Bd. III: 14) 
THE MESOZOIC FLORA. 
25 
Genus Sphenopteris Brongniart. 
Sphenopteris (Ruffordia.^) Goepperti DUNK. 
PI- 3 - fig- 9 - 
Cheilanthites Goepperti, Dunker 1843, P- 
Sphenopteris Goepperti, Dunker 1846, p. 4; pi. i, fig. 6: pi. 9, figs, i — 3. 
Rîipfordia Goepperti, Seward 1894, p. 76; pi. 3, figs. 6; pi. 4: pi. 5; pi. 6, fig. i. 
This well-known Wealden fern is represented by at least one certain fragment 
of a sterile frond. Seward ( 1 . c.) has been able to show that some fertile fronds 
which can be referred to Sphenopteris Goepperti have a structure very much resem- 
bling that of certain members of the Schizæaceæ, especially the genus Anemia. On 
account of this fact the generic name Riiffordia was substituted for Sphetiopteris, 
to indicate a less uncertain systematic position of these fossils than is expressed by 
the latter provisional name. In accordance with the principles adopted in this paper, 
however, the name Sphenopteris has been used for the sterile form. 
The most typical specimen is the one figured in pi. 3, fig. 9. It represents a 
portion of a pinna with remains of three segments of higher order. These are per- 
haps a little more outspread than is usual in Sphenopteris Goepperti, but of typical 
shape and divided up, in a pinnate manner, into narrowly cuneate segments. The 
ultimate segments are almost linear in shape, somewhat wedge-like, with a broader, 
obtuse apex. Each segment is traversed by a single median vein. Apart from the 
slight difference in regard to the angle formed by the pinnæ to the rachis, the re- 
semblance to forms of G. Goepperti with obtuse segments is a very great one. Some 
of the illustrations of this species published by other authors, especially some given 
by Dunker (1846, pi. 9, fig. 2) and Schenk (1871, pi. 25, figs. 2, 3), agree closely 
with the Antarctic specimen. The latter shows also some resemblance to specimens 
of Sphenopteris Williamsonis Brgn. The typical specimens of that species, figured 
by Brongniart (1829, pi. 49, figs. 6—8) and Lindley & Hutton (1834, pi. 13 1), 
however, are fronds of a much stouter habit and with longer, more linear segments. 
The resemblance of the present fragment to S. Goepperti is at any rate a closer 
one, and appears sufficient to warrant a definite inclusion in the latter species. 
Sphenopteris Goepperti is one of the characteristic members of the Wealden 
flora. It lias also been recorded, however, from the Yorkshire Oolite (Seward 
1900, p. 133). Its geographical distribution seems to have been a world-wide one. 
It is known from different parts of Europe, and from Japan, and has recently been 
found by the author in Patagonia, associated with both Jurassic and Wealden forms. 
The species has further been recorded by Ward (1905, p. 75; pi. 12, figs. 4 — 8) 
4 — 122943 . Schwedische Südpolar- Expedition iqoi — igoj . 
