The Music of the Marsh 



almost impossible to distinguish them, and in solo, 

 duet, and full chorus set up a never-ending peti- 

 tion for more rain. Bullfrogs drum until one 

 wonders what would be the size of their bodies 

 were they in proportion with their vocal powers. 



But it is only for a few days that the frogs 

 are allowed to monopolize the music, for when the 

 green hyla pipes and the bullfrog drums, the en- 

 tire aquatic orchestra and the full chorus make 

 haste to join them. Xowhere else in nature do 

 scales, fur, feathers, and gauzy-winged things 

 meet in such commonalty. Here black bass, musk- 

 rat, and blue heron seek their food in the same 

 water. 



Marsh music is unceasing, and it is all so good. 

 As you guide your boat between the rushes and 

 glide softly over the lily pads, sweet as jEolian Marsh 

 harps is the music of the wind sobbing among the Music 

 branches, the rushes rustling with each passing- 

 breeze, the grasses whispering together, and the 

 softly lapping water. You hear crickets singing 

 as cheerily as beneath the hearthstone; grasshop- 

 pers voicing constant praise of the sweet marsh 

 growth; honey-ladened wild bees droning over the 

 pollen, and swaying snakefeeders singing on the 

 rushes. 



O, how the snakefeeders swing and sing, and 

 how beautiful they are! There are many mem- 

 bers in the family, all of bright color ; a trim head, 

 317 



