92 The American Geologist. Feb. isoo 
ing to Thompson, of submarine stalagmites standing in Avater 
in caves below the level of the sea. 
The finding of cedar trunks and roots under the sea does 
not in itself seem the most conclusive evidence of subsidence 
in these islands, especially when we take into account that we 
are studying islands where erosive action is wide-spread and 
enormous. In point of fact one is tempted to ask if the exist- 
ence of trees or terrestrial organic deposits under the ocean is 
not exactly what would be expected where the evidences of 
erosion of the neighboring land are so great. Why can not 
we suppose that these objects have simply fallen to the sub- 
marine floor of sounds by the erosion of the rock above which 
they formerly grew, or have been transported to this position? 
Is there anything illogical in supposing that the cedar trees 
have simply fallen or been carried as debris to their present 
position, rather than to bring in the theory of subsidence to 
account for their position. 
The evidence furnished, contributed by the half-submerged 
stalagmites, would seem strong proof to instance in favor of 
subsidence. I have examined many of the Bermuda caves and 
have not been able to convince myself that any of them have 
submerged stalagmites Avhich were formed above the pres- 
ent sea level, and consequently as far as the fact of their exist- 
ence goes I must rely on the observations of others. While not 
sure that the individual stalagmite mentioned by the natural- 
ist of the "Challenger Expedition" Avas formed as stalagmites 
. generallj'-, it may be evident that such is the case when we are 
to learn more of its position, and amount of submergence. 
Moreover the fact that a stalagmite is now under water does 
not necessarily mean that sea water penetrated the cave prior 
to the time when it was formed, although the porous nature 
of the rock might seem to indicate that fact. A stalagmite of 
the general character of one in Joyce's cave may have formed 
before the floor of the cave was as deeply eroded as at present. 
If the roof of the cave settles what is to prevent the stalag- 
mite being forced under the water. The observations of 
evidence of subsidence in the whole platform of the Bermudas 
adduced by observation is not sufficient to prove the theory. 
What is most needed is more observations and better inter- 
pretation of the supposed facts which have been adduced in 
its support. 
