St. Mary Cray, Kent, BR5 3LJ.

BINDERS for the BPS BULLETIN and PTERIDOLOGIST - Binders for volumes of
the BPS Bulletin and Pteridologist are available from the General Secretary. The Bulletin
binders are attractively produced with red hardboard covers and gold blocked lettering
on the spine: only £5 each, including postage and packing. Binders for the Pteridologist
have mustard hardboards and gold blocked lettering on the spine. Each binder holds
one volume (six parts). £5 each including postage and packing. This applies to inland
members only. Prices for overseas members on application. Cash with order, please
make cheques payable to A.R. Busby.

BPS VIDEO “BRITISH FERNS”

With over fifty species of ferns the British Isles has a remarkably varied fern flora. Many
species have distinctive distributions reflecting regional variations in environmental
conditions. In particular the cool relatively damp environments of the North and the
mild Western fringes of Britain bring together species typical of Atlantic, Arctic and
Alpine regions, resulting in a fern flora that is unique to the British Isles.

This twenty-five minute video shows most of our native ferns growing in their natural
habitats. It demonstrates the wide variety of size and form to be found in British ferns
and the broad range of habitats they colonise. Attention is drawn to key identification
characters for each species.

The video has been funded by Schering Agriculture and the National Museum of Wales.
It is available for loan, free of charge, to interested individuals and organisations. For
further details write to the General Secretary enclosing a stamped addressed envelope.

GRAND ‘BRING AND BUY’ FERN SALE - A feature of the 1993 Annual General
Meeting will be a ‘bring and buy’ fern sale. All proceeds will go towards off-setting
the cost of holding the AGM at Cambridge.

94

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 1992

MINUTES of the 89th ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING held at the Chelsea Physic Garden,
66 Royal Hospital Road, London at 2.15 p.m.

IN THE CHAIR: The President, Mr J.H. Bouckley.

PRESENT: R.G. Ackers, P.J. Acock, G.H. Bentley, P.D.A. Boyd, A.R. Busby, P.J. Clare,
R. Cooke, R.V. & R.C. Coughlin, J.A. Crabbe, M.J., L.l. & T. Craddock, A.J. Dickman,
A.F. Dyer, D. Fortune, J. & M. Garstang, M. Gibby, P. Glaves, N.J. Hards, G.K. Hoare,
D.M. Holly, J.M. Ide, A.C. & A. Jermy, B. Kohler, D. Kowalska, M. Ladell, A.M. Leonard,
S.J. & K. Munyard, M.E. Nimmo-Smith, A.H. Ogden, A.M. Paul, A.C. Pigott, C.A. Raine,
M.H. Rickard, P.H. Ripley, Mr & Mrs F. Rumsey, N.R. Schroder, E. Sheffield,
R.J. & B. Smith, G. Stark, I.N.J. Storey, R.N. Timm, J. Vogel, O. Walker, J.E. Walsh,
S.L. Williams, J.R. Woodhams, C.M. Wyndham.

ITEM 1 - APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE: J.M. Camus, J.W. Dyce, R. Hibbs, R.J. Murphy,
B.A. Thomas.

ITEM 2 - APPROVAL OF MINUTES: The Minutes of the 88th AGM held on 21st September
1991 had been published in the 1991 Bulletin and were approved by the Meeting.

ITEM 3 - MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES: There were none.

ITEM 4 - HONORARY GENERAL SECRETARY'S REPORT: | am pleased to report another
successful year and the Society continues to benefit from the foundations laid during
our Centenary Year. This is reflected in the continued gain of new members: however,
we cannot afford to rest, nor should we expect our past successes to bring benefits
without continued effort. The momentum we have gained must be maintained. Members
can play their part by encouraging an interest in ferns and fern growing amongst their
friends and colleagues.

MEMBERSHIP: We have gained a further 106 new members this year, bringing the
membership total to 783. This is the first time that we have gained over 100 new members
two years running. | believe this to be further evidence of the continued benefits from
our Centenary Year. Deaths and resignations account for a small number of losses.
This would seem to indicate a general feeling of satisfaction amongst the membership;
however, the Officers and Committee rely on feed-back from the members so that we
can continue to provide and improve the benefits to members.

MEETINGS 1992: Meetings continue to be well supported, with very satisfactory numbers
attending all meetings. We do tend to get the same faces at field meetings and as
much as we look forward to the cameraderie of well known friends, we are always
pleased to see new faces.

REGIONAL GROUPS: A first step to making friends in the Society is by supporting your
local group if you are fortunate enough to live in an area covered by one. We still have
several areas without regional groups and we are always anxious to encourage members
to form them.

PLANT AND SPORE EXCHANGE SCHEMES: These continue to prove very successful.
The Plant Exchange list recently received from the organiser, Rosemary Hibbs, contains
53 species and varieties offered by nine donors. Rosemary is always keen to have more
donors and to extend the number of members receiving the list. You do not have to
have ferns to offer in order to take advantage of the scheme.

95

Margaret Nimmo-Smith continues to have a very popular and successful Spore Exchange
Scheme, and she reports having processed over 135 requests since January 1992 which
has involved supplying over 4,000 items. Storage of the spores has now been improved
by the purchase of a refrigerator: this will assist with maintaining spore viability over
a longer period. Margaret wishes to place on record her thanks to her husband, lan,
for helping with the computing and type-setting and to the many members who take
the trouble to supply spores.

Once again, it is my sad duty to report on the passing away of two long-standing members.
At the time of preparing this report, we have just learned of the death of Dr Dougal
Swinscow. Although we have not often had the opportunity of enjoying Dougal’s company
in recent years, we recall with pleasure those times he joined us on our forays.

| was looking forward to closing my report with the news of the Honorary M.Sc. awarded
by Lancaster University to Reg Kaye, and | am pleased to say that despite his ill-health,
Reg was able to attend the ceremony in person and receive his degree from the Chancellor
of the University, HRH Princess Alexandra, in June. Sadly, Reg died on 31st August
1992. | will not attempt to convey what we have all lost with the passing of Reg Kaye:
there can be few members who do not know of the value and high esteem with which
he is held in this Society. | had the honour, along with the President and several members,
of attending Reg’s funeral at the Lancaster Crematorium on the 4th September. | do
not think that any of us will ever forget the sight of Reg’s coffin arriving heavily draped
in fronds of soft shield fern and hart’s tongue fern varieties interspersed with flowers
from his much loved rock plants. Our pilgrimages to Silverdale will never be quite the
same again.

A.M. Paul, seconded by M. Gibby, proposed the acceptance of the Secretary's Report.
The President thanked Mr Busby.

ITEM 5 - HONORARY TREASURER’S REPORT: Nick Hards circulated his report to the
meeting. As a result of the wide range of activities in the Centenary Year the accounts
are considerably more complicated than usual. The format of the accounts has given
rise to a vast amount of discussion in the Committee and it has become clear that
we need a set of rules for the Centenary Fund. The Society has received donations
specifically for the Fund. It has also received a surplus of £650 from the travelling
exhibition, and a surplus of £351.87 from the garden tour. It is proposed to transfer
these balances to the Centenary Fund as shown in the accounts. The Committee also
did not wish to charge any administration costs to the Fund, since the intention is to
build up a reserve for specific projects.

The Symposium showed a surplus in 1992 of £1,903.75 but £990 had been spent in
the previous year. The remainder is not yet a final surplus because the cost of supplying
copies of the published Proceedings (due out around the end of 1992) to those paying
the registration fee for the full week is still to come. It is therefore not appropriate
to transfer any balance to the Centenary Fund. The authors of A World of Ferns have
requested that the royalties be transferred to the Centenary Fund. This is shown in
the Publications Account.

The Centenary Fund itself needs to be earmarked for specific purposes, but we must
keep some flexibility. The Committee is, for example, looking at producing a series of
booklets on fern varieties. These would ultimately be self-financing but the cost of
publication will need to be found initially. The main purpose of the Society is to spread
information about ferns and their allies, not to hoard money in a bank or building society.

96

It is therefore considered that, subject to any such item being carefully vetted, the society
should be able to draw temporarily on the Fund if the need arises, with the intention
of repaying the money to the Fund when the outlay is recouped. The meeting was urged
to approve the proposed rules for the Centenary Fund before moving on to general items
in the accounts.

PROPOSED CONSTITUTION OF THE CENTENARY FUND OF THE BRITISH
PTERIDOLOGICAL SOCIETY

1. The Trustees of the Centenary Fund of the British Pteridological Society shall be
the President, Honorary General Secretary and Treasurer.

2. The Fund shall consist of:-
a) monies donated to the Society for the purpose of increasing knowledge and
understanding of pteridophytes.
b) interest thereon.
c) any other monies as agreed by the Annual General Meeting.

wo

. The Trustees may make grants out of the Fund for any activities which, in their opinion,
will further the knowledge, conservation and understanding of pteridophytes in the
fields of botany and horticulture.

-

Any application for a grant must be in writing to the Honorary General Secretary,
setting out the objects of the project and the estimated cost. A successful applicant
must send a report on the completed work to the Honorary General Secretary indicating
where any results are to be published.

on

. The Trustees shall decide whether a grant shall be made. They may, however, seek
advice from others whom they consider to have specialist knowledge.

(o>)

. The Trustees may also permit the use of the Fund to support activities of the Society
provided that those activities promote or increase knowledge and understanding of
pteridophytes. The Trustees shall have regard to the likelihood of the Society being
able to reimburse the Fund. No interest is to be charged by the Fund to the Society.

7. The balance of the Fund shall be deposited in an account or accounts in the name
of the British Pteridological Society with any recognised Bank or Building Society.

ioe)

. The Trustees shall ensure that the accounts of the Fund are available to members
within twelve months after the end of each calendar year.

9. If the Society is wound up, the Trustees shall ensure that the balance on the Fund
is donated to another organisation or organisations with similar objectives in the
fields of botany, conservation and horticulture.

The adoption of the Constitution of the Centenary Fund was proposed by A.C. Jermy,
seconded by A.C. Pigott, and passed unanimously by the Meeting.

The Treasurer reported that the subscriptions do not reflect the increase in membership
because many members paid early for 1991. Booksales and merchandise both did well,
with an increase in the number of activities providing more outlets. A special word
of thanks should go to Steve Munyard in his first year running the booksales, and to
Anthony Pigott for continuing to organise the merchandise. The Chelsea Flower Show
receipts relate to sales of Society Publications and merchandise but no separate records
were kept at the time.

97

On the expenditure side, there were two issues of the Fern Gazette. The Bulletin was
extra large and the cost should be lower in 1992. Printing and stationery did not include
a bulk purchase of envelopes which gave an abnormally high figure for 1990. Inevitably
it cost more in administration for such a busy year. Merchandise costs include a large
amount outstanding from purchases in earlier years.

Bank charges always provoke comment. Banks are very hardnosed and normally treat
all organisations as businesses. We now have a new account with no charges but this
was not changed until early in 1992.

The Publications Account saw the issue of three new publications, and has moved into
deficit. We can for the time being fund this from the General Fund. The balance should
be cleared in two or three years but we may need more reserves. Publications always
make a profit if they sell out.

The Trustees of the Greenfield Fund made a grant to the Pebworth Show, and that
event was a great success.

Finally, it will be necessary to increase subscriptions by about 25% in 1994, to cover
four years of inflation since the last increase. The Treasurer said he would like to work
out the 1992 position before proposing any figures, and anticipated the need for a short
Special General Meeting at the Kew Meeting in 1993 to allow time to circulate members
well in advance.

Clive Jermy then = about publishing the pears and aaseneninius Parse an The
Treasurer replied that these were not nor mally it h Accounts
had been made available for scrutiny by the auditors. The Treasurer explained that Steve
Munyard had needed an extra £1,000 to supply books for the Symposium. Normally
neither Steve Munyard nor Anthony Pigott carried stock valued in total more than £1,000.

The adoption of the Accounts was proposed by J.R. Woodhams, seconded by P.H. Ripley
and passed unanimously by the Meeting. The President thanked Dr Hards.

ITEM 6 - HONORARY MEETINGS SECRETARY'S REPORT: Anthony Pigott said that 1992
had been another successful year although it might have been a come-down after the
Centenary meetings. The indoor meetings had been held at Derby and Kew, and field
meetings had been held in Hampshire, Moffat and Devon. The foreign trips had continued
with a visit to northern Spain. They had all run well, thanks to the endeavours of the
organisers. The attendance at the Devon meeting was the highest recorded apart from
the Kendal meeting the previous year.

It was hoped to keep up the momentum next year with field meetings in north Wales,
Galloway, Northumberland and another foreign trip to central France. An indoor twin
meeting was being planned for Edinburgh and Glasgow. In conclusion, Anthony Pigott
thought that it was important to maintain the overseas programme and it seemed that
provided leaders were forthcoming, venues could be suggested for several years ahead.
Over the last four years the autumn indoor meeting had provided an opportunity for
paper reading of a more serious nature and it was hoped this would continue in Cambridge
next year for the AGM. He also hoped that the trend established by the Kendal meeting
and the more recent north Devon meeting of a field meeting with an element of talks
in the evening and an emphasis on the horticulturalist would continue. However, the
Meetings Secretary and Sub-committee were always looking for people to lead meetings
and for new ideas. Please contact them and they will try to organise it.

98

Alan Ogden, seconded by M.E. Nimmo-Smith proposed the acceptance of the report
and all agreed. The President thanked Mr Pigott.

ITEM 7 - EDITORS’ REPORTS: Fern Gazette - Jim Crabbe reported that the latest Fern
Gazette had been published the day before but was smaller than usual as the Editor
had been, and still was, short of copy. He thought there was no particular reason for
this state of affairs but urged members to do all within their powers to rectify this.

Pteridologist - Martin Rickard thought that the last edition had been well received and
of a good standard, despite members writing for the various other publications in the
Centenary Year and for national magazines. Although he preferred to maintain a balance
in the Pteridologist between articles for the fern grower and ferns in nature, the former
had predominated and were likely to do so in the next edition which would be dedicated
to Reg Kaye.

Bulletin - Alison Paul reported that the 1991 Bulletin had been published later than
planned but was otherwise satisfactory. Most of the photographs had reproduced well.
She appealed for more photographs for the next issue, either glossy prints or slides.
She asked for reports to be typed, not hand-written and on computer disc whenever
possible.

Clive Jermy asked whether photographs used in the journals could be preserved in the
Society's archives for the bicentenary.

Acceptance of the Editors’ Reports was proposed by R.J. Smith, seconded by R.N. Timm
and passed unanimously. The President thanked the Editors.

ITEM 8 - ELECTION OF OFFICERS AND COMMITTEE:

Election of Officers: Honorary General Secretary - A.R. Busby.

Honorary Treasurer - N.J. Hards.

Honorary Meetings Secretary - A.C. Pigott.
The President was pleased to note that they were all willing to serve for another year.
R.J. Smith, seconded by A.M. Paul, proposed that they should be re-elected en bloc
and the Meeting agreed unanimously.

Election of Honorary Editors: Barry Thomas and Jim Crabbe, Martin Rickard and Alison
Paul were proposed by N.J. Hards, seconded by R.G. Ackers and were duly elected
to serve as editors for the Fern Gazette, Pteridologist and Bulletin respectively.

Election of Committee Members: The Honorary Secretary reported that P.J. Acock and
T.G. Walker were standing down and P.G. Barnes had resigned. He had received four
nominations: Rob Cooke, proposed by A.R. Busby, seconded by M.H. Rickard; Dorothy
Fortune proposed by A.R. Busby, seconded by J.H. Bouckley; Stephen ere, proposed
by A.R. Busby, seconded by M.E. Nimmo-Smith and Gavin Stark p by J.H. Bouckley
and seconded by R.P.H. Lamb. The Secretary explained that ¢ one vacancy had been left
open from last year so that all four were elected to the Committee.

ITEM 9 - ELECTION OF AUDITORS: Ray Smith and Graham Hoare, proposed by
A.R. Busby and seconded by J.H. Bouckley, were duly elected.

ITEM 10 - ANY OTHER BUSINESS:
The President made the presentation of the Stansfield Medal to Clive Jermy. The President
said that it was the highest award that could be made by the Society, and was awarded

99

in recognition of outstanding services to the Society and to pteridology. He reminded
the members that Clive Jermy would be the seventh recipient. Clive had held the positions
of Editor, President and Vice-president and had been responsible for making the Fern
Gazette into a journal of international academic repute. The President thanked him for
all his services and for sharing his knowledge with members and congratulated him
on an award he had earned and deserved.

In response, Clive Jermy thanked the Committee for bestowing this honour upon him.
He reminded us that our first President, whom this medal commemorates, was the
grandson of Abraham Stansfield, who by the time young Frederick was 15, was selling
over 1,100 species of ferns and their varieties from his nursery at Todmorden. Clive
quoted from the nursery catalogue to illustrate the firm’s approach to fern marketing:
“... The bright colours of flowers are admired by the least intellectual but the beauty
of form and texture of ferns requires a higher degree of mental perception and a more
cultivated intellect for its proper appreciation. Hence, we regard the growing taste for
the cultivation of ferns as proof of mental advancement.”

Clive went on to say that his own introduction to ferns was less auspicious and his
contribution more humble than Frederick Stansfield’s, and he paid tribute to the many
enthusiastic supporters and lasting friends who had encouraged his involvement with
the BPS, which, he said, would continue as long as he was able.

There was no other business and the meeting closed at 3.35 p.m.

A.R. Busby
Hon. Gen. Sec.

FINANCIAL STATEMENT AS AT 31 DECEMBER 1991

ORDINARY ACCOUNT

(1990) INCOME:

8835.87 SUBSCRIPTIONS £8835.63
820.90 INTEREST 872.40
251.00 BOOKSALES 400.00

3.00 SPORE EXCHANGE 4.50

418.00 MERCHANDISE 1279.61

- CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW 768.03

64.10 DONATIONS -

134.50 SUNDRIES 7.00

10527.37. TOTALINCOME £12167.17
EXPENDITURE

1626.00 METLOC- PTERIDOLOGIST 1708.00

2692.00 eine ae — 3675.60

1245.00 METLOC- west 2452.00

1256.00 —— PRINTING Pies STATIONERY 698.30

1500.00 ADMINISTRATION AND POSTAGE 2648.06

25.10 SUBSCRIPTIONS TO SOCIETIES 26.10
106.28 BANK CHARGES 167.37
52.80 | PLANT AND SPORE EXCHANGE 60.00
121.00 MEETINGS 46.50
172.50 | MERCHANDISE 1993.95

- BOOKSALES ADVANCE 1000.00
1014319 TOTAL EXPENSES £14475.88

1346.21

169.65

eee to Accou

00
69.93

CENTENARY ACTIVITIES:

SYMPOSIUM RECEIPTS 9468.63
EXPENSES (7564.88)
EXHIBITION RECEIPTS 1550.00
EXPENSES (900.00)
GARDEN TOUR RECEIPTS 6595.94
EXPENSES (6244.07)
ADMINISTRATION
ALANCE FOR 1
TRANSEER TO pen UAE FUND 31.12.1991
BALANCE BROUGHT FORWARD FROM 1990
BALANCE CARRIED FORWARD AT 31.12.1991
PUBLICATIONS ACCOUNT
BALANCE BROUGHT FORWARD
INCOME: Journals and Offprints
Hardy Ferns
Special Publication 1
Special Publication 2
Special Publication 3
Special Publication 4
Special Publication 5
ROYALTIES
EXPENSES: SP 3 796.00
SP 4 4704.00
SP5 2420.00
ROYALTIES - TO CENTENARY FUND 00

CARRIED FORWARD (DEFICIT) at 31.12.1991

GREENFIELD FUND
BROUGHT FORWARD
INTEREST RECEIVED
GRANT (PEBWORTH SHOW)

CARRIED FORWARD AT 31.12.1991

CENTENARY FUND

BROUGHT FORWARD

DONATIONS RECEIVED

INTEREST RECEIVED

TRANSFER FROM ORDINARY ACCOUNT
ROYALTIES FROM PUBLICATIONS ACCOUNT

CARRIED FORWARD AT 31.12.1991

1903.75

650.00

351.87
(669.22)

£2236.40

(72.31)
(1001.87)
4732.45

£3658 .27

8474.05

(9920.00)

(£1445.95)

£1872.73

£1737.45

£1371.56
577.50

£5063.97

. Stocks of aby are: Special ee wal : -91, 2-50, 3-100, 4-913, 5-469. Sales should clear the deficit
in the Publications Account within tw

. Asp
accrued inte

3. Small pe are held by certain officers and are not included in the accounts.

101

a subscriptions are sitet in the year of receipt and no provision has been made for

LECTURE MEETINGS AND DAY VISITS 1992

SPRING INDOOR MEETING, DERBY - 7 March. In the morning there were two
rks gpdcantcet a fossil bier daphyte material. Alan Willmot showed some coal balls,
which are calcified regions from coal seams of Carboniferous age. These contain preserved
stems and roots, sad were sectioned and etched with dilute hydrochloric acid. After
drenching with acetone, a sheet of acetate was pressed onto the surface. When the
acetone had evaporated, sections of the plant remains should have stuck to the acetate
for examination under a microscope. This did not work on the day but in true ‘Blue
Peter’ fashion Alan had some which he had prepared earlier and members were able
to examine these.

Jennifer Ide put on a demonstration of mainly fossil horsetails and lycopods. These
included Calamites (an arborescent horsetail), Sohenophylium (herbaceous horsetail) and
Lepidodendron and related genera (arborescent lycopods). These forms are no longer
present in today’s flora but are still recognisable as horsetails and lycopods. The specimens
showed a variety of morphological and anatomical detail, and some permineralised
specimens showed the internal anatomy in exquisite detail.

In the afternoon, Alan Willmot first told us about Jane Barker’s work on the sex life
of the Dryopteris gametophyte. Spores of D. dilatata and D. filix-mas were sown at various
densities on agar and grown under laboratory conditions. It obviously requires a particular
type of skill and patience to sow just one single spore! In sowings at very low densities,
these two species produced all typical heart-shaped prothalli, but initially these produced
only archegonia. If grown on for longer, they do become hermaphrodite. On the other
hand, high density sowings yielded two different types of gametophyte. As well as the
typical ones with their archegonia, long thin ones were produced with only antheridia.
It is known that, in some species, large female gametophytes secrete a hormone which
makes other gametophytes male. However, this was not detected in the study species.
Dense cultures do produce both sexes but the reason is not clear. It may be that some
grow faster or germinate earlier, and crowd out the others. The talk was followed by
a lively discussion on the practical implications for growers. Ideally a dense enough
sowing is needed to produce male and female at the same time on different gametophytes,
but all is not necessarily lost if only one or two germinate.

Nick Hards then told a tale of two ferns he had found soon after he joined the Society.
He showed slides of a fine divisilobe form of Polystichum setiferum which he had originally
found on a Society meeting to the Cotswolds in 1978. Although proliferous, it has proved
very difficult to propagate and only a few offsets have been shared around. He recalled
being surprised that the party was so excited, since at the time he had only ever seen
similar, cultivated forms of P. setiferum. At the time, he had been much more interested
in identifying a Dryopteris affinis which had been growing right beside, and almost hiding,
it. The second fern was a find of Dryopteris submontana in Millers Dale, Derbyshire.
This was only the second known site in the county and most of the plants are safely
tucked away on high and inaccessible parts of the railway cutting. Nick had found this
while preparing to lead his first field meeting, in 1980. He had since learnt that the
railway ballast for that line had come from a quarry at Horton-in-Ribblesdale, very near
the one area where this fern is common. The other site in Derbyshire, also a railway
cutting, used to belong to a different rail company and the ballast came from Llandudno.
It might be worth looking for D. submontana there. A discussion about D. submontana
and its parents D. pallida and D. villarii (it is an allotetraploid) followed. It was mentioned
that D. submontana on the Continent is morphologically distinct, and there was some

102

speculation about whether the plants at the one well known isolated site, Eglwyseg,
might be the continental form. There are also old records from Cwm Idwal and Honister
Crags. At the former the plant has not been found this century and at the latter there
have only been fragments found in rock falls. It is even possible that one or the other
might be D. villarii since D. submontana has only recently been recognised as a separate
species. If only someone could refind the old records . . .

N.J. Hards

KEW GARDENS - 30 May. About 50 members assembled at the Lower Nursery mess
room for an experimental session, the aim of which was to cover various aspects of
how ferns are classified. Ever since Anthony Pigott had suggested such a new type
of meeting it seemed an excellent idea.

After a general introduction, the plan was for one half of the group to spend 30-40
minutes at the microscopes viewing fresh preparations of stipes and laminas of
representatives of eight fern families. Meanwhile the other half were to be using the
lenses supplied to examine those same (labelled) representatives in the burgeoning
Tropical Fern Nursery (house 38). Despite some problems with material and organisation,
some members were convinced that there are fundamental differences between
Thelypteridaceae and Dryopteridaceae, and also that features of the upper surface of
a frond are often more revealing than those of the undersurface.

At 1.15 and 3 p.m. many members went to one of the two sessions on Asplenium
given by Bob Johns in the Herbarium Staff Room (a completely new Kew venue for
the BPS!). With an array of herbarium specimens, excellent drawings and photographs
of spores, Bob explained the importance of spores in helping to illuminate the differences
between the often morphologically similar-looking fronds of many New Guinea and S.E.
Asian Aspleniums.

Between 4.30 and 5.30 p.m. most of the party assembled back at the mess room for
a free exchange of questions and answers on ferns at Kew and, most importantly, a
good range of new ideas for future meetings at Kew.

Peter Edwards

AUTUMN INDOOR MEETING, CHELSEA PHYSIC GARDEN - 17 October. A large
number of members attended this meeting, which combined the delights of the Chelsea
Physic Garden with a variety of entertaining and interesting lectures.

After an hour or so spent enjoying the gardens in fine sunny weather, we heard Peter
Glaves, of Greenwich University (sp. nova!) describe his work on spore deposition and
germination in Dryopteris dilatata. Most spores are shed over only a few days, and most
fall very close to the parent plant. The density of gametophytes, however, affects their
subsequent development. Densely-sown spores yield, under the influence of
antheridiogens from large gametophytes, large populations of small prothalli with only
male sex organs.

Adrian Dyer then described his extensive studies on fern ‘spore banks’, reservoirs of
viable spores, up to 1.25m deep in soil, and capable of germination, even for some
green-spored species, after many years. The considerable implications for in situ and
ex situ conservation and the production of hybrids were discussed.

Fred Rumsey, from the University of Manchester, described populations of extremely

103

slow-growing Trichomanes gametophytes, including one at the first (1724) recorded site
near Bingley, from which the sporophyte has been lost since before 1800. Studies on
the gametophyte suggest that cross-fertilisation is probably necessary for successful
reproduction, but that most gametophyte populations form a single clone and are reluctant
to produce archegonia. These observations, together with the extreme delicacy of the
young sporophyte, may explain the relative abundance of populations of gametophytes
alone

After the AGM, inevitably extended, but at which we had the pleasure of witnessing
Clive Jermy’s richly-deserved award of the Stansfield medal, Professor de la Sota described
his studies on American Salvinias. Most species are found in the near neutral (pH 6.5-
7.0) ‘white’ waters such as those of the Rio Solindes and Amazon in Brazil. Professor
de le Sota’s studies of a form with some xeromorphic characters from the clear acid
waters of the Rio Negro (a tributary of the Amazon) whetted our appetites for the seminar
he was due to give at Whitelands College in November.

Finally, Johannes Vogel described his studies on the fern flora of the Serpentine rocks
(apparently no connection with a form of moustache) in southern Germany and
surrounding countries. With excellent photographs, the characteristics and other detailed
investigations of Asplenium species (including A. trichomanes, A. trichomanes-ramosum
(A. viride)) and their hybrids and subspecies were described. Johannes gave us a
fascinating insight, aided by a collection of living specimens, into the complex evolutionary
and genetic relationships in the genus. It is certainly to be hoped that these very special
habitats and extremely rare plants survive the current pressures of pollution and geological
exploitation.

Jennifer Ide deserves our congratulations, as well as our thanks, not only for assembling
an international range of speakers of the highest calibre, but also for providing excellent
facilities and refreshments throughout the day.

Paul Ripley

photo: A. Leonard

New Forest: Shave Wood. Pat Acock and Anthony Pigott put their heads together over
Equisetum x bowmanii

104

NATIONAL FIELD MEETINGS 1992
NEW FOREST, HAMPSHIRE - 24-26 July P.J. Acock

A beautiful Saturday morning found a party of around twenty of us in the New Forest
at Emery Down (41/282 082). Our intrepid leader, the curator of the ‘Portsmouth Botanic
Garden’, had spent a lot of time researching the various sites and took us into the
wood close by to observe a beautiful stand of Oreopteris limbosperma. Someone, however,
stole the leader’s thunder by discovering one in the approaching lane. Further into the
wood along the banks of a stream was a huge colony of Phegopteris connectilis.

A short drive to the Cadnam-Lyndhurst Road, into the Shave Wood car park (41/294
122), enabled us to see the largest colony of that splendid recently discovered hybrid
Equisetum x bowmanii. Although some herbs and grasses were starting to compete,
E. x bowmanii seemed safe for the time being. A longer drive took us to lunch at Holmsley
Inclosure (41/232 007). After a slow but welcome lunch break, where we got to know
some of the newer members and sampled some delightful sweets, we crossed the road
to look at Thelypteris palustris.

We continued our travels to Wilverley Inclosure (41/255 010) where, after much exertion
and climbing over a number of trees still fallen from the storm, we came across a few
magnificent plants of Dryopteris aemula, uncommon in Hampshire. We went into the
Brownhill Inclosure and saw some extraordinarily large Osmunda regalis growing in
a Swampy area and nearly lost Jennifer Ide who was fast sinking into the ground. After
the rescue we saw some smaller plants of D. aemula on our way out.

We went on in the late afternoon to Hatchet’s Pond (41/365 012) where we saw Pilularia
globulifera growing on the pond margin and on into the water. Around the banks amongst
the gorse were a few plants of Osmunda regalis. A little further down the road at Hatchet’s
Moor (41/353 002) at a deserted wartime airstrip we saw Ophioglossum azoricum at
one of its out-stations. A fine first day's ferning saw us a little divided at the evening meal.

Sunday morning found us further east in the Lordswood area, north of Southampton
and east of Junction 1 of the M27. Having searched for the colony of Equisetum hyemale
myself in the area on a previous occasion, | was taken aback by the size of the colony,
which was considerably more dominant on one side of the river than the other. We
then drove about 200 yards to see a colony of Equisetum sylvaticum which | had stumbled
on while looking for the E. hyemale site. With Dryopteris carthusiana and D. dilatata
present, there was much discussion over whether giant ginger-scaled plants were the
hybrid D. x deweveri.

A drive to Bere Farm (41/603 142) found us on a bridge over a disused railway line.
The bridge had a range of spleenworts including Asplenium ceterach, not so common
in the east, even of Hampshire, A. adiantum-nigrum, A. ruta-muraria and A. trichomanes
subsp. quadrivalens. A. scolopendrium in the railway bank with Polystichum setiferum
and P. aculeatum made the banks interesting, with Polypodium interjectum on the
Supporting buttresses of the wall.

After a good lunch at Soberton Heath we set off for a forest walk at West Walk
(41/597 122). Here our intrepid leader was determined to check up on who was the
fittest. A very fine wood had an enormous stand of Dryopteris affinis subsp. borreri,
possibly a few subsp. paleaceo-lobata and D. affinis subsp. affinis of some maturity,
but some opening up of the wood and the effect of tourists had caused a number of

105

the plants stress over the year. Large plants of Blechnum spicant were observed as
well as three Oreopteris limbosperma. Equisetum fluviatile was present but we omitted
a visit to the pond. After a long walk through the woods we saw a few majestic plants
of Polystichum aculeatum, along with Athyrium filix-femina. On the way back on a circular
route we looked at a few hectares of Dryopteris dilatata and D. carthusiana. Though
D. x deweveri seemed present on an earlier inspection, some doubts were expressed
on this occasion. A welcome ice-cream van greeted our return to the car park, where
much searching for the last few pieces of silver secured an ice-cream for all of the
party.

We must thank Andrew Leonard for a magnificent and well researched weekend, which
we all enjoyed very much.

MOFFAT, SCOTLAND - 31 July - 2 August P.H. Ripley

An encouragingly large group of 18 members and guests assembled at the Balmoral
Hotel in Moffat, on 30 July.

This area of Scotland is classic glaciated terrain, composed principally of Silurian
sediments, with occasional igneous intrusions. Moffat lies on the River Annan, which
drains the watershed between it and the northward-flowing Clyde. Moffat Water runs
east-west from the watershed at Birkhill (with its well-studied shale series). Between,
lies the highest massif in the south of Scotland (although the Merrick, 843m, is the
highest peak), with many peaks above 800m, culminating in Broad Law.

The open hills are covered by Oreopteris limbosperma (which frequently becomes the
dominant plant), and Pteridium aquilinum. pee ee spicant is abundant among heather,
and Athyrium filix-femina near streams. On screes, t very common,
with Dryopteris oreades where grazing permits. vidi sided areas or oie are often
tree-lined, and provide protection for Dryopteris species.

A species list is attached, but a brief description of the excursions follows.

Friday 31 July - Loch Skene. From the National Trust car park at the Grey Mares
Tail, a path runs for about two miles to Loch Skene, a marvellous example of a ‘hanging
lake’ and quasi-alpine terrain. Isoetes was spotted at the edge of the lake by Matt Busby,
and Equisetum sylvaticum and the montane form of E. palustre were features in the
acid peat level. At the head of the loch, screes and cliffs rise and these were searched,
in particular for Woodsia ilvensis. We failed to find this, although Trevor Lording reports
finding a single plant, very near our search, as recently as July this year. We were
rewarded, however, by plenty of Dryopteris oreades, and by Phegopteris connectilis and
Cystopteris fragilis in particular in the rock clefts. Higher up Diphasiastrum alpinum
was found during reconnaissance, but strangely in nothing like the quantities found
(above 750m) on hills further west. Your leader was far too ambitious in his itinerary,
and a whole day could very profitably have been spent at this site.

Raking Gill. A small number visited Raking Gill, which is almost at the head of Moffat
Water. Shade by low trees encouraged Polystichum setiferum (the only site for this
species recorded during this trip) and Gymnocarpium dryopteris. A Polypodium which
might have been P. interjectum was seen, and a possible hybrid involving Dryopteris
oreades.

Craigbeck Wood. We were fortunate to have Anthony Pigott with us on this weekend,
and he brought his expertise to bear on the Dryopteris affinis present in this wood.
Morphotypes borreri, paleaceo-lobata and cambrensis were found here, and in addition,
a possible hybrid between cambrensis and D. filix-mas. Another feature of this wood
was the relatively abundant Phegopteris.

Saturday 1 August - Hart Fell Burn. Hart Fell Spa was favoured apparently by the
Victorians. One can only conclude that those that reached the small brackish pool must
have been more in need of its restorative properties after the walk than before. Dryopteris
oreades was very common on the scree and by the upper Hart Fell burn, with the wide
variety of form determined by relative exposure, clearly shown. Dryopteris affinis
morphotype cambrensis was also a dominant plant by the open part of the Burn. Before
this upper area, however, the Burn traverses a very deep shaded gorge. Gymnocarpium
dryopteris, Cystopteris fragilis and Polystichum aculeatum were features here, with D.
affinis morphotype borreri very common, and our only sighting (off walls) of Asplenium
trichomanes.

photo: J. Garstang

Brenda Smith, Marjorie Garstang and Margaret Collins examining Dryopteris oreades
t Hart Fell Spa

Carriefran Glen. In the afternoon, the Carriefran Burn was followed almost to its source
at the head of Carriefran Glen. This proved a slightly disappointing area, but Selaginella
selaginoides and the ubiquitous Cryptogramma crispa were enough to delight. Insufficient
time was available for an exploration of Black Hope, but the screes and cliffs of both
these glens merit further exploration.

Sunday 2 August - Lavern Burn. This trip took us further north and west into the
Lowther Hills. Exploration of two burns provided a total of 19 species, including a single
plant of Dryopteris affinis morphotype affinis (the only one seen during this weekend),
and Lycopodium clavatum, spotted again by Matt, just by the road. Dryopteris oreades

107

(in scree), Phegopteris connectilis, Gymnocarpium dryopteris and Polystichum aculeatum

were species of note.

| hope this weekend was enjoyed by the participants as much as by its organiser!, although
quite a lot of hard work was involved in exploration of the sites. It is difficult to strike
the balance between exploration and ‘The Grand Tour’ and | should welcome members’
comments on the preferred content and nature of field meetings.

Moffat 1992. Pteridophyte Distribution List

Loch
Skene

Raking
Gill

Craigbeck
Wood

Hart Fell
Burn

Carriefran
Glen

Lavern
Burn

Grid Reference

36/167 168

36/197 153

36/120 043

36/082 106

36/151 135

36/905 067

| +

| da

Lu o.
Huperzia selago
Nyinhaciact |

Pp
Coal ] it] ] 1 id

Isoete

Eq een arvense
E. fluv

E; ae

E. sylvaticum

rs +

re. wv ag
a ciage ae

hegopteris conrinetilis
imbosperma

um dryopteris
Cytori ‘ronlis is
Polys m aculeatum
P. setiferum
Dryopteris affinis
- affinis

ades
Blochnuth spicant

x**

or interjectum

at 26/901 067

, Xxx indication of relative abundance

filix-m

pss a possible hybrid with ? D. _ mas
ossible hybrid with D. f

108

NORTHERN SPAIN - 18-25 August Graham Ackers

Tuesday 18 August. Our one week field meeting began with five parties converging
on Cangis de Onis in the NW Picos de Europa. Our organiser, Ronnie Viane, arrived
first from Belgium, having driven vast miles across half of Europe. Rémy Prelli and
family arrived next, also following a long drive from Brittany. Then Lesley Williams and
| arrived, having flown to Santiago the previous week; Paul Ripley and family had arrived
on the Plymouth to Santander ferry. Last but not least Pat Acock, Andrew Leonard and
Elise Knox-Thomas and daughter arrived in their hire car from Bilbao airport. Our
accommodation for the week for most of the party was the ‘Hotel Favila’, a very pleasant
family run hotel, with most helpful staff. Paul Ripley and Elise Knox-Thomas and families
camped nearby. We took our first meal together that evening.

Wednesday 19 August. For our first site, we travelled north, out of the Picos and towards
the coast. The Mirador del Fito is something of a Spaniards tourist trap, with fine views,
and (some) facilities for coach parties. However, we were lucky to experience a couple
of hours of quiet before the tourist masses arrived. The site was steeply sloping, with
outcrops of sandstone, and Ulex gallii - Erica arborea - E. mackaiana heathland. Our
main fern interest was the Macaronesian Dryopteris guanchica. Large specimens were
uncommon and were distinguished from the D. dilatata present by their dark green
colour, more stiff and upright appearance, and more pronounced pinnule teeth. Smaller
specimens were more difficult for us amateurs to distinguish, and several heated debates
occurred! Dryopteris aemula also occurred, but fortunately presented fewer identification
difficulties. Dryopteris affinis and Blechnum spicant were also frequent. A number of
Aspleniums were growing on a nearby building, including a particularly large specimen
of A. trichomanes, which proved to be nothosubsp. /usaticum, the hybrid between subsp.
trichomanes and subsp. quadrivalens.

Throughout the week, detailed records of all ferns seen were kept - see the Table for
a full list of ferns at each site. (The Mirador del Fito was Site 1). A key at the end
of the table shows an abundancy notation. This was only applied subjectively during
our trip, So no definition will be attempted. Asplenium trichomanes and Dryopteris affinis
were not recorded at their subspecific and morphotypic levels respectively.

For lunch we stopped at a very ethnic ‘cidreria’ to sample the local beverage. This cider
is always served in the traditional way by pouring the contents of the bottle into a
glass from a great height, which makes the beverage more lively. Practising this throughout
the week proved a very wetting experience!

Our afternoon site was nearby, in a wooded valley near Gobiendes (Site 2). This was
a wonderful place - damp, dark, and dominated by luxuriant ferns, mainly Asplenium
scolopendrium, Athyrium filix-femina, Blechnum spicant, Dryopteris affinis, D. dilatata,
Osmunda regalis, and Polystichum setiferum. But there were some special ferns too.
With its preference for vertical banks, the furry fronds of Stegnogramma pozoi appeared
every so often. This fern has a strangely discontinuous distribution, being mainly tropical,
but with Macaronesian/Spanish outposts (it is a very common fern on the levada walls
in Madeira). Another Macaronesian element occurred with large specimens of
Woodwardia radicans, both on the forest floor, and draping over large banks. This is
a splendid fern in its natural habitat. The prize however was Trichomanes speciosum,
occurring in marvellous stands which attracted much adoration and the multitudinous
popping of flashguns. Having never seen this fern growing in a natural habitat before,
| was delighted, to say the least! After this, the spotting of another filmy fern,

109

Hymenophylium tunbrigense in a similar habitat did not quite have its usual impact!
In all, a total of 23 ferns were recorded at (and around) this site, including more specimens
of Dryopteris guanchica, adding more fuel to the recognition debate with D. dilatatal

Thursday 20 August. We travelled many kilometres this day! First stop was the village
of Cudillero (Site 3), about 100 kilometres west of Cangis de Onis. The main interest
here was Davallia canariensis occurring on cliffs along a 400m stretch of the coastal
port road. Not all stands were easily accessible, but we did manage to get close enough
to a couple of patches to take photographs. This is an uncommon fern in
N. Spain, and it was nice to see such substantial stands. Interestingly, Asplenium marinum
is also uncommon in N. Spain due to the lack of acid rocks along the coast, but we
did see a specimen to the east of the harbour.

We then headed inland via a minor road (the 0661), along parts of which verdant curtains
of Dryopteris affinis, Athyrium filix-femina, Osmunda regalis and Woodwardia radicans
were spotted. Our destination was a stretch of road south of Tineo (Site 4). The only
problem was - the road had gone! Or rather it had been replaced by a modern road,
largely obliterating the original roadside cliffs which were to have been our site. Our
initial searches turned up little, other than one very dilapidated Anogramma leptophylia,
the only one seen on the trip. Luckily, where a tunnel had been built to take the new
road, a section of the old road remained, and so did the cliffs. After some careful searching,
we located 20-30 specimens of Cheilanthes hispanica, another ‘first’ for most of us.
The ferns were difficult to reach, and Ronnie gave the first of his mountain goat imitations
in his enthusiasm to see every plant! The ferns were in rock crevices, and looked quite
healthy, with many expanding fronds. Having travelled such a long way, we were very
relieved to have found them!

A couple of kilometres south of the previous site was some north facing woodland (Site
5), which we investigated for a short time. The ferns mostly in evidence were Athyrium
filix-femina, Dryopteris affinis, and Polystichum setiferum. The latter fern appears to
be very common in N. Spain, perhaps more so than in the British Isles. We also found
Cystopteris fragilis, and the Southern European Cystopteris diaphana (= C. viridula), one
specimen of which had particularly large fronds and may have been a hybrid.

To digress a little, fern sites in this vast region are not, on the whole, obvious. As with
most foreign countries, rights of way and areas of common land are virtually non existent,
much of the land being in private ownership and farmed. Thus to have gone to Spain
without prior knowledge would have proved most frustrating. In fact, we used Viane
et al. (1987) and Ronnie Viane himself as our guides. It was the best way to see the
maximum number of ferns in the shortest possible time!

Friday 22 August. To compensate for having driven about 300km the previous day,
we visited a limestone region around two lakes - Lago Enol and Lago de la Ercina.
This was our first site (Site 6) actually in the Picos de Europa, a region of outstanding
scenic and natural history interest, with mountains nearly three times the size of those
in the Lake District! En route, we visited Covadonga Monastery, perched impressively
amongst spectacular scenery. We spent the morning searching a steep slope by Lago
Enol. The habitats included grassy areas, scree, large boulders, and cliff faces, and we
found several species of flowering plant. After lunch, we spread out to search a broad
area to the south of Lago de la Ercina. The topography included valleys and plains,
with grassy and swampy areas, and varied limestone features including bedrock, cliffs
and boulders. Ferns in abundance were Asplenium trichomanes (which Ronnie studied
in some detail), Cystopteris fragilis, and Gymnocarpium robertianum. Also much In

110

evidence were Asplenium ruta-muraria, A. trichomanes-ramosum (A. viride), Dryopteris
submontana, Polystichum aculeatum, and P. lonchitis. Back at the car, microscopic
examination of spores confirmed a specimen of P. x bicknellii. A classic limestone day!

Another note in passing. Predictably, bracken is widespread and common, though perhaps
not as invasive as in parts of Britain, maybe partly due to the fact that farmers keep
more cows than sheep for grazing. It is noted where appropriate in the table, but not
otherwise mentioned in the text.

Saturday 22 August. In the morning we headed north to the foothills of the Sierra
de Cuera, a mountain range between Picos de Europa and the coast. Our site (Site
7) was along part of the Rio Zardon, a dark and humid valley, with steep and high
banks, over acid sandstone. Its accessibility was somewhat marginal, and it was only
with the assistance of Ronnie’s deadly looking machete that we managed to reach the
river. Our destination was an area with several stands of another Macaronesian fern,
Culcita macrocarpa. Fronds of this fern, ere is hokey to the tree-ferns, are large
and pendulous, and made a magnificent sig! teep banks. Much excitement
followed, including the obligatory pépeing of flashguns. Although this fern is rare, the
specimens seemed in good condition, with a number of juvenile fronds noted. Other
ferns adorning this wonderful ‘ferny’ place were Asplenium scolopendrium, Athyrium
filix-femina, Blechnum spicant, Dryopteris affinis, D. dilatata and Osmunda regalis. At
this site, the latter fern existed as large specimens; it appeared fairly commonly all over
the region, but frequently in the form of stunted specimens growing on cliff faces.

The day continued with a scenic drive over the Sierra de Cuera to the coast. During
the lunch period, we allowed ourselves a break from ferning, and visited the rather
crowded beach at Poo. The sun shone brightly, so several of the party swam in the
warm and sheltered bay. Whilst swimming, we discovered a large cave, with a large
fern growing on a ledge in the roof. It was probably a fine specimen of Asplenium
marinum, but was just too far away to be absolutely sure.

In the afternoon we explored the region of the Rio Puron valley, east of Llanes (Site
8). We first visited a Eucalptus-wooded slope from which Dryopteris corleyi had been
described in 1982. It is an attractive plant, with narrow slightly crisped fronds. We found
a number of these ferns, some amongst scrub containing a high proportion of
uncomfortably prickly gorse! Occurring either accidentally or started deliberately, the
area had experienced fire, leaving some of the ferns the worse for wear. We particularly
noticed burnt Dryopteris affinis, with small fronds emerging from rhizomes of previously
much larger plants. We drove a very short distance to another gorse-ridden site nearby
to find the hybrid of D. corleyi with D. affinis subsp. affinis - Dryopteris x asturiensis.
Here we also searched the edge of the road, to find several wall dwelling species, including
Adiantum capillus-veneris, as well as Athyrium filix-femina, Osmunda _ regalis, and
Equisetum x litorale in dampish ditches.

Sunday 23 August. We drove to the village of Soto de Sajambre in the western Picos,
and then along a very rough muddy track for about 5km into the mountains. This we
did in convoy, but unbeknown to the rest of the party, the last car became stuck. Pat,
Andrew and Elise spent much of their day in the resolution of this problem, and
unfortunately missed the day's ferning. Where the track ended, the rest of the party
continued on foot. Initially, we passed through some splendid mixed limestone and
sandstone beech woods, with Athyrium filix-femina, Blechnum spicant, Dryopteris affinis,
D. dilatata, D. filix-mas (which seemed to be uncommon in N. Spain), Gymnocarpium

$37

dryopteris and Oreopteris limbosperma. By a stream, we found a stand of large specimens
of Dryopteris oreades, and its hybrid with D. filix-mas: D. x mantoniae. Predictably, we
spent some time debating the recognition of this hybrid! As we ascended to the edge
of the tree line, we found a number of sink holes with Athyrium distentifolium, with
their fronds (some very large) lying characteristically flat. We continued our walk into
the Picos, enjoying some spectacular scenery. Limestone ferns seen included Asplenium
trichomanes, A. trichomanes-ramosum (A. viride), Polystichum aculeatum, P. lonchitis,
P. x bicknellii and P. x illyricum. The two hybrids were determined with the assistance
of Ronnie’s microscope, which he and | took turns in carrying in the mountains. In
fact, Ronnie was prone to weigh himself down (with photographic and other gear) like
a pack horse, but then behave as if he was a mountain goat! We sometimes had difficulty
keeping up!

As Rémy Prelli and his family were leaving the next day, we had our ‘farewell meal’
that evening, with all the party eating at the Hotel Favila.

Monday 24 August. In the morning, we explored limestone cliffs and valleys around
Puente Poncebos (Site 10), which is in the north of the central part of the Picos. In
the village itself, stands of Adiantum capillus-veneris clothed dripping cliff faces, and
a large stand of Woodwardia radicans could be seen overhanging the far side of the
river. From the village, we took a circular walk of about 2km, initially up a very steep
path to another village, Saat anti atbe ieee © on the mountainside. Being a very hot
day, the cafe at the top of the hill fres| ts, and the opportunity
for a short rest with splendid v views. En route, we had seen some fine specimens of
Asplenium ceterach, as well as A. ruta-muraria and A. trichomanes. We worked our
way down the hill to the Rio Cares valley, the most popular walk in the Picos, with
many people making the trek that day. A short foray in this region was relatively
unproductive, except for the spotting of one specimen of Phegopteris connectilis, which
is at the southern extremity of its distribution in Spain, and rather rare as a result.
We returned to Puente Poncebos, and after lunch, drove to Sotres.

After parking the cars on a track south of Sotres, we walked south towards Vegas del
Toro, and spread out to explore the Rio Duje, as well as the valley sides (Site 11). Habitats
here were cliffs, caves and overhangs, with very many specimens of Asplenium
trichomanes. We were uncertain of the subspecies involved, but Ronnie spent quite
some time in intensive study here, so may have a few ideas! [Yes! subsp. pachyrachis
and hybrids.] Although we did see other ferns in this limestone area, on the whole,
diversity was low, and eventually we succumbed to the intense heat to head for a nearby
cafe and more welcome refreshment.

Tuesday 25 August. This was the end of our field meeting to Northern Spain, and
we departed on our return journeys.

We would like to thank Patrick Acock and Ronnie Viane for organising the British and
Spanish sides respectively. Pat coped admirably with the many uncertainties in the early
Stages of planning. Ronnie gave a lot of time and effort both before and during the
meeting, and we are most grateful to him for making the week so enjoyable.

Successful field meetings abroad are now becoming an established feature of our
programme, and | look forward to more. Particularly enjoyable would be the prospect
of viewing the Macaronesian flora in its home range!

Reference: VIANE, R., MAYOR LOPEZ, M. & JERMY, C. 1987. The systematics and ecology of
the Pteridophytes of northern Spain. Excursion no. 39, XIV International Botanical Congress,
Berlin: 56

112

Table of Ferns Recorded in Northern Spain

Site Number 1 2° 03h @-. 8 976 et B Bees
Adiantum capillus-veneris R 1@) Bea
Anogramma leptophylla R
Asplenium adiantum-nigrum OOS Ra Oe O™ Aa OO ene
A. ceterach R OaxO F
A. marinum R
A. obovatum ssp. lanceolatum (A. billotii) Ro O4-r
A. ruta-muraria O F F F226
A. scolopendrium R36 O:« R40 0
A. trichomanes a O70 Ae oA eee OO) Bs ae
A. trichomanes-ramosum (A. viride) F Cc
Athyrium distentifoliuum 0

fili mina Ore “76 F Cab oF
Blechnum spicant hides O et aie J
Botrychium lunaria R
Cheilanthes hispanica F
Culcita macrocarpa F
Cystopteris fragilis eae oO ie)
C. diaphana R 0
Davallia canariensis F
Dryopteris aemula Your R
D. affinis FoeAYs.0 Fo vRe) 6 Ce

. corleyi F
D. dilatata B20 R FE Cc
D. filix-mas R z
D. guanchica Ono
D. oreades 16)
D. submontana Cc
D. x asturiensis 8
D. x mantonia R

quisetum arvense RF oO
E. fluviatile 0
E. telmateia O
E. x litorale O
Gym aa dryopteris 3
G. robertia A
eae tunbrigense O
Oreopteris limbosperma O R 0 c
Osmunda regalis £6 re
Phegopteris connectilis R
Polypodium cambricum O o Ff 0
P. interjectum R oO O O
P. vulgare 0 0 o.- 90 010 R
ideation aculeatum R Cc C .
P. lonchit F F
" setertacn AocR GC .0716 CC F
P. x bicknellii R R
P. x illyricum R
Pteridium aquilinum ro. U8 r frp... Ft F
Selaginella selaginoides O O
Stegnogramma pozoi O R
Trichomanes speciosum F
Woodwardia radicans O 0
The letters in the entries — abundancy notations as follows
A = abundant, C = mon, F = O = occa pany R = rare

frequent,

113

NORTH DEVON - 23-27 September Peter D.A. Boyd

Thirty-two people attended this meeting, most of whom met on Wednesday evening
at the Cedars Lodge Inn, Barnstaple, for a briefing from Peter Boyd who had organised
the programme.

Thursday 24 September. The first day started with a visit to the Museum of North
Devon, Barnstaple, to view the displays on the Victorian Fern Craze and the unique
collection of Victorian objects using ferns as the dominant decorative motif built up
by Peter Boyd, the Curator, over a period of about six years. A special exhibition of
fern herbaria, fern books (including a series of Jones’ Nature Prints) and ferny objects
not normally on public display had also been prepared for the visit. A group photograph
was taken on the steps of the museum.

After coffee, the group proceeded in convoy to Kentisbury Church (21/623 438). Ferns
carved in stone were examined in a Victorian extension inside the church and Asplenium
ceterach and other typical species of mortared walls were seen on walls near the church.
A large Osmunda regalis was admired in a garden and a plant of the same species
was found growing (? wild) among the abundant Asplenium scolopendrium, Athyrium
filix-femina, Dryopteris dilatata, D. affinis, D. filix-mas, Polystichum setiferum etc. lining
the lane. The party then drove to a spot between Coulsworthy and Stony Corner (at
21/621 455) on the road to Hunters Inn to examine abundant Asplenium adiantum-
nigrum in a typical ‘Devon bank’ habitat.

photo: Tony Freeman Press Agency, Barnstaple

Barnstaple, outside Museum of North Devon
Back: Neil Timm, Cyril Morgan, Rob Cooke, Martin Rickard, Andrew Leonard, Betsy Kohler, Ray Smith,
Dorothy Fortune, Keith Holly, June Walsh, Elise Knox-Thomas, Alf Hoare, Gavin Stark, Trisha,
Linda & Mick Craddock, Jennifer Ide.
Front: Primrose Peacock, Graham Ackers, Hazel Rickard, Lindi Wilkinson, Brenda Smith,
Huldah Knox-Thomas, Doreen Holly, Vera Horner, Mark & Clare Kitchen, Peter Boyd.

114

The party then made its way by car over the heather moorland of Holdstone Down, stopping
briefly (at 21/634 481) to consider the diverse fern habitats of sea-cliffs, moorland and
deep wooded valleys of Exmoor visible from there. Then on down into the spectacular
Trentishoe Combe and the Heddon Valley, past Hunters Inn (21/655 482) then up again
out of the valley past luxuriant woodland ferns to Martinhoe and the National Trust car
park at Woody Bay (21/675 487). From there we walked along the road towards the
Woody Bay Hotel (21/680 488), where lunch had been booked, studying the ferns on
the way. Dryopteris aemula is a speciality of the ihcsieng ae ey —— —
interesting varieties of Blechnum spicant here in the 1880s but
only one unusual specimen, attempting to be serrate, was noticed. After lunch, Aapleniun
sapecasids was seinaclnee on the nage below the hotel eu the walk continued to make
f Woody Bay t toth park. These woodlands
are rich in pacis and Martin Rickard found a large colony of Hymenophyllum tunbrigense,
oe — chbighorelsene aetoe of it hes — —— = a be ve ——
is probably more resistant than the Hymenophylturl The tv two sinc of Hymenophyllum
were collected to extinction in many parts of Devon during Victorian times and it was
good to see such a large. expanse surviving.

The party then returned to the Heddon Valley to visit Peter Boyd’s three acre ferny
woodland garden (in the making) at Milltown Cottage (21/656 478). He has a growing
collection of the cultivars of British fern species, including plants of Athyrium filix-femina,
Asplenium scolopendrium and Polystichum setiferum from old gardens in North Devon
and the F.W. Thorrington and Bolton collections. A very good distinct crisp form of
A. scolopendrium found in a North Devon quarry and a fine large ‘Projectum’ form of
A. scolopendrium found in a Victorian pub in Ilfracombe were ey re
by certain members. Peter Boyd i

by frond bases and sinned & some at different stages sof development.

Following dinner at the Cedars Inn, Martin Rickard gave an illustrated talk on his trip
to study ferns on the island of Nevis in the Caribbean.

Friday 25 September. The meeting point for the second day was on Exmoor at Dry
Bridge, Brendon Common (21/760 455). The air, weather and the autumn colours of
the moor were beautiful and the walk down the combe beside the stream to Farley
Water (21/748 453) was a delight. The main purpose of the visit was to see a habitat
dominated by Oreopteris limbosperma in contrast to the other habitats seen during the
meeting. Drosera rotundifolia (sundew) and other bog plants added to the interest of
the area.

From here the party made its way off the moor down into the gorge of the East Lyn
River at Watersmeet (21/743 486), an area known to the Victorians as ‘the Switzerland
of England’ where the diversity and abundance of fern species typical of North Devon
valley woodlands was met again. Lunch was eaten at the National Trust Visitor Centre.
Close-by, in Barton Wood, a fine colony of Hymenophyllum tunbrigense was examined
and members of the party were privileged to be shown mats of Trichomanes speciosum
gametophyte (possibly hundreds of years old) by Robert Cooke who had found them
(with the help of his torch) while others were eating. Further upstream along the East
Lyn, Martin Rickard was able to show us a fine colony of Hymenophyllum wilsonii,
the only one known in North Devon.

On leaving Watersmeet, the party drove down the gorge to Lynmouth and then up to

115

Lynton and walked to the site of Edmund Gill's Fernery (21/719 494). Edmund Gill
ran one of the three specialist fern nurseries which operated in North Devon during
Victorian times (see Boyd, 1992). Lynton Church was also visited to see a hart’s tongue
and a ?male fern carved on a Victorian gravestone in the churchyard.

On the way back to Barnstaple, a detour was made to the spectacular Valley of the
Rocks (21/707 498) west of Lynton to search for the Asplenium marinum reported
to be there. While good impressions were given by members of the party of the wild
goats which live there, only some rather fleshy forms of A. adiantum-nigrum were found.
One small party, still not satiated, detoured south-eastwards into Somerset, near
Simonsbath, to visit a Phegopteris connectilis site - a species which cannot now be
seen growing wild in North Devon.

After dinner, Peter Boyd gave an illustrated talk about the Victorian Fern Craze in North
Devon and the history of the North Devon Museums Service.

Saturday 26 September. The third day was another contrast. The party were taken
by coach to Ilfracombe to board the ship for Lundy Island. The M.S. Oldenburg sailed
from Ilfracombe Quay (21/526 479) at 10.30 a.m. and was due to reach Lundy at 12.45
p.m. However, the sea conditions made it impossible to land because the small boat
which transfers visitors to the shore could not be launched from the island. Rather
than just wait offshore the M.S. Oldenburg sailed right around Lundy giving views of
the island which visitors do not normally get. When we returned to the bay off the
landing beach conditions were still difficult but after several attempts groups of visitors
were off-loaded into the bucking boat and taken to the shore. Visiting Lundy can be
quite an experience!

Close to the landing beach good specimens of Asplenium marinum were examined but
time was now short and a forced march was necessary along the top of the cliffs on
the east side of the island to reach the long-disused granite quarries where Osmunda
regalis grows out of vertical fissures and a particularly crispy form of Dryopteris aemula
is abundant. Knowing that the party could now get back to the boat in time before
it sailed, the leader relaxed the pace and the party were able to walk back from the
Half-way Wall (21/136 456) along the middle of the island and visit the shop and Marisco
Tavern to buy Lundy's own postage stamps etc. The last boat left shore at 4.30 p.m.
- nearly without the leader whose pace had become too relaxed looking at A. marinum
again!

The M.S. Oldenburg sailed for Bideford and about an hour and a half later passed close
to the famous Braunton Burrows Nature Reserve before making its way up the River
Torridge to Bideford Quay (21/455 266) where the coach was waiting to return the
party to Barnstaple.

Sunday 27 September. Holy Trinity Church, Ilfracombe (21/514 473) was the meeting
point for the final morning. This was the church of the Rev. John Mills Chanter, well-
known Victorian pteridologist whose ‘wife, Charlotte Chanter, wrote Ferny Combes -
A Ramble After Ferns in the Glens and Valleys of Devonshire in 1856. Their plain
gravestone was found but the churchyard was mainly visited to see some of the Victorian
gravestones which boast carved ferns - one with crested Asplenium scolopendrium in
marble. A walk from the church took us to the site of John Dadds’s Fern Nursery at
Langleigh (21/511 469) which thrived from the 1860s to 1880s (see Boyd, 1992). There
was not time to visit the site of John Lewis’s Fern Nursery at Slade because the last
excursion was to be to a site on the coast only accessible at low tide.

116

photo: A. Leonard

Anthony Pigott and Peter Boyd at Adiantum capillus-veneris site, North Devon

The group moved on to park where access was possible to the Torrs Walks (21/508
475) on the west side of Ilfracombe. Martin Rickard had visited the site before so led
the party down the cliff and along the beach to find maidenhair fern, Adiantum capillus-
veneris, growing in tufa near sea-level. At first the site could not be found, but eventually,
most members were able to see what was very much a North Devon speciality last
century and far more widespread in the Ilfracombe area. However, concern was expressed
for its survival as early as the 1860s because of over-collecting. This site was first recorded
in early Victorian times and it was a great pleasure to see it still surviving because
of its inaccessibility.

Not all the fern species seen during this meeting have been mentioned. The richness
of North Devon in species and abundance of many of them was demonstrated to those
who attended and we were blessed with good weather for most of the time. It was
a very enjoyable few days - even for the organiser!

Reference: BOYD, P.D.A. 1992. The Victorian Fern Cult in South-West Britain. pp.33-56. in IDE,
J.M., JERMY, A.C. & PAUL, A.M. (eds) Fern Horticulture: Past, Present & Future Perspectives.
Intercept, Andover.

REGIONAL MEETINGS 1992

MIDLANDS A.R. Busby

‘Welcome to Spring’ Flower Show, Knowle - 18-19 April. Our stand at this show
has become something of a tradition, due entirely to the kindness of the show secretary,
Mrs Doreen Watson of the Solihull Horticultural Society. The show is staged in partnership
with the National Daffodil Society and half of the show is devoted to a competitive
show, of national standing, for daffodils. Classes 150 and 151 are for potted ferns and
in the hope of encouraging more people to grow and display ferns, | decided to continue
providing extra prize money for these classes. However, although it attracted extra
exhibitors last year, | was disappointed to see that it failed to maintain the numbers
this year. The class results were:

Class 150 One Pot Fern: 1st - Mr D. Wood with Athyrium niponicum var. pictum, 2nd
- Ms M. Leese with Davallia sp. and 3rd - Mrs B. Smith with Platycerium bifurcatum.
Class 151 Three Pot Ferns: 1st Mrs B. Smith with Pellaea rotundifolia, Asplenium
trichomanes and Lunathyrium japonicum.

My thanks to Ray Smith for helping with the Society stand and to the local members
who called in to give us moral support.

Ray and Brenda Smith’s Open Day - 7 June. Twenty-two members gathered on a
Sunday afternoon at Ray and Brenda’s home in Solihull near Birmingham. Our hosts
had made several changes to their garden since our last visit. Borders had been enlarged,
a shading pergola had been erected at the far end of the garden and Ray had acquired
a greenhouse. As a regular exhibitor at flower shows, Ray finds that the extra provision
of shade and weather protection helps to keep many of his pot grown treasures in
the peak of condition. Ray explained that he had found that using the same plants for
the show bench year after year proves debilitating to the plants. It is better to give
them a rest from time to time. Brenda had furnished the garden with a wide range
of interesting perennials and shrubs and her long-established raised bed had many more
alpines added to it. The next big job in the garden would be to lift and divide several
of Ray’s original ferns. As Ray pointed out, it will be a mammoth task just to get the
plants out of the ground.

During the afternoon, members were invited to visit the garden of Anne and Harry Adshead
in nearby Olton Road, Shirley. This small garden, adjoining a Victorian terraced house,
was most attractive with a wide selection of shrubs and perennials and a water feature
which added a lively focal point to the whole garden. Amongst the plantings, there
was a selection of hardy ferns, undoubtedly due to Ray’s influence.

Our thanks to Ray and Brenda for providing another interesting day made all the more
enjoyable by Brenda’s superb refreshments, and special thanks to Anne and Harry Adshead
for kindly allowing us to visit their garden during the day.

Oxford - 20 June. Twenty-one members assembled for a visit to the University of Oxford's
arboretum at Nuneham Courtney, led by Nick and Eleanor Hards. Amongst the magnificent
tree and shrub plantings, which included large rhododendrons, we saw some fine clumps
of British and foreign hardy fern species and their varieties, notably various forms of
Athyrium filix-femina and Dryopteris filix-mas, and also D. affinis, Blechnum spicant,
Polystichum setiferum and Osmunda regalis near a lake. The foreign hardy ferns were
represented by Dryopteris erythrosora, Polystichum munitum and Athyrium niponicum
var. pictum.

118

photo: courtesy A. R. Busby

Midland group members at Nick and Eleanor Hards’ home
Back: Clive Brotherton, Margaret Nimmo-Smith, Malcolm Hancock, Jeff Whysall, Brian Applebee,
Matt Busby, Alan Ogden, Ray & Rita Coughlin, Ray & Brenda Smith, Linda, Trisha & Mick Craddock.
Front: Nick & Eleanor Hards, Linda Hancock, Margaret Busby, Judith Whysall, Doreen Brotherton,
John & Margaret Collins.

After lunch, taken at a nearby pub, we moved on to spend the afternoon at Nick and
Eleanor’s home in Didcot. The garden had a wide expanse of lawn with two large perennial
herbaceous borders. Along the south perimeter stood a large hedge providing some
Shade for Nick’s ferns and other shade-loving plants. Near the house was a selection
of plants in tubs and containers. The conservatory and living room were furnished with
some interesting indoor ferns. The weather was perfect and a group photograph was
taken, copies of which may be obtained from Matt Busby. The day ended with a delicious
tea provided by Eleanor. Our thanks to both Eleanor and Nick for a memorable day.

Olive Mason's Open Day - 9 August. On this Sunday morning, 17 members assembled
at 28 Hillgrove Crescent, Kidderminster, to visit Mrs D. Terry’s garden. The Victorian
terraced house had a garden that provided much interest for everyone. It was
predominantly a spring garden, with trees, shrubs and well stocked herbaceous borders,
including several hardy ferns. The garden is also open under the ‘Yellow Book Scheme’
and is well worth visiting.

After lunch at a pub, we gathered at Olive and David Mason's garden at Chaddesley
Corbett. Here we saw a very new garden which had been designed to complement
the new house. New plantings of trees and shrubs were softened by the careful use
of many British and foreign hardy fern varieties. A secluded walled garden with an
attractive water feature had been designed with ferns very much in mind, but, as Olive
pointed out, there is plenty of scope for more ferns. The real surprise and delight of
the visit was a conducted tour of David's passion, his collection of restored agricultural
engines and implements, which is housed in a large garage and workshop next to the
house. The day ended with superb refreshments. Our thanks to Olive and David Mason
for a splendid day’s meeting

119

LEEDS & DISTRICT

Eavestone Lake, near Pateley Bridge, North Yorkshire - 14 June. The weather was
beautiful and it prompted a total of thirteen members to meet at Eavestone Lake. It
was an ideal place for the season's first trip, as the going was easy and fairly level.
The morning was taken ambling round this man-made lake where we found Dryopteris
affinis subsp. affinis and subsp. borreri, D. dilatata, D. filix-mas, Athyrium filix-femina,
Blechnum spicant and Equisetum fluviatile. Two plants of Asplenium adiantum-nigrum
had been seen here at an earlier date, but we were unable to find it on this trip. The
weather had been very hot and dry for a few weeks prior to this date.

We had our lunch at a local inn after which we continued on to the western side of
Pateley Bridge to Trollers Gill, near Appletreewick. Leaving our cars on the grass verge
we worked downhill past some very interesting limestone outcrops where we saw
Asplenium ruta-muraria, A. trichomanes subsp. quadrivalens and Cystopteris fragilis.
Further on we passed some old disused lead workings and eventually arrived at the
Gill. This could be described as a sheer-sided ravine of limestone. The beck has long
since disappeared underground for a distance of about half a mile. Here we saw most
of the common lime-loving ferns such as Asplenium ruta-muraria, A. trichomanes subsp.
quadrivalens, A. trichomanes-ramosum (A. viride), A. scolopendrium, Cystopteris fragilis
and Polypodium interjectum. Down on old pot-hole we could see Dryopteris filix-mas
and a beautiful plant of Polystichum aculeatum which was growing well out of reach
of the sheep. By the stream, after it had appeared above ground again, we found Equisetum
arvense. Of course, at both of the sites visited there were the usual stands of Pteridium
aquilinum. The leader for this day was Jack Bouckley.

Jack Bouckley

Surrender Ground and Hard Level Gill, Swaledale, North Yorkshire - 4 July. A stalwart
band of four members met at Surrender Bridge near Reeth in somewhat unpleasant
conditions, albeit considerably better than the previous extremely wet day, a fact which
doubtless kept many, understandably, indoors! The first part of the trip took us into
the mining grounds of the Surrender Company, and proved particularly barren; even
bracken appeared to eschew this habitat, although grew freely near the roadside. However,
isolated specimens of Cystopteris fragilis and Asplenium trichomanes subsp. quadrivalens
were eventually discovered with rather stunted Dryopteris filix-mas, in the remains of
hushes (water-eroded trenches used by the miners to search for lead ore, some of
spectacularly large dimensions especially in Arkengarthdale). Surrender Ground is a bleak
area of old tips, and revealed nothing of pteridological interest.

It was not until we reached Flincher Gill that more discoveries were noted, namely
Dryopteris dilatata, D. filix-mas, Equisetum fluviatile, and Blechnum spicant. Lunch was
taken at Level House, a one-time lodging for miners, now ruinous, and we then carried
on downstream, now called Hard Level Gill. The piéce de résistance came at Hard Level
Force, a delightful waterfall in a narrow limestone gorge, definitely a place to linger
in warm weather. Here, the greatest variety of ferns was found growing in the limestone
crevices including A. trichomanes, A. trichomanes-ramosum (A. viride), and A. ruta-
muraria, this last for once in a ‘natural’ habitat, with fine specimens of Polystichum
aculeatum and Polypodium interjectum. A careful search below the fall itself failed to
reveal further species alas.

Progressing towards the Old Gang Smelting Mill, recently consolidated by the Yorkshire
Dales National Park Authority, we saw Athyrium filix-femina and two more horsetails,

120

E. palustre and E. arvense. \t was at the Mill that | had seen the emerging fronds of
Botrychium lunaria in mid-May, and had been given reports of Ophioglossum vulgatum
by the stream. Unfortunately, all efforts to locate these plants proved singularly unfruitful,
a great shame since this would have been a tremendous finale to the day, and we
were left to surmise that they had either been grazed by sheep, or had died down early
because of the very dry weather (prior to our trip it must be pointed out!).

Once again, and despite the wet, a most enjoyable day out in the Yorkshire Dales.
Richard Lamb

North Humberside and Lincolnshire - 9-10 August. On this Saturday, seven plus the
leader, Neil Timm, met at Messingham Sand Quarry, North Humberside, to see a very
good and extensive stand of Pilularia globulifera, a plant which some of the group had
not seen before. We then moved to Laughton Forest. The weather by now had become
typical ferny weather ... wet! The ferns found in this wooded area were Dryopteris affinis,
D. carthusiana, D. dilatata and Oreopteris limbosperma. The party then headed for lunch
in the village of Walesby, near Market Rasen, Lincs., where Asplenium adiantum-nigrum,
A. ruta-muraria and A. scolopendrium were seen growing on walls. After lunch it was
still raining heavily so it was decided to change the afternoon programme. A mill race
and another wall site in Walesby were visited to see A. ruta-muraria and A. scolopendrium
again plus A. trichomanes subsp. quadrivalens. Neil then took us to his home and nursery
at Binbrook in the Lincoln Wolds where we saw some very interesting ferns including
Athyrium filix-femina ‘Plumosum Druery’. After doing justice to refreshments provided
by Neil and his parents over a chat, we called it a day, arranging to meet again at
the nursery the following morning.

After a night of thunderstorms and torrential rain, which would have done justice to
any rain-forest weather, we met again and went to Willingham Forest near Tealby. The
ferns found in this interesting area were Athyrium filix-femina, Blechnum spicant,
Dryopteris affinis, D. carthusiana, D. dilatata, D. filix-mas and Polypodium vulgare. Neil
and the rest of the group had been particularly interested in finding more D. affinis
for the Affinis Watch but we were unlucky. By now the undergrowth was drying out
and we went off to explore Minting and Haddon Woods, stopping on the way for
refreshments at Neil's ‘local’. There were no few finds in these woods but D. affinis,
D. carthusiana, D. dilatata and D. filix-mas were again seen.

This was a total of eleven different species in a county which is not very well known
for its pteridophytes, ample proof that all areas are worth a visit.
Jack Bouckley

Brignall Banks SSSI, Teesdale - 5 September. Brignall Banks SSSI occupies some
85ha of land bordering the often steep-sided valley of the river Greta (45/0631 13) which
runs roughly east/west. | had visited this site on a number of previous occasions, and
had found the fern flora particularly interesting. However, one species found on the
first visit had eluded all subsequent searches. This was Phegopteris connectilis. Hence,
one of the aims was to confirm this earlier sighting using more pairs of eyes.

Our route followed Gillbeck to the river Greta, went west to another tributary (Gregory
beck), and back to the bridge via Scargill castle. The walk started well, being way-marked
and easy walking. The quantity of ferns increased as we walked, Dryopteris filix-mas
being the most abundant, with some clearings being dominated by Pteridium aquilinum.

121

The further we walked the more diverse and interesting the fern flora became. A good
stand of Equisetum telmateia was seen across the beck on a base-rich flush. This was
but a foretaste of what was to follow. Further on we found Athyrium filix-femina and
a few small plants of Polystichum aculeatum, again implying the presence of some base
content. However, the rocks looked distinctly more like sandstone. This was borne out
when the first clumps of Blechnum spicant were spotted.

At this point the main path left the stream and went up the valley side. Three of the
party took this route leaving the more intrepid (foolhardy?) explorers to sample the pains
and pleasures of ‘the low road’. On leaving the main path and scrambling over the
first fallen tree blocking our path, the curious mix of acidic and calcareous fern floras
continued to reassert itself with patches of Blechnum spicant only a few metres away
from Asplenium scolopendrium, Polystichum aculeatum and Athyrium filix-femina.
Further down, the first examples of Dryopteris affinis (morphotypus various) were found.

The high humidity of the gill was reflected in the abundance of mosses and liverworts,
including the Hymenophyllum look-alike, Plagiomnium undulatum. A number of ferns
grew epiphytically on bryophyte-cloaked rocks and logs, including Polypodium vulgare
and, unusually, Dryopteris dilatata. At one point, on the western side of the valley,
calcareous water seeping out of the rock supported Cystopteris fragilis and produced
a flush with a localised build-up of tufa. Just below this point, on the eastern bank
was a large, but scattered colony of Gymnocarpium dryopteris intermixed with B. spicant.
It was in this area that Phegopteris connectilis should also have been. However, an
exhaustive search proved fruitless. After more scrambling over trees the river Greta
was finally reached, just in time for lunch. The ‘main’ path was then rejoined and followed
upstream. Various cliffs were encountered with varying degrees of ferny interest. A
further colony of Cystopteris fragilis was found.

On arrival back at the starting point the party departed in various directions leaving
the leader even more determined that the Phegopteris must be there somewhere. And,
after much searching, wailing and gnashing of teeth, the soft, downy fronds, all seven
of them, were located under an ash tree not two metres away from where we had
passed some four or five hours earlier. Honour intact, the day ended with another good
ferny spot being added to the list.

Barry Wright

Jack Bouckley would like to thank all those who have contributed to these meetings,
either by organising and/or attending them.

WESSEX J.E. Jarvis

Avon Gorge, Bristol - 21 June. Led by the warden of Bristol University Botanic Garden
and Martin Cragg-Barber, we walked down Nightingale Valley from the car park to the
river bank and back again. It was warm and we could hear the buzzards that were
riding the thermals above us. We saw Cystopteris fragilis, happy on a very dry wall,
a crested Polystichum setiferum (of garden merit) by the side of the path and, as a
diversion, Orobanche hederae by the river. Some people are fascinated by broomrapes.
There were Polypodium interjectum and P. cambricum. The geology of the area is complex,
much more complex than the limestone cliffs by the Suspension Bridge suggest, but
it was possible to make some sense of the fern distributions, from Asplenium
scolopendrium to Blechnum spicant, with the aid of a map.

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Forest of Dean - 2 August. Last year’s walk in the Dean was an hard act to follow,
so we set out from the Speech House car park to explore the other side of the Cannop
Valley, knowing that we were going to have to look for ferns. We found some, not
a lot, before we reached the brook: Equisetum arvense with branched branches (the
second one | had seen this year), Athyrium filix-femina and Dryopteris affinis, all losing
out to the drought, and bracken. When we reached the brook we searched for D.
carthusiana, which we had not seen last year, and eventually found two plants.

