FORM OF NANTASKET BEACH 183 



certain of the features shown in the figure, without affecting the vahd- 

 ity of the general interpretation here set forth. For example, the 

 precise shape and location of the sand spits cannot be ascertained; 

 and Atlantic Lost Drumlin might be nearer Sagamore Head, in which 

 case the long bar connecting the two might be altogether absent, or 

 represented by short spits or a short bar. We have indicated, how- 

 ever, those conditions which we consider most probable and the main 

 features of the drawing are believed to be essentially correct. 



Fig. 6 represents a later stage than Fig. 5. The complete destruc- 

 tion of Bayside Lost Drumlin has allowed the material formerly 

 accumulated in its vicinity to be sw^pt back to the Strawberry Hill- 

 Skull Head region, and to be rapidly constructed into the prominent 

 West Beach. At the north this beach still connects with the remaining 

 portion of Allerton Lost Drumlin, thus accounting for the failure of 

 this beach to touch Allerton Great Hill, a relation which is very 

 distinct at the present time. At the south the connection with Straw- 

 berry Hill w^as far enough west to allow a slight cliffing along much 

 of the north side of the hill. The absence of a pronounced cliff at the 

 northeast corner of Strawberry Hill previous to recent excavations, 

 and the eastward curve of some of the old beaches northeast of the 

 hill (Fig. 3) indicate that a remnant of Strawberry Lost Drumlin 

 still survived at the period represented by Fig. 6 and even later, 

 preserving the backward-tying bar until West Beach was considerably 

 prograded. Between Strawberry Hill and White Head spits or a 

 curved bar nearly or quite close the space of open water, although the 

 irregular character of the gravel ridges now observable at this point 

 suggests that the bar may have been repeatedly broken through 

 during heavy storms. The retreat of the shoreline on the southwest 

 side of Strawberry Hill has caused the older beach ridge to be trun- 

 cated by a sand spit now forming. Other minor developments are 

 indicated, including the continued cliffing of various hills, and the 

 growth of Windmill Point and other smaller spits. 



In the stage represented by Fig. 7 the present characteristics of 

 Nantasket Beach begin to be more easily recognizable. Allerton, 

 Strawberry, White Head, and Atlantic Lost drumlins have all been 

 completely removed. Prograding has gone on actively in the two 

 re-entrant curves north and south of Strawberry Hill, the shorelines 



