84 . III. DIST. CHAR. Prototype. 



Obs. They are very rare in the mineral kingdom 

 not more than two or three species of reliquia have- 

 ing, as yet, been observed, that may without hesita- 

 tion be referred to this tribe of vegetables. f Those 

 that have been described appear to be marine 

 plants, and are probably fuel. They occur in cal- 

 careous strata. 



c. 58. MOSSES (Musci) have cc capsules envel- 

 opped in a calyptre, and reticulated membranous 

 leaves, which, after being dried, are revived by the 

 application of water." (v. Hull's Introduct. Linn. 

 Syst. xlix. ) 



Obs. As rare, perhaps, as the algce, in the petri^ 

 fied state. A few, however, have been found in ar- 

 gillaceous strata, with other vegetable relics. They 

 occur also, as conservata, now and then, in amber: 

 and, frequently, in the banks of certain rivers_, enve-^ 

 loped by calcareous depositions. 



d. 59. FERNS (Filices)lm\e " their fructifications 

 in spikes, or in dots, lines, &c. 3 on the back or mar- 

 gin of their leaves; or at the root." ( v. Hull's Intro- 

 duct. Linn. Syst. p. xlix.) 



Obs. This tribe or family of plants furnishes by 

 far the most beautiful, as well as the most perfect, 

 vegetable petrifactions that occur. The original 

 species, with very few exceptions, are unknown. 



t One, the original of vvhicSi appears to be tliefucus vesiculosus^ 

 has been found in marl, along with shells and other marine bodies, 



