154 BENNETTIXES. 



apparently bore anthers and pollen grains in its early stage of 

 development, and afterwards assumed the female condition. The 

 figures of isolated "pollen grains" are not thoroughly convincing; 

 but if Solrns' opinion be correct, we have a most important 

 addition to our knowledge of this interesting genus. 



My examination of the Wealden examples of Williamsonia 

 leads me to support the view that this problematical fossil is 

 generically identical with Bennettites, and so far as our evidence 

 goes, we are, I believe, justified in regarding the former genus 

 as a form of inflorescence of the same type as that which has 

 been found in organic union with bennettitean stems. This 

 opinion is chiefly based on the Wealden forms, but if the suggested 

 relationship or identity of these with Bennettites be admitted, we 

 have a very strong case for including the Jurassic species in the 

 same category. A critical discussion of the Oolite specimens must 

 be deferred until the French material has been studied ; such a 

 question will be best dealt with in a later volume devoted to 

 the Jurassic flora. 



As regards the question of male and female inflorescences, I 

 am unable to recognize any sexual difference in the various 

 examples from the Wealden beds, and there does not seem to 

 be any good reason for regarding the so-called male Williamsonias 

 among the Jurassic specimens, as in any way proved to be of 

 that nature. In comparing Williamsonia with Bennettites we have 

 to rely entirely on the female inflorescence of the latter plant, 

 and it would seem that so far as our present evidence goes, we 

 have more reason for speaking of Williamsonia as the female 

 inflorescence. As to the nature of the male inflorescence we 

 are still without any very satisfactory evidence. 



The following records have been made of Williamsonia, showing 

 a fairly wide distribution ; but probably some of these species 

 cannot well be retained as trustworthy examples of the genus. 



ENGLAND. Williamsonia gigas, Carr. Inferior Oolite. 

 W. Leckenbyi, Nath. ,, ,, 



W. Bucklandi (Ung.). ,, 



FRANCE. W. Pougneti, Sap. Lower Lias. 



W. Morierei, Sap. Oxfordian. 

 W. pictaviensis, Sap. ,, 



W. Zeilleri, Sap. Kinirneridgian. 



W. Gagnierei, Sap. Portlaudiau and Purbeckian. 



PORTUGAL. W. minima, Sap. Lower Cretaceous. 



