COAST VEGETATION. 3J)5 



fragment. This exemplifies the variety of Nature's 

 means for producing the same result. 



The mangrove grows abundantly on low coasts 

 and in lagoons. Its pen; Ian t branches ultimately 

 form its roots. At first they swing in the air, of 

 which they retain the moisture like the finest sponge. 

 When they reach the soil they continue to grow aud 

 increase in size, penetrating the mud like ordinary 

 roots. They resemble so many columns intended 

 to support the gigantic branches of the mangrove. 

 Each branch thus curiously rooted becomes a new 

 trunk, which will ultimately transmit sap and 

 strength like the parent stem. The roots going 

 out from the new trunk give more solidity to the 

 marshy ground, and enable the natives to penetrate 

 the forests formed of this tree. The mangroves 

 take possession of all the shallows as they are 

 formed. The mud, and all kinds of floating bodies, 

 are arrested by their roots as by a tine net. The 

 algoe consolidate the newly-formed land at the sea- 

 side, and the accumulation of sediment elevates it 

 on the land-side. The soil in this part soon becomes 

 too dry to continue to support the mangroves. The 

 cocoanut and other trees replace them, and by their 

 presence complete the conquost of the continent 

 over the ocean. 



