[Illustration: FIG. 253. _Osmundites Kolbei_ Sew. (⅓ nat. size.)] In another Jurassic species, _Osmundites Gibbiana_[787], the xylem is of the _Osmunda_ type and consists of about 20 strands instead of a continuous or almost continuous cylinder. [Illustration: FIG. 254. _Osmundites Kolbei._ (Leaf-scars.)] _Osmundites Kolbei_ Seward, figs. 253–255. This species was founded on a specimen obtained by Mr Kolbe from the Uitenhage series of Cape Colony[788]. The fossil flora and fauna of this series point to its correlation with the Wealden or Neocomian strata of Europe[789]. The type-specimen consists of several pieces of a stem (fig. 253) which reached a length of about 90 cm. On the weathered surface the remains of petiole-bases are clearly seen and on the reverse side of the smaller piece shown in the figure numerous sinuous roots are present in association with the leaf-stalks. The depression _c_ in the larger specimen may mark the position of a branch: at _a_ fig. 253 (enlarged in fig. 254, _a_) the vascular strand of a petiole is exposed as a broad =U=-shaped band and at _b_ (fig. 254, _b_) the form of the petiole-bases is clearly shown[790]. With the stem were found imperfectly preserved impressions of fronds referred to _Cladophlebis denticulata_, a common type of leaf which was found also in association with the slightly older New Zealand stem, _Osmundites Dunlopi_. [Illustration: FIG. 255. _Osmundites Kolbei_ Sew. Transverse section, from a photograph supplied by Dr Kidston and Mr Gwynne-Vaughan. (2½ nat. size.)] An examination of the internal structure of the South African stem by Dr Kidston and Mr Gwynne-Vaughan has revealed many interesting features, which will be fully described in Part IV. of their Monograph on fossil Osmundaceous stems. I am greatly indebted to these authors for allowing me to publish the following note contributed by Dr Kidston:— “The section of _Osmundites Kolbei_ Seward, shown in fig. 255, presents the usual appearance of an Osmundaceous stock. The parts contained in this section are the stele, inner and outer cortex and a portion of the surrounding mantle of concrescent leaf-bases. The whole specimen has suffered much from pressure, but if restored to its original form the xylem ring must have been about 19 mm. in diameter. The number of xylem strands is about fifty-six and several of them are more or less joined as in the modern genus _Todea_. The tracheae are of the typical Osmundaceous type, that is to say, the pits are actual perforations and several series of them occur on each wall of the larger tracheae.