•214 MR ROBERT KIDSTON ON 



pinnules arc directed slightly forward, and are entire or slightly crenulate at the 

 margin (fig. la). The pinnules are rarely free, being generally united below. The 

 lateral veins of the lower pinnules usually divide once ; those of the upper pinnules are 

 simple. The degree of distinctness with which the veins are visible depends in great 

 measure on the condition of preservation of the fossil, but they appear to have been 

 somewhat immersed in the parenchyma of the limb. 



PI. I. figs. 2, 2a, and 2b. 



From the same Horizon and Locality as fig. 1. 



This specimen appears to be the same type as that figured by Zeiller as var. 

 obscura* The pinnules are broader in proportion to their length, and placed close 

 together ; the anterior border of the pinnule in its lower portion has a tendency to over- 

 lap the posterior margin of the pinnule in front of it. The pinnules are oblong- 

 triangular, with rounded apices (fig. 2a), or oblong-linear, with sharp points. Their 

 form alters according to the position they hold on the pinna, and whether the pinna) 

 belong to a higher or lower portion of the frond. The lateral veins are simple or 

 bifurcated, according to the position of the pinnules on the pinna. The superior and 

 inferior basal pinnules (fig. 2b), in their position and shape, conform to the characteristics 

 which mark the type. 



PL I. figs. 3 and 3a. 



From Adderley Green, near Longton, Staffordshire. Horizon. — Below the New 

 Mine Coal, which is the uppermost seam in the Lower Coal Measures of the Potteries 

 Coal Field. 



This is the Sphenopteris caudata, L. and H. Fossil Flora, vol. i. pi. xlviii. The 

 other specimen which they figure under the same name in vol. ii. pi. exxxviii., is, I 

 think, the Pecopteris dentata, Brongt., but the original, which is contained in the 

 " Hutton Collection," is badly preserved. 



The penultimate pinnae are linear-lanceolate and slightly overlapping. The 

 ultimate pinnae are narrow linear-lanceolate, distant from each other, and especially so 

 in the upper portion of the penultimate pinnae. 



The pinnules are sub-triangular, directed forwards, and united to each other below. 

 The inferior basal pinnule is smaller than the superior basal one (fig. 3a), which is 

 always the largest and longest on the pinna. 



The form and direction of the pinnules give a saw-like appearance to the pinnae. 

 The nervation is not shown.t 



PI. I. figs. 4, 4a, and 45. 



From Monckton Main Colliery, near Barnsley, Yorkshire. Horizon. — Shale over 

 Barnsley Thick Coal. Middle Coal Measures. 



This interesting specimen shows in the pinna? of the upper portion the typical form 

 of pinnule and nervation of Filicites plumosus. The lower pinnae, on the other hand, 



* Bassin houil. dfcrm. de Brive., p. 26, pi. ii. figs. 1-5. 



+ My thanks arc due to Mr John Ward, Longton, for this specimen. 



