GYMNOSPERMtE. 



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LiBocEDRTjs ADPRESSA, sp. nov. Plate II, figs. 17 — 20* 



Woolwich beds, Bromley. 



The leaves are small, scale-formed, in alternate opposite pairs, compressed, adnate at 

 the base, those on the margin clasping both sides, those on the upper and lower sides flat, and 

 with more or less acute apices. The branching is irregular, and takes place by dichotomy 

 similar to that in Libocedrus decurrens, the number of the leaves increasing to three or 

 four pairs at the base of the forks. The longest leaves, 15 millimetres, are situate towards 

 the bases of the branchlets, becoming shorter towards the buds. 



The foliage appears to be identical in every respect, except that it is somewhat broader, 

 with the existing Libocedrus decurrens. It differs from the more shortly imbricated 

 species known as Z. salicorfiioides, from Bilin, Armissan, Sinigaglia, &c., but bears a 

 considerable resemblance on the other hand to some of the larger foliage ascribed to 

 Callitris Bron^niarti, from similar localities. 



In the absence of any organs except foliage the determination of this fossil must be 

 open to some doubt, for not very dissimilar foliage is met with in Thuya, Cupressus, 

 Callitris, and even other genera. The strong resemblance, almost 

 amounting to identity, between it and Libocedrus decurrens however, 

 and the subordinate characters in the foliage of both, which serve to 

 distinguish them from all other species of Coniferse, induce me to place 

 the fossil in Libocedrus with some confidence. 



Libocedrus decurrens, or the Incense-cedar, is one of the giants of 

 the Sierra Nevada. It is very generally distributed throughout the 

 forests of tlie Yosemite, without exclusively occupying any area, or 

 even making extensive groves. Its most congenial climate is on the 

 warmer hill-sides, at elevations of 3000 to 4000 feet. The largest 

 specimens are about 150 feet high, and 6 or 7 feet in diameter. 

 The branches spread out horizontally, in beautifully fronded, ferny 

 plumes, becoming erect at the summit and drooping towards the 

 base of a singularly striking and regularly cone-shaped tree. 



The foliage of L. adpressa is known only from Bromley, where, though not rare, it is 

 very locally distributed. 



-Libocedrus 



decurrens. Nat. size. 



Genus— CUPRESSUS. 



The genus Cupressus, or Cypress, comprises twelve or more distinct species, with 

 imbricated foliage, and small, woody, globular cones of six to ten peltate scales, armed with a 

 central point or umbo. Most of the species are natives of comparatively warm climates, 



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