BY THE REV. J. E. TENISON-WOODS, F.G.S., F.L.S. 99 



locality, which he formerly described as a Splienopteris, and which 

 he now somewhat doubtfully refers to Ehacopteris. The species is 

 identical with one from the coal measures of Silesia by its sub- 

 quadrate, deeply lobed pinnae and dichotomous veins. The rachis 

 is also grooved. 



Neuropteris, Brongniart. 



Fronds pinnate or bi-tri-pinnate generally twice or thrice 

 divided. Pinnules entire, constricted at the base and not 

 uncommonly cordate with a short pedicel, rarely inserted by the 

 whole width of the base, costa more or less distinct, only occasionally 

 continuous beyond the middle of the pinnule, thence dividing into 

 veins which emerge at a very acute angle, curved, diverging, 

 numerous, slender, dichotomous, produced to the margin in 

 parallel venules, and never anastomosing. 



This is a large and natural genus, and is said to be peculiar to 

 the true Carboniferous epoch. When the costa entirely disappears 

 it may be confounded with Odontopteris, and when the same nerve 

 is continuous to the apex of the pinnules it is equally difficult to 

 separate it from Pecojrferis, especially as this genus has the veins 

 very numerous and emerging at an acute angle. Then recourse 

 must be had, says Brongniart, to the shape of the pinnule, which in 

 the greater number of species of Neuropteris is contracted and 

 rounded at the base and never decurrent or confluent.* 



Amongst existing forms the resemblances are to Pteris, Blechnum, 

 Lomaria, &c. Only once has the fructification of Neuropteris been 

 observed, and that shows no analogy with any living Fern. 



Neuropteris sp. — Fragments of a fern somewhat resembling 

 N. gigantea Sternb, were found by me at Bobuntungen in Queens- 

 land. I have not the specimens now to refer to, and therefore 

 cannot give more details. Doubtless, more will be found. A 

 figure of the species named will be seen in Lindley and Hutton 



* " The median pinnules must be here understood. The basal and 

 terminal ones are often so much modified as to lose their normal form." 

 Schimper, Note, vol. 1. p. 431. 



