The Marshes were a series of treacherous bogs, stagnant pools, rotting turf, and quicksand mires which sucked at hooves and feet, and swallowed unwary travelers. On low hillocks and spongy ground, meager clumps of stunted trees and thorny furze grew amidst tall grasses, beds of reeds and scrub brush. Loons and other marsh birds -- likely ducks, geese and kingfishers -- plied the waters for minnows and other tasty fish, while toads could be heard croaking in faintly human voices from dark ponds. File:Marsh house.jpg