These fossils have long been known to collectors, and are figured by Martin (Petrif. Derbiens.), Parkinson (Org. Rem. Vol. I. Pl. IX.), and others. They are cylindrical imbricated bodies, rounded at both extremities, from two to six or seven inches long, and one to two inches in circumference. If broken, a cylindrical cavity is exposed, which is sometimes hollow, but frequently filled with mineral matter; and when specimens are found imbedded in the rock, the cone is fringed with linear or lanceolate leaves, as in Lign. 31, fig. 3. These cones often form the nuclei of ironstone nodules, like the fronds of ferns, and the leaves are then frequently replaced either by a white hydrate of alumine, or by the mineral called galena, or sulphuret of lead; and the receptacle is often filled with the same substances. This is generally the case in the specimens from Coalbrook Dale, many of which possess great brilliancy, and are exceedingly interesting as examples of the electro-chemical changes, which these fruits of the carboniferous forests have undergone.*

The figures in Lign. 31, show the appearance and structure of these fruits. The young specimen, fig. 3, terminates what appears to be a branch of Lepido

* These mineralized cones are not liable to decompose, like the pyritous fruits from the Isle of Sheppey; they require no preparation for the cabinet; but it should be known that washing injures their lustre.

dendron; and M. Brongniart observes, "qu'il est impossible de ne pas reconnaître pour un Lepido""* It strobus jeune, fixé à l'extrémité d'un rameau.

LIGN. 31.

LEPIDOSTROBI, the supposed fruit of the Lepidodendra.
Fig. 1.-A portion of a cone, showing the imbricated structure
and internal cavity.

2. The upper part of a large cone, displaying the imbri-
cated surface.

3. A young specimen, surrounded with its leaves, and
attached to the extremity of a branch.

is only in their young state that the spikes are found attached to the branches, for they appear to have been shed as soon as they arrived at maturity.

*Hist. Vég. Foss. Tom. II. p. 47.

Species of true Lycopodiaceae occur in tertiary marls; a beautiful specimen, Lycopodites Benettiæ, from Germany, is figured Wond. p. 660.

HALONIA. Stems marked as in the Lepidodendra, but having the same mode of branching as certain coniferous trees, are described under this name in

Fig. 1.-HALONIA REGULARIS. Coalbrook Dale.
2.-KNORRIA TAXINA. Roof of the high-main coal-seam,
Jarrow colliery. (Brit. Foss. Flor.)

the Fossil Flora.

Their knotted appearance is very remarkable, and the annexed sketch (fig. 1.) of a fragment from Coalbrook Dale, will enable the student easily to identify them: no internal structure has been detected. The specimens in my

possession are mere casts, formed of a reddish sand

stone.

KNORRIA. Stems marked with projecting scars of petioles, disposed spirally. To this genus the authors of the Foss. Flor. refer those fossil plants, the leaves of which were densely arranged in a spiral manner, and have left projecting scars. The annexed figure (Lign. 32, fig. 2.) represents part of a beautiful specimen, which is stated to bear a close resemblance to a very young branch of Yew: the structure is unknown.

Although the following fossil vegetables belong to families which will subsequently be noticed, their occurrence in the carboniferous Flora induces me to describe them in this place.

STERNBERGIA. The stems which belong to this genus occur in the Newcastle coal-field (Foss. Flor.). They are generally of sandstone, and are invested with a thin carbonaceous crust, or rind. When this coaly matter flakes off, the surface of the stem is found to be marked with annular depressions and gentle risings, which are intersected in some parts by perpendicular lines. These stems resemble the trunks of the Yucca, and Dracæna, or dragon-blood plant.

ASTEROPHYLLITES (star-like leaf).-Plants with verticillate leaves are not uncommon in the coal

shale, blended with the fronds of ferns and Lepidodendra. Some species resemble the foliage of Equisetum or Hippuris, but no certain conclusions as to the nature of the originals have been established

LIGN. 33.

ASTEROPHYLLITES EQUISETIFORMIS.

Coal-shale. (Foss. Flor.)

from any specimens hitherto discovered; they are often associated with a peculiar fruit, which I will therefore notice in this place.