XL 

 IN THE SWAMP. 



BEHIND the fringe of couridas that guards the 

 coast of Guiana lies an extensive swamp, which 

 on being drained becomes one of the most fertile 

 soils in the world for the sugar-cane. At present, 

 however, we are not concerned with its suitability 

 for plantations, but rather have to deal with it as 

 it exists apart from man's interference. Although 

 at first sight it is nothing but a dreary waste of 

 sedges rising from the oozy morass, we shall find 

 on close examination that there is a continual 

 struggle going on here as in the forest. We have 

 seen how intense this is among the trees, and it 

 might be supposed that the weaker inhabitants of 

 the swamp would be unable to contend with each 

 other like their powerful cousins. When it is con- 

 sidered, however, that there is not only a straining 

 after light, but also protective contrivances against 

 flood, drought, and fire, to be developed, we see 



2U 



