On Bensonites fusiformis, sp. nov., a fossil associated 
with Stauropteris burntislandica, P. Bertrand, and 
on the sporangia of the latter. 
BY 
RINA SCOTT, F.L.S. 
With Plate XXXIV and seven Figures in the Text. 
EVERAL years ago Miss Benson noticed in her slides from Burntisland 
(Lower Carboniferous), curious spindle-shaped objects, tapering at one 
end and at the other terminating in a head, containing sometimes one 
spherical body and sometimes a double, hourglass-shaped body, Plate 
XXXIV, fig. 6. 
Since then they have been frequently observed, especially in material 
rich in Stauropteris burntislandica , P. Bert. They have been provisionally 
named Bensonites fusiformis by Dr. Scott. 
Text-figs, i, 2, and 3 are photographs of Bensonites cut in a longitu- 
dinal direction. Just recently it has been discovered that the Bensonites is 
borne on a pedicel. Text-fig. 1 ,/. 
We have not been able to find a clear case of attachment of the pedicel 
to a Stauropteris burntislandica petiole, Plate XXXIV, fig. 4, but they are 
very probably borne in pairs on the lateral pedicels shown in Plate 
XXXIV, fig. 3. Miss Benson has slides which confirm this. 
The ‘ body 5 of Bensonites appears to be composed of regular spherical 
cells surrounded by an epidermal layer, which is often imperfectly preserved 
(it is absent in Text-fig. 1). It is well seen, however, in longitudinal section 
in Text-fig. 2, where it completely envelops the Bensonites , and in trans- 
verse section in Text-figs. 4 (a and b) and 5 (c). The transverse section in 
Text-fig. 5 is strikingly like a section of the gland of Lyginodendron 
oldhamium . 1 
From the first a strand of delicate elements has been noticed running 
up from the base, Text-figs. 1 and 3 (v.s.). Lately we have been fortunate 
in being able to demonstrate without any doubt that this is really a vascular 
strand, Plate XXXIV, fig. 5. Text-fig. 6 shows the two spiral elements 
indicated in Plate XXXIV, fig. 5, enlarged. 
1 Oliver and Scott, on Lagenostoma Lomaxi , Phil. Trans., vol. cxvii, 1904, Plate VIII, 
Fig. 1 8. 
[Annals of Botany, Vol. XXII. No. LXXXVIII. October, 1908.] 
