2 KANSAS UNIVERSITY QUARTERLY. 



The author is very much indebted to Dr. David White, curator 

 of the Palaeozoic plant collections of the United States National 

 Museum, not only for the kindest advice and suggestions, but for 

 the favors of access to the collections in his charge, and assistance 

 in finding the plants of most interest in their relation to the Kansas 

 forms. 



Systematic Description. 



TAENiOPTERiS. 



Brongniart. Prodrome, p. 6i, 1828 

 Taeniopteris coriacea Goep. Plate I, Figs. 6, 8-12; Plate II; Plate III, 

 Figs. I, 2; Plate IV, Figs, i, 3. 

 Taeyiiopte7-is coriacea Goeppert. Flora der Permischen Formation, p. 130, 

 Plate VIII, Fig. 4; Plate IX, Fig, 2, 1865-1866. 



Fronds simple (?), linear or very narrowly elliptical, coriaceous 

 in texture, broadest in the middle, tapering to a symmetrical 

 lanceolate apex, and a petiolate base, 8 to 20 cm. long, average 

 width at the middle, 10 to 20 mm.; rachis strong at the base, 

 rough with rather strong, longitudinal striae, about 3 mm. wide, 

 reduced gradually in passing to the apex where it becomes a mere 

 line; fronds slightly rolled at the borders; lateral veins numerous, 

 strong, straight and parallel, cross the lamina obliquely, with a 

 slight but distinct upward curve at the border, 28 to 32 per centi- 

 meter; veins near the base of the frond leave the rachis with a 

 short curve, often forked once near their base; those at the middle 

 of the frond only slightly curved at their union with the rachis, 

 seldom forked; those near the apex' not at all curved at their base, 

 always simple, straight, or even arched upwards slightly in cross- 

 ing the lamina; oval bodies, sporangia (?) on several of the fronds, 

 situated between the veins, half immersed in the epidermis of the 

 frond, ^ to ^ mm. apart, six or seven between each two veins; 

 elliptical elevations, or corresponding depressions occur on or near 

 the rachis of several specimens. 



The species is a common one, and is represented by many good 

 specimens. By reason of the thick resistant texture, the frond is 

 usually well preserved, and forms a natural line of cleavage in the 

 matrix, which often breaks so as to expose its entire length. The 

 individual specimens vary a good deal in size, but can usually 

 be readily recognized by their straight, oblique, strong nerves, 

 resistant texture, and lanceolate apex. 



The agreement with Goeppert's types is not entirely complete, 

 but essentially so. Goeppert's figures do not show a rolled border, 



