RECONNOISSANCE OF THE ELIZABETH ISLANDS 389 



reason that definite information in relation to them was necessary 

 as a logical sequence to my previous investigations in the vicinity, 

 on Long Island, Block Island, Martha's Vineyard and Nan- 

 tucket. This entire region was recognized as having been in- 

 volved in one series of cause and effect, especially during the 

 Quaternary and modern periods, so that any new^ facts in regard 

 to any portion of the region would be of importance in arriving 

 at final conclusions in regard to the whole. 



When I came to look into the matter, however, I found that 

 the proposed trip was not w^ithout certain difficulties. Each 

 island is owned by some one individual, family or corporation^ 

 with the exception of Cuttyhunk, upon which there are a number 

 of separate holdings, hence there is no line of public travel to or 

 through the group, no public conveyances and no houses of 

 public entertainment, except in connection with Cuttyhunk, and 

 consequently any stranger desiring to explore the group must be 

 dependent upon the good will and courtesy of the ow^ners for 

 both transportation and subsistence. 



As soon as my object became known, however, every possi- 

 ble facility was placed at my disposal, and in this connection I 

 wish to acknowledge my indebtedness to Mr. J. Malcolm Forbes ; 

 to Mr. J. Crosby Brown and other members of the Basque Island 

 Club; to Mr. Edward B. Merrill ; to Mr. Geo. S. Homer; and 

 to Mr. Wm. A. Woodhull and other members of the Cuttyhunk 

 Club, for facilities and courtesies extended to me respectively on 

 Naushon, Basque, Nashaweena, Benikese and Cuttyhunk, without 

 which facilities and courtesies the trip as finally accomplished 

 w^ould have been impossible. 



Itinerary of the Trip 



The trip occupied exactly a week, from August lo, 1898, to 

 August 1 6th, inclusive. It was begun at the eastern end, at 

 Wood's Hole, from wiience the Forbes' steam launch was the 

 means of transportation from the mainland to Naushon, where 

 accommodation was provided for me at the farm house. 



August 1 1 th was spent on foot, exploring Nonamessett and 

 Uncatina. 



