Note on the discovery of Spondylostrobus smythii, Muell., and other fossil fruits in the deep lead drift at Brandy Creek goldfield

Abstract

Through the kind interest of several friends, particularly Mr. Stockman, mining manager, and Mr. J. W. Brown, district surveyor, I have from time to time received fragments of Fossil Wood, principally a lignified Pine, with structure which appears under the microscope to be identical with lignified Pine remains at Breadalbane and elsewhere throughout the Launceston Tertiary Basin. These woods are obtained in sinking shafts to the "deep lead" at the Brandy Creek goldfields, about 40 or 50 feet from the surface, in a stratum of black carbonaceous clay. Recently, having directed the attention of the miners to look out for fruits, I was fortunate in securing a few tolerably well preserved specimens, one of which is undoubtedly the well known Spondylostrobus smythii, Mueller, found abundantly in the "Haddon," and other deep leads in Victoria.