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7

DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE

OF THE

FOSSIL ORGANIC REMAINS

OP

PLANTS

CONTAINED IN

THE MUSEUM

OF

THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF SURGEONS OF ENGLAND.

LONDON:

PRINTED BY TAYLOR AND FRANCIS, RED LION COURT, FLEET STREET.

1855.

PREFACE.

The specimens of Fossil Plants in the Museum of the Royal College
of Surgeons of England amount to 229 ; of these 184 formed part of
the Hunterian Collection ; they may be divided into three classes,
viz. Woods, Impressions of stems and leaves, and Fruits. The Woods
amount to 113, of v^^hich 41 w^ere imperfectly described in a Hun-
terian Manuscript Catalogue ; of the remaining 72 there did not exist
any account. The Impressions of stems and leaves amount to 106 ;
of these 104 w^ere Hunterian, 50 only having been described. The
Fruits are 10 in number, all of which, with a single exception, were
described, and the localities of 5 correctly stated.

No account whatever was ofiven of the o-eolos^ical formation in
which the specimens of Wood were found, and in only twenty-four
instances is any locality noted. In order therefore to render the
present Catalogue more complete, every specimen has been cut in
three directions, corresponding with the transverse, the radial, and

iv

the tangental sections of the wood ; and the appearances exhibited by
each under the microscope, as well as the principal external characters
of the specimens, are fully described. By this mode of examination
it has been ascertained that the Woods in the Collection of the
College belonging to the class Gymnogens, in which the Coniferce are
included, are by far the most numerous; out of 113 specimens, 73
belong to this class. The Exogens follow next in order; they are 31
in number ; but of Endogens and Acrogens there existed only a single
example of each class in the Hunterian Collection. In the series of
Impressions of leaves and stems the Acrogens are w^ell represented.

With regard to the localities from which the Hunterian specimens
of Woods have been obtained, 24 only are given ; of these 3 are
British, tlie others having been derived from well-known Continental
localities, as in the case of the remains of Vertebrata collected by
Hunter. Of the Impressions of Plants the localities of 22 are named ;
of these 9 are British, the others being principally from Germany
and Switzerland.

The Hunterian and Collegiate specimens were not named ; but
this deficiency, as far as pi'acticable, has now been supplied, and the
names given are on the authority of John Morris, F.G.S., whose
intimate knowledge of these subjects is a sufficient guarantee of
their correctness.

Uoyal College of Surgeons, July 1855.

TABLE OF CONTENTS.

PART IV.

FOSSIL PLANTS.

Class EXOGENS.

Page

Dicotyledonous Phanerogams . . . I

Impressions of the Leaves of Exogens 12

Fossil Fruits, belonging principally to the Class of Exogens . . 13

Class GYMNOGENS.

Gymnospermous Phanerogamse 15

Order CONIFERS 15

Order CYCADEJfi .38

Genus Sigillaria 38

Stigmaria 40

Asteropliyllites 41

S-phenophjllim 41

Class ENDOGENS.

Monocotyledonous Phanerogams 42

Class ACROGENS.

Vascular Cryptogamse 46

Genus Lepidodendron 46

Catamites .48

FILICES (Ferns) 50

Genus Sphenopteris 51

Cydopteris 52

Neicropteris 5

Odontopteris 55

Pecopteris . 56

Class THALLOGENS.

Page

ALGM GO

Order FUCACE^ GO

Order CHARACE^ 61

Order DIATOMACE^ 62

Suborder CYMBELLEtE 62

Suborder DESMIDIE^ 75

VEGETABLE REMAINS OCCURRING IN AGATE AND FLINT.

VEGETABLE PRODUCTS.

Amber and Bitumen 80

Coal 85

*

Series I. — Coals termed Brown Coals or Lignites, in all of which the woody

structure is visible 87

Series II. — Coals called Cannel or Parrot Coals, in all of which the fracture is
more or less conchoidal, and the peculiar tissue characteristic
of Coal, visible in every part 89

Series III. — Coals resembling Cannels, in which the structure of the wood is

plainly seen to be Coniferous 90

Series IV. — Caking Coals, in which the characteristic tissue is nearly obli-
terated, or only observable in parts 91

Series V. — Coals, exhibiting remains of plants as a layer of Charcoal, upon one

or more surfaces 92

Series VI. — Coals, in which there is no Bitumen (Anthracites) 93

Series VII. — Coals, obtained from other strata than those included in the Coal-
measures 94

CATALOGUE

FOSSIL ORGANIC REMAINS.

Part IV.
FOSSIL PLANTS,

Class EXOGENS.

DICOTYLEDONOUS PHANEROGAMiE of Brongniart.

The plants belonging to the class Exogens, formerly called Dicotyledons, are
the most completely formed of any of the members of the vegetable kingdom.
The term Exogen, or "outward grower," is derived from the circumstance of
their adding new wood to the outer side of that formed in the previous year :
in this respect all the plants of this class differ from those of another large class
termed Endogens, in which the new wood is first added to the inside of that
previously formed. The fossil plants collected by Hunter which are strictly
referable to the class Exogens amount to twenty-one in number ; they prin-
cipally belong to the families Juglandea and AcerinecB. When the transverse
sections are examined microscopically, the vessels, with very few exceptions, will
be found disposed in a tolerably regular manner throughout the entire breadth
of the wood composing each of the annular layers, as in the Walnut, and not
principally on the inner side of the several annular layers, as in the Oak and
Ash.

B

2

FOSSIL PLANTS.

1 . A portion of a fossil Exogen, being a segment of a branch or trunk about

eight inches in diameter ; one surface is polished, and shows the annular
layers, the mouths of numerous vessels, and the general woody tissue in
a clear and well-defined manner ; the vessels are rendered more promi-
nent by the light ring surrounding them.

Transverse sections examined microscopically exhibit the medullary
rays, the woody fibres, and the openings of the vessels very plainly : in
the longitudinal sections, the fibres, the mouths of the medullary rays
and the vessels are equally well shown ; the latter are of large size, and
studded with very minute pores.

Locality unnoted. Hunterian.

2. A portion of a fossil Exogen, the greater part of which is perfectly silicified,

whilst a smaller portion of a dark brown colour is as soft as some kinds
of recent wood, and when first obtained very readily took fire ; three
of its surfaces have been polished, and the woody structure is well seen
in all. Several specimens of partially petrified wood have been described
by Mr. Stokes in the Geol. Trans, vol. v. 2nd Series.

When examined microscopically the structure is best seen in the white
parts, where the flinty matter is most transparent ; it is better seen in
the unsiHcified portion than in the black flint in its neighbourhood.
The annular layers are on an average about ^th of an inch apart ; the
medullary rays and vessels are both very numerous, and the vessels are
all of the porous variety.

From the East Indies. Presented by John Quekett.

3. A portion of a silicified wood of a red colour ; it is polished on two surfaces,

and in both the annular layers and medullary rays are well seen from the
variation in the colour of the specimen.

Transverse and longitudinal sections, examined microscopically, very
much resemble those of the Ash and Beech ; the woody fibres are of
small size, and the spaces between the medullary rays are occupied every
here and there with large vessels, which in the longitudinal sections are
seen to have their walls covered with pores.

Locality not noted. Hunterian.

EXOGENS.

3

4. A small portion of a fossil Exogen, one surface of which is polished, and in
this the medullary rays and annular layers are well displayed ; it is a
portion of a stem or branch four inches in diameter ; the medullary
rays are of two kinds ; one very broad, and occurring at intervals of one-
fifth of an inch at the circumference ; the others being smaller, and hardly
visible to the naked eye.

When examined microscopically, the transverse sections exhibit the
openings of very large vessels, which occur in rows following the course
of the annular layers ; the longitudinal sections show that the woody
fibres are of small size, and are crossed by a very large number of medul-
lary rays ; but all trace of vessels is completely lost, the cavities in which
they existed being filled up with transparent silex, having dark irregular
masses of some kind of mineral matter amongst them. The large
medullary rays, when divided vertically in the tangental section, exhibit
closely-packed cells of oblong figure.

Said to be from Turin. Hunterian.

b. A small fragment of a fossil Exogen of a greyish colour, in which the medul-
lary rays are exceedingly numerous, upwards of thirty being placed
within the space of half an inch. The annular layers can be detected
with a pocket-lens ; and where the medullary rays cross them, there the
latter are slightly expanded. The thickest edge of the specimen was
that originally covered by the bark, the furrows being formed by the
open extremities of the medullary rays.

When examined microscopically the woody fibres will be found of
small size, the vessels very numerous, and the surrounding tissue of the
porous character.

Locality unrecorded. Hunterian.

6. A small fragment of a water-worn pebble, of a dark brown or black colour,
being a portion of a fossil Exogen ; one surface has been polished, and
shows two distinct structures ; the larger corresponding to the wood of
the tree, the smaller to the bark.

Examined microscopically, the sections show more plainly than any
other specimens in the collection, the structure both of the wood and

B 2

4

FOSSIL PLANTS.

bark ; the wood very much resembles that of several of our more common
Exogens ; it exhibits the annular layers, the medullary rays and the
openings of large vessels, which in the longitudinal sections are found to
be of the porous variety ; in the bark may be seen numerous woody fibres
and a considerable amount of cellular tissue, all of which are of a rich
brown colour.

From the coast of Sussex. ' Presented by John Quekett.

7. A small irregular fragment of fossil wood of a brown colour : the pohshed

surface, which corresponds with a transverse section of the wood, exhibits
very plainly the medullary rays and the mouths of numerous vessels.

Examined microscopically, the sections present the same appearances
as those of specimens 16 and 18 ; the woody fibres are of small size, and
are crossed by numerous medullary rays, but the vessels are all destroyed.

From the River Derwent, Van Diemen's Land.

Presented by John Quekett.

8. A small portion of a fossil Exogen, which has been ground into a semi-oval

figure and polished on one surface.

Examined microscopically, transverse sections exhibit broad medullary
rays, and the openings of large vessels filled with a transparent crystal-
line substance, the remainder of the section being occupied with woody
fibres of small size and nearly uniform diameter. Longitudinal sections
show woody fibres and medullary rays very plainly, but the vessels are
all destroyed.

Said to be from Piedmont. Hunterian.

9. A small portion of a fossil Exogen, the tangental surface of which is polished,

and the mouths of the medullary rays plainly seen.

Transverse sections, examined microscopically, exhibit woody fibres of
small size with the openings of large vessels ; the medullary rays are of
considerable breadth : the longitudinal sections in some situations exhibit
short dotted woody fibres, but the place of the vessels is occupied by
granules of silex, some of which have an opake central nucleus, whilst

EXOGENS.

5

others exhibit small transparent granules irregularly arranged, with
occasional darker matters between them.

Locality unnoted. Hunterian.

10. A portion of fossil wood, two surfaces of which have been polished; the

greater part of the structure has been destroyed, and the cavities
occupied by transparent and opalescent silex. All the parts that are of
a brown colour exhibit the structure very plainly : by a pocket-lens
it can be made out that the woody fibres are not numerous, and that the
great mass is made up of large vessels.

Examined microscopically, the transverse section shows that the woody
fibres are almost all destroyed, and that little remains except the walls of
large vessels, whilst the longitudinal ones principally exhibit the remains
of large vessels arranged in parallel rows ; in one or two spots it is seen
that these vessels were of the porous character.

From Antigua. Purchased.

11. A portion of a fossil Exogen of a cubical figure and dark brown colour,

exhibiting the woody structure very plainly. The part corresponding to
the transverse section shows that the annular layers are about one-eighth
of an inch apart, and that the vessels, which are very numerous, are filled
in many instances with white crystalline material.

The sections, under microscopical examination, show that the wood
was an Exogen having numerous medullary rays, and that the vessels
were of large size and of the porous variety, with few traces of the pores
remaining.

Locality unnoted. Hunterian.

12. A rough elongated fragment, probably of wood, thus described in the

Hunterian Catalogue: "A small branch of wood, petrified with black
Haematites iron-ore."

The sections are very opake, and hardly allow the minute structure to
be seen, but the general structure appears to be exogenous.

Said to be from Aussig in Bohemia. Hunterian.

13. A portion of a fossil Exogen, in which large furrows have been made, appa-

6

FOSSIL PLANTS.

rently by the action of water ; most of the other parts of the wood have
been bored by an animal, probably a Teredo. It is of a light brown
colour, and its outer surface is sufficiently soft to be scratched by a
knife.

Under microscopic examination, the sections show that the wood was
very like the Common Lime, Tilia europaa ; the medullary rays are very
abundant, and many of the woody fibres marked with transverse striae,
and the cells and vessels with small pores.

Locality unrecorded. Hunterian.

14. A portion of fossil wood of a brown colour ; its exterior is of a light grey,

from the clay in which it was imbedded ; but the interior is brown, and
sufficiently soft to be torn with the nail.

Examined microscopically, the transverse section exhibits very little
trace of woody structure ; but the longitudinal one shows that the me-
dullary rays are very abundant, and that ducts or vessels with very mi-
nute pores on their walls are of frequent occurrence. Most of the
medullary rays are filled with the same brown material as the Bovey and
Aller coals.

From the Eocene tertiary formation of Poole Head, Dorset.

Presented by T. Rupert Jones, Esq.

1 5. A small flattened fragment of a fossil Exogen, which has been ground and

polished as if for a brooch ; it agrees with specimen No. 22 in being so
much impregnated with silex as to have a crystalline fracture.

Very little of the woody structure remains, but still there is enough
to show on microscopic examination that the wood was provided with
annular layers, with medullary rays, and with vessels of the porous
variety.

Locality unrecorded. Hunterian.

16. A small flat portion of a fossil Exogen, of a brownish-black colour. One of

the ends corresponding with a transverse section of the wood has been
polished ; and by the eye, the medullary rays, the annular layers, and
the openings of numerous large vessels can be as plainly seen as in a

EXOGENS.

7

corresponding section of oak or ash. The silex with which the wood is
impregnated is very transparent.

Examined microscopically, all the sections very much resemble those
of the woods above-named ; the medullary rays are very numerous, but
all the parts originally occupied by large vessels are filled with trans-
parent silex, in which are groups of highly refracting crystals. There are
some slight indications that most of the tissues were of the dotted kind.

Locality unrecorded. Hunterian.

17. A small portion of fossil wood, of a jasper-like appearance ; three of its sur-

faces have been polished, and on them may be seen the annular layers,
medullary rays, and the open mouths of numerous vessels.

On microscopic examination, the transverse sections exhibit woody
fibres of very small size, forming a sort of matrix for the numerous and
irregularly-disposed vessels. The longitudinal sections are made up alter-
nately of bundles of woody fibres and vessels, the latter being composed
of the spiral and porous varieties.

Locality unrecorded. • Hunterian.

18. A small flat portion of fossil wood of a light brown colour streaked with

black ; two of its surfaces have been polished, and show distinctly the
medullary rays, annular layers, and the openings of large vessels.

The sections when examined microscopically show that the woody
fibres are of small size, and that the medullary rays are very numerous ;
the vessels are almost wholly destroyed ; but in one or two spots are
sufficient indications that they were of the porous kind, the pores them-
selves being exceedingly small, like those in specimen No. 1.

Locality unrecorded. Hunterian.

19. A small piece of a fossil Exogen, being a tangental section of a branch or

trunk of a tree about fourteen inches in diameter ; it is of a black
colour ; the annular layers and the openings of numerous large vessels
may be very distinctly seen with a pocket-lens.

The state of mineralization is such as to present only slight traces of
vegetable structure ; but the vessels would tend to show that it was an
exogen of the ordinary class. Hunterian.

8

FOSSIL PLANTS.

20. Two specimens of highly sihcified wood which are remarkable for their

whiteness, and for splitting up into ultimate woody fibres ; in the larger
specimen the outer surface next the bark is preserved, and it shows very
plainly the mouths or markings of the medullary rays.

When examined microscopically, the wood is found to be made up of
short flattened fibres pointed at both extremities, each exhibiting a central
cavity, but no trace of pores ; the fibres are about one-third less in
breadth than those of specimen No. 121 , which belongs to the Araucariae.
Large opake fibres occur in bundles amongst the smaller ones ; these are
casts of the interior of vessels or ducts, which appear to be of the porous
variety.

From Australia. Presented by Mr. J. T. Norman.

21. An elongated portion of wood of a light brown colour, the external surface

of which appears to have been polished by the action of water. The
annular layers, the medullary rays, and the mouths of numerous vessels
can be readily seen with a pocket-lens ; the former are very numerous
and of considerable breadth.

Examined microscopically, the transverse section shows that both the
medullary rays and vessels are full of a transparent crystalline silex, and
the woody fibres of uniform size : the longitudinal section also shows
bundles of woody fibres of uniform size, crossed by medullary rays ; all
trace of vessels has disappeared. The general structure of this wood is
like that of the Sycamore.

Locality unrecorded. Hunterian.

22. A thin, square, polished slab of fossil wood, of a dark mottled grey colour

and glistening aspect, owing to the abundant deposit of crystalline par-
ticles throughout the entire substance of the specimen.

All the sections show that very little of the wood is left, and that
remaining is in the form of bundles not- more than ^th of an inch in
diameter, retaining however the character of an Exogen, traces of medul-
lary rays and large vessels being plainly visible. On a superficial exami-
nation, the specimen might be mistaken for a fossil Palm.

Locality unrecorded. Hunterian.

EXOGENS.

9

23. A small fragment of a fossil Exogen of a light brown colour, showing the

annular layers and vessels very plainly ; the latter occur in concentric
rows and in immediate connexion with the annular layers.

On microscopic examination, the medullary rays are very abundant,
and occur as so many broad wavy lines ; the vessels are of small size and
belong to the porous variety ; they have been subjected to great pressure
and are difficult to make out.

Locality unnoted. Hunterian.

24. A segment of a fossil Exogen of a light brown colour, in which the medul-

lary rays are very abundant, and very visible to the naked eye ; the
mouths of vessels are only here and there perceptible.

On microscopic examination, nearly the whole of the woody structure
has been destroyed ; but still enough remains to show that the specimen
was exogenous, and that it was provided with vessels of the porous
variety.

Locality unnoted. Hunterian.

25. A large fragment of a fossil Exogen, of a greyish colour, one surface of

which has been cut obliquely and polished ; the annular layers, medul-
lary rays, and the mouths of numerous vessels are easily recognized ; the
latter are filled with a black material. Some parts of the specimen are
of flinty hardness, others so soft as to be readily broken down with the
nail.

Examined microscopically, the transverse section shows that the medul-
lary rays are very numerous, and are occasionally separated by bundles
of large vessels filled with black material. In the longitudinal sections
the woody fibres occur in parallel rows, and at somewhat regular inter-
vals are seen streaks of globular silex mixed with black material, which
formerly filled the vessels now destroyed.

Locality unrecorded. Hunterian.

26. A small specimen of fossil wood, in which a portion of the original exterior

is preserved. The woody structure is absent in several parts, its place
being occupied by opalescent silex ; but when present, the general arrange-

c

10

FOSSIL PLANTS.

ment of medullary rays and vessels may be easily seen with a pocket-
lens.

All the sections under microscopic examination exhibit a regular
exogenous structure, the medullary rays being very numerous, and the
vessels so large as to occupy a space equal to that included by three of
them ; these latter resemble those of the Willow and Alder in having
porous walls.

Said to be from Chili, S. America. Purchased.

27. A large portion of agatized wood, the outer surface of which is convex, and

the inner one concave, with parallel concentric markings between them,
appearing as if it had originally formed part of the circumference of some
large branch or stem. With the pocket-lens the medullary rays are seen
to be very abundant.

