THE POND AT LOW TIDE 



stood and divided they might not fall. 

 It is a curious method of growth, and 

 I dare say it obtains in many swamps 

 where the white cedars stand close, but 

 under no other circumstances could it 

 have been revealed to me, casually stroll- 

 ing that way three centuries after it 

 happened. 



At high water all these curious roots 

 are submerged and you see only the 

 butts of the trees, numerous miniature 

 islands on which many an alien growth 

 has made port. Here in June the dour 

 and. melancholy cassandra disputes the 

 footing of the wild rose, and the huckle- 

 berry and sweet-fern twine in loving 

 companionship, afloat as ashore. Here in- 

 tertwine the sheep laurel and the hard- 

 hack, the meadow-sweet and the marsh 

 St. John's-wort, garlanding the white 

 skeletons of the ancient trees and mak- 

 205 



