GRAPTOLITES. 19 
§ I].—THE CENTRAL OR BASAL PORTIONS OF THE GRAPTOLITE. 
1. The radicle, or initial point. 
2. The funicle, or non-celluliferous connecting portions of the stipe. 
3. The central disc. 
~ 1. The Radicle, or Initial Point.—In the most simple forms, or those 
with two stipes, as shown in all the figures on plate 1, there is a slender 
initial process, which I have termed the radicle. This presents a greater 
or less development in the different species ; in some being reduced to a 
mere pustule, or scarcely perteptible point, while in others it attains 
a quarter of an inch or more in length. Although in none of the species 
with a single range of cellules does this part show absolute evidence of 
having been attached to any other substance at the maturity of the fronds, 
yet it is possible that in the earlier period of its growth, the body may 
have been temporarily attached at this point to the sea-bottom or to some 
object ; though all the evidence is opposed to this view. 
In some of the bi-celluliferous forms, and probably in all of them, there 
is a somewhat similar extension below the base of the celluliferous portion 
of the stipe, though it is usually more slender; but whether this is always 
the true initial pomt of the whole body, or whether it is only the broken 
point of attachment to a frond, may sometimes admit of doubt. It is con- 
spicuous in Phyllograptus typus; and we observe this feature also in 
Retiograptus ; but in one species of this we learn that it is only a broken 
process of attachment of the individual stipe, which existed as one of the 
members of the entire frond, the true initial point of which would be in the 
centre of the whole. (Pl. xiv, fig. 9.) 
In all the forms of Graptolitidee which appear to have been free, the 
initial pomt or radicle is in fact the commencement of the solid avis, 
which will be noticed farther on. In those graptolites with two simple 
stipes, the little radicle-like process enlarges above, and the stipes, 
diverging in opposite directions, are closely united at their bases, and the 
cellules begin almost in the axil between the two. (Plate i, figs. 1, 3, 7, 
9, and 10.) 
2. The Funicle—In the graptolites with four stipes, the condition 
appears like that of two individuals of the two-stiped forms, conjomed by 
a straight connecting process of greater or less extent, with the radicle 
point in the centre, though often obscurely marked. This connecting 
process is always destitute of cellules ; and this, with its divisions, I have 
termed the funicle. . 
In those forms with eight stipes the funicle is twice divided at its two 
extremities; and where there is a greater number of simple stipes, it is 
