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- 
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