CARBONIFEROUS. 97 



probably referable to Neuropteris Scheuchzeri, Hoffm. It is certainly not 

 Neuropteris heterophylla, Bronguiart. 



Neuropteris Scheuchzeri, Hoffm., is extremely dimorphic in the form of its 

 pinnules ; on the same example are found some pinnules similar in form to 

 Neuropteris angustifolia, Brongt., and others agreeing with Neuropteris acuti- 

 folia of the same author. 



In the notes appended to N. heterophylla (ante, p. 89) I have already 

 referred to a specimen on which the pinnules showed gradations in form, 

 from lanceolate to cyclopteroid on the same pinna. On another example, 

 also from near Radstock, the pinnules on the left side of the rachis agree 

 with Neuropteris Scheuchzeri, whilst those on the right of the rachis have all 

 the essential characters of Neuropteris auriculata. I am therefore inclined 

 to conclude that Neuropteris auriculata will eventually require to be given 

 up as a distinct species. 



In the Radstock Coal Field Neuropteris Scheuchzeri occurs in an exquisite 

 state of preservation, not only as regards the minute details of the nervation 

 of the pinnules, but in having yielded several large specimens with the 

 pinnules shown in situ, and it is from evidence afforded by these examples 

 that I have come to the conclusion that Neuropteris auriculata may be only a 

 portion of a frond of Neuropteris Scheuchzeri. 



The plant figured as Neuropteris angustifolia, by Lesquereux (Coal Flora of 

 Pennsyl. pi. viii. fig. 2), belongs, I think, to Neuropteris cordata, L. and H. 

 (? Brongt.), (= Neuropteris hirsuta, Lesq.), and not to this species. 



Two small cyclopteroid pinnules, situated at the base of the large terminal 

 pinnule, is a character of Neuropteris cordata, but notwithstanding the many 

 fine examples of Neuropteris Scheuchzeri which I have examined, similarly 

 placed small cyclopteroid pinnules have not been once observed in this last- 

 mentioned species. 



From the occurrence of these small cyclopteroid pinnules on Gutbier's 

 figure of Neuropteris acutifolia, which has been copied by Geinitz, I am 

 rather inclined to think that Gutbier's plant is not referable to this species, 

 but belongs to Neuropteris cordata. On this point, however, I cannot speak 

 definitely. 



Neuropteris Clarksoni, Lesq., and Neuropteris anomala, Lesq., appear to be 

 indistinguishable from certain portions of the Radstock specimens of Neurop- 

 teris Scheuchzeri. 



Neuropteris auriculata, Heer (Flora Foss. Helv. pi. iii. fig. 10, and pi. iv. 

 figs. 18-21), is probably referable to Neuropteris Scheuchzeri, even if Neurop- 

 teris auriculata is regarded as a true species. 



My friend M. Zeiller unites with Neuropteris Scheuchzeri, Neuropteris cordata, 

 L. and H. (? Brongt.), (=Neuropteris hirsuta, Lesq.), Neuropteris angustifolia, 

 and Neuropteris acutifolia, Brongt.* 



Neuropteris cordata, L. and H. (? Brongt.), occurs at Radstock along with 

 the plant I have identified as Neuropteris Scheuchzeri, Hoffm., with which 

 last-mentioned species I regard, as perhaps synonymous, Neuropteris angus- 

 tifolia, Brongt., and Neuropteris acutifolia, Brongt. 



If the plant I have named Neuropteris Scheuchzeri, which appears to agree 

 in all particulars with Scheuchzer's figure (Herb. Diluv. pi. x. fig. 3), is 

 correctly identified, it seems impossible to unite with it Neuropteris cordata, 

 L. and H. (? Brongt.), there being several well-marked characters by which 

 they are separable. 



Horizon. Coal Measures. 



Localities British. Somersetshire : Radstock. Worcestershire : Bewdley. 

 Foreign. Saxony : Zwickau. 



* Flore Houi!. des. Asturies, pp. 6-10. 



