I; Ql O Q) i ^ F L O E A FROM THE APALACHIAN COAL-FIELD. ixAUGUEAL DISSERTATION FOR THE DEGREE OF DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY, ADDRESSED TO THE PHILOSOPHICAL FACULTY OF TBE IKniPfrsiti) of CDotttngen: LIBRARY iNEW YORK BOTANICAL *^ GA.RDSN' JAMES P. KIMBALL or SALEit, MASS. GOTTIXGEN: PRIMED AT THE UNIVERSITY PRESS, BY E. A, HTTH. 1857. TO MY FATHER, JAMES KIMBALL, THESE FEW PAGES ARE INSCRIBED, AS A SLIGHT TRIBUTE OF FILIAL LOVE AND GRATITUDE. LIBRARY NEW YORK BOTANICAL GARDEN PREFACE. A number of fossil vegetable impressions, — from the Apalachian coal-field, — upon which the accompanying series of investigations was made, formed a part of a collection of Professor Ferdinand Romer, which, after his return from a scientific tour in North America, he deposited in the paleontological cabinet of the Berlin University. Unfortunately, the notes pertaining to the immediate localities of these fossil impressions, are no longer to be found; but, with the exception of three species of Lepi- dodendra from the Ohio coal-field, it is certain that they are from the state of Pennsylvania. The matrix of the Ohio specimens is argillaceous sandstone, while that of the Pennsylvania fossils is of hard, bluish black, ar- gillaceous slate. VI The opportunity of investigating this interesting col- lection was kindly afforded me by Professor E. Beyrich of Berlin, to whom, — I hereby beg leave to express my sincere regard and gratitude. J. P. K. Gottingen, June 19, 1857. CALAMITEAE. CALAMITES APPROXIMATUS, BRONG. Brong. Hist, veget. foss. I, p. 134, pi. 15, Jigs. 1, 8, — pi. 24. Gutbier, [Aug. von) Ahdr. u. Verst. d. Zivick. Schw. Kohl. (Jebir. etc. vol. I, p. 23, pL 2, _fig. 3. Lindl. and Hutt. Foss. Flo. etc. vol. 1, pi. 77; vol. 3, p. 216. Sternb. Vers. I, p. 26; II, p. 47. ScJdoth. Petref. p. 400, pi. 20, /(/. 2. linger , 6r'e«. «< iitej; interrlptls , Schloth. Petref. p. 400, pi. 20, Jig. 2. Our decorticated speciraeiij which is but a mere fragmeut, of this common species, agrees most perfectly with Brongniart's first figure J. The internodes regularly and gradually diminish in length; the striae are fine, — yet distinct, and their terminations very perceptible. Distribution , in coal formation : — at Jarrow Col- liery, Wentworth, Newcastle and Kilkenny — in Great Britain; at Manebach, Essen, Saarbriick, Charlotteu- brunn and Wettin — in Germany; at Alais and St. Etienne — in France; at Ekaterinaburg in Russia; at Cape Breton, and in Pennsylvania, — North America. ' Hist, veget. foss. pi. 24. CALAMITES DECORATUS, BRONG. Brong. Class. V(^get. foss. p. 17, j)L 1, Jiff. 2. Brong. Hist, veget. foss. I, p. 123, ^>/. 14, Jigs. 1—5. linger. Gen. et Spec. p. 44. Sternh. Vers. I, p. 27; II, p. 49. Schloth. Petref. p. 401. Artis, A7ited. Phytol. pi. 24. The inverted figure i of I^rongniart seems a very accu- rate fac - simile of our fragmentary and decorticated specimen, which is most distinctly defined. The striae are crooked, and the tubercles at their extreme superior terminations , are remarkably tumid and nearly hemis- pherical. Distribution , in coal formation : — at Lowmoor and Lea Brook — in England ; at Mannebach and Saarbriick — in Germany; in Pennsylvania. ASTEROPHYLLITAE. ASTEROPHYLLITES RIGIDA , BRONG. Brong. Prodr. 