37 



from Natal, on which occur numerous fronds of Glossopteris. In 

 addition, there is a small and imperfect fragment (Text-fig. 11), 

 which is in all probability referable to Sphenophyllum, a genus 

 which so far has not been found in South Africa. The plant 

 appears to consist of a whorl of leaves, the basal portions of five 

 leaves being seen, which seem to be united into a short sheath 



Fig. 11. — SphenophylUim, sp. V. 7-3S3. x 3. 



at the base. The leaves are wedge-shaped, and have a typical 

 Sphenophyllum nervation, there being apparently two main nerves 

 at the base, though the details are not very clear in this region. 

 The apices of the leaves are not seen, but from their shape and 

 nervation there would appear to be little doubt that they should 

 be referred to this genus. 



Natal. Presented by the Natal Government, 1897. 



Class FILICALES (?). 



The members of the class Filicales are characterised by small 

 stems in comparison with the size of the leaves. Leaves often 

 deeply divided. The fertile fronds are either identical in form 

 with the sterile leaves, or more or less highly modified. The 

 numerous sporangia are usually isosporous, though in a few genera 

 heterosporous, and are arranged in sori. The archesporium arises 

 most frequently from a single cell. 



The genera Glossopteris, Gangamopteris, Neuropteridium, and 

 others described here have a fern-like habit, and have been usually 

 regarded as true ferns. In the majority of cases, however, their 



