130 



the stalk has been, which fell out in the form of the white powder before 

 mentioned. In the centre is a large cavity formed by the decay of the 

 receptacle or calyx. 



Fig-. 3 is an outline of the specimen, Fig. 1, about the natural size as 

 it lay in the rock when found. The stem, as I mentioned before, was 

 nearly an equal thickness its whole length, convex at the top whence ran 

 out three small stalks from the centre, with a perfect flower at the end of 

 each, all which are now in our Museum. They only differ from the one 

 I have figured in being much smaller, and have the cavity of the re- 

 ceptacle filled up with nothing in which any character can be observed. 



In all the specimens I have examined I can find no traces of scars or 

 cicatrices. That it has been hollow there is no doubt about, for the 

 impression is so thin, and the stone in the interior is exactly the same as 

 the rock in which it is embedded. These plants differ from the Palmse 

 (Linclley's Introduction to Natural History of Botany) in having the flower 

 composed of many petals, and having no scars. From Filices in their 

 bearing flowers, and though I have taken all the pains in my power, 

 I cannot find any other genus to refer them to, but must leave it to your 

 superior judgment. 



This singular Plant was found in an Ironstone bed, forming the base 

 of the Lower Sandstone and Shale near Runswick, which frequently falls 

 down in immense masses, containing the vegetables. 



I remain, dear Sir, 



Your obedient Servant, 



(Signed) Wi. Williamson. 



The above letter is probably one of the earliest contri- 

 butions of Professor Williamson, to a branch of science 

 which he has since made so thoroughly his own. The 

 drawing is wanting, but the fossils referred to are no 

 doubt still to be found in the Scarborough Museum. 



II. 



Scarborough, Feb. 27th, 1835. 



My Dear Sir, — I have again sent you a small assortment of descrip- 

 tions of our interesting fossil vegetables, of which the most important are 

 what I suppose are parts of Cycadean fructification. These singular 



