448 



nent for their knowledge of the vegetable system, I am unable to 

 supply you with much information respecting the plants to which 

 they have belonged. Fig. 2 appears to have been the seed of some 

 plant of the leguminous kind ; the skin of which is in part removed, 

 showing the fine pyritous clay with which it has beor filled. Fig. 3 

 appears to have been a seed of the same kind ; the skin remaining 

 whole, but having wrinkled up to adapt itself to the enclosed mat- 

 ter. Fig 4 and 9 resemble the seeds of a phoenix; or rather of 

 two different species of that genus. Fig. 9 is very like to the stone 

 of a common date. Fig. 10 and 12, but particularly the latter, 

 approach very much in appearance to the common pea. Fig. 13, 

 14, and 18, are quite different from any thing at present known : 

 a portion of stalk seems to remain attached to each of them. Fig. 6, 

 21, and 25, appear to have been fruits covered with a coriaceous 

 covering, similar to the chesnut. Fig. 24 and 2(5 are fruits which 

 seem to have possessed a similar substance with that of the nut- 

 meg ; but differing very much from that fruit, in their external ap- 

 pearance. Fig. 20 and 22 represent the front and back view of a 

 substance which bears no resemblance to the parts of any known 

 vegetable, at least in a natural state. Dr. Smith is, however, of 

 opinion, that its appearance is very much like that of the cup of 

 aa oak, in an enlarged state, from the attacks of insects ; he hav- 

 ing gathered just such at Rome, in the spring of the year. 



The nut which is represented at Plate VII. Fig. 1, 2, is also from 

 the Island of Sheppey. The exact appearance of the kernel is pre- 

 served in the cast formed within the shell, which is depicted at Fig. 

 3. It is totally unlike to any thing at present known ; but perhaps 

 may be referred to the genus Cocos. This fossil was originally in 

 the possession of Sir Joseph Banks, by whom it was presented to 

 the British Museum. 



Fig. 4 and 5 represent part of a nut, which somewhat resembles 

 the former ; although the kernels vary considerably in their shape. 



