ftp file list filters?

[Jeffrey Pearson]

Im trying to write a script the ftp's a bunch of files from different locations. I 
only want to grab files that are of specific file type and whose name begins with a 
certain combination of characters. Can I filter it at the listing side in other words 
do something like dir abc*.gif and go through those files or would I need to grab all 
of the files and filter it at my side to get my file list?
 
Any suggestions/help would be greatly appreciated.
 
Jeff Pearson