21s. 154, 159, 176. linger. Gen. et Spec. p. 64. Bronn and Boenier , Leth. Geug. vol. 1, p. 104, pi. 8, fg. 7. SCHLOTHEMIA DLBIA, Sternb. Vers. II, p. 32; Lindl. and Hutt. Foss. flo. vol. 2, p. 150, pi. 211. BRUCK^IANNIA RlGlDA, Sternb. Vers. I, p. 29, pi. 19, Jig. 1. Stem articulate, — strongly, longitudinally striate; leaflets spike -shaped, acuminate, striate, rigid, di- rected upAvard and about three times the length of the internodes. • As above, fig. 1. Distribution, in coal formation : — at Minitz, Bohe- mia; at Jarrow Colliery, England; in Pennsylvania. ASTEROPHYLLITES EQUISETIFORMIS. BRONG. Brong. Prodr. p. 159. linger , Gen. et Spec. ^j. 64. Germar, Petref. shut. lith. Wettiu. etc. p. 17, pi. 8. I50RNIA E(JLISETiFORMfS, Sternb. Vers. 1, p. 28, id. 19. CASLARINITES EQLISETIFORMIS, Schloth. Flo. der Vorw. i)l. 1, fg. 1; pi. 2. Jig. 3; Petref. ^.397. ISIPPL'RITES EQlISETIFORiMlS, Lindl. and Hutt. Foss. Flo. vol. 2, ijI. 191. Stem articulate and finely striate; leaflets nearly linear , lanceolate , sharply pointed at the apex and so arranged that no constant angle with the stem is main- tained: — they are, however, directed but slightly upward. Our fossil impression agrees most perfectly with Schlotheim's figures of this species, and differs from Sternberg's representation in respect to the size of the stem, which in the former is about one sixth as large as in the latter. Sternberg's figure, — it may be pre- sumed, — is that of a more fully developed plant. Distribution, in coal formation: — at INIannebach and Wettin, — Germany; at Blackwood, England; in Penn- sylvania. NEUROPTERIDEAE. NEUROPTERIS SCHEUCHZERI, HOFFM. PI. I, fig. 1. Hoffm. Karsten's Archiv. 13, Th. 2, p. 27 in Keferst. Deufsch. geog. p. 151 , fgs. 1—4. 10 Unger , Gen. et Spec. p. 74. Sternb. Vers. II, p. 70, G'6pp. Syst. jil. foss. p. 192. iMIVI.IITES MINERAL!!;, Lluid. lithoph. Brit, ichnog. j). 12, ^>/. 5. OSMU>DA, Scheuchz. herb, dilnv. j). 48, ^^Z. 10, Jig. 3. Leaflet oblong-, acute at the apex, sub -cordate at the base, — one half projecting beyond the other, — about two inches long and an inch wide ; midrib very prominent and apparently not attenuate; veins remark- ably delicate and dichotomous. Our specimen consists of a single detached pinnule, and is most beautifully defined. The apex, however, is unfortunately wanting , but an impression in the ma- trix indicates its exact contour. It will be observed that our specimen, which seems referable to no other known species , possesses a sin- gular developement of the base , — hitherto undescribed, — an even margin and excessively fine venation. Distribution , in coal formation : — at Osnabriick, Germany; in England; at Wilkesbarre, Pennsylvania. NEUROPTEKIS ROGER^It KIMBALL. PI. 1, fig. 2. This most remarkable fossil impression consists of a pinnately five - foliolate , fourlobed leaf, — sessile and cordate at the base. The leaflets are oblong - ovate ; the sinuses are deep and of unequal length. The ve- nation is very fine and furcated — distinctly dichoto- mous; the margin is very even. The midrib is moder- ately distinct, and, as it recedes from the base, be- 11 comes gradually attenuate, until near the apex it is scarcely perceptible. Notwithstanding the absence of a foliolate leaf under the genus Neuropteris, as hitherto understood, we are led, disregarding the anomaly, to refer our specimen to it. Arguing from several striking coincidences between the two, this course seems to be far more expedient than to advance a ncAV generic name, until we are con- fident that necessity demands such. The developement of the base, -- its cordate form and its sessile adherence ; the venation ; the midrib and the texture of the leaf — are all marked features of this fossil impression, — perfectly agreeing Avith eminent characteristics of Neuropteris. We assume the honour of giving, as a specific name, to this singular fossil plant that of the two distinguished brothers, — Professors W. B. and H. D. Rogers, — which is so permanently and illustriously connected with American and cosmographic geology. Locality, in coal formation, — Pennsylvania. PECOPTERIDEAE. ALETHOPTERIS SAUVEURII , GO PP. PI. I, fig. 3. 