Four essays deal with the physical structure of the land. Fire is the topic of the third essay and its role in prairie and forest development is treated. Finally water is portrayed for its effects on ponds, lakes and rivers. The role of water in plant growth is shown and both its abundance and scarcity are highlighted. Often not noted is the importance of roots to the plant as a plumbing system and in holding soil.
Seeds represent a strategy for reproduction and survival.
This is more than a botanical discussion and covers the significance of roots and seeds in the ecology of plants and animals. Phenologists measure expressions of living creatures in relation to seasonal changes in the environment. This calls for a study of flowering, breeding, and migration in relation to time and climate. Picturesque descriptions of nature accompany discussion of phenology. These are some questions raised in an epilogue to this book.