IS' ■' : 8 CORNELL UNIVERSITY LIBRARY ENGINEERING LIBRARY. Cornell University Library QE 124.B74G72 Guide to localities illustrating the geo 3 1924 003 956 095 DATE DUE 1_U UH •{ 9 ?nna CAi-Lono PRINTED IN U • A. Cornell University Library The original of this book is in the Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924003956095 A. A. A. S. FIFTIETH ANNIVEKSABY MEETING. Boston, August, 1898. GUIDE TO Localities Illustrating the Geology, Marine Zoology, and Botany of the vicinity of boston. EDITED BY A. W. Grabau and J. E. Woodman. CONTRIBUTORS. Prof. W. O. CROSBr W. M. Davis B. K. Emerson W. G. Farlow J. E. Wolff a.*W. Grabau J. E. Woodman Geology; South Shore Physiography Geology ; Turner's Falls Region Marine Algse Petrography Marine Invertebrates Paleontology Geology ; North Shore Photographing and Collecting A.. A. A. S. 1898. 3L. } >Y )17/ x. \JL Copyright, 1898. By F. W. Potman, Cambridge, Mann Salem Vreas : The Salem Press Co., Salem, Mass. 1898. l(f L ^ k'J C CONTENTS. Introduction. J. E. Woodman I. Physiography. Prof. W. M. Davis . 1-7 Uplands of southern New England 1 Boston harbor . . . 2 Provincetown, Cape Cod . 3 Coastal plain of Maine ... 4 Connecticut valley : Meriden district 6 GKOLOGY : NORTH SHORE. J. E. WOODMAN 9-20 Plum island dunes . . 9 Beach Bluff and Marblehead Neck . 9 Nahant .... 10 Pine hill, Medford : " 300-foot dike " 14 Gloucester moraine . . 15 Arlington moraine . . 15 Mystic river quarries, Somerville . 16 Corey hill, Brighton . . . 17 Newtonville esker and sand-plateau . 18 Auburndale 19 Geology : south shore. Prof. W. O. Crosby 21-31 The outer islands of Boston harbor 21 Nantasket and Cohasset . 21-25 Nantasket beach to Green hill . 21 The Nantasket ledges west of Hull street 23 The Cohasset shore . 24 Northern Hingham . . . .25 Mill cove, North Weymouth . 26 The Monatiquot valley, Hayward creek (Paradoxides quarry), and Ruggles creek 27 Blue Hills of Milton . 28 Quincy granite quarries 28 Lake Bouve . . .29 Martha's Vineyard and Gay Head 30 (iii) CONTENTS. PAGE 33-35 34 37-112 :>« 39 39 ■10 41 42 42 Geology : Turner's Falls region. Two Excursions in the Connecticut valley. Prof. B. K. Emerson Surface deposits Pal.eontology. A. W. Grabau Nahant Mill cove, North Weymouth North A ttleborough Braintree quarry, Ilayward creek Bernardstou (Mansfield) (Worcester) Rockdale 42 Canton Junction *" (Brockton) . 43 Connecticut valley (Turner's Falls, etc.) 43 Gay Head 44 " 47 Indian Mil i7 Highland light . 48 Sankaty Head, Nantucket 49 Winthrop Great Head and other harbor drumlins 51 Gloucester 52 Boston . . 53-54 Brookline district ■ • 53 North bank of Charles river (Cambridge) 53 City point, South Boston 54 Literature 54-62 Petrograpiiic notes. Prof. J. E. Wolfp • 63 Photographing and collecting. J. E. Woodman 65-66 II. Zoology : Marine invertebrates. A. W. Grabau . • 67-9G Revere beach 67 Swampscott beach . 76 Nahant neck 77 Beverly . . . 78 Castle rocks t Nahant 85 East point, Nahant 87 III. Botany: Marine Alg.e. Prof. W. G. Farlow 97-100 INTRODUCTION. It is the aim of this guide to reach especially members of the Association present at the Boston meeting, who may desire to visit localities not included in the general excursions offered by the hosts of the occasion. It is not intended, therefore, to be complete for the region ; but gives as it were sample cases which are likely to be of interest to visitors. The literature appended, with one excep- tion, contains only papers which are recent and easily accessible. In the case of Palaeontology, however, the list is probably fairly complete. Geologists from the interior cannot fail to be struck with the marine action exhibited ; and those acquainted mainly with fossiliferous rocks of simple structure will appreciate the change to a district composed largely of igneous types, with sediments of complex history. Biologists also will appreciate the opportunity for studying the local marine fauna and flora in their various phases. Most of the localities listed are within a short distance of Boston, and may be visited in a portion of a day. A few others have been noted, because their interest entitles them to recognition, and because some may desire to see them. To all those who have aided in making the guide we offer our thanks, appreciating the fact that the time has been short in which to write the notes presented here, and that it had to be taken from other important duties. In some instances, small fragments of material have been contributed by others than the authors of the articles, and these are acknowledged in each case. The illustrations have been selected, not so much to illustrate the text as to call (v) VI INTRODUCTION. additional attention to the localities ; and we thank the owners of the plates for their kindness in allowing their use. Each illustra- tion is credited to its source. It was intended originally to insert in the paper a section upon land plants; but it has been deemed unnecessary, because the New England Botanical club has made arrangements to conduct excursions and to furnish guides for visitors. J. Edmund Woodman. (rrologiral Laboratories, Mas. C'nmp. Zool., 0rirftj<', Mi tax. August, 1S!)$. I. PHYSIOGRAPHY. Prof. W. M. Davis. UPLANDS OF SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND. The view from any of the hills near Boston, preferably from Arlington Heights (reached by electric cars, passing through Cam- bridge) , discloses the moderate relief of the skyline, little in ac- cord with the great disorder of the rock structures. This has given rise to the opinion that the skyline represents the general level to which denudation reduced the deformed structures, when the whole region stood lower than now ; and that the valleys by which the uplands now are so freely dissected result from a later cycle of denudation, which was introduced by the uplift of the region to an altitude somewhat greater than that of to-day. A slight depression after the valleys had been eroded was the chief cause of the existing irregularity of the shore line, subject to modification by slight oscillations of level, and by plentiful deposits of drift in connec- tion with the glacial period. In the neighborhood of Boston, the area occupied by rocks of moderate resistance is so great that an extensive lowland has been worn down, known as the "Boston Basin" in its topographical (not strictly in its geological) sense. Here the overlapping sea enters farthest into the coast line by reason of the lowland, and this has given Boston an advantage over the neighboring early settlements of Plymouth and Salem. The harbor would enter still farther into the land, but for the drift that floors much of the basin. The uplands in eastern Massachusetts are so extensively inter- rupted by valleys that it would be difficult to convince anyone of the reality and continuity of the ancient peneplain which the uplands are thought to represent. An excursion farther into the (1) 2 GUIDE TO LOCALITIES. interior is needed to emphasize the contrast between the compara- tively even and extensive uplands and the relatively narrow and steep-sided valleys that interrupt them. Gardner, on the Fitch- burg railroad, is agood point to illustrate these features. Adruralin crowned by a reservoir just north of the village offers an exten- sive view, including Wachusett in the southeast and Monadnock in the northwest. A walk over Hoosac mountain in western Massachusetts is a still more instructive excursion in this regard : Deerfield valley, 1,000 feet or more deep, being almost canon- like in contrast to the Berkshire highlands in which it is incised. The view from West Peak, near Meriden, Conn., is perhaps more satisfactory than any other. By considering all of these features together, it is believed that the explanation of the uplands and valleys of southern New England in the manner above suggested gives a reasonable account of them ; but it should be understood that the peneplain of the uplands was never very smooth, and that in many parts of the district it is dissected so thoroughly to- day as to be recognizable with difficulty. Literature. Davis, W. M.- — The geological dates of origin of certain topo- graphic forms on the Atlantic slope of the United States. (Geol. Soc. Am., Bull., vol. 2, pp. 5+1-542, 545-586.) Davis, W. M. — The physical geography of southern New England. (Nat. Geog. Monographs, vol. 1, No. 9.) Davis, W. M. — Geographical illustrations. Harvard University, 1893. BOSTON HARBOR. The most notable features of Boston harbor are the drumlins which stand forth as numerous islands, and the extensive beaches which tie many of the islands to each other and to the mainland. The bed-rock borders of the coastal reentrant are found at Lynn and Nahant on the north, and at Nantasket and Cohasset on the south ; but the harbor proper is much restricted from these limits, by the group of drumlins extending from East Boston to Winthrop. An afternoon excursion by boat to Pemberton landing (Hull) thence by rail to Nantasket and back to Boston by boat, forms a pleasant and instructive outing. On the way down the harbor many drumlins are passed in various stages of destruction. One of the outermost islands, bearing "Boston light," exhibits the PHYSIOGRAPHY. O remains of a very large drumlin, from which more than half the original volume has been swept away on the exposed eastern side, and about a sixth on the less exposed western side. A long double- curved spit, bare at low tide, trails into the harbor from this island. It will be noticed that the vigor of attack of the sea at various points is shown by grassed and bare erosion slopes. In a few cases, however, the turf is laid artificially over fortifications. Pember- ton landing is on the western end of a shorter spit formed by waste from the drumlins of Hull. The railroad thence follows the shore for a mile eastward. Leaving the train at Allerton, the axis of a long drumlin may be followed eastward to the fine bluff of Point Allerton ; thence a walk of a mile southward along the beach leads to Strawberry hill (bearing a reservoir) , once cliffed by the sea, but now protected by several hundred feet of beach built in front of it. Faint lines of former beaches may be traced north and south from the abandoned sea cliffs of this hill. (Take train from "Waveland station to Nantasket.) Other abandoned cliffs are found on drumlins just north of Nantasket, beyond which the ragged rocky coast extends southeast towards Cohasset, with the ledges of Minot's light off shore. The irregularity of the rocky shore line suggests that little detritus has been brought to Nan- tasket beach from the southeast ; and hence that the materials of the beach have been supplied largely from destroyed drumlins, whose bases now remain in the shoals marked by beacons east of the beach. (See also Geology, p. 21 ; Palaeontology, p. 51.) Literature. See map in Crosby's Geology of the Boston Basin, Part I, Nantasket and Cohasset (obtainable at Museum of Bos. Soc. Nat. Hist.). PROVINCETOWK, CAPE COD. " The bended arm of Massachusetts," as Thoreau called Cape Cod, consists of (Tertiary?) bedded sands and clays on which a greater or less amount of glacial drift has been deposited, some- times in strong morainic form, sometimes as broad washes of gravel and sand. The outline of the forearm of the cape when the present attitude of the land was assumed has been modified greatly by wave action. A long, smooth, slightly convex cliff has been cut fronting the ocean and along the eastern side of the cape, and ex- tensive sand reefs and spits have been built northward to the 4 GUIDE TO LOCALITIES. Provincelands and southward beyond Chatham to Mononioy. A two-day trip from Boston, across Massachusetts hay and back by steamer, with two half-days about Provincetown, will repay richly any geologist from the interior, to whom the features of a strongly- worked shore line are a novelty. By driving at once to Highland light, on the arrival of the boat in Provincetown, several afternoon hours may be enjoyed on the bold bluff and the superb beach below it. Facetted or wind-carved pebbles may be gathered in abundance just north of the signal station on the bluff. "While returning to Provincetown, a walk over the upland leads to High Head, the northernmost point of the mainland of the cape, whence the long curved spit of the Provincelands stretches to the northwest, bear- ing extensive sand dunes, old and new, tree-covered and bare. From the same point a good view is gained of the abandoned sea cliffs of High Head, now enclosed by the sand reefs and marsh of the Provincelands. Near by, the cliffs cut by the waves of Cape Cod bay make an obtuse angle with the abandoned cliffs. The following morning, a pleasant walk leads out to the great dunes that are invading the forest northwest of the village. The action of the wind in building may be studied here to great advantage. (See also Palaeontology, p. 48.) Literature. Davis, W. M. — Facetted pebbles on Cape Cod, Mass. (Bos. Soc. Nat. Hist., Proa, vol. 26, pp. 166-175.) Davis, W. M. — The outline of Cape Cod. (Am. Acad. Arts and Sci., Proc, vol. 31, pp. 303-323.) Grabau, A. W. — The sand plains of Truro, AVellfleet and Eastham. (Science, new ser., vol. 5, pp. 334-335.) Upham, W. — The formation of Cape Cod. (Am. Nat., vol. 13, pp. 489-502, 552-565.) COASTAL PLAIN OF MAINE. The composite topography of the coastal district of Maine is shown well from the summit of Blackstrap hill, a large drumlin six or eight miles northwest of Portland. The general evenness of the skyline can be seen to the east and west ; a number of monad- nock-like mountains rise above it in the north, Mount Washington being one of the farther summits. The uplands, generally com- posed of crystalline schists, are dissected thoroughly into rockv ridges, separated by wide-open valleys that have been worn to a depth of several hundred feet. It is believed that these valleys EXPLANATION OF PLATES. From the "Outline of Cii|>i' Cod," by W. M. Davis, in Am. Acad. Arts and Sci., Proc, vol. 31. Fig. 1. Stages in the development of the outline of the north end of Cape Cod. Fig. 2. Ideal section showing development of shore profiles on Cape Cod. Fig. 3. Map of stages in the gradation of an irregular shore-line, like that which Cape Cod formerly possessed. =i^L_ /A \^ "\ // /A A V !^ w ,,^™~, 4^ •; ■ '~ ! - -.-». -v _/T ^ ; ' \ ^ ,^ m, " r,, 'C. >'* "\ v. x J I ,." { ifll m,T, "irin nm -""WT^,, } "\. \ '""Vrmn-- /^X^fitnt, EXPLANATION OF PLATES— CONTINUED. Fig. 4. Sections illustrating the growth and subsequent history of off- shore bars. Fig. 5. Map showing the progress of erosion of headlands and the mi- gration of flying spits. Fio. 6. Map of the changes in the outline of High Head and vicinity. MAINLAND high i fi™nrn% vXs> ,- V PHYSIOGRAPHY. J represent the Tertiary dissection of the uplifted Cretaceous pene- plain, whose upland remnants constitute so important a share of the topography of the Atlantic slope. Submergence of the valleys produced the ragged coast of Maine, the depression being associated with the glacial epoch ; but since then there has been an emergence of at least 300 feet, as may be proved readily on this excursion. During the period of subsidence, postglacial marine clays were deposited in the arms of the sea and are to be seen now in the valleys, where they form flat fields dis- sected by a young drainage system, with narrow valleys and fre- quent landslides. The shore line of the 300-foot level may be rec- ognized in a bench and bluff at the southeast base of Blackstrap hill, and again at Poplar hill, another drumlin three miles farther north, as well as on certain beach-like gravel flats, north and south of the latter. The present ragged shore line of Maine is therefore not the direct result of the submergence of a rugged land, but of the emergence of an uneven sea bottom — uneven because the ma- rine clays that were spread upon it had not been deposited in suf- ficient quantity to smooth over its previous inequality. The farmers of the coastal district make a division of their land on a strictly physiographic basis. The ledgy ridges are left to forest, wood lots, and rough pastures. Ridges of this kind ad- vance between the clay-filled valleys toward or to the coast line ; outlying ridges or hills form the island fringe off shore. Till-cov- ered uplands are generally cleared and farmed, as north of Black- strap hill; here stonewalls often divide the fields. The clay-filled valleys are cleared and cultivated ; the roads are very bad in wet weather, unless improved with gravel. Farmhouses are located frequently close to the line between ledgy hills and clay fields. Often streams are superposed locally on ledges once buried by the clays ; hence waterfalls are common near the shore line, and this feature gives reason for the occurrence of paired cities, like Lew- iston and Auburn on the Androscoggin, and Saco and Biddeford on the Saco. A comfortable trip from Boston to Portland and back may be made by boat at night ; and the day between will suffice to give a good view of the coastal district, especially if a bicycle is taken along, and the roads are not rough and muddy from recent rain. Literature. There is no literature upon this subject, from the standpoint pre- sented here. b GUIDE TO LOCALITIES. CONNECTICUT VALLEY : MERIDEN DISTRICT. A single clay's visit to the immediate neighborhood of Meriden, Conn., will give a good view of the general features of the Triassic formation, between the crystalline uplands on the east and west. Reaching Meriden by evening train from Boston, the following early morning may be given to the ascent of West Peak, the highest of the Hanging hills, about three miles northwest of the city. These hills are formed on the main extrusive trap sheet'of the valley. The summit commands a fine view of the western uplands and valley lowlands ; the former being a peneplain of Jura-Cre- taceous denudation, now uplifted and dissected by relatively nar- row valleys ; the latter being a rough local peneplain, the product of denudation in some part of Teitiary time, surmounted by re- sidual trap ridges, ornamented with drumlins, and veneered with washed drift. In clear weather, Long island is seen distinctly beyond the Sound. Lane's quarry in the main trap sheet, a mile north of the city, may be visited next. It exposes the upper vesicular surface of one lava flow, buried under the dense basal portion of a second flow ; the compound mass being faulted. The fragmental deposits of the anterior lava sheet, locally known as the Ash Bed, are ex- posed about three miles northeast of Meriden on the road to Berlin. An active walker might cross the fields from the last point and ascend Chauncey Peak, from whose southern bluff an excellent view may be obtained of the several blocks into which the district is divided by faults. A characteristic contact of the overlying sandstones with the vesicular upper surface of the main trap sheet is found in Spruce brook, at the northeast end of Lamentation mountain, a few hundred feet south of a cross-road and about five miles from Meriden ; but this extension of the trip would require a horse and carriage. By the use of a team, a second day in this locality might include a visit to the basal contact of the Triassic sandstones and conglom- erates on their crystalline foundation, displayed well in the ravine of Roaring brook, three miles west of Southington ; and the upper contact of the overlying sandstones and shales with the intrusive trap of Gayloid's mountain (the northern extension of the West Rock ridge series) in another Roaring brook, three miles southwest of Cheshire. A third day would allow an excursion to Middletown and the great sandstone quarries of Portland, where the Connecti- iTA.M ${) VUHTt.Kt-.J'lXa ; Nil .,-„-o> fltt . r-|*. . ,[•„», 1. • i 'ii'n.flrrf_rre{:>naj/-'.i"IT i. '-"■' '>"' ''"' iiiji1-j-»c bill; 'JKUI 'UJXii^tiir :i-.'" fi'ifjii il( I,: /iijiho'- ;!i;!i.Ki.iir'iii)> "f"nf-R '*:)hiBtf r EXPLANATION OF PLATE. Fniiu ,l < v Hiarrie.s in the lava beds at Mevillen, Culm.," by \V. M. Davis, in Am Journ. Si-i , 4th series, vol 1. i-ii. Map <>f the general relations of trap and faults in the .Meriden district The Meriden quarries are located at the point marked . <;ru*l»y, in Bos. <"C. Nat. Hist., Occasional Papers, vol.4, part ]. Fig. 1. Natural section of the inclined double dike (34) on the western end of Rocky Neck. Fig. -'• Dike 157 cutting a ledge of srrauile. near White Head, on Hominy point, Cohasset. Tig. 3. A highly brecciated portion of the thin bed of indurated tnff on Long Beach rock. GEOLOGY : SOUTH SHORE. 23 from the granite, which is thus proved to underlie the volcanic rocks and conglomerate. 