Bulletin No. 204 Series 0, Systematic Geology and Paleontology, 58 

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

UNITED STATES GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

CHARLES D. WALCOTT, DIRECTOR

FOSSIL FLORA

JOHN DAT BASIN

OREGON"

BY

FRANK MALL KNOWLTON

WASHINGTON

GOVERNMENT P 11 IN TING OFFICE 

1002

CONTENTS.

Page.

Letter of transrnittal...................................................... 7

Introduction............................................................. 9

Geographic location and topographic features .............................. 10

History of exploration in the John Day Basin.............................. 11

Geological features of the John Day Basin ................................. 14

History of geological investigation in the region ........................ 14

Pre-Cretaceous rocks ................................................. 16

Knoxville and Chico beds ............................................ 17

Clarno formation..................................................... 17

John Day series...................................................... 18

Columbia Elver lava ................................................. 19

Mascall formation .................................................... 19

Kattlesnake formation...'............................................. 19

River terraces......................................................... 20

Localities for fossil plants in the John Day Basin........................... 20

Systematic description of species........................................... 21

Species excluded from this work .......................................... 87

List of synonyms......................................................... 88

Discussion of the flora.................................................... 89

Statistical view.. .^................................................... 89

Table showing distribution of species............................... 89

Biological considerations.............................................. 93

Geological considerations............................................. 102

Lower Clarno beds ............................................... 102

Cherry Creek................................................ 102

Table showing extralimital distribution of fossil plants from

Cherry Creek locality .................................. 103

Upper Clarno beds ............................................... 103

Bridge Creek ................................................ 103

Table showing extralimital distribution of fossil plants from

Bridge Creek locality................................... 104

Other localities .............................................. 105

Mascall beds..................................................... 106

Van Horn's ranch and vicinity................................ 106

Table showing extralimital distribution of fossil plants from

Van Horn's ranch and vicinity.......................... 109

The flora of the John Day Basin in other localities ......................... 109

The Dalles, Oregon................................................... 112

Summary................................................................ 112

Plates ...................................-...--....-....-...._.......... 115

Index................................................................... 151

oo

ILLUSTRATIONS.

PLATE I. Fig. 1, Equisetum sp.; fig. 2, Sequoia sp.; fig. 3, Thuites sp.; fig. 4, 

Taxodium, male aments; fig. 5, Ginkgo sp.; fig. 6, Tax odium, 

male aments; figs. 7, 8, Monocotyledonous plant; fig. 9, Cyperacites sp..................................................... 118

II. Fig. 1, PopulnsLindgreni Knowltoii; figs. 2-4, Salix pseudo-argentea 

n. sp.; figs. 5-8, Salix perplexa n. sp.; figs. 9, 10, Salix dayana 

n. sp.; figs. 11, 12, Salix rnixta n. sp........................... 120

III. Fig. 1, Salix sp.; fig. 2, Myrica personata n. sp.; fig. 3, Juglans? 

Bendirei n. sp.; fig. 4, Myrica oregoniana n. sp.; fig. 5, Juglans 

actiminata Al. Br.; figs. 6, 7, Betula heteromorpha n. sp ........ 122

IV. Fig. 1, Alnus macrodontan. sp.; fig. 2, Betula Bendirei n. sp.; fig. 3,

Juglans crassifolia n. sp.; fig. 4, Betula dayana n. sp............ 124

V. Fig. 1, Betula heteromorpha n. sp.; fig. 2, Hicoria sp.; figs. 3, 4,

Hicoria? oregoniana n. sp...................................... 126

VI. Fig. 1. Quercus dayana n. sp.; figs. 2, 3, Quercus oregoniana n. sp.;

figs. 4, 5, Jnglans cryptatan. sp.; figs. 6, 7, QuercusMerriami n. sp. 128 

VII. Fig. 1, Quercus oregoniana n. sp.; figs. 2, 3, Quercus nrsina n. sp.;

figs. 4, 5, Quercus Merriarui n. sp .............................. 130

VIII. Fig. 1, Quercus horniana Lesq.; fig. 2, Quercus duriuscula n. sp.;

fig. 3, Quercus? sp.; fig. 4, Quercus? sp ......................... 132

IX. Fig. 1, Liquidambar pachyphyllurn n. sp.; figs. 2, 3, Laurus oregoniana n. sp.; fig. 4, Ulmus Newberryi n. sp.; fig. 5, Sapindus 

Merriami n. sp.; figs. 6,7, Hydrangea Bendirei (Ward) Kuowlton. 134

X. Fig. 1, Crategus flavescens Newb.; fig. 2, Cratsegus imparilis n. sp.; 

fig. 3, Ficus? oregoniana Lesq.; fig. 4, Cinnamomum Bendirei 

n. sp.; fig. 5, Liquidambar europajum patulum n. var............ 136

XL Fig. 1, Berberis? gigantea n. sp.; figs. 2, 3, 6, 7, Prunus? Merriami 

n.'sp.; fig. 4, Prunus? tufacea n. sp.; fig. 5, Celastrus dignatus 

n. -sp......................................................... 138

XII. Figs. 1-3, Celastrus confluens n. sp.; fig. 4, Liquidambar sp.?...... 140

XIII. Figs. 1, 2, Acer sp.; fig. 3, Acer Osmonti n. sp.; fig. 4, Acer macrophyllum Pursh (living); figs. 5-8, Acer oregonianum n. sp....... 142

XIV. Fig. 1, Acer gigas n. sp.; figs. 2, 3, Acer minor n. sp.; figs. 4, 5, Acer

medianum n. sp.; fig. 6, Rhus? sp.; fig. 7, Acer Merriami n. sp.. 144

XV. Figs. 1, 2, ^Esculus simulata n. sp.; fig. 3, Sapindus oregonianua n.

sp.; fig. 4, Aralia sp.? .......................................... 146

XVI. Fig. 1, Phyllites oregonianus n. sp.; fig. 2, Phyllites bifurcies n. sp.; 

fig. 3, Andromeda crassa Lesq.; fig. 4, Phyllites personatus n. sp.; 

fig. 5, Diospyros elliptica n. sp.; fig. 6, Phyllites inexpectans 

n. sp.; fig. 7, Rulac crateegifolium n. sp.; fig. 8, Aralia? sp ... 1... 148 

XVII. Phyllites sp .................................................... 150

5

LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL.

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, 

UNITED STATES GEOLOGICAL SURVEY,

Washington, Z>. C., July 15, 1902.

SIR: I have the honor to transmit herewith the manuscript and 

illustrations of a paper entitled Fossil Flora of the John Day Basin, 

Oregon, and to request its publication as a bulletin of the Survey. 

Very respectfully,

F. H. KNOWLTON,

Paleontologist. 

Hon. CHARLES D. WALCOTT,

Director United States Geological Survey.

7

FOSSIL FLORA OF THE JOHN DAY BASIN, OREGON.

Bv F. H. KNOWLTON.

INTRODUCTION.

For a number of years 1 have been gradually accumulating1 material 

for a thorough revision of the Tertiary floras of the Pacific slope. 

Fossil plants are known to occur at numerous points within this 

area, and their study and identification has already furnished valuable 

data bearing on the geological history of the region, and when still 

further exploited it is confidently expected that they will afford more 

exact data for the use of geologists. This investigation is progressing 

satisfactorily, and at no distant day it is hoped to have it in form for 

final publication.

From time to time various members of the United States Geological 

Survey, as well as others not connected with this organization, have 

sent in small collections of fossil plants for determination. These 

have been studied and reported upon as fully as the condition of the 

problem permitted, so that the determinations could be immediately 

available to geologists, but with the reservation that none of the questions could be fully settled until all known material had been studied 

and properly correlated.

The rich fossil plant deposits in the John Day Basin, as set forth 

more fully in the historical account which follows, have been known 

for a period of nearty fifty years, but their study has been carried on 

in a more or less desultory manner. There has also been considerable 

confusion as to the horizons whence these plants came. As various 

species of plants described originally from the John Day region were 

detected in various other localities in Oregon, and in surrounding 

areas, as central Washington, western Idaho, and northern California, 

it became more than ever apparent that a thorough study of all 

material obtainable from this type area would be necessary before any 

definite or satisfactory conclusions could be reached.

The immediate incentive for this revision was furnished by the 

receipt of a considerable collection of plants, made by Dr. John C. 

Merriam in 1900 while he was in charge of an expedition into this 

region made under the auspices of the University of California.

9
10 FOSSIL FLORA OF THE JOHN DAY BASlK, OREGON. LBULL. 20i

When these plants were submitted to me for study, it was thought 

possible to present their description, together with a revision of our 

knowledge of the previously known forms, within a space sufficiently 

small to permit the publication of the matter as an appendix to a 

paper on the general geology of the area, then in preparation by 

Dr. Merriam. But it soon became apparent that this could not be 

adequately done within the space available, and a short preliminary 

report was prepared for and published by Dr. Merriam/' The results 

of a complete restudy of all available fossil plant material from the 

John Day Basin are now presented.

1 wish to record my great indebtedness to Dr. Merriam, who not 

only accompanied me at a considerable personal sacrifice on a trip 

through the region in 1901, but placed unreservedly at my disposal all 

material bearing in any way on the problem then in the paleontological 

museum of the University of California. To Dr. Arthur Hollick I 

am indebted for the loan of all material from the John Day region 

belonging to Columbia University, and now deposited in the New 

York Botanical Garden at Bronx Park. This material, together with 

the rich collections belonging to the United States National Museum, 

represents practically all now known to have come from the John Day 

Basin.

GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION AND TOPOGRAPHIC FEATURES.

The John Day Basin is situated in the north-central portion of the 

State of Oregon. It lies mainly in Grant County, but extends also 

into the northeastern portion of Crook County and the southern portions of Gilliarn, Morrow, and Umatilla counties. It is rudely rectangular in outline, and is almost completely surrounded by the Blue 

Mountains, whose rugged eastern ridges rise to a height of over 6,000 

feet, those to the west being lower and made up largely of Tertiary

lavas, which form regular and often flat-topped ridges.

John Day River, with its numerous branches and tributaries, draining an area of approximately 10,000 square miles, has a general westward course through the basin, which it leaves on its west side through 

a gap between the north and south ranges of the Blue Mountains; 

thence its course is north to the Columbia.

When viewed from an eminence the basin presents a rough and 

rugged appearance and bears abundant evidence of former volcanic 

activity in the shape of ridges and plateaus, often several thousand 

 feet in height, made up of volcanic flows of various kinds, as well as 

vast deposits of ashes, tuffs, and occasionally sands and gravels. 

Around these ridges and plateaus the water courses have cut deep and 

often narrow canyons, especially in the soft ashes and tuffs, but occasionally also through the massive basalts, rhyolites, and andesites.

« A contribution to the geology of the John Day Basin: Univ. Cal., Bull. Dept. Geol., Vol. II, No.9, 

April, 1901, pp. 269-314.
KNOWLTON.] " EXPLORATION. 11

The area of land under cultivation is extremely limited, being confined to the scattered narrow bottoms along the main streams. With 

the exception of a growth of pines along the higher ridges, the tree 

growth is confined to a fringe of cottonwoods.and willows along the 

water courses and a few scattered junipers on the lower ridges. The 

remainder of the country,-when not too rugged, is or was formerly 

covered with a luxuriant growth of grasses, but overstocking has 

already seriously impaired the value of the ranges for grazing purposes.

HISTORY OF EXPLORATION IN THE JOHN DAY BASIN.

For more than a quarter of a century the John Day Basin has been 

widely known for its abundant deposits of plant and animal fossils. 

The first of its fossil riches to be discovered were mammalian remains 

in the form of teeth and fragments of bones from the Crooked River 

region, brought back by a company of soldiers who traversed the 

region in 1861. Some of these fossils fell into the hands of Rev. 

Thomas Condon, then located in The Dalles. Condon recognized the 

value of the discovery, and early in the following year he obtained 

permission to accompany a party of soldiers taking supplies to the 

military post at Harney Valley. On the way out they passed through 

the Crooked River region, where Condon obtained fossils, and on the 

return trip by way of Camp Watson, a post long ago abandoned, 

he discovered rich plant deposits on Bridge Creek. In 1863 and 

1864 Condon spent some weeks in each season in exploring along 

Bridge Creek and John Day River, in the latter region discovering 

and naming Turtle Cove, a locality which has afforded a large proportion of the vertebrate remains thus far brought to light in this 

region.

In the fall of 1871 Prof. O. C. Marsh, of Yale University, in company with a large party of students and others, under the guidance of 

Condon, made an extended trip through the basin, collecting vertebrate 

remains, principally from what are now known as the "John Da}'" 

and "Mascall" beds. From, this date until 1877 parties in the employ 

of Marsh continued collecting throughout the region, but they appear 

to have procured only animal remains. As these vertebrate remains 

were found in such abundance and so well preserved, the region continued to attract students. Thus in 1878 and 1879 collections were 

made for Prof. E. D. Cope; in 1882 for the United States Geological 

Survey, under the direction of Professor Marsh, and in 1889 by Prof. 

W. B. Scott, for Princeton University. In 1899 and 1900 Dr. John C. 

Merriam, with a large party, collected extensively throughout the 

region in the interests of the University of California. His attention 

was mainly devoted to securing vertebrate remains, but he also obtained 

a small and extremely interesting collection of plants from Cherry
12 FOSSIL FLOEA OF THE JOHN DAY BASIN, OREGON. [BULL. 204.

\

Creek, Clarnos Ferry, Bridge Creek, Van Horn's ranch, and other 

places. These plants will be noticed later.

As already stated, Professor Condon was the first to discover the 

rich plant beds on Bridge Creek. His collections from this localitj^, 

from Currant Creek, and .possibly other places within the basin, were 

probably made during several years, and were ultimately placed in the 

hands of the late Dr. J. S. New berry, of Columbia University, for 

study. As the partial results of his study Dr. Newberry published, 

in March, 1883, brief characterizations of fifteen new species of plants. 05 

These species, as well as several others, were more fully described and 

figured in his Later Extinct Floras of North America, 6 a posthumous 

work issued under the editorship of Dr. Arthur Hollick in 1898. The 

publication of the latter work, containing as it did the illustrations, 

made it possible for the first time to be certain of Newberry's species. 

All, or nearly all, of the material on which Newberry's work was 

based ultimately became the property of the United States National 

Museum, where it now is.

Probably about 1870 Mr. C. D. Voy, a well-known collector of San 

Francisco, California, made a collecting trip through the basin. He 

obtained plants from Currant Creek, Bridge Creek, and from a new 

locality known later as Van Horn's ranch or Belshaw's ranch. These 

specimens, through the munificence of Mr. D. 0. Mills, were presented to the University of California, where they now are. This 

material was all submitted to Prof. Leo Lesquereux for determination. The exact date on which it came into his hands is uncertain, 

but it must have been in or before 1878, for a part of the species 

certain of those from Van Horn's ranch were, owing to insufficient 

labeling, included in his Fossil Plants of the Auriferous Gravel 

Deposits of the Sierra Nevada, c published in that year. The remainder, now known to have come from Currant Creek, Bridge Creek, 

and Van Horn's ranch, though mainly labeled simply "John Day 

Valley, Oregon," was described by Lesquereux in his Cretaceous 

and Tertiaiy Floras/* This work bears the date of 1883, and as it 

contains descriptions and figures of many of the same species that 

had been submitted to Dr. Newberry, though of course under different names, it becomes a matter of much importance to fix more 

exactly the actual time of issue. In the case of Newberry's paper 

the actual date is easily fixed by the date on the final signature 

as March 21, 1883. From a note in the first page of the Cretaceous 

and Tertiary Floras it appears that the manuscript was submitted by 

Professor Lesquereux on September 27,1882, and was received by the 

Director of the United States Geological Survey on October 12, 1882.

«Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. V, 1883, pp. 502-513.

'' Mon. U. S. Geol. Survey Vol. XXXV.

e Mem. Mus. Comp. Zoo!., Vol. VI, No. 2.

(i U. S. Geol. and Geog. Surv. Terr., Mon. VIII, 1883, pp. 239-255.
KNOWLTON.] EXPLOEATION. 13

But the letter of transmittal to the then Secretary of the Interior bears 

date of November 1, 1883, and as this must have preceded by some 

months the actual issue of the volume, it is clear that Newberry's 

paper has precedence, and all names of species established by him, 

when in conflict with those given by Lesquereux, must stand.

By far the largest collection of fossil plants from this region was 

made in the summer of 1880 by Maj. (then Capt.) Charles E. Bendire, 

of the United States Army, who made a short tour through the 

basin with a large party of the Seventh United States Cavalry. He 

collected at Bridge Creek, Cherry Creek, and Van Horn's ranch, 

securing mainly plants, but also a few fish and mammal remains, and 

this entire collection was presented by him to the United States 

National Museum. The fish remains were described by Cope,a and 

the plants were submitted to Lesquereux, whose report on those from 

Van Horn's ranch and Cherry Creek was published in 1888. b Lesquereux's report on the Bridge Creek material Avas prepared and submitted at the same time, but on account of the difficulty in securing 

figures of the supposed new species, Avas not published. This manuscript has been in my hands for some years awaiting revision, and, so 

far as possible, has been incorporated in the present work.

As a preliminary to the preparation of this work, I went over 

very carefully every specimen in the collection of the United States 

National Museum from Van Horn's ranch and Cherry Creek, as published upon by Lesquereux. In the case of the specimens from Van 

Horn's ranch the matrix is so distinctive that no difficulty was experienced in making certain that they actually came from this localit}^, 

but when the collection from Cheriy Creek was taken up, it at once 

became evident that some mixing of specimens must have occurred. 

Lesquereux enumerated thirty species in his paper above quoted, 

but they are preserved on very different kinds of matrix and represent certain well-known species that have never before been reported 

from the John Day region. Specimens of some of the matrix of the 

suspected species were sent to Dr. Merriam, of the University of 

California, for the purpose of ascertaining whether he had noted 

matrix of this character at Cherry Creek. It proved to be wholly 

unlike anything observed by him at this locality, thus in a measure 

confirming my suspicion of a possible mixture. I am uncertain where 

the doubtful specimens came from, but from the character of the 

matrix as well as from the species represented, it seems more than 

possible that they may have come from the Green River beds of 

Wyoming. As doubt was thus cast on all of the Cherry Creek 

material in the United States National Museum collection, I visited 

the locality myself in the summer of 1901, in company with Dr. 

Merriam, and made as full a collection as possible. This absolutely

a Ana. Nat. Vol. XXIII, 1889, p. 625. 6 Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XI, pp. 13-24, Pis. V-XIV.
14 FOSSIL FLORA OF THE JOHN DAY BASIN, OREGON. [BULL. 204.

confirmed the theory that Lesquereux had inadvertently confused at 

least two localities under the name of Cherry Creek. The typical 

matrix at Cherry Creek is a hard, yellowish-brown sandstone, which 

fractures very irregularly, making it difficult to obtain perfect impressions. Only the species known to have come from there, or preserved on matrix so similar as to leave no reasonable doubt that it 

is the same, are included in the following enumeration.

As already stated, Dr. Merriam obtained small collections of fossil 

plants during the field seasons of 1899 and 1900. These were submitted to me for determination, and a more or less tentative report was 

incorporated by Dr. Merriam in his report above mentioned on the 

geology of the John Day Basin.

During the field season of 19011 visited the John Day Basin under 

the guidance of Dr. Merriam and made collections of plants at Cherry 

Creek, Bridge Creek, and V,an Horn's or Belshaw's ranch and vicinity. 

At the close of the field season some weeks were spent in thoroughly 

going over the type collections of plants in the paleontological museum 

of the University of California. It was at this time that the fact was 

developed that a part of the Van Horn's ranch material had been 

included by Lesquereux in his Flora of the Auriferous Gravels of California. Inasmuch as these species were mainly the ones upon which 

rested the correlation between the beds in the John Day Basin and the 

Auriferous gravels, the detection of the error was of the utmost 

importance.

GEOLOGICAL FEATURES OF THE JOHN DAY BASIN. 

HISTORY OF GEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION IN THE REGION.

Considerable confusion and uncertainty have existed regarding 

geological events and their sequence within this area, due in large

measure to the fact that observations were either hastily made during 

brief reconnaissance trips through the region, or were confined to 

the vicinity of the richer fossil deposits. Even at the present time 

no detailed geological study of this region has been undertaken. By 

far the most important contribution to the subject that has thus far 

been made is that by Dr. John C. Merriam, in the paper already 

referred to. a Before passing to an exposition of his own views Dr. 

Merriam presents the following brief summary of previous work:

The first mention of the fossiliferous deposits in the John Day Basin which appears 

in the literature was made by Dr. Joseph Leidy. In October, 1870, Dr. Leidy presented before the Philadelphia Academy of Sciences 6 a short paper, in which he 

described "A collection of fossils recently received for examination through the 

Smithsonian Institution, from Rev. Thomas Condon, of Dalles City, Oregon." The

a A contribution to the geology of the John Day Basin: Univ. Cal., Bull. Dept. Geol., Vol. II, No.9, 

April, 1901, pp. 269-314. 

&Proc. Phila. Acad. Nat. Sci., Vol. XXII, 1870, pp. 111-112.
KNOWLTON.] PREVIOUS INVESTIGATIONS. 15

collection consisted of "remains of mammalia obtained by Mr. Condon from the 

valley of Bridge Creek" (and "Big Bottom of John Day"), "a tributary of John 

Day's River, Oregon." The collection included new forms of Paracolylops (Merycochccrus), Rhinoceros, and Anchitherium. New occurrences of Agriochcerus, Leptomeryx, Lophiodon (?), Elotherum, and a Dicotyles-like form were also noted. Most of 

the previously known species, as identified by Leidy, were forms belonging to the 

White River fauna, and he probably considered the John Day beds as of nearly the 

same age as the White River.

In 1873 Professor Marsh described « several new fossil mammals obtained by his 

exploring party in the John Day country in 1871. He referred two forms to the 

Miocene and one to the Pliocene, thus making the first statement regarding the age 

of the beds.

In his paper on the great lava flood of the West, Prof. Joseph Le Conte & makes 

the first mention of the structural relations of the John Day formations. His statement regarding the relation of the lava to the John Day beds is in part as follows: 

"The lava of this region is * * * underlaid by the remarkable fossiliferous 

Miocene lake deposit of the John Day Valley; erosion has cut through the lava cap 

into the soft strata beneath."

The earliest general discussion of John Day geology which appears in literature is 

the following statement published by Marsh c in 1875:

"The Blue Mountains formed the eastern and southern shores of this lake, but its 

other limits are difficult to ascertain, as this whole country has since been deeply 

buried by successive overflows of volcanic rock. It is only when the latter have 

been washed away that the lake deposits can be examined. The discovery and first 

explorations in this basin were made by Rev. Thomas Condon, the present State 

geologist of Oregon. The typical localities of this Miocene basin are along the John 

Day River, and this name may very properly be used to designate the lake basin. 

The strata in this basin are more or less inclined and of great thickness. One section 

near the John Day River, examined by the writer in 1871 and again in 1873, seems 

to indicate a thickness of not less than 5,000 feet. The upper beds alone of this 

series correspond to the deposits in the White River Basin. The lower portion also 

is clearly Miocene, as shown by its vertebrate fauna, which differs in many respects 

from that above. Beneath these strata are seen, at a few localities, the Eocene beds 

containing fossil plants mentioned above. They are more highly inclined than the 

Miocene beds, and some of them show that they have been subjected to heat. The 

inferior strata elsewhere are Mesozoic and apparently Cretaceous. Above the Miocene strata Pliocene beds are seen in a few places, but basalt covers nearly all."

In this account we find the name "John Day" first used for the principal fossil 

beds of the basin. The relation of this horizon to the great lava beds is also correctly stated, though it is not quite clear whether he considered the Pliocene as also 

covered by the basalt flows. The Pliocene referred to is pretty certainly the Mascall 

beds. It is known that Marsh camped near the typical exposure of this formation 

and did some collecting in it. To what Marsh referred in his statements concerning 

Eocene and Cretaceous it is not certain. He has, however, correctly described the 

stratigraphic sequence.

In 1880 Prof. E. D. Cope^ published the following statement concerning the geology of the John Day country:

"The regions of the John Day River and Blue Mountains furnish sections of the 

formations of central Oregon. Above the Loup Fork or Upper Miocene there is a 

lava outflow which has furnished the materials of a later lacustrine formation, 

which contains many vegetable remains. The material is coarse and somewhat 

gravelly and is found on the Columbia River, and I think also in the interior 

basin. Professor Condon, in his unpublished notes, calls this the Dalles group.

a Am. Jour. Sci., 3d ser., Vol. V,1873, p. 409. cAm. Jour. Sci., 3d ser., Vol. IX, 1875, p. 52. 

6 Am. Jour. Sci., 3d ser., Vol. VII, 1874, p. 167. dProc. Am. Philos. Soc., Vol. XIX, 1880, p. 61.
16 FOSSIL FLOEA OF THE JOHN DAY BASIN, OREGON. [BULL. 204.

It is in turn overlaid by the beds of the second great volcanic outflow. Below 

the Loup Fork follows the Truckee group, so rich in extinct mammalia, and below 

this a formation of shales. These are composed of fine material, and vary in color 

from a white to a pale brown and reddish-brown. They contain vegetable remains 

in excellent preservation, and indeterminable fishes. The Taxodium nearly resembles that from the shales at Osino, Nevada, and on various grounds I suspect that 

these beds form a part of the Amyzon group (American Naturalist, June, 1880), with 

the shales of Osino and of the South Park of Colorado. Below these is a system 

of fine-grained, sometimes shaly, rocks of delicate gray, buff, and greenish colors 

containing calamites,« which Professor Condon calls the Calamite beds. Their age 

is undetermined." ^

In spite of Cope's assumption that the plant and fish bearing beds mentioned by 

him were to be correlated with his Amyzon group, & Lesquereux « referred the collections from Van Horn's ranch to the late Miocene. In a later statement regarding 

the John Day stratigraphy,^ Cope speaks of the calarnite beds as doubt!ess belonging 

to to the Triassic or Jurassic. This horizon was determined by Lesquereux as Eocene.

Following is the geological section of the John Day region as worked 

out by Dr. Merriam:"

River terraces, with undisturbed Quaternary fossils.

Rattlesnake formation. Gravels, ash, tuff, and rhyolitic lava.

Mascall formation. Ashes, tuffs, and possibly gravels.

Columbia [River] lava. Basaltic flows.

John Day series. Ashes, tuffs, and rhyolitic flows. Sands and gravels near the

top. Lower, middle, and upper divisions.

Clarno formation. Ashes, tuffs, and amlesitic and rhyolitic lavas. 

Chico formation. Sandstones and conglomerates. 

Knoxville formation. Black shales. 

Pre-Cretaceous sedimentaries, serpentines. Granitic masses of unknown age.

PBE-CEETACEOUS EOCKS.

Although the oldest fossiliferous 'strata which have thus far been 

found in the John Day Basin north of the southern portion of the Blue 

Mountains belong to the Cretaceous, there are formations exposed at a 

number of points that present the appearance, according to Merriam,

of being much older. Thus, on the Middle Fork of the John Day, 

about 5 miles above Bitter, there are certain sedimentary rocks bordering an area of quartz-diorite which are much more indurated and 

deformed than any known Cretaceous within the basin.

At Spanish Gulch, 12 miles southwest of Dayville, the Chico Cretaceous is seen 

resting upon serpentine, which has the appearance of being intruded into it. At the 

head of the gulch the serpentine is separated from what was taken to be the Chico 

conglomerate by a zone of schist and quartzite. Not far from this locality there is 

associated with the serpentine a considerable thickness of quartzite with quartz 

veins, which have produced some gold. Limestones quite different from any seen 

in the Chico are also exposed here. From the same neighborhood the writer 

obtained a specimen of a granitic rock, said to form one wall of a tunnel.

Although no direct proof can be presented, it seems probable that some of the 

rocks associated with the serpentine at Spanish Gulch are older than the Cretaceous./

o This is apparently Equisetiun orcgoncnse Newberry, q. v.

!>Copc, Am. Nat. 1879, p.332, Late Eocene or Early Miocene, Nevada.

cProc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XI, 1888, p. 13.

a Mon. U. S. Geol. and Geogr. Sury. Terr., Vol. Ill, 1884, p. 16.

eMerriani, op. cit., p. 278

/Ibid, p. 280.
KNOWLTON.] GEOLOGICAL FEATURES. 17

At a point 6 miles south of Olarnos Ferry, near the junction of 

Muddy and Currant creeks, there are several hundred feet, of black 

slates. No fossils have been found in these slates, which seem older 

than the Knoxville shales.

KNOXVILLE AND CHICO BEDS.

No fossiliferous Kuoxville beds have been found within the basin, 

and the presence of this formation is based on purely lithological 

grounds. At Mitchell there is exposed a section, thought by Merriam 

to be hardly less than 3,000 or 4,000 feet in thickness, which is made up 

of sandstone, conglomerate, and shale. The lower portion of this section is composed mainly of shale which, from its resemblance to the 

Knoxville so usually developed in California and south-central Oregon, 

is assumed to be of this age.

The Chico is exposed at Mitchell and Spanish Gulch. Only a single

fossil has thus far been afforded by the Mitchell locality. Fossil 

invertebrates have, however, been obtained at two localities near 

Spanish Gulch. These were submitted to Dr. T. W. Stanton, who 

reports that they indicate a "horizon at or very near the base of the 

Chico formation."

CLARNO FORMATION.

The name Clarno formation has been given by Merriam to a series 

of beds some 400 feet in thickness which rests on the Chico or Knoxville, and which consists almost entirely of eruptive materials in the 

form of rhyolite and andesite flows and ash and tuff beds. It is found 

in typical exposures at Clarnos Feny, near the town of Fossil, on 

Cherry Creek, and near Burnt ranch.

Where the Clarno has been found in contact with the John Day there is no apparent angular unconformity of the strata. The difference in induration and weathering is, however, very noticeable. The sedimentary parts of the Clarno show a 

much greater degree of induration than the John Day beds immediately above, and 

tend at all localities to form steep bluffs, ornamented frequently with balanced rocks 

or grotesque figures.«

Thus far neither vertebrate nor invertebrate remains have been 

found in the Clarno, but at most of the localities where carefully 

exploited fossil plants have been found, often in abundance. The 

celebrated Bridge Creek locality falls within this formation, occurring 

at the base of the superimposed John Day beds. I visited this 

locality in 1901 and obtained a small collection. The plants occur 

abundantly in a reddish shale, which weathers whitish. The other 

plant localities in the Clarno will be listed later.

a Merriam, op. cit., p. 286.

Bull. 204 02 2
18 FOSSIL FLOEA OF THE JOHN DAY BASIN, OEEGON. [BULL. 204.

JOHN DAY SERIES.

Resting directly upon and apparently conformable with the Clarno 

formation is a thick series of regularly stratified sediments now 

widely known as the John Day beds. This series of beds is found 

quite generally throughout the basin, and represents what was called 

by Marsh the deposits of the John Day Lake. The beds are made 

up almost entirely of ashy or tufaceous materials, with occasionally, 

toward the top, some 100 or 200 feet of a harder, blocky tuff.

The erosion forms and coloration of the John Day strata are quite characteristic 

when compared with those of other formations in the basin. In general the beds are 

colored various shades of red, green, blue, or yellow. In some cases they are white 

or gray. As will be shown later, the coloration is an important character in distinguishing the subdivisions of the system. The beds are usually quite soft and disintegrate very rapidly, forming a layer of mud several inches thick over a large part 

of the exposed surface. A moderately heavy rain starts the1 mud almost in streams. a

The thickness of the John Day series north of the southern portion of 

the Blue Mountains is placed by Dr. Merriam between 1,500 and 2,000 

feet, while to the south, in the vicinity of Logan Butte, it is estimated 

to be between 3,000 and 4,000 feet.

The John Day series is divided by Dr. Merriam into a lower, middle, 

and upper division, The lower division, having an estimated thickness of 250 or 300 feet, consists of 

highly colored shale which breaks down readily, forming characteristic mud-covered 

domes. These beds are in the main a deep red, with occasional alternating strata of 

buff or white ash. At Bridge Creek alternating beds of red, white, and green, 

occurring in a group of typical hills of this division, form a striking feature of the 

landscape, the colored strata making sharply-defined rings about the hills. &

The middle division, having a thickness of from 500 to possibly 800 

or 1,000 feetconsists of drab to bluish-green beds, sometimes forming rounded hills, but more 

frequently exposed as steep, pinnacled, and ribbed bluffs. c

The uppermost beds, showing a thickness of 300 or 400 feet, or in 

some cases of somewhat more, are 

buff, tufaceous, or ashy deposits, sometimes with sand and gravels near the top. 

.... They are usually harder and are generally exposed as steeper bluffs than the 

strata of the lower divisions.^

The lower division of the John Day series is practically barren of 

fossils of all kinds, while the middle and upper divisions have furnished a very extensive fauna. The only plant remains, with possibly 

a single exception, are found in the upper division, and even here they 

consist of only four or five species. The locality is 3£ miles south of 

Lone Rock.

a Merriam, op. cit., p. 292. &Idem, p. 293. «Idem, p. 294. d Idem, p. 295.
GEOLOGICAL FEATURES. 19 

COLUMBIA RIVER LAVA.

So far as can now be made out the great Columbia River lava once 

covered practically the entire John Day country, with few, if any, 

points projecting above it. It consists of a large number of basalt flows 

which are sometimes separated by beds of tuff, and it is estimated by 

Dr. Merriam to be not less than 1,000 feet in thickness, and in many 

cases it seems to be still thicker. This lava sheet has been comparatively little disturbed, remaining practically flat over the entire region, 

being rarely inclined more than 5° or 10°.

MASCALL FORMATION.

At several points within the basin there is a series of sediments 

resting upon the Columbia River lava to which Dr. Merriam has given 

the name Mascall formation. This series, or portions of it, has been 

variously known in literature as the Cottonwood beds, Loup Fork 

beds, the Ticholepttis beds, the Amyzon beds in part, and finally the 

Protolabis beds. For one reason or another these various terms are 

inapplicable. Thus "Cottonwood" is preoccupied by its use for a 

Carboniferous formation in Kansas; its correlation with the Loap 

Fork, the Amyzon beds, and the Ticholeptus beds is open to doubt, 

leaving only Wortman's term, Protolabis beds, which, in Dr. Merriam's opinion, will cover only a portion of the section. The name Mascall formation was suggested by the occurrence of the typical section 

near the Mascall ranch, 4 miles below Dayville.

At Rattlesnake Creek, near Cottonwood, the Mascall is not less than 800 to 1,000 

feet thick. The beds are made up largely of ash and tuff, and are generally light 

colored, though there are some brownish and reddish strata. Coarse, detrital materials are generally absent from the typical section.«

The Mascall formation has afforded a large and varied fauna, consisting of mammals, testudinates, and fish, and a large and interesting 

flora. The Van Horn's or Belshaw's ranch locality is in this formation, occurring near the base of the section. The plants are preserved 

in a soft, white, fine-grained ash or tuff, which is often 10 feet in thickness, though usually less. This material is so light when dry that it 

readily floats for some time on water.

RATTLESNAKE FORMATION.

Dr. Merriam has given the name Rattlesnake formation to a series 

of coarse gravels, tuffs, and rhyolite flows that rest unconformably 

upon the Mascall formation. These beds are very slightly inclined, 

showing a dip of only about 5°.

aMerriarn, op. cit., p. 807.
20 FOSSIL FLORA OF THE JOHN DAY BASIN, OREGON. [BULL.204.

.... At one locality on Birch Creek, where a section of the Rattlesnake was carefully examined, it was found to comprise 30 to 40 feet of coarse basal gravels, above 

this about 25 feet of soft brown tuff, and capping this about 30 feet of rhyolite. At 

other localities more than 100 feet of gravel have been seen upon the rhyolite. The 

basal gravel beds show a thickness of 200 feet or more in other localities. They are 

frequently very coarse and contain many pebbles, evidently derived from the Columbia [River] lava.«

The Rattlesnake formation has therefore not yielded fossil plants, 

but contains a considerable vertebrate fauna.

RIVER TERRACES.

At many places along the John Day and its tributaries "one or 

more terraces are to be found not far above the existing floor of the 

valley." In several localities they have been found to contain undisturbed remains of ElepJias primigenius.

LOCALITIES FOR FOSSIL PLANTS IN THE JOHN DAY BASIN.

1. BRIDGE CREEK, about 6 miles southeast of Burnt ranch and 2i 

miles southwest of The Dalles military road at Alien's ranch. Collections at this place have been made by Condon, Voy, Bendire, Merriam, 

Osmont, and Knowlton.

2. ROAD CROSSING AT CHERRY CREEK, about 10 miles northwest of 

Burnt ranch. Collections made by Merriam's party in 1900 and by 

Knowlton and Merriam in 1901. The original localuVy which afforded 

the specimens studied by Lesquereux and Newberry is said to be 

about 2 miles up Cherry Creek from the point where the military road 

first crosses it.

3. CURRANT CREEK, CROOK COUNTY. Several species were described 

by Newberry from collections made b}^ Condon at this locality. 

Only one'of these species has been since obtained in this area and 

then not at the original place, but at Cherry Creek. The type locality is unknown.

4. ONE AND ONE-HALF MILES EAST OF CLARNOS FERRY. Collection

made by Merriam's party in 1900.

5. THREE MILES ABOVE CLARNOS FERRY. Collection made by 

Merriam's party in 1900.

6. ONE-HALF MILE NORTHEAST OF FOSSIL. Collection made b}^ 

Merriam's party in 1900.

7. THREE AND ONE-HALF MILES SOUTH OF LONE ROCK. Collection 

made by Merriam's party in 1900.

8. VAN HORN'S RANCH (now Belshaw's ranch), about halfway 

between Canyon and Dayville, on East Fork of John Day River. 

Original locality south side of military road and near bed of stream. 

Collections made by Condon, Voy, Bendire, Merriam, and Knowlton 

and Merriam.

aMerriain, op. cit., p. 310.
KNOWLTON.] DESCEIPTION OF SPECIES. 21

9. BELSIIAW'S RANCH, at white hill about one-half mile northeast of 

original locality and on north side of military road. Collections made 

probably by Bendire and by Knowlton and Merriam.

10. BELSHAW'S RANCH, in gulch 1 mile northeast of Belshaw's 

house and about 2 miles east of original locality. Collection made by 

Knowlton and Merriam.

11. OFFICER'S RANCH, one-fourth mile from John Day River, lower 

end of Butler Basin (Butler Basin = upper end of Turtle Cove). Collection made by Merriam, July 22, 1901.

12. FOUR MILES EAST OF DAYviLLE, south side of East Fork Valley. 

Collection made by Merriam's party in 1900.

SYSTEMATIC DESCRIPTION OF SPECIES.

Family SCHIZ^EACE^E.

LYGODIUM KAULFUSII Heer.

LYGODIUM: KAULFUSII Heer. Newberry, Later Extinct Floras, p. 1, PI. LXII, figs. 1-4,

1898. 

