ALONG THE MANGROVE SHORE 269 



render some service in preparing the swamps for 

 the occupation of men. 



Usually about the first of September they leave 

 their burrows in immense numbers and swarm 

 over the dry land. They take possession of the 

 yards and outhouses, and clamber up walls where 

 they can find anything to cling to. It is some- 

 times impossible to sleep at night during this 

 swarming season on account of the everlasting 

 rustling and clattering. I have seen them cover 

 the ground so completely during these migrations 

 that over considerable spaces there was not room 

 to step between them. It is believed they come 

 out in this way to deposit their eggs in the sea, but 

 I am more inclined to believe that it is solely for 

 mating purposes as they range at these periods to 

 a considerable distance inland. Shortly after this 

 hegira they return to their burrows where they 

 remain, comparatively inactive, until the next 

 rainy season. 



Certain species of small fish live in the shallow 

 water of the mangrove swamps and are completely 

 at home whether it is salt, brackish, or fresh. 

 During severe northers the water may be blown 

 out of the bays until extensive mud shoals become 



