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Hello all First let me introduce myself, my name is Ian Macdonald and I have lurked on this list for about two years, I am part of a group of keen amateur palaeontologists. The oldest member of our group has been collecting for over 35 years, and the youngest is still at school. We tend to specialize in the Lias of Somerset, this October on one of our regular trips we found the normal ammonites, vertebra etc. However we also found a large piece of fossilized wood, this is outside of our experience and some guidance, from the professionals to help us identify the specimen would be much appreciated. The details of the specimen are as follows Found UK Somerset coast line, Liassic shale, Angulata zone. A number of angulata ammonites(well preserved) are part of the specimen, a group of these ammonites are lying embedded against one edge of the wood, as if they had been washed up against the wood in an ancient flood or tide. The specimen is approximately 120Cm in length by 25Cm wide (widest section), part water worn and part unexposed. The exposed section shows the internal structure with the intercellular space filled with calcite. The unexposed section has since been developed and shows the external structure in detail, a fibrous bark type structure. There are possible growth rings present throughout the specimen, very much resembling the rings seen on the trunk of a palm tree. If the paleonet community could advise of some good text's and sources of information regarding Jurassic plant life I would be grateful. A couple of biologists and geologists from a university have looked at samples and although they are not experts in this field they believe it worthy of further investigation. I will also have photographs available soon should anyone wish to become further involved with our little mystery. Thank you in advance for any help you can give us. Best Regards Ian Macdonald ianmacdo@mtr.mhs.compuserve.com
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