Florida Swamps and Forests 



of trees. But what is the size of the greatest 

 man, or the tallest tree that ever overtopped 

 a grass ! Compared with other things in God's 

 creation the difference is nothing. We all are 

 only microscopic animalcula. 



October i8. Am walking on land that is almost 

 dry. The dead levels are interrupted here and 

 there by sandy waves a few feet in height. It 

 is said that not a point in all Florida is more 

 than three hundred feet above sea-level — a 

 country where but little grading is required for 

 roads, but much bridging, and boring of many 

 tunnels through forests. 



Before reaching this open ground, in a lonely, 

 swampy place in the woods, I met a large, mus- 

 cular, brawny young negro, who eyed me with 

 glaring, wistful curiosity. I was very thirsty 

 at the time, and inquired of the man if there 

 were any houses or springs near by where I 

 could get a drink. "Oh, yes,'' he replied, still 

 eagerly searching me with his wild eyes. Then 

 he inquired where I came from, where I was 

 going, and what brought me to such a wild 

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