Lygodium neuropteroides Lesq., Tert. Fl., p. 61, PI. V, figs. 4-7; PI. VI, fig. 1, 1878;

Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XI, p. 24,

As it now seems pretty generally agreed that Lesquereux's Lygodium 

neuroptwoides is the same as L. Ka/vlfusii of Heer, all the Oregon 

material has been so referred.

The material from Cherry Creek.collected by Major Bendire embraces 

some forty more or less perfect examples/" The expedition of the 

University of California of 1900 obtained four examples of this species 

at Cherry Creek in a matrix corresponding to that first mentioned 

above, and a number of additional specimens were obtained by Dr. 

Merriam and myself at the same place in 1901.

Locality. Cherry Creek, Crook County, Oregon. Collected by 

Maj. Charles E. Bendire (U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 2505), by Merriam's 

party in 1900 .(Mus. Univ. Cal., Nos. 176, 177, 183, 224), and by 

Knowlton and Merriam in 1901 (U. S. Nat. Mus., Nos. 9059-9066).

Family POLYPODIACE^B. 

ASPLENIUM SUBSIMPLEX (Lesq.) Knowlton.

ASPLENIUM SUBSIMPLEX (Lesq.) Knowlton, Cat. Cret. and Tert. PI. N. A., p. 45,1898. 

Pirns subsimplex Lesq., Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XI, p. 24, 1888.

There are fragments of several fronds in the collection that should 

probably be referred to this species, yet they do not quite agree in all 

particulars. Thus the example secured b}^ Bendire (U. S. Nat. Mus.,

n As already pointed out (ante p. 13) the material in the United States National Museum under 

this number appears to consist of two very distinct lots. Only those known to have come from 

Cherry Creek are here referred to.
22 FOSSIL FLOEA OF THE JOHN DAY BASIN, OEEGON. [BULL. 204.

No. 2634) has the frond from 4.5 cm. to nearly 5 cm. in width, while 

a specimen obtained by the University of California (No. 170, counterpart 171) is only 2.5 crn. in width. These measurements are larger 

and smaller respectively than the usual examples of A. subsimplex 

from Colorado, and the nervation arises at a less angle in the Oregon 

specimen, but these differences are slight and probably not sufficient 

to exclude them from this species.

Locality. Cherry Creek, Crook County, Oregon. Collected by 

Maj. Charles E. Bendire (U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 2634), by Merriam's 

party in 1900 (Mus. Univ. Gal., Nos. 170, 174), and by Knowlton and 

Merriam, 1901 (U. S. Nat. Mus., Nos. 9068-9074).

PTERIS PSEUDO-PINN^EFORMIS? Lesq.

PTERIS PSEUDO-PINN/EFORMIS Lesq., Tert. FL, p. 52, PI. IV, figs. 3, 4, 1878. 

Pteris pinnssformis Heer. Newberry, Later Extinct Floras, p. 7, PI. XLVIII, fig. 5, 

1898.

This species appears to have been found but once. The specimen 

is now in the United States National Museum and is preserved in 

matrix which closely resembles that at Cherry Creek.

Locality. Currant Creek, Oregon. Collected by Rev. Thomas 

Condon (U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 8098).

LASTREA (GONIOPTERIS) FiscFIERI? Heer.

LASTREA (GONIOPTERIS) FiscnERi Heer, Fl. Tert. Helv., Vol. I, p. 34; PI. IX, figs.

3a-3e, 1855; Newberry, Later Extinct Floras, p. 10, PI. XLVIII, fig. 6, 1898. 

Lastrea Kniglitiana Newb., Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. V, p. 503, 1883.

The specimen upon which this determination was based is in the 

United States National Museum, and so far as known no others have 

since been obtained.

Locality. Currant Creek, Oregon. Collected by Rev. Thomas

Condon (U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 7097).

Family EQUISETACE^E. 

EQUISETUM OREGONENSE Newb.

EQUISETUM OREGONENSE Newb., Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. V, p. 503, 1883; Later

Extinct Floras, p. 14, PI. LXV, fig. 7, 1898. 

EquiselumHorniiLesq., Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XI, p. 23, 1888.

After a careful examination of the forty or more specimens of 

Lesquereux's E. Hornii I am convinced that they are the same as 

Newberry's E. ov-egonense. They are better preserved than Newberry's material, many of them not being compressed in the least. 

Two or three flat specimens have a width of fully 3 cm., and the noncompressed examples range from 1.25 cm. to over 1.5 cm. in diameter. 

Several of the diaphragms are preserved without distortion. The.y 

are from 1.25 to 2 cm. in diameter and evidently several millimeters
KNOWLTON.] DESCRIPTION OF SPECIES. 23

in thickness. The sheaths are sjiort and provided with short, obtuse 

dentations. The teeth are nearly obsolete. The number of striations, 

as nearly as can be made out, is between forty and fifty.

Localities. Currant Creek, Oregon. Collected by Rev. Thomas 

Condon (type of E. oregonense, which is in Mus. Columbia Univ., 

N. Y.). Cherry Creek, Crook County, Oregon. Collected by Maj. 

Charles E. Bendire (type of E. Hornii, U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 2464, 

41 specimens); by Merriam's party in 1900 (Mus. Univ. CaL, Nos. 184, 

185, 922), and by Knowlton and Merriam in 1901 (U. S. Nat. Mus., 

No. 9067). Also 3 miles above Clarnos Ferry. Collected by Merriani's expedition of 1900 (Mus. Univ. CaL, Nos. 184, 185, 910, 922).

EQUISETUM sp.

Pi. I, fig. l.

The collection contains a small fragment that appears to represent 

a short portion of the stem and a single sheath of an Equisetum. 

The stem is about 0.5 cm in diameter, while the sheath is about 8 mm. 

long and 4 mm. broad at the upper extremity. It is not well enough 

preserved to show the full character of the sheath, but as nearly as 

can be made out it was provided with about 16 ribs and presumably 

an equal number of sharp teeth.

Locality. Gulch 1 mile northeast of Belshaw's ranch, Grant County, 

Oregon. Collected by Knowlton and Merriam, July, 1901 (U. S. 

Nat. Mus., No. 8503).

Family GINKGOACE^.

GlNKGO Sp.

PL I, fig. 5.

The collection contains a fragment of what appears to be a leaf of 

Ginkgo, but it is too much broken to make out any of the ^esseutial 

characters. The most that can be said is that it must have been a large 

leaf as compared with the living species.

Locality. Mascall beds, Van Horn's ranch, about 12 miles west of 

Mount Vernon, Grant County, Oregon. Collected b}^ John C. Merriam, July, 1901 (U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 8536).

Family 

SEQUOIA HEERII Lesq.

SEQUOIA HEEIUI Lesq., Tert. Fl., p. 77, PI. VII, figs. 11-13, 1878; Newberry, Later 

Extinct Floras, p. 20, PL XLV1I, fig. 7, 1898.

In the Later Extinct Floras there is a fine figure of this species, but 

according to the note by the editor, Dr. Hollick, there was no clew to 

the locality whence the specimen came. The original is not now in
24 FOSSIL FLOEA OF THE JOHN 13AY BASIN, OKEGON. [BULL. 204.

the collection of the United States National Museum, so it is impossible to compare the matrix with that from Bridge Creek, but in the 

material from this locality obtained by Major Bendire there is a fine 

specimen that is absolutely the same as Lesquereux's type (U. S. Nat. 

Mus., No. 60) from Sage Creek, Montana. It is also identical with 

the figure given by Newberry, and as this species has never before 

been found outside of the type locality it is more than probable that 

Newberry's specimen was from Bridge Creek.

Locality. Bridge Creek, Grant County, Oregon. Collected by 

Maj. Charles E. Bendire (U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 9220).

SEQUOIA ANGUSTIFOLIA Lesq.

SEQUOIA ANGUSTIFOLIA Lesq., Cret. and Tert. Fl., p. 240, PI. L, fig. 5, 1883. 

Sequoia Nordenskioldii Heer. Lesquereux, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XI, p. 19,1888.

The Mascall beds at Van Horn's ranch contain a large number of 

specimens that are undoubtedly the same as Lesquereux's Sequoia 

angustifolia from Corral Hollow, San Joaquin County, California. 

Whether the California material is identical with the original material a from Elko, Nevada, I am not prepared to say, as the types are 

not at hand for comparison, but a large number of specimens obtained 

during the past season at Elko by Prof. George C. Lawson, of the 

University of California, are absolutely indistinguishable from the 

specimens as figured by Lesquereux. Such of this material as passed 

through Lesquereux's hands was referred by him to Gtyptostrobus 

Ungeri with the exception of a single undoubtedly similar example, 

which was placed under Sequoia Nordenskioldii as set forth in the 

above synonymy. This can not be properly referred to American 

specimens of Glyptostrobus Ungeri, although, as I have stated on 

several occasions, b the status of this form is at present unsatisfactory.

In seeking for affinities for these Oregon specimens I have compared

most of the figures of conifers given by Heer in his Flora Fossilis 

Arctica and other publications, and I am forced to the conclusion that 

there has been more or less confusion in dealing with these forms. 

Thus I am not able to distinguish what is called by Heer Gtyptostvobus 

europseus from the Baltic Miocene 6 from the Van Horn's ranch specimens, and what seems to be the same species or something very close 

to it is called Taxodiwn Tinqjorum Heerrf from the Miocene of Spitzbergen. The whole subject of the Tertiary conifers, especially of 

northern and arctic lands, is much in need of revision, and pending 

this the form under discussion may be referred to Lesquereux's Sequoia 

angustifolia as typified from Corral Hollow, California.

In the original description S. angustifolia is characterized as follows: "Leaves short, narrow, linear pointed, erect or slightly

aSee Tert. Fl., p. 77, PI. VII, figs. G-10, 1878. cMioc. Bait. Fl., PI. Ill, figs..8, 9.

b Of. Cat. Cret. and Tert. PI. N. A., p. 113. <*F1. Foss. Arc., Vol. II, Abth. 3, PI. IV, figs. 6, 29, etc.
KNOWLTON.] DESCRIPTION OF SPECIES. 25

appressed all around the branches, decurring at base." This in the 

Tertiary Flora is amended to read: "Branchlets short, slender; leaves 

at unequal distances, sometimes very close, two or three together, or 

very distant, often dimorphous, linear lanceolate, taper pointed, open 

or curved backward, decurrent; middle nerve indistinct." In the 

discussion in the latter book Lesquereux emphasizes the fact that the 

leaves are "decurreut but not narrowed at base."

All things considered this description agrees well with the specimens 

from Oregon, but the material from Elko, obtained during the summer of 1901 and presumably at or near the type locality, shows a slight 

narrowing of the leaves at the base and a tendency to be less acute at 

the apex.

Locality. Mascall beds, Van Horn's ranch and vicinity, about 12 

miles west of Mount Vernon, Grant County, Oregon. Collected by 

Maj. Charles E. Bendire (U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 2610), and by Knowlton 

and Merriam, July, 1901 (C. S. Nat. Mus., Nos. 9029-9033).

SEQUOIA LANGSDORFII (Brgt.) Heer.

SEQUOIA LANGSDORFII (Brgt.) Heer. Lesquereux, Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XI, p.

19, 1888. 

Taxodium distichum miocenum Heer. Newberry, Later Extinct Floras, p. 22, PI.

XLVII, fig. 6, 1898.

The collections contain a number of examples that undoubtedly 

belong to this species, although some of them do not agree in all particulars with certain of the published" figures. The branchlets are 

rather small, with small leaves, but the latter are distinctly decurrent, 

after the manner of /S. Lcmgsdorfii.

The Bridge Creek material, which passed through the hands of 

Newberry, was identified by him as Taxodwm distickum miocenwn^ 

but absolutely similar material was referred by Lesquereux to Sequoia 

Langsdorfii, and I believe correctly so.

This species, although not especially abundant at any locality in the 

John Day Basin, is widely distributed, as may be seen from the following list of localities:

Localities. Bridge Creek. Collected by Rev. Thomas Condon (U. S. 

Nat..Mus., No. 7086), by Maj. Charles E. Bendire (U. S. Nat. Mus., 

Nos. 9236, 9281, 9285, 9303, 9314, 9330, 9376), and by Knowlton and 

Merriam. One and one-half miles east of Clarnos Ferry. Collected by 

Merriam's expedition of 1900 (Mus. Univ. Cal., Nos. 896, 907, 914.) 

One and one-half miles northeast of Fossil. Collected by Merriam's 

expedition of 1900 (Mus. Univ. Cal., Nos. 925, 927, 929). Three and 

one-half miles south of Lone Rock. Collected by Merriam's expedition of 1900 (Mus. Univ. Cal., No. 1339). Mascall beds, Van Horn's 

ranch and vicinity. Collected by Major Bendire (U. S. Nat. Mus., 

No. 2607), and by Knowlton and Merriam, July, 1901 (U. S. Nat. 

Mus., Nos. 8958-8960).
26 FOSSIL FLORA OF THE JOHN DAY BASIN, OREGON. [BULL. 204.

SEQUOIA sp. (Cone).

PL I, fig..2.

The original collection contains a large cone that was referred by 

Lesquereux to Sequoia Langsdorfii, but it does not appear to agree in 

size with the cones usually assigned to that species. This cone is a 

little more than 2.5 cm. in length and nearly 2 cm. thick, and stands 

on a thick peduncle 7 mm. long and nearly 3 mm. thick. It has been 

much crushed, and the shape of the scales can not be made out with 

certainty. In general appearance, however, it seems to belong to 

Sequoia, but the species must remain uncertain.

Locality. Van Horn's ranch, about 12 miles west of Mount Vernon, 

Grant County, Oregon. Collected by Maj. Charles E. Bendire (U. S. 

Nat. Mus.,No. 8510).

THCITES sp.

PI. I, fig. 3.

Branchlets slender, alternate, leaves thickish, 4-ranked, imbricated, 

the lateral ones broad-deltoid, rather obtuse pointed, others apparently 

broader and more obtuse, obscurely carinate on the back.

The little fragment figured is all that has been thus far found jn the 

collections. The branchlets appear to be alternate and slender. As 

nearly as can be made out, the leaves are ^-ranked and very thick, with 

obtuse apices.

This form does not differ greatly from T. Ehrenswayrdi Heer,rt from 

the Miocene of Sachalin, and Spitzbergen.

This has slender, alternate branchlets and thick 4-ranked leaves. 

The}r are more strongly carinate on the back than ours, but otherwise 

there is no marked difference. As the branchlets from Oregon are so 

small and not very well preserved, I have hesitated to identify them 

with Heer's species, although they may all be the same.

Locality. Van Horn's ranch, 12 miles west of Mount Vernon, Grant 

County, Oregon. Collected by Merriarn's expedition of 1900 (Mus. 

Univ. Cal., No. 879).

GLYPTOSTROBUS UNGERI Heer.

GLYPTOSTROBUS UNGERI Heer. Lesquereux, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XI, p. 19,

1888. 

Sequoia Nordenskioldii Heer. Lesquereux, op. cit., p. 19.

The collection contains numerous specimens that are referred to this 

species. As I have pointed out on several occasions, there is more or 

less confusion regarding the proper fixing of the limits of this species. 

It is apparent that there is or has been a mixing of this with what has

a Fl. Foss. Arct., Vol. II, p. 36, PI. II, figs. 25, 26,1870; idem, Vol. V, Abth. 4, p. 23, PI. I, iigs. 12-14,1878.
KNOWLTON.I DESCRIPTION OF SPECIES. 27

been called Cf. europgeus, Sequoia Couttsise,, etc., but we have not a sufficient amount of authentic material to enable us to settle the question.

The single specimen with its counterpart (U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 2610), 

referred by Lesquereux to Sequoia Nordenskio'ldii, is undoubtedly the 

same as what is here called Grlyptostrobus Ungeri.

Locality. Van Horn's ranch, about 12 miles west of Mount Vernon, 

(rrant County, Oregon. Collected by Maj. Charles E. Bendire (U. S. 

Nat. Mus., Nos. 2480, 2610) and by Merriam's expedition of 1900 (Mus. 

Univ. Cal., Nos. 863, 872-882).

TAXODIUM DISTICHUM MIOCENUM Heer.

The collections embrace a dozen or more branchlets that I am constrained to refer to this form. They do not agree perfectly with certain figures of this species, but the differences are slight, and they had 

best be placed here. Unless material is very perfectly preserved it is 

difficult to determine the exact man'ner of the insertion of the leaves, 

and such is the case with these specimens.

Locality. Mascall beds, Van Horn's ranch, Oregon. Collected by 

Maj. Charles E. Bendire (U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 2614) and by Merriam's 

expedition of 1900 (Mus. Univ. Cal., No. 878a).

TAXODIUM, male aments of.

PI. I, figs. 4, 6.

In the material from the Mascall beds are two specimens, both of 

which are here figured, that appear to represent the male aments of 

Taxodium. They are long, slender, and clustered, with the aments 

on short lateral spurs. They are hardly to be distinguished from 

the aments of the living Taxodium distichum, and in all probability 

belonged to T. distichum miocenwri, which is not uncommon in these 

beds.

Locality. Mascall beds, Van Horn's ranch, Oregon. Larger 

specimen (fig. 4) collected by Merriam's expedition of 1900 (type in 

Mus. Univ. Cal,, No. 889). Other example (fig. 6) collected by 

Knowlton and Merriam, July, 1901 (U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 8551).

Family GRAMINE.E. 

PHEAGMITES <ENINGENSIS Al. Br.

PITRAGMITES CENiNGENsis Al. Br. Lesquereux, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XI, p.

19, 1888.

Locality. Van Horn's ranch, about 12 miles west of Mount Vernon, Grant County, Oregon. Collected by Maj. Charles E. Bendire 

(U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 2530).
28 FOSSIL FLOKA OF THE JOHTST DAY BASIN, OBEGON. [BULL. 204.

Family CYPERACEJ3. 

CYPERACITES sp.

PI. I, fig. 9. .

The collection contains a single specimen that appears to be the leaf 

of a large cyperaceous plant. It is about 1 cm. in width and has about 

10 ribs or stride through it, but there is hardty enough to afford any 

characters of importance, and it is included simply to show that this 

type of vegetation was present.

Locality. Mascall beds, Van Horn's ranch, 12 miles west of Mount 

Vernon, Grant Count}^ Oregon. Collected by Knowlton and Merriarn, July, 1901 (U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 8542). '

Family SMILACEJ3. 

SMILAX WAKDII Lesq.

SMILAX WARDII Lesq., Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XT, p. 19, PI. XIII, fig. 1, 1888.

The type specimen, with its counterpart, is all that has ever been 

obtained.

Locality. Van Horn's ranch, South Fork of John Day River, 12 

miles west of Mount Vernon, Oregon. Collected by Maj. Charles E. 

Bendire (U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 2613).

MONOCOTYLEDONOUS PLANT.

PI. I, figs. 7, 8.

Among the collections lately obtained by the University of 

California I found two examples of what are undoubtedly mouocotyledonous plants, the nature of which I am at present unable to 

satisfactorily describe. They are shown as well as possible in the 

accompanying figures.

The one shown in fig. 7 is about 6.5 cm. in length, as now preserved, 

and 1.5 cm. in width. It is bifurcate at apex into two nearly equal, 

acute lobes. It is provided with some 8 or 9 longitudinal ribs, 

separated by rather deep channels.

The other, shown in fig. 8, is rather elliptical-lanceolate in shape 

and is apparently acuminate at apex, but the extreme point and the 

base are not preserved. It is the same length as the other, but is a 

little wider, being 1.75 cm. It is likewise provided with 8 or 9 ribs, 

between which are numerous finer strise or veins. The basal end is 

truncated, as though it was a sheathing organ of some kind.

In general appearance these specimens, and especially the one last 

mentioned, are at least suggestive of what Lesquereux a has described

"Tert. Fl., p. 28, PI. I, figs. 10, 11, 1878.
KNOWLTON.] DESCRIPTION OF SPECIES. 29

as Podozamites oblongus, from the Dakota group of Kansas, but this is 

without the prominent ribs seen in our specimens. This resemblance 

can hardly be more than superficial, and we must await future material 

before the status of these specimens can be definitely settled.

Locality. Bridge Creek, Oregon. Collected by Merriam's party of 

1900 (types in Mus. Univ. Cal., Nos. 2500, 2501).

Family SALICACE^E.

POPULUS LINDGKENI Knowlton.

PI. II, fig. 1.

POPULUS LINDGRENI Knowlton, Eighteenth Ann. Kept. U. S. Geol. Surv., Pt. Ill, 

p. 725, PL C, fig. 3, 1898.

The collections from near Van Horn's ranch, made during the season 

of 1901 by Dr. Merriam and myself, contain a single very perfectly 

preserved leaf that must be referred to this species. It differs slightly 

from the type in being more nearly circular in shape, but in matter of 

size, marginal teeth, and nervation the two specimens are identical.

Locality. White hill one-half mile east of original Van Horn's 

ranch locality, Grant County, Oregon. Collected hy Knowlton and 

Merriam, July, 1901 (U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 8512). Type specimen 

from 2 miles southeast of Marsh post-office, Boise County, Idaho 

(U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 8292).

SALIX SCHIMPERI Lesq.

SALIX SCHIMPERI Lesq., Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XI, p. 21, PI. XIII, fig. 5, 1888.

Locality. Cherry Creek, Crook County, Oregon. Collected by 

Maj. Charles E. Beudire (U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 2595).

SALIX ENGELHARDTI Lesq.

SALIX ENGELHARDTI Lesq., Proc. U. S. Nat. Mas., Vol. XI, p. 17, PI. VIII, fig. 2,1888. 

Cassia phaseotites? Ung. Lesquereux, idem., p. 16.

It seems doubtf ul if this is correctly referred to Salix, but as no new 

material except a specimen to be mentioned below has come to light, 

it may be best to retain it as left by its author.

It was observed that the single example referred by Lesquereux to 

Gassiaphaseolites f Qng. bad a serrate margin, which would exclude it 

from this genus, and a further comparison convinces me that it is 

 another leaf of Salix Engelhardti. It is a small leaf, not quite so 

broad relatively in the upper part, but it has a base of the same shape, 

the same serrate margin, and the same nervation as this species, and 

is therefore referred to it. It becomes then the second known specimen of 8. Engelha/rdti.
30 FOSSIL FLOEA OF THE JOHN DAY BASIN, OKEGON. [BULL. 204.

Locality. Van Horn's ranch, South Fork of John Day River, about 

12 miles west of Mount Vernon, Grant County, Oregon. Collected 

by Maj. Charles E. Bendire (U. S. Nat. Mus., Nos. 2455, 2589.)

SALIX R^EANA? Heer.

SALIX KJJANA? Heer. Lesquereux, Proc. U. S, Nat. Mus., Vol. XI, p. 17, 1888.

It is extremely doubtful if this is correctly identified, as the specimen upon which it is based is very poor, but as no other example has 

been found it may remain as above. Little weight should be attached 

to it, however.

Locality. Van Horn's ranch, about 12 miles west of Mount Vernon, 

Grant County, Oregon. Collected }yy Maj. Charles E. Bendire (U. S. 

Nat. Mus., No. 2594).

SALIX VAKIANS Goppert.

SALIX VARIANS Goppert. Lesquereux, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XI, p. 17, 1888.

I regard this identification as more or less doubtful. It is smaller 

than the usual form of this species, although .similar in size and 

appearance to a leaf so determined by Heerffl from Alaska. It is the 

only example found.

Locality. Van Horn's ranch, about 12 miles west of Mount Vernon, 

Grant County, Oregon. Collected by Maj. Charles E. Bendire (0. S. 

Nat. Mus., No. 2596).

SALIX ANGUSTA Al. Br.

SALIX ANGUSTA Al. Br. Lesquereux, Cret. and Tert. FL, p. 247, PL LV, fig. 6, 1883.

These are two narrow leaves that agree closely with the smaller 

figures given by Lesquereux as above quoted. The locality is stated 

to be "Oldfield claim, Oregon," but I have been unable to further 

identify the place. The type specimen is preserved in the paleontological collection of the University of California (No. 1963), and the 

leaves under consideration appear to be the same as the leaves from 

this unknown locality in Oregon. It does not follow, however, that 

they should be regarded as identical with all leaves that have been 

referred to this species from other localities.

Locality. Van Horn's ranch, about 12 miles west of Mount Vernon, 

Grant County, Oregon. Collected bTr Merriam's expedition ot 1900 

(Mus. Univ. Cal., Nos. 85, 87.)

SALIX AMYGDAL^EFOLIA Lesq.

SALIX AMYGDJEFOLIA Lesq., Cret. and Tert. FL, p. 156, PL XXXI, figs. 1, 2, 1883., 

Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XI, p. 17, 1888.

Locality. Van Horn's ranch, about 12 miles west of Mount Vernon, 

Grant County, Oregon. Collected by Maj. Charles E. Bendire (U. S. 

Nat. Mus., No. 2587).

«F1. Foss. Alask., p. 27, PI. II, fig. 8, 1869.
KNOWLTON.] DESCRIPTION OF SPECIES. 31

SALIX PSEUDO-ARGENTEA H. Sp.

PI. II, figs. 2-4.

Sapindm angustifolius Lesq., Proc. U. S. Nat. Mils., "Vol. XI, p. 15, 1888.

Leaves of firm texture, lanceolate or narrowly ovate-lanceolate in 

shape, narrowed about equally to both base and apex; margin perfectly entire; petiole short, rather slender; midrib rather strong; 

secondaries numerous, some 12 or 15 pairs, at an acute angle, thin and 

nearly concealed in the substance of the leaf, camptodrome; finer 

nervation not preserved.

I refer a large number of specimens to this form, among them one 

that was identified by Lesquereux as /Sapindus angustifolius. They 

are mainly small, narrow leaves from 4 to 6 cm. in length and from 

1 to 1.5 cm. in width. The petiole is 5 mm. long, and, as stated 

above, slender for the size of the leaf. This form has a close resemblance to the living Saliw argentea.

Locality. Mascall beds, Van Horn's ranch, about 12 miles west of 

Mount Vernon, Grant County, Oregon. Collected by Knowlton arid 

Merriam, July, 1901 (U. S. Nat. Mas., Nos. 8527, 8528, 8529).

SALIX DAYANA n. sp.

PL II, figs. 9,10.

Leaves of firm texture, ovate-lanceolate or elliptical-lanceolate, 

truncate or slightly heart-shaped at base, acuminate at apex; margin 

perfectly entire; petiole very short, stout; midrib thick; secondaries, 

10 or 12 pairs, at an angle of about 40°, thin and obscure, camptodrome, arching and joining well inside the margin; finer nervation not 

retained.

I refer three examples to this form, two of which are here figured. 

The smaller is 4.5 cm. long and 1.5 cm. wide, the larger 5.5 cm. long 

and nearly 2 cm. wide. The petiole .is about 2 mm. long.

Locality Mascall beds, Van Horn's ranch, about 12 miles west of 

Mount Vernon, Grant County, Oregon. Collected by Knowlton and 

Merriam, July, 1901 (U. S. Nat. Mus., Nos. 8530, 8531).

SALIX PERPLEXA n. sp.

PI. II, figs. 5-8.

Leaves of firm texture, obovate-lanceolate to elliptical-lanceolate 

in shape, narrowed, often abruptly, to the petiole, rather obtuse at 

apex; margin entire; petiole short; midrib strong below, becoming 

very thin above; secondaries numerous, 12 or 15 pairs, alternate, at a 

low angle, parallel, effaced near the margin, but apparently camptodrome; finer nervation obscure, but apparently producing very fine 

areolse.
32 FOSSIL FLOEA OF THE JOHN DAY BASIN, OKEGON [BULL. 204.

This form is represented by a dozen or more examples, among 

which there is a considerable range in size. The smallest leaves 

are only 2.25 cm. in length and 13 mm. in width, while the larger 

are nearly 5 cm. in length and 1.75 cm. in width. The average size 

is about 3.5 cm. in length and 1.75 cm. in width. The petiole is 5 

or 6 mm. long.

This species is certainly similar in general appearance to certain 

forms of Saliw .Bebbiana, a species now widely distributed throughout 

the Rocky Mountain area.

Locality. Mascall beds, Van Horn's ranch and vicinity, about 12 

miles west of Mount Vernon, Grant County, Oregon. Collected by 

Knowlton and Merriam, July, 1901 (U. S. Nat. Mus., Nos. 8521, 8522, 

8523, 8524).

SALIX MIXTA n. sp.

PI. II, figs. 11, 12.

Leaves coriaceous in texture, ovate-lanceolate or ovate-elliptical in 

shape, slightly unequal-sided, subcordate or abruptly rounded at base; 

margin finety and evenly serrate; midrib thick; secondaries numerous, 

rather close, parallel, emerging at a low, almost right, angle, curving 

upward near the margin, strongly camptodrouie, or occasionally with a 

secondary passing to the margin; when carnptodrorne arching well 

inside the margin with fine nervilles passing to the teeth; nervilles 

numerous, mainly broken, at an oblique angle; finer nervation forming a very regular fine mesh.

This form is represented bj^about a dozen examples, many of which 

are quite perfect. The longest appear to have been about 8 cm. in 

length and the smallest about 4 cm. The width is about 2 cm. The 

petiole is not preserved in any case. The margin is uniformly serrate. 

The secondaries are numerous, emerging nearly at a right angle on 

one side of the leaf and an angle of 20° or 30° on the other, all passing in the upper portion to an angle of about 45°. They are mainly 

campl;odrome, but occasionally one passes direct! 3^ to the margin. 

These leaves undoubtedly belong to Salix and are so close to certain 

described forms that it is difficult to determine whether or not they 

should be regarded as new.

Locality. Mascall beds, Van Horn's ranch and vicinity, about 12 

miles west of Mount Vernon, Grant County, Oregon. Collected by 

Knowlton and Merriam, July, 1901 (U. S. Nat. Mus., Nos. 8525, 8526).

~~SALIX sp. ? Knowlton. 

PL III, fig. 1.

SALIX sp., Knowlton in Merriam, Univ. Cal., Bull. Dept. Geol., Vol. II, No. 9, 

p. 303. 1901.

A fragment that appears to belong to Salix. It is not sufficient to 

settle its identity.

Locality. Three and one-half miles south of Lone Rock. Collected 

by Merriam's expedition of 1900 (Mus. Univ. Cal., No. 1343).
KNOWLTON.] DESCRIPTION OF SPECIES. 33

Family MYRIOACEJ3, 

MYRICA OEEGONIANA n. sp.

PL III, fig. 4.

Leaf coriaceous, ovate-lanceolate, very unequal-sided at base, acuminate at apex; margin coarsely toothed, the teeth upward pointing, 

rather obtuse; petiole short, very strong; midrib strong, perfectly 

straight; secondaries, some 10 or 12 pairs, thin, arising at an angle of 

about 45°, straight, ending in the teeth; finer nervation obscure.

The very perfect example, figured, with its counterpart, is'all thus 

far detected of this form. It is rather broadly ovate-lanceolate in 

shape, cordate on one side at base and very oblique on the other side. 

The apex is acuminate. The length is 3.5 cm. exclusive of the petiole, 

which is 3 mm. long, and the width is 1.4 cm. The margin is very 

coarsely toothed.

This species is nearest to Myrica callicomsefolia Lesq., a found 

abundantly at Elko station, Nevada, and Florissant, Colorado. It 

differs, however, in being relatively much shorter and broader, and 

in having much larger teeth, which are obtuse rather than flat and 

acute. The petiole is also relatively shorter and thicker.

Locality. White hill, one-half mile east of original Van Horn's 

ranch locality. Collected by Knowlton and Merriam, July, 1901 

(U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 8532). 

MYRICA? PERSONATA n. sp.

PI. Ill, fig. 2.

MYKICA n. sp., Knowlton in Merriam, Univ. Cal., Bull. Dept. Geol., Vol. II, No. 9, 

p. 290, 1901.

Leaf membranaceous, narrowly lanceolate in shape, wedge-shaped 

at base and apparently acuminate at apex; margin coarsely and sharply 

serrate; midrib very thick, straight; secondaries numerous, about 16 

or 18 pairs, alternate, emerging at a low to nearly an angle of 45° in 

the upper portion of the blade, somewhat curving upward and ending 

in the teeth, occasionally forking before passing to the teeth; nervilles 

Strong, percurrent, at right angles to the secondaries; finer nervation 

producing rectangular areas.

The example figured unfortunately lacks portions of both base and 

apex, but it is the only fragment thus far obtained. It was apparently 

about 8 or 9 cm. long and is exactly 2 cm. wide. It appears wholly 

unlike anything previously described from this area.

Locality. One-half mile northeast of Fossil, Gilliam. County, 

Oregon. Collected by Merriam's party of 1900 (type No. 924 in Mus. 

Univ. Cal.).

aCret. and Tcrt. FL, p. 140, PI. XXVI, figs. 5-14,

Bull. 204 02 3
34 FOSSIL FLORA OF THE JOHN DAY BASIN, OEEGON. [BULL. 204.

Family JUGLANDACE^].

JUGLANS KUGOSA Lesq.

JUGLANS RUGOSA Lesq., Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XI, p. 22, 1888.

Represented by two fragments that are more or less obscure and 

doubtful. There is also a single fragment obtained by the expedition 

of the University of California of 1900.

Locality. Cherry Creek, Crook County, Oregon. Collected by 

Maj. Charles E. Bendire (U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 2489) and by Merriam's 

party of 1900 (Mus. Univ. Cal., No. 188).

JUGLANS ? BENDIREI n. sp. 

PI. ill, fig. 3.

Ilex? longifolia Heer. Lesquereux, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XI, p. 21, 1888.

Leaflet coriaceous in texture, lanceolate, apparently wedge-shaped at 

base and acuminate at apex; margin irregularly arid rather obscurely 

toothed; midrib very thick, straight; secondaries numerous, rather 

close, about 20 pairs, alternate, at an angle of about 45°, somewhat 

arching upward, camptodrome, arching near the margin and each 

joining the one next above by a thin branch, with their nervilles on 

the outside passing to the marginal teeth; nervilles numerous, percurrent, at right angles to the secondaries; finer nervation producing a 

close areolation.

This particular specimen, as noted above, was referred to Ilex longifolia Heer, a species from the Miocene of Piedmont, but a comparison with the figure given by Heer shows that it is undoubtedly 

different. Tne original seems to have been a much shorter leaf, and 

while the Oregon specimen resembles it in a general way, there are 

important differences. The teeth are different, the secondaries more 

numerous, and the finer nervation is of a totally different character.

The question of the proper generic reference of this leaf or leaflet 

is an open one. It is not greatly unlike things that have been variously referred to Ilex, Quercus, and Juglans, but on the whole seems 

to have closest relationship with the latter. It will, however, need 

more and better material to settle the matter definitely.

Locality. Cherry Creek, Crook County, Oregon. Collected by 

Maj. Charles E. Bendire (U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 8545, on same stone 

with 2424).

JUGLANS SGHIMPERI? Lesq.

JUGLANS SCHIMPEBI Lesq., Tert. Fl., p. 287, PI. LVI, figs. 5-10, 1878.

A single example that seems to be identical with this species, yet as 

the specimen is broken and is the only one, 1'have preferred to question it.

Locality. Bridge Creek, Grant County, Oregon. Collected by 

Merriam's expedition of 1900 (Mus. Univ. Cal., No. 196).
KNOWLTON.] DESCRIPTION OF SPECIES. . 35 

JUGLANS ACUMINATA? Al. Bl\

PI. Ill, fig. 5. 

JUGLANS ACUMINATA? Al. Br., Neues Jahrb., 1845, p. 170.

The Bendire collection contains a single example that was referred 

by Lesquereux to this species. It does resemble this, but may not be 

the same.

Locality. Bridge Creek, Grant County, Oregon. Collected by 

Maj. Charles E. Bendire (U. S. Nat. Mas., No. 3006).

JUGLANS CRYPTATA n. sp.

PI. VI, figs. 4, 5.

Leaflets membranaceous, broadly lanceolate, narrowed and unequalsided at base, apparantly acuminate at apex; margin denticulate 

throughout, the teeth short, rather blunt; midrib very thick; secondaries numerous, 15 or more pairs, thin, alternate, close below, more 

remote above, mostly camptodrome and sending fine branches from 

the outside to the .teeth; nervilles mainly percurrent and at right 

angles to the secondaries.

This form is represented by three leaflets, none of which is quite 

perfect. The largest, which is not figured, was probably about 14 cm. 

long and is 5 cm. wide at a point evidently some distance above the 

middle. The one next in size, shown in fig. 4, was 13.5 cm. long and 

is 3.5 cm. wide. The smallest one, shown in fig. 5, is about 10 cm. 

long and a- little more than 2.5 cm. in width. Neither base nor apex 

is preserved in any case.

This species appears to find its greatest affinity with Juglcms Crossii 

Knowlton, a from Green River, Wyoming, and other localities. The 

leaflets, however, are smaller, relatively narrower, less unequal-sided, 

and are toothed on both sides.

Locality. Bridge'Creek, Oregon. Collected by Merriam's expedition in 1900. Types in Mus. Univ. Gal., Nos. 2502, 2503.

JUGLANS, nut of.

This is clearly a nut of Juglans, but the specimen is not well enough 

preserved to permit of specific determination. Losquereux, through 

whose hands this specimen once passed, was inclined to identify it 

doubtfully with J. troglodytarum Heer, 6 but it seems best not to venture giving it a name at present.

Locality. Bridge Creek, Grant County, Oregon. Collected by 

Maj. Charles E. Bendire (U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 8492).

"Cat. Cret. and Tert. PI. N. A., p. 122, 1888.

b Fl. Tert. Helv., Vol. Ill, p. 92, PI. CXXVII, fig. 45, 1859.
36 FOSSIL FLOEA OF THE JOHN DAY BASIN, OREGON. [BULL. 204.

JUGLANS CRASS1FOLIA 11. Sp. 

PI. IV, % 3.

Juglans n. sp., Knowlton in Merriam, Univ. Cal., Bull. Dept. GeoL, Vol. II, No. 9, 

p. 303, 1901.

Leaflets thick in texture, lanceolate-acuminate in shape, rather 

abruptly narrowed at base; margin perfectly entire; midrib thick, 

rather strong; secondaries 9 to 12 pairs, strong, mainly alternate, at 

an angle of about 45°, much curving upward, caniptodrome, passing 

near the margin and often joining the one next above; finer nervation 

nearly or quite obsolete.

This species is represented by a large number of leaflets, all more 

or less broken, preserved in a tangled mass on two or three pieces of 

matrix. The length is from 9 to 11 cm. and the width about 2.5 cm., 

with occasionally one somewhat smaller.

The affinity of this species is undoubtedly with certain of the forms 

of J. Schimperi Lesq./4 of the Green River group, being of the same 

size and shape as the figures quoted above, but different in having a 

less number of secondaries and a distinct finer nervation. These 

species are closely related and a larger series might show them to be 

identical.

Locality. Three and one-half miles south of Lone Rock, Gilliam 

County, Oregon. Collected by Merriam's expedition of 1900 (Mus. 

Univ. Cal,, Nos. 1326-1331).

JUGLANS OREGONIANA Lesq.

