Sphenopteris

Portions of _Sphenopteris bifida_, for instance, a fern of the Lower Carboniferous rocks have been repeatedly figured; but

The Testimony of the Rocks or, Geology in Its Bearings on the Two Theologies, Natural and Revealed Hugh Miller 1829

The frond of _Davallia Canariensis_, though unlike in its venation, greatly resembles in general outline one of the larger pinnæ of _Sphenopteris affinis_; but these pinnæ form only a small part of the entire frond of this Sphenopteris.

The Testimony of the Rocks or, Geology in Its Bearings on the Two Theologies, Natural and Revealed Hugh Miller 1829

From comparisons instituted between minute portions of this Sphenopteris and a recent fern, it has been held considerably to resemble a Davallia of the West Indies; whereas it will be seen from the entire frond that it was characterized by very striking peculiarities, exemplified, say some of our higher botanical authorities, to whom I have submitted my restoration, by no fern that now lives.

The Testimony of the Rocks or, Geology in Its Bearings on the Two Theologies, Natural and Revealed Hugh Miller 1829

A Restoration of Sphenopteris affinis (_Frontispiece_) 1.

The Testimony of the Rocks or, Geology in Its Bearings on the Two Theologies, Natural and Revealed Hugh Miller 1829

On the other hand, M. Alcide D'Orbigny regards it us decidedly Old Red; and certainly its Sphenopteris and Lepidodendron bent much more the aspect of Devonian than of Carboniferous plants.

The Testimony of the Rocks or, Geology in Its Bearings on the Two Theologies, Natural and Revealed Hugh Miller 1829

_Sphenopteris bifida_ was of a more simple form than that of its larger congener, and not a little resembled a living fern of New Zealand,

The Testimony of the Rocks or, Geology in Its Bearings on the Two Theologies, Natural and Revealed Hugh Miller 1829