EUFFOEDIA. 81 



In the present instance we are not dependent on the uncertain 

 guidance of sterile structures, but are in a position to make use 

 of the valuable evidence of fertile pinna3. In PI. III. Fig. 5 

 we have an example of R. Gopperti which differs from those 

 previously referred to in its smaller size ; in Fig. 6 there is the 

 same form, but with the two lowest pinna3 in the fertile condition. 

 In other specimens the whole frond, or pinna, bears sporangia, and 

 agrees exactly with the two basal pinnae shown in Fig. 6. A 

 close inspection of the fertile branches reveals the existence of 

 sporangia, but without any sign of detailed structure. 



Such characters as these are met with in the genus Anemia, 

 and the resemblance is such that I am disposed to regard Ruffordia 

 Gopperti as nearly allied to this member of the Schizacea. There 

 is not only, an unmistakable likeness between the fertile branches 

 of Anemia adiantifolia, Sw., and those of the Wealden plant, but 

 an equally strong correspondence in the barren branches and in 

 the habit of the complete frond. This affords another example 

 of the danger of relying merely on the close parallelism in the 

 form of sterile fronds between fossil and recent ferns. Such a 

 parallelism has been pointed out as regards Asplenium fragrans, 

 Sw., and the present species, but on extending the comparison 

 to the fertile portions of the frond the similarity of the purely 

 vegetative parts is shown to be entirely misleading where botanical 

 affinity is concerned. 



If my determinations be approximately correct, we have in 

 Ruffordia Gopperti an example of a fern much more perfectly 

 preserved than is usual among the fossil representatives of the 

 Filices. In addition to the series of sterile vegetative organs we 

 have good samples of fertile pinnse, and, in association with these 

 leaf structures, portions of what I regard as rhizomes with the 

 lower parts of petioles still attached: such rhizome fragments 

 are shown in PI. X. Figs. 1 and 2. 



Ruffordia Gopperti (Dunk.). 



V. 2157. PL IV. 



These two fronds, or pinna3, represent one end of the series 

 of variable forms ; the ultimate linear-acuminate segments are 

 uninerved. The habit is compact, and the pinnaa have a more or less 

 deltoid form, with the details distinctly marked as light brown im- 

 pressions on a homogeneous ironstone. Ecclesbourne. Ru/urd Coll. 



