APPENDIX II 491 



The discovery of synthetic types or seed plants amongst 

 " ferns " and Lycopods in the Coal-measures furnished the 

 preliminary evidence for tracing the descent of higher forms 

 from these, and for constructing a genetic sequence. This 

 was simultaneously coupled with the discovery of the equally 

 synthetic Jurassic Be?inetfites^ or cycad-like type, with a 

 flower or inflorescence like that of modern plants, and 

 suggesting an angiospermic ancestor, resembling types of 

 Ranales — e.g. Magfiolia. The connection suggested between 

 such ancient types and the best known group of modern plant 

 groups quickened general interest in the origin of angio- 

 sperms. The discovery in Portugal and elsewhere of early 

 angiosperms, monocotyledons, and dicotyledons, which ap- 

 peared suddenly together, had already paved the way for a 

 wider interest in early plant types. 



Similarly, in regard to the origin of the British flora, the 

 existence of southern plants in Ireland and South-west 

 England, and of American plants in Ireland and Scotland, 

 in spite of the extensive glaciation of England, presumably 

 precluding the survival of the former through such a cold 

 period, has always presented an apparently unsolvable mys- 

 tery as to the presence of the former alongside of northern 

 plants (which predominate) in these islands. The origin of 

 this composite flora, indeed, still remains in debate. The 

 work of Mr. Clement Reid in the plant- beds of East Anglia 

 and elsewhere has produced a rich harvest of results, showing 

 that many plants living to-day flourished in pre-glacial times 

 along with others not now living here but natives of the 

 Mediterranean area. Mr. Reid thinks various accidental 

 agencies have enabled the present flora to become established, 

 and does not think that possible former land bridges explain 

 the distribution of the isolated florulas. 



Fossil botany is thus a fascinating branch of botany and 

 may be pursued as other branches of palaeontology by 



