Here were long plains, which must have been entirely inundated in the rainy season.

The earth, now more swampy, was carpeted by thick mosses, beneath charming ferns.

Should it be diversified by any steep ascents, they would see brown hematites appear, the last deposits of some rich vein of mineral.
Dick Sand then recalled--and very fortunately--what he had read in "Livingstone's Travels." More than once the daring doctor had nearly rested in these marshes, so treacherous under foot.
"Listen to me, my friends," said he, going ahead.

"Try the ground before stepping on it." "In fact," replied Tom, "they say that these grounds have been softened by the rain; but, however, it has not rained during these last days." "No," replied Bat; "but the storm is not far off." "The greater reason," replied Dick Sand, "why we should hurry and get clear of this swamp before it commences.

Hercules, take little Jack in your arms.