268 THE POTOMAC OE YOUNGER MESOZOIC FLOEA. 



shape of the seed. It is under these cii-cumstances imjjossible to say any- 

 thing positive about the affinity of the fossil. It is, however, in the pair- 

 ing of the seeds, their shape and position, most like the seeds of Ginlyo. 



Carpolithus Brookensis, sp. nov. 



Plate CXXXV. Figs. 2, 4 ; Plate CXXXVI, Fig. 6 ; Plate CLXVII, Fig. 6. 



Seed elliptical, prolonged above into an acute beak of considerable 

 length, which is usually bent to one side, below narrowed into a pedicel 

 for attachment to the stem; on the upper surface usually three strong 

 ridges shown, which run longitudinally the entire length of the fruit. 



Localities: Bank near Brooke; fishing hut above Dutch Gap Canal. 



This form of seed is not uncommon at the bank near Brooke, where 

 they are never found attached, but occur scattered through the clay. The 

 unusual form shown in PI. CLXVII, Fig. 6, was found in a single specimen 

 at the fishing hut above Dutch Gap Canal. It shows no ridges, but a 

 kernel-like nucleus within the mass of the seed. It may be a different 

 species. At the bank near Brooke, Avhere these seed are most common, no 

 plant occurs to which these seeds could jirobabl}' belong besides Baierop- 

 sis foliosa and Nageiopsis angustifoUa. The former is quite common, and 

 it is probable that the fossil now in question forms the fruit of it. 



Saporta^ calls attention to the fact that the seeds of the older conifers 

 are usually angled, and says that the young ovule of SaUsburia is slightly 

 compressed, showing two or three angles. This two or three sided struct- 

 ure, showing more or less pronounced keels or wings, is found, as he says, 

 in the most primitive conifers. It may then be questioned whether or not 

 the angled or keeled surface of the ovule of Salishuria is an embryonic 

 feature. It will be noted also that the young ovule of Salishuria shows a 

 tendency to form a beak on its free extremity. The possession of a beak 

 may also be an embryonic feature. If so, it is interesting to note so many 

 embryonic characters in these seeds, which probably belong to Baicropsis, 

 an old member of the Salishuria family. 



These seed show a considerable amount of variation, and possibly 

 they do not all belong to the same species. 



' Pal^ont. Franfaise, 2"; ser., vol. 3, p. 139. ' 