6opp. Syst. Jil. foss. p. 311. linger, Gen. et Spec. j). 151. PECOPTERIS M':RV()SA, King, — Edinburgh New Philos. Jour. vol. 36, p. 286, pi. o, Jig. 9. PECOPTERIS NERVOSA, JBrong, Hist, veget. foss. I, p. 297, pi. 95, Jigs. 1, 2. PECOPTERIS SAUVELII, Brong. Hist, veget. foss. I , p. 299, pi. 95, Jig. 5. 12 Frond imparl -pinnate; petiole moderately prominent and attenuate; leaflets nearly elliptical, decurrent and confluent; midrib indistinct; veins furcated, — some emanating from the midrib and others from the petiole. Our specimen perfectly coincides with King's figure, and the points of disparity between the former and the representations of Krongniart, and of Lindley and Hutton also precisely correspond Avith those noticed by King ' . Distribution, — in coal formation, at Felling Colliery, England; in Pennsylvania. (?) ALETHOPTERIS MARGINATA, GO PP. G(ipp. Si/st. Jil. foas. p. 301. linger, Gen. et Spec. p. 147. FErOPTHUIS ^lARGlNATA, BroHfj. Prodr. p. 57; Hist, regct. foss. I, p. 291, pi. 87, Jig. 2. Frond pinnately parted, — the sinuses reaching nearly to the petiole, which is curvilinear and gradually attenuate; pinnulae dilate, confluent and decurrent at the base, — crenate and ])ossessing a heavily marked margin, — approximativcly lanceolate, and rounded at the apex; surface of the pinnulae strongly undulating; midrib very prominent; nerves distinctly dichotomous and arranged nearly at right angles to the midrib. I "In figure 9, plate 5, 1 have represented a portion of the Felling Fecopteris nervosa , by which it will be seen that although the leaflets are confluent with each other at the rachis, and, there- fore, so far in agreement with the genus in which it has been placed , — the absence of a distinct midrib (Iti Lindley and Hut- ton's figure of this species, the leaflets are represented with wliat might be considered a midrib ; but the veining has not been properly attended to.) and several veins springing from the rachis, utterly forbid us placing it in Pecopteris^^ — etc. King, ibid. 13 The nerves of the leaflets of this species, are describ- ed by all the above mentioned authors as simple and nearly at right angles to the midrib ; • — whereas these nerves of our fossil impression , Avhich consists of two detached pinnae, are, as already observed, discovered to be dichotomous, while their direction agrees with that always attributed to the species. It seems barely expedient to base the specific inde- pendence of this fossil plant upon this single disparity : — we choose, rather, to leave the case as it stands, — subject to future correction. The author feels himself justified, however, in expressing his opinion that the furcation of the nerves has hitherto escaped observation, — inasmuch as it was detected in the present case, only through the aid of quite a powerful lens; while the fossil impression is very distinctly defined. Distribution, in coal formation: — at Alais (?), France; in Pennsylvania. HEMITELITES TREVIRANI , GO PP. PI. I, fig. 4. GU2ip. Syst. fil. foss. ;a 233, _^j/. 38, /. 158. Frond bipinnate; petiole channeled, strong and not attenuate; leaflets long, sub-ovate, adjacent at the base and situate obliquely to the common petiole; midrib distinct and extending to the apex of the leaflet ; nerves right angular to the midrib. The leaflets bear traces 1 "Nervis secundariis tenuissimis e nervo medio angulo recto exeuntibus subsimplicibus." 