This text provides comprehensive coverage of 406 species and varieties of ferns, fern-allies, and hybrids present in Canada and the continental United States. The information is presented in the form of a handbook and numerous color photographs are provided. The species are presented with identification numbers, and the numerical identification is maintained throughout different sections and photographs in the text. Ferns covered include the Aspleniaceae, Pteridaceae, Schizaeaceae, Azollaceae and the Davalliaceae. The Selaginellaceae, Equisetaceae and Psilotaceae are some of the fern-allies covered. Hybrid complexes described include the Applachian Asplenium, Lycopodium inundatum, Pellaea mucronata and North American Dryopteris complexes. A glossary, checklist and bibliography are provided and common and scientific name indexes supplement the text. This volome will prove useful to those involved in horticulture and botany.--BIOSIS.