After lunch by Cannop Ponds, Martin Cragg-Barber showed us the Equisetum sylvaticum
he had been shown last year. We walked on to the Stone Works then started the long
uphill haul across Russell's Inclosure to the Speech House. It looked most unpromising,
a regimented conifer plantation with the odd token broadleaf tree, but there were plenty
of ferns in the drainage ditches, in little clearings and, surprise, surprise, lots of D.
carthusiana looking just like its pictures in text books.

Lower Woods SSSI, Wickwar - 6 September. The drought had broken and it was
raining on and off when my wife and | walked round the Lower Wetmoor Wood Reserve
(Gloucester Trust for Nature Conservation). The wood is a relic of the ancient oak
woodlands of the Severn Valley floor, which survived the Second World War because
of the difficulty of extracting the cut timber. On that Sunday it was easy to see why
and to consider the reserve well named.

The Reserve suffers, as does Midger (BPS Bulletin 4(2): 82), from the effects of coppicing
which does not seem to help the fern population. We saw a lot of Polypodium interjectum
and Dryopteris dilatata on trees and logs, and D. filix-mas but no D. affinis and no
Polystichum setiferum. D. carthusiana and D. dilatata were growing side by side but
we did not find their hybrid. Some time was spent spotting wild service trees and we
found green wood cup fungus with fruiting bodies. We got very muddy but not too
wet and set off for home just before the skies opened.

SOUTH-EAST

Selborne, Hampshire - 20 June. Old and new friends were greeted in the car park
at Selborne by Sir Henry Peto. This splendid site, with a very mixed geology has been
well documented since Gilbert White's time for flowering plants and wildlife in general,
but ferns have not had more than a cursory mention.

The morning session was led by Paul Ripley who had kindly carried out an early morning
reconnaissance when our leader had to pull out at the last minute. Some very fine
Polystichum setiferum and P. aculeatum were seen growing close together in the lane
banks and ditches. On climbing up the back pathways to obtain breathtaking views of
the surrounding countryside, a P. setiferum ‘Divisilobum’ was seen outside a garden
but it had been partially strimmed and farther on Asplenium adiantum-nigrum was seen
growing well on a bank. A large clump of Dryopteris affinis subsp. affinis was seen
above the wood we now dropped into. Here the ground flora consisted of vast tracts
of P. setiferum and A. scolopendrium with some large mature D. affinis subsp. borreri.

After lunch we went to Sir Henry’s house where he showed us down into a steep-
sided valley, where D. filix-mas and D. dilatata grew well under a few mature trees.
Sir Henry had a novel way of stopping the encroachment of the dreaded ground
elder, Aegopodium podagraria, and slugs and snails attacking the plants. Half-metre
diameter circles of ground were enclosed by lawn edging plastic, set in the ground and

123

kept clear of weeds. Once clear of weeds they were planted with a range of ferns which
were kept free of slugs by continual slug baiting. Many of the plants seem to thrive
in these oases. Those that succumbed, Sir Henry felt had been due to unsuitable habitat
or ground conditions and would be replaced by another, hopefully more suitable, plant.

Sir Henry keeps a close record on computer of the plants he has. At the time of our
visit he had around 250 ferns in cultivation and was expanding on the other side of
the valley. Unfortunately we did not have the cultivar expert needed to check the
authenticity of some of the plants. Sir Henry is also a keen fruit and vegetable gardener
and we enjoyed being shown around this part of the garden and on to the greenhouse
where many of us came away with small ferns.

We would like to thank Sir Henry, his wife and friend for serving us with a splendid
tea to close the day.
Pat Acock

Kent Spleenwort Trail - 10 July. At 7.30 p.m. on this Friday, a small group of regular
S.E. group members were joined by a few new faces and the Acock/Bucke families
for a spot of auto-ferning. A tight half-hourly schedule was kept to.

At 7.30 we examined the wall of Bromley Common Church (51/423 665). Here we
spotted Polypodium interjectum, Asplenium ruta-muraria, A. adiantum-nigrum and A.
trichomanes. Below the wall, Pteridium aquilinum and Dryopteris filix-mas had been
planted in a shaded part of the garden. The wall was being invaded by ivy and nettles
and the quality of the spleenworts had fallen since our visit in 1986. A. scolopendrium
had been lost due to repointing of the church wall.

At 8.00 we pressed on to Hayes church (51/406 663) to observe A. ceterach with A.
scolopendrium. This colony, probably the caents in the — — was still doing fine.
A very good A. scolopendrium ‘Crispum capitatum’ was obser llecte
by Peter Clare. At 8.30 we visited Petts Wood (51/448 684) fore a long extant alien
growing on the banks and in the tributary of the Kyd Brook, Onoclea sensibilis. This
plant seems to be extending its range a little over the years but is still restricted to
14 fronds.

Grateful thanks were expressed to Grace Acock, Anne Bucke and their families for the
refreshments served at 13 Star Lane at the end of the excursion.
Pat Acock

Avery's Wood, Speldhurst, Kent - 6 September. An overcast morning greeted the
members who met at the roadside near the village of Speldhurst, close to Royal Tunbridge
Wells. We set off on foot along the narrow Bullingstone Lane, beside which numbers
of Athyrium filix-femina, Dryopteris filix-mas, D. dilatata and Blechnum spicant were
seen, plus a couple of plants of Asplenium scolopendrium on a bank. A surprise find
of a mature plant of Polystichum aculeatum, rare in the county of Kent, was made
by Patrick Acock, on a slope just a few feet down from the side of the lane.

Before entering Avery's Wood, our leader, Peter Clare, pointed out a splendid crested
form of A. scolopendrium growing by the corner of the public footpath. The wood contains
fine specimens of Polystichum setiferum, two morphotypes of Dryopteris affinis, and
D. carthusiana in a damper area by a stream, while a solitary narrow-fronded variety
of D. filix-mas was admired by all present. Rain commenced as we made our way back
to our cars, showed no sign of easing when we had driven a short distance to our

124

lunchtime licensed premises, conveniently situated opposite the afternoon's venue, and
when we emerged some time later it was definitely set in for the rest of the day.

Just over the county boundary into East Sussex, the High Rocks is a spectacular area
of exposed sandstone, which provided shelter to Stone Age tribes and was a popular
excursion place during the reigns of James II and Victoria. The damper sides of the
cliffs are a nursery bed for hundreds of plants of Dryopteris dilatata, while an exploration
of the tops of the rocks revealed two flourishing colonies of Polypodium vulgare. Other
species found were D. affinismorph. borreriand another, possibly morph. affinis, Pteridium
aquilinum of course, and carpets of Blechnum spicant adorned a bank in the woods
on the east side. Alas, Hymenophyllum tunbrigense which gained its name after it was
formerly found here, has not been recorded from the site this century, so it was only
fitting that we should now travel to a similar but smaller sandstone exposure in nearby
Eridge, to pay homage to a patch of the species growing high in a narrow cleft.

After the meeting we retired to our leader’s house in Southborough, where waterproofs
dried while refreshments were kindly provided by Jill Clare. Peter’s garden was a delight
to behold, providing inspiration to us all, with many fine ferns, several of them uncommon
varieties, thoughtfully planted amongst attractive shrubs for maximum effect. An endless
procession of pots of surplus ferns found their way _— car boots. — — go
to the Clares for their hospitality, and to Peter in particular for p ing g
day.

Howard Matthews

Riverhill House Gardens, Sevenoaks, Kent - 31 October. By kind permission of Mrs
Rogers, sixteen members and friends met on a perfect autumn afternoon for a look
at this very interesting garden, which is perched on the Greensand escarpment,
overlooking the Weald of Kent.

The garden was laid out on a series of terraces, featuring specimen trees, roses and
flowering shrubs, surmounted by a woodland garden underplanted with Rhododendrons,
Azaleas, Japanese maples and other good things. The garden was very badly damaged
during the hurricane of October 1987, and much of the tree cover was razed to the
ground, exposing the once protected woodland plants, including Dryopteris dilatata and
D. filix-mas, to the elements. The rose-terrace wall supported Asplenium adiantum-nigrum
and A. scolopendrium and there were some large specimens of Polystichum setiferum
enjoying the shelter of some shrub planting, and the benefit of lime, washed out of
the adjoining masonry.

After our garden visit, we arrived at Paul and Linda Ripley's home, where, after a splendid
tea, we enjoyed viewing members’ slides of the year’s ferning, including Moffat, the
New Forest, northern Spain and Arizona!

Many thanks to Paul and Linda for their hospitality, to those members who brought
their slides, and to everyone who came along and supported the meeting.
Peter Clare

125

EAST ANGLIA Margaret Nimmo-Smith

Swiss Cottage Garden, Old Warden, near Biggleswade, Bedfordshire - 5 July. Seven
members assembled in the car park outside the Swiss Cottage garden in the late morning
to explore the wood outside the garden. As soon as we entered the wood, Dryopteris
filix-mas, D. dilatata and Athyrium filix-femina were found, and solitary plants of
Asplenium scolopendrium and Polystichum setiferum rapidly showed us that this was
going to be a more interesting visit than was at first anticipated. The area of wood
towards the lake and picnic area turned out to be devoid of ferns, but when we walked
back towards the garden and the wetter part, past a large stand of Pteridium aquilinum,
Anthony Pigott was delighted to find plants of Dryopteris affinis subsp. borreri morphotype
robusta and D. affinis subsp. affinis. In the same area D. carthusiana was spotted. We
were also delighted to find some very large plants of Polystichum aculeatum which
were deemed to be the largest plants that experienced members had seen of this species.
This area was in such close proximity to the garden that it led to the inevitable question
of how truly wild were these old specimens.

The morning's fern exploration over-ran so that lunch was a hastily snatched sandwich
in the car before assembling to visit the garden. The garden is notable for its many
ornaments and edifices, with vistas at every turn and some interesting trees and shrubs.
Various ferns were naturalised, including Polypodium vulgare on one of the bridges
and Equisetum arvense. Anthony Pigott identified a plant of Dryopteris affinis subsp.
cambrensis growing behind the actual Swiss Cottage. As this morphotype is not normally
found in eastern Britain, it was thought to be an introduction. On our trip we met the
warden who told us that the garden had a major problem with muntjak deer which
had eaten many of the fern fronds down to the crown. He hoped to plant more ferns
when the deer had been eradicated from the garden. The final attraction of the garden
was the grotto which is planted with ferns, including varieties of Pteris, Dryopteris,
Polystichum, Athyrium and Asplenium scolopendrium and also foreign hardy and near
hardy ferns such as Polystichum polyblepharum and Cyrtomium fortunei.

The afternoon finished with a visit to the garden of Linda and Mick Craddock. Here
was a garden, a conservatory and a greenhouse all full to bursting with ferns of every
kind, all in excellent health. The indoor collection contained many species rarely grown
by amateurs and some tree-ferns. Outside, young ferns were planted everywhere. If
anyone complains of insufficient space he should pay a visit here. An excellent high
tea rounded off in style a rewarding day. Thanks to Linda and Mick for their hospitality.

Arger Fen (52/934354) and Suffolk gardens - 19 September. Fourteen members,
led by Rob Cooke, explored this acre of wood. A damp area at the perimeter provided
us with Dryopteris filix-mas, Athyrium filix-femina, and D. dilatata. One of the specialities
of the site is a very large colony of Equisetum telmateia which had unfortunately been
rather flattened in the recent gales and rain, but in some sheltered areas one was Still
able to appreciate its magnificent size. Further exploration into the higher part of the
wood led to the discovery of plentiful D. carthusiana, and several plants of D. affinis
subsp. borreri morphotype robusta and D. affinis subsp. affinis were identified by Anthony
Pigott. Polystichum setiferum and P. aculeatum were also found.

After a lunch-time drink at the nearest pub, the party assembled at Jenny Robinson's
garden, Chequers, at Boxford. This delightful garden showed plenty of autumn colour
with her large plantings of Cyclamen and many different Colchicum species. The stream
running at the edge of the garden gave an excellent home to many ferns, including

126

photo: A.R. Busby

East Anglian group members at Jenny Robinson's garden, Suffolk

Trisha, Linda & Mick Craddock, Anthony Pigott, Vivien Green, Geoffrey & Marie Winder, Tim Pyner,
Ada Stevens, Alf Hoare, Christina & Robert Bolton, Margaret Nimmo-Smith, Barrie Stevenson,
Rob Cooke, Jennifer & Brian Cox

Matteuccia struthiopteris, Onoclea sensibilis, Polystichum munitum and other varieties
of Polystichum and Athyrium.

Then it was on to Lewis Hart’s town garden at Hadleigh where many rare and unusual
garden plants were to be seen, beautifully tended. Every spare inch was used to good
effect, including neighbouring passageways. Some good ferns were to be seen tucked
into a shady corner. Mrs Hart very kindly gave us tea and cake which we were able
to enjoy outside in the garden. Our thanks to Rob Cooke for leading the morning expedition,
and to Jenny Robinson and Lewis Hart for kindly opening their gardens to us.

Garden Societies Fair, Gilmour Building, Cambridge University Botanic Garden
(CUBG) - 25 October. Matt Busby very kindly helped me put on a display for the
East Anglian Group at a special event organised by the Friends of the CUBG to promote
local gardening clubs and organisations. The stand caused much interest and ferns,
which had been very kindly donated by David Bannister, were rapidly snapped up to
give the East Anglian group a firm financial base for the future.

A social afternoon, which included a slide show and plant swap, was held on 15 November
in Cambridge. It was a most enjoyable way to round off the year’s programme. With
four very successful events this year under our belt, | feel the East Anglian Group is
becoming firmly established.

SOUTHPORT FLOWER SHOW - 20-22 August A.R. Busby

As in previous years, Jack Bouckley, Ray Smith and | spent three hectic days presenting
our Society to the gardening public, answering, as best we could, many questions on
ferns and fern growing. We were able to enrol two or three new members, and had
the pleasure of meeting members who had taken the trouble to come along to say
hello. We wish that more members would visit Southport, especially new members,
so that we can meet and talk with them about their fern growing problems and successes.

The competitive classes provided some serious deliberations for the judges, especially
the ‘Championship Class’ introduced last year. The number of entries remained about
the same and we desperately need more exhibitors to fill the fern benches.

This year’s judges were A.R. Busby and R.L. Godard-Key. The prize-winners are listed
below.

Class 6 Individual Championship: Four hardy ferns, two greenhouse ferns, two hardy
foreign ferns: 1st R.J. Smith, 2nd J.H. Bouckley, 3rd B. Russ (3 entries)

Class 7 Three Hardy British Ferns (dissimilar): 1st not awarded, 2nd R.J. Smith (2
entries)

Class 8 Three Foreign Hardy Ferns: 1st R.J. Smith (1 entry)

Class 9 Three Asplenium scolopendrium varieties: (No entries)

Class 10 ~=Three Polypodium (distinct varieties): 1st J.H. Bouckley (1 entry)

Class 11. Three Polystichum (distinct varieties): (No entries)

Class 12 Three Athyrium (distinct varieties): (No entries)

Class 13. Three Asplenium (excluding A. scolopendrium): 1st R.J. Smith (1 entry)

Class 14 One British Fern (any kind or variety): 1st J.H. Bouckley, 2nd |. Rawson,
3rd R.J. Smith (3 entries)

Class 15 One Greenhouse Fern: 1st Mrs E.A. Gibbs, 2nd R.J. Smith, 3rd Mr & Mrs
T. Melling (5 entries)

The ‘Challenge Trophy’ awarded to the exhibitor with most points in the fern clases,
was won by R.J. Smith.

My thanks to J.H. Bouckley and R.J. Smith for helping with the staging and manning
of the Society’s stand.

| would welcome any enquiries about exhibiting ferns at the Southport Flower Show
and will advise on the identification, growing and presentation of the exhibits.

SALVINIA WORKSHOP - 14 November D. Kowalska

The BPS serendipitous workshop at Whitelands College, London, on the Salivinias of
America given by Professor Elias de la Sota from Argentina proved to be very interesting
and enjoyable. Nine people attended. Firstly, we were given an introduction to this group
of plants. We then launched into some practical studies on the three American species
S. minima, S. herzogii and S. auriculata. We studied the arrangement of hairs on the
papillae. This is a diagnostic feature of different species. We then cut transverse sections
of the leaf and studied them under high magnification using light microscopes. We were
able to identify characteristic air chambers, hydropods (cells that absorb water) and
conducting tissues. The workshop was very informative and gave those who attended
the rare opportunity to learn about the Salvinias of America under the expert guidance
of Professor de la Sota.

128

OBITUARIES
REGINALD KAYE 1902 - 1992

We are very sad to announce the death of Reginald Kaye on the 31st of August 1992
in his 91st year. Reg was a former President of the British Pteridological Society and
few members can have had a comparable impact on the fern world. He was well known
wherever ferns are grown - in Britain or overseas. He will be very greatly missed. Reg
joined the BPS in 1929 and remained a member into his eighth decade, a record that
will be hard to beat! He was the Society's longest serving member of all time.

Reg grew up in Huddersfield and even during his early years showed a keen interest
in anything scientific, including photography and the construction of radio receivers.
He had initially wanted to pursue a career in chemistry, but had no success finding
appropriate employment. Collecting fern varieties had been a passion from his boyhood
days and it was, therefore, no surprise when he devoted his time to growing plants
and creating gardens. During his twenties he spent three years gaining valuable
experience of horticultural work at the Ingwerson nursery near East Grinstead in Sussex,
before moving with his wife Marion in about 1930 to Waithman’s Nursery in Silverdale.
There he set about building up the nursery we see today.

Soon after moving to Silverdale he acquired another nursery at Carlisle and leased
additional ground in Silverdale to hold all his young plants. The business prospered.
A scan through one of Reg’s nursery catalogues from the thirties (Reg later dated it
as 1938) is proof of that. Fern gems on offer then included Asplenium trichomanes
‘Bipinnatum’; Athyrium filix-femina ‘Acrocladon’, ‘Caput Medusae’, ‘Curtum’, ‘Fimbriatum
Cristatum Garnett’ and ‘Kalothrix’; Dryopteris affinis ‘Apospora Cristata’ and ‘Fimbriata
Cristata’; Polystichum lonchitis ‘Cristatum’; in all 108 cultivars and species were listed.
Ferns were, however, only a small part of the total business; they accounted for just
over two sides of a catalogue which ran to 96 pages.

The wars Ou slyd | 1 i the nursery PFOQuUCTION Was oWIICTICU LO Veyetanic

growing, but it was not | long before the | in. By 1957 his catalogue
was again listing over 100 different fern species and cultivars.

Those of us who had the privilege of knowing Reg will long remember his cheery wit
delivered with his Yorkshire brogue. A visit to Silverdale was a double pleasure - to
chat with Reg and of course to have the bonus of touring his ferns and learning so
many interesting tit-bits. His collection of fern cultivars was second to none. Most are
listed in his book Hardy Ferns - the cornerstone of modern knowledge on the subject
of hardy ferns in the garden. Reg must be thanked for saving so many cultivars from
oblivion, his garden contains innumerable clones, many named, that might have been
lost altogther had it not been for him. For example Athyrium filix-femina ‘Acrocladon’,
‘Plumosum Druery’, ‘Plumosum Superbum Druery’, Polystichum setiferum
‘Cristato-gracile Moly’, ‘Rotundatum Phillips’, ‘Plumosum’, Dryopteris affinis
‘Ramosissima Wright’, Asplenium scolopendrium ‘Crispum Moly’, ‘Crispum Golden
Queen’, ‘Drummondiae’, ‘Crispum Cristatum Bolton’, Polypodium australe ‘Semilacerum’
might all have been lost. We are delighted to know that the collection will be in good
hands in the future as Reg’s grandson, Dominic, is keen to perpetuate the Kaye name
in the fern world. He has already taken control of the collection and is once again producing
ferns in the nursery.

In addition to preserving old cultivars, Reg introduced quite a few new cultivars of his
own raising. Some of the better known examples are: Asplenium scolopendrium
‘Laceratum Kaye’, (Crispum group) ‘Kaye’s Superb’, (Crispum group) ‘Kaye’s Splendour’,
(Marginatum group) ‘Ingeborg’, Athyrium filix-femina (Crispum Grandiceps group),
‘Sabine’, ‘Nudicaule Kaye’, Adiantum pedatum ‘Miss Sharples’ etc.

129

photo: M.H Rickard

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Over the last seven or eight years Reg has been in frequent telephone contact with
me doing research on a revised edition of his book. When he rang he always began
with “Ulloh!”’, a very distinctive sound that was always a pleasure to hear - except
perhaps late at night shivering in your pyjamas when he did not realise that not everyone
shared his nocturnal hours! Sadly he was unable to do little more than initiate proceedings
with the book, and even then some of his manuscript was lost in the post; all very
frustrating. Fortunately, about six months before he died he asked Jimmy Dyce and me
if we would be prepared to help him with this second edition. We were both very honoured
to be asked and with Reg’s, and Reg’s family’s agreement, Jimmy and | propose to
get on with the job despite Reg’s absence. Hopefully we will see the second edition
published in a couple of years or so.

One of the great fascinations of Reg was the breadth of his interests. Obviously he
was a gardener through and through; as well as owning the best collection of hardy
fern cultivars he also owned one of the best, if not the best, collection of alpines. He
was a founder member of the Lakeland Horticultural Society, the Scottish Rock Garden
Club and the Alpine Garden Society. He served on the local council (Parish and District)
as well as pursuing a very full private life in amateur dramatics, painting, sport etc
One of his stronger passions was playing the piano, even managing to squeeze a baby
grand into his living room! One ambition he never realised was to build his own boat
and sail around the world!

Earlier this year he was surprised and delighted when Lancaster University wrote and
asked if he would accept an Honorary Master of Science Degree. Happily, a few weeks
before he passed away, he was able to attend the Degree ceremony and receive his
honour from Her Royal Highness Princess Alexandra. It is hard to think of a more
appropriate way to end such a memorable life.

Martin Rickard

THOMAS DOUGLAS VICTOR SWINSCOW 1917 - 1992

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Douglas Swinscow, a former
Vice-President of the Society, on 24 September 1992.

Six months after qualifying as a medical doctor in 1940, Dougal (as he was known
to his family and friends) joined the army in the Royal Army Medical Corp. He was
involved in several campaigns during the Second World War. Soon after his demob
in 1946 he was appointed a sub-editor of the British Medical Journal, eventually becoming
deputy editor. Later, he declined the editorship and retired early at the age of 60 to
have more time to study lichens. As a consequence of his very successful career with
the BMJ he was invited to write his autobiography, a most readable and interesting
book which was published as Reap a Destiny in 1989. While with the BMJ he also
wrote Statistics at Square One (1976).

Dougal joined the British Pteridological Society in 1952 and remained a member for
40 years. Really Dougal’s membership fell into three phases. Initially he was in the
main stream of Society activities, frequently attending meetings. He was elected to the
Society's Committee in 1954, and elected a Vice-President in 1958. He contributed many
articles to the British Fern Gazette in the 1950s. Later, during the 1960s and 1970s,
lichens dominated his natural history interests, culminating in 1988 with the publication
of the pioneering work Macrolichens of East Africa, co-authored with Professor Hildur
Krog. Throughout this period he never lost interest in ferns and once the book was
in the hands of the publishers Dougal once again found time to pursue his ferny interests
and participate in the activities of our Society.

131

Annually from 1984 until at least 1989 he led a
most successful meeting for Mary Potts’ south-

o the
astonishment of us both we were successful! oo
was a good day! In recent years he also contributed
to the Pteridologist.

Many of the meetings led by Dougal during the
1980s ended with a tour of his gerden near Exeter,

a i. 4
delicious

y his wife,
Josephine. The garden is small but very carefully
laid out to inspire thought; it featured in a recent
edition of the Garden. This interest in garden design
and its significance led to the publication of his
last book in 1992, The Mystic Garden by the
. “ Halsgrove Press. A book | have not yet read, the
photo: courtesy J. Swinscow omission will be put right at the earliest
opportunity. The ferns in Dougal’s garden were of the highest quality, all were beautifully
grown. | hope they continue to give pleasure to his family for many years to come.

Those of us fortunate enough to have had the pleasure of Dougal’s company will never
forget his wit, wisdom and enthusiasm - he will be sorely missed.
Dougal is survived by his wife Josephine, their three daughters and their grandchildren.
To them we extend our deepest sympathy.

Martin Rickard

helehetediteeledetedeteteiettetetettetelotelotelohetohoioheiolotetotalohetoheieloteloheialetetetaiateieleielesenaniial™
SrQOP PRESS .... ., CONGRATULATIONS!

We were very pleased to see in the Prime Minister’s New Year Honours list that
Jimmy Dyce, our President Emeritus and Grand Old Man of the Society, has been
awarded an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) for his services
to the British Pteridological Society. Congratulations Jimmy!

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MANTON CRATER

A crater on Venus has been named after Sidnie and Irene Manton, after nominations
were invited by the US Geological Survey. The two sisters both studied at Girton College,
Cambridge; Sidnie went on to become a distinguished zoologist, and as we all know,
lrene revolutionised the study of pteridophyte evolution - and was a president of this
Society. Both sisters were Fellows of the Royal Society. The crater is at latitude 9.3
degrees north and longitude 26.9 degrees west.

132

MEMBERSHIP LIST: ADDITIONS AND AMENDMENTS
NEW MEMBERS

1992

ARMOUR, Mr T., 105 Teak Run, Ocala, Florida 32672, USA

ARNOLD, Miss M.E., Percy Place, 17 Hartsland Road, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 3TN

BARFOOT, Mr S.D., 23 Sherwood Avenue, Hedge End, Southampton, Hants. SO3 4JY

BARTON, Mr P.E., 191 Smedley Street, Matlock, Derbys. DE4 3JA

BAYLEY, Mrs J.D., The Millers Cottage, Mill Lane, Tibberton, Newport, Shropshire TF10 8NL

BEAUFOY, Miss A., 98 Tuddenham Road, Ipswich, Suffolk IP4 2SZ

BERKELEY, Miss J.E.M., Spetchley Park, Worcester, Worcs. WR5 1RS

BLAKEMORE, Mr D., Attic Studio, 29 Hyde Park Road, Leeds, West Yorks. LS6 1PY

BLANCHARD, Mrs D.M., Buckfield Keep, Barons Cross Road, Leominster, Herefordshire HR6 8RL

BORN, Ms W., 6625 Barbara Drive, Sebastopol, California 95472, USA

BRIGHT, Mr D., 39 Guron Road, Duncraig, Western Australia 6023, Australia

BROCK, Mr T.J., 89 Highfield Road, Bognor Regis, West Sussex PO22 8PD

CHALONER, Mrs N.D.C., 39 Bull Cop, Formby, Lancs. L3Y 8BY

COVEY, Miss S.J., 1 Haynes Lane, Upper Norwood, London SE19 3AN

DIXON, Mr C.D., 32 Yarrow Court, Penicuik, Midlothian EH26 8HD, Scotland

DUNNE, Mr I.B., 45 Milton Road, The Polygon, Southampton, Hants. SO1 2HS

FEARN, Mrs M.A., Moor Lodge, Station Road, North Thoresby, Grimsby, S. Humberside DN36 50S

FENTON, Mr M.P., 42 New Road, Bedfont, Feltham, Middx. TW14 8HN

GIBBS, Mrs E.A., 25 Glenpark Drive, Southport, Lancs. PR9 9FA

GIRAUD, Mr C., 6 Boulevard Rabelais, Saint-Maur 94100, France

GOSLING, Mr P., 40 High Street, Tattershall, Lincs. LN4 4NN

GRANT, Mr M.L., 3 Greenhill Road, Moseley, Birmingham, West Midlands B13 9SR

GREEN, Mr K.J., 27 Park Avenue, Euxton, Chorley, Lancs. PR7 6JO

HALL, Mr P., 14 Kingston Gardens, Fareham, Hants. PO15 6EX

HANSEN, Mr M.H., 10 Craigton Avenue, Milngavie, Glasgow, Strathclyde G62 7SX, Scotland

HARRISON, Ms S.L., 16 Watling Street, Mountsorrel, Leics. LE12 7BD

HILL, Mr K., 93 Elmhurst Drive, Hornchurch, Essex RM11

HINDLE, Mr P., 20 Belgrave Avenue, Penwortham, Preston, Lancs. PR1 OBH

HITCHINGS, Miss B.R., 51 Rusham Road, Egham, Surrey TW20 9LP

HUBER, Miss J.M., Pinkworthy Cottage, Oakford, Tiverton, Devon

HUDSON, Mr J., Gilfach, Bryn Glas, Groeslon, Caernarfon, Gwynedd LL54 7TB, Wales

HUTCHINSON, Mr J.M., Kirkland Farm, Minnigaff, Newton Stewart, Wigtownshire DG8 6AD, Scotland

INGHAM, Mr G., 20 Guardhouse Grove, Keighley, West Yorks. BD22 6JN

JACOBS, Mr D.P., 18 Havelock Road, Brighton, East Sussex BN1 6GF

JEFFREYS, Mrs R., 54 Church Crescent, Bassaleg, Newport, Gwent NP1 SNR, Wales

JESTIN, Mr J.E., 10 Ruelle des Vignes, Barbizon 77630, France

KNOX, Mr & Mrs J.S., Thorn House, Jacksons Lane, Thornhill, Dewsbury, West Yorks. WF12 OLS

LAMB, Mr |., Kitchen Garden, Ardtornish, Morvern by Oban, Argyll PA34 ie Scotland

LAUGHLAND, Mr B.J., 20 Vic Butler Street, Mt Roskill, Auckland, New Zealan

LIEGE UNIVERSITY, Dept. de Botanique, Sart Tilman, B.22, Liége, B-4000, Be ai

LINDSAY, Mr S., Division of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, King’s soncial Mayfield
Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JH, Scotlan

LUMB, Mr M.F., 3 Furnace Lane, Loscoe, Derbys. DE75 7LD

LYNCH, Mr P.A., 7 Fairview Avenue, Earley, Reading, Berks. RG6 1HE

MAGNESS, Mr R., 6 Sheplegh Court, Blackawton, Totnes, Devon TQ9 7AH

MARTIN, Miss R.A., 15 Cumberland Road, Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 3HJ

MARTIN, Mrs R.E., Brook Cottage, Henwood, Liskeard, Cornwall PL14 5BP

MARTINELLI, Dr S.D., Pelham House, Brent Pelham, Buntingford, Herts. SG9 OHH

MARZ, Mr G., Vogelsangstrasse 51, Stuttgart 1, D-W-7000, Germany

MELLARD, Mrs M.R., 16 Beckwith Road, Pannal Ash, Staunton, Harrogate, North Yorks. HG2 OBG

MESZAROS, Mr A., 31 Deeds Grove, High Wycombe, Bucks. HP12 3NT

MOSCETTI, Ms P., 314 D St. Middlesex, New Jersey 08846, USA

NAKATO, Dr N., Narahashi 1-363, Higashiyamato-shi, Tokyo 207, Japan

NICHOLSON, Mr B., 20 Church Lane, Swinefleet, Goole, N. Humberside

NICHOLSON, Mr B., 8 Castle Park, Fife KY15 5NL, Scotland

=
N

133

NORTON, Mrs R., Bramble Cottage, Lower Broad Oak Road, West Hill, Ottery St. Mary, Devon
1XH

PARKER, Mr & Mrs D.G. & K.M., 55 Fairfield Road, Kingston Upon Thames, Surrey KT1 2PY

PARTRIDGE, Mr & Mrs R.G. & W.M., 12 Pollards Hill South, Norbury, London SW16 4LN

RAVEN, Mrs F., Docwra’s Manor, Shepreth, Royston, Herts. SG8 6PS

READ, Mr J., 19 York Road, Stony Stratford, Milton Keynes, Bucks. MK11 1BJ

ROBERTS, Mr A.J., Trees, Oak Farm Lane, Fairseat, Sevenoaks, Kent TN15 7JU

ROBINSON, Mr N., 25 Ballymiscan Road, Holywood, Co. Down BT18 ORR, Northern Ireland

ROTHERHAM, Dr |.D., 84 Arnold Avenue, Charnock, Sheffield, South Yorks. S12 3JE

RUMSEY, Mr F.J., Dept. of Cell & Structural Biology, Williamson Building, Oxford Road, Manchester
M13 9PL

SADD, Mr G., 135b Shakespeare Crescent, Manor Park, London E12 6LW

SINGAPORE eile UNIVERSITY, Science Library (Serials), Lower Kent Ridge Road, Singapore
0511, Singapo

SONDERGAARD, Mr H. Hanstholmvej 222, Tved, Thisted, DK-7700, Denmark

STRUCK, Prof. Dr P., Borustrasse 25, Hamburg 13, D-2000, Germany

SVANHOLM, Mr K.A., Oskarsparken 6, Orebro, S-70212, Sweden

TAVERNIER, Mr W.J.M.E. & VAN DEN BOSSCHE, Mrs S.J.J., Regelsbruggestraat 46, Aalst, Belgium

TINKER, Dr M.D., Hillside, 1 Hillside Crescent, Langholm, Dumfriesshire DG13 OEE, Scotland

TURNER, Mrs C.M., Red House, Pillows Green, Staunton, Gloucester, Glos. GL19 3NU

TURNER, Mr L., 27 Westfield Avenue, Thurlstone, Penistone, South Yorks. S30 6RL

WALSH, Mr P.W., 9 Ursuline Court, Waterford, Co. Waterford, Eire

WARDLAW, Prof. A.C., 92 Drymen Road, Bearsden, Glasgow, Strathclyde H61 2SY, Scotland

WILLMER, Ms L., 21 Portland Road, East Grinstead, West Sussex RH19 4EB

WILSON, Miss E.R., 33 Ravenslea Road, Wandsworth Common, London SW12 8SL

WISBEY, Ms D.P., 65 Huntingdon Road, East Finchley, London N2 9DX

WOODS, Mr R.G., c/o Countryside Council for Wales, The Gwalia, Ithon Road, Llandrindod Wells,
Powys LD1 6AA, Wales

1993

ALBERONI, Mr G., Corso Venezia 3, Milano 20121, Italy

BAKER, Wg. Cdr. E.J., 1 Clarke Wood Close, Wiswell, Blackburn, Lancs. BB6 9BX
BENSON, Mr J.B., 15 Anglesey Road, Llandudno, iting LL30 20B, Wales

BUHR, Mr H., Baekbjerg 5, Graasten, DK-6300, Den

COLDWELL, Mr M.A.H., 10 Hollybush Lane, ee pats AL5 4AT

COLLARD, Miss |., 63 Penn Lane, Melbourne, Derbyshire

CONYERS, Miss J.C., 58 Church End Lane, Runwell, Wickford, Essex SS11 7JG
DAWSON-CAMPBELL, Mrs M., 102 Bells Hill, Barnet, Herts. EN5 2SO

EARNSHAW, Mrs S.E., Fern Cottage, Moss Lane, Inskip, Preston, Lancs. PR4 OTY
GARGETT, Mrs S.A., Flat 1, Kingsley Hall, 8 Ulwell Road, Swanage, Dorset BH19 1LH
GILES, Mr D.A.J., 131 Cardinal Avenue, Kingston-on-Thames, Surrey KT2 5RZ
GLAVES, Dr P., 31 Albury Street, Deptford, London SE8

HENNESSEY, Mr B.J., 25 Malgraves Place, Basildon, Essex SS13 3PY

HULME, Mr A.G., 54 Lichfield Gardens, Richmond, Surrey TW9 1AP

KAYE, Mr D., Waithmans House, Silverdale, Lancs. LA5 OTY

LEEDS, Mr R.J.A., Chestnuts, Whelp Street, Preston St. Mary, Sudbury, Suffolk LO10 9NL
LEGGATT, Mr T., 4 Elmwood Avenue, Boreham Wood, Herts. WD6 1SZ

MADELEY, Mrs J.A., 191 Kestrel Park, Skelmersdale, Lancs. WN8 6TA

NINNISS, Mrs M.E., 52 Rossmore Road, Parkstone, Poole, Dorset BH12 3NL

PEACE, Mr D., 8 St Martin's Way, Kirklevington, Yarm, Cleveland TS15 9NR

PETERS, Dr B., Schleswiger Str. 83, Suderbrarup, D-2347 Germany

POLLOCK, Dr R., 23 Coach Road, Warton, Carnforth, Lancs. LA5 9PR

PORTER, Mr M.S., 5 West Avenue, Wigton, Cumbria CA7 9LG

SELLERS, Mr J.S., Bourton Lodge, Gillingham, Dorset SP8 5DB

SPRAY, Mr M., Hillside, Aston Bridge Road, The Pludds, lesa Gloucs. GL17 9TZ
WELSS, Dr W., Max-Busch-Str. 20, D-8520 Erlangen, Germ

WILLIAMS, Mrs R., Danehill Farm, Birtley Green, Bramley, Guildford, Surrey GU5 OLE
WORTHINGTON, B. W., Hall Croft, Worston, Clitheroe, Lancs. BB7 10A

134

ADDRESS CHANGES/AMENDMENTS

APPLEBEE, Mr B.J., ‘The Lymes’, Vein Street, Willoughby Waterleys, Leics. LE8 3UF

BORDER, Mr & Mrs M.G. & C.R., 18 Madeira Drive, Hastings, East Sussex vasgee 2NJ

BROWN, Mr R.F., Woodside Cottage, Bardsea, Ulverston, Cumbria LA12 9

ENSOLL, Mr A.J., 1/6 Westburn, Middlefield, Edinburgh EH14 2TJ, eens

FILLAN, Mr M.S., Briar Patch, 15 Northover Road, Pennington, Lymington, Hants. SO41 8GU

GARSTANG, Mr & Mrs J. & M., Overbeck, Pennybridge, Ulverston, Cumbria, LA12 7RO

GRIMBLY, Mr P.E., Upper Blacon, Fosse Way, Chesterton, Leamington Spa, Warwicks. CV33 9JP

JAMES, Dr T.E., Hollybank, Balmoral Place, Halifax, West Yorks. HX1 2BG

JARVIS, Miss R.A., 10 Southview Terrace, Trull, Taunton, Somerset TA3 7JX

JONES, Mr V., Hillways, Ingleby Greenhow, Middlesbrough, Cleveland TS9 6LL

LAWRENCE, Dr W.R., Norfolk Lodge, Norfolk Place, Halifax, West Yorks. HX1 3JY

LAWSON, Mr R., 70 High Street, Rothesay, Isle of Bute PA20 9AR, Scotland

LEES, Mr R.M., 8 Essex Terrace, Plasmarl, Swansea, W. Glamorgan SA6 8LY, Wales

MANTHORPE, Mr P.J., Devil's End, Church Lane, Haddiscoe, Norwich, Norfolk NR14 6PB

MAXTED, Dr N.W., School of Biological Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham
B15 211

NEUROTH, Herrn R.N., Hohlstrasse 88, Velbert 11, D-5620, Germany
NEWMAN, Mr S., 22 Stratford Road, Honeybourne, Evesham, Worcs. WR11 5PP
NUNN, Mr N.R., 47 St. Martins Street, Hereford, Worcs. HR2 7RD

O'SHEA, Mr B.J., 141 Fawnbrake Avenue, London SE24 OBG

OLLGAARD, Mr B., Botanical Institute, 68 Nordlandsvej, Risskov, DK-8240, Denmark
PICKLES, Mr S., 20 Stubbin Road, Marsden, Huddersfield, West Yorks.

PIERCE, Miss S.J.A., 89 High Street, Measham, Swadlincote, Derbys. DE12 7HZ
PIEROZYNSKI, Dr W., 25 Mayflower Way, Farnham Common, Bucks. SL2 3TU
PROTTE, Mr A., Annastrasse 22, Wuerzburg 8700, Ger

SECCOMBE, Mr R.J.0., 23 Pine Close, Rudloe, rcenneti Wikté SN13 OLB
SHARPE, Dr J.M., Box 4555 R.R.1, Dresden, Maine 04342, USA

STARK, Mr G., 4 Scheel Terrace, Newtown, Reading, Berks. R

VOGEL, Mr J., Botany Department, Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD
WHEATLEY, Dr T., Mote Croft, Church Lane, Horsted Keynes, West Sussex RH17 7AY

WHITE, Mr L., The Nook, New Road, Southwater, Horsham, West Sussex RH13 7AU
WILLIAMS, Miss M., c/o Dept. of Botany, University of Reading, Reading, Berks. RG2 7HB

THE AMERICAN FERN SOCIETY INC.

The AFS wishes to extend an invitation to readers of this Bulletin to join the American
Fern Society. Regular members receive the Fiddlehead Forum six times a year. This
newsletter is published for the benefit of those who are interested in growing ferns,
hunting for them, and expanding their general knowledge of ferns. Journal members
receive, in addition to Fiddlehead Forum, the scientific quarterly ener Fern Journal.
Membership costs $11.00 and $20.00 per annum,
($14.00 and $31.00 if airmail postage required). For particulars please write to Dr Richard
L. Hauke, 456 McGill Place, Atlanta, Georgia 30312 USA. Prospective members residing
in Great Britain should write to Miss A.M. Paul, Dept. of Botany, The Natural History
Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD.

GROW GREAT FERNS.
Los Angeles International Fern Society (LAIFS)

Fern journal bimonthly, includes fern lesson. Educational meetings, materials, spore store
and books. Annual dues: $18 domestic, $24 overseas surface, $26.50 overseas airmail.
Apply to: Dave Fay, P.O. Box 90943, Pasadena, California 91109-0943 USA.

135

MEETINGS 1993

Meetings Secretary:
Meetings Sub-Committee:

Sat 6 March -

Sat 29 May -

Thurs eve 8 - Sun 11 July -

Sat eve 24 - Sat 31 July -

Sun 22 - Sat 28 August -

Thurs 19 - Sat 21 August -

Fri 17 eve - Sun 19 Sept -

Sat 16 October -

A.C. Pigott, 43 Molewood Road, Hertford, Herts. SG14 3AQ
P.J. Acock, N.J. Hards, J.M. Ide, A.C. Pigott, P.H. Ripley

Spring Indoor Meeting - London

Location: Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road,
ondon

Leader: ri Gibby Time: 11.00

Day Indoor Meeting - Kew

Location: Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Surrey

Leaders: Peter Edwards Time: 11.00

Long Weekend Field — - North Wales
Leader: Rob Coo

Centre: Royal in Hotel, Dolgellau, Gwynedd LL40
1AR

Time: 19.30 Thursday eve, 09.30 following mornings

Week Field Meeting - Galloway, Scotland

Leader: Paul Ripley

Centre: See separate Meetings Programme sheet

Time: 19.30 Saturday eve, 09.30 following mornings

Week Field Meeting - Central France
Leader: Michel Boudrie/Anthony Pigott
Southport Flower Show: BPS Stand

Further Info: Matt Busby

Weekend Field Meeting - Northumberland
Leader: Matt Busb

Centre: Queen's Head Hotel, Bridge Street, Morpeth
NE61 1TD
Time: 20.00 Friday eve, 09.30 following mornings

deere Pesta Meeting & Autumn Indoor Meeting -
Cambr

ehh Cambridge University Botanic Garden,
Bateman Street
Leader: Margaret Nimmo-Smith Time: 11.00

For full details of these meetings, including information on accommodation, please see
the — Meetings Programme sheet. This can be sent to overseas members on

reques

REGIONAL MEETINGS

For details of additional meetings in the —— areas, please contact the regional
organisers, enclosing a stamped addressed envelop

Wessex J.E. Jarvis, Vermont Jubilee Road, Nailsworth, Stroud, Gloucs.
GL6 ONG

Midlands A.R. Busby, 16 Kirby Corner Road, Canley, Coventry CV4 8GD

Leeds & District J.H. Bouckley, 209 Woodfield Road, Harrogate, Yorks. HG1 4JE

South-East England PH.
T

Ripley, North Lodge, Dene Park Gardens, Shipbourne Road,

onbridge, Kent TN11 9NS
East Anglia Mrs M.E. Nimmo-Smith, 201 Chesterton Road, Cambridge CB4 1AH

136

BRITISH FERNS AND THEIR CULTIVARS
A very comprehensive collection is stocked by
REGINALD KAYE LTD
Silverdale, Lancashire LA5 OTY
Catalogue on request

FIBREX NURSERIES LTD
Honeybourne Road, Pebworth, nr Stratford on Avon, Warwickshire CV37 8XT
Hardy and tender ferns
Begonias, Gloxinias, Hederas, Hydrangeas, Primroses, Arum Lilies
and plants for the cool greenhouse

Catalogue on request

MRS J.K. MARSTON
Specialist Fern Grower

A wide range of hardy and greenhouse ferns, especially Adiantums
Culag, Green Lane, Nafferton, nr Driffield, East Yorkshire YO25 OLF

Send £1 for catalogue

FANCY FRONDS
Specialising in North American and English hardy ferns
Judith Jones
1911 4th Avenue West, Seattle, Washington 98119, USA

Send two International Reply Coupons for Catalogue

HARDY AND HALF HARDY FERNS
Hazel Rickard
The Old Rectory, Leinthall Starkes, Ludlow, Shropshire SY8 2HP

Please send stamped addressed envelope for list

1993 SOUTHPORT FLOWER SHOW
The organisers extend all good wishes for a successful 1993
Classes for your Society's special interests are available
Total Horticultural Prizes awarded for 1992 Value over £120,000
19th, 20th, 21st AUGUST 1993

Schedules and further information from:
The Flower Show Secretary
44 Hoghton Street, Southport, Merseyside PR9 OPQ

The British Pteridological Society

BULLETIN

VOLUME 4 NUMBER 3 1992
CONTENTS -

Secretarial Notes 93

AGM 1992 95

Financial Statement 100

Lecture Meetings and Day Visits 1992 102

Spring Indoor Meeting N.J. Hards 102

Kew Gardens P.J. Edwards 103

Autumn Indoor Meeting P.H. Ripley 103

National Field Meetings 1992 105

ew Forest, Hampshire P.J. Acock 105

Moffat, Scotland P.H. Ripley 106

Northern Spain R.G. Ackers 109

North Devon P.D.A. Boyd 114

Regional Meetings 1992 118

idlands A.R. Busby 118

Leeds & District J.H. Bouckley, R.P.H. Lamb, B. Wright 120

Wessex J.E. Jarvis 122

South-East P.J. Acock, H.W. Matthews, P.J. Clare 123

East Anglia M.E. Nimmo-Smith 126

Southport Flower Show A.R. Busby 128

Salvinia Workshop D. Kowalska 128

Obituaries MH. Rickard 129

Membership List: additions and 133

136

Meetings Programme 1993

The Bulletin Volume 4 Number 2 was published on 7 February 1992.

Published by THE BRITISH PTERIDOLOGICAL SOCIETY, ©/o Department of Botany,
The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD

ISSN 0301-9195

Printed by Metloc Printers Ltd., Old Station Road, Loughton, Essex

ai gUsis I

BRITISH
-PTERIDOLOGICAL
SOCIETY

WX

eg aE

THE BRITISH PTERIDOLOGICAL SOCIETY
Officers and Committee from October 1993

President: J.H. Bouckley
President Emeritus: J.W. Dyce, MBE

Vice-Presidents: J.A. Crabbe, Dr C.N. Page, M.H. Rickard, Mrs G. Tonge, J.R. Woodhams

Honorary General Secretary A.R. Busby, ‘Croziers’,
and Archivist: 16 Kirby Corner Road, Canley, Coventry, CV4 8GD
(Tel: Coventry 715690)

Membership Secretary and Miss A.M. Paul,
Editor of the Bulletin: Department of Botany, The Natural History Museum,
Cromwell Road, London, SW7 5BD

Treasurer: Dr N.J. Hards,
184 Abingdon Road, Didcot, Oxon, OX11 9BP

Meetings Secretary: A.C. Pigott,
43 Molewood Road, Hertford, Herts., SG14 3AQ

Editors of the Fern Gazette: Dr B.A. Thomas, J.A. Crabbe & Dr M. Gibby

Send copy to Dr B.A. Thomas, Department of Botany,

National Museum of Wales, Cathays Park, Cardiff, CF1 3NP

Editor of the Pteridologist: J.W. Merryweather, Biology Department,
University of York, Heslington, York, YO1 5DD

assisted by J.W. Dyce & M.H. Rickard

Committee: R.G. Ackers, R. Cooke, Mrs D. Fortune, Miss J.M. Ide,
S.J. Munyard, Mrs M.E. Nimmo-Smith, P.H. Ripley, N.R. Schroder,

Stark, R.N. Timm

Fern Distribution Recorder: A.J. Worland, Harcam,
Mill Road, Barnham Broom, Norwich, Norfolk, NR9 4DE

Spore Exchange Organiser: Mrs M.E. Nimmo-Smith,
201 Chesterton Road, Cambridge, CB4 1AH

Plant Exchange Organisers: R.J. & Mrs B. Smith,

184 Solihull Road, Shirley, Solihull, Warwicks., B90 3LG
Booksales Organiser: S.J. Munyard, 234 Harold Road, Hastings, East Sussex, TN35 5NG
Trustees of Greenfield and Centenary Funds: — J.H. Bouckley, A.R. Busby, Dr N.J. Hards

The BRITISH PTERIDOLOGICAL SOCIETY was founded in 1891 and today continues as a focus
for fern enthusiasts. It provides a wide range of information about ferns through the medium of
its publications and available literature. It also organises formal talks, _ informal discussions, field
meetings, garden visits s. The Society
has a wide me mbership which includes gardeners, nurseryme n “and botanists, both amateur and
professional. The Society's journals, the Fern Gazette, Pteridologist and Bulletin, are published
annually. The Fern Gazette publishes matter chiefly of specialist i interest on international pteridology,
the Pteridologist, topics of more general appeal, and the Bulletin, Society business and meetings

Membership is open to all interested in ferns and fern-allies. SUBSCRIPTION RATES (due on
1st January each year) are Full Personal Members £12.50, Personal Members not receiving the
Fern Gazette £9.50; Student Members £7; Subscribing ineaitutionse £20. Family membership in
any category is an additional £2. Applications for membership should be sent to the Membership
Secretary (address above) from whom further details can be ained. (Remittances m
currencies other than Sterling are £5 extra to cover bank conversion ie? sage Airmail postage
for all journals is an extra £4,0 r for those not receiving the Fern Gazette

(Front cover: Asplenium x sarniense Sleep, the Guernsey Spleenwort.)

ee
Back numbers of the Gazette, Pteridologist and Bulletin are available for purchase from P.J. Acock,
13 Star Lane, St. Mary Cray, Kent BR5 3LJ, from whom further details can be obtained.

THE
MAy 9
BULLETIN AY 28 1094
OF THE
UBRARy
BRITISH PTERIDOLOGICAL SOCIETY
Vol. 4 1993 No. 4

SECRETARIAL NOTES

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 1994, PRELIMINARY NOTICE - The 91st AGM will
take place on Saturday 15 October 1994 in the Department of Botany, The Natural
History Museum, Cromwell Road, London at 2.15 p.m

COMMITTEE VACANCIES - In accordance with paragraph 3, section 3 of the Society's
Constitution, two vacancies will occur due to the retirement of the two longest serving
Committee members. Nominations are invited from members of the Society to fill these
vacancies at the Annual General Meeting in 1994. The names of the nominees, proposers
and seconders, together with a letter from the nominee indicating their willingness to
serve, should reach the General Secretary by 10 September 1994.

SUBSCRIPTIONS 1994 - Members are reminded that subscriptions for 1994 are due
on the 1st January 1994 and should be paid to the Membership Secretary, British
Pteridological enema C/o Dept. = Leer ci The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road,
London, SW7 5BD. Cheq h payable to ‘The British Pteridological Society’.

Current rates are given inside the front cover. Standing Order forms are available from
the above address.

PUBLICATIONS BY AIRMAIL - Our journals can be sent by airmail to overseas members,
provided they advise the Membership Secretary and pay an additional subscription to
cover airmail postage. See inside front cover for rates.

AFFILIATION TO THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL cman Our band is ow
to the RHS, enabling a limited number of 1 bers to enjoy certain privileges in connection
with RHS Shows, competitions and services. There is one transferable ticket available
for all RHS Shows other than the Chelsea Flower Show. Applications for tickets or further
details, enclosing a stamped, addressed envelope, should be made to the BPS General
Secretary.

READING CIRCLES - The Society operates a reading circle for several journals. The
American Fern Journal is a quarterly publication containing much information for those
seriously interested in ferns; it is accompanied by the Fiddlehead Forum, which publishes
many ‘ferny’ items of interest to the amateur grower. The Royal Horticultural Society's
journal, The Garden, is published monthly. To receive any of these journals apply to
the General Secretary.

THE GREENFIELD FUND - This fund, set up as a memorial to one of our Society's
great fern growers, Percy Greenfield, is used to finance approved research projects,
helping with the cost of necessary equipment, books and travel expenses. Awards for
meritorious achievements such as the introduction of a new fern variety or plant, or
some of the Society’s publicity projects would be considered as worthy of help from
the fund. Percy Greenfield’s interest leaned very much towards the non-scientific side

137

of our activities and it is felt that he would want this taken into consideration when
decisions are made. Workers eligible for university or college grants and similar support
will not therefore be eligible for help from the fund. Members with projects wishing
to benefit from this memorial fund should apply to the trustees via the General Secretary.

THE CENTENARY FUND - This fund will be used to promote the study of all aspects
of pteridophytes - horticultural, scientific and educational, whether by amateurs, students
or professional pteridologists. As such its scope is much broader and more flexible than
the Greenfield Fund. Anyone wishing to avail themselves of this fund should contact
the trustees via the General Secretary.

BACK NUMBERS OF JOURNALS - Back numbers of certain parts of the Fern Gazette,
Pteridologist and BPS Bulletin are in short supply. However, those we have are very
modestly priced and | am surprised that we do not sell more copies. My loft is beginning
to creak under the weight of the magazines, so why not transfer a few to your house.
A sample pack can be bought for £6, or obtain a price list from Patrick Acock, 13 Star
Lane, St. Mary Cray, Kent, BR5 3LJ.

BINDERS for the BPS BULLETIN and PTERIDOLOGIST - Binders for volumes of
the BPS Bulletin and Pteridologist are available from the General Secretary. The Bulletin
binders are attractively produced with red hardboard covers and gold blocked lettering
on the spine: only £5 each, including postage and packing. Binders for the Pteridologist
have mustard hardboards and gold blocked lettering on the spine. Each binder holds
one volume (six parts). £5 each including postage and packing. This applies to inland
members only. Prices for overseas members on application. Cash with order, please
make cheques payable to A.R. Busby.

BPS VIDEO “BRITISH FERNS”

With over fifty species of ferns the British Isles has a remarkably varied fern flora. Many
species have distinctive distributions reflecting regional variations in environmental
conditions. In particular the cool relatively damp environments of the North and the
mild Western fringes of Britain bring together species typical of Atlantic, Arctic and
Alpine regions, resulting in a fern flora that is unique to the British Isles.

This twenty-five minute video shows most of our native ferns growing in their natural
habitats. It demonstrates the wide variety of size and form to be found in British ferns
and the broad range of habitats they colonise. Attention is drawn to key identification
characters for each species.

The video has been funded by Schering Agriculture and the National Museum of Wales.
It is available for loan, free of charge, to interested individuals and organisations. For
further details write to the General Secretary enclosing a stamped addressed envelope.

MEMBERS INFORMATION SERVICE - | am pleased to announce a new service to
members. It is often the case that members require information and advice on many
aspects of their interest in Pteridophytes but are often reluctant or simply do not know
where to obtain it. Queries from members on any aspects of the biology, identification
or Cultivation of ferns or fern allies should be sent to the Hon. Gen. Sec. accompanied
by three first class stamps.

138

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 1993

MINUTES of the 90th ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING held at the University of Cambridge
Botanic Garden, Gilmour Building, Bateman Street, Cambridge on Saturday 16th October
1993 at 2.15 p.m.

IN THE CHAIR: The President, J.H. Bouckley.

PRESENT: R.G. Ackers, P.J. Acock, B.J. Applebee, E.J. Baker, D. Bannister, A. Beaufoy,
H.E. Bellringer, A.R. Busby, J.M. Camus, R. Cooke, M.J., L.Il. & T. Craddock, D. Fortune,
M.T. & L. Hancock, N.J. & E. Hards, G.K. Hoare, J.E. Jarvis, P.A. Lynch, E.O0. Mason,
H.W. Matthews, J.W. Merryweather, S.J. Munyard, R.J. Murphy, M.E. Nimmo-Smith,
A.M. Paul, Sir H. Peto, S.J. Pierce, A.C. Pigott, B. Porter, T. Pyner, M.H. & H. Rickard,
P.H. Ripley, N.R. Schroder, G. Stark, B.R. Stevenson, I.N.J. Storey, R.W. & S. Sykes,
B.A. Thomas, R.N. Timm, P. Twyman, L.A.M. Williams, G.H. Winder, C.M. Wyndham.

ITEM 1 - APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE: R. Cole, J.M. Ide, C.N. Page, R.J. & B. Smith,
J.R. Woodhams, B. Wright.

ITEM 2 - APPROVAL OF MINUTES: The Minutes of the 1992 Annual General Meeting
held on 17th October 1992 and which were published in the 1992 Bulletin were approved.

ITEM 3 - MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES: There were none.

ITEM 4 - HONORARY GENERAL SECRETARY'S REPORT: Another year passes and we
can look back on it with some satisfaction. | have managed to attend all the UK meetings
this year but in spite of a great deal of hard work put in by the various leaders, numbers
attending the meetings seem to have been fewer. The cost of accommodation is always
a limiting factor and this needs to be borne in mind when meetings are being planned.
However, one very positive side of the year’s programme was another very successful
excursion to the continent. Perhaps this is the way forward and we can plan to spend
more time with the pteridophytes of mainland Europe, especially as we shall soon have
a speedier way into the continent with the new rail tunnel soon to be in service. The
meetings sub-committee is always pleased to consider ideas for meetings and venues
and to receive offers to lead meetings.

HONOURABLE SERVICE: The most notable event of 1993 was the recognition of the
long service to this Society by our Emeritus President, J.W. Dyce, who was named
in the 1993 New Year Honours list and became a Member of the Order of the British
Empire. We send Jimmy our warmest congratulations for an honour well deserved.

REGIONAL GROUPS: It is gratifying to see that the regional groups continue to function
with great success and, as | commented last year, this is a very good way for new
members to get to know our Society and its members. | am delighted to learn that
a new group based around the Lake District has been established and will be known
as the North-West Group and we wish them every success. We still have the Greater
Manchester area, south-west England, Scotland and Wales without local groups and
if anyone in those areas would like to consider forming a local group, they will receive
every encouragement from the Committee.

MEMBERSHIP: At the time of writing my report, enrolment of new members appears
to show a slight fall compared with the last two years. Eighty-one new members have
joined during 1993 and this has to be set against the 1993 resignations which number
34. Total membership stands at about 750 with every likelihood of achieving a thousand
members by the turn of the century.

PLANT AND SPORE EXCHANGE SCHEMES: This year has seen a change of organiser
for the Plant Exchange; after several years of diligent work, Rosemary Hibbs was obliged
to resign from this post due to family commitments. We owe her our warmest thanks
for all her hard work in maintaining the success of this scheme. By now members
will be aware that Ray and Brenda Smith have kindly taken over the task and we extend
to them our gratitude for their help.

The Spore Exchange Scheme continues as one of the Society's great successes and
it is undoubtedly due to Margaret Nimmo-Smith’s dedication and hard work. We must
not forget the invaluable help afforded by her husband, lan, and we thank him for his
interest and contribution. The Society has now purchased a refrigerator for storing the
spore bank. This should improve the longevity of the spores during storage.

THE GREENFIELD AND CENTENARY FUNDS: Members are reminded that grants from
these funds are available for private projects concerning the study and cultivation of
ferns and fern allies. This year the Centenary Fund, set up in 1991, received its first
application. Enquiries concerning these funds should be sent to me.

MEMBERS INFORMATION SERVICE: | am pleased to announce a new service to members.
It is often the case that members require information and advice on many aspects of
their interest in pteridophytes but are often reluctant or simply do not know where to
obtain it. Queries from members on any aspects of the biology, identification or cultivation
of ferns or fern allies should be sent to the Hon. Gen. Sec. accompanied by three first
class stamps.

Finally, | rarely have the chance to end my annual report without the sad task of reporting
the death of a long-standing member and this year is no different. It was with much
regret that we learned of the death of Dr Anne Sleep. Anne had been dogged with
poor health for many years and it prevented her from taking a more active role in the
affairs of our Society. We mourn her passing and those of us who knew her will remember
her with much affection.

ITEM 5 - HONORARY TREASURER’S REPORT: Nick Hards circulated a copy of the balance

sheet and the following were noted:

a) Two grants had been made from the Greenfield Fund, one for the purchase of a
refrigerator to store the spores for the Spore Exchange, the second towards the Sittee
River Expedition which should be reported in one of the journals.

b) Interest from the Centenary Fund seems small because only a half-yearly amount
is recorded in this financial year.

Neil Timm proposed acceptance of the accounts, seconded by Brian Applebee.

PROPOSED SUBSCRIPTION INCREASE: The Treasurer proposed deferring the
subscription increase until 1995 as the Society balances were good for this year after
two years’ deficit. Robert Sykes asked why a subscription increase was necessary with
a £3,000 excess of funds. The Treasurer replied that - (1) every few years the Society
needed an extra £2,000 for the bulk purchase of envelopes, (2) there is a deficit on
the Publications Account and money would be required in future for the new fern varieties
leaflet, and (3) excess funds are needed to avoid cash flow problems. B.A. Thomas also
reminded the meeting that an index for the Fern Gazette would be needed soon.

Dr Hards, seconded by R.W. Sykes, proposed the following increases in subscriptions
to take effect from 1 January 1995: Full Personal Members from £12.50 to £15, Optional
Members (not receiving the Fern Gazette) from £9.50 to £12, Student Members from

140

£7 to £9 and Subscribers from £20 to £25. Family membership supplement to remain
at £2. The proposal was passed with one member against.

ITEM 6 - HONORARY MEETINGS SECRETARY'S REPORT: Anthony Pigott reported that
1993 was a apap wear sdeaparaonsl attendances were — on woes “ pieigee: velv
good years. He part drew attention to the French meet
by BPS members in Pisiane. There are many members abenat and they atretsid be
considered. The 1994 programme would include a week meeting in Cornwall, mainly
visiting gardens, a week in Ireland, a weekend field meeting in Yorkshire and a meeting
in Scotland. Mr Pigott remarked that it is the BRITISH, not the English, Pteridological
Society!

Mr Pigott ended his report by asking members for feedback on how meetings could
be improved, particularly for the newer members. Dr Hards commented that as the
meetings reports are published in the Bulletin for future reference, it is important that
as wide as possible geographical area should be covered.

The President thanked Mr Pigott for his hard work.

ITEM 7 - REPORTS OF THE EDITORS: Bulletin - Alison Paul expressed her regret that
the 1992 Bulletin was published very late, due mainly to reasons beyond hy control.
There are still some reports outstanding for this year but Miss Paul hopes to have the
1993 Bulletin out earlier. She requested that any members who have photographs of
Society meetings send them to her for consideration for publishing in the journal.

Pteridologist - Martin Rickard reported that he had not received any criticism of the
1993 number and hoped that it indicated that members are generally satisfied with
the journal's contents. As usual, copy for the 1994 number was slow to come in but
he hopes to have sufficient copy before next spring. Robert Sykes praised the production
of the Pteridologist saying what excellent reading it was for people unable to attend
meetings.

Fern Gazette - Dr Barry Thomas reported that the next edition of the Gazette should
be ready by mid-November.

ITEM 8 - ELECTION OF OFFICERS AND COMMITTEE:

Vice-President: It was proposed by M.H. Rickard, seconded by J.M. Camus, that
J.R. Woodhams be elected as a Vice-President of the Society. In proposing Mr Woodhams,
Mr Rickard reminded the meeting of the long service Mr Woodhams had given the Society.
He has served several times on the Committee and, ably assisted by his wife Joan,
has always ensured that our meetings at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, have been
most enjoyable. In his letter of acceptance Mr Woodhams expressed a feeling of honour
at being asked to become a Vice-President and looked forward to serving the Society
in that capacity. John ended his letter with an acknowledgement of his wife Joan and
how her assistance has always been important to him.

Election of Officers: It was Fepader PY. Mr chi that ne Herds. Ms Pigott and he,. were
willing to stand as Hon. Treasurer, h
It was proposed by MH. Rickard, sicinided by J. M. Gorviue, ‘hat ane tte Officers be
elected for a further year. This was carried unanimously.

Committee: The two longest serving Committee members due to retire were J.M. Camus
and J.R. Woodhams. The two nominees to fill the vacancies were J.M. Ide, proposed
by A.R. Busby, seconded by J.M. Camus, and P.H. Ripley, proposed by A.R. Busby, seconded

141

by A.C. Pigott. They were elected unanimously.

Election of Honorary Editors: Fern Gazette - Mr Busby reported that Dr B.A. Thomas,
J.A. Crabbe and Dr M. Gibby had indicated their willingness to serve for another year.
Bulletin - A.M. Paul had also indicated her willingness to serve for another year. All
the above were elected unanimously.

Pteridologist - M.H. Rickard had expressed his wish to stand down as Editor of the
Pteridologist after nine years. The President reflected the mood of the meeting when
he thanked Mr Rickard for setting and maintaining the high standard that this Society
enjoys.

The President was pleased to inform the meeting that he was able to propose James
Merryweather as the new Editor of the Pteridologist. Mr Rickard supported the President's
proposal by drawing the meeting's attention - the fact si la Merryweather, a botanist
by profession, h th p ial skills. Mr Merryweather
was elected Gnienimously.

ITEM 9 - ELECTION OF AUDITORS: Mr Busby reported that both Mr G. Hoare and Mr
R.J. Smith had indicated their willingness to serve for another year. They were duly
elected.

ITEM 10 - ANY OTHER BUSINESS:

a) Holttum Memorial Pteridophyte Symposium at Kew, 1995. Miss J.M. Camus drew
members’ attention to this symposium, explaining that it was in memory of Prof.
Eric Holttum, one of this century's leading pteridologists.

b) Dr Hards, Hon. Treasurer, said that the hire of the Gilmour Building for the AGM
had been expensive but the cost had been more than offset by the Bring and Buy
Sale of ferns at this meeting. He thanked everyone who had brought and bought
ferns.

Before closing the meeting the President thanked Margaret Nimmo-Smith and members
of the East Anglian Group for organising the fern sale and AGM. He also thanked
P.J. Acock, R.J. and B. Smith, S.J. Munyard and the regional organisers for their work
on behalf of the Society.

The meeting closed at 3.05 p.m.

A.R. Busby
Hon. Gen. Sec.

FINANCIAL STATEMENT AS AT 31 DECEMBER 1992

ORDINARY ACCOUNT

(1991) INCOME:

8835.63 SUBSCRIPTIONS £11218.30
872.40 INTEREST 400.92
400.00 BOOKSALES 200.00

450 SPORE a a

1279.61 MERCHANDISE 407.05

768.03 can eae FLOWER SHOW “
7.00 SUNDRIES 82.23
1216717 TOTALINCOME £12408.40

142

EXPENDITUR
METLOC - PTERIDOLOGIST

1708.00 1788.00

3675.60 METLOC - G 2759.00

2452.00 METLOC - Ser 1719.00
698.30 PRINTING AND STATIONERY 177.

2648.06 ADMINISTRATION AND POSTAGE 2270.87

26.1 SUBSCRIPTIONS TO SOCIETIES 178.25
167.37 BANK CHARGES 130.

60.00 sot AND SPORE EXCHANGES 157.00

46.50 ee ae 271.87

1993.95 DISE 666.42

BOURSALES ADVANCE

- STANSFIELD MEDALS 179.18

- COMPUTER .00

KEW GUILD 60.00

14475.88 TOTAL EXPENSES £11356.63

BALANCE FOR 1992 1051.77

BROUGHT FORWARD FROM 1991 3658.27

CARRIED FORWARD AT 31.12.1992 £4710.04

CENTENARY FUND

BALANCE BROUGHT FORWARD £5063.97

INTEREST RECEIVED 166.22

CARRIED FORWARD AT 31.12.1992 £5230.19

GREENFIELD FUND

BALANCE maygrysiid FORWARD £1737.45

silted REC 105.48

GRA Scone Looser (137.98)

SITTEE RIVER EXPEDITION (50.00)

CARRIED FORWARD AT 31.12.1992 £1654.95

PUBLICATIONS ACCOUNT ee

BALANCE BROUGHT FORWARD (£1445.95)

RECEIPTS - Offprints 49.50

- Special Publication No. 1 89.60

- Special Publication No. 2 40.75

Special Publication No. 3 198.50
- Special Publication No. 4 3.

- Special Publication No. 5 63.50

CARRIED FORWARD (DEFICIT) AT 31.12.1992 (£890.20)

Notes to Accoun

1. The Society had the following stocks of books at 31 egesger 1992 (1991 stocks in brackets): Guide
to Hardy Ferns 60 (91), Fern Names and their Meanings 30 (50), Cultivation and Propagation of Ferns
10 (100), History of British Pteridology 879 (913), BPS Extracts & Papers 459 (469).

2. Interest csbenal ~ 5th April on the Centenary and Greenfield Funds. No provision has been made
for ie intere

+h 2 si. n be oy

3.

of expenses, The neta outstanding at 31 — were goes and have not been he eas in the accounts.

4. - Approximately £1500 is subscriptions
g for 1992.

f

received in advance for 1993 but bscriptions remain outst
ys The Society's assets include a share in a sae: and software at the Natural History Museum cost
£1000.

6. BPS Booksales had assets of £3277.95 at 31 Dec. 1992.

143

LECTURE MEETINGS AND DAY VISITS 1993

SPRING INDOOR MEETING, LONDON - 6 March. The meeting was held in the
Department of Botany at The Natural History Museum. It gave scientists working at
the Museum the chance to present their current research projects but also aimed to
show the enthusiastic pteridologist various ways to collaborate with the Museum or
use its facilities for their own research interests. While the afternoon was reserved
for talks, the morning was spent in the Herbarium. Alison Paul, responsible for the
curation of the Pteridophyte Herbarium gave a fascinating introduction to curatorial work
and curatorial research. The Museum not only has with more than 176,000 herbarium
sheets one of the biggest pteridophyte collections in the world, it also has a spirit collection
of pickled rhizomes and other ferny bits. In the British collection the ferns are arranged
in order of genera and species and then in vice-county order. This immediately enabled
some participants to check on rare ferns reported or collected from their area. At least
one member was about to set off and refind Asplenium ceterach on old church walls.
| hope he found it still growing there after 105 years and will send in some fronds
to be added to the collection. A view through microscopes showed the difference between
good and abortive spores (a valid character to distinguish between good species and
plants of hybrid origin) and, at higher magnification, nicely pinkish stained fern
chromosomes (courtesy of Mary Gibby). We would like to know if any interesting fieldwork
or results came out of the short herbarium search that Saturday morning.

photo: J.N. Downs, NHM photo unit

The Natural History Museum (BM) Pteridophyte Herbarium with Curator, Alison Paul

After lunch, Mary Gibby gave an overview of fern research in the Botany Department
to the audience of nearly 50 people. As a result of the Museum’s reorganisation in
the late 1980s the ‘Fern Section’ ceased to exist as such, but active pteridological research
is now being carried out within the Curation, Tropical, and Cell and Molecular Biology
Divisions.

Josephine Camus studies ferns of SE Asia. She had just returned from a long field
trip in Malesia. The archipelago is very rich in species due to its diverse geological
and climatic history with numbers of up to 2,000 fern species on some larger islands.
Her well illustrated talk introduced ferns with fronds of up to several metres and the
problems of achieving good herbarium specimens. The Gchness of = se TT was
stunning. Folk-use of fruits of plants from the C bit to support,
cover and display manliness or of stained fern vascular Biniles a: as ea hiong attracted
much attention.

Dennis Adams is an Honorary Associate at the NHM and is currently working on the
Flora Mesoamericana Project. He gave an autobiographical and historical account of
his life with ferns. He started his career and fern work in 1949 in the Gold Coast of
West Africa (now Ghana) as a lecturer in botany at the University College. He collected
on the island of Fernando Po (Bioko) and on the mainland and carried out ecological
studies on Ophioglossum. |In 1959 he moved to Jamaica and collaborated there with
G.R. Proctor and later in Trinidad with Yasmin Comeau. Following all this experience
in tropical regions he has been working since 1980 at the Museum on the genera
Asplenium (85 species) and Diplazium (53 species) in the area covered by the Flora
Mesoamericana Project, from southern Mexico to Panama. These are only glimpses of
his most interesting talk, which we hope will be published in full later.

After tea and cakes, Mary Gibby introduced the audience to current research on fern
chromosomes and DNA in the Cell and Molecular Biology Division. The cytology of a
diploid and tetraploid species in the genus Arachniodes had been investigated, the
sporophytes hardly distinguishable by their morphology. In collaboration with Elizabeth
Sheffield’s team at Manchester University, genetic diversity of the filmy fern Trichomanes
speciosum is under investigation by Junxia Ji. Molecular biological techniques like DNA
amplification via PCR or RFLP, SSCP, RAPD (lots of buzz words!) can be employed to
reveal reproductive behaviour or origin of species in Trichomanes and Asplenium.

Peter Stafford recently published an account of spore morphology in the genus Selaginella
in the NW European Pollen Flora. Scanning electron microscope photographs of micro-
and mega-spores of these and ferns like Marsilea, Pilularia and Azolla at up to x10,000
magnification caught the eye of the audience. The characters observed are very valuable
for species distinction. Unfortunately the technique is not appropriate for the fern amateur.

We have to thank Alison Paul and Mary Gibby for this well organised day and the
Department of Botany for providing the excellent facilities. It was an enjoyable
demonstration that pteridological research is one of the strongholds of NHM research
activities.

Johannes Vogel

KEW GARDENS - 29 May. More than 40 members gathered in the Lower Nursery
mess room to be welcomed by Peter Edwards and briefed at the start of a tour of the
ferns. We started in House 38 where a Lindsaea, growing in a filmy fern case, and
a Lecanopteris sarcopus, without attendant ants, were given pride of place but where
everything was interesting. Tubs of New Zealand tree-ferns confiscated by Customs were
responding to care and attention with new fronds. Platyceriums growing on what looked
like milk crates, ferns which previously were only names in Jones’ Encyclopaedia of
Ferns, a collection of doodias abandoned at the end of a research project and for me
the fern of the day - Pronephrium rubicundum. Taking care not to disturb the blackbirds

145

at the door of No. 38, it was off to the Alpine Nursery and into the alpine house. The
African Dryopteris dracomontana under the bench, Bommeria hispida, some Cheilanthes,
and all the time wondering why they are doing so well when for us lesser mortals
they are so, so difficult.

Back to the Lower Nursery for a quick cup of tea before Peter Edwards’ light-hearted
lecture on the perils of exploring the South American jungle. Away again at a canter
to the Filmy Fern House with its new high pressure humidifying system which is doing
wonders for the inhabitants.

On to the Princess of Wales Conservatory to be overwhelmed once more. An impromptu
talk by Peter Bradley on how to shorten a tree-fern: just wrap with a band of moss,
leave a while and then saw it off and stick the top back in the ground. Epiphytes grow
better on freshly dead or living trees than on long dead ones; one of the living trees
was a large cork oak branch, blown down in a storm, which had taken root - the world’s
largest cutting perhaps? The climber on the roof truss was a huge Lygodium. A group
crouched over an Adiantopsis radiata oblivious of the Adiantum peruvianum beside it.

Time had run out, back to the Lower Nursery and quick farewells, a last look in House
38, seeking inspiration for a new line in houseplants before the doors were locked.

The first drops of rain fell as | went through the gates.
Jim Jarvis

AUTUMN INDOOR MEETING, CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY BOTANIC GARDEN -
16 October. Over 50 people attended the meeting, which started with a tour of the
gardens led by Norman Villis. Tender ferns are to be found in the glasshouses, particularly
the main corridor, the conservatory and recently rebuilt tropical house. Outdoors an
enormous Osmunda regalis grows in the bog garden with Onoclea sensibilis. The
woodland area contains large plantings of Matteuccia struthiopteris and Polystichum
and Dryopteris varieties. Polypodiums are to be found on the rock garden, the chalk
mound and the special bed showing polyploidy.

Members reassembled for the fern sale, which was a new but very successful venture.
Proceeds went to the Society and more than covered the cost of the meeting. Many
thanks to everyone who brought or bought.

The AGM was held after lunch. The rest of the afternoon was devoted to short talks
on fern conservation for the gardener. Martin Rickard began, by talking on the subject
of the NCCPG (National Council for the Conservation of Plants and Gardens) National
Collections of ferns. He distributed a list of these Collections and explained that there
were many gaps to be filled, particularly small genera and groups of ferns which could
be easily grown. Collections were also concentrated more in the south and he hoped
that northern members might remedy this. He continued by showing slides of plants
from his National Collection of Polypodium cultivars.

Matt Busby continued the National Collections theme by talking about his National
Collection of Osmunda which he started in 1968. He demonstrated the importance of
record keeping and showed that it need not be as daunting as it appears at first. His
collection is kept in large pots standing in water. Plants are divided every few years,
and are also raised from spores. Matt concluded his talk with slides of the osmundas.

146

Margaret Nimmo-Smith then described something of her task as Spore Exchange
Organiser. She felt that the Spore Exchange was a great potential conservation resource
for the BPS, but often members were inevitably conservative in their requests. She
encouraged members toe t with unknown and untried species. The recent survey
of members’ fern intennate ‘hal pat ete some interesting results but she hoped more
members would return their forms.

The feayehy. awry formed ria Anglian Group should m thanked for organising the
1 specialt “Ss go tonon ber Sylvia Norton for keeping
everyone refreshed with tea, RR a and cakes.

Margaret Nimmo-Smith & Barrie Stevenson

SUBSCRIPTION INCREASE

Please note that the following subscription increase, agreed at the AGM
on 16th October 1993, will take effect from 1st January 1995.

Full Personal Members £12.50 to £15
Optional Members (not receiving the Fern Gazette) £9.50 to £12
Student Members £7 to
Subscribers £20 to £25
Family Membership in any category remains £2

Standing Order forms will be sent out with the 1994 Pteridologist.

