46 IN LOWER FLORIDA WILDS 



deposited by some wajrward ocean current to a 

 great key covered with forests and other minor 

 vegetation. Here countless bacteria change in- 

 visible mineral elements in the sea water into 

 impalpable mud which in turn hardens and be- 

 comes rock. Here the mangroves toil to gather 

 together and lay a foundation for what shall later 

 be fertile soil. The sea in unceasing restless move- 

 ment brings in material from near and far and 

 heaps it up into shoals and futtu"e islands. But 

 then with seeming inconsistency it turns and 

 angrily smites and washes away these islands of 

 its own making; it tears up the solid rock which 

 it built along the shores, smashing it into frag- 

 ments and scattering it far and wide. By its own 

 chemical warfare it destroys the very limestone 

 fortress it built so well. 



In seeming caprice the inconstant ocean creates 

 the islands and devours them at the same time, — 

 industriously building to-day — ^busily demolish- 

 ing to-morrow. So delicately balanced are these 

 opposing forces that the slightest change in con- 

 ditions may cause the upbuilding to stop and the 

 wrecking to begin. If the wind is gentle and sea 

 smooth the constructive work progresses; if the 