Examined microscopically, the sections exhibit appearances very like
those of the Magnolia ; the medullary rays are very abundant, and the
vessels, which are provided with large pores, have occasionally terminal
markings like those of scalariform tissue.

Locality unrecorded. Hunterian.

28. A small portion of an Exogen of a greyish colour ; the vessels, which are

very numerous, are easily distinguished by the naked eye, on account
of their being filled with an opake white substance.

Examined microscopically, the transverse section exhibits very nar-
row medullary rays, between every three of which the vessels occur ;
these last, as shown by the longitudinal section, are of the minutely
porous variety : they are uniformly spread over the extent of each an-
nular layer, and are of considerable size.

From the West Indies. Presented by James Hilton, Esq.

29. A cylindrical portion of fossil wood of a rich brown colour, two feet ten

inches in length and seven in breadth ; its outer surface is furrowed, and
exhibits several knots or burrs, from which branches have been given off.
One surface, corresponding with a transverse section of the wood, has been
polished, and the general arrangement of the medullary rays, annular
layers and vessels is visible to the naked eye.

EXOGENS.

11

When examined microscopically, the sections agree precisely with
those of specimen No. 1 : the medullary rays are very numerous, and
the vessels are principally of the porous variety. In general appearance
the wood resembles that of the Walnut.

30. A small elegant piece of fossil wood of a light brown colour, being part of
a branch or stem about two inches in diameter : the remains of the pith
may be seen ; this is surrounded by twelve concentric zones of wood,
which are crossed by numerous medullary rays, and between them are
a large number of vessels. Two of its surfaces are polished, and on one
may be seen the remains of a branch composed of a single broad zone
of wood.

Sections examined microscopically show that the medullary rays are
very numerous, and that the vessels, which are all of the porous variety,
are of large size, and like those of specimens No. 1 and 28, occur not
upon the line indicating each annular layer, as in the Oak, Ash, and
Beech, but between them, as in the Walnut.

31. A small piece of a fossil Exogen, being part of an oval stem or branch, two
surfaces of which have been polished ; the exterior, for the depth of one-
eighth of an inch, is white, the remainder light brown mottled with
black ; the annular layers, medullary rays and openings of vessels are
plainly visible to the naked eye.

Sections examined microscopically will be found to resemble very nearly
those of the preceding specimen, but the annular layers are narrower,
the vessels smaller, and the wood altogether more compact.

Locality unrecorded.

Hunterian.

Locality unrecorded.

Purchased.

Locality unrecorded.

Purchased.

12 FOSSIL PLANTS.

Impressions of the Leaves of Exogens.

32. A slab of indurated shale marked with an impression of an ovate-oblong

leaf, tolerably acute, and having a serrated margin ; it belongs to the
family Salicinfe.

From the tertiary beds of CEningen. Hunterian.

33. A slab of sandstone covered with the impressions of two kinds of leaves, the

smaller one belonging to Cupuliferfe, probably Carpinus, the other Dom-
beyopsis grandifolia (Buttneriacese).

From the brown-coal formation of Germany. Hunterian.

34. A small mass of sandstone marked with the impressions of leaves of the

family CupuliferfB.

From the brown-coal formation of Germany. Hunterian.

35. Two slabs of calcareous shale marked with an impression of a leaf referable

to the genus Salicites.

Locality unrecorded. Hunterian.

36. A small slab of indurated marl containing an impression of a leaf of a species

of Maple, Acer tricuspidata.
Sternberg, plate 50. fig. 2.

From the tertiary beds of CEningen. Hunterian.

37. A small slab of indurated marl containing the impression of a leaf of Acer

trilobata (Brongn.).

Knorr, History of Petrifactions, pi. 9. fig. 2.

From the tertiary beds of CEningen. Hunterian.

38. A mass of sandstone marked with the impressions of the leaves of Dombey-

opsis.

From the brown-coal formation of Germany. Hunterian.

39. A small square slab of indurated marl, presenting an impression of a leaf,

referable to Populus, and near to P. crenifolia, linger.
Knorr, tab. 9. fig. 1.

From the tertiary beds of CEningen. Hunterian.

IMPRESSIONS OF LEAVES.

13

40. A small squared fragment of marl exhibiting an impression of a leaf, pro-

bably referable to the order Rhamnets.

From the tertiary beds of CEningen. Hunterian.

41. A flat piece of indurated marl, marked with the impression of a leaf, the

venation of which is imperfectly apparent ; it may probably be referred
to the order Rhamnece.

From the tertiary beds of CEningen. Hunterian.

42. A small portion of laminated micaceous marl belonging to the brown-coal

series or ' papier-kohle schale,' showing the impression of the base of a
Dicotyledonous leaf.

One of the indentations, like those on the oak-leaf, is shown.

From the lignite or brown-coal formation of Bohemia.

Hunterian.

43. A small piece of marl slate containing an impression of part of a leaf of

Comptonia acutiloba, Brong. {Aspleniopteris difformis of Sternberg).
Sternberg, Flora der Vorwelt, pi. 24. fig, 1.

From the tertiary beds of CEningen, Hunterian.

44. A split nodule of what appears to be indurated clay or brick-earth stone,

showing the impression of the end of a branch with its leaves of a Dico-
tyledonous plant, like a species of Rose.

It appears to be an artificial fossil, probably the result of some experi-
ment made by Hunter to test or exemplify the nature of fossil leaves and
fronds, or their impressions in natural stones.

No memorandum or note of locality. Hunterian.

Fossil Fruits belonging principally to the Class of Exogens.

4.5. A Nut very much resembling that of the Common Hazel, Corylus avellana.

Locality unrecorded. Hunterian.

46. Four Nuts resembhng those of the Common Hazel.

Locality unrecorded. Hunterian.

47. Six Nuts like those of the Common Hazel, recently found beneath a layer

14

FOSSIL FRUITS.

of red and white clay at a depth of eighteen feet from the surface ; one of
them is worm-eaten.

From Taunton, Somerset. Presented by W. S. Gillett, Esq.

48. A small fruit or seed, described in the Manuscript Catalogue as " a Nut

found among the wood, &c. found under the Earth."

Locality unrecorded. Hunterian.

49. A sandstone cast of a fossil fruit, described in the Manuscript Catalogue as

" a small Stone wrought all over with prominent veins : it is like a Nut
or Fruit ! Bought of D. Costa."

Locality unrecorded. Hunterian.

50. A calcareous infiltration into the shell of a large Walnut, and retaining the

form of one half the kernel.

Locality unrecorded. Hunterian.

51 . A fruit of Nipadites clavatus, Bowerbank, in which a considerable portion

of the pericarp has been destroyed and the nucleus or kernel brought
into view ; the pericarp exhibits a series of parallel dark lines : these are
the remains of bundles of woody fibres. This specimen is described in
the Manuscript Catalogue as " a very fine Pyritical Fruit," but very
little pyrites now remains.

Bowerbank, Fossil Fruits of the London Clay.

From the London clay of the Isle of Sheppey. Hunterian.

52. The upper portion of the pericarp of a fossil fruit of Nipadites ellipticus,

Bowerbank ; it is largely infiltrated with pyrites.

From the London Clay of the Isle of Sheppey. Hunterian.

53. The upper portion of the pericarp of a smaller species of Nipadites, N. Ian-

ceolatus, Bowerbank ; like the preceding specimen, it is largely impreg-
nated with pyrites.

From the London clay of the Isle of Sheppey. Hunterian.

.54. A fossil fruit of oval figure, largely impregnated with pyrites ; it probably
belongs to the genus Nipadites, and is described in the Manuscript Cata-
logue as " a rare specimen."

From the London clay of the Isle of Sheppey. Hunterian.

GYMNOGENS.

15

Class GYMNOGENS,

GYMNOSPERMOUS PHANEROGAMS of Brongniart.

The plants belonging to the order Gymnogens are characterized by having their
seeds naked or wanting a pericarpial covering. They resemble Exogens in their
mode of growth ; they have annular layers, medullary rays and a central pith,
but their wood always exhibits certain discoid markings, known as "bordered
pores ; " these may occur in a single row, as in Pinus sylvestris, or in a double
or even a treble row, as in some of the Araucarics ; occasionally a spiral fibre
exists with the pores, as in the Yew. The two most remarkable orders of Gym-
nogens are the ConifercB and Cycadecs ; the former of these, according to Lindley,
is connected with Lycopodiacese among Acrogens by the extinct genus Lepido-
dendron.

Order CONIFERS.

Gymnogens with a repeatedly branched continuous stem, simple acerose
leaves, and females in cones.

55. A mass of fossil wood of a dark brown colour, some parts of which are

completely fossilized, whilst others are sufficiently soft to be cut with a
knife ; it has been bored in every direction by the Teredo antenautce,
Sowerby, and the borings are lined with crystalline carbonate of lime.

When examined microscopically, the sections show very clearly that
the wood was coniferous, there being a single row of large pores upon
most of the fibres ; if the softer portions be examined in a little water,
the bordered pores will be found detached from the fibres, like those of
Preparations I. 61 & 63 in Vol. I. of the Histological Catalogue.

From the London clay near the Thames, at Kingston.

Presented hy W. S. Roots, Esq., F.R.C.S.

56. A portion of agatized wood, described in the Hunterian Manuscript Cata-

logue as " A large Jasper-like branch of wood, from Coburg in Saxony."

16

FOSSIL PLANTS.

In some parts the specimen is of opalescent appearance, in others of a
rich brown, like jasper.

Thin sections, examined microscopically, show that the specimen is
made up of woody fibres, of nearly equal size ; some of them are filled
with opake matter, others are perfectly transparent. The longitudinal
sections show, in addition, numerous concentric rings of agate, some of
which are no larger in diameter than the fibres themselves, others being
equal to three or four fibres. The large bordered pores characteristic of
the Coniferae can only be detected in particular situations, a very common
occurrence in all specimens much agatized.

Probably from the Trias. Hunterian.

57. A portion of fossil wood, two-thirds of which have been converted into com-
pact agate ; the rest, although agatized, readily breaking up into minute
ultimate fibres.

Thin sections, as well as the ultimate woody fibres, show that the
wood was coniferous, and that the bordered pores were in a single row :
many of the woody fibres are as transparent as glass, others present a
striated appearance.

Said to be from Piedmont. Specimens similarly agatized are very
common in Australia. See Nos. 120, 121. Hunterian.

68. A small fragment of a fossil Exogen, parts of which are of a slate colour,
the others being black ; two of the surfaces have been polished, and both
show the exogenous structure very plainly.

All the sections under the microscope exhibit structure characteristic
of the Coniferse : the bordered pores are of large size, and most of the
woody fibres present an appearance of having had a spiral fibre in their
interior.

Locality unnoted. Hunterian.

59. A cylindrical portion of fossil wood of a light brown colour, not unlike a bar
of rusty iron ; it is marked externally by longitudinal wavy striae, and
the rough granular appearance is produced by the projecting extremities
of the medullary rays.

When examined microscopically, the transverse section shows a uni-

GYMNOGENS.

17

form arrangement of thin-walled woody tibres, without any trace of
vessels, or annular layers ; some of them being filled with transparent
silex, others with silex of a rich brown colour. The longitudinal sections
exhibit nothing but woody fibres, arranged in parallel rows, and tinged
after the same manner. Although no pores are visible, the main cha-
racters entirely accord with those of the Coniferse.

Locality unnoted. Hunterian.

60. A portion of silicified wood, which, on its transverse section, exhibits a

variegated tint and disposition of the flinty material ; some parts of the
external surface are coloured, in purplish streaks. It has been fractured
in the transverse direction, and its fissures filled with opaline silex: the
woody tissue is well seen in flaky portions of transparent silex.

On microscopic examination, transverse sections clearly show that the
wood is coniferous in structure.

From Chemnitz in Saxony. Hunterian.

61. A portion of highly agatized wood, described in the Manuscript Catalogue

as " Agate petrified wood of the Linden, with black and white spots,
and mingled with woody fibres that can be scraped ; one face polished."

On microscopic examination, the structure exhibited by the wood is
coniferous, there being in some instances one, in others two rows of
bordered pores in each fibre. In the most transparent part of the
sections, the agate is in the form of concentric rings. Some of the
woody fibres are occupied by a moniliform fungus, like that which has
been observed in specimens of recent wood. The concentric rings of
agate are best seen in the tangental section.

From the Carpathian Mountains in Hungary. Hunterian.

62. A portion of silicified wood, thus described in the Manuscript Catalogue : —

" Petrified wood with a fibrous substance that can be scraped, then of
brown agate variegated with eyed rings that often occur in agates, from
the Province of Liptoria in Hungary : " these last are probably nothing
more than fractures.

When examined microscopically, the sections exhibit woody fibres
filled with transparent silex in which opaque spherical granules are seen ;

D

18

FOSSIL PLANTS.

these are most abundant towards the circumference. The large glan-
dular pores in the fibres indicate the coniferous character.

From the Province of Liptoria in Hungary. Hunterian.

63. A flattened piece of silicified wood, which is of a dark brown colour streaked

with yellow, said in the Manuscript Catalogue to be "petrified brown
flint with yellowish spots."

On microscopic examination, all the dark parts exhibit the woody
structure perfectly, while the lighter are composed of more or less cry-
stallized silex. The structure is coniferous : in many of the woody fibres
the siliceous material is tinged with black.

From the Giant's Mountains in Bohemia. Hunterian.

64. A portion of extremely dark wood, which at first sight resembles a piece of

black marble ; it has been polished on two of its surfaces.

Thin transverse sections show that the annular layers of the wood are
rather more than a quarter of an inch in breadth, and the longitudinal,
that the structure is coniferous. This specimen closely resembles the
Craigleith and Lough Neagh trees, and would seem to belong to the
Araucarian variety of Coniferee, although the pores of the fibres can be
but imperfectly seen.

From Chemnitz in Saxony. Hunterian.

65. An elongated portion of fossil wood coated with crystals of sulphate of lime ;

some parts are soft like recent wood, others harder and impregnated with
pyrites.

On microscopic examination, all the dark portions exhibit a woody
structure, and the absence of vessels and presence of pores on many of
the fibres are indicative of its coniferous nature.

It is stated in the Manuscript Catalogue to have been obtained " from
Shotover Hill in Oxfordshire," and probably occurred in the Kimmeridge
clay of that locality. Hunterian.

66. Two portions of a fossil Exogen of a brown colour, marked " Petrif Holz

Ostind : " both ends of the larger specimen are polished, and the annular
layers and medullary rays well shown.

GYMNOGENS.

19

Sections, when examined microscopically, clearly prove that the speci-
mens belong to a Conifer ; the medullary rays are very numerous, the
woody fibres small and thick-sided, but no pores are visible, the woody
fibres being filled with a transparent silex.

From the East Indies. Hunterian.

67. A portion of a fossil Exogen cut into the form of an elongated slab, ^th. of

an inch in thickness, and polished on all its surfaces. The general tint
is a yellow- or reddish-brown, streaked with black.

When examined microscopically, the transverse sections clearly show
an arrangement of woody fibres precisely like that of coniferous wood
but those made in a longitudinal direction, although showing the woody
fibres in some parts very clearly, do not exhibit any trace of pores.

Said to be from Hungary. Hunterian.

68. A portion of wood having a black exterior, as if partly bitumenized, whilst

the interior is as soft as recent wood, and can readily be cut with a
knife.

When examined microscopically, all the sections show that the wood
is coniferous, and that the structure closely resembles that of Pinus
sylvestris.

Said to be from Coniz, near Neusohl, Lower Hungary. Hunterian.

69. A fragment of opalized wood irregularly broken, the reddish-brown trans-

lucent portions having a resinous lustre ; one surface, of elongated figure,
is cut transversely and polished, exhibiting an irregular undulating con-
centric arrangement with somewhat sinuous empty spaces : the outer
surface is partially decomposed. It is thus described in the Manuscript
Catalogue : — " A very large and elegant piece of petrified wood, Linden
tree wood, yellowish, converted or petrified into a smooth glossy stone
of flinty break, the edges of the fractures somewhat diaphanous, but
hardly strikes fire with the steel. It is found in the Marsh grounds (see
Knorr's Hist, of Petrifact. pt. 3. p. 16. no. 12) ; a deep yellow colour like
rosin. Two specimens polished, longitudinal and transverse."

Microscopical appearances : — The transverse sections exhibit woody

D 2

20 FOSSIL PLANTS.

fibres of large size filled with silex ; the annular layers are on an average
one-eighth of an inch in breadth : the tangental and radial sections show
bordered pores, like those of coniferous wood, occupying nearly the
entire breadth of the fibre. All the woody matter is of a bright yellow
colour, but the silex which fills up the spaces left by the disturbed
fibres is quite white.

From Boinik, near Neusohl, Lower Hungary. Hunterian.

70. A portion of a fossil Exogen, of a light brown colour, having two of its

surfaces polished. It is part of a trunk or branch about six inches in
diameter, and shows very plainly four annular layers in the space of an
inch.

When examined microscopically, all the sections clearly show that the
wood is coniferous.
Locality unnoted. Hunterian.

71. A portion of fossil wood, in which the annular layers are very plainly seen,

in consequence of the diiference in colour of the mineralizing matter :
from twenty-eight to thirty may be counted in an inch of the transverse
section.

Sections examined microscopically show that the wood is much im-
pregnated with earthy matter ; but the absence of vessels, and the uniform
size of the fibres, would indicate its coniferous character.

From Carlsbad, Austria. Hunterian.

72. A portion of fossil wood of loose structure and light colour ; it is part of a

branch or trunk three inches in diameter, and is so soft as to be readily
broken down by the nail : the mineralizing matter is calcareous.

When examined microscopically, the sections show that the wood was
probably coniferous ; but in consequence of the large quantity of earthy
matter, the pores of the fibres cannot be seen.

From the mine of Fensterorth, near Schemnitz, Lower Hungary.

Hunterian.

73. A piece of fossil wood of blackish colour and irregular figure, some parts

of which are of crystalUne structure, whilst others are brown and soft,
presenting all the characters of imperfectly fossilized wood.

GYMNOGENS.

21

When examined microscopically, both transverse and longitudinal sec-
tions show the wood to be coniferous, and to be nearly allied to that of
Pinus sylvestris ; the fibres exhibit a single row of pores ; some fibres are
large and transparent, others are full of opaque material.

Locality unnoted. Hunterian.

74. Four flattened irregular pieces of fossil wood, of a reddish-brown colour,

like burnt brick. Each exhibits woody fibres and medullary rays, which
are visible with a pocket-lens. The two broadest surfaces of the flattest
specimen are partially covered with minute sparkling crystals.

When examined microscopically, nothing but woody tissue is to be ob-
served. Many of the fibres exhibit bordered pores, but the chief peculiarity
to be noticed is the angular crystallization of the silex within the fibre.

Locality unnoted. Hunterian.

75. A portion of silicified wood, which, like specimens 120, 121 , has a tendency

to split up into fibres : it is part of a stem, or branch, about two inches
in diameter. The general mass is of a white colour, the exterior being
tinged with oxide of iron.

All the sections, when examined microscopically, exhibit coniferous
structure, and the fibres have one row of bordered pores ; some of them
are filled with rounded granules of a brown colour, others are perfectly
transparent. One of the sections is of a brown colour throughout, and
exhibits no granules, which in the others are found in the external por-
tion only.

Locality unnoted. Hunterian.

76. A fragment of a fossil Exogen, composed of contorted and twisted wood,

which exhibits traces of borings, and is evidently much water-worn.
There are large clefts which have been filled with transparent silex in
very small crystals.

When examined microscopically, all the sections clearly show that the
wood was coniferous ; the annular layers are about ^ inch in breadth.

Locality unnoted. Hunterian.

