The flags were brown at the tip, and the aquatic grasses had dwindled.

They looked as if they could not grow, and had reached but half their natural height.

From the low willows the leaves were dropping, faded and yellow, and the thorn bushes were shrivelled and covered with the white cocoons of caterpillars.

The farther he sailed the more desolate the banks seemed, and trees ceased altogether.

Even the willows were fewer and stunted, and the highest thorn bush was not above his chest.