14 probably of fructification , as exhibited by regular dot-like impressions alternating with the nerves * . We are unable to derive testimony from our speci- men, in support of the observations of both Goppert and linger, — tending to establish the furcation of the veins of the leaflets pertaining to this species. They appear in the present instance, not trichotomous , but perfectly simple. This evidence, — it must be con- fessed, — is, perhaps, of little value, inasmuch as our fossil impression seems somewhat obliterated. Distribution , in coal formation : — at Waldenburg, Silesia; in Pennsylvania. PECOPTERIS HAIBURENSIS, LINDL. & HUTT. Lindl. and Hidt. Foss. Flo. vol. 3, ^;. 97, jjI. 187. Unger , Gen. et SjJec. j). 179. Frond bipinnate ; petiole strongly defined , somewhat rigid and attenuate ; pinuulae approximatively ovate, con- tiguous and decurrent; veins furcated. The pinna is imparl -pinnate, and the leaflet at the apex is obtuse or rounded at its apex and lanceolate - ovate at its inferior part. Distribution, in coal formation : — at Haiburn Wyke, England; in Pennsylvania. 1 "Durch die dreigabligen im rechten Winkel von dem Mit- telnerven ausgehenden Seitennerven mit ihrer doppelten Reihe von Fruchthaufchen durchgedriickt, was die Vergvosserung eines Fiederhlattchens, Fig. 4, eben so schon als treu zeigt." — Gijpp. Syst. Jil. foss. p. 233. 15 STIGMARIEAE. STIGMARIA FICOIDES, BRONG. Brong. Mem. Mus. d' hist, des veyet. foss. p. 82, 88, pi. 7; Prodr. ]). 88. Sternb. Vers. I, p. 38; II, p. 209, pi. 15, Jif/s. 4, 5. Unger , Gen. et Spec. p. 227. VARIOLARIA FICOIDES, Sternh. Vers. I, p. 24, ^j/. 12, fgs. 1, 2, 3. Our specimen exhibits many of the permanent features of this common species, i to which alone it seems re- ferable, and is individually characterized by a remark- able uniformity in the arrangement of its tubercles, which possess a very distinct diametrical marking in- stead of the central dot -like impression, — usually at- tributable to the species. The surface has a very slight, but still quite perceptible furrowed developement. This specimen seems, indeed, to bear testimony to the truth of Bunbury's observation, that "The variations observable in different specimens of this common Stig- maria are very numerous; — yet slight and scarcely admitting of precise definition." 2 This species bears much analogy to the Stigmaria anahathra of Corda, "^ with which it is often confoun- 1 "St. trunco decumbente, ramis alternis teretiusculis primum laevibus dein plicatis v. rugulosis, foliis teretibus longis, fasci- culis vasorum cuneiformibus, vasis amplis porosis." — linger, ibid. 2 The Quarterly Journal of the Geological Society of London, — 1847: — C. J. F. Bunbury on the Coal Formation of Cape Breton. 3 Corda, Beitr'dge, p. 34, plA'i; Unger, Gen. et Spec. p. 221. STIGMARIA FICOIDES, Lindl. and Hutt. Foss. Flo. vol. 1, p. 94, pi. 31 ^o 36 : — vol. 2, 16 ded. It is, indeed, often barely possible to distinguish a fragment of the one from that of the other. Distribution , in coal formation : — at Radnitz and Swinham, Bohemia; in Sydney coal-field, Cape Breton; at Frostburg , Maryland ; ' in Pennsylvania. SIGILLARIEAE. STGILLARIA ARZINENSIS, COR DA. PI. I, fig. 5. Corda, BeitriUje, p. 29, ^>/. 59, Jig. 12. Unger , Gen. et Spec, j^- 247. Trunk longitudinally and strongly furrowed; flutings straight and parallel ; surface slightly punctate ; cicatrices elliptical, — situate remote and equidistant from the edges of the flutings ; vascular bundles situate between the centre and one focus of the ellipse, and denoted by two crescent shaped markings placed diametrically oppo- site, and, in the centre of the inclosed space, by a dot -like marking. The specimen, of a segment of which we give a representation, is, where deprived of its cortical integu- ment, quite destitute of even the semblance of scars or bundles of vessels. It differs from Corda's figure of an impression from the coal mine of Arzin, Bohemia, only in respect to the longitudinal distance between the scars, p. 13: — vol. 3, p. 47, i^/. 