34 C. Lyell on Fossil Reptilian Remains, ete. 
middle part of this vast series of strata having a thickness of 1400 
feet abounds in fossil forests of erect trees together with root 
beds, and thin seams of coal. These coal-bearing strata were 
examined in detail by Mr. J. W. Dawson of Pictou, and Sir C. 
Lyell in September last (1852), and besides other results of their 
investigations they obtained satisfactory proof that several Sigil- 
larie standing in an upright position, or at right angles to the 
planes of stratification, were provided with Stigmarie as roots. 
Such a relation between Sigillaria and Stigmaria had, it is true, 
' been already established by Mr. Binney of Manchester, and had 
been suspected some years before on botanical grounds by M. 
Adolphe Brongniart; but as the fact was still doubted by some 
geologists both in Europe and America, it was thought desirable 
to dig out of the cliffs, and expose to view, several large trunks 
With ‘their roots attached. These were observed to bifurcate 
several times, and to send out rootlets in all directions into the 
bearing soils were observed at sixty-eight different levels; and 
like the seams of coal which usually cover them, they are at 
resisting the action of the waves and the weather. Originally 
the reverse was doubtless true; for in the existing delta of the 
in 
State consisting of sand and mud, would be readily removed. 
€ upright trees usually enclose in their interior pillars of 
sandstone, or shale, or both these substances alternating, and these 
ments of stems and roots were drifted together with mud and 
sand during river inundations, The stony contents of one of | 
