VII.—Fossil Pollen in Scottish Tertiary Coals

Abstract

Associated with the volcanic rocks of Tertiary age that bulk so largely in the Mull, Morvern, and Ardnamurchan districts of Argyllshire, western Scotland, are occasional sedimentary deposits of insignificant proportions. The sediments, for the most part, consist of sandstones and conglomerates, but there may also be shaly bands and thin, impersistent seams of lignites (Mull Memoir, 1924, Chap. III). These lignites have been found to possess an abundant pollen-content of great interest and considerable variety, and this paper is a preliminary account of some of the forms isolated. It has not yet been possible to make a detailed examination of each seam throughout its entire thickness and thus get a complete picture of its pollen-aspect—but it is hoped to attempt this interesting task in the near future.