1857.] BUNBURY NEUROPTERIS. 243 



I. On a remarkable Specimen of Neuropteris ; with Remarks 

 on the Genus. By C. J. F. Bunbury, Esq., F.R.S., F.G.S. 



The rarity, in a fossil state, of the young unexpanded" or half- 

 expanded fronds of Ferns has been remarked by more than one 

 botanist. Fern-fronds in that early stage of development are very 

 easily recognized by the peculiar and beautiful manner in which they 

 are rolled up, forming a spiral carve, like the head of a crosier. 

 This circinate vernation, as it is called, appears to be universal in all 

 Ferns, with the exception of the small tribe of Ophioglossacece ; and, 

 in those numerous kinds which have perennial or evergreen foliage, 

 fronds in this state may be observed at most seasons of the year. 

 Their rarity as fossils is therefore rather remarkable. That they do 

 occur is evidence, as Dr. Hooker observes *, " that the evolution of 

 the fronds followed the same law then as now." Adolphe Brongniart 

 has figured, in his great workf, a fine specimen of such a circinate 

 frond belonging to Pecopteris Miltoni ; two are represented in Gop- 

 pert's ' Sy sterna Filicum Fossilium' J, and one in Geinitz's beautiful 

 work on the Coal-formation of Saxony §. But all these belong to 

 the genus Pecopteris ; I am not aware that a similar state of any 

 Neuropteris has yet been recorded. I therefore wish to lay before 

 the Society a description and drawing of a specimen in my own col- 

 lection, which may perhaps contribute to settle our notions of the 

 true affinities of that genus. 



Uptper portion of a Young Frond of Neuropteris from near Oldham, 



Lancashire. 



a. The crosier-like frond, terminal part. b. Outline of a leaflet. 



* Memoirs Geol. Survey, vol. ii. part 2. 



t Histoire des Vegetaux Foss. pi. 114. fig. 1. 



X PI. 36. fig. 8. § PL 8. fig. 10. 



