The skilful use of the pole is an absolute necessity in work in the Everglades. The Seminole hardly knows the use of a paddle; even on salt water he poles or sails around the coast. In the Everglades the paddle is useless, and if you break a pole and have not a second one with you, you are in a very bad plight indeed… –Hugh Laussat Willoughby, Across The Everglades, 1898