166 ; Go2)p. Syst. Jil. foss. p. 92, ^;Z. 23, Jig. 7: — Gat. foss. Pf, p. 13, pi. 8—15; Bromj. Archiv. du Mus. d' hist. etc. torn. 1, 1839, pi. 29. 1 Quart. Jour. Geol. Soc. II, p. 427 : — Fossil Ferns from Frostburg. Maryland, — collected by Sir C. Lyell: by C. J. F. Bunbury. 17 which, in the former, is about a third greater than in the latter. Locality, in coal formation, — Pennsylvania. SIGILLARIA RUGOSA, BRONG. PI. II, fig 1. Brong. Ilist. veget. foss. I, 2^. 446, jjI. 144, ^g. 2; Prodr. p. 64. linger , Gen. et Sjiec. jfJ. 249. Trunk longitudinally and prominently furrowed ; flu- tings parallel and commensurate. Denuded of its cortical integument our specimen ex- hibits the following characteristics : — surface slightly punctate; cicatrices discoid-ovate, situate, longitudinally, remote from each other, — laterally, in the middle of the fluting and leaving on either side a margin equal to their own breadth; vascular bundles denoted by two opposite, nearly crescent shaped markings, — between which is a third dot-like impression; longitudinally in- tervening the scars is a prominent marking, gradually expanding in breadth as, from the middle, it approaches the scars. Invested with its bark-like exterior: — surface lon- gitudinally, delicately striate; position of cicatrice de- noted by a distinct knot-like marking; longitudinal de- velopement between the scars not appearing. Between Brongniart's figures of this species and our fossil impression , there exist two slight disparities : — firstly, in respect to the form of the cicatrice, which, according to Brongniart, assumes less of a discoid-ovate contour than is observable in the present instance ; and, secondly , in respect to the form of the so-called rugos- ity, which Brongniart has represented as nearly uni- 2 18 form, — approximating, if anything, to attenuation in its approach to the scars; — while our specimen ex- hibits this rugosity as remarkably expanded in width in the proximity of the scars. Besides the perfect agreement, in all other respects, between Brongniart's figure and our impression, the coincidence of locality is certainly worthy of considera- tion , — the fossil prototype of his plate being from Wilkesbarre, Pennsylvania: while ours, if not, with certainty, attributable to the same mine, may safely be attributed to the same local and geological formation. Locality , in coal formation : — at -Wilkesbarre, Pennsylvania. SIGILLARIA ELLIPTICA, BRONG. Brong. Prodr. p. 65 ; Hist. i^eyiH. foss. I, p. 447, p/. 152, Jigs. IS; pi. 163, Jig. 4. linger, Gen. et Spec. 2^- 237. Trunk longitudinally and strongly furrowed ; flutings proportionately narrow , straight , parallel and equal ; cicatrices depressed , (or elevated, according to the im- pression,) approximatively discoid-ovate, ' (appearing as if flattened in the smaller part of the periphery, and laterally extended in the larger part, so as to render the transverse axis nearly equal to the conjugate axis, — besides giving the scar somewhat of a resemblance 1 "Cortice laevi, cicatricibus discoideis valde approximatis elliptico-sub-hexagonis , angulis obtusis rotundatis , inferioribus magnis expressis, in carinas duas divergentes decurrentibus, sulco transversali costai-um