AREAL DESCRIPTION (523 



the Quinsigismoiul l»iver. The delta of the latter occupies the valley 

 west of Grafton, extending from Goddard Pond south to the junction 

 with the Blackstone Yalley. The Blackstone delta forms extensile 

 plains north of Saundersville, and is graded up stream, westward, past 

 AYilkinsonville. The full height of the delta at Saundersville is at least 

 330 feet. The railroad station is on a plain at about 315 feet, but a 

 good terrace near by is 15 feet higher. The plains on the north are 

 inferior and are complicated with effects of artificial ponding. Going 

 northward the static water features can be seen from the highway toward 

 Grafton, crossing the Quinsigismond Eiver. At the crossing of the river, 

 on the west side, is a good terrace at about 330 feet. Between the two 

 rivers the road lies along the west, or rear, edge of the detrital plain with 

 altitude of 330 to 335 feet, by the map. 



SHAROX-FOXBOIW-WBEXTHAM PLAINS (DEDHAM AND FRANKLIN SHEETS) 



In the southern part of Norfolk County is a series of sandplains of 

 much importance in this study. They lie precisely on the main divide 

 between north and south drainage, and can not, therefore, by any reason- 

 able theory be attributed to glacial lake waters. Whether interpreted 

 as outwash plains or as erosion plains, they are certain proof of standing 

 Avater. Their altitude is pratically that of the marine summit level. 



The village of Sharon is on a hill of till which has its south end wave- 

 cut at 300 feet, by the map, which is the theoretic figure for the total 

 uplift at this point. Less than a mile southwest, toward Sharon Heights, 

 is the north edge of the most extensive summit-level sandplain found in 

 Massachusetts. The elevation here is about 285 feet. An extensiA^e 

 excavation for gravel has been made by the railroad. 



Along the improved highway toward Foxboro the level plain extends 

 unbroken for two and one-half miles, with altitude 285 to 290 feet. 

 The marine level is about 300 feet. The 10 feet depth of water per- 

 mitted effective leveling of the glacial gravels by wave and tide. Ap- 

 proaching the creek south of Billings Pond, kames and kettles occur at 

 a level inferior to the plain. East of the Neponset Reservoir the ground, 

 at 320 feet, is stony and unaffected by wave-work. Dropping toward 

 300 feet, the surface is a rolling gravel plain, with some kettles and 

 unleveled kames; but falling to 300 feet, approaching the Catholic 

 cemetery and the four corners, the plain is very smooth and cultivated. 



At the northern edge of Foxboro village, corner of Pleasant Street, a 

 stream-filling lies at 300 feet. Above that level the gravel knolls art 

 not eroded. Exposed granite bosses carry glacial scoring, with directio: 

 northwest bv southeast. 