JUGLANS OREGONIANA Lesq., Foss. PI. Aurif. Gravel, p. 35, PI. IX, fig. 10, 1878. 

Rhus Bcndlrei Lesq., Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XI, p. 15, 1888. (The small leaflet

described.) 

Juglans hesperia Knowlton, Eighteenth Ann. Kept. U. S. Geol. Survey, Pt. Ill, p. 723,

PL XCIX, fig. 8, 1898.

This species was described by Lesquereux in his Flora of the Auriferous Gravels. As to the locality whence the type specimen came he 

says: ""On soft laminated clay with AraliaWhitneyi, evidently of the 

same age as the Chalk Bluff's of California, without definite locality 

but Oregon." From these remarks it has been assumed that the specimen actually was from the Auriferous gravels, and that the label on it 

was wrong. Fortunately this type is preserved in the paleontological 

collection of the University of California (No. 1798), where I recently 

had opportunity of seeing it. It was at once seen that it was on the 

characteristic matrix of the Van Horn's ranch locality, and indeed the 

obscure labeling on the back of the specimen so indicates.

]n both the older and more recent collections from Van Horn's 

ranch and vicinity I find a number of specimens, which I refer with

«Tert. Fl., p. 287, PI. LVI, fig. C, 1878.
KNOWI.TON.] DESCRIPTION OF SPECIES. 37

little hesitation to Juglans oregoniana. Most of them are smaller than 

the type, being often only 7 cm. long and 2.5 cm. wide, although occasionally there is one that approaches it in size. In shape, marginal 

teeth, and nervation they are practically identical.

In 1.888 Lesquereux ft established his Rhus Eendirei on two specimens, one of which is figured and is to be taken as the type of the 

species. Regarding the other he says: "To these I refer a small 

oblong-lanceolate leaflet, rounded in narrowing rapidly to the point of 

attachment, very short petioled, with small teeth and areolation identical." This specimen (U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 2582) is identical with 

certain of the smaller leaflets of Juglans oregoniana, and is referred 

to it.

In my paper on the plants of the Payette formation of-.Idaho I 

ventured to describe, 6 under the name of Juglans hesperia, a fine, large 

leaflet. Attention was called at the time to the fact that it was very 

close to, if not identical with, Juglans oregoniana. Since that time I 

have again gone over the Payette material and have decided that the 

differences are not sufficient to warrant keeping them separate.

Locality. Van Horn's ranch, about 12 miles west of Mount 

Vernon, Grant County, Oregon. Type in Mus. Univ. Cal. collected 

by C. D. Voy. Obtained by Maj. Charles E. Bendire (U. S. Nat. Mus., 

No. 2582), Merriam's.expedition of 1900 (Mus. Univ. Cal., No. 891), 

and by Knowlton and Men-lam, July, 1901 (U. S. Nat. Mus., Nos. 9049, 

9050, 9054). One mile northeast of Belshaw's ranch. Collected by 

Knowlton and Merriam, July, 1901 (U. S. Nat. Mus., Nos. 9043-9048). 

Two miles southeast of Marsh post-office, Boise County, Idaho (U. S. 

Nat. Mus., No. 8290).

1 HlCORIA? OREGONIANA n. Sp. 

PL V, figs. 3, 4.

HICORIA n. sp., Knowlton in Merriain, Univ. Cal., Bull. Dept. Geol., Vol. II, No. 9, 

p. 289, 1901. '

Leaflets subcbriaceous in texture, ovate-lanceolate, obtusely wedgeshaped and slightly unequal-sided at base, acuminate at apex; margin 

finely serrate, the teeth short, sharp; midrib thin, straight; secondaries 

numerous, about fifteen pairs, alternate and at somewhat irregular distances, thin, arising at various angles (45°rfc) and considerably arching 

upward, craspedodrome, ending in the marginal teeth; nervilles numerous, thin, percurrent, about at right angles to the secondaries; finer 

nervation perfect, forming a fine, irregular network.

This is represented at present by two examples. One is 13 cm. long 

and 0 cm. wide, and the other is 12 cm. long and 5 cm. wide.

«Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus:, Vol. XT, p. 15, PI. IX, fig. 2.

''Eighteenth Ann. Kept. U. S. Geol. Survey, Pt. Ill, p. 723, PI. XCIX, fig. 8,1898.
38 FOSSIL FLORA OF THE JOHN DAY BASIN, OREGON. [BULL. 201.

Locality. Cherry Creek, Crook County, Oregon, collected by Merriam's expedition in 1900 (type in Mus. Univ. Cal., No. 172. Additional specimen, No. 190).

HICORIA sp ?

PI. V, fig. 2.

The single fragment figured is all that was found of this form. 

Lesquereux Avould call it Hicoria (Carya) elsenoides (Ung.) Knowlton, 

but it seems too small a fragment on which to base a specific determination.

Locality. Bridge Creek, Grant County, Oregon. Collected by 

Maj. Charles E. Bendire (U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 2978).

HICORIA ELJSNOIDES (Unger) Knowlton.

HICORIA ELSENOIDES (Unger) Knowlton, Cat. Cret. and Tert. PI. N. A., p. 117, 1.898 

Can/a elsenoides (Unger) Heer. Lesquereux, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XI, p. 18, 

'1888.

A single example that may be this species. It is oblong in shape, 

2.25 cm. in long, and 1.5 cm. in short, diameter.

Locality. Van Horn's ranch, about 12 miles west of Mount Vernon, Grant County, Oregon. Collected by Maj. Charles E. Bendire

(U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 2446).

Family BETULACE^E. 

CARPINUS BETULOIDES Unger.

CARPINUS BETULOIDES Unger.

Locality. Bridge Creek, Oregon. Collected by Maj. Charles E. 

Bendire (U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 8487).

CARPINUS GIUNDIS? Unger.

CARPINUS GRANDIS Unger. Lesquereux, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XI, p. 18, 1888. 

Carpinuspyramidalis (Gopp.) Heer. Lesquereux, idem, p. 18, 1888.

The collection contains two specimens that are referred as above by 

Lesquereux, but they are rather obscure, one being without margin, 

and I have hesitated to recognize these species. They agree fairly 

well with C. grandis and may stand under this species until further 

material can be obtained.

Locality. Mascall beds, Van Horn's ranch, Oregon. Collected by 

Maj. Charles E. Bendire (U. S. Nat. Mus., Nos. 2439, 2440).

CORYLUS MAcQuARRii (Forbes) Heer.

CORYLUS MACQUARRII (Forbes) Heer, Urwelt d. Schweitz, p. 321, 1865; Fl. Foss. 

Alask., PI. IV, figs. 1-8, 1869; Newberry, Later Extinct Floras, PI. XLVIII, 

fig. 4, 1898.

Among the large amount of material from Bridge Creek, I have seen 

but two imperfect examples that should be referred to this species.
KNOWLTON.] DESCRIPTION OF SPECIES. 39

One of these was figured by Newberr}7 in his Later Extinct Floras 

(PI. XLVIII, fig. 4) and the original is preserved in the United States 

National Museum (No. 7076), but no mention is made of the fact in 

the body of that work, although this information is given on the back 

of the specimen itself.

The other example was detected among the recent collections made 

by the University of California and is in its museum. Both of these 

specimens agree perfectly with the figures of this species given by 

Heer in his Flora Fossilis Alaskana (PI. IV). There can be no question of their identity.

Locality. Bridge Creek, Oregon. Collected by Rev. Thomas Condon (U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 7076) and by V. C. Osmont (Mus. Univ. Gal., 

No. 2504).

BETULA HETEROMORPHA n. sp.

PI. Ill, figs. 6, 7; PL V, fig. 1.

Populus polymorpha Newb., in part, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. V, p. 506, 1883; 

Later Extinct Floras, p. 50, PI. XLVI, fig, 3; PI. XLVII, figs. 4, 8; PI. XLIX, 

fig. 4, 1898 (not other figures).

Leaves of firm or subcoriaceous texture, ovate, elliptical, or very 

slightly elliptical-obovate in general outline, from very obtusely wedgeshaped to truncate or obscurely heart-shaped, and often unequalsided base, obtusely acuminate at apex; petiole usually strong, 

one-half or less the length of the blade; margin usually cbarsel}7 and 

unequally dentate or sometimes doubly dentate, the teeth mainly 

obtuse, occasionally acute; midrib rather thick, especially in the lower 

part of the blade; secondaries 7 to 9 pairs, usually strong, the two or 

three lower pairs close together and at a lower angle than the others; 

upper ones at an angle of about 45°, often spreading and slightly 

curved downward, all craspedodrome and ending in the large teeth, 

and often with several branches on the lower side which pass to 

smaller teeth; nervilles numerous and strong, both percurrent and 

broken, approximately at right angles to the secondaries; finer nervation producing an irregular areolation.

This form is the most abundant one in the collections and is represented by hundreds of examples. They are in general small leaves, 

ranging in length from 4.5 to 7 cm., and average length being about 

5 cm. In width they range from 2.5 to 5 cm., the average being perhaps a little more than 3 cm. Only occasionally is one noted that is a 

little smaller than the above dimensions (cf. Newberry, Later Extinct 

Floras, PI. XLIX, fig. 4). The variation in shape, margin, etc., is 

well shown in the figures quoted and in the examples here figured.

It is with much hesitation that I venture to found this species; not, 

indeed, from lack of sufficient material, but rather from embarrassment of riches. Lesquereux, through whose hands much of this 

material has passed, would separate them not only into many species
40 FOSSIL .FLORA OF THE JOHN DAY BASIN, OREGON. [BULL. 204.

but into several genera (Quercus, Alnus, Betula, Carpinus, etc.), while 

Newberry, judging from what he actually did, would combine them 

all under his Populuspolymorpha. I can not believe that they belong 

to Populus. The only living species with which it is reasonable to 

compare them is Populus alba, which has, it is true, very variable 

leaves, but they seem of a different type and generically unlike the 

ones under consideration. I have, therefore, broken up Newberry's 

Populus polyinorplia, placing certain of them under this form. If 

Newberry's elastic species was maintained it would be polymorphous 

enough to include them all, but I do not think it will adequately represent the facts to do so.

In regard to Lesquereux's point of view, it may be said that if 

extreme examples were selected it might seem logical to call them 

species, but when the whole are grouped together it is found absolutely 

impossible to draw any satisfactory line between them. Take, for 

example, the question of shape. The narrowest possible form may 

be unlike the broadest form, yet every step between them can be found. 

So, also, from the specimens with a wedge-shaped base to those with a 

a truncate base, and still farther to those with a markedly inequilateral base, there are gradual steps. In the matter of nervation, however, there are only comparati very slight differences, yet even here the 

variations are all connected.

The form most nearly related to this is B. li&terodonta Newb., from 

which it is sometimes almost impossible to separate it. In general, 

the latter species 'has much larger leaves, with coarser toothed margins 

and a more markedly inaequilateral base. Yet these differences come 

so near breaking down that it is sometimes difficult to say where a 

particular specimen shall go.

Locality. Bridge Creek, Oregon. Found abundantly in all collections (U. S. Nat. Mus., Nos. 8481, 8482).

BETULA HETERODONTA Newb.

BETULA :TIETERO;DONTA Newb., Proc. TJ. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. V., p. 508, 1883; Later 

Extinct Floras, p. 64, PI. XLVI, figs. 1-4; PI. XLV, figs. 1, 6, 1898.

As stated under the preceding species, it is almost impossible to distinguish certain of the forms of this species from that.

Locality. Bridge Creek, Oregon. Collected by Rev. Thomas Condon (U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 7071) and Maj. Charles E. Bendire (U. S. 

Nat. Mus., No. 8483).

BETULA BENDIREI n. sp.

PI. IV, fig. 2.

Leaf membranaceous in texture, nearly circular in outline, abruptly 

rounded below to a nearly truncate base, rounded similarly above to
KNOWI.TON.] DESCBIPTION OF SPECIES. 41

a very short obtusely acuminate apex; margin rather coarsely toothed, 

most of the teeth, but especially those on the lower half of the blade, 

with several smaller teeth; midrib rather thick, straight; secondaries 

about 9 pairs, opposite below, becoming subopposite above, the two 

lower pairs emerging at an angle of about 20°, others about 45°, all 

craspedodrome and ending in the large teeth, often with one or two 

branches on the lower side, which pass to smaller teeth; nervilles thin, 

mainly percurrent and oblique to the secondaries; finer nervation producing a minute network.

I have ventured -to describe this species on the single example 

figured. It is a little more than 4.5 cm. in length and is 4 cm. in width. 

As may be seen, it is a very perfect and symmetrical leaf, nearly circular in outline, with rather coarsely, doubly dentate margins.

Among living forms this is perhaps closest to Betula occidentalis 

Hooker, which is now found in the same general region. It has the

same shape and nervation, but differs slightly in the marginal dentation. It is also quite .similar, except as regards the margin, to certain 

forms of E. papyri/era Marshall.

Among fossil forms it has a number of evident affinities. From 

B. keteromorpha it differs in being nearly circular in shape, with an 

equal base and regularly spaced secondaries.

Locality. Bridge Creek, Oregon. Collected b}r Maj. Charles E. 

Bendire (U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 8485).

BETULA ANGUSTIFOLIA Newb.

BETULA ANGUSTIFOLIA Newb., Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. V, p. 508; Later Extinct 

Floras, p. 63, PL XLVI, fig. 5; PL XLVII, fig. 5, 1898.

A large number of leaves of this species are present in every collection from this locality.

Locality. Bridge Creek, Oregon. Collected by Rev. Thomas Condon (Types, U. S. Nat. Mus., Nos. 7074, 7075).

BETULA? DAY ANA, n. sp. 

PL IV, fig. 4.

Leaf small, membranaceous, ovate-cordate, obtuse at apex; margin 

very coarsely toothed; midrib thin; secondaries thin and obscure, 

about four pairs, alternate, ending in the larger teeth; finer nervation 

producing a very fine network.

A single leaf only. The length is 2 cm. and the width 1.5 cm.

Locality. Mascall beds, Van Horn's ranch, Oregon, about 12 miles 

west of Mount Vernon, Grant County, Oregon. Collected by Knowlton and Merriam, July, 1901 (U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 8535).
42 FOSSIL FLORA OF THE JOHN DAY BASIN, OREGON. [BULL. 204.

ALNUS CARPINOIDES Lesq.

ALNUS CARPINOIDES Lesq., Cret. and Tert. Fl., p. 243, PI. L, fig. 11; PI. LI, figs. 4, 4", 

5, 1883.

All collections from Bridge Creek contain a large number of leaves 

of this species, which has been well described and figured by Lesquereux.

Locality. Bridge Creek (types in Mus. Univ. Cal., No. 1759, figs. 

4, 4a ; 1764, fig. 5). One and one-half miles east of Clarnos Ferry. 

Collected by Merriam's expedition of 1900 (Mus. Univ. Cal., Nos. 931.) 

One-half mile northeast of Fossil. Collected by Merriam's expedition 

of 1900 (Mus. Univ. Cal., Nos. 923, 928).

ALNUS SERRULATA FossiLis Newb.

ALNUS SERRULATA FOSSILIS Newb., Later Extinct Floras, p. 66, PL XLVI, fig. 6,1898.

The example figured by Newberry as the type is the only one that 

has thus far been found, with the exception of a single somewhat doubtful example obtained by the University of California.

Locality. Bridge Creek, Grant County, Oregon. Collected by 

Rev. Thomas Condon (U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 7091).

ALNUS MACRODONTA, 11. sp. 

PL IV, fig. 1.

Leaf of firm texture, ovate-cordate in shape, abruptly rounded below to a heart-shaped base and narrowed above to an apparently 

obtusely acuminate apex; margin coarsely and irregularly dentate, 

the teeth all obtuse; midrib thick, especially in the lower half of the 

blade; secondaries about 9 pairs, the two lower pairs sub-opposite and 

at a right angle, other secondaries at varying angles and distances, 

all more or less curving upward, craspedodrome and often with several 

branches in the lower side, which pass to marginal teeth; nervilles

numerous and prominent, usually percurrent and rather oblique to the 

secondaries; finer nervation producing a copious, irregularly quadrangular network.

This species is based on the single example figured. It lacks, as 

may be seen, a considerable portion of one side and all of the apex. 

It is broadly ovate, with abruptly truncate, heart-shaped base and 

coarsely dentate margin. The length was about 7 cm. and the width 

about 5.5 cm.

Locality. Bridge Creek, Oregon. Collected bty Maj. Charles E. 

Bendire (U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 8551).

ALNUS sp?, fruit of, Newb.

ALNUS sp?, fruit of, Newb., Later Extinct Floras, p. 67,' PL XLVI, fig. 7,1898.. 

Locality. Bridge Creek, Grant County, Oregon. Collected by 

Rev. Thomas Condon (U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 7093).
KNOWLTON.] DESCRIPTION OF SPECIES. 43

ALNUS KEFERSTEINII? (Gopp.) Unger.

AI;NUS KEFKKSTEINH (Gopp.) Unger. Lesquereux, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XI, 

p. 18, 1888.

A single example having no portion of the margin preserved. It is 

referred with hesitation to this species.

Locality. Van Horn's ranch, about 12 miles west of Mount Vernon, 

Grant County, Oregon. Collected by Maj. Charles E. Bendire (U. S. 

Nat. Mus., No. 2419).

Family FAGACE2E.

FAGUS? sp.

FAGUS CASTANEJEFOTJA'linger. Lesquereux, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XI, p. 18,1888.

This determination was based on a single fragment of the lower portion of a leaf. It is doubtful even whether it belongs to Fagus, and 

can have no value in fixing the age of or affording a stratigraphic 

mark for these beds.

Locality. Van Horn's ranch, about 12 miles west of Mount Vernon, 

Grant County, Oregon. Collected by Maj. Charles E. Bendire (U. S. 

Nat. Mus., No. 2466).

QUERCUS FURCINERVIS AMERICANA Knowlton.

QUERCUS FURCINERVIS AMERICANA Knowlton, Cat. Cret. and Tert. PI. N. A., p. 192,

1898. 

Quercus furcinervis (Rossm.) TJng. Lesquereux, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XI,

p. 22, 1888.

This is not the European form, and is best indicated by the varietal 

name given above. This determination is based solely on a part 

of the middle portion of a single leaf, which is veiy similar indeed 

to Castanea pulchella Knowlton" from Lower Miocene beds in the 

Yellowstone National Park.

Locality. Cherry Creek, Crook County, Oregon. Collected by 

Maj. Charles E. Bendire (U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 2554).

QUERCUS? sp.

PI. VIII, fig. 4.

Leaf very thick, narrowly obovate, obtusely wedge-shaped at base 

(apex destroyed); margin entire below, probably toothed above; 

midrib very thick, especially below, secondaries also strong, 6 or 7 

pairs, alternate at an angle of about 45°, a pair near the middle of the 

blade largest, with strong outside branches, probably ending in lobes 

or teeth; nervilles very strong and deeply impressed, both broken and 

percurrent; finer venation producing large areas.

« Mon U. S. Geol. Survey, Vol. XXXII, Ft. II, p. 702, Pi. LXXXVII, tig. 1.
44 FOSSIL FLOEA OF THE JOHN DAY BASIN, OREGON. [BUI-L. 204.

A single broken specimen is all that I now refer to this form. It 

was clearly a large thick leaf, with prominent deeply impressed nervation. It is entire in the lower portion, but from the size and 

disposition of the secondaries in the middle of the blade it was apparently lobed or toothed above. Its length was about 12 cm. and the 

width about 6.5 cm. It is doubtfully referred to Quercus.

Locality. Cherry Creek, Crook County, Oregon. Collected by 

Knowlton and Merriam, July, 1901 (U. 8. Nat. Mus., No. 8555).

* QUERCUS PAUCIDENTATA Newb.

QUERCUS PAUCIDENTATA Newb., Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. V, p. 505, 1883; Later 

Extinct Floras, p. 76, PI. XLIII, fig. 1, 1898.

It is with some misgiving that this species is permitted to stand. It 

is based, as Newberry says, on a single example, the only one ever 

found. It is in all probability a large leaf of Q. affinis, but rather 

than complicate matters by combining forms without sufficient material 

I have preferred to keep it distinct.

Locality. Bridge Creek, Grant County, Oregon. Collected by Rev. 

Thomas Condon (U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 7059).

QUERCUS DRYMEJA Unger.

QUERCUS DRYMEJA Unger. Lesquereux, Cret. and Tert. Fl., p. 245. PI. LIV, fig. 4, 

1883.

Lesquereux has figured a single leaf of this form, and the Bendire 

collection contains another example. Neither of these is perfectly 

preserved, but they seem to differ from other allied forms. It may 

be, however, that the}^ are veiy large leaves of Q. consimilis Newb.

Locality. Bridge Creek, Grant County, Oregon. Collected by 

Maj. Charles E. Bendire (U. S. Nat. Mus., Nos. 9231, 9328).

QUERCUS SIMPLEX Newb.

QUERCUS SIMPLEX Newb., Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. V., p. 505, 1883; Later Extinct 

Floras, p. 78, PI. XLIII, fig. 6,. 1898.

As stated by Newberry the collections from Bridge Creek always 

contain a large number of leaves of this species. They are of the same 

size and shape as leaves of Q. consimilis, and only differ in being 

entire margined, and Newberry questioned as to whether they might 

not be only a varietal form of that species. As none of the specimens 

that have passed under my observation show any such gradation, it 

may be taken as established that they are distinct.

Locality. Bridge Creek, Grant County, Oregon, collected by Rev. 

Thomas Condon (U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 7058a) and Maj. Charles E. 

Bendire (U. 8. Nat. Mus., Nos. 9219, 9227, 9238, 9249, 9252, 9264, 

9283, 9289, 9295, 9300, 9302, 9312, 9316, 9332, 9336, 9369, 9380, 9383). 

Officer's ranch, lower end of Butler Basin. Collected by Dr. John 

C. Merriam, July 22, 1901 (U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 9210).
KNOWLTON.] DESCRIPTION OF SPECIES. -15

QUEKCUS AFFINIS (Newb.) n. comb.

Fraxinus affinis Newb., Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. V, p. 510, 1883; Later Extinct

Floras, p. 127, Vol. XLIX, fig. 5, 1898 (1899). 

Quercus furcinervis Rossm. Lesquereux, Cret. and Tert. FL, p. 244, PI. LILT, figs. 10-

12, 1883. 

Quercus Breweri Lesq., idem, p. 246, PI. LIV, fig. 9 (not other figures described as

Q. .Breweri) 1883.

This species came first into the hands of Dr. Newberry and was called 

by him Fraxinus affinis. He appears to have noticed only a single 

example, namely, the one made the type, yet there is a larger leaf on 

the same piece of matrix. A little later a number of similar leaves 

from the same locality were studied by Lesquereux and by him identified with Quercus furcinervis of Rossmassler, and his own Q. Breweri 

(See synonymy above).

As Newberry well states, there is a strong resemblance between his 

leaf and the living Fraxinus americana, yet in placing it by the side 

of the figures given by Lesquereux there can be no doubt that only 

one species is represented, and moreover that this is much more like 

Quercus than Fraxinus. This view is further strengthened by the 

finding of additional leaves in later collections. It is therefore clear 

to my mind that thejr are oak leaves, and I have placed them under 

Quercus.

It now remains to explain the selection of the specific name for these 

leaves, dewberry's Fraxinus affinis was published March 21, 1883, 

whereas Lesquereux's volume, as pointed out on page 12, could not 

have been issued until late in 1883 or more probably not until sometime in 1884. Newberry, therefore, clearly has priority. Now, if 

either of Lesquereux's references of these leaves to species of Quercus 

was valid, it would simply be necessary to transfer Fraxinus affinis 

to the one selected, but in my opinion they are not. I do not think 

that the leaves referred to Quercus furcinervis a are the same as Rossmassler's species, and, obviously, the leaf called Quercus Breweri^ is 

not the same as the others with which it is associated, and is identical with the one on the preceding plate. On these grounds I have 

retained Newberry's specific name because it is the oldest, and I have 

placed them under Quercus because I consider them to be oak leaves.

Locality. Bridge Creek, Grant County, Oregon. Collected by 

Rev. Thomas Condon (U. S. Nat. Mus. No. 7125). Type of fig. 9, 

op. cit., is in Mus. Univ. Cal., No. 1774.

QUERCUS CONSIMILIS Newb.

QUERCUS CONSIMILIS Newb., Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. V, p. 505, 1883; Later Extinct 

Floras, p. 71, PI. XLIII, figs. 2-5, 7-10, 1898.

This species is very abundant in the collections from Bridge Creek, 

and is well characterized and figured by Newberry. It is closely allied

 n Lesquereux, Cret, and Tert. Fl., PI. LI1I, tigs. 10-12. 

Mdern, PI. LIV, fig. 9.
46 FOSSIL FLOKA OF THE JOHN DAY BASIN, OEEGON. [BULL. 204.

to Q. Br&w&ri Lesq., but can be readily distinguished by being shorter 

and relatively much broader.

A single broken leaf was found by Merriam at Officer's ranch, in 

the lower end of Butler Basin.

Locality. Bridge Creek, Grant County, Oregon. Collected by 

Rev. Thomas Condon (U. S. Nat. Mus., Nos. 7048, 7050, 7057, 7063, 

7070) and Maj. Charles E. Bendire (U. S. Nat. Mus., Nos. 9230, 9235, 

9239, 9247, 9251, 9259, 9261, 9271, 9276, 9280, 9282, 9287, 9305, 9311, 

9321, 9329, 9333, 9337, 9342, 9344, 9347, 9351, 9362). Officer's ranch, 

lower end of Butler Basin. Collected by Merriam, July 22, 1901 

(U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 9209).

QUERCUS BREWERI Lesq.

QUERCUS BREWERI "Lesq., Cret. and Tert. Fl., p. 246, PI. LIV, figs. 5-8 (non fig. 9), 

1883.

Some years ago, when preparing the manuscript for my Catalogue 

of the Cretaceous and Tertiary Plants of North America, I was led 

from a casual examination of the figures to refer this species to .Q. consimilis Newb. and Q. pcvucidentata Newb. Since that time I have 

found the long narrow leaves of Q. Breweri in the vicinity of Ashland, 

Oregon, and I have also gone carefully over the abundant material 

from Bridge Creek, which contains a number of finely preserved leaves, 

and I am now inclined to regard them as distinct from Q. consimilis. 

They are undoubtedly close to this species, yet differ in being much 

longer and narrower. The}^ can be readily distinguished. I have seen 

and examined the types of this species in the University of California, 

and I am the more convinced that it is distinct.

Locality. Bridge Creek, Grant County, Oregon. Collected by 

Rev. Thomas Condon (U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 9345), by Maj. Charles E. 

Bendire (U. S.Nat. Mus., Nos. 9218, 9224, 9277, 9294, 9322, 9331, 

9345, 9352), and by F. H. Knowlton. Types in Mus. Univ. Cal., Nos. 

1761, 1762, 1763.

QUERCUS PSEUDO-ALNUS Ettingshausen.

QUERCUS PSEUDO-ALNUS Ettingshausen. Lesquereux, Cret". and Tert. FL, p. 244, PI.

LIII, figs. 1-7, 1883. 

Populus polymorpha Newb., in -part. Later Extinct Floras, p. 50, PI. XLIX, fig. 7,

1898.

Under the above name Lesquereux has figured a number of leaves 

from Bridge Creek. They differ considerably among themselves, yet 

may well belong to a single polymorphous species. Nearly all the 

forms are abundant in any collection from this locality.

The leaf figured by Newberry as PopuluspolymorjrfiaQoc,. cit., fig. 4) 

is certainly the same as fig. 6 of PI. LIII in the Cretaceous and Tertiary Flora, and I havfe placed-it under this species as determined by 

Lesquereux. It is one of the most abundant forms in all collections.
KNOWLTON.] DESCRIPTION OF SPECIES. 47

Locality. Bridge Creek, Oregon. Collected by Rev. Thomas Condon (U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 7051) and Maj. Charles E. Bendire (U. S. 

Nat. Mus., Nos. 9229, 9250, 9253, 9266, 9274, 9292, 9307, 9309, 9317, 

9319, 9326, 9334, 9343, 9355, 9358, 9365, 9368, 9372, 9374). Types of 

original American figured specimens in Mus. Univ. Cal., fig. 1, No. 

1767; fig. 2, No. 1768; fig. 3, No. 1769; fig. 4, No. 1770; fig. 5, No. 

1771; fig. 6, No. 1772; fig. 7, No. 1773. Officer's ranch, lower end 

of Butler Basin. Collected by Dr. John C. Merriam, July 22, 1901 

(U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 9204).

QUEKCUS OREGON!ANA, n. Sp.

PI. VI, figs. 2, 3; PI. VII, fig. 1.

QUERCUS, n. sp., Knowlton in Merriam, Univ. Cal., Bull. Dept. Geol., Vol. II, No. 9,

p. 288, 1901. 

Populus polymorpha-New})., in part. Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. V, p. 506; Later

Extinct Floras, p. 50, PL XLVI, fig. 4 (not the other figures of P. polymorpha).

Leaf membranaceous in texture, elliptical-ovate or slightly ellipticalobovate in shape, rather abruptly rounded at base, obtusely acuminate 

at apex; margin coarsely and irregularly toothed, the teeth rounded 

or somewhat acute (petiole not preserved); midrib rather slender, perfectly straight; secondaries 8 or 9 pairs, alternate, arising at an angle 

of 45° or 50°, nearly straight, ending in the larger marginal teeth, 

often with one or two branches on the lower side, which also pass to 

the marginal teeth; .the secondaries in the lower part of the blade 

closer than those above and at a less angle; nervilles numerous, percurrent or broken, approximately at right angles to the secondaries; 

finer nervation producing a close, irregularly quadrangular network.

This species is based on two examples, one of which (PL VI, fig. 2) 

is the original of one of Newberry's types of Populus polymorpha, 

and the other (PL VII, fig. 1) a smaller specimen that was identified by 

Lesquereux as Carpinus betuloides Unger. The leaves are about 6 cm. 

in length and 4 cm. in width. The first-mentioned example is nearly 

perfect, lacking only the petiole, while the other lacks all of the basal 

portion. The drawing given in Newberry's Later Extinct Floras is 

not quite correct as regards the form, the teeth being uniformly 

rounded, and the nervation is only partially shown. The other example has never before been figured.

I am moved to take this leaf from Newberry's polymorphic aggregation for two reasons: First, because it differs from the other forms 

included under P. polymorpha,' and, second, because I can not believe 

that it belongs with the genus Populus. It has much more the appearance and general facies of a Quercus, and for these reasons has been 

removed.

Locality. Bridge Creek, Oregon. Collected by Rev. Thomas Condon (U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 7049) and Maj. Charles E. Bendire (U. S. 

Nat. Mus., No. 8484).
48 FOSSIL FLOEA OF THE JOHN DAY BASIN, OEEGON. [BULL. 204.

Q.UERCUS PSEUDO-LYKATA Lesq.

QUERCUS. PSEUDO-LYRATA Lesq., Foss. PI. Aurif. Gravel, p. 8, PL II, figs. 1, 2, 1878;

Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus. Vol. XI, p. 17, PI. X, fig. 1, 1888; Knowlton, Univ. Cal.,

Bull. Dept. Gepl., Vol. II, No. 9, p. 308, 1901. 

Quercus pseudo-lyrata acutilobaLesq., Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XI, p. 17, PI. XI,

fig. 1, 1878.

Quercus pseudo-lyrata brevifolia Lesq., idem, p. 18, PI. X, fig. 2. 

Quercus pseudo-lyrata latifolia Lesq., idem, p. 18, PI. XII, fig. 1. 

Quercus pseudo-lyrata obtusiloba Lesq., idem, p. 18, PI. X, fig. 3.

This species was originally described and figured by Lesquereux in 

his Fossil Plants of the Auriferous Gravel (p. 8, PI. II, figs. 1, 2). 

After the description he has the following to say regarding the locality:

The locality is unknown, or at least not marked in the catalogue of the labels. The 

matrix of the specimens is a white, soft clay like .that of the Chalk Bluffs of Nevada 

County, California, and no other species is preserved upon them except a fragment 

of a leaf apparently referable to Castanea intermedia Lesq. These specimens are evidently from the same formation and age as those of the Chalk Bluffs.

Both of the type specimens on which Lesquereux based his description and the above statement are preserved in the Pal eon tological Collection of the University of California (Nos. 1796 and 1796a), where I 

recently had the opportunity of examining them. A glance at the 

matrix was sufficient to show that they came from Van Horn's ranch, 

John Day Valley, Oregon. They form a part of the original Voy 

collection, made about thirty years ago, which fact is recorded on the 

back of each speciman. The matrix, mistaken by Lesquereux for a 

white, soft clay, is made up of very fine spicules of glass of volcanic 

origin, and is unmistakably that of the Van Horn's ranch locality. 

From this it appears that Quercus pseudo-lyrata was not originally, and, 

so far as now known, has never been found in California, or indeed 

outside of the John Day Basin. These facts are of great importance, 

sin.Ce this characteristic species was relied upon to establish the correlation between the Auriferous gravels and the Van Horn's ranch 

deposits.

I have before me all of the type and duplicate material, belonging 

to the United States National Museum, on which Lesquereux based 

the above enumerated varieties of this species, as well as the material 

obtained by Dr. John C. Merriam in 1900 for the University of California, and by nryself in 1901. This comprises fully one hundred 

more or less perfect examples. There are, it is true, slight differences 

between the various forms, but 1 am now quite convinced that they 

are only individual variations, such as may be noted in the leaves of 

many species of living oaks. I have placed all these leaves in a single 

series and have found it quite impossible to draw any satisfactory line 

between them. They have consequently been referred to the single 

original form.
KNOWLTON.] DESCRIPTION OF SPECIES. 49

Locality. Van Horn's ranch and vicinity, on South Fork of John 

Day River, 12 miles west of Mount Vernon. Grant County, Oregon. 

Collected originally by C. D. Voy (Univ. Cal., Nos. 1796, 1796a). 

Since collected by Maj. Charles E. Bendire (U. S. Nat. Mus., Nos. 

2565, 2566, 2568, 2569, 2570), Dr. John C. Merriam in 1900 (Mus. 

Univ. Cal., Nos. 838, 839, 841, 842, 843, 844, 847a, 849, 852, 859, 865, 

872), and by F. H. Knowlton, in July, 1901 (U. S. Nat. Mus., Nos. 

8999-9015)."

QUEB.CUS MERRIAMI n. sp.

PI. VI, figs. 6, 7; PI. VII, figs. 4, 5.

Q.UERCUS n. sp., Knowlton in Merriam, Univ. Cal., Bull. Dept. Geol., Vol. II, No. 9,

p. 308, 1901. 

Quercus pseudo-lyrata angustUoba Lesq., Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XI, p. 17, PI.

XI, fig. 2, 1888.

Leaves coriaceous in texture, narrowly lanceolate in outline, wedgeshaped at base, slenderly acuminate at apex; provided with 4 or 5 

pairs of alternate or subopposite lobes, which are deltoid or deltoidlanceolate in shape, usually sharp-pointed, but occasionally with the 

basal ones obtuse and rounded; petiole very long and slender; midrib 

moderately strong; secondaries usually at an acute angle, as many as 

the lobes and ending in their apices; intermediate secondaries few, 

apparently craspedodrome; finer nervation not well retained.

This species is now represented by more than twenty-five more or 

less perfect examples. The one shown in PL VII, fig. 4, was figured 

by Lesquereux under the name of Quercus pseudo-lyrata angustiloba. a 

As shoAvn in Lesquereux's figure, it appears to lack the basal portion 

with the petiole, but this was covered by matrix, which has now 

been removed, exposing the long, slender petiole. The other specimens figured, as well as all but one or two of those now known, were 

obtained in 1901.

The first-mentioned example (PL VI, fig. 6) is about 14 cm. long, 

including the petiole, which is fully 4 cm. long. At the widest point 

between the lobes it is only a little over 3 cm., while at the narrowest 

point, which is near the middle of the blade, it is considerably less 

than 1 cm. The still larger example, shown in fig. 6, must have been 

15 or 16 cm. long and 6 cm. broad between the points of the lobes. At 

the narrowest point it is about 2 cm. One of the smallest leaves is 

shown in PL VI, fig. 6. It. is 9.5 cm. long, including the petiole of 

about 1.5 cm. in length. The broadest portion between the lobes is 2 

cm., and the narrowest only 7 mm. in width.

The specimens representing this species are intimately associated 

with the numerous leaves of typical Q. pseudo-lyrata, and it is hardly

«This varietal name can not be retained, as it is preoccupied by Quercus angustUoba Al. Br., in 

Ludgw. Palaeontogr., Vol. VIII, p. 103, PI. XXXVI, fig. 3, 1861.

Bull. 204 02 4
50 FOSSIL FLORA OF THE JOHN DAY BASIN, OREGON. [BULL.20-1.

to Be wondered that Lesquereux, with only a single example before 

him, should regard it as an extremely narrow form of that species. 

But with the fine series now at hand it is clear that it is very distinct.

Among living species this form is certainly suggestive of Quercus 

heterophylla Michx. f., the so-called Bartram oak. which is supposed 

to be a hybrid between Q. phellos and Q. rubra. This resemblance 

may be only superficial, but it is nevertheless plain.

I take pleasure in naming this species in honor of Dr. John C. 

Merriam, of the Univerity of California.

Locality. Van Horn's ranch and the two other near-by localities, 12 

miles west of Mount Vernon, Grant County, Oregon. Type of fig. 4 

collected by Major Bendire (U. S. Nat. Mus., No..8505). Types of 

other figures collected by Knowlton and Merriam, July, 1901 (U. S. 

Nat. Mus., Nos. 8506, 8507). Type of fig. 7 collected by Merriam's 

expedition of 1900 (Mus. Univ. Cal., No. 846).

QUERCUS DURIUSCULA h. sp.

PI. VIII, fig. 2.

Leaf coriaceous in texture, broadly obovate in general outline, 

deeply lyrate-pinnatifid into about five lobes, of which the basal are 

very small, triangular, and obtuse, the other broad, rounded, with 

deeply undulate or toothed lobes; midrib strong; secondaries three 

pairs, alternate, ending in the principal lobes, the upper ones with 

strong branches passing to the smaller lobes; finer nervation not well 

retained.

Unfortunately only one example of this form was found, and even 

this lacks a small portion of the base and has the upper lobes somewhat injured, evidently before fossilization. The length was about 

5.5 cm. and the greatest width about 5 cm. The two basal lobes are

less than 1 cm. in length. The outline and such details of nervation

as are preserved are well shown in the figure.

This leaf clearly belongs to the white-oak group, and apparently 

finds its greatest affinity with Quercus minor (Marsh.) Sargent, the 

well-known post, or iron, oak, a species now common over much of 

the region east of the Rocky Mountains south of Massachusetts. It 

is so close to this species, in fact, that it can hardly be distinguished 

from many of the smaller leaves. It would therefore seem beyond 

question that the living Q. minor is a direct descendant of this fossil 

form, if, indeed, it has not remained practically unchanged from the 

time the Mascall beds were laid down to the present day.

