Nov., 1918] Recovery of Vegetation at Kodiak 



39 



the dune had finally been too much for them. It is obvious 

 that no new plants can gain a foothold so long as such con- 

 ditions prevail. Any seedlings that start are either promptly 

 undermined, blighted by the sand blast, or buried beneath 

 the drifts. 



A DUNE OF WIND-BLOWN ASH NEAR KODIAK. 



The rapidly shifting surface makes it impossible for plants to start. 

 (Vegetation Station 59) . 



QUICKSANDS IN THE SWAMPS. 



Quite a different set of conditions prevail in the numerous 

 swamps, shallow ponds and tundras which were .formerly 

 common. Here also the deposit of ash has been increased by 

 secondary accumulations, in this case brought down by the 

 streams. There is no tendency for this ash to blow about 

 for it is kept constantly soaked. It is, moreover, of quite a 

 different physical constitution from the loose sand of the dunes. 

 It should be explained that there was a marked difference 

 in consistency between the three layers of ash as they fell. 