2. The Xontasket ledges west of Hull street. Route. — The chief points of interest in this area are reached most readily from Nantasket station by walking south along the railroad to Great hill on the extreme south side of the harbor. As we approach Great hill, which is the bold and isolated em- inence on the west of the track, we have on the east side the beginning of an interesting north-south section, extending over Crescent hill (opposite Great hill) to Marsh island in the Weir river marshes. This section consists, from below upward, of the Third Conglomerate, Second Melaphyr, Fourth Conglomerate, and Third Melaphyr. The contacts are admirably exposed and un- mistakably contemporaneous. The section is broken by numerous east-west faults, repeating the beds to a considerable extent ; and this faulted zone is bounded on both east and west by important north-south faults. The easternmost fault separates it from Mela- phyr plateau, in which these two beds of basic and amygdaloidal melaphyr are situated, brought together in one broad and contin- uous outcrop. We next cross the marsh westward from Great hill to Granite plateau and the shore of Weir river. Scattered over the granite, which is clearly the fundamental rock for this stratified series, are patches (outliers) of the first or basal conglomerate ; and the roots of this conglomerate may be seen filling original cracks and fissures in the granite, and forming one type of sandstone dikes. Proceeding north from Granite plateau to Granite point and Cliff plateau, the basal conglomerate is found to be overlain by the First Melaphyr, a compact, non-amygdaloidal variety, quite distinct in character from any other Nantasket flow. It is characterized in part by segregations of bright red jasper; and this feature is common also to the underlying and overlying First and Second Conglomerates. The section is particularly clear in West Porphy- rite hill, northwest of Cliff plateau, where we have in regular sequence, with the contacts well exposed, the First Melaphyr, Second Conglomerate and a heavy bed of porphyrite. North of this hill, and separated from it by a profound fault, is Melaphyr peninsula, affording an exceptionally fine section of a typical but 24 GUIDE TO LOCALITIES. composite lava flow. This melaphyr should probably be corre- lated with the Second or Third Melaphyr east of the railroad. Northeast of Cliff plateau, the section of West Porphyrite hill is exactly repeated in East Porphyrite hill, except that we find above the porphyrite bed traces of the Third Conglomerate, which has a more complete development immediately to the south, in Conglomerate hill. Great hill shows granite on the south overlain by the basal conglomerate and First Melaphyr ; but these are cut off abruptly by a fault which lets clown the Third Conglomerate to form the main body of the hill. Southwest of Great hill, on the border of the marsh, the granite is cut by a large dike of melaphyr identical with the First Mela- phyr and believed to be the vent through which that flow reached the surface. The diabase dikes are similar to those of the coastal area, two prominent systems of east-west dikes being cut by a north-south system ; and the finest example of the latter is a com- posite dike on the shore between Cliff plateau and East Porphyrite hill. Rocky neck, in Hingham, on the west side of Weir river, is geo- logically very similar to the western area of Nautasket, but it is less accessible. 3. The Cohasset shore. This excursion embraces the shore ledges along Jerusalem road from near Green hill, Nantasket, to Cohasset. Boute. — The best route is by boat or rail to Nantasket station, and thence by electric cars to Jerusalem road near the Black Rock house. The phenomena of most particular interest may be observed between Green Hill beach and Pleasant beach (one and a half miles), whence the return can be made on foot or by barge back to the Black Rock house and Nantasket; or the walk may be continued to a point just beyond the bridge across the mouth of Little harbor and thence by the right hand road to Cohasset village (four miles in all), returning by train to Boston. No locality near Boston offers a finer field for the study of plu- tonic rocks and dikes. The former embrace: (1) the normal biotite granite (granitite) ; (2) the basic or dioritic granite, pass- ing into (3) diorite ; and (4) fine-grained and highly acid granite, passing into micro-granite and quartz porphyry. Numbers 1 and 2, the latter especially, are in part distinctly gneissoid (flow structure). Number 1 cuts 2, and both cut and GEOLOGY : SOUTH SHORE. 25 enclose the diorite, in which the gneissoid structure also often is strongly marked. The fine granite (4) forms narrow branching dikes, cutting all the other types. All are regarded as successive phases developed during the cooling and crystallization of one magma ; and the diorite is believed to occur largely but not ex- clusively as segregations in the basic granite. The dikes embrace, in order of age : (1) porphyrite dikes, which have a general north-south trend and are believed to radiate from the great mass of porphyrite forming the Black Rock islet and probably marking the vent for this type of lava ; (2) the three systems of diabase dikes noted at Nantasket. Some very clear and interesting intersections are exposed. If this excursion is extended to Cohasset village, an hour should be reserved for a visit to the glacial pot holes on Cooper's island (really a peninsula) in Little harbor. The beautiful sloping sand-plain on which the village stands, with its bold ice-margin toward Little harbor, and fine kettle holes, one of which is called the Punch-bowl, also should be noted. Literature. Crosby, W. 0.— Geology of the Boston Basin. (Bos. Soc. Nat. Hist., Occasional Papers, vol. iv, part 1, 1893.) NORTHERN HINGHAM. Route. — This district may be reached by the Nantasket steamers to Downer Landing and Hingham, or by the South Shore trains of the Old Colony railroad from the Kneeland street station. The areas of sedimentary rocks in the northern part of Hingham present several good sections of the Carboniferous strata of the Boston Basin, contrasting with and supplementing the Nantasket sections. The volcanic rocks are less abundant ; but there is above the granitic rocks one heavy bed of melaphyr followed by many alternations of conglomerate and red slate, and this conglom- erate series is conformably overlain by a great thickness of gray slate, while plication takes the place of faulting as the dominant type of disturbance or secondary structure. The most accessible section is that at Downer Landing, in Mel- ville Garden and adjoining fields, and on the islands of Hingham harbor (rowboat from Melville Garden), a gracefully curving monocline of alternating conglomerates and finer sediments, with several very obvious transverse faults. 26 GUIDE TO LOCALITIES. A mile to the westward across the fields is Hiiit's cove, where a great development of melaphyr is bordered by conglomerate, im- portant strike faults intervening ; and the conglomerate is overlain conformably by more than a thousand feet of slate. A part of the conglomerate contains pebbles and boulders of limestone, probably derived from the Cambrian series of this region. From Squirrel hill southwestward across Beal street to Beal's cove we have a practically complete section from the granite and felsite np through the entire conglomerate series and five hundred feet into the overlying slate series ; and in Hingham village, on and near the line of Hersey street, this section is repeated, but the beds are inverted and the great slate series cut out by a strike fault. Aside from the melaphyr, the only igneous rock of this area meriting special attention is the red felsite, a truly effusive type, characterized by fluidal and brecciated structure, of which many handsome boulders may be seen in the stone walls on Lincoln and Thaxter streets, on the north side of Bradley hill. Ledges of the red felsite formerly existed on the line of Lincoln street, but were obliterated in the grading of the road. The unique character and limited area of this rock have made it useful in tracing the distribution of the drift of the region. The area traversed in this excursion embraces a number of very typical drumlins and some good developments of the sand-plains marking the lower levels of glacial lake Bouve. Literature. Crosby, W. 0.— Geology of the Boston Basin. (Bos. Soc. Nat. Hist., Occasional Papers, vol. iv, part 2, 1894.) MILL COVE, NORTH WEYMOUTH. Outcrop of lower Cambrian strata. Route. — Train from Old Colony station (Kneeland street) to Quincy electric car from Quincy to North "Weymouth, thence walk south on Pearl street, about half a mile; or by train to Weymouth Highlands, and thence walk northwest about half a mile. The red Cambrian slates outcrop in the road ; but the best ex- posures are one-fourth mile to the west, on the wooded point which is partly isolated by the salt marsh at the north side of the cove. About seven hundred feet of strata are exposed, mostly red slate, with several thin beds of white crystalline limestone and innumer- GEOLOGY : SOUTH SHORE. 27 able calcareous streaks and nodules. Characteristic lower Cam- brian fossils have been found, but are not plentiful. On the south side of the cove is granite, and in this direction the calcareous portions of the slate show interesting alteration. The chief secondary mineral is epidote, occurring commonly as a shell enclosing the more purely calcareous center of the nodule which,- on the weathered surface, usually has been removed by solution, leaving the epidotic shell hollow. To the north of Mill cove is a finely moulded frontal slope of one of the deltas (Quincy plain) of lake Bouve. Between "Wey- mouth Highlands and Weymouth station (one and one-half miles) the railroad passes through two long cuts in the dark middle Cambrian slates, with exceptionally good exposures of the fault contact between the slate and granite. THE 1IONATIQUOT VALLEY, HAYWAED CREEK (PARADOXIDES QUARRY) AND RUGGLES CREEK. Cambrian strata and their relations to the granite, including the only known localities in the Boston Basin for middle Cambrian fossils. Route. — Train to Weymouth station, electric car from Weymouth via Hay ward creek to Quincy, and thence by train or electrics to Boston. Monatiquot river becomes Weymouth Fore river at the head of tide water. This valley has a floor of middle Cambrian slate and walls of granite, with a fault contact on the south side and an orig- inal igneous contact on the north side. The fault contact is ex- posed well in the railroad cut immediately east of Weymouth station. West of the station, on Quincy avenue, the granite and slate are separated by a diabase dike more than two hundred feet wide. Crossing the valley obliquely through Shaw street and returning eastward to Quincy avenue on Allen street, north of the river, the igneous contact of the slate and fine granite may be observed at several points ; and at one point about half way from Shaw street to Quincy avenue several dikelets of fine granite penetrate the slate. Paradoxides harlani has been found by Mr. T. A. Watson on the north bank of the river about half a mile east of Quincy avenue, and south of the river on Commercial street near Liberty street. Taking the electric cars on Quincy avenue, we cross Wyman 28 GUIDE TO LOCALITIES. hill, a ridge of flue granite a mile wide, to Hayward creek. The Paradoxides quarry is oil the south bank of the creek at its mouth and one-third of a mile east of the avenue. A few rods southeast of the quarry the igneous contact of the slate and fine granite is exposed obscurely in the marsh, as described by Wadsworth. This contact runs in a west-northwest direction to the creek, and north of the creek it may be traced in the same direct line, with numerous exposures over Eldridge hill. On the north side of Eldridge hill the slate ends abruptly against a large trap dike which undoubtedly occupies a fault fissure. These phenomena are sub- stantially repeated, without the dike, in the valley of Ruggles creek, north of Eldridge hill; along narrow belt of slate meeting the fine granite on the south in an igneous contact (actually ex- posed only at a few points), and on the north in a remarkably straight, continuous and conspicuous fault scarp a mile long. From Ruggles creek, Quincy may be reached by electric cars on Quincy avenue or on "Washington street half a mile farther north. BLUE HILLS OF MILTON. Relations of the Quincy granite to the quartz porphyry and other forms of aporhyolite (felsite) . Boute. — Train to Quincy Adams station, by Xew Haven road, Knee- land street station, returning from this station or West Quincy ; fare, $.17. This excursion involves a rough walk of five or sis miles, but is replete with interest for the student of granitic rocks. It can be made advantageously only with a guide, on account of the wilderness-like character of the area ; and hence need not be de- scribed in detail here. QUINOT GRANITE QUARRIES. Route — Train to West Quincy, by New Haveu road, Kneeland street station; fare, $.15. The principal quarries are on the hill immediately west of the railroad, extending back from one to two miles, and on North Common hill nearly a mile east of the railroad. Among the fea- tures of special geological interest are the joint structure — both block and sheet quarries being well represented — the relations of the gray and black granites, and the intricate relations of the GEOLOGY • SOUTH SHORE. 29 granite to the Cambrian slate on the north slope of North Com- mon hill. LAKE BOUVE. 1 (An extinct glacial lake.) Eoute. — Boston to Quincy by New Haven road, Kneeland street station; fare, $.15. From Quincy by electrics or wheel. Taking the East "Weymouth car at Quincy and leaving the vil- lage, one can have a fair view of the " Quincy plain" of lake Bouve, which has an elevation of forty feet. It is cut in two by the Wey- mouth Fore river. The car continues on this plain to Old Spain, where it turns south and soon descends to the marsh lands, pass- ing down the delta front of the plain . As the car descends look west to see the front of the plain along the Fore river. Less than a mile south of this plain, the road passes through a cut in the narrow esker-like portion of a small representative of the " Hing- ham plain " (fifty feet) . To the west of the road it is narrow and looks like an east and west esker. A good section is exposed, where it is cut b} T another road. This section when not covered by talus shows stratification and ripple-marks well. To the west of the main road the plain is broader. A large kettle hole occurs in it. Its northern end is an ice-contact slope, of high grade in most places. Its southern margin shows a steep but well-marked lobate "delta front." Follow this plain west, to Weymouth Fore river, where a series of north-south eskers occurs. From the top of King Oak hill, a drumlin just south of Weymouth Heights station, a comprehensive view of this and some other parts of the extinct lake can be obtained. Taking the car again for East Weymouth, and changing to the South Weymouth car, one passes for a long time over a part of the "Whitman plain" (one hundred feet). This encloses Whitman pond. The plain can be seen well only by leaving the car at Lovell's corners and penetrating the woods. Just east of the pond occurs a large rocky tract which rises island- like above the plateau. Several outliers of this plain occur to the east and west of the pond. Passing southward from Lovell's corners, leave the car at the fork of the road, and take the eastern branch, ascending the north- 'The material for this section was furnished by Mr. A. \V. Grabau. 30 GUIDE TO LOCALITIES. ern slope of "Liberty plain" (one hundred and forty feet) where it is used as a cemetery. Follow the western margin and note that it is a steep lobate delta front, not an ice-contact slope. Southward can be seen the valley of Old Swamp river, one of the outlets of the lake at the Liberty stage. The road leads east across Liberty plain, and shows many rocky shore lines. Leav- ing the plain go to Queen Ann's corners, where the car may be taken for Hingham. The car passes northward over the eastern lobe of Liberty plain, across a fosse, and on to Glad Tidings plain (seventy feet) . Leave the car at the first cross-road after reaching this plain, and take the road leading east, continuing for two miles. Passing through a belt of moraine, the road crosses one of the highest hills of this moraine, situated about a mile north of Prospect hill. At the highest point, climb the fence and descend the northeastern slope, reaching at eighty feet below its summit a well-marked cliff cut into the northern margin of the hill. North of this cliff the valley floor is level, and thickly strewn with boulders. This is believed to be the outlet of the Whitman stage of lake Bouve, whence the waters passed south- eastward. To return, take the car for Hingham, passing across the eastern lobe of "Glad Tidings" plain, and finally onto and over '-Hing- ham plain" (fifty feet). At Hingham the train for Boston can be taken.. The western part of the lake, including Monatiquot bay, cannot be visited readily without a map or guide, and requires more time. maetha's vineyard and gay head. Route. — To Cottage city from Boston by rail and boat connections, Old Colony system, Kneeland street station. By stage to Gay Head. All that can be done here is to refer to the literature on the sub- ject, on account of the size of the area involved. Literature. Shaler, N. S.— Geology of Martha's Vineyard. (U. S. Geol. Surv., 7th Ann. rep., pp. 297-363.) Shaler, N. S. — On the occurrence of fossils of Cretaceous age on the island of Martha's Vineyard. (Harv. Coll., Mus. Comp. Zool. , Bull., vol. 16, pp. 89-97.) geology: south shore. 31 Staler, N. S. — Tertiary and Cretaceous deposits of eastern Massachu- setts. (Geol. Soc. Am., Bull., vol. 1, pp. 443-452.) Shaler, N. S. — Pleistocene distortions of the Atlantic seacoast. (Geol. Soc. Am., Bull., vol. 5, pp. 199-202.) Woodworth, J. B. — Note of the occurrence of erratic Cambrian fossils in the Neocene gravels of the island of Martha's Vineyard. (Am. Geol., vol. 9, pp. 243-247.) Woodworth, J. B. — Unconformities of Martha's Vineyard and Block island. (Geol. Soc. Am., Bull., vol. 6, pp. 197-212.) GEOLOGY: TURNER'S FALLS REGION. TWO EXCURSIONS IN THE CONNECTICUT VALLEY. Prof. B. K. Emerson. Start in the morning from the Mansion house in Greenfield, and drive five miles across the sand-plain to Leyden Green, where is a very fine and instructive contact of Triassic sandstone upon the Leyden argillites showing the far-travelled character of thearkose. Drive thence four miles across the strike of the sandstone to the exposure of the basal contact of the trap sheet on the sandstone, showing the frothing up of the sand into the trap, and many curi- ous contact phenomena. Among these is to be noticed especially the formation of diabase pitchstone, as described by the writer. Climb to the lookout over thw valley, then drive east to the upper contact of the sandstone on the trap, which is coarsely amygdaloi- dal and full of minerals. A visit to Turner's Falls, the fault at the mouth of Fall river, and the chlorophseite locality, is full of interest. Drive two miles east to the "bird-track" quarries at the Lily pond, where is an abandoned waterfall of the Connecticut with its cafion in which lies Lily pond. Return to Greenfield by electrics from Turner's Falls. (See also Palaeontology, p. 43.) 