370 IN LOWER FLORIDA WILDS 



small stars. Besides these there is a Dolphin, the 

 Swordfish, and a group called Pisces Volans (the 

 Flying Fish), the latter far down in the Southern 

 skies. For a dry region the firmament seems to be 

 pretty well stocked with fish. 



There are always some of the planets visible 

 and one may watch with interest their motions 

 and the changes of some of them from morning 

 to evening stars and the reverse. The stars 

 become one's companions and friends when once 

 he has learned their names and positions in the 

 heavens; they exhibit an ever-changing panorama 

 of interest and beauty. During the wanderer's 

 nightly walks he visits with them and is never 

 lonely when their kindly light shines on him. By 

 them he is able to tell with considerable accuracy 

 the hour of the night. 



The darkness in the deep hammock is so intense 

 that it seems to be in blots ; like that of Egypt it 

 can be felt. The sensation one gains as he gropes 

 about in it is one of helplessness and semi-terror; 

 at every step his nerves tingle. One hears strange 

 sounds startling and affrighting; the whole en- 

 vironment is uncanny. I frequently awaken in 

 the night and, unable to sleep for a time, I some- 



