water is only three feet deep. Water lilies grow everywhere, also Indian
Wampe, like arrow plant but intensely hot. But little game, one deer
routed out of the sawgrass, but the grass was too high to shoot over. A
few duck and marsh hen comprise the game we have seen so far. But
few snakes and but three alligators, weather probably too cool for
them...

"March 31. This island is an acre in size, covered with a dense
growth of ferns, sawgrass, willows, custard applies, horsemint and
maiden cane...

"April 2. We have evidently passed the sawgrass stage of our
line as the bushes appear to be the sign of approaching land. No timber
or trees in sight except myrtle and willow bushes, which have the curious
effect, from our being so low down on the water, of large trees when
seen from a distance, dwindling as we approach. Giants at a distance,
dwarfs at close contact. A number of fine trout caught by jumping into
the boats...

"April 3. Food scarce; one day's rations of grits and bacon
remain; coffee and tea plenty for 4 or 5 days. No sickness, but
plenty of strains, bruises, blisters and chafes. Found many vexatious
pockets of sawgrass sloughs which caused many short portages.

(The Secretary, Mr. Moses, in his notes on that day says: 'Some of
the deepest bogs yet encountered impeded our progress; the water is
also quite deep in places. The men walk beside