1890.] Geography and Travel. 5. c QNS 
roots and branches form a kind of breastwork against the dashing 
waves of the sea, and not only prevent the destruction of the shores 
by the erosive action of the waters, but retain in the network of their 
roots a considerable quantity of organic and inorganic debris, carried 
from the interior toward the sea. As soon as the roots have accumu- 
lated enough material to form firm land, the tree dies, and new sprouts 
spring forth again toward the sea to recommence the same process. I 
have no hesitation in saying that the whole of the low diluvial and 
aluvial coast land on the Pacific and Atlantic shores of Honduras was 
formed by the aid of mangrove trees, and that the same process of 
'formation of new land will continue as long as there are mangrove 
trees, and debris carried away from the interior towards the coast. 
e phenomenon of a continuous process of land formation on 
Central American shores is certainly interesting in the /acz itself; but 
more so if viewed in regard to its causes. We have vegetable life in 
mechanical and chemical co-operation with meteorology, and it results 
in building up new formations from mineral substances, which had 
once appeared in different combination and positions in the geological 
and topographical structure of Honduras. Nature's laws of economy 
thus appear before us. We see a constant change of forms in all 
organic and inorganic matter, but the amount of material remains 
stable, as well as the laws of nature. 
I beg to continue with a few remarks on the natural drainage of 
Honduras, be it of its water or of its debris, which together must 
materially influence the topographical aspect of the country. The 
desire and intention of nature to equalize height and depth is strik- 
ingly manifested in Honduras. We would, perhaps, suppose that after 
the struggle of the paleozoic Hondurian continent with the tertiary 
epoch and its eruptions of rhyolites, basalts, and lavas, an epoch of 
rest, a time of peace, would follow. Our supposition is correct in one 
respect. The periods of continuous eruptions are over, and the un- 
dulations of the disturbed crust have ceased, with the exception of a 
earthquakes, as we know that the latter principally occur after the rainy 
season, and with a low state of barometer. 
Although earthquakes may cause some local disturbances, yet they 
are too insignificant to produce a material alteration in the character of 
the scenery. But at the present time a continuous change in the topo- 
