132 ON THE FOSSIL FLORA OF THE COAL DEPOSITS OF AUSTRALIA, 



Jeanpaulia bidens n. s. Plate 4, fig. 3. Frond broadlv 

 flabellate, segments somewhat short, often becoming broader 

 towards the apex and ending in a short wide bifurcation, or in a 

 curved falcate, acute or acuminate point. Veins not conspicuous, 

 numerous (6 to 10) parallel, not branching. The longest of the 

 segments in the specimen figured is 55 millim., and the width is 

 from 3 to 6 millim. 



The resemblance of the form of this fossil to some species of 

 of Helminthostachys is great, but the parallel venation reminds 

 one more of Schizcea. Probably we have nothing amongst living 

 Ferns which can be compared to this singular plant. The species 

 described differs from J. milnsteriana in the brevity, widening and 

 bifurcation of the segments. The specimen figured was found in 

 the Burnett "River coal seams, Queensland. 



Fragments of Ferns. 



Paleontological botanists divide the fragments of Ferns into four 

 sections, viz. : — 1. Spiropterides, or young fronds either rolled up 

 or not as yet completely devoloped. 2. Rachiopterides. — Fragments 

 of petioles or of rachis. 3. Phihoropterides. — Petioles of ferns 

 generally contained amongst, or in an envelope of adventitious 

 roots. 4. Stems of Ferns. In the last section we have : — 



Caulopteris, Lindley and Hutton. 



Trunk erect, cylindrical. Scars of the petioles flat, elliptical or 

 ovate. Cicatrices of the vascular bundles, round, concentrically 

 disposed, or borne in longitudinal impressions. These stems or 

 trunks, says Schimper, have their analogues amongst the tree ferns 

 of the present period, such as Cyathea and Alsophila. 



Caulopteris adamsi. Feistmantel, loc. cit. p. 94, pi. 12, figs. 1 

 and 2. Trunk of a tree of medium size, marked on the surface 

 with the scars of branches or leaves. Scars disposed spirally and 

 quincuncially, transversely oblong-oval, somewhat prominent, the 

 sides marked with a decurrent line, the internal surface covered 

 with minute vascular cicatrices. 



