OF NATURE. 45 
tion *, for this in procefs of time changes into 
a very porous mould, till almoit the whole 
marfli is filled with it. After that the rub 
ftrikes root, and along with the cotton grajfes 
conflitutes a turf, raifed in fuch a manner, that 
the roots get continually higher, and thus lay 
a more firm foundation for other plants, till 
the whole marfh is changed into a fine and de- 
lightfull meadow ; efpecially if the water hap- 
pens to work itfelf a new paflage. 
Hillocks, that abound in low grounds, oc- 
cafion the earth to increafe yearly, more than 
the countreyman would wifii, and feem to do 
hurt : but in this the great industry of nature 
deferves to be taken notice of. For by this 
means the barren fpots become fooner rich 
meadow, and pafture land. Thefe hillocks are 
formed by the ant, by fcones, and roots, and 
the trampling of cattle ; but the principal 
caufe is the force of the winter cold, which in 
the fpring raifes the roots of plants fo high 
above the ground, that being expofed to the 
air they grow, and perifh ; after which the 
golden maidenhairs fill the vacant places. 
Mountains, hills, vallie's, and all the ine- 
qualities of the earth, though feme think they 
take away much from its beauty, are fo far 
4 from 
