PRELIMINARY REPORT ON PEAT.

LARGE LAKES.
(PLATES 25, 26)
The formation of peat in the large lakes of the lake region is complicated by the fact that all exposed shores are constantly washed by the waves. Very few plants can grow in such places, and the debris from those which do grow is carried by the water to quieter or deeper parts of the lake. The only visible accumulation of peat around the large lakes therefore is in sheltered coves or bays. In time the waves gradually build beaches of sand across the mouths of such bays, converting them into separate lakes, and making the main lake more and more circular in form.

Fig. 23.-Looking north across Lake Alfred, near Bartow Junction
(Chubb P. 0.), Polk County. Fringe of Panicum hemitomon (maiden cane) and Nymphaea mnacrophylla (bonnets) a few yards off the sandy
shore and parallel with it. May 18, 1910.
On wave-washed shores some of the following herbs often form a thin fringe in a foot or two of water, out beyond where the waves break upon the sand. (See fig. 23.)

Panicum hemitomon (maiden
cane)
Pontederia cordata (wampee) Nymphaea macrophylla (bonnets) Fuirena scirpoidea. Sagittaria lancifolia Panicum geminatum (a grass)

Potamogeton sp. Monniera CaraOliniana Cladium effusum (saw-grass) Eleocharis interstincta Hydrocotyle Bcnariensis? Cyperus sp. Psilocarya sp.

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