2. Go from Northampton in the morning by train (five minutes) to Mount Tom station. Cross in the ferry and see Titan's piazza, over- hanging trap columns with sandstone contact ; and Titan's pier, with the contact of underrolled trap full of limestone inclusions and amygdaloidal at the base. Recross and stop the train at the 3 (33) 34 GUIDE TO LOCALITIES. north line of Holyoke, to see the trap at Larrabee's quarry, where mud has been kneaded into the trap at the surface ; and to look at the tuff beds. Then cross the whole Triassic series to the top of Mount Tom, seeing remarkable intruded dikes and sills ; the sur- face of the trap sheet where ejected fragments have fallen on the lava sheet while it was moving ; an excellent exposure of the great fault which cuts through the Mount Tom range ; and the largest Brontozoum tracks in situ. The ascent of the mountain will be made by electrics, and the view is in many respects the finest in the valley. From the top of the mountain one can ride by electrics to Holyoke or Springfield. Literature. See papers especially by B. K. Emerson; the one referred to above being Diabase pitchstone and mud enclosures of the Triassic trap of Xew England. (Geol. Soc. Am., Bull., vol. 8, pp. 59-86.) SURFACE DEPOSITS. In the Greenfield excursion described above, the drive will take one across the filled-up northern lobe of Hadley lake ; and at the northwest corner opportunity will be given to see where an arm of the glacial sheet projected into the lake, preventing the fill- ing of a portion near the shore. One can study also a fine dis- sected delta thrust into this depression after the ice had melted away. From the lookout on the trap ridge east of Greenfield, one can follow the lake beach southward and see the excavation made in it by the Green river, and the broad well-terraced depression cut by the Deerfield river. To the east across the Connecticut will be seen the front of the broad sand-plain of the delta of Miller's river, which extends six miles eastward. In Turner's Falls the river has worn fine terraces in these beds, exposing the clays, and has cut back a postglacial rock gorge and made a good waterfall. At Lily pond is also an excellent specimen of an abandoned waterfall and canon, where the Connecticut has worn round a sandstone ridge and forsaken its old course. At Northampton drumlins are developed well on both sides of the valley. The shore deposits of Hadley lake are shown well and the Champlain clays exposed at the asylum, and exhibit complex contortions from the stranding of glacial icebergs. The ox-bows, meadows, and new islands of the Connecticut are seen to ad- GEOLOGY : TURNER'S FALLS REGION. 35 vantage, and the terraces are exceptionally fine south and west of Northampton, and at Florence. An excursion may be taken by carriage five miles east of Am- herst for the study of perfectly preserved high-level glacial lake beds and a grand serpent kame. The Pelham "asbestos mine" — an olivine- enstatite core with a contact margin containing asbestos, anorthite, biotite-corundum and many other minerals — can be seen. PALAEONTOLOGY : EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS. Amadeus W. Geabau. Fossilifekous rocks, belonging to the following geologic forma- tions, are found in eastern Massachusetts. Recent. Neocene. Plioeene. Miocene. Eocene (Erratics). Cketacic . Upper? Cretacean. Middle? Cretacean. Jurassic ? Triassic. Carbonic. Middle Carbonian. Devonic. Upper Devonian. Cambric. Upper Cambrian (Erratics). Middle Cambrian. Lower Cambrian. It will be seen that, of the larger rock series, only the Per- mic, the Siluric and Ordovicic are unrepresented by fossiliferous beds, although probably the last two occur in this vicinity. The Jurassic of Martha's Vineyard is regarded by paleeobotanists as lower(?) Cretacean on account of its plant remains. The accept- ance of the Jurassic age of these beds rests at present upon their identification by Professor Marsh with others of the Atlantic coast in which he has found Jurassic Dinosaurs. (37) 38 GUIDE TO LOCALITIES. The Cambric and Recent beds are represented best in the im- mediate vicinity of Boston, but occur in many places in eastern Massachusetts. The Neocene, Cretacic and Jurassic (?) are con- fined to the South Shore islands, while the Eocene is found only as transported material in the drift plains of Truro, Cape Cod. The Triassic is confined to the Connecticut valley. The Car- bonic is found in many places in eastern Massachusetts, but its fossils are few. The Devonic has so far been identified definitely in only one locality on the Connecticut river, — i. e. Bernardston, Franklin county. CAMBRIC SERIES. A. Lower Cambrian beds. 1. EAST POINT, NAHANT. Route.— From Lynn (see pp. 10-11) by barge or bicycle across Nahant Neck to the Lodge estate ; follow footpath to cliff on the left ; barge fare, §.25 round trip. The stratified rocks of East point, Nahant, consist of altered slates and limestones of Eocambrian age, as first definitely ascer- tained by Foerste. The limestone beds furnish fossils which, up to the present time, number only a few species in all. They are chiefly species of Hyolithes, and appear usually as cross or longitudinal sections ou the rock surfaces. In the former case they exhibit more or less distorted rings, according to the di- rection of the section ; while in the latter case they are marked by lines, either parallel or converging. The shells differ slightly in color and texture from the enclosing rock, and on this account can be seen on the sections. As a rule, however, it takes some time before one becomes accustomed to recognizing these minute markings. Complete specimens can be obtained only by breaking the rock carefully with a hammer; and considerable time and patience are necessary to insure a fair reward. A common species is Hyolithes communis, var. emmonsi, charac- terized by the semicircular outline of its cross-section, the flat- tened side occasionally becoming concave. H. communis, a more slender form with a nearly circular cross-section, occurs fre- quently. H. princeps, a large species, often with sub-semicircular cross-sections half an inch or more in diameter, is not infrequent ; and If. impar with a regularly oval section also occurs. In addi- PALAEONTOLOGY: EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS. 39 tion to these, imperfect specimens of Iphidea, Stenotheca, and other forms have been found. 2. MILL COVE, NORTH WEYMOUTH. Boute. -By train, Old Colony branch, N. Y., N. H. & H. railroad, Knee- land street station, to Weymouth Heights, fourteen miles ; single fare, $.25. Or, by train (same station) to Quincy, thence by electrics or bicycle to Weymouth Heights. Walk north and northwestward around border of Mill cove. See p. 26. The rocks exposed here are red sandy slates and calcareous strata with some white limestone beds. Fossils are scarce. Some obscure traces of Hyolitbes have been found, however ; and trilo- bite remains, probably of the genus Agraulus, have been noticed. (Ciosby.) 3. NORTH ATTLEBOROUGH. Boute. — By train, from N. Y. , N. H. & H. railroad, Park square station, to North Attleborough ; fare $.75. Take electrics at North Attleborough square for South Attleborough, stopping about half-way where, from the apex of a triangle made by the roads, a road leads west to Hoppin hill. In the center of the triangle is a house, which will serve as a landmark. Follow Hoppin hill road to foot of hill, where it crosses a small brook. Shaler and Foerste's locality 1 is just to the right of the road on the banks of the brook. Locality 2 is farther up the brook. The Cambrian slates exposed here are much disturbed, and in- volved in a rather complicated series of folds. Nevertheless the fossil-bearing strata are not affected very strongly, and the remains are mostly in a good condition. Hyolithes is the predominating fossil, five species having been described by Shaler and Foerste. Hyolithellus and Salterella also occur. The rocks in places are made up of the shells of the Hyolithes ; and wherever the surface is weathered, rather perfect specimens may be obtained. In the more shaly portion of the rock, the shells have frequently a dark color which causes them to appear prominently on the broken surfaces. Trilobites are represented in these slates by the genera Microdiscus, Olenellus, Agraulus and Ptychoparia. The gastropoda include a Scenella, several species of Stenotheca, a Platyceras and a Eaphistoma. The occurrence of pelecypods is doubtful, but brachiopods are represented by two species of Obolella, 0. crana and 0. atlantica. (For descriptions and illus- trations of this fauna see paper by Shaler and Foerste noted below.) 40 GUIDE TO LOCALITIES. B. Middle Cambrian beds. BRAINTREE QUARRY. Boute.—By train, from Old Colony station, Kneeland street, to Quincy, seven and three-fourths miles; single fare, $.15. Thence by electrics or bicycle to Quincy point, turning south just before reaching the bridge across the Weymouth Fore river. Follow the road, crossing Ruggles creek, for one mile to Hayward's creek. Follow right bank of Hay- ward's creek to quarry. This is the famous Braintree trilobite quarry, from which the first authentic Massachusetts trilobite was obtained, in 1856 ; although the species had been described as early as 1834 from a specimen of unknown source. 1 The trilobite is Paradoxides har- lani Green ; and since the finding of the first specimen, numerous more or less perfect individuals have been obtained, the best of which are now in the collection of the Boston Society of Natural History. Fragments of this species are common on the loose blocks in the quarry, but good specimens can be obtained only by blasting. Two other trilobites have been found here, Agraulus quadrangularis Whitfield, with a smooth, more or less squarely truncated glabella, and Ptychoparia rogersi Walcott, with the gla- bella rounded anteriorly and the frontal limb with a well marked marginal rim. Two pteropods are known, Hyolithes shaleri Wal- cott, and Hyolithes ? hay wardens is Grabau. Both are rare. The former is recognized by its large size, rapidly tapering form, and biconvex transverse section; while the latter is characterized by a slender, slightly curving form, and nearly circular cross- section. Parmophorella aoadica Matthew (=Discina acadica Hartt) also has been found in these argillites, but so far only poor specimens have been obtained. C. Upper Cumbrian beds. Quartzite pebbles containing Scolithes and Lingula not infre- quently are found on the south shore and on Martha's Vineyard. They are derived commonly from the Carbonic conglomerates. DEVONIC SERIES. These rocks, though probably well represented in eastern Massachusetts, nevertheless have been found to contain fossils in only one locality, in Franklin county. 1 This specimen is now in the collection of the Boston Society of Natural History. PALAEONTOLOGY: EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS. 41 BERNARDSTON. Bernardston lies on the Boston and Maine railroad a few miles west of the Connecticut river, and is the last village this side of the Vermont line. The locality of the crinoidal limestone is about three-fourths of a mile north of the " New England house " on the east slope of West mountain, back of the house of Mr. Wil- liams. (See Dana's map, '73.) The exposures are in a number of "pits." The fossiliferous rocks consist of limestones overlain by quartzites, the latter having a shaly character just above the limestone. The fossils of the quartzite occur chiefly in these shaly layers. Whitfield regards the limestone as of middle Silurian age; and the shaly beds overlying, as of middle Devonian age. In the shaly layers above the limestone, occur, according to Whitfield, many casts and impressions of brachiopods, including : Strophomena rhomboidalis (= Leptmna rhomboidalis). Spirifer cf. disjunctus. Rhynchonella , two species. ? Cryptonella eudora. Cyrtina cf. hamiltonensis. A number of other species occur, and also some corals (Strep - telasma?). In the limestone, Whitfield found two species of Favosites, Crinoid stems, and a Syringopora?. In his recent paper, Prof. B. K. Emerson concludes that the "limestone, magnetite, and the base of the quartzite above the limestone, may be placed with certainty near the base of the Chemung " (p. 374). This makes the whole series upper Devonian. CARBONIC SERIES. Rocks of the Carbonic series occur in many places in eastern Massachusetts ; but few localities are fossiliferous, and those that are seldom furnish fossils in a well-preserved condition. Prob- ably the best-preserved fossils found in this region were those obtained by Teschemacher from the old anthracite coal mines at Mansfield (N. Y., X. H. & H. railroad, Providence div., 25 miles). He mentions the following species : 42 GUIDE TO LOCALITIES. Sphenopt&ris dubuissonis Brongniart. Pecopteris cisti Brougniarb. P. serlil Brongniart (=Alethopteris serlii). P. punctulata. Neuropteris cf. ncutifolia Brongniart. 2T. cf. sechuchzeri. OdontojAeris sp. More recently, well preserved ferns have been found in the ledges of Carbonian slates between Mansfield and Attleborough. Joseph H. Perry in 1885 reported the finding of two specimens of Lepidodendron in the mica-schist which surrounds the granite knoll in the eastern part of Worcester, and which furnishes the Worcester coal. These were identified by Lesquereux as the rare Lepidodendron (Sagenaria) acuminatum Goeppert. C. T. Jackson in 1851 reported the finding of Calamites at Bridgewater, Mass. The following two localities are the only ones readily accessi- ble for the study of our Carbonic fossils. ROCKDALE (PONDVILLE STATION). Route.— By rail, N. Y.,N. H. and H. railroad, Providence div. (Park square station) to Pondville station, 23.5 miles; fare $.55. This is Crosby and Barton's original locality for Carbonic fos- sils in the Norfolk County basin. The fossils occur in a small- pebbled or arenaceous conglomerate lying near the top of the first or conglomerate series. They consist of moulds of Sigil- laria and Calamites. The moulds are all much compressed, the flattening corresponding in direction with the imperfect cleavage of the rock. The smallest found by the authors was one or two inches in diameter, the largest twenty by six inches on the cross- section. These hollow moulds are usually inclined to the horizon, and some of them have been probed to a depth of twenty feet or more. About thirty specimens were reported by the authors. J. B. Woodworth in 1894 examined and confirmed the organic origin of these moulds. He reports that, between the casts (when- ever such is present) and the mould in the sandstone matrix, there occurs a " limonitic and cellular layer, apparently representing the cortical part of the plant, too poorly preserved for identifica- tion." This layer was observed in many of the hollow moulds. PALAEONTOLOGY : EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS. 43 CANTON JUNCTION. Route. — By rail, N. Y. , N. H. & H. railroad (Park square station) to Canton Junction, 14.5 miles; fare $.30. Walk back on railroad track, to rock cut, about half a mile north of station. The fossils found here were mentioned originally by W. W. Dodge, in his " Notes on the geology of eastern Massachusetts." 1 He speaks of them as " dark cylindrical forms which appear to be branching stems of some kind." According to Woodworth, the fossiliferous beds belong to the "Carboniferous gray series," and appear about 2500 feet north of the granitite exposure of the cut. The rocks are " greenish and grayish slates, originally fine muds, with interlaminated sandy layers. The strike is about N. 60° E. and the dip 65° to 70° S. ; the cleavage dips north about 70° " (Woodworth). The plant remains occur in the fine shaly partings between the sandy layers. They are Calamites (cf. C. aistii Brongniart) and Sigillaria. In some of the lower slaty and sandy beds, exposed farther north, occur stems of ferns and Calamites impressions. The most recent discovery of Carbonic fossils in this region is by Mr. M. L. Fuller, who found plant remains considered to be Calamites and probably Sigillaria in arenaceous and conglom- erate beds, in the railroad cut about a quarter of a mile north- east of the railroad station at Brockton (N. Y., H. H. & H. rail- road, Plymouth div., Kneeland street station, 20 miles, fare $ .45.) Fuller states that "in most of these cases the bark has been changed to a layer of highly ferruginous anthracite, surrounding a core of sand" (p. 197). In a few cases the entire trunk has been preserved " . . as a black, fibrous substance, closely resembling ordiuary charcoal." This is friable, and consists of a mixture of carbonaceous material with spicules and fibres of a whitish sub- stance, which on analysis proved to be calcium carbonate. This constitutes over eighty percent of the mass. TRIASSIC. To study the Triassic formation and its fossils, the Connec- ticut valley must be visited. (See Emerson's excursions in the Connecticut valley, p. 33.) The most prominent organic 1 Proc. Bost. Soc. Nat. Hist, vol. 17, 1875, p. 414. 44 GUIDE TO LOCALITIES. remains in these rocks are the footprints, fishes and plants. The footprints are found in many places. The first described by Hitchcock came from Montague, Gill, Northampton (east side of Mount Tom), and from South Hadley. Numerous localities have been discovered since, Hitchcock giving thirty-eight in his great memoir. The most prolific as well as most important is probably Turner's Falls, and the vicinity of Lily pond. Fossil fishes occur plentifully at Turner's Falls, and they have been found also at Chicopee Falls, Amherst, Hadley Falls, Sun- derland, Deerfield and West Springfield, Mass. The Massachu- setts cases belong to the genera Catopteris and Ischypterus, with the exception of the Chicopee Falls specimens, which have been described under the name of Acentrophorus chicopensis Newb. The plants found all seem, according to Newberry, to be floated fragments which sunk and were buried. In Massachusetts they have been found at Turner's Falls, Sunderland and East Hamp- ton, Montague and Mount Holyoke. The following species have been described by Newberry : Schlzoneura planicostata Rogers, Pachyphyllum simile Newb., Clathropteris platyphylla Brong. (=C. rectlusoulus Hitch.). From Mount Holyoke Hitchcock de- scribed Tumiopteris sp., and from Montague several remains of Voltzia? The black fish beds of Turner's Falls and Sunderland lie just above the Deerfield trap sheet and the black plant beds of the Holyoke area lie above the Holyoke traps (Emerson). JURASSIC (?), CRETACIC, EOCENE, NEOCENE. 1. GAY HEAD. Route. — By rail, N. Y., N. H. & H. railroad, Taunton div. (Park square station) to New Bedford; thence by steamer to Cottage city, Martha's Vineyard. (Steamer touches at Wood's Holl and may be taken there.) Drive to Gay Head (roads not good for bicycle). Use topographic map as guide. At least three days should be allowed for this excursion. The most recent section of the Gay Head strata is that given by Mr. J. B. Woodworth. 1 In descending order the following beds occur : i J. B. Woochvortli. Unconformity of Martha's Vineyard, etc.. Geol. Soc Amer Bull., vol. 8, pp. 197-21-.;, pi. IB. * PALAEONTOLOGY : EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS. 45 Pleistocene : Moraine of Martha's Vineyard and Block island. Unconformity. Tisbury beds (not well exposed). Unconformity. Sankaty sands and gravels. Lower boulder bed. Unconformity. Pliocene : Pliocene sands. Unconformity (inferred). Miocene : Foraminiferal or Greensand beds. Unconformity. Osseous conglomerate. Unconformity. Cretacic: Marine upper Cretacean. Unconformity (inferred). Non-marine plant-bearing beds (regarded by Marsh as Ju- rassic). Jurassic (?) or lower Cretacean. These are the lowest beds exposed at Gay Head. White in 1889 collected Cretacic plants in large numbers. The best were obtained " (1) from argillaceous concretions in the lignites and carbonaceous clays, (2) from the clay and clay-ironstone con- cretions in the reddish and gray clays, and (3) rarely from the concretions and the limonite matrix of the ferruginous conglom- erates on the western escarpment. " l The plants include cryp- togams, conifers, monocotyledons, dicotyledons, and numerous fruits. The most important species are : Sphenopteris grevillioides Hr. Sequoia ambigua Hr. Andromeda parlatorii Hr. Myrsine borealis Hr. Liriodendron simplex Newb. Eucalyptus geinitzi Hr. Sapindus cf. morrisoni Lx. 1 White, loc. cit., p. 97. 