8 



Returning now to the C. Chazy', and particularly to the horizon 

 of Stromatocerium Eatoni^ there are to be noticed some forms of 

 fossils, fringing along the genus Stro/natocerin/n.. but whose rela- 

 tionships are still in doubt. In some cases they are so associated 

 in the rock, running into each other in such intricate ways that 

 their boundaries are obscure. 



In one particular case the fossil forms a rock-mass blue in color, 

 fine in texture, thin in structure, not readily distinguishable from 

 the associated rocks. But to careful observation the weathered 

 surface reveals a rippled or wavy appearance, and by polishing a 

 banded structure is exhibited. 



It is, however, when under magnification that the noticeable 

 and real character appears. In thin sections the lighter laminae 

 of the fossil show parallel close lying tubes or bands, simulating 

 somewhat the structure of a coarse Solenopora. But the great 

 pecidiarity exists, that a portion of these tubes become, at evenly 

 recurring places, suddenly contracted and then again enlarged, so 

 that the structure appears like a chain of beads, illustrating com- 

 pletely the term moniliform. These bands or tubes and these beads 

 when measured have a diameter of ^Jn to oj^ of an inch. 



The relationships of this necklace like fossil are not quite clear. 

 The form itself hints at a connection with the sponges, also with 

 the corals. In some respects it seems a stepping stone from the 

 sponge to the coral. It certainly approaches the Stromatocerium 

 in character. 



Instead of introducing a new generic term to accommodate this 

 peculiar form, it may be well to leave it provisionally with the 

 Stromatocerhim and give it a descriptive specific name. 



Stromatocerium.'' monilifernum n. sp. 

 PI. IvXXIII, lower figure. LXXIV, figs. 3, 4. 



A pure calcareous fossil, with wavy moss like expansions, cover- 

 ing the exposed weathered surface. The polished surface exhibits 

 irregular darker and lighter bands. Under microscopic enlarge- 

 ment the lighter of these bands are characterized by parallel tubes 

 a portion of which are of a necklace like structure. 



Horizon. C Chazy. 