valde impresso." Brong. Hist, veget. foss. ibid. 19 to a hexagon , ) situate , longitudinally , one half their length, or less, apart from each other, i and, transversely, extending almost to the edges of the fluting; vascular bundles small, — situate nearly in the middle of the scar, and consisting, as usual, of the two opposite crescent-shaped markings, which enclose the third dot-like impression. Immediately adjoining the upper or smaller end of the cicatrice is a distinct, superior, curvilinear marking, extending entirely across the fluting. This species possesses many features in common both with Sigillaria Bohlai, Brong. and Sigillaria Saulii, Brong. The former of these is chiefly characterized in distinction from it, in the perfect hexagonal developement of its scars, and in the relative irregularity of its flutings ; while the latter is invested with a peculiar bark-like integument. It bears also some resemblance to Sigillaria notata, Brong. which is, however, quite devoid of dis- tinct furrows, and is still farther distinguishable in the remarkable angularity of the lateral angles of its scars 2 . It should be remarked, that of Brongniart's four figures of as many individual specimens of this species, figures 1 and 2, plate 152, 1. c. — agree more partic- ularly with our fossil impression. The position, which is given to the bundles of vessels, is scarcely as near the middle of the scar as our specimen indicates. Distribution , in coal formation : — at Fresnes and Vieux Conde, France; at Stangalpe, Styria; in Pennsyl- vania. 1 Brongniart's representation — pi. 163, fig. 4, 1. c. — of a fossil impression referable, as a variety, to the same species, shows the longitudinal distance between two scars to be about one and a half times the length of a scar. 2 vid. Brong. Hist, veget. foss. I , p. 448. 2* go SIGILLARIA ELEGANS, BRONG. PI. II, fig. 2. Brong. Hist, veget. foss. I, p. 438, pi. 146, Jig. 1; ;>/. 155; pi. 158, /i/. 1. Unger, Gen, et Spec. j). 235. Corckt, Beitrage, p. 24, ^J&. 7, 8, 9. J*. Roemer, Leth. Geog. j^l. 7, Jig. 6; vo/. I, ;j. 134. SIGILLARIA HEXAGONA, Brong. Prodr. p. 65 ; Hist, veget. Joss. pi. 155. FAVULARIA HEXAGOMA, Steriib. Vers. I, ;;. 13. PALMACITES HEXAGONUS, SchlotJi. PetreJ. p. 394, j^l- 15, Jg. 1. Trunks Rami- fications SIGILLARIA ELEGANS, Brong. Prodr. j)- 65. ASPIDARIA VARIOLATA, Ster7tb. Vers. II, p. 181, j)l. 68, / Brong. Hist, veget. foss. I, p. 430, pi. 158, fig. 5. H somewhat tumid, small, — and exhibiting a dot-like central mark, — situate in the middle of the fluting, and about five lines remote from each other. Longitudinally intervening the scars is a prominent, connecting developement , or rugosity, which assumes more or less of an attenuate , convergent form , as from its middle it approaches the cicatrices. Both integument and interior surface are characterized alike. Distribution, in coal formation : — at Anzin, Valen- tia ; in Pennsylvania. LEPIDODENDREAE. LEPIDODENDRON LINDLEYANUM , UNG. linger , Gen. et Spec. j). 256. LEPmODENDRON OBOVATUM, Lindl. and Hutt. Foss, Flo, vol, I, pi. 19 bis. p. 63. LEPIDODENDRON OBOVATUM, Hugh Miller: — The Testimony of the Rocks, etc. Edinburgh, 1857, p. 38, fg. 33. SAGENARIA LINDLEYANA , Sternb. Vers. II, p. l79. Areolae obovate-elliptical ; apex wide and rounded; base attenuate or tapering; central ridge strongly mark- ed, straight or slightly curvilinear, and undivided; scar at the very apex of the areola rhomboidal. This scar , last mentioned , is often characterized as approximatively circular in its outline , and is , indeed, more or less so represented by most of the authorities given above. We