PALAEOZOIC AGE 



CARBONIFEROUS PERIOD 



THE vegetation of the " Coal-bearing " Period was similar 

 in character to that of the Devonian, but it attained an 

 extraordinary luxuriance, and species multiplied greatly. 

 CLUB-MOSSES Branching club-mosses of pine-like appearance abounded ; 

 and in some cases rose to heights of one hundred feet and 

 more (Lepidodendrori). Some small members of the varied 

 throng seem to have been of a present-day genus (Selaginel- 

 lites). Certain of these (Miadesma) and a few of the larger 

 growths (Lepidocarpori) had so far advanced beyond the 

 spore-producing stage as to bring forth what may be termed 

 SIGILLARIA seeds. Other club-mosses were spiky-leaved branchless 

 trees with stout trunks, scarred with seal-like impressions, 

 HORSETAILS left by shed foliage (Sigillaria). " Horsetails " with reedy 

 stems, bark-covered and fortified hi part with well-developed 

 CORDAITES wood, were now to be seen over sixty feet in height (Cala- 

 mites). Cordaites or cycad-conifers of many species were in 

 evidence ; and, so far as is known, continued the only 

 CYCAD-FERNS growths with any floral pretensions. Seed-bearing cycad- 

 ferns greatly extended their range, and new forms vied with 

 the old (Alethopteris, Lyginodendron, Lagenostoma, Aneimites). 

 Ferns of the same type as a now living group of tropical 

 FERNS ferns (Marattiacea} were in great abundance some of 

 them attaining tree-like proportions (Psaronius) ; and old- 

 fashioned climbing growths of mixed affinities still kept a 

 place in the forests (Sphenophyllum). 



COAL In swampy stretches of land, notably in England, France, 

 Germany, and in North America, this varied vegetation 

 underwent a series of remarkable vicissitudes. Trees, shrubs, 



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