Locality. White hill one-half mile east of original Van Horn's 

ranch locality, 12 miles west of Mount Vernon, Grant County, Oregon. 

Collected by Knowlton and Merriam, July, 1901 (U. S. Nat. Mus., 

No. 8508).
KNOWLTON.] DESCRIPTION OF SPECIES. 51

QUEKCUS UKSINA n. sp. 

PI. VII, figs. 2, 3.

QUEKCUS n. sp., Knowlton in Merriam, Univ. Cal., Bull. Dept. Geol., Vol. II, No. 9, 

p. 308, 1901.

Leaves "coriaceous in texture, roughly obovate in general outline, 

5 to 7 lobed, the lobes triangular or triangular-ovate in shape, very 

acute and apparently bristle-tipped; petiole long, relatively strong; 

nervation consisting of a strong midrib and as many alternate, rather 

thin secondaries as there are lobes; finer nervation not fully preserved.

This species is represented by several very well-preserved leaves. 

They are small leaves, about 4.5 cm. long, exclusive of the petiole, 

and about 4.5 cm. broad. The petiole is fully 1.5 cm. in length. The 

lobes, usually about 6 in number, are mainly triangular in shape, and 

are entire or occasionally with a single small sharp tooth, as shown in 

PI. VII, fig. 2.

This species, so far as I am able to determine, finds its closest affinity 

among living species with Quercus nana (Marsh.) Sargent, the bear or 

scrub oak of the Eastern United States. The fossil form has a longer 

petiole, but otherwise the shape is very similar to certain of the 

smaller leaves of this species.

It is barely possible that these leaves may be only small forms of 

the polymorphous Quercus pseudo-lyrata, but I do not at present think 

so, for out of more than a hundred examples of the latter species there 

are no forms that can well be regarded as intermediate.

Locality. Van Horn's ranch, about 12 miles west of Mount Vernon, Grant County, Oregon. Collected by Merriam's expedition of 

1900 (type of fig. 2, in Mus. Univ. Cal., No. 841). White hill onehalf mile east of above-mentioned locality. Collected by Knowlton 

and Merriam, July, 1901 Oype of fig. 3, U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 8509).

QUEKCUS DAY AN A n. sp.

PL VI, fig. 1.

Leaf coriaceous, broadly elliptical-lanceolate, about equally obtusely 

acuminate at both base and apex; margin undulate, perhaps reflexed, 

otherwise entire; petiole very short and thick; midrib also very 

thick; secondaries thin and obscure, apparently about 12 pairs, alternate, emerging at a low angle, apparently ending in or very near the 

margin; finer nervation not retained.

The leaf figured the only one thus far found is 3.5 cm. long and 

9 mm. broad and has the petiole only 3 mm. long. The outline and 

scant nervation are well shown in the figure.

This little leaf has such a familiar appearance that it would seem to 

be a known species, and; indeed, it does resemble more or less closely
52 FOSSIL FLOEA OF THE JOHN DAY BASIN, OREGON. [BULL. 204.

a number of forms, but after careful comparison I am forced to 

regard it as hitherto undescribed. It is clearly an oak leaf of the well 

known sempervirens type, and is allied to a number of fossil forms of 

this kind. It differs, for instance, from Quercus simplex Newb. ,CT in 

being much shorter, relatively broader, with shorter petiole and closer, 

lower angled secondaries. It somewhat resembles Q. convexa Lesq.,* 

of the Auriferous gravels of California, but differs in nervation, 

petiole, and other details. It is not greatly unlike the smallest leaves 

of Q. simulata Knowlton, c from the Payette formation of Idaho, but 

is sharper at both ends and has an undulate margin and a much 

shorter, thicker petiole.

Locality. White hill one-half mile east of original Van Horn's 

ranch locality. Collected by Knowlton and Merriam, July, 1901 

(U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 8546).

QUERCUS HOKNIANA Lesq. 

PL VIII, fig. 1.

QUERCUS HORNIANA Lesq., Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XI, p. 17, 1888 (the figure 

given on PL V, fig. 6, is not a figure of this specimen, being a figure of a specimen of Ulmus californica).

Castanea atavia Unger. Lesquereux, Cret. and Tert. FL, p. 247, PL LII, fig. 2,1884.

The type specimen of Lesquereux's Quercus horniana has not previously been figured, the figure supposed to represent it being that of 

a specimen of Ulmus californica from the same beds. It is here 

figured for the first time, and it needs but a glance to show that it is 

identical with the leaf identified by Lesquereux as Castanea atavia 

Unger, a fact apparently overlooked by Lesquereux when he established Q. horniana. I have not been able to see any European

material of Castanea atavia, but a study of the type figures/ as well

as others, leads me to the conclusion that Lesquereux was in error in 

identifying the John Dajr leaf with this species. In the European 

species the teeth are smaller and lower, the secondaries opposite and 

only about ten pairs instead of fifteen or more pairs, and the finer 

nervation is much more open. In the John Day form the margin is 

entire for a considerable distance above the base while the upper portion is provided with very large, sharp teeth.

While there can be no doubt that this leaf is the same as that figured by Lesquereux as Castanea atavia, there may be some as to its 

being referred to Quercus. The size and shape of the leaf, however, 

are very suggestive of an oak, and for the present it may remain in 

this genus. It is very well marked and one not likely to be easily 

mistaken for anything thus far discovered in these beds.

aLater Extinct Floras, p. 78, PI. XLIII, fig. 6.

&Foss. PI. Aurif. Gravel, p. 4, PI. I, figs. 13-17, 1878.

c Eighteenth Ann. Kept. U. S. Geol. Surv., Pt. Ill, p. 728, PI. CI, fig. 3.

dFoss. Fl. v. Sotzka, p. 34 (164), PI. X (XXXI), figs. 5-7, 1850.
KNOWLTON.] DESCRIPTION OF SPECIES. 53

Locality. Van Horn's ranch, South Fork of John Day River, about 

12 miles west of Mount Vernon, Grant County, Oregon. Collected 

by Maj. Charles E. Bendire (U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 8504).

QUEHCUS? sp. Knowlton. 

PL VIII, fig. 3.

QUERCUS? sp., Knowlton in Merriain, Univ. Cal., Bull. Dept. Geol., Vol. II, No. 9, 

p. 308, 1901.

The collection made by the University of California contains a single 

leaf the one figured which appears to belong to Quercus. Only the 

basal portion is preserved together with a very short, thick petiole. 

The texture seems to have been coriaceous; the shape is lanceolate, 

wedge-shaped at base, and entire margined. The midrib is very thick 

and the secondaries several pairs subopposite. None of the finer

nervation is retained.

This may possibly be a fragment of Quercus simplex Newb., which 

is so abundant at Bridge Creek, but it is only a fragment and the nervation is not well preserved, so I have hesitated to so regard it.

Locality. Van Horn's ranch,, about 12 miles west of Mount Vernon, 

Grant County, Oregon. Collected by Merriam's expedition of 1900. 

(Mus. Univ. Cal., No. 860.)

Family ULMACEyE. 

ULMUS SPECIOSA Newb.

ULMUS SPECIOSA Newb., Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. V, p. 507, 1883; Later Extinct

Floras, p. 80, PI. XLV, figs. 2-4, 7 (non figs. 5 and 8), 1898. 

Ulmus pseudo-americana Lesq., Cret. and Tert. Fl., p. 249, PI. LIV, fig. 10, 1883.

The leaf made the type of Lesquereux's Ulmus pseudo-americana 

is preserved in the paleontological collection of the University of 

California (No. 1758), and as it is clearly the same as the large leaves 

figured as the types of Newberry's U. speciosa and is referred to it, as 

the latter has priority.

As Newberry states, the collections from Bridge Creek contain a 

number of elm leaves of the character and size shown in fig. 8 of his 

plate; that is, they are very much smaller and have less coarsely cut 

margins than those shown in figs. 2-4, and 7. He decides, however, 

that these differences are not sufficient to warrant separating them as 

a distinct species. If these extremes of size and shape were connected 

by intermediate forms it would be unwarranted to separate them, but 

among a considerable number this is not found to be the case. It is 

possible to determine from even a relatively small fragment the form 

in hand. It therefore seems justifiable to separate them, and I have 

accordingly done so, retaining the name speciosa for the larger leaves 

and giving to the smaller ones the name of TJlmus Newlttrryi.
54 FOSSIL FLOEA OF THE JOHN DAY BASIN, OKEGON. [BULL. 204.

Ulrrms speciosa, as here emended, may be described as follows: 

Leaves 10 to 13 cm. in length, 5.5 to 6 cm. in width, petioled, long 

ovoid or elliptical in outline, very unequal sided at base, narrow 

pointed at apex; margins coarsely and doubly serrate; nervation 

strong, very regular, with a strong midrib and some 15 to 20 pairs 

of thin, close, parallel secondaries; nervilles. numerous, close, mainly 

percurrent and at right angles to the secondaries.

The fruit probably of this species is figured and described b}' 

Newberry.

Locality. Bridge Creek, Grant County, Oregon. Collected by 

Rev. Thomas Condon (U. S. Nat. Mus., Nos. 7065, 7066, 7067, 7068) 

and Maj. Charles E. Bendire (U. S. Nat. Mus., Nos. 9217, 9367).

ULMUS NEWBEKRYI n. sp.

PI. IX, fig. 4.

ULMUS n. sp., Knowlton in Merriam, Univ. Cal., Bull. Dept. Geol., Vol. II, No. 9,

p. 288, 1901. 

Ulmus speciosa Newb., Later Extinct Floras, p. 80, PI. XLV, figs. 5 and 8 (now figs.

2-4 and 7), 1898 (1899).

Leaves membranaceous in texture, lanceolate in outline, narrowed, 

and very unequal sided at base, long and slender pointed at apex; 

margin coarsely and irregularly doubly serrate, the primary teeth 

large, of quite regular size, the other teeth smaller and quite irregular; midrib rather thin, perfectly straight; secondaries about 12 or 

15 pairs, parallel, at an acute angle and ending in the larger teeth; 

nervilles numerous, fine, mainly broken, producing a large block network between the secondaries.

This species is founded on a considerable number of leaves besides 

the ones figured by Newberry under U. speciosa. One of the most perfect has been figured here. This is very narrowly lanceolate, 10 cm. 

in length and only a little over 3 cm. in width. The petiole is about 

5 mm. long. Other examples are only about 6 cm. long and 2.5 cm. 

wide, and this is the usual size.

As pointed out under U. speciosa, this species may be distinguished 

by its much smaller size, much narrower shape, and more oblique base. 

In fact, it approaches closer to U. californica a in size and shape than 

to U. speciosa. It differs from U. californica in having larger, doubly 

dentate teeth, those of the former species being small and only simply 

dentate.

Locality. Bridge Creek, Grant County, Oregon. Collected by 

Eev. Thomas Condon (U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 7064) and Maj. Charles 

E. Bendire (U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 8493).

a Mem. Mus. Comp. Zool., Vol. VI, No. 2, p. 15, PI. IV, fig. 2,1878.
DESCRIPTION OF SPECIES. 55 

ULMUS PLUEINERVIA Unger.

ULMUS PLUKINERVIA Unger, Lesquereux, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XI, p. 18,1888.

A single specimen with its counterpart is all that has been found of 

this form. It is a little larger than the figure given by Heer a of the 

Alaskan form, but is otherwise the same.

Locality. Van Horn's ranch, about 12 miles west of Mount Vernon, 

Grant County, Oregon. Collected by Maj. Charles E. Bendire(U. S. 

Nat. Mus., No. 2620).

ULMUS CALIFORNICA? Lesq.

ULMUS CALIFORNICA Lesq., Foss. PI. Aurif. Gravel, p. 15, PI. IV, fig. 2, 1878; Proc. 

U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XI, p. 18, PI. V. fig. 6 (there wrongly stated to be a figure

of Quercus liorniana), 1888.

The collections contain several examples, one of which was referred 

by Lesquereux to his Ulmus californica. The others are similar to 

this and should properly go with it. The question as to whether they

are properly referred to this species is a rather difficult one to settle. 

None of the leaves are nearly perfect nor do they agree in all particulars with the types. The secondaries incline to arch slightly outward 

instead of strongly upward. The character of the teeth can not be 

made out satisfactorily. In view of these statements, it seems best to 

question their reference to this species, and await future material to 

settle the matter definitely.

Locality. Mascall beds, Van Horn's ranch, 12 miles west of Mount 

Vernon, Grant County, Oregon. Collected by Maj. Charles E. Bendire (U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 2621) and by Knowlton and Merriarn, July, 

1901 (U. S. Nat. Mus., Nos. 8983-8985).

PLANERA UNGERI Ettingshausen.

PLANERA UNGERI Ettingshausen. Lesquereux, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XI, p. 19,

1888.

This species is represented by a single example and its counterpart, 

and although not perfectly preserved may well belong to this form.

Locality. Mascall beds, Van Horn's ranch, Oregon. Collected by 

Maj. Charles E. Bendire (U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 2534.)

Family MORACEJ3.

Ficus TENUINERVIS Lesq.

Ficus TENUINERVIS Lesq., Cret. and Tert. Fl., p. 164, PI. XLIV, fig. 4, 1883; Proc. 

U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XI, p. 23, 1888.

The single broken leaf upon which Lesquereux based its presence at 

Cherry Creek remains unique. It is described and discussed at length 

in the paper above quoted.

Locality. Cherry Creek, Crook County, Oregon. Collected by 

'Maj. Charles E. Bendire (U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 2479)._______

a Fl. Foss. Alaska, p. 34, PI. V, flg. 1,18G9.
5f) FOSSIL FLORA OF THE JOHN DAY BASIN, OREGON. [BUM,. 204.

Ficus PLANICOSTATA ? Lesq.

Ficrs PLANICOSTATA? Lesq., Nevvberry, Later Extinct Floras, p. 88, PI. XLVI, fig. 1, 

1898 (1899).

Locality. Bridge Creek, Grant County, Oregon. Collected by 

Rev. Thomas Condon (U. S. Nat. Mas., No. 7084).

FlCUS? OREGONIANA Lesq.

PI. X, % 3. 

Ficus? OREGONIANA Lesq., Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XI, p. 18, PL IX, fig 3, 1888.

As the original figure of this species is so poorly and even incorrectly drawn, I give another of the type specimen. As may be seen, 

Lesquereux's figure shows a curious prolongation on one side, but 

this has been greatly exaggerated. The specimen is a little broader 

on one ,cide, but not to such an extent as might be inferred from the 

figure. The recent collections from the same locality contain a fine, 

nearly perfect example of this species, which shows it to be nearly 

equilateral.

Locality. Van Horn's ranch, South Fork of John Day River, r^bout 

12 miles west of Mount Vernon, Grant County, Oregon. Collected by 

Maj. Charles E. Bendire (U. S. Nat. Mus., Nos. 2475, 8543) and Dr. 

John C. Merriam (Mus. Univ. Cal., No. 884).

ARTOCAKPUS CALIFORNICA? Knowlton.

ARTOCARPUS CALIFORNICA Knowlton, Science, Vol. XXI, p. 24, Jan. 13, 1893. 

Aral/apunc/ens Lesq., Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XI, p. 16, 1888. 

Myrica (Aralia) Lessigii? Lesq., idem., p. 16, 1888.

The collections made by Bendire contained three specimens that 

were referred by Lesquereux as above indicated. They are all very 

fragmentary and can not be made out with satisfaction, yet it is reasonably certain that only one species is represented, and in all probability they are the same as my Artocarpus calif arnica. It was hoped

that late collections from these beds might contain specimens that 

would clear up this question, but unfortunately they do not, and it 

must remain open to revision.

Artocarpus californica differs from A. Lessigiana (Lesq.), Knowlton, 

in its smaller size, thinner texture, and shorter, more acute lobes.

Locality. Van Horn's ranch, about 12 miles west of Mount Vernon, Giant County, Oregon. Collected by Maj. Charles E. Bendire 

(U. S. Nat. Mus., Nos. 2428, 2522.)

Family BERBERIDACE^. 

BERBERIS SIMPLEX Newb.

BERBERIS SIMPLEX Newb., Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. V, p. 514,1883; Later Extinct 

Floras, p. 97, Pi. LVJ, fig. 2, 1898 (1899).

The type of this very distinct species still remains unique. 

Locality. Bridge Creek, Grant County, Oregon. Collected by 

Rev. Thomas Condon (U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 7046).
KNOWI.TON.] DESCRIPTION OF SPECIES. 57

BERBERIS? GIG ANTE A n. sp.

PI. XI, fig. 1.

Leaf of large size, very thick and leathery in texture, palmately 

deeply three-lobed, lobes lanceolate, provided with numerous, large, 

triangular or triangular-lanceolate, sharp-pointed lobes; lobes provided with very thick, fleshy midrib, and an apparently continuous 

intramarginal vein; secondary branches veiy thin, arising from the 

midrib and passing directly or with a slight curve to the apices of 

the lateral lobes; finer nervation very thin, anastomosing, producing 

large, irregular areas.

The single magnificent specimen upon which this opinion is based 

remains absolutely unique. It was clearly a thick, leather}7 leaf, and 

palmately deeply three-lobed. There is no means of knowing the full 

length and width, as both base and apex are absent. Of the middle 

lobe only about 6 cm. is preserved; of the lateral lobes 8 to 11 cm. is 

preserved. The widest part between the lobes as now preserved 

measures about 13 cm. When perfect it was probably at least 15 

cm. long and spread probably 18 cm. The petiole is, of course, not 

preserved. The nervation, as set forth in the diagnosis, is strongly 

marked. There is a thin intramarginal vein running around the entire 

margin, this being especially prominent in the interval between the 

lateral lobes. Each lobe is provided with a very thick, fleshy midrib, 

from which arise, at irregular intervals, the thin secondaries which 

pass to the sharp points of the lateral lobes. The other nervation 

produces large anastomosing areas.

I am somewhat uncertain as to the proper generic reference for this 

fine leaf. The late Dr. Newberry, to whom the specimen was sent 

and who had prepared a drawing of it, placed it provisionally in the 

genus Cnicus, or Carduus, as it is now called. The peculiar sharp 

lobes, as well as the fleshy midribs, are suggestive of the large spiny 

leaves of thistles, but no species of this genus, so far as I know, has 

palmate leaves. The individual lobes resemble the whole leaf of many 

species of Carduus, but the palmate character effectively excludes it.

The onl}7 genus with which I have been able to satisfactorily compare 

this leaf is Berberis, and the nearest species is B. trifoliolata Moric. 

This species, now found in southern Texas and Mexico, has ordinarily 

small trifoliolate leaves, but occasionally one is found in which two 

and sometimes all three leaflets are united for a greater or less distance 

at the base, thus producing a leaf of exactly the same character as the 

fossil under discussion. The individual leaflets of this living species 

are rarely more than 4 cm. in length, whereas the lobes of this fossil 

form must have been' 10 or 12 cm. long. In the matter of lobation, 

nervation, and general appearance, even to the intramarginal vein, 

the agreement between them is perfect. For this reason 1 have placed 

this fossil under Berberis and denoted the doubt by a question mark,
58 FOSSIL FLOEA OF THE JOHN DAY BASIN, OBEGON. [BULL. 204.

Locality. Mascall beds, Van Horn's ranch, about 12 miles west of 

Mount Vernon, Oregon. Collected by Rev. Thomas Condon. The 

type and only specimen is the property of Columbia University, New 

York, and is under the care of the New York Botanical Garden.

Family MAGNOLIACE^E. 

MAGNOLIA LANCEOLATA Lesq.

MAGNOLIA LANCEOLATA Lesq., Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XI, p. 20, 1888.

Locality. Cheny Creek, Crook County, Oregon. Collected Iry 

Maj. Charles E. Bendire (U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 2515).

MAGNOLIA CULVERI Knowlton.

MAGNOLIA CULVERI Knowlton, Mon. U. S. Geol. Surv. Vol. XXXII, Pt. II, p. 720,

PI. XCII, fig. 5, 1899. 

Populusmonodon'Lesq., Proc. U. S. Nat. Mns., Vol. XI, p. 21, 1888.

This material is not very well preserved, but it agrees absolutely 

with this species and is so referred.

Locality. Cherry Creek, Crook Count}r , Oregon. Collected by 

Maj. Charles E. Bendire (U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 2546) and by Knowlton and Merriam in 1901 (U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 9058).

MAGNOLIA INGLEFIELDI Heer.

MAGNOLIA INGLEFIELDI Heer, Fl. Foss. Arc., Vol. I, p. 120, PI. Ill, fig. 5c; PI. XVI, 

figs. 5, 6, 8b; PI. XVIII, figs, 1-3, 1868; Lesquereux, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mns., 

Vol. XI, p. 13, 1888.

This is certainly different from the last and may well be Heer's species. It is not contained in recent collections.

.Locality. Van Horn's ranch, about 12 miles west of Mount Vernon, Grant County, Oregon. Collected by Maj. Charles E. Bendire 

(U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 2513).

Family LAURACEJ3.

LAURUS OREGONIANA 11. Sp.

PL IX, figs. 2, 3.

Laurus n. sp., Knowlton in Merriam v Univ. Cal., Bull. Dept. Geol., Vol. II, No. 9, 

p. 309, 1901.

Leaves coriaceous in texture, narrowly lanceolate in shape, narrowed from apparently above the middle to a long narrowly wedgeshaped base (upper portion not preserved, but apparent^ long and 

narrowly acuminate); midrib thick below, becoming very slender in 

the upper portion; secondaries about 6 pairs, thin, alternate, arising 

at an acute angle, passing high up near the margin, where they join,
K.NOWLTON.] DESCRIPTION OF SPECIES. 59

by a series of broad loops, the one next above; nervilles prominent, 

oblique to the midrib and mainly broken, producing large, irregular 

afeas; finer nervilles numerous, ver}'' thin, oblique to the stronger ones; 

ultimate nervation made up of very minute but regular reticulations.

This species is represented thus far by only two specimens, the one 

figured and another much less perfect. The one shown in the plate 

was about 18 cm. long (13.5 cm. in length is now preserved), and 3.5 

cm. wide at a point probably a little above the middle. It is impossible 

to estimate the length of the other specimens, but it is wider, being 

fully 4.5 cm. wide. The nervation differs slightly, also, the secondaries arise at a less acute angle, but otherwise there is no appreciable 

difference. . ,'

The affinity of the unfigured example seems to be with some forms of 

Laurus californica Lesq., but it differs in having the secondaries at a 

more acute angle of divergence and undoubtedly belongs with the leaf 

figured. It may also be compared with PefSeClpwwtulata Lesq/'

Locality. Van Horn's ranch, about 12 miles west of Mount Vernon, 

Grant County, Oregon. Collected by Merriam's expedition of 1900 

(Mus. Univ. Cal., No. 868).

ClNNAMOMUM DlLLERI Knowlton.

CINNAMOMUM DILLERI Knowlton, Twentieth Ann. Kept. U. S. Geol. Surv., Pt. Ill, 

p. 47, PL IV, fig. 1, 1900.

The- material from Cherry Creek obtained in 1901 contains one 

nearly perfect example and several fragmentary specimens that must 

belong to this species. The most perfect specimen is slightly larger 

than the type, but otherwise there is no appreciable difference.

The type was described from Comstock, Douglas County, Oregon, 

in beds supposed to. be Miocene in age, but associated with it were 

shells of Cardita planicostata and other characteristic Eocene fossils. 

As the beds at Cherry Creek are certainly Eocene it -would seem to sus 

tain the contention that the beds at Comstock are also of this age.

Locality. Cherry Creek, Crook County, Oregon. Collected by 

Knowlton and Merriam, July, 1901 (U. S. Nat. Mus., Nos. 9055,9056).

CINNAMOMUM BENDIKEI n. sp.

PI. X, fig. 4.

Leaf membranaceous in texture, oblong-lanceolate in shape, long 

wedge-shaped at base, apparently rather obtusely pointed at apex; 

margin entire; petiole long and slender; midrib thick below, becoming 

very thin above, with two or three pairs of thin secondaries in the 

upper part which are at a low angle; lower pair of strong secondaries

aProc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XI, p. 20, PI. XIV, fig. 1, 1888.
60 FOSSIL FLOEA OF THE JOHN DAY BASIN, OREGON. [BULL. 204.

arising- at a point well above the base of the blade, passing up at an 

acute angle to near the upper part of the leaf, and here they become 

thin and join with the equally thin secondaries from the upper part 8f 

the midrib; each of the large secondaries with several thin loops on 

the outer side; nervilles numerous, thin, crossing between the midrib 

and strong secondaries, mainly percurrent though irregular; finer 

nervation producing rather large blocks.

The example figured is the only one found in the collections. It 

lacks only the extreme upper portion. The length was about 6.5 cm., 

exclusive of the petiole, which is 1.5 cm. in length. The width of 

the blade is 2.5 cm. at the broadest point, which is slightly above the 

middle.

This species is wholly unlike anything before reported from the 

beds at Bridge Creek. . It is perhaps nearest to certain forms of 

C. Scheuchzeri of Heer, being, for example, hardly to be separated 

from a leaf figured by Ludwig" in his Fossile Pflanzen aus der ttltesten 

Abtheilung der Eheinisch - Wetteraurer Tertiar-Formation. This, 

however, is not the typical form of C. Scheuchzeri, and I prefer to 

describe it as new rather than unite it with an anomalous leaf that has 

been referred to an established species.

Locality. Bridge Creek, Oregon. Collected by Maj. Charles E. 

Bendire (U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 8490).

Family HYDRANGEACE.E.

HYDRANGEA BENDIREI (Ward) Knowlton.

PL IX, figs. 6, 7.

HYDRANGEA BENDIREI (Ward) Knowlton in Merriam, Univ. Cal., Bull. Dept. Geol

Vol. II, No. 9, p. 309, 1901. 

Marsilea Bendird Ward, Fifth Ann. Kept. U. S. Geol. Surv., p. 446, 1885.

Porana Bendird (Ward) Lesquereux, Proc. CJ. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XI, p. 16, PI. 

VIII, fig. 4, 1888.

Sterile flowers of large size; calyx lobes of firm texture, broadly 

obovate, oval, or nearly circular in shape, considerably overlapping, 

obtuse and rounded at apex, truncate or slightly narrowed at the 

sessile base; nervation strong, consisting of some six or eight nerves 

 of .equal strength, the central one passing apparently to the tip of the 

calyx lobes and having two or three branches at various distances 

which anastomose with it some distance below the apex; other nerves 

diverging and joining by broad loops with several series of smaller 

loops outside; nervilles producing quite large irregularly quadrangular areas in which there are often free veins.

npalseontographica, Vol. VIII, PI. XLI, fig. 8.
KNOWLTON.] DESCRIPTION OF SPECIES. 61

Four more or less perfect examples of this exceedingly interesting 

species have been found. The original specimen is nearly 4 cm. by 

3 cm. in size, the large sepals being 2 cm. long and 1.5 cm. broad. 

The next discovered specimen was obtained by Dr. John C. Merriam in 

1900. It is not quite perfect, but has the nervation very well preserved. The sepals are about 2 cm. long and nearly as broad. The 

two remaining examples were obtained by myself in 1901.

The original specimen, as may be noted under the synonymy, was 

firsttentatively referred to Marsilea, and was later placed under Porana 

by Lesquereux, who correctly recognized its nature. Lesquerex, however, was in error in supposing that the sepals were " connate to above 

the middle." They are undoubtedly free and overlapping, as shown 

by the present drawing. (See PI. IX, fig. 6.) The example secured by 

Dr. Merriam is, as already stated, not perfect!}7 preserved, but as nearly 

as can be made out, it consists of only three sepals, although the fourth 

may be present, concealed under the others. They are clearly free, 

however.

The fossil forms referred to Porana consist of the more or less 

leathery sepals and are usually five in number. Two species have 

been described from the United States by Lesquereux, both coming 

from Florissant, Colorado. Porana Speirii" is a five-lobed connate 

species, while P. tenuis b has never been figured, but is described as 

having the sepals separate to the base. The first is very distinct 

from the form under consideration, while the latter can not be well 

compared.

On first examining these specimens, especially the one collected by 

Dr. Merriam (PI. IX, fig. 7), they seem to be referable to a Cornus of 

the type of C. florida or 0. JVuttallii Aud., but the absence of any 

marked indication of c the flowers in the center apparently precludes 

their reference to this genus.

At the suggestion of Mr. Charles Louis Pollard, of the United States 

National Herbarium, these fossils were compared with various species 

of the genus Hydrangea, and the resemblance between them and the 

sterile flowers so characteristic of this genus was so striking that they 

have been referred to Hydrangea.

Eight fossil species of Hydrangea have been described from the 

European Tertiary, but none of them approach closely to our form.

Locality. Van Horn's ranch, South Fork of John Day River, 12 miles 

west of Mount Vernon, Grant County, Oregon. Collected by Maj. 

Charles E. Bendire (U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 8515), and by Dr. John C. 

M'erriam (Pal. Col. Univ. Cal., No. 854). Also obtained from a gulch 

half a mile northwest of the Belshaw ranch, the next ranch east of 

Van Horn's, by F. H. Knowlton, July, 1901 (U. S. Nat. Mus., Nos. 

8994, 8995).

aCret. find Tert. Fl., p. 172, PI. XXVIII, fig. 15,1883. l> Idem, p. 173.
62 FOSSIL FLORA OF THE JOHN DAY BASIN, OREGON. [BULL. 204.

Family HAMAMELIDACE^E. 

LIQUID AMBAR EUROPJEUM Al. Br.

LIQUIDAMBAR EUROPIUM Al. Br. Newberry, Later Extinct Floras, p. 100, PI. XLVII,

figs. 1-3, 1898 (1899).

As Newberry well says (op. cit. p. 101), this species is hardly to be 

distinguished from large leaves of Lesquereux's Liquidambar californicum, from the Auriferous gravel of California. But it appears 

that the large form is rare among the Auriferous gravel examples, 

most of them being much smaller and only three lobed. It therefore 

seems best to keep them apart for the present, although they are 

undoubtedly close. Its identity with the European form is also a 

matter for future settlement.

Locality. Bridge Creek, Grant County, Oregon. Collected by 

Kev. Thomas Condpn (U. S. Nat. Mus., Nos. T094, 7095, T096).

LlQUIDAMBAR EUROPIUM PATULUM, n. var. 

PI. X, fig. 5.

Liquidambar europseum Al. Br. Lesquereux, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XI, p, 14, 

1888.

This specimen, the only one thus far found at this locality, was 

referred by Lesquereux, without comment, to L. europseum. It is a 

well-known fact that this is a very variable species, which more than 

likely covers several distinct forms, but the leaf under consideration 

differs markedly from any that I have seen figured in European 

books. It is distinctly different from the large five- to seven-lobed 

leaves found at Bridge Creek, nor is it the same as Lesquereux's Z. 

calif or nicum, from the Auriferous gravels. I have therefore ventured 

to give it subspecific rank under the name of L.euwpftum patukim.

It may be described as follows: Leaf coriaceous in texture, three-lobed 

and much broader than long; central lobe obtusely elliptical; lateral 

lobes lanceolate-acuminate, nearly at right angles to the central lobe; 

margin finely and sharply serrate throughout.

The width of this leaf is about 14 cm. and the length only abput 8 

cm. The central lobe is about 4 cm. broad and the same in length, 

while the lateral lobes are but little more than 2.5 cm. broad.

Locality. Van Horn's ranch, South Fork of John Day River, about 

12 miles west of Mount Vernon, Grant Count}^, Oregon. Collected 

by Maj. Charles E. Bendire (U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 8544).

LIQUIDAMBAR PROTENSUM ? Unger.

LIQUIDAMBAR PROTENSUM ? Unger. Lesquereux, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XI, p. 

13, PI. VIII, fig. 3,

I regard this identification as extremely doubtful. The specimen 

lacks practically all of the margin, and other of its characters have
KNOWLTON.] DESCRIPTION OF SPECIES. 63

been distorted. As Lesquereux suggests (op. cit., p. 13), this leaf has 

a striking resemblance to \x\& Acer dimorphum, but the specimen is not 

sufficiently perfect to warrant the assertion that it represents a leaf of 

that species.

Locality. Van Horn's ranch, South Fork of John Day River, about 

12 miles west of Mount Vernon, Grant County, Oregon. Collected 

by Maj. Charles E. Bendire (U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 2504).

LlQUIDAMBAR I'ACHYPHYLLUM, 11. Sp.

PI. IX, fig. 1.

Leaf of small size, very thick in texture, five-lobed, the lobes short, 

ovate, or ovate-lanceolate, acute; margin serrate throughout, the teeth 

rather large, upward pointing; ribs arising just inside the lower margin of the blade, very strong, passing to the apices of the lobes; secondary branches numerous, alternate, often irregular, camptodrome, 

arching near the margin; nervilles very irregular, producing a coarse, 

heavj7" network.

The single broken example figured is all that was found in the collections. It was clearly five-lobed, but only the two lower and a part 

of one middle lobe is preserved. The total length appears to have been 

between 5 and 6 cm., or possibly a little more. The width between 

the two lower lobes is 5.5 cm.

This species had evidently a very thick, pulpy leaf, and the nervation is especially strong, particularly the ribs and nervilles.

Leaves of this genus appear to be rare in the Mascall beds, and the 

leaf under consideration is wholly unlike any before detected. The 

leaves referred to Z. europse-um patulwn and Z. protensum are thin, 

being like the living species in texture, whereas ours is clearly a thick 

leaf with a strong nervation. It is also unlike Z. californicwn, from 

the Auriferous gravels.

Locality. Mascall beds, Van Horn's ranch, about 12 miles west of 

Mount Vernon, Grant County, Oregon. Collected by Knowlton and 

Merriam, July, 1901 (U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 8534).

LlQUIDAMBAR Sp. ? 

PI. XII, fig. 4.

The collection contains one leaf that apparently .belongs to Liquidamber, but it is much broken, and does not show all the characters. 

This example, shown in PI. XII, fig. 4, is a large leaf, five or possibly 

seven lobed, the lower lobes being at right angles with the midrib, producing a novel truncate base. The width between these two lobes is 

nearly 14 cni. The margin of the lobes is provided with numerous fine 

teeth. The nervation is well marked, consisting of'about five strong 

ribs, which radiate from the top of the petiole and presumably end
64 FOSSIL FLORA OF THE JOHN DAY BASIN, OREGON". [BULL. 204.

in the tips of the lobes. Each is provided with numerous secondary 

branches, and from the larger size of some it is presumed that they 

supplied lateral lobes. The finer nervation is that of Liquidambar.

Locality. White hill one-half mile east of original Van Horn's 

ranch locality. Collected by Knowlton and Merriam, July, 1901 

(U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 8545).

Family PLATAN ACE.E. 

PLATANUS ASPEKA Newb.

PLATANUS ASPERA Newb., Proc; U. S. Nat. Mas., Vol. V, p. 509, 1883; Later Extinct 

Floras, p. 102, PI. XLIJ, figs. 1-3; PL XLIV, fig. 5; PI. LIX, fig. 3, 1898.

The types of this species are before me, together with a number of 

more or less fragmentary examples collected later. They exhibit 

nothing to modify the views originally expressed b}r Newberry.

Locality. Bridge Creek, Grant County, Oregon. Collected by 

Rev. Thomas Condon (U. S. Nat. Mus., Nos. 7079, 7081, 7082, 7083) 

and Maj. Charles E. Bendire (U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 3010).

PLATANUS CONDONI (Newb.) Knowlton.

PLATANUS CONDONI (Newb.) Knowlton in Merriain, Univ. Cal., Bull. Dept. Geol.,

Vol. II, No. 9, p, 289, 1901. 

Ficusf Condoni Newb., Proc. U. S. Nat. IMus., Vol. V, p. 512,1883; Later Extinct Floras,

p. 85, Vol. LVI, fig. 1; PL LVIII, fig. 1, 1898.

The following conclusions are based on all of the original types of 

Newberry, together with a considerable number more recently collected, which have passed through Lesquereux's hands. Newberry, 

as evidenced by the question mark placed after the genus as well as

the discussion in the Later Extinct Floras, was in doubt as to the reference of these fine leaves to the genus Ficus, and Lesquereux 

referred them without hesitation to Platanus hasilobata. That it 

should be placed in the genus Platanus is certain, but that it should be 

referred to Professor Ward's species is not quite so clear. After a 

careful examination of the types of Platanus l>asilobata and consultation 

with their author, I can but conclude that, although close, there are 

sufficient differences to warrant keeping them apart, at least for the 

present. The basal lobes in P. basilobata are uniformly larger, and in 

most cases several times the size of those in the form under discussion, and, moreover, they appear to be always deeply lobed in the 

former and entire in the latter. Assuming that the evolutional tendency is to get rid of these large stipular organs, as suggested in the 

living P. occidentalis^ the Bridge Creek form would represent a more 

recent and higher developed stage than P. basilobata, a supposition
KNOWLTON.] DESCRIPTION OF SPECIES. 65

borne out by the relative ages of the beds in which they are found. 

In size of blade, configuration of margin, and in nervation the two 

forms are practically identical.

Localities. Bridge Creek, Grant County, Oregon. Collected by 

Kev. Thomas Conclon (Newberry's types, U. S. Nat. Mus., Nos. 70T9, 

7085) and Maj. Charles E. Bendire (U. S. Nat. Mus., Nos. 2892, 2898). 

Officer's ranch, lower end of Butler Basin. Collected by Dr. John 

C. Merriam, July 22, 1901 (U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 9206-9208).

PLATANUS NOBILIS? Newb.

PLATANUS NOBILIS? Newb. Lesquereux, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XI, p. 19,1888.

The material from Van Horn's ranch contains a single very large 

leaf which Lesquereux identified with this species. This particular 

specimen lacks most of the margin, but as nearly as can be made out 

it was five-lobed and entire, or at most only undulate on the margin. 

In size it must have been more than 25 cm. long and 23 cm. or more 

broad. The petiole is preserved entire and is 8 cm. long and 7 mm. 

thick at the point of attachment to the branch and 4 mm. thick in the 

middle. The nervation of the leaf is strong. The margin not having 

been preserved it is hard to be positive of this determination, yet, all 

things considered, it is possibly correct, although the petiole is stronger 

than I remember to have seen in this species. Additional material 

must be awaited for satisfactory settlement.

Locality. Van Horn's ranch, about 12 miles west of Mount Vernon, 

Grant County, Oregon. Collected by Maj. Charles E. Bendire (U. S. 

Nat. Mus., No. 2538).

PLATANUS ACEKOIDES? (Goppert) Heer.

PLATANUS ACEKOIBEH (Goppert) Heer. Lesqncreux, Proc. IT. R. Nat. Mns., Vol. XI, 

p. 19, PI. V, fig. 7, 1888.

The two examples identified by Lesquereux as this species are very 

unlike in size, the smaller the one figured being 4 cm. long and a 

little more than 3.5 cm. broad, while the larger one is 11 or 12 cm. 

long and 13 cm. or more broad. I am uncertain as to the correctness 

of this identification. They do have somewhat the appearance of 

various leaves that have been referred to this species, but they also 

differ. There is not a sufficient amount of material, however, to warrant attempting to properly characterize them as new. I. have therefore retained them as above, with the mark of interrogation after the 

specific name.

