FOSSIL FLORA. 777 



minosites, but the fossil forms are not particularly satisfactory. The forms 

 referred to Acacia consist of well-defined pods and are somewhat con- 

 ventionally regarded as representing the modern Acacia. No leaves were 

 obtained that could with satisfaction be held as representing the foliage 

 of these pod-bearing shrubs or trees. The 2 species of Leguminosites are 

 supposed to represent leaflets of some leguminous plant, but beyond this 

 it is not possible to venture. 



The only remaining group of deciduous-leaved plants of any magni- 

 tude is the Sapindacese, with 5 species of Sapindus. One of these, Sapindus 

 affinis, is perhaps the most abundant form found among the Tertiary 

 plants. The small characteristic leaflets are found in the greatest profusion. 

 The other species were less abundant. 



The other forms that require mention are: Ulmus, 4 species; Acer, 

 at least 2 species; Celastrus, 3 species, and Rhamnus, Paliurus, Zizyphus, 

 Cissus, Pterospermites, Tilia, and Rhus, with a single species each. 



The vascular cryptogams appear to have been a more prominent 

 feature of the flora during Tertiary times than at present. Of the 2 families 

 present, the Filices and Equisetacese, the former is represented by 10 and 

 the latter by 4 species, while the living flora has but G ferns and 4 horse- 

 tails, all rare. 



The ferns were evidently abundant. They belong to 6 genera, and are 

 represented in several cases by a large number of specimens. The largest 

 genus is Asplenium, with 4 species. The species described as Asplenium 

 magnum is one of the largest and finest forms that has been detected out- 

 side of the Carboniferous. Asplenium iddingsi is also a large, well-marked 

 species. The genus Dryopteris, the old Aspidium, is represented by 2 

 species, both of which are rather rare. They are, however, both fruiting, 

 a condition of uncommon occurrence among fossil forms. There is also a 

 beautiful Woodwardia, quite closely allied to a species now living in the 

 eastern United States, and fine examples of the widely distributed climbing 

 fern (Lygodium kaulfusii). The only living North American species (L. 

 palmatum) is found from Massachusetts and New York south to Kentucky 

 and Florida, and is generally rare throughout its range. The other ferns 

 are an Osmunda and a delicate form referred provisionally to the genus 

 Devallia. 



The genus Equisetum, although represented by 4 more or less satisfac- 