46 GUIDE TO LOCALITIES. These species (with the exception of the first) and a Dumber of others from Gay Head are found in the middle Cretacean of other districts ; to which, and more particularly to the horizon of the Amboy clays, these beds are referred. Professor Marsh, how- ever, considers these beds to be the equivalent of the Potomac formation of Maryland; which he regards, from its vertebrate re- mains, as of Jurassic age. Total thickness probably less than one hundred and fifty feet (Woodworth). Marine upper Cretacean. These beds, exposed in the Indian hill district (described be- low), are probably represented at Gay Head, appearing strati- graphically beneath the Miocene beds (Woodworth). No fossils have been reported from the Gay Head section. Shaler consid- ered the Indian hill beds as of middle Cretacean age. Eocene (absent) . Neocene. Miocene. From collections made by Woodworth and others, Dall identified the Greensand beds and underlying Osseous conglomer- ate as of Miocene age. In his paper will be found a list of spe- cies, which include eight vertebrates in addition to numerous unidentified remains of osseous fishes, and three crustaceans, Archwoplax signifera, A. ? sp. and Balanus (? proteus). Fourteen species of mollusca are reported from Gay Head, and three addi- tional ones from Chilmark. The genera include Pecten, Yoldia, Nucula, Astarte, Crassatella, Cardium, Venus, Cytherea, Tellina, Macoma, Mya and others. The shells are represented mainly by internal, or in a few cases by external, casts. The Osseous conglomerate, twelve to eighteen inches thick, is seen just north of the Devil's Den. It contains black chert peb- bles bearing corals, crinoid stems, graptolites and shells ; which indicate, according to Walcott,that they are derived from Silurian (Ordovician ?) strata. The principal fossils of the conglomerate are the vertebrae, jaw-fragments, ribs, paddles, and head bones of cetaceans, and masses of lignite derived from the erosion of the Potomac series (Woodworth). The overlying Greensand varies up to ten feet in thickness. The lower beds are green, the upper rusty brown. The cast of Macoma lyellii are in the attitude of PALEONTOLOGY :. EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS. 47 growth. " The crab Archccoplax signifera is mainly found in the lower portion of this stratum ..." (Wood worth). The Miocene is nowhere more than ten feet thick ; and usually, by reason of erosion, it is much less. It rests unconformably on the Cretacic, the Eocene being absent. Pliocene. From a series of fossils collected by Woodworth from the sands overlying the Greensand beds, Dall identified the fol- lowing species : Venericardia borealis Conr. Astarte castanea Say. Spirula polynyma Stm. Corbicula densata Conr. Macoma lyellii Dall ? Nucula shaleri Dall var. ? Purpura lapillus L. Dall holds that " on the whole these specimens indicate a more recent fauna than the Miocene . . . and may perhaps be regarded as representing the Pliocene." 1 2. INDIAN HILL. (Cretacic.) Professor Shaler has described fossiliferous Cretacic rocks from the north shore of Martha's Vineyard. 2 The locality is nearly south of Indian hill, in immediate proximity to the Martha's Vineyard esker, and a few hundred feet east of a ruined building known as Wood's schoolhouse. " The schoolhouse of the name has disappeared, for its foundations only remain ; but the explorer can readily find his way to the spot by passing from the new schoolhouse on the Cedar Tree Neck road westwardly along the serpent kame, the only deposit of this nature on the island, until he passes a stone wall, a little to the west of which, in the road- way and on the bare ground thereabout, he may find an abun- dance of fragments of this peculiar sandstone." 3 The sandstone is of a reddish color, coarse, and abounds in quartz pebbles, and the fragments are angular. They are mingled with the till, and i Dall, loc. cit., p. 300. 2 X. S. Shaler. Cretaceous fossils on Martha's Vineyard. Mus. Comp. Zob'l., Bull., vol. 16, no. 5. sShaler, loc. cit., p. 90. 48 GUIDE TO LOCALITIES. so numerous that many tons could be collected. These fragments are found over an area of less than an acre. Professor Shaler holds that the beds from which the fragments were derived " are in place at some little depth beneath the surface ; within a few hundred feet of the locality where the Cretaceous waste now lies." 1 The most abundant fossil in this rock is an Exogyra, different from any of the previously described species. Shaler holds that this form and the Camptonectes indicate that the deposits are of middle Cretacean or earlier age. The following list is taken from Shaler's paper : 1. New genus ? Cf. Myoconcha. 2. Plicatula or Ostrea. Cf. P. instabile Stol. and 0. lugu. bris Conrad. 3. Tellina (linearia)? 4. Cardium ? 5. Pteria. 6. Lucina ? 7. Turritella (nerina) ? 8. Camptonectes btirllngtonensis Gabb. 9. Camptonectes parvus (?) Whitfield. 10. Chemnitzia. 11. Lucina. 12. Corithium. 13. Anomya ? 14. Turritella. 15. Nuculana. 16. Ostrea or Exogyra ? 17. Modiola. 18. Modiola ? 19. Exogyra. Cf. E. ostracina Lam. Another less prolific locality occurs, according to Professor Shaler, on the western shore of Lagoon pond, immediately west of Cottage city. 3. HIGHLAND LIGHT. (Eocene erratics.) Route. — By rail, N. Y., N. H. & H. railroad, Cape Coddiv., Kn»eland street station, to North Truro, 114 miles; fare $2.60. Thence walk or ride i Shaler, Geol. Martha's Vineyard. U. S. Geol. Surv., 7th Ann. rep., p. 336; 1888. PALAEONTOLOGY : EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS. 49 to Highland light, two miles. Fair bicycle roads. By boat, from Commer- cial wharf, Atlantic avenue, to Provincetown ; fare, round trip, $1.50 (see daily papers). Thence drive to Highland light, seven miles. Roads sandy and hilly. Arrangements can be made for a carriage or barge for the whole trip. About half a mile south of Highland light the cliff has a height of about one hundred and fifty feet, and consists of sand and gravel, the pebbles being of all sizes up to a foot in diame- ter, mostly rounded, but a part of them angular. Among the pebbles and boulders fallen on the beach are found frequently pieces of rock containing shells and fragments of shells, as well as vestiges of lignite and other organic remains. Professor Crosby has identified the following Eocene species from col- lections made by Mr. Upham : Venericardia planicosta,V. ])arva?, V. alticosta ? , Ostrea, three species, including 0. divaricata (?) or young of 0. sellceformis , and 0. virginiana, Amonia tellinokles?, Plicatula filamentosa, Camptonectes calvatus, Axinoma staminea, Striarca centenaria, Cardium sp., Yoldia sp., Corbula sp., Natica, sp., other gastro- pods, spines of Cidaris, and a coral resembling Galaxea. Crosby thinks that these fossilifeaous pebbles indicate that Eocene beds are somewhere in place under Massachusetts bay. Similar frag- ments were obtained by Verrill from the Grand Bank and George's Bank. POST-PLIOCENE FOSSILS. 1. SANKATY HEAD, NANTUCKET. Route. — By steamer, from New Bedford, Wood's Holl or Cottage city (see Gay Head) to Nantucket, thence by Nantucket railway to Siasconsett. Short drive or walk to Sankaty Head. Four different sections of the beds at Sankaty Head have been published. These are : in 1847 by Messrs. Desor and Cabot, in 1874 by Mr. S. H. Scudder, in 1889 by Prof. N. S. Shaler, and in 1895 by Mr. Frederick J. H. Merrill. These sections differ some- what among themselves, due probably in a large degree to the erosional changes which have occurred during the intervals be- tween successive observations. 1 i A complete resume of the earlier papers is given by Shaler in his Geology of Nantucket, Bull. 53, U. 8. Geol. Survey, which should he taken into the field. 50 GDIDE TO LOCALITIES. The section, according to Merrill, is as follows : l 40 10 1 1. Fine dark drifted sand, 2. Yellow sandy drift ferruginous at the bottom, and containing pebbles, 3. Coarse gray stratified sand, with particles of green sand, . 4. Fine white clayey sand, with ferruginous streaks, and very minute particles of green sand, 5. Fragment bed, .... 6. Upper shell bed, .... 8 7. Clayey ferruginous sand, ... 4 8. Serpula sand, . . . . 13 9. Lower shell bed, .... 9 10. Eed sand, with fragments of blue clay, . 1 11. White sand of varying quality and size, . 4 Concealed by turf and beach sand, 24 Total, .... 90 According to Scudder, below the bed of white sand (No. 11) occur four feet of coarse gravel and sand, and below that the basal beds of light brown sandy clay. In the oyster bed (lower shell bed) the shells commonly lie in their natural position, with both valves together (Desor), but Merrill states that they often lie in all positions, with valves separated. The most abundant species are Ostrea virginiana, Venus mercenaria, Modiola hamatus, Cummingia tellinoides, Area transversa and Urosalpinx cinerea. " The assemblage of species is similar to that now living in the protected bays of southern New England, at a depth of three to five fathoms " (Verrill). The Serpula bed consists mainly of convoluted masses of S. dianthus, which still occurs in abundance on the southern coast of New England, in sheltered bays and harbors. At the bottom, according to Merrill, the bed consists of detached masses of the Serpula, closely packed together ; while at the top the tubes are very much comminuted. The earlier observers had found scarcely any other species than Serpula dianthus in the Serpula bed ; but Merrill gives a list 1 Merrill, loc. cit., p. 11. PALAEONTOLOGY : EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS. 51 of sixteen species, in addition to the bryozoan Hippothoa variab- ilis which encrusts the worm tubes. The layer of clayey ferrugi- nous sand overlying the Serpula bed contains Ostrea virginiana and small specimens of Argina pexata. " The upper shell bed consists of coarse beach sand, with pebbles, slightly intermixed with clayey matter " (Merrill). The " fragment bed " of Mer- rill, or the uppermost fossiliferous stratum (included by Scudder in the upper shell bed), " consists of white quartz sand and peb- bles, with a great abundance of comminuted shells." It differs from the upper shell bed proper in the condition of the fossils and the entire absence of ferruginous matter. The strata above the Serpula bed are especially rich in northern species, such as Buccinum undatnm, Ceronia arctata, Astarte castanea, Cyclocardia borealis, Mya truncata, Balanus porcatus, etc., which are common. Many of these are now found on the , outer shores of Cape Cod. The total number of species from the three beds, as given by Verrill, is sixty, —most of them mollusca. Thirty-seven species are found in the lower and thirty-six in the upper bed. Only thirteen species are common to the two. Merrill has made some additions to this list, and also has shown a greater vertical distribution for some of the species. He regards these deposits as transported material, thus differing from Verrill; who, deducing from the observations of others, re- garded the oyster and Serpula beds as deposited in a shallow bay protected from the outer waters by a barrier, and considered that the upper bed was deposited after the breaking of the bar and. the ingress of the Atlantic waves. 2. WINTHROP GREAT HEAD. Route. — By train, Boston, Revere Beach and Lynn railroad (narrow gauge), Atlantic avenue station, to Winthrop beach, then walk to cliff. By electrics, from Scollay square, Beachmont car to Beachmont, then follow shore past Grover's cliff, to Winthrop Great Head cliff. Or take East Boston car via ferry, changing to Winthrop car in East Boston. This is the original locality from which Stimpson obtained his recent fossils in 1854. His list included: Balanus rugosus (= B. crenatus), Mya arenaria, Solen ensis (r= Ensatella americana) Mactra solidissima, Venus mercenaria, Astarte sulcata (= A. undata), A. castanea, Cardita borealis (= Cyclocardia borealis), GUIDE TO LOCALITIES. Mytilus edulis, Modiola modiolus, Ostren boreal is (0. Virginiana), Fusus decemcostatus (= Chrysodomus decemco status), Buccinum jjlicosum (= Urosalpinx cinerea), B. trivittatum (=Trifia trivitta- tum). All these were found alive by dredging within a mile of the locality. The outcrop of the shell beds is fifty or sixty feet above the sea level, and the shells are mostly broken and often finely comminuted. Numerous specimens have been collected since from this and other drift sections in Boston harbor by Upham, Dodge, Herman, Crosby and others, who brought the number of species up to thirty-four previous to 1894. In that year, Prof. W. 0. Crosby and Miss Hetty 0. Ballard published a joint paper on the drift fossils, in which were embodied the results of a careful study of collections made by them with the assistance of several students of the Institute of Technology As a result of these studies, the number of species was brought up to fifty-five, and the number of localities to twenty-four. The most important of these localities, with the number of species found in each are as follows : Great Head 32 Grover's cliff 32 East End Peddock's island 29 West " " " 27 Deer island 21 Moon island 16 Telegraph hill 19 Point Allerton 9 Great Brewster island 8 3. GLOUCESTER. Route. — By rail, Boston and Maine^railroad, North Union station, to Gloucester (see p. 15). About three hundred yards south of the Pavilion hotel (Gloucester), and between that building and a small earthwork bat- tery known as Stage Fort, is an exposure In a cliff about twenty-five feet high, in which the fossils were found. Professor Shaler states that this exposure is again accessible. ' This section was studied by Shaler in 1868, who reported the cliff as consisting at the base of " close grained, much indurated sands, which have acquired compactness by their own weight without the influence of other metamorphic action." About ten feet above high-water mark are some thin layers of a more PALAEONTOLOGY: EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS. 53 clayey texture than is the main mass ; and in this, and a little distance above and below, all the fossils were found. The same sands as below succeed this bed, capped by ordinary semi-strati- fied pebbly drift. The following partial list of fossils is given by Shaler : Leda. Two specimens. Modiola discrepans Say. Several. Mya truncata, Linn.? " Mesodesma arctata ? Very doubtful. Nucula sapotilla 1 Panopea arctica Gould.? Saxicava distorta Say. Five or six specimens of lamellibranchiates, not identified. Crustacean remains plentiful but very fragmentary. 4. BOSTON. (Undisturbed Recent fossiliferous beds.) Post-Pliocene fossils of very recent date have been obtained at three localities in Boston ; at each of which they were, unlike the drift shells, taken from the beds in which they were originally de- posited. The fossils were brought to light by excavating ; and the localities are now covered over so that at present no more spec- imens can be obtained. The fossils were listed in several papers by Upham, and the specimens may be seen now in the collec- tions of the Boston Society of Natural History, or the Institute of Technology. Some of the rarer species are in the possession of one of the collectors, Mr. Warren Herman. A. Valley of Muddy river, Brookline district. — Here an ex- cavation for a sewer exposed a fossiliferous clayey stratum, near the present level of low tide. It is underlain by stratified clays, and overlain by about one foot of peat, succeeded by five to twelve feet of muddy alluvium. Thirteen species were found, most of them molluscs now inhabiting this coast. B. North bank of Charles river at Cambridge end of Harvard bridge. — Here all the land lying between the river and the rail- road was built up from the dredgings taken fro m the bottom of the river. Below the river mud, sands were met contain- ing twelve species of fossils. These were brought up by the dredge in vast numbers. The most abundant species were Ostrea 54 GUIDE TO LOCALITIES. virginiana, Mya arenaria, Venus mercenaries and Pecten irra- dians ; of these Mya arenaria is the only species now occurring in abundance north of Cape Cod, the others being found only in isolated " colonies." The size of the Mya and oyster shells was found to be enormous — a valve of the latter, recorded by Upham, having a thickness of one and one-half inches. A length of ten inches is not uncommon among these shells. They are buried again by the thousands just beneath the surface of this new-made land, where any future digging will expose them. C. City point, South Boston (reached by electric cars from Park square). — In the dredgings made to fill up the land for the Marine park, many shells were brought up in the mud in which they had been buried recently. Twenty-one species were identified and recorded by Upham. The total number of species found in these three localities was originally made twenty-five by Upham. The collections chiefly from South Boston, of Mr. Warren Herman, have furnished twenty-six more species, making a total of fifty-one species so far recorded. Twenty-four of these are distinctly southern at the present time, reaching their northward limit at Cape Cod or Massachusetts bay, though some extend in isolated colonies farther north. This indicates a period of warmer waters prece- ding the present and succeeding the glacial episode. (For a com- plete discussion see Upham '93.) Literature. {Palaeontology of eastern Massachusetts.) (Note : — While this bibliography aims to take account of all the impor- tant contributions to the Paleontology of eastern Massachusetts, it must necessarily be imperfect, on account of the very scattered distribu- tion of the articles. Several minor papers, not dealing directly with the palaeontological side of Massachusetts geology, purposely have been omitted.) Consult also Hitchcock's Geology of Massachusetts. The most important papers are starred. 1. Cambric. 1834. Green, Jacob. Descriptions of some new North American Trilo- bites. (Am.Journ. Sci., vol. 25, pp. 334-337.) Describes Para- cloxkles harlani. palaeontology: eastern Massachusetts. 55 1856. Sogers, W. B. Notes on Paradoxides from Braintree. (Bost. Soc. Nat. Hist., Proc, vol. 6, pp. 27-29, 40-44.) Announcement of first discovery of tribolites in situ in Braintree, and history of first specimen. 1856. Stodder, Charles. Note on a specimen of Paradoxides harlani from Braintree. (Bost. Soc. Nat. Hist., Proc, vol. 6, p. 369.) De- scribes a well-preserved specimen. 1856. Sogers, W. B. Discovery of Palaeozoic fossils in eastern Massa- chusetts. (Am. Journ. Sci., 2d sei\, vol. 22, p. 296-298.) Announces discovery of Paradoxides at Braintree. 1856. Sogers, W. B. Proof s of the Protozoic age of some of the altered rocks of eastern Massachusetts, from fossils recently discovered. (Am. Acad. Sci., Proc. , vol. 3, pp. 315-318.) Announcement of discovery of Paradoxides at Braintree, and discussion of its bearing on the classification of our rocks. 1858. Lea, Isaac. On the Trilobite formation at Braintree, Mass. (Phil. Acad. Sci., Proc, vol. 9, p. 205.) Description of quarry, and occurrence of fossils. 1859. Jackson, C. T. Note on Paradoxides harlani and related species. (Bost. Soc. Nat. Hist., Proc, vol. 7, p. 54.) Compares P. harlani with a species from St- Mary's bay, N. P. (p. 75) and gives meas- urements of two specimens. 1859. Sogers, W. B. Note on Paradoxides. (Bost. Soc Nat. Hist., Proc, vol. 7, p. 86. Compare P. harlani and P. noviapenus. 1860. Barrande, J. Note sur la faune primordiale. (Bull, de la Soc. Geol. de France, tome 17, pp. 542-554.) Comparison of P. ben- netti and P. spinosus (P. harlani). 1860. Barrande, J. On the Primordial fauna and the Taconic system. (Bost. Soc. Nat. Hist., Proc, vol. 7, p. 369.) P. harlani identi- cal with P. spinosus of Bohemia. 1860. Ordway, Alhert. Notes on Paradoxides harlani. (Bost. Soc. Nat. Hist., Proc, vol. 7, p. 427.) Comparison of P. harlani and P. spinosus proves identity of each. 1861. Ordway, Albert. On the supposed identity of Paradoxides harlani Green, with the Paradoxides spinosus Boeck. (Bost. Soc. Nat. Hist., Proc, vol. 8, pp. 1-5, figs. 1, 2.) Compares the two spe- cies and gives figures of each. The species are distinct. 1861. Jackson, C. T. Note on Paradoxides. (Bost. Soc. Nat. Hist., Proc, vol. 8, p. 58.) P. harlani, P.bennMi and P. spinosus closely re- lated. 1861. Sogers, W. B. On fossiliferous pebbles of Potsdam rocks in Car- boniferous conglomerate north of Fall River, Mass. (Bost. Soc. Nat. Hist., Proc!, vol. 7, pp. 389-391.) Quartzite pebbles contain Lingula, resembling L. prima and L. antiqua. (Speci- mens now in Bost. Soc. Nat. Hist, collection.) 1861. Marcou, Jules. On the black slate from Braintree, Mass., contain- ing Paradoxides, etc. (Bost. Soc. Nat. Hist., Proc, vol. 7, pp. 357, 358.) Compares Braintree beds to those of Newfoundland 56 GUIDE TO LOCALITIES. 1884. Whitfield, li. P. Notice of some neve species of Primordial fossils, etc. (Am. Mus. Nat. Hist., Bull., vol. 1, p. 147.) Describes Arionellus (=Agranlus) quadrangularis, from Braintree. 1884. *WalcoU, G. D. On the Cambrian faunas of North America. (U. S. Geol. Surv., Bull. 10, "Fauna of the Braintree argillites," pp. 43-49, pis. 7-9.) Describes locality and Hyolithes shaleri, Par- adoxides harlani, Ptychoparia rogersi, and Agraulus quadrangu- laris. 1888. *Shaler, W. S. and Foerste, A. F. Preliminary description of North Attleborough fossils. (Mus. Comp. Zool., Bull., vol. 16, pp. 77- 91, pis. 1 and 2.) Describes twenty-one species from lower Cambrian. 1889. Foerste, Aug. F. Palaeontological horizon of the limestone at Nahant. (Bost. Soc. Nat. Hist., Proc, vol. 24, pp. 261-263.) Announces discovery of Hyolithes incequilateralis Foerste (= H. communis var. emmonsi Walcott) in limestone of Nahant, which is Olenellus Cambrian. 1890. Sears, J. H. The stratified rocks of Essex county. (Essex Inst., Bull., vol. 22, pp. 31-47.) Fossiliferous strata at Nahant, Row- ley, Topsfleld and Jeffrey's ledge. All are lower Cambrian. 