Bd. III: 14) 
THE MESOZOIC FLORA. 
71 
probably a Williainsonia. The semi-globular elevation must correspond to a con- 
cavity, and it seems necessaiy to suppose that it is an internal cast of the ovulate 
cone. Its surface would correspond to that of the pyriform axis, from which the 
continuous layer formed by the pedicellate seeds and the interseminal scales was 
probably detached as a whole. If the hollow of this detached aggregate of seeds and 
scales is filled up by mineral matter there would result a specimen like the present 
one. The radial collar would be the impression of the interseminal scales and the 
sterile pedicels at the base, whereas nothing is shown of the rest of these nor of the 
seeds. This interpretation of the fossil was suggested by the structure of the type- 
specimen of W. Forcliamineri which has recently been reexamined by Professor 
Nathorst. 
Of all known species of Williamsonia, IF. Forchammeri Natii. seems to come 
nearest to the present specimen. It is considerably larger than the latter and the 
elements of the radial disc are broader. No doubt there is a close relation; but the 
great difference in size seems to call for the institution of a new species, since the 
Antarctic form requires a name for reference purposes. 
Genus Cycadolepis Saporta. 
Cycadolepis sp. 
I’l. 6, fig. 15. 
The object shown in pi. 6, fig. 15, no doubt represents a bract of a Cycado- 
phyte, of the kind named Cycadolepis by Saporta (1875, p. 200; pi. 44). 
The specimen is a linear, fairly thick foliar object with straight edges gradually 
tapering from the base to the acute apex. The surface is faintly striated longi- 
tudinally. At both edges are attached a sort of lateral appendages, of which the 
length is about equal to the breadth of the bract at that point. They are slightly 
falcate and much thinner than the bract itself. The appendages are placed closely 
and diminish gradually in size towards the apex of the bract. The nature of these 
appendages is not clear; but they should probably be compared with hairs or some 
other kind of emergences. 
Bracts with lateral emergences like the present species are known to occur in 
Williamsonia and Cycadeoidea. In the present specimen the appendages are rather 
broader than usual. The closest resemblance seems to be to one of the bracts 
figured by Saporta (/. c.\ pi. 44, fig. 6) under the name Cycadolepis hirta. A 
specific identification with this or any other known specimen is clearly out of the 
question. 
