46 BOTANICAL GAZETTE [ANvARY — 
an unstable condition. This instability is further evidenced by the 
fact that, during the 20-25 years which have elapsed since some of 
the summer residents first visited the region, the beach and the 
sea-cliff, along which Surf Avenue extends, have receded many 
feet. After great storms, especially during the winter, the beach 
is said to be several feet lower, exposing at such times ledges of 
peaty material. During the period of this study one small ledge 
nearly in front of Hotel Henlopen, Rehoboth, was twice exposed, 
Fic. 1.—Ledge of peat in the beach near Henlopen Hotel, Rehoboth, Del. 
appearing somewhat as in fig. 1. It is said to underlie the coast 
from Rehoboth to the Henlopen Life Saving Station. One fisher- 
man reported that in winter a ridge of “turf with stumps in it” 1s 
exposed in the beach opposite Delaware Avenue. Reference to 
similar beach-buried peat is made in the report of the Intercol- 
legiate Geological Excursion, 1911.” : 
b) Middle and upper beaches.—As was noted in the former 
paper, no upper beach can be distinguished. This year there is 
2 The Intercollegiate Geological Excursion. Science N.S. 34:611-614. I191!- 