THE HOLTTUM MEMORIAL PTERIDOPHYTE SYMPOSIUM
17-21 July 1985. The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Surrey, UK

Professor Eric Holttum was pre-eminent among the pteridologists of the 20th century.
This meeting has been organised to celebrate his outstanding contribution to the study
of ferns and fern allies, and encompasses the celebration of the 100th anniversary of
his birth.

Keynote speakers will introduce the themes, and other speakers in each session will
be selected to fit into these broad contexts. Poster presentations, workshops and a number
of social events will also be held. There will be a week-long post-symposium excursion
to SW England.

The expected mailing date for the second and final circular is mid-March 1994. All
respondents to the nbn ameter will automatically receive this. Others who wish to be
put on the mailing list Robert Johns, The Herbarium, Royal Botanic Gardens,

Kew, Richmond, aureus TW9 3AE, UK, without delay.

147

NATIONAL FIELD MEETINGS 1993
DOLGELLAU, NORTH WALES - 9-11 July A.R. Busby

On the morning of Friday 9 July, eighteen members and guests, including Balu Pernmal,
a visiting ecology student from Malaysia, gathered outside the Royal Ship Hotel to be
greeted and briefed by our leader for the weekend, Rob Cooke.

Parking the cars at Morfa Mawddach Station, we walked across the pedestrian toll railway
bridge to Barmouth and noted Athyrium filix-femina, Polypodium sp., Asplenium
trichomanes, A. scolopendrium, Dryopteris filix-mas and D. dilatata. Crossing the road
and climbing a long flight of steps we arrived at an old quarry at 23/617157, where
we found D. dilatata, D. filix-mas, D. affinis, Athyrium filix-femina, Asplenium adiantum-
nigrum, Polypodium vulgare and Pteridium aquilinum. Most notably we saw several plants
of the Barmouth fern, Asplenium obovatum subsp. lanceolatum (A. billotii) growing from
the fissures of the quarry face. Further explorations yielded more of the same. Returning
via a different route, Rob took us past the site of Ophioglossum vulgatum. He had seen
it two months previously, however, despite diligent searching, we failed to find a single
plant. We climbed down again to Barmouth via steep steps between the houses amidst
ferny walls.

After lunch we walked along the disused railway track to the A493 and the Arthog
Valley at 23/648114 where a series of waterfalls rush down a wooded valley. We climbed
steadily noting Blechnum spicant, Athyrium filix-femina, Dryopteris filix-mas, D. dilatata,
D. affinis, Phegopteris connectilis, Asplenium trichomanes, Polypodium vulgare and the
ever-present Pteridium aquilinum. Higher up the valley we found Hymenophyllum wilsonii
clothing the boulders along the stream and Oreopteris limbosperma. According to notes
| made on my last visit in September 1975 we should have found Dryopteris aemula
and Polystichum setiferum but largely due to the fact that little exploring was done,
this time they were not seen. We returned to our hotel foot-sore and weary after tramping
some eight miles and passed the evening in an excellent local restaurant discussing
the day’s events amongst other things.

We woke to rain on Saturday and made our way to the aptly named Torrent Walk at
23/761181. Here we enjoyed the sight and sounds of another series of waterfalls but
on a larger scale than those at Arthog. Close to the road the valley side was covered
in Asplenium scolopendrium, yet the valley was predominantly acid. Again we found
Dryopteris filix-mas, D. dilatata, D. affinis, Athyrium filix-femina, Polypodium vulgare,
Phegopteris connectilis, Oreopteris limbosperma, Gymnocarpium dryopteris,
Hymenophyllum wilsonii and Pteridium aquilinum. We noted the strange companionship
of Blechnum spicant and Polystichum aculeatum but the real surprise awaited us on
a roadside wall at the bottom of the valley. Martin Rickard discovered several dozen
plants of Asplenium trichomanes all showing distinct variations from dainty cristulatums
through cristatums to partially ramose forms. At least one of these was found to be
nothosubsp. /usaticum, the hybrid between subsp. trichomanes and subsp. quadrivalens.

After lunch we moved on to Cader Idris at 23/698153 for a hill walk to Llyn y Gadir
accompanied by showers. On a grassy slope Selaginella selaginoides was reported and
after a forty-five minute walk, we found Diphasiastrum alpinum, Huperzia selago and
Lycopodium clavatum in abundance growing in close proximity on an exposed windswept
shoulder covered with Vaccinium and Calluna. Ankle- twisting scree and boulders were
crossed en route to the lake “er we one ineny small plants of Cryptogramma crispa
and Cystopteris fragilis. Along the way - ix-femina, Blechnum spicant, Dryopteris

148

filix-mas, D. dilatata and D. affinis had been commonly encountered.

Following a short rest, during which we watched the dark clouds dragging their curtains
of rain across the mountains, we began our return to the cars along a different route,
stopping at the far side of the lake to find /soetes lacustris. Equisetum fluviatile was
also noted in an adjacent lake.

Saturday had seen the departure of several members obliged to return home before
the end of the weekend, including our leader Rob Cooke. | was pleased to be asked
to lead on Sunday morning and decided to visit Llanylltyd at 23/733217. The Society
had visited the area during 1961 and had located Asplenium x alternifolium on open
scree beside the A470. A return visit in 1975 failed to re-locate the hybrid and the
Society had been accused of removing it, an allegation strongly refuted by J.W. Dyce.
It occurred to me that we might spend some time looking for it. However, as we arrived
near the site it was obvious that the scree was now heavily clothed in bracken so |
decided that our party, Se! now pile cca Six, eqosarged concentrate on the adjacent
roadside woodland which t scree areas an h parents: A. septentrionale
and A. trichomanes.

We quickly recorded A. trichomanes together with Athyrium filix-femina, Blechnum
spicant, Dryopteris filix-mas, D. dilatata, D. oreades and D. affinis. On a small bridge
carrying the road over a small stream | found an abundance of Asplenium scolopendrium
which was absent from the wood. The final find of the day was A. septentrionale in
boulder fissures high above the wooded scree. With this final success we said our
goodbyes.

Our warmest thanks go to Rob Cooke for organising such an interesting weekend in
the Principality.

GALLOWAY, SCOTLAND - 24-31 July A.R. Busby et ai.

After a briefing the night before, nine members and guests assembled outside the Douglas
Arms Hotel, Castle Douglas, to be greeted by our leader, Paul Ripley, and we set off
for our first exploration of the week. Paul led us to the picturesque Loch Stroan at
25/647701. Here we found Pteridium aquilinum, Athyrium filix-femina and Dryopteris
dilatata. On a nearby disused railway bridge we found Asplenium trichomanes and
A. ruta-muraria. A quick paddle in the loch revealed /soetes lacustris.

We then moved on to the Bennan area at 25/65-72- to stroll through the pine plantations
that are such a feature in Scotland to find Dryopteris filix-mas, D. dilatata, D. affinis,
D. carthusiana, Oreopteris limbosperma, Blechnum spicant, Athyrium filix-femina and
Pteridium aquilinum. Alongside the path Paul showed us a remarkable find discovered
by him a few weeks earlier while reconnoitring for this meeting. It was a large plant
of D. filix-mas which had developed as a fine ‘Polydactyla’. It was generally agreed
that it should be known as D. filix-mas (Polydactyla Group) ‘Bennan’. Unfortunately,
it was a little too early for spores to be collected.

Our last search before taking lunch at New Galloway, was amongst the pine trees where
Lowren Burn runs down into Loch Ken at 25/645742. In addition to the foregoing we
found Gymnocarpium dryopteris and Phegopteris connectilis. One plant of D. dilatata
was a convincing ‘Depauperata’ but perhaps not really garden-worthy.

149

a ah eet
photo: A.R. Busby
Bracken at Bennan, Galloway
John Garstang, Paul Ripley & ‘Polly’, Jennifer Ide, Margaret Nimmo-Smith, Andrew Leonard,
Marjorie Garstang, Gillian Ripley, Pamela Belsham

After lunch, we visited the ruins of Kenmore Castle (25/635765). Under a stone stile,
we found Cystopteris fragilis and within the castle grounds we added to the morning’s
list Polystichum aculeatum, P. setiferum growing on the castle mound and Polypodium
vulgare growing on the branches of the trees. We returned to Castle Douglas to visit
the National Trust for Scotland’s Threave Garden. Although a number of hardy ferns
had been planted in a woodland setting, little thought had been given to planting them
to full advantage and there were many glaring examples of wrong labelling. One attractive
feature was a small brick wall in the walled garden completely smothered with Asplenium
trichomanes with A. scolopendrium and Athyrium filix-femina staking their own claim
to the wall. The greenhouses contained a vivid display of conservatory plants with many
tender ferns including representatives of Pellaea, Asplenium, Dicksonia and Pteris.

Monday morning found us making our way to the Rhinns of Kells (25/51-83-), a
mountainous area to the north-west of Castle Douglas. Leaving the cars amongst the
pine trees, we made our way across wet moorland of Calluna and Vaccinium with large
areas of Sphagnum, made all the wetter by blustery showers. Here we noted Huperzia
selago, Blechnum spicant, Athyrium filix-femina and Cryptogramma crispa.

Lunch was taken at the foot of the mountain but before we began the climb, Paul discussed
with the party the idea of some going on to the next site as he had arranged to meet

150

someone at Craignaw and time would not allow us to explore both sites. So it was
decided to split the group leaving five of us to explore the mountain. A steady climb
made in frequent blustery showers provided us with Polypodium vulgare, Oreopteris
limbosperma, Dryopteris dilatata and Asplenium trichomanes. Further on in another gully
we found some magnificent patches of Phegopteris connectilis.

That evening, in the comfort of the hotel restaurant, we learned that the other group
had added Asplenium trichomanes-ramosum (A. viride) to the day's bag.

On Tuesday morning, we drove to a farm and parked our cars by a ruined tower which
had A. ruta-muraria and Athyrium filix-femina in the walls. After about a mile walking
across fields we made our way down to the beach and searched for Asplenium marinum.
We soon made several finds in the rock crevices. Higher above the beach we found
Dryopteris affinis and Pteridium aquilinum but failed to find the Ophioglossum vulgatum
which is recorded there, probably because it was too late. However, in and near a ditch
an extensive colony of Equisetum te/mateia was found and also E. arvense, E. fluviatile,
E. palustre and the hybrid E. x litorale.

A tortuous drive along back roads took us to Port Logan where we ate lunch outside
the public house, leaning against a wall of Polypodium interjectum. Asplenium
scolopendrium was on the house wall and Athyrium filix-femina, Dryopteris affinis and
Equisetum arvense grew by the sea wall.

In the afternoon we visited Logan Botanic Garden, an outpost of the Royal Botanic Garden,
Edinburgh. Here the mild climate enables many otherwise tender plants from Australasia
to flourish. The garden, mainly within sheltered walls, is ideal for growing ferns. Dicksonia
antarctica does well and has achieved a height of 20 feet. Blechnum chilense is used
extensively as ground cover.

In the woodland area was a planting of Woodwardia unigemmata showing the pink
growth of the new fronds amongst young tree-ferns. At present there are few other
ferns but we noted Notholaena marantae and Cosentinia vellea growing on a retaining
wall, Dryopteris maderensis, a Hypolepis species and Woodwardia radicans given
protection by some shrubs, and some as yet unnamed ferns collected by Dr Chris Page.
The stems of the tree-ferns also provided a home for several self-sown ferns, mainly
Athyrium filix-femina and Dryopteris dilatata. Pyrrosia rupestris and Phymatodes
diversifolia are planted to grow up the tree-ferns.

Afterwards we visited the site of a bridge outside the gardens on the edge of the estate.
Here we saw plentiful Asplenium scolopendrium, A. trichomanes, A. ruta-muraria and
Cystopteris fragilis. Underneath the bridge we found Dryopteris filix-mas, D. affinis,
D. dilatata and Athyrium filix-femina.

On the way home we made a detour to sa noe hp i s disused railway platform
which is under a foot of water in pl for adders. The Asplenium
trichomanes in the platform wail is still plentiful but the site is likely to be spoilt by
the vigorous growth of willow saplings. One plant of Dryopteris oreades was present
and also found were D. filix-mas, D. affinis and Athyrium filix-femina.

Wednesday morning heralded a return to the high country, however, mercifully we were
able to motor up to Glen Trool summit. | do not think any of us were quite prepared
for the conditions that welcomed us. The summit was well above the cloud base and
we stepped out of the cars into gale-driven rain that stung the face and took our breath

151

away. Paul advised that we should not stray too far from the track and try to keep
within sight of each other. We quickly found Dryopteris dilatata, Blechnum spicant,
Cryptogramma crispa, Diphasiastrum alpinum, Lycopodium clavatum and a large carpet
of fruiting Huperzia selago. Three-quarters of an hour was more than enough in those
conditions and we were pleased to return to the comfort of our cars. Lunch was taken
near Glen Trool village in bright sunshine and Dryopteris carthusiana was found in
a nearby roadside ditch.

After lunch, we moved on to walk the south side of Loch Trool, 25/4--7--, where we
found Pteridium aquilinum, Athyrium filix-femina, Blechnum spicant, Dryopteris filix-
mas, D. affinis, D. dilatata, Oreopteris limbosperma and Phegopteris connectilis. Further
on, on boulders shaded by pine trees, we found Hymenophyllum wilsonii. Interestingly
we also found it growing on the bark of trees, a habitat where it is not often seen.
A brief walk on the north side of the Loch yielded much the same ferns, with the addition
of Polypodium vulgare and Asplenium trichomanes.

On our way back to Castle Douglas, we stopped at an impressive waterfall and recorded
Athyrium filix-femina, Polypodium vulgare, Phegopteris connectilis, Dryopteris affinis and
Blechnum spicant.

On Thursday we were joined by the vice-county recorder for Kirkcudbright, Olga Stewart,
and her companion Anna Whyte. Olga met us at Kirkonnel Flow (25/96-70-), an extensive
wood containing Athyrium filix-femina, Dryopteris filix-mas, D. dilatata, D. carthusiana
and Pteridium aquilinum. The hybrid between D. dilatata and D. carthusiana(D. x deweveri)
is recorded from here and we spent much time looking for it. We eventually found
one or two plants that were quite convincing.

For lunch we picknicked at Kippford overlooking a large inlet of the Solway Firth and
moved on to Wildcliffe Nature Reserve at Sandyhills (25/913560). This proved to be
a very interesting site. We quickly recorded Asplenium scolopendrium, Polystichum
setiferum, Dryopteris filix-mas, D. dilatata, D. affinis, Blechnum spicant, Athyrium filix-
femina and Pteridium aquilinum. After negotiating a thicket of quickthorn and bramble,
we found Asplenium trichomanes oe on the cliff and several A. scolopendrium
sporting various forms of bif t ially marginate fronds. Polypodium interjectum
and P. cambricum were also Srebrit Our next call was on the flat coastal farmland
at Preston Merse, a long trek to a shrubby wood to see Thelypteris palustris, noting
Equisetum fluviatile, Dryopteris dilatata, D. filix-mas and D. affinis on the way.

By mid-afternoon, just as our enthusiasm was beginning to flag, Olga suggested that
we follow her home to share a pot of tea. At this suggestion, spirits visibly soared and
we agreeably finished the day in the comfort of her home near New Abbey with its
views of nearby Sweetheart Abbey. As the party made its way back to Castle Douglas,
two of our group visited Shambellie House (25/962665) to see an exhibition of Victorian
and Edwardian fashions and noted a red-stiped Athyrium filix-femina.

Friday morning found us on the coast of Wigtown Bay at a place called Kirkdale Mains
(25/51-53-). It was our intention to follow the Kirkdale Burn down to the sea. Adjacent
to where we parked the cars, Olga Stewart drew our attention to a cluster of Polystichum
plants where P. x bicknellii had been found previously. Careful scrutiny of the plants
revealed a possible candidate and a frond was removed for further study. The wooded
burn proved to be quite ferny with Pteridium aquilinum, Athyrium filix-femina, Dryopteris
filix-mas, D. dilatata, D. affinis, Polystichum setiferum, P. aculeatum, Blechnum spicant,
Polypodium vulgare, Oreopteris limbosperma, Phegopteris connectilis and Asplenium

152

trichomanes. On rocks near the sea we found A. marinum. Following lunch at Gatehouse
of Fleet we moved on to Castramont Wood, a large deciduous wood on a hillside. An
hour spent here provided us with Pteridium aquilinum, Dryopteris affinis, D. filix-mas,
D. dilatata, D. carthusiana, Phegopteris connectilis, Oreopteris limbosperma, Blechnum
spicant, Polypodium vulgare and the delightful Equisetum sylvaticum.

Olga suggested that we move further along the lane to search along Castramont Burn
with the promise of finding the hay-scented fern, Dryopteris aemula. We splashed and
scratched our way along the burn, occasionally having to climb up around obstacles,
noting on the way all that we had seen in Castramont Wood and adding Asplenium
trichomanes. Suddenly, with a whoop of delight, Paul spotted the elusive D. aemula,
and we all scrambled to feast our eyes and turn our cameras on our quarry. For many
of us this was one of the high points of the week and we returned to our cars realising
tht we had now seen just about all of the pteridophyte flora of this south-western corner
of Scotland.

Our final visit of the day was to the nearby Killiegowan Wood at 25/58-57-. Again
we found Pteridium aquilinum, Dryopteris filix-mas, D. dilatata, D. affinis, Blechnum
spicant, Athyrium filix-femina, Oreopteris limbosperma, Asplenium scolopendrium and
A. adiantum-nigrum.

On Saturday, the last day of July and the last day of our meeting, Paul led the group
to Hannaston Wood (25/59-82-), near Glenlee. In the low-lying areas of this attractive
wood, Pteridium aquilinum, Dryopteris filix-mas, D. dilatata, D. affinis, D. carthusiana,
Athyrium filix-femina, Oreopteris limbosperma and Blechnum spicant were frequent.
On the slopes to the north of a burn Equisetum sylvaticum was found near the water
and Phegopteris connectilis was abundant on the steeper banks. A dry outfall from a
man-made lake provided an ideal site for Gymnocarpium dryopteris, which in places
was spreading away from the ditch to form feathery carpets.

In the afternoon, after lunch at Auchencairn, we were again joined by Olga and Anna
together with Mr McCullock, a naturalist employed by the Scottish Wildlife Trust and
Scottish Natural Heritage and an expert on butterflies and other insects, for a visit to
New Law Bog at 25/733480. This fascinating site comprises a central floating bog and
carr with surrounding wet grassland. In the surrounding area, Blechnum spicant, Athyrium
filix-femina, Dryopteris dilatata and D. carthusiana were quite common. In the central
area, D. affinis and D. filix-mas were also present. Polypodium vulgare was growing
on the branches of shrubby trees, and amongst the wet grass was a large area of
Thelypteris palustris. Apart from re-finding Dryopteris vosiehtaiys the look on Peter
Hainsworth’s face when he saw the two magnificent O Osmunda g lis pl t fully justified
the effort of the week.

A few of us finished off the week with a visit to Orchard Farm Tower, a curious circular
‘Lairds Tower’ where Asplenium ceterach, A. ruta-muraria, A. trichomanes and
A. adiantum-nigrum were happily spreading.

Our warmest thanks to Paul Ripley for providing such an interesting and well-planned
week amongst the ferns of Galloway.

153

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CENTRAL FRANCE - 21-28 August A. & P. Labatut
“‘D'une fougére a l’autre”’... .

The BPS decided to go abroad again for a week's field meeting, this time to the French
Massif Central on the invitation of Michel Boudrie, Rémy Prelli and André Labatut. For
five days the party was accommodated at the Station Biologique at Besse-en-Chandesse,
the University of Clermont-Ferrand’s field station. Besse-en-Chandesse (alt. 1000m), some
50km south-west of Clermont-Ferrand, is right in the heart of the central uplands of
the Massif Central, an area characterised by volcanic domes and high plateaux. It is
near Puy de Sancy (1885m), the highest peak in central France. For the last night the
party put up at a hotel in St. Flour, and thus for a full week a group of about 25 insatiable
and indefatigable pteridologists were led from fern to fern in remarkably diverse scenery
from the high volcanic peaks of Mont Dore and Cantal to the austere, denuded basaltic
plateaux of Aubrac and through the down-faulted basin of the Allier river. The weather
throughout was unseasonable being mediocre to fair, at best.

All participants expected on Saturday evening at Besse arrived safely and had plenty
of time to take up their quarters before dinner. These were: Margo Ladell, Anthony
Pigott, Alison Paul, Andrew Leonard, Martin, Hazel and Edward Rickard, Paul, Linda,
Gillian and Katie Ripley from Britain, Ilkka Kukkonen from Finland, Wilfried Bennert,
Helga and Kurt Rasbach from Germany, Michel and Agnes Boudrie, Rémy Prelli, André
and Pam Labatut from France. Clive Jermy from Britain and Ronnie Viane from Belgium
joined us the next day. With the arrival of France Rakotondrainibe and Robert and Renée
Deschatres from France later in the week, the party was complete. This list shows the
impressive amount of expertise on every aspect of pteridological research that was
gathered here at Besse. The quality of discussions and information exchanged was
thought-provoking.

After dinner Michel welcomed the party and Rémy briefed us all on the excursion for
the following day in the cirque de Chaudefour which he knows well having mapped
the plant associations of the area in 1975.

Sunday 22 August. Eric Vallé, custodian of the Natural Reserve of Chaudefour (part
of the Auvergne Volcano Park) was our guide for this day excursion. On our way up
to the ridge of the cirque de Chaudefour from Chalet Ste. Anne (alt. 1100m), the first
ferns recorded from the wooded slopes were Polypodium vulgare, Athyrium filix-femina,
Cystopteris fragilis, Dryopteris filix-mas and Equisetum arvense, with carpets of
Gymnocarpium dryopteris here and there. In the wettest parts were extensive stands
of Equisetum sylvaticum and some Blechnum spicant. The red berries of Sambucus
racemosa attracted attention as this shrub is not native to Britain. However, things really
got started with the first Dryopteris dilatata and D. expansa. A good many plants were
closely SxBIrInDG, compared and — agile no aliiies was found. Above the forest
zone to full view of th walls, hollowed out by Quaternary
glaciers into this majestic natural ainphittibtite of Chaudefour. By then the rucksacks
seemed heavier, and the path steeper!

The weather started to deteriorate; however, it was decided to continue the climb. Lunch
was had at an altitude of 1700m at the foot of a cliff by a promising scree covered
with Athyrium filix-femina and A. distentifolium inter-mixed with Dryopteris filix-mas
and D. oreades, where it was hoped to find D. x mantoniae and/or Athyrium x reichsteinii,
but neither was seen. After lunch, as the fog had cleared, we continued our climb upwards
to a semi-bare patch of well drained ground near the top of a ski-lift (alt. 1800m) where

155

there was a fairly dense stand of Diphasiastrum alpinum with strobili and Huperzia
selago complete with bulbils and sporangia. These were abundantly photographed. The
path going down was precipitous at times and had to be negotiated carefully. Three
Botrychium lunaria conveniently lined up beside the path caught our attention. Then
a waist-high stand of Athyrium filix-femina and A. distentifolium was reached, which
Helga thought looked promising for the hybrid. We all surged into the tall plants leaving
no frond unturned, but to no avail!

Finally the car park came into view. Eric then led us to a line of thermal springs oozing
from the ground. We were invited to have a taste; unfortunately this did not manage
to sooth our aching knee-joints after such a hard day’s climb!

Monday 23 August. This was essentially a Dryopteris affinis complex day. We set off
in very thick fog and intermittent rain for the steep wooded slopes of the Gorges de
la Rhue at St-Amandin (alt. 700m). The excursion was led by Hervé Lassagne of the
French National Forestry Commission. As we slithered down from the beech wood zone
on top, to the Albies pectinata zone at the bottom of the gorge (note the curious inversion
of the tree zones), we came across old masonry wolf traps (pits) which according to
Hervé were in use until the beginning of the century. Then came the ferns: Polypodium
vulgare, Polystichum aculeatum, Athyrium filix-femina, Phegopteris connectilis,
Gymnocarpium dryopteris, Oreopteris limbosperma, Asplenium trichomanes, Dryopteris
dilatata, D. filix-mas, D. expansa, Pteridium aquilinum and of special note a recently
discovered population of D. remota. Various specimens of the D. affinis complex caused
a lot of discussion and conjecture before they were provisionally ascribed to subsp. borreri
sensu lato. Anthony then explained why the concept of morphotype was preferred by
some to that of subspecies for the time being, pending a better insight into the full
range of variation within the apomictic D. affinis complex. Meanwhile, Martin spotted
among the boulders a fine clump of D. x deweveri with both parents, just before we
were submitted to a serious downpour and all disappeared under colourful rainwear.
After looking at a fine stand of Equisetum hyemale we left the ravine for the village,
and all retreated to the shelter of the village café to eat our sandwiches. The rather
forbidding hostess who chided those who requested tea or cocoa instead of black French
coffee straight from the pot, insisted on counting her coffee spoons before we left!

Fortunately by then the rain had stopped and we proceeded to another part of the gorge
a few miles down river to look at more D. affinis. While fresh discussions developed
on good specimens of D. affinis morph. cambrensis, Kurt studied plants of the Asplenium
trichomanes group and Ilkka showed great interest in Pteridium aquilinum, such a change
for him from P. latiusculum. The abundance of A. septentrionale impressed the British
visitors. Dryopteris filix-mas, Athyrium filix-femina and Polypodium vulgare were also
recorded. Further heated discussions on the D. affinis morphotypes resulted in a 60km
drive to study another locality and a different habitat: vallée de Piallevedel at Chalvignac,
west of Mauriac. Here were found two distinct morphotypes, both similar to subsp.
cambrensis Fraser-Jenkins and one of them resembling the morphotype cambrensis
of Britain. Other ferns noted there on the roadside rocks were Asplenium trichomanes
subsp. quadrivalens and subsp. trichomanes, A. adiantum-nigrum, A. septentrionale,
Polypodium vulgare, Polystichum setiferum and P. aculeatum.

Tuesday 24 August. It was wintry and foggy all day, so we only had very rare opportunities
to admire the striking scenery surrounding the four lakes we visited in search of /soetes.
Tuesday was indeed /soetes day, and our rallying banner through the wafting fog was
Clive’s fancy Isoetes rake which caused a stir among alarmed local anglers! Lac Chauvet

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at Picherande (alt. 1160m), formed in a | collapsed volcanic weiner hares both
|. echinospora and I. lacustris. The first I. ect f the day f o Andrew's
keen eye. Also present were Equisetum fhirshatiie and E. arvense. After a brief stop to
glance at E. x /itorale, we drove to the glaciated Lac Bourdouze near Besse (alt. 1100m)
to see more /. /acustris and E. fluviatile. On the lake’s edge among the tussocks Ligularia
siberica was in full flower. This rare relict plant of glaciation is protected in France.

Incidentally, mention should be made here perhaps, of plants seen other than ferns.
The Massif Central possesses a rich flora but late August is not the time to see it at
its best. However, some plants were still in flower. The thistle family dominated with
Cirsium erisithales (melancholy thistle) very much in evidence, the two Cicerbitas, alpina
and p/umieri and purple lettuce (Prenanthes purpurea). Also seen were several bellflowers
(Campanula), monkshood (Aconitum napellus) and wolfsbane (Aconitum vulparia) with
yellow flowers, not native to Britain, several members of the Pink family and gentians:
marsh gentian (Gentiana pneumonanthes), field gentian (Gentianella campestris) and
the yellow gentian (Gentiana lutea subsp. /utea), the roots of which are used to make
a rather bitter liqueur and aperitive, and the beautiful grass of Parnassus (Parnassia
palustris) to name but a few.

After this flowery interlude let us go back to Lac Bourdouze where we had lunch, some
under the shelter of a fisherman’s rustic hut, others simply in the rain. Afterwards we
proceeded to Lac Godivelle d’en Bas (a shallow, glaciated lake) and Lac Godivelle d’en
Haut (volcanic crater lake), both at Godivelle (alt. 1200m). /. echinospora was found
in the former and walking along the water’s edge of the latter we collected a good
number of stranded /. lacustris from the drift line for further investigation. No hybrids
were found in the material collected, but /. x hickeyi might well be present in some
of these lakes. Alas, continuing bad weather forced us to cancel the visit to a nearby
peat bog to see Lycopodiella inundata.

After this rather wet day, we returned to base and the prospect of a longer evening
session in the conference room. It was a regular feature to assemble after dinner for
a studious hour or two, if not more. Microscopes were brought out for spore examination,
critical plants were scrutinised and discussed, notes were taken, Michel's herbarium
sheets of Dryopteris affinis, Cystopteris fragilis and C. dickieana were examined. Last
but not least, fronds collected in the day were sorted out, labelled and ‘deftly prepared
for pressing by Alison and Clive among others. Needless to say all these activities were
conducted, with remarks and comments, in an atmosphere of good humour. As a treat
on several occasions we were shown slides: ferns of Madeira by Michel, ferns of
Guadeloupe by Rémy, ferns of Nevis by Martin and ferns of Greece by Helga, Kurt
and Ronnie. All were greatly appreciated by the audience.

Wednesday 25 August. This was to be a touristic day with ferns thrown in. We set
off in thick fog towards 7 — - the — een — At the Col de la Croix St.
Robert uddenly ofulls fect view of all the mountains
in front of us. Travelling via 4 Mont- Dore, the famous spa huddled at the bottom of Puy
de Sancy, we reached the viewpoint at Col de Guéry (alt. 1265m) from which we had
a splendid panorama of the remains of the formidable volcanic system of the Mont-
Dore massif. Michel expertly explained the formation of the Auvergne stratovolcanoes
during the Tertiary period. Subsequent glaciations eroded the edifices which once stood
at 2500m, leaving the towering phonolite necks of Roche Tuiliére and Roche Sanadoire
for us to admire. A short stop at the — es — — — us to study the
columnar structure of the rock, resulting f g ooling of the

157

lava, and to test the ringing sound of the rock when a slab of it is struck (clink-stone).

It was then time to visit the famed romanesque church at Orcival. Rémy pointed out
various architectural details of this 12th century edifice and hinted at possible oriental
influences. After visiting the inside of the church, attention was turned to the outside
walls to locate the diminutive clump of Asp/enium trichomanes subsp. pachyrachis
recorded there in 1988. Edward, who has an undoubted flair for this subspecies, found
it growing in the damp shade of a nearby artificial grotto with A. trichomanes subsp.
quadrivalens and their hybrid A. trichomanes nothosubsp. staufferi. The particular
juxuriance of the three plants in their shady habitat was admired. On a nearby mortared
wall, the same three taxa were found together with A. ruta-muraria. A. trichomanes
subsp. quadrivalens was the subject of another debate led by Ronnie and Kurt;
investigations now in progress should eventually reveal whether or not what is now
named subsp. quadrivalens is actually a mixed bag containing several taxa.

After lunch, the party was led to see Cystopteris dickieana near Puy de la Vache at
St. Genés-Champanelle (south-west of Clermont-Ferrand). C. dickieana grows there with
C. fragilis at 950m on scoriaceous lava. Its habitat is quite different in every respect
from that of the Kincardineshire tide-washed sea-caves. The fronds, still beautifully fresh
and green for the time of the year due to the wet summer, were attentively studied.
In gross morphology they scarcely differed from the oblong fronds of C. fragilis growing
on the same rock and yet the spores - you should have seen all the portable microscopes
in action by the roadside! - were undoubtedly rugose-verrucose. Other ferns seen in
the vicinity were Pteridium aquilinum, Asplenium trichomanes subsp. trichomanes,
Dryopteris filix-mas and Athyrium filix-femina.

Our next touristic cum fern stop was at Saint-Saturnin, a picturesque village which
prides itself on its old church and castle. On the mortar of the village walls thrive dense
clumps of Asplenium ruta-muraria. Ronnie closely studied the micromorphology of their
curious wedge-shaped segments, hoping in vain to find A. lepidum subsp. haussnechtii,
collected here by Héribaud-Joseph in 1901. A. trichomanes subsp. quadrivalens,
A. septentrionale, A. adiantum-nigrum and A. ceterach were also noted. On the rocks
by the river Monne and on its banks were Polypodium interjectum, Dryopteris filix-mas
and Asplenium scolopendrium; the latter is quite rare in the Auvergne. But the day
had another treat in store for us. On our way back to base we made a small detour
to Neschers (alt. 450m) to see Asplenium foreziense. It grows on granite rocks with
A. septentrionale, A. adiantum-nigrum, A. trichomanes s.|. and a hybrid which pending
further cytological investigation was named A. x ticinense, thereby postulating the
presence of A. onopteris in the vicinity (old herbarium nedbatiieseies do provide evidence
of this species growing near Clermont-Ferrand). And so to Besse Id have said!

Vi UCvIt Ge Cpyr v¥v

Thursday 26 August. We started the day with a nice drive along the Rhue valley, through
Condat and up the Santoire valley with its tantalising ferny gorge. Beyond Le Claux
we went up the steep winding road to the Pas de Peyrol, the highest road pass in
the Massif Central (1589m). While some of the cars were driven to the other end of
the planned itinerary to provide a nice long one way walk, the party waiting at the
foot of Puy Mary (alt. 1787m) had time to admire the magnificent sweep of volcanic
scenery, standing as they were on the steep edge of the caldera of the former Cantal
volcano (one of the most extensive in Europe with its base 7Okm in diameter). Eric
Vallé and Hervé Lassagne, our two guides, led us along the ridge from peak to peak
high above the ice-carved valleys of the Mars and the Jordanne rivers on either side,
until we reached the phonolite scree of the northern slope of Roc d’Hoziéres. It was

158

Martin who sighted the rare small clumps of Diphasiastrum alpinum which we had
been asked to find in the heathery turf. Meanwhile Alison spotted some Lycopodium
clavatum. Other pteridophytes seen in the vicinity were Huperzia selago, Dryopteris filix-
mas, D. oreades, D. expansa, Athyrium filix-femina, A. distentifolium and Gymnocarpium
dryopteris. After lunch, we resumed our walk to the Roc des Ombres through the Bréche
d’Enfloquet, noting on the way Phegopteris connectilis and Botrychium lunaria.

Past the Bréche, we finally found ourselves (alt. 1600m) at the foot of the ominous
northern cliff-face of Roc des Ombres, rich in the highlight of the day, Woodsia alpina!
No sooner was the locality within reach than a short but violent downpour drenched
us all. Needless to say, when the rain ceased feverish activity resumed, everyone looking
into all the nooks and crevices. But time was short and Michel tried to lure us away
from the site and down the slippery grassy slope ... We did have time, however, to
note also Cystopteris fragilis, Polypodium vulgare and Polystichum lonchitis. On our way
across the steep grazing lands towards the tree-line, more screes were explored with
Athyrium filix-femina, A. distentifolium, Dryopteris filix-mas, D. oreades, D. dilatata,
Gymnocarpium dryopteris and Phegopteris connectilis, with Blechnum spicant in the
boggy areas. Just before entering the forest a group photo was taken.

As we descended the long path that zigzagged through the beech and spruce forest
(from 1400m to 1100m) the following ferns were seen: Gymnocarpium dryopteris,
Athyrium filix-femina, Dryopteris filix-mas, D. dilatata, D. affinis morph. borreri, Blechnum
spicant and Polystichum aculeatum. Thanks to Wilfried’s keen observation we were also
able to see the only clump of Dryopteris x mantoniae recorded for the meeting. When
we finally reached the road and the cars, Michel showed us D. x ambroseae among
its parents D. expansa and D. dilatata.

On the way back, a brief stop after a hair-pin bend just below the Pas de Peyrol gave
us Polystichum aculeatum and P. lonchitis. Further down still, although time was running
short, some managed another halt in the gorge of the Santoire, where Paul could verify
to his delight, that when Asp/enium septentrionale and A. trichomanes subsp. trichomanes
grow together, the hybrid alternate-leaved spleenwort is not infrequent.

Friday 27 August. We said good-bye to Besse and headed for St. Flour via Vic-le-
Comte, Issoire and Brioude. The fern stops en route were under the leadership of Robert
Deschatres. At Enval, very near Vic-le-Comte, Asplenium trichomanes subsp. pachyrachis
nestling in the crevices of an overhanging limestone rock-face provided a good illustration
of the most typical habitat of the plant elsewhere in France. A. scolopendrium and
remarkably large fronded Polypodium interjectum were noted as well. We then proceeded
to the wooded riverside of the Allier at Perthus, near Issoire, to see extensive and vigorous
patches of Equisetum x moorei colonising the sandy flats under a light canopy of maple
and lime trees. For most of the group this was an uncommon sight. Lunch was had
further south at Beaulieu near St. Germain-Lembron where the river Allagnon meets
massive rock outcrops on its left bank. For the pleasure of spleenwort buffs the following
plants were seen: Asplenium foreziense, A. septentrionale, A. trichomanes subsp.
quadrivalens and trichomanes and A. alternifolium nothosubsp. alternifolium.

The serpentine outcrop at St. Prejet-Armandon, south-west of Brioude was indeed worth
the detour. Not only was Notholaena marantae at its very best (to the photographers’
delight) but the serpentine form of Asplenium adiantum-nigrum was there too, displaying
its full range of morphological mimicry of the diploid A. cuneifolium. A. ceterach and
A. septentrionale were also present. We then drove to our hotel in St. Flour for our

159

photo: A.M. Paul

Anthony Pigott, France Rakotondrainibe, Ronnie Viane, Andrew Leonard
and Hazel Rickard examine serpentine ferns near Brioude, France.

last evening together. After dinner, in his capacity as a Vice-President, Martin gave
a farewell speech and thanked the leaders for an interesting and enjoyable week, while
Margo presented each leader with a book signed by all the participants.

Saturday 28 August. On our way to the last locality scheduled for this field meeting
in central France, a brief halt was made near Chaudes-Aigues to look at Cystopteris
dickieana, this time all dried up but identifiable by the spores which Wilfried checked
with his microscope balanced on the roadside crash barrier. Also noted on the nearby
rocks were Athyrium filix-femina, Asplenium trichomanes subsp. trichomanes,
A. septentrionale, Dryopteris filix-mas and Polypodium vulgare.

The remarkable clubmoss moorland of Le Puy-de-la-Tuile, at Deuz-Verges (alt. 1240m),
was agreed to be a fitting end to this BPS field meeting. Of the five clubmosses which
occur in the area, the party saw the common Lycopodium clavatum and the two most
rare ones. Diphasiastrum complanatum subsp. issleri, which grows here in dwarf heath
of Calluna-Vaccinium, is a fascinating plant indeed in as much as its status is far from
being settled. Complex debates and investigations are under way; it is generally thought
to have originated as a hybrid but its parentage is still questioned. The presence, a
few hundred metres away, of Diphasiastrum tristachyum was an added stimulus. Both
plants and habitats were thoroughly studied and commented upon. Where D. tristachyum
has not been eliminated by the conifer afforestation started 20 years ago, it suffers
from the encroaching canopy of Ca/luna which smothers it. Fortunately the area is now
protected; experimental conservation measures have been introduced, monitored by the

160

Forestry Commission and botanists. Strips of land of variable widths have been cleared
of Calluna and reconquered by the clubmoss. Some plants had, however, suffered from
drought. Quite expectedly, methods and results were amply discussed, proposals were
made, and thus the BPS meeting to central France came to an end.

After the departure of Andrew, the Rickards and the Ripleys, the party continued on
to Villefort in the Cévennes where a three-day workshop on the Dryopteris affinis group
was to take place under the auspices of the IAP. We were joined here by further
distinguished pteridologists and botanists from France, Germany, Spain and Italy for
very informative exchanges and heated discussions as well as fine fern discoveries in
spectacular surroundings. Such was the order of the day.

[Many thanks to Michel, André and Rémy for organising such a successful meeting. |

NORTHUMBERLAND - 17-19 September A.R. Busby

During a short period that a meteorologist might call a ‘window’ in the weather, nine
members assembled at Morpeth for a weekend in sunshine amongst ferns. Our first
site was Cullernose Point near Craster (46/26-18-) to see the large quantity of Asplenium
marinum on the cliffs. We also noted Pteridium aquilinum and Equisetum arvense along
the cliff-top path. In Craster we found P. aquilinum and Dryopteris filix-mas while on
the roadside wall were Asp/lenium ruta-muraria, A. trichomanes and A. ceterach.

As we drove into Craster we noticed a wood which is part of the grounds of the Cottage
Inn Hotel (46/258199). It looked particularly ferny and well worth exploring. Here we
found Athyrium filix-femina, Dryopteris dilatata and D. affinis morphotypes borreri, robusta
and affinis.

Ray & Brenda Smith, Linda, Mick & Trisha Craddock, Barbara Porter, Anthony Pigott,
John & Margaret Collins posing with Asplenium marinum at Cullernose Point, Northumber!and.

161

After taking lunch at the ‘Jolly Fisherman’ in Craster, we moved on to a heavily wooded
disused railway line near Oxon Wood at 46/13-11-. This proved to be very rewarding
with Pteridium aquilinum, Dryopteris filix-mas, D. dilatata, D. affinis morphotypes borreri
and affinis, Asplenium scolopendrium, Blechnum spicant and Oreopteris limbosperma
being noted.

Well-pleased with the ferning so far, we drove on to Rothbury to visit Addycombe Wood
at 46/05-02-. This proved to be a mistake, the wood comprising mainly conifers with
a margin of beech trees. Due to commercial felling, the ground was badly churned up
and a short walk confirmed that it was a poor site for ferning with only P. aquilinum,
D. filix-mas and D. dilatata seen. We decided not to waste any more time there and
wert 9 on Bes sia se National Lees property Wallington Hall (45/02-84-). The grounds
f D. filix-mas and in the woods we saw P. aquilinum,
D. dilatata, D. affinis morph. bores! and Polystichum setiferum.

However, it was within the walled garden that we found a wide selection of hardy
ferns. The list included Polystichum setiferum ‘Depauperata’, P. setiferum ‘Divisilobum’,
P. aculeatum, P. munitum, Matteuccia struthiopteris, Polypodium sp. ‘Cornubiense’,
P. vulgare, Onoclea sensibilis, Athyrium filix-femina and Dryopteris filix-mas ‘Grandiceps
Wills’. On the walls around the garden we noted pita ruta-muraria, A. Bagi o
and large quantities of A. scolopendrium. The walled garden also contained a

with several ferns including Adiantum raddianum, aapionluny: bebiferciin, Cinionallah
falcatum, Davallia fejeensis and Pteris cretica.

On Sunday morning we travelled west to Bellingham to visit Hareshaw Linn
(35/84-85-). Access to this very attractive valley is from the car park in Bellingham
and can be found at 35/840834. Jennifer Ide had kindly suggested this site where
she had recently discovered a new record for Asplenium trichomanes subsp. pachyrachis.
We began our walk of about 2km to the Linn (waterfall) and recorded Pteridium aquilinum,
Dryopteris filix-mas, D. dilatata, D. affinis morph. borreri, Equisetum arvense, Athyrium
filix-femina, Blechnum spicant, Oreopteris limbosperma, Polystichum aculeatum,
Phegopteris connectilis and Gymnocarpium dryopteris. At the ‘Linn’ we found Cystopteris
fragilis, Asplenium trichomanes-ramosum (A. viride) and, best of all, A. trichomanes
subsp. pachyrachis.

Our visit to the ‘Linn’ had taken all morning and we were reluctant to leave this fascinating
area but lunch called and we found a pleasant snack bar in Bellingham, after which
we went on to end the weekend at the English Heritage property, Belsay Hall
(45/08-78-).

Belsay Hall has a remarkable quarry garden with high sandstone cliffs that provide home
and shelter for many ferns: Pteridium aquilinum, Dryopteris filix-mas, D. dilatata,
D. affinis morph. borreri, Athyrium filix-femina, Asplenium scolopendrium and a few
Polystichum setiferum. Anthony Pigott also found what he considered to be a hybrid
between D. filix-mas and D. affinis morph. borreri. In addition to the local ferns we
also found Dryopteris erythrosora, Adiantum pedatum, Matteuccia struthiopteris,
Polystichum munitum, P. polyblepharum and Blechnum chilense.

This was a fitting end to an excellent weekend made all the more enjoyable by the
information provided by Jennifer Ide. My thanks to all those who attended and helped
to make the weekend so enjoyable, but especially to Anthony Pigott for injecting such
valuable assistance in determining the Dryopteris affinis complex.

REGIONAL MEETINGS 1993

MIDLANDS A.R. Busby

“Welcome to Spring’ Flower Show - 17-18 April. nisin with we, days, fading
daffodils and the sound of the cuckoo, this show sent elf as a harbinger
of the new season. Exhibits included all sections ‘of gardening interest, cacti and
succulents, alpines, pot plants and floral arrangements, but it was the hosts of daffodils
expertly displayed by members of the National Daffodil Society that brightened the large
hall of the Arden School, Knowle.

Once again, two classes for ferns were staged but despite enhanced prize money, it
still failed to attract or encourage local gardeners to grow and show ferns. The results

were:
Class 150, Three Pot Ferns (Hardy or indoor): 1st - G. Crook (Dryopteris affinis'Congestum’,
Athyrium nipponicum ‘Pictum’, Polystichum setiferum ‘Congestum’), 2nd - D. Wood
(Adiantum subpumilum, Adiantum aleuticum, Asplenium trichomanes), 3rd - R.J. Smith
(Pellaea hastata, Pellaea rotundifolia, Asplenium bulbiferum) (3 entries).

Class 151, One Pot Fern (Hardy or indoor): 1st - R.J. Smith (Pyrrosia lingua), 2nd -
W. Morgan (Nephrolepis sp.), 3rd - D. Wood (Athyrium nipponicum ‘Pictum’) (4 entries).

| represented our Society with a small stand of indoor ferns which provoked some
complimentary comments from visitors and just one enquiry about membership. Other
societies represented were the National Auricula Society and the West Midland Group
of the NCCPG.

Thanks are due to Mrs D. Watson of the Solihull Horticultural Society for providing
the space for our stand and to Ray Smith for assisting with the stand during the show.

Matt and Margaret Busby’s Open Day - 8 August. Twenty-three members and guests
assembled at 16 Kirby Corner Road, Canley, Coventry, for an afternoon of ferny chat
and refreshments. It was four years since our last open day and we had made several
changes to the garden which hopefully gave a fresh impression to our visitors. The
major problem that we have to contend with is the ever-present bindweed that envelopes
the garden to the detriment of the ferns. It was with much pride that we were able
to display a recently acquired glazed case made by local member Andrew Kyte and
furnished with tufa, mosses and several ferns.

During the afternoon, the gathering toured the nearby greenhouses of the University
of Warwick's Department of Science Education (by kind permission of the Chairman,
Mr Michael Wardle).

Over the last four years my collection of hardy ferns has increased largely due to the
kindness and generosity of fellow members and | take this opportunity to thank them
warmly.

Clive and Doreen Brotherton’s Open Day - 5 September. On this Sunday seventeen
members and guests enjoyed a warm bright day in the Brotherton’s garden in Sedgely,
near Dudley. Clive’s fern collection is a magnet for those who yearn to grow what might
be considered in the world of fern growers as the most choice of ferns, namely the
Cheilanthes. Those new to fern growing are often quite bewitched by this most attractive
group. | overheard one visitor remark that they were quite ‘mind-boggling’. Unfortunately,
they do have a reputation for being difficult so | asked Clive to list one or two that
a beginner might succeed with. Clive suggested Cheilanthes tomentosa which might

163

prove to be hardy in all but the coldest areas, C. alabamensis and C. myriophyllum
for a coldhouse and C. eatonii which is untried by Clive outside. He had several species
planted out amongst his alpines as a trial and one or two had been outside for a couple
of seasons. Most of his collection are pot-grown and he uses a soil-based compost
with about 50% grit added to improve drainage. The greenhouse is kept frost-free, with
just a little heat so there is no sweaty atmosphere. Watering is tricky: lots of watering
in the summer but careful attention only to keep the soil moist in winter. It all sounded
very easy but | have tried and failed with this group before and it cannot be denied
that it is an acquired skill, one that Clive has mastered.

Our thanks to Clive for allowing us to spend an afternoon admiring his collection and
to Doreen for the splendid refreshments provided.

LEEDS & DISTRICT

York University - 17 April. This Saturday saw the start of our 1993 programme when
we met at the University of York for our very well attended AGM to discuss the events
of the past year and the programme for the coming year. After lunch at one of James
Merryweather’s ‘locals’, we returned to the University for an extremely interesting
illustrated talk by Dr Trevor Walker of Newcastle about ‘Ferns of the Tropics’. All present
were very thrilled to see the very detailed slides of these plants and their habitats. Many
thanks to Trevor and also to James who made ts for the room at the University.

J

Jack Bouckley

Bilton Gale, Harrogate - 3 May. On Mayday, the group rented a plot at Bilton Gale,
Harrogate, to sell a few plants and to talk about the Society to the general public. Those
on the stand were kept very busy all day as old faces appeared and we were very
pleased to help with the many queries we get every year. This year a person who |
had never seen before came over to us and asked if | knew Fred Jackson. My reply
was that | did not know him very well, but | was sure that | had met him. This person
was none other than his son who was in this country for a holiday from Australia.

Jack Bouckley

Richmond, North Yorkshire - 5 June. A select band of five members met on what
proved to be the first really hot day of the year at Round Howe car park to the west
of Richmond. The expedition was divided into two parts, in the morning the River Swale’s
south bank towards Richmond, and after lunch the northern side of the Swale in the
opposite direction.

A footbridge from the car park gave access to the south side, which here is formed
of precipitous limestone cliffs, well wooded, and with pleasant meadows adjacent to
the river. On entering the woods, the adit of the Billy Bank copper mine was passed,
where it is possible to collect small pieces of rock showing blue/green mineralisation
(azurite and malachite), but alas no cuprophytic pteridophytes! The ferns were chiefly
found associated with the trees and included the common species one would expect
in this habitat (Dryopteris filix-mas, D. dilatata, D. affinis, Athyrium filix-femina and
Polystichum aculeatum). Not so common, indeed very scarce in the Dales, were some
marvellous specimens of Asplenium scolopendrium, and on a fallen tree, Polypodium
vulgare. Cystopteris fragilis and A. ruta-muraria were found on a wall near the river
bridge which affords excellent views of Richmond Castle. Our return to the cars was

164

on a higher level, along the cliff edge overlooking the riverside meadows and Culloden
Tower, a notable local landmark. Two horsetails, Equisetum arvense and E. telmateia,
completed the picture at Round Howe just before lunch.

The way westwards took the party through scrubby woods and then fields into Applegarth.
The same range of woodland ferns was observed, perhaps surprisingly without
P. aculeatum or A. scolopendrium, not a polypody to be seen either! In the more open
hedgerows, bracken was present, and a rather marshy area of springs was searched
diligently, but unsuccessfully, for the marsh horsetail. E. palustre was, however, soon
added to the morning's list, growing with the two horsetails seen earlier, in Applegarth,
not far from the Swale. A climb brought the party to the Coast to Coast footpath, popularised
by Wainwright, and back into the woodland beneath Whitcliffe. Here the shade lovers
re-emerged, but a Blechnum spicant the leader was convinced he had seen during
reconnaissance in March could not be found! Back into the open, it was downhill all
the way through grazing land back to the car park. It was interesting to discover (thanks
to Jack) that a wall on the main Richmond/Reeth road proved an admirable habitat
on its shady side for the wall ferns seen earlier, A. ruta-muraria and C. fragilis.

A pleasant, albeit hot, day out, marred only by the poor attendance; it would be regretted
should this kind of field trip die out due to lack of support for whatever reason.

R.P.H. Lamb
Affinis Watch - 3 July (Leader Major R. Unett)

Tetrad 34/9238 Wycoller near Colne, Lancashire. Four met at Wycoller car park to
cover this tetrad, mainly in search of Dryopteris affinis. It was not an extremely ferny
place but in the wooded area of Wycoller Beck at the south-east of the tetrad there
were plenty of D. dilatata and Athyrium filix-femina but no D. affinis. Cystopteris fragilis
was found on some buildings and Equisetum arvense and E. telmateia were seen. After
lunch the south-west area was searched but here were young trees with no shade
and no ferns. However, Dryopteris affinis morph. borreri and some Equisetum sylvaticum
were growing at 34/931391.

Tetrad 34/9832 near Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire. This was not a very promising
area, about 75% of it being moorland but the south-east held a bit more hope than
the rest of the tetrad. Near to 34/998327 two plants of D. affinis morph. affinis were
found. seinen ein is tinal ~disniiapiveie but there were plenty of Athyrium filix-femina

Oreopteri | patch of Blechnum spicant, and Pteridium
aquilinum on the slopes. Féirther plants of D. affinis morph. affinis were seen at
34/998329 and 34/996325.

Jack Bouckley

Wensleydale, North Yorkshire - 14 August. This Saturday was one of the few fine
days of the year so everyone was in good form when Jack Bouckley led a party of
sixteen round some of the Dales ‘forces’ or waterfalls.

The first were the middle and lower forces at Aysgarth, Wensleydale (44/016887) where
the river Ure cascades down two limestohe formations, looking very impressive, especially
following heavy rain. On the way down to the falls we saw Pteridium aquilinum, Dryopteris
filix-mas and D. affinis morph. borreri followed by a very delicate Athyrium filix-femina
which was photographed by a number of the party. D. dilatata was abundant. There
were also a few Polystichum aculeatum with some Cystopteris fragilis, Asplenium

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trichomanes and Polypodium vulgare.

We then moved westward to 34/867913 which is the site of an inn where we enjoyed
our solid and liquid refreshments. The entrance to Hardraw Force, near Hawes,
Wensleydale, is through the inn. A good path leads from the pub to the falls and along
this we found similar ferns to those at Aysgarth but there was also a very large plant
of Asplenium scolopendrium, unusual in this area and also some Polystichum setiferum.
There were many A. ruta-muraria on the wall outside the inn.

Leaving here we went back to Hawes for a conducted tour round the local rope
manufacturing works owned by Mr and Mrs Annison. Mrs Ruth Annison explained the
different stages and methods used at this very busy establishment as she led us round.
After about an hour we set off to Cotterdale Force, 34/850915, an interesting area
just north of the A684 at Birk Rigg where we were quite surprised to see a well grown
plant of Oreopteris limbosperma at the side of the beck; we saw nothing else new.

Jack Bouckley

Northern Derbyshire - 11 September. Following a week of rain, it was quite a relief
to have a fine day for this first venture into the southern Pennines. The party comprised
thirteen members and friends who all managed to arrive at the starting point on time,
in spite of having to traverse Sheffield on a Saturday.

The first location at Abney Clough (43/195795), a valley with acidic soil, revealed some
insight into the treasures in store for us: Athyrium filix-femina, Dryopteris affinis,
D. filix-mas, D. dilatata and Pteridium aquilinum (of course) all in abundance. A little
farther down the dale we Saw specimens of Cystopteris fragilis, Blechnum spicant,
Phegopteris connectilis, Gymnocarpium dryopteris, Oreopteris limbosperma and, in two
old bank walls, Asplenium scolopendrium and A. adiantum-nigrum. Not a bad start for
an area within half a mile of the cars!

We then negotiated the narrow roads in a limestone area to reach an old lead working,
Dirtlow Rake (43/152820). In this remarkable place we viewed Cystopteris fragilis,
Asplenium trichomanes, A ruta-muraria and A. trichomanes-ramosum (A. viride) jutting
out in abundance from the vertical sides of a ravine formed when the lead-ore was
raked out a century or more ago.

Next a respite at the Barrel Inn in Bretton, with a wonderful panoramic view from Hucklow
Edge. Feeling replete after a very convivial lunch, we progressed in convoy through
Eyam (noted in history for its affliction with the Great Plague) to Coombesdale (43/
220743). On the limestone screes, again near to an old lead working, we saw drifts
of Gymnocarpium robertianum and on limestone crags only a short walk away were
more Asplenium adiantum-nigrum, A. ruta-muraria, Polypodium vulgare (a little) and
P. interjectum. We looked for the Botrychium lunaria reported here but were apparently
too late in the season.

| must express my appreciation to Mrs Betsy Kohler, who, despite being prevented by
illness from going on a reconnoitre, pointed me in the right direction and then co-led
this day. | still couldn't have located a fraction of these ferns without the help of two
Derbyshire botanists, Grace and George Wheeldon - they were magnificent and most
generous with their assistance. Altogether we saw and identified eighteen ferns and
also the fern allies Equisetum arvense and E. palustre, on a lovely late summer's day.

Ron Cole

166

WESSEX Jim Jarvis

Woodchester Park, Gloucestershire - 6 June. Dr Hards had managed to get permits
for the Gloucestershire Naturalists and ourselves to visit Woodchester Park, a wooded
valley near Stroud (32/809014). The Park has an unfinished Victorian mansion, five
deep fish-ponds, some unimproved woodland, a lot of mature plantations and Victorian
records of Lycopodium clavatum and Diphasiastrum complanatum subsp. issleri (‘morph.
decipiens’) (as L. complanatum).

It was a beautiful day. There were ornithologists and lepidopterists, botanists and beetle
fanciers and we made our leisurely way from the field centre, down the valley, round
the back of the mansion, past the fish-ponds to the boathouse and back again across
a plantation. We saw Blechnum spicant, Dryopteris affinis morph. borreri, D. filix-mas,
D. dilatata, Polypodium interjectum, Polystichum aculeatum, P. setiferum, Asplenium
scolopendrium, A. trichomanes and at long last Equisetum telmateia, but no Lycopodium.
The lepidopterist caught flying things to show us, and the ornithologists pointed to the
canopy and identified the unseen by their songs.

After lunch we went our separate ways, Dr Hards and | to Sapperton (32/944034)
to see that the Gymnocarpium robertianum still grew on the portal of the canal tunnel.
It seemed to be flourishing.

Mendip Hills, Somerset - 27 June. We met at the car park at Stockhill Plantation (31/
548514) and walked along the track across North Hill to the site of the old lead works.
The Botrychium lunaria had flushed in mid May and was nearly over but there were
enough plants to show how difficult they are to see even when you are looking straight
at them. Along the way we saw Athyrium filix-femina, Dryopteris carthusiana, D. dilatata
and D. filix-mas, all robust but showing the effects of exposure because the ground is
very open with no shade, for the only trees are alders invading the edges of the ponds.

In the ruined walls of the refinery (31/543506) we found Asplenium adiantum-nigrum,
A. ceterach, A. ruta-muraria, A. trichomanes and Cystopteris fragilis growing in close
proximity. On the way back we noted Equisetum fluviatile in the ponds and in the marshy
areas by the track. E. arvense and bracken were all around but we didn’t find any
Ophioglossum vulgatum. We didn’t see any adders either; thankfully they had warmed
up and gone underground before we arrived. We moved on to Ebbor Gorge (31/520485),
stopping on the way to sample a beverage called Tanglefoot, and ate lunch at the viewpoint
looking out over the Somerset levels. Ebbor Gorge is just hard work and the best ferns
are on the slope by the car park: Asplenium scolopendrium, Dryopteris dilatata, D. filix-
mas, Polystichum setiferum and a fine D. affinis in a woodland setting. We took the
red route and found A. trichomanes growing on the rock-faces and a large crested scolly
growing on a scree slope where, unfortunately, the trees had been cut down, so its
days are numbered.

From Ebbor Gorge we drove to Black Rock in Cheddar Gorge (31/483545). We found
Gymnocarpium robertianum and Polystichum aculeatum by the side of the track near
the road so we only walked to the edge of Long Wood noting that despite the wall
being rebuilt the G. robertianum still survives, scorched and diminished, but hopefully
Strong enough to recolonise.

Back at the road we parted, some to Bath, some to Burnham to paddle in the sea,
whilst | went home with sunburn.

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Forest of Dean - 31 July. This meeting had been billed as a contribution to ‘Affinis
Watch’ and my intention was to wander gently up and down Wimberry Slade collecting
a few fronds on the way. As it turned out | got more enthusiastic expert support than
| expected so we walked Wimberry Slade, Bixhead Slade, climbed into and out of Spion
Kop quarry and took a quick look at all the ferny spots round Cannop Ponds. There
is a young plant of Gymnocarpium dryopteris in an air shaft below the reserve which
offers some hope for the colony's survival. The polypodies in Spion Kop are P. interjectum
and the Asplenium trichomanes will need technical confirmation because there appear
to be both subsp. quadrivalens and trichomanes in the quarry.

We did collect some Dryopteris affinis fronds on the way. Thanks to Mrs Matthews
they arrived safely back at my car.

Forest of Dean - 1 August. We parked on the bed of the old railway line at The Patches
and walked across the road to Mallards Pike Lane (32/638092). Although the area is
a popular picnic spot few stray far from the barbecues or the forest trail, so we soon
had the track to ourselves. Not a lot to be seen: Equisetum arvense, E. fluviatile and
E. palustre growing together in a drainage ditch, Blechnum spicant, Dryopteris affinis,
D. dilatata and the ever advancing bracken. On the way back, after much searching,
we found D. carthusiana, only the odd plant here and there, but Dr Hards was able
to point out the distinct colour difference between its emerging croziers and those of
D. dilatata, a good diagnostic feature for the spring.

After lunch we made our way to a disused quarry in Howbeech Slade (32/648091),
with Asplenium scolopendrium, Polystichum aculeatum and many lime-loving flowering
plants surrounded on all sides by conifers on acid soils. We followed the beaten track
rather than my not-so-short short cut back to the cars, and went our separate ways.

Wetmoor Reserve, near Wickwar, Avon - 5 September. My wife and | took our usual
walk round the Wetmoor Reserve (31/746881), ostensibly to look for Dryopteris x
deweveri. We found plenty of both parents but no unusual plants. We got diverted by
the sun and blackberries and ventured far beyond the reserve, the only finds being
a number of fine D. affinis and a flowering plant (in seed) which we have so far failed
to identify.

SOUTH-EAST

Bruges, Belgium - 19 June. Twenty-two members and friends assembled at Dover,
fortunately on a fine day, to take the Jetfoil to Ostend for the South-East group’s first
foray outside the country. Ronnie Viane had arranged coach transport which met us
at Ostend and took us the short distance to Bruges. This ‘Venice of the North’ is a
lovely city with many old and beautiful buildings arranged around a system of canals;
it was busy with tourists. We walked for an hour or so across the town to our bus
waiting on the opposite side.

Ronnie’s house was only a short ride away and turned out to be a pteridologist’s paradise.
In an apparently unpromising situation, Ronnie has created woodland habitats for a
large number of species. Of particular interest was his collection of Dryopteris species,
used with effect to illustrate the interrelationships and evolution of the genus on 4
worldwide basis. He had prepared not only a list of plants in the garden, but also a
plan of these Dryopteris evolutionary relationships. Some ferns were very impressive,
and our host generously divided for us a fine Polystichum hybrid, originally raised by

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Anne Sleep.

Over tea and other refreshments we were able to discuss some aspects of Ronnie's
work on Asplenium. Again he had an interesting collection, mostly in pots.

We were sorry to leave, but time was pressing, and our bus took us direct to Ostend.
We were very grateful to Ronnie, not only for showing us his fascinatina aarden ang
for arranging transport, but also for having the stroke of genius ta fit in an unforgettable
visit to the beautiful city of Bruges.

Paul Ripley

Denge Marshes, Winchelsea and Hastings - 17 July. Split starting venues caused
by the RSPB allowing only ten of us onto the Denge Marshes in Kent made for an
interesting morning. Most members opted to meet at Denge Marshes to look at Thelypteris
palustris in the boggy areas whilst a handful looked around Winchelsea Abbey in East
Sussex. After re-establishing contact the two groups examined a wall opposite the abbey
where there was a colony of Asplenium ceterach and Polypodium cambricum.

A short walk away on the ruins of Greyfriars Abbey, out of reach of the most intrepid
pteridologist, was an enormous expanse of P. cambricum which had been indicted for
damaging the wall. An experiment in removing a patch had revealed the hybrid
P. x font-queri but this could only be seen with binoculars. Our verdict was that
P. cambricum actually helped to hold the walls together.

After a pleasant lunch we journeyed on to Ecclesbourne Glen close to Hastings. A short
walk northwards up the glen revealed Oreopteris limbosperma. Going down the glen
into the wooded area we were able to help newer members identify the more common
ferns. In damp holes and ledges in the sandstone we eventually found gametophytes
of Trichomanes speciosum. Further down we saw Equisetum telmateia colonising the
crumbling mud cliffs.

We then retired to Steve and Karen Munyard’s home in Hastings for tea. And what
a sumptuous spread we were provided with. Their home was a veritable pteridologists’
paradise. One room was full of fern books and county floras. BPS Book Sales occupied
an enormous bookcase in another room. Ferns of all types were resplendent throughout
the house. The garden and greenhouses had further magnificent ferns, and | probably
should not mention this but below the garden in some damp allotments was the most
wonderful stand of Equisetum palustre!

We had to tear ourselves away as we had booked a 7 o'clock appointment at Ashburnham
Place, west of Battle, to see the finest colony of Adiantum capillus-veneris | have seen
in Britain. It seemed to have found the ideal niche near the base of a limestone wall.
Asplenium adiantum-nigrum, A. ruta-muraria and A. trichomanes also shared the upper
parts of the wall. Thanks to Steve and Karen for a really super day and a magnificent
tea.

Pat Acock

Sheffield Park, see Sussex - . a er: A record number of 32 members and
friends met to visit this | | National Trust garden. The garden was originally
planned by Capability Biswas but was subsequently extended and extensively reworked
early this century. The gardens are famed for the richness of their autumn colour, just
beginning at the time of our visit. It is a tribute to the hard work of the staff of the
gardens that the devastation caused by the 1987 ‘hurricane’ was scarcely apparent.

169

Before our visit to the gardens, some of us met for lunch at Sheffield Park station on
the Bluebell Line and indulged in a little nostalgia for the age of steam.

Onge in the si aohogen we yale first by the ‘Stream Walk’, where large groups of
ted, together with Blechnum chilense and Onoclea
sensibilis. All these ferns were showing autumn colour and set off the surrounding
plants most harmoniously. Also in this area, self-sown Dryopteris dilatata, D. filix-mas
and D. affinis morphotype affinis were at home.

Walking the ‘Queen’s Walk’ we came to a wilder area at the head of one of the lakes.
Here we found Blechnum spicant, Athyrium filix-femina and D. affinis morphotype borreri
in addition to species previously seen. The ‘borreri’ showed some tendency to the ‘robusta’
luxuriation of the pinnules. Nearer the upper lakes some magnificent specimens of
Osmunda regalis had been planted but many more had ‘seeded’ themselves on the
rocks, together with Asplenium scolopendrium.

It was great to have so many members on a meeting, and we were pleased to welcome
some new faces.
Paul Ripley

Wisley and Abinger Bottom, Surrey - 30 October. Another bumper turn-out of over
30 people met at the Royal Horticultural Society’s gardens at Wisley, Surrey. We had
the benefit of Peter Barnes’ knowledge of the gardens, and we saw the four ferny areas
in the gardens. First a quick tour of the greenhouses, where dicksonias were well in
evidence and some magnificent and fertile Platycerium plants were enjoying the
environment. We then saw a border planted entirely with ferns. Some colourful polypodies
caught our eye, and here and in the ‘wild garden’ there was some debate over the
Dryopteris filix-mas aggregate ‘Pinderi’/‘Stableri’/‘Barnesii’ complex. The plants at Wisley
are one of the sins two. saps were also: some fine sinpateeciicai pee Se colonies.

+ af
9ra3a 4 il]

by the shursioane’ of 1987. Experiments with a tate iy a number ie species are
being carried out here. In particular, Dicksonia antarctica and, elsewhere, Paesia
scaberula, Diplazium sp. and Cheilanthes lanosa appeared to be thriving. It will be
interesting to see how these species cope with a more severe winter than the last
one. An interesting addition to this collection was the epiphytic Lepisorus thunbergianus,
‘planted’ on the bark of pine trees and on a Dicksonia. In the wild garden were the
ferns moved from the former fern dell, also destroyed in the gales. Some ferns had
regrettably been lost, Dryopteris cristata for instance, and the Asplenium scolopendrium
plants were rather poor, but Polystichum setiferum ‘Plumosum Bevis’ and Polypodium
varieties were looking fine.

A problem with meetings at this time of the year is that there is not enough daylight
to do justice to people’s gardens, and our visit to Lesley Williams and Graham Ackers’
home at Abinger Bottom was no exception. Their garden is situated in an idyllic spot
on the slopes of Leith Hill, with rivulets all round. There were plenty of interesting and
well grown ferns to be seen. A Blechnum chilense with two foot long fertile fronds,
a Cheilanthes happily growing on a sunny paved area, Adiantum pedatum growing in
a wall above a pond, Polystichum proliferum (one of the parents of the hybrid produced
by Anne Sleep and grown by Ronnie Viane) and a fine Asplenium onopteris indoors
all caught my eye.

We were able to peruse Graham's extensive library while eating a delicious tea kindly
prepared by Lesley. Jennifer Ide then showed some fascinating slides of vessels made
from tree-ferns, Graham some views of Madeira (the Society must go there!) and David
Jacobs of ferns both from his recent travels in Nevis and from the Azores. Andrew
Leonard's slides drew the day to a close; he had just returned from north Portugal,
where it rained, apparently.

Very many thanks are due to Graham and Lesley for organising a well-planned and
thoroughly enjoyable day.
Paul Ripley

EAST ANGLIA Margaret Nimmo-Smith

Cambridge - Friday 26 May. The season started unofficially with a display about ferns
mounted by Sarah Finney and myself at the annual Natural History Conversazione held
in Cambridge. This one day event is visited by hundreds of school-children (including
the whole infant school my youngest daughter attends!) and many other people, both
academics and interested amateurs. Sarah masterminded the display using the BPS
boards, hardy and tender ferns and other fern paraphernalia. The stand caused a great
deal of interest; we recruited one new member and were interviewed by Radio Cambridge
for a whole programme devoted to the Conversazione. Many thanks to Sarah for her
idea and for putting it into practice.

Ely Cathedral - Saturday 19 June. Barrie Stevenson and | were the only members
who turned out to conduct a pteridophyte survey of the precincts of Ely Cathedral, a
task we had been asked to do as part of a general fauna and flora survey. Despite
scrutinising yards of ancient wall, peering into back gardens, tramping across the park
and clambering up the old motte, only three tiny ferns were to be found: two small
Dryopteris filix-mas on walls and what appeared to be Asp/enium adiantum-nigrum down
a deep grating. Unfortunately, too many once suitable walls had been repointed. In the
afternoon we paid a visit to Sarah Finney’s garden in Sutton. Although small, this garden
had everything beautifully planned and was planted with interesting ferns. Fern chat
was enjoyed over welcome tea.

Hertfordshire - Saturday 7 August. Seventeen members and friends gathered at David
Bannister’s wholesale fern nursery at Royston in Hertfordshire. We were welcomed
with coffee before touring the nursery and seeing a few of David's growing techniques.
All his ferns are grown from spores. He does Pteris varieties for the pot-plant trade
but his main interest is in the 30 or more varieties of hardy ferns which he raises
and sells to garden centres and other nurseries. We also had the privilege of seeing
the ferns in his garden including some good varieties of Polystichum and Dryopteris.

After a pub lunch we drove down to Brent Pelham, to visit Sylvia Martinelli and David
Hazelgrove, both keen Alpine Garden Society members, who have created a fast-maturing
garden from a large open field site in just six years. It is planned with contrasts: formal
beds of roses and herbaceous plants and large areas with fine specimen trees, many
rare and unusual varieties. Ferns were to be found in a more shaded shrubby area
with other woodland plants. A new fern bed had been planted near the house in a
north-facing area, and the pond bank had Osmunda thriving. The alpine house had
large plants of Pellaea and Cheilanthes enjoying the annual summer baking. Sylvia,
a new recruit to the BPS, has plans for a new shade-house for ferns as soon as a
Suitable site can be agreed. It seemed that there would soon be many more suitable

171

habitats for ferns, as the trees were maturing rapidly to create a more woodland effect.
Tea and chat on the terrace were welcomed by all.

Suffolk - Saturday 4 September. Eleven members gathered at Great Bradfield woods
in Suffolk (52/935581), owned by the Suffolk Wildlife Trust. This mixed woodland is
managed by coppice rotation; however, the site near the centre of the wood which
we explored first had not been coppiced for a long time. Here we found Dryopteris
filix-mas, D. dilatata, a few plants of Athyrium filix-femina, D. carthusiana in quantity,
a solitary plant of Asplenium scolopendrium and several plants of Dryopteris affinis,
probably morphotype borreri. This area proved so rewarding that we penetrated further
into the wood and on regaining the track we returned in a different place so that our
leader mistook the way back! After deciding on the correct location, the party divided
to return by two different routes. More Dryopteris were seen, as was Pteridium aquilinum.
It was also most interesting to find Daphne mezereum. Time did not permit further
exploration, but it was generally agreed that the Group should return another year to
explore the wood more fully.

photo: A.R. Busby
East Anglian Group at Rod Leeds’ garden
Margaret Nimmo-Smith, Barrie Stevenson, Geoffrey & Marie Winder,
Rod Leeds, Linda & Trisha Craddock, Alf Hoare, Bunny Goldberg, Mick Craddock

After a pub lunch in Lavenham, we visited Rod Leeds’ garden at Preston St. Mary.
He is another keen AGS member who has recently joined the BPS. His garden, of about
half an acre, is absolutely packed with treasures of all kinds with many plants still in
flower including cyclamen, colchicums and clematis. Ferns were to be found throughout
the garden. A fine clump of Onychium japonicum was doing well and the varieties of
scollies and polypodies were admired. After refreshments we departed for Barrie
Stevenson's garden at Cowlinge. Barrie’s interest in ferns grew from his passion for
Victoriana, which was much in evidence while we consumed a magnificent tea. A tour

172

of his small garden revealed several areas devoted to ferns, including one corner entirely
filled with his sporelings. He has made suitable fern areas by digging out paths to make
banks. Members departed with bagfuls of excess sporelings. Unfortunately time didn’t
allow most of us the chance to peruse his fern book collection but we hope there will
be another opportunity.

Cambridge University Botanic Garden - Sunday 3 October. We staged another display
stand for the BPS at the Societies Fair organised for the second year by the Friends
of Cambridge University Botanic Garden. The public showed much interest in the display,
fern sales were brisk and new members recruited. Special thanks go to Matt Busby
for his assistance and to David Bannister and Barrie Stevenson for donating ferns.

The last meeting of the East Anglian Group will be a social afternoon at my house
in Cambridge with slides and fern chat on Sunday 14 November. | would like to thank
all the members and their partners who opened their gardens this year for welcoming
and refreshing us.

NORTH-WEST Marjorie Garstang

Holehird, Windermere - 2 October. Seventeen members and friends met at Holehird
to discuss the forming of a Regional Group in the Lake District area. We were very
pleased to have President Jack Bouckley with us, who began the meeting by explaining
the aims, purposes and benefits of the Regional Groups and gave some invaluable advice
on their running and self-financing. The members present then took the decision to
form a Group and addressed the choice of a suitable title. In the discussion which followed,
several points emerged which led to the eventual rejection of both ‘Cumbria’ and ‘Lake
District’, leaving ‘North-West’ as the expansive and bold final choice. Volunteers for
a varied programme for 1994 were soon obtained, the ‘North-West’ having seemingly
endless possibilities.

A break from such momentous decision taking was made for a walk around the gardens
of Holehird, and a tour of the National Collection of Polystichum held there. Tea and
refreshments followed, with an opportunity to chat and look at herbarium specimens
and records kept by Cynthia Kelsall and some early Victorian photographic plates of
the Bolton collection, brought in by Malcolm Hutcheson.

The Group will meet again in November when Dr Geoffrey Halliday will give a lecture
on ‘The Distribution of Ferns in Cumbria’.

We hope to have a North-West programme ready early in 1994 and can assure any
member within travelling distance of the area, or perhaps on holiday here, a very warm
welcome at any of the events.

We would like to express our thanks to Jack and Ruth Bouckley for making the journey
from Harrogate in order to advise and support us in this first step, and also to Cynthia
Kelsall and the Lakeland Horticultural Society for providing such an ideal venue.

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SOUTHPORT FLOWER SHOW - 19-21 August A.R. Busby

| am pleased to report an extremely successful show with a remarkable increase in
entries in the fern classes, twice as many as in 1992. After the poor number of entries
in recent years this is very encouraging.

The 1993 show was the first of a series to have a theme under the title ‘Gardening
through the Ages’; this year the theme was Victorian. | decided to set up the Society
stand to reflect this, with a display showing the ‘Victorians and their Ferns’. Examples
of period fern books, microscopes and Victorian furnishings were exhibited, with the
centre-piece being a 3 x 2 foot replica glazed case, built for me by member Andrew
Kyte.

Being the only society stand that had attempted to respond to the show’s theme, we
were confident that we were in with a chance to win the ‘David Knowles’ trophy which
is awarded to the best Society stand each year. However, in the event the National
Carnation Society stand won the award. Once again ‘colour’ was set above ‘form’. Next
year the theme will be the ‘Middle Ages’ but | shall resume our usual display of literature
and plants.

Once again, A.R. Busby and R.L. Godard-Key were the judges. The prize winners are
listed below.

Class 6 Individual Championship: Four hardy ferns, two greenhouse ferns, two foreign
hardy ferns: 1st Mrs A.G. Beenham, 2nd Mrs E.A. Gibbs, 3rd R.J. Smith
(5 entries)

Class 7 Three Hardy British Ferns (dissimilar); 1st not awarded, 2nd R.J. Smith
(3 entries)

Class 8 Three Foreign Hardy Ferns: 1st Mrs A.G. Beenham, 2nd B. Russ,
3rd Mrs E.A. Gibbs (4 entries)

Class 9 Three Polypodium (distinct varieties): 1st J.H. Bouckley, 2nd Mrs E.A. Gibbs
(2 entries)

Class 10 Three Polystichum (distinct varieties): 1st J.H. Bouckley, 2nd Mrs E.A. Gibbs,
3rd |. Rawson (3 entries)

Class 11 Three Athyrium (distinct varieties): 1st J.H. Bouckley, 2nd Mrs E.A. Gibbs
(2 entries)

Class 12 Three Asplenium (excluding A. scolopendrium): 1st B. Russ, 2nd R.J. Smith,
3rd Mrs E.A. Gibbs (3 entries)

Class 13 One British Fern (any kind or variety): 1st Mrs A.G. Beenham, 2nd |. Rawson,
3rd B. Russ (7 entries)

Class 14 One Greenhouse Fern: 1st Mrs O. Fairclough, 2nd R.J. Smith, 3rd Mr &
Mrs T. Melling (7 entries)

The ‘Happiland’ Trophy awarded to the exhibitor gaining the most points in the fern
classes was won by Mrs E.A. Gibbs.

