BKACHYPHYLLTJM. 217 



these small branches ends in a distinct spinous apex, and in the 

 axils of some of them are seen the indistinct impressions of smaller 

 leafy twigs. A still larger specimen, very similar to the above, 

 is in the possession of Mr. Rufford ; it shows two branches, the 

 longest of which has a length of 42 cm., and gives off numerous 

 stiff, pointed branches like those shown in V. 2746. These 

 spiuous branches appear to be given off approximately at the 

 same level, and probably there were three in each pseudo-whorl. 

 Some of the large leaves in these specimens show fine longitudinal 

 striations. Ecclesbourne. Rufford Coll. 



V. 2135. PI. XVII. Fig. 6. (i nat. size.) 



This long and nairow branched axis I have referred to Brachy- 

 phyllum spinosum, on the grounds that it represents a decorticated 

 specimen of the same plant which is. more perfectly preserved in 

 V. 2746 (PI. XVII. Fig. 1). The breadth is fairly uniform, about 

 5-6 mm. ; the numerous short spinous branches are clearly marked, 

 and appear to have been given off in groups of twos or threes ; one 

 sees in some cases two branches lying lengthwise in the sandstone, 

 and the base of a third in the form of a round scar in the sub- 

 stance of the main branch. There are no signs of any leaf bases 

 or leaves in this example, the exposed surface of which probably 

 represents the face of the woody axis. In specimen V. 2750 

 (PI. XVII. Fig. 5) we have a good example of the marked 

 difference in breadth and surface characters between the leafy 

 branch and the decorticated woody axis. The thorn-like processes 

 in this specimen are regarded as the decorticated spinous branches 

 of V, 2746 (PI. XVII. Fig. 1). Ecclesbourne. Ru/ord Coll. 



V. 2240. PI. XVII. Fig. 4. (A portion of the specimen 

 shown in the figure.) 



At the upper end of the specimen we have what appears to be 

 a pith cast, surrounded by a woody cylinder, in the form of a 

 dusty substance, representing the remains of wood tissue. The 

 figured portion shows two spiuous branches and the base of a 

 third ; probably there may have been four such branches in each 

 pseudo-whorl. It may be noted that the spinous appendages in 

 this specimen and in V. 2135 (PI. XVII. Fig. 6), are more nearly 

 at right angles to the larger axis than in V. 2746 (PL XVII. 

 Fig. 1). Ecclesbourne. Rufford Coll. 



