122 | LOWER DEVONIAN PLANT REMAINS 
shown in Plate IV, Fig. 9. In it three secondary axes which arose 
terminally from the parent axis are exposed. Of these the one on 
the left-hand side appears to have been unbranched; the other 
two show two successive dichotomies at identical levels and their 
ultimate terminations attain to the same level above. 
The corymbose branch-system shown enlarged 4 diameters in 
Plate 5, Fig. 13, has a special interest, since it clearly demonstrates 
a radial construction. It is preserved as a solid cast in which 
minute carbonaceous fragments distinguish the branches them- 
selves from the light grey matrix which during fossilization filled 
the spaces between them. By an oblique splitting of the rock this 
Specimen was exposed in such a way that, in addition to the usual 
lateral view, its distal end could be observed from above. At the 
same time the counterpart of the distal portion (Plate 5, Fig. 14) 
became available for examination, 
When viewed laterally (Plate V, Figs. 12, 13) the origin at 
one level from the main axis of four secondary branches is clearly 
shown. Of these branches the one on the extreme left (text fig. 
1, a") is almost completely covered by the stone, but the three small 
casts (a?) which project distally beyond the matrix are in a 
position which suggests that they represent the terminations of 
its daughter-axes. The two centrally placed secondary branches 
(b’, е") each show two successive dichotomies at similar levels, but 
on account of the fracture which resulted in the exposure of the 
distal portion of the branch-system only short lengths of their 
terminations (b’, e?) can be traced in the specimen. These appear 
also in the counterpart but without providing the evidence re- 
quired to establish their identity as sporangia. The ramifications 
of the fourth secondary branch (d*) on the right-hand side of the 
Specimen are obscure and need no further consideration. 
When the distal region of the fossil is examined the conical tips 
of three flattened casts (e*) can be seen lying on the rock behind 
the specimen. They have a brown colour and, since small carbon- 
aceous fragments have been retained on their surfaces, clearly 
belong to the branch-system. Their position at the back of the 
specimen suggests that they are the ultimate terminations of a 
fifth secondary branch that lies behind the matrix now occupying 
the centre of the fossil. Their position is indicated in the counter- 
part by small compressed cavities (е?). 
Although the preservation of this interesting fossil precludes 
detailed interpretation and specific indentification, certain con- 
clusions can be drawn from its study. By it the presence of 
Hedeia in Hull Road is confirmed and the radial symmetry of 
such branch-systems fully established. As far as the preservation 