My thanks to Jack Bouckley and Ray Smith for assisting me on the Society stand and
to Margaret and John Collins for providing transport to and from the show. | always
welcome any enquiries about exhibiting ferns at the Southport Flower Show and will
advise on the identification, growing and presentation of the exhibits.

photo: courtesy E.A. Gibbs

Southport Flower Show
Libby Gibbs, winner of the BPS Happiland Trophy, with Ray Smith, Matt Busby & Jack Bouckley

INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF PTERIDOLOGISTS

The IAP (International Association of Pteridologists) was founded in 1981 and is open
to all those interested in pteridology.

It aims to: - link pteridologists worldwide,
- coordinate and advance all aspects of pteridological research,
- promote communication and cooperation.

jap news is currently issued twice a year and is sent to all members. Members are
able to buy the Annual Review of Pteridological Research which is a very useful
compendium of pteridologists, their research interests and recent publications.

1994 IAP subscription rates:
. 1994 IAP membership including iap news US$ 10
2. 1994 IAP membership including iap news, plus Annual Review

of Pteridological Research

—

a) non-members of the Botanical Society of America US$ 25

b) members of the Botanical Society of America US$ 20
3. Bona-fide members of IAPT wishing to receive

a) iap news US$ O

b) Annual Review of Pteridological Research US$ 15

Send subscriptions in US$ with your name and address to: Dean P. Whittier, Department
of Biology, Box 1565 B, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA.

OBITUARY
DR ANNE SLEEP 1939 - 1993

It is with sadness that we record the death of Dr Anne Sleep on 22nd June 1993.
She had been afflicted with systemic sclerosis for over twenty years, but throughout
this time, despite deteriorating health, she showed enormous courage and determination,
and always pursued her fern research with great enthusiasm.

Anne was born at Catford, London, on 25th February 1939, the only child of Ivy Eleanor
Sleep (née Hatcher) and the late B.H. Sleep, of Eden Park, Kent. She attended St Saviour’s
and St Olave’s Grammar School for Girls in London, and went on to take an Honours
Degree in Botany at the University of Exeter. In 1961 she moved to the Department
of Botany at the University of Leeds to become a research student of Professor Irene
Manton. This was during the ‘Golden Era’ of fern cytology at Leeds when the department
was full of fern students, postdoctoral researchers and visiting fellows, and the
experimental gardens, in the capable hands of Mr Peter Lee, housed thousands of clay
pots of prothalli and sporophytes, usually plunged in cinders. When Anne arrived at
Leeds Drs Stanley, Molly (nee Shivas) and Trevor Walker had already moved on, but
her contemporaries at that time included Dr John Lovis and fellow students Janet Souter

photo: courtesy |. Moxon

£ L 2 +

(née Emmott) and Tony Braithwaite. Anne's area of rese , Asplenium
and Polystichum, employing the methods of sade hybridisation and subsequent
meiotic analysis to investigate the relationships between diploid taxa, and the evolution
of polyploids.

In 1961 Anne joined the British Pteridological Society, and was a very active participant
in the field meetings; neither pouring rain nor precipitous crags could deter her from
fern hunting. Polystichum, of course, was a high priority on these meetings when Anne
searched for hybrids amongst the three British species. She was able to show not only
that P. x bicknellii is fairly widely distributed in Britain (Br. Fern Gaz. 10: 208-209),
but also discovered both P. x illyricum (Br. Fern Gaz. 10: 281-282) and later P. x
lonchitiforme in |reland.

Anne’s thesis on ‘Some cytotaxonomic problems in the fern genera Asplenium and
Polystichum’ was presented in 1966. She was then awarded a research fellowship to
spend two years in Japan from 1967 to 1969, pursuing her work on ferns. This visit
was of major significance in Anne's life; not only did she return with a wealth of exciting
fern collections but she also fell in love with the country, its people and its culture.
She gave talks to the Society on Japanese ferns and ‘An introduction to the ferns of
Japan’ was published in the Gazette (10: 127-141).

An exciting new hybrid was discovered by Anne in Guernsey during the BPS field trip
in 1971, Asplenium x sarniense, the hybrid of A. adiantum-nigrum x A. obovatum subsp.
lanceolatum (Br. Fern Gaz. 10: 209-211). This hybrid proved to be particularly interesting;
she returned to Guernsey to collect further material of this hybrid and the parents in
1990, and she was still making experiments with this material when she died.

4 1 J M 1 i PX See

Following her return from Japan, A
disease that proved difficult to diagnose and treat. During later years she was particularly
susceptible to bronchitis, and was restricted in her movements so that her practical
fern work proved more and more difficult.

However, her mind stayed as sharp as ever, and she continued to expand her research
programme to include, for example, Japanese Polystichum species and a detailed
cytological and ecological study of serpentine forms of Asplenium adiantum-nigrum. She
worked closely for many years with Professor Reichstein, and collaborated with Dr You-
xing Lin from Beijing and Dr Paloma Cubas from Madrid. However, her last public lecture
in 1992 was on the subject of systemic sclerosis, to an audience from the medical
profession.

Sadly the sclerosis began to affect her heart, and she died during the early hours of
22nd June of bronchial pneumonia, pulmonary hypertension and systemic sclerosis.
The funeral service was on 25th June at the University Chaplaincy, and she was interred
at St John the Baptist Church, Adel, Leeds.

Not only have we lost a good scientist and enthusiastic pteridologist, but with Anne’s
death the research on ferns at Leeds, that began in 1946, has come to an end. Anne's
herbarium, spore and slide collection are now housed at the Natural History Museum,
London (BM). We offer our deepest sympathy to her mother, and to Mr lan Moxon,
a devoted friend for more than twenty years.

Mary Gibby

177

MEMBERSHIP LIST: ADDITIONS AND AMENDMENTS

NEW MEMBERS 1993

ALTMAN, Mr B.R.R., geen 116, = Haag 2517 ST, Netherlands

ATKINSON, Mrs M.G.C., Clarence House, Higher Downgate, Callington, Cornwall PL17 8HL
AWMACK, Miss C. Py Imperial yee at ‘Silwood Park, Ascot, Berks. SL5 7PY

BARNARD, Mr T.C., 17 Cambridge Road, Bishopston, Bristol, Avon BS7 8PR

BEACH, Mr R.R.B., fa Station Road, Wylde Green, Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands B73 5LD
BEAMISH, Miss E. ce Brantwood, Coniston, Cumbria LA21 8AD

BISHOP, Mr & Mrs T.E., 6 Padwick Avenue, East Cosham, Portsmouth, Hants. PO6 2JL
BLATTLER, Mr D.A.A., 20 Mill Road, Eastbourne, East Sussex BN21 2PG

CLIFT, Ms J., 43 Chorley Road, Parbold, Lancs. WN8 7AS

CREASEY, Mr B.G., Warwick House, Easton Lodge, Great Dunmow, Essex CM6 2BB

ECKHARDT, Mr R., Hegge 51, Schinnen 6365 EB, Netherlands
GARRETT, Mr M., P.O. Box 49, Bicheno, Tasmania 7215, Australia
GILLET, he ot Facultes Universitaires, N-D de la Paix ASBL, Rue de Bruxelles 61, Namur 5000,

Belg
GEORGE, Mr 8 & Mrs A., 26A Wootton Hert Lane, Balsall Common, Warks. CV7 7EZ
HAMILLA, Dr D.S., 700 N. Waverly Road, Apt. 207, Porter, Indiana 46304, U.S.A
HANLEY, Mr T., 13 Madin Street, New Topt noo Chesterfield, Derbys. S42 6EH
4 ;

JAKUSZ, Dr S.P., 79 Nevis Avenue, Little Earnock, Hamilton, Lanarkshire ML3 ein Scotland
KATZER, Mr F.K., Dept. of Biology, University of York, York, North Yorks. YO1 5D

KEATLEY, Mr W.H., 49 Bow Lane, London EC4M 9LX

KERSLAKE, Mr J.E., Eastland Foresters, Mary Culter, Aberdeen, oupdanbestyais AB1 OAS, Scotland
KIRSCH, Mr H., Waldschloss-strasse 42, Frammersback, D-97833, oo

KNEILL, Mr M. A, Chapel House, Newby, Clapham, Lancaster LA2 8H

KNOUSE, J.A., P.O. Box 308, Louisville, Kentucky 40201-0308, U. rtf

KYTE, Mr A., Flat 5, 766 Coventry Road, Small Heath, Birmingham B10

LAANSOO, Mr U., The Tallinn Botanical Garden, Tallinn, EEOO19, Estonia

MANICKAM, Dr V.S., St. Xavier’s College, Palayamkottai 1627002, Tamil Nadu, India
McCARTHY, Mrs W., 5 Tyn-y-Coed, Great Orme, pete lip id LL3O 20A, Wales
MILLER, Mr W. > 3 Gibson on ove, Malvern, Worcs. WR14

MULLER, Mr R.L., 78 Culvert Street, Torrington gi seid 08790-51 144,U.S.A
NIEUWKOOP, He JAW., Gerardusplein 22, Eindho ven, 5644 NG, Netherlands

NOBLE, Mr F., 26 Shandon Park, Ballymena, Antrim BT4 42 2ED, Northern Ireland

PORTER, Mrs B., 1 Hazel Close, Marple, Stockport, Cheshire SK6 7QT

PRIESTLEY, Mrs J.B., Whalley Station, Whalley, Lancs. BB6 9RT

RYDER, Mr G.P., 18 Bracey Street, London N4

SCHIPPERS, Mr R.R., Jupiterstr. 47, Aalsmeer, 1431 XA, Netherlands

SKELLEY, Mrs K.M., 34 Alvington Road, Carisbrooke, Newport, Isle of Wight PO30 5AR
STANDEN, Mr G.N., Wolfson College, Oxford, Oxon OX2 6UD

TANTUM, Mr J.A., 2 Woodside Drive, Arnold, Nottingham NG5 7FL

TATTERSFIELD, Mr D.M., The Stables, Kirkmichael, Perthshire PH10 7NT, Scotland
TAYLOR, Mr C., 41 Sheffield Road, Portsmouth, Hants r

THOMAS, pe D., Jackson Hill Farm, Thornhill Road, Middlestown, Wakefield, West Yorks.

4RU
TITLEBOAM, Miss P.A., 45 Shrub Lane, Burwash, East Sussex TN19 7BU
we Bs UTENSE, Fac. Farmacia, Dept. de Biologia Vegetal, Ciudad Universitaria S/N,
adrid pain
VERVLOESEM, Mr Ls ee Roest d’Alkemadelaan 5 - Bus 38, Berchem 2600, Belgium
VINCENT-KINGSLEY, Mrs W.M., 2 Shillinglee Park House, Chiddingfold, Ccantinand:
Surrey GU8 4TA
WARD, Mr M., 118 Holymoor Road, Holymoor Side, Chesterfield, Derbys. S42 7DU
WATSON, Mr C.M., ‘The Lawns’, Newfield Estate, Dundonald, Ayrshire KA2 9AW, Scotland
WEBB, Mr J., 29 Stamford Road, Mossley, Lancs. OL5 OB
WHITE, Mr & Mrs M.D., Beckfoot House, Helton, Pe nrith, Cumbria CA10 20B
WILLARD SHERMAN TURRELL HERBARIUM, Botany Department, Miami University, Oxford, Ohio

WILLIAMS, Mr G. 51 Ness Road, Borwell, Cambridge CB3 OAA
ZOCHOWSKI, Mrs W.J., Ferndale, Staunton-on-Wye, Herefordshire HR4 7LW

178

ADDRESS CHANGES/AMENDMENTS

ADAMS, Mr R., 17 Kirkby Avenue, Ripon, North Yorks. HG4 2DR

ALEXANDER, Mrs P.G., 24 Rowe Walk, South Harrow, Middx. HA2 9AB

BAKER, Wg. Cdr. & Mrs E.J., 1 Clarke Wood Close, Wiswell, Clitheroe, ean BB7 9BX
BARNETT, Mr J.J., Old Malleys, Straits Lane, Read, puciey, Lancs. BB12 7

BECKER, Mr D., Lohkoppel 35, Hamburg 71, 2000, Germ

BERRIE, Mrs A., 16 Merton Avenue, Portchester, burehiai Hants. PO16 ONE

BOLTON, Miss E.|., Stone Bower Retirement seb Cove Road, Silverdale, Carnforth, Lancs.

GALE, Mr B.A., 6 Roker Way, Fair Oak, Eastleigh, Hants. SO5 7LD
GILES, Mr N., Rumsey Gardens, 117 Drift oat gente Waterlooville, Hants. PO8 OPD
WSON, Mr R., 42 Marine Road, Port Bannatyne, Isle of Bute, Scotland

, Port
LEE, Dr L.V. & Dr J.A. MANNING, 44 Grove Avenue, Sheffield $6 AS
MARTZ, Mr J., Lindenstrasse 50, Furth, Bayern, D-90768, Germany
McLELLAN, Mr T.A., 24 North Quay, Abingdon Marina, Abingdon, Oxon OX14 5RY
NEDERLANDSE VARENVERENIGING, The Secretary, J. Greep, v. Remagenlaan 17,
Arnhem 6824 LX, Netherlands
OSTENRATH, Mr F., Commweg 8, Nideggen-Abenden, D-52385, Germany
PETERS; Or Bs Schleswiger Str. 83, Suderbrarup, D-24392, Germany
ee ie Bie ea agi ay he Phanerogamie, ang National d’Histoire Naturelle,
Buffon, Paris ;
RASBACH, Mrs H , Datscherstrasse 33, Giotecel D-79286, Germany
RIDOUT, C.R., 11 Forbes St treet, Turner, A.C.T. 2601, Australia
ROCKETT, Mr P.B., 18 King Charles Way, Bridgnorth, Shropshire WV16 4JY
ROSKAM, Mr H.C., Het Masker 143, Amersfoort 3823 AW, Netherlands
SNUDDEN, Mr M.J., Kimsbury House, Moor Street, Saul, Glos. GL2 7LO
STARK, Mr G., Woodlands Cottage, Summerbridge, Harrogate, North Yorks. HG3 4BT
TONGE, Mrs G., 19 Highfield Road, Winslow, Buckingham, Bucks. MK18 3DU
TREWREN, Mr K., 2 Station Cottages, Egton Bridge, Whitby, North Yorks. YO21 1UX
WALKER, Dr T.G., 25 Lyndhurst Road, Benton, Newcastle-upon-Tyne NE12 9NT
A rR i i

, ; t ; : JU
WINKLER, Dr G.M - Pitcairn Road, Blairgowrie, Joh g 2194, South Africa
WOOLVERIDGE, Mr D.C., 2 Manor Acad. Killinghall, yh North Yorks. HG3 2DP

THE AMERICAN FERN SOCIETY INC.

The AFS wishes to extend an invitation to readers of this Bulletin to join the American
Fern Society. Regular members receive the Fiddlehead Forum six times a year. This
newsletter is published for the benefit of those who are interested in growing ferns,
hunting for them, and expanding their general knowledge of ferns. Journal members
receive, in addition to Fiddlehead Forum, the scientific qusney a aiden Fern oe
Membership costs $11.00 and $20.00 per annum,

($14.00 and $31.00 if airmail postage required). For particulars please write to Dr Richard
L. Hauke, 456 McGill Place, Atlanta, Georgia 30312 USA. Prospective members residing
in Great Britain should write to Miss A.M. Paul, Dept. of Botany, The Natural History
Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD.

GROW GREAT FERNS
Los Angeles International Fern Society (LAIFS)

Fern journal bimonthly, includes fern lesson. Educational meetings, materials, spore store
and books. Annual dues: $20 domestic, $23.50 USA first class, Canada & Mexico, $26
overseas surface, $28.50 overseas airmail. Apply to: Dave Fay, P.O. Box 90943, Pasadena,
California 91109-0943 USA.

179

MEETINGS 1994

Meetings Secretary:
Meetings Sub-Committee:

Sat 5 March -

Fri 6 - Sun 8 May -

Sat 28 May -

Wed eve 22 - Tues 28 June -

Thurs 28 - Sun 31 July -

Fri eve 12 - Fri 19 August -

Thurs 18 - Sat 20 August -

Thurs eve 8 - Sun 11 Sept -

Sat 15 October -

A.C. Pigott, 43 Molewood Road, Hertford, Herts. SG14 3AQ
P.J. Acock, N.J Hards, J.M. Ide, A.C. Pigott, P.H. Ripley

Spring Indoor Meeting - Coventry

Location: Warwick University, Department of Science
Education, Canley, pani me Y :

Leader: Matt Busby Tim 1.00

Malvern Spring Show: BPS grea

Location: The Three Counties Showground, Malvern,

Worcs. WR13 6NW
Further Info: Matt Busby
Day Indoor Meeting - Kew

Location: Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Surrey

Leader: Peter Edwards’ Time: 11.00

Week rigs & Gardens Meeting - Cornwall

Leader Jennifer Ide

Centre: Trevispian-Vean Farm Guest House, St. Erme,
Truro TR4 9BL

Times: 19.30 Wednesday eve, 09.30 following mornings

Long Weekend Indoor/Field Meeting - Edinburgh, Scotland

Leader: Stuart Lindsay

Centre: Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh

Times: 09.30 each morning

Week Field Meeting - South-West Ireland

Leader: Clive Jermy

See full programme for details

Southport Flower Show: BPS Stand
Further Info: Matt Busby

Long Weekend Field Meeting - Yorkshire
Le

ader: Jack Bouckle
Centre: Saxon House Hotel, Fishergate,
71-73 Fulford Road, York YO1 4BD
Times: 19.30 Thursday eve, 09.30 following mornings
Annual General Meeting & Autumn Indoor Meeting - London
Location: Botany Dept., Natural History Museum,
Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD
Leader: Alison Paul Time: 11.00

For full details of these meetings, including information on accommodation, please see
the separate Meetings Programme sheet. This can be sent to overseas members on

request.

REGIONAL MEETINGS
For details of additional meetings in the following areas, please contact the regional
organisers, enclosing a stamped addressed envelope.

Wessex J.E. Jarvis, Vermont, Jubilee Road, Nailsworth, Stroud, Gloucs. GL6 ONG

Midlands A.R. Busby, 16 Kirby Corner Road, Canley, Coventry CV4 8GD

Leeds & District J.H. Bouckley, 209 Woodfield Road, Harrogate, Yorks. HG1 4JE

South-East England P.H. Ripley, North Lodge, Dene Park Gardens, Shipt Road, Tonbridge,
Kent TN11 9NS

East Anglia Mrs M.E. Nimmo-Smith, 201 Chesterton Road, Cambridge CB4 1AH

North-West England Mrs M. Garstang, Overbeck, Pennybridge, Ulverston, Cumbria LA12 7RQ

180

BRITISH FERNS AND THEIR CULTIVARS
A very comprehensive collection is stocked by
REGINALD KAYE LTD
Silverdale, Lancashire LA5 OTY
Catalogue on request

FIBREX NURSERIES LTD
Honeybourne Road, Pebworth, nr Stratford on Avon, Warwickshire CV37 8XT
Hardy and tender ferns
Begonias, Gloxinias, Hederas, Hydrangeas, Primroses, Arum Lilies
and plants for the cool greenhouse
Catalogue on request

MRS J.K. MARSTON
Specialist Fern Grower

A wide range of hardy and greenhouse ferns, especially Adiantums
Culag, Green Lane, Nafferton, nr Driffield, East Yorkshire YO25 OLF
Send £1 for catalogue

FANCY FRONDS
Specialising in North American and English hardy ferns
Judith Jones
1911 4th Avenue West, Seattle, Washington 98119, USA
Send two International Reply Coupons for Catalogue

HARDY AND HALF HARDY FERNS
Hazel Rickard
The Old Rectory, Leinthall Starkes, Ludlow, Shropshire SY8 2HP
Please send stamped addressed envelope for list

HARDY FERNS
R.N. Timm
The Fern Nursery, Grimsby Road, Binbrook, Lincolnshire LN3 6DH
Please send stamped addressed envelope for list

1994 SOUTHPORT FLOWER SHOW
The organisers extend all good wishes for a successful 1994
Classes for your Society's special interests are available
18th, 19th, 20th AUGUST 1994
Schedules and further information from:
The Flower Show Secretary
44 Hoghton Street, Southport, Merseyside PR9 OPQ

The British Pteridological Society
BULLETIN

VOLUME 4 NUMBER 4 1993

eCONTENTS -

Secretarial Notes 137
AGM 1993 139
Financial Statement 142
Lecture Meetings and Day Visits 1993 144
Spring Indoor Meeting J. Vogel 144
Kew Gardens J.E. Jarvis 145
Autumn Indoor Meeting ........... M.E. Nimmo-Smith & B.R. Stevenson 146
National Field Meetings 1993 148
Dolgellau, North Wales A.R. Busby 148
Galloway, Scotland A.R. Busby 149
Central France A.J. & P. Labatut 154
Northumberland A.R. Busby 161
Regional Meetings 1993 163
Midlands A.R. Busby 163
Leeds & District J.H. Bouckley, R.P.H. Lamb, R. Cole 164
Wessex J.E. Jarvis 167
South-East P.H. Ripley, P.J. Acock 168
East Anglia M.E. Nimmo-Smith 171
North-West M. Garstang 173
Southport Flower Show A.R. Busby 174
Obituary M. Gibby 176
Membership List: additions and dment 178
Meetings Programme 1994 : 180

The Bulletin Volume 4 Number 3 was published on 20 February 1993.

Published by THE BRITISH PTERIDOLOGICAL SOCIETY, ©/o Department of Botany,
The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD

ISSN 0301-9195

i., Old Station Road Loughton, Essex

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Edited by A.M. Paul

THE BRITISH PTERIDOLOGICAL SOCIETY
Officers and Committee from October 1994
President: Dr T.G. Walker
President Emeritus: J.W. Dyce, MBE

Vice-Presidents: J.H. Bouckley, J.A. Crabbe, Dr C.N. Page, M.H. Rickard, J.R. Woodhams

eS ee Secretary Busby, 'Croziers’,
and Archivist: 6 Kirby Corner Road, ee Shige! CV4 8GD
gee 01203 715690, oe 01203 523237, Email: seaab @csv.warwick.ac.uk)
Membership Secretary and Miss A.M. Paul,
Editor of the Bulletin: Department of Botany, The Natural History Museum,
Cromwell Road, London, SW7 5BD

Treasurer: Dr N.J. Hards,
184 Abingdon Road, Didcot, Oxon, OX11 9BP

Meetings Secretary: A.C. Pigott,
43 Molewood Road, Hertford, Herts., SG14 3AQ
Editors of the Fern Gazette: Dr B.A. Thomas, J.A. Crabbe & Dr M. Gibby

Send copy to Dr B.A. Thomas, Department of Botany,
National Museum of Wales, Cathays Park, Cardiff, CF1 3NP

Editor of the Pteridologist: J.W. Merryweather, Biology Department,
University of York, Heslington, York, YO1 5DD
assisted by J.W. Dyce & M.H. Rickard

Committee: R.G. Ackers, R. Cooke, Miss J.M. Ide, A.C. Jermy, A.M. Leonard,
Miss H.S. McHaffie, S.J. Munyard, P.H. Ripley, N.R. Schroder, G. Stark

Conservation Officer: R. Cooke,
26 Lancaster Street, Lewes, East Sussex, BN7 2PY

Spore Exchange Organiser: Mrs M.E. Nimmo-Smith,
201 Chesterton Road, Cambridge, CB4 1AH

Plant Exchange Organisers: R.J. & Mrs B. Smith,

184 Solihull Road, Shirley, Solihull, Warwicks., B90 3LG
Booksales Organiser: S.J. Munyard, 234 Harold Road, Hastings, East Sussex, TN35 5NG
Trustees of Greenfield and Centenary Funds: DrT.G. Walker, A.R. Busby, Dr N.J. Hards

The el sii hom etiacin SOCIETY Y was founded in 1891 and today continues as a focus for
‘ern enthus' t pro range o' blications
and svat literature. It also | organises formal talks, informal discussions, field meetings, garden visits,
nges, re exchange and fern book sales. The Society has a wide membership
which yokes gardeners, nurserymen and botanists, both amateur and professional. The Society's
jou , the Fern Gazette, Pteridologist and Bulletin, are published annually. The Fern Gazette
matter chiefly of specialist interest on intemational pteridology, the Pteridologist, topics of more general
appeal, and the Bulletin, Society business and meetings reports.

Membership is open to all interested in ferns and fern-allies. intr aniline RATES ~~ on ist
january each year) are Full Personal Members £15, Personal Members not rece’ the tte
£12; Student Members £9; Subscribing Institutions £25. Family membership . any poise is an

attra: Wy NORDEA

Oo (address
from whom further details can be obtained. (Remittances made in currencies other than Sterling are £5
extra to cover bank conv muon Ae) Se eee ee ee ee not
receiving the Fern Gazette £2.50

(Front cover: Woodsia alpina (Bolton) S.F. Gray, one of Scotland's rare ferns. Illustration from E. Newman
(1854) A History of British Ferns.)

OS ee eee
Back numbers of the Gazette, Pteridologist and Bulletin are available for purchase from P.J. Acock,
13 Star Lane, St. Mary Cray, Kent BR5 3LJ, from whom further details can be obtained.

‘MISSOURI BOTANICAL THE

BULLETIN
MAY 2 3 1995 OF THE

caroen ARAEISH PTERIDOLOGICAL SOCIETY
Vol. 4 1994 No. 5

SECRETARIAL NOTES

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 1995, PRELIMINARY NOTICE — The 92nd AGM will
take place on Saturday 7 October 1995 at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond,
Surrey at 2.00 p.m.

COMMITTEE VACANCIES - In accordance with paragraph 3, section 3 of the Society's
Constitution, two vacancies will occur due to the retirement of the two longest serving
Committee members. Nominations are invited from members of the Society to fill these
vacancies at the Annual General Meeting in 1995. The names of the nominees,
proposers and seconders, together with a letter from the nominee indicating their
willingness to serve, should reach the General Secretary by 9 September 1995.

SUBSCRIPTIONS 1995 — Members are reminded that subscriptions for 1995 are due
on the 1st January 1995 and should be paid to the Membership Secretary, British
Pteridological Society, c/o Dept. of Botany, The Natural History Museum, Cromwell
Road, London, SW7 5BD. Cheques should be made payable to ‘The British
Pteridological Society’. Current rates are given inside the front cover. Standing Order
forms are available from the above address.

PUBLICATIONS BY AIRMAIL — Our journals can be sent by airmail to overseas
members, provided they advise the Membership Secretary and pay an additional
subscription to cover airmail postage. See inside front cover for rates.

AFFILIATION TO THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY — Our Society is affiliated
to the RHS, enabling a limited number of members to enjoy certain privileges in
connection with RHS Shows, competitions and services. There is one transferable ticket
available for all RHS Shows other than the Chelsea Flower Show. Applications for
tickets or further details, enclosing a stamped, addressed envelope, should be made to
the BPS General Secretary.

READING CIRCLES -— The Society operates a reading circle for several journals. The
American Fern Journal is a quarterly publication containing much information for those
seriously interested in ferns; it is accompanied by the Fiddlehead Forum, which
publishes many ‘ferny' items of interest to the amateur grower. The Royal Horticultural
Society's journal, The Garden, is published monthly. To receive any of these journals
apply to the General Secretary.

THE GREENFIELD FUND - This fund, set up as a memorial to one of our Society's
great fern growers, Percy Greenfield, is used to finance approved research projects,
helping with the cost of necessary equipment, books and travel expenses. Awards for
meritorious achievements such as the introduction of a new fern variety or plant, or

181

some of the Society's publicity projects would be considered as worthy of help from the
fund. Percy Greenfield's interest leaned very much towards the non-scientific side of our
activities and it is felt that he would want this taken into consideration when decisions
are made. Workers eligible for university or college grants and similar support will not
therefore be eligible for help from the fund. Members with projects wishing to benefit
from this memorial fund should apply to the trustees via the General Secretary.

THE CENTENARY FUND - This fund will be used to promote the study of all aspects of
pteridophytes — horticultural, scientific and educational, whether by amateurs, students
or professional pteridologists. As such its scope is much broader and more flexible than
the Greenfield Fund. Anyone wishing to avail themselves of this fund should contact the
trustees via the General Secretary.

BACK NUMBERS OF JOURNALS - Back numbers of the Society’s journals are
available to members at reasonable prices. Many of the older journals are running out
and are best obtained while stocks last. Patrick is able to offer the Bulletin vol. 2 minus
part 2 for £4 including postage as a special offer this year. A full list is available from Pat
Acock, 13 Star Lane, St Mary Cray, Kent BR5 3LJ.

SPECIALIST INTEREST GROUPS — The Committee has agreed to the formation of
Specialist Interest Groups. Three groups are planned: Aquatic Pteridophyta, Tree-ferns
and Foreign Hardy Ferns. For further information please send a stamped addressed
envelope to the organisers:

Aquatic Pteridophyta: Miss J.M. Ide, 42 Crown Woods Way, Eltham, London SE9 2NN.
Tree-ferns: M.H. Rickard, Kyre Park, Tenbury Wells, Worcs. WR15 8RP.

Foreign Hardy Ferns: A.R. (Matt) Busby, 16 Kirby Corner Road, Canley, Coventry CV4 8GD.

VACANCY FOR HONORARY TREASURER - At the 1994 Annual General Meeting,
the Hon. Treasurer announced his intention to retire from this post. If any member would
care to consider taking over the reigns from Nick Hards, would they kindly contact the
Hon. General Secretary as soon as possible. Please write to or phone Matt Busby or
Nick Hards for an informal chat about the Treasurer’s duties.

BPS VIDEO 'BRITISH FERNS' — With over fifty species of ferns the British Isles has a
remarkably varied fern flora. Many species have distinctive distributions reflecting
regional variations in environmental conditions. In particular the cool relatively damp
environments of the North and the mild Western fringes of Britain bring together species
typical of Atlantic, Arctic and Alpine regions, resulting in a fern flora that is unique to the
British Isles.

This twenty-five minute video shows most of our native ferns growing in their natural
habitats. It demonstrates the wide variety of size and form to be found in British ferns
and the broad range of habitats they colonise. Attention is drawn to key identification
characters for each species.

The video was funded by Schering Agriculture and the National Museum of Wales. It is
available for loan, free of charge, to interested individuals and organisations. For further
details write to the General Secretary enclosing a stamped addressed envelope.

MEMBERS INFORMATION SERVICE - It is often the case that members require
information and advice on many aspects of their interest in Pteridophytes but are often
reluctant or simply do not know where to obtain it. Queries from members on any
aspects of the biology, identification or cultivation of ferns or fern allies should be sent to
the Hon. Gen. Sec. accompanied by three first class stamps.

182

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 1994

MINUTES of the 91st ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING held at The Natural History
Museum, Cromwell Road, London on Saturday 15th October 1994 at 2.15 p.m.

IN THE CHAIR: M.H. Rickard, Vice-President.

PRESENT: R.G. Ackers, P.J. Acock, E.J. & R. Baker, A.R. Busby, J.M. Camus,
R. Cooke, H.V. Corley, J.A. Crabbe, M.J., L.l. & T. Craddock, A. Dickman,
J. & M. Garstang, M. Gibby, N.J. Hards, D. Hill, G.K. Hoare, K. & D. Holly, J.M. Ide,
A.C. & A. Jermy, R. Johns, P. Kear, M.E. Nimmo-Smith, E.O. Mason, H.W. Matthews,
J.W. Merryweather, R.J. Murphy, A.M. Paul, H. Peto, A.C. Pigott, H. Rickard,
N.R. Schroder, R.J. & B. Smith, G. Stark, R.W. & S. Sykes, B.A. Thomas, R.N. Timm,
J.C. Vogel, T.G. Walker, R.M. Walls, M. Williams, J.R. Woodhams.

ITEM 1 — APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE: J.H. Bouckley, D. Fortune, A.M. Leonard,
H. McHaffie, C.N. Page, S.J. Munyard, P.H. Ripley.

ITEM 2 — APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Minutes of the AGM held on 16 October 1993 had
been published in the 1993 Bulletin and were approved.

ITEM 3 — MATTERS ARISING FROM THESE MINUTES: None. The Secretary
explained the absence of the President who was recovering from an operation.

ITEM 4 — HONORARY GENERAL SECRETARY’S REPORT:

MEETINGS: | am pleased to report another busy year, having received good reports of
the national meetings which again included a visit to the Continent. | was pleased to be
part of excellent meetings in Cornwall, and the BPS/RBGE conference and field meeting
in Scotland. The Society visited the Republic of Ireland, a ferny area much neglected in
recent years by the BPS. Several of our members visited Italy and were once again able
to meet with European pteridologists. It is intended that visits abroad will continue
annually.

REGIONAL GROUPS: It is very gratifying to be able to report the formation of another
regional group. Barbara Porter has formed a group in the Greater Manchester area and
hopes to attract members from Cheshire and the Wirral. The new group has already
completed its first year of meetings and is now considering venues and events for next
year. We urge members in that area to give them all their support. One interesting idea
is to combine a meeting with the North-West group in adjacent areas. This is an idea
that other groups could follow to their mutual benefit. We still have areas without
regional groups including the far south-west, Scotland and Wales. Anyone prepared to
try and organise groups in these areas can be sure of the Committee’s fullest support.

MEMBERSHIP: At the time of writing we have welcomed 81 new members to our
Society during 1994; set against this is the loss of some 30 members for various
reasons. Our Membership Secretary, Alison Paul, informs me that our total membership
stands at 770. We continue to make slow progress towards having one thousand
members.

PLANT AND SPORE EXCHANGE SCHEMES: Ray and Brenda Smith have picked up
the baton very smoothly from Rosemary Hibbs and have now issued their second list
which contains some eighty species and forms of ferns offered by nineteen donors. It
confirms my opinion that the Plant Exchange is in safe hands. Margaret Nimmo-Smith
continues her unstinting hard work with the Spore Exchange Scheme. The current list is

183

the longest we have issued and Margaret has received a record number of requests. A
new feature on the sheet was a list of current donors which has proved to be a popular
introduction. Margaret is now preparing the list for next year and we can be confident
that it will be as interesting as previous years. Each year Margaret seems to find
something new to add to the list. You can help by sending in spores from your own ferns
now.

SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS: Following the questionnaire circulated by Margaret
Nimmo-Smith, three special areas of interest were identified and after some discussion
in Committee it was agreed that special interest groups should be formed to bring
together members with these interests in common. A group for those keen on growing
and studying aquatic pteridophyta is being formed with Jennifer Ide as leader, a group
for tree-fern enthusiasts will be led by Martin Rickard and | am forming a group for those
interested in growing foreign hardy ferns. Members keen to take part in any of these
groups are urged to contact the respective leaders as soon as possible.

Finally, our retiring President, Jack Bouckley, has recently successfully undergone an
operation, but was unable to be with us today. | am sure you will join me in wishing him
back to full health very soon.

The Meeting approved and adopted the report and the Vice-President thanked Mr
Busby.

ITEM 5 —- HONORARY TREASURER’S REPORT: Dr Nick Hards circulated his balance
sheet to the meeting. He pointed out that printing and stationery seemed expensive
because new letterheads and envelopes had been purchased which would last for
several years, and some of the costs of spore and plant exchanges were also included.
The grant from the Centenary Fund had been made to Kate Raine from Manchester
University to attend a conference in the USA; a brief report was published in The
Pteridologist. The Publications Account showed a deficit for the year and would need a
further injection of capital when the Society published a new booklet. Mr J.W. Dyce, had
very kindly made a donation of £250 towards the cost of reprinting his book The
Cultivation and Propagation of British Ferns.

The adoption of the report was proposed by M. Gibby, seconded by A.C. Jermy, and
passed unanimously by the meeting. The Vice-President thanked Dr Hards who then
announced to the meeting that although he would continue in office for another year, he
would like a replacement to be found for a year’s time.

ITEM 6 — HONORARY MEETINGS SECRETARY’S REPORT: Anthony Pigott reported
that it had been another successful year, in particular the Edinburgh meeting which had
broken new ground with an extremely well organised and well attended conference and
field trip, which he felt had enhanced the status of the Society. He hoped that this format
would be repeated soon, an idea supported by many pteridologists who welcomed the
opportunity to meet and exchange ideas. He continued his report by outlining the
programme for 1995.

The meeting adopted the report and he was thanked by the Vice-President.

ITEM 7 — EDITORS’ REPORTS: Fern Gazette — Barry Thomas reported that the second
part for the year had been delayed but was now almost ready. He thanked his co-editors
James Crabbe and Mary Gibby who were working on the last paper from Anne Sleep for
publication.
Bulletin — Alison Paul apologised for the lateness of the last edition and hoped this
year’s would appear earlier. She appealed for more photographs.

184

Pteridologist — James Merryweather said that it was difficult to follow the high standard
set by his predecessor, Martin Rickard, but the small changes he had made had been
well received. He had been able to save money on the printing costs which he hoped
eventually would result in the use of colour. He appealed to members for more articles.

Acceptance of the reports was proposed by N.J. Hards, seconded by R.J. Smith and
passed by the meeting. The Vice-President thanked the editors.

ITEM 8 —- ELECTION OF OFFICERS AND COMMITTEE:

Election of President: The Chairman expressed the regret felt by all at the meeting that
Jack Bouckley had completed his three excellent years as President of the Society and
that ill-health had prevented him from chairing the meeting. The Committee
recommended Dr T.G. Walker DSc be elected as the next President; he had been a
member of the Society since 1960, was an academic pteridologist of international fame
and had contributed many articles to the Gazette, particularly on Pteris, over the years.
The meeting gave unanimous approval to Dr Walker's appointment. Dr Walker then took
the Chair and thanked the meeting warmly for his election.

Election of Vice-President: The President said it was his great pleasure that his first duty
was to recommend that Jack Bouckley be elected as a Vice-President of the Society.
The meeting was pleased to approve this appointment.

Honorary Membership: Clive Jermy (seconded by Anthony Pigott and unanimously
supported by the Committee) was pleased to propose Hugh Corley for honorary
membership of the Society. Mr Jermy said that over the last 25 years Hugh Corley had
contributed much to the understanding and research of the British Dryopteris complex
and its history, and been a source of influence and inspiration to other younger
pteridologists. He was particularly pleased to announce this honour at the time of Hugh
Corley’s 80th birthday. Hugh Corley then thanked the meeting and said he was greatly
honoured.

Election of Officers: It was reported by the Secretary that N.J. Hards, A.C. Pigott and
A.R. Busby were willing to be re-elected for another year as Hon. Treasurer, Hon.
Meetings Secretary and Hon. General Secretary respectively. It was proposed by
M.H. Rickard, seconded by M. Gibby, that the three Officers be elected for a further
year; this was carried unanimously.

Committee: The two longest serving members due to retire were R.N. Timm and
M.E. Nimmo-Smith and he thanked them for their hard work. The two nominees to fill the
vacancies were Clive Jermy, proposed by M.H. Rickard, seconded by A.R. Busby and
Heather McHaffie proposed by A.C. Jermy, seconded by A.M. Paul. Mr Busby explained
that Dorothy Fortune had expressed her wish to stand down from the Committee due to
extra personal commitments with her family and difficulties travelling to Committee
meetings and consequently the Committee had accepted her decision with much regret.
lt was proposed by Dr M. Gibby, seconded by A.M. Paul that Andrew Leonard be
nominated for this third vacancy. They were elected unanimously. The remaining seven
members of the Committee were elected en bloc.

Election of Honorary Editors: Dr B.A. Thomas, supported by J.A. Crabbe and Dr
M. Gibby, Miss A.M. Paul and J.W. Merryweather were elected to serve as Editors of the
Fern Gazette, Bulletin and Pteridologist respectively.

185

ITEM 9 — ELECTION OF HONORARY AUDITORS: Mr Busby reported that both Mr
G. Hoare and Mr R.J. Smith had indicated their willingness to serve for another year and
were elected with the thanks of the President.

ITEM 10 — ANY OTHER BUSINESS:
1. BPS Merchandise — Anthony Pigott announced that he would like to relinquish this job
and would like another member to volunteer to do it.

2. Restoration of Fernery at Danesbury Park — Anthony Pigott had been asked to advise
the head gardener, Anthony Parsons, in the restoration of this fernery which had been
the best in the home counties in 1880 but had been derelict for 60 years. He invited
other members to help in this project and offered to act as co-ordinator.

3. Conservation — the Secretary announced the recent Committee appointment of Rob
Cooke to the new post of Conservation Officer for the Society. Clive Jermy said how
important this would be in providing a link with Plantlife and the BSBI, and in giving the
BPS a visible profile in conservation. Mary Gibby had attended a plant collections
network meeting and described how Graham Pattison of the NCCPG had praised the
co-operation between the BPS and the NCCPG. The Secretary also announced that
Anthony Worland had resigned from the position of Fern Distribution Recorder, which
was now vacant.

As there was no other business the meeting closed at 3.30 p.m.

A.R. Busby
Hon. Gen. Sec.

FINANCIAL STATEMENT AS AT 31 DECEMBER 1993
ORDINARY ACCOUNT

(1992) COME:

11218.30 SUBSCRIPTIONS £10096.77
409.92 INTEREST 91.84
200.00 BOOKSALES 200.00

~ SPORE EXCHANGE 17.00
497.95 MERCHANDISE 749.42
“ PLANT SALE 266.10
82.23 SUNDRIES 100.00

a SYMPOSIUM BOOKS a
12408.40 TOTAL INCOME £11615.13
1788.00 PTERIDOLOGIST 1913.00
2759.00 AZETTE 2993.00
1719.00 BULLETIN 1787.00
177.00 PRINTING & STATIONERY 997.76
2270.87 ADMINISTRATION & POSTAGE 2271.50
178.25 SUBSCRIPTIONS TO SOCIETIES as
130.04 BANK CHARGES a
157.00 PLANT & SPORE EXCHANGES 19.00
271.87 MEETINGS —
666.42 MERCHANDISE —=
1239.18 OTHER EXPENSES i
- CENTENARY SYMPOSIUM 1399.18
11356.63 TOTAL EXPENSES £11904.83

186

BALANCE FOR 1993 —289.70

BROUGHT FORWARD FROM 1992 4710.04

CARRIED FORWARD AT 31.12.1993 £4420.34
CENTENARY FUND

BROUGHT FORWARD FROM 1992 5230.19

ROYALTIES 1088.23

INTEREST 297.96

NT 300.00

WORLD OF FERNS —1095.00

CARRIED FORWARD AT 31.12.1993 £5221.38
GREENFIELD FUND

BROUGHT FORWARD FROM 1992 1654.95

INTEREST 96.75

CARRIED FORWARD AT 31.12.1993 £1751.70

spesonivgphe ACCOUNT

OUGHI TUPVVAAr IY FROM 1 —890.20

neCuErS — Offprints 145.00

— Special Publication No. 1 106.00

— Special Publication No. 2 49.00

— Special Publication No. 3 415.00

— Special Publication No. 4 78.00

— Special Publication No. 5 15.00

— Donation 250.00

EXPENSES -—Reprint —1017.00

CARRIED FORWARD AT 31.12.1993 —£849.20

Notes to the Accounts
i The Society had the peein stocks of books at 31 Dec. 1993 (1992 stocks in brackets): Guide
to Hardy Ferns 46 (60), Fern Names and their Meanings 21 (30), Cultivation and Propagation of

British Ferns 410 (10), History of British Pteridology 865 (879), BPS Extracts & Papers 466 (459).
2. Interest arises on 31st March on the Centenary and Greenfield Funds. No provision has been
made for accrued interest
3. For the convenience of the officers concerned and the Treasurer, certain officers are issued with
advances of expenses. The balances outstanding at 31 Dec. were small and have not been
adjusted in the accounts.

. The accounts reflect the subscriptions actually received in the year. Approximately £1350 is
subscriptions received in advance for 1994 but some subscriptions remain outstanding for 1993.
5. The Society's assets include a share in a computer and software at the Natural History Museum
cost £1000.

6. BPS Booksales had assets of £3493.21 at 31 Dec. 1993.
7. The Centenary Fund had 200 copies of A World of Ferns at 31 Dec. 1993.

RETIRING PRESIDENT’S ADDRESS -— Jack Bouckley
(Presented by M.H. Rickard and J.A. Crabbe after the AGM at The Natural History Museum, London)

First of all, may | say how sorry | am that | am unable to be at this meeting, but doctor's
orders are doctor’s orders

Secondly, | congratulate Dr Trevor Walker on being elected as the twenty-second
President of the Society (including J. Wilson, 1891 to 1892, who was called Chairman)
and | give him my best wishes. It is really a pity that | am not at the meeting to shake
him by the hand.

| am not a professional botanist so my talk will not be on something like ‘Morphological
and cytotaxonomic views on aquatic pteridophytes’. Do | hear some sighs of relief? In
1988, Gwladys Tonge gave a very interesting talk about her lovely ferny garden and this

187

Jack Bouckley
with his wife Ruth

President 1991-1994

photo: courtesy Harrogate Advertiser

year | was more or less all prepared to talk about ferns in their Yorkshire habitats. It was
to be a half hour of illustrated delights of the Yorkshire dales, moors and wolds showing
many aspects of the county in lots of different moods. Armed with my cameras, a tripod
and three rolls of 36 frames | made a concerted effort, travelling many miles to get first
class slides of these remarkable plants growing naturally in grykes, woods and
streamsides. Eventually these films were sent off for processing and | was expecting
108 slides to come back, but much to my horror none of the films had advanced past
frame No. 1. Each film had had the perforated sides destroyed through a fault in the
camera so there were no slides to show, so that talk was off.

So what was | to talk about? During the last three years different members have asked
me just how the Society is run so let us spend the next few minutes thinking about ‘What
makes the BPS tick’. In a Society like ours much goes on behind the scenes of which
many of our members are totally unaware so | do hope that this brief account will help
everyone to appreciate more fully how much is done by these people.

Let us start at the beginning. Someone joins the Society and the application form is sent
to our Membership Secretary, Alison Paul, at The Natural History Museum who, with
meticulous care, feeds all the relevant information into the computer. Details of the
member are sent to Matt Busby, the Society's Honorary General Secretary who sends
out a welcome letter to the applicant. Alison also sends details of subs paid to Dr Nick
Hards, our Honorary Treasurer who very ably keeps an eye on all the financial side —
receiving cash, paying out cash all the year round and just making sure that there is no
chance of us going into the red in the forseeable future. There are books to keep and
balance and these are checked every year by the auditors — Mr G. Hoare and Mr
R.J. Smith. An unenviable but necessary job.

Our new member will eventually receive either two or four journals during the next year,
depending on their type of membership — details of which can be seen on the inside
cover of the journals. But before these can be sent out they have to be prepared, so
botanists, horticulturalists and enthusiasts etc. have to submit copy to the various editors
— Alison Paul for the Bulletin, James Merryweather for the Pteridologist (Martin Rickard
edited this for the first ten editions) and Dr Mary Gibby, Dr Barry Thomas and Jim
Crabbe for the Fern Gazette. The Gazette is our technical publication and most of the
copy for this comes from professional botanists. The Pteridologist contains news and
views of topical interest such as growing, general experiences etc. and James is happy

188

to receive any interesting articles for consideration. The Bulletin is an account of Society
activities for the previous twelve months and also has details of things to come in the
next year. Most of the copy for the Bulletin is submitted by regional group leaders and
leaders of national indoor and outdoor activities. The outline meetings programme is
submitted by Anthony Pigott, the Meetings Secretary, and his team. All of the copy
submitted is sorted out and eventually, when edited correctly, it goes to the printers.

These publications, which come out at various times during the year have to be put into
envelopes, together with any flyers, for example the full meetings programme, the spore
exchange list, the booksales list and the plant exchange information. Sometimes there
are more than these, so it can be seen that with addressing the envelopes and sticking
on the stamps, Pat Acock has quite a task. He also organises the sale of back copies of
the Society journals, a task which brings in cash to help finance the Society.

One of the very important activities is the Spore Exchange Scheme organised by
Margaret Nimmo-Smith who has to rely on the rest of the membership to supply the
spores, hopefully correctly named. After receiving the spores there is a lot of work to do
such as preparing the spore list, making certain that spellings are correct, sorting out the
material received, packeting the spores and sending them out to the various members
who have requested them. | do believe that her husband does rather a lot to help.
Please keep the spores rolling in to Margaret.

The Plant Exchange has been taken over by Ray and Brenda Smith from Rosemary
Hibbs. Between them they produce a list of available plants, but again, they can only
produce a list if members have sent them details of plants they have to spare. There are
some real bargains on this year’s list.

Another money spinner is the Booksales. This is organised by Steve Munyard and apart
from buying and selling books both old and new, he has to sit down and compile a list of
publications which are for sale. It is possible to obtain books from our Booksales which
are fairly unobtainable otherwise. If you know of any fern books which are for sale by
private owners, please let Steve know.

Anthony Pigott has already been mentioned but he is also responsible for another sales
department. Everything besides books. There are ties, sweatshirts and car stickers just
to mention a few, at very reasonable prices.

During the last few years the number of Regional Groups has increased dramatically. As
the Secretary said in his report, there are still a few parts of the country which are not
covered by a group, so if you live in one of these areas and would like to form a group
please let him know and | am sure that he will give as much help as is possible. Group
organisers are asked to arrange local meetings, such as garden visits or field meetings
and to send their individual programmes to their members. These are very important
activities as they really get members together and they also attract other fern
enthusiasts to the Society.

Then there is the elected Committee — a number of committed members who meet at
various times and places to sort out the general running of the Society.

Last but far from least is A.R. (Matt) Busby, the Honorary General Secretary. His is the
unenviable task of arranging committee meetings, replying to all sorts of enquiries and
generally seeing to the well being of the Society. He has held this position since 1979. As
well as the secretarial work he is also the Society Archivist to whom any items relating to
ferns in local papers etc. should be sent. One very important thing which Matt organises

189

every year is the BPS stand at the Southport Flower Show. This really advertises the
Society and every year new members are enrolled as a result of chatting to those who
man the stand. He also has the responsibility of running the Members Information
Service. Send any queries you have relating to ferns etc. to him and he will make certain
that it is passed on to the appropriate member of the ‘Think tank’. Talking about a think
tank, | heard of a man who was being admitted to hospital for a brain transplant and the
Consultant said to the patient just prior to the operation “We have two brains available,
one from an old Member of Parliament and the other from a young fern buff, which one
would you like?” The patient replied “I think | will have the brain from the old MP, it must
be unused and as good as new’.

| almost forgot to mention the Vice-Presidents J. Crabbe, Dr C. Page, M. Rickard, Mrs
G. Tonge & J. Woodhams who have always been available to take on any particular
task.

So these are the people who | have had the pleasure of working with during the last
three years and | must say here and now — thank you for being such a smashing team.

These three years have seen some quite unique happenings. Jimmy Dyce, our
President Emeritus, went to Buckingham Palace to collect his MBE award from the
Queen. Clive Jermy became the seventh member to be awarded the Stansfield medal.
Reginald Kaye received an Honorary Master of Science degree at Lancaster University.
Unfortunately our Reggie has since died. James Russell who many knew at Castle
Howard was awarded an honorary degree at York University.

One thing which has happened during the last year is the necessity for members to sign
indemnity forms before starting off on Society field meetings. The world’s population has
become very claim-minded so precautions to protect the Society had to be implemented.
But of course the best precaution is never to take unnecessary risks, or as Murphy’s law
says “Never play leapfrog with a unicorn”.

So we have looked into the past. We have thought of the present, but change is the law
of life. | repeat, change is the law of life. Those who look only to the past and present
are certain to miss the future and we do not contemplate missing the future. | had a
letter from America a few days ago in which Judith Jones of Seattle referred to the BPS
as the best fern society in the world. We have got to keep it so, we have got to improve,
we must expand. Of course there will be pitfalls but J.F. Kennedy once said “Our
greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall”.

At the beginning of this little talk | said “What makes the BPS tick?” | have not forgotten
the total membership, the shows, Kew personel and those behind the scenes at The
Natural History Museum and the host of others who all have a part to play in the Society.
May we look forward with hope to my 1991 aim of 1,000 members by the turn of the
century. | am confident that it can be done.... Are you?

Again | say to Trevor Walker all the very best as he goes forward to lead the Society to
even better things.

Thanks to everyone.

[Jack would also like to thank those at the AGM who signed the pressed fern ‘card’ for
him; he will have it suitably framed. ]

190

LECTURE MEETINGS AND DAY VISITS 1994

SPRING INDOOR MEETING -— 5 March. In the morning members toured the
glasshouses of the Department of Science Education at the University of Warwick (by
kind permission of Prof. D. Kelly). In the large tropical greenhouse they saw a range of
tropical economic crops and a collection of ferns including Phlebodium aureum ‘Mexican
Tasseled’, Nephrolepis duffii and an enormous Platycerium bifurcatum. Ampelopteris
prolifera was growing in the soil as ground cover. The cooler range of glasshouses
contained a collection of Adiantum raddianum cultivars, Adiantum formosum, Blechnum
occidentale, Christella dentata ‘Corymbifera’ and several doodias. At the cool end of the
range, Matt Busby had set out various hardy and near hardy ferns and a display of
Trichomanes speciosum grown in containers (all material originating from clones in
cultivation). Other ferns included Dicksonia antarctica, Pellaea ovata, Ceterach aureum
and Lygodium japonicum.

During lunch, members were able to see a fascinating display of cheilanthoid fern
species staged by Clive Brotherton, a magnificent testimony to his skill as a grower, and
were also able to buy plants from Rickards Hardy Ferns.

After lunch, Martin Rickard gave an interesting slide tour of Irish and British fern
gardens, in particular illustrating tree-ferns. He included many shots of Cornish gardens
which whetted appetites for the meeting to be held later in Cornwall. The most amazing
picture was of Martin packing his first large tree-fern with 10 to 12 foot fronds, purchased
in Ireland, into an estate car!

This was followed by an illustrated talk by Andrew Leonard who has now been fern
hunting several times to Madeira. He showed slides of Trichomanes speciosum, so rare
in Britain, growing in carpets, Adiantum reniforme as a wall fern, and even the rare
endemic Polystichum drepanum, amongst many other ferns which grow so plentifully on
this beautiful island. The water channels used for irrigation, called levadas, provide
Suitable man-made habitats for ferns. He hopes to persuade the BPS to hold a field trip
there and it seems that his hope may be realised in 1995.

Finally Matt Busby demonstrated how to propagate Asplenium scolopendrium by means
of frond bases. He used a large plant on which to demonstrate and also showed
successful propagules from last year. The method will be published in the next
Pteridologist.

Thanks go to Brenda Smith, Margaret Busby, Margaret Collins and Doreen Brotherton
for providing delicious refreshments and to Matt Busby and the Department of Science

Education for their hospitality. ME. Nimmo-Smith

KEW GARDENS - 28 May. We saw Peter Edwards peeping out from behind the
foliage. We saw Peter Edwards travelling up river in a bark canoe. We saw Peter
Edwards wearing silly hats. But all the week before poor Peter had been laid up in bed
sick and didn’t see anything of us.

Our thanks to John Woodhams for stepping in at the last moment and entertaining us
with slides and a talk. As always after a Kew meeting | was left dreaming of exotic far-
away places, and of how next weekend | was going to convert 12 square feet of back
garden into a tropical paradise. John’s talk described the adventures of himself, Peter
Edwards, Ken Burras and John Warrington during a 1978 expedition to collect ferns and

191

insectivorous plants from the Mount Roraima region of Amazonia.

Following on from John’s talk the group joined Peter Bradley for a guided tour of the
filmy fern house and then the Princess of Wales Conservatory. Peter has the right idea
when it comes to planting, using the garish flowering plants to show off the more
sophisticated ferns. Regular Kew visitors were delighted with the extensive replanting of
the filmy fern house. A far cry from the days when one had to peer through steamy glass
(Patrick is old enough to tell me).

Thanks to the 40 members who attended this year’s Kew meeting and got quietly on
with their own thing in Peter's absence that morning.
Gavin Stark

AUTUMN INDOOR MEETING, LONDON - 15 October. Around 50 members travelled
from all over the country to attend this meeting held in the Department of Botany at The
Natural History Museum. A variety of speakers addressed the assembly on the common
theme of fern distribution and recording.

Commencing in the Cryptogamic Herbarium, Josephine Camus gave an entertaining
insight into her work at the Museum in a talk entitled ‘Out of the Forest, into the
Herbarium’. She carries out most of her field work in Indonesia and Malaysia where the
tropical climate presents problems with drying fronds; this can be overcome by pouring
alcohol on bundles of specimens in plastic bags prior to dispatch. Back at the Museum,
the fronds are unpacked, dried, pressed and mounted on herbarium sheets, while
information is transferred from soggy notebooks to a computer. There are two main
aspects to her work: monographic (studying a family or genus) and floristic (studying the
plants of a geographic area). One of her projects uses WORLDMAP program to plot
data onto a map squared on a grid system. Demonstrating the program on a computer
screen, she revealed how entering 200 years of specimens can show only which areas
were visited and collected in, rather than full distributions. Some uses of the program are
in showing the numbers of species in areas, or areas with endemics, or which taxa have
been entered for any part of the world and where they are. It could also be used in a
predictive manner to gauge what is likely to be in a particular area.

Next Sean O’Gaoithin, lately of Glasnevin Botanic Garden and currently working at
Chelsea Physic Garden, gave a presentation of slides showing an area of woodland in
Donegal where he has rediscovered a site from the 19th century of Trichomanes
speciosum.

Returning to the Department of Botany’s common room, we broke for lunch, after which
Clive Jermy talked on the history of recording plants in Britain. The first records were
those of John Ray in 1724. No binomial system existed then, but Ray’s descriptions in
Latin clearly identify the species. Dawson Turner and Dillon produced the Botanist's
Guide, the first county-by-county guide, culled from various published lists. Between
1847-1859 H.C. Watson wrote the four-volume classic Cybele Britannica in some
considerable detail; he was starting to look at the ecology of the plants. This work
introduced the now well known vice-county method of recording, an idea which er
taken up by entomologists and other naturalists and led to a plethora of distribution
maps. With advances in technology, mapping is now done on a grid basis, using the
National Grid in Britain. In the early 1950s the Botanical Society of the British Isles
commenced a scheme of mapping the distribution of flowering plants based on 10km
grid squares, using a primitive system of cards with punched holes ‘read’ by machine.

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The Biological Records Centre was set up at Monks Wood in 1964, and stores grid
reference data — about six million records of over 9,000 non-marine plants and animals.
More recent county floras, such as that of Kent, divide their areas into 2km squares
(tetrads), while Warwick brings in detailed ecology.

After the AGM, Retiring President’s Address and tea, Clive Jermy rose again to
introduce the next part of the meeting, which was to set out what we as a Society can do
to play our part in the update of the fern atlas to be produced by the year 2000. He
hoped it would not be just a record of distribution, but would show the ecology of a
species: why it is there, its history and its possible future. The computer technology is
now available to assist us, with overlays for temperature, rainfall, soil types and so on.
Planners can only make the right decisions (for road building, quarries, etc.) by having
the right information, and we as a Society can bring this information forward.

Barry Thomas then talked of work undertaken at the National Museum of Wales in
Cardiff on the distribution of ferns. All editions (1940 onwards) of Welsh Ferns gave lists
of herbarium specimens, but as the number of herbarium specimens increased, so it
became necessary for the lists to become more condensed or in some cases omitted.
Distribution maps of Welsh ferns were published in Watsonia in 1992, and these will be
updated when the 7th edition of Welsh Ferns is published, hopefully in 1995.

The next speaker was Gavin Stark, who works with English Nature to conserve lower
plants, collecting information about rare and threatened mosses and lichens. He uses
the RECORDER environmental recording database program, which contains an
extensive list of British plants and animals and enables detailed records to be stored and
retrieved. The records can be selected and sorted quickly and efficiently, with
information produced as printed text, maps, histograms or files. Using a laptop PC, he
demonstrated the wealth of uses of the package, cleverly projected onto a screen for all
present to see.

The meeting was wound up by Anthony Pigott, who spoke about the improvements and
potential of modern computers and software: Global Positioning Systems use satellite
bearings to give accurate locations anywhere in the world; in the near future, pocket
computers will allow field recording enabling data to be transferred straight onto a home
PC; all sorts of mappable information is readily available at ‘affordable’ prices. Once the
information is collected there is now much more flexibility as to what you can do with it.
We are now in a position, he concluded, to decide what we really want to do in mapping
distributions, because the technology will allow us to achieve it.

All thanks must go to Alison Paul and other members of the Museum staff (current and
retired!) for giving their time to organise a day that left us feeling stimulated and full of
inspiration for the future.

Howard Matthews

GROW GREAT FERNS
Los Angeles International Fern Society (LAIFS)
Fern journal bimonthly, includes fern lesson. Educational meetings, materials, spore
store and books. Annual dues: $20 domestic, $24.00 USA first class, Canada & Mexico,
$26 overseas surface, $28.50 overseas airmail. Apply to: Dave Fay, P.O. Box 90943,
Pasadena, California 91109-0943 USA.

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NATIONAL FIELD MEETINGS 1994
CORNWALL - 23-28 June B. Porter et al.

Wednesday 22 and Thursday 23 June [Barbara Porter]. Fourteen members gathered
at the guest-house in the small village of St Erme (10/850502) for the first BPS meeting
in Cornwall for more than 20 years! On the first evening a few of us went for a stroll
round the tiny village in the gathering gloom of a perfect sunset and found ourselves in
the ancient churchyard trying to identify Polystichum setiferum by silhouetting a pinna
against a brilliant orange sky. A pleasant if rather eerie introduction!

Thursday promised to be a busy day. The morning held a visit to Heligan Manor
Gardens (20/997465), originally laid out in the 18th century, but which, since the First
World War, has lain buried under a sea of brambles, saplings and weeds — as much as
ten feet high by 1991. It is now in the process of being restored to original Victorian
plans. Looking at the photographs taken before restoration began, one wonders how so
much could have been achieved in such a short time (three years) — and mainly by
volunteers. Many of the plants in the Gardens are survivors of plants grown from seed
collected in the mid-19th century by Sir Joseph Hooker in the Himalayas and given to
the owners for cultivation. Ferns seen in the gardens included a number of woodland
ferns growing in the Jungle Gardens, Polypodium interjectum covering the roof of an old
shed and Blechnum chilense everywhere! The Wild Wood, entered by permission only,
is an ideal place to introduce woodland ferns to beginners as most of the common ones
are there. A small grotto in the gardens is not being restored with its original planting
scheme but, under the direction of Clive Jermy, is being made into a ferny dell which it is
hoped will eventually hold a national collection of ferns. Interestingly, on the rocks
around an artificial spring in the grotto can be found the gametophyte of Trichomanes
speciosum. But the chief glory of the Gardens is the tree-ferns, mainly Dicksonia
antarctica and Cyathea dealbata. Some are new plantings but some have survived or
regenerated from the original garden plantings.

After a hurried lunch in the small café at the Gardens we set off to Fowey, to see
Polypodium cambricum (P. australe) growing in relative profusion on the high wall lining
one of the old lanes (20/125517) of the town. Unfortunately, the previous year’s leaves
were nearly dead and there was no sign of this year’s fronds as yet.

Afterwards, we visited another garden, this time a private one, Polpey (20/088538),
owned by a long time member of the Society, Bridget Graham, and her husband,
Michael. Their extensive garden contains many interesting trees and shrubs amongst
which Bridget grows her beloved ferns and Michael his collection of lilies. They had
gone to so much trouble to make our visit a rewarding one, Bridget having named every
fern in the garden especially for us. It is not possible to list everything in the garden but
of particular interest were Polystichum setiferum ‘Manica-Infantis’ originally obtained
from Reg Kaye, Osmunda cinnamomea growing in the pond, a large Dryopteris stewartil
amongst the more scarce ferns present, also luxuriant Arachniodes standishii by the
house, Polystichum yunnanense and the attractive Polystichum makinoi. Of especial
interest, because we were to visit the site where the original plant was found on the way
back, was the small, exquisite, but sterile Polystichum setiferum ‘Carruggatt’ found in
Carruggatt Lane in c.1989 by Dr Gillian Matthews. My special memory, though, is of the
vigorous Woodwardia radicans, which is the cause of a gentle running battle between
Bridget and her husband, who has fears of it invading his lawn! The big surprise was the
lovely afternoon tea they had so thoughtfully provided.

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To finish the afternoon in fine style, we went to the privately owned Carruggatt Wood
(20/997465) where we saw Dryopteris aemula growing quite profusely on a small stream
bank in deepest shade; but we failed to find Polystichum setiferum ‘Carruggatt’ at the
site where it had been originally found.

After dinner, the dining tables were cleared back and Neil Timm delighted us with an
illustrated talk on ferns as seen from a commercial grower's point of view.

Friday 24 June [Margaret & John Collins]. Thunder during breakfast warned us about
the day to come. The storm followed us 35 miles to Rough Tor (20/144807) on Bodmin
Moor, where much to our delight both Hymenophyllum tunbrigense and H. wilsonii were
found — well down amongst the granite boulders near the summit, along with,
surprisingly, Dryopteris aemula.

After lunch in Camelford we moved on to Pendrift (20/101742) to look at Asplenium
adiantum-nigrum variations and A. obovatum var. lanceolatum (A. billotii) growing in
typically wet Cornish hedge-banks — and more rain! Then to Maidenwell pool
(20/143718) where, amid the lunar landscape of abandoned china clay heaps, grows a
patch of massed /soetes echinospora on the eastern side of the pool just beyond the
water's edge. It must be confessed that a number of us were more taken by the many
greater butterfly orchids growing along the road leading to the pool!

After another excellent dinner at the guest-house, Jennifer Ide introduced us to the
morphological variants of Asp/enium adiantum-nigrum for which we were to search on
Sunday amongst the serpentine rocks of Kynance Cove on the Lizard peninsular. These
plants were once thought to be A. cuneifolium but are now known to be ecotypes of
A. adiantum-nigrum, with their own distinct morphology.

Saturday 25 June [Margaret Nimmo-Smith]. More members joined the original party
for the weekend, and some for longer, at the Tourist Information Centre at Camelford
(20/104836). Here, on the walls of a private car park next to the Centre, we found in a
corner three plants of Asplenium ceterach, not a very common plant in Cornwall, as well
as A. trichomanes subsp. quadrivalens and a good colony of Polypodium interjectum.
On neighbouring walls we found Asplenium scolopendrium, A. ruta-muraria (also
relatively scarce in Cornwall), Dryopteris filix-mas and Athyrium filix-femina.

Our next stop was the Castle at Tintagel and its environs. We parked in the car park at
the top of the steep lane leading to the Castle (20/055885 to 053890) and as we walked
down observed abundant cropped Asplenium scolopendrium, also Athyrium filix-femina,
Dryopteris filix-mas and Pteridium aquilinum, and nearer the sea a few plants of
Asplenium marinum. Our first unusual sighting of the day was three plants of Cyrtomium
falcatum growing to a large size under a rock above the path, presumably naturalised
there. The Castle and surrounding area were then explored. More A. marinum was
found and also A. obovatum var. lanceolatum tucked in on the rocks where there was an
accumulation of soil. A further site for this was on the outside of the churchyard wall of
St Materiana’s Church (20/050884), which some members managed to explore. The
back lane from the church to the village, at its lowest level, also had several plants of
A. marinum quite some distance from the sea. Andrew Leonard (the member from
Portsmouth!) found a superb plant in a sheltered sea cliff site with fronds a foot long
(c.20/052890). Anthony Pigott also found Dryopteris affinis which he identified as being
either morphotype insolens or cambrensis.

After picnicking or sampling the hostelries in Tintagel the party reassembled to explore

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St Nectan’s Glen (20/075887). Polypodium interjectum was growing on the house walls
at the beginning of the path into the glen (20/076892), and some good plants of
Asplenium adiantum-nigrum were found in the hedge-bank further along the path, as
well as Polypodium vulgare and Asplenium scolopendrium. Entering the wood in the
glen we found ferns in abundance: Athyrium filix-femina, Pteridium aquilinum, Dryopteris
dilatata and D. affinis, identified by Anthony as morphotypes affinis (at the start of the
lane), robusta (on a high bank above the stream) and borreri. At one point before
descending to stream level we looked down onto a magnificent carpet of ferns on the
opposite bank, mainly D. affinis and Athyrium filix-femina, all tantalisingly inaccessible
because of the loose shale on which they were growing! We continued some way
upstream, sighting Blechnum spicant near the water and Polypodium vulgare on trees,
before returning to the cars, carefully scrutinising the mossy rocks on the way, but failing
to find Hymenophyllum, which has not been recorded for the glen despite being a
promising site.

Our last visit of the day was to Boscastle (20/096914) where we were shown Adiantum
capillus-veneris in a natural location on the harbour cliff, growing in a base-rich flush
alongside of which were young plants of Osmunda regalis appearing to be tenuously
clinging to life. Other ferns seen in Boscastle included a large clump of O. regalis on the
opposite bank of the stream to the car park, Athyrium filix-femina, Dryopteris filix-mas
and Asplenium marinum on the harbour cliff and Polypodium interjectum, Asplenium
adiantum-nigrum, A. trichomanes subsp. quadrivalens, A. ruta-muraria and
A. scolopendrium all growing on garden walls.

After dinner, Dr Paul Gainey, a local botanist well known for his intimate knowledge of
the Cornish flora, gave us an illustrated talk about the flowerless plants of Cornwall,
explaining the geographical, geological and climatological reasons for the particularly
rich flora of his beloved county.

photo: R. Smith
Kynance Cove, Cornwall
Back: Ray Smith, Keith Holly, Neil Timm, Andrew Leonard, Mick & Linda Craddock.
Middle: Caroline Thomas, Margo Ladell, Anthony Pigott, Trish Craddock.
Front: Brenda Smith, Barbara Porter, Rose Murphy, Jennifer Ide, Margaret Nimmo-Smith, Margaret
& John Collins.

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photo: R. Smith

Jane Bird prt, BPS and Cornwall NCCPG members
mong ferns at Penjerrick, Cornwall.

Sunday 26 June [Neil Timm]. The group headed south-west to the Lizard Peninsular,
Stopping on the way to visit Perranarworthal churchyard (10/779389) to see ferns carved
on two of the tombstones before continuing to Penjerrick (10/779307) where we were
joined by members of the Cornwall NCCPG. The garden was originally laid out by the
Fox family, and is now in the process of being restored with the help of Jane Bird, who
we were lucky enough to have as our guide. Upon entering the garden, members were
pleased to find Dryopteris crispifolia growing just inside the gate, as well as a large
number of trees and shrubs exotic to members from the north. Jane Bird gave us a short
history of this interesting garden before leading us off to see a large range of hardy and
tender ferns growing in a delightful period greenhouse, also in the process of being
restored. In the lower part of the garden, which is reached by a bridge over a small lane,
we saw the main body of tree-ferns, growing mostly beside a small stream and several
little pools. Many, we were told, are original imports from New Zealand brought by the
Fox family as ballast in their ships, and are now thought to be amongst the tallest in
Europe. We also saw fine stands of Osmunda regalis, naturalised Polystichum
polyblepharum and Athyrium filix-femina which were having to be treated as weeds!
Finally, before leaving Penjerrick, the group visited the lane between the two gardens to
see Cystopteris fragilis (rare in Cornwall), naturalised tree-ferns and Selaginella
kraussiana, growing with the usual range of Cornish hedge ferns on the banks.

After lunch we drove to Kynance Cove (10/683135) near the Lizard Point where, after a
brisk walk along the cliff we searched for and found the rare serpentine form of
Asplenium adiantum-nigrum (q.v.), and also A. marinum.

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Time now being short the group split to visit Goonhilly Downs, some going to see
Equisetum telmateia in woods near Rosenithon (10/797213), while the rest went to
search for Pilularia globulifera, which we eventually found after a difficult search in Croft
Pascoe Pool (10/732198). Finally, being keen to see Ophioglossum vulgatum, we drove
across the county to the north coast and a sand-dune site, where we had been told it
could be seen in large numbers. We were pleased to find several hundred fruiting
plants, in prime condition, growing in a space of perhaps ten square yards.

No dinner is served at Trevispian-Vean Farm on Sunday evening and so we repaired to
an excellent hostelry at Comford, the Fox and Hounds (10/735399!), recommended by
Rose Murphy, for an enjoyable gastronomic experience to round off a super day!

Monday 27 June [Andrew Leonard]. The group assembled in Wadebridge at 10.15
a.m. and proceeded to the old bridge (10/991724) over the River Camel. Ferns found
here were Asplenium marinum, A. ruta-muraria, A. trichomanes subsp. quadrivalens and
A. adiantum-nigrum, but no A. ceterach. A small splinter-group of two visited a wall on
the other side of the river by tennis courts and a recreation ground (on the A389) on
which were abundant plants of A. ceterach, A. trichomanes subsp. quadrivalens, A. ruta-
muraria, A. scolopendrium and Polypodium cambricum. Matt also discovered a
butcher’s shop in Market Street with some magnificent baskets of Adiantum capillus-
veneris. Astute questioning by our Hon. Sec. revealed that the butcher was well aware
of what he had in his possession and was completely inured to Matt’s covetous pleas to
part with one of them!

The group then walked along the Camel trail on the west side of the river, dodging the
bicyclists, and found Dryopteris filix-mas, D. dilatata, D. affinis morphotypes affinis and
possibly borreri, Polypodium vulgare (? — all three species have been recorded in the
past), Polystichum setiferum, Asplenium scolopendrium, A. trichomanes subsp.
quadrivalens, A. adiantum-nigrum and Pteridium aquilinum in the hedge-banks along the

Trail. There was great excitement and some amusement when two small plants of
A. ceterach were found! Where it was possible to leave the Trail and take a brief
excursion onto the river beach, several splendid plants of A. marinum were found on the
sea cliffs. But the highlight of the morning was the finding of a native site for Adiantum
capillus-veneris: the bank at the side of the Trail. This fern appeared to be doing very
well and had quite the largest fronds and pinnae we were to see.

Following a drive and some lunch, the group reassembled at Retire Common
(20/005635), an area of fen heath, where the aim was to find Lycopodiella inundata.
Eventually, after an extensive search especially amongst areas recently burnt, we found
two plants — all of half an inch and a quarter of an inch long respectively! Also seen on
this heathland were Blechnum spicant, Dryopteris dilatata, D. affinis (morphotype 2),
Athyrium filix-femina and Osmunda regalis, though rather small plants of the last
species.

Breney Common is wet grass heath with some willow scrub in the wet areas and birch
scrub in the drier parts and with signs of healthy regeneration in one or two areas. We
found a healthy stand of Equisetum fluviatile in a small pond (20/057611), Pilularia
globulifera growing in the mud along a wet path (20/057611), and many plants of
Osmunda regalis (20/056612), some of which were very large. Some lively discussion
surrounded the exciting find of several plants in the vicinity of the Osmunda that
displayed many of the characteristics of D. carthusiana. [This has since been confirmed
(ACJ) which is most pleasing as this species has not been seen on Breney Common for
at least ten years and was last officially recorded in the 1970s. RJM]

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The last site of the day was the china clay depot at Carne Cross (20/046565). Here we
found Equisetum fluviatile, E. arvense and E. palustre and an interesting variant of the
latter identified as var. pachystachyon (confirmed by PJE, Kew), originally described in
the area about 1926. Also in the surrounding hedgerows could be found Dryopteris
affinis, D. filix-mas, D. dilatata, Athyrium filix-femina and Pteridium aquilinum.

In the evening, after our meal, our host Ernie Dymond, took us and the other guests on
his farm for a ride around the lanes in the vicinity. His son expertly drove the tractor and
we all sat on bales of straw on a very long trailer, whilst Ernie pointed out features of
interest in between telling us some splendid tall stories! Afterwards, the member for
Portsmouth (q.v.) gave a very interesting, illustrated lecture on the ferns of the Azores
whilst many of the group were soundly asleep at the end of another splendid day!

Tuesday 28 June [Jennifer Ide]. After a setback caused by the leader's car stubbornly
refusing to start, we eventually set off to what must be the most beautiful churchyard in
Britain. The little 13th and 15th Century church of St Just-in-Roseland (10/848357)
nestles in a semi-wooded garden on the water's edge of the Carrick Roads.

A large stand of Blechnum chilense, four to five feet in height, grows around one of the
three ponds in the church garden, whilst Selaginella kraussiana has become naturalised
in the lawns around the ponds. As one might expect from the nature of the grounds a
number of woodland species were also found: Athyrium filix-femina, Polystichum
setiferum, Dryopteris dilatata and D. filix-mas which, together with Asplenium
scolopendrium, was also growing between the concrete bars of the cattle grid under the
porched entrance to the grounds. Very attractive foliose, but mostly sterile forms of
Dryopteris affinis, probably morphotype robusta, were common in the church grounds,
together with morphotype affinis. On garden walls in the near vicinity of the church were
found Asplenium trichomanes subsp. quadrivalens, A. scolopendrium and A. adiantum-
nigrum.