77. A cylindrical portion of a fossil Exogen, rather more than an inch in dia-

22

FOSSIL PLANTS.

meter, which has been converted into black flint, except a thin layer at
the circumference which is white, and has adherent to it small masses
of limestone.

All the sections, when examined microscopically, display a coniferous
structure ; the woody fibres having one row of bordered pores. The
transverse section shows the annular layers very distinctly ; twelve of
these can be seen with the naked eye.

Locality unnoted. Hunterian.

78. A small portion of fossil wood of a brownish colour streaked with white :

is a fragment of a larger piece which has been much water-worn ; all the
angles on the external surface are smooth and rounded.

When examined microscopically, the transverse section exhibits nothing
but thick-walled woody fibres, of circular figure and nearly uniform size ;
and although the breadth of the specimen exceeds half an inch, there is
no indication of annular layers. The longitudinal sections show woody
fibres with faint indications of bordered pores, proving the coniferous
nature of the wood.

79. A small portion of a fossil Exogen highly agatized ; one surface is polished,
and this presents an ivory-like appearance ; the annular layers have been
divided vertically, and are seen as so many parallel strise. In the Manu-
script Catalogue it is described as "petrified wood of chalcedony."

When examined microscopically, all the sections exhibit characters
peculiar to the Coniferse ; the woody fibres are of large size, and some of
them have as many as two or even three rows of bordered pores ; they
are filled with very transparent silex, which in certain situations is of the
globular form.

80. A portion of a fossil Exogen, being part of a branch or stem, about four inches
in diameter. The cortical surface is preserved, and on the polished
surface, which corresponds with the transverse section, may be seen me-
dullary rays, and very faint traces of annular layers, the former being
exceedingly numerous.

Locality unnoted.

Hunterian.

From Schemnitz in Hungary.

Hunterian.

GYMNOGENS.

23

Examined microscopically, the sections plainly exhibit a coniferous
structure. The principal points to be observed are the small size of the
woody fibres, and the great abundance of medullary rays. The transverse
section does not exhibit any indication of annular layers.

Locality unrecorded. Hunterian.

81. A fragment of fossil wood of irregular figure; the woody fibres are con-

siderably disarranged, and large cavities are filled up with silex, having
a minutely crystalline appearance.

Examined microscopically, all the sections exhibit faint indications of
coniferous structure.

From Jubbulpoor, East Indies. Hunterian.

82. A portion of a fossil Exogen of a light slate colour : two of its surfaces have

been polished, and numerous circular spots may be observed, which are
filled with transparent crystalline and opalescent silex ; these were pro-
bably holes made by boring animals.

The microscopic appearances presented by all the sections clearly in-
dicate the coniferous character of the wood. The woody fibres exhibit a
single row of large bordered pores ; many of the former are filled with
rounded granules of a rich brown colour, and in some situations the
pores themselves are similarly coloured.

From the Lias, Lyme Regis, Dorsetshire. Purchased.

83. A small portion of a fossil wood, of a reddish-brown colour, the external

surface of which is smooth and water-worn ; two surfaces have been
polished, and in both the woody structure can be well seen with a pocket-
lens ; numerous small knots are visible on the external surface, and may
be also plainly seen on the polished inner surface.

The transverse sections exhibit nothing but woody fibres filled with
silex of a brown colour, in some instances displaying concentric rings.
The longitudinal sections show the same coloured material filling the
fibres, but it is chiefly of the globular form, having three or four zones
arranged round a central nucleus. Although no pores can be made out,
the wood is decidedly coniferous.

Locality unnoted. Hunterian,

24

FOSSIL PLANTS.

84. A thin flat portion of fossil wood, which has been cut and poUshed as

if for a brooch ; it is of a yellowish-grey colour with occasional spots
of red.

The sections, when examined microscopically, show that the wood was
allied to Coniferse, but, like specimens 80, 87, they show no trace of
annular layers : the medullary rays are very abundant, and as many as
three, or in some cases four rows of bordered pores occur in one fibre.

Locality unnoted. Hunterian.

85. A portion of highly agatized wood, which exhibits very plainly the annular

layers : three of its surfaces are polished, and the silex is so transparent,
that, in some parts, the layers can be seen a quarter of an inch beneath
the surface, the rest being more opaque. In general character it resembles
No. 60.

When examined microscopically, all the sections clearly show that the
wood was coniferous : the opaque portions exhibit the woody fibres most
plainly, and in the transparent much globular silex occurs.

Locality unnoted. Hunterian.

86. A large portion of fossil wood of cylindrical figure, light brown colour,

partly imbedded in a mass of blue lias : certain fissures are found in
various parts, which are filled with opaque crystalline carbonate of lime.

When examined microscopically, all the sections show very clearly
that the wood was coniferous ; most of the woody fibres are filled with a
light brown material, and the bordered pores are, in consequence, indi-
stinctly seen.

Locality unnoted. Hunterian.

87. A small flat portion of fossil wood, being part of a trunk or branch about

four inches in diameter. One surface has been polished, and the medul-
lary rays can be distinctly seen with a pocket-lens, but no trace of annular
layers. The colour of the specimen is of a dark brown, except on the
outer margin, where part is of a reddish tinge.

The microscopic appearances presented by the transverse sections
agree with those of No. 84, in not showing any trace of annular layers,

GYMNOGENS.

25

and in the uniform size and shape of the woody fibres. The longitudinal
sections exhibit nothing but woody fibres, occurring in parallel fines, all
being more or less impregnated with brown-coloured silex, but all trace
of pores is lost : the absence of vessels and uniform arrangement of
woody fibre tend to show that the specimen belonged to the Conifers.
The medullary rays are not seen in the radial section.

Locality unnoted. Hunterian.

88. A portion of a silicified fossil wood of a dark brown colour and flattened
figure ; from the smoothness of its edges, it appears to have been much
water-worn : all fractured surfaces have a semicrystalline structure.

When examined microscopically, the sections do not atFord very good
evidence of the minute structure, but still enough can be made out to
prove the coniferous nature of the wood.

89. A portion of a silicified fossil wood of a light brown colour, the external
surface of which is marked by boring animals. The transverse section
exhibits very plainly the medullary rays and annular layers ; the former
are disposed in wavy lines, and the latter measure about ^rd of an inch
in breadth.

When examined microscopically, all the sections demonstrate the
coniferous character of the wood, which approaches very closely to the
Scotch fir, Pinus sylvestris, both in external characters as well as in its
minute structure ; one row of large bordered pores occurs in many of
the fibres ; the medullary rays are very numerous.

90. A small flat piece of fossil wood of a greyish colour, having one surface
polished, and exhibiting medullary rays and annular layers very plainly ;
the former are mostly filled with opaque white matter.

When examined microscopically, the sections exhibit very clearly the
coniferous nature of the wood ; but most of the woody fibres and medul-
lary rays are filled with calcareous material. There is a single row of
pores in some of the fibres.

From the Alps of Carinthia.

Hunterian.

Locality unnoted.

Hunterian.

Locality unnoted.

Hunterian.

£

26

FOSSIL PLANTS.

91. A large portion of a fossil wood, white externally, and black internally : part

of the external surface immediately underlying the bark is preserved.
The transverse section shows the annular layers, some of which are
nearly ^ of an inch in breadth. The woody structure can be plainly seen
in all parts with a pocket -lens.

When examined microscopically, the transverse section shows that the
woody fibres are filled up with silex, presenting the appearance known as
" fortification agate." In the longitudinal sections only a faint trace of
this crystallization can be seen. Both sections exhibit structure charac-
teristic of the Coniferae.

Locality unnoted. Hunterian.

92. A portion of fossil wood of a brown colour, which, from its smooth exterior,

would appear to have been much water-worn.

When examined microscopically, the specimens exhibit a coniferous
structure ; the pores are somewhat indistinct, but a single row in each
fibre may be seen in most parts.

From the Circle of Pilsen in Bohemia. Hunterian.

93. A large portion of fossil wood of a dull brown colour, almost approaching to

black. On examination with a pocket-lens, the annular layers will be
found to be more than half an inch distant from each other, and the
medullary rays exceedingly numerous and well-marked.

Transverse sections examined with the microscope exhibit thick-walled
woody fibres of nearly uniform size. The longitudinal sections show
that the wood was coniferous, the fibres being provided with a single row
of bordered pores, having the central marking oblique as in Cycas
revoluta.

From Hungary. Hunterian.

94. A portion of fossil wood, being the segment of a trunk or branch about

eight inches in diameter. The specimen is mineralized by light-coloured
silex, plainly exhibiting to the eye the woody structure, and is traversed
transversely by darker line&.

On microscopic examination, the transverse section shows that the

GYMNOGENS.

27

medullary rays are very numerous, and that only two or three rows of
woody fibres occur between them. The vertical sections exhibit woody
fibres of small size, mostly filled with minute granular matter, but all
trace of pores has disappeared. The medullary rays are in many
instances filled with orbicular silex. No vessels occur in any part of the
three sections, and there is every reason to believe that it was coniferous.
Stated to be from the Principality of Coburg. Hunterian.

A portion of wood having a light brown clayey appearance, some parts of
which are studded with minute shining crystals of quartz, the outer
portion less compact than the interior.

The radial section, when viewed with a power of 100 diameters, exhi-
bits woody fibres of uniform size, which are crossed obliquely by the
medullary rays. Most of the fibres are very transparent, others are
minutely granular ; these last show most plainly that the wood was coni-
ferous, the bordered pores being of large size, and arranged sometimes
in a single row, often followed by two double rows.

Locality unrecorded. Hunterian.

A transverse section of the trunk of a large tree from the mountain lime-
stone series of Berwickshire, and described by Witham as Pitus antiqua.
It is of oval figure, eleven and a half inches in the long by seven in the
short diameter : about two inches distant from one margin is seen a
dark spot three-fourths of an inch in diameter ; this is the pith ; it is sur-
rounded by a white ring of calcareous material, from which many radii
may be traced to the circumference. Some of these radii pass through
certain lozenge-shaped portions quite as black as the pith ; these are all
that remain of the woody structure of the tree, and the medullary rays
can be traced through them. All the other parts of the section are made
up of nodules or hexagons of calcareous crystalline spar, separated from
each other by a black matrix composed of a mixture of earthy and of
vegetable matter. Part of the margin is indented, and this is coated
with a black substance resembling coal.

All the sections clearly show that this wood belongs to the family of
Araucarise, and that there were two or more rows of bordered pores in

E 2

28

FOSSIL PLANTS.

each fibre. The black matter surrounding the calcareous crystalUzations
is mostly made up of decomposed vegetable matter.

Specimens of the Lennel Braes' tree have been accurately described
and figured by Witham in his work on " The Internal Structure of Fossil
Vegetables," &c.

From Lennel Braes, on the banks of the Tweed, Berwickshire.

Purchased.

97. A small flat portion of a fossil tree, of a black colour, intersected with

numerous white wavy veins, of crystalhne calcareous matter, like those
described in the Lennel Braes' specimen. The absence of the annular
layers and the large size of the woody fibres would tend to show that
this specimen belongs to the species known as Pinites Withami.

Examined microscopically, all the sections show that this wood was
allied to the Araucarise, and that it very much resembled some of the
trees from Lennel Braes. The woody fibres are of large size, and exhibit
many rows of small bordered pores, which occupy the entire breadth of
the fibre. In some parts the interior of the pore is destroyed, and the
outer wall presents an appearance like that of spiral fibres.

From the quarries of Craigleith, near Edinburgh. Purchased.

98. A portion of fossil wood, having its natural or external surface entire ; it is

of oval figure on transverse section, and the pith is very excentric ; it is
thus described in the Manuscript Catalogue : — " A large piece of petri-
fied wood, branch-like, rounded, and thick." The external surface is
white, the internal of a light purplish-brown.

Microscopic examination shows that the character is coniferous ; the
woody fibres being of small size, and the pores in some instances
arranged in three parallel rows.

Locality unnoted. Hunter ian.

99. A small fragment of fossil wood of a light brown colour ; the woody struc-

ture is very well seen with a pocket-lens, and it splits very readily in the
vertical direction, being so soft as to be easily scratched with the nail.
When examined microscopically, the transverse section shows very

GYMNOGENS.

29

faint indications of annular layers : the greater part of its surface is com-
posed of woody fibres of tlie same size ; but in one spot, which appears
to have been the outer part of the annular layer, the thickness of the
walls of the fibres is much greater. The longitudinal sections exhibit in
some cases a single, in others a double row of large bordered pores
placed alternately, a character common to the Araucarise.
From Sandys River, South Africa.

Presented by T. Rupert Jones, Esq.

100. A small portion of silicified fossil wood, described in the Manuscript Cata-

logue as " a cylindric piece of coarse petrified wood with a knot or burr."
Some parts of its outer surface are eroded, and a cavity at its smaller
end is occupied with a white material like chalk. The larger end has
been made smooth, by which the medullary rays and four annular layers
are shown, whilst the centre is occupied by what appears to be a pith
filled with agglutinated sandy gravel, measuring half an inch in diameter.

When examined microscopically, the transverse section exhibits
woody fibres of uniform size, with numerous medullary rays ; the longi-
tudinal ones show that most of the fibres were covered with pores like
those of the Craigleith and Lennel Braes' tree, and that the central por-
tion corresponding to the pith is made up of a coarse cellular tissue.

Locality unnoted. Hunterian.

101. A thin fiat portion of wood of a greyish colour, having two of its edges

irregular and tuberculated. The woody fibres and annular layers can be
plainly seen with a pocket-lens ; the latter are much undulated, and so
narrow that upwards of forty occur in an inch.

When examined microscopically, all the sections exhibit coniferous
structure : the woody fibres are of large size, and their walls were
originally occupied with three rows of bordered pores, traces of which
can be seen both in the radial and tangental sections.

Locality unnoted. Hunterian.

102 A portion of fossil wood, the outer surface of which resembles a light clay
in colour, the opposite being of a jet-black tint.

When examined microscopically, all the darker portions exhibit the

30

FOSSIL PLANTS.

woody structure very plainly, and frequently in a beautiful manner, but
in the white parts it has been nearly destroyed by being impregnated
with earthy material. The transverse sections clearly indicate the coni-
ferous character of the wood, and the longitudinal ones display woody
fibres of elongated form, some of which present three or even four rows
of bordered pores. Sections of wood from the same locality have been
already described in the Histological Catalogue, Vol. I.

From Lough Neagh, Ireland. Presented by John Quekett.

103. Another fragment of fossil wood, of much smaller size than the preceding

specimen, but wholly composed of the black material. With a pocket-
lens the woody structure can be plainly seen on the two surfaces which
have been polished.

The transverse sections, examined microscopically, show that the w^ood
has been subjected to great pressure ; many of the fibres are little
altered, and still exhibit the central cavity, whilst those around have
been filled with an orange -coloured deposit, and have their walls much
compressed. A similar appearance is often seen in wood converted into
jet. The longitudinal sections exhibit in some cases a single row of
pores ; but the short fibres in the neighbourhood of the medullary rays
have two, and these alternate with each other, with a faint trace of a
spiral structure also visible. Many of the woody fibres are occupied by
irregular masses of dark brown colour, which also will be found to
resemble the so-called resinous masses seen in jet.

From Lough Neagh, Ireland, obtained in 1835. Purchased.

104. A fragment of a fossil wood of a dark brown colour, the greater part of

which is impregnated with silex ; but there is a small piece on the
external surface of a lighter brown colour than the rest ; it is soft, and
readily splits up into ultimate woody fibres.

All the sections clearly show the coniferous nature of the wood, which
resembles that of Lough Neagh in every essential particular ; in some
parts the fibres have been much compressed ; the more open ones exhibit
the brown masses like resin.

From the Giant's Causeway in Ireland. Presented by John Quekett.

GYMNOGENS.

31

105. A portion of fossil wood, one extremity of which is of a dark brown colour,
the other being white, and appearing as if it had been subjected to heat ;
the woody structure can be well seen in both parts with a pocket-lens.

Under the microscope the sections clearly show that the wood nearly
resembled that from Lough Neagh, as in specimens 102 and 103, there
being in each of the fibres, in some cases a single row of pores, in others
two alternating rows.

106. A portion of black wood, which is bent very much like the stave of a cask ;
the outer convex surface is smooth, the inner rough, as if it had been
split off from a large plank. Some parts are of a dull dark brown
colour, others being black and lustrous like jet.

The transverse section exhibits woody fibres of small size, which have
been so much compressed that only a slight indication of their tubular
character can be made out ; they are all of a rich brown colour, and little
square masses of brown matter, like resin, may be observed scattered
irregularly in many parts of the section. The vertical sections show that
the woody fibres have small bordered pores, and many of them exhibit
an appearance of spiral fibres in their interior like those of the Yew :
these are most evident in the radial section. The resinous material
alluded to in the transverse section occurs in considerable abundance
in both the vertical sections.

107. A portion of wood, which is very black and heavy, and has a great tendency
to split in the longitudinal direction ; it is of oval figure, and appears
to have been much compressed.

The transverse section shows that the woody matter is composed of
alternate bands of fibres much compressed, and of others exhibiting thick
walls of square figure ; the longitudinal ones, when viewed with the
naked eye, show two varieties of colour, one of greenish hue, the other
of a rich brown, the latter being dependent upon the large quantity
of brown resinous material occurring between the fibres and filling up

Locality unnoted.

Hunterian.

Locality unnoted.

Hunterian.

32

FOSSIL PLANTS.

the cavities of others. The wood itself is coniferous, and the bordered
pores are of large size and occur in single rows.

Locality unnoted. Hunterian.

108. A flat portion of wood, which has been almost wholly converted into a black

bituminous mass like cannel coal ; at one end the black matter is rounded
off, just as if it had been melted.

The sections show that the woody matter, although almost wholly con-
verted into a brownish-black mass like bitumen, still exhibits traces of
the fibres, the medullary rays and the pores ; leading to the belief that
the wood was coniferous.

Locality unnoted. Hunterian.

109. A small thick rounded mass of woody matter, known as Jet ; all its sur-

faces are black, and more or less rounded and polished.

From the lias clay of Whitby, Yorkshire. Purchased.

110. A thin flat piece of Jet, from the same locality as the last-described speci-

men ; one surface has been cut with a saw, and shows concentric wavy
markings about ^ of an inch distant from each other, which appear like
the annular layers. The opposite surface presents a rounded protuber-
ance like a knot.

Sections of this specimen have been made in three directions, and
when examined microscopically they present the same characters as cor-
responding sections of coniferous wood. The transverse section exhibits
a great number of medullary rays filled with a dark brown material ; the
woody fibres have been so much compressed, that they exhibit no
cavity ; they are all of a uniform rich brown tint. The radial section
shows faint indications of the medullary rays, and of one row of pores
on each of the fibres. The tangental section shows the mouths of the
medullary rays very plainly; they occur as so many elongated beaded
spots filled with brown material.

From the lias clay of Whitby, Yorkshire. Purchased.

111. A portion of wood of rhombohedral figure, being part of a branch, which
has evidently been subjected to great pressure. Two of its surfaces,
which correspond to the transverse sections of the wood, are of elongated

GYMNOGENS.

33

oval figure, and exhibit very clearly the annular layers : the specimen
has a great tendency to split in this direction, and most of the fragments
are of the same rhombohedral figure as the original. The colour of the
specimen is light grey, being due to the clay in which it had been
imbedded : this can readily be removed with water, and the tint then
becomes of a shining black like that of jet.

When examined microscopically, the structure of the wood is not so
plainly seen as that of jet. The transverse section shows that the woody
fibres have been nearly all compressed into a solid mass. The tangental
shows the woody fibres, and mouths of the medullary rays very plainly ;
but in the radial one, the fibres have been so much compressed, that no
trace of pores is visible, although there is every reason to believe that
the wood is allied to the Coniferse.