Locality. Van Horn's ranch, about 12 miles west of Mount Vernon, 

Grant County, Oregon. Collected by Maj. Charles E. Bendire (U. S. 

Nat. Mus., No. 2535).

Bull. 204 02- 5
66 FOSSIL FLOEA OF THE JOHN DAY BASIN, OREGON. [BULL. 2M.

PLATANUS sp.

Platanus Raynoldsii Newberry. Lesquereux, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XI, p. 19,

This identification rests on two fragments of very large leaves that 

are not in my opinion well enough preserved to warrant specific determination. The}r can hardty belong to P. RayiioldHii^ as Lesquereux 

has stated, nor do the}*- seem to be parts of either P. nobilix or P. 

aceroides. Just what they are I am unable to say at present.

Locality. Van Horn's ranch, about 12 miles west of Mount Vernon, 

Grant County, Oregon. Collected by Maj. Charles E. Bendire (U. S. 

Nat. Mus.,No. 2539).

Family ROSACES.

CKATJSGUS FLAVESCENS Newb. 

PI. x, % i.

CRAT^EGUS FLAVESCENS Newb., Proc. U. S. Nat. Mns., Vol. V, p. 507, 1883; Later

Extinct Floras, p. 112, PI. XLVIII, fig. 1, 1898. 

Myrica diversifolia Lesq., Cret, and Tert. Fl., p. 241, PL L, fig. 10, 1883.

I have before me as 1 write the type, of Newberry's Crats&gw flavescens (U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 7088) and a part of Lesquereux's types of 

his Myrica diversifolia as described first from Florissant, Colorado. 

The type of the Bridge ("reek example referred by Lesquereux to M, 

diversifolia (op. cit., PI. L, fig. 10) is in the paleontological collection 

of the University of California, where I have seen it, and there can 

be no doubt of its absolute identity with Newberry's Gratwyus flavescensof prior date, and I have so referred it. In regard to the status 

of the Florissant specimens" I am somewhat in doubt. The National 

Museum collection does not appear to contain all of the figured 

examples and, judging from the figures alone, it would seem that they 

represent more than one species. Figs. 7, S, 11, 12, and 14 are 

seemingly identical with the Bridge Creek species, yet the}7 show a 

tendency to have sharply toothed lobes, a condition not often present 

in the former species. In the absence of a sufficient amount of material (these leaves appear to be rare in the Bridge Creek collections) it 

has seemed best to leave it for future settlement.

Locality. Bridge Creek, Grant County, Oregon. Collected by 

Rev. Thomas Condon and Maj. Charles E. Bendire (U. S. Nat. Mus., 

No. 8489). Type of Lesquereux's fig. 10, op. cit., in Mus. Univ. Cal., 

No. 1757.

CllAIVEGUS IMl'ARILIS 11. Sp. 

PI. X, fig. 2.

Leaf semicoriaceous. roughly ovate in outline, very obtusely wedgeshaped at base, palmately three-ribbed, primarily three-lobed, but

aCrct. and Tert. Fl., p. 1-18, PI. XXV, figs. 6-15.
KNOWI.TON.] DESCRIPTION OF SPECIES. 67

ultimately seven-lobed; lateral lobes of same size, separated from central lobe by sharp, deep sinuses, rather obtuse at apex, each with a 

single, small, obtuse lateral lobe; central lobe much the larger, lanceolate, three-lobed at apex, secondary lobes short acute; margin of 

lobes undulate or obscurely dentate; the three ribs of about the same 

size, the central or midrib with about six pairs of alternate, thin secondaries, two of which enter the lateral lobes; lateral ribs with several 

pairs of thin, irregular secondaries, two of which are slightly larger 

and enter the side lobes; finer nervation producing a regular, deeply 

impressed network.

The leaf figured, the only one found, is 3 cm. long and about 2 cm. 

wide. It is seven-lobed, but only three-ribbed, the lower lobes each 

have a'small side lobe, and the main central lobe a small lobe on each 

side. The length of the lower lobes from the sinus is about 1 cm. 

that of the middle lobe from the sinus is 1.75 cm. The configuration 

of the margin and the nervation are well shown in the figure.

This species appears to find its closest affinity with Grata&giis flcwescens Newb./' or Myrica diversifolia, as it was later called by Lesquereux. 6 The leaf from Bridge Creek, referred by Lesquereux to his 

Myrica cUverxifolia, is certainly the same as Newberry's Crata&gmjlavescenx, and certain of the Florissant leaves appear to be the same, but 

1 am under the impression that at least two species are represented in 

the latter material.

The leaf under consideration differs in a number of particulars from 

the Bridge Creek specimens. Thus it is deeply three-lobed with each 

lateral lobe provided with a small lobe, whereas the Bridge Creek specimens are usually rather evenly lobed throughout. The ribs in the 

new form are three in number and arise at the top of the petiole. In 

the other species the leaf is not palmatcly ribbed, but is provided with 

secondaries, even the lowest pair of which arise from the midrib well 

above the base and pass to the lobes. The margin of these latter specimens inclines to be more crenulate. One specimen is perhaps closer 

in shape to one of the Florissant leaves, c but it differs in the nervation 

in the same manner as do the other examples.

Locality. White hill half-mile east of original Van Horn's ranch 

locality. Collected by Knowlton and Merriam, July, 1901 (U. S. 

Nat. Mus. } No. 8513.)

PKUNUS? MEKRIAMI n. sp.

PL XI, figs. 2, 3, 6, 7.

Prwm.s n. sp., Knowlton in Merriam, Univ. Cal., Bull. Dept. Geol., Vol. II, No. 9, 

p. 309, 1901.

Leaves coriaceous, ovate in shape, apparently abruptly rounded and 

truncate at base, obtusely acuminate at apex; margin finely serrate,

' "Later Extinct Floras, p. 112, PI. XLVI1I, fig. 1.

''Crct. and Tort. Fl., p. 241, PI. L, fig. 10. This species was also described and figured from 

Florissant, Colorado, idem, p. MS, PI. XXV, figs. 6-15.

c Idem, PI. XXV, fig. 11.
68 FOSSIL FLORA OF THE JOHN DAY 33ASIN, OREGON. [BULL. 201.

the teeth of nearly equal size, obtusely pointed; midrib very thick, 

especialty below; secondaries about ten pairs, mostly strong, alternate 

or a few opposite, arising nearly at a right angle on one side and at an 

angle of about 20° or 25° on the other, strongly camptodrome, arching far below the margin and joining the secondary next above by 

a broad loop, with a series of loops on the outside from which nervilles 

enter the teeth; nervilles numerous, strong, irregular, often broken, 

producing large areas which are filled by a very regular fine network.

The type of this species is nearly 4 cm. in length and is a little more 

than 2.5 cm. in width. It appears to have been a rather thick leaf, 

ovate in shape, with a finely serrate margin, a thick midrib, and about 

ten pairs of strong, camptodrome secondaries, which divide and arch 

far inside the margin.

While 1 am not absolutely certain that this leaf should properly be 

referred to Prunus, it agrees so close!}7 in a general way with various 

living species of this genus that it has been tentatively placed under it. 

It is, for instance, very similar to certain forms of P. virginiana, P. 

demissa, etc. It is also quite like some species of Cydonia, as O. 

japonica, the flowering quince, but it is hardly likely that this genus 

was natural to this country. In any case the species is a well marked 

one and can readily be identified as a stratigraphic mark.

This species is named in honor of Dr. John C. Merriam, of the University of California.

Locality. Van Horn's ranch, about 12 miles west of Mount Vernon, 

Grant County, Oregon. Collected by Merriam's expedition of 1900 

(Mus. Univ. Cal., Nos. 886, 887) and by Knowlton and Merriam, 1901 

(U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 8514).

PRUNUS? TUFACEA n. sp. 

PI. XI, fig. 4.

Prunus n. sp., Knowltou in Merriam, Univ. Cal., Bull. Dept. CleoL, Vol. II, No. 9, 

p. 309, 1901.

Leaves semicoriaceous in texture, elliptical or elliptical-obovate, 

slightly unequal sided, rather abruptly wedge shaped at base, and 

similarly narrowed at apex; margin finely, sharply, and evenly serrate 

throughout; petiole thick and strong; midrib rather thick, especially 

below; secondaries about eight or nine pairs, opposite in the lower 

portions, alternate above, arising at an angle of about 30° or less and 

camptodrome, forking well below the margin and joining the one next 

above by a broad loop, and apparently with thin nervilles passing to 

the teeth; nervilles strong, mainly broken; finer nervation producing 

minute areolse.

These leaves are about 3.5 cm. long and 2 cm. broad. The thick 

petiole is over 1 cm. long. The marginal teeth are fine, regular, and 

sharp pointed.
KNOWLTON.] DESCRIPTION OF SPECIES. 69

These leaves may belong to the preceding species, but as they differ 

in a number of minor particulars it has seemed best to keep them separate. They are elliptical or slightly elliptical-obovate instead of ovate, 

the teeth are finer, more regular, and evidently sharper pointed, and 

the secondaries are at a stronger angle of divergence.

Locality. Van Horn's ranch, about 12 miles west of Mount Vernon, 

Grant County, Oregon. Collected by Merriam's expedition of 1900. 

(Type in Mas. Univ. Cal., No. 885.)

Family MIMOSACE^E. 

ACACIA OEEGONIANA Lesq.

ACACIA OEEGONIANA Lesq., Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XI, p. 14, PL V, fig. 4, .1.888. 

The type specimen with its counterpart still remains unique. 

Locality. -Van Horn's ranch, South Fork of John Day River, 12

miles west of Mount Vernon, Grant County, Oregon. Collected by 

Maj. Charles E. Bendire (U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 2412).

Family C^ESALPINACE^E « 

CASSIA ? sp. Newb.

CASSIA? sp., Newb., Later Extinct Floras, p. 113, PI. XLVI, fig. 10, 1898.

The type of this form is before me and it requires but a glance to 

see that the drawing does not correspond accurately "with the specimen. Judging from the drawing alone it would seem to represent a 

small leguminous pod with faint depressions corresponding to the 

places occupied by the seeds. The outer surface is represented as 

uniform and unmarked. The specimen itself does not show any evidence of the presence of seeds, and the outer surface is strongly 

marked with close parallel lines which are oblique to the long direction 

and which completely cross it from side to side. I do not understand 

this structure, and while it may represent a small pod it is hardly 

probable that it is a Cassia.

Locality. Bridge Creek, Grant County, Oregon. Collected by 

Rev. Thomas Condon (U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 7093).

Family SIMARUBACE^. 

AILANTHUS OVATA Lesq.

AILANTHUS OVATA Lesq., Oet. and Tert. Fl., p. 254, PI. LI, figs. 7, 8, 1883.

The type specimens only are known. I have examined these specimens, both being preserved on the same piece of matrix. The figure 

of the branch shows the buds much clearer than they appear on the 

specimen, but it is perhaps correctly referred. The samaras are
70 FOSSIL FLORA OF THE JOHN DAY BASIN, OREGON. [BULL. 204.

described by Lesquereux as being rounded at one end and acute at 

the other. An examination shows that the bluntness described is due 

to the ends of one or two being broken or covered by matrix, while in 

one well preserved both ends are similar and acute.

Locality. Bridge Creek, Grant County, Oregon. Collected by 

C. D. Voy. (Types in Mus. Univ. Gal., Nos. 1765, 1766.)

Family ANACAKDIACE^E.

RHUS BENDIKEI Lesq. 

RHUS BENDIRET Lesq., Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XI, p. 15, PI. IX, fig. 2, 1888.

The type material consisted of the example figured and another 

specimen with its counterpart. The figured specimen, it will be 

noted, is oblanceolate in shape, about 10.5 cm. in length, 3.5 cm. in 

width at the broadest point, and is narrowly wedge-shaped below and 

acuminate above. Lesquereux regarded this as the terminal leaflet 

and decided that the other specimen represented a lateral leaflet of 

the same species. Of this latter he saj's: "To this I refer a small, 

oblong-lanceolate leaflet, rounded in narrowing rapidly to the point 

of attachment, very short-petioled, and areolation identical." This 

is much smaller, being only 6 cm. in length and 2.5 cm. in greatest 

width, and while it looks at first quite different, may belong to it. 

The collection made by Dr. John C. Merriam in 1900' contains two 

specimens like the smaller leaflet.

Locality. Van Horn's ranch, South Fork of John Day River, about 

12 miles west of Mount Vernon, Grant County, Oregon. Collected 

by Maj. Charles E. Bendire (U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 2582).

RHUS ? sp. Lesq.

PI. XIV, fig. 6.

The original collection by Bendire contains a fragment of the base 

of a leaf or leaflet that was referred by Lesquereux to Rhus, but was 

not included in his published list of species. It is impossible to make 

out the whole outline, but it seems to have been obovate with a 

broadly wedge-shaped, unequal-sided base. The margin appears to 

have been provided with small, sharp teeth. The nervation consists of 

a comparatively thick midrib and quite a number of thin secondaries, 

those on the broader side of the blade being at a right angle and those 

on the narrower side at an angle of about 40°. They are apparently 

camptodrome.

It is clearty unsafe to attempt comparisons between this specimen 

and other known species.

Locality. Van Horn's ranch, about 12 miles west of Mount Vernon, 

Grant County, Oregon. Collected by Maj. Charles E. Beudire (U. S. 

Nat. Mus., No. 8550).
KNOWLTON.I DESCRIPTION OF SPECIES. 71

Family CELASTRACEJ5. 

CELASTKUS DIGNATUS n. sp.

PI. XI, tig. 5.

Leaves membranaceous, elliptical, or slightly obovate-elliptical in 

shape, truncate, or very obtuse and somewhat unequal-sided at base, 

truncate at apex; margin coarsely toothed, the teeth obtuse, upward 

pointing; petiole short and thick; midrib thick; secondaries about 10 

pairs, alternate, at a low angle, craspedodrome, passing to the marginal 

teeth; nervilles numerous, mainly unbroken, at right angles to the 

secondaries; finer nervation, producing numerous small, irregularly 

quadrangular meshes.

Several specimens represent this species, all being of about the same 

size. They are in general elliptical-obovate, very obtusely wedgeshaped or truncate at base and rounded at apex. They are 4 cm. in

length and 3 to 3.5 cm. in width. The petiole, preserved in only one 

example, is 5 mm. long and 2 mm. thick at the point of attachment. 

The toothed margin and characteristic nervation are well shown in 

the figures.

This species seems to have some affinity with Celastrus insequcdis 

Knowlton ft from the Fort Union beds in the Yellowstone National 

Park. This differs, however, in being a much larger leaf, toothed 

only above the lower third of the blade, the teeth being also more 

obtuse. The general appearance -of the two species, however, is 

strikingly similar.

Locality, Mascall beds, Van Horn's ranch, about 12 miles west of 

Mount Vernon, Grant County, Oregon. Collected by Knowlton and 

Merriam, July, 1901 (U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 8539).

CELASTRUS CONFLUEMS, n. sp.

PL II, figs. 1-3.

Leaves membranaceous, elliptical in shape, wedge-shaped and slightly 

unequal-sided at base, obtuse but not truncate at apex; margin toothed, 

the teeth quite large, sharp pointed; midrib strong; secondaries, about 

twelve pairs, .mainly alternate, at an angle of about 45° on one side of 

the blade and nearly a right angle on the other, camptodrome, arching very near the margin or forking and sending branches to the 

teeth; nervilles and finer nervation as in the last species.

This form is represented by several quite perfect leaves, which may 

possibly belong to the last species, but they are much larger and are 

unaccompanied by examples of intermediate size, so that it has seemed 

best to give them tentatively a new name. The best preserved 

example, which is also the largest, is 9 cm. long and 5 cm. wide. The

oMon. U. S. Gcol. Surv., PI. XCVI.II, fig. 3.
72 FOSSIL FLORA OF THE JOHN DAY BASIN, OREGON. [BULL. 201.

smallest example was apparently about 8 cm. long and is a little over 

4 em. wide.

Locality. Mascall beds, Van Horn's ranch, about 12 miles Avest of 

Mount Vernon, Grant County, Oregon. Collected by Merriam and 

Knowlton, July, 1901 (U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 8578).

Family ACERACE^.

ACER OSMONTI n. sp. 

PI. XIII, fig. 3.

Leaf membranaceous, five-lobed from the top of the petiole, lower 

pair of lobes small, at right angles to the midrib, other pair large, at 

an angle of 45° with the midrib; central lobe evidently largest of all 

(mainly destroyed); all lobes irregularly toothed and lobed, the lobes 

sharp pointed; petiole very long and strong; nervation palmately 

five-ribbed, the ribs ending in the main lobes, each with several pairs 

of alternate secondaries which emerge at an acute angle and terminate 

in the teeth of small lateral lobes; nervilles numerous, rather thin, 

mainly percurrent and crossing approximately at right angles to the 

secondaries; finer nervation producing rather large areolte.

The genus Acer seems to be quite rare in the Bridge Creek beds, 

although abundantly represented in the Mascall beds at Van Horn's 

ranch and vicinity. All that I have thus far seen is the leaf here 

described, a fragment of another, and less than half a dozen fruits. 

The 'one under consideration lacks the major portion, of the central 

lobe and the terminal portion of one of the large lateral lobes. It 

spreads about 8 cm. between the points of the lower lobes and about 

11 cm. between the points of the larger lobes. The length of the leaf 

can not be determined, but it can hardly have been less than 9 or 10 cm. 

The petiole, very thick and stout for the size of the blade, has 4 cm.

of its length retained and was evidently somewhat longer.

This leaf has a very modern appearance, much more so, in fact, 

than the forms found in the Mascall beds. It suggests at once the 

sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marshall) of the East and is not greatly 

unlike small leaves of A. macrophyllwn Pursh, the common maple of 

the west coast.

This species is named in honor of Mr. V. C. Osmont, of the University of California, who collected it.

Locality. Bridge Creek, Oregon. Collected by Merriarn's party 

in 1900. (Type in Mus. Univ. Cal., No. 2505.) The fragmentary leaf 

above described is No. 8488 in the U. S. Nat. Mus. It was collected 

by Coudon.
KNOWLTON.] DESCRIPTION OF SPECIES. 73

ACER sp., Knovvlton. 

PI. XIII, figs. 1, 2.

ACER sp., Knowlton, in Merriam, Univ. Cal.,.Bull. Dept. Geol., Vol. II, No. 9, p. 

289, 1901.

A fragment of a small, three-lobed leaf showing a portion of the 

base, one lateral lobe, and a part of the central lobe. The length 

appears to have been about 5 cm. and the width between the lobes 

about 5.5 cm. It is coarsely toothed.

Another fragment from the same locality has the base with a short 

portion of the petiole preserved. It appears to be the same as the 

other.

Locality One and one-half miles east of Clarnos Ferry. Collected 

by Merriam's expedition of 1900. Types in Mus. Univ. Cal. Nos.

900, 932.

ACER BENDIKEI Lesq.

ACER BENDIKEI Lesq., Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XI, p. 14, PL V, fig. 5; PL VI, fig.

1; PL VII, fig. 1; PL VIII, fig. 1, 1888. 

Acer trilobatum productum (Al. Br.) Heer. Lesquereux, Cret. and Tert. FL, p. 253,

PL LIX, figs. 1, 2, 4 (non fig. 3, which is Platanus dissecta Lesq.).

This species, as may be seen from the above synonymy, was first 

regarded by Lesquereux as referable to the European A. trilobatum 

productum, but later was raised to full specific rank. This name was 

also applied to several leaves from Carbon, Wyoming," but they are 

clearly not the same as those under consideration. In the Cretaceous 

and Tertiary Floras (p. 253), Lesquereux records the specimens under 

discussion as coming from "Currant Creek, John Day Valley, Oregon." 

This is in error, as the types are preserved in the paleontological 

collection of the University of California (Nos. 1797, 1797a, 1797b). 

and are seen at once to have come from Van Horn's ranch. They 

are in the characteristic white volcanic tuff, and not the hard, brownish 

matrix of the Current Creek deposits. b

Locality. Van Horn's ranch, South Fork of John Day River, 12 

miles west of Mount Vernon, Grant Countjr, Oregon. Original material collected by C. D. Voy about 1870 (Musi Univ. Cal., Nos. 1797, 

1797a, 1797b); since collected by Maj. Charles E. Bendire (U. S. Nat. 

Mus.. No. 2413), Dr. John C. Merriam (Mus. Univ. Cal., Nos. 850, 

851), and F. H. Knowlton (U. S. Nat. Mus., Nos. 8940-8948).

«Tert. PL, p. 261, PI. XLVIII, figs. 2, 3a, 1878.

&0n PI. LIX of the Cretaceous and Tertiary Floras, Lesquereux gives four figures which he refers to 

Acer trilolmtimi production (now A. Bendirei), and all the specimens are said to be from the same 

locality, namely, "Currant Creek, Oregon." This is in error in regard to fig. 3, the original of which 

is preserved with the others in the Paleontological Collection of the University of California (No. 1835). 

This fragment was found to fit into and form a part of the same individual that is figured in the 

Auriferous gravel flora (PI. V, fig. 3) under the name of Aralia Zaddachi? Heer. And further it was 

found that when so fitted together they produce a leaf that must be referred to Platanus dissecta. 

The locality, plainly marked on the back of each fragment, is Table Mountain, California.
74 FOSSIL FLOKA OF THE JOHN DAY BASIN, OEEGON- [BULL.204.

ACER DIMOKPHUM Lesq. 

ACER DIMORPHUM Lesq., Pror.. U. 8. Nat. Mus., Vol. XI, p. 15, PI. IX, fig. 1, 1888.

Locality. Van Horn's ninety about 12 miles west of Mount Vernon, 

Grant Count}^ Oregon. Collected by Maj. Charles E. Bendire(U. S. 

Nat. Mus., No. 2415).

ACER MERRIAMI n. sp.

PI. XIV, fig. 7.

ACER n. sp., Knowlton in Merriam, Univ. Cal., Bull. Dept. Geol., Vol. II, No. 9, 

p. 309, 1901.

Leaf coriaceous in texture, palmately deeply three lobed, the lobes 

broad, roughly ovate in shape, of approximately the same size, lateral 

lobes at a low angle with the central lobe; all margin coarsely and 

irregularly toothed, being provided with low, irregular, mostly sharppointed teeth; petiole long, very thick; midrib thick, with six or more 

pairs of alternate, strong secondaries which end in the large teeth of 

the central lobe, and have smaller branches which pass to other marginal teeth; lateral ribs nearly as strong as the midrib, at a low angle, 

each with about seven pairs of alternate secondaries passing to the 

large teeth, and those on the lower side especially with short branches, 

which end in marginal teeth; nervilles numerous, thin, mainly percurrent and at right angles to the secondaries; finer nervation forming a 

rather coarse, irregularly quadrangular network.

The example figured is the only one that has thus far been found. 

It is a large, deeply three-lobed leaf about 12 cm. long, exclusive of 

the petiole (of which 2.5 cm. in length is preserved), and about 14 cm. 

broad. All three lobes are of approximately the same size, and all 

are irregularly toothed, the margin being provided with low, sharppointed teeth. The nervation is beautifully preserved.

Maples are abundant in these beds, and man}'- leaves, fruits, and 

branches have been obtained. The leaf under consideration is markedly 

different from Acer Bendirei, which is perhaps the most abundant 

species present, but may possibly be a very broad, coarsely toothed 

form of A. dimorphwn. The latter species is described by its author 

as being prolonged at base into two small lobes which open like wings 

on each side of the midrib. The lateral ribs, therefore, arise at some 

distance above the top of the petiole in the broad, basal portion of the 

blade. In the leaf before me there is no indication of the basal lobes 

that are so conspiuous in A. dinwrphum, and the ribs appear to arise 

at the top of the petiole and at the very base of the blade. Further, 

the lobes are doubly dentate that is, have large, irregular teeth or 

lobes, the margins of which are provided with low teeth. Therefore 

it seems most logical to regard them as distinct, at least for the present.
KROWLTON.] ' DESCRIPTION OF SPECIES. 75

This species is not greatly unlike some forms of Acw trilobatwn 

tricuspidatum Heer" of the Swiss Miocene.

I take great pleasure in naming this species in honor of Dr. John C. 

Merriam, who has done so much for the paleontology of this region.

Locality. Van Horn's ranch, South Fork of John Day River, about 

12 miles west of Mount Vernon. Grant County, Oregon. Collected 

by Merriam's expedition of 1900. (Type in Mus. Univ. Cal., No. 869.)

ACER, branches of?

ACER, branches of? Lesquereux, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XI, p. 15, 1888.

A number of branches supposed to belong to some species of Acer, 

but it is quite impossible to determine which one.

Locality. Van Horn's ranch, about 12 miles west of Mount Vernon, 

Grant County, Oregon. Collected by Maj. Charles E. Bendire (U. S.

Nat. Mus., No. 2418).

ACER OREGONIANUM 11. Sp.

PI. XIII, fig. 5-8. 

Acer, fruits of, Lesquereux, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XI, p. 15, PI. VI, figs 2, 3,

Fruits long and broad-winged, the wing being evidently very thick 

and provided with numerous strong veins; nucleus large, round, showing broad truncation where attached to the sister fruit.

This form is so very abundant in all collections from these beds and 

admits so readily of separation that I have ventured to give it a name. 

It of course represents the fruit of one of the species founded on 

leaves that are also abundant in all collections, but thus far no fruit 

has been found attached to or even approximate to a leaf, and until 

so found it is more convenient to be able to refer to the fruits 

independently.

These fruits are, with the exception of that of Acer gigas (supra, p. 

76), the largest ones found in these beds. They range in length from 

3.5 to 4.5 cm. The wing is unusually broad, being not infrequently 

1.75 cm. wide. It is filled with numerous strong veins, which are given 

off from the axis of the fruit in groups or bundles.

As Lesquereux has well suggested, these fruits most closely resemble those of the living Acer macrophyllum Pursh, the large-leaved 

maple so common on the Pacific coast; in fact, they are hardly to be 

distinguished.

Locality. Abundant in Mascall beds at Van Horn's ranch and 

vicinity. All collectors have obtained it. Types of Lesquereux's figures in JJ. S. Nat. Mus., No. 2417. Types of figures in this paper 

collected b}r Knowlton and Merriam, July, 1901, in U. S. Nat. Mus., 

Nos. 8494-8497.

uFl. Tert. Holy., Vol. JI[, PI. CXII, fig. 3.
76 FOSSIL FLORA OF THE JOHN DAY BASIN, OKEGON. [BULL.204.

ACER MEDIANUM n. sp.

PI. XIV, figs. 4, 5.

Fruit large, lanceolate in shape; wing relatively narrow, filled with 

thin veins; nucleus rounder oblong, the scar of attachment to its sister 

fruit very oblique.

This provisional species is represented by the two examples figured. 

The smaller is 4.25 cm. long and has the wing 1 cm. wide; the other is 

4.75 cm. long and has a wing 1.25 cm. wide.

It is possible that there are merely very large fruits of the following 

species, as they are of approximately the same shape, but there are no 

intermediate specimens, and I have preferred to keep them separate 

for the present.

Locality. Figure 4, the smaller, is from the original Van Horn's 

ranch locality; the other is from the white hill, one-half mile east of 

the first localit}^. Collected by Knowlton and Merriam, July, 1901 

(U. S. Nat. Mus., Nos. 8498, 8499).

ACER MINOR n. sp.

PI. XIV, figs. 2, 3.

Acer, fruits of, Lesquereux, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XI, p. 15, PI. VII, fig. 2,

1888.

Fruits of small size, similar in shape to the preceding species; 

length, 2.5 cm., width of wing, 8 mm.

As already stated, this may be the same as the preceding form, but 

the specimens are so much smaller, and moreover, as there are no 

intermediate specimens, it has seemed best to regard them as distinct.

Inasmuch as three species have been differentiated in these beds, 

based on leaves, it is natural to suppose that the fruits might also

show differences, In any case it would seem, easy to recognize the 

three forms of fruits here described.

Locality. White hill one-half mile east of original Van Plorn's 

ranch locality, Grant County, Oregon. Collected by Knowlton and 

Merriam, July, 1901 (U. S. Nat. Mus., Nos. 8500, 8501).

ACER GIG AS n. sp. 

PI. XIV, fig, 1.

Fruit of enormous size, very narrow; wing of nearly similar width 

throughout, filled with numerous but rather fine veins; nucleus veiy 

large, elliptical in shape.

This fine species is represented thus far by the single example 

figured, with its counterpart. It is a very long, narrow fruit, 9.5 cm. 

in length and only about 1.5 cm. in width. The nucleus or seed 

proper is large, being 2 cm. in long, and nearly 1 cm. in short, diameter.
KNOWLTON.] DESCRIPTION OF SPECIES. 77

The scar where it was attached to its sister fruit is oblique and very 

long.

I know nothing either living or fossil to which this fruit can be 

compared.

Locality. Gulch 1 mile northeast of Belshaw's ranch, Grant 

County, Oregon. Collected by Knowlton and Merriam, July, 1901 

(U. S.'Nat. Mus., No. 8502).

RULAC CKATJEGIFOLIUM 11. Sp.

PI. XVI, fig. 7.

Leaf coriaceous, trifoliolate or very deeply three-lobed, lateral leaflet (or lobe) roughly ovate-lanceolate in shape, irregularly, deeply 

cut into toothed lobes or large teeth near the apex, wedge-shaped at 

base, acuminate at apex; middle leaflet (or lobe) much smaller than 

the lateral ones, narrowly ovate-lanceolate, long, wedge-shaped below, 

very acuminate at apex, margin coarsely toothed; nervation of leaflets (or lobes) consisting of a strong midrib and several pairs of alternate rather thin secondaries which end in the lobes or teeth; finer 

nervation not preserved.

This species is represented only by the specimen figured, and this 

unfortunately is not sufficiently well preserved fully to reveal its 

character. It is presumably trifoliolate, but may be only deeply 

three-lobed. The larger leaflet is assumed from its position to be a 

lateral one, the middle one being much smaller. This lateral leaflet 

is 5.5 cm. in length, and 2.75 cm. in width between the larger lobes. 

The central leaflet is 4 cm. long and 1.25 cm. in width. Both are 

sessile.

Owing to the poor state of preservation it is not possible to fix the 

position of this leaf with certaint}^. In most trifoliolate leaves, if the 

leaflets differ in size', the middle one is usually the larger. In this 

case the larger leaflet of our specimen is the lateral one, and it is 

assumed to be lateral because it curves away from the smaller one and 

has a curved midrib, whereas the smaller one is erect and has a straight 

midrib.

With the limitations set by the imperfections of the specimen it is 

perhaps unwise to attempt comparisons between it and described forms, 

yet a few of these may be suggested. Thus the larger leaflet is not 

greatly unlike Oratdegux acerifolia Lesq./''from Florissant, Colorado, 

which itself is probably the same as a part- at least of the leaves 

described as Myrica diver*)folia Lesq., 6 from the same locality. These 

are all long petiole?!, showing them to be leaves and not leaflets, 

whereas ours is sessile, showing that it is probably a leaflet.

cCrct. ami Tort. Fl., p. 198, PI. XXXVI, %. 10. ('Idem, p. 146, PI. XXV, figs. 0-15.
78 FOSSIL FLOEA OF THE JOHN DAY BASIN, OREGON. [BULL. 204.

If we assume the larger leaflet to be the central one of a trifoliolate 

leaf, it certainly suggests one of the specimens described by Lesquereux as Rlntx Tlilliae,^ also from Florissant. However, the other specimens classed with this one make it extremely improbable that curs 

is the same. I have, therefore, assumed that it belongs to Rulac (formerly Negundo), the well-known box elder, but it must remain for 

future collections to settle the question.

Locality. Van Horn's ranch, about 12 miles west of Mount Vernon, 

Grant County, Oregon. Collected by Know!ton and Merriam, July, 

1901 (U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 8533).

Family HIPPOCASTANACE^E.

J^SCULUS SIMULATA 11. Sp. 

PI. XV, figs. 1, 2.

Leaflets rather membranaceous in texture, broadly obovate-lanceolate 

in shape, somewhat unequal-sided, long, wedge-shaped at base, rather 

abruptly rounded above to an apparently accuminate apex; margin 

minutely and regularly serrate throughout except for a short distance 

just alove the base; midrib very thick; secondaries numerous, about 

15 pairs, alternate, close, mainly parallel, forking or breaking up into 

two or three branches near the margin and ending in the teeth, occasionally camptodrome, with fine branches on the outside which enter 

the teeth; nervilles numerous, thin, mainly percurrent', oblique to the 

secondaries; finer nervation producing minute irregular areolse.

This fine species is represented by several examples, two of the best 

being figured. As all are separate leaflets, it is impossible to determine their arrangement. The}r are short-petioled if not quite sessile. 

The smaller of the figured specimens has 6 cm. of its length preserved

and was probably between 8 and 9 cm. long when perfect. It is 4 cm. 

wide. The larger specimen has above 9 cm. of its length preserved 

and is 6 cm. wide. The entire length was probably about 15 cm.

This species seems very close, indeed, to both ^Esculus octandra and 

jE. glabra, well-known living species of the eastern United States.

Locality. White hill one-half mile east of original Van Horn's 

ranch locality. Collected by Knowlton and Merriam, July, 1901 (U. S. 

Nat. Mus., Nos. 8519, 8520).

Family SAPINDACE^E.

SAPLNDUS Merriami n. sp. 

Pi. IX, fig. 5.

Coriaceous in texture, leaflets ovate in shape, obtusely wedge-shaped 

at base, obtuse at apex, alternate on the rachis; margin entire; midrib

«Cret. and Tert. Fl., p. 194, PI. XLL, fig. 14 only.
KNOWLTON.] DESCRIPTION OF SPECIES. 79

thin, straight; secondaries few, thin, alternate; finer nervation not 

preserved.

The single example figured is all that can with certainty be referred 

to this form. It consists of a portion of the upper part of a rachis 

with two leaflets, neither of which is the terminal one. The lateral 

ones are alternate and obtusely ovate in shape.

This species resembles certain of the smaller examples referred to 

S. obtusifolim Lesq., a and m,a.y possibly be this, but it is smaller and 

has a thinner secondary nervation.

Locality. Bridge Creek, Oregon. Collected for the Universit}7" of 

California. Type in Mus. Univ. Cal., No. 2506.

SAPINDUS OBTUSIFOLIUS Lesq.

SAPINDUS OBTUSJFOLIUS Lesq., Tert. Fl., p. 266, PI. XLIX, figs. 10, 11, 1878; Cret. 

and Tert. FL, p. 235, PI. XLV1II, figs. 5-7, 1883.

A single example that seems to belong to this somewhat variable 

species. It is more like the examples figured from the Green River 

group, having the narrow shape, thick midrib, and very short petiole 

of those.

Locality. Van Horn's ranch, about 12 miles west of Mount Vernon, 

Grant County, Oregon. Collected by Merriam's expedition of 1900 

(Mus. Univ. Cal., No. 892).

SAPINDUS ANGUSTIFOLIUS ? Lesq.

SAPINDUS ANGUSTFFOLTUS Lesq., Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XI, p. 15, 1888.

The single example referred by Lesquereux to this species remains 

unique. I should incline to place it in Salix, yet, as it is obscurely 

preserved, I have permitted it to remain as above, but have questioned 

the correctness of the reference.

Locality. Van Horn's ranch, about 12 miles west of Mount Vernon, 

Grant County, Oregon. Collected by Maj. Charles E. Bendire (U. S. 

Nat. Mus., No. 2598).

SAPINDUS OKEGONIANUS n. sp. 

PI. XV, fig. 3.

Leaflet coriaceous in texture, elliptical or elliptical-obovate, very 

unequal-sided ft base, apex destroyed; margin perfectly entire; petiole 

short, thick; midrib very thick; secondaries thin, about twelve pairs, 

emerging at a low angle, parallel, camptodrome, each arching and 

joining the one next above; nervilles very irregular, producing large 

areas between the secondaries, which are filled by the very fine ultimate nervation.

"Tert. PI., p. 2C6, PI. XLIX, figs. 8-11, 1878.
80 FOSSIL FLOEA OF THE JOHN DAY BASIN, OEEC40N. [BULL. 201.

The only specimen referred to this species lacks the upper portion. 

It appears to have been about 5 cm. in length and nearly 3 cm. in 

width, with a petiole 4 mm. long. The nervation is well shown in the 

figure.

I at first inclined to refer this to Sapindus obtusifolius Lesq./' which 

has been found southeast of Green River station, Wyoming, in beds 

supposed to be " Washakie" in age, and also in the Fort Union beds 

of Montana and North Dakota. It has about the same size and shape, 

although perhaps rather elliptical than ovate. The principal difference is in the secondaries, these being more numerous at a lower angle 

of divergence and less curved upward. The disposition of the nervilles 

is much the same in both. However, these two species are close, and 

possibly a series of specimens would show them to be identical.

Locality. Mascall beds. Van Horn's ranch, about 12 miles west of 

Mount Vernon, Grant County, Oregon. Collected by Knowlton and 

Merriam, July, 1901 (U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 8538).

Family 'RHAMNACE^. 

RHAMNTJS CLEBURNI? Lesq.

RHAMVUB CLEBURNI Lesq., Tert. Fl., p. 280, PI. LIII, figs. 1-3, 1878.

The collections made by Merriam's expedition contain a single 

broken specimen that may belong to this specie's, but it is only the 

upper portion of the blade, and it is impossible to identify this specimen with certainty in the absence of the basal portion. It seems to be 

this species, however.

Locality. Cherry Creek, Cook County, Oregon. Collected by 

Merriam's expedition in 1900 (Mus. Univ. Cal., No. 180).

RTIAMNUS ERIDANI Unger.

RHAMNUS ERIDANI linger. Newberry, Later Extinct .Floras, p. 118, PI. XLVIII, 

fig. 7, 1898.

Locality. Bridge Creek, Grant County, Oregon. Collected by 

Rev. Thomas Condon (U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 9103).

Family TILIACE.E. 

GREWIA CRENATA (Unger) Heer.

GREWIA CRENATA (Unger) Heer, Fl. Tert. Helv., Vol. Ill, p. 42, PI. CIX, figs. 12-21; 

PL CX, figs. 1-11, 1859; Ward, Types of the Laramie Flora, p. 85, PL XXXIX, 

fig. 1,1887; Newberry, Later Extinct Flora?, p. 120, PL XLVI, fig. 2; PL XLVII, 

figs. 2, 3, 1898 (1899).

Paliurus colombi Heer. Lesquereux, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XI, p. 16, 1888.

Orffivia crenata was first found in this area at Bridge o Creek, ~ and

the specimens figured by Newberry, as well as a number of others

"Tert. Fl., p. 2GC, PI. XLIX, figs. 8-11, 1878.
KNOWLTON.] DESCRIPTION OF SPECIES. 81

since obtained, are before me. They not only agree among themselves 

but quite closely, indeed, with the figures of this species given by Heer. 