are not confident that the form of this cicatrice is a constant feature of the species ; but our specimen certainly leads us to support the conviction of Unger, who describes this cicatrice as rhomhea laevi. Distribution , in coal formation : — at Eadnitz , Bo- hemia; at Waldenburg, Silesia; at Jarrow Colliery, England; in Ohio. LEPIDODENDRON DICHOTOMUM, STERNB. PI. Ill, fig. 2. Sternh. Vers. II, ;j. 177, pi. 68, Jig. 1. Unger, Gen. et Spec. p. 253. Roemer , Leth. Geog. vol. 1, i)l. 8, Jig. 2. LYCOPODITES DICHOTOMUS, Sternb. Vers. I, ;;s. 9, 19, 23, pis. 1, 2, 14, Jig. 1. LEPIDODENDRON STERNBERGII , Brong. Prodr. p. 85; Lindl. and Hutt. Foss. Flo. vol. 2, ^j/. 112, J}. 83. Areolae rhomboidal ; angles sharply defined ; superior and inferior angles acute; cicatrice at the very apex of the areola quadrilateral, — the superior angle of the areola forming the superior angle of the cicatrice, and two slightly curvilinear sides forming the angle whence proceeds the central ridge, which is strongly marked, but not traceable to the inferior angle of the areola. The figures of this species furnished by Lindley and Hutton, differ from those of both Graf Sternberg and Adolphe Brougniart, and also from our specimen, in respect to the form of the scar, situated at the very apex of the areola, which, in the figures alluded to, i assumes J Lindl. & Hutt. Foss. Flo. vol. 2, p. 83, pi. 112. nearly a crescent shape, having no inferior angle, — but, instead , one continuous , strongly curvilinear boundary. Distribution, in coal formation: — at Swina, Bo- hemia; in Ohio. LEPIDODENDRON ELEGANS, BRONG. PI. Ill, fig. 3. Brong, Hist, vcfjet. foss. II, pi. 14. Ungef , Gen. et Spec. p. 255. LEPIDODENDRON GRACILE , Brong. Hist, veget. foss. II, ^j/. 15. Areolae very strongly marked , approximatively hex- agonal, — the perimeter being, however, more or less curvilinear; superior and inferior angles acute; cicatrice rhomboidal , and situate about a third of the vertical length of the areola remote from the superior angle ; central ridge prominent, and extending in a straight line from the superior to the inferior angle ; markings, proceed- ing from the lateral angles of the rhomboidal cicatrice, prominent, curvilinear and extending to the inferior boundary of the areola. Brongniart's figures of this species perfectly agree with our specimen, and most obviously differ from Stern- berg's Lepidodetidron ohovaium, i with Avhich it is often supposed to be identical, and linger places it as synon- ymous, — giving it, to be sure, the benefit of a note of interrogation. This undeniable disparity is apparently not sufliciently 1 Slernb. Vers. I, p. 10, pi. 6, fig. 1, pi. 8, fig. 1 ; Unger, Gen. et Spec. p. 255. etc. 27 unimportant to invalidate Brongniart's classification, or to demonstrate why the fossil plant should be denied the dignity of a peculiar and independent species. The manifest objection to the specific independence of every modification of the Lepidondendra seems scarcely appli- cable in the present instance; — for our specimen is remarkably large, and, it may be presumed, fully devel- oped, Avhile the areolae are most distinctly defined. Distribution , in coal formation : — in Sydney coal field. Cape Breton ; i at South Joggins , Nova Scotia ; in the coal field of Tuscaloasa, Alabama; 2 in Ohio — immediately in argillaceous sandstone 3. LEPIDODENDRON BEYRICHII , Kl M B A L L. PI. Ill, fig. 4. Areolae perfectly contiguous , — approximatively hexagonal (the perimeter being, however, decidedly cur- vilinear); surface delicately, longitudinally striate; scar circular and situate in the middle of the areola ; subjacent to the central scar is a distinct, but irregularly shaped marking. Of all the hitherto described Lepidodendra , we find but two species that possess any remarkable features • The Quar. Jour of the Geol. Soc. of London, 1847 : — C. J. F. Bunbury : — on the coal formation of Cape Breton. 