From the bed of an ancient lake at Naunton Close, Leckhampton,
near Cheltenham. Presented by Albert Way, Esq.

112. Two other specimens of the same wood, which, like the preceding, are

remarkable for their rhombohedral figure. Fragments of wood, agreeing
in every particular with these, are to be seen in the Museum of the Geo-
logical Society ; they were obtained from the Kimmeridge clay.

113. A small flat portion of brown coal, or lignite, both flat surfaces of which

exhibit woody structure.

When examined microscopically, the transverse section exhibits a series
of wavy lines, produced by a great amount of lateral compression of the
woody fibres ; in one or two spots the compression has not been so exten-
sive, and the cavity of the fibres can be seen. There is little or no trace
of medullary rays, but a series of dark brown masses occur in parallel
lines, as if they had once been contained in the medullary cells. Both
the tangental and radial sections exhibit woody fibres very plainly, and
the former shows that the fibres were provided with bordered pores of con-
siderable size. The brown masses alluded to in the transverse section
are very abundant in both the longitudinal ones ; they occur in parallel
rows, and many of them occupy the cells of the medullary rays.

From Bovey Tracey, Devonshire. Presented by Miss Mary Brown.

F

34

FOSSIL PLANTS.

1 14. A square fragment of brown coal or lignite ; the whole of the exterior, for

about ^ of an inch in depth, is quite black and brittle, and has the ap-
pearance of jet, but the interior is of a dull brown, and is readily cut with
a knife.

All the sections agree with those of the Bovey coal, but the woody
matter has not been so much compressed, and several spots occur in
the tranverse section in which the fibres have been little altered : the
brown masses looking very much like resin are very abundant. The
bordered pores are very well seen in some of the fibres, and it appears
that there is more than a single row of them in each fibre.

From AUer, near Bovey Tracy, Devonshire.

Presented by Miss Mary Brown.

1 1 5. A portion of highly bitumenized clay containing the remains of wood, which,

on microscopic examination, proves to be coniferous. The clay readily
takes fire and burns with a bright flame, but giving off" much smoke ; a
whitish ash is left which exhibits the remains of wood.

From Bovey Tracy, Devonshire. Hunterian.

116. A large irregular fragment of fossil wood of a dark brown colour, some

parts of which are covered with a black crystalline material very like
coal. A label affixed to the specimen has the following inscription :
" Lignum bituminosum, lamellaribus crystallisationibus repletum, ex
Aguersibus Collibus."

All the sections clearly show that the wood is coniferous, and that
many parts had been subjected to great pressure. One row of large pores
will be found on each of the fibres. The transverse section is very
remarkable ; it resembles some of the common kinds of cannel coal.

Hunterian.

■117. A fragment of fossil wood of a brownish-grey colour; two of its surfaces
have been polished, and both exhibit the woody structure very plainly.

Examined microscopically, all the sections indicate the coniferous na-
ture of the wood. In consequence of a variation in colour of the silicifying
material, the radial sections are traversed by a series of brown, parallel.

GYMNOGENS.

35

wavy lines ; the woody fibres exhibit a single row of large oval pores,
disposed in a parallel manner.

Said to have been obtained from Chili. Purchased.

118. A cubical fragment of fossil wood of a mottled black and yellow tint,

having two polished surfaces, on which traces of woody structure can be
seen with the aid of a pocket-lens.

All the sections show that the wood was coniferous, but it is too much
impregnated with siliceous matter to exhibit the pores on the woody
fibres.

Locality unnoted. Presented hy John Quekett.

119. A portion of fossil wood of a brown colour, much impregnated with cal-

careous material, and in which are large fissures filled with crystalUne
carbonate of lime ; the woody structure is very perfectly preserved, and
the medullary rays are well seen by a pocket-lens.

It splits up very readily into thin fibres, which, on microscopic exami-
nation, will be found to exhibit one row of large bordered pores, proving
the coniferous nature of the wood.

From the Great Oolite of Lincolnshire.

Presented by John Morris, F.G.S.

120. A large curved branch of fossil wood, which, like specimens 20 and 121,

from Australia, readily breaks up into ultimate fibres of silky whiteness ;
it has been everywhere perforated by boring animals, their tracks being
filled with brown transparent silex. The internal portion is firmer, and
tinged with oxide of iron.

All the sections clearly show that the wood was coniferous ; but the
bordered pores cannot readily be distinguished in the central yellow
parts ; in the portion which splits up into ultimate fibres, as many as
three rows may sometimes be observed.

Said to be from Bruges. Hunterian.

121. A series of delicate fragments of a fossil wood, which is remarkable for its

splitting up into ultimate fibres of silky whiteness, and appearing as so
many minute crystals.

F 2

36

FOSSIL PLANTS.

Examined microscopically, the fibres will be found to exceed in breadth
those of the preceding preparation ; three rows of bordered pores being
the usual number on each fibre. In some of the fibres the globular form
of silex is well seen.

From Van Diemen's Land. Presented by John Quekett.

122. A small fragment of silicified wood, of a Hght brown colour externally, but

internally exhibiting little else than opalescent silex ; distinct indications
of woody structure may be seen with the naked eye in both parts.

Examined microscopically, some of the fibres are very transparent, and
exhibit two rows of bordered pores, occasionally interrupted by a single
row ; other fibres are remarkable for the beautiful display of concentric
rings of globular silex.

From Galveston, Texas. Presented by John Quekett.

123. A small irregular fragment of fossil wood, of a dull brown colour, very

soft and much resembling a mass of clay. It is described in the Hun-
terian Catalogue as " Bitumenified and lapidified wood."

The transverse section agrees with that of many of the other specimens
in exhibiting little or no trace of annular layers ; the woody fibres are of
large size, and are furnished with two rows of bordered pores placed
alternately as in the Araucariae.

Locality unrecorded. Hunterian.

124. A large irregular mass of fossil wood, partly surrounded by the matrix in

which it was imbedded. It is of a light brown colour, and is easily
scraped with a knife ; on one edge may be seen a linear series of rounded
tubercles, which are probably traces of abortive branches.

Like the preceding specimen, all the sections show that the wood was
coniferous ; the fibres are of considerable size, and are rendered opaque
by a deposit within them of calcareous material.

Locality unrecorded. Hunterian.

125. Several fragments of fossil wood of a dark brown colour, to which the

following description was affixed: — "The wood of part of the above
fossil, with a piece of the bark reduced to the state of powder, but which

GYMNOGENS.

37

is in the original form of the wood ; the calcareous earth now removed
by the muriatic acid, which has rendered it spongy, light, and is easily
rubbed to a powder." The bark has best sustained the action of the
acid ; it is the only part of which sections can now be made.

Bundles of wood}'^ fibres, surrounded by cellular tissue of a rich brown
colour, are displayed in the sections, and the powder shows distinctly
woody fibres, with occasional traces of bordered pores on their walls,
proving the coniferous nature of the wood.

Locality unrecorded. Hunterian.

126. A small portion of a fossil Exogen, the mineralizing matter of which is

of a dark brown colour, intersected with numerous red veins like those
of jasper, and partially filled with light crystalline silex.

All the sections, more especially the tangental one, examined micro-
scopically, exhibit woody fibres, in which are pores existing with spiral
fibres, as in the Araucarise ; the veins are made up of silex coloured
red, probably by iron.

Said to be from the Grand Duchy of Coburg. Hunterian.

127. A trunk of a fossil tree, three feet six inches high and one foot ten inches

in diameter ; within ten inches of the base it has been split vertically,
so that the woody fibres and medullary rays can be well seen with a
pocket-lens. The specimen is of a light brown or slate colour, with
occasional white streaks, and its exterior is longitudinally furrowed.

On microscopic examination, the structure proves to be coniferous ;
the woody fibres are of large size, and have a single row of bordered
pores.

Locality unnoted. Hunterian.

38

FOSSIL PLANTS.

Order CYCADEiE.

In the Lias, Oolite and Purbeck beds, several species of Cycadeous plants are
found ; they occur in the form of conical or subcompressed rounded masses of
silica, having their outer surface covered with a series of lozenge-shaped scales ;
many of them are closely allied to some of the recent ZamicB ; two species are
particularly abundant in the Purbeck formation of the Island of Portland.

128. A stem of a Cycadeous plant, Cycadeoldea microphylla ; it is five inches in

height and ten in diameter. The outer surface presents a honeycomb
structure, produced by the scars to which the petioles were attached ; the
eniire mass is composed of silica.

From the Purbeck beds of the Isle of Portland.

129. An elongated slab of blue lias limestone, containing an impression of an

entire leaf of PalcBOzamia Bucklandi.

From the quarries of Street, Somersetshire.

Presented by John Quekett.

130. A smaller slab of blue lias limestone, containing a more perfect impression

of a nearly entire leaf of Palaozamia Bucklandi.
From the quarries of Street, Somersetshire.

Presented by John Quekett.

Genus Sigillaria.

The Sigillari(B were tall erect trees, with a regular and cylindrical stem, having
no side branches, but becoming dichotomous at the summit ; numerous species
are found in the coal-measures of both the Old and New Continents. Thev are
readily distinguished by the longitudinal ribs and furrows, and the scars which
are impressed on their outer surface. Specimens of Sigillaria occur in different
states of preservation ; sometimes the outer cuticle is preserved entire, but more

GYMNOGENS.

39

frequently the impression is derived from the surface of the inner cuticle, and by
this means many varied appearances may be formed by the same specimen.

The group was formerly considered to be allied to the Ferns, but it is now
referred to the Gymnospermous Dicotyledons of Brongniart, or Gymnogens of
Lindley.

131. A large squared slab of coal-shale presenting the impression of part of the

stem of Sigillaria organum.
Lindley, Fossil Flora, pi. 70. — Sternberg, Flora der Vorwelt, &c. pi. 13
From Wigan, in Lancashire. Hunterian.

132. A smaller mass of coal-shale marked with an impression of Sigillaria

organum : like the last specimen, this is an imprint from the external
surface of the inner cuticle.

Sternberg, Flora der Vorwelt, pi. 13.

From Wigan, Lancashire. Hunterian.

133. A somewhat curved slab of ironstone, consisting of a cast of the outer part

of the stem of Sigillaria oculata.
Lindley, Fossil Flora, pi. 59.

Locality unnoted. Hunterian.

134. A small fragment of coal-shale presenting impressions of Sigillaria oculata.

Lindley, Fossil Flora, pi. 59.

Locality unnoted. Hunterian.

135. A square slab of coal-shale marked with impressions of Sigillaria reniformis ;

it will be observed that the columns are of much larger size than those
in the preceding specimens, and of a decreasing diameter.

Brongniart, Ann. Sc. Nat. iv. pi. 2. — Lindley, Fossil Flora, pi. 57, 71.

Locality unnoted. Hunterian.

136. An irregular flat piece of coal-shale marked with impressions of Sigillaria

reniformis.

Lindley, Fossil Flora, pi. 57, 71.

Locality unnoted. Hunterian.

40 FOSSIL PLANTS.

137. A thin flat piece of coal-shale, bearing a cast of the outer surface of a

Sigillaria, probably /S. Murchisoni, and on the opposite side a reverse
impression : the former beautifully displays the disposition and form of
the leaf-scars, with the well-marked furrows separating the rows.
Lindley, Fossil Flora, pi. 149.

Locality unnoted. Hunterian.

138. A small thick slab of coal-shale, marked with the impression of Sigillarin

alveolaris, Brong.

Brongniart, Hist. Veg. Foss. vol. i. pi. 162.

Locality unknown. Hunterian.

Genus Stigmaria.

A plant extremely abundant in the under-clay of the Coal-measures, and was
formerly considered a distinct genus, but is now proved to be the root of
Sigillaria.

139. A cast in sandstone of a portion of the stem of Stigmaria Jicoides, com-

pressed on one side, showing the spiral arrangement of the ovate de-
pressed, margined scars, to which appendages were attached. The stem
also exhibits traces of longitudinal flexuous furrows.
Lindley, Fossil Flora, pi. 31-36, 166.

Coal-measures. Locality unknown. Hunterian.

140. A slab of bituminous shale, known in commerce as Bog Head Cannel-coal,

with a compressed specimen of Stigmaria Jicoides, the cuticle being con-
verted into a pellicle of coal ; the outer striated surface is marked by
circular scars, to some of which the rootlets are attached.
Coal-measures of Torbane Hill, near Bathgate, N.B.

Presented by John Quekett.

141. Another portion of the same mineral, in which is a smaller specimen of

Stigmaria Jicoides ; numerous rootlets are seen on two sides of the plant,
but none of the scars so evident in the larger specimen are present in
this one.

Coal-measures of Torbane Hill, near Bathgate, N.B.

Presented by John Quekett.

GYMNOGENS.

41

Genus Aster ophyllites.

The plants belonging to the genus Asterophyllites are named from their foliage
being arranged in the form of a star ; they are considered to be allied to the
Cycadea, and their stems were articulated and branched with verticillate leaves
arranged perpendicularly to the branches which supported them.

142. A small piece of shale, containing a compressed leaf of Asterophyllites

equisetiformis, Brongniart.

Brongniart, Prodrome d'une Histoire, &c. pL 159.

Locality unrecorded. Hunterian.

143. A flattened piece of shale, containing impressions of Asterophyllites

equisetiformis.

Brongniart, Prodr. Hist, des Veg. Foss. pi. 159.

Locality unrecorded. Hunterian.

144. A reddish clay-ironstone, with a specimen of Bechera dubia, containing a

small series of verticillate leaves.

{Bechera grandis, Lindley, Fossil Flora, pi. 19, 173.)

Locality unknown. Hunterian^

Genus Sphenophyllum.

145. A small piece of coal-shale, with about twelve sets of verticillate leaves of

Sphenophyllum pusillum.

{Rotularia pusilla, Sternberg, Flora der Vorwelt, pi. 26. fig. 4.)
Locality unknown. Hunterian.

6

42

FOSSIL PLANTS.

Class ENDOGENS.

MONOCOTYLEDONOUS PHANEROGAMS of Brongniart.

The plants included in the class of Endogens are those in which the deposition
of new wood in the process of growth always in the first instance takes place
towards the interior of the trunk. To this class belong the Palms, Canes, and
Orchids, nearly all of which are inhabitants of tropical regions. When the
stem is divided transversely, the bundles of woody fibres, which are generally
more or less coloured, are few in number in the centre of the stem, but become
very abundant, more closely packed, and of a darker colour towards the
circumference. Only one specimen of fossil Endogen existed in the Hunterian
collection.

146. A thin slice of a fossil Endogen, about three inches in diameter, the upper

surface of which is polished, and the general arrangement of the woody
and cellular tissues well shown. The bundles of woody fibres it will be
noticed are of light colour, and are scattered irregularly in the centre of
the specimen, but towards the circumference they are closely packed and
the colour is black. The circumference is formed by closely packed
bundles of woody fibres of a yellow colour, forming a zone of ^th of an
inch in breadth.

Examined microscopically, all the sections show that the specimen is
made up of bundles of woody fibres and vessels, surrounded by a cellular
tissue ; the vessels are all of the ordinary spiral form.

From Saugur in the Deccan, East Indies. Purchased.

147. A portion of the stem of a fossil Endogen, which has been divided

vertically through the centre, and this surface and the horizontal one
polished. The general arrangement of the bundles of woody fibres and
vessels is well seen upon both surfaces ; the former are of much smaller
and the latter of much larger size than those of the preceding specimen ;

ENDOGENS.

43

they are both filled with transparent silex, the greater part of the cellular
tissue around them being of a yellow colour.

All the sections under the microscope exhibit bundles of thick-walled
woody fibres, and of vessels surrounded by a well-marked cellular tissue.
The vessels are mostly of the spiral form, and in many of the larger ones
the extremities and the transition from an elongated marking or pore
to a regular spiral can be well seen.

From the Island of St. Thomas, West Indies. Purchased.

148. A portion of a fossil Endogen, having one surface, which corresponds with

a transverse section of the trunk, polished. The general arrangement of
the woody fibres and cellular tissue is very like that of the preceding
specimen, but the bundles of the former are of larger size ; they are
impregnated with transparent silex, and under a pocket-lens appear as
holes.

Under the microscope, the sections differ from those of the preceding
specimen in having a greater amount of the woody and less of the cellular
tissue. The vessels all belong to the spiral form.

From Antigua. . Purchased.

149. This specimen has a considerable resemblance to part of a stem of

some large cane, as the Bamboo, or Sugar-cane, and it includes a node,
the septum of which may be seen at one end, at which part also the
exterior is marked with three irregular tubercles. A radiated appearance
may be detected in the exposed surface of this septum, the minerahzing
matter of the original tissue in spathose carbonate of lime resembhng
somewhat that disposition of the crossing fibres usually found in this
part: it is thus described in the Manuscript Catalogue: — "A cylin-
drical tube or hollow piece made like a shark's bone, outside rough,
rusty, and with three knots or knobs, and is composed of coarse radi-
ated spar ; it is only a replacement of sparry particles, for the woody
ones, an incrustation formed on the branch of a tree."

When examined microscopically, the transverse sections are seen to be
almost wholly composed of transparent crystalline material ; but in the

G 2

44

FOSSIL PLANTS.

longitudinal one there are certain spots which appear of a yellowish-
brown colour to the naked eye, in which cellular and woody structure
are apparent, as in the Endogens generally.

Locality unrecorded. Hunterian.

150. A fragment of a large fossil Endogen, exhibiting to the naked eye a series

of small openings imbedded in a yellow matrix ; all the other parts,
which appear to have been cavities, being occupied with opalescent
silex ; the openings above alluded to are not disposed in any regular
order, resembling in character the small vascular bundles found in the
large succulent Canes.

When examined microscopically, the sections show that all the yellow
matter is composed of cellular tissue, and the openings described are
but the extremities of vascular bundles, many of which have besides
been filled up, and show themselves in the transverse section as little
transparent dots. The vessels are nearly all destroyed, but the woody
sheath around them remains.

Locality unrecorded. Purchased.

151. A small portion of a fossil Endogen, in which the bundles of woody fibre

and the cellular tissue can be plainly seen with the naked eye ; the
former are of large size, and at considerable distance from each other.

When examined microscopically, the woody fibres will be found of
large size, and many of them thickened with sclerogen deposited in
concentric laminae. In the longitudinal section, spiral vessels and porous
tissue may be seen in connexion with some of the bundles.

Purchased.

152. A portion of a fossil Endogen, one surface of which is rough, as if it had

been torn, and the woody fibres project like so many rounded filaments.
Two other surfaces have been polished, and both show the bundles of
woody fibres which have been divided in three directions, vertically,
transversely, and obliquely.

On microscopic examination, the transverse sections exhibit the divided
extremities of the woody fibres and vessels, constituting the dark bundles ;
the former are seen to contain concentric layers of sclerogen, and the

ENDOGENS.

45

latter are invariably placed at one angle of the bundle. The parenchyma
is composed of cellular tissue, having elongated cells ; and in different
parts may be seen small incipient woody fasciculi, scattered amongst
the larger ones. In the longitudinal sections large vessels provided with
spiral and reticulated markings may be observed.

From Antigua. Purchased,

1 53. A portion of fossil wood, which has been almost wholly converted into
agate. All the plant-structure remaining is of an opaque yellow colour,
and can be readily seen with the naked eye, the matrix in which it is
imbedded being transparent.

When examined microscopically, very little structure can be made out
in any of the sections ; yet still it is probable, from the general arrange-
ment, that the structure is endogenous.

From the East Indies. Presented by John Quekett.

I

46

FOSSIL PLANTS.

