OF LOWER GREEXSAND PLA.NT8. 



271 



wood-fibres in Aptiana indicated a comparatively primitive wood- 

 structure which tallied with its early geological age, the immense 

 size of the vessels and general character of the wood in the 

 present species show that some forms had already evolved far 

 from that type by Aptian times. 



While this fossil is not well enough preserved to be identified 

 with certainty, its features are in complete agreement, so far as 

 they go, with some of the Dipterocarpacere. The genus Sliorea 



Text-fig. 81. Wulmrnia porosa, Stopes. Longitudinal view of wood- 

 vessel, with outline of wood-fibres adjacent, showing bordered (?) pits 

 irregularly scattered. After Stopes. No. V. 5452 b. 



in this family is said by Gamble (1902) not to show annual rings 

 except in the fresh wood. Hopea odorata and other Hopeae also 

 resemble the fossil very closely. 



V. 5452. Wedge of secondary wood, 2-5x1*8x25 cm., from 

 which sections have been cut. The external weathered 

 surface shows something of the wood-texture ; the cut 

 surface shows the medullary rays and vessels to the 

 naked eye. The specimen is dark reddish brown and 

 irregularly iron-stained. 



