Florida Keys Sea Heritage Journal
Florida Keys Sea Heritage Journal VOL. 25 NO. 2 WINTER 2014/15 USS SHARK OFFICIAL QUARTERLY PUBLICATION OF THE KEY WEST MARITIME HISTORICAL SOCIETY The Florida Keys Reprinted from the “Putnam’s Monthly.” Vol. VII, December 1856, No. XLVIII. “The Florida Keys.” The labors of an insignificant insect have dotted the sea, around the southernmost portion of our republic, with coral islands, or keys, of all dimensions, from the extended area of Key Largo, to a minute clump of mangroves, hardly larger than an ordinary-sized breakfast table. But these islands are indebted to the coral insect for their first foundation only. As soon as they reach the surface, the industrious architects cease their labors, and all further growth is dependent on other causes. These are many and various. A plank, torn from a wreck, and tossed about by the winds and waves for many days, may at last Key West wreckers at work. Photo credit: Monroe County Library. rest upon the surface of the coral. Sheltered from the waves by this quite an extent of ground has risen seed, borne by the bird from some slight barrier, the insects spread a like magic in the very midst of the more favored spot, drops upon the broad flat rock under its lee, which ocean. luxuriant soil, thirsting to receive soon becomes covered with sand This soil, teeming with the it, springs up, blossoms, and bears and earth, thus forming the first elements of fertility, does not long fruit. Other birds rest in the branches rudiments of a soil. This spreads remain barren and useless.
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