Class ACROGENS.

VASCULAR CRYPTOGAMS of Brongniart.

The plants belonging to the class of Acrogens are, as the name implies, all
such as grow from the summit, and this takes place by the lengthening of the
tissues first formed, and not by the addition of new ones, as in the Exogens and
Endogens. To this class belong the Lycopodiacea or Club Mosses, the Equi-
setacecB or Horsetails, and the Filices or Ferns ; they are all abundantly repre-
sented in the fossil state by the plants occurring in the Carboniferous series.

Genus Lepidodendron.

The plants composing this genus occur in very great abundance in the Coal-
measures ; they are sometimes found in the form of large trees : the term " scaly
tree " is derived from certain triangular markings occurring on the surface of
the stem ; these are the scars produced by the attachment of the petioles, which
are seldom obliterated in the fossil state. The branches and twigs are generally
covered with small linear leaves known as Lepidophylli. The living representa-
tives of this genus are the Lycopodiacea or Club Mosses.

154. A large mass of clay-ironstone which has been split, and exhibits a cast
and impression of part of a stem of Lepidodendron aculeatum; the impres-
sions of many other plants occur on the same slabs ; many of these are
referable to the leaves of the Lepidodendron, and have received the name
of Lepidophylli.

Sternberg, Flora der Vorwelt, pi. 14.

Locality unrecorded. ^ Hunterian.

ACROGENS.

47

155. A portion of a split nodule of clay-ironstone, with a small branch of Lepi-
dodendron elegans with numerous Lepidophylli on its sides.
Brongniart, Prodrome Hist. Veg. Foss. pi. 85.

From the coal-measures of Colebrook Dale. Hmterian.

15f). A portion of a split nodule of clay-ironstone, with an impression of a small
branch of Lepidodendron elegans with its surrounding Lepidophylli.
Brongniart, Prodrome, pi. 85.

Locality unrecorded. Hunterian.

157. A mass of sandstone, slightly micaceous, from the millstone grit of the

coal-measures, containing a series of well-marked scars of Lepidodendron
obovatum, Sternb.

Sternberg, Flora der Vorwelt, pi. 6, 8.

From Flintshire. Hunterian.

158. A small square slab of micaceous sandstone (millstone grit), containing a

cast of part of the stem of Lepidodendron obovatum (Sternb.).
Sternberg, Flora der Vorwelt, pi. 6, 8.

From the coal-measures. Hunterian.

159. A mass of coarse reddish grit, exhibiting casts of the internal sides of the

scales of Lepidodendron rimosum, Sternb.
Sternberg, Flora der Vorwelt, pi. 10.

From the coal-measures. Locality unrecorded. Hunterian.

160. A mass of clay-ironstone, on one side of which is shown a portion of

the lower part of the stem of Lepidodendron Sternbergii, and on the other
the impressions of Lepidophylli, Catamites, and leaves of Neuropteris,
Sternberg, Flora der Vorwelt, pi. 1,2.

From the coal-measures. Locality unrecorded. Hunterian,

161. A split slab of coal-shale, exhibiting a cast and impression of Lepidoden-

dron Sternbergii.

Sternberg, Flora der Vorwelt, pi. 1 , 2.

From the coal-measures of Yorkshire. Hunterian.

48

FOSSIL PLANTS.

162. A large oblong nodule of clay-ironstone, split in halves, and containing an

impression of Lepidodendron Sternbergii.
Sternberg, Flora der Vorwelt, pi. 1, 2.

Locality unrecorded. Hunterian.

163. One-half of a split nodule of clay-ironstone, containing an impression of

part of the stem of Lepidodendron Sternbergii, in which the scars are
much larger than in the preceding specimen.
Sternberg, Flora der Vorwelt, pi. 1, 2.

Locality unrecorded. Hunterian.

1 64. An elongated nodule of black ironstone, containing an impression of a

Lepidodendron, filled with crystals of carbonate of lime.

Locality unrecorded. Hunterian.

16.5. A split nodule of clay-ironstone, containing a cast and an impression of
one of the cones or seed-vessels of a species of Lepidodendron, w hich was
formerly considered as a distinct plant, and described by the generic
name of Lepidostrobus, the species in question being probably the
L. variabilis of Lindley and Hutton.

Lindley and Hutton, Fossil Flora, pi. 162.

From Colebrook Dale. Hunterian.

Genus Galamites.

The Calamites are found in great abundance in the coal-measures of every
country ; they occur in the form of stems, sometimes pressed flat, but more
frequently retaining their cylindrical figure ; they were formerly classed with
the EquisetacecB, but by recent investigations have been shown to be entirely
distinct, the stems being articulated and regularly striated, and sometimes
arborescent. The bark is occasionally found investing the stem in the form of
a coaly substance, as shown in specimen No. 166, but more frequently all the
organic structure has been destroyed, and nothing remains but a cast of the
interior, composed of clay or sand.

166. A portion of the stem of Calamites pachyderma, in which some traces of

ACROGENS.

49

the bark occur ; these are converted into a black carbonaceous substance
resembling coal.

Brongniart, Hist. Veg. Foss. vol. i. pi. 22.

From the coal-measures : locality unknown. Hunterian.

167. A cast of the stem of Calamites cannaformis in reddish and greenish grit ;

the longitudinal strise are well shown.

Brongniart, Hist. Veg. Foss. vol. i, pi. 21.

From the coal-measures : locality undescribed. Hunterian.

168. A mass of sandstone, in which is imbedded a cast of the stem of Calamites

ramosus.

Brongniart, Hist. Veg. Foss. vol. i. pi. 17.

From Leeswood, Flintshire. Hunterian.

169. A portion of coal-shale, with the impression of a stem of some species of

Calamites.

Locality unrecorded. Hunterian.

170. A small flat piece of coal-shale, marked with the impression of a Reed.

Locahtv unrecorded. Hunterian.

H

50

FOSSIL PLANTS.

FILICES (Ferns).

Ferns are distinguished from all other vegetables by the peculiar division and
distribution of the veins of the leaves, and by the regular disposition (in the
arborescent species) of the scars left upon the stem at the point from which the
petioles have fallen off.

The classification of Fossil Ferns is chiefly founded on the former of these
characters, it being impossible to apply to them the system adopted in the
arrangement of living genera, founded on the varied disposition of the fructifica-
tion, which is rarely preserved in the fossil state.

171. A fragment of a fossil Tree Fern, the transverse section of which exhibits
to the naked eye a series of oval and circular rings, of a brown colour,
the centres of which, as well as the matrix in which they are imbedded,
are of a brownish-white. One side has been polished, and on it the
woody fibres may be seen occurring in parallel lines.

On microscopical examination, the transverse section shows that the
rings are composed of thick-walled woody fibres ; within the ring may
be observed a bundle of vessels, mostly surrounded by transparent silex.
The rest of the section is composed of cellular tissue. The longitudinal
sections exhibit long parallel bundles of woody fibres, which are divided
on the one side by bundles of scalariform vessels, and on the other by
cellular tissue. Certain fissures occur throughout the specimen, and
these are occupied by silex, partly transparent and partly of a light
fn'own colour.

Locality unrecorded, Hunterian.

ACROGENS.

51

Genus Sphenopteris*.

Leaves bi-tri-pinnatifid ; leaflets contracted at the base, not adherent to the
rachis. Lobed ; the lower lobes largest, diverging, somewhat palmate ; veins
bipinnate, radiating as it were from the base.

172. A mass of light-coloured shale exhibiting impressions of parts of several

fronds of Sphenopteris elegans (Brong.).
Brongniart, Hist. Veg. Foss, vol. i, pi. 53.

From the coal-mines of Landshut, Silesia. Hunterian.

173. A small fragment of coal-shale containing the impression of part of a frond

of Sphenopteris elegans.

Locality unrecorded. Hunterian.

174. Two portions of a split nodule of clay ironstone, containing an impression

and a cast of part of a frond of Sphenopteris Hceninghausi (Brong.).
Brongniart, Hist. Veg. Foss. vol. i. pi. 52.

Locality unrecorded. Specimens have been obtained from the coal-
measures of Newcastle-on-Tyne, as well as from those of France and
Germany. Hunterian.

175. A fragment of shale marked with an impression of an undescribed species

of Sphenopteris.

Locality unrecorded. Hunterian.

176. Two slabs of slaty calcareous stone containing an impression of a branched

plant, probably belonging to the genus Sphenopteris, and it may be
described as S. patens. Frond pinnate, pinnse furcate, alate ; pinnulae
somewhat cuneiform, veins simple, and extending into each of the lobes.

The specimen is described in the Hunterian Catalogue as coming from
Switzerland. Hunterian.
* From cr(p))v a wedge and Trrepls a fern.

H 2

52

FOSSIL PLANTS.

Genus Cyclopteris*.

Leaves simple, entire, and somewhat orbicular; veins numerous, radiating
from the base, dichotomous, equal ; midrib wanting.

177. A split nodule of clay ironstone of rounded figure containing impressions of

Cyclopteris orbicularis (var.).
Brongniart, Hist. Veg. Foss. vol. i. pi. 61. figs. 1,2.
From the coal-measures of Colebrook Dale. Hunterian.

178. One-half of a split nodule of clay ironstone containing an impression of

Cyclopteris oblata.
Lindley and Hutton, Fossil Flora, vol. iii. pi. 217.
Probably from the same locality as the preceding specimen.

Hunterian.

179. One-half of a split nodule of clay ironstone exhibiting an impression of

Cyclopteris oblata.

Lindley and Hutton, Fossil Flora, vol. iii. pi. 217.

Locality unrecorded, but probably Colebrook Dale, like the preceding
specimen. Hunterian.

Genus Neuropteris f.

Leaves bipinnate or rarely pinnate ; leaflets usually somewhat cordate at the
base, neither adhering to each other, nor to the rachis by their whole base,
only by the middle portion of it ; midrib vanishing at the apex ; veins oblique,
curved, very fine, dichotomous. Fructification: sori lanceolate, even, covered
with an indusium, arising from the veins of the apex of the leaflets, and often
placed in the bifurcations.

* From kvkXos a circle and Trrepis a fern.
f From yevpoy a nerve and irrepls a fern.

ACROGENS.

53

180. A small fragment of a nodule of clay ironstone marked with an impression

of part of a frond of Neuropteris Loschii (Brong.).

Brongniart, Hist. Veg. Foss. vol. i, pi. 72. fig. 1, 73.

Locality unrecorded. This species occurs in the coal-measures of
England, France, Germany and America. Hunterimi.

181. A small fragment of coal-shale, with an impression of part of a frond of

Neuropteris tenuifolia (Sternb.).

Brongniart, Hist. Veg. Foss., vol. i. pi. 72. fig. 3.

Locality unrecorded. The only locality named by Brongniart for this
species is Saarbruck. Hunterian.

♦

182. A thick block of triassic limestone marked with the impression of a leaflet

of Neuropteris Gaillardoti (Brong.).

Brongniart, Hist. Veg. Foss. vol. i. pi. 74. fig. 3. Stated to be the only
species known in this formation.

Locality unrecorded. Hunterian.

183. A small split nodule of clay ironstone marked with an impressiou and a

cast of a leaflet of Neuropteris Jiexuosa.

Locality unrecorded. Hunte- mi.

184. A portion of a split nodule of clay ironstone exhibiting an impression of

part of a leaflet of Neuropteris Jiexuosa, in which the pinnules are re-
markable for their flexuous margin.

Locality unrecorded. Hunterian.

185. A split nodule of clay ironstone, with an impression of the greater part of

one of the leaflets of A^eMro/j^m's^eraosa.

Locality unrecorded. Hunterian.

186. One-half of a small nodule of clay ironstone, with the impression of part

of a leaflet of Neuropteris jiexuosa.

Locality unrecorded. Hunterian.

54

FOSSIL PLANTS.

187. Two portions of a split nodule of clay ironstone, with the impression and

cast of part of a leaflet of Neuropteris flexuosa.

Locality unrecorded. Hunterian.

188. Two portions of a large flattened nodule of clay ironstone, with impressions

of three leaflets of Neuropteris flexuosa.

Locality unrecorded. Hunterian.

189. A portion of a small split nodule of clay ironstone, with an impression of

more than half a leaflet of Neuropteris flexuosa.

Locality unrecorded. Hunterian.

190. A nodule of ferrugino-carboniferous stone, split and exposing the upper

part of the frond of Neuropteris flexuosa {Osmunda gigantea, var. /3,
Sternberg) .

Sternberg, Flore du Monde Primitif, fol. tab, 32. fig. 2. — Transactions
of the Geological Society of London, 2nd ser. vol. i. pi. 7. fig. 2 (where
the characteristic flexaosity of the stem is better expressed).

Locality unnoted. The species is found in the carboniferous series at
Saarbruck, and in the Lias of Dorsetshire. Hunterian.

191. The half of a split nodule of ferrugino-carboniferous stone, with the im-

pression of part of a frond of Neuropteris flexuosa.

Brongniart, Hist. Veg. Foss., pi. 65. figs. 2, 3 ; pi. 68. fig. 2,
Locality unnoted ; but probably from the same formation as the fore-
going. " Hunterian.

192. A split oval nodule of clay ironstone marked with the cast and an impres-

sion of a leaflet of Neuropteris flexuosa.

Locality unnoted. - Hunterian.

193. A portion of a nodule of clay ironstone marked with an impression of part
of a frond of Neuropteris flexuosa.

Locality unnoted. Hunterian.

ACROGENS.

55

94. The half of a portion of a split nodule of ferrugino-carboniferous stone, with
the impression of part of the frond of Neuropteris heterophylla,

Brongniart, Classification des Vegetaux Fossiles, p. 33. pi. 2. fig. 6 ;
Hist, des Veg. Foss. pi. 71.

Locality unnoted. Hunterian.

195. Two fragments of a split nodule of clay ironstone, with the impression and

cast of part of a frond of Neuropteris heterophylla.

Locality unnoted. Hunterian.

196. A small split nodule of clay ironstone, with a cast and impression of a

leaflet of Neuropteris heterophylla.

Locality unnoted. Hunterian.

Genus Odontopteris*.

Leaves bipinnated : leaflets membranous, very thin, adhering by all their base
to the rachis : midrib absent or rudimentary: veins equal, simple or forked,
very fine, most of them springing from the rachis.

197. A small slab of indurated micaceous shale presenting the impressions of

several leaflets of Odontopteris, near to 0. Brardii.

Brongniart, Hist. Veg. Foss. vol. i. pi, 75, 76 : this species seems to
have attained a very large size, and was found by Brard in coal-mines in
France.

Said to be from Germany. Hunterian.

198. A thin irregular slab of coal-shale, exhibiting an impression of Odontopteris

Schlotheimii, Brong.

Brongniart, Hist. Ve'g. Foss. vol. i. pi. 78.

Locality unknown. Hunterian.
* From ocov: a tooth and nrepis a fern.

56

FOSSIL PLANTS.

Genus Pecopteris*.

Leaf once, twice, or thrice pinnate : leaflets adhering by their base to the
rachis, or occasionally distinct : midrib running quite through the leaflets ; veins
almost perpendicular to the midrib, simple, or once or twice dichotomous.

199. A slab of coal-shale, marked with the impression of part of a frond of

Pecopteris arbor escens.

Brongniart, Hist. Veg. Foss. vol. i. pi. 102, 103.

Locality unrecorded. Hunterian.

200. A small slab of micaceous slate-shale, with an impression of parts of two

fronds of Pecopteris cyathea.
Brongniart, Hist. Veg. Foss. vol. i. p. 307. pi. 101. fig. 1-4.
From Wettin. Hunterian.

201. A fragment of coal-shale, showing an impression of part of a frond, pro-

bably of a variety of Pecopteris cyathea.

Locality unrecorded. Hunterian.

202. A small fragment of clay ironstone, with an impression of a leaflet of Pe-

copteris (probably) cyathea.

Locality unrecorded. Hunterian.

203. A slab of indurated clay-shale with the impression of part of a frond of

Pecopteris cyathea ; the under surface is uppermost, and traces of fructi-
fication are well displayed.

Locality unrecorded. Hunterian.

204. A portion of a nodule of clay -ironstone, with the impression of part of a

frond of Pecopteris Dournaisii, probably near the apex of the frond.
Brongniart, Hist. Veg. Foss. vol.i. pi. 89.

Locality unrecorded. Hunterian.
* From TreKw to comb, and Trrepls a fern.

ACROGENS.

57

205. Two slabs of indurated shale, exhibiting impressions of a large part of a

frond of Pecopteris cjigantea.

Brongniart, Hist. Veg. Foss. vol. i. pi. 92 : this species belongs to the
division Cyathoides of the genus Pecopteris.

From Germany. Hunterian.

206. A thick slab of indurated coal-shale, with an impression of a portion of a

large frond of Pecopteris gigantea.

Locality unrecorded. Hunterian.

207. A thin slab of indurated clay, entirely covered on one surface with an im-

pression of part of a frond of Pecopteris gigantea.

Locality unrecorded. Hunterian.

208. A small square slab of indurated shale, with the impression of several

leaflets of a large frond of Pecopteris gigantea.

Locality unrecorded. Hunterian.

209. A small slab of indurated shale, exhibiting a very well marked impression of

the upper part or apex of a frond of Pecopteris gigantea.

Locality unrecorded. Hunterian.

210. A flat slab of indurated shale, containing a well-marked impression of

nine leaflets of Pecopteris gigantea.

Locality unrecorded. Hunterian.

211. A split nodule of clay ironstone, containing the impressions of two leaflets

of Pecopteris lonchitica (Sternb.).

Brongniart, Hist. Veg. Foss. pi. 84. — Lindley and Hutton, Fossil Flora,
pi. 153.

Locality unrecorded. Hunterian.

212. One-half of a split nodule of clay ironstone, containing an impression of

part of a leaflet of Pecopteris lonchitica (Sternb.).

Locality unrecorded. Hunterian.

58

FOSSIL PLANTS.

213. A small block of reddish clay-shale, with a well-marked impression of part

of a leaflet of Pecopteris lonchitica (Sternb.).

Locality unrecorded. Hunterian.

214. An irregular fragment of slate-coloured shale, containing an impression of

part of a leaflet of Pecopteris muricata.

Brongniart, Hist. Veg. Foss. vol. i. pi. 95, 97.

Locality unrecorded. Specimens have been obtained from the coal-
measures of Wettin and Anzin. Hunterian.

215 A thin flat slab of shale, containing the impression of part of a frond of
Pecopteris Miltoni exhibiting traces of fructification.
Brongniart, Hist. Veg. Foss. vol. i. pi. 114.

From Germany, being found both there and in France. Hunterian.

216. A small fragment of micaceous slate-shale, with the impressions of two or

three leaflets of Pecopteris Miltoni.

From Germany. Hunterian.

217. Part of a flattened nodule of indurated clay, containing the impression of

the upper part of a frond of Pecopteris Miltoni.

Locality unrecorded. Hunterian.

218. A rounded mass of ironstone marked with impressions of Pecopteris nervosa '<

Brongniart, Hist. Veg. Foss. vol. i. pi. 94, 95, by whom three varieties
are described, from Germany, France, and England ; the last is repre-
sented by Lindley and Hutton, Fossil Flora, pi. 94.

Locality unrecorded. Hunterian.

219. A small slab of shale with the impressions of the upper part of a frond of

Pecopteris nervosa.

Locality unrecorded. Hunterian.

220. A small slab of coal-shale marked with the impressions of Pecopteris poly-

morpha (var.).

Brongniart, Hist. Veg. Foss. vol. i. pi. 1 13.

Stated to be probably from Silesia. Hunterian.

ACROGENS.

