PRELIMINARY REPORT ON PEAT. 
269 
LARGE LAKES. 
(plates 25, 26) 
The formation of peat in the large lakes of the lake region is 
complicated by the fact that all exposed shores are constantly 
washed by the waves. Very few plants can grow in such places, 
and the debris from those which do. grow is carried by the water to 
quieter or deeper parts of the lake. The only visible accumulation 
of peat around the large lakes therefore is in sheltered coves or bays. 
In time the waves gradually build beaches of sand across the mouths 
of such bays, converting them into separate lakes, and making the 
main lake more and more circular in form. 
Fig. 23.—Looking north across Lake Alfred, near Bartow Junction 
(Chubb P. O.), Polk County. Fringe of Panicum hemitomon (maiden 
cane) and Nymphaea macrophylla (bonnets) a few yards off the sandy 
shore and parallel with it. May 18, 1910. 
On wave-washed shores some of the following herbs often 
form a thin fringe in a foot or two of water, out beyond where the 
waves break upon the sand. (See fig. 23.) 
Panicum hemitomon (maiden 
cane) 
Pontederia cordata (wampee) 
Nymphaea macrophylla (bonnets) 
Fuirena scirpoidea 
Sagittaria lancifolia 
Panicum geminatum (a grass) 
Potamogeton sp. 
Monniera Caroiiniana 
Cladium effusum (saw-grass) 
Eleocharis interstincta 
Hydrocotyle Bonariensisf 
Cyperus sp.. 
Psilo c ary a sp. 
