238 STUDIES IN FOSSIL BOTANY 



the appendages, which are often found in situ, radiating 

 out in all directions, and forming approximately a right 

 angle with the main axis (see Fig. 97). The appen- 

 dages have been found to reach a length of 1 2 or 15 

 inches ; they have a nearly cylindrical, but gradually 

 tapering form, and are slightly constricted at the base. 

 Their dimensions are small compared with those of the 



Fig. 97. — Stigmaria ficoides. Part of surface, showing the rootlet-scars (/<:) to some 

 of which the rootlets (rf) are still attached. Reduced. After Schimper. 



main axis, scarcely reaching a diameter of half an inch, 

 while they are often quite slender. 



The main Stigmariae themselves attained an 

 immense length ; one was traced by the late Prof. 

 W. C. Williamson for a distance of 37 feet 4 inches 

 from its base ; in this length it twice forked, but 

 the only branch which could be followed to its full 

 extent measured about 28 feet, from the second 

 dichotomy to its end. At the base of the whole, 

 the diameter was no less than 32 inches, which 

 diminished to a mere point at the extremity of the 



