The feet of their horses sank deep in the soft black soil, and there was often a sound of many splashings as the regiment rode across a wide, muddy brook.
Dick noted with interest the magnolias and the live oaks, and the great stalks of the sunflower.

Here in this Southern state, which bathed its feet in the warm waters of the Gulf, spring was already far along, although snows still lingered in the North.
The vegetation was extravagant in its luxuriance and splendor.

The enormous forest was broken by openings like prairies, and in every one of them the grass grew thick and tall, interspersed with sunflowers and blossoming wild plants.

Through the woods ran vast networks of vines, and birds of brilliant plumage chattered in the trees.

Twice, deer sprang up before them and raced away in the forest.