There can be no reasonable doubt as to their identity.

A number of specimens have been found in the Mascall beds at Van 

Horn's ranch and vicinity that must also be referred to Grewia crenata. The single example referred by Lesquereux to Paliurus 

colomhi probably belongs here, although it is very much like certain 

forms of Populm Zaddachi from the Auriferous gravels of California. 

The leaves, three in number, from the Mascall beds are a little narrower than those from Bridge Creek, and are somewhat more deeply 

cordate or auriculate at base, but the differences are not sufficient to 

warrant separating them.

Locality. Bridge Creek, Oregon. Collected by Rev. Thomas 

Condon (U. S. Nat. Mas., Nos. 7077, 7078, 7079) and'Maj. Charles E. 

Bendire (U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 9532). Mascall beds, Van Horn's ranch 

and vicinity. Collected by Major Bendire (U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 2542) 

and by Knowlton and Merriam July, 1901 (U. S. Nat. Mus., Nos. 

8990, 8991).

GREWIA AURICULATA Lesq.

GREWIA AURICULATA Lesq., Cret. and Tert. Fl., p. 252, PI. LV, fig. 1, 1883.

This species appears to rest on the single example figured as the 

type. None of the recent collections contain it, although there are a 

number of specimens of G. crenata.

The type of G. auriculata should be in the University of California, 

but it can not now be found. If it has been correctly figured it seems 

to be very different from the other leaves of Grewia found in the same 

beds, although it ma}' be onl}7 an abnormal form of that species.

Locality. Bridge Creek, Grant County, Oregon. Collected by 

Rev. Thomas Condon.

Family ARALIACEJ3. 

AHALIA DIGITATA Ward.

ARALIA IHGITATA Ward. Lesquereux, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XI, p. 20, PI. XI, 

iig. 4,1888.

Locality. Cherry Creek, Crook Count}% Oregon. Collected by 

Maj. Charles E. Bendire (U. S. Nat, Mus., No. 2424).

AEALIA sp. ?

Aralia notata Lesq., Proc. TJ. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XI, p. 20, 1888.

The collection contains the example referred to Aralia notata by 

Lesquereux and a fragment of the base of another. There is hardly

Bull. 204 02 6
82 FOSSIL FLOBA OF THE JOHN DAY BASIN, OEEGON. [BULL. 201

sufficient data to warrant placing them in this species, and until further 

material can be obtained it seems best to leave them as above indicated. 

Locality. Cherry Creek, Crook County, Oregon. Collected by 

Maj. Charles E. Bendire (U. S. Nat, Mus., Nos. 2426, 2430).

ARALIA ? sp. Knowlton.

PL XVI, fig. 8.

ARALIA ?sp., Knowlton in Merriam, Univ. Cal., Bull. Dept. Geol., Vol. II, No. 9, p. 

289, 1901.

A fragment of what appears to be the upper part of a lobe of an 

Aralia. It has an entire margin and alternate, much curved, rather 

thin secondaries.

This may be the upper portion of a single leaf like Juglans, but on 

the slab appears more like Aralia If this latter view be true, its 

form can only be conjectured.

Locality. Three miles above Clarnos Ferry. Collected by Merriam's expedition of 1900 (Mus. Univ. Cal., No. 912).

ARALIA sp., Knowlton.

Plate XV, fig. 4.

ARALIA sp., Knowlton in Merriam, Univ. Cal., Bull. Dept. Geol., Vol. II, No. 9, 

p. 289, 1901.

The fragmentary upper portion of a large leaf, showing portions of 

three lobes. The lobes are some 5 or 6 cm. in length and about 3 cm. 

in width. They appear to be without teeth.

It is impossible to tell from this fragment what it is. It may be 

the upper portion of a moderate sized leaf of Aralia Wliitneyi Lesq.

Locality. Three miles above Clarnos Ferry. Collected by Merriam's expedition of 1900 (Mus. Univ. Cal., No. 913).

ARALIA WHITNEYI? Lesq.

AKALIA WHITNEYI Lesq., Foss. PL Aurif. Gravel, p. 20, PL V, fig. 1, 1878; Proc. U. S. 

Nat. Mus., Vol. XI, p. 16, 1888.

The early collection from Van Horn's ranch contained a single 

example that Lesquereux referred with some doubt to this species, 

and the later collection also contains a single specimen which I assume 

to belong here. It is a smaller leaf than the figured type, which is 

itself much smaller than the normal-sized leaves, and naturally has 

shorter lobes, but it can hardly be anything else.

Locality. Van Horn's ranch, about 12 miles west of Mount Vernon, 

Grant County, Oregon. Collected by Maj. Charles E. Bendire (U. S. 

Nat. Mus., No. 2429). Smaller specimen obtained by Merriam's expedition in 1900 (Mus, Univ. Cal., No. 845).
KNOWLTON.] DESCRIPTION" OF SPECIES. 83

Family CORNACE^E.

CORNUS FEiiox? Unger.

CORNUS FEEOX linger. Lcsquereux, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XI, p. 21, 1888.

A single much-broken example is all that was found. Its identification is extremely doubtful, and is permitted to stand simply for the 

purpose of calling attention to the fact that there is present in these 

beds a large leaf that, while resembling Cornus f&rox, is of practically 

unknown affinity. For purposes of correlation it is obviously of no 

value.

Locality. Cheny Creek, Crook County, Oregon. Collected by 

Maj. Charles E. Bendire (U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 2452).

Family ERICACEAE.

ANDROMEDA CRASSA Lesq.

PL XVI, fig. 3.. 

ANDROMEDA CRASSA Lesq., Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XI, p. 16, 1888.

This species has not before been figured. It still rests on the type 

specimen.

Locality. Van Horn's ranch, South Fork of John Day River, about 

12 miles west of Mount Vernon, Grant County, Oregon. Collected by 

Maj. Charles E. Bendire (U. S. Nat.. Mus., No. 8511).

Family EBENACE2E. 

DIOSPYEOS. ALASKANA Schimper.

DIOSPYROS ALASKANA Schimper, Pal. V6g., Vol. II, p. 949, 1872. 

Diospyros land/olio, Lesq., Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XI, p. 21, 1888.

Represented by the upper portions of two leaves only; probably 

correctly identified.

Locality. Cherry Creek, Crook County, Oregon. Collected by 

Maj. Charles E. Bendire. (U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 2461.)

DIOSPYHOS ELLIPTICA 11. Sp.

PI. XVI, fig. 5.

Leaf coriaceous in texture, elliptical in shape, rounded at base to the 

short petiole, very obtuse at apex; midrib very thick; secondaries 

four or five pairs, thin, alternate, at an angle of about 45°, camptodrome arching and joining well inside the margin with a fine mesh 

outside; intermediate secondaries occasional; finer nervation producing an irregular network.
84 FOSSIL FLOEA OF THE JOHN DAY BASIN, OKEGON. [BULL. 204.

Of this species I have only seen the leaf figured. It is elliptical in 

outline, very obtuse at apex, and rounded at base. It is 3.25 cm. in 

length to the petiole, which is less than 3 rum. long and 2 cm. in width. 

The nervation consists of a very thick midrib and some four or five 

pairs of alternate thin secondaries which arch and join some distance 

from the margin.

This species has the nervation of living American species of Diospyros,'but is more obtuse at apex than is usual in these leaves.

Locality. Van Horn's ranch, about 12 miles west of Mount Vernon, 

Grant County, Oregon. Collected by Knowlton and Merriam, July, 

1901, (U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 8556).

Family OLEACEJE. 

FKAXINUS INTEGEIFOLIA Newb.

FRAXINUS INTEGRIFOLIA Newb., Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. V, p. 509. 1883; Later 

Extinct Floras, p. 1.28, PI. XLIX, figs. 1-3, 1898.

This species is represented in all the collections from Bridge Creek 

by a large number of examples which agree exactly with Newberry's 

types. When the lower surface of the leaves is exposed the nervation 

shows clearly, but when the upper surface is the one exposed it is 

impossible to detect a trace of the nervation. This shows conclusively 

that the leaves were very thick and coriaceous. The upper surface is 

also minutely wrinkled, as would be the case with a thick, leathery 

leaf. From these considerations I am inclined to doubt the correctness of referring them to Fraxinus, but for the present they may be 

so retained.

.Locality. Bridge Creek, Grant County, Oregon. Collected by 

Rev. Thomas Condon (U. S. Nat. Mus., Nos. 7062, 7090) and Maj. 

Charles E. Bendire (U. S. Mus., Nos. 7062, 7090).

FRAXINUS DENTICULATA Beer?

FRAXINUS DENTICULATA Heer? Newberry, Later Extinct Floras, p. 128, PI. XLIX, 

fig. 6, 1898.

More or less doubt still attaches to this form.

Locality. Bridge Creek, Grant County, Oregon. Collected by 

Rev. Thomas Condon.

1NCERT.E SEDES. 

PHYLLITES WASCOENSIS Lesq.

PHYLLITES WASCOENSIS Lesq., Proc. U. S. Nat Mus., Vol. XI, p. 22, PL XIV, fig. 3,

Locality. Cherry Creek, Crook County, Oregon. Collected by 

Maj. Charles E. Bendire (U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 2633).
KNOWLTON.] DESCRIPTION OF SPECIES. 85

PHYLLITES sp.

PL XVII.

The recent material from Cherry Creek contains the single fragment figured, which is just sufficient to show that a leaf of immense 

size was present in these beds. It is a segment, evidently from near 

the middle of the blade, showing a width of at least 22 cm. Apparently 

little or none of the margin is retained.

So little of this leaf is preserved that it is impossible to conjecture 

as to its affinity.

Locality. Cherry Creek, Crook County, Oregon. Collected by 

Knowlton and Merriam, July, 1901.

PHYLLITES OKEGONTANUS n. sp. 

 PL XVI, % 1.

Ph.yllites n. sp., Knowlton in Merriam, Univ. Gal., Bull. Dept. Geol., Vol. II, No. 9, 

p. 303, 1901.

Leaf of firm texture, lanceolate, narrowly wedge-shaped at base, 

acuminate at apex; margin perfect^ entire; midrib very thin; secondaries very thin, about eight pairs, alternate, arioing at an acute 

angle and much curving upward, camptodroine; nervilles few, obscure; 

finer nervation not preserved.

The example figured is about 6.5 cm. long and about 1.5 cm. wide. 

Another much-broken example was apparently about the same length, 

but was nearly 3 cm. broad. It has the -same kind of secondaries and 

has the nervilles better preserved, these being usually broken.

I am uncertain as to the affinities of this little leaf, although in some 

respects it suggests Cornus.

Locality. Three and one-half miles south of Lone Rock, Gilliam 

County, Oregon. Collected by Merriam's expedition of 1900 (Mus. 

Univ/Cal., No. 1334).

PHYLLITES BIFURCIES n. sp.

PL XVI, fig. 2.

Leaf coriaceous, ovate or ovate-elliptical in shape, abruptly rounded 

at base (apex destroyed), with a single triangular-lanceolate, acuminate 

basal lobe; margin otherwise coarsely toothed, the teeth sharp, pointing upward; petiole short, strong; midrib very strong below, becoming very thin above; secondaries numerous, thin, somewhat irregular, 

ending in the lobe and marginal teeth; finer nervation not retained.

The curious leaf figured is apparently all that is represented of this 

form. It was apparently between 7 and 8 cm. in length, exclusive of 

the petiole, nearly 1 cm. long, and is 4.5 cm. broad between the tip of
86 FOSSIL FLOKA OF THE JOHN DAY BASIIST, OliEGON. [BULL. 204.

the long lobe and the opposite of the blade. The major part of the 

blade is only 3 cm. broad. The single basal' lobe is 2 cm. long.

This leaf presents a very curious appearance with the long, sharppointed lobe on one side, and it is quite possible that it is an abnormal 

example perhaps of some well-known form. If it is the normal form, 

it is certainly one that will be readily recognizable in- future. Its 

affinity is obviously in doubt. If it were not for the presence of the 

single basal lobe it might perhaps be referred to Betula, but I do not 

know any species, either living or fossil, with which it can be satisfactorily compared.

Locality. White hill one-half mile east of original Van Horn's 

ranch locality, 12 miles west of Mount Vernon, Grant County, Oregon. Collected by Knowlton and Merriam, July, 1901 (U. S. Nat. 

Mus., No. 8537).

PHYLLITES INEXPECTANS n. sp. '

PL XVI, fig. 6. .

Leaf evidently coriaceous, obovate-lanceolate in shape, narrowed 

below, obtuse and rounded at apex; margin perfectly entire; petiole 

long, very strong for the size of the leaf; midrib also veiy strong; 

other nervation obscure.

This form is represented by the example figured. It is narrowly 

obovate-lanceolate in outline, 3.25 cm. long and 9 mm. wide at the 

broadest part, which is near the upper extreniit}7 . The petiole is 

6 mm. long. Unfortunate!}7 nothing of the nervation except the thick 

midrib is preserved.

This leaf resembles quite closely certain of the leaves referred to 

Quercus convexa Lesq., a from the Auriferous gravels of California. 

These leaves are uniformly thick and coriaceous, yet the nervation 

Shows distinctly 111 all cases. Our leaf is apparently no thicker, yet 

has no trace of the nervation beyond the midrib. The petiole in Q. 

convexa is uniformly short, whereas in the leaf under discussion it is 

several times longer, being about one-fourth the length of the blade.

On the whole, this leaf is perhaps closest to Phyllites obscurus 

Knowlton,* from the Payette formation of Idaho. This latter species, however, is elliptical-lanceolate or slightly ovate-lanceolate, while 

ours is distinctly obovate-lanceolate. The petiole and.midrib are similar, and both also lack details of neryation. Perhaps a larger series 

might show them to grade together.

Locality. Van Horn's ranch, about 12 miles west of Mount Vernon, Grant County, Oregon. Collected by Knowlton and Merriam, 

July, 1901 (U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 85.47).

a Foss. PI. Aurif. Gravel, p. 4, PI. I, figs. 13-17; Cret. and Tert. PL, p. 265, PI. XLV, figs. 5, 6. 

b Eighteenth Ann. Kept. U. S. Geol. Surv., Pt. Ill, p. 735, PI. XCIX, figs. 10,11, 1898.
KNOWLTON.] DESCEIPTIOIST OF SPECIES. 87

PHYLLITES PERSONATUS n. sp. 

Plate XVI, fig. 4.

Leaf evidently thick and leathery in texture, narrowly obovatelanceolate in shape, long, wedge-shaped at base, acuminate at apex; 

margin perfectly entire; midrib very thin, almost disappearing above; 

secondaries three or four pairs, very thin and obscure, the two lower 

pairs close together near the base of the blade, at an acute angle, passing up for a long distance, camptodrome and apparently joining the 

one next above; nervilles obscure, apparently arising at an acute angle 

from the secondaries and soon lost; finer nervation not satisfactorily 

discernible.

The single specimen figured is all I have seen of this form. It is a 

small leaf, about 4.5 cm. long and 1.5 cm. wide, being slightly obovatelanceolate in shape. From the faint impression of the nervation as 

well as the wrinkled appearance it is inferred that the leaf was of 

thick and leathery texture.

Locality. Cherry Creek, Crook County, Oregon. Collected by 

Knowlton and Merriam, July, 1901 (U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 8554).

SPECIES EXCLUDED FROM THIS WORK.

A number of species that are not now recognized have, at one time 

or another, been referred to the various beds within the John Day 

Basin. The reasons for excluding each are set forth in the following 

list:

Alnus corrallina Lesq., Cret. and Tert. Fl., p. 243, PI. LI, figs. 1-3, 1883. The 

original of fig. 1 is said by Lesquereux to be from "John Day Valley, Oregon." 

This specimen is No. 1944 of the paleontological collection of the University of California, and is from south of Mount Diablo, California, agreeing with others from the 

same place, and being so marked on the back.

Betula elliptica Saporta. Lesq., Cret. and Tert. Fl., p. 242, PI. LI, fig. 6,1883. Said 

by Lesquereux to be from '' John Day Valley, Oregon." It is No. 1760 of the paleontological collection of the University of California, and is from south of Mount Diablo, 

California.

Betulaparce-dentala Lesq., Cret. and Tert. Fl., p. 242, PI. L, fig. 12,1883. Said by 

Lesquereux to be from "John Day Valley, Oregon." It is from south of Mount 

Diablo, California, and is JSIo. 1955 of the paleontological collection of the University 

of California.

Bercliemia mult'inervis (Al. Br.) Heer. Lesquereux, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XI, 

p. 16, 1888. Not found in the collection of the United States National Museum. 

Omitted for lack of evidence.

Populus glandultfera Heer. Lesquereux, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XI, p. 18,1888. 

A single broken example that it is impossible to identify.

Quercus lonchitis Unger. Lesquereux, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XI, p. 22, 1888. 

Much broken and impossible of identification.

Quercus fraxinifolia Lesq., op. cit., p. 22. Discarded for same reasons as the last.

Quercus Olafseni Heer. Lesquereux, op. cit., p. 22. Kejected for the same reason 

as the last two.
88 FOSSIL FLORA OF THE JOHN DAY BASIN, OREGON. [BULL. 204.

Juglans Leconteana Lesq., op. cit., p. 22. Same as the last.

Juglans denticulata Heer. Lesquereux, op. cit., p. 22. Could not be found in the 

collection of the United States National Museum.

Pteris elegans Newb., Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. V, p. 503, 1883. Not recognized 

by its author in his Later Extinct Floras and specimens now lost, so far as known.

LIST OF SYNONYMS.

As a considerable number of changes in the names and disposition 

of species have been made in the present paper, the following list of 

changes is presented for the convenience of users of previous literature:

Acer, fruit of, Lesq., Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XI, p. 15=Acer oregonianum, n. sp.

Acer trilobatumproductum (Al. Br.) Heer. Lesq., Cret. and Tert. FL, PL LIX, figs. 

1, 2, 4 = Acer Bendirei Lesq.; fig. 3=Platanus dissecta Lesq.

Aralia pungens Lesq., Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XI, p. 16 = Artocarpus calif ornica? 

Knowlton.

Carpinuspyramidalis (Gopp.) Heer. Lesq., Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XI, p. ]8 = 

Carpinus grandis? Unger.

Carpinus, involucre of = Betula heteromorpha.

. Carya elsenoides (Ung.) Heer. Lesq., Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XI, p. 18 = Hicoria elssnoides (Ung.) Knowlton.

Cassia phaseolites? Unger. Lesq., Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XI, p. I6 = 8ali.x 

Engelhardti Lesq.

Castanea atavia CInger. Lesq., Cret. and Tert. FL, p. 247, PL LII, fig. 2 = Quercus 

horniana Lesq.

Diospijros lancifolia Lesq. = D. alaskana Schimp.

Equisetum Hornii Lesq. = E. oregonense Newb. 

' Fagus castanesefoliaTJnger. Lesq., Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XI, p. 18= Fagus? sp.

Ficus? Condoni Newb. = Platanus Condoni (Newb.) Knowlton. 

. .Fraxinus affinis Newb. = Quercus affinis (Newb.) Knowlton.

Ilex longifolia Heer. Lesq., Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XI, p. 21 = Juglans? Bendirei Knowlton.

Juglans hesperia Knowlton = ,/. oregoniana Lesq.

Lastrea Knightiana Newb. = Lastrea Fischeri Heer.

Liquidambar europxum Al. Br. Lesq., Proc. U. S. Nat. Mils., Vol. XI, p. 14 = 

L. europseumpatulum\, n. var.

Lygodium neuropteroides Lesq. = L. Xa;ulfusii Heer.

Marsilea Bendirei Ward = Hydrangea Bendirei (Ward) Knowlton.

Myrica,diversifolia Lesq., Cret. and Tert. FL, PL L., fig. 10= Crattcgus flavescens 

Newb.

Myrica Lessigiif Lesq., Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XI, p. 16 = Artocarpus californica? Knowlton.

Paliurus colombi Heer. Lesq., Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XI, p. 16 = Greiuia crenata (Unger.) Heer.

Platanus Raynoldsii Newb. Lesq., Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XI, p. 19 = Platanus sp.

Populus monodon Lesq., Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XI, p. 21 = Magnolia Culveri 

Knowlton.

PopuluspolymorpJia Newb., in part = Betula 1i,eterodonta Knowlton, Quercuspseudoalnus Ett., and Quercus oregoniana Knowlton.

Porana Bendirei (Ward) Lesq. = Hydrangea Bendirei (Ward) Knowlton.

Pteris pinmcformis Heer. = P. pseudo-pinnceformis Lesq.

Pteris subsimplex Lesq. = Asplenium subsimplex (Lesq.) Knowlton.

Quercus Breweri Lesq., Cret. and Tert. FL, PL LIV, fig. 9 = Q. affinis (Newb.) 

Knowlton. '
KNOWLTON.] DISTRIBUTION OF SPECIES. 89

Quercus fardnervis (Rossni.) Unger. Lesq., Proc. TJ. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XI, 

p. 22 = Q. furcinervis americana Knowlton.

Quercus pseudo-lyrata acutiloba Lesq., Proc. TJ. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XI, p. 17 = 

Q. pseudo-lyrata Lesq.

Quercus pseudo-lyrata angustiloba Lesq., op. cit., p. 17 Q. Merriami Knowltoi

Quercus pseudo-lyrata brevi/olia Lesq., op. cit., p. 18 =Q. pseudo-lyrata Lesq.

Quercus pseudo-lyrata, latifolia Lesq., op. cit., p. 18 = Q. pseudo-lyrata Lesq.

Quercus pseudo-lyrata obtusiloba Lesq., op. cit., p. 18 = Q. pseudo-lyrata Lesq.

Rhus Bendirei Lesq., Proc. U. S. Nat. Mas., Vol. XI, p. 15 (the small leaflet 

described)^ Juglans oregoniana Lesq.

Sequoia Nordenskioldii Heer. Lesq., Proc. TJ. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XI, p. 19 = & 

angust'ifolia Lesq.

Taxodium distichum miocenum Heer. Newberry, Later Extinct Floras, PI. XLVII, 

fig. 6 = Sequoia Langsdorfii (Brgt.) Heer.

Ulmus pseudo-americana Lesq. = U.Q speciosa Newb.

Ulmus speciosa Newb., Later Extinct Floras, PL XLV, figs. 5, 8 = Ulmus Newberryi 

Knowlton.

DISCUSSION OF THE FLORA 

STATISTICAL VIEW.

The fossil flora of the John Day Basin, as set forth in the preceding pages, is seen to be a rich and interesting one. Although the 

present enumeration comprises all that is now known regarding the 

fossil plants, it is probably still far from complete, as every collection 

contains a good proportion of new forms. But as it is in a measure 

a type locality, it has seemed proper to present a summary of existing knowledge, in order that the information may be made available 

for use in contiguous and obviously related areas.

The following table has been prepared for the purpose of bringing 

out the local distribution and the stratigraphic relationships of the 

plants:

Table showing distribution of species in the John Day Basin, Oregon.

#

.22

+*

o

CD

OS

21

21

22

22

22

23

23

23

24

Species.

Lygodiuin Kaultusii Heer. .......

Aspleniumsubshnplex (Lesq. )Kn .

Pteris pseudo-pinrueformis? Lesq .

Lastrea Fischeri? Heer. ..........

Equisetum oregonense Newb. ....

QT\

Ginkgo sp ......................

Sequoia Heerii Lesq .............

angustif olia Lesq ........

1$

O

a

0

l

X

X

J£

CD

Q

^

CD

Q

2

v

X

X

o

CD

T5

w

3

X

co

S

o

1-1 .'

0 £

 f-t

CO "

r2

a

HM

I 1

4

CO

O

rt

Q

CD ^, 

!> ^

0 f-(

,O ®

cj ^

CO 

CD

CO

5

co

CO

O

O

W

O

'3

X

6

CD

c 

o

Kl '

coK

'^

 *«

CO

7

T3

§

XI

c 

JH (^ o'>

c«

8

v

X

o

a

tn

O

9
90 FOSSIL FLORA OF THE JOHN DAY BASIN, OREGON. [BULL. 201 

Table showing distribution of species in the John Day Basin, Oregon Continued.

J4

O \>

OJ 'A 

 +j

tt-l

0 

0) 1PH

25 

26 

26 

26 

27 

27 

27 

28 

28 

28 

29 

29 

29 

30 

30 

30 

30 

31 

U 

31 

32 

32 

33 

33 

34 

34 

34 

35 

35 

36 

36 

37 

38 

38 

38 

. 38 

38 

39 

40 

40 

41 

41 

42 

42 

42 

42 

43 

43 

43 

43

Species.

Sequoia Langsdorfii (Brgt.) Heer. 

sp. .....................

Thuites sp ......................

Taxcdium dist. miocenum Heer. .

Phragmites ceningensis Al. Br. . . .

Cyperacites sp ..................

Smilax Wardii Lesq .............

Monocotyledonous plant. ........

Salix Scbirnperi Lesq ............

Rseana? Heer ..............

varians Goppert ...........

angusta Al. Br. ............

amygdalaefolia Lesq ........

pseudo-argentea n. sp ......

dayana n. sp ..............

perplexa n. sp . ............

Myrica oregoniana n. sp .........

? personata n. sp .........

Juglans rugosa Lesq .............

acuminata? Al. Br .......

cryptata n. sp ...........

oregoniana Lesq .........

Hicoria? oregoniana n. sp ........

sp? ....................

Carpinus betuloides Unger ......

Cory 1 us MacQuarrii ( Forbes ) Heer .

Kefersteinii? (Gopp.) Unger.

Quercus f urcinervis AmericanaKn . 

?sp ....................

Currant Creek.

1

% 

£ 

O 

>-. 

fcO)

A 

O

2

0

y

y

y

y

X

M 0)

2

0

0) 

60 

T3

 rH 

M

PP

3

X

y

y

V 

V

X

X

y

X

X

y

y

X

y

y

y

1J miles E.Clarnos of

Ferrv.

4

X

X

I 3 miles Clarnos above

Ferry.

5

....

/

i' 

&«« 

O

w &

£

1

HtM

6

X

v

y

0>

o 

o

^

«4H

O

.^ co-§

» PH 

5

1

HN

co

7

X

y

X

Van Horn's ranchand 

vicinity.

8

X XX

X

X

X

\

X

y -

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

y

Officer's ranch.

9

....

...
KNOWLTON.] DISTRIBUTION OF SPECIES. 91

Table showing distribution of species in the John Day Basin, Oregon Continued.

M!H

O

£;

tn

)3 -1-3

<4-t

O 

<B

&

44

44

44

4.K

45

46

 46

47

48

4Q

50

K1

51

52

CO

53

54

55

55

55

55

56

56

56

56

C7

58

58

58

58">Q

f>Q

60

62

62

62

63

63

64

64

65

65

66

66

66

67

68

60

69

69

Species.

simplex Newb ..........

consimilis Newb. ........

T^voiAfOvi T ,£*cn

oregoniana n. sp .........

horniana Lesq. ..........

? sp. Knowlton ..........

Newberryi n. sp ..........

plurinervia Unger ........

Planera Ungeri Ett ..............

planicostata? Lesq .........

? oregoniana Lesq ..........

Artocarpus californica? Kn .......

Hvdrangea Bendirei (Ward) Kn .

protensum? Unger . .

pachyphyllum n. sp .

sp.? ..I............

Condoni (Newb.) Kn...

nobilis? Newb ..........

aceroides? (Gopp.) Heer.

CJTl

Crateegus flavescens Newb. . ......

imparilia n. sp .........

Prunus ? Merriami n. sp ..........

tufacea n. sp. ...........

Ailanthus ovata Lesq ............

Creek. Currant 

1

rW 

9£- 

o

>* fc

0>

A

O

2

V

X?

v

v

M 

<D

%

O

Q 

bO

2'C

pq

3

v

v

v

v

v

X

V

v

v

v

v

v

v

v

X

V

X

Clarnos 1£ miles E.of

Ferry.

4

miles Clarnos above3

Ferry.

5

mile Fossil. £ NE. of'

6

<D

a o

A

'-*-t °^ 

028 

«fS

JH

1

HiM 

CO

7

Van Horn's ranchand 

vicinity.

8

X

v

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

v

v

v

V

X

v

X

X

X

X

X

y

x

X

v

Officer's ranch.

9

X

v

-

X

X
92 FOSSIL FLOEA OF THE JOHN DAY BASIN, OREGON. [BULL. 204. 

Table showing distribution of species in the John Day Basin, Oregon Continued.

4*5

!H

O

£

(a

13 <j

"o

0>

&

70

70

71

71

72

73

73

74

74

75

75

76

76

76

77

78

78

79

7Q

79

80

80

80

81

81

81

82

82

82

83

83

. 83

83

84

. . 84

84

85

85

85

86

- 87'

Species.

? sp. Lesq .................

(^f^ldQ^VllQ rl tOTl Q f"llQ Tl QT\

S

r\

Merriaini n. sp .............

obtusifolius Lesq .......

sp.?. .....................

sp. Knowlton. . ...........

Whitneyi ? Lesq ..........

Diospyros alaskana Schinip ......

Fraxinus integrifolia Newb ......

sp .....................

bif urcies n. sp ....... I . .

Creek'. Currant 

1

r^ 

<D

0>

»H

O

>> t-i ^

0>

A 

O

2

v

y

y

v

y

y

y

M<D O> l-t

O

<s

60

;u'?H

PQ

3

y

y

.

y

v

v

y

Clarnos 1£ miles E.of

Ferry.

4

v

Clarnos 3milesabove 

Ferry.

5

«

v

V

"en

ro O 

fc"o 

W

}2i

-S'g

H)N

6

o

o 

A

<+-!

>»cc o M tf

fS'g

HIM

CO

7

X

Van Horn's ranchad 

vicinity.

8

y

y

v

y

y

v

v

v

v

v

v

v

y

y

y

y

v

v

X

y

y

y

Officer's ranch.

9

An examination of the table shows that the flora as at present 

understood comprises 150 forms, of which number 44 species and 1 

variety are described as new to science. Of the remaining number 24 

are forms not specifically named, thus leaving 81 species, or about 53 

per cent, of previously known species.
KNOWMON.] BIOLOGICAL CONSIDERATIONS. 93

The following table shows at a glance the number of forms found 

at each of the localities:

Table sKoiving the number of forms at each locality.

Currant Creek .................. .........................................I.... 3

Cherry Creek............................................................... 20

Bridge Creek.....................................'....'.......'................. 46

One and one-half miles east of Clarnos Ferry ................................. 3

Three miles above Clarnos Ferry.. .......................................... 2

One and one-half miles northeast of Fossil.................................... 3

Three and one-half miles south of Lone liock ................................. 4

Van Horn's ranch and vicinity............................................... 80

Officer's ranch .............................................................. 3

From this it appears that three localities namely. Cherry Creek, 

Bridge Creek, and Van Horn's ranch and vicinity afford over 90 per 

cent of the entire flora.

BIOLOGICAL CONSIDERATIONS.

As already pointed out, the present woody flora of the John Day 

Basin is inconsiderable, consisting of pines along the higher ridges, 

occasional junipers along the lower ridges, and a scant fringe of cottonwoods and willows along the streams. At best not more than three 

families are represented. The fossil flora, on the other hand, is a relatively rich one, and shows especially a great variet}^ of woody plants. 

Following is a complete list of families represented:

Schizteacete. Ulmacese. . Celastrace*.

Polypodiacese. . Moracese. Aceracete.

Equisetacea^ Berberidacese. Hippocastanacese.

Ginkgoacese. Magnoliaceae. Sapindacese.

Pinacese. Lauracepe. Rhamnacese.

Graminese. Hydrangeacese. Tiliacese.

Cyperacese. Hamarnelidacete. Araliacese.

Smilacete. Platanacete. Cornacese.

Salicace';.e. Bosaceee. Ericaceae.

Myricacete. Mimosacete. Ebenacese.

Juglandaceze.' Csesalpinacese? Oleacete.

Betulacete. Simarubacete.

Fagaceee. Anacardiaceae.

The ferns, judging from the remains, must have played a very 

inconspicuous role in the Tertiaiy flora of this region. Two families 

and only four species are represented, and these are confined to a single horizon. They are also few in individuals, Lygodium being the 

most abundant.

Associated in the same beds with the ferns are a large number of 

individuals of an Equisetmn, all of which have been referred to a single species (E. oregonense Newb.). The confused character of the 

matrix gives no indication of the height to which this species grew, 

but it must have been conspicuous, for it is not uncommon to find
94 FOSSIL FLOEA OF THE JOHN DAY BASIN, OEEGON. [BULL. 204.

stems nearly 3 cm. in diameter; the majority of them, however, are 

considerabty smaller. The only other Equisetum is a small, more or 

less doubtful fragment from the Mascall beds, not enough of it being 

preserved to convey a satisfactory idea of its size and appearance.

Ginkgo is represented in the highest plant-bearing beds (Mascall) by 

a few fragments that are so poorly preserved as to give very little 

idea of it beyond the fact that it appears to have been larger leaved 

than the ordinary leaves of the living species.

The Pinace»3, although represented by four genera and six or 

seven species, could hardly have been a very conspicuous element in 

the Tertiary flora of the basin. The most abundant species was the 

widely distributed Sequoia Langsdorfii, which occurs at five of the 

localities. Associated in the beds at Bridge Creek are a few cones of 

what Lesquereux has called Sequoia Ueerii, that may possibly belong 

to what has been identified as S. Langsdorfii, but if this be so, the latter 

identification can hardly be correct.

The remaining conifers are all confined to the Mascall beds. Of 

these, Sequoia angustifolia, Taxodiwn distichwn miocemim, and what 

has been called Glyptostrobus Ungeri are the most abundant. Taxodium 

is also represented by what, with little question, are male aments. It 

is more than probable that they belong to T.. distichwn miocenwn. 

Thuites is represented by a mere fragment. The Graminese and 

Cyperacege are each represented by a single form, both of which are 

more or less doubtful.

To the Smilacete is referred the single species Smilax Wardi^. It 

is very rare, as only one leaf has ever been discovered.

We come now to the deciduous-leaved types of vegetation, and it 

requires but a glance at the list of families to show that they predominate to a marked degree. They are represented not only by numerous 

genera and species, but in the case of some forms by a great wealth of 

individuals. The deposits at Bridge Creek, many feet in thickness, 

are filled with thousands of leaves of Betula, Alnus, Quercus, etc., and 

the Mascall beds at Van Horn's ranch contain great numbers of leaves 

of oaks, willows, and maples. We therefore seem warranted in concluding that the Tertiary flora of the basin was distinctly a hard-wood 

flora, not unlike in general appearance that which characterizes much 

of the area east of the Mississippi River at the present time. This 

fact is still further emphasized by the evident close relationship between 

certain of the species found fossil in the John Day Basin and those 

now living in the Eastern States. This will be brought out more fully 

under the discussion of each family..

The Salicaceas are represented by both Populus and Salix, but of the 

former genus only one species (P. Lindgreni), represented by a single 

leaf, has thus far been found. This species was first characterized 

from the Payette formation of Boise Count}7 , Idaho. As I have
KNOWLTON.] BIOLOGICAL COKSIDEEATIONS. 95

already said, " Among living species this appears to approach most 

closely to P. balsamifera candicans. It differs in being much more 

obtuse, in having a more marked serrate border, and in the stronger 

nervation. The relationship is, however, quite marked, the two leaves 

being of the same type, but with strong specific differences. " ft

The genus Salix is represented by eleven forms, all but one of which 

(S. Sckimperi] are confined to the upper beds. Several of the species 

included are represented by single and often more or less doubtful 

specimens, while others are represented by numerous individuals. 

Thus S, pseudo-argentea, is very abundant. It closely resembles the 

living S. argentea, whence its- name. /Salix perplexa, to which is 

referred a dozen or more specimens, is veiy similar in general appearance to certain forms of /S. Bebbiana, a species now widely distributed 

throughout the Rocky Mountain region. The Myricacese are represented by two species, both of which are described as new. Of these, 

M. oregoniana is very closely related to M. callicomsefoUa Lesq., a 

species very abundant at Elko station, Nevada, and Florissant, Colorado. The other species, Myrica ? per sonata, is wholly unlike anything 

previously described from the John Day region, and may not belong 

to this genus.

The Juglandacete are richly represented, both Juglans and Hicoria 

being present, the former with eight forms and the latter with three. 

The species are rather widely distributed, occurring in the older, middle, and younger plant-bearing beds of the region. Perhaps the most 

interesting form is Lesquereux's Juglans oregoniana, which has long 

been supposed to have come from the Auriferous gravels of California, 

but which is now known to have come from the Mascall beds at Van 

Horn's ranch. Quite a number of additional specimens have been 

found recently, and, with the exception of being slightly smaller, they 

agree well with the type form. One of the specimens described by 

Lesquereux as Rims Bendirei has been referred to this, as also my 

J. hesperia, from the Payette formation of Idaho.

Judging from the remains, Hicoria was rather rare, for only a few 

specimens have been found.

The family BetulacesB, so far at least as regards individual leaves, is 

the dominant family of the flora. It is represented by Carpinus, 

Corylus, Betula, and Alnus, each, except Corylus, with several wellmarked species.

The Clarno formation, or the beds at Bridge Creek and allied localities, seems to have witnessed the culmination of the Betulacese in the 

region, for, with the exception of two or three doubtful forms, all the 

species are confined to it.

Carpinus is represented by numerous leaves, which are referred to 

C. l)etuloides at Bridge Creek, while two more or less questionable

a Eighteenth Ann. Kept. U. S. Geol. Survey, Pt. Ill, p. 725.
96 FOSSIL FLORA OF THE JOHN DAY BASIN, OREGON. [BULL. 204.

leaves from the Mascall beds are referred to the well-known Miocene 

0. grandis.

Out of the vast number of leaves from Bridge Creek only two have 

thus far been found which clearly belong to Corylus MacQuarrii, and 

these are not to be distinguished from leaves of this species figured by 

Heer from Alaska. There can be no doubt as to the correctness of 

this identification.

Betula, as already pointed out, is the most abundantly represented 

of any gen us in the. flora. B. heteromorpha and B. heterodonta are b}^ 

far the most abundant species. The first mentioned was in part 

described by Newberry, under the name of Popuhis polymorp/ta, from 

the resemblance to certain of the leaves of the living P. alba, but with 

the great number of individuals at my disposal I can not believe that 

they should be referred to Populus, although they do somewhat 

resemble P. alba. Hardly to be separated from this is Ne wherry's 

B. heterodonta, but in general it has much larger leaves, with coarsertoothed margins, and a more markedly inequilateral base. Man}^ of 

the leaves of both species show evidence of having been attacked by 

fungi, producing spots and punctures so characteristic of numerous 

spot-producing fungi. As none of the essential features of these fungi 

are preserved, no attempt has been made to describe them.

Under the name of Betula Bendirei I have ventured to describe a 

single leaf that, while evidently allied to B. heteromorpha, differs in 

being nearly circular in shape, with an equal base and regularly 

spaced secondaries.