1893. Woodioorth, J. B. Note on the occurrence of erratic Cambrian fossils in the Neocene gravels of the island of Martha's Vineyard. (Am. Geol., vol. 9, pp. 243-247.) Olenellus Cambrian fossils in pebbles derived from a conglomerate bed. 1893. Walcott, C. D. Note on lower Cambrian fossils from Cohasset, Mass. (Biol. Soc. Wash., Proc, vol. 7, p. 155.) Mentions oc- currence of Hyolithes communis and Straparollina remota in boulder from Cohasset. 1894. Woodworth, J. B. On traces of a fauna in the Cambridge slates. (Bost. Soc. Nat. Hist., Proc, vol. 26, pp. 125-126.) Trails similar to those made by modern isopods, obtained from Maiden, Mystic river, Clarendon hills. Monocraterion and pits like the borings known as Arenicolites occur. Age not known. 2. Dbvonic. 1851. Hitchcock, E. On the geological age of the clay slates of the Connecticut valley in Massachusetts and "Vermont. (Am. Assoc. Adv. Sci., Proc, vol. 6, pp. 299-300.) A fossiliferous limestone discovered at Bernardston, Mass., containing crinoid stems which by Hall are referred to the lower Devonian (originally described in 1835 in 2d edit. Geol. Mass.). 1861. Hitchcock, C. E. (Rep. Geol. Vermont, p. 447.) Detailed descrip- tion of the locality with correlation. 1873. Dana, J. D. On rocks of the Helderberg era, in the valley of the Connecticut, etc. (Am. Journ. Sci., 3d ser., vol. 6, pp. 339-352). Discusses age of rocks and gives map of locality. PALAEONTOLOGY : EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS. 57 1877. Dana, J. D. Note on the Helderberg formation of Bernardston, Mass., etc. (Am. Journ. Sci., 3d ser., vol. 14, pp. 379-387.) Discusses superposition and age of beds. 1877. Hitchcock, C. H. Note upon the Connecticut valley Helderberg. (Am. Journ. Sci., 3d ser., vol. 13, p. 313.) 1883. "Whitfield, B. P. Observations on the fossils of the metamorphic rocks of Bernardston, Mass. (Am. Journ. Sci., 3d ser., vol. 25, pp. 368-369) with a note by Dana on the fossiliferous shale. Mentions occurrence of over seven recognizable fossils in the shaly quartzite and several species in the limestone below. Regards limestone as middle Silurian and quartzite beds as middle Devonian. 1890. *Emerson, B. K. A description of the Bernardston series of meta- morphic upper Devonian rocks. (Am. Journ. Sci., 3d ser., vol. 40, pp. 263-275, 363-374.) Note by J. D. Dana. Elaborate dis- cussion of the beds and their relations. Most abundant and characteristic fossils are Chemung with Hamilton forms. 3. Carbonic. 1844. Teschemacher. Ferns from coal of Mansfield, Mass. (Bost. Soc. Nat. Hist., Proc, vol. 1, p. 62.) Mentions occurrence of seven species of ferns in fine state of preservation. Note by C. T. Jackson. 1851. Jackson, C. T. Note on a fossil Calamite from "Bridge-water, Mass. (Bost. Soc. Nat. Hist., Proc, vol. 3, p. 223.) Brief de- scription of specimen. 1880. * Crosby, W. 0. and Barton, G. H. Extension of Carboniferous formation in Massachusetts. (Am. Journ. Sci., 3d ser., vol. 20, pp. 416-420.) Fossil Calamites and Sigillaria (?) found at Rock- dale, Mass. Represented by hollow moulds in rock. 1881. Barton, G. H. Norfolk County basin, Mass. (Science Observer, vol. 3, pp. 41-42.) 1885. Perry, Joseph. Note on a fossil coal plant found at the graphite deposit in mica-schist at Worcester, Mass. (Am. Journ. Sci., 3d ser., vol. 29, pp. 157-158.) Two specimens of Lepidodendron acuminatum from mica-schist surrounding granite knoll. 1887. Kemp, J. F. Fossil plants and rock specimens from Worcester, Mass. (N. Y. Acad. Sci., Trans., vol. 4, pp. 75-76.) Notice of Perry's plants from Worcester. 1894. * Woodworth, J. B. Carboniferous fossils in the Norfolk County basin. (Am. Journ. Sci., 3d ser., vol. 48, pp. 145-148.) At Can- ton Junction occur Calamites, Sigillaria and fern stems. 1896. Fuller, Myron L. A new occurrence of Carboniferous fossils in the Narragansett basin. (Bos. Soc. Nat. Hist., Proc, vol. 27, pp. 195-199.) Occurrence of Calamites and Sigillaria (?) at Brockton, Mass. 58 GUIDE TO LOCALITIES. 4. TlUASSIC. 1836. Hitchcock, E. Ornithichnology. Description of the footmarks of birds (Ornithichnites) on New Red sandstone in Massachu- setts. (Am. Journ. Sci., vol. 29, pp. 307-340, 2 plates.) De- scribes seven species of " Ornithichnites " considered bird tracks. 1843. Lyell, Charles. On the fossil footprints of birds and impressions of raindrops in the valley of the Connecticut. (Am. Journ. Sci., vol. 45, pp. 394-397.) Account of visit to principal quar- ries showing impressions. 1843. Hitchcock, E. Description of several species of fossil plants from the New Red sandstone formation of Connecticut and Mas- sachusetts. (Am. Assoc. Geol. and Nat., Trans., pp. 294-296, pp. 12-13.) Found Tamiopteris in boulder at Mount Holyoke and several small plant remains of Voltzia (?) at Montague, Mass. 1844. Deane, James. On the fossil footmarks at Turner's Falls, Mass. (Am. Jour. Sci., vol. 46, pp. 73-77, 2 plates). Describes Turner's Falls, and tracks occurring there. Regards them as bird tracks. 1847. Deane, James. Illustrations of fossil footmarks. (Boston Journ. Nat. Hist., vol. 5, pp. 277-284.) Discusses footmarks, which could be made only by birds. Discusses distribution and char- acter of the birds. 1854. Hitchcock, E. On the fossil footmarks, sandstones, and traps of the Connecticut valley. (Bost. Soc. Nat. Hist., Proc, vol. 4, pp. 378-379.) Gives localities for footprints. Discusses age of rocks. 1855. Hitchcock, E. jr. Description of a new species of Clathopteris in the Connecticut valley sandstone. (Am. Journ. Sci., 2d ser., vol. 20, pp. 22-25.) Describes C. rectiuscuJus Hitch, from Mount Tom, Easthampton, Mass. Genus a Jurassic one. 1858. * Hitchcock, E. Ichnology of New England. A report on the sand- stones of the Connecticut valley, especially its fossil footmarks, vii + 220 pages, 60 plates, 4to. Elaborate discussion, descrip- tion and illustration of specimens. Refers beds bearing foot- prints, fishes and ferns to lower Jurassic. Gives thirty-eight localities for footprints. 1861. Deane, James. Ichnographs from the sandstone of the Con- necticut river. Boston 1861. (Not seen.) 1865. *Hitchcock, E. Supplement to the Ichnology of New England. Boston 1865. Describes thirty-seven new species. Appendix with description of bones of Megadactylns polyzelus Hitch, and catalogue of specimens in Amherst college. 1867. Shepard, Charles. On the supposed tadpole nests or imprints made by the Batro choides nidificans Hitch, in the red shale of the New Red sandstone of South Hadley, Mass. (Am. Journ. Sci., 2d ser., vol. 43, pp. 99-104.) Describes slates with peculiar PALAEONTOLOGY : EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS. 59 impressions 'regarded formerly as of organic origin, and holds them to be the results of cross-ripples. 1888. *Newberry, J. 8. Fossil fishes and fossil plants of the Triassic rocks of New Jersey and the Connecticut valley. (U. S. Geol. Surv., Mon. 14.) Description of species. 1891. Davis, W. M. Two belts of fossiliferous black shale in the Trias- sic formation in Connecticut. Discussion. (Geol. Soc. Am., Bull., vol. 2 [pp. 415-424,] p. 430.) The fish and plant beds of the Massachusetts Triassic should be found on the back of Mount Tom-Holyoke range, confirmed by Bear's Hole locality, a mile or two north of Westfield river. 1891. Emerson, B. K. Stratigraphic position of fossil-bearing beds in the Newark formation in Massachusetts. (Geol. Soc. Am., Bull., vol. 2, p. 430 (4 lines). Band of Black Shale occupies horizon above Holyoke traps. Furnished only plant remains. Sunderland and Turner's Falls fish beds just above Deerfield trap sheet. 1892. Mittivas, M. M. Footprints from Connecticut valley. (Am. Assoc. Adv. Sci., Proc, vol. 40, p. 286, abstract.) 5. Jurassic. 1896. *3Iarsh, 0. C. The Jurassic formation on the Atlantic coast. (Am. Journ. Sci., 4th ser., vol. 2, pp. 433-447.) Gives evidence for the belief that the plant-bearing beds of Martha's Vineyard are Jurassic. 6. Ckktacic. 1860. Stimpson, William. Cretaceous strata at Gay Head, Mass. (Am. Jour. Sci., 2d ser., vol. 29, p. 145 (i p.). ) Gives list of fossils collected, and regards them as Cietacic. Many of these were from the Miocene beds — bones, vertebrae, shark's teeth, Crusta- cea, twelve species bivalves, one univalve, leaves, seeds, etc. 1890. *1VliUe, D. Cretaceous plants from Martha's Vineyard. (Am. Jour. Sci., 3d ser., vol. 39, pp. 93-101, pi. n.) Occurrence of plants with descriptions. 1890. White, D., Newberry, J. S., Ward, L. F., Merrill, F.J. H. Creta- ceous plants from Martha's Vineyard. (Geol. Soc. Am., Bull., vol. 1, pp. 554-556.) Discussion of White's paper. General consensus of opinion as to Cretacic age of plant beds. 1890. *Shaler, N. S. On the occurrence of fossils of the Cretaceous age on the island of Martha's Vineyard. (Mus. Comp. Zool., Bull., vol. 16, pp. 89-97, pis. 1, 2.) Describes nineteen species from sandy beds near Indian hill. Regards deposits as middle Creta- cean. 1893. XThler, P. B. Gay Head. (Science, vol. 20, pp. 176, 177.) De- scription of Gay Head beds. 1893. White, Davvl. The Cretaceous at Gay Head, Martha's Vineyard. (Science, vol. 20, pp. 332, 333.) Criticism of Uhler's succession and correlation of strata. 60 GUIDE TO LOCALITIES. 1893. TJhler,P.E. Observations on the Cretaceous at Gay Head. (Sci- ence, vol. 20, pp. 373, 374.) Reply to David White. 1896. *HuUick, Arthur. Martha's Vineyard Cretaceous plants. (Geol. Soc. Am., Bull., vol. 7, pp. 12-14. Abstract.) Gives list of prominent species, correlates plant-bearing beds with Amboy clays of New Jersey. 7. Eocene. 1881. * Crosby, W. 0. On the occurrence of fossiliferous boulders in the drift of Truro, Cape Cod. (Bost. Soc. Nat. Hist., Proc, vol. 20, pp. 136-140.) Boulders found by Upham south of Highland light contain Eocene fossils. Probably derived from Eocene deposit in Boston harbor. 8 Nkockne. 1844. Lyell, Charles. Tertiary of Martha's Vineyard. (Am. Journ. Sci., 1st ser., vol. 46, pp. 318-320.) Collected canine tooth of seal, skull of walrus, vertebrae of cetacea, shark's teeth, two species of Crustacea, two Tellinas, a Cytherea and three species of Mya. Concludes that strata are Miocene. 1894. *Dall, William H. Notes on the Miocene and Pliocene of Gay Head, Martha's Vineyard, Mass. etc. (Am. Journ. Sci., 3d ser., vol. 48, pp. 296-301.) Gives a list of Miocene fossils (see textV Describes Xucula shaleri and Macoma lyellii. Gives list of Pliocene fossils. 9. Post-Pliocene. A. Nantucket. 1849. Desor, E. and Cabot, Edward C. On the Tertiary and more recent deposits in the island of Nantucket. (Quart. Journ. Geol. Soc, vol. 5, pp. 340-342.) Section and list of fossils from Sankaty Head. 1849. Desor, E. On a deposit of drift shells in the clirTs of Sancati, Isl- and of Nantucket. (Am. Assoc. Adv. Sci., Proc, vol. 1, pp. 100- 101.) List of species with discussion of beds. 1851. Desor, E. Drift fossils from Nantucket. (Bost. Soc. Nat. Hist., Proc, vol. 3, pp. 79-80.) General account. 1875. Scudder, Sam'l H. Note on the post-Pliocene strata of Sankoty Head. (Am. Journ. Sci., 3d ser., vol. 10, pp. 365-368.) Gives detailed section. 1875. * Verrill, A. E. On the post-Pliocene fossils of Sankoty Head, Nan- tucket island, etc. (Am. Journ. Sci., 3d ser., vol. 10, pp. 364- 375.) Discusses deposits and fossils and gives complete list, sixty species in all. Gives present habitat of each specfes. Discusses origin of deposit. PALAEONTOLOGY : EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS. 61 1877. Scudder, Sam'l H. Post-Pliocene fossils near Sankoty Head, Nan- tucket. (Bost. Soc. Nat. Hist., Proc, vol. 18, pp. 182-185.) Gives resume 1 of two preceding papers. 1889. *Shaltr, N. 8. The geology of Nantucket. (U. S. Geol. Surv., Bull. 53.) Complete discussion with resume of previous papers. 1895. Hollick, Arthur. Geological notes. Long island and Nantucket. (N. Y. Acad. Sci., Trans., vol. 15, pp. 6-10.) Present condition of cliff very unsatisfactory for collecting fossils, seventeen spe- cies collected. Two species are new. Panopea sp. and Meso- desma jauresi. Also a specimen of silicified palm wood. 1895. *3Ierrill, Frederick J. H. Post-Pliocene deposits of Sankoty Head. (N. Y. Acad. Sci., Trans., vol.15, pp. 10-16.) Gives section and lists of species found, adding to Verrill's list, and extending vertical range of species. B. Drift fossils. 1854. Stimpson, William. A list of fossils found in the post- Pliocene deposits in Chelsea, Mass. (Bost. Soc. Nat. Hist., Proc, vol. 4, pp. 9-10.) List of species from Great Head, Winthrop. 1868. *Shaler, X. S. Notes on the position and character of some gla- cial beds containing fossils at Gloucester, Mass. (Bost. Soc. Nat. Hist., Proc, vol. 11, pp. 27-30.) Gives list of species found in section of glacial clays at Gloucester. 1869. Niles, W. H. Recent shells at great depth below fort Warren. (Bost. Soc. Nat. Hist., Proc, vol. 12, pp. 244-364.) Recent find- ing of shells of Lnnatia heros, Venus mercenaria and Cardita borealis one hundred feet below surface at fort Warren. 1888. Dodge, W. IT. Some localities of post-Tertiary and Tertiary fossils in Massachusetts. (Am. Journ. Sci., 3d ser., vol. 36, pp. 56-57.) Found several fossils in section at Winthrop Great Head. 1889. *lphinn, Warren. Marine shells and fragments of shells in the till near Boston. (Bost. Soc. Nat. Hist., Proc, vol. 24, pp. 127-141, and Am. Journ. Sci., vol. 37, pp. 359-372.) Gives list of twenty- one species and detailed discussion of origin. 1893. Crosby, W. 0. Geology of the Boston Basin, vol. 1, pt. 1. (Bost. Soc. Nat. Hist., Occ Papers, vol. 4.) Eleven species of fossils collected from Telegraph hill, Point Allerton, Great hill and Strawberry hill, Nantasket. 1894. Dodije, E. E. Additional species of Pleistocene fossils from Winthrop, Mass. (Am. Journ. Sci., 3d ser., vol. 47, pp. 100-104.) Makes addition of a few species to list from Winthrop Head. 1894. Upham, Warren. Marine shell fragments in drumlins near Bos- ton, Mass. (Am. Journ. Sci., 3d ser., vol. 47, pp. 238-239.) Remarks on papers by Dodge and Crosby and gives additional notus. 62 GUIDE TO LOCALITIES. 1894. * Crosby, W. 0. and Ballard, H. 0. Distribution and probable age of the fossil shells in the drumlins of the Boston Basin. (Am. Journ. Sci., 3d ser., vol. 48, pp. 486-49G.) Fifty-five species of fossils, from twenty-four localities. Detailed discussion of occurrence and source of fossils. C. Undisturbed deposits. 1S65. Hitch'-ixk, C. H. Impressions (chiefly tracks) on alluvial clay in Hadley, Mass. (Am. Journ. Sci., 2d ser., vol. 19, pp. 391-393.) Impressions of thirteen kinds of animals (man, four birds, two quadrupeds, one batrachian, snails, annelids, two or three of doubtful character) on clay beneath twenty feet of alluvial sand with ferruginous concretions. Compares with Triassic tracks. 1868. Stoddi-r, Charles. On a recent gathering of diatomaceous mud from Pleasant beach, Cohasset. (Bost. Soc. Nat. Hist., Proc, vol. 11, p. 132-134.) Many species of diatoms collected from mud of marsh directly In the rear of the Minot house. 1893. *Upham, Warren. Recent fossils of the harbor and Back bay, Boston. (Am. Journ. Sci., 3d se*\, vol. 43, pp. 201-209, and Bost. Soc. Nat. Hist., Proc, vol. 25, pp. 305-316, this latter with additional note.) List of twenty-five species from Brook- line, Charles river and South Boston; to which are added from South Boston twenty-six species, makiug total of fifty-one, twenty-four of which are southern. PETROGRAPHY. Prof. J. E. Wolff. Among the petrographical features in the vicinity of Boston may be mentioned the Quincy granite area on the south, with numerous quarries in the dark gray hornblende granitite. The contact with the slates is well shown in those on the northeast. The Blue Hills are a complex of eruptive rocks comprising various forms of gran- ite-porphyry and quartz -porphyry (aporhyolite), collected between Rattlesnake hill and Wampatuck. The Middlesex Fells to the north of Boston include granite, granite-porphyrj', quartz-porphyry, tuffs and trap dikes. The com- plex of igneous rocks of Essex county from Cape Ann to Lynn is of great interest. Beginning with the granitites quarried at Cape Ann, syenite, elaeolite syenite, diorite, essexite and numerous trap dikes are met along the coast. At Marblehead Neck is the original locality for Bostonite, and fine felsite-breccias are found, and granite intrusive into schist. Along the Clifton shore granite, diorite, pegmatite and trap dikes exist in very interesting relations. The famous Medford-Somerville coarse diabase, so often de- scribed for its weathering, is well shown at Granite street, Somer- ville, and in the old quarry in the west side of Pine hill, Medford. The dikes of the Cambridge-Somerville slates (Kidder avenue, etc.) are of interest. The various amygdaloids (Brighton, Hough's Neck, etc-.) have been the subject of several papers. (63) PHOTOGRAPHING AND COLLECTING. J. Edmund Woodman. There are few regions in which such opportunities are offered for collecting representative specimens in variety, and for photograph- ing forms, as in the vicinity of Boston. We are especially rich in petrographic material illustrating rare rocks or structural varieties and development, interesting to the petrographer more than to the general geologist. It is impossible without undue expansion of space to enumerate these opportunities, with the localities where they are offered. The following list, however, made for the use of one of the classes of the Summer School of Harvard University, will give some idea of the richness of the region. The excursions upon the basis of which this list was made are most of those in- cluded in this guide. Objects unmarked can be both photographed and collected ; those marked *can only be photographed. *Monadnocks ; veins ; *roches moutonuues ; *marine-benches ; *eroded igneous sea-cliffs, with characteristic outlines ; flow struc- ture in lavas ; aporhyolites ; *swinging sand-spits ; *partially sub- merged and eroded drumlins ; *swamping in quiet areas ; marine pebbles ; marine sand of different varieties ; breccias ; weathered diabase in all stages ; concentric weathering of diabase ; *talus cones of weathered material ; *glacial striation ; * river gorge ; *pot-holes ; *glacial interference with drainage ; *cross-section and outline of drumlins ; glacial till ; *dike chasms ; *till and sedi- mentary rocks in process of erosion by waves ; *stacks ; *natural bridges ; Complicated faulting and intersections of dikes ; igneous rocks — granite, diabase, diorite, quartz porphyry, etc. ; *pocket beaches; *wall beaches; algce protecting rocks; barnacles pro- tecting rocks; *ripple-marks ; *rill-marks, often with deltas; *wave-marks ; *trails of organisms ; porphyritic structure ; *spout- ing horn ; *cross- section of eskers ; esker gravel of various sizes ; 5 (65) 66 GUIDE TO LOCALITIES. *cross-bedding in sand-plains ; *fore-set and top-set beds ; *lobes of sand-plains ; glacial sand ; *ice-contact slopes ; *kettle holes ; *kames ; kame gravel ; *dunes ; eolian sand ; *off-shore bars ; metamorphie rocks and minerals ; joint-blocks of many varieties ; *sills ; *folds ; *joint chasms (marine) ; *joints in igneous rocks ; *boulder moraines ; sedimentary rocks — slate, shale, sandstone, quartzite, arkose, compound conglomerate ; *waves in their action against the shore ; relation of cleavage to bedding ; amygdaloids ; *moraine over stratified drift; *glacial cone (moraine); small faults ; *intraglacial swamps ; fossil rain-prints ; *cross-bedding in old sediments ; *comparison of lines of wave-wear and ice-wear. II. ZOOLOGY : MAEINE INVERTEBEATES. Amadecs W. Grabau. The seashore is reached readily from Boston by train, electric cars, or bicycle. Most of the places described can be visited in half a day, although a whole day will be found none too long for those who wish to see the varied marine fauna, characteristic of the different localities. All of the localities should be visited at low tide, the time of which can be figured out from the times of the morning and evening high tide given in the daily papers. Extreme low tide (announced in the Old Farmer's and other almanacs) is best for all the localities, though the beaches furnish interesting material even at high water. The Littoral and Laminarian zones are the only ones readily ac- cessible, unless one is equipped with a dredge for obtaining deep- water forms. Of the Littoral zone, i '. e., the zone between high and low water, several facies may be recognized. The following are well marked on this coast: (1), the sand-beach facies; (2), the mud-flat facies ; (3) , the stony-beach facies ; (4) , the rocky-cliff facies ; and (5), the bridge-pile facies. Each has its characteristic fauna, and minor subdivisions may be recognized in each. The Laminarian zone, to 15 fathoms, can be explored only in its tide- pool facies or at extreme low water. The beaches, however, are often strewn with animals from this zone, brought thither by the waves during storms. Account will be taken of these zones in the descriptions which follow. A. Sand-beach, stony-beach and mud-flat facies of the Littoral zone, with cast-up representatives of the Laminarian zone. REVERB BEACH. Route.