FOSSIL FERNS. NEUROPTERIS. 115 
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_ character of this genus. The fructification is supposed to 
_ have been marginal. 
NEUROPTERIS (nerved-leaf). Lign. 22.—The fronds are 
pinnate or bipinnate ; the leaflets more or less ovate or 
-eordiform and entire, adhering to the rachis by their centre 
only ; veins very fine, arched, rising obliquely from the 
Lien. 22. NEUROPTERIS ACUMINATA; nat. 
In Coal-shale, Yorkshire. 
base of the leaflet ; the midrib does not extend to the apex 
of the leaflets, but terminates by subdividing into veins. 
This is a very numerous genus, comprising thirty or more 
species, which are principally found in the coal-shale. Some 
_ of these plants bear a general resemblance to the Osmunda 
_ regalis, but differ in their essential characters ; their leaflets 
often form the nuclei of ironstone nodules. 
GLOSSOPTERIS (fongue-leaf). Lign. 23.—Leaves simple, 
sub-lanceolate, gradually contracting towards the base ; 
midrib thick at the base, and vanishing towards the apex of 
the leaf ; veins very fine, curved, oblique, frequently dicho- 
