97 



Pal^ophtcus Beverletensis (N. sp.) 



Fig. 86. 

 Fig. 86. Palceophycus Beverleyensis. 



Description. — In this species the stems are in general from two to 2J 

 lines in thickness, cylindrical or sub-angular, and either straight or more 

 or less curved, crowded together in great profusion on the surface of the 

 strata, and crossing each other in all directions. The stems appear to be 

 simple, or not branched, throughout their whole length, but upon this point 

 there is some doubt, as occasionally two or more may be seen joining in 

 such a manner that they suggest the idea of branching, although it cannot 

 be distmctly ascertamed. It is at all events certain that where a stem is 

 well preserved and stands out in fuU relief, no appearance of division can 

 be seen. It is only where they are closely crowded together that they 

 seem to be subdivided. Some of the stems can be traced a length of 6 

 or 8 inches, and they retain the same thickness throughout. They appear 

 to have been long, slender, soft marine plants, which by some cause were 

 thrown down upon the surface of the strata in tangled masses, and there 

 petrified. 



On comparmg this species with P. congregatus (see p. 3) the difierence 

 can be seen at the first glance. In that species the stems vary greatly in 

 thickness, and are generally crooked, instead of gracefully curved. 



Locality and Formation. — Near Beverley in the townsliip of Bastard. 

 In the upper part of the Potsdam sandstone, associated with Lingula acu- 

 minata, Ophileta compacta, Pleurotomaria Laurentina, and fragments of 

 small Orthoceratites. 



Collectors.— B.. Murray, R. Bell. 



