362 THE COASTAL PLAIN OF NORTH CAROLINA.

lico formations, and consisting of fine sands, sandy loams, clays, and
probably, in places, of shell marls, are spread over the entire surface of *
the county.

Water Resources—The quality of water obtained from shallow
driven and open wells in Beaufort County depends largely upon the
situation of the wells with relation to the present topography. As noted
under topography in this chapter, the eastern third of the county is”
a low plain whose greatest elevation is less than 20 feet above sea level.
The shallow wells situated within this area range from 5 to 20 feet in
depth. The sandy loams covering the surface grade down into inter
; Aish BbSde, on yeaa to drab se the laine ay f often