FLORIDA SHELL HEAPS. 
By ScCOLoPAX. 
No part of our country is more interesting 
to the geologist than the State of Florida. 
This interest does not attach from the fossil re- 
mains, as they are comparatively few, and 
scarce worthy of rank in comparison with older 
sections of the Union. The main interest ac- 
crues from the fact that the land is of very re- 
cent formation. Perhaps it would be more 
proper to say that the peninsula is of interest 
to physical geographers rather than to geolo- 
gists. 
Among the peculiarities of this section no 
more curious features present themselves for 
our study than the shell heaps. By this I mean 
the elevated ridges or mounds of shell forma- 
tion that one encounters throughout large sec- 
tions of the State, for it is generally known that 
the peninsula is almost entirely composed of 
shells, either solid in a conglomerate or pulver- 
ized. These heaps, so far asI am able to learn, 
are generally near the water's edge, and if of 
any size are nearly, if not quite, always in a 
parallel line with the water. Many that I have 
examined gave the best of evidence of great 
age, while others were apparently of recent 
formation. These differences agree in their 
variations to the several theories regarding 
their accumulation. These theories, together 
with observations from careful research, will 
be presented to the readers, without deductions, 
but with comments, which may assist in a 
study. 
In several quarters the heaps are so sym- 
metrical in form that the idea prevails that they 
were built there by the Spaniards at an early 
day for defensive or offensive purposes. The 
only evidence that seems at all strong for this 
theory is found on the shores of Lake Worth. 
Mr. Allan Heyser, proprietor of Oak Lawn 
Hotel, found a ten or twelve-pound cannon 
ball imbedded in the debris on the back or in- 
side of the supposed fort. If this ball had been 
found in front or imbedded on the front side it 
might be said to have been fired from the water 
into the heap, but when found unused behind 
the fort it may well cause consideration. 
Another theory is that the aborigines, or 
perhaps the ancient and now extinct mound- 
builders, formed these heaps as fortresses. 
This theory seems untenable, as at very early 
times there was small chance of attack by 
water, and moreover it would seem idle that 
people of that early age, who at best were only 
used to bows, arrows and clubs, should build 
large and strong fortifications. Nevertheless, 
certain of these walls or ridges have forms 
which indicate some purpose in their builders, 
or perhaps remodelers. One nearly symmet- 
rical mound on Indian River slightly north ot 
Micco, Brevoord County, is shaped much like 
an alligator, with a wall around the entire 
space ; the depression in the inside of the fort 
being quite level and with a well at one end, as 
if intended for the enclosed space. This 
mound, heap, fort or religious place of worship 
is known in that section as “alligator mound.” 
Another theory, and the generally accepted 
one, is that the native Indians of Florida have 
for ages past gathered on the shores of Indian 
River, so called, and other lagoons, and held 
tribal clam bakes. Certain sections were se- 
lected in accordance with religious rites, per- 
haps, or more likely as a matter of convenience, 
and where the oysters were thickest, and here 
the noble red men gathered year after year, 
leaving the empty shells to mark the place 
where they feasted. 
Still another theory, this, too, having rational 
adherents ; a theory, also, which accords with 
Dame Nature’s marvelous workings and 
stranger freaks: It is claimed that the natural 
elevations and subsidencies of the edges of the 
sea shore, and especially on the borders of la- 
goons separated by a narrow neck of land, have 
caused this condition, assisted by the action of 
the waves. To be sure many mounds are 
found away from the water, often many miles, 
but even this may be accounted for by those 
defending this course of reasoning. 
These heaps are multitudinous, and it is not 
unfair to say that if joined together, on Indian 
River alone, they would cover a distance of ten 
