248 Oycads. 



up longitudinally. The fruit is produced in cones, closely 

 resembling in many cases those of various kinds of coni- 

 fers (see Figs. 2 and 3). The size of their cones varies much 

 with the different species, in some, as those of Encephalartos, 

 they are of immense size, frequently measuring two to three feet 

 in length. The hard-cased nut-like seeds are either arranged 

 along the sides of altered leaves or scales as in Cycas, or at the 

 base of the peltate scales, as in Enceplialartos. The seeds of 

 Cycas are as large as a walnut, while those of Stangeria paradoxa 

 much resemble hazel-nuts. 



With such peculiar features as those above described, it is not 

 to be wondered at that the early botanists were much puzzled 

 as to the affinities of cycads. Thus we find that Linnasus him- 

 self was at first inclined to class them with palms ; but he sub- 

 sequently changed his opinion, and, with Adanson and some 

 other authorities, gave them a place among ferns. After con- 

 siderable discussion upon this difficult subject, M. Richard came 

 to the conclusion that they should constitute an order by them- 

 selves, under the title of Oycadece ; but he still retained them 

 as near allies of the two former orders, giving them, in 

 fact, a place intermediate between palms and ferns. Sub- 

 sequent researches have proved that though they resemblo these 

 natural orders, yet they have no true affinity with them. Tho 

 cycads are now placed in what is no doubt their true position, 

 that is among Gymnogens, a class intermediate between En- 

 dogens and Bxogens, and associated with conifers, taxads, 

 (yews), and joint firs,, from each of Avhich orders, however, they 

 are totally distinct. 



The cycads may claim a high antiquity, for they certainly 

 existed in considerable numbers in this country during the 

 Oolitic period, as their remains well preserved in the strata at 

 Portland abundantly testify, and they may have existed even 

 earlier. It is not at all improbable that somo of the fronds 

 found in tho Carboniferous strata, and usually looked upon as 

 ferns, aro in fact cycads. Tho texture of the fronds was 

 evidently thick and leathery; a characteristic of the family wo 

 an; speaking of, but jmicli more rare among feniB. Tho essential 



character of the flora of the Lias period is tho predominance of 



Cycadese, says Dr. Balfour; we Bid in strata of that age many 

 species of Cyowlites, Otozamites, Zamites, Ctenis, Pteropliylliini, 

 Nelsonia, and other allied genera. There are few flowering 

 plants which can bo traced furl her back. Cycads formed, doubt- 

 . part of the i'"<"\ of bhat mighty reptile, tho Iguanodon, 

 which trod this earth when fche Wealden beds wero deposited. 

 The family must have made an important part of the flora of 

 this country at that remote period ; but with tho changes of 

 climate and circumstances, brought about during the great 



