A SURVKV OF THE LOWKR TEES ^rARSHES II3 



Reedswamp, there is an abrupt descent to great depths, 

 followed by a gentle shelving until the maximum depth for 

 that particular area is attained. Behind the reedbelt, a shelf 

 varying in width from fifteen to forty feet occurs, covered with 

 water to depths varying from an inch to a foot and a half. 



At its most easterly limits, the fleet displays a breadth of 

 over forty yards, but this quickly falls to thirty ; this breadth 

 is maintained for a quarter of a mile when, as the fleet bends 

 southward, the maximum of sixty yards is attained. From 

 that it diminishes very gradually, sending off off"shoots to link 

 up the fleets, or to lose themselves in winding stells. 



My friend assures me that everywhere the bottom is com- 

 posed of a soft, sticky clay. 



As was mentioned above, the vegetation masses itself along 

 the southern shore, and there, to the eye, it breaks into four belts. 

 Apparently the zonation is perfect, but when one attempts to 

 to decide as to what formation to assign the landward zones, ■ 

 nay to determine what are to be regarded as true zones, 

 difficulties at once ensue. About the status of the deep water 

 water plants no hesitation is felt ; nor do the serried ranks of 

 Scirpus and Glyceria on the crest behind cause doubt ; both, 

 unquestionably, appertain to the Aquatic Formation. But 

 what are we to do with the marginal group of Glyceria on the 

 ledge? Outwardly a distinct zone, when critically examined 

 they are found in their vegetation to coincide with the belt just 

 outside ; yet how different ! There, the plants are tall and 

 flower and fruit well ; here, they are low and never flower. 

 Why is this disparity seen ? Principally because the inner 

 band is kept down by grazing cattle, that outside being pro- 

 tected by the depth. 



Again, how are we to treat the inmost belt of all ? Glyceria 

 is gone, and instead we have a very open association of marsh 

 plants exhibiting a wealth of species but a poverty of 

 individuals ; manifestly, its differs widely from the preceding 

 Glyceria. But are conditions different ? No, water depth, 

 soil and similar factors are essentially the same ; whence we 



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