Some New Facts with regard to “Bennettites”

Abstract

THE remarkable state of preservation of many Palæozoic plants, and some few Mesozoic forms, has raised palæobotany to a position of considerable importance in certain fields of botanical investigation. Endless synonyms, and specific determinations of more than doubtful value, have not unnaturally prejudiced botanists against the study of plant fossils. The scientific treatment of the mineralised tissues of extinct forms has, however, been productive of exceedingly important data towards the better understanding of the lines of plant evolution. Synthetic types and intermediate forms of plant structure are already fairly abundant, arid the various suggestive facts revealed by a study of their remains are gradually assuming a more definite shape.