— By rail, Boston, Revere Beach and Lynn railroad (narrow gauge) ; Atlantic avenue station, to Bath House station; fare, f.10. (67) 68 GDIDE TO LOCALITIES. By electrics, from Scollay square by Lynn and Boston railroad, Revere Beach car. By bicycle, from Scollay square to Chelsea ferry, foot of Hancock street, via ferry to Chelsea, thence out Broadway to Beach street, which latter leads to the beach. Walk along beach and return from Point of Pines station, near the northern end of the beach. Along the upper beach line, reached only by the storm waves, may be found usually an association of deep-water animals brought there during northeasterly storms. Among the molluscs, Lunatia heros may be mentioned as the commonest gastropod, the large white subglobose shell of this species usually being a conspicuous object. This shell by no means is confined to the upper part of the beach, but occurs all over it, and frequently is very abundant. Not uncommonly the living animal will be found in the shell, having been left on the strand by the retreating tide. The "egg collars " of this species are plentiful on the beach in mid-summer. Each consists of " a mass of sand glued together into the shape of a broad bowl, open at the bottom and broken at one side. Its thick- ness is about that of an orange-peel, easily bent without breaking when damp, and when held up to the light will be found to be filled with cells arranged in quincunx order. Each of these cells contains a gelatinous egg, having a yellow nucleus, which is the embryo shell." 1 The larger empty shells of Lunatia heros are often reposito- ries of a variety of more or less sedentary animals. Hydractinia polyclina not infrequently encrusts them, although the majority of specimens of the hydroids thus obtained are worthless. Crepi- dula plana and C. fornicata are to be found usually on such shells, the former on the inside. Young specimens often may be obtained. Our eommon limpet, Acmoza testudinalis, is found also clinging to these large gastropod shells. In addition, various spe- cies of encrusting bryozoans may be found on these shells. Shells of L. heros of all sizes may be obtained readily during a short walk on the beach, at almost any time. The small checkered variety L. triseriata is not uncommon on the lower portion of the strand. A species which may be mistaken for L. heros, and which is found occasionally on this beacli, is Neverita duplicata. This is distin- guished by its more depressed spire, and by the strong callus which partially or entirely covers tlie umbilicus. 1 Binney and Gould, pp. 339, 340. ZOOLOGY : MARINE INVERTEBRATES. 69 Of other large gastropods, Buccinum undatum and Chrysodomus decemcostatus should be mentioned. These may be found commonly in the "storm zone," among the debris of the upper beach. Perfect specimens seldom are thrown up. Almost always they are much dis- solved, and riddled by the boring sponge Cliona sulphwea. Calca- reous algae frequently cover them with an encrusting deposit. Hy- dractinia usually is found on those shells which have served as the home of the hermit crab. Perfect specimens are common on the coast of Maine, but seldom are seen on the Massachusetts beaches. The egg cases are found occasionally on our shores. With the two preceding species may be noted at times the smooth fusiform shell of Neptuvea curta (Fusus islandicus), but this is rare on Revere beach. Purpura lapillus is found on the beach, but belongs prop- erly to the rocky shores. Two species of Crepidula are common on the strand. These are C. fomicata and C. plana, the latter usually attached to other gastropod shells. C. fomicata is the more common, and specimens of considerable size and of all degrees of convexity may be ob- tained. The coloration varies to some extent, as do also the thick- ness and curvature. Frequently a series of shells may be found attached to one another, making a solid pile ; but this is more fre- quently met with on mud fiats. The young of this species and of C. plana show a beautifully coiled embryonic shell or protoconch. Among the smaller gastropods always found abundantly on the lower part of the beach, the commonest is Tritia trivittata. This shell is recognized easily by its turreted spire and the strong vertical varices cancellated by revolving lines which ornament its surface. It occurs by the thousand, sometimes heaped up into ridges parallel to the wave front, sometimes spread out over large areas of the beach. Many of the shells will be found with a round hole bored through them ; and this condition has been attributed to Lunatia heros, one of the most voracious gastropods of our shores (Gould). A somewhat larger, less delicate, and less strongly ornamented shell, Ilyanassa obsoleta, may be found commonly associated with Tritia trivittata, although it is more at home on the muddy shores of estuaries and bays. With these occurs the small smooth Lacuna vincta, usually in great numbers. It is seldom found alive on the beaches, but living animals may be taken from the roots of the Laminaria and other seaweeds, as well as from stones dragged 70 GUIDE TO LOCALITIES. up by storm waves. The shell is recognizable by the general smoothness of its surface, and by the peculiar crescentic groove which leads downward from the umbilicus, parallel to the inner lip. One of the best methods of collecting these small species, as well as the small pelecypods associated with them, is to skim off the surface layer of sand and shells, to be sorted at leisure. In this way much valuable time will be saved. Littorina littorea is common on the more stony portion of the beach south of the Bath house, but is found frequently on the sandy part of the beach. This species, as is well known, is not a native ; but has been introduced from the west European coast, coming to Massachusetts probably by way of Halifax, N. S. Of pulmonate gastropods, the little Melampus bidentatus is the only one commonly associated with the molluscs on the beach. The shells of this species are more abundant near high- water mark than on the strand. The animal always maybe found in the marsh lands behind the beach, where the tide occasionally overflows. In the marshy lands about Oak island, near the centre of the beach, it is a common form. It may be recognized by its resemblance to Oliva, by the two folds on the inner enameled lip, and by its thin translucent character and brownish horn color. Of the polyplacophora, Chiton (Trachydermon) ruber is the only one likely to be found. This must be looked for among the roots of the cast-up Laminaria. Pelecypods occur more numerously and in greater variety. Along the upper part of the beach Cyprina islandica almost always may be found, brought up from deep water during storms. When fresh the shells are covered by chestnut-brown epidermis, but after a period of exposure this is worn off. In addition to the epidermis, f,he subcircular outline of the valves, strongly forward-pointing beaks, dark, nearly black, external ligament, and absence of pal- lial sinus are distinctive marks. Mactra solidissima is another large pelecypod, common along the upper part of the beach. The animal lives in the sand below low water and can be dug at very low tide. This is the giant, beach, or dipper clam of the fisher- men, and is esteemed as an article of food. Its large size, trans- versely ovate, somewhat triangular form, and peculiar spoon-shaped ligamental area separate it from all shells except M. oralis, which is frequently, though more rarely, found in similar situa- tions. This species may be distinguished by its smaller size, zoology: marine invertebrates. 71 coarser surface, thick coarse epidermis of a dusky brown color, and less convexity of valves. Another large and handsome shell, found occasionally on Re- vere beach, is Thracia conradi, distinguished by its peculiarly con- stricted posterior end, toothless hinge, and disparity in size and convexity of the two valves. It is found only after violent north- east storms, but probably lives buried in the sand a little below low water (Gould) . Zirphcea crispata also is found occasionally after storms. This is one of the most striking shells of our shore, dis- tinguished by the highly ornamented anterior and smooth posterior portion of each valve. The most abundant shell on this beach after a northeasterly storm is the razor shell, Ensatella americana. The animal lives in the sand and mud above and below low water, and may be obtained alive by digging at low tide. The shells may be found by the thousand in spring, or after autumn storms, on the beach near Oak island station, where they are present in all sizes. Associated with this species usually occurs Siliqua costata, although this is commonly less abundant. It looks somewhat like a short Ensa- tella, and is recognized by the color of its epidermis, which is yellowish green blended with livid violaceous (Gould) ; and by the two whitish rays, one passing backward, the other nearly straight downward. The strong rib on the interior of the valve is also a distinctive mark. One of the most beautiful species found on this beach is the little Solemya velum, the epidermis of which projects beyond the ed^e of the shell like a curtain, with a scalloped margin. It is especially abundant early in the year, and is to be sought among the seaweed and shells near the water's edge at low tide. The larger and less convex S. borealis is occasionally also found on this beach and is distinguished by its size and grayish blue or lead color. Another beautiful shell, occasionally abundant, is Lyonsia hya- lina, readily recognized by its delicate pearly and translucent char- acter and radiating surface strise. It is to be sought at low water in the sand and among seaweeds. Binney and Gould state that "in April, 1836, the beach at Chelsea [Revere beach], was strewn with multitudes of very large and mature " shells. The shells of the common mussel, Mytilus edulis, and the horse- mussel, Modiola modiolus, are common upon this beach ; the former 72 GUIDE TO LOCALITIES. carried up from mussel-beds off shore, the latter commonly brought from deeper water, held firmly in the roots of the Laminaria. The latter species is often very large and robust, and frequently shows deformations caused by obstructions during growth. The plicated Modiola plicatula is much less common on the sand beaches, but may be found always among the marsh grass near the mouth of fresh-water streams. Several other species of molluscs occur among the roots of the Laminaria, in addition to a number of other deeper-water ani- mals. The shells most frequently found are Anomia aculeata and Saxicava arctica. Among the larger shells occasionally thrown on to our beaches are Petricola pholadiformis, readily recognized by its plicated anterior end ; Astarte castanea, known by its smooth chest- nut-brown epidermis ; and Cytherea convexa, a shell very similar to Venus mercenaria of the south coast, but differing in its chalky white color, smooth surface, and more rotund form. Venus mer- cenaria has been found, but rarely. Macoma fusca, a thin, white, transversely subovate shell, with a dusky epidermis, occurs on this and other sand beaches. Its habitat is shallow still water, with a muddy bottom. Among the small shells found. in great abundance on our beaches, Tellina tenera and Tottenia gemma are exceedingly common. The former, a tenuous semi-translucent shell with short pointed poste- rior end, often more or less colored, and of a pearly lustre, is usually the most abundant. Single valves and shells with the two valves united are found almost everywhere on the surface of the sand. Many of these show a hole bored by some carnivorous gas- tropod. The animal is found sometimes on the beach, but its habitat is probably in the fine sand just below low water. Tottenia gemma may be recognized by the amethystine color of its umbonal region. It is a very pretty little shell, and early attracted atten- tion, according to Gould having been sent to England as one of the natural curiosities of this coast. Its small size causes it to be overlooked, unless the method of collecting suggested for the small gastropods be employed. It is thought commonly to be the fry of Venus mercenaria on account of its. purple beak (Gould) . With these species are found many young specimens of Mya, Mactra, Mytilus, Modiola, etc. Mya arenaria, Mya truncata and Pecten tenuicostatus also occur ; the first in abundance, the second rare. Next to molluscs, crustaceans and worms are the most abund- ZOOLOGY : MARINE INVERTEBRATES. 73 ant forms of life on this beach. Under the decaying seaweed of the storm-wave zone, as well as farther down the beach, are al- ways immense numbers of the leaping .amphipod Orchestia agilis, commonly called " beach- flea " or " sand flea." In color this spe- cies is dark olive-green or brown, resembling the decaying seaweed under which it lives. It is a very active leaper, the leaping being effected by means of the posterior appendages. It burrows in the sand under the seaweed, like its light colored and blue-eyed ally Talorchestia, which inhabits the lower part of the beach in vast numbers on outer Cape Cod and southern shores, where its bur- rows usually are very abundant near the water's edge. A much larger, quite closely related species, Qammarus omatus, is found low down on the beach under stones, especially where fine mud has taken the place of the sand. This amphipod does not leap ; but when disturbed, actively wriggles away on its side, by bring- ing head and tail near together and then straightening out sud- denly, while bracing itself by the posterior abdominal appendages ; thus repeating in a milder manner the leaping motions of its more active relatives. I have seen large individuals grasp the smaller ones by the middle of the back with their posterior thoracic legs, and quickly scud away to hide under stones or in the mud. In water these animals swim usually on their sides or backs. This species is olive or dark brown in color. On sandy flats and in pools left at low tide the common sand- shrimp, Crangon vulgaris, is always abundant, either swimming, resting on or buried in the sand, tail end 'down. Another abun- dant small crustacean on this and other sandy shores is the isopod Idolea cceca. The animal lives generally -just below the surface of the sand, in which position it moves about, leaving a meshwork of curious " trails " all over the beach. This is seen well on the lower flats of fine sand, which are covered almost entirely with such markings. They can be seen even better on the first beach at Swampscott. The animal is to be found usually at the end of a trail, its whereabouts being marked by a little lump of sand. Two species of " hermit crabs," Eupagurus bern- hardus and E. longimrpus, may be found dead occasionally on the beach after storms. The former inhabits the shells of Lunatia and Buccinum, while the latter, a smaller species, usually lives in shells of Tritia trivittata or other small gastropods. Tbe former often has its shells covered with Hydractinia, although, as already noted, 74 GUIDE TO LOCALITIES. most of these will be found dead. The most common crab is the cosmopolitan Cancer irroratus, which is found both dead and in a living state. It is most abundant among the rocks and in the rocky pools. The horse-shoe crab, Limulus polyphemus , is not common on the Revere shore ; although the exoskeletons and dead animals, as well as living ones, are cast up occasionally on the beach, or stranded by the retreating tide. It is seldom that good speci- mens can be obtained, these being far more common on the flats and marshy lands in the southern part of Massachusetts bay, and still more so on the South and Cape Cod shores. Occasionally the animals may be seen swimming below low-water mark on the Revere shore. Among the cirrhipeds several species of goose barnacle, Lepas, and the acorn barnacle, Balanus balanoides, are common, the latter encrusting stones on the stonier portion of the beach. Of nemertean worms, Meckelia ingens 1 may be obtained opposite Oak island station, in muddy sand one to two feet below low-water mark. In the same place the polychsete worm Nereis virens occurs, at a similar depth below low water. With it live several species of Rhynchobolus. In the muddy sand on Saugus river at the northern end of the beach, and a little beyond the Point of Pines station, several polychsetes may be found by digging. Among these are Climanella torguata, which constructs long round tubes of agglutinated sand, and Rhynchobolus americanus . With these worms occurs the holothurian Leptosynapta girardii, usually in considerable numbers. The sedentary worms are represented by several species of Spirorbis, which are found in abundance attached to seaweeds cast up on the beach by storms. The animals frequently may be obtained alive just after they have been cast up. Echinoderms are not very common on the beach. Small star- fish, Asterias, may be found commonly among the roots of Lamina- ria where small sea urchins, Strongylocentrotus, and brittle stars, Ophiopholis, also occur. The sea urchins are found also in a more or less battered condition among the seaweed after storms. The sand dollar Echinarachnius parmu rarely is found on this beach. Two species of holothurians also may be found on the beach after storms. Of these, Caudina arenata often occurs in great 1 For notes upon this and the following worms, I am indebted to the Zoological Department of Harvard College. zoology: marine invertebrates. 75 numbers, and may be dug also at low water a little below the surface of the sand. Leptosynapta girardii may be dug on the banks of the Saugus river at the northern end of the beach, as well as in front of the Point of Pines hotel. Balanoglossus may be obtained by digging near low-water mark on the beach. It is most abundant opposite Oak island, and from there to the Point of Pines. After northeast storms it frequently is cast up in numbers on the beach. The two sponges common on this beach are Cliona sulphurea and Chalina oculata. The former is represented chiefly by its borings Echinarachnius parma. (After Fewkes, by courtesy of the Essex Institute.) in the shells, and the latter by dried specimens on the upper part of the beach. A number of hydroids and bryozoa are cast up attached to various seaweeds. Among the former Obelia geniculata may be found commonly attached to the fronds of the Laminaria, although specimens in the living condition seldom can be obtained. Sertularia pumila usually is found attached to the rockweed Fucus and Ascophyllum, and Sertularia argentea can be found also 76 GUIDE TO LOCALITIES. among the seaweeds of the beach, between Oak island and the Point of PiDes. This species is especially abundant after an easterly storm, and specimens in good condition may be obtained. It is readily recognized by its long slender form and alternating hydro- thecse. Hydractinia polydina frequently covers the dead shells inhabited by hermit-crabs ; but the specimens obtained on the beach are either dried, showing nothing hut the polyparium, or else the animals are white, an indication that they are dead. Very seldom can living specimens be obtained on the beach. Clava leptostyla may be found attached to Fucus on the rocky portion of the beach, near Crescent Beach station. Of bryozoa, the genus Membranipora is represented by several species, encrusting Fucus, Laminaria, or Chondrus crispus. The most common species is M. iiiloxa. Crista eburnea, a small branching form with slender stellate branches, and a coarser form, Cellepora ramulosa, also are common on the seaweed. Other bryo- zoa are to be seen on the cast-up seaweed, and sometimes on stones and shells. The only tunicate at all likely to be found on this beach is Bol- tenia rubrum, but this occurs more frequently on Swampscott and Marblehead shores. The normal habitat of this species is in from two to fourteen fathoms of water, where it is attached to rocks or shells . SWAMPSCOTT BEACH. Route. — By train, Boston and Maine road, from North Union station to Lynn ; fare $ .20. From Lynn via Lynn and Swampscott electrics to the first beach. By electrics, from Scollay square, in the Lynn and Swampscott cars; fare $.25, round trip. By bicycle, through Chelsea and Lynn to the beach, following car tracks, 15 miles. A large number of the species found on Revere beach may be obtained also on Swampscott beach. In addition, a number of others, especially shells, may be found, which are largely derived from the stomachs of fishes cast on the beach by fishermen. One of the most beautiful of these is the small gastropod Margarita obscura. This, although a small shell, is conspicuous from its pearly lustre and iridescence, which appears when the exterior is worn off. Other species of Margarita also occur. Neptunea curia is found more often here than on Revere beach, and perfect zoology: marine invertebrates. 