43 



structure, whicli is evidently a mere remnant of the original 

 tissue of the leaf. Just sufficient is left to barely indicate- 

 its general outline and feature. This will be seen in the 

 specimens sent, one of which presents a more perfect form of 

 the original leaf than is usually met with. By measurement,, 

 this one is 4 inches long, by IJ inches broad. It is evidently 

 membranous as regards its texture, with margin entire ; its. 

 Tenation is reticulate, with the mid-rib giving off on each 

 side alternate lesser veins. In shape it is oblong-ovate, with 

 apex acute. No j^etiole is seen in specimen. The mass of 

 the leaves found much resembles this one, some being larger, 

 as I have measured one which was 3 inches broad, and over 

 7 inches long, but generally they are seen to be of a much 

 smaller size than either of these two. 



These leaves evidently belong to the Botanical Division 

 Angiospermia, and as yet no foliage belonging to the 

 coniferous trees has been discovered in this continent. It was 

 reserved for Mr. R. M. Johnston, of Launceston, to be the 

 first to discover the foliage of a conifer (most probably of 

 the S]Jondyhstrobus SmytJiii) at Beaconsfield. This has been 

 delineated by Baron von Mueller in the Victorian Mining 

 Reports, and commented thereon by him. The Baron there 

 too acknowledges the value of Mr. Johnston's exertions on 

 behalf of the geology of Tasmania, and the assistance he has 

 obtained from him in studying the Palseontological Flora 

 of these lands. 



Embedded in the same clay with these leaves and fruits 

 are found the branches, trunks, and roots of the trees that 

 bore them. Frequently it has been noticed by the miner 

 that the leaves and fruits lay thickest around the trunks of 

 the fossilised trees, as if they had quietly fallen there during 

 the peaceful and flourishing condition of the forest, before 

 the taking place of the eruption that overwhelmed them. 



The fossil wood, specimens of which I also send, will also 

 help to show the kind of tree that had grown in this ancient 

 forest. One specimen shows as well the bark, and another a 

 portion of a root embedded in the earth, in which the tree 

 evidently grew. The wood has become heavy and black: 

 from lying so long in wet clay, and in some specimens can be 

 seen encrustations, with carbonate of lime in small crystals. 

 From its appearance, the wood of these trees must have 

 been of a tough, fibrous character, and evidently well suited 

 to withstand the fury of the elements. 



The following is a list of fossil fruits as yet found andl 

 named : — 



Spondylostrohus Smythii 

 Fhymatocaryon Mackayii 



