134 DESCBIPTIVE CATALOGUE 



deposits. Comparisons of doubtfully preserved exteriors, 

 however, with well-preserved interiors are so unprofitable 

 that I will attempt no comparison with the numerous species 

 it might resemble, were all the facts known. 



The likeness to the modern genus Pinus, however, is apparent 

 in several features, though in the equally massive and separate 

 development of the bract and ovnliferous scales the cone is more 

 like Abies. Cones of Abies are seldom preserved as fossils, 

 probably because the ripe cone sheds its scales; but in an 

 immature condition a cone of Abies is just as likely to be 

 preserved whole as that of any other genus. While this cone 

 is not absolute proof that the genus Abies was evolved in 

 Aptian times, it is highly suggestive of that conclusion. 



39107. Type-specimen. Figured, PI. X, fig. 1 ; Mantell, Quart. 

 Journ. Geol. Soc. vol. 2, 1846, pi. ii, figs. 2, 26, 2 c. 

 The small cone, measuring about 4x2*8 cm., is split 

 in an oblique longitudinal direction, showing the axis 

 and the scales with the ovules attached, some in radial 

 and some in tangential view. Externally the abraded 

 apex of the cone can be seen, and also the worn edges 

 of the scales. The second half of the cone was 

 entirely cut up to make the following sections. 



39107 a. Figured, PI. XI, fig. 2; text-fig. 33. Longitudinal 

 section, nearly median except at the top, where the 

 scales and ovules are cut tangentially. The double 

 scale and the attachment of the ovules can be seen 

 very clearly. 



39107 b. Figured, PI. XI, fig. 1. Tangential section, showing 

 the vascular strands in many of the scales and the 

 ovules attached to the scales in others. 



39107 C. A smaller, more oblique section, nearer the exterior of 

 the cone, cut tangentially so as to show the two ovules 

 clearly attached to the double scale as in text-fig. 32. 



39107 d. Figured, text-fig. 32. A smaller tangential section, 

 similar to the above, in which the ovules are very 

 well preserved. 



Kentish Bag, Lower Greensand ; Iguauodon Quarry, Maid- 

 &toue. Mantell L'olL 



