The wealth of south Florida, but even more important, the meaning and significance of south Florida lies in the black muck of the Everglades and the inevitable development of this country to be the great tropic agricultural center of the world.

There are no other Everglades in the world.

There is nothing inherently wrong with a brain in your nineties. If you keep it fed and interested, you'll find it lasts you very well.

Elizabeth Rothra's excellent biography of Charles Torrey Simpson restates his philosophies about the intrinsic value of natural ecosystems like the Everglades. No one knew better than he the history of the plants and animals of South Florida or conveyed it with more humor and enthusiasm.

It is a woman's business to be interested in the environment. It's an extended form of housekeeping.

There is always the need to carry on.

The Everglades is a test. If we pass it, we may get to keep the planet.