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



three lines long, and one and a half lines wide in var. latior, 

 abruptly contracted to the base, the narrowed lowest portion of 

 which is obliquely inserted in two very slightly alternate or nearly 

 opposite rows, basal portion with about ten or twelve narrow, equal , 

 rounded, longitudinal ridges, which usually become obsolete 

 towards the distal half, on which often only three large ridges or 

 undulations can be seen ; the surface has about 50 to 70 longitu- 

 dinal stride in the width of a pinnule. The bases of the pinnules 

 are nearly opposite, and from their narrowness, seem rather 

 widely separated, though only far enough apart to allow the edges 

 of the broader portion to nearly touch the adjoining edges of the 

 next ones. 



" There is someslight variation in the a mount of alternation or 

 opposition of the pinnules in different specimens. . . . Also, 

 as in the recent examples, the upper surface is more nearly smooth 

 and the lower surface of the pinnules more distinctly ridged. At 

 first sight in size and shape this nearly resembles the common 

 Zamia hastula of the Yorkshire Oolite coal beds, but is easily dis- 

 tinguished by its smoother surface, and the contracted base of the 

 pinna? or leaflets." Found in a shaft sunk for coal between 

 Geelong and Queenscliff, associated with Alethopteris australis. 

 The species is dedicated to Sir Henry Barkly. 



Prof. M'Coy points out the strong resemblance of the plants to 

 conifers, to which order Dr. O. Feistmantel considers they should 

 be referred. We must await the discovery of cones or fruits to 

 decide the question. 



Podozamites ellipticus. M'Coy (1. c, p. 35. pi. 8, fig. 4.) 

 Fronds about 2J inches wide ; rachis very thick, about 2 lines 

 wide ; pinnules elliptical, scarcely touching, varying in size from 

 11 inches long and 3 J inches wide, to 1 inch, 1 line long and 2 

 lines wide ; substance thick, usually showing only three obtuse 

 ridges, but sometimes 11 smaller, the whole covered with a very 

 fine longitudinal striation ; base of pinnules contracted and inserted 

 obliquely on the rachis in a slightly alternate order or nearly 

 opposite. 