59

221. Four small masses of indurated shale, with impressions of various parts of

fronds of Pecopteris pteroides.

Brongniart, Hist. Veg. Foss. vol. i. pi. 105.

Locality unrecorded. Hunterian.

222. A fragment of red shale marked with an impression of part of a frond of

Pecopteris Serlii (Brong.).

Brongniart, Hist. Veg. Foss. vol. i. pi. 85.

Locality unrecorded : this species has been found in the coal-mines in
the neighbourhood of Bath, and in those of St. Etienne. Hunterian.

223. A small mass of indurated shale, with an impression of part of a leaflet of

Pecopteris Sillimanni.

Brongniart, Hist. Veg. Foss. vol. i. pi. 96.

Locality unrecorded : specimens have been found in the coal-mines of
Zanesville, Ohio. Hunterian.

224. A small slab of coal-shale marked with the impression of a frond of Pe-

copteris villosa.

Brongniart, Hist. Veg. Foss. vol. i. pi. 104.

Locality unrecorded. Hunterian.

225. One half of a small nodule of clay ironstone, containing the impression of a

leaflet of an undetermined species of Pecopteris.

Locality unrecorded. Hunterian,

226. A small portion of clay ironstone, exhibiting the impression of part of a

leaflet of another undetermined species of Pecopteris.

Locality unrecorded. Hunterian.

226 A. A large mass of dark shale containing numerous fragments of the pin-
nultE of Pecopteris Australis (Morris).
Strzelecki's ' New South Wales.'
From a coal-mine on Tasman's Peninsula.

Presented by Capt. Sir E. Home, Bart.

1 2

60

FOSSIL PLANTS.

Class THALLOGENS.

To this class belong the plants known as Fungi, Lichens and Alga, all of
which are remarkable for the extreme simplicity of their structure, whilst at the
same time they present innumerable varieties of form, some being of microscopic
minuteness, others many yards in length. They are principally composed of
cells, and have neither true wood, spiral vessels, nor stomata. No specimen of
a fossil Lichen or Fungus exists in the Hunterian or Collegiate Collection, but
the Algae are represented by three specimens of Fuci and by very numerous
examples of Diatomaceae.

ALGiE.

The AlgcB are divided by botanists into five orders, viz. Fucacece, Ceramiacea,
Characecs, Confervacea and Diatomacea ; they are characterized by Lindley as
" Cellular flowerless plants, nourished through their whole surface by the medium
in which they vegetate ; living in water or very damp places ; propagated by
zoospores, coloured spores or tetraspores."

Order FUCACE.^:.

The plants belonging to this order are those known as Sea-weeds ; they are
found in the most recent as well as in the most ancient of the fossiliferous
strata. Many species occur in the Firestone of Bognor in Sussex ; others are
frequently seen in the Chalk, and even in the chalk-flints of the same county.
The specimens belonging to the Hunterian Collection are all probably from the
Continent of Europe.

227. A small angular slab of indurated clay, marked with impressions of Fucoides
intricatus.

Brongniart, Hist. Veg. Foss, vol. i. pi. 5.

Locality unknown. Hunterian.

THALLOGENS. 61

228. A slab of the tertiary slate of Monte Bolca, on which is the impression of

the Delesserites pyrifolia.

From the eocene tertiary formation of Monte Bolca, CEningen.

Hunterian.

229. A flat piece of marly limestone with the impression of a branched species

of Funis.

Locality unrecorded. ' Hunterian.

Order CHARACE^.

The plants belonging to this order consist of an axis, which may be composed
either of a single tube, or of a similar tube around which numerous smaller ones
are arranged in parallel lines ; from this axis are given off a series of still
smaller tubes or branches in the form of whorls. The stems and fruits of many
species of Chara are found in the fossil state in the freshwater limestones and
marls of this country ; the latter occur in the form of small rounded masses
composed of spirally twisted plates or bands. When first discovered they were
considered to be the shells of Mollusks, and were described under the generic
name Gyrogonites ov " twisted stones," a term still in use. All the recent species
of Chara are generally more or less coated with carbonate of lime.

230. An irregular mass of calcareous material, formed by the axes and branches

of a species of Chara, many of the filaments of which still retain their
tubular character, but their diameter is increased by a thick coating of
carbonate of lime.

From the freshwater formation of Ely, Cambridgeshire.

Presented by John Quekett.

231. Small masses of freshwater limestone, in which are imbedded many spe-

cimens of the seed-vessels of a species of Chara ; they are of twisted
figure and have received the generic name of Gyrogonites, the species in
question being probably Gyrogonites medicaginula.
* From Sandown, Isle of Wight.

Presented by George De Morgan, Esq.

62

FOSSIL PLANTS.

232. A series of seed-vessels of the same species of Gyrogonites, detached from
the matrix in which they were imbedded.
From Sandown, Isle of Wight.

Presented by George De Morgan, Esq.

Order DIATOMACEiE.

The Diatomacese are characterized as " angular, fragmentary bodies, brittle,
and multiplying by spontaneous fission they are divided into three sub-orders,
viz. Cymbellea, Hydrolinece and Desmidiecs ; the CymhellecB have a siliceous, the
other two a membranous or horny skeleton. The skeletons of the Cymbellea are
composed of organic matter intimately blended with silica, they are indestructible
both by heat and acids, and even their most delicate markings are accurately
preserved in the fossil state. The Hydrolineae, like the softer Fuci, occur in our
clays and slates, whilst numerous specimens of the Desmidieee, although com-
posed of horny material, are found enclosed in nodules of flint, the soft parts of
others being preserved in the lower chalk.

Sub-Order CYMBELLEtE.

The Cymbellece form the most numerous class of the Diatomacese, and are so
abundant in the fossil state, that strata many feet in thickness and several miles
in length, entirely composed of them, occur in various parts of the earth's
surface. One of the most remarkable of these is found near the city of
Richmond, in Virginia, it is more than twenty miles in length and several feet in
depth ; at Petersburg in the same State, a sandy marl occurs, which, like that from
Richmond, also abounds in these minute vegetable forms. The Polirschiefer, or
pohshing-slate, of Bilin in Bohemia, lorms a series of strata 1 4 feet in thickness;
and the Bergmehl (or fossil farina) of Santa Flora, in Tuscany, is one mass of these
organisms. In the district of Soos, near Eger, in Bohemia, a fine white siliceous
earth is found, which when dried appears like pure magnesia, but under the micro-
scope is seen to be mainly composed of the loricae of a species of Campylodiscus.

THALLOGENS.

63

In the recent state the CijmbellecB occur in every lake and stream, in every pool
or bay, and throughout the ocean in every part of the habitable globe ; race
has succeeded race, and their skeletons not being destructible, have in the
course of ages accumulated so as to form strata of various degrees of thickness.

233. A mass of siliceous marl from the eocene tertiary period, forming part of a

stratum upwards of twenty miles in length and 24 feet in thickness. It is
almost wholly composed of the fossil remains of Diatomacese, which
were first described by Professor J. W. Bailey, of West Point Military
Academy, on the Hudson. The genera Co scino discus, Actinocyclus, Gal-
lionella, Triceratium, Didyocha, &c., are all abundant in this deposit.

Professor Bailey, Silliman's American Journal of Science, vol. xlvi. —
Ehrenberg, Mikrogeologie, pi. 18.

Discovered by Professor Rogers in the eocene tertiary formation
of Richmond, Virginia, North America.

Presented by Prof. J. W. Bailey.

234. A small cubical mass of siliceous marl from the same formation as the

specimen last described. One of its surfaces is covered with a thin
coating of brown-coloured material, probably oxide of iron ; the mass
itself is very compact, and serves to show the ordinary density of the
marl.

From Richmond, Virginia. Presented by Dr. Leidy.

235. A small mass of siliceous marl from the older tertiary formation of Peters-

burg, Virginia ; it occurs interstratified with a shelly deposit, and has
been supposed to be a continuation of that found at Richmond, but many
of the organisms it contains are very different from those met with in the
latter deposit. Among the most interesting of these bodies are those
which have been named by Professor Bailey, Podiscus Rogersii, Zygoceros
Tuomeyi and Z. rhombus.

Professor Bailey, Silliman's American Journal of Science, vol. xlvi. —
Ehrenberg, Mikrogeologie, pi. 18. — Histological Catalogue, vol. i.
Pps Aq 36, 46, 47.

From Petersburg, Virginia. Presented by Prof, J, W. Bailey.

64

FOSSIL PLANTS.

236. A small portion of earth, abounding in the remains of Diatomaceee ; it occurs

in the miocene tertiary period, and in addition to the more common
forms it contains species of the following genera : — Actiniscus, Gallionella ,
Xanthiopyxis, Actinocyclus, Coscinodiscus, and Dictyocha.

Ehrenberg, Mikrogeologie, pi. 33. fig. 17.

From Rappanhannock ClilF, Virginia.

Presented by Prof. J. W. Bailey.

237. A portion of siliceous marl of a light brown colour, containing many species

of the genus Actinocyclus, Actinoptychus, Coscinodiscus, Dictyocha, and
Gallionella.

Ehrenberg, Mikrogeologie, pi. 33. fig. 15.

From the miocene formation of HoUesclifF, Virginia.

Presented by Prof. J. W. Bailey.

238. A portion of Diatomaceous earth, discovered by Prof. Rogers at Piscataway,

not far from the Virginian deposits, and considered by many geologists
as an extension of the same stratum. It contains several species of
the genera Podiscus, Zygoceros, Triceratium, Navicula, and Dictyocha.

Bailey, American Journal of Science, vol. xlvi.

From the miocene tertiary formation of Piscataway, Maryland.

Presented by Prof. J. IV. Bailey.

239. A mass of siliceous earth, abounding in the remains of Diatomaceas, of the

genera Coscinodiscus, Actinocyclus, and Gallionella.

From the harbour of Charleston, U.S. Presented by John Quekett.

240. A portion of Diatomaceous earth, of freshwater origin, obtained from an

escarpment 700 feet high, in which the strata are described as being
horizontal, and the one in question overlaid by several others ; of
these, the uppermost is composed of scoriaceous basalt 100 feet thick.
It contains many species of the following genera : Biblarium, Biddulphia,
Coscinodiscus, Eunotia, Gallionella, Pinnularia, and Surirella.
Ehrenberg, Mikrogeologie, pi. 33. fig. 12.

From a river on the eastern flank of Cascade Range of mountains in
Oregon. Presented by Prof. J. W. Bailey.

THALLOGENS.

65

241. A portion of Diatomaceous earth, having the appearance of finely divided

chalk ; it was discovered by Prof. Hitchcock in 1838, and has been care-
fully examined by Ehrenberg, who found it to contain many specimens
belonging to the follov/ing genera, viz. Pinnularia, Surirella, Stauroneis,
Himuntid'mm, Cocconema, Gomphonema, and Fragillaria.

Ehrenberg, Mikrogeologie, pi. 3. fig. 3. — American Journal of Science,
vol. xlvi.

From the tertiary formations of Spencer, Massachusetts.

Presented by Prof. J. W. Bailey.

242. A small portion of Diatomaceous earth, also discovered by Prof. Hitchcock

in 1838, and subsequently examined and described by Ehrenberg ; it con-
tains several species of the following genera, viz. Pinnularia, Trachelomo-
nus, Himantidiura, Eunotia, together with spicula of sponges.

Ehrenberg, Mikrogeologie, pi. 33. fig. 9. — American Journal of Science,
vol. xlvi.

From the tertiary deposits of Wrentham, Massachusetts.

Presented by Prof. J. W. Bailey.

243. A portion of Diatomaceous earth of chalky whiteness, discovered in 1838

by Dr. Charles T. Jackson. It contains many species of Pinnularia,
Surirella, Navicida, and Eunotia ; also spicula of various sponges.
Bailey, American Journal of Science, vol. xlvi.

From Blue Hill Pond, Maine. Presented by Prof. J. W. Bailey.

244. A portion of Diatomaceous earth discovered by Prof. Hitchcock in 1838 ;

it is of a dark grey colour, and according to Ehrenberg contains no less
than nine species of the genus Eunotia ; the genera Navicula, Gomphonema,
Fragillaria, Pinnularia and Cocconema are also abundant.

Ehrenberg, INIikrogeologie, pi. 5. fig. 3. — American Journal of Science,
vol. xlvi.

From the tertiary form.ations of Bridgewater, Massachusetts.

Presented by Prof. J. W. Bailey.

K

66

FOSSIL PLANTS.

245. A small portion of Diatomaceous earth, in which are very many species of

Pinnularia, Stauroneis and GaUionella.

From the fluviatile deposits of Earlton, county of Colchester, Massa-
chusetts. Presented by Prof. J. W. Bailey.

246. A mass of Diatomaceous earth of a light grey colour, abounding in several

species of Pinnularia and Eunotia, and in specimens of Cocconema asperum
and GaUionella distans.

From West Point, on the Hudson, U.S.

Presented by Prof. J. W. Bailey.

247. A small portion of siliceous marl, almost wholly made up of the remains of

Diatomacese, and in which the species known as GaUionella distans is
particularly abundant ; in addition to these are specimens of Stauroneis,
Tabellaria, Eunotia and Pinnularia, with many spicula of sponges.

From Manchester, Massachusetts. Presented by Prof. J. W. Bailey.

248. A mass of siliceous earth almost wholly composed of the remains of Diato-

macese of peculiar figure ; it has been examined by Ehrenberg, who has
recognized in it several species of the following genera, viz. Podosyrtis,
Flustrella, Lithocyclia and Eucyrtidium, all of which belong to his order
Polycystina.

Ehrenberg, Mikrogeologie, pi. 36. — Histological Catalogue, Pps Aq 49,
50, 51.

From Springfield, Barbadoes. Presented by George Shadbolt, Esq.

249. A portion of Diatomaceous earth from Bermuda, being perhaps the richest

and most interesting of any of the earths that have yet been discovered ;
it has been examined by Ehrenberg, who has given to the larger forms
the following generic names, Clustoceros, Craspedodiscus, Heliopelta, and
Stephanogonia.

Ehrenberg, Mikrogeologie, pi. 33. fig. 18. — Histological Catalogue,
vol. 1. Pps Aq 10, 22, 33, 34, 39, 40, 41, 44, 45.

From the island of Bermuda. Presented by Prof. J. IT. Bailey.

THALLOGENS.

67

250. Three white masses of siliceous slate, in which the remains of fishes of the

ganoid order were imbedded ; it is almost wholly composed of the
discoid loricae of Diatomacese, and amongst them are several species
of the following genera, viz. Coscinodiscus, Actinocyclus, Actinoptychus,
Didyoclia, Gallionella, Actiniscus and Biddulphia.
Ehrenberg, Mikrogeologie, pi. 31.

From Oran in Algeria. Presented by Mr. J. T. Norman.

251. A portion of Diatomaceous earth containing specimens of the following

genera, viz. Navicula, Pinnularia, Stauroptera and Eunotia.
Ehrenberg, Mikrogeologie, pi. 16. fig. 2.
From Lake Lillhaggsjon in Sweden.

Presented by Prof. Andreas Retzius.

252. A small portion of infusorial earth termed Reine Kieselerde ; it is almost

wholly composed of silica occurring in the form of remains of Diatoma-
cese, amongst which may be observed many fragments and perfect loricae
of Campylodiscus clypeus ; the genera Pinnularia, Navicula, and Eunotia
also have their representatives.
Ehrenberg, Mikrogeologie, pi. 10.

From below the peat of Franzenbad in Bohemia. Purchased.

253. A small portion of earth from the same locality as the preceding specimen,

in which the loricce of Pinnularia are very abundant, those of Campylo-
discus being few in number.

Ehrenberg, Mikrogeologie, pi. 10.

From below the peat of Franzenbad in Bohemia

Presented by John Quekett.

254. A portion of siliceous earth termed Kieselguhr, almost wholly composed of

the remains of Diatomacese of the genus Campylodiscus, the species
termed clypeus being the most common.

Ehrenberg, Mikrogeologie, pi. 10. fig. 1. — Histological Catalogue,
vol. i, Pp Aq 26.

From the tertiary formations of Soos, near Eger, in Bohemia.

Presented by John Quekett.
K 2

68

FOSSIL PLANTS.

255. A small portion of siliceous earth from the same locality as the preceding ;

the greater part of it is made up of large specimens of Campylodiscus
clypeus, amongst which may be observed several species of Navicula,
especially Bohemica, sculpta and fossilis.
Ehrenberg, Mikrogeologie, pi. 10. fig. 1.

From Soos, near Eger, in Bohemia. Presented by John Quekett.

256. Fragments of siliceous slate known as Polirschiefer or polishing-slate, said

to form a series of strata fourteen feet thick : they are entirely made up
of the siliceous remains of Gallionella, with a few examples of the genera
Gomphonema, Pinnularia and Navicula.

Ehrenberg, Mikrogeologie, pi. 11.

From the tertiary formations of Bilin, Bohemia

Presented by John Quekett.

257. A thin plate of siliceous marl obtained from the same locality as the pre-

ceding specimen : it is of a light brown colour and is almost entirely
made up of Gallionella , the species known as distans being the most
common.

Ehrenberg, Mikrogeologie, pi. 11.

From the tertiary deposit of Bilin, Bohemia.

Presented by Prof. Ehrenberg.

258. A mass of Diatomaceous earth composed principally of fragments of Syne-

drfB, amongst which may be observed many detached loricae of various
species of Gallionella, that known as G. varians being most common.
From Habichtswald, near Cassel, Germany. Purchased.

259. A small portion of white siliceous material containing several species of

Navicula, Pinnularia, Eunotia, and Gallionella, but specimens of Synedra
of the species termed ulna are especially abundant.

From Gossa, in Bohemia. Purchased.

260. A mass of white siliceous material having the lightness and general appear-

THALLOGENS.

69

ance of magnesia or flour ; like the preceding specimen, it abounds in
Synedra ulna, the other genera above mentioned being also present.
Said to be from Germany. Presented by John Quekett.

261. A small portion of siliceous earth entirely made up of the remains of

various species of Diatomaceae, of the genera Synedra, Cocconema and
Eunotia ; Synedra acuta, Gallionella varians and distans constitute fully
one-third of the mass.

Ehrenberg, Mikrogeologie, pi. 13. fig. 1.

From Oberohe, near Ebsdorf, Hanover. Purchased.

262. A small mass of siliceous earth from the same locality as the preceding

specimen, in which the various species of Diatomacese are very li'ttle
broken ; specimens of Synedra acuta and ulna, and joints of Gallionella
distans are very abundant. The remainder is made up of Eunotia;, Navi-
culcE and Cocconema;. The large Gallionella, G. varians, is also present.
Ehrenberg, Mikrogeologie, pi. 13. fig. 1.

From a stratum 28 feet thick, at Oberohe. Purchased.

263. A portion of Diatomaceous earth abounding in the genera Synedra, Pinnu-

laria, Eunotia, Cocconema, and Fragillaria, those of the genus Synedra
being the most remarkable.

Ehrenberg, Mikrogeologie, pi. 6. fig. 1.

From Santa Flora, Tuscany. Presented by Mr. J. T. Norman.

264. A small portion of siliceous earth termed Bergmehl or mountain meal,

having the general appearance of flour, which in times of great scarcity
is said to be mixed with the ground bark of trees and used as food ; it
is almost wholly made up of the remains of Diatomacese, in which the
genera Pinnularia and Eunotia are particularly abundant.

Ehrenberg, Mikrogeologie, pi. 16.

From the tertiary deposits of Lapland.

Presented by John Quekett.

70

FOSSIL PLANTS.

