MANGROVE SWAMPS. 
S3 
it agaiE as fiercely as before, until the combat ended by 
the precipitate retreat of tlie invader. 
The vast multitude of marine animals which people 
the mangrove swamps naturally attract a great number 
of strand and sea-birds ; for it would be strange, indeed, 
if guests were wanting where the table is so prodigally 
supplied. The red ibi«, the sno^v white egrette, the rosy 
spoonbill, the tall flamingOj and an abundance of herons 
and other water-fowl, love to frequent the mangrove 
thickets, enhancing by their magnificent plumage the 
beauty of the scene. For, however repulsive may be the 
ewampy gix)ond on which these strange trees delight, yet 
their bright green foliage, growing in radiated tufts at 
the ends of the branches, and frequently bespangled with 
large gaily-coloured flowers, affords a most pleasing spec- 
tacle. Many an interesting discovery would here, no 
donbt, reward the naturalist's attention; but the man- 
