GEOL. FUKEX. F»"»R1IANDL. 15(1 ;'..".. Iliift. •'.. Xov. 1 1 ii. '.Wu 



Somo remarks on the classification of fossil plants. 



By 



T. G. I^ALLE. 



(With Plates and 10). 



The dithcultit'S attending the determination of fossil plants 

 are due, to a Jarge extent, to the diiference in the principles 

 adopted by different writers in the delimitation of species. 

 (Jne of the most important points of dispute is whether, in 

 doubtful cases, a broad or a narrow delimitation of species 

 should be preferred. In a recent paper ^ I have advocated a 

 narrow classification as being less apt to cause confusion in 

 nomenclature and hasty conclusions in geological and palaeo- 

 geographical matters. This course has later been criticized 

 by Professor A. C. Seward ^ in his review of the paper men- 

 tioned. In addition to his general reflections on the princip- 

 les, Professor Seward has also made several interesting re- 

 marks on the determinations of the Antarctic material. These 

 remarks, which are closely connected with the general stand- 

 point of Prof. Sewaud, call for an explanation from myself; 

 and it would appear, too, that some points in my discussion 

 of the principles would need emphasizing. It is naturally 

 hopeless to attempt a reconciliation of the two opposite prin- 

 <'iples, and a continued abstract discussion would serve no 



' Hallk. T. G. The Mesozoic Flora of (Jraham Land. Wissens<'h. Ergebn. 

 (). Srhwedisihen Siidpolar-Expcdition 1901—1903. Bd. 3, Lief. 14, Stockholm 

 1913. 



- Seward. A. C An extinct Antarctir Hora. The New Phytologist. Vol. 

 12. Nos. 4 Sc f). London 1913. 