265. A mass of siliceous earth of a dark grey colour, forming part of a stratum

18 feet thick, underlying the city of Berlin ; it is principally composed
of Diatomacese of the genera Pinnularia, Surirella, Eunotia, and Gallio-
nella. This stratum has been described by Ehrenberg, who discovered
that most of the Diatomaceae were not only of the same species as those
still living in the neighbourhood of Berlin, but were themselves alive and
propagating.

Ehrenberg, Mikrogeologie, pi. 14, Monatsberichte der Berliner Aka-
demie der Wissenschaften, 1841.

From beneath the city of Berlin. Presented by John Quekett.

266. A mass of siliceous earth of a lighter colour than the preceding specimen,

forming part of a stratum still underlying the city of Berlin, but found
at a much greater depth ; it consists principally of silica in the form of
small flattened plates, amongst which may be discovered the remains of
several species of Diatomacese belonging to the genera Gallionella, Eunotia,
and Pinnularia, but they are not so abundant as in the specimen from the
upper stratum.

Ehrenberg, Mikrogeologie, pi. 14.

From beneath the city of Berlin. Presented by John Quekett.

267. A mass of siliceous earth of a still lighter colour, and forming part of a

deeper stratum than the preceding specimen ; it is almost wholly made
up of the remains of Diatomacese, amongst which may be observed
many species of the following genera. Viz. Pinnularia, Gallionella, Eunotia,
Synedra, and Cocconema. In addition to the vegetable remains, the
spicula of several species of sponges occur in considerable abundance in
the specimens from all three localities.
Ehrenberg, Mikrogeologie, pi. 14.

From beneath the city of Berlin. Presented by John Quekett.

268. A small portion of siliceous earth termed " artificial silica from salt water ; "

it is almost wholly comj)osed of Diatomacese of the genus Achnanthes,
mixed with numerous fragments of the joints of Gallionella distans.
Locality unrecorded. Presented by John Quekett.

THALLOGENS.

71

269. Another portion of siliceous earth, also termed " artificial silica," which is

almost entirely composed of a species of Diatome, termed Achnanthes
■brevipes, the remainder being principally made up of two species of Gal-
lionella.

Locality unrecorded. Presented by John Quekett.

270. A small portion of siliceous material of a pink colour, which has been sub-

jected to a red heat ; it is principally composed of Diatomacese of the
genera Gallionella and Achnanthes, which are mixed up with the spicula
of various species of sponges ; the colouring matter is in the form of
small irregular masses, and is probably composed of oxide of iron.

From Franzenbad in Bohemia. Presented by John Quekett.

271. A small portion of siliceous marl of a light colour, having the general

aspect and lightness of magnesia, and of fibrous structure, as though it
were made up of spicula. It was discovered by Mr. Walter Mantell
on the banks of a large brackish water lake, where it formed an extensive
bed. It is almost wholly composed of Gallionella;, of which there are
three different species, and all remarkable for the continuity of the frus-
tules, very few being found in a detached condition. A few specimens of
Synedra and Fragillar'ia may be occasionally observed.

From the banks of the Lake Waihora, in the Middle Island of New
Zealand. Presented by John Quekett.

272. A very small portion of siliceous earth, also discovered by Mr. Walter

Mantell in New^ Zealand. It occurred in the form of hillocks of sand of
considerable extent, which on a subsequent visit to the spot were found
to have been dispersed by violent currents of air ; it is almost entirely
composed of Diatomaceae, and of spicula of sponges. The genera Coc-
conema, Pinnularia, Navicula, Eunotia, Fragillaria, and Surirella have
numerous representatives. A species of Stauroneis, somewhat resem-
bling 8. Phosnicenteron of Ehrenberg, is the most striking feature of this
deposit.

Mantell, Geological Journal, vol. vi. pL 29. — Histological Catalogue,
vol. i. Pp Aq 20.

From New Plymouth, New Zealand. Presented by John Quekett.

72

FOSSIL PLANTS.

273. A series of thin flakes of dried siliceous mud of a grey colour, very light

and having a fibrous texture. With the exception of some brown
patches of vegetable remains, it is wholly made up of siliceous loricse of
Diatomacese, amongst which the genera Synedra and Eunotia are most
abundant, and to the former the fibrous structure is in a great measure
due. Some of the flaky portions of the deposit readily break up into a
fine powder, whilst others are kept together in small masses ; the powder
is composed principally of the remains of Fragillarice , GallionellfE, and
Naviculce, whilst the masses are chiefly made up of Synedra, CocconerrKB,
and Eunotia.

From the tertiary deposits of Kirkby Mucloe, Leicestershire.

Presented by the Rev. G. S. Isbell.

274. A mass of white siliceous material having the general aspect and feel of

magnesia, discovered by Dr. Drummond at the base of the Mourne
Mountains in Ireland. It is almost wholly composed of the remains
of Diatomaceae, and Ehrenberg has described and named nearly one
hundred species, belonging principally to the genera Pinnularia, Gallio-
nella, Stauroneis, Navicula, Surirella, Eunotia, Himantidium, and Synedra.
A species of Campylodiscus also occurs, which he has named C. Hibernicus.

Ehrenberg, Mikrogeologie, pi. 15 A. —Mag. of Nat. Hist., New Series,
vol. iii. p. 353.

From the tertiary deposits at the base of the Mourne Mountains in
the County of Down, Ireland. Presented by John Quekett.

275. A small portion of siliceous earth, which from being extensively used in

the polishing of plate, is known in Ireland as Lord Roden's plate-powder.
It is almost wholly made up of the remains of Diatomacese, w-ith an
occasional mixture of the spicula of certain freshwater sponges. The
genera Navicula, Pinnularia, Surirella, and Eunotia are well represented ;
but the principal part of the mass is composed of joints of Gallionella of
the species described by Ehrenberg as granulata and distans, amongst
which, two larger species occur in the form of flattened discs with a
radiated structure ; these have been named hiseriuta and punctigera by
Ehrenberg.

THALLOGENS.

73

Ehrenberg, Mikrogeologie, pi. 15 B. Histological Catalogue, vol. i.
Pp Aq 12.

From the banks of the river Upper Bann in the County of Down,
Ireland. Presented by John Quekett.

276. A small portion of siliceous earth of a delicate cream colour, very rich in
the remains of Diatomacese of the genera Navicula, Upithemia, Surirella,
Synedra, Cocconema, Gomphonema, and Stauroneis. It is found on the
shores of Lough Mourne, and is a deposit of recent date, the greater
number of the species contained in it being still found alive in the waters
of the lake. It has been described by the Rev. William Smith, who has
discovered in it upwards of forty different species of Diatomacese.

Rev. W. Smith, Annals of Natural History, vol. v. p. 121. Histolo-
gical Catalogue, vol. i. Pp Aq 52.

From the shores of Lough Mourne, Co. Antrim, Ireland.

Presented by the Rev. William Smith.

Ill . A portion of siliceous earth of a yellow colour, almost wholly composed of
the remains of Diatomaceae, amongst which may be discovered several
species of the genera Pinnularia, Navicula, Eunotia, Gomphonema, Suri-
rella, Fragillaria, Synedra, Gallionella, and Tabellaria, but one of the
most common species is Surirella splendida.
Histological Catalogue, vol. i. Pp Aq 18'
From the tertiary deposits of Dolgelly, North Wales.

Presented by John Quekett.

278. A mass of sihceous marl of a light grey colour, almost entirely composed
of the remains of Diatomaceae, amongst which may be particularly recog-
nized several species of Surirella, Fragillaria, Eunotia, Gallionella, Pin-
nularia, Synedra, and Cocconeis. Numerous minute portions of vegetable
structure are also present, most of which are covered with the frustules
of Fragillaria pectinalis.

From the tertiary formations of the Isle of Man.

Presented by John Quekett.

L

74

FOSSIL PLANTS.

279. A portion of siliceous earth discovered in 1852 by the Duke of Argyll ; it
constitutes a bed resembling marl in appearance, and lies in a rough
piece of ground between a freshwater lake and the sea ; it rests upon
gravel, and was probably once the bed of an ancient lake. There are
two kinds of this marl, one perfectly white like chalk, the other of a
pale fawn-colour. It has been carefully examined by Prof. William
Gregory, who has recognized in it nearly a hundred species of Dia-
tomace^e, most of which are inhabitants of fresh water. The genus Pin-
nularia is represented by fourteen species, Navicula six species ; the other
genera, almost equally rich in species, are Cymbella and Himantidium.

Gregory, Transactions of the Microscopical Society, New Series, vol. i.
p. 92, vol. ii. p. 24.

From Knock, near Aros, Isle of Mull.

Presented by Prof. William Gregory.

THALLOGENS.

75

Sub-Order DESMIDIEiE.

The only examples of Desmidieae occurring in the fossil state are the peculiar
bodies found in flint, termed Xanthidia by Ehrenberg, from their resemblance
to certain recent plants bearing this name. They are of microscopic minute-
ness, rarely exceeding a^yoth of an inch in diameter, and consist of a central
portion or body, from which a variable number of arms radiate, both being
hollow, and apparently made up of a thin transparent horny material. Xanthidia
were first discovered in flint by the Rev. J. B. Reade, in 1838 ; eleven species
were subsequently described in vol. i. of the Transactions of the Microscopical
Society of London, by Henry Hopley White, Esq. In 1845 they were discovered
in the lower chalk, between Folkestone and Dover, by Mr. Deane, of Clapham,
and in the same year were detected in the mud of the Thames, at Greenhithe,
in Kent, by Mr. J. T. Norman ; in both these instances they could be isolated
from the matrix in which they were imbedded, by treating them with acid.
Although by modern investigation it has been shown that the resemblance of
these organisms to recent Xanthidia is that of external form only, and that they
probably belong to a higher class of organized beings, yet, as their true nature
still remains undetermined, it has been thought proper to retain them in the
position in which they were originally placed, on the authority of Ehrenberg.
The late Dr. Mantell, in order to avoid the retention of a name previously given
to a genus of recent plants, has substituted that of Spiniferites for Xanthidium, a
term which simply expresses the general aspect of these bodies without denoting
their aflinities.

280. A small portion of mud, taken from the River Thames at Greenhithe,
which, after being washed and boiled in strong nitric and sulphuric acids,
has been mounted in Canada balsam. The principal part of the mass is
composed of particles of silica, with which are mixed acerate spicula of
sponges and the loricse of Diatomacese. In each of those parts sur-

76

FOSSIL PLANTS,

rounded by a painted line, specimens of Xanthidia may be observed ;
one of these resembles X. crassipes of Mr. White, it is of a brown
colour, and is evidently composed of some material having the flexibility
and other characters of horn.

Wilkinson, Transactions of the Microscopical Society of London,
vol. ii. p. 89.

From the mud of the Thames at Greenhithe, Kent.

Presented by Mr. J. T. Norman.

281. Another portion of the same mud, in which two specimens of Xanthidia

may be observed ; one like X. spinosum, the other resembling X. tubi-
ferum recurvatum of Mr. White.

Wilkinson, Transactions of the Microscopical Society of London,
vol. ii. p. 89. Presented by Mr. J. T. Norman.

282. A portion of the sediment of a small fragment of grey chalk, after having

been treated with hydrochloric acid : in addition to the remains of Rotalia
and of other minute animal organisms, it contains several species of
Xanthidia like those found in flints, amongst which Mr. Deane has
recognized X. spinosum, ramosum, tubiferum simplex, tubiferum recurvum,
and malleoferum. The specimens, when submitted to pressure in water
between two pieces of glass, were found to be flaccid, and the arms or
spines perfectly closed at their extremities.

Deane, Transactions of the Microscopical Society of London, vol. ii.
p. 77.

From the grey chalk found on the beach between Folkestone and Dover.

Presented by Henry Deane, Esq.

283. A thin section of a very white and transparent chalk -flint, in which may

be seen ten specimens of Xanthidia, of the species termed spinosum, ra-
mosum, tubiferum simplex, and tubiferum complex, all of which will be
found within the small circles marked with the diamond. Several rounded
masses of a white opaque substance occur in this section, which, on

THALLOGENS. 77

examination, exhibit a structure characteristic of the shelly part. of an
Echinoderm.

From a pebble found on the beach at Brighton.

Presented by Mr. J. T. Norman.

284. A thin section of a flint of a light brown colour, in which eight specimens

of Xanthidia may be observed ; the species termed spinosum and tubiferum
simplex being the most common : there are also the remains of numerous
RotalifE.

From the white chalk of Gravesend. Purchased.

285. A thin section of a white flint containing four specimens of Xanthidia, one

of which is of the species termed X. ramosum, and others are allied to X.
furcatum ; one of these last is of oval figure, and a portion of its margin
is considerably indented. Another point of considerable interest in this
specimen is the presence of several Rotalics, and of spicula of various
species of sponges.

From the white chalk of Dover. Purchased.

286. A thin section of flint of a light brown colour, containing eleven specimens

of Xanthidia, principally of the species known as X. spinosum, tubiferum
simplex, and ramosum : in addition to these, several tri-radiate spicula of
sponges may be observed, some of them sufiiciently large to be visible
to the naked eye.

From a gravel flint picked up in the High Street of Islington.

Presented by Mr. J. T. Norman.

78

VEGETABLE REMAINS OCCURRING IN AGATE AND

FLINT.

Masses of flint and pebbles are found in various parts of the globe, which
contain traces of vegetable remains, some occurring as fragments of wood or of
cellular tissue, others in the form of confervse ; in similar pebbles the fibres
and spicula of Sponges are very abundant. The pebbles of Oberstein in Ger-
many are richest in these productions, and it is from thence that the London
market is chiefly supplied with slices cut and polished for brooches and other
ornaments, which are known as Moss Agates. Those containing sponges and
confervse, when of a green colour, are distinguished by the name of Green
Jaspers. Other peculiar markings occur in Agates which at first sight resemble
confervge, but on careful examination will be found to be dendritic crystalliza-
tions : this kind of agate is principally brought from the East, and is known in
commerce as Mocha stone. The vegetable nature of many of these markings
was maintained by Daubenton and Dr. M'Culloch ; more recently M. Bron-
gniart has investigated this subject, and considers the greater number of the
markings to be crystallizations ; Mr. Bowerbank, on the contrary, is of opinion
that most of them are to be attributed to the remains of sponges, those of con-
fervse being comparatively rare.

287. A portion of a nodule of flint of a grey colour, which has been split,
and exhibits a fragment of wood about two inches in length and one in
breadth, of a brown colour, showing a coarse fibrous structure to the
naked eye : chippings examined microscopically prove very clearly that
the wood was coniferous and that the split surface corresponded with
the tangental section of the wood, the mouths of the medullary rays
being very apparent and occupied by transparent silica.

From the chalk of Gravesend. Purchased.

VEGETABLE REMAINS IN AGATE AND FLINT.

79

288. A slice of flint of a light brown colour, in which is imbedded a minute frag-

ment of woody tissue having portions of two spiral vessels attached to
it, the pointed extremities of which are well shown.

From a flint picked up at Brighton. Purchased.

289. A slice of transparent Agate, in which are imbedded numerous filaments of

a confervoid plant of a rich green colour, mixed with other larger fila-
ments having a dark line running through the centre ; these last are
considered to be the remains of the horny skeleton of a Sponge. These
Agates are known in commerce as Green Jaspers.

Bowerbank, Annals and Magazine of Natural History, Sept. 1842.

From Oberstein in Germany. Purchased.

290. A small slice of a transparent Agate of an oval figure, known as a Mocha

stone, exhibiting a black moss-like structure, which on examination is
seen to be due to the dendritic crystallization probably of iron or man-
ganese.

From the East Indies. Purchased.

291. A slice of a transparent Agate, known as a Moss Agate, from the presence

of numerous branching filaments of a brown colour ; these are the remains
of the horny skeleton of a Sponge. In one part of the specimen, large
spicula having tri-radiate extremities maybe observed ; these also belong
to Sponges.

From Oberstein in Germany. Purchased.

This and the two preceding specimens have been introduced to show the dif-
ference between organized and non-organized structures occurring in Agates.

80

VEGETABLE PRODUCTS.

AMBER AND BITUMEN.

Amber is a fossil resinous material, occurring in beds of lignite in various parts
of Europe, and in none more abundantly than on the south coast of the Baltic,
between Konigsberg and Memel : it is supposed to be the production of an
extinct species of Pine, Pinus succinifer, and frequently contains insects, spiders,
small crustaceans, together with leaves and fragments of vegetable tissue.
According to Dr. Mantell, upwards of 800 kinds of insects have been observed :
most of them belong to species, and even to genera, distinct from any now-
known, others are nearly related to indigenous species, and some are identical
with existing forms now inhabiting more southern latitudes. The remains of
48 species of trees and shrubs have also been discovered imbedded in this ma-
terial, amongst which may be enumerated the Cypress, Yew, Juniper, Beech,
Poplar, and Oak.

Other resinous substances found in a fossil state have been classified as
Amber, and even specimens of Copal and Anime containing insects are often
sold as Amber ; but these substances can always be distinguished from true
Amber by the insects being of indigenous species. In digging a tunnel through
Highgate Hill in 1811, a fossil resinous substance was discovered in the form of
rounded concretions, which proved to be a resin allied to Amber. Bitumen is an
inspissated mineral oil resembling Amber, and occurs in the Coal-measures.

292. A small cubical mass of a black lustrous substance from the Albert coal-
mines of Hillsborough, New Brunswick, known as Albert Coal. It has
a perfectly uniform structure, and sections examined microscopically
exhibit no trace whatever of vegetable remains ; they are exceedingly
brittle and have all the characters and general appearance of very black
glass. The absence of all trace of vegetable tissues, which are always

AMBER AND BITUMEN.

81

present in coals, would tend to prove that the substance in question is a
species of Bitumen, and in order to distinguish it from other substances
found in the coal-measures, it has been termed Albertite.

Report on the Albert Coal Mine by Charles T. Jackson, M.D.,
New York, 1851. On the Albert Mine, by J. W. Dawson, Geological
Quart. Journ., vol. ix. p. 107. Presented by Wm. Gillespie, Esq.

293. Amass of bituminous matter termed Mineral Pitch ; it is of a dark brown

colour, without lustre, and exhibits on all its surfaces the remains of
various plants, many of which can be traced into the interior of the sub-
stance. When brought in contact with flame, it readily takes fire and
burns with a great deal of smoke : sections examined microscopically
exhibit no trace of vegetable structure, the plants occurring in it being
of recent date, and in no wise concerned in its formation.

From the Pitch Lake of Trinidad. Purchased.

294. Three small rounded nodules of a brownish resin-like substance termed

Copaline, or Highgate Resin ; obtained from the London Clay in making a
tunnel through Highgate Hill in 1811. It resembles amber in many of
its characters, and when in powder is sparingly soluble in alcohol ; it
burns with a bright flame, giving off" a good deal of smoke and a peculiar
aroma. It is supposed to be the solid resin of some species of Conifer
belonging to the London Clay series.

Annals of Philosophy, vol. ii. p. 9.

From the London Clay of Highgate Hill.

Presented by John Morris, F.G.S.

295. A portion of Lignite, the upper surface of which is covered with numerous

angular fragments of a resinous substance, very brittle and of a bright
yellow colour ; it was found upon a hill 1086 feet above the level
of the sea ; at the base of this hill, coal suitable for steam purposes was
discovered.

E. A. Inglefield, Capt. R.N., H.M.S. Phoenix. Times Newspaper,
Sept. 15th, 1854. Geological Quarterly Journal, vol. ix. p. 297.

From Atanakerdluk near Disco. Presented by James Hilton, Esq.

M

82 FOSSIL PLANTS.

296. A portion of a fossil resinous substance of a light brown colour known as

Amber; all its surfaces have been polished, and an insect resembling a
small species of Phryganea can be plainly seen imbedded in its substance.
Locality unrecorded. Hunterian.

