210 G. L. COLLIE — WISCONSIN SHORE OF LAKE SUPERIOR 



produced by the wind, wliich gouo^es out funnel-shaped depressions in 

 the loose sand. The wind-gouged funnel is finally developed into a de- 

 pression which extends across the bar. Several funnels now exist on 

 the bar near the sand-cuts. They are cone-sha})ed, with a dei)th of from 

 6 to 8 feet and a diameter at the top of from 12 to 15 feet. The wind 

 tends to remove the saiul from either side of the depression, and a gap 

 results which may extend across the bar. During severe storms the 

 waves reach these gaps, and they speedily erode a channel through them. 

 It is believed that the preliminary work of the wind is a ver}^ essential 

 factor in the formation of the sand-cuts. During storms the waves run 

 high on the face of the bar. 'i'heir destructive work is offset in large 

 measure by their constructive work in such localities. On this account 

 the waves are not able, as a rule, to breach the bar of their own accord. 

 If, however, a depression already exists, such as those made by the wind, 

 the water is poured through it during storms, and a passage is soon 

 eroded in the uncom[)acted sands. In such cases as these a relatively 

 feeble current of water accomplishes niore because of its eroding and 

 transporting power than the heav}'' blow of the waves delivered on the 

 sand, which may tend to construct rather than to destro}^ 



Two sand-cuts are now formed across Chequamegon Point bar; one of 

 these is about 2,500 feet wide, the other somewhat narrower. These cuts 

 have maintained themselves for 10 years, and they are constantly grow- 

 ing wider, in spite of attempts on the part of the government to close 

 them up. Behind the cuts, on the bay side, a new bar is being formed 

 })arallel to the old one. This indicates a tendenc}'^ for a new bar to form 

 as the old one is destroyed, though in a less exi)osed locality. The lit- 

 toral currents, which used to flow westward along the bar, are now di- 

 verted and ilow through the sand-cuts. This diversion of the currents 

 has had some effect on the rate of erosion both in tbe sand-cuts them- 

 selves and also along the bar. The diverted currents formerly flowed 

 by the end of Madeline island after leaving the Chequamegon Point bar. 

 Fishermen state that the erosion in these localities is less than it was 

 before the diversion of the currents, but no accurate statement can be 

 given as to the exact difference in the amount of erosion. 



LAGOON ANT) MARSH DEPOSITS 



Immediately behind the Chequamegon Point bar there are no marsh 

 deposits, except in the narrow lagoon between Chequainegon and Oak 

 Point bars. A swamp has formed here for a mile or so from the point 

 of junction of the two bars. The stages of marsh formation are well 

 illustrated in this lagoon. A shoal is the first condition. On this shonl 

 eel grass obtains a foothold. The second stage is reached when the eel 



