Florida Swamps and Forests 
of trees. But what is the size of the greatest 
man, or the tallest tree that ever overtopped 
a grass ! Compared with other things in God’s 
creation the difference is nothing. We all are 
only microscopic animalcula. 
October 18. Am walking on land that is almost 
dry. The dead levels are interrupted here and 
there by sandy waves a few feet in height. It 
is said that not a point in all Florida is more 
than three hundred feet above sea-level — a 
country where but little grading is required for 
roads, but much bridging, and boring of many 
tunnels through forests. 
Before reaching this open ground, in a lonely, 
swampy place in the woods, I met a large, mus- 
cular, brawny young negro, who eyed me with 
glaring, wistful curiosity. I was very thirsty 
at the time, and inquired of the man if there 
were any houses or springs near by where I 
could get a drink. “Oh, yes,” he replied, still 
eagerly searching me with his wild eyes. Then 
he inquired where I came from, where I was 
going, and what brought me to such a wild 
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