34 OBSERVATIONS ON FOSSIL VEGETABLES, 
and dislocated by the interjection of similar matter. The colour is dull 
brown, but a slice viewed by transmitted light is bright umber. This figure 
is of the natural size. It represents the central pith, the numerous concen- 
tric layers, the interjected foreign matter irregularly tortuous, or extending 
between the layers, and the white divergent veins of calcareous spar. With- 
out further evidence, this fossil may decidedly be pronounced a coniferous 
tree; and the details presented by the following figures, shew the accuracy 
of the determination. 
Fig. 2. A portion of a transverse slice, magnified about fifty-five times, 
shewing the ordinary appearance of the interior. Two of the limits of the 
concentric layers are seen, being filled by earthy and carbonaceous matter, 
which has in like manner been interposed in the direction of the medullary 
rays. The structure is similar to that exhibited by Figs. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. of 
Plate I. 
Fig. 3. A portion of a transverse slice of the same fossil, magnified about 
forty-five times. On comparing this and Fig. 2. with the figures represent- 
ing portions of Conifer in Plate I., it will be seen that the cellules of the 
fossil plant here represented are considerably larger than those of the conge- 
nerous recent plants. In fact, the present figure, which is magnified forty-five 
times, has its meshes of about the same size as those of Plate I., which are 
enlarged about fifty-five times. Two of the limits of the concentric layers 
are seen in their original state. It is presumed that no person, on com- 
paring the fossil here figured with the recent plants of Plate I. can for a 
moment doubt their ordinal identity. 
Fig, 4. A portion of the same, enlarged about forty-five times, exhibit- 
ing the texture in its most delicate form. The black part is interjected 
earthy matter. 
Fig. 5. This represents the central part, or pith, enlarged in the same 
degree as the last figure, together with part of the first woody layer, con- 
taining medullary rays. In fine, the fossil represented in these figures is 
clearly demonstrated to be a Conifera; and while we wonder that so deli- 
cate and regular a texture should have survived the lapse of ages, and the 
run of worlds, we cannot but feel gratified in being enabled to trace so in- 
