OF NEW ENGLAND. 563 
examined two on the sea-coast of East Florida, and still 
others in considerable numbers on the banks of the upper 
St. John’s, in the same State. These last-mentioned 
heaps consist wholly of the shells of fresh-water species. 
We may have something to say of them hereafter, but at 
present shall only speak of such as were visited on the 
coast of Maine and Massachusetts during the summer 
and autumn of the year just past. Of the localities 
where these are situated, and of the structure of the 
heaps, we shall speak as briefly as possible; but shall 
enter somewhat fully into details, in connection with the 
implements and the remains of animals found in them. 
It is to be understood, however, that the heaps here de- 
scribed are only a very small portion of those to be seen 
along the coast of these two States, and which offer an 
ample reward to any who will take the trouble to examine 
them. 
Frenchman’s Bay. Mount Desert is the largest of the 
islands on the indented coast of Maine, and forms the 
western shore of Frenchman’s Bay. Many shell-heaps 
are scattered over this and the adjoining islands and the 
main land. Williamson,* without particularly designating 
them, mentions the existence of several from one to two 
acres in extent, and states that “a heavy growth of trees 
was found upon them by the first settlers.” We have 
examined two. The first of these is in Gouldsboro’, on 
the main land, and near the water’s edge on the eastern 
shore of the bay. It is said to cover an acre of land, but 
being under cultivation was examined only near its bor- 
der, where a pit was sunk showing a deposit of clam- 
shells about two feet in thickness. Among these were 
found the bones of several animals, including those of the 
= * History of the State of Maine. Hallowell, 1832. Vol. I. p.30. 
