Sandusky Bay and Cedar Point 



227 



-were formed in the 19th century. The mode of formation is 

 probably as follows: A great northeast storm occurring at a time 

 of high water piles up the sand to a height which is beyond the 

 Teach of the ordinary storm or a great storm occurring when the 

 water is not above its ordinary level. In the spring numerous 

 seeds from the cottonwoods that grow in such profusion on the 

 ridges farther west are wafted by the wind to the newly formed 

 ridge or possibly cast upon it b}^ the waves, after falling into the 

 lake. Here they have sufficient moisture, yet the roots are never 

 below water level. As they grow they help to hold the sand 

 that is blown by the wind and other sand that may be tossed up 

 by the waves of other great storms, so that their roots are soon 

 deeply buried. The willows too send their seeds in good season 

 to take possession of the new land but they cannot muster so 



^ 



Sur vcv I 307 



Map VIII. 



large a force as the cottonwoods and being unable to grow as fast 

 are left in the shade, while the sand accumulates so fast that they 

 cannot keep their heads above it. After the ridge reaches its 

 full height seeds lodging on its surface cannot get moisture 

 enough. So the cottonwoods are left in undisputed possession. 

 When they have grown so large that birds frequent them or 

 roost in their branches the seeds of poison ivy and other vines 

 are dropped and germinate. The dead leaves begin to accumu- 

 late over the sand and form a mulch. A few herbs spring up 

 and help the vines to keep the dead leaves on the ridge. The 

 wind brings keys of the white ash and birds drop seeds of red 

 •cedar and some of these find moisture enough to enable them to 

 grow. 



