Florida Swamps and Forests 



I made my way through the briers, which in 

 strength and ferocity equaled those of Tennes- 

 see, followed the path through all of its dim 

 waverings, waded the many opposing pools, 

 and, emerging suddenly from the leafy dark- 

 ness of the swamp forest, at last stood free 

 and unshaded on the border of the sun-drenched 

 palm garden. It was a level area of grasses and 

 sedges, smooth as a prairie, well starred with 

 flowers, and bounded like a clearing by a wall 

 of vine-laden trees. 



The palms had full possession and appeared 

 to enjoy their sunny home. There was no 

 jostling, no apparent effort to outgrow each 

 other. Abundance of sunlight was there for 

 every crown, and plenty to fall between. I 

 walked enchanted in their midst. What a 

 landscape! Only palms as far as the eye could 

 reach! Smooth pillars rising from the grass, 

 each capped with a sphere of leaves, shining 

 in the sun as bright as a star. The silence and 

 calm were as deep as ever I found in the dark, 

 solemn pine woods of Canada, and that con- 

 [ "Si 



