"Yes, it would run in the spring only," said Mr. Leonard.
"Where would the cattle drink in the summer?" asked Donald.
"That's the difficulty. The swamp holds enough to keep the cattle in water all summer."
"Would the corn more than pay for the loss of the water?" asked Frank.
"Yes, I think so," answered his father.
"But it would spoil my beautiful creek," said Susie. "Don't do that."
"If this swamp were in New England," said Uncle Robert, "the farmers would dig out this rich mud for their poor land."
"Oh," cried Susie, "the blue flags are almost in bloom!"
"There is one all blossomed out," said Donald. "I'll get it."
The boys took an old log and threw it across the wet place, and Donald, balancing himself carefully, went out and picked the blooming flag with its buds.