xxxvn] 



WILLIAMSONIA 



447 



one of the examples assigned by Feistmantel to W. gigas are 

 similar anatomically to those of Williamsonia scotica and are 

 clothed with simple hairs. The important point is the very 

 close correspondence between the Indian and English types of 

 Williamsonia, as regards flowers, fronds, and stems. 



BRITISH SPECIMENS. 

 Williamsonia Carruthersi Seward. 



This species was founded on several specimens from Wealden 

 beds on the Sussex coast none of which afford information as to 



W 



B 



FIG. 559. Williamsonia Carruthersi. A, unexpanded flower. A', the reticulate 

 lamellae projecting from the face of a bract. B, the basal portion of a larger 

 and expanded flower showing the impressions of the interseminal scales and 

 the base of the receptacle. (British Museum, A, V. 3177; B, V. 3201.) 



anatomical structure 1 . It is not improbable that more than one 

 species is represented. The ovulate cone, 6 cm. long, is surrounded 

 by several linear bracts (fig. 559, A) and in shape resembles Bennet- 

 tites Morierei Lign. ; the bracts are broken across near the base, 

 as is frequently the case in Williamsonia gigas, exposing an annular 

 zone formed by persistent interseminal scales. From the inner 



1 Seward (95) A. p. 157, Pis. x., xi. 