Reluctant to leave St Just, we made our way to the little harbour town of St Mawes. The
discovery of Equisetum arvense in the car park elicited no excitement whatsoever and
we made our way to St Philleigh’s at St Mawes (10/845330) to wonder at the healthy
Adiantum capillus-veneris growing on the wall around the church. Ivy threatens to out-
compete the maidenhair so some judicious gardening was done and a note made to
write to the vicar to recommend that the ivy be kept in check. Jennifer and Rose were
horrified to find that since their reconnoitre in April, the owners of the cottage opposite
the church had cleaned the wall around their courtyard of all vestiges of plants, including
many Asplenium trichomanes subsp. quadrivalens, and painted it white! However,
growing on the courtyard side of the wall were magnificent colonies of Adiantum. So
magnificent were some of them that our first impression was that they were growing in
hanging baskets, but examination found this not to be so. We can only be thankful that
these plants had been found so attractive by the occupants that they had decided to
keep them.

After lunch at St Mawes, crab sandwiches for some(!), we went on to Portloe, a small
fishing village where the houses seem to hang on the sides of the steep, cliff-like valley
sides. The car park (10/938396) was just outside the village and so a rather warm walk
down the steep hill to the harbour was necessary, but not without its rewards. Asp/enium
trichomanes subsp. quadrivalens was found growing quite lusciously around a drain of a
cob cottage; a little further down the hill on the wall was found Polypodium interjectum.
Opposite All Saints church, albeit small plants of Asplenium adiantum-nigrum and
A. ruta-muraria were growing. But our real objective was the A. obovatum subsp.

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lanceolatum, protected by brambles, growing in the wall of the Cornish hedgerow
(10/940395) and on the cliffs on the other side of the tiny beach. The Equisetum arvense
found growing at the entrance of the car park on our return, was greeted with the usual
lack of interest!

We left Portloe for Lamorran Wood, north of the Roseland peninsular, via Veryan
(10/916396) to see the Round Houses at the north and south entrances of the village.
Tradition varies as to the origin of these houses but all invoke the devil in some way.
Lamorran Wood (10/8842) made an ideal site for the beginners in the group to see how
many of the common woodland ferns of our flora they could now recognise, for this
lovely wood, formerly typical oak woodland such as usually formed around drowned
river valleys but since interfered with by man, was abounding in them. We recorded

splenium scolopendrium, Polystichum setiferum, Blechnum spicant, Athyrium filix-
femina — both green and red-stemmed forms, Dryopteris dilatata, D. affinis — anyone
feeling courageous could attempt to distinguish the morphotypes affinis, borreri and
cambrensis, and D. aemula — well, it is relatively common in Cornwall!

The meeting concluded, most fittingly for a meeting held in Cornwall, with traditional
afternoon tea at one of the excellent tea shops which abound in Cornwall. On many
counts the meeting can be considered to have been a success. We saw some super
ferns, the weather was very kind to us apart from one day, the guest-house was tops,
the cream teas and ice-creams scrumptious, and the company great (20 members
attended over all), but most pleasingly we made contact with four new Cornish
members. At this point | would like to express my personal thanks to those who
suggested sites and gardens to visit, but especially to Rose Murphy, BSBI plant recorder
for Cornwall, for all her suggestions, help and guidance in the preparation of this
meeting. She unstintingly gave of her time, expertise and intimate knowledge of
Cornwall. Thank you Rose so much.

CONFERENCE & FIELD EXCURSION, EDINBURGH -— 28-31 July

Conference on The Ecology and Conservation of Scotland’s Rare Ferns, Royal
Botanic Garden, Edinburgh — 28-29 July Margaret Nimmo-Smith

[Most of the presentations will be published in more detail in the 1995 Pteridologist.]

Wednesday evening found many of us booking in at our student accommodation at
Pollock Halls, Edinburgh University and meeting fellow pteridologists in the bar. A rail
strike had unfortunately disrupted many members' travelling plans so that some arrived
a day earlier and others a day later than originally planned.

Thursday's programme at the Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh (RBGE), started with
introductions to our conference organisers Dr Adrian Dyer, Dr Stuart Lindsay, Miss
Heather McHaffie and Dr Chris Page, and an invitation to order the attractive tee-shirts
specially designed for the conference.

The formal proceedings started with an introduction by Dr David Mann, Deputy Keeper
of RBGE, who claimed his main entitlement to an interest in ferns stemmed from finding
a new location for Woodsia ilvensis on a field trip! He felt that in an age when research
money was declining and increasingly had strings attached, there was a place for the
BPS to co-ordinate activities at local, national and international level. Chris Page then

200

gave a half hour introduction to past pteridology at RBGE. He described how the early
history of scientific pteridology was interwoven with the history of medicine and detailed
some of the positive results of the Victorian Pteridomania. The long Edinburgh
association with pteridology began with the Victorian, John Lindsay who made
discoveries about the fern life cycle and continued down to Dr Page as the first
pteridologist appointed at the Garden.

After coffee, Chris Page resumed with his view of the present and future importance of
pteridology in Edinburgh. He saw the Garden as a reference centre and focus for the
study of Scottish pteridophytes and their conservation and also making an important
contribution to international conservation. Mr Phil Lusby from the Scottish Rare Plants
Project (based at RBGE) then gave an account of approaches to conserving ferns in
Scotland. Taxonomy, ecology and population monitoring, in-situ and ex-situ
conservation techniques, and education are all important elements of conservation.

After lunch we reassembled for a general tour of the Garden. Our guide outlined the
history of the garden from its 17th century origins as a physic garden near Holyrood, to
its present site with land acquired over the last 150 years. The RBGE now also has
satellite gardens at Younger, Logan and Dawyck which extend the range of
microclimates available for growing different plant collections. A magnificent stand of
Pteridium aquilinum used as ground cover between birches was noted. Our group
visited the alpine house and surrounding area of raised beds and troughs where interest
alighted on pans of Cheilanthes and Polystichum stimulans. We had a quick glimpse of
the long herbaceous border before touring the demonstration garden and seeing some
of the plants on the Scottish Rare Plant Trail and in the Cryptogamic Garden. We then
snaked back to the terrace café and enjoyed the fine view to the New Town and the
Castle. Below we could see the new Chinese garden under construction which will
house recent plant collections from different temperate zones. After a quick tour of the
famous rock garden we returned via magnificent Osmunda regalis near the pond.

Stuart Lindsay spoke next on his research with Adrian Dyer on soil spore banks and
their importance to fern conservation. Soil spore banks are widespread and constantly
available; collecting does not disturb existing populations and soil samples are easily
stored and cultured. The main difficulty at present is identification of some of the young
sporelings thus raised, but they hope to publish an identification guide to sporelings.

The afternoon finished with guided tours of the Garden's pteridophyte collections. We
first visited the shade tunnel in the research area where Adrian Dyer showed us rows of
thriving young plants grown from the soil spore bank project, including Woodsia alpina
and Asplenium septentrionale. There was also an extensive collection of Equisetum
species and hybrids grown in pots. The other side of the tunnel was devoted to foreign
hardy and semi-hardy ferns which it was intended to plant in the RBGE outstation
gardens with milder climates.

Our next visit was to the Herbarium where we were able to examine a display of
herbarium sheets. Douglas McKean explained that their holdings of over 6,000
pteridophyte herbarium specimens represented collections from all over the world,
including British material of rare species from populations no longer in existence. Miss
Elizabeth Watt next explained the operation of the Fern Gene Bank and demonstrated
the method of collecting and cleaning the spores prior to storage in small phials in
freezers. All material is verified and, where possible, has a voucher herbarium
specimen. Dr Kerry Walters demonstrated the computer database which is used to store
information on all the Garden's accessions.

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Conference on the Ecology and Conservation of Scotland’s Rare Ferns,
RBG Edinburgh, 28-31 July

1 Christopher Fraser-Jenkins, 2 Johannes Vogel, 3 Dorothy Fortune, 4 David Walkinshaw,
5 Peter Edwards, 6 Peter Hainsworth, 7 Mila Heathfield, 8 Katharine Bridges, 9 John Mitchell,
10 Graham Ackers, 11 Mick Craddock, 12 Linda Craddock, 13 Trisha Craddock, 14 Alison
Rutherford, 15 Alastair Wardlaw, 16 Jack Garstang, 17 Marjorie Garstang, 18 Margaret Kingston,
19 Margaret Nimmo-Smith, 20 Josephine Camus, 21 Eric Baker, 22 Rita Baker, 23 Matt Busby,
24 Allan Stirling, 25 Frank McGavigan, 26 Roland Whiteman, 27 Vincent Fleming, 28 Phil Lusby,
29 Richard Bateman, 30 Gavin Stark, 31 Jim Parks, 32 Clive Jermy, 33 David Tattersfield,
34 Fred Rumsey, 35 Chris Page, 36 Alison Paul, 37 Lynne Farrell, 38 Stuart Lindsay,
39 Elizabeth Watt, 40 Heather McHaffie, 41 Rose Murphy, 42 Mary Gibby, 43 Adrian Dyer.

[Participants absent from photograph: Frieda Christie, Clive Dixon, Russ & Max Drakeley,
Andrew Ensoll, Geoffrey Harper, Sally Heron, David Ingram, Junxia Ji, Roger Kemp, Ross Kirby,
Lady Lang, David Mann, Ron McBeath, Douglas McKean, David Mitchell, Vicki Parks, Liz Sheffield,
Hans Sluiman, Phil Thomas, Michael Usher, Kerry Walters, Colin Will.]

The final visit of the day was to the public fern glasshouse which houses a collection of
non-hardy pteridophytes, including the climbing fern Lygodium japonicum, epiphytic and
tree-ferns and the world's tallest horsetail species, Equisetum robustum. We found we
were then in the right location for the sherry reception and were able to socialise in the
relaxing setting within the landscaped plant collections in the glasshouse. Professor
David Ingram, the Regius Keeper, gave the BPS a warm welcome to Scotland and the
Garden. For some the evening continued with an invitation to enjoy our Chinese take-
away in Heather McHaffie's home; in the long evening light she gave us a bonus tour of
the interesting fern collection in her garden.

Heather McHaffie started the proceedings on Friday, talking about the post-glacial
history of Scotland's rare ferns. She showed that pteridophytes were early colonisers
after the retreating ice and today will colonise habitats created by man's activities, such
as quarries, mortared walls and railway cuttings.

After coffee, Mr John Mitchell (ex NCC) described setting up a monitoring system for
Woodsia in Scotland, particularly using photography to identify the exact location of
plants, which could then be monitored over the years. Dr Vincent Fleming (Scottish
Natural Heritage) followed with a picture of the declining Woodsia colonies in Scotland.
Reasons for this he suggested might be landslips, genetic poverty giving less vigour,
drought and grazing. Intervention by reintroduction, translocation and the use of soil
spore banks should be given serious consideration. Adrian Dryer then described the
temperature requirements for spore germination in Asplenium septentrionale. The
results of experiments helped to explain the restricted habitat for this species — dark-
coloured volcanic rocks exposed to the south.

Professor Jim Parks, from Millersville University USA, put forward the controversial
proposition that Cystopteris dickieana should not have specific status as there is not
consistent correlation between frond morphology, spore type and allozymes in C. fragilis
/ C. dickieana.

After lunch we divided into small groups for tours of RBGE research facilities. We visited
the newly established laboratories where Dr Hans Sluiman showed us the growth
cabinets providing controlled culture conditions and Dr Kwiton Jong demonstrated the
computer facilities used in conjunction with light microscopy for analysis of chromosome
complements. Mrs Frieda Christie then showed us how material was prepared for
examination with the scanning electron microscope and, in conjunction with Jim Parks,
presented computer stored SEM images of echinate and rugose spores of Cystopteris
fragilis and C. dickieana. \n the library, Dr Colin Will showed us a selection of the best
illustrated fern books, from a 16th century herbal of Dioscorides with hand-coloured
woodcuts to many Victorian fern books, explaining the different techniques used for
illustration including lithographs, woodcuts and nature-prints.

We reassembled in the lecture room for Mr Fred Rumsey's talk on the Killarney fern
based on three years of research at Manchester University. Despite Victorian
depredations and the paucity of known modern sites, he felt encouraged by new
discoveries in the last twenty years. Recent research and recording has shown that the
gametophyte generation persists in widespread locations which no longer support
sporophytes. Chris Page then introduced us to the different types of bracken he had
found in Scotland, which he claimed were clearly distinct on the basis of morphology
and could sometimes be distinguished at a distance from a moving car or even train! Dr
Elizabeth Sheffield then described her current investigations of the relationships of forms
of Pteridium from all over the world using molecular 'finger-printing’ techniques.

203

The final talk was from Professor Michael Usher, Director of Research and Advisory
Services and Chief Scientific Advisor for Scottish Natural Heritage. He gave us a broad
overview of the many issues relating to the conservation and monitoring of the 66
species and hybrid ferns and fern allies found in Scotland. It is important to determine
what species there are and the communities in which they occur, so that local
management practices can be developed to conserve threatened habitats at local level.
At national and international level conservation agreements are essential to develop
policy and legislation and to educate the public. To this end SNH has developed its
Scottish Rare Plants and Species Recovery Programme.

After some general discussion a vote of thanks was proposed to the organisers for such
a well-run and interesting conference and to the RBGE for their generosity in hosting the
conference.

In the evening, members enjoyed the comfort of a cosy room (adjacent to the bar!) at
Pollock Halls Conference Centre, in which displays had been assembled by various
members. All were interesting, including a Pilularia exhibit by the conference organisers,
where the superfast sporocarp-to-sporophyte-in-16 hours phenomenon was explained.
Rose Murphy produced illustrated records of the fate of a Trichomanes speciosum
colony in a Cornish glen over a 30 year period. Adrian Dyer exhibited some of his fern-
decorated glassware and crockery, and Dr Roger Kemp further beautiful pteridophyte
glassware. The results of the competition run during the conference were announce
and prizes of fern plants awarded to the joint winners, Frank McGavigan and Prof.
Alastair Wardlaw. [Their entries follow the field excursion report.]

Many members also climbed the lower slopes of Arthur's Seat (adjacent to Pollock
Halls) where at least 26 clumps of Asplenium septentrionale were seen on the mostly
otherwise bare parts of the dark siliceous rocks. It was encouraging to see these plants
in their traditional home (first recorded in 1777), despite this now being in a city
environment. A. trichomanes subsp. trichomanes was also present and at least one
plant thought to be A. x alternifolium, the hybrid between the two. Some A. ruta-muraria
and A. adiantum-nigrum were also seen.

Field Excursion to Central Highlands of Scotland — 30-31 July Peter Edwards

After two days predominantly indoors, many of the members were keen to get out into
the field. Leaving Pollock Halls at 9 a.m. we embarked on a 350 mile round trip
encompassing a cross section of fern habitats. At 10.30 we arrived by coach at The
Hermitage, Dunkeld, Perthshire (37/012421). Two hours were spent in these lovely
woodlands, which belong to The National Trust and include, incidentally, the tallest tree
in Britain, a 212ft Douglas Fir. It was good to see that pteridophytes formed most of the
ground flora! Most obvious were Dryopteris filix-mas, D. dilatata and D. carthusiana, with
Pteridium aquilinum subsp. aquilinum common in places. Careful searching and
collecting by Chris Fraser-Jenkins, Clive Jermy and Mary Gibby and subsequent
checking of spores revealed that Dryopteris affinis subsp. cambrensis was common,
including very good typical plants of the large woodland form. D. affinis subsp. borreri
was present in considerable variety, and D. x complexa nothosubsp. critica was
confirmed (D. affinis subsp. borreri x D. filix-mas). There was also a borrerl
masquerading as this, but the spores showed it for what it was. No D. expansa was
found. There were some excellent carpets of Gymnocarpium dryopteris, even below
moderately dense bracken, likewise Phegopteris connectilis. Not far from the bridge
hundreds of sporelings of the former adorned mossy drainage ditches through bracken

204

swards, accompanied by Blechnum spicant. Dryopteris carthusiana, Oreopteris
limbosperma and Equisetum sylvaticum were present, but appeared to be rare. Nearer
the river many very healthy and large Polystichum aculeatum grew, with Athyrium filix-
femina.

On the bridge by Ossian’s Hall (a 1758 folly) were Cystopteris fragilis, Asplenium
trichomanes subsp. quadrivalens and A. ruta-muraria. Nearby, on the almost vertical
side of the river gorge was a small dense healthy turf of Hymenophylium wilsonii and
several metres above it, a few shrivelled fronds scattered widely amongst a dense
bryophyte jacket. As if a third of our Hymenophyllaceae flora was not enough, Fred
Rumsey proceeded to make it two thirds by discovering a turf of gametophytes of
Trichomanes speciosum in a very dark hole! To add to this fine selection of
pteridophytes, on several boulders near the main trails grew Polypodium vulgare and a
suspected (not confirmed) P. x mantoniae.

At 12.30 we left for lunch in Pitlochry and then onto nearby Loch Faskally and altogether
a different challenge. In warm sunshine, Chris Page showed us one of his recent
northern Pteridium discoveries, at 27/915592, adjacent to normal P. aquilinum subsp.
aquilinum. There were also good plants of that northern speciality Equisetum pratense
nearby on the same road (27/913597). On to Rothiemurchus near Aviemore, and within
ancient Caledonian pine forest terrain (27/896092) Chris’s remarkable discovery of
another odd Pteridium was appreciated by all as something different, with, amongst
other characteristics, long distinctive ‘tails’ of the third segments. All these plants
appeared to be sterile, but 100m away a further colony was found which was fertile and
even more striking. Nearby, along a small stream were some Athyrium filix-femina and
Oreopteris limbosperma.

_ an 0 s
Fe ade :
A | iS Wee WAS \ es.

photo: A.M. Paul

Johannes Vogel and Christopher Fraser-Jenkins study bracken near Loch Faskally, Perthshire.

205

In continuing warm sunshine, on to the various delightful Loch Insh-side accommodation
that had been booked for members, and later the clans reassembled for an excellent
leisurely meal at the Ossian Hotel, Kincraig.

Sunday 31 July dawned brilliantly, and by 9 a.m. members had gathered by Loch Insh
(which obliged with Equisetum fluviatile and Isoetes lacustris) for the next stage for the
remaining 36 members, to the hills of Cromdale, south-east of Grantown-on-Spey
(37/066236). At around 300m, near the roadside, amidst superb and extensive Calluna
heath managed by rotational burning, we examined some Lycopodium clavatum. |n
scree nearby, Polystichum aculeatum var. cambricum (see Welsh Ferns) fooled several
of us who assumed it to be P. lonchitis. Dryopteris affinis subsp. borreri was present in
small quantity, in its small exposed form; also D. affinis subsp. cambrensis, its small
fronds upright, looking more like D. oreades than the big plants we had seen earlier in
the wooded environment at the Hermitage. Blechnum spicant and Oreopteris
limbosperma were present below the road in light scrubby vegetation along a stream. At
another exciting site nearby we were shown large, vigorous and fertile colonies of
L. clavatum, almost all on what was reputed to be the ghost of an old road, with Erica
tetralix and E. cinerea. Some of the Lycopodium plants crept for up to 4m through
adjacent Calluna. Also present was Huperzia selago, just ready to shed spores.
Interestingly, it was clear that Blechnum spicant had survived burns well and was
growing vigorously. Diphasiastrum alpinum was also present, some apparently being
shaded out by Calluna.

Reluctant to leave, we were driven on to Braemar for lunch. A gentle journey on the
A939, with its old Scots Pine and glistening birches by the River Don, gave us excellent
views of huge carpets of Gymnocarpium dryopteris and Phegopteris connectilis.
Heading south from Braemar on the A93 we entered a different treeless world and at
c.550m (37/130754), near the Devil’s Elbow, with warmth penetrating the cloud and mist
we made our way up a steep slope of metamorphosed limestone and mica schist.
Adjacent to a small stream was Selaginella selaginoides and sparse Equisetum
arvense. But it was in, on and under the stabilised boulder scree itself that most of the
ferns lived, variously protected by such rocks from the teeth of sheep and deer. There
were dozens of Polystichum lonchitis plants, the largest found having 21 fronds, some
up to 56cm long. Also present were P. aculeatum, Dryopteris affinis subspp. borreri and
cambrensis, D. filix-mas, D. dilatata, Cystopteris fragilis, Asplenium trichomanes-
ramosum (viride), A. trichomanes subsp. quadrivalens and A. ruta-muraria, the last, for
once, in a natural habitat! Also, there were polypodiums chewed and not dwelt upon,
Oreopteris limbosperma, Blechnum spicant, Athyrium filix-femina and very tiny
Equisetum sylvaticum in the turf. Nearby, in the shelter of large rock outcrops grew
Phegopteris connectilis and Gymnocarpium dryopteris. We were assured that this
beautiful site was a typical Scottish alpine pteridophyte association!

Members eventually visited a different association on the opposite side of the road, en
route spotting some Huperzia selago. In a small stream was a colony of the upright,
montane form of Equisetum variegatum, about 80 shoots in all, a few of which were
fertile. E. arvense (very sparse) grew nearby.

We just had time on the way back for an unscheduled visit to Branklyn Gardens, a
National Trust garden in Perth. Accompanied by member David Tattersfield, who has
worked there for 11 years, a frantic half hour was had amongst the good selection of
fern cultivars there, including a large Osmunda regalis ‘Undulatifolium’. There were
Dryopteris filix-mas ‘Grandiceps Askew’, Dryopteris affinis subsp. borreri ‘Angustata’ and

206

‘Crispa Congesta’. D. chrysocoma was pointed out by Christopher Fraser-Jenkins, as
having the largest spores of any Dryopteris. These are water-dispersed, via the huge
indusia which do not open, but trap an air bubble and float whole!

The excellent coach driver got us back to Pollock Halis by 8.15, from where we all went
our separate ways. This was a thoroughly enjoyable field weekend, with at least 28 wild
pteridophyte taxa being recorded, good easy company, excellent accommodation and
unbelievably balmy weather, all but the last largely due to the exemplary organisation by
Stuart Lindsay, Heather McHaffie and Adrian Dyer. Anyone who has ever tried to do so
much and in so many places especially appreciated the organisers’ achievements!

EDINBURGH COMPETITION ‘

For the Edinburgh conference a ye"

competition was devised by Adrian Dyer &% “pa in
sisal

and Stuart Lindsay, inviting people to
“Name and describe this pteridological ey
» f
Dee eee
x

taxon” — the distribution of which was gf
supplied on a dot map. The following two F

entries were joint winners (seven entries);
they are followed by Adrian and Stuart’s &
solution.

[Map actually shows distribution of BPS 4
members in Scotland.]

NAME (TAXON): Pteridologicus scoticus F. McGavigan

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: A variable, often tall, tufted fern, superficially
like a more bristly Pteridologicus britannicus, but generally more handsome and
attractive in appearance, and clearly distinguished by its alcoholic scent especially after
very little pressing. Generally pinkish with pale brown blotches and occasional bright
colours in a chequered pattern above the very hairy rachis. Spores, held in very leathery
sori, or ‘sporrans’, ripen at any time but especially on Saturday nights. Has been known
to hybridise with P. britannicus resulting in many grotesque oddities, avidly sought after
by collectors. Subspecies include P.s. pageus — a particularly tufted, expansive plant,
thought by some authorities to be a foreign introduction, P.s. lindsayus — superficially
similar to the above ssp. but less tufted and of proven native progeny, having been
rediscovered after an absence of 200 years in a soil spore bank near Edinburgh. Plus
many others.

CONSERVATION STATUS: Although rare, this fern is remarkably persistent with
Clusters around botanical gardens and sources of alcohol for which it has a particular
affinity. It appears that it uses the alcohol as an antidote to its one known pest — the
Scottish midge — which is harboured by the much commoner Pteridium species.
Bracken itself has occasionally been seen to swamp P. scoticus which however always

seems to emerge after relieving itself of excess fluid. It is clear that if the existing
legislative framework re alcohol consumption remains the future of this species is
assured.

NAME (TAXON): Ferncrazia beepee-essia ssp. scotica A.C. Wardlaw

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: Evergreen, prolific, distinctive appearance,
surprisingly motile; of worldwide distribution; sporophytes recently observed in a
compact group in Edinburgh. Alcohol tolerant. Many have strange nocturnal habitats.
Variously depauperate and crested varieties may be found south of the Watford Gap.
The type subspecies can be cultured on a haggis-based compost with good drainage.
Gametophytes are sporran-shaped and hirsute. A decoction of the rhizome is alleged to
cure the ringing in the ears caused by too close proximity to bagpipes. Other uses
include bedding material for Loch Ness monsters. The partially uncoiled crozier provides
a useful tool for fishing out bunches of keys that have accidentally slipped through the
grid of a drain.

CONSERVATION STATUS: Not immediately threatened except for infestations by the
Samuel Johnson bug which causes young sporophytes to migrate down the highroad
into England.

NAME (TAXON): Homo sapiens subsp. pteridophilus var. scoticus A.F. Dyer

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: Like bracken, the SPECIES has spread
dramatically since the forests were cleared and now encroaches on all habitats. Its
vigour appears to have increased as a result of hybridisation with alien genotypes
introduced from other parts of the world over the last 2000 years or so during which time
there has been active evolution with respect to dispersal mechanisms. Despite
allocating a major part of its resources to defence mechanisms, it has very highly
developed allelopathic interactions and is capable of suppressing almost any other
organism with which it comes into close contact. As a consequence, it is a serious weed
but attempts at control have been largely unsuccessful. Mortality resulting from epidemic
pathogens or competition in crowded populations causes only minor and temporary
reductions in population expansion.

The SUB-SPECIES occurs in small numbers throughout the species range but is more
often to be found, sometimes in small groups, in dark, wet habitats where angiosperms
are scarce. A close association with other pteridological taxa suggests that it might be
symbiotic or semi-parasitic on them. It is not easily distinguished morphologically and
identification requires close observation over an extended period. It is an outbreeder,
inter-fertile with other sub-species.

The VARIETY is geographically isolated and rarely found associated with other
members of the sub-species outside Scotland. It is adapted to lower temperatures and is
more tolerant of high rainfall and attack by Culicoides impunctatus Goetghebeur than
the other varieties. It is widely distributed in Scotland but very rare.

CONSERVATION STATUS: The sub-species is threatened because there is little
recruitment of juveniles to maintain populations currently composed mainly of post-
mature individuals. Small but healthy populations can be found in private gardens but
public gardens and similar institutions have only dwindling relic populations. Variety
scoticus is particularly vulnerable because of the small number of individuals and
localities. Government funding is urgently needed to prevent those in public gardens
becoming extinct.

CO. MAYO, IRELAND -— 13-20 August R.J. Murphy

As this was a combined meeting with the BSBI (the first week-end), the number of
people attending varied from day to day. The total number proved to be 17, with
representatives from the BPS, the London Natural History Society and the BSBI. One
member of the BPS, Mrs Fay Mandt, had travelled all the way from Germany in order to
attend the meeting.

Based on Castlebar, the aim of the meeting was the mapping of the ferns, 10km square
by 10km square, in preparation for the next edition of the Atlas of Ferns of the British
Isles, hopefully to be published within the next decade. This meant visiting as many
10km squares as possible within the time available - we managed 25. It soon became
clear that there was a second aim for the meeting — the finding of Trichomanes
speciosum gametophyte!

Saturday, 13th August, was a quiet start to a very energetic week. In cool, rather grey
weather, we drove north from Castlebar to Pontoon (G204037). Here we explored a
steep wooded slope by the side of the road. Granitic rocky outcrops were much in
evidence and gametophytes of Trichomanes speciosum were soon found in several of
the deep recesses within them. With this first success energies were directed towards
other plants and the usual woodland ferns were soon listed — Athyrium filix-femina,
Blechnum spicant, Dryopteris filix-mas and D. affinis agg., (four morphotypes were
eventually to be determined). The luxuriant plants of D. aemula attracted much attention
and a search was made for D. carthusiana, but this was not found though the habitat
seemed to be correct. A mortared wall nearby produced Asplenium ceterach, A. ruta-
muraria and A. trichomanes subsp. quadrivalens, while a low hedgebank proved to be
rich in the fronds of Polypodium vulgare.

Climbing up into the hills to the south-west (G1401) we were able to add Polystichum
aculeatum and Selaginella selaginoides from rocky outcrops and steep flush sites at
Windy Gap above Levally Lough. Two horsetails were seen in abundance around the
ruins of old cottages below Croagmoyle (M1096), these were Equisetum arvense and
E. telmateia.

On the Sunday (14th), we travelled south via Westport taking the road past the imposing
mountain of Croagh Patrick — two members of the group were eventually to climb this,
looking for the Serpentine outcrops and any unusual aspleniums that might be found on
them.

A stop was made at Lough Nabh-alt-ora (L7974) where the surrounding land was dotted
with ancient tree stumps, the remnants of a forest that could be dated back to 6000 BC.
Here, though ferns in themselves were few, Pilularia globulifera was seen in some
abundance at the water’s edge. Bogs were traversed in a bid to get good photographs of
the pillwort where it emerged onto the land and within the shallows there were, as a
bonus, delightful stands of Lobelia dortmanna (water lobelia) and Eriocaulon aquaticum
(pipewort), the latter in flower.

Rain had started and as it increased we continued through the Doo Lough Pass
between high dark mountains, making a diversion up a side road towards a forested
area. But the ferns here were few, it was evidently too acid, and in lowering cloud and
more rain we made our way to the east shores of Fin Lough (L8465). These were more
rewarding — Athyrium filix-femina, Blechnum spicant, Dryopteris aemula, D. affinis agg.
(including D. affinis morph. borreri) and D. dilatata all growing well in a ditch. Mortared

209

walls in the area supported the usual Asplenium adiantum-nigrum, A. ceterach and
A. trichomanes subsp. quadrivalens with more Athyrium filix-femina and Asplenium
scolopendrium.

Leaving Delphi and the sea-loch, Killary Harbour, behind us, we took the road up to
Lough Nafooey (L977602), passing Oreopteris limbosperma in plenty. Equisetum
fluviatile was then found for the first time, growing in the lough. Then on to Duffy’s Finny,
a delightful name for a delightful, tiny Irish tea-room where we stopped for a very
welcome cup of tea or coffee with apple pie or banana cake!

The last run for the day took us into limestone country and here we looked at Lough
Mask, going down into woods near the Inishmaine peninsula (M1461 and M1561).
There were ferns in plenty — on walls, on banks and in the wood — Asplenium ceterach,
A. ruta-muraria, A. scolopendrium, A. trichomanes subsp. quadrivalens, Dryopteris
aemula, D. dilatata, D. filix-mas, Polypodium vulgare and Pteridium aquilinum. Th
limestone pavement proved fascinating with Asp/enium trichomanes subsp.
quadrivalens, Dryopteris affinis morph. borreri, D. filix-mas and Polystichum setiferum
growing in the grykes and the surface of much of the limestone covered with patterns of
small depressions and worm-like convolutions that looked like brain-coral. The end of
the day was marked by the find of one plant of Cystopteris fragilis on a nearby mortared
wall and Polypodium interjectum in a rocky wood.

On the Monday (15th) we set out to explore the lower slopes of a mountain and a corrie
further up, but dense mist rolled in and soft rain fell almost continuously. Plans were
changed and the group moved to Achill Island, recording first around a quaking bog at
Bunacurry (F707053), where fine Osmunda regalis was seen. Next a track was followed
down to Dooniver Lough (F726081) and more ferns were recorded — Asplenium
adiantum-nigrum, A. trichomanes subsp. quadrivalens and the usual four species of
Dryopteris with Athyrium filix-femina, Blechnum spicant and Polypodium vulgare. An
unusual Asplenium trichomanes was collected for spore-size measurement.

By Dooniver Strand we stopped for lunch after visiting a further lough where Elatine
hexandra (6-stamened waterwort) was found, but no aquatic ferns. Then on along the
south coast of Achill Island towards Keem Strand following a twisting road that
eventually took us along the sides of a mountain, steep slopes above and steep slopes
below! This was Croaghaun. Ferns were few along the road, but once down in the valley
(F5604) several were recorded — Asplenium adiantum-nigrum, Athyrium filix-femina,
Blechnum spicant, Dryopteris affinis morph. borreri, D. dilatata, D. filix-mas, Polypodium
vulgare and Pteridium aquilinum. Two steep rocky gullies, each with their fast-flowing
streams, were then explored (F5504) and these produced Asp/enium marinum,
Dryopteris aemula, rich stands of Osmunda regalis and more Trichomanes speciosum
gametophyte. Perhaps, even, an unusual bracken. The day ended in pouring rain and
John and Margaret Collins provided much needed shelter and cups of tea in their motor
caravan. The drive back along the ‘mountain’ road through dense cloud, drifting mist and
rain was interesting indeed!

The forecast was for still more rain on the Tuesday (16th) so we took advantage of the
dry morning, setting off towards Pontoon once more. It was a pleasure to see the
background mountains in full sunlight for the first time. Further on, the roadside ditches
(G155080) were found to contain Equisetum arvense and E. palustre in abundance. In
the damp sloping woodland by Lough Conn (G165095) there were many deep flush
sites and again it was hoped to see Dryopteris carthusiana, but ferns were few — just

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Athyrium filix-femina, Dryopteris dilatata, Blechnum spicant and a few epiphytic
polypodies. Two very like-minded souls, Kate Pryor and Barbara Porter, stopped at just
one tree to investigate the rich lichen-cover — a happy extra, while a slight diversion was
made by Clive to consider small rushes in a nearby marsh.

By narrow stony tracks between the peat bogs, south of Nephin, the ditches contained
Osmunda regalis. Roadside ditches further on supported Dryopteris affinis morph.
borreri, D. filix-mas, Equisetum arvense and E. palustre. Then another track came into
view — one that had to be followed if we were to reach the gully leading up into Nephin.
This we were given permission to use and the final triumph was its negotiation — the
roughest steepest farm track in the whole of Ireland? — all of us packed into the Natural
History Museum Land-rover with Clive in the driving seat! Leaving the Land-rover, a
difficult fence, with a bit of a bog on the other side, had first to be negotiated before
making the ascent up Nephin. Then up the gully (G106064), seeing waterfall after
waterfall, a struggle, difficult at times, that was rewarded with splendid patches of both
Hymenophyllum tunbrigense, H. wilsonii and Trichomanes speciosum gametophytes in
abundance.

photo: A.M. Paul

Elise Knox-Thomas, Graeme Lyall, Megan Dowlen, Barbara Porter, Kate Pryor and Rose Murphy
(front) in fern-rich gully on Nephin, Co. Mayo.

In pouring rain we set off for another square where it was hoped that T. speciosum
gametophyte would again be recorded. This drive took us through a conifer plantation
along rough wet tracks, fording deep water that seemed to ask for a photocall with the
Land-rover in the middle of the ford! This was on the southern slopes of Birrencurragh
(GO101). No T. speciosum gametophytes were found, only the ferns Athyrium filix-
femina, Blechnum spicant, Dryopteris dilatata and Pteridium aquilinum. However,

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beyond this, was the wide Skerdagh river with flush sites on either side (GO19003).
Selaginella selaginoides was listed and two people forded the river to find interesting
D. affinis types that needed further consideration.

Wednesday (17th), saw an early start — 7.30 a.m. — for a long day in North Mayo. This
was to be real square-bashing! Asplenium scolopendrium and Dryopteris affinis morph.
borreri were seen on the way to Crossmolina (G11) and a rainbow seemed a good
omen for the day. Following a breakfast stop we crossed the River Owenmore (G12)
and added D. filix-mas and Osmunda regalis. As we drove through the Ballycastle
square (G13) keen-eyed Alison saw several ferns on mortared walls and hedges and
these were duly noted — Asplenium ruta-muraria, A. scolopendrium, A. trichomanes
subsp. quadrivalens, D. affinis morph. borreri, D. filix-mas, Equisetum arvense,
Polypodium interjectum and Pteridium aquilinum. \n square G14 (Downpatrick head)
horsetails were found in greater abundance, Equisetum arvense in roadside ditches and
E. palustre on damp banks and in a Juncus meadow. Ferns were added — Athyrium filix-
femina, Dryopteris affinis morph. borreri and Pteridium aquilinum on hedgebanks and in
ditches, Asplenium scolopendrium and A. trichomanes subsp. quadrivalens on mortared
walls, and A. ruta-muraria on the Donadoba bridge. The road took us back into G13 and
here, near Lackan Bay, at the turning of the road, huge stands of Equisetum telmateia
were seen, with E. arvense on the other side of the road. A search was made for the
hybrid, but it was not to be found. Athyrium filix-femina and Blechnum spicant were
added for the square.

Still within G13 a peat-bog track was tackled with some difficulty — the turn needed to get
back to the road was considerably more than the required 3-point! However, we were
able to add Osmunda regalis and Dryopteris dilatata before making for Bunatrahir Bay
on the way to square GO3 where we noted Asplenium ruta-muraria, A. scolopendrium,
A. trichomanes subsp. quadrivalens, Dryopteris affinis morph. borreri, D. filix-mas,
Equisetum arvense, Polypodium vulgare and Pteridium aquilinum for the record.

The Céide Fields Centre on the north coast (G0541) was the base for a lunch stop.
These fields — ‘more than four square miles of farmland trapped in time by the growth of
the bog’ — are the oldest Stone Age enclosed landscape known in Europe. They date
back 5,000 years. Some of us took advantage of the conducted tour to find out more
before returning to the Land-rover and the search for ferns. Still within G04 we located a
coastal stream that led out to the sea by Glenloss Point (G0241). A local farmer gave us
permission to descend it and we soon found that it flowed through a narrow rocky
ravine. Trichomanes speciosum gametophyte was searched for in many deep crevices
within precipitous outcrops but it was not seen though other ferns were found —
Osmunda regalis by the main river, with Asplenium adiantum-nigrum, A. marinum,
Athyrium filix-femina, Blechnum spicant, Dryopteris aemula, D. dilatata, Equisetum
arvense, E. palustre and Pteridium aquilinum scattered at various places — on the rocky
outcrops, by the river and on grassy slopes.

The rewarding cliffs of Ben More (F9935) lay after a long walk across a peat bog. Here
there were masses of Hymenophyllum wilsonii and Trichomanes speciosum
gametophytes deep within the crevices. Other ferns were scarce — Athyrium filix-femina,
Blechnum spicant (the most abundant), Dryopteris aemula, D. dilatata, Polypodium
vulgare and Pteridium aquilinum.

As we neared the narrow ‘Belmullet’ peninsula on the extreme west of North Mayo, ferns
became fewer and fewer. In F83 (Pollatomish) only six were seen, these including the

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very common Blechnum spicant and Osmunda regalis. Around Belmullet (F73) only four
were noted, with even Blechnum spicant missing. P63 (Corclogh) produced just three —
Athyrium filix-femina, Equisetum arvense and Osmunda regalis. Moving down, however,
to the southerly point, they began to increase again and at Blacksod Point, by Blacksod
Bay, with its local black-painted craft, (F61), we were able to record Asplenium
scolopendrium, A. trichomanes subsp. quadrivalens, Athyrium filix-femina, Blechnum
spicant, Dryopteris filix-mas, Equisetum arvense, Osmunda regalis and Pteridium
aquilinum.

It had been a brilliant day, ended by a good meal in an Irish pub, with the long drive
back to Castlebar enlivened by Irish music. This we reached at midnight!

On Thursday (18th), there was rain again to start the day. As Anthony Pigott had joined
us, we set off once more for Pontoon (our third visit) so that he could check the
Dryopteris affinis types that we had found there in the rocky woodland (G204039). As a
result, four morphotypes were listed — affinis, borreri, insolens and cp. paleaceo-lobata.
A lunch stop was made by the nearby Lough Cullin and here three horsetails were
identified growing in the marshy ground behind the shore-line (G212041), Equisetum
arvense, E. variegatum (upright form) and E. fluviatile. The hybrid E. x litorale might also
have been present, but this needed to be confirmed. Asplenium adiantum-nigrum was
added from rocky slabs between the road and the marsh.

We then drove south, turning off the main road past Lough Nambrackkeagh (G197021)
with Osmunda regalis and more Lobelia dortmanna (water lobelia), to take a track
towards Shanvoley and some hills where it was hoped that more Trichomanes
speciosum gametophyte would be found. Access to the hills was by a rocky stream that
ran through dense coniferous forest. The hills were part heather, part moor and part
raised bog with rocky outcrops here and there (G1501 and G1601). Huperzia selago
was added and the hoped-for T. speciosum gametophyte. As we returned to Castlebar,
a final stop was made by the roadside (M142974). Here Equisetum telmateia was
abundant and three morphotypes of Dryopteris affinis agg. were recorded — affinis,
borreri and cambrensis. To complete the day, one plant of Oreopteris limbosperma was
found growing low down on a hedgebank by a nearby muddy track.

On the Friday morning (19th) two of us, including the writer of this report, had, very
regretfully, to leave. The following account, therefore, is based on notes kindly provided
by Alison. The Westport route was followed again, but this time along the Erriff river
valley towards the north slopes of Devilsmother (L924654) — a fantastic name! A climb
up a grassy hillside was followed by a scramble along the cliffs. Cushions of
Hymenophyllum wilsonii were abundant and several plants of Huperzia selago were
seen. Other pteridophytes recorded were Athyrium filix-femina, Blechnum spicant,
Dryopteris affinis morph. borreri, D. dilatata, Oreopteris limbosperma, Polypodium
vulgare and Pteridium aquilinum. Some gametophytes of Trichomanes speciosum were
eventually located in rock crevices. Scattered along the rock ledges was the attractive
Daboecia cantabrica (St Dabeoc’s heath).

Further west, past Killary Harbour, a lunch stop was made by Kylemore Lough (L75)
where, on a nearby roadside bank Athyrium filix-femina, Dryopteris affinis morph. affinis
and D. dilatata were seen, also Polypodium vulgare growing as an epiphyte on a beech
tree. A profitable stop was made near Tullywee Bridge (L728584), where nine ferns
were recorded — Athyrium filix-femina, Blechnum spicant, Dryopteris aemula, D. dilatata,
D. filix-mas and Asplenium scolopendrium on the roadside banks with A. ceterach and

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A. trichomanes subsp. quadrivalens on the bridge. Interesting Dryopteris affinis types
were seen, D. affinis morph. affinis being common, with D. affinis morph. borreri and
another D. affinis form which may be new. Beyond Letterfrack, Equisetum telmateia and
Osmunda regalis were noted by the road and near an old quarry on Cregg (L716533)
Selaginella selaginoides was abundant. Rocks above the quarry supported
Hymenophylilum wilsonii and Asplenium adiantum-nigrum. A tea-stop in Letterfrack
provided the opportunity of adding another fern to the list for L75, this was Polystichum
setiferum.

The last stop of the day was on the north-east slopes of Tully Mountain (L6762) where
Clive found gametophytes of Trichomanes speciosum in abundance, carpeting crevices
at the back and sides of a large open cave. Roadsides here provided an excellent site
for those interested in Dryopteris affinis — morphotypes affinis, borreri and cambrensis
were found, together with another form with narrowish, very flat fronds. Athyrium filix-
femina, Blechnum spicant, Dryopteris aemula, D. dilatata, Polypodium vulgare and
Pteridium aquilinum were also present.

During the week we had not only visited 25 grid squares but had recorded Trichomanes
speciosum gametophyte in five of them and had listed 38 taxa including five
morphotypes of the Dryopteris affinis agg. Our thanks to Clive Jermy for finding so many
interesting sites and his explanations on the many differences to note concerning the
more difficult plants. Thanks also to Anthony Pigott for such helpful discussions
concerning the D. affinis group. Finally also to Gerry Sharkey, the BSBI recorder for Co.
Mayo (H26 and H27), who gave up his holiday to help us make the most of this splendid
field meeting — it was he who knew where we could see the pillwort and who took us to
the fascinating limestone pavement by Lough Mask.

NORTH YORKSHIRE -— 9-11 September Ann Robbins

The meeting began on the morning of Friday 9th September with a trip to Pretty Wood,
Castle Howard (44/732687), our aim to collect fern roots for an investigation of their
arbuscular mycorrhiza. The leader, Jack Bouckley, was unable to attend, having been
victim of the surgeon’s knife a week earlier, so co-leader James Merryweather took
over. Pretty Wood lived up to its name and we found ourselves in 250-300 year old
woodland, with sessile oak, sycamore and occasional specimens of English, Turkey and
red oak, lime, chestnut and rowan overhead. Along the rides was a springy turf and to
right and left bramble, bluebells and a number of common pteridophytes: Pteridium
aquilinum, Athyrium filix-femina, Dryopteris dilatata, D. filix-mas and D. affinis
morphotype borreri (?). My knowledge of the subject is scant and | was pleased to feel
that by the end of the morning | could really distinguish the three Dryopteris one from
another.

We took a spade to the plants and collected the youngest looking roots, replanting the
ferns sampled. Separating the fern roots from those of neighbouring species was tricky.
The D. affinis was in a ditch of an ancient earthwork, growing in about 4-6 inches of leaf
mould and rich humus over almost pure sand. Athyrium filix-femina on the other hand
was found at a relatively higher altitude where the soil beneath the thin layer of leaf
mould was much heavier.

James explained to the group that mycorrhiza are symbiotic associations of soil fungi

and the roots of green plant hosts. Most higher plants make these associations and, in

many cases, receive nutrients from the soil which they would otherwise be unable to

collect for themselves without investing in a large and complex root system. The fungi
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photo: J. Merryweather

Richard Unett, Ann Robbins, Dorothy Fortune and Ray Smith
examine mycorrhiza at the University of York.

receive photosynthetic products from their host in return. Roots of bluebell, creeping
jenny and a grass were taken to provide a comparison with the fern roots, also as a
backup, should the fern roots prove too difficult.

After lunch (unparalleled rabbit pie by Nev. Hobson, landlord of The Blacksmiths Arms in
Flaxton, who is a BPS member) we took our specimens back to laboratories at the
University of York. The roots were washed and then cleared in 10% Potassium
Hydroxide at 90°C, the white roots of bluebell, the anonymous grass and creeping jenny
for 10 minutes and the fern roots (which were brown and wiry) for 30 minutes. Then 1%
hydrochloric acid to acidify the roots, hydrogen peroxide to bleach them and into the
Stain 0.1% Acid Fuchsin at 90°C. Finally we left the roots in destaining solution
overnight. We also had the chance to see D. affinis sporangia dramatically dehiscing by
examining them under a low (x25) magnification as they dried in the fierce heat of a
table lamp.

On Saturday morning the party made microscope slides of the stained roots and could
see quite clearly the mycorrhizal fungal structures in the bluebell specimens. The grass
and creeping jenny had scraps of fungal mycelium but, rather disappointingly, the fern
roots had been reduced to nothing but vascular tissue with a few adherent scraps of
cortex. Our vigorous clearing processes, essential to render these end-of-season roots
fit for microscopy, had unfortunately disintegrated them! However, our efforts were
agreed to be satisfactory for so brief an attempt at laboratory research, and we set off
for more usual BPS activity, fern hunting in the wild. It would be really good to be able to
repeat the experiment next spring and spend more time trying various techniques.

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At Skipwith Common (44/660370), a Yorkshire Naturalists’ Trust reserve, are the
remains of an abandoned aerodrome where silver birch, sycamore and bramble have
colonised the area. We went to a wet area in the broken concrete runway at the edge of
which a bright green grass-like plant grew. Closer examination revealed tubular leaves
around 3-5cm high and 1mm in diameter emerging from a creeping rhizome. This was
ee globulifera. We found some sporocarps, hard spherical objects about 1.5-2mm

JM speculated that these sporocarps could have lain dormant beneath the
sence runway and then grown to form this colony when the correct conditions
returned.

After lunch we returned briefly to another area of the common to see Dryopteris dilatata
and D. carthusiana and what may have been the hybrid D. x deweveri. | learnt nothing if
not to be circumspect in the identification of such hybrids. We also saw Equisetum
arvense. The day was rounded off with a tour of George Smith’s beautiful garden at
Heslington near the University. Here many varieties of fern grow happily and some of
the stock had been in cultivation there for many years. His polystichums and hart’s
tongues were especially attractive.

Sunday morning began at 10 a.m. in preparation for a visit to our President’s local
beauty spot, Bilton Gorge (44/320585) which separates Harrogate and Knaresborough.
We were joined by Keith Wilkinson of the Nidd Gorge Appeal, set up to purchase and
protect this excellent wild place from the proposed dual carriageway and influx of Swiss-
style log cabins etc. Well, everyone else may have started then but | was slightly
hampered by having waved goodbye to my car keys as they were driven off to Bradford
in the back of Richard’s car on the Saturday evening. Having regained control of my
vehicle on the Sunday morning | caught up with everyone on the disused railway. They
had already seen Asplenium ruta-muraria, A. scolopendrium, Dryopteris filix-mas,
D. dilatata, Pteridium aquilinum and Equisetum arvense in among the brambles on
either side of the track. It was raining hard as we descended into the gorge and Bilton
Beck wood with Keith Wilkinson leading the way. We crossed Bilton beck with few
casualties and continued straight up the other side as Keith assured us that the way was
now smooth going. We saw Athyrium filix-femina, Dryopteris affinis (no-one prepared to
name the morphotype this time), Blechnum spicant — even | could identify that one
growing typically on a soil face overhung by trees. Polypodium vulgare was under some
fallen trees next to the beck. We crossed the beck at least six more times to my
knowledge and each time Keith assured us that it was the last. Our final crossing was on
a fallen tree made extra slimy by moss but our intrepid band crossed it no-hands — we
were unstoppable. Polystichum aculeatum and Equisetum sylvaticum were there but not
beech fern that Jack Bouckley had sent us in search of. The group decided that the area
should be visited again next year to make a more thorough investigation.

In the afternoon we were welcomed with open arms by Jack and Ruth Bouckley at their
house nearby. | was amazed to see how many different environments Jack has provided
for his ferns in a relatively small space. There is a limestone pavement between the
alpine house and the greenhouse, and the latest addition is a shade house where a
number of varieties looked very much at home. Jack listened to our account of the
weekend and, having been out of hospital for all of six days, declared himself ready to
go back down Bilton gorge to show us the beech fern, which we had been fools enough
not to find: another reason for returning next year — he’ll have to lead us himself then.
The weekend was over; | had survived my first national BPS meeting. | felt wiser and
paradoxically much more ignorant of the subject. We had seen nothing really unusual
except, perhaps, for the Pilularia but even the common species can provide areas of
interest and opportunities for further study.

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REGIONAL MEETINGS 1994
MIDLANDS A.R. Busby

‘Welcome to Spring’ Flower Show — 16-17 April. Once again we staged a display of
literature and plants which provoked some comment from the show visitors, however,
we rarely gain new members from our efforts at these local shows. Gardeners are
invited to exhibit in two classes for ig and there is a third class for foliage plants
where ferns can be included. Results w

Class 160, Three Pot Ferns: 1st — D. viele (Adiantum raddianum, A. subpumilum and
Athyrium nipponicum ‘Pictum’), 2nd — R.J. Smith (Nephrolepis sp., Asplenium
australasicum and A. bulbiferum) (4 entries).

Class 161, One Pot Fern: 1st — R.J. Smith (Platycerium bifurcatum), 2nd — unknown
exhibitor (Athyrium filix-femina ‘Cristata’) (7 entries).

It is difficult to produce ferns of good quality this early in the season so the exhibitors are
to be congratulated on staging such good quality hardy ferns. Even the indoor ferns
were a Credit to the growers.

Ray and Rita Coughlin’s Open Day — 5 June. A visit to Ray and Rita’s garden is
always something to look forward to and once again we were not disappointed. The
cool, wet spring had got their ferns off to a good start and the fern walk, the site of the
old polytunnel, was a feast of fern fronds. Several members brought along surplus ferns
for swapping and most of us went home with some new treasures. Add to that the
delightful refreshments that Rita and Ray kindly provided, which gave us yet another day
to remember at Lydiate Ash. Our thanks to them both for a very enjoyable day.

John and Margaret Collins’ Open Day — 28 August. It is five years since we last
visited John and Margaret Collins’ garden in Acocks Green, Birmingham and several
changes had taken place. The pool area has been reconstructed and several of the
borders have been enlarged. It was quite noticeable how their hardy fern collection had
increased and matured.

Everyone admired the large Polystichum setiferum ‘Conspiculobum’ by the french
windows. The P. setiferum ‘Plumosum Bevis’, recently lifted and divided, were
recovering well, much to Margaret's relief. We were particularly puzzled by an unnamed
large Polystichum of whose origin Margaret is unsure. Its fronds were about 60cm (2ft)
long, dark green, not unlike P. aculeatum but much more upright and with less setose
pinnae. The most striking feature was a small cluster of bulbils near the apex of the
frond, in much the same way that P. andersonii carries its bulbils. We are quite certain
that it is not P. andersonii. \f anyone recognises the species from my rather poor
description, do let us know.

Our thanks to John and Margaret for their kind hospitality which once again included
delightful refreshments.

Matt and Margaret Busby’s Illustrated Wine and Cheese Party — 28 October.
Twenty-two members gathered in the University of Warwick’s Senior Common Room at
the Westwood Campus for the annual autumn get-together. As usual Matt began the
evening with 100 slides, mostly illustrating the Society’s activities during 1994.
Prominent in the selection were those taken at the Cornish and Edinburgh meetings.

Later, John Collins showed slides of plants and places seen during the BPS visit to
Ireland and scenes of Wales on their return. Alan Ogden closed the evening with slides

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that included a number of hardy fern varieties found in the grounds of a hospital in
Dumfries, Scotland. A plant exchange also featured during the evening.

My thanks to Margaret for organising the wide selection of refreshments which fortified
members during this colourful review of the past summer, and to the local members for
making the evening worthwhile.

LEEDS & DISTRICT

Harlow Carr — 30 April. The Group met at 12 noon in the Study Centre at Harlow Carr
Gardens (44/279544) to hold its AGM, to be followed by lunch and an indoor meeting.
The occasion was also the Group’s 10th anniversary, our first meeting having been held
on 18th January 1984. There was a good turn-out of 24 and we were particularly glad
that representatives from the new North-West Group were able to be present. We were
fortunate to be able to obtain the services of Josephine Camus of The Natural History
Museum to lecture to us after lunch; she gave a fascinating talk on ‘The Usefulness of
Ferns — from Fossils to Fantasy’.

Richard Unett

Southerscale Scar, Ingleborough, North Yorkshire (34/744776) — 25 June. Leaders
Richard Unett and Jack Bouckley. On the way up to the limestone pavement we passed
various outcrops on which grew lots of Asp/enium ruta-muraria, A. trichomanes,
Cystopteris fragilis and Dryopteris filix-mas. The pavement itself, which is privately
owned jointly by English Nature and the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, is very fern rich and we
soon found all the above-mentioned forms together with Asp/lenium scolopendrium,
A. trichomanes-ramosum (A. viride) and Dryopteris submontana. As the search
continued we spotted some grassy areas which were covered with D. affinis, D. dilatata,
Athyrium filix-femina and Polystichum aculeatum. |n parts of the area Polypodium
interjectum was abundant and there were also some very luscious pockets of
Gymnocarpium robertianum.

photo: J. Merryweather

Colt Park, Ingleborough, North Yorkshire
Ron Cole, Jack Bouckley, Eric & Rita Baker, James Merryweather, Richard & Jennie Lamb,
Vincent Jones, Patricia Cole, Richard Unett

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After lunch at the local hostelry we moved to Colt Park Farm pavement (34/773779).
This pavement is protected from sheep so most of the grykes are hidden with a covering
of vegetation and the whole of the area is wooded. It had been raining earlier and the
early morning fog had not cleared, so conditions were far from good. After about a
hundred yards the going became too slippery and dangerous to continue so the search
was abandoned. Even so, in that short time, Asplenium ruta-muraria, A. trichomanes,
A. scolopendrium, Cystopteris fragilis, Dryopteris filix-mas, D. dilatata, Polypodium
interjectum, Polystichum aculeatum and Pteridium aquilinum were found.

As we walked back to the farm, Mr V. Jones of Middlesborough stopped to photograph a
fern in the rock-face. When he looked up to the top of the rock, he spotted a lovely
specimen of Botrychium lunaria complete with fertile frond. A little more searching
revealed a few more within a short distance.

Permits are required for both of these areas.
Richard Unett

Affinis Watch, near Harrogate, Yorkshire — 23 July. In the morning we went to
44/2268 where, apart from the Dryopteris affinis which were sent to Anthony Pigott, we
found D. dilatata and D. filix-mas. Along the path at the side of Eavestone Lake were
some good plants of Athyrium filix-femina, and Blechnum spicant was quite numerous in
places. There was plenty of Pteridium aquilinum. |n the afternoon we tackled the
44/2862 area. Here there were few fern species but we found what we were looking for
— some Dryopteris affinis. The only new find in the afternoon was Equisetum pratense.

Jack Bouckley

Derbyshire — 13 August. The meeting place was Miller's Dale (43/142734) in a car
park sited at the old L.M.S. Railway Station — but there was no sign of the ‘Coronation
Scot’ — only in spirit! A good number of members were present on what turned out to be
a lovely sunny day and it was pleasing to have some new enthusiasts and delightful to
have our President, Jack Bouckley, with us. Originally he should have been in hospital
but the surgery was delayed at the last moment — the ultimate enthusiast!

The morning walk was intended to be an easy one along the disused railway track in a
westerly direction to a sealed-off tunnel. Ambling along the track we soon came across a
number of common ferns: Asplenium ruta-muraria, A. trichomanes subsp. quadrivalens,
Dryopteris filix-mas, D. affinis (?borreri), Polystichum aculeatum, Polypodium vulgare,
P. interjectum and, very close to the sealed tunnel, Cystopteris fragilis. A small
divergence from the track led us into an old limestone quarry, where only a small north-
facing rock-face had any ferns — Asplenium trichomanes. However, leading from an old
limekiln at the edge of the track was a path into another ‘secret’ quarry where in full sun
was a patch of Ophioglossum vulgatum.

By this time we were all hungry so some of us (led by our President!) retired for ‘pub
grub’ whilst others had picnics in those lovely surroundings.

Feeling suitably refreshed we left the car park and walked the few hundred yards up the
road to Monks’ Dale (43/137735). On the steep downward walk into the dale we saw
Asplenium trichomanes, A. ruta-muraria and Cystopteris fragilis on the rocky limestone
outcrops. The bottom of the dale is usually wet, but this time it was almost arid. The walk
up the dale is about three miles long, the final mile or so being very difficult underfoot
and in dense woodland. However, well before the said wood we came across what

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seemed like acres of Gymnocarpium robertianum in limestone screes, quite a sight! At
this point most members turned back and arranged for cars to pick up those traversing
the wood. The wood revealed some fine specimens of Polystichum aculeatum and
Asplenium scolopendrium as well as the ubiquitous Dryopteris species.

All members, new and old, guests and friends, then set off home, satisfied, | think, with
what they had seen, but tinged with regret that no Polystichum setiferum nor Asplenium
trichomanes-ramosum had been seen this time — but not for the want of looking!

Ronald Cole

WESSEX Jim Jarvis

Mendip Hills, Somerset — 3 July. At Charterhouse Mineries (31/505557) little remains
of the old lead works except parts of the condensation flues, three ponds and a lot of
glassy black slag. The ruins of the flues form short tunnels, five or six metres long, just
big enough to walk through. Inside, except in the very darkest recesses, the walls and
roofs were covered in Cystopteris fragilis with the occasional Asplenium trichomanes.
Nearby at Ubley Warren we found A. ruta-muraria, A. trichomanes and C. fragilis
growing on the rocks and together with normal plants, a couple of glossy, crowded,
pinnate Polystichum setiferum.

After lunch we drove to the bottom of Burrington Combe and walked up to the fort on
Dolebury Warren (31/450590) then back through the woods to the car park.

During the day we saw Asplenium ceterach, A. scolopendrium, A. ruta-muraria,
A. trichomanes, Athyrium filix-femina, Cystopteris fragilis, Dryopteris affinis, D. dilatata,
D. filix-mas, Polypodium interjectum, Polystichum setiferum and lots of Pteridium
aquilinum but we didn’t find either Polystichum aculeatum or Gymnocarpium
robertianum.

Wye Valley — 6 August. The morning walk across the reserve at Lancaut (31/542964)
with the return leg along the top of the cliffs on the Offa’s Dyke path yielded a couple of
items of note: Asplenium ceterach growing on a large boulder and a fine, ‘garden
worthy’, crested Polystichum setiferum growing beside the path. | was disappointed by
the absence of ferns from the cliff-faces and in the woodland at the foot of the cliffs; it
must be the exposure, the dry ground and the hardness of the rock because away from
the cliffs the ferns were quite numerous.

After lunch we walked from The Park (31/559994) along Miss Grace’s Lane to Beeches
Farm and back along the Offa’s Dyke path to the Devils Pulpit then across the fields to
the car park. Although much of the walk was in open country with few ferns, there were
some large Dryopteris affinis and Athyrium filix-femina on the boundary of the park, with
Dryopteris filix-mas and Polystichum setiferum in the ditch, Polypodium interjectum in
the wall on the other side of the lane and Dryopteris dilatata on both sides. In the woods
and on the Offa’s Dyke path there were only Asplenium scolopendrium, Dryopteris
dilatata, D. filix-mas and Polystichum setiferum and at Lippets Grove (32/542002) the
Martagon lilies, which had been in bud a month before, were over. The fine views and
the beautiful weather made up for the shortage of ferns.

The score for the day was: Asplenium adiantum-nigrum, A. ceterach, A. scolopendrium,
A. ruta-muraria, A. trichomanes, Athyrium filix-femina, Dryopteris affinis, D. filix-mas,
D. dilatata, Polypodium interjectum, Polystichum setiferum and Pteridium aquilinum.

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Wye Valley — 7 August. We met in the car park at Symonds Yat rock and spent a little
time looking at a distant and disinterested peregrine falcon before descending to the old
railway track by the river. There were plenty of woodland ferns, some of them very large
plants, by the track down the hill and on the gentle slope between the railway track and
the foot of Coldwell Rocks. There were Asplenium ceterach, A. ruta-muraria,
A. trichomanes and Polypodium interjectum on the garden walls and the supporting
walls of the railway track but Coldwell Rocks appeared just as hard, dry and inhospitable
as Lancaut, supporting only a few A. trichomanes.

We came out of the woods and away from the rocks to eat our lunch. We sat in the sun
on the river bank watching dragonflies and canoeists, with a noisy interlude when a flock
of long-tailed tits (30+) having crossed the river paused for a moment in the bush next to
us before disappearing into the woods. We walked up a long slope to Rosemary
Topping, with ferns in the woods and on the walls, into Court Wood, which is grazed
bare, along Coldwell Walks and back to the cars.

Stanley Wood, Gloucestershire — 4 September. | was joined by three members of the
Gloucester Naturalists and two fern enthusiasts on a dull, overcast, rain-threatening
afternoon to walk round Stanley Wood and part of Penn Wood. Not the easiest walk
because the paths rarely go in exactly the right direction. Both woods were taken over
by the Woodland Trust after somebody had pillaged them, so there aren’t many ferns
yet. The distribution of the ferns that are there is interesting, with small groups which are
probably all the same age, the result of a good year some time in the past, and large
areas of apparently ideal habitat with not a fern in sight.

We found Asplenium scolopendrium, Athyrium filix-femina, Dryopteris affinis, D. filix-
mas, D. dilatata, Polypodium interjectum, Polystichum setiferum and Pteridium
aquilinum, but surprisingly no Polystichum aculeatum. Not an impressive score but no
matter, the Gloucester Naturalists were just as interested in snails and flowering plants
and architecture and Woodchester Mansion and set-aside as in ferns so | enjoye
myself; | hope they did.

SOUTH-EAST

North-East Surrey — 4 June. Eleven members met at Bolder Mere (51/077585), near
Wisley, where recent wet weather had swollen the lake and facilitated colonisation by
angiosperms. One small plant of Pilularia was found, however, and it is likely that
conditions later in the summer will enable extension of the species. Other pteridophytes
seen included Pteridium aquilinum, Dryopteris filix-mas, D. dilatata (often occasionally
abundant and fine), Athyrium filix-femina and Equisetum arvense.

After lunch taken conveniently near Wisley gardens, where some of us bought
specimens of ?Dryopteris clintoniana (labelled D. villarii), we went to Cobham
(51/124596) to see a remarkable stand of Onoclea sensibilis growing strongly with
hemlock water dropwort (Oenanthe crocata) on what had presumably been a site for the
disposal of garden rubbish. Someone speculated whether the British Umbellifer Society
would do as much damage to the Onoclea as we had done to the Oenanthe!

The rain now assumed an intensity which must have reminded Andrew Leonard of
Portugal as we moved to our final site of the day. Betchworth Chalk Pits (51/205515)
have been in existence for many years, and known as an Ophioglossum site also for a
long time. Unfortunately, landfill is now occurring and the habitat is being severely

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reduced. We did see O. vulgatum (one with a fertile spike) and also some fine
Asplenium scolopendrium.

Our day finished (as did the rain, just) at Margaret Harris’s beautiful garden in Epsom.
We were impressed by many things — the borders of Cystopteris fragilis, the use of
ground cover above which specimen ferns showed to enhanced effect.

Our thanks go to Margaret for a superb cream tea, and to Stephen Munyard for a well

researched and fascinating day.
Paul Ripley

Fern Hybrid Workshop, Natural History Museum, London — 3 September. About 16
members met in the Cryptogamic Herbarium of the Natural History Museum for an
afternoon of instruction on a subject that has often intrigued and perplexed us on field
meetings. After an introductory talk by Clive Jermy, we were able to spend some time
using low-power microscopes to identify and confirm features of fern (and horsetail)
hybrids.

While some members had brought along some of their own specimens, Clive had
collected a number of very good examples which we were able to study. Together with
herbarium specimens, we were able to see the abortive spores and shrivelled sporangia
of e.g. Dryopteris hybrids. Polypodiums were more difficult, but with some practice the
irregular size of spores and sporangia became apparent.

This meeting left a lasting impression which will add greatly to our appreciation of
specimens found in the field. We are very grateful for the time and careful thought and
preparation given by Clive, and for his patient and knowledgeable tuition. Our thanks

also to Alison Paul for help with practical arrangements at the Museum.
Paul Ripley

Abbots Wood, Sussex - 17 September. On a crisp autumnal morning around 20
members met in the southern Weald (51/557073) north of Polegate. Rob Cooke, our
leader for the day, took us for a short walk into a damp, woody glade where we found
Dryopteris affinis morph. borreri, D. carthusiana, D. dilatata and Athyrium filix-femina.
Deeper into the forest a lake outflow formed a small deep cut river which revealed
Asplenium scolopendrium and a fine Dryopteris affinis morph. affinis.

After lunch at Arlington we went on to David Jacobs’ house. His three greenhouses were
crammed with fascinating plants including collections of opuntias, willows and alpines. In
amongst some of his alpine pans he had many small ferns and beneath the staging was
a wealth of larger ferns from all around the world. In the house were ferns growing in
many varied places including a splendid terrarium full of filmy ferns in the bedroom. In
the lounge was a magnificent collection of cheilanthoid species as well as further
terrariums and shelves of ferns.

On the front at Brighton along Madeira Drive, Rob led us to large colonies of Asplenium
trichomanes and A. scolopendrium. \n two places along the front wall were a few fine
specimens of Cyrtomium falcatum.

We would like to thank Rob Cooke for leading the day and David Jacobs for generously

allowing so many to go to his house and garden and for providing us with such a

| id tea.
a sstioriplyir Pat Acock

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Battle and Hastings, East Sussex — 1 October. Eleven members met at Fore Wood
RSPB Nature Reserve (51/756127), which the group had previously visited under
Rosemary Hibbs’ leadership in 1989. This typical High Weald sandstone wood has a
narrow valley which was visited principally in order to see a beautiful colony of
Dryopteris aemula growing on the steep west bank near the head of the small ravine.
The 1987 gale had not damaged the colony, only made access more hazardous! Other
plants found included D. filix-mas, D. dilatata, D. carthusiana, possibly D. x deweveri,
D. affinis morph. borreri and possibly robusta, Blechnum spicant, Polystichum setiferum,
Athyrium filix-femina and Pteridium aquilinum.

We trebled the number of customers at the Inn at Crowhurst but found the landlord
welcoming and accommodating.

What a selection of treats Mark Border had arranged for us at his home in Hastings! We
started by dividing into three groups for a thoroughly entertaining and extremely well
planned and researched treasure hunt. This took us all over Hastings, where we found
various treats including Polypodium interjectum (two very good sites), Asplenium ruta-
muraria, A. trichomanes, A. scolopendrium, A. adiantum-nigrum (all these growing in
walls), and some ‘planted’ Osmunda regalis, Onoclea sensibilis, plus Selaginella and a
crested Athyrium which | missed. | didn’t manage to reach the site near Ore, but the
highlight for me was Roar Gill (near the ‘T’ in St Helen’s Road), a steep gorge full of
marvellous specimens of Polystichum setiferum, A. scolopendrium and Blechnum
spicant (among other goodies — this site merits further exploration).

The next ‘T’ was at Madeira Drive, where Mark’s family had prepared a superb spread
for us. We also enjoyed Mark’s garden, which had a young but very interesting
collection. | particularly liked the Woodwardia orientalis, with its coppery-pink foliage and
small plantlets appearing from the upper surface of the fronds, Hypolepis punctata
‘Beddomei’, and Pteris cretica ‘Albo-lineata’ planted in a small wall.

Thank you, Mark, for an exceptionally well planned and interesting meeting.
Paul Ripley

Great Comp Gardens / Indoor Meeting — 29 October. Twenty of us met at this
magnificent garden on the greensand south of Borough Green, Kent, where we met the
garden’s creator, Mr David McClintock. Together with his late wife he bought this late
Tudor house with its much diminished estate of a few acres to establish a garden. Upon
his retirement the garden was increased to eight acres by buying two paddocks. An
interesting collection of plants has been assembled including geraniums,
rhododendrons, many choice conifers and other trees all set in interesting niches.
Although ferns seem to have a natural affinity for the garden and its walls, a range of
ferns, including some choice species, have been added to increase the variety and
these have established themselves well in both the wooded and wet areas of the
garden.

Following the garden visit members descended on ‘Acock Towers’ to dig out copious
quantities of horsetails and a few ferns, to the great joy of the lady of the house. After
some tea, slide-shows on British ferns, the Azores, Italy and Cornwall were presented
by Rob Cooke, Graham Ackers, Lesley Williams, Paul Ripley, Andrew Leonard and
Jennifer Ide. Thanks go to Steve Munyard for providing booksales and to Emma, Louise,
Anne and Grace for providing tea.

Pat Acock

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EAST ANGLIA Margaret Nimmo-Smith

South-East Essex — 24 July. Seven members assembled in the morning at Galleywood
Common (52/702025), near Chelmsford. We crossed a long disused horse-racing track
to explore the nothern part of the common which is now wooded and has much bracken.
We descended to a wetter part where there is still a colony of Equisetum sylvaticum and
were delighted also to find several plants of Dryopteris carthusiana. Ferns throughout
the rest of the wood were very scarce, and we only found a few young plants of
D. dilatata, a few D. filix-mas and Equisetum arvense on our return walk.

One of the morning’s participants was Gerald Downey, a long standing member, who
very kindly invited us back at lunch-time to see his fern collection a few miles away. This
was a marvellous bonus as he has been growing ferns for many years and has an
interesting well tended collection, some grown from BPS spores and others collected
abroad by Christopher Fraser-Jenkins amongst others. The ferns were grown in pots in
a cold frame, others were planted in the garden and some were found in pots in an
unheated greenhouse.

In the afternoon we were joined by the Craddocks to visit Tim Pyner’s garden at
Westcliff-on-Sea near Southend. His small front and back gardens contain the best
collection of Australasian plants | have seen in a private garden. Every available space
was filled with unusual plants and good use was made of sinks. Ferns which some
would consider of borderline hardiness were thriving, including Paesia scaberula,
Blechnum fluviatile, Onychium japonicum, Hypolepis sp., Doodia media, Pyrrosia lingua,
Phymatosorus diversifolius and Dryopteris sieboldii. Amongst the many interesting
plants in the back garden was Phyllocladus trichomanoides, a conifer whose ‘leaves’ are
stems

Many thanks to Tim for organising the day and for the hospitality shown to us.

Cambridgeshire — 4 September. In the morning six of us assembled to explore the
National Trust reserve at Wicken Fen (52/563705), near Ely, which we had visited five
years before in the first year of our local group. The first area we looked at near the wind
pump was now more overgrown with herbage so that we only found a few plants of
Dryopteris filix-mas, D. dilatata and D. carthusiana. Athyrium filix-femina was not seen
so may have been crowded out. Nearby, Thelypteris palustris extended over a wide
area, surviving the competition of the tall herbage, but more vigorous in areas where it
had been cut back. We explored three further areas: the first was wooded but had no
ferns, the second near a hut was also wooded and had plants of Dryopteris carthusiana
and D. dilatata near the edge and more T. palustris on the bank outside. The last area,
recently cut, yielded a large thriving and photogenic area of Thelypteris. Walking back
we passed yet another small area of marsh fern; it is clearly abundant in its separated
localities.

After lunch we made our way to Brian Cox’s wholesale nursery at Waterbeach Fen.
Here two more members joined us and we were able to see the nursery ferns looking in
good condition. Brian is mainly a shrub and tree specialist, propagating his own stock,
but the wholesale ferns have become a profitable side-line. Everybody found plants to
buy and Anthony Pigott was delighted to find a pot of Ephedra, not often for sale in a
nursery. We next drove to Milton, where Brian’s wife, Jennifer, fed us a magnificent tea
and Brian showed us the interesting trees, shrubs and ferns, well labelled, planted in
their small garden backing onto the country park. Many thanks to Brian and Jennifer for
their hospitality.

East Suffolk — 2 October. In the morning, accompanied by Peter Lawson and Graham
Peck from the Suffolk Wildlife Trust, seven of us visited Reydon Wood (62/480788), now
a SWT reserve near Southwold. This attractive ancient wood has a good flora including
orchids and a rare sedge. Ferns, however, were few and far between. We saw some
handsome scattered plants of Dryopteris dilatata, a few D. filix-mas, but were unable to
find D. carthusiana, previously recorded. Pteridium aquilinum was present outside the
wood in the lane and in one other area. Our main success story was to rediscover
Polystichum setiferum, a few small plants near the location of a large plant recorded
some years ago but which had died out.

In the afternoon we visited the magnificent garden of John and Diana Morley at North
Green, near Stoven. John is a very knowledgeable plantsman, best known for
propagating snowdrops, but he also has a fine fern collection. We were scarcely inside
the gate before seeing a superb Asplenium scolopendrium ‘Crispum’. Ferns were found
throughout the garden, but a ditch proved the ideal setting for further interesting scollies.
John had acquired fine Polystichum, polypody, lady fern and scolly varieties, mostly
from Reg Kaye and Wisley (the former Cranfield collection). Diana very kindly provided
us with tea while John showed us the results of twin-scaling snowdrops. Our thanks to
them both for a most interesting visit.

Cambridge Social — 6 November. Our final event of the year will be the annual social
gathering at Margaret Nimmo-Smith’s house when members enjoy a fern slide-show, a
quiz and much chat about ferns and books.

NORTH-WEST

Borrowdale — 4 June. The first meeting of the North-West Group of the BPS, involving
thirteen members, took place near Grange-in-Borrowdale on a fresh sunny day in early
June.

From the Bowder Stone car park (35/252168) members walked north up the road to
Grange Bridge, taking the opportunity to compare various common ferns, notably
Dryopteris affinis, D. filix-mas and Pteridium aquilinum. The first named was looking at
its best, the yellow green of its unfurling croziers looking particularly striking at this early
Stage of the season. Round the corner from Grange Bridge was a fine slate wall with a
number of plants of Asplenium trichomanes, A. ruta-muraria and A. ceterach. Following
several weeks of comparatively rainless weather the latter was looking rather dry and
withered, the fronds having inrolled exposing scaly lower surfaces. The wall housed a
small colony of Polypodium interjectum ‘Ramosum’.

The lane leading up to Borrowdale gave members further opportunities to observe
common species including fine examples of Athyrium filix-femina and Dryopteris dilatata.
Further along the first plants of Cryptogramma crispa were seen, followed by many
specimens of Oreopteris limbosperma. Where the track runs close to the River Derwent
freshly flushed Gymnocarpium dryopteris was admired. Nearby were healthy specimens
of Blechnum spicant. Asplenium scolopendrium and a small patch of Phegopteris
connectilis were growing on the edge of the track. The slate rocks looked ideal for filmy
ferns but only a small colony of Hymenophyllum wilsonii was seen, looking typically
moss-like. Further up the valley the highlight of the day was found, a small but healthy
colony of Asplenium septentrionale growing on steep rock with several freshly flushed
light green fronds. After lunch the party descended the dale seeing on route more fine
populations of Gymnocarpium dryopteris and Oreopteris limbosperma.

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Members finished the day in Nan Hicks’ garden where there were many plants of all
descriptions to examine and admire. The tea and biscuits kindly provided by Nan added
to the attractions. On the way back to the cars some ferns with many of the
characteristics of Dryopteris oreades were examined, though the site was well below the
height at which this fern generally occurs (240-610m according to Page, Ferns of Britain
and Ireland). Finally, while crossing Grange Bridge a small quantity of Asplenium
ceterach generally thought to have been lost in repointing was found. The expedition
ended in bright sunshine a little after 4 O’clock.

Mike Porter

Eskdale — 5 June. Upper Eskdale runs rather unexpectedly east-west. Its southern
flank combines qualities to produce a rare habitat: north-facing, high rainfall, woodland
cover, granite boulders and outcrops. On those rocks grow filmy ferns. Ten members of
the group met there to see them.

In the dramatic gorge of Stanley Gill, which cuts that southern flank, we found
Hymenophyllum wilsonii. In the more open woods there were some fine patches of
H. tunbrigense, which in the Lake District only occurs in this area. Oddly, so far as we
could discern, they do not trespass on each other’s patch. It was still an unusual
opportunity to contrast and compare. The distinguishing features which struck us were:
(1) H. wilsonii tended to have narrower fronds; (2) the fronds of H. wilsonii tended to
stand away from the rock, whereas H. tunbrigense lay closer to it; (3) the decider — the
sorus of H. wilsonii was rounded, but that of H. tunbrigense was toothed.

