Note 1 — INTRODUCTION
Reading edition
In many cases the punctuation seems to be absolutely without significance; as if the writer had simply fallen into the habit of dropping dashes in an absent-minded way as he passed along. The following examples (the longest an extreme case) will show what is meant:—
"I heard from time to time—a new note."
"The Equisetum sylvaticum—there is now of a reddish cast."
"It is very difficult—to find a suitable place to camp near the road—affording—water—a good—prospect and retirement."
"Another alighted near—by—and a third a little further off."