66 
T. G. halle, 
(Schwed. Südpolar-Exp. 
The frond is linear, with more or less parallel sides, is rapidly contracted and 
somewhat rounded at the apex and more gradually tapering towards the base. The 
pinnæ are attached to the upper surface of the rachis, at a wide angle. The in- 
sertion is only slightly oblique. There is some variation in the shape of the pinnae. 
In the middle and upper portions of the frond they are linear and more or less 
rapidly tapering at the obtuse apex. Towards the base of the frond the pinnæ 
become shorter and broader. The most characteristic feature of this frond is the 
very slight development of the upper lobe of the auriculate pinna-base. The base 
is, indeed, so very slightly auriculate that the attribution of the species to Otozamites^ 
as that genus is here delimited, seems at first somewhat doubtful. A closer examina- 
tion, however, shows that the plant is really an Otozaviites^ since the base is oblique 
and asymmetrical, the upper corner auriculate, the lower rounded. The venation of 
the pinnæ is very indistinct: it seems to be rather dense. 
The present specimens come nearer to Otozamites Hislopi (Oldh.) than to 
any other known form; and I am inclined to refer them to that species. The shape 
of the pinnæ is very much the same, especially in regard to the reduction of the 
upper auriculate basal lobe. It may be that the pinnæ are a little longer and narrower 
in the largest of the Antarctic fronds. The only difference to which any importance 
could be attached is that the venation in the Indian species seems to be less dense 
and more spreading; but it is impossible to distinguish the venation in the Antarctic 
fronds sufficiently well to form any definite opinion regarding the value of this dif- 
ference as a specific distinction. 
There is another of the Indian species, 0. parallelus Feistm. which may be 
mentioned in this connection. It is very doubtful, whether this species should be 
referred to Otozamites^ but it comes very near to some forms which must be attri- 
buted to that genus, especially to O. Hislopi. The pinnæ are more linear than in 
that species and their bases more parallel to the axis: besides, the venation is denser. 
In these respects, there is a certain resemblance to the Antarctic specimens which are 
here referred to 0. Hislopi, and which seem to form a sort of transition between 
the Indian specimens of that species and 0. parallelus, though coming nearer to 
the former. It may be that 0. parallelus FeiSTM. should, like the Antarctic fronds 
here described, be included in 0. Hislopi. 
The specimen shown in fig. 7 , pi. 7 , resembles the basal portions of fronds of 
O. Hislopi figured by FeiSTMANTEL. It is possible, however, that it should be in- 
cluded rather in the species called here 0. linearis. In fig. 21 of the same plate 
are figui'ed two fronds which are not sufficiently well preserved to permit of a de- 
finite identification with any known species. It is probable that at least the frond 
to the left is specifically identical with those referred here to O. Hislopi. 
' This name should disappear because of the existence of 0. parallelus Phillips. 
