1897 | MVELOPTERIS TOPEKENSIS a7 
Latania borbonica, Cycas revoluta, Dioon edule, Zamia integrifolia, 
Crbotium regale,and Angiopteris evecta. 
A close comparison of the Dracena type, as represented by 
Cordyline, shows that any suggestion of resemblance which 
might at first appear, has no real basis in structural characters, 
while in many essential respects there is a very wide difference. 
Noteworthy points of resemblance being absent, it is wholly 
unnecessary to enter into a more detailed consideration of the 
structural aspects of this type. Very nearly the same observa- 
tions are applicable to the palms. In this group of plants, how- 
ever, there is a somewhat closer point of contact to be found in 
the mucilage passages. Here these structures appear as tubular 
channels of great length, and in this respect, as well as in their 
distribution and great number, there is a general resemblance to 
the Topeka fossil. Their detailed structure is, on the other hand, 
quite different, and it points to a want of affinity which is sup- 
. ported by the structure and distribution of the vascular bundles, 
as also the character of the fundamental structure, and no very 
searching comparison is required to establish the fact that the 
affinities of our fossil must be sought elsewhere. 
By several authorities the Cycadacee have been suggested 
as affording a satisfactory basis of comparison, a view which, in 
more recent times, appears to have been particularly urged by 
Solms-Laubach,* although he elsewhere agrees with other 
observers that certain exceptions which have been taken to the 
cycadaceous character of the Medullosz are well founded.” 
Mr. Seward, yet more recently, has given expression to the 
same view, basing his opinion upon a very critical examination 
of a large amount of material. While admitting the many 
points of resemblance to ferns, he holds that in the position of 
the protoxylem and in the structure of the mucilage passages, 
as also in the distribution of the sub-cortical sclerenchyma, 
there are strong » reasons for — meteks tobenah. 
