424 PALEONTOLOGY OF OHIO. 



my specimen, except in general shape, and in the circular depression 

 in the upper corner. In my specimen I have some doubt whether this 

 dot represents a true vascular leaf-scar. 



This species bears no resemblance to Prof. Schimper"s L. quadratum. 

 Locality same as the last. 



Roots ? 



Plate 53, figs. 1 and 2. 



I have given these figures simply to add to the material necessary to 

 be accumulated for the proper determination of these and similar root- 

 like forms. 



They are probably nothing more than submerged portions of an Aster- 

 ophyllites, the ordinary leaves of which took the form of profuse branching 

 rootlets. The only forms of Asterophyllites thus far found in the shale at 

 this locality are A. erectifolius (pi. 49, fig. 3) and A. f minutus (pi. 51, figs. 4 

 and 4a). 



The "rootlets" could hardly belong to the former species, and, if to the 

 latter, there is involved in the sub-aqueous growth an almost incredible 

 change of habit, in the increased size of the stem and remarkable mul- 

 tiplication of the leaves. 



Lindley and Hutton (Vol. I., pi. 18, Fossil Flora of Great Britain) figure 

 a so-called A. longifoiia, in which the leaves are long, and slender, and 

 flexuous, and apparently branching, and very unlike the usual form of 

 the leaves of that species. They appear to have grown on a submerged 

 stalk. 



Locality same as the last. 



Asterophyllites? minutus (sp. nov.). 



Plate 51, figs. 4 and 4a. 

 This is a very minute, jointed plant, with relatively thick, stiflf, 

 pointed, verticillate leaves, curved upwards. Length of leaves, from one 

 to two millimeters. Generally four leaves grow from each node. Leaves 

 a little longer than the joints of stem. There are indications of a strong 

 medial nerve, but this may be only a peculiar thickening of the leaf. 

 The plant has a general resemblance to A. gracilis, Lesq., from Arkansas, 

 but it is a more delicate plant, shorter in the joints, and the leaves have 

 a stronger upward curve. It also resembles somewhat A. parvula, Daw- 

 son, from the Devonian of New Brunswick. 



