522 F. P. GULLIVER — NANTUCKET SHORELINES 



it is only by the form of the dunes as seen at present that the former 

 presence of a lagoon is inferred. West of Coskata island there are a 

 number of ridges showing the progressive, stages of growth from the east 

 to the west. These, however, do not extend along Coatue very far from 

 Coskata. It would appear, therefore, that the growth of Coatue was 

 gradually to the southwest, as the sand was supplied around Great point, 

 the currents carrying it a little farther each year, and that each of the 

 six points on the southeast side of Coatue projecting into the harbor 

 was built by the eddy currents as the main mass of Coatue grew to the 

 southwest. If this hypothesis of growth be a true one, Wyers point 

 would be the earliest built and First point on the end of Coatue the last 

 one built. 



The filling of the lagoons would also indicate this to be the case, as 

 no one would expect the same amount on the last formed points as on 

 those first formed. First, Second, and Third points show the lagoon 

 more prominently than Five-fingered point, Bass point, and Wyers point. 

 The sand dunes are also higher on Wyers point than Second point. 



From a theoretical point of view, a study of Coatue is of a good deal 

 of importance, and it is proposed to watch the future changes as care- 

 fully as possible, and to look for any evidences of past changes as shown 

 in deposits already built. Since the opening of the Haulover there has 

 been a deposit built on the southwest side of Wyers point, indicating a 

 movement along the shore from Coskata. This was carefully measured 

 in the summer of 1903 for future comparison. 