We also saw the usual woodland ferns including Gymnocarpium dryopteris and
Phegopteris connectilis and some stands of mainly the Dryopteris affinis span (what a
cop-out that word is for merely aspirant pteridologists) which looked positively tropical.
We did not see D. carthusiana or D. aemula (although we looked very hard — it does
occur, though rarely, in this area). We wondered if we saw D. expansa and
D. x deweveri but D. dilatata was as versatile as ever and may have fooled us.

Robert Sykes

Waithman Nurseries, Silverdale, Lancs. — 21 June. An evening visit took place to the
garden and nursery established by Reginald Kaye in Silverdale. The group of 26
members were duly welcomed by Dominic Kaye, who, along with his mother and
brother, intends to keep the nursery running after the loss of both his father and
grandfather.

We were taken into the fern garden where members saw a wealth of green treasures
and were told of the intention of refurbishing the garden and adding other shade-loving
plants as the weedy areas are cleared. Asplenium scolopendrium ‘Nobile’ was well
established here, a fine ‘scolly’ produced at Bolton’s Nursery in the near-by village of
Warton. Emily Bolton, who at a spritely 92 still has her family’s tradition of enthusiasm
for hardy ferns, joined the group for part of the evening. Some Asiatic ferns of note in
this area included Dryopteris wallichiana, the brown-scaled form and a delicate red-
stemmed Osmunda japonica. Several plants of crisp and crested bracken were seen
and A. scolopendrium ‘Crispum Moly’, another good scolly.

Dominic then took us to another part of the garden where, under the canopy shade of a
group of sycamores, a new development was taking place. Here the core of the fern
collection was being brought together with new groups of plantings from divisions of
established plants in the rest of the garden. More treasures were here with unusual

226

forms of Athyrium, Dryopteris and Polystichum, including the original clones of Athyrium
filix-femina ‘Acrocladon’ and ‘Victoriae’. A plant Emily Bolton was pleased to see was
Polystichum setiferum ‘Depauperatum Tripinnatum Superbum Bolton’, a gardener’s
nightmare trying to get its name on a label but never-the-less a beautiful form.

We were then shown an area where ferns were being propagated, both by spores and
vegetatively. Of interest was Dominic’s partial success with leaf-base culture of scollies
which brought a lot of discussion from the group.

The group left knowing that fern growing at Waithman Nurseries will be continued in the
traditional manner with the interest and enthusiasm of the Kaye family. This enthusiasm
rubbed off on us all and I’m sure we all learned a great deal from the visit.

Malcolm Hutcheson

Sizergh Castle and Brigsteer Wood, Cumbria — 7 August. Members of the North-
West group of the BPS met at Sizergh Castle on a warm Sunday morning and were
welcomed by Malcolm Hutcheson, Head Gardener and custodian of a vast collection of
Osmunda, Cystopteris, Asplenium, Dryopteris and others. He gave us a brief history of
the garden, telling us that Lord Strickland’s rock garden had been laid out by Hayes of
Grasmere in 1929, and that in the 1970s he, Malcolm, had become involved with Kew
and Wisley and the North-West group of the NCCPG with a view to there being a
National Collection of ferns at Sizergh. He expressed the hope that some of our group
would help him to catalogue the ferns for the NCCPG during the winter, as the National
Trust at Sizergh was very short-staffed.

We were then conducted on our Grand Pteridological Tour. In the Nursery Yard we
admired Osmunda regalis ‘Crispa’, then gathered round a large frame carefully shaded
from the sun by fine green netting. This was unveiled to reveal potted ferns in mouth-

photo: T. Piearce

Peter Hindle, Jack Garstang, Malcolm Hutcheson, Marjorie Garstang, Les Dugdale, Cynthia
Kelsall and Bernard Pollock beside Osmunda at Sizergh Castle, Cumbria.

227

watering variety. From these we turned our attention to a stunning collection of hardy
ferns growing in the open in a long border under the wall along one side of the nursery
yard. The famous Rock Garden was next, with its meandering, undulating paths through
banked beds of large limestone rocks, in which grew more ferny delights — including a
fine specimen of Osmunda gracilis — happily enjoying the company of acers, hardy
geraniums and luxuriant clumps of gentian and other rock garden denizens.

After a very enjoyable bar lunch at the Strickland Arms, Malcolm met us for a post-
prandial walk down the ancient track of Ashbank Lane to Brigsteer Wood — a magical
place full of interesting plants. On the way we saw Dryopteris dilatata, D. affinis and
Pteridium aquilinum. We moved rapidly down the steep, wooded limestone hillside to the
valley below and south along a butterfly corridor which had been carved out on either
side of the path through the trees. By a farm track Equisetum arvense was discovered
growing in the verges. We then ascended back up through the woods and across the
fields on Cinderbarrow to our cars.

All of us were most grateful to Malcolm Hutcheson for giving up his day off to share with
us his remarkable knowledge of natural history, and to show us his huge collection of
hardy ferns gathered over the years from many parts and displayed for our delight. |
hope we will be permitted to return on another visit.

Nan Hicks

Great Asby Scar — 24 September. Fourteen members led by Mike Porter assembled at
the quarry car park (35/627098) for field study on Great Asby Scar. This is a very
exposed area of deeply eroded limestone pavement, rising to a maximum height of
412m, with many grykes up to two metres deep. Average annual rainfall at nearby Shap
Village is 1,519mm (59.8 inches) (British Rainfall Statistics (Met. Office) 30 year
average).

Seen from the car park the main area appeared totally devoid of vegetation but the
presence of sheep showed there must be something growing up there. We were not
disappointed and were soon examining Cystopteris fragilis, Asplenium ruta-muraria,
A. trichomanes and A. trichomanes-ramosum (A. viride) as we made our fairly steep
ascent. It was apparent that the latter far outnumbered A. trichomanes and as we
approached the top A. trichomanes almost disappeared. This perhaps indicates that on
really exposed sites the ‘cut off’ height for A. trichomanes may be lower than the figure
of 800m given in Jermy and Camus (Illustrated Field Guide p. 107). As expected,
A. scolopendrium flourished abundantly, with some very well grown specimens and
three examples of a ‘crested’ variety were noted. Only rather stunted specimens of
Athyrium filix-femina and Dryopteris filix-mas were found but D. affinis morph.
cambrensis was well represented.

One of our two main hopes had been to study Gymnocarpium robertianum and this we
discovered in abundance, in all stages of development. Our second task was to seek
Dryopteris submontana. After some hard searching several good specimens were
found. As this is listed by Jermy and Camus as “very rare” we thought we had done well.
Perhaps the most pleasing find for many of us, though, was the occurrence of superb
specimens of Polystichum aculeatum often deep in grykes with fronds of 80 to 90cm.
They were perfectly sheltered from the searching wind and rain which finally sent us
back to our cars. Pleasingly, only a few plants of Pteridium aquilinum were found.

Peter Hindle

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Holehird, Windermere, Cumbria — 29 October. Membership of the Group now stands
at over 40, 25 of whom were present at this first AGM. The preceeding reports show the
success and popularity of our first year’s activities. A competition was held and the
winners were: (a) Best potted fern — R. Sykes, (b) ‘Fern taxon’ — M. Porter. Tea was
provided on a ‘Jacob's join’ basis and an enjoyable meeting closed at 4.15 p.m.

Peter Hindle

LANCASHIRE & CHESHIRE

Inaugural Meeting — 19 March. On this Saturday afternoon six local people met with
Matt Busby at Adlington Civic Hall near Stockport, to discuss restoring the regional
group in the Lancashire/Cheshire area. After a helpful discussion and good sensible
advice from the Secretary, we decided to go ahead with the project and planned three
meetings for 1994. In spite of the fact that there were so few present on the day, we had
many more letters promising support in the future. It was also good that Nigel Hall, who
had been involved with the old group, was willing to help in some capacity again. After
refreshments, Matt gave us a slide-show and we left, well satisfied that we had at least
made a start.

Barbara Porter

Indoor Meeting at Nigel Hall’s House, Hazel Grove, Stockport — 4 June. We invited
Dr Trevor Piearce of Lancaster University to lead a discussion about the history of the
BPS and the involvement of some local pteridologists, such as the Stansfields of
Rossendale, in the story. It turned out to be a fascinating discussion between Nigel and
Dr Piearce, both of whom showed some of their Victorian fern books and artefacts. Mrs
Hall had provided delicious refreshments and we finished a very interesting meeting by
holding a plant sale. Some of us had brought various ferns and plants, but the main
attraction was a walk around Nigel’s garden looking at his ferns. He had a spade in hand
and every step or two would say “Do you want some of this?” Most of us went home well
Satisfied with our haul, particularly of polypodies.

Barbara Porter

Newbiggin Crags and Farleton Fell, Lancashire — 2 July. As an alternative to a
planned excursion to Hutton Roof Crags which had of necessity been cancelled, four
members and a botanist guest paid a more leisurely visit to Newbiggin Crags and
Farleton Fell (34/547797). Starting from the Hutton Roof to Clawthorpe road at
34/550787, the route was northwards across the crags to the summit which provides an
excellent view towards Morecambe Bay and the Cumbrian Mountains. From the summit
the group walked on to Farleton Fell and returned via the western edge of the crags.

Whilst no unusual pteridophytes were found, most of those expected on limestone were
seen. The grykes provided the usual four Asplenium species: A. trichomanes subsp.
quadrivalens, A. ruta-muraria, A. trichomanes-ramosum and A. scolopendrium.
Polystichum aculeatum often mimicked P. lonchitis, but alas the latter was itself not
found. There were several patches of Gymnocarpium robertianum and on the higher
area Dryopteris submontana thrived.

The return journey revealed that Cystopteris fragilis was happy on the western edge of
the exposed limestone. Away from the limestone, Pteridium aquilinum and the odd

Blechnum spicant completed the count.
Eric Baker

229

Cwm Idwal, Gwynedd (23/643592) — 3 September. It rained! | must admit my spirits
rose when | saw five people waiting for me by the information centre at Llyn Ogwen, but
in the end, because of the weather and infirmities, only three of us set off. We went up
the path towards Devil’s Kitchen, by way of a canyon cut in the rock, leading off the main
path and heading up towards the right hand side of Llyn Idwal. Almost immediately we
found Asplenium trichomanes, probably subsp. quadrivalens. We then came across
Dryopteris filix-mas, D. dilatata and D. affinis subsp. affinis. Athyrium filix-femina was
there in the damp corners and futher up the rock were many plants of Dryopteris
oreades. It was good that it was growing near D. filix-mas and we could see the
differences between them. There were also some rather small plants of Polypodium
vulgare.

We couldn’t find a definite path when we came out onto the hill above, so we wandered
in slight drizzle towards the lake and Cwm Idwal. This helped us to find our first
clubmoss, Diphasiastrum alpinum and later, along the banks above the lake, we found
two others, Huperzia selago and Lycopodium clavatum. We even found all three
together, which was a good opportunity to examine the differences, especially as they
were all fertile. There was also Blechnum spicant near small rocky outcrops, mostly
quite tiny and putting out new growth, even in September. As we got nearer the slopes
we found abundant Cryptogramma crispa among the rocks.

When we got to the scree area, we peered hopefully under many a large boulder at the
ledges and hollows underneath where | had once found Woodsia alpina — 15 years ago,
but never since. We didn’t find it this time either, but did spot Gymnocarpium dryopteris,
Phegopteris connectilis, and probably Dryopteris expansa too, lurking in various cracks
and crevices.

On the way back round the other side of the lake we looked into it hopefully for /soetes
lacustris, but the water was very high and the wind was disturbing the surface so we
couldn’t see the bottom clearly. The last fern we saw that day, near the end of the path
by the stream, was Oreopteris limbosperma. We had been out in the rain and drizzle for
over four hours, though it actually stopped while we had lunch! However, I, for one,
thought it was worth it. | hope Mr and Mrs Haskins did too and weren't just being polite.

Barbara Porter

THE AMERICAN FERN SOCIETY INC.

The AFS wishes to extend an invitation to readers of this Bulletin to join the American
Fern Society. Regular members receive the Fiddlehead Forum six times a year. This
newsletter is published for the benefit of those who are interested in growing ferns,
hunting for them, and expanding their general knowledge of ferns. Journal members
receive, in addition to Fiddlehead Forum, the scientific quarterly American Fern Journal.
Membership costs $11.00 and $20.00 per annum, respectively, including overseas
postage ($14.00 and $31.00 if airmail postage required). For particulars please write to
Dr Richard L. Hauke, 456 McGill Place, Atlanta, Georgia 30312 USA. Prospective
members residing in Great Britain should write to Miss A.M. Paul, Dept. of Botany, The
Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD.

230

MALVERN SPRING SHOW - 6-8 May A.R. Busby

With the Malvern Hills as a back-drop, the Three Counties Showground is the venue for
the Malvern Spring Show and the sun shone to welcome our first Society stand at this
increasingly popular event. Our stand, some 12 feet square, displaying literature and
plants, was on similar lines to our regular stand at the Southport Show but with far more
potted ferns. May is rather too early to have a wide selection of hardy ferns to exhibit so
we relied heavily on some well grown indoor ferns to furnish the stand. These included
large specimens of Platycerium bifurcatum, Lygodium japonicum, Phlebodium aureum
and Asplenium bulbiferum. Clive Brotherton kindly loaned 15 well grown examples from
his Cheilanthes collection and Ray Smith set up a display of hardy ferns at the front of
the stand which included examples of Asplenium scolopendrium varieties, Polystichum
setiferum, Cystopteris dickieana, Athyrium filix-femina and aspleniums.

Malvern Spring Show has one competitive class for ferns: Class 45, one hardy fern in a
pan or pot. The prize-winners were:

1st — R.T. Dudfield (Athyrium nipponicum ‘Pictum’), 2nd — G.A. Dudfield (Dryopteris
erythrosora ‘Prolifica’), 3rd — N. Thomas (Adiantum pedatum ‘Imbricatum’) (7 entries).
The standard was not very high and | hope that some of our members will exhibit in this
class which would raise the quality of the exhibits.

There is also Class 2, which is a display of plants measuring about 1m x 0.5m x 0.5m
high. This was won by Mr C. Barnard for a very good display of hardy ferns. All the more
notable because of the quality of his ferns so early in the season. Class 27 is for one pot
plant grown for foliage effect. Although two ferns were entered in this class, namely a
Nephrolepis and a Davallia, various pot plants noted for their colourful leaves took the
prizes. However, it is worth noting that the Davallia was given a ‘reserve award’. There
is no reason why well grown ferns could not take the honours in this class in future
years.

The show proved to be well worth the time and effort involved; we had many promising
enquiries about membership and actually enrolled three new members. A couple of
weeks after the show the Society received a cheque for £25 having received an award
from the show organisers. | would like to express my appreciation to those members
who called in at the stand to say hello, and my sincere thanks to John and Margaret
Collins for transporting a van load of ferns to and from the show, to Ray and Brenda
Smith who not only provided ferns but manned the stand unaided all day Friday, and to
Clive and Doreen Brotherton for allowing us to use many of their Cheilanthes collection
and for spending two days on the stand with me.

SOUTHPORT FLOWER SHOW - 18-20 August A.R. Busby

Due to the imminent hospitalisation of our President, Jack Bouckley, the Society’s stand
looked rather thin and without its wide variety of potted ferns that often presents to the
gardening public their first glimpse of the many forms and varieties that can be grown in
British gardens. Thankfully, Ray Smith brought along a huge selection of cut fronds from
his garden which, added to my own contribution, furnished the stand with its usual
greenery. As in previous years, we provided a display to show how to grow ferns from
spores, with the usual display of Society literature and the sale of Society publications.

After last year’s encouraging increase in the number of exhibitors in the competitive
ferns classes, there was a slight reduction in numbers. Jack’s absence from this year’s

231

show exacerbated the situation. In spite of this the overall quality of the exhibits was
good and there has been a marked improvement in presentation. However, exhibitors
still fail to realise the importance of good plant ‘grooming’, thus losing points with dead
or damaged fronds.

As usual, A.R. Busby and R.L. Godard-Key were the judges. The prize winners are
listed below.

Class6 Individual Championship: Four hardy, two greenhouse, tw
foreign hardy ferns: 1st 1. Rawson, 2nd R.J. Smith, 3rd E.A. Gibbs (3 SiiulGah

Class 7 Three Hardy British Ferns (dissimilar): 1st R.J. Smith, 2nd E.A. Gibbs
(3 entries, 1 disqualified)

Class 8 _ Three Foreign Hardy Ferns: 1st E.A. Gibbs, 2nd R.J. Smith (2 entries)

Class 9 Three Polypodium (distinct varieties): 1st E.A. Gibbs (1 entry)

Class 10 Three Polystichum (distinct varieties): 1st E.A. Gibbs (2 entries, 1
disqualified)

Class 11. Three Athyrium: (1 entry, disqualified)

Class 12 Three Asplenium (excluding A. scolopendrium): 1st B. Russ, 2nd R.J. Smith,
3rd E.A. Gibbs (3 entries)

Class 13 One British Fern (any kind or variety): 1st E.A. Gibbs, 2nd O. Fairclough,
3rd R.J. Smith (5 entries)

Class 14 One Greenhouse Fern: 1st S.J. Houghton, 2nd E.A. Gibbs, 3rd R.J. Smith
(4 entries)

The ‘Happiland’ Trophy, awarded to the exhibitor gaining the most points in the fern
classes, was won by Mrs E.A. Gibbs.

Some of the most notable plants exhibited were Mr Houghton’s Lygodium japonicum
grown on bamboo trellis and which proved very interesting to the public and Mrs Gibbs’
superb Davallia sp. grown in a hanging basket. However, to my mind, the best exhibit in
the fern classes was Brian Russ’s three aspleniums.

My thanks to Libby Gibbs and Ray and Brenda Smith for assisting me on the Society's
stand and to the many members who called at the stand during their visit to the show. |
welcome any enquiries about exhibiting ferns at Southport Show and will advise on the
identification, growing and presentation of the exhibits.

OBITUARIES
PROF. DR KARL ULRICH KRAMER 1928 - 1994
A personal comment

Karl Kramer was born in Charlotteburg, Berlin on 17 October 1928. | know little of his
early life but his fern career began when he spent nine months at Missouri Botanical
Garden studying new World Lindsaea under Rolla Tryon. He continued this study at
Utrecht University and was awarded a doctorate for it (published in 1957). The genus
remained his ‘first love' and he subsequently wrote the treatment of the ‘Lindsaea Group’
for Flora Malesiana.

| first met Karl in 1963 on a short trip to Leiden and Utrecht. Of that trip | remember only
that he was wearing a beret (in Dutch, a ‘baret') which, | am told, is worn only by poor
farmers and professors! Two years later he came to London and | was keen to return his
hospitality. As he was going to stay near my home in Kew | thought it would be nice to
surprise him by meeting the boat train. However, | arrived at Liverpool Street Station just

232

as the train had emptied and | viewed with dismay
a large mass of passengers on the main
concourse. How could | search for a face | hardly
remembered? Then, from a vantage point on the
stairs, | saw the beret and we made contact. We
drove to Kew and | invited him in for coffee. As we
walked up the garden path to our flat a foraging
hedgehog curled up in front of us. Karl suggested
it should be a surprise for my wife, only recently
arrived rom Australia, and he lifted the animal into
his baret and bore it into the house! A life-long
friendship began as we supped coffee, heggie
sitting between us on his haunches like a dog,
enjoying the heat from the fire. We never met
frequently, but my children remember Karl and his
wife Margrit's kindness when we stayed with them
photo: K.Rasbach for an action-packed week in 1978 — barbecues
amongst Dryopteris affinis and an introduction to
‘schoelbak', a game we still love to play.

Karl was unhappy about how plant systematics was being developed at Utrecht after the
retirement of Prof. Lanjouw, and in 1974 was elected a Professor of Systematic Botany
at Zurich University. Here he built up the herbarium and made several trips, sometimes
with his wife, or with Emil Zogg and Helen Gastner, to Taiwan, Réunion, Amsterdam Is.,
India, Seychelles, Kenya and China to collect ferns. He was a good teacher and
encouraged students from abroad to study at Zurich. Latterly he had turned his attention
to monographing Pteris, but his study and understanding of the morphology and
relationships of pteridophytes as a whole gave him a breadth held by few of his
generation. His skill as a diplomatic editor was renowned and two major works for which
he was responsible were the new edition (1984) of Hegi's ///ustrierte Flora von
Mitteleuropa: Pteridophyta and the pteridophyte volume of Families and Genera of
Vascular Plants (1990).

| was in Geneva last May and visited the Kramer's home near Zurich, sad to see my ‘old
friend’ (as he always signed his letters) for what we both knew would be the last time.
Although Karl had difficulty in keeping his train of thought, his conversation was
sprinkled with those puns which showed his complete understanding of our language
and English humour. He will be frequently and long remembered.

[A full obituary and list of Kramer's publications will be published in Taxon in 1995.]

Clive Jermy

PROF. DR JAN KORNAS 1923 - 1994

It was with great sadness that we heard that our member Prof. Jan Kornas died on 8th
August after a short illness. He was the author of numerous works in plant taxonomy,
particularly ferns of East Africa, phytogeography, ecology and nature conservation. He
was Professor of Botany at the Jagellonian University in Krakow, and Director of the
Institute of Botany there until his retirement in 1992. He encouraged many students to
study ferns both in Poland and Africa. He leaves a wife, Anna Medwecka-Kornas, and
four children, to all of whom we send our condolences.

Clive Jermy

233

MEMBERSHIP LIST: ADDITIONS AND AMENDMENTS
NEW MEMBERS 1994
ADAMS, Mrs P., 2 Brickyard Cottage, Abbey Cwmhir, Llandrindod Wells, Powys LD1 6PG, Wales
ALLEN, Mr J.G., 98 St Margaret’s Road, Hanwell, London W7 2HF
BEAUMONT, Mr V.G., 529/531 Lytham Road, Blackpool, Lancs. FY4 1RF
BIRCH, Mr M.A., 4 Langton Way, London SE23 7TL
BLADON, Dr S.J., 25 Mayland one Heybridge, Maldon, Essex CM9 7YR
BLAKE, Mr J.K., Low Rise, School Road, Bressingham, Diss, Norfolk |P22 2AD
BRAIN, Mr C.T., 11 Park Edge, ie rborne, Birmingham, West Midlands B17 9ER
BRAIN, Mr M.P. y% 15 Overhill, Pill, Bristol. Avon 00
say ere Miss K.M., Newmachar House, Newmachar, Aberdeen, Grampian Region AB2 ORD,

otlan
BRIGHTWELL, Mr R., The Old School, Drinkstone Road, Hessett, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk
BROWN, Miss T.K., 11 Nicholas Street, York, North Yorks. YO1
BROWN Dr G., & Mr M. CADDIS, Delf Barn, Kebroyd, eee Halifax, West Yorks. HX6 3HT
CADINOUCHE, Mr Y.A., 15 Bourbon Street, Port-Louis, Mauritiu
CLARE, Mr I., 33 West Court, North Wembley, Middx.
CLARKE, Mr D. N., Charity Farm Oast, Swattenden Lane, Cranbrook, Kent TN17 3PS
CLARKE, Mrs P.M., The Mews Cottage, 1 Brunswick Drive, Harrogate, North Yorks. HG1 2P
CONSERVATOIRE BOTANIQUE NATIONAL DE BREST, 52 Allée du Bot, bilo, 29200, France
COOPER, Mrs R.B.W., 4 Oldiands Hall, Heron’s Ghyll, Uckfield, East Sus x TN22 DA
COSIER, Mr & Mrs P.R. & V., Town Hill Cottage, 58 Town Hill, West Malling, Kent ME19 6QN
COTTON, Mr M.R., Biology Department, Southampton University, Bassett Crescent East,
Southampton, Hants. S016 7PX
CROWE, Mr J.P., Kellys Cottage, Tredilion, Abergavenny, Gwent NP7 8BB, Wales
CROWTHER, Mr & Mrs D. & N., 16 Heyworth Street, Derby, Derbys. DE33 3DL
CUERDEN, Mr J.F., c/o Yew Tree House, High Street, Ripley, Woking, Surrey GU23 6BE
DELAHAYE, Miss M. F.D., 19 Lindsey Street, Epping, Essex CM16 6RB
DICKERSON, Mr D., No. 7 Grafton Underwood, Kettering, Northants. NN14 3AA
DICKSON, Mrs J.D., c/o The Croft, 34A Teignmouth Road, Holcombe, Dawlish, Devon EX7 OJE
DOCKERILL, Dr B., 19 Westfield Road, Glyncoch, Pontypridd, Mid Glamorgan CF37 3AG, Wales
DURY, Mr G.P., 88 Marine Avenue, Whitley Bay, Tyne & Wear NE26 3LS
EGAN, Miss JH.., 43 Springfield Road, Sheffield, South Yorks. S7 2GE
FULLER, Mrs M.A., Woodend, Byfleet Road, Cobham, Surrey KT11 1DY
GENTRY, Mr G.M., 56 Colwell Road, Liverpool, Merseyside L14 8XZ
GOODMAN, Mr C.O., The Vicarage Garden, Carrington, Urmston, Manchester, M31 4AG
GORDON, Dr W.L., 182 Wake Green Road, Moseley, Birmingham, West Midlands B13 9QE
HENEAGE, Mr T.R.W., Marston Mill, Spring Gardens, Frome, Somerset BA11 2NZ
HOBSON, Mr N., Blacksmiths Arms, Flaxton, York, North Yorks. YO6 7RJ
HOLDREGGER, Mr R., Institut fir Systematische Botanik, Zollikerstrasse 107, Zurich, CH-8008,
Switzerlan

HOOPER, Mr J., Forest Green House, Forest Green, Dorking, Surrey RH5 5SQ
HOSKOVA, Miss S., Botanical Garden, Purkynova 1, Liberec, CZ—46001, Czech Republic
HYDE, Mrs S.A., 6A West Grove, Greenwich, London SE10 8QT
JESSEN, S., Arktisch-Alpiner Garten, Schmidt-Rottluff-Strasse 90, Chemnitz, 09114, pla
dt DE Botany Department, The Natural History Museum, Cromwell poy “ys SW7 5
KILLEN, Mr D.B., 33 Broad Oak Way, Up Hatherly, Cheltenham, Glos. GL5
KNIGHT, Mr C., 95 Horton Grange Road, Bradford, West Yorks. BD7 35
KNIGHT, Mr I.G., 18 Greenbank Close, Grampound Road, Truro, Cornwall TR2 4TD
KNIGHT, Mrs M. H., 71 Moorside Avenue, Neston, Wirral L64 6QS
LOGUE, Miss S., & Mr C. LACEY, Pimms Cottage, 45 Burpham Lane, Guildford, Surrey GU4 7LX
LUSBY, Mr P.S., Correen, Stichill, Kelso, Roxburghshire TD5 7TH, Scotland
MACQUEEN, Ms S., 194 Smith Street, Apartment 1-L, Freeport, New York 11520, U.S.A.
MCGAVIGAN, Mr F., 12 Glenbank Avenue, Lenzie, Glasgow, Strathclyde G66 5AA, Scotland
MILLS, Mrs J.E., Carwinion, Mawnan Smith, Falmouth, Cornwall TR11 5JA
MITCHELL, Mr is 22 Muirpark Way, Drymen, Glasgow, G63 ODX, Scotland
MURPHY, Mr A.J., 5 Cochrane House, Cowley Road, Uxbridge, Middx. UB8 2DA
NEWLAND, Mr R.A., 93 Arne Avenue, Parkstone, Poole, Dorset BH12 4DP
NOBREGA, M. de, Edificio Reprotur R/e-E, Livramento-Canico, Madeira 9125, Portugal
NYE, Mrs Z., 20 Honey Park Road, Budleigh Salterton, Devon EX9 6EG
PACKFORD, Mr & Mrs C.J. & B.J., White Friars, Vicarage Lane, North Weald Bassett, Essex

PARADISE, Mr D.T., Staunton Country Park, Middle Park Way, Havant, Hants. PO9 SHB
PARRY, Mrs M.A., 17 Clinning Road, Southport, Merseyside PR8 4NU

PEARSON, Mrs A., 13 Kent Street, Fleetwood, Lancs. FY7 6BX

RAMGUTTY, Mr R., Queen Mary Avenue, Floreal, Mauritius

234

RANDACI, Mr & Mrs A.F.R. & C., 2510 Melrose Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45212, U.S.A.

REYNOLDS, Mrs S.M., Hergiswil, Prince of Wales Road, Upton, Norwich, Norfolk NR13 6BW

RIDDELL, Mr N.A., 10 Birch Street, Wokingham, Berks. RG11 3LB

RIDGEWAY, Miss J., Corner View, 3 Fowlmere Road, Sheprett, Royston, Herts.

ROBBINS, Mrs A., Kirkby House, Scrooby, Doncaster, South Yorks. 0

ROWELL, Mr & Mrs A.B. & E., 29 Lilac Crescent, Beeston, Nottingham, Notts. NG9 1PD

RUNCIMAN, Mr W.C., 11 Ea st Harbour Road, Dunfermline, KY11 3EA, Scotland

SACKS, Dr O.W., 299 West 12th Street, New York, New York 10014, U.S.A.

SAVAGE, Mrs H.F., 12 Lon-Y-Meillion, Bangor, Gwynedd LL57 2LF, Wales

SAVAGE, Mr W.E., ‘Dra ragon Cross, 10 Ches tnut Hill, Linslade, Leighton Buzzard, Beds. LU7 7TR

ep banter Mr H., Institut fur ‘Systematische Botanik, Zollikerstrasse 107, Zurich, CH-8008,
Switz

SCOTT, ¥ D. J., 19 Abbotts Grove, Peterborough, Cambs. PE4 5BP

STILLMAN, Mr R., 47 Ryeish Green, Three Mile Cross, Reading, Berks. RG7 1EP

YDOW, Miss M.J., 25 West Tulane Road #A, Columbus, Ohio 43202, U.S.A
THOMAS, Miss C., 1 Fairy Cross Street, St Winnow, Lostwithiel, Cornwall PL22 OLL
THORNE, Mrs C. M., Clover Cottage, Middle Wallop, Sheprett, Stockbridge, Hants. SO20 8EG
TOPP, Mr K., 12 Wetherby Gardens, London SW5 0JW
WAIN, Ms S. me Gardeners Cottage, West Dean, pilgebrsit West Sussex PO18 ORX
WAITES, Mr P.R., 19 Monk Avenue, Stockton Lane, York, North Yorks. YO3 OBW
WALKINSHAW, Mr D., 10 Cluny Drive, Bearsden, iaaaou w G61 2J6, Scotland

7ED

WARREN, Mrs J., 154 Stoneleigh Park Road, Ewell, Epsom, ee KT19 ORG

WICKENDEN, Mr ie C., Cally Gardens, evans of Fleet, Castle Douglas, Dumfries & Galloway
G7 2DJ, Scotland

WILKINS, Mrs J., 12 Cranbrook Road, Acomb, York, North Yorks. YO2 5SH

WILLIAMS, Mr D., 46 Maple Avenue, Torpoint, Cornwall PL112NF

WRIGHT, Mrs di, Karenza, High Road, Laindon, Basildon, Essex SS15 6BN

ADDRESS CHANGES / AMENDMENTS

AKEROYD, Dr J.R., Lawn Cottage, Fonthill Gifford, Tisbury, Wilts. SP3

AWMACK, Miss C.S., Rothamsted Experimental Station, Harpenden, i AL5 2JQ

BAYLIS, Dr H.A., 16 Great Eastern Street, Cambridge, Cambs. CB1

BELTON, Mr J. C., Farthings, 17 Hatton Street, Wellingborough, Northants. NN8 SAW

COLDWELL, Mr M.A. H., 35 Maryville Avenue, Belfast BT9 7HE, Northern Ireland

COOKE, Mr R., 26 Lancaster Street, Lewes, East Sussex BN7 2PY

DUPREE, Dr P., Department of Plant Sciences, Cambridge University, Downing Street, Cambridge,
Cambs. CB2 3EA

ELKS, Miss R., 128 Seaford Road, London N15 5DS

FILLAN, Mr M. S., Pound House Nursery, Buckland Monachorum, Yelverton, Devon PL20 7LJ

GARGETT, Mrs S. A., East Wing, ee House, Kimmeridge, Dorset BH20 5P

GIRAUD, Mr C., 7 Rue Roger Cazala, Cour de la Pingaudoiére, Chateauroux, 36000, France

GLAVES, Dr P., Rachel McMillan mating Creek Road, Deptford, London SE8 3BW

GOLDING, Mrs Y.C., 47 Tatton Road, Sale, Manchester, Cheshire M33 7EE

GORDON, Dr L.S., 24 Fort Nugent Drive, Harbour — —: Jamaica

HORN, Mr K., Am Farberhof 6, Erlangen, D-91052, any

JAGOE, Mr J.A., 4 cespeeele” apes Singleton, Ashtord, Kent TN23 2PW

LANSDOWN, Mr R.V., P.O. B 9, Swindon, Wilts. SN4

LEE Or J:A.-& Or t.v. ane 3 Roslin Road, Broomhill, Sheffield, South Yorks. S10 1FA

MARKIW, Mr J.G., Loc. San Donnino 37, 38 Main Road, Mercatale Di Cortona, Arezzo 52040, Italy

MARTIN, Miss R. A The Bothy, Tresco Abbey Estate, Tresco, Isles Of Scilly, Cornwall TR24 0QQ

MILLER, Mr & Mrs W.B. & J., 28 The Chase, Verwood, Dorset BH31 7DF

PECK, Ms D., 1223 Princeton Lane, Hershey’s Mill, West Chester, Pennsylvania 19380, U.S.A.

PORTER, Mrs J., Bryn-yr-Aur, Llechwedd, Conwy, Gwynedd LL32 8DZ, Wales

PROTTE, Mr A., Waldkugelweg 25a, Wurzburg, D-97082, Germany

esos -THOMAS, Mr A., Flat 10, 81 Onslow Square, London SW7 3LT

WALTON, Mrs K., 30 Fields Court, Warwick, Warwicks. CV34 5HP
WILLIAMS, Mr |.G., Erw Laj, Ffordd lago, Groeslon, Caernarfon, Gwynedd, Wales
WRIGHT, Mr B., 130 Prince Rupert Drive, Tockwith, York, North Yorks. YOS 8PU

235

MEETINGS 1995

Meetings Secretary:

A.C. Pigott, 43 Molewood Road, Hertford, Herts. SG14 3AQ

Meetings Sub-Committee: P.J. Acock, N.J. Hards, J.M. Ide, A.C. Pigott, P.H. Ripley

Sat 4 March —

Fri 5 - Sun 7 May —

Sat 27 May —

Spring Indoor Meeting — Reading

Location: Plant Science Laboratories, Whiteknights,
University of Readin

Leaders: Anthony Pigott / Stephen Jury

Time: 11.00

Malvern Spring Show: BPS Stand
Location: The Three Counties Showground, Malvern
Further Info: Matt Busby

Day Indoor Meeting — Coventry

Location: Warwick University, Dept of Science
Education, Canley, Coventry

Leader: Matt Busby Time: 11.00

Fri 30 June - Sun 2 July— Long Weekend Field Meeting — outils West Wales

Leader: Rob Cooke

Centre: Abergwaun hs: Fishguard

Times: 09.30 each morning

Thurs 17 - Sat 19 August — i at Flower Show: BPS Stand

Further Info: Matt Busby

Fri 8 - Sun 10 September — Long Weekend Field Meeting — Eskdale, Lake District
Leader: bert Sykes

Sat 23 - Sun 24
September —

Sat 7 October —

Sat 21-Sat28 October- Week Field Meeting — Madeira

Centre: (see full meetings programme sheet)
Times: 09.30 each morning

Weekend Field & Gardens Meeting — Devon
Leader sb

Centre: George Hotel, Axminster, Devon
Times: 09.30 each morning

Annual General Meeting & Autumn Indoor Meeting — Kew
Location: Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Surrey
Leader: Pat Acock Time: 11.00
Leader Graham Ackers

Centre: Estalagem do Mar, Sao Vicente

Sat 20 - Sun 21 Jan 1996— Winter Indoor Meeting — Tenbury Wells
Le

ader: Graham Ackers — Time: 11.00
Centre: Kyre Park, Tenbury Wells, Worcs.

For full details of these and other meetings of interest to members, including information on
accommodation, please see the separate Meetings Programme sheet. This can be sent to
overseas members on request.

REGIONAL MEETINGS
For details of additional meetings in the following areas, please contact the regional
organisers, enclosing a stamped addressed envelope.

Wessex

Midlands

Leeds & District
South-East England

East Anglia
North-West England
Lancashire & Cheshire

J.E. Jarvis, Vermont, Jubilee Road, Nailsworth, Stroud, Gloucs. GL6 ONG
A.R. Busby, 16 Kirby Corner Road, Canley, Coventry CV4 8GD

J.H. Bouckley, 209 Woodfield Road, Harrogate, Yorks. HG1 4JE

P.H. Ripley, North Lodge, Dene Park Gardens, Shipbourne Road,
Tonbridge, Kent TN11 9NS

Mrs M.E. Nimmo-Smith, 201 Chesterton Road, Cambridge CB4 1AH

Mrs M. Garstang, Overbeck, Pennybridge, Ulverston, Cumbria LA12 7RQ
Mrs B. Porter, 1 Hazel CLose, Marple, Stockport, Cheshire, SK6 7QT

236

BRITISH FERNS AND THEIR CULTIVARS
A very comprehensive collection is stocked by
REGINALD KAYE LTD
Silverdale, Lancashire LA5 OTY
Catalogue on request

FIBREX NURSERIES LTD
Honeybourne Road, Pebworth, nr Stratford on Avon, Warwickshire CV37 8XT
Hardy and tender ferns
Begonias, Gloxinias, Hederas, Hydrangeas, Primroses, Arum Lilies
and plants for the cool greenhouse
Catalogue on request

MRS J.K. MARSTON
Specialist Fern Grower
A wide range of hardy and greenhouse ferns, especially Adiantums
Culag, Green Lane, Nafferton, nr Driffield, East Yorkshire YO25 OLF
Send £1 for catalogue

FANCY FRONDS
Specialising in North American and English hardy ferns
Judith Jones
1911 4th Avenue West, Seattle, Washington 98119, USA
Send two International Reply Coupons for Catalogue

RICKARDS Personal DetailsHARDY FERNS
Hardy and half hardy ferns
Kyre Park, Tenbury Wells, Worcs. WR15 8RP
Please send stamped addressed envelope for list

HARDY FERNS
R.N. Timm
The Fern Nursery, Grimsby Road, Binbrook, Lincoinshire LN3 6DH
Please send stamped addressed envelope for list

1995 SOUTHPORT FLOWER SHOW
The organisers extend all good wishes for a successful 1995
Classes for your Society's special interests are available
17th, 18th, 19th AUGUST 1995
Schedules and further information from:
The Flower Show Secretary
44 Hoghton Street, Southport, Merseyside PR9 OPQ

The British Pteridological Society
BULLETIN

VOLUME4 NUMBER 5 - 1994

eCONTENTS-

oe Notes

AGM 19
senha Statement
Retiring President's Address...............::0:eee piienisiuosimastens J.H. Bouckiey
Lecture Meetings and Day Visits 1994
Spring Indoor — M.E. Nimmo-Smith
Kew Gardens G. Stark
Autumn Indoor Meeting H.W. Matthews
National Field Meetings 1994 ;
wall B. Porter et al.
Edinburgh M.E. Nimmo-Smith, P.J. Edwards
Co. Mayo, Ireland R.J. Murphy
North Yorkshire A. Robbins
Regional Meetings 1994
Midlands A.R. Busby
Leeds & District R. Unett, J.H. Bouckley, R. Cole
Wessex : : J.E. Jarvis”
South-East . P.H. Ripley, P.J. Acock
East Anglia M.E. Nimmo-Smith
North-West .... M. Porter, R. Sykes, M. Hutcheson, N. Hicks, P. Hindle
Lancashire & Cheshire B. Porter, E. Baker
Malvern Spring Show. i cies aconmaceeenke A.R. Busby
Southport Flower Show : : — .A.R. Busby
Obituaries...... : ; puneee 33 CASS Jermy Se
Membership List: additio d ; euinie

Meetings Programme 1995

The Bulletin Volume 4 Number 4 was published on 25 February 1994.

Published by THE BRITISH PTERIDOLOGICAL SOCIETY, clo Secchaee of Botan
The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD — :

ISSN 0301-9195

Printed by Metloc Printers Ltd., Old Station Road, Loughton, Essex

a

ba Fi PTERIDQLOGICAL

A
>” BULLETIN “,

VOLUME 4 NUMBER 6
1995

a

Ce

>

Edited by A.M. Paul

THE BRITISH PTERIDOLOGICAL SOCIETY
Officers and Committee from October 1995
President: Dr T.G. Walker
President Emeritus: J.W. Dyce, MBE

Vice-Presidents: J.H. Bouckley, J.A. Crabbe, Dr C.N. Page, M.H. Rickard, J.R. Woodhams

Honorary General Secretary A.R. Busby, ‘Croziers’,
and Archivist: 6 Kirby Corner Road, Canley, Coventry, CV4 8GD
(Tel: 01203 715690, Fax: Pe 203 523237, Email: A.R.Busby@ ac.uk)
Membership Secretary and Miss A.M. Paul,
Editor of the Bulletin: Department of Botany, The Natural History Museum,
Cromwell Road, London, SW7 5BD

Treasurer: M. Leonard,
11 Victory Road, Portsmouth, eh PO1 3DR

Meetings Secretary: A.C. Pigott,
43 Molewood Road, Hertford, Herts., SG14 3AQ
Editors of the Fern Gazette: Dr B.A. Thomas, J.A. Crabbe & Dr M. Gibby

Send copy to Dr B.A. Thomas, Department of Botany,
National Museum of Wales, Cathays Park, Cardiff, CF1 3NP

Editor of the Pteridologist: J.W. Merryweather, Biology Department,
University of York, Heslington, York, YO1 5DD

Committee: E.J. Baker, Miss J.M. Camus, R. Cooke, Miss J.M. Ide, A.C. Jermy,
Miss H.S. McHaffie, S.J. Munyard, Mrs M.E. Nimmo-Smith, P.H. Ripley, G. Stark
Conservation Officer: R. Cooke,
26 Lancaster Street, Lewes, East Sussex, BN7 2PY

Spore Exchange Organiser: Mrs M.E. Nimmo-Smith,
201 Chesterton Road, Cambridge, CB4 1AH

Plant Exchange Organisers: R.J. & Mrs B. Smith,

184 Solihull Road, Shirley, Solihull, Warwicks., B90 3LG
Booksales Organiser: S.J. Munyard, 234 Harold Road, Hastings, East Sussex, TN35 5NG
Trustees of Greenfield and Centenary Funds: Dr T.G. Walker, A.R. Busby, A.M. Leonard

The BRITISH PTERIDOLOGICAL SOCIETY was founded in 1891 and today continues as a focus for
fern enthusiasts. It provides a wide range o n f its publications
and available literature. It also organises formal talks, informal discussions, ‘field meetings, garden visits,
plant exchanges, a spore exchange scheme and fern book sales. The Society has a wide me ip
which includes gardeners, nurserymen and botanists, both amateur and professional. The Society's

mals, the Fern Gazette, Pteridologist and Bulletin, va emp wrhioerss The Fern Gazette publishes
matter chiefly of specialist interest on international pteridology, the Pteridologist, topics of more general
appeal, and the Bulletin, Society business and meetings reports.

Membership is open to all interested in ferns and fern-allies. SUBSCRIPTION RATES (due on ist
January each year) are Full Personal Members £15, Personal Members not receiving the Fem Gazette
£12; Student Members £9; Subscribing Institutions £25. Family membership in any category is an
additional £2. Applications for membership should be se nt to the Members hip Secretary (address above)
from whom further details can be obtained. (Rem made in currencies other than Sterling a
extra to cover bank conversion charges.) Airmail eaesaee for all journals is an extra £4, or for those
receiving the Fern Gazette £2.50.

(Front cover: Marsilea quadrifolia, a water fern with appeal for those in the Aquatic Piediontis 7
Interest Group. Illustration from: A.J. Eames (1936) Morphology of Vascular Plants: Lower Groups:

Back numbers of the Gazette, Pteridologist and Bulletin are available for purchase from P.J. Acock,
13 Star Lane, St. Mary Cray, Kent BRS 3LJ, from whom further details can be obtained.

TEER Ree ELE RS EE EAS ee

— APR 2 3 1996
BULLETIN

GARDEN LIBRARY,
OF THE
BRITISH PTERIDOLOGICAL SOCIETY
Vol. 4 1995 No. 6

SECRETARIAL NOTES

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 1996, PRELIMINARY NOTICE — The 93rd AGM will
take place on Saturday 12 October 1996 at the University of York at 2.00 p.m.

COMMITTEE VACANCIES - In accordance with paragraph 3, section 3 of the Society's
Constitution, two vacancies will occur due to the retirement of the two longest serving
Committee members. Nominations are invited from members of the Society to fill these
vacancies at the Annual General Meeting in 1996. The names of the nominees,
proposers and seconders, together with a letter from the nominee indicating their
willingness to serve, should reach the General Secretary by 9 September 1996.

SUBSCRIPTIONS 1996 — Members are reminded that subscriptions for 1996 are due
on the ist January 1996 and should be paid to the Membership Secretary, British
Pteridological Society, c/o Dept. of Botany, The Natural History Museum, Cromwell
Road, London SW7 5BD. Cheques should be made payable to ‘The British
Pteridological Society’. Current rates are given inside the front cover. Standing Order
forms are available from the above address.

PUBLICATIONS BY AIRMAIL — Our journals can be sent by airmail to overseas
members, provided they advise the Membership Secretary and pay an additional
subscription to cover airmail postage. See inside front cover for rates.

AFFILIATION TO THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY — Our Society is affiliated
to the RHS, enabling a limited number of members to enjoy certain privileges in
connection with RHS Shows, competitions and services. There is one transferable ticket
available for all RHS Shows other than the Chelsea Flower Show. Applications for
tickets or further details, enclosing a stamped, addressed envelope, should be made to
the BPS General Secretary.

READING CIRCLES - The Society operates a reading circle for several journals. The
American Fern Journal is a quarterly publication containing much information for those
seriously interested in ferns; it is accompanied by the Fiddlehead Forum, which
publishes many ‘ferny’ items of interest to the amateur grower. The Royal Horticultural
Society’s journal, The Garden, is published monthly. To receive any of these journals
apply to the General Secretary.

THE GREENFIELD FUND - This fund, set up as a memorial to one of our Society’s
great fern growers, Percy Greenfield, is used to finance approved research projects,

helping with the cost of necessary equipment, books and travel expenses. Awards for

237

meritorious achievements such as the introduction of a new fern variety or plant, or
some of the Society’s publicity projects would be considered as worthy of help from the
fund. Percy Greenfield’s interest leaned very much towards the non-scientific side of our
activities and it is felt that he would want this taken into consideration when decisions
are made. Workers eligible for university or college grants and similar support will not
therefore be eligible for help from the fund. Members with projects wishing to benefit
from this memorial fund should apply to the trustees via the General Secretary.

THE CENTENARY FUND - This fund is used to promote the study of all aspects of
pteridophytes — horticultural, scientific and educational, whether by amateurs, students
or professional pteridologists. As such its scope is much broader and more flexible than
the Greenfield Fund. Anyone wishing to avail themselves of this fund should contact the
trustees via the General Secretary.

BACK NUMBERS OF JOURNALS - Back numbers of the Society’s journals are
available to members at reasonable prices. Many of the older journals are running out
and are best obtained while stocks last. Patrick is able to offer the Bulletin vol. 2 minus
part 2 for £4 including postage as a special offer again. A full list is available from Pat
Acock, 13 Star Lane, St Mary Cray, Kent BR5 3LJ.

SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS - Three Special Interest Groups were formed in 1995:
Aquatic Pteridophyta, Tree-ferns and Foreign Hardy Ferns, and a fourth group for those
interested in filmy ferns is planned for 1996. For further information please send a
stamped addressed envelope to the organisers:

Aquatic Pteridophyta: Miss J.M. Ide, 42 Crown Woods Way, Eltham, London SE9 2NN.
Tree-ferns: M.H. Rickard, Kyre Park, Kyre, Tenbury Wells, Worcs. WR15 8RP.

Foreign Hardy Ferns: A.R. (Matt) Busby, 16 Kirby Corner Road, Canley, Coventry CV4 8GD.
Filmy Ferns: S.J. Munyard, 234 Harold Road, Hastings, East Sussex TN35 5NG.

BPS VIDEO ‘BRITISH FERNS’ — With over fifty species of ferns the British Isles has a
remarkably varied fern flora. Many species have distinctive distributions reflecting
regional variations in environmental conditions. In particular the cool, relatively damp
environments of the North and the mild Western fringes of Britain bring together species
typical of Atlantic, Arctic and Alpine regions, resulting in a fern flora that is unique to the
British Isles.

This twenty-five minute video shows most of our native ferns growing in their natural
habitats. It demonstrates the wide variety of size and form to be found in British ferns
and the broad range of habitats they colonise. Attention is drawn to key identification
characters for each species.
The video was funded by Schering Agriculture and the National Museum of Wales. It is
available for loan, free of charge, to interested individuals and organisations. For further
details write to the General Secretary enclosing a stamped addressed envelope.

MEMBERS INFORMATION SERVICE - It is often the case that members require
information and advice on many aspects of their interest in Pteridophytes but are often
reluctant to ask or simply do not know where to obtain help. Queries from members on
any aspects of the biology, identification or cultivation of ferns or fern allies should be
sent to the Hon. Gen. Sec. accompanied by three first class stamps.

238

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 1995

MINUTES of the 92nd Annual General Meeting held at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew,
Richmond, Surrey on Saturday 7th October 1995 at 2.15 p.m.

IN THE CHAIR: The President, Dr T.G. Walker.

PRESENT: R.G. Ackers, P.J. Acock, E.J. & R. Baker, R. Beauchamp, J.H. Bouckley,
A.R. Busby, J.M. Camus, R. Cooke, M. & L. Craddock, T. Craddock, H.L. Davies,
A. Dickman, P.J. Edwards, N. & E. Hards, R. Hibbs, A.E. Hoare, K. & D. Holly,
A.M. Leonard, H.W. Matthews, J.W. Merryweather, R.J. Murphy, A.M. Paul, A.C. &
M. Pigott, G. Stark, J.R. Woodhams.

ITEM 1 — APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE: J.A. Crabbe, J.W. Dyce, |. Little, A.C. Jermy,
H.S. McHaffie, M.E. Nimmo-Smith, C.N. Page, B. Porter, P.H. Ripley, R. & B. Smith,
B.A. Thomas.

ITEM 2 —- APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Minutes of the 91st AGM held on the 15th October
1994 had been published in the 1994 Bulletin and were approved.

ITEM 3 — MATTERS ARISING: There were none.

ITEM 4 — REPORT OF THE HONORARY GENERAL SECRETARY:

MEETINGS: The Society has enjoyed another busy year and | have received good
reports of this year’s field meetings. | was unable to attend all the BPS meetings but was
fortunate enough to attend the Holttum Memorial Pteridophyte Symposium at Kew in
July. This gave us the chance to spend time with members both old and new among the
overseas delegates. The organisers are to be congratulated on an excellent conference
and the field and garden tour organised by C.N. Page was very successful. It is hoped
that a similar tour can be planned in the near future.

REGIONAL GROUPS: | regret to report that the recently formed local group in the
Greater Manchester area has closed due to the ill-health of its organiser, Barbara
Porter. We wish Barbara well in her continued recovery. Due to personal circumstances
| was unable to organise a programme for the Midlands area but | hope that we shall be
operating again next season. | am pleased to report that the other regional groups have
continued to flourish and members are urged to support them. Addresses of regional
organisers are listed on the current meetings programme.

MEMBERSHIP: The Membership Secretary, Alison Paul, informs me that we have
enrolled 74 new members so far this year, but that figure must be set against the loss of
34 members due to deaths or resignations. Our total membership stands at 762.

PLANT AND SPORE EXCHANGE SCHEMES: Ray and Brenda Smith continue to
perform sterling work with the Plant Exchange Scheme. The 1994/95 list provided 80
species and forms offered by 19 donors. The latest information indicates that the next
list, due out soon, will be even longer.

Margaret Nimmo-Smith has had another extremely busy year with the Spore Exchange.
Once again, thanks to the hard work and generosity of the donors, Margaret was able to
produce a list containing over 800 species and forms. Some members have expressed
concern that they have to wait several weeks between sending their list of requirements
and receiving their spores. Margaret is aware of their concern and endeavours to

239

process their requests as quickly as possible. However, due to her increased workload
and family commitments, there is inevitably a delay, but all spore requests are
completed in strict rotation.

The Spore Exchange has benefited from a grant of £1,000 from the Stanley Smith
Horticultural Trust towards the purchase of a new computer. A proper database for the
spore exchange is now being developed.

SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS: This past year has seen the formation of three special
interests groups: one for those with an interest in aquatic ferns and fern allies organised
by Jennifer Ide, a Tree-fern Group organised by Martin Rickard and a Foreign Hardy
Fern Group organised by me. Jennifer informs me that she has 17 members subscribing
to her group, Martin has six interested members and | am pleased to report that 16
members have subscribed to the Foreign Hardy Fern Group. Members interested in
taking part in any of these groups should contact the respective organisers.

CONSERVATION: A year ago the Society established the post of Conservation Officer
and appointed Rob Cooke to the position. | append his first report:—
This is the first year in which the Society has had a Conservation Officer in over 100
years of existence and does, | believe, reflect the generally growing concern with the
environment. Certainly it has been a busy year. Much work has gone into the production
of various reports produced jointly with other conservation bodies such as the Botanical
Society of the British Isles and the Wildflower Society. Notable amongst these is the
second edition of Biodiversity Challenge, a document compiled jointly by many
non—Governmental Groups challenging the Government’s approach to the 1992 Earth
Summit (The Rio Convention on Biodiversity).
Our Society is now formally represented on Plantlife Link (a committee of
representatives of all the botanical societies), and also the Joint Nature Conservation
ommittee plant working group.
Other work currently underway includes the production, again jointly with the BSBI, of an
updated Code of Conduct for field visits. This will include lists of plant species especially
protected by law, and outline the responsibilities of all if our flora is to be conserved.
There will also be a ‘conservation corner’ in the Pteridologist where current fern
conservation issues and debates can be aired.
If anyone would like further details of any of this work then please do get in touch. The
Conservation Officer's address can be found on the inside front cover of our journals.

MERCHANDISE: During the past year, Mick and Linda Craddock have taken over the
Society’s merchandise sales from Anthony Pigott and they report a busy year so far. Our
warmest thanks to Anthony for so successfully launching and maintaining this service to
members.

| have received reports of several members who have suffered ill-health during the year,
notably Brian Russ, a stalwart of the Alpine Garden Society and long associated with the
exhibiting of ferns at Southport Show, who has had two heart attacks and has been very
poorly, Brenda Smith who recently broke an arm, and Clive Jermy who suffered several
injuries during fieldwork on the Isle of Mull. We wish them and all other members at
present suffering ill-health a speedy recovery. oe
lf | may end on a personal note, may | take this opportunity to thank all my friends in this
Society for their kindness and compassion during my dear wife Margaret's illness and
death this year. It was a great comfort to me and my family.

The President thanked Mr Busby for his report which was approved and adopted by the
meeting.

ITEM 5 — REPORT OF THE HONORARY TREASURER: Dr Hards presented to the
meeting copies of his balance sheet for 1994/95 and reported little change in income.
Changes in journal production such as printing from disk have gone a long way to
reducing costs but due to extra pages, administration and postage has gone up
accordingly. Dr Hards was pleased to report that both the Greenfield and Centenary
funds retain a healthy balance.

On closing his report Dr Hards apologised for having been unable to get the balance
sheet audited. This was due largely to being without a computer for several days
immediately prior to this meeting.

The Treasurer’s report and accounts were approved subject to auditing and the
President thanked Dr Hards for his report.

ITEM 6 — REPORT OF THE HONORARY MEETINGS SECRETARY: Usually this report
marks the end of the year’s activities, but this year there are still two meetings to look
forward to: the visit to Madeira later this month and the ‘Hardiness’ workshop in January
1996. Anthony Pigott reported on another busy year with most meetings well attended.
There had been some confusion about the starting times of meetings and he explained
that the dates given on the Meetings Programme now relate to full days in the field and
do not include the prior evening. All this is explained on the Meetings Program

Outlining next year’s programme, he hoped it would include meetings in Mond Argyll,
Kew and Derbyshire or Yorkshire.

The meeting adopted the report and Mr Pigott was thanked by the President.

ITEM 7 — REPORTS OF THE EDITORS: Bulletin — Alison Paul, commenting on the late
appearance of the 1994 Bulletin, emphasised the importance of the early submission of
meetings reports so that publication of the journal is not delayed.

Pteridologist - James Merryweather was pleased to report that he was able to publish
the 1995 Pteridologist on time in early May and that due to the Edinburgh Conference
report, it was larger than usual. Copy for the next issue is already at hand. He hinted at
exciting new plans for the next issue which hopefully will include colour photographs.
Mr Merryweather closed his report with a plea to the membership to ‘keep writing)’.

Fern Gazette — Dr Barry Thomas sent his sgt for not being able to give his report
personally but provided the following report

Volume 15 part 1 was rather late being ss bead. For this | apologise and take full
blame for trying to do too many other things at the same time.

Volume 15 part 2 should be published during November. We are receiving more than
enough copy to fill two parts a year and all papers submitted are reviewed. The new
system of printing from disk has both speeded up the production and reduced the cost.
The Index for Volume 14 is being worked on and will be ready for publishing at the same
time as Volume 15 part 2. All the parts have been scanned in and are now being
checked and cleaned up prior to computer indexing.

The President thanked the Editors for their reports which were approved by the meeting.
ITEM 8 — ELECTION OF OFFICERS AND COMMITTEE:
Election of Officers: It was reported by the Secretary that both A.R. Busby and

A.C. Pigott were willing to be re-elected as Honorary General Secretary and Honorary
Meetings Secretary respectively, but it was with regret that he had to report that

241

Dr N. Hards was resigning as Honorary Treasurer after eight years. The President thanked
Dr Hards for so ably looking after the Society’s finances during difficult years and asked the
members to extend their warmest thanks which they did with much applause. It was
proposed by Dr Hards and seconded by A.R. Busby that Andrew Leonard be elected as
the Society’s Honorary Treasurer. It was proposed by A.M. Paul, seconded by
P.J. Edwards and agreed by the meeting that all three Officers be elected.

Election of Committee: The two longest serving members of the Committee due to retire
were R.G. Ackers and N. Schroder. In addition, a third vacancy arises due to
A.M. Leonard’s election as Hon. Treasurer. The following three candidates were elected to
the Committee: Wg. Com. Eric Baker, nominated by A.R. Busby and seconded by
M.E. Nimmo-Smith, Josephine Camus, nominated by A.R. Busby and seconded by
M.H. Rickard, and Margaret Nimmo-Smith, nominated by M.H. Rickard and seconded by
A.R. Busby. The remaining Committee members are R. Cooke, J.M. Ide, A.C. Jermy,
H.S. McHaffie, S.J. Munyard, P.H. Ripley and G. Stark. It was proposed by
M. Craddock, seconded by J.M. Camus and agreed by the meeting that they be re-elected.

Election of Editors: The Editors of the Fern Gazette — Dr B.A. Thomas, J.A. Crabbe and
Dr M. Gibby, the Pteridologist — J.M. Merryweather, and the Bulletin — A.M. Paul were
standing for re-election. It was proposed by R. Cooke, seconded by J.H. Bouckley and
agreed by the meeting that all three Editors be re-elected.

ITEM 9 — ELECTION OF HONORARY AUDITORS: Both G. Hoare and R.J. Smith were
standing for re-election. It was proposed by J.R. Woodhams, seconded by A.M. Paul
and agreed by the meeting that they be re-elected.

ITEM 10 — ANY OTHER BUSINESS:

As there was no further business the President closed the meeting and thanked the
members for attending. He also extended to A.R. Busby the most sincere condolences
of members at the sad loss of his wife, Margaret Busby, on the 3rd May this year.

The meeting closed at 3.00 p.m.

A.R. Busby
Hon. Gen. Sec.

FINANCIAL STATEMENT AS AT 31 DECEMBER 1994

ORDINARY ACCOUNT
(1993) INCOME:
£10,096.77 SUBSCRIPTIONS Fone
91.84 INTEREST ee!
200.00 + BOOKSALES
17.00 SPORE EXCHANGE ioe
749.42 MERCHANDISE
266.10 PLANT SALE ee
100.00 SUNDRIES
94.00 SYMPOSIUM BOOKS —————
£11,615.13 TOTALINCOME £11,362.25
eocitoule

242

EXPENSES

£1,913.00 PTERIDOLOGIST £1,569.00
2,993.00 Etre 2,160.75
1,787.00 BULLETIN 1,578.00
997.76 PRINTING & STATIONERY 365.00
2,211.50 ADMINISTRATION & POSTAGE 2,450.33
29.15 SUBSCRIPTIONS TO SOCIETIES 30.15
10.00 PLANT & SPORE EXCHANGES 115.88
96.00 MEETIN 482.25
408.24 MERCHANDISE 1,013.09
1,399.18 CENTENARY SYMPOSIUM

£11,904.83 TOTAL EXPENSES £9,764.45
cramp FOR 1994 £1,597.80

GH i] PVPVVArI FROM 1993 £4,420.34

ARLICATICNS ACCOUNT —£2,000.00

CARRIED FORWARD AT 31.12.1994 £4,018.14

CENTENARY FUND

BROUGHT FORWARD FROM 1993 £5,221.38

INTEREST 169.26

GRANT —125.00

WORLD OF FERNS 20.00

CARRIED FORWARD AT 31.12.1994 £5,285.64

GREENFIELD FUND

BROUGHT FORWARD FROM 1993 £1,751.70

INTEREST 56.79

CARRIED FORWARD AT 31.12.1994 £1,808.49

ont nagy ACCOUNT

BROUGHT FORWARD Sieeyl —£849.20

RECEIPTS __ - Offprin 148.20

Soci aise No. 1 191.50

- Special Publication No. 2 77.50

- Special Publication No. 3 343.50

- Special Publication No. 4 12.00

- Special Publication No. 5 19.50

SUNDRY 10.10

ALANCE —£46.90

ORDINARY ACCOUNT £2,000.00

CARRIED FORWARD AT 31.12.1994 £1,953.10

rig to the Accou

1. The Society had ri ‘ibe stocks of books at 31.12.1994 (1993 stocks in brackets): Guide to
Hardy Ferns 3 (46), Fern Names and their Meanings 297 (21), Cultivation and Propagation of
British Ferns 322 (410), History of British Pteridology 863 (865), BPS Extracts & Papers 463 (466).

2. Interest arises on 31st March on the Centenary and Greenfield Funds. No provision has been
made for accrued interest.

3. Small floats were held by two officers at 31.12.1994. These are not included in the accounts.

4. The accounts reflect the subscriptions actually received in the year. Approximately £1,850 is
subscriptions received in advance for 1995 but some subscriptions remain outstanding for 1994.

5. The Society’s assets include a share in a computer and software at The Natural History Museum
cost £1,000.

6. BPS Booksales had assets of £3,550.51 at 31.12.1994.
7. The Centenary Fund had 198 copies of A World of Ferns at 31.12.1994.

243

LECTURE MEETINGS AND DAY VISITS 1995

SPRING INDOOR MEETING, READING - 4 March. For the first meeting of 1995 we
were guests of the Department of Botany at the University of Reading.

In the morning members were able to examine a selection of beautifully preserved
herbarium sheets and other fascinating memorabilia of Mrs Katherine Murray Lyell
(1817-1915) which had been presented to the University in 1925. This impressive
collection of c.2,500 specimens formed the basis for her book, The Geographical
Handbook of Ferns, published in 1870, which was also on display. She herself collected
plants in the Ganges Delta, Assam and the Khasia Hills and was sent specimens by
Hooker and other eminent botanists of the day. After lunch Dr Stephen Jury gave an
interesting talk about her work.

This was followed by Hugh Corley, recently made an honorary member of the Society,
who talked about his original pioneering work in the male fern group, now some thirty
years ago, which led to the recognition of their systematic complexity, especially
amongst the taxa known as Dryopteris affinis. Hugh explained the shorthand formulae
that he used to represent the possible ancestral genome combinations in the group. As
knowledge of these taxa has increased, much of Hugh’s original conclusions, made
without the benefit of modern genetic analysis techniques have been shown to be
correct. It was fascinating to hear how Hugh had observed the structure of variation at a
time when most people were still having trouble distinguishing D. affinis from
D. filix-mas. Hugh concluded by talking of his latest ideas about the D. dilatata group
where, yet again, things may not be as simple as they appear....!

At the end of the day, members were again able to tour the exhibition, supplemented by
a computer running an identification and analysis program written by Anthony Pigott to
enable the development of reliable methods to identify taxa in difficult groups such as
the D. affinis complex. In such groups there are often many overlapping characters
which make the use of a conventional dichotomous key impracticable and unreliable. By
the use of probability techniques, the cumulative effect of several characters can be
taken account of, producing a result that can show that there is a very high probability of
the specimen being a particular taxon. Anthony also handed out the latest version of his
table of diagnositc characters for the D. affinis morphotypes.

It was a very mixed, interesting and well attended day. Many thanks are due to
Dr Stephen Jury and his colleagues who organised the meeting and provided the
refreshments.

Margo Pigott

WARWICK UNIVERSITY FERN SHOW - 27 May. Twenty-eight members assembled in
the Science Building at Warwick University, Westwood Campus for a day of talks, plant
sales and a fern show.

Members spent the morning viewing the small outdoor fern borders in the demonstration
garden before retiring to the greenhouses where our leader for the day, Matt Busby, had
prepared a display of Adiantum species and varieties. The tropical greenhouse provided
a home for several fern species and forms which were mentioned in the report of last
year’s meeting in Warwick (BPS Bulletin 4(5): 191).

244

During the morning several members staged their ferns in the four classes devised by
Matt. It was disappointing that only seven members entered the competitive classes,
however, we hope to repeat it next year. | thought the standard was very high and when
| found out there were CASH prizes, | was kicking myself for not entering. If you are
anything like me, you probably think that you are not good enough at growing ferns to
exhibit them, but you probably have one or two that could stand examination. Start
grooming your prize plants for next year!

The judge was Clive Brotherton and the results were:
Class 1 — One Pot Fern (any kind or variety)

1st Mrs E.A. Gibbs, 2nd Mrs D. Holly, 3rd Mr R.J. Smith
Class 2 — Three Pot Ferns (any kind or variety)

1st Mr R.J. Smith, 2nd Mrs B. Smith, 3rd Mrs E.A. Gibbs
Class 3-— One Equisetum (any kind or variety)

1st Miss J.M. Ide (two entries)
Class 4-— One Aquatic Fern (Azolla, Salvinia or Marsilea only)

1st Miss J.M. Ide (one entry)
The winners shared £42 in prize money.

During lunch members raided a ‘Bring and Buy Fern Sale’ which raised £91 for the
Society and provided the prize money for the fern show.

After lunch members enjoyed a talk by Matt Busby on exhibiting ferns in competitive
classes. Matt was in good form and performed the strange task of making us feel a deal
of sympathy for the pedantic, idiosyncratic, demonic and megalomanic character of a
plant judge.

Clive Brotherton then gave a talk on Cheilanthes, showing us some examples of ferns
that he has grown. To say that Clive is an expert grower is something of an
understatement. He should probably be described as a fern magician. He grows ferns in
John Innes compost no. 2 with 50% grit. At this time of year they are watered most days
with tap water which in his area is naturally acid. He uses a low-nitrogen feed. They are
kept outside in summer and inside in winter, but not too humid. James Merryweather
asked Clive to write an article for the Pteridologist, which he seemed a bit reluctant to
do; those people who know Clive really ought to apply some pressure on him. He has a
wealth of knowledge and this short article cannot do him justice.

Thanks are due to Brenda Smith and Doreen Brotherton for taking charge of the
refreshments, Sue Pierce and Derek Seary for looking after the fern sale, Ray Smith for
taking charge of the meeting during the morning, and especially to Matt Busby for
organising the day.

Andrew Leonard

AUTUMN INDOOR MEETING, KEW GARDENS - 7 October. Whilst the committee
were holding forth, a small number of us gathered for a packed programme arranged
with great care by Peter Edwards. We were firstly whisked into the Library where a
former librarian, Ray Desmond, gave us a talk on the history of nature-printing from its
earliest days until it was eclipsed at the turn of the century. Kew has a wealth of books
which we were able to inspect at close quarters and Ray gave out a nature-printed
illustration of his own to each one gathered.

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Peter gathered us back together for a slide-show illustrating the variety of the living fern
collection at Kew. The slides had been professionally taken and Peter was able to show
us the small details of ferns that Professor Holttum used to implore his students to look
at.

At lunch-time we were able to look at the beautiful laminated prints of the ant-ferns
(Lecanopteris) that had been on display at the Holttum Memorial Symposium.

After the AGM, Peter was joined by Josephine Camus and they led us around the
Princess of Wales Conservatory where we were able to find many of the species
illustrated in the morning slide-show. Next we visited the Filmy Fern House and then
went on to the Lower Nursery, house 38. Here Josephine spoke about Selaginella and
the Marattiales, using the specimens to illustrate her points, and referring to her many
adventures in the tropics. She then showed us the group of Lecanopteris species which
had been assembled for the Holttum Symposium and told us of the problems of
collecting specimens in the wild which are always ruthlessly defended by their
accompanying ants. Peter finally took us to the Banks Building for a small taster of the
uses pteridophytes have been put to. Here we were shown a large number of
fascinating artifacts from the Economic Botany collections — baskets to cans of croziers
to bottles of chemicals produced from ferns.

Our thanks go to Peter Edwards for arranging such a pleasurable day and to Josephine
who, though far from well, spoke to us about the living collections.

Pat Acock

photo: M.L. Pigott

Rob Cooke, Rose Murphy and Barbara Porter with Dryopteris affinis in Pembrokeshire.

NATIONAL FIELD MEETINGS 1995

PEMBROKESHIRE -— 30 June - 2 July S.J. Munyard

The meeting was based at the Abergwaun Hotel, Fishguard. Owing to confusion
regarding the starting day of the meeting, only two members and the leader, Rob Cooke,
met in the hotel bar on Thursday evening. The following morning we were joined by
Anthony and Margo Pigott with their eight week old son Charles who was attending his
first meeting.

We met at Pencelli Forest SSSI (22/1239) where Alison Wheeler, the warden, led us
through the deciduous woodland. We followed a circular route recording fern species as
follows: Asplenium adiantum-nigrum, Athyrium filix-femina, Blechnum spicant,
Dryopteris affinis morphotypes affinis and borreri, D. dilatata, D. filix-mas, Polypodium
vulgare s.s., Polystichum setiferum and Pteridium aquilinum. We followed the river
valley of Pencelli Fawr recording additionally Dryopteris carthusiana, Polypodium
interjectum and a thriving colony of Ophioglossum vulgatum. This is an interesting site
as the O. vulgatum grows in deep woodland, an unusual habitat for the species. We
then returned to the cars and went to a public house at Nevern Bridge for lunch.

The afternoon was spent exploring Gwaun Valley Woods at Lower Fishguard (12/9736).
We followed the path alongside the river into the steep, wooded valley with a number of
rock outcrops. Species recorded were Asplenium ruta-muraria, A. scolopendrium,
A. trichomanes subsp. quadrivalens, Athyrium filix-femina, Blechnum spicant, Dryopteris
aemula, D. affinis morphotypes affinis, borreri, paleaceolobata, robusta and ‘insolens’,
D. dilatata, D. filix-mas, Oreopteris limbosperma, Polypodium interjectum, P. vulgare,
Polystichum setiferum and Pteridium aquilinum. We then returned to the cars and met at
the hotel in the evening. Other Society members had now arrived, increasing the group
size to seventeen.

Saturday morning was spent exploring sites in Gwaun Valley. We gathered at Garn
Wood (12/9935). A short time was spent exploring the roadside verge before
descending an overgrown winding track to the riverside where the party split and moved
in opposite directions. Those of us walking eastwards were lucky enough to find
boulders and the rock-faces of an old quarry covered with large colonies of
Hymenophyllum tunbrigense. Other species recorded at this site were Asplenium
adiantum-nigrum, Athyrium filix-femina, Blechnum spicant, Dryopteris affinis morphs.
affinis and borreri, D. dilatata, D. filix-mas, Polypodium interjectum, Polystichum
setiferum and Pteridium aquilinum.

After returning to the cars a short drive took us to Pont Faen (22/0233). This site is a
steep north-facing wooded slope. Species recorded were Athyrium filix-femina,
Blechnum spicant, Dryopteris affinis morphs. affinis, borreri and robusta, D. dilatata,
D. filix-mas, Polypodium vulgare s.s. and Pteridium aquilinum.

By now everybody was ready for lunch and we drove to a hotel for refreshments. Lunch
over, we moved to Cwm Bach (22/0435). This involved a steep climb up a wooded
stream valley with small waterfalls. A search was made for gametophytes of
Trichomanes speciosum, but none were found. Species recorded were Asplenium
scolopendrium, Athyrium filix-femina, Blechnum spicant, Dryopteris affinis morphs.
affinis, borreri and cambrensis, D. dilatata, D. filix-mas, Polypodium vulgare,
Polystichum setiferum and Pteridium aquilinum. Having exhausted most of the party with

247

the difficult walking in hot weather, the majority returned to their lodgings. Four of us
visited one further site, open moorland on Preselli Hills SSSI (22/1035). We were hoping
to confirm an old record for Lycopodiella inundata but all of the normally boggy areas
were dry due to the lack of rain, and no clubmosses were recorded.

Sunday morning was spent exploring the cliffs at Strumble Head. The group assembled
at 12/8941, the early arrivals being lucky enough to see a pair of grey seals in the sea
between the Head and the lighthouse. The coastal path was followed in a south-westerly
direction, recording Asplenium marinum growing in some quantity on sheltered rock-
faces by the sea and one colony growing on rocks adjacent to the path. Other species
noted were Athyrium filix-femina, Dryopteris affinis morph. borreri, D. dilatata,
D. filix-mas and Pteridium aquilinum. A stream flowing into the sea revealed an
interesting Osmunda variety, a mature specimen of O. regalis ‘Crispa’. Further
searching upstream revealed more large plants exhibiting the same characteristics. The
group spent some time photographing the plants and collecting spores.

After returning to the cars, the group dispersed to return home.

ESKDALE, CUMBRIA — 8-10 September Robert Sykes

A meet leader writing his own report cannot say what a success it all was, but a very
congenial group of people saw an excellent range of ferns in some of the most dramatic
scenery in England. We were afraid that the lengthy drought would have affected the
ferns. The filmy ferns on exposed sites were certainly suffering, but that apart everything
including the ferns was agreeably fresh and green. The party visited six principal sites.
The first two were visited recently by the North-West Group (see the report in the
Bulletin 4(5): 226). | know the last (Wet Ghyll) has been visited in the past by members. |
have no record of visits to the others.

1. Stanley Ghyll (34/174997). A cleft in the southern flank of Eskdale. The narrow gorge
is made accessible to the general public by a footpath and a series of bridges. It narrows
at the top with a dramatic waterfall, very diminished when we visited. There are fine
swathes of ferns, with many examples of all the species recorded. Its glory is the
Hymenophyllum wilsonii but for me the great excitement was Dryopteris oreades which |
had not previously identified.

2. Milkingsteads Wood SSSI (34/153996). Open, mainly oak woodland on the south
flank of Eskdale, with many rock outcrops and exposures. There is extensive
Hymenophyllum tunbrigense. \n addition we found a small patch of H. wilsonii which |
had not seen there before and Anthony Pigott encouraged me in my belief that a crop of
Dryopteris is indeed D. expansa — another first for me. He also found D. carthusiana
which the NW Group missed on its visit last year.

3. Black Beck (35/177103). Black Beck is an open gully on the southern flank of
Mosedale north-west of Wasdale Head. For much of its length it is quite open and
contains little of interest, but for a short length it closes in to give enjoyable scrambling
and some interesting ferns. Most of the party turned back at that point, but a few climbed
on up to the ridge at 1,800 feet. Astonishingly, Robert Crawford’s sharp eyes were
spotting Hymenophyllum wilsonii on the rocks on the flanks of the open fellside right up
to the col. For the most part growth was sparse with only isolated examples of the
various species, but Cryptogramma crispa was abundant. The hill party dropped to

photo: A.C. Wardlaw

Robert Crawford, Howard Matthews, Emma Watson, Robert ha Kate Pryor,
Alison Paul and Rob Huxley at Black Beck, Cumbria

Nether beck. This would be worth a further visit, but it is in a deep gorge and not readily
accessible and time did not allow any alpinism. The valley party explored Mosedale
beck, visited Wasdale church and retrieved the hill party.

4. Porterthwaite Woods, Miterdale (35/142012). Open deciduous woodland with marshy
flushes in the bottom. A friend of Shirley Hyde had said there were lots of ferns at this
site; and so there were. There are some fine stands of Osmunda regalis, which | had not
previously seen in this area, and a short gully with some exceptionally well grown
Blechnum spicant. This was the only site which we visited as a group during the
weekend where we did not find Hymenophyllum wilsonii!

5. Hard Knott gully (35/234016). This is the gully to the north of the road as it drops on
the eastern side of the pass. On each side is open fellside bare of ferns except for
bracken and parsley fern, yet a cleft perhaps 20 feet deep yielded a list of 13 ferns and
clubmosses.

6. Wet Ghyll (34/229978). In the one brief shower which we encountered, we crossed
the Duddon river (now made easy by substantial stepping stones) and walked to the
point where the stream falls over an outcrop, just before joining the river. We stood and
admired the rare sight of royal fern seen from underneath beside the waterfall, before
hastening away to lunch, Anthony pausing only to harvest a frond of an interesting
candidate for the cross between Dryopteris affinis and D. oreades, both of which grew in
abundance beside the path.

