REPORT OF THE STATE PALEONTOLOGIST 1901 



595 



signs of maceration. The result is a greater confusion and 

 intricacy of the outlines as well as a partial obliteration of the 

 same in the upper parts. 



The fossilized fronds originally contained considerable car- 

 bonaceous matter which is now largely, though not wholly, re- 

 placed by oxids of iron. The normal aspect and habit of the 

 segments is rather better represented by the frond on pi. 4 (fig. 1) 

 though even here dragging and the diagonal position across the 

 bedding as well as maceration partially conceal the form of the 

 segments. The latter features are shown to better advantage 

 in the fragments of still another frond preserved on the oppo- 

 site (upper) surface of the same slab. 



In all the fragments the depth of the impression, the evidence 

 of thickness at the margin, the position and outlines of the 

 branchlets in the compressed form and the amount of carbon- 

 aceous matter show that the substance of the fronds was thick 

 and fleshy. At the same time a close examination reveals the 

 ^presence of a narrow median strand generally appearing in 

 low relief but sometimes as depressed. The fleshy character, 

 the median axis and the form of division or habit of the frond 

 appear to distinguish the plant in hand both generically and 

 specifically fr<j a all other described forms of supposed Paleozoic 

 algae. In thi instance, as in so many other Paleozoic types, 

 including many genera of ferns, in which the organs of repro- 

 duction are unknown, the generic classification necessary for 

 the proper recognition and paleontologic treatment of the 

 fossils is wholly artificial. 1 



The plant from East Windsor may be described as follows : 



THAMNOCLADUS gen. nOV. 



Fronds ramose, alternately dichotomous from the base upward, 

 more or less elongated; lamina fleshy, linear, convex or subcy- 

 lindric, tapering gradually, and traversed by a central axis or 

 strand. 



1 The name proposed for this plant applies to the intricate copselike 

 growth of the fronds and carefully avoids all implication of relationship to 

 any particular family of living algae. 



