﻿PALEOZOIC AGE 



CARBONIFEROUS PERIOD 



The vegetation of the " Coal-bearing " Period was similar 



in character to that of the Devonian, but it attained an 



extraordinary luxuriance, and species multiplied greatly. 



club-mosses Branching club-mosses of pine-like appearance abounded ; 



and in some cases rose to heights of one hundred feet and 



more (Lepidodendrori). Some small members of the varied 



throng seem to have been of a present-day genus (Selaginel- 



lites). Certain of these (Miadesma) and a few of the larger 



growths (Lepidocarpori) had so far advanced beyond the 



spore-producing stage as to bring forth what may be termed 



sigillaria seeds. Other club-mosses were spiky-leaved branchless 



trees with stout trunks, scarred with seal-like impressions, 



horsetails left by shed foliage (Sigillaria). " Horsetails " with reedy 



stems, bark-covered and fortified in part with well-developed 



cordaites wood, were now to be seen over sixty feet in height (Cala- 



mites). Cordaites or cycad-conifers of many species were in 



evidence ; and, so far as is known, continued the only 



cycad-ferns growths with any floral pretensions. Seed-bearing cycad- 



ferns greatly extended their range, and new forms vied with 

 the old (Alethopteris, Lyginodendron, Lagenostoma, Aneimites). 

 Ferns of the same type as a now living group of tropical 

 ferns ferns (Marattiacecz) were in great abundance — some of 

 them attaining tree-like proportions (Psaronius) ; and old- 

 fashioned climbing growths of mixed affinities still kept a 

 place in the forests (Sphenophyllum). 

 coal In swampy stretches of land, notably in England, France, 

 Germany, and in North America, this varied vegetation 

 underwent a series of remarkable vicissitudes. Trees, shrubs, 



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