Almost equally abundant was the species of Alnus described by 

Lesquereux as A. carpinoides. It is contained in all the collections 

from Bridge Creek, and has also been detected at several other localities within the basin. From a fragment of a single large leaf 1 have 

characterized a new species under the name of A. macrodonta. It is 

broadly ovate, with abruptly truncate and heart-shaped base and 

coarsely dentate margin.

To the Fagacese are referred a single very doubtful leaf of Fagus 

and no less than 17 species or forms of Quercus. The oaks, although 

not quite so abundant in individuals as certain of the species of Betula, 

Alnus, etc., above mentioned, are much more abundant in species and 

in a few cases are nearly as numerous in individuals. The oaks are 

divided sharply into two groups corresponding to the horizons in 

which they occur. Thus 8 species are confined to the beds at Bridge 

Creek and 7 species to the Mascall beds at Van Horn's ranch and 

vicinity, and. very few from either localit}^ have been found beyond 

the confines of the John Day Basin.

The oaks from Bridge Creek are small, nonlobed forms, with entire 

or serrate margins. They are also in the main thick, coriaceous-leaved
KNOWLTON.] BIOLOGICAL CONSIDEEATIONS. 97

species, evidently evergreen, and quite like the Q. virens type. Those 

from Van Horn's ranch, on the other hand, are all or nearly all lobed 

forms, some of them being very profoundly lobed. They are evidently 

thinner in texture than the Bridge Creek species.

The most abundant form in the Mascall beds is Q. pseudo-lyrata of 

Lesquereux. It is present in abundance in all collections and is hardly 

to be distinguished from the living Q. lyrata. It was divided up by 

Lesquereux into 5 varieties, but an examination of more than 100 

examples convinces me that, with one exception, no satisfactory line can 

be drawn between them, and they have been reduced to the typical 

form. The exception above noted is that of Lesquereux's Q. pseudolyrata angustiloba. After examining more than 25 more or less perfect 

examples, it became clear that this was entitled to specific rank, and 

it has been called Q. Merriami, the varietal name angustiloba being 

preoccupied by A. Braun's Q. angustiloba. It is a very narrowly 

lanceolate form, quite suggestive of certain leaves of Q. heteropliylla, 

the so-called Bartram oak.

A small but very perfectly preserved leaf from the same beds has 

been called Q. duriuscula. This specimen is very close indeed to Q. 

minor (Marsh.) Sargent, the well-known post or iron oak of the Eastern 

United States.

Another distinctly modern type, represented by several examples, 

is Q. ursina, which is undoubtedly, related to Q. nana (Marsh.) Sargent, 

the bear or scrub oak of the Eastern States.

The only entire-leaved oak in the Mascall beds is Q. dayana, a very 

small-leaved species of the virens type. It resembles various species, 

such, for example, as Q. simplex Newb., Q. convexa Lesq., and 

Q. simulata Knowlton, but appears to differ from them all.

The family Ulmacea3 is represented by four species of Ulmus, evenly 

divided between Bridge Creek and Van Horn's ranch, and a single one 

of Planera. Of the two from Bridge Creek, U. speciosa Newb., is the 

largest and finest, being from 10 to 13 cm. in length. It is very suggestive of the living U. americana, and was called U. pseudo-americana by Lesquereux, but his name is antedated by that of Newberry. 

The other species, which I have called U. Newberry i^ has a much 

smaller and narrower leaf, ranging from 6 to 10 cm. in length, and 

less than 3 cm. in width. It was referred to II. speciosa by Newberry, 

but seems distinct. Associated with these leaves, but especially with 

U. speciosa, are a number of very perfect examples of the winged 

fruits. They were placed with speciosa by Newberry.

The two species from the Mascall beds are U. plurlnervia Unger, 

represented by a single leaf, and U. californica Lesq., to which several small leaves are doubtfully referred. It is clear that elms were 

not abundant in these beds.

Bull. 204 02 7
98 ' FOSSIL FLOEA OF THE JOHN DAY BASIN, OREGON. [BULL. 204.

Planera (P. Ungeri Ett.) is also represented by a single example.

The Moracea; were not abundant, being represented by three species of Ficus and one of Artocarpus. The figs are all small leaves, 

and are represented by few specimens, and they evidently played an 

unimportant part in this flora. Artocarpus is unfortunately represented by only two or three fragments, which were referred by 

Lesquereux to Aralia pungens Lesq. and Myrica (Aralia} Lessigii 

Lesq. As nearly as can be made out, they are the same as my A. calif ornica from the Auriferous gravels of California.

The Berberidacete are represented by the very distinct and still 

unique Berleris simplex of Newberry. It is undoubtedly closely 

related to the living JB. aquifolia, which is so abundant in the region.

The Magnoliacege are represented by three species, two of which (M. 

Culveri and M. lanceolata] are found in the lowest beds of the region, 

and one (M. Inglefieldi] in the Mascall beds.

The Lauracese are represented by three species one of Laurus, in 

the Mascall beds, and two of Cinnamomum, one of which ( 0. Dilleri 

Kn.) is found at Cherry Creek and the other (O. Bendirei) in the 

Bridge Creek beds.

After much consideration it has seemed probable that the family 

Hydrangeacese is represented by the curious sterile flowers which 

were first called Marsilea Bendirei by Ward and transferred to Porana 

by Lesquereux. The evidence on which it is changed to Hydrangea is 

fully set forth in the discussion of this species (ante, p. 60).

Liquidambar, 'representing the Hamamelidacese, was evidently an 

important group in this flora. Five forms have been detected, several 

of which are represented by a considerable number of specimens. 

They all come from the middle and upper plant-bearing beds of the 

region. The large leaves from Bridge Creek are referred to L. europaeum, although they approach quite closely in certain specimens to 

Z. Californicum of Lesquereux. Under the name of L. europd&um 

patulum I have characterized a form from the Mascall beds with very 

broad three-lobed leaves. The identification of Unger's L. protensum 

by Lesquereux is open to doubt. It rests upon a single broken 

example, and may belong to Acer dimorphwn Lesq. A very peculiar 

thick-leaved form has been named L. pachyphyllum. It is wholly 

unlike any of the other forms found in the region.

The Platanaceee formed an important family, represented by five 

forms and a large number of examples. Of these P. aspera Newb., is 

peculiar to the Bridge Creek beds, being a medium-sized species with 

sharp upward-pointing lobes. The largest and most abundant form is 

P. Condoni, originally described by Newberry as a questionable Ficus. 

This is undoubtedly very closely 'allied to Ward's P. basilobata, if, 

indeed, it is not actually identical with that species. The main difference lies in the basal lobes. In P. basilobata these are several times 

the size of those in P. Oondoni, and appear to be always deeply lobed,
KNOWLTON.] BIOLOGICAL CONSLDEKATIONS. 99

whereas they are entire in the latter. Assuming that the evolutional 

tendency is to get rid of these large stipular organs, as suggested in 

the living P. occidentaUs, the Bridge Creek form would represent a 

more recent and highly developed stage than P. lasilobata, a supposition borne out by the relative ages of the beds in which they are found.

Another interesting form, unfortunately represented by only a single example, was identified by Lesquereux as P. nobilis f Newb. It 

is a leaf more than 25 cm. long and 23 cm. broad, with a petiole 8 cm. 

long and some 7 mm. in thickness. The margin is not well preserved. 

This may well be the P. nobilis of Newberry, but additional material 

will be necessary to definitely establish the fact. The well-known P. 

ac&roides of Europe and this country was also determined by Lesquereux from the Mascall beds, but it rests on two examples, neither of 

which agrees entirely with the ordinary figures of this species. Additional material is needed to settle the status of this species also.

The Rosacese are represented by two species of CratsegUS and tWO 

of Primus, one of the latter being more or less open to question. 

Gratcegm flavescens Newberry, from Bridge Creek, is a well-marked 

species. It is undoubtedly similar to what was called C. fla/va Ait., 

but which has now been segregated into several closely allied forms. 

Lesquereux's Myrica diyersifolia is clearly the same as C. fiavescens 

and has been united with it. ' A form quite similar to flavescens, but 

undoubtedly distinct, I have called G. imparilis. It is a small sevenlobed leaf.

The form that I have named Prunusf Merriami is a small ovate leaf 

with finely serrate margins, and in appearance quite like some forms 

of the living P. virginiana, P. demissa, etc. It also resembles some 

species of Cydonia, as C. japonic®.

Closely related to P. Memo/mi, and possibly identical with it, is 

what I have called P. tufacea. It is from the same beds, but differs in 

a number of minor particulars, being elliptical or slightly ellipticalobovate instead of ovate, and has finer, more regular, and evidently 

sharper-pointed teeth.

The family Mimosacese is represented by a single pod, which was 

named Acacia oregoniana by Lesquereux.

The presence of the Csesalpinaceee in this flora is open to doubt, as 

it depends solely on the problematical form referred to Cassia by Newberry. Judging from the drawing alone, it would be concluded at 

once that it represented a small pod, but a careful study of the type 

specimen shows that this is not a fair interpretation. It may be a 

small pod, but this is extremely doubtful, and even granting this, the 

reference of it to Cassia is open to the gravest question.

The presence of the Simarubacese rests on what Lesquereux has 

identified as a species of Ailanthus. This consists of a branch and a 

number of samaras, all preserved in the same piece of matrix. In the 

first place, they have not been correctly described and figured by
100 FOSSIL FLOEA OF THE JOHN DAY BASIN, OEEGON. [BULL. 204.

Lesquereux, and beyond this remains the further question of the correctness of their reference to Ailanthus.

The Anacardiacese were but poorly represented, there being only 

one species and a doubtful form referred to Ehus.

The Celastracese are represented by two species of Celastrus, both 

from the Mascall beds.

Next to the Betulacese and Fagacese the Aceracese appear to have 

been the most important -family in this flora. It is represented by two 

genera, Acer, with eleven nominal forms, and Rulac (Negundo), with 

one.

The maples appear to have been absent at the time the lowest of the 

plant-bearing beds of the region were deposited; at least no remains of 

them have been discovered. In the Clarno formation maples are rare, 

a single species (A. Osmonti) having been found at Bridge Creek and 

doubtful forms at the same place and near Clarnos Ferry. Acer 

Osmonti is a fine species, very modern in appearance, suggesting at 

once the living-^t. saccharum and small leaves of A. rnacrophyllum,, the 

common maple of the coast.

Maples were undoubtedly abundant at the time the Mascall beds 

were laid down, for numerous leaves, fruits, and branches are present. The most abundant of the species founded on the leaA^es is Lesqureuex's A. Jlendirei, which was for a time supposed to be the same 

as the European A. trilobatum productum (Al. Br.) Heer. They are 

large, deeply lobed and toothed leaves. A. dimorphum Lesq. is different entirely from the last, and its status is possibly still open to more 

or less question. What I have called A. Merriam-i is wholly unlike 

A. Bendirei, but ma}^ be a very broad, coarsely toothed form of A. 

dimorphum. It is, however, without the basal lobes so conspicuous 

in dimorphum.

Associated throughout the beds with the leaves are numerous specimens of maple fruits. It is not possible to characterize these fruits 

with entire satisfaction, but largely on the.basis of size, as well as 

other minute characters, I have ventured to give names to these 

species: A. oregonianum, A. medianum, and A. minor. It is possible 

that only two species of fruits are represented, but the differences in 

size would seem to be greater than are found in any one living species. 

In the same beds was found a single specimen of a maple fruit which 

I have named Acer gigas. It is a long, narrow fruit, 9.5 cm. in 

length, and, so far as I know, is the largest fruit of the kind thus far 

described.

Under the name of Rulac cratvegifol-ium I have described a compound leaf that is certainly very suggestive of the living box elder. 

It is unfortunately not quite perfect, and its form and other characters are made out with difficulty.

The Hippocastanacete are represented by a single but undoubted 

species of 2Esculus, which, from its close approach to certain living
KNOWLTON.] BIOLOGICAL CONSIDERATIONS. . 101

forms, I have called dE. simulata. It is clearly related to JE. octandra 

and dE. glabra, both well-known species of the Eastern United States.

The Sapindacese are represented by four species of Sapindus, but 

by a relatively small number of specimens. Under the name of S. 

Merriami I have characterized a small species from Bridge Creek. 

It seems closest to some of the smaller leaflets of S. obtusifolius 

Lesq., but has smaller and thinner secondaries. The other species 

are all found in the Mascall beds, and are each represented by single 

specimens. This family was clearly not of great importance.

The RharnnaceEe, although represented by two species, are few in 

numbers and evidently played an unimporant role.

To the Tiliacese are referred two species of Grewia, one of which, 

6r. crenata, is a well-known European Miocene species. It is most 

abundant in the beds at Bridge Creek, but a few examples have also 

been found in the Mascall beds at Van Horn's ranch. The other form, 

G. auric-alata Lesq., rests on the single type specimen, no others 

having been obtained. It is possible that it is only an abnormal leaf 

of G-. crenata.

The family Araliaceae is represented by two named forms, and a 

number so poorly preserved as to render specific identification unsafe. 

Thus A. digitata Ward is found in the lowest or Cherry Creek locality. 

In the same beds is another broken specimen that was referred to Aralia 

notata by Lesquereux, but it is too fragmentary to permit of a satisfactory specific determination. The locality 3 miles above Clarnos 

Ferry has afforded two fragments, evidently representing quite distinct species of Aralia, but they are too poor to warrant specific naming. The Mascall beds afford a single specimen that is referred with 

some doubt to A. Whitneyi. It is a smaller leaf than is usual in this 

species.

The families Cornacete and Ericaceae are represented by a single 

species each, the first by Gornus feroxl Unger and the latter by Andromeda crassa Lesq.

The Ebenaceae are represented by two species of Diosjiyros, D. alasJcana Schimper, in the Cherry Creek deposits, and P. elliptica, a new 

form from the Mascall beds. The latter has the nervation of living 

American species, but is more obtuse at apex than is usual in these 

leaves.

The Oleacese, although represented by only two species of Fraxinus, 

both from Bridge Creek, was of considerable prominence, judging 

from the number of individuals present. Fraxinus integrifolia Newb., 

is a very thick, coriaceous-leaved species.

Under the name of Phyllites there are a number of peculiar forms. 

Some of these are well preserved and may later be referred to more 

distinctive places; others are mere fragments too small for adequate 

determination.
102 FOSSIL FLOKA^F THE JOHN DAY BASIN, OBEGON. [BULL.204.

GEOLOGICAL CONSIDERATIONS.

We now come to a consideration of the bearing of the fossil flora on 

the age of the beds involved. I took occasion to say in my report on 

the plants obtained by the expeditions of the University of California, 

under the charge of Dr. Merriam: "In attempting to work out the 

bearing of the plants above enumerated on the question of the age of 

the beds it should not be overlooked that any conclusions drawn 

might be quite different from what they would be were the whole 

flora of each of the localities to be considered." 65 I added, however, 

that the conclusions then expressed were "not likely to be greatly 

modified by subsequent work." The truth of this prediction has 

been satisfactorily confirmed, for after a full consideration of every 

known species or form, from every known locality, no evidence was 

forthcoming to modify the conclusions then expressed. In the following pages the evidence on which these conclusions rest will be set 

forth more fully than the space then at my disposal would permit.

A reference to the table given on pages 89-92 shows that the bulk 

of the flora of the John Day Basin has come from Cherry Creek, 

Bridge Creek, and Van Horn's ranch and vicinity. Very few species 

are common to two or more of these localities. The species found at 

the several other scattered localities, as will be shown later, naturally 

fall under one or another of these three.

LOWER CLARNO BEDS. 

CHERRY CREEK.

The flora of Cherry Creek, to which may be added that from 

Currant Creek, which is clearly the same horizon and only a short 

distance away, comprises 22 forms, as follows:

Lygodium Kaulfusii Heer. Ficus tenuinervis Lesq.

Aspleniurn subsimplex (Lesq.) Kn. Magnolia lanceolata? Lesq.

Pteris pseudo-pinnseformis Lesq. Magnolia Culveri Kn.

*Lastrea Fischeri? IJeer. Cinnamomum Dilleri Kn.

*Equisetum oregonense Newb. *Rhamnus Cleburni var Lesq.

*Salix Schimperi Lesq. Aralia digitata Ward.

Juglans rugosa Lesq. Aralia sp.

Juglans? Bendirei n. sp. *Cornus ferox? Unger.

Hicoria? oregoniana n. sp. Diospyros alaskana Schiinp.

Quercus furcinervis americana Kn. *Phyllites wascoensis Lesq.

Quercus sp. Phyllites sp.

Of the forms above listed 2 are new to science, 3 are not named 

specifically, while 6 (those marked with an asterisk) have not been 

reported outside these beds, leaving 11 species, or exactly 50 per cent,

a Univ. Cal., Bull. Dept. Geol., Vol. II, No. 9, p. 290.
KNOWLTOX.] GEOLOGICAL CONSIDERATIONS. 103

enjoying a distribution beyond -the limits of the John Day Basin. 

Their distribution is shown in the following table:

Table showing the extralimital distribution of the fossil plants from the Cherry Creek

locality.

Species.

Asplenium subsimplex ........

Pteris pseudo-pinmeformis. ....

Ficus tenuinervis. .............

Magnolia lanceolata? ..........

Magnolia Culveri. .............

Diospyros alaskana. ...........

Laramie.

v

y?

Denver.

X

y

v

Eocene ingeneral.

v

y?

X?

fi 

o i-H

fl 

£

 e 

&

v

v

Green River.

v

Miocene.

v?

y

X

Remarks.

Lamar flora.

A study of this table brings out the fact that only four of the eleven 

species have been found above the Fort Union beds. Of these four, 

Quercus fiircinervis amwicana is doubtfully reported from the supposed Miocene of Plumas County, California, and Magnolia lanceolata 

is doubtfully identified in the Cherry Creek beds. Ficus tenuinervis 

was described originally from the Green River beds of Wyoming, and 

Magnolia Culveri from the Lamar beds of the Yellowstone National 

Park. The remainder have been found in the Laramie, Denver, Fort 

Union, and the Eocene in general.

Of the species previously known but not found outside the Cherry 

Creek beds, Rhamnus Cleburni var. is closely allied to R. Oleburni 

of the Denver beds, and Gornus ferox is allied to an Eocene species.

From these considerations it appears that the plants of the Cherry 

Creek locality point to the lower Eocene age of the beds.

UPPER CLARNO BEDS. 

BEIDGE CHEEK.

The flora of Bridge Creek comprises 45 forms, as follows:

Sequoia Heerii Lesq. 

Sequoia Langsdorfii (Brgt.) Heer. 

Monocotyledonous plant. 

Juglans Schimperi? Lesq. 

Juglans acuminata? Al. Br. 

Juglans cryptata n, sp.

Juglans, nut of.

Hicoria? sp.

Carpinus betuloides Unger.

Corylus MacQuarrii (Forbes) Heer.

Betula heteromorpha n. sp.

Betula heterodonta Newb.
104 FOSSIL FLORA OF THE JOHN DAY BASIN, OREGON. [BULL. 204.

Betula Bendirei n. sp. 

Betula angustifolia Newb. 

Alnus carpinoides Lesq. 

Alnus serrulata fossil is Newb. 

Alnus macrodonta n. sp. 

Alnus sp., fruit of. 

Alnus Kefersteinii (Gopp.) linger. 

Quercus paucidentata Newb. 

Quercus drymeja Unger. 

Quercus simplex Newb. 

Quercus affinis (Newb.). 

Quercus consimilis Newb. 

Quercus Breweri Lesq. 

Quercus oregoniana n. sp. 

Uluaus speciosa Newb. 

Ulinus Newberryi n. sp. 

Ficus planicostata Lesq.

Of the 45 forms here enumerated, 6 have not been specifically named 

and 9 are new, leaving 30 previously known, of which 16 have not 

been found outside of these beds. It thus appears that about 30 per 

cent of the entire flora, or 14 species, has an outside distribution. 

None of these are found in the Cherry Creek beds and only 2 in the 

Mascall beds. The distribution of these 14 species is shown in the 

following table:

Table showing extralimital distribution of fossil plants from Bridge Creek locality.

Berberis simplex Newb. 

Cinnainomum Bendirei n. sp. 

Liquidambar europium A.l. Br. 

Platanus aspera Newb. 

Platanus Condoni (Newb.) v 

Crateegus flavescens Newb. 

Cassia? sp. Newb. 

Ailanthus ovata Lesq. 

Acer Osmonti n. sp. 

Acer sp.

Sapindus Merriami n. sp. 

Khamnus Eridani Unger. 

Grewia crenata (Ung.) Heer. 

Grewia auriculata Lesq. 

Fraxinus integrifolia Newb. 

Fraxinus denticulata? Heer.

Species.

Sequoia Heerii .........

Sequoia Langsdorfii.

Juglans Schimperi ......

Juglans acuminata. .....

Betula angustifolia. .....

Carpinus betuloides. ....

Ficus planicostata ......

Liquidambareuropaeum .

Grewia crenata .........

Fraxinus denticulata?. . .

o 

o

I

0

0>

ftft

P

X?

. . . .

....

05

d

C<3 ^

....

....

v

X?

SH

a

05

ft

....

X

X

....

o

ts

60

.s

J^

Hi

....

X

a

o'3

 e

o

X

X

y?

1

a

05 

60

.S

05

§ 

O

Ow

X

.. . .

v

....

c8

44

1

"o

05

y

0

M

X

X

- ...

v

v

X

- :; 

a>

05£

o

Y?

X

X

y

^

....

05

t5 

O *H

^

X

....

Y?

....

Remarks.

Payette formation.

This table brings out the fact that the plants of Bridge Creek, when 

found outside, belong to a higher horizon. One Sequoia Langsdorfii 

has been reported from the Upper Cretaceous at Nanaimo, British
KNOWLTON.J GEOLOGICAL CONSIDEBATIONS. 105

Columbia, but it is doubtful if it has been correctly determined. 

Otherwise, this species is found from the Fort Union to the Miocene. 

Ficu* planicoxtata is of rather doubtful occurrence at Bridge Creek. 

It is a Laramie and Denver species. Fraxinus denticulata is also a 

doubtful form at Bridge Creek; it has been reported from Evanston, 

Wyoming, in beds supposed to be of Laramie age, and in the Livingston beds of Montana. Juglans Schimperi is found in the Denver 

beds at Golden, Colorado. The remaining species are all found in or 

above the Fort Union beds. Two are found in the Eocene in general, 

5 in the so-called Eocene of Alaska, 5 in the Green River, beds of 

Wyoming, and 2 (one of which is doubtful) in the Miocene.

The conclusion reached in my preliminary paper that these beds 

should be regarded as Upper Eocene in age appears to have been 

justified. The fact of this higher distribution than the plants of 

Cherry Creek is further emphasized by a review of the species related 

to the forms indigenous to these beds. Thus, the species described 

as Juglans cryptata is closely related to J. denticulata Lesq., from 

the Green River, Wyoming, and other localities. Quercus consimilis 

is related to Q. drymeja, reported in this country from the Green 

River. Quercus simplex is related to Q. consimilis, differing merely 

by the entire margin, while Q. Breweri is similarly closely related, 

differing in being much longer and narrower. Ulmus speciosa is 

suggestive of U. JSraunii, found in this country in the Green River 

beds at Florissant, Colorado. The species I have described as 

II. JVeivberryi is close to U. speciosa, being smaller and narrower. 

Platanus Gondoni is clearly related to P. basilobata of the Fort Union 

beds of Montana, being evidently a more highly developed form than 

that species. Cratsegiis flavescens, which, as already pointed out, is 

the same as Lesquereux's Myrica diversifolia as identified bj7 him at 

Bridge Creek, is certainly very similar to the originals of this from 

Florissant, Colorado. This list could be further extended if necessary.

OTHER LOCALITIES.

There are a number of other localities discovered by Dr. Merriam 

that are evidently the same age as Bridge Creek. None of them have 

afforded a flora of more than three or four species. They are as fol lows:

ONE AND ONE-HALF MILES EAST OP CLAKNOS FKRRY.

From this locality the following species have been obtained:

Sequoia Langsdorfii (Brgt.) Heer. 

Alnus carpinoides Lesq. 

Acer sp.

ONE-HALF MILE NORTHEAST OF FOSSIL.

This locality has yielded the following:

Sequoia Langsdorfii (Brgt.) Heer. 

Myrica? personata n. sp. 

AlnuS' carpinoides Lesq.
106 FOSSIL FLOEA OF THE JOHN DAY BASIN, OEEGON. [BULL.204.

OFFICER'S RANCH, BUTLER BASIN.

The following species are found: 

Quercus simplex Newb. 

Quercus consimilis Newb. 

Platanus Condoni (Newb.) Kn.

These species, wherever previously known, are identical with those 

from Bridge Creek, and the beds are referred to the same age.

MASCALL BEDS. 

VAN HORN'S RANCH AND VICINITY.

This flora is by far the richest thus far found in the John Day 

Basin. Following is a list of the forms identified:

Equisetum sp.

Ginkgo sp.

Sequoia Langsdorfii (Brgt.) Heer.

Sequoia angustifolia Lesq.

Sequoia sp.

Thuites sp.

Glyptostrobus Ungeri Heer.

Taxodium distichum miocenum Heer.

Taxodiurn, male aments of.

Phragmltes oeningensis Al. Br.

Cyperacites sp.

*Smilax Wardii Lesq. 

Populus Lindgreni Kn.

*Salix Engelhardti Lesq. 

Salix Bseana? Heer. 

Salix varians Gopp. 

Salix angusta Al. Br. 

Salix amygdalsefolia Lesq. 

Salix pseudo-argentea n. sp. 

Salix dayana n.sp. 

Salix perplexa n. sp.

Salix mixta n. sp. 

Myrica oregoniana n. sp. 

Juglans oregoniana Lesq.

*Hicoria eltenoides (Ung.) Kn. 

Carpinus grandis? Ung. 

Betula? dayana n. sp. 

Alnus Kefersteinii? (Gopp.) linger. 

Fagus? sp.

*Quercus pseudo-lyrata Lesq. 

Quercus Merriami n. sp. 

Quercus duriuscula n. sp. 

Quercus ursina n. sp. 

Quercus dayana n. sp.

*Quercus horniana Lesq. 

Quercus? sp. Kn. 

Ulmus plurinervia Ung. 

Ulmus californica? Lesq. 

Planera Ungeri Ett.

*Ficus? oregoniana Lesq.

Artocarpus californica? Kn 

Magnolia lanceolata Lesq. 

Magnolia Inglefieldi Heer. 

Berberis ? gigantea n. sp. 

Laurus oregoniana n. sp.

*Hydrangea Bendirei (Ward) Kn. 

Liquidambar europseum patuluni n. var.

*Liquidambar protensum ? Ung. 

Liquidambar pachyphyllum n. sp. 

Liquidambar sp. 

Platanus nobilis? Newb. 

Platanus aceroides? (Gopp.) Heer. 

Platanus sp.

Crataegus imparilis n. sp. 

Prunus? Merriami n. sp. 

Prunus tufacea n. sp.

*Acacia oregoniana Lesq.

*Ehus Bendirei Lesq. 

Rhus? sp. Lesq. 

Celastrus dignatus n. sp. 

Celastrus confluens n. sp.

Acer Bendirei Lesq.

*Acer dimorphum Lesq. 

Acer Merriami n. sp. 

Acer, branches of. 

Acer oregonianum n. sp. 

Acer medianum n. sp. 

Acer minor n. sp. 

Acer gigas n. sp. 

Rulac cratsegifolium n. sp. 

^Esculus simulata n. sp. 

Sapindus obtusifolius Lesq. 

Sapindus angustifolius? Lesq. 

Sapindus oregonianus n. sp. 

Grewia crenata (Ung.) Heer.

*Andromeda crassa Lesq. 

Diospyros elliptica n. sp. 

Phyllites bifurcies n. sp. 

Phyllites inexpectans n. sp. 

Phyllites personatus n. sp.
KNOWI.TON.] GEOLOGICAL CONSIDEKATIONS. 107

The total number of forms represented is 80, of which number 11 

have not been specifically named, and 30 species and 1 variety are 

described as new to science. The remainder, or 37 species, are those 

previously known from these beds. Of these 37 species, 12 (those 

marked with an asterisk in the preceding list) have not been found 

beyond the limits of these beds, leaving 25 species which have an outside distribution. This distribution is shown in the following table:

Table shoiving extralimital distribution of fossil plants from Van Horn''s ranch and

vicinity.

Species.

Sequoia Lansgdorfii .............

Glyptostro bus Ungeri ...........

Taxodium distich uin miocenum..

Populua Lindgreni ..............

Salix Rseana? ...................

Salix varians ....................

Salix angusta ...................

Salix amygdaltefolia. ............

Juglans oregoniana. .............

Artocarpua calif ornica? ..........

Magnolia lanceolata .............

Magnolia Inglefieldi .............

Platanus aceroides? .............

Sapindus angustifolius?. .........

Grewia crenata ................:

a '3 o

t>

-P>.< o

f=H

X

v

v

v

X?

Eocene in geeral.

v

v

v

X?

v

X

Green River.

X

X?

v

X

v

X?

'v

Eocene ofAlaska.

v

X?

v

v

v

v

....

Miocene.

v

v

v

v

v

X

X

X

v

v

v

X

X

v

X

Remarks.

Upper Cretaceous.

Laramie to Pliocene.

Whole Tertiary.

Lassen County, Cal.

Larauiie to Miocene.

Bridge Creek.

In my report on the collection of plants from Van Horn's rancha 

and vicinity obtained by Dr. Merriarn I made the following statement: 

" The flora of the Van Horn ranch finds its greatest affinity with that 

of the Auriferous gravels and with allied floras of California, and is 

to be regarded as upper Miocene in age." Since writing this I have 

brought out the fact, already set forth, that certain of the species 

most relied upon in making this correlation, such as Quercus pseudoaUniv. Cal., Bull. Dept. Geol., Vol. II, No. 9, p. 309.
108 FOSSIL FLORA OF THE JOHN DAY BASIN, OREGON. [BULL. 204.

lyrata, Juglans oregoniana, etc., that were supposed to have come from 

the Auriferous gravels, are in reality confined to the Van .Horn's 

ranch localit}7 . This correlation therefore fails, and the age of the 

Van Horn's ranch material must be fixed in other ways.

The table on the preceding page shows at a glance that the geologic 

horizons of those species found outside these beds are decidedly higher 

than those of either of the floras previously considered. Thus, 17 

species out of 25 are found in the Miocene. The oldest beds represented, at least by species having any particular value for fixing the 

age, is the Fort Union, which contains 5 or 6 of the species listed. 

Sequoia Langsdorfii extends throughout the entire Tertiary, and possibly even into the Upper Cretaceous. Phragtnites wningensis extends 

from the Laramie to the Pliocene, but it is at best a doubtful organism, hard to identify satisfactorily. Salix angusta is another species 

ranging throughout the Tertiary, but it is simply a narrow-leaved 

willow that may or may not be the same form at all points where it 

has been reported! Seven of the species enumerated, 2 of which 

are doubtful, are found in the Green .River beds, and 6, one of which 

is open to question, have been found in the Eocene in general. Seven 

species are found in the so-called Eocene of Alaska, which was, until 

recently, regarded as of Lower Miocene age.

If dependence were placed exclusively on the distribution of the 

above-mentioned forms in fixing the age of these beds, the tendency 

would be to regard them as not younger than Lower Miocene, or even 

possibly as old as the Upper Eocene, but when we take into account 

the affinities and relationships of the forty or more named species that 

are confined to these beds, the preponderance of evidence would seem 

to relegate them to an age as young as Upper Miocene. Thus the 

species of Salix are closely allied to various living species, such as S.

argentea, etc. The species of Quercus are distinctly modern. Quercus 

pseudo-lyrata is hardly to be |distinguished from Q. lyrata; Q. J\ferriami is also near Q. lyrata; Q. duriuscula is very close to Q. minor, 

and Q. ursina to the living Q. nana. The form referred to Artocarpus 

californica, if correctly identified, is close to the living A. incisa; 

Hydrangea JSendirei is closely related to several living species; and 

the species of Liquidambar are not far from L. Styraciflua. The two 

species referred to Prunus are close to the living P. demissa, P. virginiana, etc. The maples are very modern in appearance, being 

related to A. saccharum, A. macrophylhim , etc., and the box elder is 

not far from the living species. The species described as ^Esculus 

simulata is similar to jE. octandra and ^E. glabra.

Taking all lines of evidence into account, it seems warranted to 

refer these beds to the Upper Miocene.
KNOWLTON.] THE FLORA IN OTHER LOCALITIES. 109 

THE FLORA OF THE JOHN DAY BASIN IN OTHER LOCALITIES.

Before leaving this subject it may be of interest to give a short 

account of this flora as it has been recorded at several localities beyond 

the limits of the John Day Basin. This is especially desirable since 

we now have for the first time a definite knowledge of the geological 

sequence of the plant-bearing beds in the basin. Up to the date of 

the publication of Dr. Merriam's paper on the geology of the basin 

our knowledge of the interrelations of the plant beds has been in a 

much confused state. This confusion is in large measure due to the 

fact that no definite localities were given by Lesquereux, they being 

simply recorded as "John Day Valley, Oregon," and so it came to be 

supposed that all species from this area were of the same age. This 

confusion was helped along by Newberry, who placed Cherry Creek, 

Currant Creek, and Bridge Creek in the same horizon, which he 

referred to the Miocene. In his latest publication on the subject 

(Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XI. pp. 13-24) Lesquereux referred the 

beds at Cherry Creek to the Laramie and the Van Horn's ranch deposits 

to the 'Miocene, but he made no attempt to give more definite localities 

for the forms mentioned in his earlier reports. It was possible to settle the exact locality of these species only by a careful study of the 

types, which are the property of the University of California. This. 

investigation, as already set forth, has been made, and the results are 

incorporated in the foregoing pages. But the confused condition of 

our knowledge of this flora has made its impress on determinations of 

the plants whenever they have been found beyond the limits of the John 

Day Basin. These outside floras will be passed in review and the 

attempt will be made to adjust them to accord with our present fuller 

knowledge of the t}^pe section.

So far as I now know, the first recognition of the flora of the John 

Day Basin beyond the original limits was made by myself in a 

u Report on fossil plants from near Ellensburg, Washington," which 

was published in 1893 as an appendix to Bulletin 108 of the United 

States Geological Survey, by Prof I. C. Russell, entitled "A Geological 

Reconnoissance in Central Washington." Ten species were enumerated 

in this collection as follows:

Salix varians Gopp. Ulrnus pseudo-fulva Lesq.

Populus glandulifera Heer. Platanus dissecta Lesq.

Populus Russelli Kn. Platanus aceroides? (Gopp.) Heer.

Alnus? sp. Paliurus colombi Heer.

Ulmus californiea Lesq. Magnolia lanceolata Lesq.

Some of these forms were recognized by Lesquereux as occurring 

at Van Horn's ranch, although they have not all been admitted in the 

present paper. Populus glanckilifera was based on a single example,
110 FOSSIL FLORA OF THE JOHN DAY BASIN, OEEGON. [BULL.201

which I have considered as too indefinite to be entitled to recognition, 

and Paliurus colombi has been referred to Grenvia crenata. The 

examples representing these species at Ellensburg are more numerous and better preserved, and are probably correctly determined. 

Salix varians, which is represented at Van Horn's ranch by a very 

few examples, is extremely abundant at Ellensburg, and I have also 

recognized in this material one of the new species of Salix (/S. pseudoargentea] from the Mascall beds. A number of the Ellensburg species 

are also common to the Auriferous gravels of California.

As I pointed out in the report on the Ellensburg material, there can 

be no doubt that it is of the same age as that at Van Horn's ranch, a 

condition further emphasized by the similarity in the matrix, that from 

both localities being a white, soft, fine-grained volcanic ash.

In 1892 Mr. J. S. Diller made a small collection of fossil plants at 

a point 6 miles southeast of Ellensburg, Washington, that contains, 

among other species, some well-preserved examples of Platanus dissecta. The matrix is also similar to that at Ellensburg and Van Horn's 

ranch, and the age of the beds is undoubtedly the same.

In 1898 1 published a report* on the Fossil Plants of the Payette 

Formation. The name Payette formation was given by Mr. Walclemar Lindgren to a series of lake beds along the Snake River, in 

western Idaho. The flora here enumerated embraced 32 forms, of 

which number 17 were described as new and 5 were not specifically 

named, leaving, as then known, only 10 species having an outside distribution. On page 736 of this report I gave a table showing the 

extralimital distribution of these 10 species. On referring to this 

table it will be seen that 5 of these species are found only in the beds 

at Bridge Creek, and to this list I am now able to add another species 

(Sequoia angustifolia), thus making 6 of the 10 species common to these 

two localities. A number of forms that I described as new are 

undoubtedly related to Bridge Creek species. Thus Quercus simulata 

is related to Q. simplex, and Q. idahoensis and Q. payettensis are 

both more or less closely related to Q, consimilis. Two species 

(Juglans hesperia, which I have now referred to J. oregoniana Lesq., 

and Populus Lindgreni), described as new in the Payette formation, 

have been detected in the Mascall beds at Van Horn's ranch.

In this report the Payette formation was referred to the Upper 

Miocene, but I was misled by the knowledge then current regarding 

the position of the Bridge Creek beds, as I have already pointed out, 

and it is now necessary to change that reference. The flora of the 

Payette formation undoubtedly finds its greatest affinity with that at 

Bridge Creek, a fact recognized all along, and, like it, is now referred

"Eighteenth Ann. Kept, U. S. Geol. Survey, lj t. 1JJ, pp. 721-744; Pis. XCIX-CI1.
KNOWLTON.] THE FLORA IN OTHER LOCALITIES. Ill

to the Upper Eocene. It may be noted, though the fact is perhaps 

not of great importance, that the matrix in which the plants of the 

Payette formation are preserved is similar to that at Bridge Creek.

In 1900 I published a short paper on the Fossil Plants associated 

with the Lavas of the Cascade Range/' which accompanied a paper 

by Mr. J. S. Diller, on The Bohemia Mining Region of Western 

Oregon, with notes on the Blue River Mining Region and on the 

Structure and Age of the Cascade Range. It was \vith the latter portion of Mr. Diller's paper that my own had especial connection. This 

paper was based on small collections that had been made by Mr. Diller 

and others. Six localities were represented, as follows : (1) Left bank 

of the Columbia River, near the mouth of Moffats Creek; (2) Cornstock, Douglas County; (3) 1 mile east of Murphys Springs, southeast of Ashland; (4) Coal Creek, Lane County; (5) 5 miles directly 

north of Ashland; and (6) 3 miles southeast of Ashland. The entire 

flora comprised only 28 forms, of which 10 were described as new to 

Science and 7 were not named specifically, leaving but 11 species with 

previously known distribution. No locality was represented by more 

than 10 forms and most of them bj from 2 to 5 forms.

The species composing this flora were compared with those from the 

John Day Basin and the Auriferous gravels of California, and were 

referred to the Miocene. In the light of our present knowledge of 

the type section in the John Day Basin, certain modifications of this 

reference seem necessary. I hesitate, however, to make radical 

changes in my former determination without additional material. 

