147 
numerous species out of the same trunk ; various parts of 
it being in a bad or good state of preservation. No doubt, 
when we are better acquainted with the true nature of the 
plant, the number of species will be greatly reduced. 
“ For a long time Sigillaria and Stigmaria were regarded 
as distinct genera of plants, and even now, on the Continent, 
some distinguished palseontologists are disposed to remain 
of that opinion. In the specimens first described by me, in 
the ‘Philosophical Magazine’ for 1844/ which were found in 
Mr. Littler’s quarry, near St. Helens, Stigmaria was clearly 
traced to the trunks of the large, irregularly ribbed and 
furrowed Sigillaria, showing little, if any, traces of leaf-scars ; 
but it was there distinctly stated that around these trunks 
smaller trunks were found standing, which showed all the 
characters of Sigillaria reniformis, with Stigmaria rootlets 
in the adjoining strata, pointing in the direction of the root, 
but not absolutely proved to be connected with it. On 
viewing the specimens as they originally stood in the quarry 
before their removal, little doubt could be entertained as to 
all the trees there found having had Stigmarise for their 
roots. In some specimens, however, afterwards described by 
me in the ‘Philosophical Magazine’ for 1847, ser. 3, vol. xxxi. 
p. 259, the connection of Stigmaria as a root, with Sigillaria 
reniformis, S. alternans, and S. organum was clearly proved.” 
We cannot at present enter more into an account of Mr. 
Binney, but a more extended, one is expected to appear. 
He spent much time at his house in the Isle of Man, and he 
seems to have hurried from it, fearing illness. His death 
took place on the 19th December, 1881. 
Dr. Joule has presented the Society with an admirable 
portrait of Mr. Binney, painted by Mr. W. H. Johnson. 
It hangs on the walls of the meeting room — a characteristic 
remembrance of a man who has been a friend, pleasant? 
sympathetic, and wise, during an intimacy which, to a few 
* ‘ Phil. Mag. 5 , ser. 3, vol. xxiv. p. 168 ; and 1845, vol. xxvii. p. 241, &c. 
