The Medals of Creation, Volumes 1 and 2: First Lessons in Geology and the Study of Organic RemainsMantell, Gideon Algernon
Science
The Medals of Creation, Volumes 1 and 2: First Lessons in Geology and the Study of Organic Remains
Mantell, Gideon Algernon
Geology -- England -- Guidebooks; Paleontology
Fig. 1 and 2.--Campilodiscus; a perfect frustule, and part of another,
seen from above, Tertiary; Egra in Bohemia. _See ante_, p. 96.
3_a_.--Lituola nautilotdea. _Chalk, Chichester._ (By Mr. Walter
Mantell.) Side view, × 8.
3_b_.--Front view of the last cell of 3d, to show the foramina with
which it is pierced.
3_c_.--The last cell of 3_a_.
3_d_.--Side view of a young shell, before the produced, or straight
part appears, × 20.
4_a_.--Flabellina Baudonina. _Chalk._ (M. D'Orbigny.) A young
individual seen in profile, × 12.
4_b_.--The same, viewed laterally, shows the oblique arrangement
of the cells.
5.--Nodosaria. _Chalk, Chichester._ (By Mr. Walter Mantell.) The
line below indicates the natural size.
]
[Sidenote: NODOSARIA. LITUOLA.]
Nodosaria. _Lign. 111, fig. 5._--Straight, elongated cells placed
end to end, separated by constrictions; the last formed cell has a
round central aperture. Several beautiful species abound in the Chalk;
specimens often occur adhering to the surface of the flint nodules.
Nodosariæ are abundant in tertiary deposits. Mr. Walter Mantell
discovered Foraminifera of this genus in the blue clay of Kakaunui, in
New Zealand.
Cristellaria. _Lign. 109, fig. 4._--The shell is in the form of a
compressed Nautilus; it has a single aperture, which is situated at the
angle of the keel; the cells are oblique.
This genus comprises seventy fossil species, which occur in the Lias,
Oolite, and Chalk. Living species are abundant in almost every sea.
Flabellina. _Lign. 111, fig. 4a_.--In a young state, this shell,
like the preceding, resembles that of a Nautilus, and the cells are
oblique; but in the adult, are of a zigzag (chevron) form. It has a
single round aperture. _Fig. 4a_ shows a young individual, seen in
profile; _fig. 4b_ a lateral view, exhibiting the obliquity of the
cells.
Species of Flabellina are often found in cretaceous strata. The genus
is not known in a recent state.
Polystomella.--In its general form this genus resembles the other
nautiloid shells above described, but its structure differs
essentially; for there are several apertures along the side of the
shell, as well as the opening in the last segment. The cells are
simple, and each is a single cavity. The figures and details of
structure, given by Professor Williamson, must be referred to, for an
insight into the organization of this beautiful and complicated type
of Foraminifera.[319] One species of Polystomella is said to occur in
the Chalk; I have not detected this genus in our cretaceous deposits.
Recent species swarm in our seas; and may be easily obtained from the
mud and sand on the shores at Brighton.[320]
[319] Trans. Microscop. Society, vol. ii.
[320] Mr. Poulton has specimens of the shells, and the bodies of the
animals deprived of the shell, mounted for the microscope.
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