When taken as a unit this flora is undoubtedly similar to that of the 

John Day Basin, considered as a whole, but when an attempt is 

made to relegate the species from individual localities to one of the 

three horizons now recognized in the basin, the meagerness of the 

material becomes very apparent. With the exception of the first of the 

localities to be mentioned, the following tentative classification may be 

made: The locality on the Columbia River near the mouth of Moffats 

Creek contains Acer Bendirei and a doubtful leaf of Populus Zaddachi. 

The first of these species is so characteristic that I have little or no 

hesitation in referring it to the same age as the Van Horn's ranch 

material, namely, Upper Miocene. The localities 5 miles north of Ashland and 3 miles southeast of Ashland seem to be more closely allied to 

Bridge Creek and are probably to be regarded as Upper Eocene in age. 

Murphys Springs is also probably the same in age as Bridge Creek, 

while Coal Creek, in Lane County, and Comstock, in Douglas County, 

seem likely to be older Eocene than the Bridge Creek beds. But I 

wish to emphasize the fact that these are purely tentative views, and 

we must depend upon fuller collections to settle the points at- issue.

« Twentieth Ann. Rept., U. S. GeoL Survey, Ft. Ill, pp. 37-64, pis. 1-5.
112 FOSSIL FLORA OF THE JOHN DAY BASIN, OREGON. [BULL. 204, 

THE DALLES, OREGON.

By the kindness of Dr.. Arthur Hollick I have been enabled to 

examine a number of unpublished plates of fossil plants by the late 

Dr. Newberry, on which are depicted several species from the so-called 

Dalles group, at the Dalles of the Columbia. The matrix, I am 

informed by Dr. Hollick, is a whitish, very coarse-grained volcanic 

ash, identical in appearance with that bearing fossil plants at Kelly 

Hollow, Wenas Valley, near Ellensburg, Washington. These plates 

were not published by Dr. Newberry and simply bear provisional 

names penciled on the margins of the plates. These species are 

represented as follows:

.Acacia, or Cassia sp. A small, even-pinnate compound leaf of 

numerous small oblong leaflets. Nothing similar has been thus far 

found in the John Day Basin.

" Myrica dwersifolia Lesq." Two figures of this form are shown. 

They appear to be the same as Gratcegus flavescens Newb., from. 

Bridge Creek. .

" Ulmus sp." Two small, coarsely toothed leaves with well-marked 

secondaries ending in the marginal teeth. Judging from the drawings 

alone I should incline to refer these leaves to a small form of Carpinus 

grandis Unger, very similar to some forms found at Bridge Creek, 

and not to Ulmus. They are wholly unlike the common elm leaves 

that are abundant at this latter locality.

With only these data available I should incline to regard the locality < 

affording them as referable to the same age as the Bridge Creek beds, 

viz, Upper Clarno.

From the facts here adduced it seems beyond dispute that the conditions which prevailed in the John Day Basin during Tertiary times 

were much more far reaching than the mere local limits of the basin; 

in other words, that the formations there recognized extended as far 

north as central Washington, east into northwestern Idaho, and westward over much of western Oregon.

SUMMARY.

(1) The John Day Basin lies between the north and south ranges of 

the Blue Mountains, in north-central Oregon. It covers an area of 

approximately 10,000 square miles and is drained by John Day River 

and its tributaries. It has been the scene of great volcanic activity, 

its rock masses being made up of numerous volcanic flows, with alternations of ashes, tufas, sands, and gravels.

(2) No detailed geological study has been made of the region, but 

contributions to this subject have been made by Le Conte, Condon, 

Marsh, Cope, Wortman, Matthew, and Merriam, the most important 

and comprehensive being by the latter author.
KNOWLTON.] SUMMABY. 113

(3) Its fossil riches, in the shape of mammalian teeth, were first 

brought to scientific attention in 1861. Since that time an extensive 

vertebrate fauna has been described by Leidy, Cope, Marsh, Wortman, Merriam, and others.

(4) The first fossil plants were found at Bridge Creek in 1862, by 

Prof. Thomas Condon. Since that date collections of plants have been 

made by Condon, Voy, Bendire, Merriam, Osmont, and Knowlton. 

The plants have been studied and described by Newberry, Lesquereux, and Knowlton.

(5) The fossil flora of the John Day Basin, as set forth in the present paper, comprises 150 forms, distributed among 37 natural families 

and the anomalous group of Phyllites. Of the 150 forms enumerated, 

24 have not been named specifically, and 44 species and 1 variety are 

described as new to science. The previously known species number 81.

(6) The known fossil floras of the John Day Basin are all of Tertiary age. The oldest, represented by the localities of Cherry Creek, 

Currant Creek, and 3 miles above Clarnos Ferry, is referred to the 

Lower Eocene. It is in the lower part of Merriam's Clarno formation. 

The next younger in age, exposed at Bridge Creek, li miles east of 

Clarnos Ferry, one-half mile northeast of Fossil, and Officer's ranch 

in the Butler Basin, occupies the upper part of the Clarno formation 

and is Upper Eocene in age. The youngest plant-bearing beds of the 

region, found at Van Horn's ranch and vicinity, are in the basal portion of the Mascall formation. The age is regarded as Upper Miocene.

(7) From the facts adduced in this bulletin it is concluded that the 

conditions which prevailed in the John Day Basin during Tertiary 

times extended also into central Washington, northwestern Idaho, and 

western Oregon.

Bull. 204 02 8

PLATES.

115

. PLATE I.
PLATE I.

Page. 

Fig. 1. Equisetum sp..................................................... 23

Fig. 2. Sequoia sp........................................................ 26

Fig. 3. Thuites sp........................................................ 26

Fig. 4. Taxodium, male aments .........................i.......:......... 27

Fig. 5. Ginkgo sp ........................................................ 23

Fig. 6. Taxodium, male aments ........................................... 27

Figs. 7, 8. Monocotyledonous plant........................................ 28

Fig. 9. Cyperacites sp .................................................... 28

118
U. S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY BULLETIN NO. 204 PL. I

FOSSIL FLORA OF THE JOHN DAY BASIN.
PLATE II.

3.19
PLATE II.

Page. 

Fig. 1. Populus Lindgreni Knowlton ...................................... 29

Figs. 2-4. Salix pseudo-argentea n. sp...................................... 31

Figs. 5-8. Salix perplexa n. sp ............................................ 31

Figs. 9,10. Salix dayana n. sp............................................. 31

Figs. 11,12. Salix mixta n. sp .............................................. 32

120
U. S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY BULLETIN NO. 204 PL. II

FOSSIL FLORA OF THE JOHN DAY BASIN.
PLATE III.

121
PLATE III.

Page 

Fig. 1. Salixsp .......................................................... 32

Fig. 2. Myrica personata n. sp ............................................ 33

Fig. 3. Juglans? Bendirei n. sp ............................................ 34

Fig. 4. Myrica oregoniana n. sp ........................................... 33

Fig. 5. Juglans acuminata? Al. Br......................................... 35

Figs. 6, 7. Betula heteromorpha n. sp ...................................... 39

122
U. S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY BULLETIN NO. 204 PL.

f\

FOSSIL FLORA OF THE JOHN DAY BASIN.
PLATE IV.

123
PLATE IV.

Fig. 1. Alnns macrodonta n. sp............................................ 42

Fig. 2. Betula Bendirei n. sp............. 1................................ 40

Fig. 3. Juglans crassifolia n. sp............................................ 36

Fig. 4. Betula? dayana n. sp ............................................. 41

124
U. S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY BULl ETIN NO. 204- PL. IV

FOSSIL FLORA OF THE JOHN DAY BASIN.
PLATE V.

125
PLATE V.

Page.

Fig. 1. Betula heteromorpha n. sp......................................... 39

Fig. 2. Hicoria sp ............... ....:.......--..-......... ...----..-.-... 38

Figs. 3, 4. Hicoria? oregoniana n. sp....................................... 37

126
U. S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY BULLETIN NO. 204 PL. V

FOSSIL FLORA OF.THE JOHN DAY BASIN.
PLATE VI.

127
PLATE VI.

Page.

Fig. 1. Quercus dayana n. sp.............................................. 51

Figs. 2, 3. Quercus oregoniana n. sp ....................................... 47

Figs. 4, 5. Juglans cryptata n. sp ..................'........---..--........- 35

Figs. 6, 7. Quercus Merriami n. sp. ........................................ 49

128
V>. s. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY BULLETIN NO. 204 PL. VI

FOSSIL FLORA OF THE JOHN DAY BASIN.
PLATE VII.

Bull. 204 02 9 129
PLATE VII.

Page. 

Fig. 1. Quercus oregoniana n. sp............................................ 47

Figs. 2, 3. Quercus ursina n. sp ............................................ 51

Figs. 4, 5. Quercus Merriami n. sp......................................... 49

130
U. S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY BULLETIN NO. 204 PL. VII

FOSSIL FLORA OF THE JOHN DAY BASIN.
PLATE VIII.

131
PLATE VIII.

Page. 

Fig. 1. Quercus horniana Lesq ............................................ 52

Fig. 2. Quercus duriuscula n. sp.......................................^... 50

Fig. 3. Quercus ? sp. Knowlton........................................ ^... 53

Fig. 4. Quercus ? sp ................................................. ^..... 43

132
U. S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY BULLETIN NO. 204 PL. VIII

FOSSIL FLORA OF THE JOHN DAY BASIN.
PLATE IX.

133
PLATE IX.

Page. 

Fig. 1. Liquidambar pachyphyllum n. sp .................................. 63

Figs. 2, 3. Laurus oregoniana n. sp ........................................ 58

Fig. 4. Ulmus Newberryi n. sp............................................ 54

Fig. 5. Sapindus Merriami n. sp........................................... 78

Figs. 6, 7. Hydrangea Bendirei (Ward) Knowlton.......................... 60

134
U. S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY BULLETIN NO. 204 PL. IX

FOSSIL FLORA OF THE JOHN DAY BASIN.
PLATE X.

135
PLATE X.

Page. 

Fig. 1. Cratsegus flavescens New. ........................................... 66

Fig. 2. Cratsegus imparilis n. sp ..... ..........;........................... 66

Fig. 3. Ficus? oregoniana Lesq ........'..........'...."...................... 56

Fig. 4. Cinnamornum Bendirei n. sp........................................ 59

Fig. 5. Liquidambar europseum patulum n. var............................. 62

136
FOSSIL FLORA OF THE JOHN DAY BASIN.
PLATE XI.

137
PLATE XI.

Page. 

Fig. 1. Berberis? gigantea n. sp ........................................... 57

Figs. 2, 3, 6, 7. Prunus? Merriami n. sp.................................... 67

Fig. 4. Prunus? tufacea n. sp ............................................. 68

Fig. 5. Celastrus dignatus n. sp ........................................... 71

138
U. S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY lULLETIN NO. 204 PL. XI

FOSSIL FLORA OF THE JOHN DAY BASIN.
PLATE XII.

139
PLATE XII.

Page. 

Figs. 1-3. Celastrus confluens n. sp........................................ 71

Fig. 4. Liquidambar sp.? ................................................. 63

140
U. S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

FOSSIL FLORA OF THE JOHN DAY BASIN.
PLATE XIII.

141
PLATE XIII.

Page. 

Figs. 1, 2. Acer sp........................................................ 73

Fig. 3. Acer Osmonti n. sp................................................ 72

Fig. 4. Acer macrophyllum Pursh (living species).......................... 72

Figs. 5-8. Acer oregonianum n. sp......................................... 75

142
U. S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY BULLETIN NO. 204 PL. XIII

FOSSIL FLORA OF THE JOHN DAY BASIN.
PLATE XIY.

143
PLATE XIV.

Page. 

Fig. 1. Acer gigas n. sp................................................... 76

Figs. 2, 3. Acer minor n. sp............................................... 76

Figs. 4, 5. Acer rnedianum n. sp .......................................... 76

Fig. 6. Eh us ? sp ......................................................... 70

 Fig. 7. Acer Merriarni n. sp............................................... 74

144
U. S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY 1ULLETIN NO. 204 PL. XIV

FOSSIL FLORA OF THE JOHN DAY BASIN.
PLATE XV.

Bull. 204 02 10 145
PLATE XV.

Page. 

Figs. 1, 2. .'Esculus simulata n. sp......................................... 78

Fig. 3. Sapindus oregonianus n. sp ........................................ 79

Fig. 4. Aralia sp.?........................................................ 81

. 146
U. S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY BULLETIN NO. 204 PL. XV

FOSSIL FLORA OF THE JOHN DAY BASIN.
PLATE XVI.

147
PLATE XVI.

Page.

Fig. 1. Phyllites oregonianus n. sp ........................................ 85

Fig. 2. Phyllites bifurcies n. sp ........................................... 85

Fig. 3. Andromeda crassa Lesq............;............-......-.-..-...... 83

Fig. 4. Phyllites personatus n. sp ......................................... 87

Fig. 5. Diospyros elliptica n. sp .................. ....'...... ............... 83

Fig. 6. Phyllites inexpectans n. sp ........................................ 86

Fig. 7. Eulac crateegifolium n. sp....................-...................".. 77

Fig. 8. Aralia?sp ........................................................ 82

148
U. S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY BULLETIN NO. 204 PL. XVI

FOSSIL FLORA OF THE JOHN DAY BASIN.
PLATE XVII.

149
PLATE XVII.

Page. 

Phyllites sp.............................................................. 85

150
- :-RV; . '. - . ,. - < ,.,....-:.. *-..-

-- ..' . -: - ; - , ' -- "' "''"' ""'

FOSSIL FLORA OF THE JOHN DAY BASIN.
INDEX.

1 Heavy-faced figures refer to pages on which descriptions arc given. Synonyms are in italic.]

Page.

Acacia oregoniana Lesq ............ 69,91,99,106

sp.Newb ............................... 112

Acer Bendirei Lesq ............... 73,100,106,107

branches of ?....................... 75,92,106

Climorphum Lesq ........ 03, 74,92,98,100,106

gigas n. sp., PI. XIV, fig. 1 ... 7G-77,92,100,106 

inacrophyllum Pursh .............. 72,75,100

medianum n. sp., PI. XIV, figs. 4, 5 ...... 76,

92,100,106 

Merriami n. sp.,PI. XIV, fig. 7 ......... 74-75,

92,100,106

minor n. sp.,PI.XIV, figs.2,3 .. 76,92,100,106 

oregonianura n. sp., PI. XIII, figs. 5-8 ... 75,

92,100,106

Osmonti n. sp., PI. XIII, fig. 3 .. 72,92,100,104 

saccharum Marshall .................. 72,100

trilobatumproductum (Al.Br.) Hcer... 73,100 

tricuspidatum Heer................ 75

sp., Knowlton, PI. XIII, figs. 1,2. 73,92,104,105

^Esculus glabra Willd..................... 78,101

octandraMarsh ....................... 78,101

simulata 11. sp., PI. XV, figs. 1,2 . 78,92,101,106

Allan thus ovata Lesq............... 69,91,99,104

Alnus carpinoides Lesq......... 42,90,96,104,105

Kefersteinii? (Gopp.) Unger. 45,90,104,106,107 

macrodonta n.sp., PI. IV,fig. 1.. 42,90,96,104 

serrulata fossilis Newb............. 42,92,104

sp. Knowlton........................... 109

sp.? fruit of, Newb ................. 42,90,104

Andromeda crassa Lesq., PI. XVI, fig. 3.... 83,

92,101,106

Aralia digitata Ward .......... 81,92,101,102,103

 notatoLesq ..........".................. 81,101

pungens Lesq ........................... 56,98

Whitneyi Lesq ..................... 82,92,101

sp.?............................. 81-82,92,102

sp. Knowlton, PI. XV, fig. 4 ........... 82,92

? sp. Knowlton, PI. XVI, fig. 8......... 82,92

Artocarpus californica ? Knowlton........... 66,

91,98,106,107 

Lessigiana (Lesq.) Knowlton........... 66

Asplenium subsimplex (Lesq.) Knowlton. 21-22,

89,102,103

Bendire, C. E., work of..................... 13

Berberis aquifolia Pursh ................... 98

? gigantea n. sp., PI. XI, fig. 1.. 57-58,91,106 

simplex Newb .................. 56,91,98,104

trifoliata Moric......................... 57

Page. 

Betula angustifolia Newb.............. 41,90,104

Bendirei n. sp., PI. IV, fig. 2 . 40-41,90,90,104 

? dayana n. sp., PI. IV, fig. 4....... 41,90,106

heterodonta Newb.............. 40,90,96,103

heteromorpha n. sp., PI. Ill, figs. 6,7;

PI. V, fig. 1 ............ 39-40,90,96,103

occidentalis Hooker.................... 41

papyrifera Marshall.................... 41

Bridge Creek, fossils found at............ 103-105

Cardita planicostata........................ 59

Carpinus betuloides Unger... 38,47,90,95,103,104 

grandis ? Unger............. 38,90,96,106,107

pyramidalis (Gopp.) Heer............... 38

Carya clxnoides (Unger) Heer.............. 38

Cassia phaseolitcsl Ung ..................... 29

sp. Newb............................... 112

? sp. Newb ...................... 09,91,99,104

Castanea atavia Unger...................... 52

Celastrus dignatus n. sp., PI. XI, fig. 5. 71,92,106 

confluens n. sp., PI. II, figs. 1-3 .... 71,92,106

insequalis Knowlton.................... 71

Cherry Creek, fossils found at............ 102-103

Chico beds, description of.................. 17

Cinnamomum Bendirei n. sp., PI. X, fig. 4. 59-60,

91,98,104 

Dilleri Knowlton ........... 59,91,98,102,103

Clarno formation, description of........... 17

fossils found in....................... 102-106

Clarnos Ferry, fossils found near........... 105

Columbia Eiver lava, description of........ 19

Condon, T., work of........................ 11

Cope, E. D., quoted......................... 15-16

work of................................. 11

Cornus ferox ? Unger .......... 83,92,101,102,103

florida.................................. 61

Nuttallii Aud........................... 01

MacQuarrii (Forbes) Heer... 38-39,90,96,103 

Cratsegus acerifolia Lesq ................... 77

flava Ait................................ 99

flavescens Newb., PI. X, fig. 1........... 66,

67,89,99,104,105

imparalis n. sp., PI. X, fig. 2 .. 66-67,89,99,106 

Cydonia japonica L ........................ 68,99

Cyperacites sp.,PI.I,fig.9................. 28,106

Diospyros alaskana Schimper.. 83,92,101,102,103 

elliptica n. sp., PI. XVI,fig. 5.......... 83-84,

02,101,106 

lancifolia Lesq.......................... 83

151
152 INDEX.

Page. 

Equisetum Hornii Lesq ..................... 22

oregonense Newb............ 22-23,89,93,102

sp., PI. I, fig. 1 ......................... 23,106

Fagus castancfefolia Unger.................. 43

? sp.................................... 43,106

Ficus ? Condoni Newb ...................... 64

? oregoniana Lesq., PI. X, figs. 3.... 56,91,106

planicostata ? Lesq............. 56,91,104,105

tenuinervis Lesq............... 55,91,102,103

Fossil, fossils found near................... 105

Fraxinus ajfinis Newb ...................... 45

denticulata Heer ?............. 84,92,104,105

integrifolia Newb ............. 84,92,101,104

Ginkgo sp., PI. I, %.5................. 28,94,106

Glyptostrobus europams.................... 24,27

Ungeri Heer.......... 24, 26-27,90,94,106,107

Grewia auriculata Lesq............... 81,101,104

crenata (Unger) Heer................. 80-81,

92,101,104,106,107

Hico'ria eltenoides (Ung.) Knowlton... 38,90,106 

?oregonianan.sp.,PI.V,figs.3,4.. 37-38,90,102 

sp:?Pl. V, fig. 2.................... 38,90,103

Hollick, A., acknowledgments to..'........ 10

Hydrangea Bendirei (Ward) Knowlton, PI.

IX, figs. 6, 7............. 60-61,91,106

Hex ? longifolia Heer........................ 34

John Day Basin, explorationsin, historyof.. 11-14 

fossil plants in, localities for........... 20-21

geological features of................... 14-20

location and topographic featuresof.... 10-11

John Day series, description of............. 18

Juglans acuminata? Al. Br., PI. Ill, fig. 5.... 35,

90,103,104 

? Bendirei n. sp., PI. Ill, fig. 3..... 34,90,102

crassifolia n. sp., PI. IV,.fig. 3.......... 36,90

Crossii Knowlton....................... 35

cryptata n. sp., PI. VI, figs. 4,5.. 35,90,103,105 

hesperia Knowlton ...................... 36,95

nut of................................. 35,103

oregoniana Lesq......... 36-37,90,95,106,107

rugosa Lesq.................... 34,90,102,103

Schimperi ? Lesq........... 34,90,103,104,105

troglodytarum Heer.................... 35

Knoxville beds, description of............. 17

Lastrea Knightiana Newb................... 22

(Goniopteris) Fischeri ? Heer ...... 22,89, .102

Lauras californica Lesq .................... . 59

oregoniana n. sp., PI. IX, figs. 2, 3.... 58-oi),

91,106 

Lc Conte, J., quoted........................ 15

Lesquereux, Leo, work of.................. 12

Liquidambar californicum Lesq ........... 98

curopseurn Al. Br .:............. 62,91,98,104

patulum n.var., PI. X, fig. 5.. 62,91,98,106

pachyphyllum n. sp., PI. IX, fig. 1..... 63,

91,98,106

protensum ? Unger ............. 62-63,91,106

sp.? PI. XII, fig. 4............... 63-64,91,106

Lygodium Kaulfusii Heer ......... 21,89,102,103

iieuropteroides Lesq..................... 21

Magnolia Culveri Knowlton .... 58,91,98,102,103

Inglefieldi Heer............. 58,91,98,106,107

lanceolata Lesq. 58,91,98,102,103,106,107,109 

Marsh, 0. C., quoted ........................ 15

work of................................. 11

Marsilea Bendirei Ward .................... 60,98

Page. 

Mascall formation, description of.......... 19

fossils found in....................... 106-108

Merriam, J. C., acknowledgments to........ 10

quoted ..................... 14-10,17,18,19,20

Monocotyledonous plant, PI. I, figs. 7,8.... 28-29,

- N 90,103 

Myrica calliconiEefolia Lesq ................ 33,95

divers/folia Lesq ................. 66,67,99,105

oregoniana n. sp., PI. Ill, fig.4... 33,90,95,106

?personata n. sp., PI. IK, fig. 2 ... 33,90,95,105

Myrica (Aralia) Lessigii f Lesq....:......... 56,98

Newberry, J. S., work of.................... 12

Officer's ranch, fossils found at............ 106

Paliurus colombi Heer..................... 80,109

Persea punctulata Lesq .................... 59

Phragmites ceningensis Al. Br...... 27,90,1.06,107

Phyllitesbifurciesn.sp., PLXVI, fig.2.... 85-8C,

92,106

inexpectansn. sp., PI. XVI, fig. 6 ... 86,92,106 

oregonianus n. sp., PI. XVI, fig. 1... 85,92,104 

personatus n. sp., PI. XVI, fig. 4..... 87,92,106

wascoensis Lesq.................... 84,92,102

sp., PI. XVII....................... 85,92,102

Planera Ungeri Ettingshausen..... 55,98,106,107

Platanus aceroides ? (Goppert) Heer ....... 65,.

91,99,106,107,109 

aspera Newb .................... 64,91,98,104

basilobata Ward................. 64,98,99,105

Condoni (Newb) Knowlton........... 64-65,

91,98,104,105,106 

dissecta Lesq........................... 109

nobilis ? Newb............... 65,91,99,106,107

occidentalis L.......................... 99

Raynoldsii Newb....................... 66

sp .................................. 66,91,106

Podozamites oblongus Lesq ................ 29

Populus alba ............................... 40

glandulifera Heer...................... 109

Lindgreni Knowlton, PI. II, fig. 1....... 29,

90,94,106,107 

- monodon Lesq........................... 58

polymorpha Newb ................ 39,46,47,96

Russelli Knowlton ..................... 109

Zaddachi............................... 81

Parana Bendird (Ward) Lesq.............. 60,98

Spierii Lesq............................. 61

tenuis Lesq............................. 61

Pre-Cretaceous rocks, description of........ 16-17

Prunus demissa (Nutt.) Walp .............. 68,99

Merriami n. sp., PI. X, figs. 2, 3, 6, 7... 67-68,

91,99,106 

?tufacea n. sp., PI. XI, fig. 4..... 68,91,99,106

virginiana L............................ 68,99

Pteris pinmr/ormis Heer.................... 22

pseudo-pin nseformis? Lesq..... 22,89,102,103

simplex Lesq............................ 21

Quercus affinis (Newb.) n. comb....... 45,91,104

Breweri Lesq.................... 45,4,6,91,104

consimilis Newb........ 45-46,91,104,105,106

convexa Lesq........................... 97

dayaua n. sp., PI. VI, fig. 1... 51-52,91,97,106 

drymeja Unger................. 44,91,104,105

duriusculan.sp.,Pl. VIII, fig. 2.. 50,91,97,106 

furcinervis (Rossm.) Ung............... 43,45

americana Knowlton ...... 43,90,102,103

heterophylla Michx. f.................. 50
INDEX. 153

Page.

Quercus horniana Lesq., PI. VIII, flg.l... 52-63,

91,106 

Merriami n. sp., PL VI, figs. 6,7; PI. VII,

figs.4,5.............. 49-50,91,97,106

minor (Marsh.) Sargent................ 50,97

mum (Marsh.) Sargent................. 51,97

oregoniana n. sp., PI. VI, figs. 2, 3; PI.

VII, fig. 1................... 47,91,104

paucideritata Newb................ 44,91,104

phellos L............................... 50

pseudo-alnus Ettingshausen......... 46-47,91

pseudo-lyrata Lesq ............. 48,91,97,106

acutiloba Lesq ...................... 48

angustiloba Lesq.................... 49,97

brevtfolia Lesq...................... 48

latifolia Lesq ....................... 48

obtusifolia Lesq ..................... 48

rubra................................... 50

simplex Newb ....... 44,52,91,97,104,105,106

simulata Knowlton .................... 97

ursina n. sp., PI. VII, figs. 2,3 .... 61,91,97,106

? sp., Knowlton, PI. VIII, fig. 3...... 53,91,106

? sp., PI. VIII,fig.4.............. 43-44,91,102

jRnttlesnake formation, description of...... 19-20

Rhamnus Cleburni? Lesq.......... 80,92,102,103

Erklani Unger..................... 80,92,104

Rhus Bendirei Lesq.............. 36, 70,92,95,106

Hillise Lesq............................. 78

? sp. Lesq., PI. XIV, fig. 6............ 70,92,106

River terraces, occurrence of ............... 20

Rulaccratsegifoliunin.sp., PI. XVII, fig. 7. 77-78,

92,100,106 

Salix amygdalsefolia Lesq......... 30,90,106,107

angnsta Al. Br ................. 30,90,106,107

Bebbiana............................... 32,95

dayanan. sp., PI. II, figs/9,10..... 31,90,106

Engelhardti Lesq .................. 29,90,106

mixta n. sp., PI. II, figs. 11, 12...... 32,90,106

perplexa n. sp., PI. II, figs. 5-8.. 31-32,90,100

Page.

Salix pseudo-argentea n. sp., PI. II, figs. 2-4. 31,

90,95,106 

Rseana?Heer .................. 30,90,106,107

Schimperi Lesq................. 29,90,94,102

varians Goppert ........... 30,90,106,107,109

sp.? Knowlton, PI. Ill, fig. 1........... 82,90

Sapiiidus angustifolius? Lesq ...... 79,92,106,107

angustifolius Lesq ...................... 31

Merriami n. sp., PI. IX, fig. 5 ......... 78-79,

92,101,104 

obtusif olius Lesq............ 7 9,80,92,106,107

oregonianus n. sp., PI. XV, fig 3. 79-80,92,106 

Scott, W.B., workof....................... 11

Sequoia angustifolia Lesq ...... 24-25,89,106,107

Couttsiffi................................ 27

Heerii Lesq.............. 23-24,89,94,103,104

Langsdorfii (Brgt.) Heer............... 25,

90,94,103,104,105,106,107 

Nordcnskioldii Heer ................. 23,26,27

sp. (cone), PL I, fig. 2 ............. 26,90,106

Smilax Wardii Lesq.................... 28,90,106

Synonyms, list of........................... 88

Taxodium distichum miocenum ........... 25,

27,90,94,106,107 

Ehrenswcerdi Heer..................... 26

male aments of, PI. I, figs. 4,6...... 27,90,106

The Dalles, flora of ......................... 112

Thuites sp., PI. I, fig. 3.............. 26,90,94,106

Ulmus Braunii Heer........................ 105

californica? Lesq..... 54,55,91,97,106,107,109

Newberryi n. sp., PI. IX, fig. 4.......... 54,

91,97,104,105 

plurinervia Unger........... 55,91,97,106,107

pseudo-americana Lesq ................. 53,97

pseudo-f ul va Lesq...................... 109

speciosa Newb........... 53-54,91,97,104,105

sp. Newb .................... '. .......... 112

Van Horn's ranch, fossils found at......... 106

Voy, C. D., work of ..... '................... 12

0

PUBLICATIONS OF UNITED STATES GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

[Bulletin No. 204.]

The serial publications of the United States Geological Survey consist of (1) Annual 

Reports, (2) Monographs, (3) Professional Papers, (4) Bulletins, (5) Mineral Resources, (6) Water-Supply and Irrigation Papers, (7) Topographic Atlas of United 

States folios and separate sheets thereof, (8) Geologic Atlas of United States 

folios thereof. The classes numbered 2, 7, and 8 are sold at cost of publication; the 

others are distributed free. A circular giving complete lists may be had on application.

The Bulletins, Professional Papers, and Water-Supply Papers treat of a variety of 

subjects, and the total number issued is large. They have therefore been classified

into the following series: A, Economic geolog}'; B, Descriptive geology; C, Systematic geology and paleontology; D, Petrography and mineralogy; E, Chemistry and 

physics; F, Geography; G, Miscellaneous; H, Forestry; I, Irrigation; J, Water storage; K, Pumping water; L, Quality of water; M, Methods of hydrographic investi-, 

gations; N, Water power; 0, Underground waters; P, Hydrographic progress reports. 

This bulletin is the fifty-eighth number in Series C, the complete list of which follows 

(all are bulletins thus far):

SERIES C, SYSTEMATIC GEOLOGY AND PALEONTOLOGY.

3. Fossil faunas of Upper Devonian, along the meridian 76° 30', from Tompkins County, New York, 

to Bradford County, Pennsylvania, by Henry S. Williams. 1884. 36 pp.

4. Mesozoic fossils, by Charles A. White. 1884. 36 pp., 9 pis.

10. Cambrian faunas of North America. Preliminary studies, by C. D.Walcott. 1884. 74 pp., 10 pis.

11. Quaternary and recent mollusca of the Great Basin, with descriptions of new forms, by 11. Ellsworth Call. Introduced by a sketch of the Quaternary lakes of the Great Basin, by G. K. Gilbert. 

1884. 66 pp., 6 pis.

15. Mesozoic and Cenozoic paleontology of California, by C. A. White. 1885. 33 pp.

16. Higher Devonian faunas of Ontario County, New York, by John M. Clarke. 1885. 86 pp., 3 pis.

18. Marine Eocene, fresh-water Miocene, and other fossil mollusca of western North America, by 

Charles A. White. 1885. 26 pp., 3 pis.

19. Notes on the stratigraphy of California, by G. F. Becker. 1885. 28 pp. (Exhausted.)

22. New Cretaceous fossils from California, by C. A. White. 1885. 25 pp., 5 pis.

24. List of marine mollusca, comprising the Quaternary fossils and Recent forms from American

localities between Cape Hatteras and Cape Roque, including the ermudas, by W. H. Dall. 1885.

336 pp.

29. Fresh-water invertebrates of the North American Jurassic, by C. A. White. 41 pp., 4 pis.

30. Second contribution to the studies on the Cambrian faunas of North America, by C. D. Walcott.

1886. 369pp., 33 pis.

31. Systematic review of our present knowledge of fossil insects, including myriapods and arachnids, 

by S. H. Scudder. 1886. 128 pp.

34. Relation of the Laramie molluscan fauna to that of the succeeding fresh-water Eocene and other 

groups, by C. A. White. 1886. 64 pp., 5 pis.

37. Types of the Laramie flora, by L. F. Ward. 1887. 354 pp., 57 pis.

41. Fossil faunas of the Upper Devonian the Genesee section, New York, by Henry S. Williams.

1887. 121pp., 4 pis.

43. Tertiary and Cretaceous strata of the Tuscaloosa, Tombigbec, and Alabama rivers, by E. A. Snuith 

and L. C. Johnson. 1887. 189 pp., 21 pis.

51. Invertebrate fossils from the Pacific coast, by C. A. White. 1889. 102 pp., 14 pis.

56. Fossil wood and lignite of the Potomac formation, by F. H. Knowlton. 1889. 72 pp., 7 pis.

63. Bibliography of Paleozoic Crustacea from 1698 to 1889, including a list of North American species 

and a systematic arrangement of genera, by A. W. Vogdes. 1890. 177 pp.

69. Classed and annotated bibliography of fossil insects,'by S. H. Scudder. 1890. 101 pp.
II PUBLICATIONS OF U. S. GEOLOGICAL SUEVET.

71. Index to known fossil insects of the world, including myriapods and arachnids, by S. H. Scudder. 1891. 744 pp. 

77. The Texan Permian and its Mesozoic types of fossils, by C. A. White. 1891. 51 pp., 4 pis.

80. Correlation papers Devonian and Carboniferous, by H. S. Williams. 1891. 279 pp.

81. Correlation papers Cambrian, by C. D. Walcott. 1891. 447pp., 3 pis. (Exhausted.) 

 82. Correlation papers Cretaceous, by C. A. White. 1891. 273 pp., 3 pis.

83. Correlation papers Eocene, by W. B. Clark. 1891. 173 pp., 2 pis.

84. Correlation papers Neocene, by W. H. Call and G. D. Harris. 1892. 349 pp., 3 pis.

85. Correlation papers The Newark system, by I. C. Russell. 1892. 344 pp., 13 pis.

86. Correlation papers Archean and Algonkian, by C. R. Van Hise. 1892. 549 pp., 12 pis.

87. Synopsis of American fossil Brachiopoda, including bibliography and synonymy, by Charles 

Schuchert. 1897. 464pp.

88. Cretaceous foraminifera of New Jersey, by R. M. Bagg, jr. 1898. 89 pp., 6 pis. 

93. Some insects of special interest from Florissant, Colo., and other points in the Tertiaries of Colorado-and Utah, by S. H. Scudder. 1892. 35 pp., 3 pis.

97. Mesozoic Echinodermata of the United States, by W. B. Clark. 1893. 207 pp., 50 pis.

98. Flora of the outlying Carboniferous basins of southwestern Missouri, by David White. 1893. 

139 pp., 5 pis.

101. Insect fauna of the Rhode Island coal field, by S. H. Scudder. 1893. 27 pp., 2 pis.

102. Catalogue and bibliography of North American Mesozoic invertebrata, by C. B. Boyle. 1893. 

315 pp.

105. The Laramie and the overlying Livingston formation in Montana, by W. H. Weed, with report 

on Flora, by F. H. Knowlton. 1893. 68 pp., 6 pis.

106. Colorado formation and its invertebrate fauna, by T. W. Stanton. 1893. 288 pp., 45 pis.

110. Paleozoic section in the vicinity of Three Forks, Mont., by A. C. Peale. 1893. 56 pp., Cpls.

120. Devonian system of eastern Pennsylvania and New York, by C. S. Prosser. 1895. 81pp., 2 pis.

121. Bibliography of North American paleontology, by C. R. Keyes. 1894. 251 pp. 

124. Revision of North American fossil cockroaches, by S. H. Scudder. 1895. 176 pp., 12 pis. 

. 128. Bear River formation and its characteristic fauna, by C. A. White. 1895. 108 pp., 11 pis.

133. Contributions to the Cretaceous paleontology of the Pacific coast: The fauna of the Knox7ille 

beds, by T. W. Stanton. 1895. 132 pp., 20 pis.

134. Cambrian rocks of Pennsylvania, by C. D. Walcott. 1896. 43 pp., 15 pis.

141. Eocene deposits of the Middle Atlantic slope in Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia, by W. B. 

Clark. 1896. 167 pp., 40 pis.

142. Brief contribution to the geology and paleontology of northwestern Louisiana, by T. W. 

Vaughan. 1896. 65 pp., 4 pis. 

145. Potomac formation in Virginia, by W. M. Fontaine. 1896. 149 pp., 2 pis.

151. Lower Cretaceous gryphaeas of the Texas region, by R. T. Hill and T. W. Vaughan. 1898. 

] 39 pp. ,35 pis.

152. Catalogue of Cretaceous and Tertiary plants of North America, by F. H. Knowlton. 1898. 

247 pp.

153. Bibliographic index of North American Carboniferous invertebrates, by Stuart Weller. 1898. 

653 pp. 

163. Flora of the Montana formation, by F. H. Knowlton. 1900. 118 pp., 19 pis.

. 173. Synopsis of American fossil Bryozoa, including bibliography and synonymy, by J. M. Nickles 

and R. S. Bassler. 1900. 663 pp.

179. Bibliography and catalogue of fossil vertebrata of North America, by O. P. Hay. 1902. 8C8 pp.

191. North American geologic formation names: Bibliography, synonymy, and distribution, by F. B. 

Weeks. 1902. 448pp.

195. Structural details in the Green Mountain region and in eastern New York (second paper) by 

T. Nelson Dale. 1902. 22 pp, 4 pis.

204. Fossil flora of the John Day Basin, Oregon, by F. H. Knowlton. 1902. 153 pp. 17 pis.
LIBRARY CATALOGUE SLIPS.

[Take this leaf out and paste the separated titles upon three of your cataloguecards. The first and second titles need no addition; over the third write that 

subject under which you would place the book in your library.]

United States. Department of the interior. (U. S. geological 

survey. )

Bulletin No. 204 Series C, Systematic geology and paleontology, 58 | Department of the interior | United States geological survey | Charles D. Walcott, director | | Fossil flora | 

of the | John Day Basin | Oregon | by | Frank Hall Knowlton | 

[Vignette] |

Washington | government printing office | 1902 

8°. 153 pp., 17 pis.

Knowlton (Frank Hall).

Bulletin No. 204 Series C, Systematic geology and paleontology, 58 | Department of the interior | United States geological survey | Charles D. Walcott, director I | Fossil flora | 

of the | John Day Basin | Oregon | by | Frank Hall Knowlton j 

[Vignette] |

Washington | government printing office | 1902

8°. 153 pp., 17 pis.

Bulletin No. 204 Series C, Systematic geology and paleontology, 58 | Department of the interior | United States geological survey | Charles D. Walcott, director | | Fossil flora | 

of the | John Day Basin | Oregon | by | Frank Hall Knowlton | 

[Vignette] |

Washington | government printing office | 1902

8°. 153 pp., 17 pis.

Ill