Read this picture book in conjunction with Matthiessen's "Killing Mister Watson." It's a photographic tribute to the same region. Naturalist Ripple examines the swamps, hardwood hammock, pinelands, freshwater marshes, mangrove forest and estuarine islands of the southwest Florida watershed, enhanced by 24 magnificent black-and-white photographs. Acclaimed as an important contribution to the public understanding and appreciation of this subtropical ecosystem, Ripple discusses the history, management and recreational opportunities in the area (which includes Big Cypress National Reserve and Everglades National Park).  (FLA02, $16.95)