Geology and paleontology / by B.K. Emerson [and others].

Date:
[1910]
Catalogue details

Licence: In copyright

Credit: Geology and paleontology / by B.K. Emerson [and others]. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    256/318 (page 158)
    may be seen in the figures, they stand erect on short, thick branches, quite unlike the conditions obtaining in either of these genera. It may be that they are the branches of a conifer beset with numerous thick leaves, but neither do they meet all the requirements necessary for such a reference. I can only figure them and place them under this anoma- lous generic aggregation until additional light or further collections may be obtained. It is quite possible that they may not all belong to the same form. The species is named in honor of Mr. De Alton Saunders, by whom the collection of fossil plants was made. DISCUSSION OF THE FLORA The study of any fossil flora naturally possesses interest along two lines, the biological and the geological. Care- ful biological study is necessary in order that the forms under investigation may be relegated as nearly as possible to their proper position in the vegetable kingdom, and moreover, it may throw important light on the phylogeny of existing types. The geological study throws light on the age of the beds in which the flora is contained, and serves also to furnish a set of stratigraphic marks for the identification of similar horizons in other areas. BIOLOGICAL ASPECT For purposes of comparison and ready reference the following complete list of forms, disposed under families, is presented: I. Equisetace^e. x. Equisetum globulosum Lesq. II. PlNACEAJ. 2. Picea harrimani sp. nov. 3. Picea, branches. 4. Picea ?, seed. 5. Pinus ?, leaves. 6. Pinus ?, scales of cone. 7. Sequoia heerii Lesq. 8. Sequoia, cone.