2 Sill. Jour. 2nd se. 2-1846, p. 228: - Observations on the Fossil Plants of the coal field of Tuscaloasa, Alabama, — by C. Lyell with a description of some species by C. J. F. Bunbury- 3 This matrix of argillaceous sandstone is characterized by a high degree of friability, and by its richness in minute grains or scales of mica. The Ohio specimen of Lepidodendron dichot- omimt, page25 , lies in the same rock. 28 in common with our specimen, — namely — the Lepidodendron Steinheckicmum of Goppert, * and the Lepidodendron undulaitim , or Aspidaria undidata, of Sternberg 2 . It resembles the former only in contour, and differs from it — firstly — in the absence of a central, curvilinear ridge , extending from the superior to the inferior edge of the areola; and — secondly — in respect to the size of the areolae, which is about four or five times larger than that of Goppert's species. The two figures of Sternberg, it must be confessed, are exceedingly dissimilar , notwithstanding the well supported supposition of the specific identity of their prototypes. Our specimen coincides with both only in respect to the form and situation of the central scar, while the points of difference are important and numer- ous. A rhomboidal form of the areolae, and a margin- al developement between them characterize the so-called Aspidaria undidata in distinction from our species, while the Lepidodendron undidaium differs from the same in the convexity of its areolae, and in the presence of a central ridge. Taking advantage of his privilege, the author has named this species after his distinguished teacher and friend, Professor Beyrich of Berlin. Locality, in coal formation, — Pennsylvania. J Gopp. Syst. fil. foss. p. 466, pi. 41 , figs. 4,5 ; Unger, Gen, et Spec. p. 258. 2 Sternb. Vers. 1, ps. 11, 21, pi. 10, fig. 2; II, p. 182, pi. 68, fig. 13 ; Unger, Gen. et Spec. p. 259; Brong. Prodr. p. 86. INDEX. Calamites apjyroximatus , Brongniart 7 ,, decoratiis, Brongniart 8 Aster 02)hyllites rigida , Brongniart 8 ,, equisetiformis , Brongniart 9 Neuropteris Scheuchzeri, Hoffmann 9 ,, Rogersii, Kimball 10 Alethopteris Sauveurii, G Upper t 11 (?) ,, marginata , Gup pert 12 Hemitelites Trevirani, G op pert 13 Pecop)teris haibnrensis , Lindley ^- Hntton 14 Stigmaria Jicoides , Brongniart 15 Sigillaria arzinensis, Corda 16 ,, rugosa, Brongniart 17 ,, elliptica , Br ongniart 18 ,, elegans, Brongniart 20 ,, ichthyolepis , Corda 21 Syringodendro7i j)es capreoli , Sternberg 23 ,, cyclostigma , Brongniart 23 Lepidodendron Lindleyanum, TJnger 24 ,, dichotomum, Sternberg 25 ,, elegans, Brongniart 26 ,, Beyrichii, Kimball 27 EXPLAXATIOiX OF THE PLATES. PLATE I. 1 , Keuroiiteris Scheuchzeri , Hoffm. 2 , Neuropteris Roger sii , Kimball. 3, Alethopteris Sauveurii, Go pp. 3a , do (magnitied leaflet.) 4, Hemitelites Trevirani, Gbpp. 5, Sigillaria arzinensis, Cor da. PLATE II. 1, Sigillaria riigosa , Brong. 2, Sigillaria ichtJiyolcpis , Cor da. 3, Syringodendron 2)es capreoli, Sternb. PLATE III. 1, Syringodendron cyclostiyma , Brong. 2, Zepidodendro)i dichotomum , Sternb. 3, Lepidodendron elegans, Brong. 4 , Lepidodendron Beyrichii , Kimball. (p i.:' yjinjt.rtrAfji^ (^jnj^r^ Kl*«**'» vj otto gen ,£'*^^ - -— ot* -if^ ■^'Us^F-=C^^^l New York Botanical Garden Library QE919.K5 gen Kimball, James Putn/Plora from the Apala 3 5185 00093 6797