77 specimens can be obtained frequently. Petricola pholadiformis is present on this beach in considerable numbers. The isopod Idotea ccsca is very common, as are also other species of Idotea. The strand sometimes is covered with the curious trails made by the first mentioned species. Many of the shells are more perfect than on Revere beach, but the variety is not so great. NAHANT NECK. Soute. — By rail, Boston and Maine road from North Union station to Lynn ; fare $.20. By barge or electrics to beach. By electrics, from Scollay square to Lynn (Lynn & Boston cars) ; change to Beach car. By bicycle, through Chelsea to Lynn, 12 miles; follow car tracks to beach, 1 mile. This bar, reaching southward from Lynn and tying the Nahant islands to the mainland, has an open sea-beach and a harbor-beach, giving a difference of fauna on the opposite sides. In spite of this fact, the animal life found here differs comparatively little from that of Revere beach ; for the great length of that beach and the diversity in character of the material composing it produce a great variety of physical environments, and hence cause a diversified fauna. Among the rarer shells found ou Nahant beach after storms are Glycymeris siliqua, Cerouia arctata and Pecten tenuicostatus. The first of these is recognized readily by its elongated oval form and its black, dense and shining epidermis. Ceronia arctata may be known by its short posterior end, and Pecten tenuicostatus by its large size and smooth surface. Worms and other burrowing animals are plentiful on the Lynn bay side of the neck. Among gephyreans, Phascolosoma gouldii always may be found at low tide by digging in the sandy mud. Of polychEetes, Clymeuella torquata is found also in the mud of this beach at low tide. Amphitrite omata is one of the most beau- tiful marine worms living on these beaches. It may be obtained in the mud at low tide, the position of the animals being marked by the holes in the sandy mud. 1 It may be recognized by its blood- red gills and numerous long flesh-colored tentacles. It constructs tubes from mud and sand. Several species of Nereis occur also i Noted by Dr. Parker and Dr. Daveuport. 78 GUIDE TO LOCALITIES. in the mud of this beach. iV. palagica has been obtained from the sand at about high-tide mark, and N. virens may be found also, lower down on the beach. B. Estuarine faunas. Muddy brack and bottom, bridge-piles, mud-flats and rocky shore. BEVERLY. Route.— By train, Boston and Maine road from North Union station to Salem ; fare $.85. Take electrics (or bicycle, two miles) at Essex street for Beverly bridge ; stop at Salem end of bridge. Obtain boat from Mr. Powers, No. 2 Bridge street. Chief collecting grounds under the bridge, and on the ledges in the estuary. The time of lowest tides should be selected. In the mud about the boat-landing, Ilyanassa obsoleta is the com- monest gastropod. It may be seen crawling by thousands in the mud, and can be recognized easily by the comparatively smooth spire and rather coarse aspect. With it occur large numbers of Littorina littorea. Hermit crabs are very abundant in the mud about the landing, but in this part of the estuary they seldom bear Hydractinia. Gammarus ornatus may be found also, although perhaps less commonly than on the more stony portions of our shores. The best collecting is from the piles of the bridges, es- pecially the road bridge. A number of distinct zones may be recognized on the piles, each with its characteristic type of animal life. The highest zone is occupied by the common barnacle, Ba- lanus balanoides, which completely covers that portion of piles, and in a measure serves as a protection to them. These animals grow so closely crowded together that they are unable to assume their normal form, and are obliged to increase chiefly in length. One to two inches in length is not uncommon in this location, with the diameter of the corona seldom exceeding half an inch. Next below the barnacle zone we find the timbers, where shaded, covered by our commonest campanularian hydroid, Cam- panulariaflexuosa. This is flesh-colored, and often occurs in such luxuriance as to cover the piles completely. When the tide is out these hydroids hang down in brownish masses, often closely ad- hering to the wood ; and under such circumstances they offer no indication of the beauty which they will exhibit as soon as the re- turning tide revives them. The species is quite hardy, and may ZOOLOGY : MARINE INVERTEBRATES 79 be kept alive easily for several days, provided it has a sufficient amount of water. It seems to require periodical exposure, for we seldom find it growing much below low-water mark. The same species inhabits the piles of all our bridges across tide-streams and estuaries, often occurring -where the water is very muddy. It lives also on exposed shores, growing on and under the rockweed and in the fissures of the rock, wherever protected from the force of the waves. A little lower down the piles are covered thickly with mussels, Mytilus edulis, which in turn frequently are covered by the Oam- panularia flexuosa. This grows on the mussels in thick bunches, from which it is more easily obtained than from the timbers. Almost at low-water mark, and exposed only at the lowest tides, we find another campanularian, Obelia commissuralis , which is occasionally abundant, although one usually must search for it. It is distinguished easily from Campanularia flexuosa by the # longer, more slender, and more profusely branched form of the hydrozoarium. Obelia gelatinosa, a somewhat coarser species but similar in its general form, also may be found in this position. In the same zone we find the beautiful tubularian, Parypha crocea, which is often very abundant. This is the largest and perhaps most beautiful of our common hydroids ; and is easily recog- nized by the large heads, the two circles of tentacles, and the brilliant pink color. Not infrequently the heads are broken off, the stems remaining like bunches of stubble. Nevertheless they retain their vitality, and probably have in company with other tubularians the power of regeneration. This species grows very rapidly, and will become attached to objects submerged only a short time. A dory which had been for two weeks in the tide-way near the draw of Beverly bridge in June, 1897, had its bottom covered completely with this beautiful hydroid, most of the indi- viduals apparently in an adult stage. Below the zone of tubularians, the piles are covered with sea- anemones, Metridium marginatum. These grow so thickly that in places there is hardly a space between them. They vary greatly in color, but the majority are reddish-brown. At the lowest tides many of them are exposed, and then hang down limp and unsightly. Among them, as well as among the hydroids, nudibranchs are not uncommon. Dendronotus arborescens, with two rows of large ar- borescently-branched gills on its back, is the most abundant. This 80 GUIDE TO LOCALITIES. species feeds on hydroids, and its narrow foot adapts it eminently for creeping over these small creatures. It will be found commonly in the collecting bottles, after they have stood for a time ; but is not noticed generally amongst the hydroids on the piles. On the fronds and among the roots of Laminaria, which are frequently caught on the piles, many interesting species may be iliiriilium marginatum fully expanded and partly contracted. (After Fewkes; through the courtesy of the Essex Institute.) obtained. Obelia genicitlata often covers the fronds thickly, givin°- their surfaces a downy appearance when floating in the water. This species is a native of the cold water of the outer shore and is seldom obtained alive except in its natural habitat. The drainage-polluted water of the Beverly estuary is especially unfa- ZOOLOGY : MARINE INVERTEBRATES. 81 vorable to its existence, although it seems to be the natural habi- tat of a number of closely related species. On the stems of Lam- inaria, various bryozoans as well as Spirorbis commonly are found ; and Parypha crocea sometimes covers them thickly. Among the roots, besides maDy deep-water shells, the more delicate species of hydroids are not uncommon. Clytia poterium aDd G. bicophora are frequent. Their usual habitat is in rocky tide-pools where the water is clear and cool. They are attached almost invariably to seaweeds, or the stems of other hydroids ; and, according to Agassiz, never to solid rock or to immovable substances. C. poterium has the summits of its campanulate calices smooth, and the gonophores Parypha crocea. Corymorpha jxndula. Clacaleptostyla* (After Fe-\vke*, by courtesy of the Essex Institute.) arise from the creeping stolon. The pedicels of the nutritive zo^ oids are strongly ringed from top to base. C. bicophora is distin- guished from the last by the notched margins of the calices, the annulated gonophores which arise from the stolons or the stems, and the weakly ringed condition of the pedicels of the nutritive zooids. On the ledges near the mouth of the estuary several species of hydroids and other littoral animals always may be obtained. Among the former is Clava leptostyla, which can be found here in abundance at any season of the year. It is attached to Fucus and Ascophyllum, and more rarely to the rocky bottoms of the pools. In the former case it is exposed at low tide, commonly 6 82 GDIDE TO LOCALITIES. for several hours at a time. It is usually of a deep flesh color, which in exposed and contracted animals appears much deeper than in expanded ones. Sertularia pumila is another hydroid abundant under and on the rockweed ; and Campanularia flex- itosa, though much rarer in this habitat than in the preceding, also is found. Barnacles are common, and near them occurs Purpura lapillus in considerable numbers and in great variety of form and coloration. The pear-shaped egg-cases of this species may be found usually in clusters attached to the rock or seaweed. They are white or yellow, turning with age to pink or purple. Three species of Littorina always can be found on these rocks. The largest, L. littorea, is extremely abundant and, like all littoral species, shows considerable variation in form and color. The small high-spired species, L. rudis, also is common, and like- wise shows much variation. The spotted variety, L. tenebrosa, also occurs. L. palliata, another common variety, has a low spire and is more globose and smooth. It is sometimes yellow or orange in color ; but more commonly dark brown or olive, not infrequently striped, banded or spotted. In the shelter of the ledges is an extensive mussel-bed, and star- fish are not uncommon. They are more abundant however in the immediate vicinity of the ledges, where the large Asterias vul- garis may be seen by the hundred on the muddy bottom and among the eel-grass. A. forbesii also occurs here, but is more common on the ledges. The smooth starfish, Oribrella xanguinolenta, sometimes is found on the ledges ; but on the whole it is a rare species on our coast. Clinging to the ledges and to submerged stones and shells, the common limpet, Acme a te.studinaHs, can be found in abundance. It varies somewhat in shape and coloration. On the muddy bottom accessible at the lowest tides, where the water is only from one to two feet in depth, the large hermit crab Eupayurus bernhardus is very abundant. It inhabits the shells of Lunatia heros, Biuxinum iundatum and large shells of Littorina littorea. Upon these shells may be found commonly the polymorphous hydroid Hydractinia polyclina. On the eel-grass the curious "no-body-crab," Caprella, may be found ; various species of hydroids as well as gastropods, sim- ilar to those found on the ledges, occur clinging to the eel-grass. In the deeper water of the estuary, the large simple hydroid Cory- ZOOLOGY : MARINE INVERTEBRATES. 83 morpha pendula has been found. The brachiopod Terebratulina septentrionalis also has been taken, farther out. During the summer months, the common white jelly fish, Aurelia flavidula, always may be seen in the water near the tide-way. The larger brown Cyanea arctica also is seen occasionally. Young Cyanea arctica. Aurelia fiavidnla. (After Fewkes, by courtesy of the Essex Institute.) . Rocky shore faunas, comprising the rocky cliff fades of the Littoral zone, and the tide-pool fades of the Laminarian zone. The rocky cliff facies of the Littoral zone is characterized every- where by the abundant growth of the rockweed Fucus and Asco- phyllum. (See page 97.) On and under these rockweeds many animals find a congenial place of abode, in situations that would appearjall but conducive to their existence. It is true that the rockweed breaks the force of the wave-impact, which otherwise 84 GUIDE TO LOCALITIES. would be absolutely destructive to all but the most protected of the littoral animals ; nevertheless one cannot cease to wonder that animals apparently so frail as the hydroids and bryozoans can withstand the continued beating of the surf, even with the protec- tion afforded by the rockweed. This applies especially to such unprotected hydroids as Clava leptostyla, which may not infre- quently be found on the rockweed in the most exposed places. The reason for the luxuriant development of animal life between tide marks on exposed shores is no doubt, as often has been pointed out, the large supply of food furnished in a ground-up condition by the waves. It will be interesting to note that most of the common littoral animals of these exposed shores are in some way or other pro- tected from the full force of the waves by their thick shells or other covering. Those same coverings serve them also as pro- tection against the drying effect of sun and air during their periodic exposure between tides. Among hydroids, Sertularia puitulu, always found in abundance on the rockweed, is best pro- tected from the force of the waves and the heat of the sun by its operculated hydro thecfe. In consequence of the closure of the hydrotheca by the operculum upon the contraction of the polyp, the hydroid can be exposed to a hot July sun for five or six hours, and after that will revive on being placed in water ; while the same exposure will dry the rockweed and render it brittle. The other common hydroid of the exposed shores, Campanularia fle.mosa, has its polyps protected likewise by hydrotheca; ; but uot having the additional protection of the opercula, it is less able to withstand the force of the waves or the drying effect of exposure to the sunlight. In consequence, the usual position of this hydroid is under the rockweed, upon its stems, or on the ledges. Thus it is not only protected from the force of the waves but kept moist by the rockweed, which at low tide covers it like a moist curtain. The common bryozoan of these exposed shores is Alcyonidium hispid nm; the soft, thick and furry polyparium of which is suffi- cient protection against the force of the waves and the drying power of the sunlight, especially as this species grows chiefly around the stems of the rockweed, where it is in no danger of be- ing beaten against the rock. The gastropods of the exposed rocky shores are protected by thick shells. This is shown by the commonest species inhabit- ZOOLOGY : MARINE INVERTEBRATES. 85 ing this zone, Purpura lapillus. The shells of Littorina, though not comparatively as thick as those of Purpura, nevertheless are strong and capable of resisting a great force. The barnacles are protected admirably by their corona and the well-fitting valves of the inner shell. The mussel, Mytilus edulis, while perhaps suf- ficiently protected by its shell, seems nevertheless to be inca- pable of sufficiently firm fixation to withstand the force of the waves. Consequently we find it only in sheltered nooks behind rocks, or under the rockweed ; in all of which positions its habit of growing in closely packed beds helps to secure stability of attach- ment for the individual. The following two localities, both near together and within easy reach from Boston, are selected to illustrate the littoral fauna of the cliffs, because they furnish also beautiful examples of tide- pools. Other headlands, such as those of Marblehead Neck and Cape Ann on the north, and the Xantasket cliffs on the south, furnish good illustrations of the littoral fauna of the exposed ledges ; but they are not so rich in tide-pools. Nevertheless these ledges deserve close attention; as the degree of exposure, the character of the cliffs, and the force of the waves vary sufficiently to produce at least some variation in the fauna. CASTLE ROCKS, NAHANT. Route. — From Lynn (see pp. 11-13), barge or bicycle across Nahant neck to Castle rocks, about 5 miles. Barge fare, $.25 round trip. A large number of interesting invertebrates always may be found in the tide-pools of Castle rocks, as well as on and under the rockweed which is plentifully exposed at low tide. In this latter habitat the two common hydroids of our rocky coast, Sertularia pumila and Campanularia flexuosa, are always abundant, not in- frequently growing on the rocks under the seawfeed, or in the crevices. The egg-cases of Purpura lapillus and other gastropods are also common under the rockweed, while the animals themselves may be found everywhere, especially where the barnacles upon which they feed are abundant. The shells of the Purpura vary considerably in size, form, thickness, ornamentation and colora- tion ; and in a comparatively short time a large number of speci- mens may be gathered ranging in color on the one hand from pure white to pure orange, purple or dark gray, and on the other from 86 GUIDE TO LOCALITIES. variegated and mottled to regularly striped and banded. Nearly smooth varieties occur side by side with those coarsely ribbed, and occasionally an individual with strong varices may be found. Variations in elevation of spire and outline of peristome also occur. The two small species of Littorina, L. rudis and L. pal- liata, are always abundant on the rocks or seaweed, both show- ing considerable variation in form and color. Both species are vegetarians living upon the seaweed (Verrill). The first of these is of special interest from being viviparous (Verrill). Around the stems of the rockweed, on the more exposed ledges, where the cool clear water bathes them the [greater part of the time, our common furry bryozoan Alcyonidium hispidum usually may be found. When the polyps are withdrawn the bryozoarium is not very attractive ; but when the specimen is placed in a jar of clear cool water the pale purple polyps soon expand and the colony becomes an object of great beauty. In the fissures left by worn-out dikes, as well as under the over- hanging portions of the ledges, various sponges of the genus Haly- chondria (?) may be found. The most abundant of these have a light greenish tint, and occur also in the tide-pools. With them lives a bright red species. Numerous small hollows or diminutive tide-pools may be found on these ledges, and they furnish the best opportunity for observ- ing the barnacles in the operation of feeding. In order to see this, one must get down close to the pool, in such a position as not to obstruct the sunlight. Unless the water has become too warm, the little creatures almost always will be found active. In these small pools, various isopods and amphipods are common. The larger tide-pools, always fringed with rockweed and lined with Corallina, Chondrus crispus, Ulva, and the long-streamers of the smaller laminarians, are the ideal collecting grounds for the student of marine invertebrates. A few interesting ones occur at Castle rocks, but there is probably no place on the Atlantic coast where tide-pools are so abundant and so rich in life as at East point, Nahant. The larger tide-pools of Castle rocks always are well stocked with Modiola modiolus, star-fish, and sponges ; and in addition to these a number of the more delicate invertebrates oc- cur. Among the rock masses, where protected from the force of the waves, the common sea-anemone, Metridium marginatum, lives in abundance. When the tide is out these animals can be observed ZOOLOGY : MARINE INVERTEBRATES. 