297. Another thin flat portion of Amber' of an oval figure, in which a Dipterous

insect is imbedded ; on one side of the body of the insect a series of
rings of colour may be observed — these are produced by a thin film of air.
Locality unrecorded. Hunterian.

298. A rounded mass of transparent and highly polished Amber, in which is

enclosed a species of Gnat, so perfectly preserved, that with a magnifying
powder the scales on the wings may be readily seen.

Locality unrecorded. Hunterian.

299. An elongated fragment of Amber in which a small Spider is imbedded.

Locality unrecorded. Hunterian.

300. A small flattened piece of Amber of rounded figure, in which a Spider of

a difierent species from that of the preceding specimen is imbedded ; the
greater part of its body is surrounded by a thin film of air.

Locality unrecorded. Hunterian.

301. A small fragment of Amber which has been cut and drilled as if for an

ornament ; on the thinnest edge may be seen a Dipterous insect.
Locality unrecorded. Hunterian.

302. Another fragment of Amber, which, like the preceding specimen, has been

cut and drilled for an ornament : an insect resembling a small species of
Phryganea is imbedded in it, but, from being surrounded with a thin film
of air, is not clearly seen.

Locality unrecorded. Hunterian.

303. Another drilled fragment of Amber in which a Dipterous insect is enclosed :

the greater part of the interior of its body has been destroyed, as may
be seen by the depression occurring near the thin edge of the specimen.
Locality unrecorded. Hunterian.

AMBER AND BITUMEN.

83

304. A small highly polished fragment of Amber in which a very perfect Spider

is enclosed.

Locality unrecorded. Hunterian.

305. A thin flattened fragment of Amber in which as many as sixteen speci-

mens of small Diptera are imbedded.

Locality unrecorded. Hunterian.

306. A specimen of Amber of a very bright yellow colour which has been cut

and polished so as to resemble a heart ; the greater part of it is beautifully
transparent, the remainder being opaque and called "fat Amber," the
opacity being due to a deposit within it of very minute granular matter.
Locality unrecorded. Hunterian.

307. A round nodulated mass of brown material, looking at first sight like a

pebble, but which from its resinous feel is known to be composed of
Amber ; one surface has been polished, but no insects are present.

Found upon the sea-beach at Konigsberg. Purchased.

308. A small heart-shaped specimen of false Amber in which a Lepidopterous

insect is enclosed. This material, much more transparent than the true
Amber, is probably nothing more than Gum Copal ; it is very soft and
its surface covered with numerous minute cracks.

Locality unrecorded. Hunterian.

309. Another portion of false Amber or Gum Copal in which a Dipterous insect

is imbedded ; it is of a darker colour than the preceding specimen and its
surfaces are covered with minute cracks.

Locality unrecorded. Hunterian.

310. A large oblong specimen of undoubted Gum Copal in which insects of

various kinds are imbedded : one of them is a species of Cricket and
nearly an inch in length, the others are small Diptera. The surfaces of
this specimen, like those of the two preceding ones, are covered with
numerous cracks, which are rarely to be seen in true Amber.

From Africa. Presented by Dr. A. L. Peirson of Salem, Massachusetts.

M 2

84

FOSSIL PLANTS.

311. A series of small cubical fragments of a transparent resinous material said

to be Gum Amme, in each of which two or more insects are imbedded,
most of them belonging to the order Diptera.

Said to be from Cayenne. Purchased.

312. A small irregular mass of bituminous material of a dark brown colour and

soapy feel, which readily melts in the flame of a candle and drops without
taking fire. When held in the hand it becomes soft, very Uke a piece
of wax.

From the coal-measures of Torbane Hill, Bathgate, N. B.

Presented by Wm. Gillespie, Esq.

313. A mass of bituminous material termed Resino-asphalte, which when thin is

of a bright yellow colour and readily breaks up into small angular pieces
like resin ; it takes fire very readily and burns without giving off much
smoke.

From the coal-measures of Labuan, Borneo.

Presented by T. Eupert Jones, Esq., F.G.S.

85

VEGETABLE PRODUCTS.
COAL.

One of the most abundant and at the same time most important of the vege-
table productions found in a fossil state, is the substance called Coal, which is
generally defined in geological works as "an opaque combustible mineral of
a black or brown colour," and the strata in which it is found are termed Car-
boniferous or the Coal-measures. Coal occurs in seams of variable thickness,
being in some instances not more than a few inches, whilst in Staffordshire, at
the Tividale Colliery, the total thickness of one of the lowest beds, with no
intermixture whatever of sediment, is 29 feet. There are four kinds of Coal in
common use ; these are termed Caking Coal, Splint Coal, Cannel Coal, and
Anthracite : for domestic purposes the Caking Coal is the one generally
employed. Brown Coal, Wood Coal, and Lignite, are names given to imper-
fectly formed or half-bituniinized Coals, mostly occurring in the tertiary forma-
tions ; in all such, the woody structure is more or less distinctly seen, whereas
in the true or bituminized Coals, from their having undergone partial lique-
faction, traces of it only are preserved. All the Coals used for household
purposes exhibit more or less of a laminated structure, the laminae being
parallel and occurring in the same plane as the seam occupied in the earth. If
a cubical portion of Coal be held with the laminae in a horizontal position, the
upper and under surfaces will in most cases be found covered with a black
fibrous layer, almost entirely made up of the remains of plants converted into
Charcoal, which readily breaks up into a fine powder and soils the fingers.
This layer, in all tjie specimens of Coal hereafter to be described, will for the
sake of distinction be termed the Charcoal layer, and the plants of which it is
composed, as far as has hitherto been ascertained, are totally different from
those of which the true bituminous Coal itself is formed. Some Coals readily
split up into laminae on account of the abundance of these layers of carbonized
plants.

86

FOSSIL PLANTS.

Very little has hitherto been done by Geologists to endeavour to determine
the structure of the material of which Coal is formed, by examining thin sections
of it microscopically ; hence, although its vegetable origin is now rarely, if ever
doubted, the prevailing opinion is, that it is made up of a mixture of various
kinds of plants. In the course of the formation of the present Catalogue,
however, upwards of 200 specimens of Coal have been examined, not obtained
from the same source, nor confined to those from Great Britain, nor even to
the same strata, the majority being from the ordinary Coal-measures, while
some few are from the Oolite, others from the Chalk and several from the
Wealden formation, and without a single exception, more or less of one peculiar
structure has been found common to the whole ; and it is a remarkable fact,
that every section taken in the plane of the laminse exhibits a tissue which, for
want of a better name, may be termed cellular, whilst those made at right angles
to the laminae are totally different and exhibit a structure which, by way of di-
stinction, may be termed fibrous. The so-called cellular structure found in sections
made in the plane of the laminse, is produced by the presence of ring-like markings
having a yellow margin and a black centre ; the fibrous structure seen in the sec-
tions made at right angles to the laminas, is due to elongated markings mostly of
fusiform figure, and made up of the same amber-coloured substance as the rings,
with a dark line running nearly their whole length. These peculiar structures
are best seen in Cannel Coals, but traces of them are even visible in Anthracites,
whilst in the most valuable coals for domestic use obtained from the coal-fields
in the North of England, the same tissue is present, and occurs in detached
masses imbedded in what appears to be structureless bitumen ; but the finest
example of all, has been found in a specimen of Lignite from the south shore of
Liddon Gulf, Melville Island. This specimen resembles a block of wood, and
would tend to show that the markings observable in Coal are probably those
of Wood also, a point that is further corroborated by other specimens previously
described in the Catalogue, especially one belonging to the Hunterian Col-
lection, and numbered 116.

The microscopic structure of Coal was first briefly described by Mr. Witham,
in his work on the " Fossil Vegetables of the Carboniferous and Oolitic deposits
of Great Britain"; in 1838 the subject was further investigated by Messrs.
Lindley and Ilutton, and an account given in the 2nd vol. of the " Fossil Flora " ;

COAL.

87

but the most recent and careful observations on the intimate structure of the
principal Scotch Coals are those by Dr. James Adams of Glasgow, who clearly
points out the differences between sections made in the plane of the laminse
and those at right angles to it.

Series I. — Coals termed Brown Coals or Lignites, in all of which the woody struc-
ture is visible*.

314. A mass of vegetable matter called Brown Coal ; it is composed principally

of leaves and stems, with an occasional intermixture of seeds and husks,
which are said to be those of an extinct species of Grape.

From Germany. Presented by Dr. Daubeny, F.R.8.

315. A small cubical mass of Brown Coal brought from the Arctic Regions by

Lieut. Pym, R.N., showing very distinct evidences of lamination on some
of its surfaces, and of conchoidal fractures on others. When examined
microscopically, this specimen presents all the minute characters of cor-
responding sections of true bituminized coals ; the section in the plane
of the laminse exhibits the amber-coloured rings, and those at right angles
to it, a fibrous structure. This specimen throws more light on the nature
of coal than any other in the collection.

From the south shore of Liddon Gulf, Melville Island.

Presented by Sir R. I. Murchison, F.R.S.

316. A thin flat portion of Brown Coal or Lignite, which readily splits into

laminse and will even split transversely to the grain, on the application
of a slight force. Two of its fractured surfaces have a jet-like appearance.
Sections have been made in three directions, and all show that the wood
was originally coniferous, the bordered pores being very plainly seen on
many of the fibres.

From Vancouver's Island. Purchased.

* Specimens of Lignite and Jet Imve been already described in the early part of the present
volume, vide Nos. 106 to 116.

88

FOSSIL PLANTS.

317. Another specimen of Brown Coal or Lignite from the same locality as the
preceding one ; two of its surfaces are slightly curved, and covered
with a light sandy material, which has even entered into several very
minute fissures in the substance of the wood. Sections have been made
in three directions, and in all, the woody structure is perfectly preserved;
the wood was evidently coniferous, but not of the same species as the last-
described specimen.

From Vancouver's Island. Purchased.

318. A cubical mass of Brown Coal known as Bovey Coal ; it occurs in layers
varying in thickness from one foot to three feet, and there are as many
as eighteen or twenty layers in a depth of 120 feet ; the alternating
strata being clays or marls. It is easily split or cut with a knife, and
leaves a quantity of white ash after burning. Sections made in three
directions clearly prove that the wood was coniferous.
From Bovey Heathfield, near Chudleigh, Devon.

Presented by John Quekett.

319. A specimen of Brown Coal or Lignite, one-half of which presents the same

appearances as the Bovey Coal above mentioned, but the other is wholly
converted into a black bituminous substance. Sections have been made
in three directions, and both the brown and black portions exhibit coni-
ferous structure, and in the transverse section there are traces of the
peculiar rounded markings observable in corresponding sections of coal.
From the drift at Botesdale, Suffolk.

Presented by Caleb Burrell Rose, Esq., F.R.C.S.E.

320. A small cubical mass of Lignite from the banks of the Rhine, known as

Brown Coal ; it very much resembles Bovey Coal in external appearance,
and like it the sections exhibit a structure characteristic of coniferous
wood.

From the brown coal formations of Germany.

Presented by John Morris, F.G.S.

COAL.

89

Series II. — Coals called Cannel or Parrot Coals, in all of which the fracture is
more or less conchoidal, and the peculiar tissue characteristic of Coal, visible
in every part.

321. A cubical mass of Cannel or Parrot Coal, having a jet-like appearance,

and capable of receiving a high polish on one of its surfaces ; the
kind of fracture termed conchoidal is very evident. Sections have been
made of this specimen in three directions, and the one taken in the plane
of the bedding exhibits the amber-coloured rings in the greatest perfec-
tion, the other two having a fibrous appearance.

From the coal-measures of Wigan, Lancashire. Purchased.

322. An oblong block of Cannel Coal, very much resembling the preceding spe-

cimen in general appearance ; at first sight no trace of lamination is
visible, but on a careful examination near the small end, laminae are
distinctly seen, and sections taken in this direction show most distinctly
the amber-coloured rings, whilst those at right angles exhibit a fibrous
- appearance. The only difference in structure between this specimen and
the preceding one is, that the fibres appear larger and less compressed.
From the Ferryhill pit, Durham. Presented by Mr. John Jameson.

323. A small fragment of Cannel Coal, showing very clearly the conchoidal

fracture ; it is exceedingly hard, and less lustrous than the Durham and
Wigan specimens, but on section exhibits the same structure ; the amber-
coloured rings are most plainly shown.
From the coal-measures of Lesmahagow.

Presented by George Wilson, Esq., M.D.

There are many varieties of Cannel Coal in Scotland, some of the best of
which approach those of Wigan and Durham, whilst others more nearly resemble
shales, but in all, even in those known as Brown and Black Methil, from Methil
in Fifeshire, more or less of the structure before alluded to is exhibited.

N

90

FOSSIL PLANTS.

324. A small square block of Cannel Coal of a rather browner shade, and more

compact than any of the preceding specimens ; one of its flattened sur-
faces is impregnated with earthy matter, which gives it a gritty feel, and
one of the edges shows very clearly the conchoidal fracture. Sections
have been made in three directions, which, on microscopic examination,
show that the material of which the coal is composed, is the same as
that of similar kinds of coal found in Great Britain ; the only perceptible
differences being, that in the section taken in the plane of the bedding
of the coal, there is more earthy matter present, and the w^ood through-
out appears to have undergone a greater amount of compression. A
Cannel Coal from Illinois exhibits the same characters as the preceding
specimen, but the rings are rather larger.

From the district of Lake Superior. Presented hy Dr. Walhank.

325. A small fragment of Cannel Coal from Pennsylvania, which in external

appearance very much resembles the preceding specimen, but is rather
blacker. Sections examined microscopically exhibit the same peculiar
structures as other Cannels, but the amber- coloured rings are very much
smaller.

From the State of Pennsylvania, United States.

Presented hy Charles Coley, Esq.

Series III. — Coals resembling Cannels, in which the structure of the wood is plainly

seen to be Coniferous.

326. A small cubical lump of very black Coal, which has all the lustre of
Cannel Coal, but is rather more brittle ; the conchoidal fracture however
is very evident. Sections have been made in three directions, and the
nature of the wood is clearly seen to be coniferous ; the bordered pores
can be traced on some of the fibres w^hich have not undergone very much
compression.

From Borneo. Presented by T. Rupert Jones, Esq., F.G.S.

COAL.

91

327. A large block of Coal, somewhat resembling Cannel Coal in external ap-
pearance, but which is impregnated with a considerable amount of earth
matter ; in some parts there are evident traces of its having been com-
posed of wood, in others the laminae are very perceptible, but the fracture
is conchoidal. All the sections show that the material of which this coal
is composed is undoubtedly wood of the coniferous character.
From Christ Church, Canterbury Settlement, New Zealand.

Presented by Capt. Sir E. Home, Bart.

Series IV. — Caking Coals, in which the characteristic tissue is nearly obliterated,

or only observable in parts.

328. A cubical mass of Coal, having a lustre very superior to that of Cannel,

and a distinctly laminated character. All the sections show in parts a
structure somewhat resembling that of the Cannel Coals, but the greater
portion of each is made up of what appears to be structureless bitumen.
The amber-coloured rings are plainly seen in the section taken in the
plane of the lamin?e.

From Erewash Vallej'. Presented by Mr. J. T. Norman.

329. A small cubical mass of black shining Coal more brilliant than the last-

described specimen ; it shows a laminated structure, and, on microscopic
examination, all the sections exhibit more or less of the peculiar rings
and fibres before alluded to.

From Silkstone. Presented by Mr. John Jameson.

330. Another specimen of the same Coal, having on one of its surfaces a thick

layer of a laminated dull coal called Splint ; the microscopic appearances
presented by the shining portion are similar to those of the last-described
specimen, but in the splint the woody structure is very much more
apparent.

From Silkstone. Presented by Mr. John Jameson.

N 2

92

FOSSIL PLANTS.

331. A cubical block of Coal having a less lustrous appearance than the pre-
ceding, although a more valuable coal for domestic purposes ; the lami-
nated structure is plainly seen, and sections taken in the plane of the
laminse exhibit the amber-coloured rings in detached portions, and
widely separated from each other : the fibrous structure is also evident
in the longitudinal sections, but the greater part of tliem is made up of a
structureless bitumen.

From Walls End (Lambtons). Purchased.

Series V. — Coals, exhibiting remains of Plants as a layer of Charcoal, upon one or

more surfaces.

332. A flattened block of Coal from Haydock, having two of its broadest sur-

faces coated with a tolerably thick layer of fibrous charcoal of two kinds,
one exhibiting fibres characteristic of coniferous wood, whilst the other
is made up principally of plain fibres and of fragments of scalariform
vessels, belonging in all probability to Ferns. The coal between these
layers has a bright shining appearance and exhibits all the well-marked
characters of ordinary bituminous coals.

From Haydock, near Warrington, Lancashire.

Presented by William Wilson, Esq.

333. A thin flattened portion of Coal, having two of its surfaces covered with a

thick charcoal layer ; this will be found to be composed of detached
fibrous masses about f of an inch square, and the direction of the fibres
of which, is either at right angles or at angles of 45 degrees with each
other. When examined microscopically, the remains of vascular tissue
will be found amongst the woody fibres, but no trace of this is to be met
with in the coal.

From Hartlepool, Duiham. Presented by John Quekett.

334. A mass of very compact Charcoal , exhibiting a snioulh fibrous appearance ;

COAL.

93

it occurred between two, rather thick, laminae of coal. When examined
microscopically, it will be found composed of woody fibres of small size,
having fragments of porous vessels attached to them.

From Ferryhill, Durham. Presented by Mr. John Jameson.

33.5. A much larger portion of the same kind of Charcoal as the preceding spe-
cimen, which has fragments of very black lustrous coal adhering to it.
When carefully examined, the direction of the laminse of the coal will be
found to be at right angles with the fibres of the charcoal. Sections of
the coal exhibit the usual characteristic structure, whilst those of the
charcoal present woody fibres and the remains of porous vessels.

From Ferryhill, Durham. Presented by Mr. John Jameson.

Series VI. — Coals, in irhich there is no Bitume7i {Anthracites).

336. A block of shining stone Coal called Culm or Anthracite, which is so brittle

that sections are with difficulty obtained from it, but still there are slight
traces of its being made up of wood, which in all probability, after its
conversion into coal, has been subjected to igneous action. The ashes of
Anthracite exhibit casts of woody fibres.

From South Wales. Presented by Thos. Clarke, Esq.

337. A series of small cubical fragments of Anthracite, forming part of a bed

from three to four feet in thickness, cropping out between layers of trap
rock. It has a black lustrous appearance, and most of the specimens
have one surface marked with the impressions of a small species of
Sigillaria. Sections examined microscopically, exhibit very evident traces
of vegetable structure.

From Cumberland Bay, Kerguelen's Land.

Presented by Robert McCormick, Esq., R.N., F.R.CS.E.

94 FOSSIL PLANTS.

Series VII. — Coals, obtained from other strata than those included in the Coal-
measures.

338. A small fragment of bituminous Coal obtained from the cretaceous deposits

of South America ; its structure precisely resembles that of most of the
English coals used for domestic purposes.
From Santa de Bogota.

Presented by Professor Edward Forbes, F.G.S.

339. A small fragment of Coal termed Main Coal, from the oolitic deposits of

North America, which very much resembles our English coal. Sections
examined microscopically show very clearly the vegetable structure, but
the wood appears to be slightly different from that occurring in ordinary
coals.

From Beaver Pit, Blackheath, Richmond, Virginia, U.S.

Presented by T. Rupert Jones, Esq., F.G.S.

THE END.

PRINTED BV TAYLOR AND FRANCIS, RED LION COURT, FLLET STREET.