RECONNOISSANCE OV THE ELIZABETH ISLANDS 397 



ternary period. The probable age and conditions of deposition 

 of these strata are well discussed in the report on " Glacial Brick 

 Clays, etc.," previously quoted. 



Although there is constant general erosion and recession 

 of the coast line on all sides, there are places where land 

 has evidently been making in recent times. This is noticeably 

 the case at the east end of this island, where the former shore 

 may be traced around the borders of the low swamp land in 

 that vicinity, by means of the old beach shingle, now almost 

 entirely hidden by extensive dune deposits. This was appar- 

 ently a cove or embayment, before Quick's Hole had been 

 broken through, and doubtless the formation of that channel 

 so altered the previous conditions that new tidal currents were es- 

 tablished and deposition began in places where erosion had pre- 

 viously prevailed. Quick's Hole, as well as each of the other 

 channels between the islands, apparently began as coves on op- 

 posite sides of the land, the shore lines of which gradually pro- 

 gressed inward, by reason of subsidence and erosion, until they 

 finally met, when, a break once made, tidal scouring soon 

 caused the formation of a channel. The relative locations of 

 and conditions in connection with Tarpaulin and Kettle Coves, 

 on Naushon, indicate such a series of present and future effects. 



Nashaweena supports some quite extensive clumps of stunted 

 trees, which are mostly massed in the depressions and on the 

 sheltered slopes of the northeastern portion. The sheltered 

 areas are more numerous and larger than on Pasque and vege- 

 tation in general is more abundant. It does not differ materially 

 from that of Naushon, except for the greater relative abundance 

 of oaks as compared with beeches. One or two holly trees 

 were noticed, but I was unable to ascertain whether or not they 

 were native. Probably the most conspicuous botanical feature 

 was the masses of Cletlira in the swamps. Water lilies were 

 very abundant in the shallow ponds and mushrooms were to be 

 found in nearly all the pastures. The only plant collected, how- 

 ever, to which particular attention need be called, was a single 

 specimen of Coitaitrca arciiaria Bieb., an introduced species, 

 which I believe has not heretofore been reported from the United 

 States. 



