448 
lens of considerable power. Of the remaining specimens,^ I regret 
that, although favoured by the assistance of the distinguished 
botanist already mentioned, and by several other gentlemen eminent 
for their knowledge of the vegetable system, I am unable to supply 
you with much information respecting the plants to which they have 
belonged. Fig. 2, appears to have been the seed of some plant^ of 
the leguminous kind ; the skin of which is in part removed, shewing 
the fine pyritous clay with which it has been filled. Fig. 3, appears 
to have been a seed of the same kind ; the skin remaining whole, 
but having wrinkled up to adapt itself to the inclosed matter. Fig. 4 
and 9, resemble the seeds of a phoenix ; or rather of two different 
species of that genus. Fig. 9, is very like to the stone of a common 
date. Fig. 10 and 12, but particularly the latter, approach very 
much in appearance to the common pea. Fig. 13, 14, and 18, are 
quite different from any thing at present known : a portion of stalk 
seems to remain attached to each of them. Fig. 6, 21, and 25, 
appear to have been fruits covered with a coriaceous covering, 
similar to the chesnut. Fig. 24 and 26, are fruits which seem to 
have possessed a similar substance with that of the nutmeg ; but dif- 
fering very much from that fruit, in their external appearance. 
Fig. 20 and 22, represent the front and back view of a substance 
which bears no resemblance to the parts of any known vegetable, at 
least in a natural state. Dr. Smith is, however, of opinion, that its 
appearance is very much like that of the cup of an oak, in an en- 
larged state, from the attacks of insects : he having gathered just 
such at Rome, in the spring of the year. 
The nut which is represented at PI. VII. Fig. 1,2, is also from 
the Island of Sheppey. The exact appearance of the kernel is pre- 
served in the cast formed within the shell, which is depicted at 
Fig. 3. It is totally unlike to anything at present known; but 
perhaps may be referred to the genus Cocos. This fossil was 
