CHARACTERISTICS OF AQUATIC LIFE 31 



The marshes even though small have an abundant flora in- 

 cluding many most of the above mentioned genera of marsh plants 

 and in addition the cattail (Typha) the mat grass (Catabrosa), 

 canary grass (Phalaris), and many less common species. The 

 most characteristic birds noted were the redwing blackbird and 

 the two rails. The aquatic life is in the main similar to that of the 

 ponds; along the brooks in the forest reserve, however, the 

 darter (Boleosoma) and brook trout (Salvelinus) were seen, the 

 latter especially in Slick Creek. The fresh water shrimp (Gam- 

 marus) is exceedingly abundant about some springs and brooks. 

 Orchids (Limmochis) is one of the semi-aquatic plants noted 

 only along brooks. 



(c) Characteristics of Aquatic Life. 



Plants and Animals found in marshes and other aquatic 

 associations have characteristics which if they were less fre- 

 quently exhibited would be quite striking. 



The plants are chiefly aquatic or semi-aquatic herbs, many of 

 which are biennials or short-lived perennials. Ordinarily there is 

 an abundance of available water and transpiration can be freely in- 

 dulged in; occasionally, however, the swamps go partially dry. 

 The plants which are most successful in a region where they fre- 

 quently occur, are those which can resist such dryings. The 

 fertilization is largely by the agency of insects and the seed dis- 

 tribution by water and animals as well as by wind. The tick 

 marigold (Bidens) is obviously adapted for animal distribution. 

 Many, if not most, marsh plants also propagate by root runners. 



The mammals are all semi-aquatic and rear their young 

 either in burrows above the water table or in houses. The musk- 

 rat and beaver are examples. 



The birds nest in reed hung or floating nests. The females 

 and nestlings are, in almost every case, grass-colored for protec- 

 tion. Most species are swimmers or waders. Their bills are 

 chiefly sharp and adapted to impaling, or are adapted to probing, 

 or are supplied with strainers. 



Almost all the insects characteristic of marshes spend a por- 

 tion of their life as aquatic forms. Examples are mosquitos, 

 dragon-flies, damsel-flies., may-flies, water beetles, water boatmen, 

 etc. 



