CALCIFEEOUS SANDSTONE. 
7 
FOSSIL PLANTS OF THE CALCIFEROUS SANDSTONE. 
Plate II. 
Genus PAL^OPHYCUS. 
[ Greek} nraXaiog, ancient, and cpvxos, a seaweed; from the apparent habit of the plant.] 
Character. Stem terete, simple or branched, cylindric or subcylindric ; surface nearly 
smooth, without transverse ridges, apparently hollow. 
4. 1. PALiEOPHYCUS TUBULARIS (n. sp.). 
Pl. II Figs. 1, 2, 4 and 5. 
Stem cylindric, gradually tapering (sometimes to an obtuse point as in fig. 1), unevenly 
bent or llexuous, irregularly branched and sometimes regularly bifurcating ; surface nearly 
smooth ; stems and branches usually compressed, and, when weathered, appearing as if 
hollow. 
Fig. 1 is a collection of flattened flexuous stems, which were apparently broken and 
thrown together upon a surface of sand, and gradually covered with shaly matter. The 
forms are not so well defined as in some of the other specimens. 
Fig. 2 is better preserved, and the cylindrical form of the stem better defined. A great 
number of small fragments occur on the same specimen, some of which present an ap¬ 
pearance as if originally possessing a vesicular structure. The small branches appear to 
have been solid, and the larger stem hollow. The fossil is calcareous. 
Fig. 4 is a portion of a single stem, presenting a small branch below, with a bifurcation 
above. This specimen is but partially calcareous, with a considerable intermixture of oxide 
of iron. 
Fig. 5 is a collection of fragments of stems, aggregated in a fine sand from the lower 
part of the formation. 
It is not improbable but a further examination will enable us to distinguish two species 
among those described, as the specimens present some diversity of character, which I have 
attributed to the nature of the matrix, and the variable proportions of siliceous and cal¬ 
careous matter. 
Position and locality. These fossils are more abundant towards the upper part of the 
mass, and in situations showing an admixture of calcareous matter. They occur in the 
same layers with the fossil shells in some places, while in others they hold a higher situa¬ 
tion than some of the shells. They are found at numerous localities along the Mohawk 
valley, the principal of which are Amsterdam ; opposite the village of Fort-Plain ; along 
the railroad ; Canajoharie ; west of Palatine bridge, and at various other places. 
(State Collection.) 
