xxvi PERMIAN FOSSILS. 



the determination of Von Meyer, of Labyrinthodont forms {Archigosaurus and Sclero- 

 cephalus) in the Coal-measures of Germany, shows that there is a strong reptihan con- 

 nexion between the Carboniferous, and Triassic systems.^ The Thecodonts of the 

 Kupfer-schiefer, and Magnesian Conglomerate, certainly do not link together the 

 Reptiles of the Carboniferous and Triassic systems ; but, on hypothetical grounds, we 

 are warranted in anticipating, that future researches will establish a more intimate 

 reptilian connexion than at present prevails between these systems, and the one 

 intermediate to them — the Permian. 



Considering the foregoing premises, it may, I think, be safely concluded, that the 

 Permian system is, by its Flora and Fauna, united both to the Carboniferous, and 

 Triassic systems ; — strongly so in generic respects ; but more to the former than to the 

 latter : there is also a specific connexion between them ; but it is slighter than the 

 generic ; and it is strongest between the Permian, and Carboniferous systems. 



These conclusions are quite in accordance with the view taken by Sir Roderick I. 

 Murchison of the value and position of the Permian deposits ; — that is, in considering 

 them as a separate group co-ordinate with, and intermediate to, the Carboniferous and 

 Triassic systems, — and including them in the Protozoic, rather than in the Deuterozoic 

 period. 



The present subject may be concluded by drawing the reader's attention to the 

 annexed Tables, which show the geographical and geological distribution of the plants 

 and animals known to belong to the Permian system. 



1 Foot impressions of supposed Labyrinthodonts have been observed in the Devonian rocks of the 

 United States by M. Conrad. 



