The general sequence of rocks near Shap, as above described, is shown in the subjoined section (fig. 5).
Fig. 5. — Section from Shap Abbey to Wet Sleddale. Distance two miles.
N.W. Shap Abbey. Keld Beck. Thornship Beck. Kemp How. S.E. Cragg's Mill.
a. Skiddaw Slates. b. Lowest trap of the Green-slate series. c. Slates and breccias ( = Borrowdale Slates). d. Trap belonging to the Green-slate series. e. Conglomerates belonging to the Old Red Sandstone. f. Base of the Scar-limestone series.
2. Observations on some Vegetable Fossils from Victoria. By Dr. Ferdinand von Muller and E. Brough Smyth, Esq., F.G.S.
(The publication of this paper is deferred.)
[Abstract.]
Mr. Smyth stated that the fossils, of which specimens were forwarded by him, were obtained in one of the deep leads at Haddon, near Smythesdale. No leaves have been obtained from the bed, which consists of a greyish-black clay ; the fruits and seed-vessels were obtained about 180 feet from the surface, and represent a flora not very dissimilar to that now characterizing some parts of Queensland. The specimens sent include the fruits of a supposed new genus of Coniferae, described by Dr. von Muller under the name of Spondylostrobus. It is most nearly allied to Solenostrobus, Bowerbank ; but its five valves are not keeled. The columella forms the main body of the fruit ; and the seeds are apparently solitary. The species was named Spondylostrobus Smythii. The remaining specimens consisted of: — a solitary fruit of a genus of Verbenaceae ; an indehiscent compressed fruit, probably belonging to the proteaceous genus Helicia ; a nut nearly allied to the preceding ; a large, spherical, unilocular, 3-seeded nut with a thick pericarp, perhaps from a Capparidaceous plant ; a 5-valved capsule of an unknown genus ; and fruit-valves of three other plants, probably belonging to the Sapindaceae, and perhaps allied to Cupania. One of the last may belong to the Meliciaceous genus Dysoxylon. Dr. Muller considered that these remains indicate a former flora analogous to that of the existing forest-belt of Eastern Australia.
