RUFFORDIA. 81 
In the present instance we are not dependent on the uncertain 
guidance of sterile structures, but are in a position to make use 
of the valuable evidence of fertile pinne. Im Pl. III. Fig. 5 
we have an example of &. Gépperti which differs from those 
previously referred to in its smaller size; in Fig. 6 there is the 
same form, but with the two lowest pinne in the fertile condition. 
In other specimens the whole frond, or pinna, bears sporangia, and 
agrees exactly with the two basal pinne shown in Fig. 6. A 
close inspection of the fertile branches reveals the existence of 
sporangia, but without any sign of detailed structure. 
Such characters as these are met with in the genus Anemia, 
and the resemblance is such that I am disposed to regard Ruffordia 
Gopperti as nearly allied to this member of the Schizacee. There 
is not only an unmistakable likeness between the fertile branches 
of Anemia adiantifolia, Sw., and those of the Wealden plant, but 
an equally strong correspondence in the barren branches and in 
the habit of the complete frond. This affords another example 
of the danger of relying merely on the close parallelism in the 
form of sterile fronds between fossil and recent ferns. Such a 
parallelism has been pointed out as regards Asplenium fragrans, 
Sw., and the present species, but on extending the comparison 
to the fertile portions of the frond the similarity of the purely 
vegetative parts is shown to be entirely misleading where botanical 
affinity is concerned. 
If my determinations be approximately correct, we have in 
Ruffordia Goépperti an example of a fern much more perfectly 
preserved than is usual among the fossil representatives of the 
Filices. In addition to the series of sterile vegetative organs we 
have good samples of fertile pinne, and, in association with these 
leaf structures, portions of what I regard as rhizomes with the 
lower parts of petioles still attached: such rhizome fragments 
are shown in Pl. X. Figs. 1 and 2. 
Ruffordia Gopperti (Dunk.). 
V.2157. Pl Ly. 
These two fronds, or pinne, represent one end of the series 
of variable forms; the ultimate linear-acuminate segments are 
uninerved. The habit is compact, and the pinne have a more or less 
deltoid form, with the details distinctly marked as light brown im- 
pressions on a homogeneous ironstone. Ecclesbourne. Ruffurd Coll. 
G 