Twenty-two members and guests attended the meet for all or some of the time. Many of
us had dinner together on Saturday night (a revival of the Jimmy Dyce Dining Club?..
Bulletin Vol. 3 page 20). We were very grateful to Anthony Pigott for sharing his interest
in Dryopteris. The meeting was enriched by the attendance of Alison Paul and three of
her colleagues from The Natural History Museum who were working on a project nearby.

List of ferns and fern allies recorded during the Eskdale meeting
Note: Numbers refer to the sites given above.

Asplenium ruta-muraria In mortar of bridge by Milkingsteads
A. trichomanes subsp. quadrivalens In mortar of bridge by Milkingsteads
Athyrium filix-femina 1 2 3 4

Blechnum spicant 1 2 3 4
Cryptogramma crispa 3

2 3 4

an aan

Dryopteris affinis agg.
- affinis
- paleaceolobata
- borreri

oe eek eal Jo al
[op me>)

- cambrensis
- ‘insolens’

. carthusiana
dilatat

MMM MY
a oD

Gymnocarpium dryopteris 1 3
Hymenophylium tunbrigense

ot
MM
o

Oreopteris limbosperma 1
Osmunda regalis

oO ODD

Phegopteris connectilis 1
Polypodium interjectum
Pteridium aquilinum 1
Huperzia selago

Selaginella selaginoides

Equisetum arvense In ballast of the Ratty railway

me
MM hw
OwWWwWw
FAH HA
ananwnn
a

AXMINSTER, DEVON — 22-24 September Margaret Nimmo-Smith

The weekend started in the traditional manner with a briefing in the bar of the George
Hotel, Axminster on the Friday evening for the nine of us who had arrived. Matt Busby,
our leader for the weekend, had produced souvenir programmes with maps for all the
sites, which also reminded us that the Axminster area was a popular hunting ground for
Victorian fern enthusiasts and many finds had been recorded by Lowe and Druery.

The first site on Saturday was at Widworthy, parking outside the church at (30/215995),
which had A. trichomanes growing on the wall. We walked down the lane which was rich
in A. scolopendrium. Large plants of Polystichum setiferum, Polypodium vulgare and
Asplenium adiantum-nigrum were soon found growing in the hedgerow. We walked
about a mile along the lane, adding Dryopteris filix-mas, Pteridium aquilinum,
Polystichum aculeatum, Polypodium interjectum and Equisetum arvense to the list, until
we came to a wood on the right which we explored. Here we found large plants of
Dryopteris affinis, D. dilatata, D. filix-mas, Athyrium filix-femina, Polystichum setiferum,
and a few plants of both Asplenium scolopendrium and Blechnum spicant. We then
returned to our cars to be joined by two other members.

Our second site was at Offwell, where we parked on the outskirts and walked into ine
village. En route we found Pteridium aquilinum, Dryopteris filix-mas, Polypodium
vulgare, Asplenium scolopendrium, A. adiantum-nigrum, Polystichum setiferum,
P. aculeatum and Dryopteris affinis agg. The first excitement came with the churchyard

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wall where we found many crested plants of Asplenium trichomanes; A. ruta-muraria,
A. scolopendrium and Dryopteris filix-mas were also found. Alan Ogden was then very
pleased to find an incised plant of Asplenium ruta-muraria. We continued along a lane
leading out of the village and found Athyrium filix-femina and Dryopteris dilatata by a
stream. These two species continued plentifully along the lane as did Asplenium
scolopendrium; several bifurcating scollies were found, and also a Polystichum
setiferum ‘Grandiceps’.

After lunch in Honiton we drove to East Hill (30/127949) to explore Core Copse. Near
the car park were large plants of Dryopteris dilatata, a few Blechnum spicant, and
Pteridium aquilinum growing under pine trees. Down the track we found Polypodium
vulgare, Dryopteris filix-mas, D. dilatata, D. affinis agg., Athyrium filix-femina, Pteridium
aquilinum, Asplenium scolopendrium, Polystichum setiferum and towards the bottom,
Blechnum spicant. This wood was not so ferny so we returned to our cars.

The last visit of the afternoon was to Kenneth Adlam’s garden at King’s Gatchell, Higher
Metcombe, Ottery St Mary. Here we were given tea and a tour of his lovely garden
packed with treasures. Ferns were spotted immediately around the house, especially on
a sunken ditch path. Here a mixture of cultivars of British native ferns, and foreign hardy
ferns such as Dryopteris fuscipes, D. tokyoensis and D. stewartii were thriving. A fine
clump of Blechnum chilense was much admired as were the polypodies in their autumn
glory. Scollies had a special bed to themselves, and the conservatory housed a small
collection of cheilanthoid ferns in fine fettle. The main part of the garden also had many
ferns as did the small greenhouse which housed X Asplenosorus pinnatifidus, Onychium
contiguum and Goniophlebium auriculatum. We then walked through a gap in the hedge
to Rosemary and Brian Norton’s garden next door. We approached across the sunken
path/ditch which they were planting with ferns in Kenneth’s style. However, they have
the advantage of a wooded wet area at the bottom of the garden which is ideal for ferns
and now houses many different species and cultivars. There were large plants of
Dryopteris wallichiana, \ady ferns, buckler ferns, Woodwardia radicans and of special
interest, Blechnum nudum, which seems to be hardy in that area. Our thanks go to
Kenneth, Rosemary and Brian for such a marvellous end to the day.

Our first site on Sunday was Morganhayes Covert (30/217924) just beyond Colyton. In
the car park area we found Pteridium aquilinum, Dryopteris affinis, D. filix-mas,
Polystichum setiferum and Polypodium vulgare. As we ventured into this Forestry
Commission wood we found good plants of Dryopteris affinis agg., as well as Pteridium
aquilinum, Athyrium filix-femina, Polystichum setiferum, Dryopteris dilatata, D. filix-mas,
Asplenium scolopendrium and Blechnum spicant. The track turned into a sunken lane,
whose banks had magnificent plants of Asplenium scolopendrium and Polystichum
setiferum. We explored the bank above and then continued on another path downhill.
Linda Craddock cleverly spotted a plant of Dryopteris aemula. A few more isolated
plants were found before it was time to return to the car park.

Our next expedition was a circular walk starting at Seaton Downs Hill, (30/233915). We
crossed the A3052 and walked towards Seaton Down into Holyford wood. We found
Asplenium scolopendrium, Polystichum setiferum, Pteridium aquilinum, Dryopteris
affinis, D. dilatata, D. filix-mas and Athyrium filix-femina. We found a large stand of
Equisetum telmateia near running water. Polypodium vulgare and Blechnum spicant
were also found. On the return journey we found Equisetum arvense as we crossed the
stream and Asplenium adiantum-nigrum in the hedge banks.

251

After lunch at the White Hart pub at Colyford we made our way to Monkton Wyld,
parking at 30/343966, and walked down the lane some distance finding Asplenium
scolopendrium, Pteridium aquilinum sporing, Polypodium vulgare, Asplenium adiantum-
nigrum, Dryopteris filix-mas and Equisetum arvense. We then crossed a stile and a
meadow to reach the mixed wood. Unfortunately the wood was rather dark so only a few
ferns were found: Blechnum spicant, Polypodium vulgare, Dryopteris affinis, D. filix-mas,
D. dilatata, Asplenium scolopendrium and Polystichum setiferum, but not the Dryopteris
aemula recorded previously. After a short while we started back for the cars.

The final call for the day was Tony Marriage’s garden at Rocombe, Uplyme. Here we
found much of interest on Tony’s 2°%/s acre steep wooded site created over the last
twenty years. We first examined his frame of young sporelings, many grown from the
BPS Spore Exchange. We then traversed the many paths throughout the wooded site
being shown many unusual ferns such as Culcita macrocarpa, Dryopteris corleyi,
D. sublacera and D. guanchica. Tony had also grown many plants of D. aemula from
spores which were planted in drifts. Tea was then offered and we all chatted about ferns
until it was time for the party to break up and wend our ways home. Many thanks to
Tony and his wife for their hospitality and to Matt Busby for organising such a well run
and interesting meeting.

MADEIRA — 21-28 October

Introduction [Graham Ackers]. Madeira is a wonderful island, with a beautiful, rugged
and variable topography — most notably the levadas (watercourses) built in the last
century to provide irrigation from the wet interior to the drier, cultivated southern coastal
plains. The levadas meander for many kilometres around the mountains, and allow
access to many otherwise inaccessible areas. They are particularly valuable where they
traverse the laurel and heath forests, where many of the best ferns occur. These forests
are confined to the north of the island, and so we stayed in a very comfortable hotel,
Estalagem do Mar on the north coast at Sao Vicente.

The ferns on Madeira are rather special, and consist of species with varying regional
affinities - endemics to Madeira, endemics to the Macaronesian islands in general, near
Macaronesian endemics (ferns with odd outposts, mainly in the Iberian peninsula),
European, and tropical. These are described in a recent, and most valuable flora (Gibby
& Paul, 1994). The accounts below mention many of the ferns seen at each site, but a
complete fern list is given in the table at the end of this article.

Saturday 21 October [Andrew Leonard]. On a fine mild day in England, 16 people
assembled at Gatwick airport to catch the 9.00 a.m. ‘plane to Funchal. After a pleasant
flight we collected four hire cars and set out for the first site (Site 1). We investigated a
long wall on the north-west side of the main road at Santa Cruz. Here were many plants
of Cosentinia vellea but in a rather dry state. We then drove towards our hotel at Sao
Vicente via the north coast. On our way, we stopped by the road between Sao Roque do
Faial and Achada do Cedro Gordo (Site 2). The highlight of this site was many plants of
Pityrogramma chrysophylla and a few plants of Adiantum hispidulum.

The next stop was between Cruzinhas and Lombo de Cima (Site 3). The aim was to find
some good examples of Asplenium aethiopicum, which we did, but to our surprise and
delight we also found several Deparia petersenii. We then made quick stops between

252

Faial and Santana to see Asplenium obovatum subsp. lanceolatum and Notholaena
marantae. Near the turn off for Queimadas we stopped to examine a shade-house full of
Rumohra adiantiformis. At Boaventura we stopped at a local hotel and in the gardens
found fine examples of Dicksonia antarctica, Cyathea cooperi, Phlebodium aureum and
Tectaria bolbitis. We had a quick beer and then made our way to the hotel to relax in the
jacuzzi before having a very pleasant dinner.

Sunday 22 October [Mary Gibby]. We assembled in the car park at 1,060m at the top
of the pass at Encumeada, a party of 16 together with Francisco Manuel Fernandes of
the Botanic Garden in Funchal and a forestry ranger (with gun!). This was to prove to be
the pattern during the week, our ‘minders’ having been assigned to ensure that officially
permitted collecting (by MG) was done ‘properly’!

We followed the Levada do Norte for about 15 minutes as it winds along the south-
facing slope, overlooking magnificent views of the valley of Ribeira de Serra de Agua
(Site 4). Sadly the vegetation here was burnt in the early 1990s and is now somewhat
sparse, though regenerating. We turned off into our first tunnel, ducking at first, but then
able to progress fairly rapidly, if a little gnome-like for ten minutes to emerge into a
different world of laurel forest and ferns. My first impression of this place eight years ago
was of lush, dripping vegetation, but recent drought and heat in Madeira had taken their
toll and the Selaginella denticulata was dried and reddened. But the larger ferns were
still in good condition — Diplazium caudatum, Woodwardia radicans and Pteris
incompleta — and the Stegnogramma pozoi lurked in the dampest places above the
levada with Cystopteris diaphana. Blechnum spicant must be the commonest species in
this habitat, but we encountered other local specialities, Asp/enium monanthes and
A. anceps, and were delighted to find our first ‘carpet’ of Trichomanes speciosum.

>is 7

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photo: M. Gibby

Jess Barrett and Woodwardia radicans beside levada at Encumeada, Madeira.

253

Lunch was taken by the top of the pass, and this gave us the opportunity to study
Polypodium in the roadside cutting, P. macaronesicum on the east side, P. vulgare on
west.

After lunch we headed east up the ridge towards Pico Ferreiro (Site 5). A new road was
being bulldozed near the television mast, decimating one of only two known populations
of Diphasiastrum madeirense. And the hot dry weather had desiccated the
Hymenophyllum — some H. tunbrigense could be identified but H. wilsonii that grows in
more exposed places was completely shrivelled. Our climb was rewarded with the
discovery of a clump of Elaphoglossum semicylindricum and later the endemic
Polystichum falcinellum by shaded cliffs on the south-facing slopes.

Monday 23 October [Graham Ackers]. Our main route of the day took us from the
road EN204 northwards along the Levadas do Mouro and da Serra (Site 6). The terrain
was variable, involving rugged climbs (sometimes with the aid of vintage stone steps),
level stone tracks with water dripping down the cliffs, and lovely level grassy paths.
Cloud was low and mists swirling, but with sufficient breaks to reveal the wonderful
panoramic views down the valley to Sao Vicente. Twice we passed over exposed ridges
where the wind strengthened and the mist rushed. For the most part however we were
in sheltered tree heath (Erica arborea) forest, with the laurel forest below. At one point,
an enormous Sonchus fruticosus, an endemic ‘dandelion’, but in the form of a tree,
caught our attention — in flower it must be an amazing sight!

As usual, varied and excellent ferns were seen. A good stand of large Dryopteris affinis
subsp. affinis greeted us near the start of the walk, many smaller ones being seen
subsequently. As we ascended, D. aemula became more and more frequent, and in
places formed an almost total ground cover beneath the Erica arborea. \t shared this
habitat with Blechnum spicant in a characteristic association. Both ferns were also seen
frequently along the levada itself. The most notable fern along the whole route was
Polystichum falcinellum, an infrequent endemic, but certainly prevalent here. In several
instances, the fronds had been grazed. The ‘find’ of the day was two specimens of
another endemic, this one rare, the hybrid between P. falcinellum and P. setiferum =
P. x maderense. \ts hybrid nature is readily seen, the pinnae being morphologically just
halfway between its two parents. There were two other highlights of the site, both ferns
new to me in Madeira. Asplenium anceps is a Macaronesian endemic, not very
common, but very much in evidence here. It occurred on grassy banks and in the levada
wall, at one point together with Phyllitis scolopendrium. The latter evokes little
excitement in Britain, but is a very rare fern indeed in Madeira.

In the afternoon, we looked at wall and cliff ferns around the Pousada dos Vinhaticos
(Site 7). Immediately above the Pousada a crumbling steep slope had specimens of
Notholaena marantae and Davallia canariensis. This slope, which was difficult to explore
fully, was dominated by the Madeiran endemic Aeonium glutinosum.

The road leading down to Central Serra de Agua had a few shrivelled Ceterach
lolegnamense (another endemic), Davallia, Asplenium obovatum subsp. lanceolatum
and some A. trichomanes subsp. quadrivalens. All the ferns in this area were dry, but
those in this wall particularly so. Faring slightly better were the Ceterach lolegnamense
around the viewpoint in front of the Pousada, a couple of specimens looking a“
handsome. With the ‘official’ ferning of the day ended, our party went off in various
directions, some heading straight back to the hotel to dodge the showers.

254

Tuesday 24 October [David Jacobs]. With the day dawning warm and moist, there
having been heavy rain overnight, the prospects for observing ferns were very good.
Having had a good breakfast and collected our packed lunches from the hotel, the fern
group set off in our hired cars along the road to Seixal, a little village on the north coast
not far away from where we were based. Travelling roughly north-west we passed along
the coast road cut into the side of a precipitous cliff covered with endemic plants such as
Aeonium glandulosum and Tolpis succulenta. The road passed through a tunnel cut
through a cliff where on the walls at the entrance was a huge colony of Adiantum
capillus-veneris, also Woodwardia radicans growing on the bank.

Turning inland, we proceeded up the hill into a valley to arrive at the starting point of the
day’s exploration at Chao da Ribeira. We set out up a rough track across a dry river bed
to the forest (Site 8). Ferns seen on a levada which flowed down alongside the ribeira
were Diplazium caudatum, Woodwardia radicans, Dryopteris aitoniana (large plants),
Arachniodes webbianum and Asplenium monanthes. High overhead on the cliff wall
were Adiantum reniforme, |ower down colonies of A. raddianum and some small
A. reniforme. Entering deeper into the forest, long stands of Diplazium grew on
overhanging banks. One large plant of Polystichum setiferum stood out among the rocks
that littered the floor. Blechum spicant was also present. Passing a large pool in the
river's bed containing a shoal of trout, we climbed up some concrete steps to pass a
dam — ahead a deep wooded gorge beckoned us. More large Diplazium were found and
on a small tree to one side grew a species of brown ‘stag’s horn’ fungus. Ascending
through the forest we saw plants of Trichomanes speciosum growing on rocks, ten to
twenty fronds apiece, some with sori. Hymenophyllum tunbrigense covered the rotten
stumps of fallen trees.

The time now being midday, we paused for lunch and a chance to disperse into the
surrounding area for a personal look at a beautiful unspoilt area. Dryopteris sp iii
and Polystichum setiferum were in evidence on the forest floor, as was Asp/enium
monanthes and Adiantum raddianum, the last two preferring sloping ground. tie ie
area were some old and venerable laurel trees covered with moss.

After lunch, having climbed up to a steep ridge (Site 9), we found common bracken
(Pteridium aquilinum). At the base of a tree grew a specimen of Elaphoglossum
semicylindricum and Hymenophylium tunbrigense grew on fallen trees. At 800m we
reached a levada flowing under a cliff where more specimens of Elaphoglossum grew,
resembling small hairy hart’s tongue fern. We explored the levada east and west, the
many waterfalls making a wet and rather hazardous prospect. We returned tired and
happy having enjoyed a good day’s ferning.

Wednesday 25 October [Pat Acock]. The weather could not make up its mind when
we set off for Ribeira Funda (Site 10). This village, hidden from the road, could only be
accessed by climbing 600 steps and our ‘minder’ for the day, Bernardo, told us it was
inhabited by only three families, though the terraces were worked by people who lived in
neighbouring villages. The terraces of dry-stone wall were our principal interest as we
were to find Asplenium aethiopicum and A. hemionitis. Many more common ferns were
in the damper wall bottoms and in the river-banks. Andrew and Mary found Culcita
macrocarpa plants in a village garden and the lady of the house said she had found
them further up the mountains.

255

Before moving to the next site at Levada da Central da Ribeira da Janela (Site 11), an
enormous wave drowned the Ripley’s car which unfortunately had the boot and windows
open, and a rock smashed the Craddock’s sun-roof. The weather had made up its mind,
and in a steady downpour a smaller party made its way along the levada. Here the ferns
included the four adiantums and Doodia caudata along with many splendid Madeiran
ferns growing in ideal conditions. Lesley had decided to walk home from the first site
during the afternoon and discovered Pteris vittata at the foot of the coastal cliff.

Thursday 26 October [Jennifer Ide]. Today was ‘recap’ or ‘how many ferns have you
learnt to recognise’ day for we were not to see anything new but were to see a wide
selection of the 55 ferns and allies seen so far of the 77 listed in the Flora of Madeira
(Gibby & Paul, 1994).

The morning started wet, but a rainbow in the sky soon after we drove away from the
hotel augured well for better weather than yesterday; the promise was fulfilled and a
mild, though occasionally overcast day ensued.

At Ribeira da Janela, close to the north-west corner of the island, we parked the cars at
the end of the made-up road (approx. 400m) and started the one and a half hours gentle
climb along an unsealed road (Site 12), first through a short stretch of derelict scrubland,
then a plantation of eucalypts, and finally through a conifer plantation before entering
open heathland dominated by Erica arborea, typical of so much of the island. We saw
fourteen species of ferns on the banks either side of the road, mainly in the areas of the
plantations. Of particular note were Doodia caudata and Asplenium onopteris, not seen
since the beginning of the week, and Dryopteris aitoniana, one of the ten pteridophyte
species and hybrids endemic to the island, and a small cyathean tree-fern. A note of
concern is that many of these ferns may be lost when the promised upgrading of this
road occurs to make it part of a chain of highways across the island from west to east.

At 810m the road crosses the Levada do Cedros and we followed this southward for
about two hours (Site 13). It was a pleasant leisurely walk, initially through transitional
vegetation between the heath and laurisilva (laurel forest), but this soon gave way to
pure laurisilva, providing welcome shade and a cooler temperature compared to the
road. On one side of the levada the mountain-side rises almost vertically, and for a
metre or so the almost continuously moistened rock surface provides a suitable
environment for bryophytes, which themselves provide the initial foothold for the ferns
and other higher plants; whilst on the other side of the path the woodland floor falls
steeply away into the ravine.

The trees of the laurisilva form a dense cover and very little light reaches the forest floor.
Consequently, except for occasional openings in the canopy, which when they occur at
the level of the path can provide spectacular views across the ravine, there is very little
vegetation beneath the trees. The levada cutting through the forest allows some light to
penetrate to the forest floor and on the forest side of the path, a little way into the forest,
typical woodland ferns such as Pteris incompleta, of which there were some magnificent
specimens 2-3 feet tall, Diplazium caudatum, Dryopteris affinis subsp. affinis and
D. aemula were seen. A well grown Cyathea sp. was seen in the forest about 30m from
the path. Other highlights seen along the levada path were young sporelings of Cyathea
sp., and Polypodium macaronesicum and Davallia canariensis growing epiphytically on
a very large, old and rather handsome tree, some rare plants of Dryopteris maderensis
and a single plant of Asplenium monanthes.

256

The moist banks of the levada provided an ideal habitat for large numbers of Blechnum
spicant, but it was rare to see them as large as can be seen in Britain, the small,
attractive fern Cystopteris diaphana, looking very much like our own C. fragilis, and
Stegnogramma pozoi, revelling in the humidity it requires. A number of folk were
consistently confusing the latter with Christella dentata, found in drier habitats, and its
presence provided an opportunity for a revision of its distinguishing characters. By now
we were becoming complacent about the presence of Selaginella denticulata in the
habitats we were visiting, but never failing to raise cries of delight were the rare patches
of Trichomanes speciosum and Hymenophyllum tunbrigense.

At an altitude of approximately 1,025m members of the group decided at various
intervals that they should begin the return if they were to arrive back at the cars with feet
and legs in non-complaining mode! At least it would be downhill all the way! Two and a
half hours later, six hours after we had first left the cars, all the party were enjoying
refreshments at the ubiquitous Madeiran bar near to where the cars were parked!

Friday 27 October [Paul Ripley]. We set out, annoyingly a few minutes late, to the east
of Sao Vicente for a change, where we stopped at a nursery (Nortiflor) where splendid
specimens of Diplazium esculentum were in cultivation. This fern had been found by the
owners growing in a gully above the nursery. Several of us left with kindly donated
specimens of ‘Feto Metro’ (Goniophlebium subauriculatum) which we had admired in
many hotels and restaurants during the week.

We made a brief stop at Ponta Delgada, where Asplenium marinum was growing in
profusion on a church wall facing the sea. We also saw this plant, with Adiantum
capillus-veneris and Polypodium macaronesicum, growing in a well in the churchyard.

The main site for the day was along the levadas below Rabagal (Site 14). The western
highlands of Madeira are dominated by the Paul da Serra (‘marsh of the mountain
range’) which resembles a Scottish moor rather than a subtropical landscape. On the
steep north-facing slopes run three contour-hugging levadas, at a vertical distance of
about 100m apart. The upper draws water from a tall waterfall (Risco), while the lower
passes the ‘25 fountains’. Both these places (former volcanic vents?) offer water-soaked
vertical cliffs which were the only places where Asplenium anceps and A. monanthes
were found on that day. Stegnogramma pozoi and Cystopteris diaphana were abundant
in these wet places, and at Risco Phyllitis scolopendrium was found again.

Some species had marked height distribution: Polystichum falcinellum was only found at
about 850m and above (the hybrid P. x maderense was also found), while Adiantum
reniforme and Asplenium trichomanes subsp. quadrivalens were only found below the
lowest levada. Dryopteris aemula was commoner at the higher levels, and Trichomanes
speciosum was seen at only one location. Other ferns were found at all levels, though
not necessarily in abundance. Pteridium aquilinum was common, and Polystichum
setiferum widespread. The Madeiran plants of the latter species are notably uniform,
with neater, smaller pinnules (the lowest pair of pinnae markedly reflexed) than those we
are used to seeing in Britain. Blechnum spicant and Selaginella denticulata (but
surprisingly not S. kraussiana at this site) were common. Dryopteris aitoniana,
Woodwardia radicans, Pteris incompleta, Diplazium caudatum and Athyrium filix-femina
were features of the wetter slopes. Asp/lenium onopteris, Davallia canariensis and
Dryopteris affinis subsp. affinis completed the record, but D. maderensis was seen on
the road from the plateau down to Santa.

257

| would like to end this day’s report by congratulating the leaders on a richly enjoyable
week. Graham’s organisation was superb, and Andrew’s research and remarkable
knowledge of the island and its flora were, in spite of some wayward timekeeping,
extremely impressive.

Reference: M. Gibby & A.M. Paul. 1994. Pteridophyta, pp. 25-53, plates 1-4. In:
J.R. Press & M.J. Short (eds.), Flora of Madeira. Published by HMSO/The Natural History Museum.
ISBN 0-11-310017-5.

List of Sites in the Table

Site 1. 21 Oct. South-East Madeira. A lane wall in Santa Cruz.

Site2. 21Oct. North-East Madeira. — walls and banks between Sao Roque do Faial

and Achada do Cedro Gor

Site3. 21 Oct. North-East Madeira. shack Sh verges and banks between Cruzinhas and
Lombo de Cima.

Site4. 22 Oct. West-Central Madeira. West from Encumeada along the Levada do Norte as
far as the entrance to the second tunnel.

Site 5. | 22Oct. Central Madeira. East from Encumeada along the old road to Pico Ruivo for 2 km.

Site 6. 23 Oct. ea tk tral Madeira. North from road EN204 along Levadas do Lombo do

o and da Serra for 3 km.

Site 7. 23 Oct. har Madeira. Walls and cliffs in the immediate vicinity of Pousada dos
Vinhaticos.

Site 8. 24 Oct. North-West Madeira. Woodland on the west bank of Chao da Ribeira.

Site 9. 24QOct. North-West Madeira. Eastern woodland slopes of Chao da Ribeira.

Site 10. 25 Oct. North-West Madeira. Ribeira Funda.

Site 11. 25 Oct. North-West Madeira. Levada da Central da Ribeira da Janela.

Site 12. 26 Oct. North-West Madeira. South from Ribeira da Janela along the dirt road EN209
to the Levada dos Cedros crossing.

Site 13. 26 Oct. North-West Madeira. West from EN209 along Levada dos Cedros for 4 km.

Site 14. 27 Oct. West-Central Madeira. Levadas around Rabagal

photo: L. Williams

Sao Vicente, Madeira
Back: Mary Gibby, David Jacobs, Pat Acock, Lesley Williams, Graham Ackers, Paul Ripley,
Kate aig — Leonard, Jacques Homes, Mark Kitchen, Trisha, Linda & Mick Craddock.
t: Grace Acock, Jess Barrett, Linda Ripley, Esther Balasse, Jennifer Ide,
Gillian Ripley, Clare Kitchen.

258

BRITISH PTERIDOLOGICAL SOCIETY

MEMBERSHIP LIST

December 1995

NOTE
Please remember to notify the Membership Secretary of any changes of address.
Amendments to this list will be published in future issues of the Bulletin.

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MEMBERS
Ackers, Mr R.G. & Miss L.A.M. Williams, The Old Bakehouse, Abinger Bottom, Abinger Common,
DOR

5

Acock, Mr P.J., 13 Star Lane, ST. MARY CRAY, Kent BR5 3LJ

Adam, Mrs S.K., 58 Amberley Gardens, STONELEIGH, sss KT19 ONG

Adamek, eh Lie chachone 25, BERNE 3014, Switzerlan

Adams, Dr J., w Dog Kennel, Field Broughton, SRINGE OVER SANDS, Cumbria LA11 6HP

Adams, Mr J. C. Wioeaile KIRKBY-IN-FURNESS, Cumbria sii ty

Adams, Mr R., 17 Kirkby Avenue, RIPON, North sabe HG4 2D

Adiam, Mr K.W.H., pie: Gatchell, Higher Metcombe, OTTERY ST. MARY, Devon EX11 1SL

Akeroyd, Dr J.R., Lawn ee Fonthill Gitford, Bi, nage Wilts. SP3 6SG

Alexander, Mrs P.G., 24 Rowe Walk, SOUTH HARROW, Middx. HA2 9AB

Allen, Ms C., 8 Walworth std WHITE aLaine, New York 10606, U.S.A.

Altman, Mr B. R.R., Lubeckstraat 116, DEN HAAG, 2517 ST, Netherlands

Amoroso, Dr V.B., Department of Biology, CAS, Central Mindanao University, Musuan,
BUKIDNON 8710, Philippines

Andrew, Mr S.M., 46 Middle Path, CREWKERNE, Somerset TA18 8BE

Applebee, Mr B. x ‘The Lymes’, Main street, WILLOUGHBY WATERLEYS, rip ie 3UF

Arnold, Miss M.E., Percy Place, 17 Hartsland Road, SEVENOAKS, Kent TN13

Atkinson, Miss W.J., Menai Don, 2 Creigfryn Terrace, Garth Road, BANGOR, Si LL57 2SN,
Wales

Awmack, Miss C.S., IACR Rothamsted, HARPENDEN, Herts. AL5 2JQ

Badger, Dr P., 23 Westbourne Grove, Withington, MANCHESTER M20 8JA

Bahir, A., Kibbutz Givat-Brenner, 60948, Israel

Bailey, Mr H.W., 17 Swinnate Road, Arnside, CARNFORTH, Lancs. LA5 OHR

Bains, Mr K., 21 Uvedale Road, ENFIELD, Middx. EN2 6HA

Baker, Wg. Cdr. & Mrs E.J., 1 Clarke Wood Close, Wiswell, BLACKBURN, Lancs. BB6 9BX

Ball, Mr J.M., The Grange, Hadlow Down, UCKFIELD, Sussex TN22 4HH

Bannister, Mr D., The Fernery, 10 Maple Way, ROYSTON, Herts. SG8 7DH

Barker, Miss J., 103 Portland Street, DERBY, Derbys. D

Barnard, Mr T.C., Rowan House, Gibbons Close, Sandhurst, ralph fore Surrey GU17 8BB

Barnes, Mr P.G., ‘Alltgoch, Llangeitho, TREGARON, Dyfed SY25 6TT, Wa

Barnett, Mr J.J., Old Malleys, Straits Lane, Read, BURNLEY, Lancs. BB12 TRA

Bates, Mrs P.P.., P.O. Box 230502, ENCINITAS, California amen U.S.

Battaglia, Prof. E., Dip. Scienze Botaniche, Universita, Via Luca Ghini, 5, PISA 56100, Italy

Batten, Dr D.J., institute ai Earth Studies, UCW University ot Wales, ABERYSTWYTH, Dyfed
SY23

Baylis, Dr H.A., 16 Great Easter Street, CAMBRIDGE, Cambs. CB1 3AD

Beamish, Miss E.S., Brantwood, CONISTON, pis LA21 8AD
Beauchamp, Dr R.D., 2 The nib Ickenham, UXBRIDGE, Middx. UB10 8QH
Beaufoy, Miss A., 98 Tuddenham Road, IP Stich, cecal 4 2SZ

Beenham, Mrs AG., 19 The Grove, Penwortham, PRESTON, Lancs. PR1 OUU
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Bellringer, Dr H.E., Gray Lodge, 61 Cause End, Wootton, BEDFORD, Beds. MK43 9DE
moi on, Mr J.C., Farthings, 17 Hatton Street, WELLINGBOROUGH, Northants. NN8 SAW
1, OrG., Bauerstrasse 27, MUNCHEN, Bavaria D-80796, Germany
med Dr H.W., Spezielie Botanik, i fiir Biologie, Ruhr-Universitat, Universitatsstrasse 150,
B

1; 4780,

Bentley, Mr G.H., 154 Rachael Clarke ¢ Close, ae Essex SS17 7SX

Benton, Mr J., 19 Queens Road, SLOUGH, Berks. SL1 3QW

Bernard, Monsieur Y., 20 Ave. Max de Nansouty, ASNIERES, Hauts de oe 92600, France

Berrie, Mrs A., 16 Merton Avenue, Portchester, iain Mpg PO1 7

Best, Mr R., 15 Orana Road, KENTHURST, New South W. 2156, Aust

Bidin, Dr A.A., Dept. of Botany, Faculty of Life Sciences, canoe fees Malaysia, Bangi,
SELAN GOR, 43600, Malaysia

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Bishop, Mr & Mrs T.E. & D., 6 Padwick Avenue, East Cosham, PORTSMOUTH, Hants. oe 2JL

Blackstock, Dr N., Cwm, Penmarian, Llangoed, BEAUMARIS, Gwynedd LL58 8SU, Wal

Bladon, Dr S.J., 25 Mayland Close, Heybridge, MALDON, Essex CM9 7Y

Blake, Mr J.K., Low Rise, School Road, Bressingham, DISS, Norfolk IP22 2AD

Blattler, Mr D.A.A., 20 Mill Road, EASTBOURNE, East Sussex 2PG

Bobrov, cv A.E., Botanical Inst. of Academy of Sciences of U. 8 ry R. Prof. Popov Street 2,
LENINGRAD 197022, U.S.S.R.

Boff, Mr M., 9 Rue east LEVALLOIS PERRET,

2300, France
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Bond, Mr J.D., Verderers, Wick Road, Englefield Green, EGHAM, Surrey TW20 OHL
Border, Mr M. G., 18 Madeira Drive, HASTINGS, East Sussex T
Born, Ms W., 6625 Barbara Drive, SEBASTOPOL, California 95472, U.S.A.
Borwick, Mrs e; Mehr Road, LUNCARTY, Perths. PH1 3UZ, Scotland
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Boyd, Mr P. 8 A., Shrewsbu ury Museums ae Rowley’s House Museum, Barker Street,
EWSBURY, sameehit sY1
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in, Mr P.G.P., Creamore Villa, WEM, Shropshire SY4 SOR
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Bremer, Mr P., Roelingsbeek 1, ZWOLLE, 8033 BM,
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-

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Brown, Dr D.H., Dept. of Botany, The University, Woodiand Road, BRISTOL, “a BS8 1UG
Brown, Dr G., Delt Barn, Kebroyd, Ripponden, HALIFAX, West Yorks. 3HT

Brown, sae He H., Treborth Botanic Garden, University College of North Wales, BANGOR, Gwynedd

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Brownsey, Dr P. J., Museum of New Zealand, P.O.Box 467, WELLINGTON, New Zealand

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Bujnoch, Mr W., Neuwiese 13, TRIER, Rheinland-Pfalz D-54296, Germany

Burman, Mr W. F., 97 Aylestone Drive, LEICESTER, Leics. LE2

Burrows, Mr J.E., Buffelskloof Nature Reserve, P.O. Box 710, LYDENBURG, 1120, South Africa
Busby, Mr A.R., ‘Croziers’, 16 Kirby Corner Road, Caniey, COVENTRY, West — CV4 8GD
Bushen, Mrs D.J., Halsway Nurseries, Crowcombe, TAUNTON, Somerset

Butterworth, Miss C., 30 Woodbridge Lawn, Queenswood Drive, LEEDS, —_ ve. LS6 3LU
Byrne, Mr A., 133 New Ridley Road, STOCKSFIELD, cose a NE43 7EX

Cadinouche, Mr Y.A., 15 Bourbon Street, PORT-LOUIS, Mauriti

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Cameron, Mr J.B.C., PO Box 30156, , Kenya

Camus, Miss J.M., Dept. of Botany, The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, LONDON SW7 58D
Cartwright, Mr R.F., 13 Perry Mill Road, Peopleton, PERSHORE, Worcs

Ceni, Dr Ing F., “a Marsala 8 BRESCIA, |-25122, Italy

Chater, Mr AO., Wi cor Penyrangor, ABERYSTWYTH, Dyfed SY23 1BJ, Wales

Chicken, Mr E., Bea House, Scarborough Road, DRIFFIELD, N. Humberside YO25 7EH

Chuey, Dr C. _ ote of Biological Science, Youngstown State University, YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio

os

ps

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Clare, Mr |., 33 West coud NORTH WEMBLEY, Middx. HAO 3QH

Clare, Mr P. J., 16A Edward Street, Southborough, att trv WELLS, Kent TN4 0EZ
Clarke, Mr D.N., Charity Farm Oast, Swattenden Lane, CRANBROOK, Kent TN17 3PS
meee Mrs pe The Mews Cotta tage, 1 opr sat Drive, HARROGATE, North Yorks. HG1 2PZ

rea Ms H., 16 Mill Lane, Treeton, ROTHERHAM, South Yorks.
e, Mr R., 26 Knightsbridge — aeeonaees SCUNTHORPE, S. ine DN17 3RA
Salen ss Miss |., 63 Penn Lane, MELBOURNE, Derbys.
Collins, Mr ooh Mrs JA. & M.W., 73 see Road, Acocks Green, BIRMINGHAM, West Midlands
7XW

Collinson, Dr ve E., Dept. of Geology, Royal Holloway & Bedford New College, University of London,
Egh m Hill, EGHAM, Surre

Cooke, Mr B., Chuliielte: Back Western Hill, path DH1 4RG

Cooke, Mr R. an ., 26 Lancaster Street, LEWES, East Sussex BN7 2PY

Coppejans: vib Fe Laboratorium Moro. Sys. a. Planten, Ledeganckstraat 35, GENT, B-9000,

- Corben, Meer D.. Panrebior Talley, LLANDEILO, Dyfed SA19 7DX, Wales
7PS

Cosier, Mr & Mrs P.R. & V., Town Hill Cottage, 58 ‘Town Hill, WEST MALLING, Kent ME19 6QN
Coughlin, Mr & Mrs R.V., 17 Alvechurch Highway, Lydiate Ash, BROMSGROVE, Worcs. B60 1NZ
Coveny, Mr R., c/o National Herbarium, Royal Botanic Gardens, SYDNEY, New South Wales 2000,
Australia
Cox, Mr & Mrs B. & J., 64 Fen Road, Milton, CAMBRIDGE, Cambs. CB4 6AD
* Cox, Mr C.J., Dept. of Botany, Plant Science Laboratories, The University, READING, Berks.

6
H Crabbe, Mr J.A., 101 hey eet Road, LONDON SW18 3NW
Craddock, Mr & Mrs M.J. & L.I., 40 Russell Drive, AMP TALL. Beds. MK45 2TX
Cramp, Mr J.K., 111 Victor Road, Penge, DON E20 7JT
Crawford, Mr R., 140 Graham Street, PENRITH, Cumbria CA11 9LG
* Creber, Mr P.M. 12 Ebrington Road, MALVERN, Worcs. WR14 4NL
Crichton, Mrs J.H., Carrowgarry, BELTRA, Sligo, Ireland
Crowe, Mr J.P., Kellys Cottage, Tredilion, ABERGAVENNY, ee NP7 8BB, Wales

s. DE33 3
Croxford, Mr A.W., Bryn Hyfryd, Llangaffo Road, GAERWEN, patio LL60O 6LL, Wales
Cubas, Dr P., Cartagena 93, 4-3, MADRID, 28028, Spa
uerden, Mr if F., Alpine Department, Royal Monicutturhl Society, Wisley, WOKING, Surrey GU23 6QB

= rrerherel tar Mr S.E., 17 Pyramid Road, Canonbury, LONDON N5 2JB
* Dacus, Mr C., 28 Spencer Villas, DUBLIN, Co. Dublin, Eire

Dadd, Mr R., 21 Embrook Road, WOKINGHAM, Berks. RG11 1HF

Davies, Mr H.L., 66 Link Lane, WALLINGTON, Surrey SM6 9DZ

4
5.

$8 3BZ
Davies, Dr K.L., Briardale, Church Road, Vie Sig SWANSEA, W. Glamorgan SA9 eat ‘News
Dawson, Mr B., 36 Cravendale Road, Ravensthorpe, DEWSBURY, West Yorks. WF13 3.
Delahaye, Miss M.F. D., 19 Lindsey Street, EPPING. Essex CM16 6RB
Delbecque, Mr Y., Stephensonstraat 17, S GRAVENHAGE, 2561 XP, Netherlands

Dickman, Mr A.J., 22 Finchfield, Ia tess PETERBOROUGH, Cambs. PE1 see
Dickson, Mrs J D., c/o 29 Courtenay Park, NEWTON ABBOT, Devon TQ12
Dickson, Dr J.H., Bota any Dept “The University, GLASGOW, Strathclyde are enh Scotland
Diekjobst, Dr H., saaler- Mont View 10, ISERLOHN, D- ermany
Dixon, Mr C.D., 32 Yarrow Court, PENICUIK, Midlothian EH26 8HD, Scotla
* Donaghy, Mr & Mrs S.R. & A., 2 Orphine Court, Wansbeck View, ASHINGTON, Northumberland
Q

* Douglas, Mr B., 43 Clifford Gardens, Kensal Rise, LONDON NW10 5JE
Douglas, Dr G. E; Dept. of Botany, The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, LONDON SW7 5BD
Dowthwaite, Mr M. G., Hawthorn House, Lammas Leas Road, MARKET RASEN, Lincs. LN8 3AP
Drummond, Mr & Mrs A., 22 Knoll Road, DORKING, ri RH4 3EP
Dufourd, Mr M., 12 Rue de Jouy, CHAVILLE 92370, Fran
Duncan, Mr W., Strathmore Cottage, Drumeldrie, UPPER 2 LARGO, Fife ht he Scotland
Buhda, Mr |. B., 45 Milton Road, The Polygon, SOUTHAMPTON, Hants.
Dupree, Dr P., Department of Plant Sciences, Cambridge University, Sowa Street, CAMBRIDGE,
Cambs. CB2 3EA

Dury, Mr G.P., fa Marine Avenue, WHITLEY BAY, Tyne & Wear NE26 3LS
~ dee Mr J.W., Hilltop, 46 Sedley Rise, LOUGHTON, Essex IG10 1LT
r, Dr A.F., 499 Lanark Road West, Balerno, EDINBURGH EH14 7AL
Eekhardt, Mr R., Hegge 51, SCHINNEN N, 6365 EB, Netherlands
Eden, M er J., 14 Lune Drive, off Lancaster Lane, Clayton-le-Woods, LEYLAND, Lanes. PR5 2SX
Edwards, Dr D. S., University of Brunei Darussalam, GADONG, Bandar Seri Begawan Brunei
ussalam, SE Asia
Edwards, Mr PJ. The Herbarium, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, RICHMOND, Surrey TW9 3AE
Edwards, M te C. Ts, Boningale Nurseries, Holyhead Road, Albrighton, WOLVERHAMPTON, West
Mid ands WV7 3AE

Egan, Miss J. a 43 Springfield Road, SHEFFIELD, South Yorks. S7 2GE
Elks, Miss R., 128 Seaford Road, LONDON N15 5DS

Elienberg, Mrs D., 54 Shrewsbury Road, New Southgate, LONDON N11 2JU

Esteves, Dr L.M., Pga. Cel. Sandoval Figueiredo 36, SAO PAULO, 03308-040, Brazil
Fairweather, Mr G., 3 Bear Street, Lowerhouse, BURNLEY, Lancs. BB12 6NQ

Feuerstein, Mrs S. A, 2357 Thornwood Lane, MEMPHIS, Tennessee 38119-6732, U. ve A.
Fielding, Mrs H.M., Mingulay, Staveley-in-Cartmel, ULVERSTON, Cumbria LA12 8NH

Fillan, Mr M.S., Pound House Nu nee be soem Monachorum, YELVERTON, Devon PL20 7LJ
Finch, Dr R.A., 68 Holbrook Road, CAMBRIDGE, Cambs. CB1 4ST

eae, Mrs S.M., 6 Garden Close, “eaten ELY, Cambs. CB6 2RF

Fischer, Dr U., Waterloostr. 19, BRAUNSCHWEIG, D-38106, Germany

so Mr H.W., 4 Grove Park Terrace, Station Road, LISKEARD, Cornwall PL14 4DY
Foley, Mr P.J., Holden Clough Nursery, Bolton-by-Bowland, CLITHER

Fortune, Mrs D., 23 The Grove, HARTLEPOOL, Cleveland TS26 9LZ

Fraser-Jenkins, Mr C.R., Newcastle House, BRIDGEND, Mid sn CF31 4HD, Wales
Fuchs-Eckert, Dr H.P., Tignuppa 146, TRIN VITG, CH- 7099, Switzerland

Fuller, Mrs M.A., Woodend, Byfleet Road, COBHAM, Surrey KTH 1DY

Gale, Mr B.A., 6 Roker Way, Fair Oak, EASTLEIGH, Hants. SO5 7LD

Gardner, Mr R., 25 Coneybury View, BROSELEY, Shropshire TF12 5AX

*

*

r

Gaunt, Mr D.J., 33 Victoria Avenue, Cheadle Hulme, CHEADLE, Cheshire SK8 5DJ

Gee, Dr H.M., 112 Lythwood Road, Bayston Hill, SHREWSBURY, Shropshire SY3 OLW

Gentry, Mr G.M., 56 Colwell Road, LIVERPOOL, Merseyside L14 8XZ

Gibbs, Mrs E.-A., 25 Glenpark Drive, SOUTHPORT, Lancs. F.

Gibby, Dr M., Dept. of Botany, The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, re SW7 5BD
Gibson, Dr JA, Foremount House, KILBARCHAN, Renfrewshire PA10 2EZ, Scotla

Giles, Mr D.A.J., so Cardinal Avenue, KINGSTON-ON-THAMES, Surrey KT. SRZ

Giles, Mr & Mrs N.R. & V.N.D., Rumsey Gardens, 117 Drift Road, Clanfield, WATERLOOVILLE,

*

ants.
Gillet, Prof. C., Facultes Universitaires, N-D de la Paix ASBL, Rue de Bruxelles 61, NAMUR, 5000,

Belgium

Giraud, Mr C., 7 Rue Roger Cazala, Cour de la Pingaudiere, CHATEAUROUX, 36000, France
Glaves, Dr P., Rachel McMillan Building, Creek Road, Deptford, LONDON SE8 3BW
Godard-Key, Mr & Mrs R.L., The Old Bakery, East Side, NORTH LITTLETON, Worcs. WR11 5SQW
Golding, Mrs Y.C., 47 Tatton Road, Sale, MANCHESTER, Cheshire M33 7EE
Gooderham, Dr K., 4A Ulundi Road, JOHNSTONE, Renfrewshire PA5 8TE, Scotland
Goodman, Mr C.O., The Vicarage Garden, Carrington, Urmston, MANCHESTER M31 4AG
Gosling, Mr P., 40 High sg TATTERSHALL, Lincs. LN4 4NN
Goudey, Mr C., 25 Cozens Road, LARA, Victoria 3212, Australia
Goulding, Mr & Mrs RV. "e D.J., 239a Carr Road, NORTHOLT, Middx. UB5 4RL
Gowen, Dr S., The Walnuts, Rickinghall, mes. Norfolk IP22 1BN
Graham, Mrs B. M., Polpey, PAR, Cornwall 2
** Graham, Mrs cae The Volland, Lower sein NEWPORT, Gwent NP1 8UY, Wales

Grant, Mr M.L., 366 Hurst Road, WEST MOLESEY, Surrey KT8 1QN

Graty, Mr D.J., ‘Fairhaven’, Shepherd's Road, Bartley, SOUTHAMPTON, Hants. SO4 2LH

*

=F . PR7 6JQ
Green, weap peg Cottage, Halstead Road, Aldham, COLCHESTER, Essex CO6 3PP
re ck, O West Street, ENDERBY, Leics. LE9 5LS

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Hainsworth, Mr P.H., Station House, v bempvtecetioe STRAT HCARRON, Ross. “yee 8YR, Scotland
Hall, Mr N.A., 15 Mostyn Road, Hazel Grove, STOCKPORT, Cheshire SK7 5H

Hall, Mr P., 14 Kingston Gardens, FAREHAM, Hants. PO15 6

Halley, Mr R, 1714 Maiden Street, SAN DIEGO, California 92109, U.S.A.

Hamilla, Dr D.S., 700 N. Waverly Road, Apt. 207, PORTER, Indiana 46304, verb

Hammond, Mr P.W., 3 Campden Terrace, Linden Gardens, Chiswick, LONDON W4 2EP
Hancock, Mr & Mrs M.T. & L., 2 Forge Croft, Minworth, SUTTON COLDFIELD, eat Midlands

76 1
Hanson, Mr F.D., Albion House, HAY-ON-WYE, Herefordshire HR3 SAP
Hards, ‘br & Mrs N. J., 184 Abingdon Road, we T, Oxon. OX11 9BP

Harris, Miss M., 19 Oak Hill, EPSOM, Surrey KT

Haskins, Mr B. P., Willowbrook Cottage, Waste bane, Cuddington, NORTHWICH, Cheshire CW8 2TD

*

+72

*

*

* *

*

*

*

Hastings, Mr P.W., 5 The Willows, Shottery, STRATFORD-UPON-AVON, Warwicks. CV37 9QJ

Hathaway, Mrs L., '260 Vale Road, Ash Vale, ALDERSHOT, Hants. GU12 5JQ

Haufler, Dr C., Dept. of rite & University of Kansas, LAWRENCE, Kansas 66045, U.S.A.
Hayward, Pr of. R.J., Coed-Y-Glyn, South Road, CAERNARFON, Gwynedd LL55 2HH, Wales

Healey, Mr & Mrs F.J., 22 Lockstile Way, Goring, READING, Berks. RG8 OAL

Heape, Mr & Mrs R.G. & P., The Barn, Castle Street, WINGRAVE, ee pret 4PT

Hebding, Mr R., BP 24, Les Cedres, ST JEAN-CAP-FERRAT, 06230,

‘ ; s
Henricot, Mrs C., Avenue de L’Ecuyer 8, RHODE- SAINT- GENESE, B-1640, Belgium
Hibbert, Major J.A., Trebah, Mawnam Sule FALMOUTH, Cornwall TR11 5JZ
Hibbs, Mrs R., 30 London Road, HAILSHAM, East Sussex BN27
Hicks, Mrs AM., Scarthwaite, Grange, Borrowdale, KESWICK, Cumbria CA12 5UQ
Hill, Mrs A., 45 Westover Road, Westbury-on-Trym, BRISTOL, Avon BS9 3LS
Hill, Dr C.R., Flat B, Cumberland House, 274 Kew Road, Kew, RICHMOND, Surrey TW9 3AE
Hill, Dr D.A.W., Gwynfryn, Colley Way, REIGATE, Surrey RH2 9JH
Hill, Mr K., 93 Elmhurst Drive, vagane CHURCH, Essex RM11 1NZ
Hill, Mr M. we 58 peep reds * Ox1
Hill- meating ay piper HG. & ., Mill House, 18 High Lane, Shapwick, BRIDGWATER,
Som 7 ONB

Hilmer, Dr O., eres aah 1, GOSLAR, D-38640, Germany

Hindle, Mr & Mrs P. & J., 20 Belgrave Avenue, Penwortham, PRESTON, Lancs. PR1 OBH

Hoare, Mr A.E., 15 Essex Road, BOREHAMWOOD, Herts. WD6 1BP

Hoare, Mr & Mrs G.K., 8 Church Road, Locks Heath, SOUTHAMPTON, Hants. SO3 6LU

Holder, Mrs E.S., 3 Ash Tree Ga rth, Barkston Ash, TADCA STER, North Yorks. LS24 9ET

Holdregger, Mr R.., Institut fur Systematische Botanik, Zollikerstrasse 107, ZURICH, CH-8008,
Switzerland

Hollis, Ms N.S., 3311 Gilham Road, KANSAS CITY, Missouri 64109, U.S.A.

Holly, Dr & Mrs K.H. & D.M., 36 Sunderland Avenue, OXFORD, Oxon. OX2 8

Holt-Stott, Mr P., Larch Cottage | Apevia Melkinthorpe, PENRITH, party cae 2DR

Homes, Prof. & Mrs J. & E., Avenue Micara 58, BRUSSELS, B1160, Belgium

Hopton, Mr B. sim 47 Himley Gisatert Goldthorn Park, WOLVERHAMPTON, West Midlands

Horn, Mr K., vs Farberhof 6, ERLANGEN, D-91052, Germany

Horne, Mr K.G., 21 Thomas Street, Walcot, BATH, Avon BA1 5NN

Hoshizaki, Mrs B.J., 557 N. Westmoreland Avenue, LOS ANGELES, California 90004, U.S.A.

Hoskova, Miss S., Botanical Garden, Purkynova 1, LIBEREC, CZ 46001, Czech Republic

Houghton, Mr S.J., 27 St Vincent Road, WALLASEY, epseacarns L44 8BJ

Houitte, Dr A., 6 Rue des Mésanges, LE RHEU 35650, Fra

Howlett, Mrs G. M., Folly Farm, Folly Lane, WARMINSTER, wits, BA12 7RG

Hubble, Mr R.J., Dippers, Shaugh Prior, PLYMOUTH, Devon PL7 5

Hubert, Mr J.F.D., 23 Walnut Tree Avenue, sips dye DARTFORD, Kent DA1 1LT

Hudson, Mr J., Gilfach, Bryn Glas, Groesion, CAERNARFON, Gwynedd LL54 7TB, Wales

Huge, Mr M., Anemonevej 24, HARESKOV, Vaerlose DK 3500, Denmark

Hughes, Mr & Mrs R.M. & B., Rose Cottage, Creech Heathfield, TAUNTON, Somerset TA3 5EG

Bai sae Mr oo Chygwedhen, Long Lane, St Stephen-in-Brannel, ST AUSTELL, Cornwall
L26

Hutcheson, Mr M., Garden Cottage, Sizergh Castle, KENDAL, Cumbria LA8 8A
Hutchinson, Dr G., 3 Retford Court, The Philog, Whitechurch, CARDIFF, S. pranssihin CF4 1EE,

Wales
Hyde, Mrs ie 6A West Grove, Greenwich, LONDON SE10 8QT
iss J.M., 42 Crown Woods Way, Eltham, LONDON SE9 2NN
ingham, ec. 292 West Lane, KEIGHLEY, West Yorks. BD21 2RZ
Jackson, Mr B.W., 69 Moorside Avenue, Neston, S. WIRRAL, Cheshire L64 6QS
Jackson, Mrs H., c/o California Ferns Inc., P.O. Box 50871, PALO ALTO, California 94303-0672, U. S.A.

Jagoe, Mr J.A., 4 Barnberry Close, Singleton, ASHFORD, Kent TN23 2PW

Jakusz, Mr S.P.J., 79 Nevis Avenue, Little Earnock, HAMILTON, Lanarkshire ML3 8UB, Scotland
James, Mr R.J., 55 Bramwell Close, Hyde Court, Stratton St. Margaret, SWINDON, Wilts. SN2 6SN
James, Dr T.E., Hollybank, Balmoral Place, HALIFAX, West Yorks. HX1 2BG

Janes, Dr R.A., 20 New Street, Stoneycroft, dees NESTON, Cheshire L64 OTE

Jarvis, Miss D.L., 104 Hampden Road, LOND

Jarvis, Mr J.E., Vermont, Jubilee Road, Nail ri STROUD, Glos. GL6 ONG

Jarvis, Miss R. A, 10 Southview Terrace, Trull, TAUNTON, Somerset TA3 7JX

*

Jeffries, Mr J., The Briar Patch, Warren Close, High Kelling, HOLT, Norfolk torn 6QX
Jenkins, Mr R. A., Birchfield Nursery, Kidders Lane, HENFIELD, West Susse 59
Jepson, Mr T.A., 121 Station Road, EARLS BARTON, Northants. NN6 ONX
Jermy, Mr A.C., Dept. of Botany, The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, LONDON SW7 5BD
Jessen, S., Arktisch-Alpiner Garten, Schmidt-Rottluff-Strasse 90, CHEMNITZ, 09114, Germany
Johns, Mr R.J., The Herbarium, Royal Botanic ce new — RICHMOND, Surrey TW9 3AE

nes, Mr A.R., First Floor Flat, 41 Clyde Road, Rediand, BRISTOL, Avon BS6 6RH
Jones, Mrs J.I., 1911 4th Avenue West, SEATTLE, Washington 98119, U.S.A.
Jones, Mr V., Hillways, Ingleby Greenhow, MIDDLESBROUGH, Cleveland TS9 6
Jury, Dr S.L Maas Science Laboratories, University of Reading, Whiteknights, READING, Berks.

RG

6

Debieibterl Mrs 4 M., Box 95, SOUTHAMPTON, Ontario ae 2L0, wap
0, Dr M., Botanic Gardens, University of Tokyo, 3-7-1 Hak , TOKY

pases Mr F.K., Department of Bio roe, University of York, YORK ‘North reine Yor SDD

Kaye, Mr D., Waithmans House, SILVERDALE, Lancs. LA5 0

Kear, Mr P.J., 35 Newmarket Street, Usk. Gwent NP5 1AU, Mite

H., 49 M 9LX
Kelly, Mr T., Cymdeithas Seiene, Can y Lloe 1 Biageint LLANWRDA, tnd ~ykg 8JH, Wales
Kelsall, Miss C.J., Gowan Beck, 1 Ings Hall, iat NDAL, ether LA8 9
Kenway, Mr J.J., Maurstrasse 31, FAELLANDEN 81 ro Switzer’ ~via
Kershaw, Mr D.J., 4 Ennerdale Road, FORMBY, Merseyside ae
Key, Mrs H., Fibrex Nurseries Ltd, Honeybourne Road, Pebworth, STRATFORD ON AVON, Warwicks.
Cl

37 8XT
** Keyes, Mr G.M., 1404 La Loma Road, PASADENA, er ee 91104,

U.S.A
Killen, Mr D.B., 33 Broad Oak Way, Up Hatherly, CHELTENHAM, Glos. GL51 5LG
King, Mr R., Cheriton, Gorseway, Hartley, LONGFIELD, Kort DA3 8AE
Kingston, Miss M.M., 5 Wesley Avenue, Cheslyn Hay, Meta pte shod 7JF
Kirsch, Mr H. , Waldschloss- strasse 42, FRAMMERSBACH, D-97833,
Kitchen, Mr & Mrs M.A.R. & C., The Cottage, Bevington, BERKELEY, Glos. "GL13 9RB
Kitchener, Mr G.D., ~ieni Villa, Otford Lane, Halstead, SEVENOAKS, Kent TN14 7EA

* Kitts, Miss H.B., 15 Bowers Road, BENFLEET, Essex SS7 5PZ

Kneill, Mr & Mrs M.A. & PL, Chapel House, Newby, Clapham, LANCASTER, Lancs. LA2 8HR
Knight, Mr I.G., 18 Greenbank Close, Grampound Road, TRURO, Cornwall TR2 4TD

Knight, Mrs M.H., 71 Moorside Avenue, NESTON, Wirral L64 6QS

Knox, Mr & hy J.S. & J.A., Thorn House, Jacksons Lane, Thornhill, DEWSBURY, West Yorks.

20L
Knox Thomas, Ms = Flat Four, ntl Tollhouse, 1 Llanbadarn Road, Aberystwyth, CEREDIGION,
3 1EJ, Wal
Kohler, Ms B., 31 on Road, SHEFFIELD, South Yorks. S7 2GY
Konyvtar, E., POB 483, BUDAPEST 1372, Hungai

ry
** Kottke, Mr U., Hermeskeiler Str. 1a, WALDRACH 54320, uert

*

*

*

*

Kowalska, Miss D., 86 Dora Road, Merton, LONDON SW19 7HJ

Kramer, Mr H., Hessenweg 41, EDE (GLD), 6718 TC, ovine

Krause, Mr S., Reuterstrasse 28, BONN 53115, Germany

Kyte, Mr A., Flat 5 , 766 Coventry Road, Small Heath, BIRMINGHAM, — Midlands B10 OTX
Laansoo, Mr U., The Tallinn Botanical Garden, TALLINN, EE0019, Esto

Labatut, Mr A.J., Puypezac Rosette, BERGE RAC, Dordogne 24100, Fran

Lamant-Voirin, Mrs C., Rompe-Coual RN7, LE LUC EN PROVENCE, 83340, France

Lamb, Ms D.S., 13441 SW 100 Ct, MIAMI, Polo er U.S.

Lamb, Mr |., Kitchen Garden, Ardtornish, MORVERN BY OBAN, Argyll PA34 5XA, Scotland

se
r R., 42 Marine Road, PORT BANNATYNE, Isle of Bute PA20 pie Scotland
fdaka. Mr G,. a West 80th Street, NEW bred New York 10024, U.

Lee, Mrs C.M., 51 Lawford Road, LONDON
Lees, Mr R. M.., Hs Essex Terrace, Plasmarl, SWANSEA W. Soe cal ng 8LY, Wales
Leggatt, Mr T., 4 Elmwood Avenue, BOREHAM WOOD, H

Lellinger, Dr D. B., U.S. National Herbarium, NHE 166, Ueaihabeaan dio WASHINGTON DC,

20560, USA
Lenski, Dr |., F.B. Biologie - Botanik, Karl-von-Frisch-Strasse, MARBURG, D-35043, Germany
Leon, Dr B B. & Dr K.R. Young, Systematic Botany & Mycology Lab., USDA-ARS, 10300 Baltimore
Ave nue, Larrelt ILLE, Maryland 20705, U.S.A.
Leonard, Mr A.M., 11 Victory Road, PORTSMOUTH, Hants. PO1 3
Leslie, Mr A.C., Sonkalog: 72 Boxgrove Road, GUIL pet fl shivey aut 1UD
Lesniewski, Mr A., ul. Rajska 4B/12, GDANSK 80-850, Pol

* Lind, Mr T.R., 39 Greenshaw, BRENTWOOD, Essex CM14 4Y
Lindbeck, Mrs C., 204 Hinton Road, Nelsons Plains, pea TERRACE, New South Wales 2324,
ralia
Lindfield, Mr - P., 22 Rutherford Close, SUTTON, Surrey SM2 5DR
Lindsay, Mr S., Division of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, King’s Buildings, Mayfield Road,
ED INBURGH EHS 3JH, Scotland
Liquorish, Miss E.M., 6 Hope Street, Beeston, NOTTINGHAM, Notts. NG9 1DR
Little, Mr I.R., 29 Dunbar Crescent, SOUTHPORT, Merseyside PR8 3AA
Logue, Miss $.E. & Mr C.T. Lacey, Pimms Cottage, 45 Burpham Lane, GUILDFORD, Surrey GU4 7LX
Loraine, rie J., Greencombe, PORLOCK, Somerset —_ 8NU
Lord, Dr W.A., 8 St —— s Street, CHELTENHAM, Glos. GL50 4AF
Lording, Mer TA, 17 Hill Rise, CROWBOROUGH, East nha TN6 2DH
Lovis, Prof. J.D., Dept. of Plant & Microbial Sciences, University of Canterbury, CHRISTCHURCH 1,
New Zea land
cas, Mr P., 23 Shottery Avenue, Braunstone, LEICESTER, Leics. LE3 2ST
hed ae Ms YA, 15 Westville Avenue, ILKLEY, West Yorks. LS29 9AH

nc G6 1HE
* MacLaurin, Ms S.C., R.M.B. 8181, Glen Dhu Road, MOLESWORTH, Tasmania 7140, Australia

MacQueen, Ms S., 194 Smith Street, Apartment 1-L, FREEPORT, New York 11520, U.S.A.

Maerz, Mr G., Vogelsangstrasse 51, STUTTGART, D-70197, Germany

Mandt, Mrs F., Godesberger Allee 68a, BONN, D-53175, Germany

Manickam, Dr V.S., St. in ig PALAYAMKOTTAI, Tamil Nadu 627 002, India

Markiw, Mr J.G., Loc. San Donnino 37, MERCATALE DI CORTONA, Arezzo 52040, Italy

Marley, Mr & Mrs J.A., 5 Seaview Street, MOUNT KURINGAI, New South Wales 2080, Australia
** Marper, Mrs E.E., 3 Beech Terrace, Kirkbride CARLISLE, Cumbria

Marriage, Mr A., The Moorings, Rocombe, UpLyme, LYME REGIS, — DT7 3RR
* Marsh, Mr K.N., 3 Church Walk, ee SAFFRON WALDEN, Essex CB11 4T

Marston, Mrs J.K., Culag, Green Lane, Nafferton, DRIFFIELD, N. acabamide YO25

Martin, Miss R.A., The Bothy, Tresco Abbey Estate, Tresco, ISLES OF SCILLY, | Sees TR24 0QQ

Martinelli, Or S.D., Pelham House, Brent Pelham, nis yp tas Herts. SG9 OHH

, Mr J., Lindenstrasse 50, FURTH, Bayern D-90768, Germ

Mashiter, Mr J, Elfrigg, Beachwood, Arnside, CARNFORTH <igeee s. LAS OAU

Mason, Mrs E.O., _ Park, Chaddesley Corbett, KIDDERMIN STER, Wores. DY10 4QB

Masuyama, Dr S., Dept. of Gen pe Education, Tokyo Womens’ Christian oer Mure 4, Mitaka,

KY O, 181 AC, Jap
Matsumoto, Dr S., Tsukuba eg — National Sci. Mus., Amakubo 4-1, TSUKUBA-SHI, Ibaraki-ken
, Japan

Mattheij, Mr W.M., Marijkeweg 26-B-O, WAGENINGEN, 6709 PG, Netherlands

Matthews, Mr H.W., 39 Maple Avenue, SOUTH HARROW, Middx. HA2 8DG

Maxted, Dr N.W., School of Biological Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, BIRMINGHAM,

est Midlands B15 2TT

McGavigan, Mr F., 12 Glenbank Avenue, Lenzie, GLASGOW, Strathclyde G66 5AA, Scotland

° oe Mr D.R., 26 New Road, Coppice, OLDHAM, Lancs. OL8 1AY
McHaffie, Miss H.S., 180 Granton Road, EDINBURGH EHS5 1AH, Scotland
McLellan, Mr T.A., 24 North Quay, Abingdon Marina, ABINGDON, Oxon. OX1
D.M., Dunvegan, 10 Lowndes Street, BARRHEAD, Sretholyde pas OX. Scotland
* Meakin, ‘Mr A.C., Rocklea, Dent, SEDBERGH, Cumbria LA10 5QL
Meegdes, Mr P. H. L., Diamant 46, HEERHUGOWAARD, 1703 EW, Netherlands
Mellard, Mrs M.A., 16 Beckwith Road, HARROGATE, North Yorks. HG2 OBG
Merryweather, Mr J.W., Biology Department, University of York, Heslington, YORK, North Yorks.
D

YO15
Dr J.T., New York Botanical Garden, Bronx, NEW YORK, New York 10458, U.S.A.

Miles, Mrs M., Trewollack, St. Mawes, TRURO, Cornwall TR2 5AD
Miller, Mr & Mrs aa & J.A., 28 The Chase, VERWOOD, Dorset BH31 7DF
Mills, Mrs ig Carwinion, Mawnan —_ FALMOUTH, Cornwall TR11 5JA
Mitchell, Mr J., 22 Muirpa rk Way, Drymen, GLASGOW G63 ODX, Scotland
* Molesworth Allen, M B.E.G., Chalet | LOS BARRIOS, Cadiz 11370, Spain
Montgomery, Dr 8 c/o Ecology ill, Inc., RDI, BERWICK, Pennsylvania 18603-9801, U.S.A.
i FRI

Moore, Miss J., 2 Gannet Street, GLADESVILLE, New South Wales 2111, Australia
Morgan, Mr C.W., Whitmore, UMBERLEIGH, Devon EX37 9HB
* Morris, Mr A.F., 2 South Crescent, Featherstone, WOLVERHAMPTON, Staffs. WV10 7AU
rt, Mr T.P., 68 Bridge Street, Golborne, WARRINGTON, Lancs. WA3 30B
Mullin, Mrs F.M., 224 Lightfoot Lane, Hr. Bartle, PRESTON, Lancs. PR4 OLA

* Mullins, Miss C.M., 4 St. Cenydd Road, Heath, CARDIFF, S. Glamorgan CF4 4HX, Wales
Munyard, Mr C.E., ‘The Ferns’, Hillbrae, Methlick, ELLON, Aberdeenshire AB41 OHE, Scotland
S. K., 234 Harold Road, TING ssex TN35 5NG

Murphy, Mr A.J., 5 Cochrane House, Cowley Road, UXBRIDGE, Middx. UB8 2DA

Murphy, Miss R.J., Shang-ri-la, orgie pon tgs Cornwall TR14 OBH

Muscat, Mr C., 7 College Street, RABAT, R Malta

Myall, Mrs E., "Rogerscale’, The Hill, M MILLOM, yeni LA18 5HB

Myers, Mr M. D., Fairview Smelthouses, rere os HARROGATE, North Yorks. HG3 4DH

Nakamura, Dr T., Gen. Edu. Bot. Lab., Tokyo Nogyo Univ. 1-1, Sakuragaoka 1-Chome, Setagaya-ku,
TOKYO, 156 AC, Japan

Nakato, Dr N., Narahashi 1-363, Higashiyamato-shi, TOKYO 207, Jap.

Nethercott, Mr P.J. M., 6 Hazelwood Court, Hazelwood Road, erisTOL. Avon BSS 1PU

Neuroth, Herrn R.N., Hohistrasse 88, VELBERT 11, D-42555, Ger

Newbould, Mrs J.P., Dromore House, 88 Coolyvenny Road, COLERAINE, Co. Londonderry BT51 3SF,
Northern Irelan

Newey, Mr V.F., 27 Watts Road, STUDLEY, Warwicks. B80 7JP

Nichol, Mr P., 5 Elm finite entire Notts. NG24 1SE

Nicholson, Mr B., Flat F, 5/F, T HK Gold Coast, bioet fit New Territories, Hong Kong

Nicholson, Mr B., 8 Castle Park, FE, ‘Fife KY15 5N i Serie

Nielsen, Mr J.H., Halskowvej 12, HORBELEV 4871, Denm

Nieuwkoop, Dr . A.W., Viuchtheuvelstraat 6, DREUMEL soc BK, Netherlands

Nimmo-Smith, Mrs M. €.. 201 Chesterton Road, CAMBRIDGE, Cambs. CB4 1AH

Noble, Mr F., 26 Shandon fora BALLYMENA, Co. rican oe ost Northern Ireland

Norfield, Mr & Mrs A.J. & R., Rose Cottage, Lower Meend, ST. BRIAVELS, Glos. GL15 6RW

Norton, Mrs R., Bramble ooluen: Lower Broad Oak Road, win fen OTTERY ST. MARY. Devon
EX11 1XH

*

*

Nunn, Mr N.R., 47 St Martins Street, HEREFORD, Worcs. HR2 7RD

Ogden, Mr & gah hae & V.H., 9 The Drive, Hopwood, Alvechurch, BIRMINGHAM, West Midlands

Oligaard, Mr =. Botinioa Institute, 68 Nordlandsvej, we ae DK-8240, Denmar
Olsen, Mrs S.S., Foliage Gardens, 2003 128th Avenue S.E., BELLEVUE, che evil 98005, U.S.A.
n

Page, Dr C.N., Gillywood Cottage, Trebost Lane, Stithians, TRURO, Cornwall TR3 7DW

Palacios-Rios, Ms Monica, Instituto de Ecologia, A.C., Apartado Postal 63, XALAPA, Veracruz 91000,
lexico

Palmer, D.D., 1975 Judd Hillside Street, HONOLULU, Hawaii 96822, U.S.A

Pangua, Dr E., Departmento de tt Vegetal 1., Facultad de Biologia, Ciudad Universitaria,
ADRID 280110, Spai

Paradise, Mr D.T., Staunton Caley Park, Middle Park Way, HAVANT, Hants. PO9 SHB

Parham, Mr D.H., Little Pandy, Blackwells End, HARTPURY, Glos. GL19 3DB

Parker, Mr N., 27 Kesters Road, CHESHAM, Bucks. HP5 1RP

Parris, Dr B.S., 21 James Kemp Place, Kerikeri, BAY OF Pores) New Zealand

Parsiow, Mr B.G.D., 61 Chazey Road, Caversham, READING, Berks. RG4 7DU

** Parsiow, Mrs R., 48 Main Street, Woodnewton, PETERBO OUCH, Canbe: PE8 ed

*

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Peroni, Dott. G., Via Vignazza 18/B, BESANO (VA), "210

Perry, Mr A.R., Dept. of Botany, National Museum of Wales, Y CARDIFF, S. Glamorgan CF1 3NP, Wales

Petch, Mr R., 35 Otfe nham Road, Evesham, Wores. WR11 5DX

Peters, Dr B., Sohieeniger Str. 83, SUDERBRARUP, D-24392, Germany

Peto, Sir H., Stream House, Selbourne, spss Hants. GU34 3LE

Petty, Mr J.S., 3 Carrs Crescent, Formby, LIVERPOOL, artevexie L37 2EU

Phillips, Mr R., 15a Eccleston Square, LONDON SW1

Phillips, Mr S., 66 Calder Road, Bellsquarry, LIVINGSTON, West Lothian EH54 9AD, Scotland

Phipps, Miss R. M., 2 Dancers Hill Cottages, Dancers Hill Road, Bentley Heath, BARNET, Herts.
ENS 4RT

+ *

Pichi Sermolli, Prof R.E.G., Via Cantagrilli 1, Montagnana Val di Pesa, FIRENZE, 50020, Italy
Pickering, Mrs L., 6 Bedale Road, Market Weighton, YORK, North Yorks. YO4 3DN

Pickett, Mrs M., Sunnyside Cottage, The Close, REIGATE, gh RH2 7BN
Piearce, Dr T.G., 13 Derwent Road, LANCASTER, Lancs. LA1
Pierce, Miss S.J.A. & Mr D. Seary, 89 High Street, Measham, SWADLINCOTE Derbys. DE12 7HZ
Pierozynski, Dr W., 25 Mayflower Way, FARN HAM COMMON, Bucks.
Piggin, Mr S.R., Flat 5, by Aabed i * Cyprus nono NOTTINGHAM, notte: NG3 5DE
Pigott, si ad! SAC. & , 43 Molewood Road, H ATFORD, Herts. SG14 3AQ
* Pocock, Prof. D.F., 18 ay fie's CrOLeere LEWES, East Sussex BN7 1SB
Pollock, OR, 23 Coach Road, Warton, CARNFORTH, Lancs. LA5 9PR
Ponting, Mr E.D., 4 The Brambles, Girton, CAMBRIDGE, Cambs. CB3 ONY
Porter, Mrs B., 1 Hazel Close, Marple, STOCKPORT, Cheshire SK6 7QT
* Porter, Mrs D., 15 Menai Road, Cale Green, STOCKPORT, Cheshire
Porter, Mrs J., Bryn-yr-Aur, Llechwedd, CONWY, Gwynedd ny 8DZ, Wales
9L

Price, Dr M.G., P.O. Box 1384, JACKSON, Michigan 49204, U

Price, Mr T.|., 34 Ridgeway, ett se al S. Glamorgan CF4 5RS, Wales

Priest, Mr S., Batsford Garden Centre, MORETON-IN-MARSH, Glos. em 9QB
* Pritchard, Mrs D.L., 30 Queens tie DORCHESTER, Dorset DT1

Proper, Mr G.J., Planciusplantsoen 6-1, VOORSCHOTEN, 2253 TR, elias

Protte, Mr A., Waldkugelweg 25a, WURZBURG, D-97082, Germany

251

Rakotondrainibe, Dr F., Laboratoire de Phanérogamie, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, 16 Rue
Buffo ARIS, 75005, France

Randaci, Mr & Mrs AF.R. & C., 94 Magellan Way / Greenhouse, COVINGTON, Kentucky 41015,
U.S.A.

Randall, Miss L.J., Holly Grove Cottage, The Great Park, i prinonty Berks. SL4 2BU
** Randall, Mrs M.F., 3 Brook Road, CAMBERLEY, Surrey GU15 3
Rasbach, Mrs H., Datscherstrasse 23, GLOTTERTAL, D-79286, Saco
Raven, Mrs F., Doewra’s Mano r, Shepreth, ROYSTON, Herts. SG8 6
Raybould, Dr A. F., Institute of a shed Ecology, Furzebrook Research Station, WAREHAM, Dorset
BH

* Regan, Mr R.C., 67 Riddings Street, DERBY, Derbys. DE22 3UT
Regenwetter, M. H., 44 Rue du Bois, SOLEUVRE 4421, Luxembourg
H Reichstein, Prof. Dr T., Institut fur Organische Chemie, St Johanns-Ring 19, BASEL, CH-4056,
|

Reynolds, Mrs S.M., Hergiswil, Prince of Wales Road, Upton, pgp arbat Norfolk NR13 6BW
* Rich, Mrs J.A., 131 Longstomps Avenue, CHELMSFORD, Essex 9
mond, Mr D., Holly Tree House, Taiderwen Road, oe BRECON. Powys LD3 9LN, Wales
i i i s. LA5 QUE

Ridout, C.R., 11 Forbes Street, TURNER, A.C.T. 2601, Australia

Riemer, Mr R. M., Planetenstrasse 37, 4 DUSSELDORF, D-40223, Germany

Riley, Mr P.M., 42 Marlborough Close, Ramsbottom, BURY, Lancs. BLO 9YU

Ripley, Mr P. H., North Lodge, Dene Park Gardens, Shipbourne Road, scwiseg Kent TN11 9NS
Robbins, Mrs A., Kirkby House, Scrooby, DONCASTER, South Yorks. DN10 6.

Roberts, Mr D. M., 1 Barley Close, Frampton Cotterell, BRISTOL, Avon BS17 ED

Roberts, Mr R.H., Quinton, 51 Belmont Road, BANGOR, Gwynedd LL57 2HY, Wales

Robinson, Mr C., 5 Cambridge Road, Moseley, BIRMINGHAM, West Midlands B13 9UE

Rockett, Mr P.B., 18 King Charles Way, BRIDGNORTH, Shropshire WV16 4J

Rogers, Mr C.J., No 1 Fingest Cottage, Bolter End, HIGH WYCOMBE, Bucks. HP14 3LR

Roskam, Mr H.C., Het Masker 143, AMERSFOORT, 3823 AW, Netherlands

Rotherham, Dr LD., 84 Arnold Avenue, Charnock, SHEFFIELD, South Yorks. $12 3JE

Rothwell, Mrs M.E., 42 Victoria pense! ELLAND, West Yorks. HX5 OAZ

Rowell, Mr & Mrs A.B. & E., 29 Lilac Crescent, Beeston, NOTTINGHAM, Notts. NG9 1PD

Rugh, Mr J.B., 395 Whitney Street, NORTHBORO, Massachusetts 01532, U.S.A.

