BECKLESIA. 179 



V. 2923. Axis 43 cm. long, l-l'3cm. broad. Portions of four 

 hooks seen on one side, smaller than those of 2134 (PI. V. Fig. 1). 

 The appearance of this specimen is suggestive of a hollow axis, 

 but this is probably due to the preservation of the cortex apart 

 from the internal woody tissue. Ecclesbourne. Rufford Coll. 



Genus BECKLESIA, gen. nov. 



The specimens included under this genus are difficult to describe 

 with any completeness, on account of the fragmentary and 

 imperfect nature of the material. So far as I have been able 

 to discover, it is impossible to include these fossils in any known 

 genus ; the above name is therefore proposed as a convenient 

 generic term, and one which does not imply any exact botanical 

 position. The National Museum owes some of its valuable 

 examples of Mesozoic plants to the enthusiasm of the late 

 Mr. Beetles ; I have therefore made use of his name as a generic 

 designation. As a specific name for the few examples referred to 

 the genus Becklesia, the term anomala may be adopted. 



Becklesia anomala, gen. et spec. nov. 



[PI. XIV. Figs. 2 and 3.] 



Type. Fragments, British Museum ; from Ecclesbourne, near 

 Hastings. 



The type species of the genus may be defined as follows : 



Axis comparatively broad, giving off (on one side ?) stout and 

 stiff branches, attached to the axis of higher order in different 

 positions, either laterally or on the surface, and at irregular 

 intervals. On one surface the branches show a number of 

 parallel longitudinal striations, and on the other surface a broad 

 median rib with a small groove on either side. 



The specimens are, however, too imperfect to admit of any 

 satisfactory generic or specific diagnosis. 



In his monograph on fossil cycadean stems, Carruthers makes 

 a brief reference to a specimen found at Maidstone, which is 

 spoken of as possibly a bennettitean frond. This fossil bears 



