SECOND REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR 1905 



35 



Graptolites. In 1905, part 1 of a monograph of the graptolites 

 of New York was issued. The work embraced the geologically- 

 earlier forms of this very interesting group of organisms. In con- 

 tinuation of these investigations, part 2, covering all the later 

 forms of the group, their distribution and correlation with other 

 regions, has been brought near to completion. The work has been 

 done by Dr R. Ruedemann, Assistant Paleontologist. 



Cephalopods of the lower formations. This work, mentioned in 

 my last report, has been completed and embraces all known species 

 of these organisms in the Beekmantown and Chazy (Lower Siluric) 

 formations of the Champlain basin. About 60 species are de- 

 scribed and illustrated and of these 25 are new. The paleoge- 

 ographic relations of the Champlain basin to the Newfound- 

 land basin, the Mississippian-Pacific basin and the Atlantic and 

 Baltic basins are investigated by means of an analysis of the 

 distribution of the cephalopod genera, and the conclusion is reached 

 that while the closest connection existed between the Champlain 

 and Newfoundland basins, especially in Chazy time, there was also 

 free intercourse for long periods with the Mississippian basin and 

 by this with the Pacific ocean, while the relations of the Beekman- 

 town fauna to the Atlantic ocean and Bohemian-Mediterranean 

 basins are less close. 



Monograph of the Devonic fishes of New York. This work has 

 been brought to completion and embraces a consideration of every 

 species known to occur in the Devonic rocks of the State, together 

 with the most nearly related forms from outside this area. Special 

 attention has been given to the structural characters of each form, 

 the original descriptions being in many cases revised or supple- 

 mented by information derived from newly discovered material. 

 The probable relations of the different species and of the larger 

 groups have also been carefully considered. This report, prepared 

 by Dr Charles R. Eastman, aims at as complete and authoritative 

 revision of this ancient fish fauna of New York as is possible in the 

 light of our present knowledge. The work will be published at as 

 early a date as practicable. 



Devonic plants. The greater part of the Devonic plants belong- 

 ing to the Lepidophytes, including the early relatives of the Lepi- 

 dodendra and Sigillariae, is now in the hands of David White, 

 Associate Curator of paleobotany in the United States National 

 Museum, who has undertaken the revision of all the material be- 

 longing to this group in the State collections. This work, as 

 arranged with Mr White, involves the restudy and redescription, 

 in many cases with more complete and diagnostic illustrations, of 



