150 



MR. J. B. SCEIVENOK ON 



[June 191 2, 



individual beds are found to be generally richer (with the possible 

 exception of Pulai) at the granite junction ; while, in the neigh- 

 bourhood of the kaolin yeins, an increase in the richness of ore 

 is sometimes met with. Tbis, combined with the sections of the 

 junction and of the veins, is conclusive proof that the Gopeng 

 Beds are older than the Mesozoic granite, but there is a curious 

 point to be mentioned that might be taken at first sight as direct 

 evidence to the contrary. 



On several occasions tree-trunks have been found deep down in 

 the clay with all the appearance of being in situ, and with their 

 woody tissue generally in a good state of preservation, although 

 portions are carbonized. Seeds were found with one tree, for the 



Pig. 5. — Old tree-trunk lying at the bottom of a cavity filled in 

 with sandy clays, Neiv Gopeng Mine. 



[jS'ote the fault in the Gopeng Beds : it appears as though there must have 

 been another fault originally in the position of the cavity.] 



identification of which, as belonging to Mezzetia leptopoda, I am 

 indebted to Mr. H. N. Ridley, P.R.S., of the Botanical Gardens, 

 Singapore. I am also indebted to Mr. Clement Eeid, F.K.S., for 

 information concerning the state of preservation of fossil wood 

 in special cases. 



The tree-trunks seemed to contradict the other evidence, but 

 I had noticed around some of the trunks what looked like a 

 sandy casing ; and later on two fortunate sections solved the riddle. 

 A monitor cutting the beds at the New Gopeng Mine exposed a big 

 section, showing a pipe of sandy clay with boulder-clays on each 

 side. The junction between the pipe and the latter was distinct, 

 and at the bottom of the pipe lay a big tree- trunk with twigs and 



