342 The Ohio Journal of Science [Vol. XX, No. 8, 



escape of imprisoned air, are common features of the mud 

 fiats." Cones of this latter type are to be expected in any 

 terrane that has undergone sudden movement requiring sub- 

 sequent readjustment in accordance with the specific gravities 

 of the different portions of the mixed up mass. They are well 

 known features of earthquakes. But in these, as in all other 

 •cones thrown up around a vent of any sort, there are clear 

 indications of a radial structure underlying the circular outline, 

 while in the mounds under discussion there is absolutely no 

 suggestion of a radial structure or of an axial throat terminating 

 in a crater at the apex. On the contrary, these cones are made up 

 of materials of all sizes mixed together in the most hit or miss 

 fashion. The large bowlders occur near the periphery or near 

 the axis indifferently. The position of the large stones often 

 furnishes the most positive proof that there could never have 

 been a crater at the top. (See page 349). 



Similarly in their figures of the great landslide at Elm, in 

 Switzerland, Buss and Heim* show very plainly the same cone- 

 studded surface, although they seem not to have discussed it. 



Again, at Bandai San, Sekiya and Kikuchi,! (See page 353), 

 figure and describe such cones in very striking fashion. 



A HYPOTHESIS TO ACCOUNT FOR THE CONICAL PILES. 



The occurrence of such numbers of regular cones scattered 

 over the surface of these landslides naturally aroused immediate 

 speculation as to their nature and the causes that had brought 

 them into being. But it was a long while before any theory 

 .at all suggested itself. And now, even after they have been 

 studied in the field for two years, I cannot do more than offer 

 a hypothesis, admittedly supported by very little evidence, 

 which may perhaps aid in interpreting them. 



The only previous attempt to explain them which I have 

 seen is that of McConnell and Brock, cited above. It is evident 

 from their statement that they do not place much weight on 

 their hypothesis, and indeed a glance at the abundant cones 

 shown in the pictures reproduced herewith will make it evident 

 that it would be difficult to account for the cones on the Mageik 



*Buss, E. and Heim, A., Der Bugsturz von Elm. Zeischer Deutsch Geo] Gesell. 

 1882, pp. 74, 435. 



jSekiya, S., and Kikuchi, Y. The Eruption of Bandai San. Journ. Col. 

 Sci. Imp. Univ., Tokyo. 3:91-172. 1889. 



