p.4

In attempting to account for the formation of these numerous sink holes in this region of modified drift the situation of sand at the bottom becomes important. We may suppose that water penetrating the ground above and finding its way to the lake in the form of springs carries with it a portion of this "quick sand." The removal of the sand causes the ground to fall into the cavity thus left; and this process by long continuances produces the sink hole.

If now from any reason the passage for water should be wholly or partially suspended a deposit of clay would be formed at the bottom; this being impervious to water converts the sink-hole into a pond or marsh. Next we have a growth of marsh grasses, mosses, brushes & finally trees: this is shown by the layer of peat now at the depth of six to seven feet. The continuous deposits of clay, loam, & sand washed by the rains from the slope of the sink finally covers this peat and the process if continued would finally destroy, or very much diminish the "sink hole" character of the [spot?]