O F N A T U R E. 45 



tion •, for this in procefs of time changes into 

 a very porous mould, till almoft the whole 

 marih is filled with it. After tliat the rufi 

 ftrikes root, and along with the cotton grajfes 

 conftitutes a turf, raifed in fuch a manner, that 

 the roots get continually higher, and thus lay 

 a more firm foundation for other plants, till 

 the whole marfh is changed into a fine and de- 

 lightfull meadow -, efpecially if the water hap- 

 pens to work itfelf a new paflage. 



Hillocks, that abound in low grounds, oc- 

 cafion the earth to increafe yearly, more than 

 the countreyman would wifli, and feem to do 

 hurt : but in this the great induflry of nature 

 deferves to be taken notice of. For by this 

 means the barren fpots become fooner rich 

 meadow, and pafture land. Thefe hillocks are 

 formed by the ant, by ftones, and roots, and 

 the trampling of cattle ; but the principal 

 caufe is the force of the winter cold, which in 

 the fpring raifes the roots of plants fo high 

 above the ground, that being expofed to the 

 air they grow, and perifli ; after which the 

 golden maidenhairs fill the vacant places. 



Mountains, hills, vaUies, and all the ine- 

 qualities of the earth, tlicugh fome think they 

 take away much from its beauty, are io far 

 4 from 