87 readily in their native habitat where, in the shadow of the cas- tellated cliffs, they seem not to be affected by the drawing off of most of the water, but remain with tentacles spread and bodies fully expanded, to the delight of the observer. When the water is warmed by the sun, the animals contract. This species is quite hardy, and can be kept in an aquarium for weeks, provided the water is kept cool and is changed every few days. It may be fed on bits of meat, snails, etc. The frondose bryozoan Bug id a turrita occurs abundantly in these tide-pools, and can be distinguished readily from the hydroids associated with it, by the flat character of its branches. This spe- cies shows the avicularia well ; and under the microscope these may be seen active in a living specimen, if kept in salt water. Mem- branipora pilosa and other species of encrusting bryozoans are found on the branches of the rockweed, as well as the Chondrus crispus; and with these on the latter alga, may be found commonly the spiral shell of the sedentary worm Spirorbis borealis. Hydroids are abundant, but they are mainly campanularians. Campanularia flexuosa is not an uncommon species on the rocky walls of the tide- pools, but is more frequent under the rockweed about the rims of the pools. Sertularia pumila, most at home on the rockweed, nevertheless occurs in the pools, although much less commonly than on the rockweed. The two delicate species of campanulate hy- droids, Clytia bicopkora&ndC. (Orthopyxis) poterium, are also com- mon in these pools ; and with them occur numerous other animals, which are found likewise in the tide-pools of East point. EAST POINT, SAHANT. Route. — From Lynn by barge or bicycle, across Nahant neck to the Lodge estate. Follow foot-path to cliff. At East point, Nahant, the cliffs are composed of metamorphosed slates and limestones with several intrusive beds (see pp. 10-18), the whole dipping inland at a high and practically uniform angle. Owing to' the varying hardness of the beds, and the erosion of the softer in preference to the harder, a number of more or less completely enclosed tide-pools are formed at various levels, all of them containing an abundance and variety of marine organ- isms. The best of these are in the vicinity of Pulpit rock, and are accessible at low water. The margins of these crystal pools 88 GUIDE TO LOCALITIES. are lined with the drooping rockweed, and in their depths may be seen a luxuriant growth of the more delicate algae, especially Ulva and Chondrus crispus, the latter reflecting beautiful blue and purplish colors from their oily surfaces wherever the sunlight strikes thera. Coralline seaweeds are also very common, and among them the deep and clear-water mussel Mocliola modiolus. Its sur- face commonly is covered with the pinkish encrusting Corallina, and Hvbocodon. Cori/ne mirabilh. (After Fewkes, by courtesy of the Es*ex Institute.) rough with projecting epidermal spines ; features which serve ad- mirably to disguise the presence of the mollusc. Attached to these mussels we find not infrequently the more delicate species of hy- droids, which are unable to withstand the exposure to which the more hardy littoral species are subjected. Among tubularians, Eiiclendrium dispar and Coryne mirabilis are most abundant. The medusae of the latter species and of Bougainvillia superciliaris may be found commonly in considerable numbers in the water off the ZOOLOGY : MARINE INVERTEBRATES. 89 Nahant headland as well as other parts of Massachusetts bay, dur- ing the spring and summer months. Clava leptostyla occurs on the rockweed in a number of places along the Nahant shore, and Bou- gainvillia superciliaris is a not uncommon inhabitant of the deeper tide-pools. Agassiz mentions the occurrence of Hydractinia poly- clina on the rocks in these tide-pools— a rather unusual habitat for that species, which most commonly is to be found on shells inhab- ited by hermit crabs. The following tubularians are also mentioned by A. Agassiz 1 as having been found at Nahant: Eudendrium tenne; Rhizogeton fusiformis ; Syndictyon reticulatum; Gemmaria dadophnra ; Pennaria tiarella ; Hybocodon prolifer, and Thamnoc- nidia tenella. Among the campanularians, the genus Clytia is represented in these tide-pools by C. intermedia, C. bicophora, C. (Platypyxis) cylindrica, and C. (OrtJiopyxis) poterium. The last three of these species are common, the first has been recorded only by A. Agassiz. According to him, the following species also have been found : Eucope diaphana (=Obelia diaphana, Verrill) ; E. attenuata (=0. geniculata, Hincks ; often on Laminaria in tide-pools); E.polygona (=0. polygona, Verrill) ; E . parasitica ; E. pyriformis; E. alternata ; E. (?) fusiformis; Obelia com- missuralis ; Diphasia rosacea; Sertv.laria cupressina and Amphi- trocha cincta. As in most places along our shore, so here the two hardy species, Sertularia pumila and Camp>anul aria flexuosa (Laomedea am- phora Ag.), are abundant on and under the rockweed which fringes the pools. Various medusae often may be found in the pools ; but the real fishing ground for these creatures is off East point, where they always may be found in number. " At this spot the sea actually swarms with life ; one cannot dip the net into the water without bringing up Pleurobrachia, Bolina, Idyia, Melicertum, etc., while the larger Zygodactyla and Aurelia float about the boat in numbers." 2 The attached medusa Lucernaria (Haliclystus) auricula is found sometimes on the seaweed of the pools ; but its more normal habi- tat seems to be among the eel-grass, to which it may be found attached in many places along our shore. Sea anemones are abundant in most of the pools, where they are shaded from the sunlight and sheltered from the strong waves. 1 North American Acalephs. ■' AgasBiz, Elizabeth C. and Alexander. — Seaside studies in natural history, p. 86. 90 GUIDE TO LOCALITIES. The sides of some of the pools not infrequently are found covered with small individuals. iWVv* Mellcertuni campanula. (After Fewkes, by courtesy of the Essex Institute.) Lirlope. Stauropbora. Clytia. (After Fewkes, by courtesy of the Essex Institute.) Sponges are common in all the pools, the most abundant beino- a large smooth species of a delicate greenish hue. Bryozoa always ZOOLOGY: MARINE INVERTEBRATES. 91 may be obtained on this shore, the encrusting species Membrani- pora pilosa occurring on various seaweeds, while Crysia eburnea and Cellepora ramulosa occur most commonly on the Chondrus , Bugula turrita— often mistaken for a hydroid — is also a common species attached to the rocks or seaweed. Membranipora pilosa is recognized readily by the single layer of closely approximating oblique cells which are arranged in alternating order ; and the rim of each is furnished with one long hair and several spinous denticles. Crysia eburnea is attached only basally and grows in the form of little white bushy tufts, much branched and often forming a round cluster. The cells are cylindrical in two rows, nearly opposite, and bend outwards with a gentle curve, terminating in a circular aperture. Cellepora ramulosa is a white calcareous dichotomously branched species, with irregularly clustered cells, each with a mu- cronate point on the margin of the aperture. It grows to a height of two or three inches (Johnston). Alcyonidium hispidum, always abundant on the open rocky shore, encrusts the stems of the Fu- cus ; and with it occurs not infrequently the more delicate and smaller species A. hirsutum. These two are perhaps our most beautiful bryozoans when the polyps are fully expanded ; although, when the polyps are contracted and the rough brown polypary alone is seen at low tide, it is one of the least attractive objects. Spirorbis borealis, the common sedentary worm of this coast, always may be found in the tide-pools, attached to Chondrus cris- pus and other seaweeds. Many chaetopods, nemerteans, and pla- narians occur also. The nudibranchs are represented by the common and beautiful Dendronotus arborescens, which is abundant in all the tide-pools. ^Eolis papillosa and ^E. rufibranchiata are found likewise among the seaweeds in these pools. Their egg- masses occur under small stones in the pools. Another gastro- pod abundant in these pools is our northern limpet, Acmcea testu- dinalis, which is found everywhere clinging to stones or shells. Chiton (Trachidermon) ruber, although more common in the deep water, from which it is brought up by the dredge, not infrequent- ly occurs in these tide-pools. Clinging to rocks, and simulating in color the rose-tinted encrusting corallines so common on the stones and shells of these shores, it is distinguished with difficulty. Around the margins of the tide-pools and on the seaweeds and rocks exposed at low water, as well as crawling over the barnacle beds, is the most abundant coiled gastropod of these exposed 92 GOIDE TO LOCALITIES. shores, Purpura lapillus, of which the variations in color and form have been noted above. The varieties are nowhere so abundant as at Nahant, where brilliantly colored and variegated individuals are not uncommon. The three species of Littorina Sea urchins in excavations. (After Few kes, hy courtesy of the Essex Institute.) with their numerous varieties also are abundant. L. jwlliata and L.rudis are common on the seaweed and rocks near low water, while L. littorea may be met everywhere. The only pelecypods ZOOLOGY : MARINE INVERTEBRATES . 93 at all abundant on the rocky shores of this region are the mussels. Mytilus edidis is found in sheltered places, behind rocks and under seaweeds, growing between tides ; while Modiola modiolus may always be found in the pools, where at first it is distinguished with t..'..:~- -Vx* 1 Asterias. (After Fewkes, by courtesy of the Essex Institute.) /' A / / \ \ \ Cribrella. (After Fewkes, by courtesy of the Essex Institute.) difficulty because of the coralline growth upon it. Under stones in the tide-pools may be found also the small, Saxicava arctica, a species much more abundant on the Maine coast. The Echinoderms are well represented in the tide-pools. Asterias 94 GOIDE TO LOCALITIES. Ophiopholis. Stroiigylocentrotus clrcibachicnsis. (After Fewkes, by courtesy of the Essex Institute.) zoology: marine invertebrates. 95 forbesii is abundant and varies greatly in color. A. vulgaris is also common. The smooth star-fish, Cribrella sanguineolenta , with only two rows of ambulacra in each ray, not infrequently is found, although on the whole it is a rare species on our coast. The brittle star, Ophiopholis aculeata, is common in the pools, hiding away under stones and in crevices or clinging to the rocks under the seaweed. This species is much more common in the deeper waters off shore, where the dredge brings it up by the hundred. The common sea urchin of the north Atlantic coast, Strongylocentrotus drobachiensis , is very abundant in the Nahant tide-pools. It may be found always in the deeper pools, hiding away in the corners and covering itself with shells, seaweeds, and other available protective coverings. This species is exceedingly abundant on some parts of the Maine coast, where it is uncovered by the thousand at low tide. It rests then among the stones, and is always more or less covered by dead shells, pebbles, etc. Crustacea are not uncommon in the tide-pools, where several species of decapods always may be met. After these and the bar- nacles, the most prominent forms are the isopods Idotea irrorata and I. phosphorea. The latter is found not infrequently swim- ming in numbers in these pools. Both species appear to be more abundant farther north, on the coast of Maine, where they are among the principal inhabitants of the tide-pools on exposed shores. The two species are distinguished readily by the form of the pleon, which in /. irrorata has a tridentate termination, while in /. phosphom i. it is pointed. Both forms are large, an inch or more in length, and both vary much in color, the chief tints being- greenish and brownish. /. irrorata is commonly striped, while /. phosphorea is more often banded. In addition to the animals mentioned from these tide-pools, a large number of others occur, including probably many unde- scribed species ; thus furnishing an ideal spot for the student of marine invertebrates. GENERAL REFERENCE WORKS. 1851. Stimpson, milium. Shells of New England. 1853. Stimpson, William. Marine Invertebrata of Grand Manan. (Smithsonian contributions to knowledge.) 1862. Verrill, A. E. Revision of the Polypi of the eastern coast of the United States. (Bost. Soc. Nat. Hist., Mem., vol. 1, pp. 1-45, pi. 1.) 96 GUIDE TO LOCALITIES. 1862. Agassiz, Louis. Contributions to the natural history of the United States. Vols. 3 and 4. 1865. Agassiz, Alexander. North American Acalephse. (Mus. Comp. Zo61., Mem., vol. 1, No. 2.) 1865. Agassis, Elizabeth C. and Alexander. Seaside studies in natural history. Marine animals of Massachusetts bay. 1866. Verrill, A. E. On the Polyps and Echinoderms of New England, with descriptions of new species. (Bost. Soc. Nat. Hist., Proa, vol. 10, pp. 333-357.) 1S70. Gould and Binney. Invertebrates of Massachusetts (Mollusca). 1873. Verrill, A. E. Invertebrate animals of Vineyard sound. (U. S. Fish commission report, vol. 1.) 1880. Harr/ar, Oscur. Marine Isopoda of New England, etc. (U. S. Fish commission report for 1878, pp. 297-462, plates 1-13.) 1891. Fewkis, J. Waller. An aid to a collector of the Coelenterata and Echinodermata of New England. (Essex Inst., Bull., vol. 23, Nos. 1, 2, 3.) 1892. Verrill, A. E. The marine nemerteans of New England and adjacent waters. (Conn. Acad. Sci., Trans., vol. 8, pp. 382- 456, plates 33-39.) 1*92. Verrill, A. E. Marine planarians of New England. (Conn. Acad. Sci., Trans., vol. 8, pp. 459-520, plates 40-44.) III. BOTANY : MARINE ALG^E. Prof. W. G. Farlow. MARINE ALGM. To those persons interested in botany who attend the sessions of the American Association, the coast of Massachusetts bay offers much that is attractive. Cape Cod forms the dividing line between the northern and the southern marine floras of our Atlantic coast. North of Cape Cod, if we except a few warm, sheltered coves, the species of marine alga? are those characteristic of arctic and sub-arctic seas and practically all the more striking forms found from Nahant northward extend to the coast of Greenland. The points most accessible and most likely to afford a good bird's-eye view of the marine vegetation are Nahant and Magnolia, the for- mer easily reached by boat or by train from Lynn, the latter by trains on the Gloucester branch. The botanist who is not in the habit of collecting on coasts which have a marked tide should not allow himself to suppose that the beaches in which our coast abounds are good places for obtaining a knowledge of the marine flora at short notice. After the storms of spring and autumn the beaches are often covered with algas, some of which may be rare; but es- pecially in the summer months they are often quite bare, and it is only on rocky shores that one can always be sure of finding something of interest. The inland botanist should also bear in mind that even on the rocky shores of this coast he will find little or nothing unless the tide be at least half-way out. Whether the visitor goes to Nahant or Magnolia or other rocky points the species he finds will be the same. The littoral region, or the space between high- and low-water marks, is very character- 7 (") 98 GUIDE TO LOCALITIES. istic, the rocks and stones being covered with large olive brown rockweeds, or Fuci. At the upper tide-limit is the small F. dis- tich its growing in pools, followed lower down by immense masses of F. resiculosus and F. evanaicms and at dead low tide by F. edentatus with long, fiat receptacles. Ancojihi/Ihcm nodosum, the largest of our Fuci, with massive, nodose bladders in the stems, is abundant near low-water mark but is not in good fruit in August. Teachers in search of Fucus in fruit should select F. vesicidosus, the other Fuci in fruit in this month not having separate male and female conceptacles. In deep tide-pools at low water are to be found the different kelps of which representatives of the groups of Laminaria saccharina and L. digitata are always to be found, and often with them Alaria esculenta in which the fruit is borne in small basal pinnae. During August the kelps are not seen at their best and usually they do not fruit until autumn. The larger specimens of kelp grow in deep water, but even in mid-summer one may find them washed ashore in sheltered places in the rocks or on the beaches. Laminnria longicruris, with long hollow stipes and Agarum Tur- ner!, well named the sea-colander from the numerous perforations of the frond, are characteristic of our coast, although the latter reaches perfection only in higher latitudes. The Fuci, as far as the eye can see, form the mass of the littoral vegetation, but they are covered with other epiphytic algae of which the two most com- mon brown species are Pylaiella littoralis and the shorter and denser Elachinta fucicola. In the tide-pools other filamentous brown algae abound as well as Ralfiia verrucosa which forms ir- regular, warty crusts on the rocks. The Florideas, or red seaweeds, as a rule are more abundant below low-water mark and, like the larger kelps, are to be sought washed ashore in sheltered pools where they have been left by the tide or on beaches. One cannot always count on finding the more beautiful deep-water forms ; but one may expect at any time Delesseria sinuosa, looking like a red oak leaf, the finely cut PtiJota serrata, and Euthora cristata. Probably the best place in the world for collecting the beautiful Euthora is the beach at Mag- nolia after a storm. Certain red seaweeds will be found growing in pools near low-water mark such as Ohondrus crispns, Irish moss, which covers the rocks at dead low water and is collected for the markets at Hingham and other places, and the digitate, membra- nous Rhodymenia pahnata, or dulse, which is sold to some extent BOTANY : MARINE ALGjE. 99 m the Boston market. Smaller filamentous species such as Ceram- ium rubrum and several Polysiphonue also are found in pools. A very abundant red alga is Polysiphonia fastigiata, which forms dense, rather rigid tufts on Ascophyllum nodosum which do not collapse when left exposed by the tide. The color of this species is, however, almost black, and at first sight it would hardly pass for one of the red seaweeds. The calcareous red seaweeds are represented on our coast by Corallina officinal is and several species of Melobesia and Lithothamnion. The Corallina is common in deep pools and is at once recognized by its calcareous structure and pinnate, jointed fronds. Most of the Melobesiae form small crusts on other algae and the more solid Lithothamnia form pink- ish, stony crusts on rocks and shells, often of considerable extent, and either smooth or rough with solid tubercles. The green algae belonging to the Chlorophycesa reach perfection in mid-summer, whereas most brown and red seaweeds mature at other seasons. The green algae are most common in the higher pools, even in those where the water is merely brackish or almost fresh. Those of any size may be classed in two groups : the Ulvacese or sea lettuces, found everywhere on wharves, exposed flats, and high pools, forming large flat expansions or inflated intestine-like fronds ; and the filamentous species belonging to the genera, Cladophora, Chaetomorpha and Rhizoclonium. It is hardly possible to specify any of the common forms of this group since the distinctions depend largely on microscopical characters. The algae are not the only plants of interest to the visitor to our rocky coast. The maritime saxicolous lichens are very strik- ing to the naked eye but the species are not especially character- istic of the coast. There is one very abundant lichen, however, Verrucaria mucosa, which grows on rocks at low tide. It is only necessary to lift up the hanging masses of Fuci to find the rocks beneath covered with the large, dark green patches of the Verru- caria in company with the crustaceous red algae, Hildenbrandtia and Petrocelis. On the exposed cliffs of the shore will be found fine specimens of the orange colored Placodium elegans with other species of the genus, Lecanora rubina, Binodina oreina and other crustaceous forms. The branches of the stunted trees and shrubs near the shore are brilliantly colored with quantities of Thelo- schistes chrysophthalmus and T. parietinus, common species to be 100 GUIDE TO LOCALITIES. sure, but especially common and beautiful near the sea. The- maritime mosses and hepatics are not especially striking on our coast. Grrimmia maritima is found in small quantities at Nahant as well as Cephalozia divaricata, the latter not a common species in eastern New England. Farlow, W. G-. The marine algae of New England. (Ann. Rep't TJ. S. Fish. Commission, 1879, pp. 1-210. Pis. i-xv.)