FOSSIL FRUITS. 



231 



Figs. 139 and 140 are nearly spherical and nearly smooth, with eight valves. Fig. 140 is somewhat elon- 

 gated and one-sided ; that is, the place for the stem and the apex are not exactly opposite. 



FIG. 139. 



FIG. 138. 



Fi m- FIG. 141. 



FIG. 137. 



In Fig. 141 the ridges, which are eight, are more distinct than in the two last, and so is the apex. It is 

 a smaller fruit. 



From Fig. 129 to 141, inclusive, the fruits retain the exact form and plumpness which they had when 

 they grew, unless sometimes a little flattened. Their carbonization does not seem to have produced a 

 shrinkage. They were probably berries, yet I cannot discover seed, nor much evidence of cells. 



Fig. 142 is bean-like, showing a point of attachment near one end, and a single furrow along the back. 

 Fig. 143 is probably the same, though smoother. In these no valves are perceptible. 



Figs. 144 and 145 show one half of bean or some other fruit, with a thick rind or shell. 



FIG. 142. 



FIG. 143. 



Fio. 145. 



FIG. 146. 



FIG. 144. 



FIG. 147. 



In Fig. 146 we have a smooth pear-shaped seed, with a stem at the small end. Fig. 147 is probably the 

 same, though not as distinct. 



Fig. 148 is much like the two last, except in being much smaller and broader at the base. 



Fig. 149 is a small smooth ovoid bean, with a hilum or ridge by which it was attached. 



Fig. 150 appear like small smooth peas, with a distinct hilum. 



Fig. 151 shows but imperfectly a small delicate pear-shaped hollow seed, with a hilum near the apex. 

 Externally it is covered with delicate slightly flexuous ridges and correspondent grooves. The shell is very 

 thin, but hard. This is not very uncommon. 



FlG.151. 



FIG. 153. FIG. 154. 



FIG. 155. 



FIG. 148. FIG. 149. FIG. 150. 



9 



FIG. 152. 



Fig. 152 exhibits a spherical fruit about the size of a small pea. It was not probably leguminous, but 

 was attached by a stem. 



Figs. 153 and 154 show elongated ridged and flattened fruit, probably with valves. 



In Fig. 155 we have a cylindrical elongated ridged fruit, probably with valves. 



The four last specimens described are quite rare, and enough have not been found for dissection. 



FIG. 157. 



FIG. 150. 



FIG. 158. 



FIG. 159. 



Fig. 156 shows an elongated, often flattened, and partly hollow berry. It is generally smooth, but some- 

 times shows a thin epicarp, somewhat striated, which doubtless was always present. The outer coat of the 



