444 MR WM. T. GORDON 



in a swamp. In thickness the seven stems examined varied from 1 inch to 1^ inch, and 

 the total length represented a little over 3 feet of the plant. There can be no doubt 

 that all the stems were of the same species, as each had similar leaf-bases. The other 

 tissues were typical of many of the Lepidodendrese, and were therefore of no specific 

 importance ; in the case of one stem the stele had rotted away. It is not likely, how- 

 ever, that they all formed portions of one individual, the variation in diameter being 

 too great for that. The region of greatest weakness in the fossil was along the inner 

 margin of the periderm, and along this region the stems easily split ; hence, as none of 

 the specimens showed a surface view of the leaf-bases, their external form has been 

 constructed from radial and transverse sections. 



Owing to incomplete fossilization, or rather to too complete mineralisation of the 

 tissue towards one end, the cortex was there replaced by a layer of coal from which all 

 structure had disappeared, and the stem was useless for making sections. Most of the 

 sections have therefore been prepared from the upper parts of the stems. I have 

 examined nearly 180 sections of this fossil; of these 16 are from the Scott collection, 

 Nos. 960 to 976 inclusive, and were prepared by Mr Lomax ; the rest are of my own 

 making. The large number of my slides is due to the fact that they were cut to show 

 certain structures, sometimes only obtained after several unsuccessful attempts. The 

 new species described in this paper is founded on the slides mentioned in the Scott and 

 my own collections. 



The genus Lepidophloios, to which this plant belongs, has often been recorded from 

 the Calciferous Sandstone series, but no example from the limestone blocks at Pettycur, 

 showing structure, has yet been described. Lepidophloios Scoticus, however, was included 

 in a list from this locality by Dr Robert Kidston, F.R.S., and Mr D. M. S. Watson, 

 B.Sc, has also referred to one from Burntisland. 



As already mentioned in my preliminary note, I propose to call this new stem 

 Le-pidophloios Scottii, in honour of Dr D. H. Scott, F.R.S., who had collected the plant 

 and described it in MS. some years ago. I am glad of this opportunity of showing my 

 appreciation of Dr Scott's kindness in handing over to me all his material. This paper 

 was at first intended to be a joint one with Dr Scott, but circumstances have led to its 

 publication by myself earlier than was anticipated. Dr Scott has also acted as con- 

 sultant in all matters of doubt in regard both to the present paper and to my research 

 in general. I also desire to express my thanks to Professor James Geikie, LL.D., 

 D.C.L., F.R.S.; Professor I. Bayley Balfour, F.R.S. ; Dr Robert Kidston, F.R.S. ; 

 and Dr Horne, H.M. Geological Survey, for encouragement and advice in my work ; 

 to Mr Robert Campbell, M.A., B.Sc, for aid in various matters connected with 

 my research ; and to Mr A. G. Stenhouse, F.G.S., for assistance with the illustrative 

 photomicrographs. 



