OF THE GENUS NIPADITES 145 
In the recent fruits, just beneath the epicarp is a dense layer of 
thin branching longitudiual fibres interspersed with a few thicker, 
then a looser spongy tissue with thicker fibres running length- 
wise and also protruding radially from the endocarp. This 
structure is best seen at the angles where the mesocarp is 
thickest ; on the broader surfaces the mesocarp is often very thin 
and the spongy layer absent. I have been able to make out a 
similar arrangement in many of the fossil fruits. 
Bowerbank did not recognize the hard endocarp ; but though 
often the fibrous coat only is perceptible, an innermost more 
resistant layer can sometimes be seen. In the specimen figured 
(Pl. VII. fig. C), e indicates the dense endocarp from which the 
fibres are seen radiating outwards. The single seed is replaced 
by mineral matter ; and on the surface of the cast may be found 
remains of the fibrous testa. 
The names Cocos and Cocites, implying attinity with the 
modern coco-nut, are undesirable, as there is no indication in 
the fossil, by pores or otherwise, of the presence of three 
carpels. 
Subsequent workers have shown, and Bowerbank himself seems 
to have realized, that he made too many species. Ad. Brongniart, 
in the ‘ Tableau,’ while recogaizing that his Pandanocarpum aud 
Cocos Burtini beloug to Nipadites, at the same time points out 
that some of Bowerbank’s species are founded on too slight 
difterences, which may be individual variations or the result of 
the degree of maturity of the fruit or its position in the in- 
florescence. 
In the diagnosis of species it is important to remember that in 
the modern Nipa fruticans the fruits are densely packed in a 
spherical head, and hence not only is there considerable variety 
in the number of sides and the development of the angles, but, as 
many fruits never reach maturity, all stages of abortion may be 
found, especially near the base of the head, compressed and dis- 
torted by the growth of the ripening drupes. There seems no 
reason to doubt that the fossils were borne in a similar way, as a 
corresponding variety in shape is evident in one and the same 
species. 
Any one who will look at a head of ipa fruits will see at 
once how several species might be described from it. IL have 
seen a number of unripe or abortive fruits taken from a head 
kindly sent by Mr. Ridley from Singapore ; aud a comparison with 
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