132 



base, which is convex. Apex, sharp-pointed. The nerves are numerous, 

 regular, simple, and like most of the Monocotyledons, the greater part of 

 them terminate at the narrow apex, though some few of them have 

 formed their little orifices at the margin of the leaflets. The leaflets are 

 attached to the upper surface of the stalk, which being partly broken, and 

 the interior exposed to view, appears to have been furnished with little 

 protuberances, to which the leaflets has been fixed. These fronds we 

 have seen of considerable length, sometimes exceeding three feet. 



Such, then, are the fragments from which we have to draw our con- 

 clusions concerning this interesting species. The perforation, which 

 passes through the centre of the large " Collar," is of the following form 

 [pen and ink sketch given] when cut transversely. Its widening at both 

 extremities evidently shows that there have been other appendages above 

 as well as below the collar, and that both have been thicker than the 

 centre of the perforation, whilst No. 3 shows that the collar has been 

 sometimes erect, and not always with the points of the scales turned 

 inwards; and No. 4 leads us to the same conclusion. That the scaly 

 collar, fronds, and stem have all belonged to the same plant, I think 

 little doubt remains, but the most difficult question is how they have been 

 situated with regard to one another, as we have not been able to detect 

 anything resembling the portion that has been above the collar. 



I think that the opinion advanced by M. Brongniart, that they have 

 been collars round the base of a spike of fructification in some of the 

 Cycads, appears the most probable, resembling those figured in Yol. I., 

 Plates XXI., XX., and XXIII., but I have not been able to see that 

 work, and consequently cannot give an opinion, but hope that you will 

 be able to come to some conclusion on the subject. 



The rest of this interesting letter is, unfortunately, 

 mutilated. The drawings referred to are not all to be 

 found, but No. 5 is the one re-produced in Plate CLXV. 

 of the " Fossil Flora," under the name Zamia gigas. 



III. 



Natural History Society's Hall, 



Manchester, April 21th, 1837. 



Dear Sir,— I herewith send you drawings of what I suppose to be 

 new species of Plants. I know not whether they will reach you in time 

 for the next number of the " Flora." In your last letter you express a 



