234 LYCOPODIALES [CH- 



higher in the series. Despite the absence of any Stigmarian 

 scars on the surface of the fossil it is probable that these nne 

 specimens are the rhizomes of some lycopodiaceous plant, 

 possibly Bothrodendron, which is not uncommon in the Vereeni- 

 ging beds. 



Admitting that Stigmaria is part of Sigillaria, the next 

 question is, is Stigmaria a root in the ordinary sense, the under- 

 ground system formed on germination of the spore and of equal 

 age with the shoot, or did it bear a different relation to the Sigil- 

 larian stems ? To this question different answers would still be 

 given. Goeppert^ discussed evidence in favour of the view that 

 aerial Sigillarian shoots were produced as vegetative buds 

 on pre-existing Stigmarian axes, like young moss plants on 

 a protonema. At a later date Eenault^ developed a similar 

 view as regards Sigillaria ; but we may pass on to consider the 

 more recent and complete observations of Grand'Eury' and 

 Solms-Laubach'. 



The recognition of two distinct types of Stigmariae in the 

 Coal-Measures of Central France led Grand'Eury" to insti- 

 tute a new genus, Stigmariopsis. This type, which is charac- 

 terised by a difference in habit as well as by other distinguishing 

 features, is represented by such specimens as those figured by 

 Goldenberg as Stigmaria abbreviata, bearing lenticular scars 

 spirally disposed on a cortical surface characterised by irregular 

 longitudinal wrinklings. Stigmariopsis has frequently been found 

 in direct continuity with Sigillarian stems of the Leiodermarian- 

 Clathrarian type, spreading obliquely downwards in the form of 

 rapidly narrowing arms clothed with slender and usually simple 

 appendages; and from the under surface of these arms short 

 conical outgrowths are given off. It is probable, as Solms- 

 Laubach believes, that Stigmariopsis was represented also by 

 long horizontally creeping rhizomes'* of uniform breadth from 

 which ribless Sigillarian aerial shoots arose as bud-like out- 

 growths. Grand'Eury, the author of the genus, confined the 

 term to the shorter and more rapidly tapered organs spreading 



1 Goeppert (64) A. p. 197, Pis. 34—36. = Eenault (81). 



3 Grand'Eury (90) A. * Solms-Laubach (94). 



* Grand'Eury (77) A. p. 171. « For figures see Grand'Eury (87) A. ; (90) A. 



