FOSSIL FLORA. 55 



PLATE XIX. 

 •Fibrous Sigillaria." 



brosa, of Artis.) 



Stems more or less flattened, with the external surface longitudinally furrowed, and uniformly 

 ornamented with rows of deeply imprinted symmetrical figures, disposed with much regularity, 

 are among the most abundant vegetable remains in the coal formation. These are named 

 SigillarioB, from the Latin word sigilluni, signifying a seal, in allusion to the extreme regularity 

 of the imprints on the surface. When found in an upright position, at right angles to the plane of 

 the stratum, the original cylindrical form of the tree is commonly preserved ; and many examples 

 are now known of groups of erect Sigillarije, with their roots extending into the surrounding 

 clay or sandy loam ; the roots proving to be the fossil bodies called Stigmarice, which were formerly 

 supposed to be a distinct family of aquatic plants.' The first discovery of this highly interesting 

 and unexpected fact was made by Mr. Binney.^ 



The specimen figured was found in an erect position in the sandstone of a quarry at Eow- 

 marsh, near Eotherham in Yorkshire. 



The stem is simple, the furrows small and wavy, impressed with dots on the ridges. The 

 cicatrices are ovate, subpentagonal, with the lower angles rounded, having a single gland near 

 the lower extremity. The stem is three feet long, and four inches in diameter. 



The transverse section, as seen in fig. 1, shows traces of a double concentric ring, as if 

 produced by internal structure. Fig. 2, displays the equality of the stem throughout its entire 

 length, and its abrupt termination. In fig. 3, is seen the cicatrix with its single gland, for the 

 attachment of the petiole or leaf-stalk. Fig. 4, indicates the undulating line of the top of the 

 ridge. 



" The originals of these fossils are supposed by M. Ad. Brongniart to have constituted a 

 peculiar family of coniferous plants, now extinct, which probably belonged to the great division 

 of gymnospermous dicotyledons. In their external forms they somewhat resembled the Cactese 

 or Euphorbife, but were more nearly related by their internal organization to the Zamite or 

 Cycadere. The leaves and fruits of these trees are unknown, for no satisfactory connexion has 

 been established between the stems, and the foliage and seed vessels with which they are some- 

 times collocated."' 



' Dr. Buckland's Bridgewater Essay, vol. i. p. 476. ^ See "Supplementary Notes, p. 198." ^ Medals of Creation, vol. i. p. 13S. 