Rumsey, a F.J., Botany Department, The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, LONDON
W7 5BD

Runciman, Mr W.C., 11 East Harbour Road, CHARLESTOWN, Fife KY11 3EA, Scotlan
Runham, Dr N.W., 2 Bryn Awelon, Llandegfan, MENA! BRIDGE, Gwynedd LL57 5TG, Wale

Russell, Mr J.P.C., The Bothies, Balcarres, Colinsburgh, LEVEN, Fife KY9 1HL, Scotland
** Ruston, Mr P.I., 15 Perigree Road, Woodseats, SHEFFIELD, South Yorks. S8 ONF
Rutherford _ - Moniaive, 19 South King Street, HELENSBURGH, Dunbartonshire G84 7PU,
tlan
Sacks, Dr O.W., 2 Horatio Street #3G, NEW YORK, New York 10014, U.S.A.
Sadd, Mr G., 135b shakeapenin Crescent, Manor Park, LONDON E12 6LW
Sahashi, Dr N., rerig u Kenkyushitsu, en Toho Daigaku, 2-2-1 Miyama-cho,
FUNABASHI-SHI, be ap 274, Jap
* Sargent, Mr W. 86 Wrentham Ave LONDON HG
* Saunders, Dr G. Ci Becadenars of omarlates eri of Leicester, LEICESTER, Leics. LE1 7RH
Savage, Mr W.E., Dragon Cross, 10 Chestnut Hill, Linslade, LEIGHTON BUZZARD, Beds. LU7 7TR
** Schaupp, Mr A., Héhrenbergstrasse 25A, ALLENSBACH, D-78476, Germany
i huss

. 22, 50827, Germany
Schippers, Mr R.R., 19 Travertine Road, Walderslade, CHATHAM, Kent ME5 9LQ
Schneider, st H., Institut fur Systematische Botanik, Zollikerstrasse 107, ZURICH, CH-8008,

erlan
Schneller, say Kusertobelweg 11, KUSNACHT, CH-8700, Switzerland
Schroder, Mr N.R,, 2 The Dell, HAYWARDS HEATH, West Sussex RH16 1J
Schulze, Dr G., Leuschnerstrasse 46, LUDWIGSHAFEN, Rheinland-Pfalz D-67063, Germany

** Sclater, Mr A.D., 54 Innis House, East Street, LONDON SE1 hha
tt, Mr D.J., 19 Abbotts Grove, PETERBOROUGH, Cambs. PE4 5BP
Scott, Mr M.M., Strome House, North Strome, LOCH {CAR RON, Ross. IV54 8YJ, Scotland

Scott, Mrs W., 31 Mulberry Hill, Shenfield, BRENTWOOD, Essex CM15 8JS
Scouller, Mr C.E.K., Tigh-na-Faoileige, Rnue, ULLAPOOL, Ross. IV26 2TJ, Scotland

Searle, Mr M.G., Oak Lodge, 108 Cumnor Hill, OXFORD, Oxon. OX2 SHY

Seccombe, Mr R.J.O., 23 Pine Close, Rudloe, CORSHAM, Wilts. SN13 OLB

Seibert, Prof. Dr Z., NA Vyspe 1280, TACHOV, 341 01, Czech Lepr

Sellars, Miss P.M., 9 Addison Place, Holland Park, LONDON

Sellers, Mr & Mrs J.S. & J., Kyre Park, TENBURY eee ves WRI 8RP

Sewell, Mr E.W., 7 Jocketts Road, HEMEL HEMPSTEA s. HP1 2AR

Sharpe, Dr J.M., Box 4555 R.R.1 1, DRESDEN, Maine eee

Sheffield, Dr E., Dept. Cell & Structural Biology, University of ‘Manchester, Oxford Road,

MA NCHESTER M13 9PL

Sherlock, Mrs N.M., 590 E Kings Road, NORTH VANCOUVER, British Columbia V7N 1J3, Canada

iwoku, NDON W2 6PQ

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, Dr J., Dept. of Biology, George Mason University, FAIRFAX, Virginia 22030, U.S.A.
Smith, Mr G. D., Mt Pleasant, Kettlesing, HARROGATE, North Yorks. HG3 2LE
Smith, Mr & Mrs R.J. & B., 184 Solihull Road, Shirley, SOLIHULL, West Midlands B90 3LG
Smout, a & jag hes &AM., Chesterhill, Shore Road, ANSTRUTHER, Fife KY10 3DZ, Scotland
Sn Mr M.J., Kimsbury House, Moor Street, SAUL, Glos. GL2 7LQ°
Sate Mr R.R., cel Normal Avenue, LA MESA, California i U.S.A.
Southwell, Mr J., Sherborne Garden, LITTON, Somerset BA3 4PP
Spires, Mr N., 15 Elstob Close, Hardwick Estate, STOCKTON-ON-TEES, er TS19 8HB
Spray, Mr M., Hillside, Aston Bridge Road, The Pludds, RUARDEAN, Glos. GL1
Stark, Mr G., Flat 3, Carlton House, Fernleigh Road, GRANGE OVER SANDS, hailech LA11 7HP
Stark, Mrs |.A., Woodlands Cottage, Summerbridge, HARROGATE, North Yorks. HG3 4BT

ing, NEWM

Stillman, Mr R., 47 Ryeish Green, Three Mile Cross, READING, Berks. RG7

Stirling, Mr A.McG., 17 Austen Road, Jordanhill, GLASGOW, Shrathotyde W3, Scotland
Stocks, Mr P.S., 60 Heath Poed Sandbach, CREWE, Cheshire CW11 OJU

Storey, Ms I. NJ., North House, Hayes Road, BROMLEY, Kent BR2 9

Strachan, Mr P.W., Yew Tree Cottage, 30 The Street, Brooke, NORWICH, Norfolk NR15 1JT
Struck, Prof. Dr P., Bornstrasse 25, HAMBURG 13, D-20146, Germany

Sutton, Mr & Mrs R.L. & J.I., Clarebank, rasa Hill, peg dati Kent BR7 5LW
Svanholm, Mr K.A., yore sparken 6, OREBRO, S-70212, Swed

Swell, Mrs N., 505 Baldwin Road, RICHMOND, Virginia 33229, |

Sykes, Mr & Mrs RW. & S., Ormandy Ho ser peclicag ty KENDAL, 5 LA8 8BP
Tate, Mr & Mrs A. & sl 24 South Craig, WINDERM ERE, Cumbria LA23 2JH

Tatterstield, Mr D. ry The Stables, KIRKMICHAEL, Perths. PH10 7NT, Scotian

Tavernier, Mr W.J M.E., & Mrs S.J.J. Van den Bossche, ed a, AALST, B-9300, Belgium
Taylor, Mr C., 41 Sheffield Road, Fratton, PORTSMOUTH, Hants. PO1 SDP

Taylor, Mr |., Melody Cottage, Haverthwaite, ULVERSTON, Cumbria LA12 8AF

Taylor, Mr T., 12 Madin Street, New Tupton, CHESTERFIELD, Derbys. $42 6EH

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Taylor, Dr set Botany ena peels ing Public Museum, 800 West Wells Street,
WAUKEE, Wiscons 233-1478, U.S.
Temple, Me om Spring Pond Gotiae: 36 Little Common, STANMORE, Middx. HA7 3BZ
Terry, Mr & Mrs S.P. & H., 59 St Albans Road, Sandridge, ST ALBANS, Herts. AL4 9LE
Thomas, Dr B.A., Botany Department, National Museum of Wales, Cathays Park, CARDIFF,
S. ery at CF1 3NP, Wales
Thomas, Miss C., hy etn Street, St Winnow, “hath THIEL, a PL22 OLL
Thomas, Mr M.O.W 22 Plymouth Road, PENARTH, S. rene CF6 2DH, Wales
Thomaz de Bossierre, Mrs C. de, 15 Clos du Couvent, tere TH, B-7810, Belgium
Thomsit, Mr G., 37 Belgrave Road, Wanstead, LONDON E11 3QW
Thorn, Mr R., 456 Rte de Longwy, estes een She L 1940, Luxembou urg
Timm, Mr R. N. & Mr & Mrs G.G. Timm, Aldre, Grimsby Road, BINBROOK, Lincs. LN3 6DH
Tinker, Dr M.D., Hillside, 1 Hillside atl LANGHOLM, Suni waetie DG13 OEE, Scotland
Titleboam, Miss P.A., 45 Shrub Lane, BURWASH, East Sussex TN19 7BU
Tonge, Mrs G., 19 Highfield Road, Winslow, BUCKINGHAM, Bucks. MK18 3DU
Tonsing, Ms M. E., 2269 Ridge Road, LITTLETON, Colorado 801
Trewren, Mr K., 2 Station Cottages, Egton Bridge, WHITBY, North Yorks. YO21 1UX
Trueman, Dr |. C., School of Applied Sciences, The Polytechnic, WOLVERHAMPTON, West Midlands

1 1LY
Turner, Mr L., 27 Westfield Avenue, Thurlstone, PENISTONE, South Yorks. S30 6RL
AX

SE5 9

Unett, Major R., 15 Belmont Gardens, BRADFORD, West Yorks. BD12 OHJ
Unsworth, Mr |., 15 Malvern Avenue, Stalmine, POULTON LE FYLDE, Lanes. FY6 0QD
Vassallo, Miss A., 6 Westward House, Chapel Lane, QUEENSBURY, West Yorks. BD13 2QE
Veit, Dr M., Inst. fur Botanik & Pharmazeut. Biologie, Universitat Wurzburg, Mittlerer

allenbergweg 64, WURZBURG, D-97082, Germany
Veldkamp, Mr J., Tweede Spoorstraat 1, GRONINGEN 9718PC, Netherlands
Vervioesem, Mr L., De Roest d'Alkemadelaan 5, Bus 38, BERCHEM 2600, Belgium

Vogel, Dr J.C., Botany Department, The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, LONDON SW7 58D
Wagner, Dr F. S., Dept. of Biology, Univetsy of Michigan, ANN ARBOR, ae 48109, U.S.A
Wagner, Mrs V.J., c/o 12 North View, Wimbledon Common, LONDON SW19
Wagner, Prof. W. H. , Dept. of Biology, University of Michigan, ANN ARBOR, Michigan 48109, U.S.A.
Wain, Ms S.L., Gardeners Cottage, tee fore CHICHESTER, West Sussex PO18 0
Walker, Mrs D., Box 202, RUSAPE, Zim
Walker, Mrs O., 10 Overstrand, 61 ay Seis WEST KIRBY, Wirral L48 OQQ
Walker, Dr T.G., 25 Lyndhurst Road, Benton, NEWCASTLE-UPON-TYNE, ane NE12 9NT
Walkinshaw, Mr D., 10 Cluny ‘one Bearsden, GLASGOW G61 2J6, Scot

ts.

Walsh, Mrs J.E., Glas Fryn, Cwm Penmachno, BETWYS-Y ice Gwynedd LL24 ORN, Wales
Walters, ve he N., 23 Trinity Park, RIPON, North Yorks. HG4 2ER

Walton, M K., 86 Hayfield Road, OXFORD, Oxon. OX2 6TU

Ward, Ms : M.. The Maples, 24 Tewit Well Road, HARROGATE, North Yorks. HG2 8JE
Wardlaw, Prof. A.C., 92 Drymen Road, Bearsden, nthe Strathclyde G61 2SY, Scotland
Watson, Mr R.A., 16 Stanger Street, KESWICK, ip oe U

Webb, Mr J., 29 ‘Stamford Road, MOSSLEY, Lanc:

Weldon, Mr S. B., 52 Parkway, Worsley, MANCHESTER M38 aa

Welss, Dr W., Max- Busch-Str. 20, ERLANGEN, D-91054, Ger

Westfold, Miss J., 39 Marsh Lane, Crosspool, ‘SHEFFIELD, South Yorks. $105

Wheatley, Dr T., Mote Croft, Church Lane, HORSTED KEYNES, ae’ pine mate 7AY

RK,
Williams, Mr D., 46 Maple hig ters! TORPOINT, Cornwall PL11 2NF
Williams, Mr St. ., 226 Upton d South, BEXLEY, Kent DA5 10QT
Wilimot, Dr A., 2 Kedleston pe Allestree, DERBY, Derbys. DE3 2RA
Wilsher, Mr N., bi heg Claymore Group, Springs Farm, Westbury Lane, PURLEY-ON-THAMES, Berks.

Wilson, K.A., Dee a Biology, California State University, NORTHRIDGE, California 91330-8303,
U. S. A.

Winder, Mr & Mrs G.H. & M.D., 7 Sharpes Hill, Barrow, BURY ST. EDMUNDS, pote IP29 5BY
Winkler, Dr G.M., 3 Pitcairn Road, Blairgowrie, JOHANNESBURG, 2194, weet

Wood, Dr C.C., 2 Westfield Crescent, Wellesbourne, WARWICK, Warwicks.

Woodhams, Mr & Mrs J.R., 203 Barnfield Avenue, KINGSTON- tyler tg Surrey KT2 5RQ

Woods, Mr R.G., c/o Countryside Council for Wales, The Gwalia, Ithon Road, LLANDRINDOD
LD1 6AA, Wales
Woolveridge, Mr D. C., 2 Manor Road, Killinghall, HARROGATE, North Yorks. HG3 2DP
Worland, Mr A.J., Harcam, Mill Road, Barnham Broom, NORWICH, Norfolk NR9 4DE
U

r E.V., Littleworth House, Amberley, STROUD, Glos. GL5 5AG
Wright, Mr J.L., Collinwood Mount, Priest Lane, Mottram St. Andrews, MACCLESFIELD, Cheshire

K10

eon Mr R. = Dept. of Biology, University of South Florida, boop Florida 33620-5150, U.S.A.

Wyndham, C.M., 1 Chamberlain Street, Primrose Hill, LONDON

Neda Mr K., Dept. of sat Faculty of Education, Saitama avec 255 Shimo-Ohkubo,
URAW

japan
Yoroi, Miss R., D 1415, Sumer Pastoral, 5-Bangai, 7-221 Shin-matsudo, MATSUDO-SHI, Chiba
27 70 A , Japan
Yoxall, as H., West Lodge, Pitminster, TAUNTON, Somerset TA3 7AZ
Zimberoff ,MrS., Santa Rosa Tropicals, P.O. Box 6183, SANTA ROSA, California 95406, U.S.A.
Zimmer, Or io Botanischer Garten und Botanisches Mus., Kénigin-Luise-Strasse 6-8, BERLIN 33,
4195, Germany
saevitanvenitt, Mr T.Z., Bahnhofstr. 14, RUNKEL, D-65594, Germany
Zink, M tae rem sts aoe und Inst. Syst. Bot., Universitat Zurich, Zollikerstrasse 107, ZURICH,
8008, Switz
Ziotnik, Me A. vee Altas nice, MEXICO DF, 11950, Mexico

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Table of Ferns Seen in Madeira

Site

9

1t2

13

Huperzia suberecta

Sgr qhatene denticulata

S. kraus:

terete saliva
Notholaena marantae
Cosentinia vellea
Pityrogramma chrysophylla

Adiantum reniforme

A. capillus-veneris

A. raddianum

A. hispidulum

Pteris incompleta
Hymenophyllum tunbrigense
H. wilsonii

Trichomanes speciosum

Polypodium macaronesicum
P. vulgare

yathea sp.
Pteridium aquilinum
Oreopteris limbosperma
Stegnogramma pozoi
Christella dentata

Asplenium onopteris
A. obovatum
A. aethiopicum
A. anceps

A. monanthes

A. hemionitis

Ceterach lolegnamense
Phyllitis scolopendrium
Athyrium filix-femina
Diplazium caudatum
Deparia

Cystopteris diaphana

Polystichum setiferum
P. falcinellum

P. x maderens
Arachniodes webbianum
D. aitoniana

D. aemula

D. maderensis

Davallia canariensis
Nephrolepis cordifolia
Blechnum spicant
Doodia caudata
Woodwardia radicans

!
subsp. lanceolatum

A. trichomanes subsp. quadrivalens

Dryopteris affinis subsp. affinis
i

Elaphoglossum semicylindricum

DO

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Notes: The nomenclature and sequence follow Gibby & Paul, 1994.
The abundancy notation used is — Rare, Occasional, Frequent, Common, Abundant.

259

REGIONAL MEETINGS 1995

MIDLANDS A.R. Busby

Due to personal circumstances no Midlands region meetings were held this year.
However, my inertia did not prevent other members rallying to the cause and ensuring
that the Society was once again in evidence at the Malvern Spring Show which is
reported elsewhere in this journal. | shall do my best to provide a full programme in
1996. Members wishing to receive details of next year’s programme should send a
stamped addressed envelope to me.

My thanks to all Midlands members for their support and encouragement during this
difficult year.

LEEDS & DISTRICT

AGM, Harlow Carr, Harrogate — 18 March. Twenty-eight members from as far afield as
Cleveland, Cumbria and Bedfordshire attended our AGM at the Study Centre at Harlow
Carr Gardens. After the business section of the day we adjourned to the nearby
Harrogate Arms for lunch and a chance to chat with friends old and new.

In the afternoon Matt Busby gave us an excellent illustrated talk on propagating and
growing ferns — mainly the alpine and mountain type, with lots of hints relating to his
personal experiences. It certainly was a very worthwhile day. The afternoon finished with
a further chance to get up-to-date on ferny news over a cup of tea and biscuits.

Anne Stark

Bilton Gala, Harrogate — 8 May. Our stand at Bilton Gala once again attracted a lot of
attention and many queries were answered about ferns in general. Lots of plants were
sold for group funds many of which were supplied by Mrs Ivana Urdal, and we do thank
her, especially as she is not yet a member of the BPS. Mrs Urdal also helped on the

stand with her daughter. Thirty-nine attended the lecture.
Jack Bouckley

Teesdale — 10 June. It will come as no surprise that this report begins with the
revelation that the visit to Teesdale was blessed with good weather (for a Cheilanthes),
but was absolutely diabolical for both man/woman and ferns alike. From a convenient
meeting point at the car park at 35/867298 a select band of enthusiasts set off for
Langdon Beck (35/850399). Crossing Langdon Beck itself (onto the south side) and
walking SE towards the confluence with the Tees we encountered some large clumps of
Dryopteris filix-mas and a few stems of Equisetum arvense in two forms. This gave a
good opportunity to study the branched ‘shade’ form (which may be confused with
E. sylvaticum) and the unbranched ‘unshaded’ form. Within a few paces the path ran
closer to the beck where our first stand of E. pratense was found.

At a point opposite Hunt Hall, at Close Bank (35/852303) a diligent search turned up one
small strand of E. variegatum on the base-rich, flushed bank. Further down the path
towards Saur Hill Bridge (35/854302) we passed a few stems of E. palustre, some
Athyrium filix-femina and, with some difficulty, a few scattered plants of Botrychium
lunaria. We refound the Selaginella selaginoides seen on the pre-meeting visit in May,
some small specimens of Dryopteris affinis and Athyrium filix-femina.

260

After crossing Saur Hill Bridge back onto the northern side of the beck we joined the
Pennine Way. The search of what would have been an island in a normal summer, at
35/855300, failed to rediscover the Equisetum variegatum that had been recorded
previously.

Back to the car park for lunch and then on to site 2. Parking just off the B6277 at the
Ettersgill road (35/893284) in a less than salubrious lay-by we walked back up the road,
passed the obligatory Pteridium aquilinum, and turned left down the track to cross the
bridge that lead back onto the Pennine Way. The bridge itself was bursting with ferns,
well almost. We clocked up Cystopteris fragilis, Polypodium vulgare, Asplenium
scolopendrium, A. adiantum-nigrum, A. ruta-muraria and A. trichomanes — presumed to
be subsp. quadrivalens, but no-one offered to be dangled by their ankles over the raging
torrent of the Tees to find out!

After crossing the bridge we found some ‘real’ Equisetum sylvaticum in a marshy area
around 35/889283. Despite being wet we could not find any E. palustre or E. fluviatile. At
this point we left the Pennine Way for private land within the National Nature Reserve,
with permission of the English Nature warden. This ‘non-path’ scrambled along the
western bank of the Tees through the deep valley cut by the retreating High Force
waterfall. This valley was densely clothed mainly in Birch (Betula pendula) woodland.

The first treat was a magnificent stand, well more of a forest in miniature, of Se/aginella
selaginoides, some unfurling Oreopteris limbosperma and both dark and pale rachis
forms of Athyrium filix-femina. The acidic nature of the woodland was demonstrated by
the presence of O. limbosperma, Gymnocarpium dryopteris, Blechnum spicant, and
Phegopteris connectilis. Tne ubiquitous Dryopteris dilatata and D. filix-mas were found
in several places. The D. dilatata surrounded a sizeable colony of D. carthusiana but
there was no evidence of any hybridisation between the two. Polypodium vulgare was
seen growing both epiphytically and on rock outcrops. Further colonies of Pteridium
aquilinum and Equisetum sylvaticum were also seen. As the woodland opened out
approaching High Force there were a number of rocky screes covered in large clumps of
Dryopteris affinis. Unfortunately these were not unfurled enough to make a
determination as to their morphotype(s). There were also some smaller ferns that could
possibly have been D. oreades. Both of these needed further checking, so a second visit
was proposed for a later date.

Soon after this scree area the ‘path’ passed a vertical cliff that, even in 1995, was
dripping with water. There was strong evidence that this was base-rich and influencing
the fern flora resulting in a strange mixture of calcicolous and calcifugous species. On
the acid side was Blechnum spicant and, interestingly, Huperzia selago. Some
Asplenium trichomanes were found, but they were small and few in number, so no
attempt was made to determine their subspecies. On the basic side were Cystopteris
fragilis, Asplenium trichomanes-ramosum and Polystichum aculeatum. After a steep
climb we saw the spectacular view of the ‘Force’ itself.

After a short rest it was on to site 3 at Stotley Grange, east of Middleton-in-Teesdale at
35/968263. Here, by kind permission of the owner, Mr Nigel Mitchell, we searched for
signs of what had been recorded as a large colony of Botrychium lunaria back in May
1992. Not so large in 1995. After much searching, crawling and desperate wishful
thinking one small plant was found, all 2cm of it. It may not have been spectacular, but it

confirmed the earlier record. On the brighter side, there was a bonus. Tucked away at
the bottom of a slight slope was an equally spectacular Ophioglossum vulgatum,
measuring up to a full 2.5cm.

Epilogue

As the majority of ferns were not fully expanded, a second party of members assembled
on the 29th July, mainly to collect Dryopteris affinis fronds for ‘Affinis Watch’, byt also
the probable D. oreades. The latter turned out to be a starved specimen of D. affinis.
Other changes included a total absence of Botrychium Junaria and Ophioglossum
vulgatum and a better record of Fi ee ll Mal al at she: 1 in a dried-up rill running
round the ‘would-be’ island.

r.

All-in-all a successful couple of days. =, Botrychium lunaria and Ophioglossum
vulgatum weren't so fickle!
Barry Wright

Ingleborough, North Yorkshire — 15 July. We met at Chapel le Dale (34/743777) to
continue a field study started last year of the Southerscales limestone pavement which
is part of the Ingleborough complex. The leader was Jack Bouckley and the visit was
made by kind permission of the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust and English Nature who jointly
own and maintain this area.

On the path leading up to the pavement we passed Asp/enium ruta-muraria,
A. scolopendrium, A. trichomanes subsp. quadrivalens, Cystopteris fragilis and
Dryopteris filix-mas. Once we got onto the pavement we soon found more of the ferns
seen on the footpath plus Asplenium trichomanes-ramosum (A. viride) (rare), Athyrium
filix-femina, Dryopteris affinis, D. dilatata, D. submontana, Gymnocarpium robertianum
and Polystichum aculeatum.

The weather was beautiful, with sunshine and a light breeze so we decided to sit down
on the very dry pavement to eat our packed lunches. As can be expected in this area
the weather suddenly changed and within seconds low cloud had rolled across and the
heavens opened as rain lashed down before we could get off the pavement. Owing to
the treacherous conditions when limestone is wet we continued our search on the
grassy ground to the east of the pavement where we found about seven small groups of
Botrychium lunaria.

It was a very successful day and all nine members really enjoyed themselves.

Jack Bouckley

Hack Fall Woods, Grewelthorpe, Ripon, North Yorkshire — 19 August. We were all
set for a field study in the Ripon area but unfortunately Bob Adams, who was to have led
us, was not fit and the venue had to be changed. Jack Bouckley took the group to Hack
Fall Woods (44/235775), repeating a trip we did years ago with Dr W. Sledge.

The woods are now owned by the Woodland Trust who gave us permission to search
the whole area without sticking to the paths. It was like a jungle in places but at least we
kept cool in spite of the blazing sunshine as we were shaded by trees. Pteridium
aquilinum was everywhere. Large clumps of Athyrium filix-femina and Dryopteris affinis
subspp. borreri and affinis were dotted about. As we got deeper into the woods
D. dilatata and D. filix-mas became more plentiful and there were some very large

262

stands of Equisetum telmateia and many plants of Blechnum spicant. We were just
thinking about stopping for some lunch when Ann Robbins spotted a small plant almost
hidden in the undergrowth which turned out to be Gymnocarpium dryopteris. What a
wonderful find!

After lunch we saw what appeared to be Polypodium interjectum growing on a fallen tree
and then, not more than a hundred yards away, were masses of Asplenium
scolopendrium. We did not see Polystichum aculeatum or Phegopteris connectilis which
we know are there, but maybe we will have better luck next time.

Jack Bouckley

Bingley, Yorkshire — 15 September. “Felix humilis repens, fol. pellucidus et
splendentibus, caule” (Small creeping fern with splendid translucent leaves and winged
stalks). So John Ray described Trichomanes speciosum in his Synopsis of British Plants
(1724) when a Dr Richardson found it “...... in a little dark cavern, under a dripping rock,
below the spring of Elm Crag well in Bell Bank .... In this place | saw it in plenty in the
year 1758 ...... ” (J. Bolton in Filices Britannicarum, 1785). It was thought to be extinct by
around 1800, but no-one then could foresee the discovery of independent
hymenophyllaceous gametophytes in the U.S.A. in the 1970s, nor that the
gametophytes of the almost extinct 7. speciosum would be subsequently found in more
than 70 British localities.

It was at St Ives, just outside Bingley, and close to Bell Bank, that seven of us met to
hunt local ferns in general and T. speciosum in particular, led by Richard Unett, ably
abetted by Jack Bouckley. First, in the morning, we explored along a network of
extremely well sign-posted footpaths around the St Ives estate, these days a turf
research station, golf-course and rather ordinary, managed woodland. Among the trees
the dominant ferns were predictably bracken (Pteridium aquilinum) and Dryopteris
dilatata, with scattered D. filix-mas and Athyrium filix-femina. In the mortar of a wall
behind the big house were two Asp/enium scolopendrium and a few A. trichomanes
subsp. quadrivalens, so the pteridophyte flora was pretty ordinary.

However, we were soon animated by the discovery of an enormous Dryopteris affinis
with fronds a good metre long and dead fronds packed around the bases of the
numerous crowns. It had dark green fronds with long, serrated, round-tipped pinnules
against the rachis, and the term ‘robusta’ crept into our thoughts but, properly cautious,
we decided to await confirmation from the frond Jack took to send to ‘Affinis Watch’. We
attempted to explore the bog at the end of a substantial anglers’ lake but found not a
single fern where we were able to penetrate the rhododendron forest that it has become.
The long task of reclaiming the bog is currently under way, but it will take a long time to
finish. We completed a circuit of the estate with no new fern finds and adjourned for
lunch at the Brown Cow in Bingley. The beer, Timothy Taylor's, was excellent, and the
platefuls humungous — just ask Betsy Kohler about her gammon!

Just four of us returned to scour Bell Bank for T. speciosum. Jack had visited the site
some years before with Clive and co. but it seemed at first that his memory would not
serve us well. The woods were complicated, and the previous party had approached
from the opposite direction, so when we quite easily found the place using Jack’s
memory we happily apologised for ever doubting it. As we crashed around in the rocky
undergrowth we encountered two further distinct D. affinis morphotypes, one specimen
of borreri and another, in some number, which requires expert determination.

263

Les

photo: F. Rumsey

Trichomanes speciosum collected by Richardson in the early 18th century.
Specimen in Sloane Herbarium, Natural History Museum, London.

Though we’d found the spot where Richardson and other 18th century botanists had
seen plentiful Trichomanes, and where others have seen gametophytes, we were
unable to confirm either. The former was not to be expected, but the latter could well
have been there, adhering to the roof of the little cave, right at the back, but the water
was deep and none of us willing to get a soaking. If the gametophytes had been on the
accessible parts of the roof, then the 1995 drought had got them. | suspect that they
were right at the back in the low light levels they love so, and where only the most
amphibious pteridologist would see them.

For my part, | was very happy to have visited this historical place where T. speciosum
used to grow, described by so many early botanists and still evidenced by Richardson's
herbarium specimen which | have had the privilege of seeing.

James Merryweather

WESSEX Jim Jarvis

Wye Valley, Gloucs./Gwent — 5 August. Bigsweir Wood (32/544056), owned by the
Woodland Trust, is regarded as one of the most important areas of semi-natural
woodland in the Wye Valley. It was very pleasant on this hot day but ferns were few in
number. We saw Athyrium filix-femina, Blechnum spicant, Dryopteris affinis, D. filix-mas,
D. dilatata and Pteridium aquilinum.

We crossed the river into Wales and after lunch walked through Bargain Wood,
Cleddon, Llandogo and back to the car park. Cleddon Falls is a tiny stream dropping
very steeply down the side of the valley to the Wye. By the falls it was cool and damp
with plenty of ferns. We found Polypodium interjectum and Polystichum setiferum at the

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top of the reserve and Asplenium scolopendrium, Athyrium filix-femina, Blechnum
spicant, Dryopteris affinis, D. dilatata and the inevitable Pteridium aquilinum on the way
down. A few of the D. affinis were very different from the prevailing morph. borreri; after
much frond twisting and page turning we settled for morph. paleaceolobata. Away from
the water the drought was beginning to take its toll, the aspleniums on the walls in
Llandogo and by the roadside on the walk back up the hill were suffering badly and even
the ferns in the woodland were starting to flag. | expect this year’s losses will become
next year’s distribution puzzle.

Forest of Dean, Gloucs. — 6 August. | had intended to look at a number of disused
limestone quarries in the Mitcheldean and Huntley area because they are geologically
interesting, have some ferns growing in them and on the rock-faces and are home to
other interesting plants. When my wife and | visited the sites earlier in the year it had
been cooler and we had found greater butterfly orchid, the promise of autumn gentian
and discovered that the best site is an old domestic refuse landfill. Saturday had been
hot and Sunday promised to be hotter. | was joined by the Craddocks, Mr and Mrs
Matthews and a Gloucester Naturalist who wished to brush up on ferns.

The prospect of all that rubbish in the heat was too much, so | changed my mind and we
walked the ferny tourist trail east of Coleford: Cannop, Wimberry Slade, Bixhead and
Spion Kop Quarries and back to Cannop Ponds (32/6010). The area is suffering from
people pressure — the secret places now have well worn cycle tracks through them;
fortunately the ferns don’t seem too bothered yet. The Gymnocarpium dryopteris seems
to be retreating, the Equisetum sylvaticum has expanded and the possibility of the
Asplenium trichomanes being subsp. trichomanes is still contested.

| was shown marsh pennywort flowers by the Gloucester Naturalist and for some
strange reason that made my day.

Frome Valley, Stroud, Gloucs. — 3 September. It was a pleasant Sunday afternoon
walk from Pinbury Park (32/963054) to Sapperton, Daneway, Dorvel Wood and back to
the cars. There are not many ferns but there is Gymnocarpium robertianum growing on
the portal of the canal tunnel at Sapperton and there are some large Polystichum
aculeatum on the banks of the Old Pack Road where it drops down to the stream at
Pinbury. Altogether we saw Asplenium ruta-muraria, A. scolopendrium, A. trichomanes,
Dryopteris dilatata, D. filix-mas, Gymnocarpium robertianum, Polypodium interjectum,
Polystichum aculeatum, P. setiferum and Pteridium aquilinum.

The colony of Gymnocarpium robertianum is seriously threatened by the antics of a local
‘Conservation Group’ so | was very pleased when the right people turned up for the
meeting because to date my protests have gone unheeded. This year the Gloucester
Naturalists were ornithologists and fungus fanciers. It was too early for mushrooms but
the twittering birds in the tree tops were definitely nuthatches! Next year | will take
binoculars.

SOUTH-EAST
Oxshott Heath and West End Common, Esher, Surrey — 17 June. Sixteen members
from the South-East group gathered at Oxshott Station for a day amongst the

pteridophytes of Oxshott Heath and West End Common. It was a mild but overcast day
which saw some rain during the afternoon. The meeting had been arranged by Steve

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Munyard, and was led by Brian Spooner, who has a long-standing interest in the natural
history of the Commons around Oxshott and Esher. Armed with a list, provided by the
leader, of the 21 species of ferns and fern allies recorded from the area, the group set
off for the damper areas of the Heath in search of ferns, some of which had been
unrecorded for many years.

Drier parts of the Common, suffering from lack of management and invasion of pines,
had seen substantial loss in diversity of flowering plants but, in the damper parts,
notably along the drainage ditches, many of the ferns listed were found. These included
Oreopteris limbosperma, first recorded in 1984, and now refound in two localities near
Oxshott Bog. In addition, Osmunda regalis, considered to be native in this site, was
confirmed, with plants of various age being noted. Other worthwhile records from here
were Dryopteris carthusiana and D. affinis morphotype borreri, the latter species
unrecorded since 1961.

After a short visit to ‘The Prince of Wales’ at West End for a much needed hot lunch, the
party moved to West End Common for the afternoon. Here a fine stand of Equisetum
fluviatile was recorded, resplendent with full complements of symmetrical side branches.
This species was seen again in its more usual form around Chequers Pond, an old pond
long known for flowering plant rarities such as Oenanthe fistulosa and Hypericum
elodes. Nearby in the damp woodland close to West End Lane was noted a candidate
for Dryopteris x deweveri, of particular interest as this hybrid has not previously been
recorded from the Commons. Elsewhere in the damper parts many fine specimens of
D. carthusiana were observed as well as the more usual woodland ferns. It proved an
interesting meeting, with 11 species being recorded in all.

Pat Acock & Brian Spooner

Petersfield, Hampshire — 15 July. The second South-East meeting was held on this
drizzly Saturday, led by the enthusiastic Andrew Leonard. The first stop was a hanger
near Ashford Chace, Steep, Petersfield (41/735265), where there was a wealth of ferns
for the 14 BPS members and guests to investigate. We discovered fine specimens of
Polystichum setiferum and P. aculeatum, a plant of the hybrid, P. x bicknellii, and
colonies of excellent undulating Asplenium scolopendrium. Several wild maples were
home to Polypodium interjectum high up in between the branches and Dryopteris
dilatata was seen growing from a tree-trunk. A D. affinis morphotype affinis plant was
found sporting fronds five feet long. We enjoyed a walk down a neighbouring lane
(41/748304) to a quaint old mill house where we were able to see D. affinis, Polystichum
aculeatum, large athyriums and Asplenium scolopendrium.

The high point of the day was seeing a flint wall full of A. ceterach in the village of Upper
Farringdon, south of Alton (41/708352). There were literally hundreds of plants though
some had suffered from the drought. A crested specimen became the centre of attention
and several people tried to obtain spores.

After a pub lunch we visited a number of wall sites and disused railway bridges near
Bailey Green (41/6727 + 6728). There we saw colonies of Asplenium trichomanes,
A. adiantum-nigrum, Polypodium interjectum and more hart’s tongues. It was a very
interesting day that had been well researched and planned by Andrew.

Tim Brock

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Harrow, Middlesex — 14 October. On this unseasonably warm autumn morning 20
members met in Stanmore in the London Borough of Harrow. Ferns are generally
scarce in Middlesex but our leader, Howard Matthews, had some interesting sites lined
up for us. He first took us down a path adjacent to Lower Priory Farm (51/154923).
Here, on the banks of a small stream, was a profusion of Asplenium scolopendrium with
some Polystichum setiferum and Dryopteris filix-mas.

Bentley Priory Local Nature Reserve, an SSSI, was explored next (51/158923). After
admiring the unusual long-horned cattle grazing near the Reserve’s entrance, we saw
D. filix-mas, a single plant of D. dilatata, Polypodium interjectum, Polystichum setiferum
and Asplenium scolopendrium growing on the rocky slope down to Summerhouse Lake
A few intrepid members crossed on to the small island, adding Dryopteris affinis to the
list. It was interesting to see so many hornbeams in the wood; other trees included horse
chestnut, beech, hawthorn, birch and oak. The largest oak in Middlesex, said to be 400
years old with a girth of about nine metres, was magnificent.

The grassland we passed through is apparently home to Ophioglossum vulgatum. In
early summer numerous fronds are visible, tiny in size due to the heavy grazing.
Scrubby areas supported two-metre high plants of Equisetum telmateia as well as more
Dryopteris affinis (? subsp. affinis), D. filix-mas and D. dilatata. We completed the circuit
to the cars, passing a fallow deer enclosure.

After lunching at the Case Is Altered public house we moved to Harrow Weald Common
and Grimsdyke Open Space (51/142927). The woods here comprised mainly oak,
beech, sweet chestnut and rhododendron, with bracken the commonest fern. Some of
the species seen were relicts of Victorian planting -— Osmunda regalis, a finely divided
Polystichum setiferum and Onoclea sensibilis. The latter was a new record, discovered
in one of the wetter areas by Pat Acock. Dryopteris dilatata, D. filix-mas and Athyrium
filix-femina were also found, and Asplenium scolopendrium grew on a wall. The garden
of the Grimsdyke Hotel (former home of W.S. Gilbert) additionally contained Polystichum
setiferum ‘Divisilobum’; large plants of Asplenium trichomanes subsp. quadrivalens were
growing in the mortar of the walls and there was Osmunda regalis over three metres tall
in the ditch behind the garden wall.

Away from the garden, on the bank of a ditch, Howard showed us the only plant of
Blechnum spicant known in Middlesex. This had apparently grown from spores in the
soil after the original plant had ‘gone missing’. The ditch banks also supported
Dryopteris dilatata, D. affinis subsp. borreri and Equisetum sylvaticum. The horsetail
was apparently declining, possibly due to ditch clearance. However, Pat found plenty
more in the field over the fence ... and another plant of B. spicant.

Howard’s garden in South Harrow contains a wealth of ferns. The lists we were given
detailing the whereabouts of every variety (c.120) helped each of us find plants of
special interest. Failing light drove us indoors where we partook of the delicious spread
prepared for us by Howard’s wife — thank you Tina. The four garter snakes belonging to
their son were an added attraction. Slides of Gomera (Canary Islands), Andalucia
(Spain), Italy and Pembrokeshire, presented by Graham Ackers, Pat Acock and Howard,
drew the day to a fitting close. Many thanks to Howard for a very well organised,
interesting and enjoyable day.

Alison Paul

EAST ANGLIA Margaret Nimmo-Smith

Chalkney Wood, near Earls Colne, Essex — 12 August. Ten of us met at the car park
(52/871280) to explore this mixed Forestry Commission wood. We found Dryopteris
filix-mas and D. dilatata almost immediately in a large area that had been coppiced. One
plant of D. affinis subsp. borreri was found. We walked down to a path on the eastern
edge and discovered a very wet hillside with many plants of D. dilatata growing on
tree-stumps and drier decaying branches on the ground. Here also we found several
plants of D. carthusiana. Returning to the path we passed a patch of Equisetum arvense
and a large stand of Pteridium aquilinum. A picnic lunch was consumed before retiring to
the local pub.

In the afternoon we reassembled at Honeysuckle Cottage, Halstead Road, Aldham,
where Vivien Green and her sister served us tea while we enjoyed the many ferns
packed into this small garden. Despite the dry summer, the ferns were looking superb
and there were many fine specimens of Polystichum setiferum varieties: in particular
good divisilobums, perserratums and congestums. She also has a range of other ferns
including scollie cultivars, Dryopteris varieties and foreign hardy ferns.

Our thanks go to Tim Pyner for leading the morning visit and to Vivien Green and her
sister for their hospitality.

ickworth House and Higham Grove, near Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk — 1 October.
Five of us gathered in the car park of Ickworth House (52/816615) which is a National
Trust property. It is surrounded by extensive parkland with woodland, but we were to
explore the formal garden, termed the Italian Garden, at the rear of the house. En route
we passed a planting of native ferns moved from the parkland woods: large plants of
Dryopteris filix-mas and D. affinis subsp. borreri. Crossing into the Italian Garden we
saw part of a substantial sculpture exhibition by Elizabeth Frink and also two unusual
fountains. Our destination was the Stumpery bounded by substantial box hedges: a
development of a Wilderness garden with arrangements of tree-stumps planted with
ferns, ivies and evergreen shrubs, particularly box, as the garden holds the National
Collection of Buxus. Most of the ivies and other plants were labelled but not the ferns, so
| was bidden to label them. They were mostly the commoner cultivars of British ferns but
included one or two plants probably from other National Trust properties such as an
unidentified Pellaea which was obviously hardy. Altogether this garden is worth visiting
as apart from the ferns and the box collection, it contains one of the best collections of
hardy evergreen shrubs that | have seen.

Lunch was eaten in the car park where we were joined by the Craddocks. We then
drove to Higham Grove (52/751647) between Barrow and the A14. We were met by the
owner who conducted us around the wood, mainly oak with Thuja as a maiden crop
planted just post-war, on what had been an ancient woodland site. We found many
plants of Dryopteris filix-mas and D. dilatata, and after some searching found a few
plants of D. affinis subsp. borreri. Just before completing our tour, we found one large
plant of Athyrium filix-femina although it had obviously suffered considerably in the
summer drought.

We then visited Marie and Geoff Winder’s garden in Barrow (52/772639), which proved
to have some good established ferns, particularly polypodies and polystichums. We all

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examined the pots of sporelings coming on, some from the Spore Exchange, and the
many pots of Cyclamen, another of Geoff's interests. We were then given a substantial
tea and shown a video of /dropterus nephrolepis, an aphid which is found on the Boston
fern, Nephrolepis exaltata. Many thanks indeed to Geoff and Marie for organising an
interesting meeting and providing such excellent hospitality.

Cambridge Social — 12 November. At our annual social meeting at Margaret Nimmo-
Smith’s house members were able to explore the garden, do a fern quiz compiled by
Margaret, see slides, swap ferns and consume tea.

NORTH-WEST

Holker Hall Show — Taking our Lake District ferns to the public — 2-4 June. The
North-West Group was asked to contribute a display to the 1995 Great Garden and
Countryside Festival held annually at Holker Hall in the southern Lake District during the
first week in June. Set in its beautiful parkland surroundings, this increasingly popular
three-day show attracts exhibitors and visitors from throughout the country. We were
both honoured and slightly overawed to be asked to participate in such an event.
However, with the gauntlet at our feet the challenge was boldly accepted and members
gathered for a pre-show ‘think tank’ (and an excellent tea, for which this Group is fast
gaining a reputation!). From this meeting we decided firstly to promote our local Lake
District fern species and secondly, to enable visitors to participate within the display.

Entitled ‘Our Lake District Ferns — how to know them and grow them’, we adopted a
simple 5m bench stand, with a central plinth and a black/white theme, in order to display
our ferns to their best advantage. The plinth, draped in an ancient, moss-green chenille
curtain, provided information on the place of the fern in history and pre-history, including
mention of the venerability of ferns and the Victorian fern passion. This part of the
display was fronted by a graphic and living example of the various stages of a fern’s life-
cycle and was crowned by a superb specimen of Osmunda regalis, representing a fern
form of 280 million years ago. Flanking this ‘ancient’ plant were, | should imagine, two of
the largest and finest Asplenium marinum in cultivation. On one side of the plinth
examples of most of the fern species indigenous to the Lake District were displayed in
terracotta pots. On the other side were displayed fine specimens of typical local fern
forms for people to identify in a ‘Cryptic Fern Competition’, along with information about
the BPS and other fern matters. All the plants, pots and labels were provided by Group
members and were of real ‘show’ quality, despite the earliness of the fern season.
Several of the plants so generously loaned were permitted to go to new homes after the
show, providing some delighted members with much coveted new fern species. Titles
and graphics, because of the educational nature of the exhibit, were kindly funded by
the Percy Greenfield Fund of the BPS. This was an invaluable contribution, permitting a
professional looking finish to our stand.

Proof of the success of our exhibit came not only in the form of a Silver-Gilt Award to the
North-West Group (and the lingering attention of the judges), but also in the almost
instantaneous interest of fellow exhibitors as we were putting the finishing touches to the
display. The overwhelming interest in our stand from show visitors was surely an
intimation of the increasing interest in ferns that has been rekindled nationally and
Group members manning the display were kept busy with questions and stimulating
discussions on local ferns, garden ferns, fern conservation and the role of the BPS.

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The greatest moment of the Show for me was hearing of a piece of a hundred year old
planting of Osmunda regalis that a show visitor had thrown out of their garden! As a
result, a trip to the other side of the Cumbrian Mountains produced a rootstock of about
0.75m tall that could only be lifted with difficulty. Fortunately the Land-rover was able to
carry this ‘monster fern, and several of its ‘pups’ straight to its planting site beside the
newly restored pond in the steep woodland garden behind Brantwood House. | am
looking forward with anticipation to the full potential of this wonderful plant being
realised and in the meantime, the North-West Group are planning already for Holker ‘96.

Sally Beamish

Brantwood, Coniston, Cumbria — 17 June. One of the national field meetings during
the Society’s Centenary year included a visit to Brantwood, best known as John
Ruskin’s home beside Coniston Water and less well known as the earlier home of
W.J. Linton, author of The Ferns of the English Lake Country (1875). Sally Beamish, the
Head Gardener, had outlined plans to develop a garden of native fern species, forms
and cultivars and had sought members’ assistance in finding the ferns for its planting
(Bulletin 4(2): 74). The following year, writing in the Pteridologist (2(3): 137-138), Sally
explained the history and detailed plans for developing what was to be called ‘The
Linton Fern Garden’.

Against that background, the North-West Group were delighted to be invited to
Brantwood this year. Twenty members found that the very small Brantwood garden
staff, ably assisted by a team of volunteers, had made great progress, firstly, by clearing
considerable areas of the Rhododendron ponticum scrub on the steep west-facing slope
behind Brantwood House; secondly, by planting many ferns; and thirdly, by starting new
coppice planting to provide shelter and enclosure for the ferns. This latter work will
restore ‘Brantwood Coppice’, the original title for this part of the garden.

The list of different ferns now growing at Brantwood totals over 160 and includes 21
Asplenium, 25 Athyrium filix-femina, 40 Dryopteris, 28 Polypodium and 32 Polystichum.
A very high percentage of these are cultivars, for example, of ten Dryopteris affinis none
are identified as morphotypes and nine are cultivars. Here is a wonderful opportunity for
one of the Society’s D. affinis specialists to provide Brantwood with specimens of the
morphotypes. Little doubt that Sally would welcome such additions to the collection
which is primarily designed to educate visitors. In fact such an assembly would help
many of the less-informed BPS members (and there are many of us who fall into that
category). Correct labelling and identification is important in this collection and is of
constant concern to the Brantwood staff who openly welcome advice. Unfortunately, as
shown during the NW Group’s visit, opinions as to the correct names of cultivars in
particular often vary even between the most knowledgeable.

The development of the fern garden has not been easy. Many of the ferns are
comparatively young plants and will take time to establish themselves. Meanwhile,
being in an open natural environment, there is a wild life to endure. Even the occasional
visit by deer can create havoc. Strangely, they seem to take great delight in uprooting
Polypodium — it is fortunate that these are tough enough to recover when replanted.
Despite all difficulties, Brantwood is assembling a superb collection and it was a joy to
be able to examine leisurely so many ferns in one place. Not every listed item is yet in
the Linton Fern Garden, some are being tended in a nursery area. These will further
enhance the fern beds at a later date. It is particularly noteworthy that the majority of

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specimens have either come from leading fern nurseries whose owners are BPS
members or from other members of the Society. As the plants mature it will surely
become a magnificent garden.

The group then visited the nursery and later walked the shore of Coniston Water before
turning across the shore road into the fields leading to Beck Level Gorge. Progress up
the gorge was difficult and as a result the party split —- the brave progressing up the
watercourse and the less brave along the higher bank. The gorge revealed Polystichum
setiferum, Gymnocarpium dryopteris, Phegopteris connectilis, and to the most
adventurous who dared to venture to the head of the gorge, Hymenophyllum wilsonii.

From the gorge, the return journey was again across fields into woodland. There were
large drifts of ferns including Athyrium filix-femina, Dryopteris affinis, D. filix-mas,
D. dilatata and Oreopteris limbosperma. Unfortunately there was only time for a very
cursory examination of this fern assembly. However, one particularly large plant,
obviously a hybrid, stood out. It was assumed that this was the Dryopteris x complexa
found during the 1991 Centenary visit and nobody now dared question the identification
given by that august gathering!

The final treat was the large pond that had been reconstructed and relined with a clay
bottom, which was home to thousands of tadpoles whose presence blackened the
water. It was all guarded by a splendid Osmunda regalis.

The visit to Brantwood had been most informative and very enjoyable. Our special
thanks go to Sally for hosting us for the day. We have great admiration for the work she
is doing at Brantwood and recommend other members support the Linton Fern Garden
project whenever possible.

Eric Baker

St Bees Head, Whitehaven, Cumbria — 1 July. St Bees Head, whose red sandstone
cliffs rise to a height of nearly 100m, lies four miles south-west of Whitehaven and about
twelve miles north-west of the nuclear installations of Sellafield. It is, nevertheless, a
most attractive site, rich in wild flowers, home to numerous cliff-nesting seabirds and
with magnificent views.

Fourteen members gathered in Sandwith village on a quiet, grey morning before driving
up the narrow private road to Tarnflat Hall (25/948146) where cars were parked. From
here the route followed lanes and tracks over the top of the headland where large
numbers of common ferns were seen, including Dryopteris filix-mas, D. affinis,
D. dilatata and Athyrium filix-femina. Even at this stage of the summer some ferns
appeared to be suffering from lack of moisture. The route now descended steeply to the
rocky shore of Fleswick Bay where there are many plants of Asplenium marinum, most
of them growing under overhangs, some of them deep in the gloomy recesses of a cave.
Having explored the shore we climbed the cliff path north of the bay, passing colourful
displays of dyer’s greenweed (Genista tinctoria) and bloody cranesbill (Geranium
sanguineum) before stopping for lunch.

The sun was out and the afternoon warm as we continued along the cliff tops enjoying
fine views of fulmars, guillemots, razorbills, kittiwakes and other seabirds. Just north of
the lighthouse the sheer cliffs are replaced by very steep grassy slopes descending to
the sea and here a small colony of Dryopteris aemula was found and admired. This fern

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is extremely rare in Cumbria, having been seen recently at only two other sites in the
county.

After a further break for refreshment and debate we turned inland and back to the farm,
finding a nice collection of Asp/enium ferns on the walls and farm buildings
(A. trichomanes, A. ruta-muraria, A. adiantum-nigrum and A. scolopendrium). This
brought our total count of fern species up to 14.

Mike Porter

Reginald Kaye Ltd, Waithman Nurseries, Silverdale, Lancs. — 22 July. A party of
about forty was welcomed to the Nursery by Dominic Kaye who explained that he
intended to devote the morning to a series of three demonstrations on the propagation
of ferns, to be followed in the afternoon by a tour of the gardens and nursery facilities.

Propagation from spores. Members were given a full demonstration of the sequence
starting with compost sterilisation and sowing the spores, followed by a detailed account
of the aftercare needed to produce established plants. There was some discussion of
the long-term viability of spores and it was agreed that some species do show extremely
long viability, though others, such as Osmunda have green spores which need to be
sown fresh for success. In general, storage in a cold, dry environment was suggested.
Individuals were then given the opportunity to sow some spores for themselves, Dominic
having thoughtfully organised a considerable array of the necessary facilities.

Propagation from leaf bases. This method was illustrated using a mature specimen of
Asplenium scolopendrium ‘Crispum’. It was made clear that this technique is particularly
applicable for ferns which do not come true from spores, as it ensures the production of
plants genetically identical to the parent. It is a much more productive method of
propagation than division. It was pointed out that the parent fern used for the
demonstration could be replanted with little or no loss of size or vigour. Members were
again given an opportunity to test their own skill with a stock of leaf bases from the same
fern.

Propagation from bulbils. The fern selected for this method was a Polystichum
plumosum ‘Divisilobum’ on which the bulbils were not fully developed. It was pointed out
that such an operation would be better carried out in October when the bulbils would be
more prominent and offer more chance of success.

Garden tour. After lunch members were conducted round the propagation and growing
tunnels by Dominic, who provided an instructive commentary giving an insight into the
production of ferns and other plants in a specialist nursery. The new resources designed
and erected by the nursery staff should give great scope for expansion and
improvement. The party were then led on a comprehensive tour of the old gardens
which are packed with a fascinating variety of hardy ferns consisting largely, of course,
of Reginald Kaye’s collection but with some interesting new additions.

The visit concluded with a well-deserved vote of thanks to the Kayes for their
remarkable hospitality to the NW Group.
Melville Thomson

Basic Fern Identification Day, Crosthwaite, Kendal, Cumbria — 6 August. Robert
Sykes organised this joint meeting with members of the Cumbria Wildlife Trust. Eight of

the CWT and 22 members of the BPS North-West Group met at his Crosthwaite home
in time for coffee. Robert then explained the details of the typical fern life-cycle and how
to identify the genera and species we might hope to find in Cumbria. He had an
impressive array of fronds of all the major taxa which were handed round for close
examination. Refreshed by cold drinks and biscuits and armed with our newly aquired
expertise we set off for Whitbarrow Scar.

We approached the CWT Hervey Reserve from The Howe; this easier gradient
thankfully expended less energy on this exceptionally hot day. During our walk through
woodland we found Athyrium filix-femina, Dryopteris filix-mas and Pteridium aquilinum
alongside the path and a fine Polystichum aculeatum on a damp rock-face. Once on the
Reserve we crossed grassland towards the summit at the Lords Seat (34/440870)
where we ate our lunch admiring the extensive views. This was in complete contrast to
our Centenary visit when in walking just a few paces we lost our neighbours in the mist.

We then had a happy and rewarding time searching the face of the limestone pavement
where ferns grew in profusion. Within the grykes Asp/lenium trichomanes subsp.
quadrivalens, A. ruta-muraria, A. scolopendrium, Cystopteris fragilis, Dryopteris
submontana, Gymnocarpium robertianum and Polypodium interjectum were common.
We looked for Asp/enium trichomanes-ramosum but only Robert was successful and the
plant had just a single frond. | believe A. ceterach was also found.

Arriving back at Crosthwaite well contented with the day, some reluctantly departed
while the rest enjoyed a delicious home-made tea and a tour of Robert's ferns. We all
thank Sue and Robert for their hospitality.

Cynthia Kelsall

Hutton Roof Crags, Lancs. - 16 September. This limestone area is just as deeply
eroded as Great Asby Scar which we visited last year, but lower in height (max. 274m)
and with much more vegetation cover. Nineteen members assembled at 34/552788.
This is a spot height of 192m so the climb to the summit was not very long or steep
though the going underfoot was tricky in places.

Our path led us through a profusion of Pteridium aquilinum but we soon began to see
‘real’ ferns. Dryopteris submontana grew well in the open and every boulder had its
community of Asplenium scolopendrium, A. trichomanes and A. ruta-muraria. A little
higher up Cystopteris fragilis began to appear and several clumps of Dryopteris filix-mas
were also noted, though none of the latter had reached any great size. In this part of
England we usually expect to see Gymnocarpium robertianum in sheltered grykes but
here it was found flourishing in several quite open locations on a north-facing slope.
Higher up we saw it in its more usual places. Also here, and in other more open spots,
we recorded Dryopteris affinis subsp. affinis.

As we ascended a little we entered an area of patchy, low growing ash, rowan and other
trees, with juniper bushes in some numbers. It was in this more sheltered environment
that we began to find quantities of Polypodium interjectum which is commoner locally
than P. vulgare, some isolated examples of Asplenium trichomanes-ramosum and fine
specimens of Polystichum aculeatum. We did not expect to find Blechnum spicant, a
marked calcifuge, but several specimens were found in dips where leaf-mould had
accumulated and an acid ‘mini-environment’ had presumably formed.

273

photo: M. Garstang

Phillip Edwards, Nan Hicks, Bernice Owen, Eileen & Jim Adams, George Huse, Dennis &
Margaret Weir, Jack Garstang and Robert Crawford at Hutton Roof Crags limestone pavement.

No field trip is without its problems of identification and we had two. First, had we found
Polypodium cambricum? A frond was taken for examination and the microscope
revealed that we had. This was a good find but not a new species for the tetrad. Our
second puzzle concerned what looked like a tiny Asplenium scolopendrium, two clumps
of which were found within a few metres of each other, in each case in association with
normal A. scolopendrium. No-one could name it for certain so a frond was sent to Jack
Bouckley. | quote his reply, "for recording purposes it should be listed as
A. scolopendrium ‘Muricato-marginatum’ (minute form)”. We think this is a first for the
re

This was a very interesting and rewarding outing and we thank Mike Porter for arranging
and leading it.
Peter Hindle

AGM, Holehird, Windermere, Cumbria — 14 October. Thirty-four members assembled
for our second AGM. The meetings reports showed another good year and our thanks
are due to the leaders. Formal business was dealt with swiftly and efficiently and was
followed by a discussion on ideas for the 1996 programme.

Dr Trevor Piearce then gave a fascinating talk, accompanied with slides, on ‘The
Victorian Fern Craze’, this being augmented with a display of Victorian fern books and
objets d'art.

Winners of the competition held were: (a) Potted Fern — Nan Hicks, (b) Fern Crossword
— Peter Hindle. After an enjoyable tea provided by members, the meeting closed at

4.30 p.m.
Peter Hindle

SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS

FOREIGN HARDY FERN GROUP A.R. Busby

| am pleased to report that this new Group has attracted sixteen members subscribing
£2 per year. | have managed to circulate one newsletter which featured an illustration of
an incised form of Polystichum munitum and several short articles by members on their
experiences with growing foreign hardy ferns. Another newsletter is planned for the end
of the year. Anyone wishing to join this specialist group should write to the General
Secretary.

AQUATIC PTERIDOPYHTE GROUP J.M. Ide

Seventeen members from 11 countries have expressed an interest in joining this group.
It is hoped that the first newsletter will be published by the end of 1995. Anyone else
interested in joining the group should contact Jennifer Ide, 42 Crown Woods Way,
Eltham, London SE9 2NN.

TREE-FERN GROUP M.H. Rickard

For various reasons this group has been slow to get off the ground but | hope that by the
time you read this note a first newsletter will have been circulated. If you are interested
in joining the group please let me know — Martin Rickard, Kyre Park, Kyre, Tenbury
Wells, Worcs. WR15 8RP, tel. 01885-410282, fax 01885-410398.

FILMY FERN GROUP S.J. Munyard

It is proposed to set up a group for those with a special interest in filmy ferns. The likely
aims of the group will be (a) to exchange ideas and experiences relating to the
Cultivation and propagation of these species, (b) to compile a database of interested
members and also the species in cultivation, (c) in time, to exchange these plants which
require such specialised conditions for growth. Will any members wishing to receive
further details please contact Steve Munyard at 234 Harold Road, Hastings, East
Sussex TN35 5NG.

THE AMERICAN FERN SOCIETY INC.

The AFS wishes to extend an invitation to readers of this Bulletin to join the American
Fern Society. Regular members receive the Fiddlehead Forum six times a year. This
newsletter is published for the benefit of those who are interested in growing ferns,
hunting for them, and expanding their knowledge of ferns. Journal members receive, in
addition to Fiddlehead Forum, the scientific quarterly American Fern Journal.
Membership costs $11 and $20 per annum repectively, including overseas postage ($14
and $31 if airmail postage required). For particulars please write to Dr Richard L. Hauke,
456 McGill Place, Atlanta, Georgia 30312 USA. Prospective members residing in Great
Britain should write to Miss A.M. Paul, Dept. of Botany, The Natural History Museum,
Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD.

275

MALVERN SPRING SHOW - 5-7 May A.R. Busby

Due to personal circumstances | was unable to lend my full weight to the preparation
and manning of the Society’s stand at Malvern this year. Thankfully, once again, Ray
and Brenda Smith, and John and Margaret Collins stepped into the breach and ensured
that the stand was suitably furnished to give an excellent impression of the Society’s
interests and activities to the gardening public.

Due to the early date of this show it is difficult to provide many hardy ferns for the stand
so about 70% of the ferns used are indoor, with the remaining 30% represented by
some British and foreign hardy ferns. However, as always our ‘jewel in the crown’ was a
superb display of Cheilanthes kindly supplied by Clive Brotherton.

The stand generated much interest and we enrolled one member at the stand and one
or two more shortly afterwards. Considering the present interest in the cultivation of
ferns it is surprising that we do not enrol more people. One would think that the RHS
shows would be very fertile ground for obtaining new members. It seems that folk are
keen to include some ferns in their gardens but are not sufficiently interested to join us
and learn more about these fascinating plants.

My thanks to all the members who called to say hello but especially to Ray and Brenda
Smith, John and Margaret Collins, Alan Ogden and Clive and Doreen Brotherton for
setting up and manning the stand and generally carrying the burden. More help is
always required and members interested in assisting us with next year’s stand should
contact the Secretary immediately.

SOUTHPORT FLOWER SHOW - 17-19 August A.R. Busby

It was a very different Victoria Park that awaited exhibitors and visitors to this year’s
Southport Flower Show. Since last year’s show, lots of money has been spent on new
roads, improved entrances and more importantly, a proper drainage system. The latter
by far the most welcome improvement.

Considering the intensely hot summer both before and during the show, the quality of
the fern exhibits was quite good, with only minor damage evident on some exhibits.
News of Brian Russ’s hospitalisation due to a heart attack cast a shadow over the fern
fraternity but Brian had insisted that his ferns should be exhibited anyway and so they
were, thanks to Dave Kershaw. The quality of presentation continues to improve and it is
gratifying to see well grown plants presented well.

This year’s judge was A.R. Busby. The prize winners are listed below.

Class 6 Individual Championship: Four hardy, two greenhouse, two foreign hardy
ferns: 1st Mrs A.G. Beenham, 2nd Mrs E.A. Gibbs, 3rd R.J. Smith (4
entries)

Class 7 Three Hardy British Ferns (dissimilar): 1st R.J. Smith, 2nd Mrs E.A. Gibbs
(3 entries)

Class 8 Three Foreign Hardy Ferns: 1st H. Shepherd (2 entries, 1 disqualified)

Class 9 Three Polypodium (distinct varieties): 1st R.J. Smith, 2nd Mrs E.A. Gibbs
(2 entries)

Class 10 Three Polystichum (distinct varieties): 1st Mrs E.A. Gibbs, 2nd R.J. Smith
(3 entries, 1 disqualified)

276

Class 11 Three Athyrium: 1st Mrs E.A. Gibbs (1 entry)

Class 12 Three Asplenium (excluding A. scolopendrium): 1st H. Shepherd, 2nd Mr
& Mrs B. Russ, 3rd Mrs E.A. Gibbs (4 entries)

Class 13 One British Fern (any kind or variety): 1st H. Shepherd, 2nd Mrs E.A.
Gibbs, 3rd S.J. Houghton (3 entries)

Class 14 One Greenhouse Fern: 1st Mrs E.A. Gibbs, 2nd S.J. Houghton, 3rd Mr &
Mrs T. Melling (5 entries)

Class 15 Three Asplenium scolopendrium (3 distinct varieties): 1st H. Shepherd,
2nd R.J. Smith, 3rd Mrs E.A. Gibbs (3 entries)

My thanks to Graham Gentry, Ray and Brenda Smith, Peter and Joan Hindle, Dave
Kershaw and Libby Gibbs for assisting on the Society’s stand.

OBITUARY

ROBERT M. LLOYD 1938 - 1994
Bob Lloyd joined the BPS in 1959 and was a member for almost 30 years.

| first met Bob on 26 April 1970 on my return from a trip to New Guinea. | remember the
date well as it lasted 48 hours: after 12 hours of fern hunting in the Philippines with
Michael Price, | arrived in Honolulu at 07.30 the same day! Bob had arranged for me to
give a seminar at Hawaii University, where he was a lecturer in Botany. We then visited
the Bernice P. Bishop Museum and met his student, Earl Bishop, who was studying
Adenophorus. We later went to Maui, the wettest place on earth and a site for
Selaginella deflexa, a Hawaiian endemic and close relative of our boreal
S. selaginoides, which | found thanks to Earl’s excellent guidance. Bob began his career
in California and lost no time in involving me in challenging discussions about
fundamentals of fern ecology in temperate and tropical environments. That evening over
a delicious meal in Hawaiian style on the beach we discussed that favourite topic of Bob
— breeding strategies in plants, especially Sadleria.

About a year after this meeting Bob moved to Ohio University where he continued his
pioneering work on fern reproductive and population biology. He was dedicated to
teaching and will be fondly remembered by the many students he encouraged.

We had established a firm friendship and next met in the UK when Bob visited for a
week, and we planned a long sabbatical for Bob in the UK. However, he soon developed
kidney problems and it never came to fruition. We exchanged letters from time to time,
always full of stimulating developments — his own and his wife Lee’s research and family
news. Lee continues with her research on gametophytes. Our condolences go to Lee
and the boys.

Clive Jermy

GROW GREAT FERNS: Los Angeles International Fern Society (LAIFS)

Fern journal bimonthly, includes fern lesson. Educational meetings, materials, spore
store and books. Annual dues: $20 domestic, $24 USA first class, Canada & Mexico,
$26 overseas surface, $28.50 overseas airmail. Apply to: Dave Fay, P.O. Box 90943,
Pasadena, California 91109-0943 USA.

HOLTTUM MEMORIAL PTERIDOPHYTE SYMPOSIUM Alison Paul
‘Pteridology in Perspective’ — 17-21 July

Professor Eric Holttum was pre-eminent among 20th century pteridologists. This
meeting was held to celebrate his outstanding contribution to the study of ferns and fern
allies. The symposium was organised by staff and Friends of the RBG Kew and the
Botany Department of The Natural History Museum, London. It was supported by seven
organisations including the BPS which sponsored two of its overseas members to
attend. Holttum joined the BPS in 1950, was President from 1960-63 and a Vice-
President thereafter; he was an enthusiastic host to many BPS meetings at Kew.

During the week 163 delegates from 41 different countries were present, providing an
unsurpassed opportunity to talk ferns at every level. On the Sunday evening we were
welcomed to Kew on behalf of the Director by Dr Gren Lucas, Keeper of the Herbarium,
during the inaugural reception in the Cambridge Cottage Gallery. The Gallery contained
an excellent exhibition of paintings of Malesian plants, including ferns, as well as a
wonderful display of living plants of ant-ferns (Lecanopteris). An exhibition of various
aspects of the life and work of Holttum could be seen in the Cambridge Cottage Lounge,
many of the items contributed by his daughter, Deborah Holttum, who attended the
symposium. A further talking point was the display in the symposium reception area of
paintings and drawings of pteridophytes loaned by a number of botanical artists.

The papers and posters presented during the week addressed almost all aspects of
pteridology in relation to both extant and fossil pteridophytes worldwide, reflecting
Holttum’s broad interest in pteridology. Each session covered a broad theme introduced
by a keynote speaker.

On Monday morning, following Prof. Sir Ghillean Prance’s welcoming remarks as
Director of RBG Kew, Prof. William Stearn summarised Holttum’s life. He pointed out
that in addition to Holttum’s major role in pteridology he was the founder of the orchid
industry in Malaya. Mike Price first met Holttum in 1969 in the Philippines; he illustrated
his talk on Holttum with a fascinating account of their correspondence — over 400 letters
were sent each way. The letters revealed Holttum’s views on many groups of ferns as
well as details of his work on orchids, bamboos, gingers and horticulture. They showed
both the breadth and depth of Holttum’s work and the importance he attached to a
combination of field and herbarium studies.

The keynote speaker for the first session — Floras and Biodiversity, and Conservation —
was Marco Roos who indicated the need to describe and inventory biodiversity and to
disseminate that knowledge. He suggested that c.70-94% of ferns are known and that of
those, 80% are from tropical areas which cover only 15% of the land surface. Fern floras
are completed for c.50% of the world which is much greater than for any other group.

The session comprised a further 13 talks which continued on Tuesday morning. There
then followed one of several sessions set aside during the week to view the posters and
for workshops on sectioning techniques, pteridophyte curation, DNA techniques,
computer-aided analyses, nomenclature of cultivated ferns, and cytology. The fifty or sO
posters were very well presented and covered such diverse subjects as ‘Pteridophytes
in the mangrove swamp and freshwater swamp of Thailand’, ‘Uses of ferns in Sarawak’,
‘Trichomes in the Hymenophyllaceae’, ‘Ferns in Renaissance paintings’, ‘The genus
Dennstaedtia in Ecuador’ and ‘Allozyme evidence for the relationships between some
members of Asplenium sarelii complex’.

278

Prof. Bert Hennipman’s keynote address began the session on Generic and Family
Concepts. It was interesting to see a comparison of the numbers of families and genera
recognised in works by Christensen, Copeland, Ching, Pichi Sermolli and Kramer. He
put forward the controversial proposal that a Scientific Consensus Classification for
pteridophytes be produced, acknowledging that updates would be necessary as new
knowledge becomes available. Such a classification should be based on in-depth
monographic research in association with analysis of both known and new characters.
Six further talks on different approaches to classification followed.

Wednesday’s theme, Pattern and Process, began with Margaret Collinson addressing
the question ‘What use are fossil ferns?’. She gave examples of the range of fossil
evidence for pteridophyte families and indicated changes in morphology, growth habit
and ecological tolerance through time. She suggested it was inadequate to base
phylogenies solely on living representatives. This set the scene for eight talks on
pteridophyte phylogeny and anatomy from palaeobotanical and current viewpoints.

in the evening we had the opportunity to see the phat range of ferns in the Princess of
Wales Conservatory, refreshed with cheese and wine

Liz Sheffield introduced Thursday's theme: Interaction with the environment and other
organisms. She indicated how little is known of the environmental factors influencing
spore production and dispersal, and the production of gametangia and formation of
young sporophytes. Field observations and laboratory experiments are, however,
revealing information on the ecological significance of soil spore banks and the viability
of spores. Twelve further presentations covered many other aspects of this fascinating
them

In the evening the temperature was tropical as we celebrated the 100th anniversary of
Holttum’s birth at the symposium dinner at Syon Park. In her after dinner speech,
Barbara Parris spoke of her memories of Holttum.

Species concepts and speciation was the subject of the final day. Chris Haufler opened
this session by defining various different species concepts — taxonomic, biological,
evolutionary and phylogenetic. He went on to describe three means of speciation —
primary divergence by geographic or ecological separation, secondary speciation
through hybridisation and tertiary speciation as a result of gene silencing in polyploids.
The next five lectures further illustrated some of these points.

Trevor Walker, BPS President, succinctly summed up some of the main issues which
had arisen during the week, leading into a period of general discussion. John
Woodham’s tape of Prof. Holttum speaking about the history of the living fern collections
at Kew was a moving finale to the symposium.

A week-long post-symposium excursion to Devon and Cornwall was organised by Chris
Page. The 19 participants enjoyed visits to many interesting gardens and field sites.

Many thanks to the organising committee and their teams of helpers for an exceedingly
well planned, successful and enjoyable programme. The Symposium Proceedings
should be published in 1996 by RBG Kew, and will provide an excellent overview of the
current state of pteridological knowledge.

279

MEETINGS PROGRAMME 1996

Meetings Secretary:

Meetings Sub-Committee:

Sat 2 March —

Fri 10 - Sun 12 May —

Sat 18 May —

Sat 22 - Sun 23 June —

Sun 7 July —

Sat 27 July —

August —
Thurs 22 - Sat 24 August —

Sat 12 October —

A.C. Pigott, 43 Molewood Road, Hertford, Herts. SG14 3AQ
P.J. Acock, N.J. Hards, A.M. Leonard, A.C. Pigott, P.H. Ripley

Spring Indoor Meeting — London

Location: Botany Dept., Natural History Museum,
Cromwell Road, London SW

Leader: J.C. Vogel Time: 11.00

Malvern Spring Show: BPS Stand

Location: The Three Counties Showground, Malvern

Further Info: Matt Bus neg

Day Indoor Meeting —

Location: Royal Sane Gardens, Kew, Surrey

Leader: Peter Edwards’ Time: 1

Weekend Field Meeting — Yorkshire

eader: Jack Bouckley Times: 09.30 each morning

Day Indoor Meeting — Oxford

Location: Oxford Botanic Garden &
University Arboretum, Nuneham Courtenay

Leader: Doreen Holly Time: 11.00

Day Indoor Meeting & Fern Show — Covent

Location: Warwick University, Dept. of Science
Education, Canley, Coventry

Leader: Matt Busby Time: 11.00

Week Field Meeting — Argyll, Scotland

Leader: Hugh Corley Times: 09.30 each morning

Southport Flower Show: BPS Stand

Further Info: Matt Busby

Autumn Indoor Meeting & Annual General Meeting — York
Location: University of Yor

Leader: James Merryweather Time: 11.00

For full details of these and other meetings of interest to members, including information
on accommodation, please see the separate Meetings Programme sheet. This can be
sent to overseas members on request.

REGIONAL MEETINGS

For details of additional meetings in the following areas, please contact the regional
organisers, enclosing a stamped addressed envelope.

Wessex J.E. Jarvis, Vermont, Jubilee Road, Nailsworth, Stroud, Gloucs. GL6 ONG
Midlands A.R. Busby, 16 Kirby Corner Road, Canley, Coventry CV4 8GD
Leeds & District J.H. Bouckley, 209 Woodfield Road, Harrogate, Yorks. HG1 4JE

South-East England PH. Ripley, North Lodge, Dene Park Gardens, Shipbourne Road,
Tonbridge, Kent TN11 9NS

East Anglia Mrs M.E. Nimmo-Smith, 201 Chesterton Road, Cambridge CB4 1AH

North-West England Mrs M. Garstang, Overbeck, Pennybridge, Ulverston, Cumbria LA12 7RQ

280

BRITISH FERNS AND THEIR CULTIVARS
A very comprehensive collection is stocked by
REGINALD KAYE LTD
Silverdale, Lancashire LA5 OTY
Catalogue on request

FIBREX NURSERIES LTD
Honeybourne Road, Pebworth, nr Stratford on Avon, Warwickshire CV37 8XT
Hardy and tender ferns
Begonias, Gloxinias, Hederas, Hydrangeas, Primroses, Arum Lilies
and plants for the cool greenhouse
Catalogue on request

MRS J.K. MARSTON
Specialist Fern Grower
A wide range of hardy and greenhouse ferns, especially Adiantums
Culag, Green Lane, Nafferton, nr Driffield, East Yorkshire YO25 OLF
Send £1 for catalogue

FANCY FRONDS
Specialising in North American and English hardy ferns
Judith Jones
1911 4th Avenue West, Seattle, Washington 98119, USA
Send two International Reply Coupons for Catalogue

RICKARDS HARDY FERNS
Hardy and half hardy ferns
Kyre Park, Tenbury Wells, Worcs. WR15 8RP
Please send stamped addressed envelope for list

HARDY FERNS
R.N. Timm
The Fern Nursery, Grimsby Road, Binbrook, Lincolnshire LN3 6DH
Please send stamped addressed envelope for list

1996 SOUTHPORT FLOWER SHOW
The organisers extend all good wishes for a successful 1996
Classes for your Society's special interests are available
22nd, 23rd, 24th AUGUST 1996
Schedules and further information from:
The Flower Show Secretary
44 Hoghton Street, Southport, Merseyside PR9 OPQ

The British Pteridological Society
BULLETIN

VOLUME4 NUMBERG6 1995

-CONTENTS-

Secretarial Notes ...... oe 237

AGM 1995.... | 239
Financial Statement 242
Lecture Meetings and Day Visits 1995 rae
Spring Indoor Meeting M. Pigott 244 4
Warwick University Fern Show ce A.M. Leonard (244 |
Autumn Indoor Meeting ............. P.J.Acock 245
National Field Meetings 1995................... ee ga
Pembrokeshire ..... : S.J.Munyard 247
Eskdale, Cumbria R.J. Sykes 248
Axminster, Devon M.E. Nimmo-Smith 250
Madeira G. Ackers et al. 252

Regional Meetings 1995 a
Midlands .. A.R. Busby 260 |
Leeds & District ... A. Stark, J.H. Bouckley, B. Wright, J. — 260
J.E. J

Wessex ... re
South—-East................. Pad. Acock & B. Spooner, T. Brock, A.M. Paul ee ee
East Anglia............ wu.M.E.Nimmo-Smith 268
North-West S. Beamish, E. Baker, M. Porter, M. Thomson, ee
C. Kelsall, P. Hindle 269°
Special Interest Groups 275
Malvern Spring Show: ; A.R. Busby 276 |
Southport Flower Show . ace : Giacinc a R Busey 2 |

— ; : place A ery Te
Holttum Memorial Pteridophyte S) posi iieces ec ee ae Paul
Meetings Programme 1996 ... sts eos Pins

The Bulletin Volume 4 Number 51 was published on 15 5 February 1995.

Published by THE BRITISH PTERIL SICAL SOCIETY, c/o Deperiment of Bota tay
The Natural History Museum, Cromwell f Road 1, Lo don ;

ISSN 0301-9195